"Brain Games VII" -- February 22, 2004 at Shepherd College, Shepherdstown, WV
Sponsored by Literacy Volunteers of the Eastern Panhandle

Nearly 300 participants, encompassing 60 teams, matched wits in the 7th installment of "Brain Games." "Brain Games" is the major fundraiser for Literacy Volunteers of the Eastern Panhandle. Teams completed four rounds of questions covering a myriad of topics. Between rounds, participants browsed the Literacy Volunteers' Book Table, munched on free popcorn and won raffle prizes donated by area businesses.

Trivia Champions "S" Words for $400, Alex	Runners-Up Stryke Force	3rd Place The Dewey Decimals

For the third time in four years, the team "S" Words for $400, Alex from The Herald-Mail in Hagerstown, MD took home top honors. Stryke Force from the Harpers Ferry,WV area finished as Runners-Up and The Dewey Decimals from the Martinsburg Public Library in Martinsburg, WV took 3rd Place. N E 1 4 GR8 TRIVIA captured the title of "Best Team Name."

"Brain Games VIII" is set for this coming Sunday, February 27, 2005 at The Ram's Den on the Shepherd College Campus. It's not too late to organize your team and hit the books!

"Brain Games VII" marked my 5th year as MC for the event. Many volunteers work to make "Brain Games" a big success including the Literacy Volunteers' Therese Hess (L) and Marge Ruth (R). Literacy Volunteers members, AmeriCORPS members, Girl Scout Troop 81 from Luray, VA, the Ridge Runners 4-H Club and numerous Shepherd College students all contributed their time and talents to the effort.

Bridal Fair 2004 -- February 15, 2004 at the Martinsburg Mall, Martinsburg, WV
Sponsored by The Journal

Here's a report from last year's Bridal Fair... Hundreds of brides-to-be, family and guests flocked to the Eastern Panhandle's premiere wedding show at the Martinsburg Mall. The attendees visited with more than 75 vendors, ranging from bridal shops to mortgage companies and everything in between.

The Fair got underway at 12noon with music by the Phil Bowers Orchestra (above). At 3pm came the headline event, the Fashion Show featuring wedding attire from Chic Boutique, Jane Anderson Brides and Mary's Special Occasions. A large crowd stayed after the Fashion Show for door prize giveaways that stretched almost to 6pm. It was a long -- but very enjoyable -- day.

I spent the first part of the day staffing my booth with wife Stacie and daughter Rebecca. Like all the vendors, we stayed very busy throughout the afternoon, meeting and talking with prospective brides about their entertainment needs. Once the orchestra wrapped-up about 2:50pm, I took my turn at the podium as MC for the Fashion Show and Door Prize giveaways (left - photo courtesy of Roxanne Crouse Photography.)

You missed a fantastic event if you weren't there! With a huge increase in vendor and participant attendance, Bridal Fair 2004 certainly met -- and exceeded -- all expectations. I'll have a recap of the 2005 event -- complete with pics -- posted soon, so please check back periodically for updates.

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