Currently viewing the tag: "Seton Center"

It’s More Than Just a Store

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James Rada, Jr.

The Seton Center has been part of Northern Frederick County since 1969. Over those 53 years it has helped thousands of people, yet most people in the area don’t realize what the center does for the community.

“Most people think of the Seton Center as a store,” said Vickie Grinder, a Seton Center board member. “Some people still think of it as a day care center.”

However, the center offers a variety of services, such as financial assistance with rent, a GED program, dental care, and referrals to other programs.

“We’re here to help you because that’s part of what we do,” said Sister Martha Beaudoin, the Seton Center Director.

The staff and volunteers at the center have recently undertaken an effort to let the communities in Northern Frederick County know about the services available and that the center is much more than just a store. They have been speaking to groups and organizations throughout the area to find those people who are living at or below the poverty level and need help.

About half of the center’s clients come from Emmitsburg, while 45 percent are from Thurmont, and the remaining 5 percent come from other north county communities.

The largest need recently has been for housing. “We get a lot of requests for help with rent and housing,” Beaudoin said. “It’s hard to find anyone who will rent at a reasonable rate.”

Some of the center’s programs include:

•  Build Your Resources: Monthly resource workshops for anyone, regardless of income level.

•  Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World: A small-group program lasting 16-20 weeks to help people impacted by poverty to build their resources.

•  Staying Ahead Program: For Getting Ahead graduates to continue meeting monthly and building on what they learned.

•  DePaul Dental Program: Eligible clients can get reduced-cost dental care from area dentists and oral surgeons.

•  Holiday Helping Hands: The Seton Center helps about 250 families each year celebrate the holidays by providing gift cards to local grocery stores and helping the families plan their meals. The center also distributes toy and gift cards to children and teens.

•  Seton Center Family Store: Find gently used items at bargain prices and help support the Seton Center programs.

•  Workforce Development: A program to help match job seekers learn the skills needed to find and keep a job.

The center started a GED program in July that will run twice a week until the attendees take their GED test. They also offer COVID tests through the Frederick County Health Department.

Each year, the center helps hundreds of families through its programs; however, it wants to do more, which is why it has focused on outreach this year. Beyond the direct programs the center offers, the Seton Center can also make referrals to many other programs.

“We can’t apply for a person, but we can help,” Beaudoin said. “A lot of people don’t know they are eligible for certain programs.”

The center’s goal is to do more for the community than simply provide financial assistance and to do it for more people.

“We are trying to find those in need who don’t know the programs are there,” said Grinder.

For more information, visit the Seton Center’s website at setoncenter.org.

Church Spotlight

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Trinity United Methodist Church, Emmitsburg

by Theresa Dardanell

“When they hear about a need, these folks move mountains to try to figure out how to take care of that need.  In very many real and tangible ways they are taking the gospel of Jesus Christ and making it real in the community here.” That’s the way Pastor Richard Baker described members of the Trinity United Methodist Church. In cooperation with the Seton Center, they have helped find homes for homeless individuals.  Sleeping bags and tents have been provided for people in the homeless community who prefer not to go to a shelter. They recently participated in a rally against racism along with other churches and government officials of Thurmont and Emmitsburg.  Food as well as financial contributions are given to the Emmitsburg food bank. Ruth’s Harvest (Fairfield school district) and Food for Kids (Frederick County Public Schools) regularly receive financial donations and food for weekend backpacks for children.  Funds from a generous donation provide four $2,000 Jay Long scholarships to students at Catoctin High School and the Fairfield School district annually.  

Fran Eyler added that prayer is another form of community outreach. Members pray for those in need during Sunday services and the prayer chain offers additional prayers for anyone with special needs in the community.  A prayer shawl ministry makes shawls which are prayed over and then delivered to anyone who is experiencing a devastating illness.

As a visitor to the church, I received a warm welcome from Gene Eyler before the Sunday service; all visitors can expect a similar greeting.  The 9:00 a.m. service begins with announcements, prelude, lighting of candles and a welcome. The service continues with prayers, sharing of joys/concerns, the gospel message and a sermon.  The musical praise group, the Soul Seekers, leads the congregation in uplifting music with accompaniment by organist Rachel Olson. The children participate in children’s Sunday school during the service but return after the closing hymn to find small musical instruments on the altar which they use to “raise a joyful noise to the Lord.”  Communion is offered on the first and third Sundays. Adult Sunday school, led by Merri Sayler, begins at 10:30 a.m. 

If you are looking for a delicious dinner and good company, join them for a free meal on the last Wednesday of every month from September through June.  The parishioners cook a different meal every month and everyone is welcome. The Thursday evening Bible Study with Pastor Richard is also open to the community; each session runs for 5-6 weeks. 

Social and educational activities are held throughout the week.  Children ages 3-11 are invited to join the group “Rock Solid” which meets every other Sunday evening for Bible study and fun activities.  The M & Ms (Mature and Methodist) group for those over age 50 meets at local restaurants on the third Tuesday of each month at Noon; food, fellowship and a short devotional program are the highlights. 

Trinity UMC celebrated 200 years of ministry in 2005.  The original church, known at that time as the Methodist Episcopal Church of Emmitsburg, was dedicated in 1833.  A new building in the current location was dedicated in 1897. In 1968, the church became known as Trinity United Methodist Church.

Trinity UMC is located at 313 W. Main Street in Emmitsburg.  Everyone is always welcome to attend services and events. Upcoming events include the free community meal on November 20 at 5:30 p.m. (due to the Thanksgiving holiday, it will be held in November on the third Wednesday ).  When you visit, make sure to take a walk along the side of the church through the beautiful memorial garden with its quiet meditation area. 

A special program, sponsored by the Emmitsburg Council of Churches, will be held on November 9 at 9:00 a.m. at Trinity UMC.  The Sheriff’s department will present “Active Shooter Training” to educate members of the community on how to recognize signs of potential violent behavior, how to react during an active shooter situation and how to provide aid.  It is open to everyone in the community.

Pastor Richard Baker and members of Trinity United Methodist Church.

Church Spotlight

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Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church

by Theresa Dardanell

Rev. Heath Wilson (back row, on left) with members of Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church

 Photos by Theresa Dardanell

“Come Journey With Us!” is the invitation from Reverend Heath Wilson and the members of the Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church (TCUMC) in Emmitsburg.  The invitation is not limited to Sunday worship services. Weekly Bible studies, community outreach programs, fundraisers, and social events are open to everyone. 

One of the most interesting events is the weekly “Faith and Fellowship” Bible study/book group, led by Pastor Wilson. You won’t find this group meeting at the church; they meet at a restaurant that is part of the Lorien Health Services, a nursing, assisted living and rehabilitation community in Taneytown. Lorien residents are joined by church members, family, and friends every Thursday from 3:00-4:00 p.m. If you are looking for an evening Bible study/book group for women, check out the current Ladies Bible Study that began on June 4 and will continue until July 30. Using the book, Living a Chocolate Life: A Bible Study for Women by Debra Burma, the discussions about God’s grace are centered around the theme of chocolate.

Parishioners are involved in local and worldwide community outreach programs. The Emmitsburg Food Bank is especially close to the hearts of the members. They not only provide monetary and food donations, they have recently started a drive to collect toiletries and household items that are not normally donated but that are urgently needed. Church member Phyllis Kelly, who runs the Emmitsburg Food Bank, is often joined by other volunteers who belong to the church. Other local organizations which receive help from Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church are: the Seton Center, the Catoctin Pregnancy Center, and the Catoctin High School Blessing in a Backpack program. 

TCUMC is fortunate to have a large property, complete with an outdoor altar, church benches, and a pavilion, approximately two miles from the church. “The Promised Land,” located off Route 140 just east of Emmitsburg, is used for outdoor services, concerts, and other events. It is also the site of a rest stop for the Face of America bicycle ride each spring. During this two-day bicycle and hand-cycling challenge for adaptive and able-bodied athletes, riders travel 112 miles from Arlington, Virginia, to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. At Tom’s Creek Promised Land, the riders can spend time resting and enjoying snacks and beverages. Everyone in the community is invited to join the TCUMC members in cheering on the riders during this event.

The Tom’s Creek United Methodist Women (UMW) are busy with community service projects, as well as social events. They recently provided a meal for the Seton Center’s “Getting Ahead Program,” which helps individuals impacted by poverty to build resources needed for a better life. They also worked together to make feminine hygiene products for “Days for Girls International,” a global project that prepares and distributes sustainable menstrual health products to girls in areas where these items are not readily available. The UMW members also hold birthday parties, ice cream and pizza socials, and the well-attended annual picnic.

Mission trips are an important part of the worldwide community outreach. Church members will be traveling to the Navajo Nation in New Mexico in July this year. The project involves not only actual construction (the addition of a bathroom to the church), but also the building of relationships between communities. Previously, teams traveled to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

Linda Myers, Christian Education chairperson, said that one of the strengths of the church is their education program.  Sunday school for all ages is held year-round, from 9:30-10:15 a.m. every Sunday. There are four classes for children and eight classes for adults, so there is something for everyone. 

Watch for ads in The Catoctin Banner for their annual fundraisers. The all-you-can-eat buffet breakfasts include eggs, pancakes, sausage and bacon, home fries, chip beef gravy, and more; delicious handmade chocolate peanut butter eggs and chocolate coconut eggs are for sale at Easter. The turkey and oyster family-style suppers feature roast turkey, fried oysters, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, and their famous cracker pudding.

Sunday services are held at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The adult choir, accompanied by organ and piano, sings at the early service. Praise song, along with the passing of the peace, is featured at the later worship service.  Communion is offered on the first Sunday of the month, and everyone is welcome to receive it. Coffee hour after the 8:00 a.m. service is a time of hospitality and refreshments in the Fellowship Hall. Members Karen Wivell and Bill Coburn agree that Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church is a friendly and welcoming community that feels like a family.

TMUMC is located at 10926 Simmons Road in Emmitsburg.  For more information, visit the website at tomscreekumc.org or Facebook page: tomscreekumc.

Entertainment and Events Featured at 2019 Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show

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The Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show will be held at Catoctin High School, 14745 Sabillasville Road in Thurmont, on September 6-8, 2019. 

Entry of exhibits will take place on Thursday evening, September 5, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., and on Friday, September 6, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., in the new gymnasium and in the agriculture department area. The show will open to the public at 6:00 p.m. 

On Friday night at 7:00 p.m., the 2019-2020 Catoctin FFA Chapter Ambassador will be announced. This year’s program will honor the 100th anniversary of the Edwin C. Creeger, Jr. American Legion Post 168 of Thurmont and Francis X. Elder American Legion Post 121 of Emmitsburg, and also the 50th anniversary of the Seton Center in Emmitsburg. 

The American Legion organization was founded in 1919 by veterans returning from Europe after World War I, and was later chartered as an official American patriotic society to carry on the tradition to support veterans, families, and community. The Legion continues to volunteer in patriotic service of mutual help to our veterans and has touched virtually every facet of American life; and, to this day, they carry on the objective to serve the community, state, and nation.  There will be six persons from the American and Emmitsburg Legion honored during the Friday night program.

The Seton Center provides emergency assistance with rent and utilities; financial literacy education; job search and support; case management; information and referrals; access to dental health care; life skills workshops; and Getting Ahead in a Just-Getting-By World program, which teaches people self-sufficiency, finance and budgeting, and how to create a sustainable way out of poverty. The Seton Family Store is very popular, with a selection of quality items; the support of the Family Store helps the outreach programs operate. Seton Center relies on the generosity of donors and funds from the store to continue helping its neighbors in need. There will be three persons honored from the Seton Center during the Friday night program.

The Linda Elower Studio of Dance will also be honored for its 50th anniversary during its program on Saturday afternoon.

The baked goods auction will begin immediately following the program and the grand champion cake, pie, and bread will be sold at 9:00 p.m. 

On Saturday, September 7, the show opens at 9:00 a.m. Activities include a Market Goat, Beef, Sheep and Swine Fitting & Showing Contest, from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at the Ag Center at the school. The Pet Show will be held at 10:30 a.m. outside the front of the school. The petting zoo, farm animals, and pony rides will also be held on Saturday and Sunday. The Thurmont Grange will serve its roast turkey and country ham dinner in the school cafeteria, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday night. Prices are $14.00 for adults and $15.00 for carryout.

The Linda Elower Studio of Dance will feature entertainment on Saturday, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The Thurmont Gateway Spires Brass Ensemble will perform in the auditorium at 7:00 p.m., and Richard Lee Troxell will perform at 8:00 p.m. in the auditorium. There will be no admission charged for the entertainment.

The 45th Annual Catoctin FFA Alumni Beef, Sheep & Swine Sale will begin at 6:30 p.m. for exhibitor awards and the sale will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Ag Center area on Saturday night. 

Activities begin on Sunday, September 8, at 9:00 a.m. with the Goat Show, followed by the Dairy Show. The Decorated Animal Contest will begin at noon. 

At noon, the Catoctin FFA Alumni Chicken Bar-B-Que will be held in the cafeteria. Prices are $10.00 for adults and $11.00 for carryout.

The Log Sawing Contest will begin at 12:30 p.m., under the show tent in the Ag Center area, with categories consisting of women’s team, men’s team, men and women’s team, and a children’s division.

          A Peddle Tractor Contest for kids will be held on Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. in the Ag Center area; the 40th Annual Robert Kaas Horseshoe Pitching Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m. The Catoctin Mountain Boys will provide free musical entertainment from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the auditorium.

Exhibits must be removed on September 8, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Visit the website for updated information at www.thurmontemmitsburgcommunityshow.webs.com. The Community Show is sponsored by the Thurmont Grange, Catoctin FFA Chapter, Catoctin FFA Alumni, the Maryland State Grange and the Maryland State Agricultural Fair Board.

Church Spotlight

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St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

by Theresa Dardanell

Fellowship Sunday…a truly unique experience.  On the first Sunday of each month, the members of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church attend a service that combines worship and hospitality. One long table in the Fellowship Hall is lined with pastries, donuts, fruit, coffee, and other breakfast treats; members sit at round tables throughout the room and are invited to enjoy breakfast before and after the service. Worship begins with announcements and a prayer; “Sharing of the Peace” gives everyone a chance to walk around the room and greet one another; the service continues with hymns, prayers, scripture reading, a conversation about the scripture by Pastor Matthew Beers, and communion. Since breakfast continues after the service ends, nobody is in a hurry to leave.

A more formal traditional service is held on the last Sunday of every month in the church. Sunday services on the weeks between Fellowship Sunday and Traditional Service Sunday are also held in the church. Pastor Matt wants St. John’s to be a place where people can encounter God and find answers to the questions: “Why am I here, why do I do what I do, why do I live the way I live?”And they leave St. John’s knowing that “God loves me and cares about me so that I can go about caring about others and loving others.”

St. John’s history actually began in 1760 at Apple’s Church in Thurmont, when the Lutheran and Reformed congregations shared the building. In 1858, the Lutheran congregation built a new church and moved to the current location on Church Street in Thurmont (known at that time as Mechanicstown).  Over the years, the Mechanicstown Lutheran Church was remodeled and modernized extensively and also expanded to include an educational wing. In 1958, the name of the church was changed to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. 

As a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), members support various charitable causes. They participate in the ELCA Good Gifts Program, which supplies communities overseas with items like pigs, goats, seeds, and farming equipment to help lift people out of poverty with sustainable living. They work with the Thurmont Ministerium to help meet local community needs, collect canned goods for the Thurmont Food Bank, and make an annual Thanksgiving donation to the Seton Center in Emmitsburg. Pastor Matt said that although the congregation is small, they “try to make a meaningful impact with the funds that we have.” 

Proceeds from annual fundraising events help to support the church. If you find yourself at the Thurmont Plaza Shopping Center (between CVS and Dollar General) on the day before Easter, you will find delicious baked goods and lovely potted flowers for sale by the fundraising committee. Look for hidden treasures during their Colorfest yard sale at the church. In the fall, watch for the banner in front of the church advertising the “Party of Parties” that is held in October. Attendees enjoy a buffet lunch, while home party consultants demonstrate their products.

St. John’s Christian Preschool classes are held in the school rooms in the church building. Classes are open to everyone and are all inclusive. Classes for two-year-olds are held Monday and Friday mornings. Three- and four-year-old children attend classes on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings or afternoons.  The website describes the school’s mission as “providing a program developed and centered around God’s love of children. Our belief is that the total person must grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually in order to experience life to the fullest.” Classes for two- and three-year-old students have three teachers; classes for the four-year-olds have two teachers. Tammy Tigler, who is the administrative assistant and one of the teachers, said, “Every child is unique. We strive to meet their needs. We love our jobs; we love our kids.” Registration for the 2019-2020 school year is open now. Call the preschool at 301-271-4109 for more information or to schedule a visit.

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at 15 N. Church Street in Thurmont. Sunday services begin at 9:00 a.m., and everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, visit the website at www.saintjohnlutheran.org.

Pastor Matthew Beers (front row, on right) and members of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Seton Center’s Superhero Volunteers Honored

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On Tuesday, April 17, 2018, the Seton Center in Emmitsburg hosted its annual appreciation event at Mountain Gate Family Restaurant in Thurmont. With sixty volunteers and staff in attendance, they celebrated how their volunteers’ “super powers” help to change lives every day.

From April of 2017 through March of 2018, Seton Center volunteers donated over 5,719 hours of service, valued at $97,329.68. While Seton Center approximates the monetary value of their hours, what these volunteers give is priceless. The diversity of their skills and the generosity of their spirits inspire and embolden those blessed to serve beside them.

Seton Center also welcomed its new volunteer partner, Veronica Poole, project director of RSVP (the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program), hosted by the Asian American Center in Frederick. Together, they look forward to a long and fruitful partnership in helping volunteers find service opportunities that are fulfilling and life-changing. If you’re fifty-five or older and are interested in becoming an RSVP member, either through service at Seton Center or another site, contact Veronica at 301-600-7900 or vpoole@aacfmd.org. about the perks and opportunities.

Dennis, Marta, Debbie, Tracy, Angela, and Iva (pictured left) and Sisters Barbara, Nancy, and Dorothy, and Robert Riley, all enjoy the food and the company at the Seton Center’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event in April.

From the Mayor – Thurmont

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Mayor John Kinnaird

We are fast approaching the end of the year, and each year seems to pass quicker than the one before. I know that this year has been good to me, and I hope it was good for you as well. With Christmas just a few weeks away, Karen and I want to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Christmas in Thurmont is coming up on Saturday, December 2. Be sure to stop downtown and register the kids for the many gifts and prizes. Santa will be at Mechanicstown Square Park to meet with all the children, parents, friends, and pets. The day will include free photos with Santa, horse drawn wagon rides, a story with Santa at the Regional Library, and fun and prizes for everyone.

This time of year brings with it colder weather, employment slowdowns, and all the seasonal difficulties many of our neighbors face. Please keep the less fortunate of our community in mind this winter by helping support the Thurmont Food Bank, Thurmont Clothes Closet, Seton Center, and other local charity organizations. Your donation of food, clothes, or cash can help bring joy to a local family.

I want to thank Catoctin Colorfest Inc. for the generous donations they made to our community this year. Their donations totaled $20,676.80 and included $1,500.00 each to the Guardian Hose Company, Thurmont Community Ambulance Company, and the Thurmont Police Department. Catoctin FFA received $1,146, and $4,500 to Catoctin High School Scholarships. The Thurmont Food Bank received $3,400. Other beneficiaries include $1,000 to the Trolley Mural Project, $5,000 for improvements in Community Park, $325 to the Library, and $200 for flowers and decorations in our parks.

You might have noticed that the sidewalk project on Moser Road is nearing completion. This project will improve pedestrian safety on the road and allow easy access to the Regional Library. Improvements to the Frederick Road intersection will help turns onto Moser and the narrowing will help control speeds. This project is a joint effort of the Town of Thurmont and Frederick County.

The recent Town election has returned Commissioners Hooper and Burns to office and yours truly to the office of mayor. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our community for another term, and I look forward to working with our residents, town staff, and the commissioners, as we work together to make Thurmont a great community.

Please contact me at 301-606-9458 or jkinnaird@thurmont.com with any comments, questions or suggestions.

Seton Center Helping Hands Program

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Seton Center, Inc.’s Outreach Office in Emmitsburg offers a holiday program called Helping Hands. At Easter and Thanksgiving, income-eligible families receive local food store gift cards, so they may purchase foods and prepare a holiday meal according to their unique traditions. This Thanksgiving, because of the community’s support, seventy area families participated and were able to enjoy a less stressful, more dignifying holiday celebration.

At Christmas, the Helping Hands program provides food store gift cards for meals and retail store gift cards for children, ages thirteen to eighteen, to purchase gifts. Generous sponsors also provide unwrapped Christmas presents for children, ages up to twelve. The donated gifts are arranged in store-like fashion, so parents may visit Seton Center to choose gifts from their children’s wish list.

Cliff Sweeney (pictured above) visited to drop off $1,000 in Jubilee Foods and Wal-Mart gift cards from the Emmitsburg Sons of the American Legion to Seton Center’s Director Sister Martha Beaudoin (pictured above) for the Helping Hands program.

If you are interested in participating as a recipient, call 301-447-6102 x11. To partner with Seton Center as a sponsor, call 301-447-6102 x13.

Seton Center, Inc. in Emmitsburg Breaks Ground at New Location

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Seton Center, Inc., a leading community resource for the residents of Northern Frederick County, held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new center on Friday, August 18, 2017. The groundbreaking took place at the Seton Center’s new location, 226 East Lincoln Avenue in Emmitsburg. Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, including Sister Martha Beaudoin, D.C., Executive Director of Seton Center, and Sister Catherine Mary Norris, D.C., Provincial of the Daughters’ Province of St. Louise, were on hand to help “dig.” Seton Center, Inc. is a sponsored work of The Daughters of Charity.

“We are very excited about Seton Center’s future here in Northern Frederick County,” shared Sister Martha. “We expect construction to last eighteen months and are excited that we will be able to expand our program offerings and serve more of our neighbors in a beautiful, welcoming and efficient space. The new Center will be a boon for everyone in the valley!”

Founded in 1969 by the Daughters of Charity, Seton Center provides emergency support services and strives to be a catalyst for systemic, long-term change. From July 2016 through June 2017, Seton Center served 328 persons. Nearly 100 volunteers gave 4,957 hours valued at over $81,000.00 in support of the Center’s mission. You can learn more about Seton Center on its website at www.setoncenter.org.

Pictured from left are Mayor Don Briggs; Doug Gray, Morgan Keller – General Contractor; Sister Catherine Mary Norris D.C., Visitatrix Province of St Louise; Scott Bowen, MSB Architects – Architect; Sister Jane Graves, D.C., Board Chair, Seton Center Inc.; Sr Martha Beaudoin, D.C. , Director, Seton Center Inc.; Justin Doty, Frederick Seibert & Associates, Inc. – Civil Engineer.

town hall reports

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by Michele Cuseo

Thurmont

Christmas in Thurmont—December 6

The 12th Annual Christmas in Thurmont event starts at 9:00 a.m. at the Mechanicstown Square Park with a ribbon cutting. This event is meant to help support local businesses by asking citizens to shop locally.  Shoppers can register for free prizes and enjoy hot cider and cookies from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Event also features a game to “find the Elf” in each participating business in order to win free prizes. Learn more about the game rules when registering for this event. Donations of warm coats and non-perishable food are being accepted at the square and Hobbs Hardware during the event.

Bring kids to visit Santa and get free photos with a Christmas stocking (for first 250) during the following times: Photos with Santa at the Square park, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; Santa reads a story to the kids at the Thurmont Library, 1:00-2:00 p.m.; Santa visits with kids again at the Gazebo, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

At 4:30 p.m., join the Lions Club for the Remembrance tree lighting with caroling next to the PNC bank,  followed by the prize drawing at 5:00 p.m. at Hobb’s Hardware.

Call Heather Dewees at 301-471-7313 for additional information on participating as a business or a shopper.

Food Bank and Coat Drive in Thurmont

Drop-off boxes to collect winter coats and canned food goods will be available at the Christmas in Thurmont event and at many participating businesses, including Hobbs Hardware.

Organizers and businesses encourage all shoppers to bring a canned food item for donation to help with the spirit of giving for this holiday season.

Sidewalk Construction Update

The sidewalk construction that incorporates the handicap accessibility design is almost complete on E. Main Street. More sidewalk work will continue throughout November and December. Town officials ask that you please be aware of the traffic and safety issues while Thurmont gets this upgrade.

View the Town of Thurmont’s website at www.thurmont.com or call the town office at 301-271-7313 for more information.

Emmitsburg

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot “Emmitsburg Wattle Waddle” to Benefit Seton Center

The 6th Annual Wattle Waddle will be held on Thanksgiving day.  Activities start at the Emmitsburg Community Park (parking behind Library and next to Community Pool) at 8:30 a.m. with the 5-Mile run. Walkers and spectators can enjoy an early morning breakfast from the Holy Grounds Café that will include turkey bacon at 8:45 a.m. Walkers will enjoy a walk through the grounds of St. Catherine’s and St. Joseph’s.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the Seton Center, Inc., our local non-profit organization that helps the needy in Northern Frederick County. For more information, visit the website at www.emmitsburgturkeytrot.com or call David Weigelt at 240-575-5399.

Lions Club Bake Sale—November 22

The Lions Club will hold a Bake Sale at the Emmitsburg Jubilee shopping center on November 22, 2014. Proceeds will provide school scholarship funds to college-bound Emmitsburg high school students. Any student who lives in the Emmitsburg area can apply for the scholarship.

Emmitsburg Holiday Party—December 6

Children can look forward to a magic show, photos with Santa, arts and crafts, and other fun activities to celebrate the holiday season this year. Activities start at 9:00 a.m. at the Fire Hall. Santa will arrive at 10 a.m. and stay until 1:00 p.m. The Lions Club will be collecting canned goods for their annual Christmas Baskets program, which helps approximately sixty local families in need. Drop-off boxes are also located at Jubilee Foods and other business locations.  Anyone who would like to contribute for the holidays can mail checks to:  Emmitsburg Lions Club, PO Box 1182, Emmitsburg, MD  21727.

Working Together for Park Equipment in Silo Hill

Commissioner Mellor strongly advocated for the new park equipment in Silo Hill. There was a lot of teamwork between her, the mayor, and the town staff. The playground is funded through a grant to the town.

View the Town of Emmitsburg’s website at www.emmitsburgmd.gov or call the town office at 301-600-6300 for more information.