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According to City of Frederick officials, nearly all of the strings of white lights used each year to illuminate downtown Market and Patrick streets' trees were destroyed during winter's record-breaking snowfalls.

The city is joining with Celebrate Frederick, Downtown Frederick Partnership, the Tourism Council of Frederick County and 930 WFMD to raise funds to purchase new strings of lights for December illumination.

Community members may "adopt a string" for a $20 donation or "adopt a tree" for $120. The overall goal is to raise funds to light 200 trees, "which is intended to create the same lighting result as previous years," according to Kara Norman, executive director of the Downtown Frederick Partnership.

Norman said on average, each tree has about seven or eight strings of lights, with the total number of strings between 1,500 and 2,000.

As of Monday, the campaign had raised funds for 68 trees, or about 30 percent toward the ultimate goal, Norman said.

City crews need about two-and-a-half months to install all the holiday lights, and so typically begin installation during the second week in September. So, the final push for funding will come during the city's In the Street festival on Sept. 11.

Norman says the city plans to order the light strings on Sept. 13, and string them as soon as they arrive, hoping to meet a Thanksgiving weekend deadline — when the lights are normally first illuminated.

Strings are turned off and removed starting Jan. 2.

Due to lighting specifications and safety cited by the City's Department of Public Works, the groups cannot accept donations of actual light strings from residents. Instead, they are asking for monetary donations to purchase the lights.

Checks in any amount can be made payable to Downtown Frederick Partnership, and include a note regarding "holiday lights" on the check. Monetary donations may be dropped off 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., every day, at the Frederick County Visitor Center, at 19 E. Church St., Frederick. Or mail the donation to Downtown Frederick Partnership, 22 S. Market St, Suite 2A, Frederick, MD 21701. Contributions are tax deductible. Call the center at 301-600-2888 for more information.

GAL PALS program invites

city girls to open house

Parents and young girls ages 9 to 12 who are interested in participating in the Frederick Police Department's GAL PALS program are invited to an open house from 6 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, at Hillcrest Community Center, 1150 Orchard Terrace, Frederick.

The program, in its fourth year, is designed to nurture young girls of all backgrounds "to develop courage, confidence and character," according to a press release from the police department.

Girls meet two times each month from September to May to cover topics such as self-confidence, nutrition, first aid and career choices. The first meeting is set for 6-8 p.m., Sept. 22.

The GAL PALS program is part of the police department's "multi-faceted, progressive approach to policing in our community in general, and reaching out to the city's youth specifically," according to the press release.

For more information, contact Michele Bowman, community outreach specialist, at 301-600-2091 or visit www.frederickpal.org.

Frederick man graduates

from basic training

Army Pvt. Keith D. Murchison has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Murchison is a 2007 graduate of Gov. Thomas Johnson High School, Frederick, and the son of Paris Zlotak of Frederick.

City students graduate from Salisbury

Thirty-four Frederick County students recently graduated from Salisbury University, receiving bachelor's or master's degrees.

Frederick area residents include: Erin Davis, Bachelor of Arts in communication arts; Erin Devlin, Master of Social Work; Margaret Dignan, Bachelor of Arts in communication arts; Eric Disque, Bachelor of Arts in English; Collin Fitzpatrick, Bachelor of Science in biology; Jenna Hamilton, Bachelor of Arts in Social Work; Evan Kaufman, Bachelor of Science in computer science, cum laude; Richard Lefebure, Bachelor of Arts in psychology and environmental science; Evelyn Michael, Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, magna cum laude; John O'Neil, Bachelor of Science in biology and pre-physical therapy; Stephen Prosser, Bachelor of Arts in history; and Derrick Reed, Bachelor of Science in medical technology.

Middletown Lions award

Lion of the Year

Anne Welch of Middletown was recently honored with the Middletown Lions' Club's top award, Lion of the Year, according to an e-mail from Lions Club member Phyl Thompson.

Thompson said the club votes via secret ballot, choosing from members who have not recently won the award. The members choose a candidate who has given the most to the club during the last year.

Thompson said Welch's participation in club activities set her apart as the most deserving candidate.

Welch has been a member of the Lions Club for seven years, and hosts board of directors meetings at her home. She has served as treasurer, a member of the board of directors and is a regular at club fundraisers.

Welch initiated the club's jewelry party and sale fundraiser, and is "always available to help with anything, and does," according to Thompson, who added that Welch also helps with the set-up for club events and social gatherings.

E-mail items for City Beat to mspence@gazette.net. Call 301-846-2126 for more information.