Deb Abraham Spalding
The Spring Fling event held on May 19, 2018, marked Vigilant Hose Company’s tenth year of hosting it. While this could have become a focus for a special celebration, the Spring Fling took on so many changes this year that the event’s diamond anniversary was almost forgotten in the mix. Most notably, the location changed from muddy fields and stony parking lots at Mount St. Mary’s University to the paved grounds at Vigilant’s own event complex on Creamery Road in Emmitsburg. Also, the size of the grand prize was upgraded to a whopping $10,000.
Over the years, several Spring Flings have featured rain or other weather events which served to make things memorable. This year was no exception. With significant rain days before, and slight rain during, the event, the unfavorable weather created a solid excuse for ‘low’ attendance. It is important to note that there is “no mud” at the new location. The entire event was held on paved ground with the majority of that ground covered with large event tents. Regardless of the weather and conditions, 860 ticket holders checked in at the gate and made this fundraiser a continued success.
Spring Fling is a unique event that has been described as, “going to our local beach where all of our neighbors and friends are partying.” This year’s party included an option to play 25¢ bingo games inside the event building and a new Big 6 Wheel game outside. Both new activities were busy with customers all day.
One of the Spring Fling’s coordinators, Gabe Baker, said, “It’s a good thing it’s where it is now. The community supported us [Vigilant Hose Company] well.”
To view prize winners, please visit www.vhc6.com. Plan now to attend next year’s Spring Fling. Bring sunshine!
A large crowd, undeterred by the rain, enjoyed Spring Fling in Emmitsburg.
Helen Topper sold holders inside the event building during bingo.
Herbie Click worked the slicers to cut meat for sandwiches.
Kathie Stambaugh was thrilled to win at the Spring Fling.
Sue Reaver, Kay Hollinger, and Kim Wivell sold tickets during Spring Fling.
Sandy Umbel and her daughter, Kayla, volunteered during the event.
Kim (left) and Marc Piermatteo (right) worked with Cliffy Shriner at the beverage tent.
Patty Kuykendall, JoAnn Boyd, Tom Ward, and Jenn Stahley kept track of the winners.
This photo shows the set up of Spring Fling at the new location on Creamery Road the day before the event.
James Rada, Jr.
Although milk and other dairy products are no longer delivered fresh to your door daily, they are still part of our everyday lives, whether it’s drinking milk, enjoying ice cream, or adding cheese to a dish. June is National Dairy Month and celebrates the contributions that the dairy industry makes to the economy and to our health.
Locally, many dairies have provided home delivery over the years. Milkmen had regular routes they traveled, first by wagon and then by truck, delivering fresh milk, cottage cheese, cream, and other dairy products. They would pick up the empty bottles and return them to the dairy, where they would then be washed and used again.
“The first one that I know of is Homarway Dairy,” said Dennis Black, a collector of milk bottles from the area.
The dairy was a partnership between Guy Hobbs, Lee Martin, and Daniel Weybright. Gall and Smith Dairy bought Homarway in 1932. This large operation in Emmitsburg and Thurmont was apparently the only local dairy where you could purchase a gill (1/4 pint). These small glass bottles were used for holding cream.
Although some of the local dairies sold raw milk, many did their own pasteurization. However, buying raw milk allowed for the buyer to skim the cream off the top of the milk as it separated. The milk, itself, also tasted thicker and richer, according to Black. Buyers also sometimes looked for dairy farms with particular cows. This is because certain breeds were known to have a greater or lesser fat content in their milk, which affected the taste.
“Pasteurization is what killed the local dairy farmer,” stated Black.
When pasteurization became the standard, and grocery stores installed refrigerated sections, customers began buying milk during their weekly grocery shopping. During the 1960s, the local milkman became a thing of the past.
“Bollinger Dairy was the last one in operation in Thurmont,” Black recalled.
Northern Frederick County had two Bollinger Dairies, which could be confusing at times. One operated in Thurmont and the other in Emmitsburg. Collectors can tell the difference because the dairies used different bottles. Bollinger’s Dairy in Emmitsburg always used embossed bottles, while Bollinger’s Dairy in Thurmont always used bottles with the lettering painted on them (pyro-glazed).
Black has created a display of bottles and caps from local dairies in the Thurmont Regional Library, on permanent loan. The display case is located next to the entrance to the Thurmont Center for Agricultural History in the library. Black is always looking for information and artifacts about local dairies that he might have missed. If you have any information, he can be reached at 301-271-4297 or dennisblack1@msn.com.
Dennis Black, avid collector of milk bottles in the area, showcases his bottles and caps from local dairies in the Dairies of Catoctin exhibit at the Thurmont Regional Library.
by James Rada, Jr.
Emmitsburg
Dog Park Open
The Emmitsburg dog park officially opened on Saturday, May 5, with thirty-plus dogs in attendance. The park—near the town tennis courts—has separate areas for large and small dogs. The park also includes water stations for the dogs and benches for the dog owners to rest on while their pets romp and play.
“It looked like everybody had a good time, including dogs and people,” said Commissioner Joseph Ritz, III.
Community Deputy Contract Approved
The Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners approved a contract with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office to continue the use of community deputies in Emmitsburg. The $276,403 contract increased by 3.15 percent or $8,712 over the current contract. The increase is due to anticipated salary increases for sheriff’s deputies and increasing fuel costs.
Commissioners Receive Budget
At the beginning of May, the Emmitsburg Commissioners got their first look at the fiscal year 2019 budget, and continued to review it during a second meeting in May. The property tax rate to fund this budget is expected to remain the same at 36 cents per $100 of assessed value.
The proposed budget includes a 5 percent increase to the general fund, which represents an increase of $88,080. The water and sewer fund is projected to increase by 2.63 percent due to expected residential and commercial development. Staff will also receive a 2 percent cost-of-living raise. Mayor Don Briggs pointed out that staff did not receive any COLA this year.
The final budget needs to be approved by the end of June.
Commissioners Begin Review of Ethics Code
Emmitsburg Town Manager Cathy Willets presented the mayor and commissioners an overview of the town’s ethics code and appeal procedures. The code helps “assure the people of the impartiality and independent judgment of officials and employees,” Willets said. This is a routine review with no major changes expected. Town staff will be making some recommendations for changes for simplifying the code and process.
Clock Erected on Town Square
A new four-sided clock has been erected on the town square as part of the square revitalization project. The clock is on the northeast corner of East Main Street and North Seton Avenue intersection.
Thurmont
FY 2018 Budget Introduced
In May, the Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners received the proposed budget for the town for fiscal year 2018.
It is proposed to increase the town’s property tax rate by 3 cents to 31.41 cents per $100 of assessed value. The tax rate increase will generate $161,152 more in revenue to fund the budget.
Under the proposed budget, the general fund revenues are expected to be $3,876,040, with $3,643,679 in expenditures and $89,612 in capital expenses.
The water fund is expected to have $973,965 in revenues, with $847,093 in expenditures and $61,600 in capital expenses.
The wastewater fund is expected to have $1,623,326 in revenues, with $1,457,570 in expenditures and $135,436 in capital expenses.
The electric fund is expected to have $6,445,357 in revenues, with $6,210,464 in expenditures and $165,700 in capital expenditures.
Copies of the budget can be viewed at the town office or online at the town’s website.
Town Plans Summer Day Camp for Youths
Thurmont Chief Administrative Officer told the Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners the result of the town survey about interest in a summer day camp program in the Community Park. The results of the survey were used to put together a plan for what to offer residents, the ages participants can be in the program, and the cost of the program.
The summer program “A Day in the Park” runs from July 23-26 and July 30-August 2 (Monday through Thursday), from 8:30 a.m.-noon each day. The program is for youths, ages five to fifteen, and costs $10.00 per day or $35.00 per week.
“We have a lot of parents who ask about this, and they’ve asked for several years,” said Mayor John Kinnaird.
The activities include meeting fire and EMS personnel, hiking, history talks, games, crafts, and sports.
Summer Park Coordinator Deb Spalding told the mayor and commissioners that the program is “one where we’re going to learn about Thurmont. We’re going to learn about parks, and we’re going to have fun in parks.”
You can register for individual days or entire weeks. Registration can be done at the town office or by calling 301-271-7313 to have a form sent to you. Each pre-registered participant receives a t-shirt and a reusable water bottle.
Commissioners Approve ADA Curbs
The Town of Thurmont has started to improve the curbs at many locations in town so that they are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The town received a Community Development Block Grant for $63,000. This will not be enough to add forty-eight ramps at eighteen locations throughout the town, but it should get the majority of them done. Town staff has prioritized each curb based on the amount of pedestrian traffic it receives.
“I think we can certainly accomplish our goals by meeting the higher-pedestrian-traffic areas,” Chief Administrative Officer James Humerick said.
The mayor and commissioners approved RFP, Inc. in Middletown to do the work. If more CDBG funds become available, they will go towards improving additional curbs.
Police Car Bomber Pleads Guilty
The man who bombed a Thurmont police vehicle in 2016 recently pleaded guilty to malicious use of explosive material in a Baltimore federal court. Kyle Rutger Mueller placed a pipe bomb on Thurmont Police Officer Tim Duhan’s SUV. The resulting explosion damaged the vehicle, but no one was injured.
Both federal and local officers investigated and arrested Rutger on August 5, 2016. In his plea agreement, Rutger admitted to buying parts to build a bomb and being in the area of the explosion.
Although facing four bomb-related charges, Rutger only pleaded guilty to the one charge under the plea agreement. Rutger could serve up to twenty years in federal prison and face a $250,000 fine and supervised probation, but the U.S. Attorney’s Office will recommend a ten-year sentence. Sentencing will be on July 30, 2018.
Emmitsburg
Mayor Don Briggs
With the arrival of our timid spring, all the hard work of the town staff is finally evident. I mean, hours and hours of hard work, planning, grant writing, and construction administration: the new dog park, the renovated pool, and the entire streetscape of Main Street, Seton Avenue, and the square. Not to forget in April, we held our first Arbor Day community tree-planting celebration. Scouts and the Mount men’s rugby team were there to assist the community in the planting of twelve native – adaptive trees along the Willow Run winding channel through Community Park. Guests included County Executive Jan Gardner and Roger Wilson; Government Affairs and Public Policy Director (and also a Frederick City Alderman); Tonya Hoover, Superintendent of the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy (NFA); and Sister Martha with Seton Center Outreach. Also, representatives from the town council and staff, Emmitsburg Business and Professional Association, FEMA, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Council of Churches, Mother Seton School, Emmitsburg Elementary School, and residents all pitched in. We are now a Tree City USA town.
On the first Saturday of May, Catoctin High School student Aedan Myles had the honor of cutting the ribbon to open the new dog park. It was her drawing three years ago that prompted its development. Amid gifts, treats, and the music, “Who let the dogs out” and Elvis’ strumming, “You ain’t nothing but a hound dog,” thirty-plus canines of all varieties—to one person’s count—joined in. Another great community interaction event.
The renovated (really new) community pool will open on Saturday, June 2, at noon. It was very hard not having a pool last year. It is planned to be a special occasion, with County Executive Jan Gardner on hand for the ribbon-cutting. Included in the renovations are landscaping, fencing, and a new roof for the changing-rooms building. There will be no charge for swimming on opening day.
Mid-Maryland baseball and the town present summer United Baseball Academy’s “Schools Out” Summer Baseball Camp, Monday, June 18, through Wednesday, June 20, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (each day); lunch from 12:00-12:45 p.m. *Lunch is not provided; pack a lunch* Drop-off is 9:00 a.m., sharp; Pick-up is 3:00 p.m., sharp. Camp will be held at Emmitsburg Community & Memorial Parks. The cost is $130. This camp is free to residents of Emmitsburg (address verification required). Camp is for ages eight to fourteen. Registration: mmubaseball.net (click on the Schools Out Camp tab in the upper right corner). If you have questions about the clinic, please email them to mmumanager2023@gmail.com or call 267-664-5059.
In May, I presented to the council the 2019 budget of $3,147,116. The council is obligated to approve a budget by no later than June 30.
In June, predicated on staff investigation, I will propose to the town council that we install four electronic vehicles (EV) charging stations at the Community Center parking lot.
The four-faced clock, the gift of Mount St. Mary’s University, is now set on the square. We are almost there. Again, thank you to everyone for your patience; we are getting great reviews on the brickwork and refreshed facades of buildings and the new setting. Rededication of the square will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 30, by the new town clock. This is also Community Heritage Day, a great day of food, vendors, entertainment, parade, and fireworks.
The first Pool Party will be held July 15, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Admission is $1.00. We will have a DJ, free hot dogs, and lemonade.
Thank you to Mayor John Kinnaird and Thurmont Main Street Economic Development Manager Vicki Grinder for a second season of developing a north county description insert for the Frederick News-Post. It was, again, a privilege for me to write, and for Emmitsburg to be a part of it. We look forward to working with Thurmont on the fall edition.
Thurmont
Mayor John Kinnaird
If I told you that I could see into the future, many people would question my sanity, but I know it is possible to see our future if we just take the time to look. No one can see specifics of what is to come, but I have met with and spoken to the very people that will craft our future, and I am impressed! Of course, I am referring to the next generation of residents currently attending our schools.
It has been my honor to speak to students at all of our local schools, and I can assure you that they are up to the task ahead. Several weeks ago, I spent a morning talking with students at the Thurmont Elementary School about a wide range of topics, including our local government and immigration. Every student was very attentive, and they asked many thoughtful questions. As part of the fourth grade program, I invited the students to write an essay, describing what they would do if they were mayor. After careful consideration, the teachers selected two essay winners: Lily Winn and Chase Jackson. As essay contest winners, Lily and Chase were invited to our meeting on May 22 to read their essays and to participate in the meeting. I thank all the students for participating in this contest and want you to know that every essay was wonderfully written and expressed a genuine interest in our community.
I also had the opportunity to speak to some of the third-term Honor Roll students at the Thurmont Middle School (TMS). It was surprising to see how many students qualify for inclusion in the Honor Roll at TMS. My congratulations to each of the TMS Honor Roll students, their parents, and their teachers! It is obvious that the student body at TMS is determined to enter adulthood as well-educated and socially responsible individuals.
I encourage all adults to take advantage of any opportunity to visit our schools and to see how positive our youngest residents are about our community and their future in it. I want to express my thanks to all the teachers and staff at the schools for their amazing compassion and dedication to the education of our youth. Finally, thanks to the parents for investing in the future of our community by raising these considerate and well-rounded future leaders.
While I am thinking about our youth, I want to remind everyone that the Town of Thurmont is hosting a Summer Park Program, “A Day in the Park.” The program will be held at the Thurmont Community Park on July 23-26, and again on July 30 -August 2; hours are 8:30 a.m.-noon. A different theme will be featured each day, and the cost is $10.00 per day or $35.00 per week. Activities include crafts; hiking; games; a visit by Fire, EMS & Police personnel; baseball; and local history. Be sure to register for this great summer program, so your children can join in on the fun! You can stop at the town office to register or call 301-271-7313 and ask to have a registration form sent to your home.
With the school year coming to an end, I want to encourage everyone to be extra careful while driving in our neighborhoods. Children are not always aware of their surroundings, and as they adjust to summer break, please be on the lookout as they play with their friends and cross our streets.
If you have any questions or comments, I can be reached at 301-606-9458 or by email at jkinnaird.thurmont.com
James Rada, Jr.
Thurmont’s business community put its best foot forward on Saturday, April 28, 2018, with its annual Thurmont Business Showcase. Forty local businesses and nonprofits set up tables in the Thurmont Ambulance Events Complex to introduce members of the community to what they each offer.
Brittney Rebert of Sabillasville said, “I like to come and look at new businesses I didn’t know about.”
She was one of the many attendees who steadily streamed into the event complex and wandered around the room, table to table. They could view veterinarians, artisans, restaurants, home businesses, and funeral homes.
This year was the first time that Michele Maze set up a table at the Showcase. She moved to Thurmont in 2016, and she supported the Showcase to be a part of the community. It also gave her the opportunity to show her business, Seven Dragonflies Studio, to the community.
“I like to paint and personalize glassware,” Maze said. “I’ll paint anything. It’s a challenge.”
Many of the businesses were also handing out samples or swag, which the children enjoyed. The Thurmont Ambulance Company offered food and 
drink.
Pansy Stottlemyer of Sabillasville came to the show with her family. She particularly enjoyed looking at the samples from one of the jewelry vendors. “I love coming to this thing every year,” she said. “I like to see the businesses, but I also get to see people who I haven’t seen in a while.”
This is the Showcase’s second year at the Event Complex, and it is one of the oldest events that Thurmont Main Street sponsors. It was an event that helped Thurmont get its Main Street designation. The designation opens Thurmont up to getting help to improve its economy and the appearance of the business district.
For more information about Thurmont Main Street, visit www.thurmontmainstreet.com
Seton Center, Inc.’s Outreach Office and Seton Family Store are scheduled to open their new facility at 226 East Lincoln Avenue in Emmitsburg on Monday, June 11, 2018. Founded in 1969, Seton Center was established in the former Mother Seton School by the Daughters of Charity at the request of the three mothers in the Emmitsburg area. These hard-working women faced a need for quality daycare, which could enable them to work and support their families while their children received safe, adequate care and developmental enrichment. In 1970, the licensed Seton Day Care was opened, followed by the addition of social and nationally-recognized educational services. The Thrift Store also opened in 1970, which is now called Seton Family Store.
The original building at 16840 South Seton Avenue in Emmitsburg was constructed in 1956. It has long outlasted its predicted life span of ten years. Seton Center is excited to begin using its new facility, an environmentally- and user-friendly space from which it will continue to serve Northern Frederick County.
The Daughters of Charity and Seton Center are grateful for all the firms and trades who worked to complete construction of the new building in record time: Morgan-Keller Construction, CJL Engineering, Frederick, Seibert & Associates, Inc., MSB Architects of Hagerstown and their interior designer, Raquel Orsini. The project produced a new 13,000-square-foot building that will house the Outreach Office, Seton Family Store, and a large meeting room for presentations of all kinds. All those visiting Seton Center will enter through the main front entrance. Once inside the building, Outreach Office visitors will enter a door on the left. The interior entrance to the Seton Family Store will be straight ahead.
Today, Seton Center’s Outreach Office continues to offer hope to under-resourced neighbors by offering a wide range of services and programs, from short-term assistance with financial needs to life-changing programs for long-term success. Emergency material assistance, referrals, Build Your Resource workshops, and the Getting Ahead and DePaul Dental programs all offer temporary relief and substantial opportunities for systemic change. The Outreach Office hours will remain the same: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., closing for lunch daily from noon-1:00 p.m.
Seton Family Store will also continue to offer a reputable place to donate pre-loved items that are then sold at low-cost to the community. Because the Daughters of Charity provide for the operational costs of Seton Center, 100 percent of Family Store sale proceeds directly fund the Outreach Office programs and services. In the new location, the Family Store will no longer be separated into multiple rooms, but will offer one bright, open and updated space to shop for bargains. The schedule for retail sales will remain the same as well, Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Donations are no longer accepted at the South Seton Avenue location. Beginning June 12, the community is welcomed to bring donations of good, clean clothing, household goods, and collectibles to the 226 Lincoln Avenue site, Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. When coming to donate items, donors will enter the new driveway, bear right, then follow the signs along the driveway around to the left, to the back of the building. Donors will stop under a covered drop-off area and ring the doorbell for a staff person or volunteer to greet them and accept their items.
For more information or to support their mission, visit Seton Center’s website at www.setoncenter.org, follow them on Facebook at Seton Family Store and Seton Center Outreach Office, send an e-mail to setoncenter@doc.org, or call 301-447-6102.
Music on the Deck at Thurmont Regional Library
Come enjoy live music this summer with Music on the Deck at Thurmont Regional Library, Sundays at 2:00 p.m., on the following dates: June 24—Bluegrass Chapel Band; July 22—Ashby Run; August 26—The Knuckle Dusters. View the advertisement on page 23 for more information.
Fort Ritchie’s Summer Camp
Sign up now for Fort Ritchie Community Center’s Summer Camps and experience activities based on weekly themes throughout the summer: Outdoor Adventure, Ultimate Sports, Kids Boot Camp, Crime Scene Investigators, and more! View the advertisement on page 8 for more information.
Golden Gears Car Show & Cash Bingo for Veterans
Come out on June 30, 2018, for the Car Show & Cash Bingo for Veterans, presented by Golden Gears Car Club, at the Lewistown Fire Company. All cars, trucks, motorcycles, and military vehicles are welcome! Event features music, raffles, food, door prizes and much more. View the advertisement on page 17 for more information.
Sportsman’s Bingo at Rocky Ridge Vol. Fire Company
Mark your calendar for the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company’s Sportsman’s Bingo on Saturday, September 8, 2018. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m. Only 200 tickets will be sold! View the advertisement on page 16 to find out how to get your tickets.
Parties in the Park
Come out and support your local vendors at Parties in the Park on June 3, 2018, from 2:00-6:00 p.m., at the Thurmont Community Park, featuring Tastefully Simple, Magnolia & Vine, Pampered Chef, and many more. View the advertisement on page 25 for more information.
Thurmont Event Complex’s Upcoming Events
The Thurmont Event Complex in Thurmont holds Friday Night Bingo every Friday. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Also, don’t miss The Fabulous Hubcaps on June 9. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m., with music at 9:30 p.m. There will be a cash bar, and the kitchen will be open for food purchases. View the advertisement on page 11 for more information.
Outdoor Flea Market
Come out to the Emmitsburg Antique Mall for its Outdoor Flea Market on June 16-17, 2018, from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 33 for more information.
Run For Recovery 5th Annual 5K Run/Walk
Register now for the Run For Recovery 5th Annual 5K Run/Walk, sponsored by the Up & Out Foundation, on Saturday, August 18, 2018, at Monocacy Village Park in Frederick. Sign-in and registration begins at 8:00 a.m. View the advertisement on page 21 for more information.
Lions Saving Kids Sight
A free preschool vision screening, conducted by Thurmont and Deer Park Lions Clubs, will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018, from 10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., for ages six months to five years old, at the Thurmont Regional Library. View the advertisement on page 27 for more information.
A Day in the Park Summer Rec Program
The Town of Thurmont presents A Day in the Park Summer Rec Program this summer in the Thurmont Community Park, July 23-26 and July 30-August 2, from 8:30 a.m.-noon. The program offers fun themes and activities for each day! View the advertisement on page 38 for more information and on how to register.
Frederick Rescue Mission’s Summer Enrichment Camp
The Frederick Rescue Mission is holding a Summer Enrichment Camp from June 25-August 9, 2018, at the Thurmont Elementary School, for kids in grades first through fifth. The camp theme is: Perseverance. Camp features games, crafts, math and reading activities, free lunch, and much more. View the advertisement on page 23 for more information.
Thurmont Lion’s Club & Rocky’s Pizza Raise Money for Good Cause
Together, Thurmont Lions Club and Rocky’s Pizza are raising money for pediatric cancer on Thursday, June 14, 2018, from 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. So, head to Rocky’s Pizza on Tippin Drive in Thurmont on June 14. View the advertisement on page 32.
Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day Parade
The much-anticipated annual Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day Parade will be held on June 30, 2018. Lineup begins at 4:15 p.m. View the advertisement on page 11 for more details.
Lewistown Fire Department Open House
Come out on June 2, 2018, for Lewistown Fire Department’s Open House, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Enjoy demonstrations, fire prevention, life-saving, raffle, and much more! View the advertisement on page 12 for more information.
Rocky Ridge Vol. Fire Company’s 16th Annual Car Show
Don’t miss the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company’s 16th Annual Car Show on June 3, 2018, at the Fire Company’s Activities Building in Rocky Ridge. The event will feature cars, trucks, and bikes, as well as food, door prizes, 50/50, yard sale (spots available), and much more! View the advertisement on page 6 for more details and registration information.
Monocacy Sports & Games at Thurmont Rec Center
Starting June 25 through August 10, 2018, Frederick County Parks & Recreation is offering Monocacy Sports & Games at the Thurmont Rec Center for grades K-5th, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 17 for more information.
Benefit Dinner for Steve Wastler & Evelyn Guilday
St. John’s Lutheran Church in Creagerstown is holding a benefit dinner for Steve Wastler and Evelyn Guilday on June 9, 2018, from 12:00-5:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 19 for the menu and for ticket information.
Thurmont Lions Club & Rocky’s Pizza Raise Money for Good Cause
Together, Thurmont Lions Club and Rocky’s Pizza are raising money for pediatric cancer on Thursday, June 14, 2018, from 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. So, head to Rocky’s Pizza on Tippin Drive in Thurmont on June 14. View the advertisement on page 32.
Frederick Rescue Mission’s Summer Enrichment Camp
The Frederick Rescue Mission is holding a Summer Enrichment Camp from June 25-August 9, 2018, at the Thurmont Elementary School, for kids in grades first through fifth. The camp theme is: Perseverance. Camp features games, crafts, math and reading activities, free lunch, and much more. View the advertisement on page 23 for more information.
Annual Thurmont’s Firemen’s Carnival
It’s that time of year again! Mark you calendar for the Annual Thurmont Firemen’s Carnival, July 9-14, 2018, at the Guardian Hose carnival grounds on E. Main Street in Thurmont. Enjoy live music, rides, games, raffles, food, parade, and much more! View the advertisement on page 8 for more information and for how to pre-order your tickets today!
Crafters for Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day
Calling all crafters for the Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day event on Saturday, June 30, 2018. Registration deadline is June 23. View the advertisement on page 16 for registration information.
James Rada, Jr.
Thurmont celebrated its first Greenfest on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at the Thurmont Regional Library. It was an event where “people could learn new things, share information, and have fun,” according to Thurmont Green Team Member Cindy Poole.
The event was held at the Thurmont Library, with tables and stations set up in front of the library, in the lobby, in the meeting rooms, and on the patio. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, local companies, and local organizations manned the tables to educate attendees about protecting the environment and about green living. There were even activities for kids to do and giveaways of foot-tall trees, ready for planting.
Bob Allen of Rocky Ridge came to the event to recycle a printer, but he also checked out all of the tables to collect information about things he was unfamiliar with.
Carol Haag of Thurmont also came to the festival to recycle electronics and stayed to look around. “I wanted to see what the Green Team has been doing, but I have also been interested in solar energy for a couple years,” she said.
Some local farms showed off their organically grown goods. Visitors could find out about geothermal energy, recycling, and the environment around them. Events even included guided walks and bike rides along the Thurmont Trolley Trail.
The festival was a culmination of the efforts of the Thurmont Green Team. “The Green Team said ‘let’s combine the things that we do, and let’s do a festival,” Poole said.
Thurmont Commissioner Bill Buehrer said that the team’s accomplishments were “immeasurable.”
At the beginning of the festival, Becky Wilson with the Maryland Forest Service awarded Thurmont its second Tree City USA Award. To earn this award from the Arbor Day Foundation, Thurmont needed to meet four standards: (1) Have someone responsible for the care of town trees; (2) Enact an ordinance to protect trees; (3) Dedicate at least $2.00 per capita to tree forestation; and (4) Have an Arbor Day proclamation.
Greenfest was sponsored by the Thurmont Green Team, the Town of Thurmont, and the Thurmont Regional Library.
One of the vendors at Green Fest explains electronics recycling to a young girl.
Becky Wilson with the Maryland Forest Service presents Thurmont CAO Jim Humerick and Commissioner Bill Buehrer with a Tree City USA Award for Thurmont.
It’s time to be thinking about your entries for the 62st annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show, being held September 7-9, 2018. Exhibits may be entered on Thursday night, September 6, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., and/or Friday morning, September 7, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Exhibits must be removed on Sunday, September 9, between 3:00-6:00 p.m.
There will be changes made to some of the department classes. Most notably, changes will be made to two adult departments: Dept. 12 – Arts, Paintings & Drawings; Dept. 13 – Crafts as follows: (1) All painting and drawing entries must be framed, must be ready to hang for display, and must be the exhibitor’s original work (no prints or copies); (2) No nude or distasteful entries will be accepted.
By early August, the Community Show premium books will be available at local businesses, and the Community Show website (www.thurmontandemmitsburgcommunityshow.webs.com) will have the entry exhibits listing and the schedule of activities.
So that exhibitors can begin preparing their entries, the following are the class listings for Dept. 12 – Arts, Paintings & Drawings and Dept. 13 – Crafts:
Dept. 12 – Arts, Paintings & Drawings
Arts: Calligraphy • Sculpture • Wood Burning • Other, not listed.
Painting: Acrylics • Mixed Media • Oil • Paint Night Painting • Decorative Painting, China • Decorative Painting, Fabric • Decorative Painting, Wood • Decorative Painting, misc. • Tole Painting • Watercolor • Other, not listed.
Drawing: Charcoal • Colored Ink or Pencil • Computer Created Technical Drawing/Graphics • Pastel • Pen and Ink • Pencil • Other, not listed.
Dept. 13 – Crafts
Basketry • Ceramics • Collage • Dried Materials (framed or in a container) • Decorations, Door (a. Wreaths; b. Misc.) • Decorations, Holiday (a. Christmas; b. Easter; c. Fall; d. Halloween; e. Thanksgiving; f. Misc.) • Fiber & Textiles • Furniture (a. Handcrafted, Small – 2 ft. or less in height; b. Handcrafted, Large – more than 2 ft. in height; c. Restored, Small – 2 ft. or less in height; d. Restored, Large – more than 2 ft. in height) • Jewelry • Leather Craft • Metal Craft • Model • Recycled Materials • Stained Glass • Scrapbooking • Stenciling • Wood Craft (other than furniture) • Other, not listed.
Anita DiGregory
Are you a struggling mom? Do you feel like you are failing? Do you feel like your efforts are never quite good enough? If so, local mom and author Colleen Duggan has some practical and spiritual advice for you. On April 29, 2018, in honor of Mother’s Day, the Seton Shrine hosted a “Chat with an Author,” featuring Duggan and her book, Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom, which has a 5-star Amazon rating.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born U.S. saint, faced many struggles in her life. Because Mother Seton was a young wife, mother, and resident of Emmitsburg, the Seton Shrine was thrilled to invite Duggan to share her message with the community. The event, which was well attended, included a talk, a question and answer session with the audience, a book signing, and refreshments. The free event was the third in the series, with the next talk (featuring Thirty-Three Breaths: A Little Book on Meditation author Father Jack Lombardi) scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on August 19, 2018.
Duggan, a wife and mother herself, was happy to meet with the community and share her personal “confessions” on imperfect motherhood. In a refreshingly humble and honest manner, Duggan shared stories from her life and the lessons she has gathered along the way. As a woman who has struggled with the challenges of trying to be the “perfect” wife and mother, Duggan communicated the hopes, fears, joys, and sufferings of her journey thus far.
With the honesty of a best friend, Duggan invites her reader into her life. With all of her “confessions” as separate chapters (including I Don’t Know How to Master Motherhood, I Don’t Always Take Care of Myself as I Should, I Don’t Know How to Keep My Kids Catholic, I Don’t Like Watching My Children Suffer, and I Sometimes Compare Myself with Other Parents), Duggan tackles each heart-wrenching subject with a humble and honest approach, interspersing advice from spiritual advisors, counselors, and saints.
In addition to sharing her stories and lessons with the reader, she has questions for reflection at the end of each chapter. Another unique element of the book is that each chapter ends in a heartfelt prayer for moms struggling with that particular “confession.”
Duggan adds, “Maybe you feel like everything is up to you, that you have to get everything right or you’ll destroy your kids’ lives. Maybe you think creating perfect Catholics, who stay Catholic, is something you can control. Maybe you struggle with doing everything “right” but know the ill effect of this approach to life. If so, this book is for you.”
Those looking for helpful, friendly advice on motherhood can also reference Duggan’s blog at Colleenmurphyduggan.com. In addition, you can find her photography and a free, downloadable group study guide for Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom on the site.
Colleen Duggan discusses her book, Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom, at Seton Shrine Chat with an Author Series in April.
Devon Griffin
Summer is around the corner and that means the return of local farmers markets. In Frederick County, farmers markets are held periodically throughout the week. With a wide variety of produce and vegetables, there is something for everyone. What people may not understand is that buying local benefits the consumer and the environment in many ways.
Transportation is a hidden economic and environmental cost when it comes to industrialized food production. Food is hauled hundreds and thousands of miles in order for it to reach its destination. That is a lot of fuel, whether it be by truck, train, or airplane. All of that fuel being burned adds to the growing concern surrounding air pollution. Fossil fuels, like gasoline, contribute excess carbon dioxide to the atmosphere when burned. With farmers markets, the food is local and doesn’t have to be trucked in from unknown locations. The mystery of where the food came from is reduced, while assuring the consumer the food is fresh and hasn’t been aging during tractor trailer transport.
Most consumers do not have knowledge of how their food is produced. Grocery store shelves are stacked high of packaged, processed foods that potentially have harmful effects on the body. Much of the food seen today is treated with unhealthy chemicals during the production phase. With locally grown food, you don’t have to worry about it coming from a large processing plant, hundreds of miles away.
A huge benefit of local farmers markets is that the farmer receives the money made from his personal crops. He doesn’t have ties to a contract associated with an industrialized company. Money stays circulating in the neighborhood and community with farmers markets. According to an article published in The Washington Post, “For every dollar consumers spend on food, only 7.8 cents goes to farmers…” (Caitlin Dewey). The large industrial companies are receiving around 92 cents per dollar off the farmer. A lot of crops may be grown, but 8 cents doesn’t compare to the time and money spent working towards their harvest. Farmers markets ensure that profit will be reinvested into producing next year’s crops.
In Frederick County, the amount of farmland is diminishing as urban sprawl takes over. Before we know it, the distinguished individual towns will merge and become part of Frederick. Supporting local farmers markets will help prevent disappearance of farmland, while preserving Frederick County’s rich agricultural history. As long as our farmers can continue to provide for themselves and the community while making profit, we can help preserve the rural areas.
Through buying farmer’s products, we are giving them feedback and showing our appreciation for their work. The more support received, the more likely the farmer is to return the following year.
The largest benefit of local farmers markets is the quality of the food. Produce and fruits are picked right in season, and you don’t have to worry about whether it is fresh or not. Fresh produce usually tastes better and provides more nutritional benefits. Frozen veggies do not compare to fresh veggies purchased at a farmers market.
I encourage you to find your nearest farmers market and check it out! Farmers Markets have a kid-friendly atmosphere, so bring the whole family. In addition to cash and credit cards, some farmers even accept SNAP and WIC benefits.
Some nearby farmers markets to consider visiting this summer are: Emmitsburg: Fridays, June 22-September 21, located at 302 S. Seton Avenue, 3:00-6:00 p.m.; Thurmont: Saturdays, June 2-September 22, located at Municipal Parking Lot, South Center Street, 9:00 a.m.-noon; Frederick Farmers Market at Eveready Square & Shab Row: Thursdays, May 31-September 27, located in Downtown Frederick, 113 North East Street, Church Street & East Street, Frederick, 3:00-6:00 p.m.; Field Fresh Farmers Market: Saturdays, April 28-November 17, Holiday Markets: December 1, 8, 15, located at the Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick Street, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Theresa Dardanell
Seven Thurmont Middle School (TMS) students recently attended the Maryland Association of Student Councils convention in Ocean City. This event gives the TMS Student Government Association (SGA) members the opportunity to improve their leadership skills. They listened to a motivational speaker, attended leadership workshops, and met with other student leaders from across the state.
The SGA members at TMS are chosen based on their grades, their attendance at afterschool meetings, and their participation in school and evening events. They meet once a week during the school day to brainstorm ways to improve school spirit and to make their school a comfortable place for students. They visit classrooms and lead discussions with students; concerns and ideas are then forwarded to the administration by Student Government Advisor Angela Knapp.
The SGA members also plan, organize, and run events like the game days, the afterschool open gym, and the evening candy bingos. Knapp said, “They are great. I’ve definitely seen them grow. They really like being leaders and just being able to help others and increase the school spirit.”
I met with the students who attended the conference and was impressed with their confidence and genuine concern for their fellow students.
SGA President Sean Whitworth said that he joined the organization so that students know they have somebody looking out for them.
Natalie Dodson is looking forward to being a community leader to help other people.
The other students who attended the conference were: John Gidcumb, Charlotte Bradley, Cheyenne Van Echo, Morgan Ridenour, and Peyton Moxley.
Other SGA members are Maddie Ring, Skyler Payne, Traci Stine, Peyton Davis, Kayleigh Frantz, Natalie Hoty, Nikita Burris, Randall Hall, and Samantha Davis.
Pictured are John Gidcumb, Charlotte Bradley, Cheyenne Van Echo, Morgan Ridenour, Sean Whitworth, Natalie Dodson, and Peyton Moxley.
Theresa Dardanell
The CHS Science Olympiad Team is pictured with coaches Rebecca Hurley and Theresa Hutchinson. Not pictured: Coach Doug Young.
Congratulations to the Catoctin High School (CHS) Science Olympiad team. They recently competed in the Maryland State Tournament at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. According to their coaches, “The nerd trials lasted close to ten hours. The cougars competed against 24 teams (12 in our division). We placed 10th in our division and 23rd in the State! This was our very first time qualifying for the state level competition. It was a wonderful experience for the students.”
Students competing in the events were: Zack Carter and Grace Mazaleski — Microbe Mission; Emmalynn May and Sophia Degennaro — Write It Do It; Kyle Dutrow and Sophia Degennaro — Game One; Michael Yang and Sean Miller — Helicopters; Sophia Degennaro and Madison Raimondi — Thermodynamics; Michael Yang and Kallan Latham — Chemistry Lab; Zack Carter and Grace Mazaleski — Ecology; Avie Hopcraft and Kallan Latham — Optics; Kyle Dutrow and Emmalynn May — Remote Sensing; Kallen Latham and Karianna Strickhouser — Mission Possible; Sam Grimes and Lauren Ames — Material Science; Zack Carter and Grace Mazaleski — Herpetology; Maddy Reynolds, Sophia Degennaro, and Sean Miller — Experimental Design; Karianna Strickhouser and Madison Raimondi — Dynamic Planet; Sean Miller and Kyle Dutrow — Hovercraft; Michael Yang and Sean Miller — Towers; Sam Grimes and Michael Yang — Rocks and Minerals; Lauren Ames and Avie Hopcraft — Forensics; Emmalynn May, Madison Raimondi, and Maddy Reynolds — Astronomy; Grace Mazaleski and Zack Carter — Disease Detectives; Sean Miller and Sam Grimes — Fermi Questions; Avie Hopcraft and Grace Mazaleski — Anatomy and Physiology; Sean Miller and Michael Yang — Mousetrap Vehicle; Devon Shorb and Teairah Velasquez were alternates.
CHS Science Olympiad coaches are Rebecca Hurley, Theresa Hutchinson, and Doug Young.