James Rada, Jr.
Harry English put his life on the line just to join the U.S. Army, and because he did, many other men survived World War II.
English, a Hagerstown native, liked to spend his summers by himself on a small island in the Potomac River.
“All I had was a knife, a hatchet, and a .22,” he said. He would take some produce from a nearby farmer’s farm, with the farmer’s permission, and he would fish.
When war broke out, English knew it was his patriotic duty to join the military. He and a friend rode with English’s father to Baltimore when English was only eighteen.
English went to enlist in the Merchant Marines. During the physical, the doctor had him jump up and down. Then the doctor listened to his heart.
“He told me to lay down and lay still until my father came,” English said. “He said I had a bad heart and excitement would kill me.”
He thought that was a bunch of bunk and tried enlisting in the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard. They all turned him down because he supposedly had a bad heart.
With no other choice, English returned to school only to receive a draft notice in April 1944. He reported to Camp Meade, thinking that he would just be sent home. Instead, he became a soldier.
“They never said a word about my problem,” said English.
He went through sixteen weeks of infiltration training in South Carolina, and was then sent to Camp McCoy in Wisconsin. A doctor at the camp discovered English’s supposed heart condition and wanted to give him a discharge. “I told him, ‘The Army trained me, and the government spent a lot of money on me. My unit needs me. What difference does it make whether I die here or over there?’”
His argument was convincing, and he was sent to fight in Europe.
For the next two years, he traveled with Gen. George Patton’s Army and fought the Germans in the Battle of Bulge, as well as other battles. He drove Jeeps and cooked for his unit. He chauffeured the soldiers who were tasked with setting up the telephone communications.
During one battle, English volunteered to go into enemy territory with a chaplain to pick up wounded prisoners, no matter which side they fought on. He didn’t see it as doing anything special, but the chaplain put in for him to receive a medal for his actions.
He never received it because his unit moved around so much. He didn’t even realize he had been recommended for commendation.
He said his scariest moment in the war was when he realized that someone was shooting at him with a 20-mm gun. One shell flattened the spare tire on his Jeep, and shrapnel raked across his knuckles.
“I just kept thinking, ‘Man, that was close,’” recalled English.
By the time the American crossed the Rhine River in Germany, it was obvious the war was over, although there was no official word. German soldiers were laying down their weapons and surrendering.
Even after the war had ended, English stayed on to the help with the Nuremberg Trials. He drove vehicles for officers and lawyers. He heard parts of the trials that were broadcasted, and he saw Hermann Goering being led in for his trial.
Throughout the war, his heart never gave him any trouble.
Once he came home, English went on with his life. He married and worked thirty-seven years on the railroad. After his retirement, he and his wife moved to Florida, but later returned because they wanted to be able to watch their grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. English now lives in Sabillasville with his granddaughter Ann Seiss and her family.
Having earned it seventy-four years earlier, he finally received his Bronze Star Medal in July 2018 during a special ceremony at the Thurmont AMVETS. Maryland U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin pinned the medal on English’s sports coat.
It was a long overdue honor for the ninety-two-year-old Veteran, and one that he was able to share with his family and fellow Veterans.
Harry English is shown with his Bronze Star Medal in July.
Harry is pictured with his Jeep during WWII.
James Rada, Jr.
Lois Olsen (pictured right) of Thurmont suspected she had a genetic time bomb inside her. Her mother needed a kidney transplant in 1989 because of a genetic condition called Polycystic Kidney Disease, and as Olsen neared fifty, she wondered if the disease would present itself in her.
Age fifty came and went without incident. It was years later that she began to lose weight unexpectedly and was diagnosed with the same disease as her mother.
Polycystic Kidney Disease causes many cysts to grow in your kidneys. As the cysts grow, they can enlarge the kidneys and cause them to lose function. It can cause high blood pressure and kidney failure.
Olsen started receiving dialysis treatment each night. Luckily, it was a process that could be done while she slept because it took nine hours. The dialysis helped, and she made sure to eat a lot of protein, which was also recommended.
What she needed was a kidney to replace one of her failing kidneys. Olsen’s name was put on the waiting list. Her husband enrolled in a “pair share” program. He essentially offered one of his healthy kidneys in exchange for a compatible kidney for his wife. He hoped that she would receive a suitable donation quicker. On June 4, 2018, Olsen was told she was number 4 on the donor list at Georgetown Hospital, and she was asked to drive down to have more blood tests done.
The very next morning she received a call from the hospital at 7:30 a.m. telling her that she needed to come to the hospital because they had a perfect match for her kidney. The news came as a surprise, but they headed back to Georgetown.
Olsen received her new kidney on June 5, 2018. Her recovery went smoothly, although she still has to be careful about her health. She will also have to take anti-rejection medication for the rest of her life. It’s a trade she gladly made to not have to be on dialysis every night.
She was able to resume her work at New Midway Elementary School as the Media Specialist this month.
What Olsen wants people to know is how important it is to be an organ donor. So many parts of the body can be donated to help improve or save another person’s life. Some things like blood, skin, and kidneys can be given as a live donor. Others can be donated upon your death.
“I think a lot about the family that lost a loved one while we’re so happy,” Olsen said.
To make sure doctors act quickly to preserve your organs in the case of your death, make sure you register as an organ donor. This can be done when you renew your driver’s license, or you can register anytime at organdonor.gov.
You can give the gift of life to someone like Lois Olsen.
Photo by James Rada, Jr.
The 62nd Annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show will be held at Catoctin High School, located at 14745 Sabillasville Road in Thurmont, on September 7-9, 2018. All events, activities, and entertainment are free.
Free entry of exhibits will take place on Thursday evening, September 6, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., and on Friday, September 7, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., in the new gymnasium and in the Ag Center. Judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. Commercial exhibits may be entered on Friday, September 7, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The show will open to the public at 6:00 p.m.
On Friday night, September 7, the opening ceremonies will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium, where the 2018-2019 Catoctin FFA Chapter Ambassador will be announced. In addition, this year’s program will feature the 42nd Annual Community Flag Ceremony and honor Catoctin High School’s 50th anniversary. At 8:15 p.m., the annual Baked Goods Auction will begin immediately following the program, with the Grand Champion Cake, Pie, and Bread sold at 9:00 p.m. Buyers are welcome to purchase baked good items to support the Community Show and many local organizations.
On Saturday, September 8, the Community Show is open from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Activities include a Market Goat, Beef, Sheep and Swine Fitting & Showing Contest in the Ag Center, from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. In the front lawn of the school at 10:00 a.m., there will be a Pet Care Seminar by Dr. Jonathan Bramson of the Catoctin Veterinary Clinic, immediately followed by the Pet Show at 10:30 a.m. A petting zoo, farm animals, and pony rides will also be held on Saturday and Sunday in the upper parking lot area, from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
The Thurmont Academy of Self Defense will present a martial arts program in the small gymnasium at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, and the Elower-Sicilia Productions Dance Program will have a 3:00 p.m. program in the auditorium.
The Thurmont Grange will serve its turkey and country ham supper in the school cafeteria, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday night, September 8. Prices are: $13.00 for adults and $7.00 for ages under twelve. Carryouts are $14.00. In the auditorium at 4:30 p.m., an Open Mic Showcase of Talent by local teen performers will be held. At 6:00 p.m., the Catoctin Mountain Boys will feature musical entertainment. At 7:00 p.m., the Taylor Brown’s Elvis Tribute Show will be held.
On Saturday night, the 44th Annual Catoctin FFA Alumni Beef, Sheep & Swine Sale will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Ag Center, selling approximately 8 goats, 22 swine, 10 sheep, and 9 beef steers. Buyers are welcome and encouraged to attend.
On Sunday, September 9, activities begin at 9:00 a.m. with the Dairy Goat Show, followed by the Dairy Cattle Show.
At noon on Sunday, the Catoctin FFA Alumni Chicken Bar-B-Que will be held in the cafeteria. Prices are: $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for ages under twelve. Carryouts are $11.00. A Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the Ag Center area.
In the auditorium, the Catoctin Mountain Boys will feature musical entertainment at 12:30 p.m., and the Taylor Brown’s Elvis Tribute Show will be held at 1:30 p.m. The 35th Annual Catoctin Mountain Log Sawing Contest will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Ag Center, with classes for adults and children. The 39th Annual Robert Kaas Horseshoe Pitching Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m. on the softball field behind the school.
Exhibits must be removed on Sunday, September 9, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Any exhibits not removed may be picked up from the school’s Agriculture Center on Tuesday, September 11, from 9:00 a.m.-noon.
By early August, the Community Show booklets can be found in local Thurmont and Emmitsburg area businesses. New residents of the community are urged to enter exhibits—and it is free to enter—and be a part of the Community Show, the largest in the State of Maryland. Please note rule and class changes to Dept. 12’s Arts, Painting & Drawing and Dept. 13’s Arts & Crafts Departments, as well as minor changes to several departments this year. Departments include: Fresh Fruits, Fresh Vegetables, Home Products Display, Canned Fruits, Canned Vegetables, Jellies & Preserves, Pickles, Meats, Baked Products, Sewing & Needlework, Flowers & Plants, Arts, Paintings & Drawings, Crafts, Photography, Corn, Small Grains and Seeds, Eggs, Nuts, Poultry & Livestock, Dairy, Goats, Hay, Junior Department and Youth Department.
Please visit the Community Show’s website for the entry exhibit list, schedule of events, and more information at: www.thurmontemmitsburgcommunityshow.webs.com.
The Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show is sponsored by the Thurmont Grange, Catoctin FFA Chapter, Catoctin FFA Alumni, Maryland State Grange, and the Maryland State Agricultural Fair Board.
Competition was tough and exciting during the Kiddie Tractor Pull at the 2017 Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show, just one of the many fun contests offered during this much-anticipated yearly event.
Heroin’s Grip, stories from the front lines of the opioid epidemic, will premiere in Frederick, Maryland, on Wednesday, September 26, 2018. Director and Producer Conrad Weaver of Emmitsburg is working on finishing up the documentary film, shot almost exclusively in Frederick County.
“Heroin’s Grip is the story about the heroin and opioid crisis in our local community, which is representative of what’s happening around the country. It’s a tragic story for many families and individuals in our county, but it’s also a story about hope. Recovery is possible! There is good coming out of this tragedy, and we want to recognize that in our film,” stated Weaver.
Production on Heroin’s Grip began in early 2017 and continued well into 2018, with Weaver and his small crew capturing interviews and footage from a wide variety of perspectives. The story includes interviews with active users and people in recovery, as well as families who have lost their loved ones to addiction. Weaver has also interviewed members of the Frederick Sheriff’s department, Frederick City Police, treatment providers, as well as staff at Frederick Memorial Hospital and others who are on the front lines of the epidemic.
The Up & Out Foundation, a local non-profit with a mission to educate the public about the disease of addiction, has partnered with Weaver in the production, fundraising, and distribution plans for Heroin’s Grip film. Korey Shorb, founder of the Up & Out Foundation said, “The Up & Out Foundation has been determined and committed to making a difference in our community from the day I decided to start the foundation. I recently lost another friend to suicide, which was a direct result from her struggling from addiction. I’m so sick of burying my friends. This is out of control. With this film, we are hoping to raise awareness and give hope to those who are still struggling with addiction and the ability to realize there is a way out.” In addition to local screenings, Weaver and the Foundation plan on submitting the film to a number of major film festivals, as well as providing it as an educational resource to schools locally and around the country.
Heroin’s Grip will premiere at the JBK Theater at Frederick Community College on Wednesday, September 26, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will go on sale to the public at 8:00 a.m. on September 5, and will be available through Eventbright.com; links will be provided to Eventbright page on the website and social media pages.
For more information about the film, visit HeroinsGrip.com or send an e-mail to Conrad Weaver at conrad@conjostudios.com. You can also follow the progress of the film project on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HeroinsGrip/.
Heroin’s Grip is sponsored by a number of Frederick County businesses and organizations, including Second Street and Hope Foundation, Stauffer Funeral Homes, and others. For a complete list of sponsors, visit the website at HeroinsGrip.com.
by James Rada, Jr.
Emmitsburg
No Hunting on the Scott Road Farm
Although hunting has been allowed on the Scott Road Farm in the past, the Town of Emmitsburg has said there will be no hunting on the property this year and possibly for the foreseeable future. The town has had problems with trespassing, people riding four-wheelers on the property, erecting tree stands, and fishing in the pond, all of which are not allowed. To curb the trespassing and enhance safety in the area, the town has made the farm a “no hunting” area. The policy will be reviewed again next year to decide on whether it should be continued.
Phase 1 of Flat Run Bridge Should be Complete this Fall
The Maryland State Highway Administration updated the Emmitsburg Mayor and Commissioners on the progress of the new Flat Run Bridge, east of town. The original completion date had been expected to be August, but delays in signing documents, weather, and water line changes pushed the date back to the fall of 2019.
However, phase 1 is expected to be completed this fall. This will mean that two-lane traffic will be able to travel across the new bridge, allowing the state to remove the old bridge without having to deal with traffic.
Community Market Garden
The Town of Emmitsburg is considering starting a community market garden. Unlike a community garden, produce is raised and typically sold. One location being considered for the garden is near the farmers market, which would provide a possible sales location. Another possible location is near the baseball outfield and walking path.
The commissioners are generally supportive of the idea, but insurance and liability issues could be possible roadblocks. The commissioners are having town staff look into this and make some recommendations.
After School Club House Gets Funding
The Town of Emmitsburg had hoped to get a Boys and Girls Club in town for this school year. Money was transferred to an account in the town budget to help fund it. Things didn’t work out for this year, though, so $10,000 was transferred back to the Parks Department to continue funding an After School Club House. Efforts to get the Boys and Girls Club in Emmitsburg are still being pursued.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Coming Soon
The town approved its plan for four electric vehicle charging stations on the parking lot behind the community center. The stations are funded through a grant from the Electric Vehicle Institute.
The town was required to sign a five-year agreement with the Electric Vehicle Institute. The stations will not cost the town anything. Electric consumption used by the charging station will be paid for by the driver charging the vehicle.
The commissioners also had to approve an addendum to their lease with Frederick County, which is the owner of the community center. The addendum change allows the charging stations to be installed. The four charging stations will be marked, and the parking spaces in front of them will only be for the use of cars being charged. Vehicles will be allowed to park in the spots for up to six hours; overnight parking is not allowed.
Thurmont
Town Makes Annual Donations
The Town of Thurmont made its annual donations to the Guardian Hose Company, Thurmont Community Ambulance Company, Thurmont Senior Center, and Thurmont Food Bank on July 24. The fire and ambulance companies each received a check for $30,000. The Thurmont Senior Center received $20,000, while the food bank received a check for $6,000.
Guardian Hose Company President Wayne Stackhouse said that the fire company’s money will go towards the $500,000 needed for a new pumper engine.
Commissioner Marty Burns pointed out that if the town had to pay for a fire and ambulance company, rather than having a volunteer fire company and partially volunteer ambulance company, “our taxes would be double what they are today.”
Judith White accepted the check on behalf of the ambulance company, and Dick Lee accepted the food bank check.
Thurmont Economic Development Director Vickie Grinder premiered an economic development video about the town on July 24.
“It’s a video that is intended to last in the long run and produce results in the long run, not in the short run,” Grinder said. “The objective of this video was to attract future businesses, future residents, and tourism.”
It accomplishes this in three minutes and was created by Digital Bard.
The video was shown and the commissioners were pleased with the result.
New Date for Gateway to the Cure 5K
The annual Gateway to the Cure 5K had to be rescheduled. It is usually held in October, but this year’s event will be on Saturday, September 15, beginning at 8:30 a.m. If interested, you can register online at: https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Thurmont/GatewaytotheCure5K. You can also sign up at the town office. The cost is $35.00 and pre-registered participants will receive a t-shirt. All proceeds are donated to the Patty Hurwitz Fund at Frederick Memorial Hospital for breast cancer research.
Emmitsburg
Mayor Don Briggs
Attention! With September comes our children going to and from school, which means the added congestion of school buses stopping to pick up children crossing streets to catch buses. Please be extra careful.
All of the Catoctin High School and Catoctin Youth Association fall sports teams are in full swing with pre-season practices and scrimmages. Cross country, golf, field hockey, soccer, and volleyball are all gearing up. The first varsity football game with Boonsboro H.S. is set for August 31, at 7:00 p.m. A full slate of fall teams, pick one or all and support them.
The 2018 Mid Maryland United baseball program concluded its season in July with the 13U, 14U, and 15U teams winning championships at “The Battle of the Wood Bat” tournament in Emmitsburg, hosted by Mid Maryland United and Stinger Bat Company. The 10U, 12U, and 13U teams made their home in Emmitsburg at the Community Park and the Memorial Park fields. The 12U team ended its season ranked no. 1, and the 13U team ranked no. 4 in the state. Together, the Emmitsburg teams posted a combined record of 86-34-5 and won seven tournaments.
Memorial Park was also home to the First Annual Mid-Maryland United “Schools Out” Baseball Camp in mid-June. The camp was facilitated by 13U coach and Emmitsburg resident Ed Lowry and assisted by Mount Saint Mary’s University players Vaughn Parker, Nick Dellavalle, and Randall Minogue. That’s not all, Emmitsburg also hosted another successful tournament: “The Armed Forces Slugfest.”
Great feedback about the facilities and town by the visiting teams and their fans. More baseball is planned for the fall, maybe even another clinic to build for the spring 2019 season. If we can get the volunteers, we can grow baseball next spring, to start first with T-ball. Baseball is back. Let’s do it.
The 62nd Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show is coming up on September 7-9 at Catoctin High School. Free entry of exhibits on Thursday evening and Friday morning. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday at 7:00 p.m., with the 42nd Annual Community Flag Ceremony, accompanied by Bill and Andrew Douwes playing their bagpipes. The program will honor the 50th Anniversary of Catoctin High School and announcement of the 2018-19 Catoctin FFA Ambassador. On Saturday, there is a breakfast at 7:00 until 10:30 a.m., provided by the Thurmont Lions Club; a supper is at 3:00 until 7:00 p.m., provided by Thurmont Grange, fresh roasted turkey and country ham served in the cafeteria. Sunday, September 9, from noon until sold out, Catoctin FFA Alumni’s chicken BBQ will be served in the cafeteria.
Coming up on October 6–7, 2018, is the 37th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, when we have the honor of welcoming nearly 6,000 guests. This year, the weekend events will honor firefighters who died in the line of duty during 2017 and previous years.
It appears Emmitsburg will soon have a William Cochran public artwork. Cochran is best known for his interpretive painting on one of the bridges that span the City of Frederick Carroll Creek Linear Park. Nothing will be more fitting for our community than to have a glass etching of firemen boarding a fire truck, setting out on an emergency run. The etching comes from the old Independence Hose Company in Frederick. Through generous gifts, funds have been raised to construct a lighted case outside the fire museum, located on South Seton Avenue, to house the 9-foot-high by 15-foot-wide work. The hope is to have construction completed for an unveiling on Fallen Firefighters Memorial Sunday.
Four level-two electronic vehicle (EV) charging stations should be installed and operable at the Community Center parking lot by no later than September 1. Though the town will soon have an electronic vehicle, the charging stations are primarily for visitors for a place where they can recharge vehicles while dining and shopping in our community.
The last day for the Farmer’s Market is Friday, September 21. The market is open 3:30-6:30 p.m. Thank you to our vendors and to the community for its support for another successful season.
Welcome, Mount students! Settling in always brings with it a welcome from the business community and some angst from residents. But in the end, let’s all live and work together for the betterment of this great community.
Thurmont
Mayor John Kinnaird
If you have not entered Thurmont by way of North Church Street recently you may not have seen that the Maryland Midland railroad bridge has been repainted and THURMONT painted on both sides. This project was a collaborative effort between several groups of interested parties, including the bridge painting committee, the public and the Board of Commissioners. The bridge committee started by crafting a survey to see how residents thought the bridge should be painted. After tabulating the surveying results, the decision was made to paint the bridge black with white lettering. The contractor, Black Land Industries from Baltimore, was selected from three quotes and was awarded the job. They started by painting the surface of both sides of the bridge. Then, two coats of an epoxy-based primer and two coats of black paint were applied. Finally, the lettering was added to each side and the final result is eye-catching. My thanks to the bridge-painting committee, all those who participated in the survey, town staff for moving this project forward, and, finally, Black Land Industries for helping bring this project to a successful conclusion.
This month, the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show will be held the weekend of September 7-9. This year, the Grange will be congratulating Catoctin High School on its 50th Anniversary during the opening ceremony on Friday. Be sure to attend the Community Show to enjoy all the crafts, vegetables, fruits, cakes, photos, and animals on display. There is also live entertainment, auctions of the cakes, and many 4-H animals. You can enjoy tasty food the entire weekend, served by the Thurmont Lions Club, the Thurmont Grange, and the 4-H. The Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show is one of those events that sets our communities apart from others. This is a great opportunity to see how amazing our residents are! Join us for an amazing weekend.
With fall just around the corner, Colorfest is not far away. Planning for this annual event is addressed year-round, and several changes are being implemented again this year, including the banning of parking on both East Moser Road and North Church Street. Remember to get your permits for Colorfest in plenty of time to avoid the rush during the last week.
Finally, school is starting again and kids will be walking to and from schools and crossing our streets. Be on the lookout at all intersections for kids, and remember that Maryland Law requires you to stop for pedestrians in designated crosswalks. Of course, you should also watch for kids crossing streets where there are no crosswalks. Thurmont’s crossing guards will be on duty to make sure our walkers get to school safely. School buses will be picking up and dropping off kids on our streets. Be sure to obey the red lights on school buses; they are there to protect our children!
Please call me with any questions or comments at 301-606-9458 or e-mail me at jkinnaird@thurmont.com.
On Wednesday, August 8, 2018, family members, along with First Responders of Emmitsburg’s local volunteer fire department, the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC), as well as area citizens and civic leaders from across the region, gathered to say farewell to past VHC fire chief Tom White (pictured right), who passed away on Friday, August 3, 2018, at the age of seventy-six. During viewings the previous day at the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home in Emmitsburg, the large attendance was testament to an individual who had placed great importance on community service during his entire lifetime. Having previously held all leadership ranks within VHC over the years, Tom became Vigilant Hose Company’s chief in 1984—the department’s 100th anniversary year.
Chief White was carried to his final resting place aboard VHC’s Engine 63 (a 1989 Pierce custom pumper), which he had helped design and purchase during his years as chief of department. Upon leaving the church, his funeral procession passed along Emmitsburg’s West Main Street and VHC’s stationhouse, where members had assembled to render their final salute while positioned in front of emergency vehicles draped in memorial black bunting.
From the Town Square, the procession continued down South Seton Avenue, pausing briefly while passing the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum, owing to Chief White’s past service as president of the Frederick County Volunteer Fire/Rescue Association. The antique rigs there were also adorned with black bunting, including VHC’s Old Engine 63 (a 1945 Ford pumper). At the cemetery in Thurmont, VHC’s Tower 6 proudly displayed a large American Flag, which waved gently during the graveside service.
Tom was a maintenance specialist with State Farm Insurance Company in Frederick for twenty-three years. He was previously employed by Myers Radio and TV in Emmitsburg. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Emmitsburg, and was a proud Veteran of the Army National Guard. A lifetime member of VHC, he loved spending time at the firehouse, where he could be found brewing the first pot of coffee every morning for the “Coffee Club” and sharing the day’s news and stories of what was happening around town with fellow members. About Tom, VHC’s president and long-time friend, Frank Davis, shared, “He was a firefighter’s fire chief. He would teach and give others the opportunity to learn and lead.” He added, “He was the first fire chief that didn’t work in Emmitsburg (State Farm Insurance in Frederick) and that allowed others to step up and learn the job.”
A lifetime member of VHC, Tom was inducted into the VHC Hall of Fame in 1998 for his distinguished and extraordinary service to the company and the community. He was also past president of the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association.
Tom White in the 2009 Town Parade — VHC’s 125th Anniversary Year.
Hub and Tom in uniform at the fire station’s podium in the 1980s.
Emmitsburg Vendor & Craft Event at Vigilant Hose Company — Vendors & Crafters Wanted
The Vigilant Hose Company’s Vendor & Craft Event will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2018, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., at the Vigilant Hose Company’s Activities Building on Creamery Road in Emmitsburg. Crafters and vendors wanted. View the advertisement on page 19 for contact information.
Half-Way to St. Patrick’s Day at Shamrock
Plan to come out to Shamrock Restaurant on September 14-17, 2018, for a Half-Way to St. Patrick’s Day celebration, featuring different Irish music groups each night. View the advertisement on page 15 for more information.
2018 Thurmont Lions Club Christmas Ornament
This is the tenth in a series of the Thurmont Lions Club Christmas Ornaments. The 2018 ornament is near the end of production and will be ready for distribution early this fall.
This year’s ornament, “Roddy Bridge in Winter” depicts one of the well-known covered bridges in the Thurmont area. Roddy Bridge is the smallest of the historic covered bridges in Northern Frederick County. At just under 40 feet, it was built by the Roddy Family in 1856. It is located at the corner of Roddy Road and Roddy Creek Road, a half mile from US 15, spanning Owens Creek. This historic covered bridge was added to the National Register of historic places on June 23, 1978. Once again, the ornament features the artwork of the very talented, local artist Rebecca Pearl. As in the past, this ornament is a limited-edition treasure, with only 350 produced, at a cost of $10.60 (tax included), and is expected to sell out.
This ornament makes an excellent, thoughtful Christmas gift or host/hostess present. View the advertisement on page 17 for more information on how to reserve and order your ornament today!
Job Fair Coming in October
Meet employers, find terrific job opportunities, network, showcase your skills, and more at the Seton Center’s Job Fair at Mother Seton School in Emmitsburg on October 8, 2018, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Event details include ample parking and private spaces for job seekers to complete applications and employers to do on-site interviews. View the advertisement on page 24 for more information.
Deerfield UMC Hosts Worship and Healing
Kathy and Don Hershman, a husband and wife ministry team based in Princeton, Kentucky, will be featured locally during worship and healing sessions at Deerfield United Methodist Church on September 14-16, 2018. With Kathy, many have experienced mighty moves of the Holy Spirit through signs, wonders, and miracles. She travels with her worship leader, teacher, and prophetic psalmist-songwriter husband, Don. Stop by 16405 Foxville Deerfield Road in Sabillasville to participate. View the advertisement on page 33 for more details.
Thurmont Health Fair
Thurmont Lions Club is sponsoring a Health Screening Fair on Saturday, September 29, 2018, at the Thurmont Regional Library, from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., offering blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, with Med One Pharmacy providing flu shots, and Lovettsville Lions Club Health Screening Van providing vision and hearing testing. View the advertisement on page 34 for more information.
Emmitsburg Lions Club Presents Chicken BBQ & Yard Sale
The Emmitsburg Lions Club is holding its Chicken BBQ & Yard Sale on Saturday, September 15, 2018, at the corner of South Seton Avenue and Rt. 15 in Emmitsburg. The Yard Sale will begin at 6:00 a.m.; BBQ will be on sale starting at 11:00 a.m. until sold out. View the advertisement on page 11 for more information.
Tastefully Simple Make and Take Class
Come and make Tastefully Simple’s grilled citrus herb chicken meal to take home with you on September 23, 2018, from 1:00-3:00 p.m., at Rotary Park Pavilion in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. Prep done at class; you bake at home. RSVP by September 20. View the advertisement on page 21 for information about what to bring and how to RSVP.
Rocky Ridge VFC’s Money Bingo is Back
Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company’s Money Bingo is back, starting October 6, 2018, with new prizes! Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with games beginning at 7:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 19 for more information.
“Daystar” at St. John’s Lutheran Church
St. John’s Lutheran Church in Creagerstown is sponsoring “Daystar,” a vocal group, featuring southern gospel music, on October 7, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. View the advertisement on page 31 for more information.
Barn Dance at ThorpeWood
Join ThorpeWood in Thurmont for its Barn Dance on Sunday, September 30, 2018, from 7:00-10:00 p.m., featuring the Naptown Brass Band and food from Gambrill Mountain Food Truck. View the advertisement on page 27 for more information.
Vigilant Hose Company’s Bingo Bash
Reserve your tickets today for the Vigilant Hose Company’s Bingo Bash on September 15, 2018. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m., with games beginning at 7:00 p.m. Get your ticket by August 31 and be entered to win $100 cash! View the advertisement on page 19 for more information and for how to purchase your tickets.
Gateway to the Cure 5K Run/Walk
Register now for the Gateway to the Cure 5K Run/Walk on September 15, 2018! The run starts at 8:30 a.m. at Eyler Road Park in Thurmont. View the advertisement on page 6 for more details and information on how to register.
Sportsman’s Bingo at Rocky Ridge Volunteer 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., with the meal at 5:00 p.m. and bingo starting at 6:30 p.m. Only 200 tickets will be sold! View the advertisement on page 15 to find out how to get your tickets.
Gospel & Bluegrass Music Festival
You won’t want to miss the Gospel & Bluegrass Music Festival on Saturday, September 22, 2018, from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Mt. Tabor Park in Rocky Ridge. This event features local talents and fine bluegrass music by the Carroll County Ramblers and Hanover Express. Admission is free. View the advertisement on page 17 for more information.
Graceham Volunteer Fire Company’s Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
The Graceham Volunteer Fire Company 18, located on Graceham Road in Thurmont, is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on September 30, 2018, from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 17 for cost and contact information.
Turn On Your Pink Outside Lights During October
Turn on your pink in October for Thurmont’s 5th Annual Gateway to The Cure. Show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness by turning on your outside pink light every night in October from 6:00-8:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 31 for more information and for where you can buy your pink light bulb to show your support for a worthy cause!
Thurmont Event Complex Friday Nights Bingo
Mark your calendar for Friday Nights Bingo, starting October 5, 2018, at the Thurmont Event Complex in Thurmont. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., with games beginning at 7:00 p.m. Bingos feature new payouts! View advertisement on page 17 for more information.
Catoctin Colorfest
The 55th Annual Catoctin Colorfest will be held October 13-14, 2018, in the Thurmont Community Park. View the advertisement on page 4 for more information about this much-anticipated yearly event.
A Gospel Concert Featuring Forever Young
Come out on Sunday, September 23, 2018, to the Thurmont Church of the Brethren in Thurmont for A Gospel Concert Featuring Forever Young at 1:00 p.m. Light refreshments following the concert. View the advertisement on page 12 for more details.
Catoctin Gas Engine Show
Bring the whole family out to the Wolfsville Ruritan Club’s Gas Engine Show on October 6-7, 2018, featuring gas and steam engines, antique tractors, cars, food, flea market, vendors, yard sales, and much more! View the advertisement on page 47 for more information.
Town of Emmitsburg Election
Two commissioner seats are up for election in Emmitsburg. Come out to vote on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, at 22 East Main Street in Emmitsburg, from 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 12 for more information.
MountainFest
Don’t miss all the fun at MountainFest on October 13-14, 2018, at Sabillasville Elementary School in Sabillasville. Admission is free. Car Show will be held Sunday, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Additional vendors wanted! View the advertisement on page 16 for more information.
Thurmont’s 2nd Annual Plein Air
Calling all art lovers to Thurmont’s 2nd Annual Plein Air on September 15, 2018, from 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Roddy Road and Loys Station covered bridges. A reception will follow at Thurmont Main Street at 2:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 8 for more information.
Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock and Roll
Get your tickets now for Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock and Roll at the Gettysburg College’s Majestic Theater, located at 25 Carlisle Street in Gettysburg, on Friday, October 19, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. View the advertisement on page 43 for more details and ticket information.
Pippinfest – 38th Annual Craft Show
Come out for two days of fun, pony rides, food, crafts, Cruise-in Car Show & Swap Meet, live entertainment, and much more at Pippinfest on September 23-24, 2018, in historic Fairfield, Pennsylvania. Free admission and parking! View the advertisement on page 20 for more information.
Lewistown Fire Department Sportsman’s Bingo
Mark your calendar now for Saturday, November 10, 2018, for the Lewistown Fire Department Sportsman Bingo. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m., with the buffet at 6:00 p.m. and games beginning at 7:30 p.m. View the advertisement on page 8 for more information and for how to purchase your tickets today.
62nd Annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show
Don’t miss the event that has been bringing the communities together since 1957: the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show! The show is being held on September 7-9, 2018, at Catoctin High School in Thurmont. Each day is packed with exhibits, contests, shows, food, activities, and much more! View the advertisement on page 13 for more details and for exhibit entry information.
24th Annual German Dinner
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Walkersville is holding its 24th Annual German Dinner on Saturday, September 22, 2018, at the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet, live Oompha Band, and bake sale. View the advertisement on page 14 for more details and for ticket information.
Deb Abraham Spalding
It’s becoming an epidemic. People either don’t have health insurance or they can’t afford to use the insurance they do have. Whether needing basic health care from time-to-time, a sick visit, or suspecting a bigger health problem, the new Franklin Family Medicine Direct Primary Care (FFM) in Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania—located in the shopping center near the Blue Ridge Summit Post Office—offers services that can help.
FFM founders, Dr. Gary Gallo and his wife Margie, a registered nurse, are the first in our area to offer Direct Primary Care (DPC) services. At the suggestion of their daughter, Jacki, a physician in the Family Medicine Residency program at UPMC St. Margaret’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, the family researched the DPC concept and took a year to set it up. The FFM DPC opportunity is new. “It’s all about good patient care and getting back to good service,”Dr. Gallo said.
FFM gives us an opportunity for primary health care that we can afford. Now, those who have no insurance, those who have insurance with high deductibles, and employers who want to offer their employees a healthy benefit, have an option that works.
FFM is a family medical practice where an affordable monthly membership fee pays for all of your primary care, routine, and sick visit health needs, plus 24-hour access by phone with Dr. Gallo for any medical question or concern. Dr. Gallo’s DPC services are affordable so that those with no insurance will have these basic health services covered, and those with high deductibles can opt to use DPC rather than pay the high price out-of-pocket for their sick visits and routine medical care (thus the advantage of offering this perk by an employer).
Basically, by cutting out the middleman (the insurance companies), the office staff who make the calls to haggle with insurance companies are no longer needed, thus reducing the overall inflation within the health care system. DPC membership is affordable and smart. Membership is just $70.00 per month per adult, plus just $10.00 per month for each child under the age of twenty-six. Dr. Gallo serves people of all ages, regardless of where the patient resides—Maryland, Pennsylvania, or any other state if in the area for a long-term temporary assignment. Please note that, at this time, Medicare patients are not eligible for membership in FFM.
With FFM membership, here’s what you get for NO ADDITIONAL FEE: a yearly physical with routine bloodwork (FFM has its own lab in-house, so standard blood work is included in DPC); yearly well-child checks; health maintenance visits; sick visits with in-house testing (if needed for strep, mono, flu, etc., plus no additional fee for antibiotics if needed); recommended vaccinations; and 24-hour access by phone to your doctor for any medical question or concern. Those suffering from—or suspecting they may have—diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, COPD, and/or asthma may find that FFM is an affordable way to manage their care with this opportunity. FFM uses prescription drug affiliates that cost less than even our cheapest pharmacy. Prescriptions are either picked up locally or mailed directly to your home.
When needing specialist visits, radiologic diagnostic studies, therapy, and non-routine labs and testing, FFM has established, and continues to expand upon, a local-area network of providers who will offer these services at discount pricing. Does this mean we should all start to opt out of our high-priced, high-deductible insurance? Firmly, No! But, DPC services are just beginning and the future is bright with alternatives to the costly practices currently faced in our insurance-based health care system.
Dr. Gallo explained that FFM club members rarely have to wait to be seen, and they receive more time with the doctor for more thorough care. Hundreds of DPC practices have opened around the country, and the concept is revolutionizing our nation’s broken healthcare system.
Originally from the Pittsburgh area, Dr. Gallo, Margie, their son Marcus, and daughter Jacki moved to the area in 1999. Dr. Gallo earned a bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and a law degree at Georgetown University Law School before pursuing a career in medicine. He graduated from East Tennessee State University’s Quillen School of Medicine, then completed the Family Practice Residency Program at Latrobe Hospital in Pittsburgh. He has been Board Certified in the specialty of Family Medicine since 1999, and he is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice Physicians, as well as the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
It is a bonus that while operating FFM, Dr. Gallo is the managing partner physician with Waynesboro Family Medical Associates (WFMA) in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. Thus, there is a flow of service that can transition beyond basic and sick services to either the traditional care at WFMA or the local-area providers through FFM. Please note that the two practices, FFM and WFMA, are separate entities.
If you think FFM may serve your needs, call 717-785-1151 to learn more and to set up a free get-to-know-us introductory visit. The address of the office is 14961 Buchanan Trail East, Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania. Visit FranklinFamilyMedicine.com for more information and see their ad on page 31.
Margie Gallo, Registered Nurse, and Dr. Gary Gallo, are shown outside the Franklin Family Medicine offices in Blue Ridge Summit.
Have you noticed the renovations and construction that have taken place recently at the Emmitsburg and Thurmont McDonald’s locations? According to Thurmont McDonald’s Manager Rohan Seopaul, the work has been completed in Thurmont and continues in Emmitsburg. The construction included a change to the entire façade of the building, lobby area, bathrooms, and roof at each facility. In meeting ADA requirements, diners lost 25 percent of seating area, but the space is much more accommodating and modern. The dining area features game tables for adults and children. The ordering counter has an express lane for pick-up of in-store orders and internet orders that are placed through an app.
The owner of these McDonald’s locations owns a total of eight stores, including the McDonald’s in Walkersville, Taneytown, and others in the metro area.
A later second phase will address renovations in the kitchen and back of the restaurants.
Thurmont McDonald’s renovations are now complete.
Emmitsburg McDonald’s renovations will soon be complete.
The Thurmont Lions Club will be hosting two Northern Frederick County Candidates Forums in October for the upcoming elections. On Wednesday, October 3, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. at the Thurmont Middle School, a candidates forum will feature those running for the County Council District 5 and County Council At Large seats.
On Wednesday, October 17, also at 7:00 p.m. at the Thurmont Middle School, the Northern Frederick County Candidates Forum will showcase the candidates running for the County Executive and House of Representatives 8th District seats.
This Northern Frederick County Candidates Forum series will highlight those issues that are important to our area, allowing the candidates to present their views and allowing the constituents of our area to get to know the candidates so that they can make informed decisions on Election Day. The Thurmont Lions Club does not endorse any one candidate for office, but rather presents an opportunity for our communities to know who is seeking to represent them in our local and national governments.
Catoctin High School will host various activities all school year to commemorate the school’s 50th anniversary. Anniversary activities are planned for Catoctin’s Homecoming on October 5, 2018. Before the homecoming football game, an anniversary parade will be held; a reception will be held in the cafeteria at the high school before the game. During the reception, alumni can snack, socialize, and tour the school. Committee members are looking for memorabilia from the last fifty years that can be photographed, scanned, and/or displayed in the school for the 2018-2019 school year. In addition, families where multiple generations have graduated from CHS, please visit www.sites.google.com/fcps.org/catoctin50 to find out how to contribute to this celebration this school year!
The CHS Student Government Association and CHS Sports Boosters will host activities to commemorate the anniversary throughout the year. Stay tuned for details.
Emmitsburg residents, we need your help! Please join Emmitsburg for the third Emmitsburg Volunteer Community Clean-Up Day on Saturday, September 8, 2018, from 9:00 a.m.-noon. Volunteers will pick up and dispose of loose trash and litter from the parks, roads, and alleys in the downtown Emmitsburg area. Meet at Memorial Park (just behind the Post Office) at 8:15 a.m. for a light breakfast and to organize into teams. Plastic bags, gloves, and garbage pokers will be provided. Cleanup begins east of Seton Avenue on both the north and south sides of Main Street, working towards the Silo Hill/Main Street intersection (where the Jubilee shopping center is located).
We had great first and second Clean-Up Days. Thanks to all the volunteers who picked up well over 100 pounds of trash and litter. This is simple hands-on work that needs to be done to help keep Emmitsburg a beautiful community. If you have a passion for your community and a little extra time on September 8, please come out for the third Emmitsburg Volunteer Community Clean-Up Day.
