From the monthly archives: "May 2017"

Emmitsburg’s Ambulance and Fire Companies Consider Potential Merger

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Members of both the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company (EVAC) and the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) have begun to discuss how their respective emergency services roles might be improved by merging personnel, resources and facilities.

This initiative is early in its consideration and will require research, on-going discussions and coordination among all stakeholders including the public, area businesses and institutions as well as local and county public policy officials and regional emergency services agencies.

EVAC President Mary Lou Little and VHC President Frank Davis jointly stress that this is an open and positive step that both organizations have long discussed. The community and surrounding area are the driving force to continue to work to improve and enhance service.

Senior administrative and operational leaders of both groups have recently been discussing possible ways to potentially combine personnel and resources to better meet growing service demands while also developing strategies ultimately determined to be in the best interests of those served.

Members of both organizations met together on Sunday evening, May 21, 2017, at the EVAC Station 26 to begin a process for positive outcomes. And, such interactions will continue. Community input is encouraged and will be used in designing a comprehensive approach and structure to move forward. Frequent updates will be issued so all interested can be kept apprised of developments.

Questions can be made through contact with Spokesperson Tim Clarke at 301-748-4161 or at HN181@AOL.com

Town Hall Reports

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MAY 2017

Emmitsburg

No Changes in Tax Rate Expected

Emmitsburg Mayor Donald Briggs gave the town commissioners their first look at his proposed FY18 budget. The constant-yield rate as calculated by the State of Maryland will be 6 cents per $100 of assessed value. This is the rate that will bring in the same amount of tax revenue as the previous year.

He also noted that the preliminary budget does not include a cost-of-living adjustment for employees, but they will receive any step increases that they are due.

Revenue in the general fund is expected to increase $56,571 or 3.35 percent.

The water fund will decrease, in part, due to conservation efforts. The capital fund is expected to increase from $121,812 to $218,341.

The commissioners will now begin their review of the budget. It must be approved by June 30.

 

Algae Control Working Well

The preliminary data for Emmitsburg’s new algae-control system in Rainbow Lake looks good, according to Town Manager Cathy Willets. The new system, which cost the town $38,650 for setup and $13,000 a year for calibration, was installed in April. The LG Sonic system uses ultrasound to destroy the algae, causing it to sink to the bottom of the lake. Willets said that once data is available to present, she will do so, but she is pleased with the preliminary data so far.

 

Emmitsburg Extends Reciprocity to Waynesboro

Because of the Borough of Waynesboro’s generosity in allowing Emmitsburg residents to pay the Waynesboro resident rate to use their town pool this summer, the Emmitsburg Mayor and Commissioners have returned the favor. Should Waynesboro need to close its pool for renovations in the future, residents will be able to swim in Emmitsburg’s new pool and pay the Emmitsburg resident admission.

Thurmont

Meeting the State’s Recycling Goal

The State of Maryland has set a 90 percent recycling goal by 2040. Frederick County has a group that is looking into how the county will be able to meet this goal.

“It’s going to take until 2030 to even intersect with the goals that the state has set for everybody,” said Thurmont Chief Administrative Officer James Humerick. “Luckily, we’re way ahead in actual recycling of plastic, glass, paper, cardboard, and those sorts of items, but this organic is going to be the big issue.”

To meet the state goal, Humerick said that it seems that single-stream organic collection is going to be the answer. He expects the county to institute a pilot program next year in Frederick City and the public schools to move toward this.

It also seems like a countywide program would involve fourteen local composting sites. The part of the county between Emmitsburg and Thurmont would have at least one, maybe two, sites. Each site would need five to six acres and would be able to compost up to 10,000 tons a year.

Humerick said that while he believes this is going to happen, cost will be an issue. Projections right now are that it would cost between $6 and $10 a month per household, and $500 to $700 per month for restaurants to pay for pickup and processing of organic material.

While the program would be voluntary at first, most likely it would become mandatory in the future.

Mayor John Kinnaird said that if the county doesn’t hit its 2040 target, the county could start withholding building permits.

While nothing has happened yet, Kinnaird said that he wanted to make the commissioners aware of what was in the works. “It’s going to impact every one of us, so it’s in our best interest to keep an eye on what’s going on with that,” he said.

 

Asphalt Overlays Approved

East Street, Lombard Street, and Shipley Avenue will be getting new asphalt overlays. The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners recently awarded the project to L. W. Wolfe of Myersville. The project costs $95,453.75 and should be complete by the end of the month.

 

Commissioners Get Draft Budget

With the budget workshops complete, the Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners got to see the proposed FY18 budget that will go into effect on July 1. It is based on a $3,547,982 operating fund and a $425,000 capital budget. This represents a 3.1 percent increase to the general fund.

The commissioners still need to review and approve this latest draft by June 30.

 

Tree Saving Efforts Recognized

The Town of Thurmont is in the midst of replacing the dying ash trees in Community Park. With roughly 40 percent of the trees needing to be replaced, it is a labor intensive and expensive project.

The town recently recognized volunteers who have helped plant seventy-five new trees in the park. Thurmont’s Green Team, Venture Crew 270, Girl Scout Troop 81200, Boy Scout Troop 270, Cub Scout Pack 270 Den 1, the Catoctin High Leo Club, and the Frederick County Forestry Board received a Certificate of Appreciation from the town.

The town also received a national award from the National Arbor Day Foundation for the work it has been doing to preserve and replace the trees in Community Park. Becky Wilson with the Maryland Forest Service presented the Tree City USA Award.

A town has to meet four criteria to receive the award: (1) Celebrate Arbor Day; (2) Have a team dedicated to tree care; (3) Have at least $2.00 per tree dedicated to tree care in the budget; (4) Have a law to protect trees.

According to Wilson, only about 37 communities out of 147 eligible Maryland towns receive this award annually. This was Thurmont’s first year to receive the award.

 

Town Helps in Creeger House Restoration

The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners voted to donate $15,000 from the town’s unreserved fund balance to the Thurmont Historical Society “to use that funding solely for the purpose of restoring damage to the building that was uncovered to make it whole.”

 

Food Bank Update

Pastor Sally Joyner-Giffin, who manages the Thurmont Food Bank for the Thurmont Ministerium, recently updated the mayor and commissioners on the work that the food bank is doing in the area.

In 2016, the food bank filled 3,691 requests for food from 528 households. During this year, from January through April, the food bank filled 1,065 requests for food.

Because of refrigerators and freezers that the food bank was able to purchase with Community Development Block Grants, families can receive fresh and frozen foods, as well as packaged goods and canned items.

“To be able to give out fresh food has been a real gift to us,” Joyner-Giffin said.

The food bank gives out an average of 5,080 lbs. of frozen food and 3,000 lbs. of fresh food a month.

From the Mayor

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Thurmont

Mayor John Kinnaird

With summer just around the corner, you should be thinking about visiting the Thurmont Main Street Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, beginning June 3. There is always a great selection of seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, eggs, baked goods, hand-crafted items, and other treats! Live entertainment will be returning this year, with local talent providing background music for the market. The market is located in the Municipal Parking lot on South Center Street and is open each Saturday morning, 9:00 a.m.-noon. If you want to grow your own vegetables and fruit, why not sign up for a spot at the Community Garden! The Thurmont Green Team sponsors the Community Garden, and spaces are still available. Just stop at the Town office and pick up an application. The sites are already tilled and are awaiting your green thumb.

School will be out soon, and our kids will out and about walking, bicycling, skate boarding, and playing. As you drive on our streets, be aware of children and watch out for them. Kids do not always look both ways before crossing the street, and they can run out in front of vehicles while playing. Be sure to drive with extra caution and help insure our children’s safety.

I have had some residents contact me about scam phone calls from people claiming to be with the Town of Thurmont. If you get one of these calls after regular business hours (8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) or on a Saturday or Sunday, please be aware that it is most likely a scam. If you are not sure, just ask the person for their name and tell them you will call them back at the Town office at 301-271-7313. We are also seeing an increase in the number of door-to-door sales people with the nice weather. Anyone going door-to-door, selling or soliciting, are required to register with the Thurmont Police Department and should have an identification badge showing they are registered. If you are approached by someone and they cannot provide proof of registration, ask them to move on.

Residents may have noticed recent street work, with the paving of Lombard Street, East Street, and Shipley Avenue. These projects are part of our ongoing efforts to improve our streets. There are many more projects in the works that will be moving forward this year and in the future. As part of our improvement plans, we are currently bidding paving for the Eyler Road Park and the Trolley Trail, both of these projects will improve access to these well-used areas. Frederick County has committed to help us in a joint sidewalk project for Moser Road. This will add improved pedestrian access to both the Frederick County Regional Library and the Trolley Trail.

The Board of Commissioners has just finished work on the 2017-2018 Budget, and I am happy to report that we have based the coming budget on the Constant Yield Tax Rate. As in the past several years, the Constant Yield Tax Rate will ensure that our residents will not see an increase in the property tax rate. I want to thank the residents that provided input in the budget process, our financial staff, department heads, and the Board of Commissioners, for working together in the budget writing process.

As always I can be reached at 301-606-9458 or by email at jkinnaird@thurmont.com.

Emmitsburg

 Mayor Don Briggs

It has been written that “Hope springs eternal.” For our family, this spring is full of realization of hope. We have a grandson graduating from Mount St. Mary’s University; a granddaughter from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut; a granddaughter moving on to Catoctin High School from Mother Seton; and a grandson in Colorado graduating from Bishop Mullen High School in Denver, on his way to Colorado State University to study and play football. The two college graduating “grand-students” are graduates of Catoctin High School. It’s more than a nudge, this passing of the baton, and we love it.

On June 1, I will be attending the Catoctin High School Commencement exercise at Mount St. Mary’s. Congratulations to the graduating students, their families, and the faculty.

Recently, I attended the “Every day is Earth Day” chorus and band performances directed by Cheryl Carney and Allison Smetana, respectively. One of the songs was a direct hit to the heart: “Don’t Forget the Little Children.” Let’s not. Everything the town does is focused on our children and grandchildren: revitalization, water preservation, recycling, solar, LED lights, and grants for redoing downtown properties. “Use what we need, but save something for future generations” is more than a request, it is a plea from our children.

Before the close of schools for the summer, fourth graders from Mother Seton School and Emmitsburg Elementary School will be visiting the town office. Very exciting!

In May, the town, in conjunction with the Emmitsburg Business and Professional Association (EBPA), hosted a breakfast for town businesses and other community partners as a simple thank you for what they do in service to the community. A rollout of a family drug-awareness program was also part of the breakfast. The program is tied in with the “Pool Party in the Park” in the Community Park, on Friday, June 16, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.—lots of fun, with a DJ, dancing, free hot dogs, tea, and more (for at least the first 150 people).

Make Saturday, June 24, a day to visit Emmitsburg, with the Community Heritage Day Festival 2017, starting with the traditional breakfast at Vigilant Hose fire hall at 6:30 a.m. and followed later that morning with the Lions Club BBQ chicken dinners (served in the hub of the festivities in Community Park). IMPORTANT: This year, the parade along West Main Street and down South Seton Avenue will start at 5:00 p.m. and the Memorial Program at 6:00 p.m. New this year is the evening horse-drawn carriage tour of Emmitsburg, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Michael Pryor Productions and Stewart Chapman, who will provide a musical review of music through the decades, beginning with the 40s; entertainment begins at 7:00 p.m. and runs until 9:30 p.m. There will be crafters and vendors, plenty of children’s activities, bicycling activities (off-road and on-road), exercise path fun, and fireworks. The Lions Club, EBPA, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Christ’s Community Church, and other civic organizations, all work together to provide a day full of fun and activities. The day will end with Independence Day fireworks. Please go to Emmitsburgevents.com for details on this great day of fun.

June 14 is Flag Day, always a wonderful tribute by our Veterans. This year, the northern County Flag Day observance will be held in Thurmont Memorial Park. The location of the observance is held on an annually rotating basis with Emmitsburg.

In September, Mount St. Mary’s University will hold a Constitution Day celebration, at which I have been invited to read the Preamble of the Constitution at the observance. With the 4th of July coming up, I submit the Preamble for those who may have forgotten, including me: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” Amen. From that, we must pull together in common defense against the insidious attack of drugs.

Hoping you enjoy a wonderful June in Northern Frederick County.

Statue of Mary is Crowned at The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

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Anita DiGregory

On Sunday, May 7, 2017—despite the chilly temperatures, windy conditions, and occasional rain—approximately 1,800 people were in attendance to witness the third annual crowning of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Emmitsburg.

The ceremony, which was preceded by Mass in the glass chapel, included prayers, hymns, and a procession. Mount Saint Mary’s Interim President Timothy Trainor and his wife, Donna, were in attendance, welcomed everyone, and initiated the procession. Several seminarians from the Mount processed carrying the 12-foot long silk flower crown from the chapel to the crane, which was donated for use during the ceremony by Steve and Cecilia Gregory (Mount alum).

Owners of Big Hook and Crane Rigging, the Gregorys have donated the services of the crane and its operators for each of the three years that the statue of Mary has been crowned. In fact, according to National Shrine Grotto Director Lori Stewart, the Gregory’s generous donation helped make the idea of crowning the Mary statue a reality.  Due to space limitations around the tower, a fire-truck ladder could not be used. Additionally, the high cost of renting a crane made the idea seem almost impossible. However, the Gregorys just happened to be visiting the shrine one day when the topic was being discussed. They offered then to donate their services.

This year, their son, Brock, assisted Mount Rector of the Seminary Rev. Msgr. Andrew Baker with the crowning. Adorned with hard hats and crane rigging belts, both men were hoisted over 100 feet in the air to crown the 25-foot-tall gold-leafed bronze statue of the Blessed Mother. “We do it all for our Mother, Mary. Some people think it is extravagant, but we think she is that special.”

The crown will remain atop Mary’s head for the entire month of May. This Catholic tradition, which originated in Italy during the Middle Ages, with the institution of “The Thirty Day Devotion to Mary,” is often referred to as a May crowning. The ceremony honors Mary as the Queen of May and the Blessed Mother. Although the statue of Mary is crowned, Catholics recognize that it is not the statue which is celebrated but that which the statue represents: Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

Clearly visible to all travelers along that area of Route 15, the 25-foot statue of Mary sits above much of the Mount Saint Mary’s University campus, atop the Pangborn Campanile (bell tower) and measures 95 feet tall all together.  With Mary overlooking the shrine and picturesque countryside, the Grotto continues to be a beautiful and peaceful retreat for the local community, pilgrims, and visitors, averaging about 280,000 guests a year. Stewart added,”It is beautiful being around the people and seeing how they react to Mary. It is the best part.”

Gone Fishin’ — Frederick County Once the Largest Producer of Goldfish

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James Rada, Jr.

When Luther Powell and his brothers attended the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, they saw a presentation about raising goldfish. Upon returning home, they realized that their farm had a good water supply, so they dug ponds and began a new business venture.

The idea caught on with other farmers who saw it as a way to make money from their ponds, and within a few years, nearly all of the goldfish in America were coming from Frederick County.

“At one point, 83 percent of the goldfish in the country were from Frederick County,” said Bill Powell, Luther’s grandson.

Bred in China for their color, goldfish were the first non-indigenous fish brought into the United States.  The historical record does not confirm an arrival date, but stories with references to goldfish put their arrival as early as 1826. They were being sold as pets by the 1850s, and interest in them spiked after P. T. Barnum opened the first public aquarium in 1856.

One suggestion for the popularity of goldfish in the county is that the German families that settled in the county enjoyed a fish-rich diet, which had led to a depletion of fish in the local streams. They purchased carp from the government to supplement the natural fish population. The carp were shipped in cans, and some goldfish, which are cousins to carp, also stowed away in the cans.

Ernest Tresselt wrote in his book Autobiography of a Goldfish Farmer, “That’s how goldfish found its way to the Maryland countryside, on the tails of edible carp. It is easy to speculate that one or more farms in Frederick County got goldfish along with their carp during the period when the carp culture in farm fish ponds was advocated as a supplementary food supply.”

Charles J. Ramsburg of Lewistown is believed to be the first goldfish farmer in Frederick County.  By the early 1900s, Ramsberg was shipping about a million fish a year around the country, according to History of Frederick County.

Another pioneer in goldfish farming was Ernest R. Powell of Lewistown. In 1892, at the age of twelve, Powell began to breed goldfish. By 1910, when his biography appeared in History of Frederick County, Powell had become successful enough in his enterprise to be identified as “one of the largest dealers of goldfish in Frederick County.”

More farmers began entering the business, using existing farm ponds or new ponds dug by hand with shovels, wheelbarrows, and horse-drawn scoops. “In the early part of the century, I think people in the county, especially farmers, saw goldfish as a way of making extra money,” Tresselt said in a 2006 interview.

Tresselt believed that goldfish farming flourished in the county in part due to “the availability of water on many farms because of the mountain streams and springs. The temperate climate, with its distinct seasonal changes, is ideal for the propagation of goldfish.”

George Leicester Thomas, who founded Three Springs Fisheries in 1917 in Buckeystown, believed that the success of goldfish farming in Frederick County was largely due to the fact that the mineral content of the water was well-suited for goldfish. Thomas’ grandson, Charles, agreed, saying that the rich color of the goldfish resulted from good breeding stock and water rich in nutrients from truckloads of manure dumped in the ponds. “The manure has nutrients that fish thrive on and actually all they have to do is open their mouths in order to eat,” he told the Frederick Post in 1981. It was these nutrients in the water, according to Thomas, that gave Frederick County goldfish the reputation of being the best-colored goldfish in the country.

George Thomas started his business as a roadside stand in Buckeystown that sold the vegetables and goldfish that he grew on his farm. “He had a keen eye for finding some type of venture where he might be successful,” Charles Thomas said of his grandfather in a 2006 interview. While customers may have bought his vegetables, they tended to show more interest in the goldfish bred in his goldfish hatchery, Three Springs Fisheries. When the U.S. postal authorities agreed to establish a branch office near the fishery to assist in the shipping of the goldfish, they asked George Thomas to select a name; in 1932, the Lilypons post office branch was created. By the end of World War II, Thomas’ fish hatchery, now known as Lilypons, had become the world’s largest producer of goldfish.

Hunting Creek Fisheries near Thurmont was started by Frederick Tresselt, a graduate of Cornell University, who had worked at the state trout hatchery in Hackettstown, New Jersey. “In driving around the county with a friend in 1922, Dad was amazed to see all the goldfish ponds in the area,” his son, Ernest, said in 2006. “Every farm that could, had fish ponds. It was a cash crop for them [the farmers].”  Hunting Creek Fisheries opened in 1923 and is still in operation today as a family-run business, raising ornamental fish and aquatic plants.

Tresselt believed that Frederick County might not have had the oldest goldfish farms in the country, but the county did have the most goldfish farmers. At the peak of goldfish farming in the county (1920s and 1930s), he estimates that as many as thirty or more farms were raising millions of goldfish.  The 1925 News-Post Yearbook and Almanac listed the county’s production at three-and-a-half to four million goldfish on 400-500 acres.

The Powells eventually had 45 acres of ponds on their properties, and would ship out 120,000 goldfish a week from September through November.

“In the early days, we would get the fish out of the ponds and ship them around the country to five and dime stores,” Powell said.

These goldfish were sold for $10 to $50 per thousand, and the value of the yearly production was approximately $75,000. By 1932, production increased to seven million goldfish on 500-600 acres, with goldfish selling for $35 to $70 per thousand (retail price five-ten cents each). Reports estimated Frederick County goldfish farmers had brought $1.5 million into the county.

In 1920, county farmers organized the Gold Fish Breeders Association of Frederick County, in part to fight against the high cost of shipping, property assessments on goldfish ponds, and other issues of importance to Frederick County goldfish farmers. The organization ended once many of the county goldfish farmers left the business.

Early goldfish farming was relatively simple. In the spring, farmers stocked their ponds with breeder goldfish. The goldfish reproduced, and the young grew through the summer. Feeding the fish was kept at a minimum. Generally, some form of ground grain, like wheat middlings or ground corn, was the food of choice. The breeders were kept in the deepest ponds since these ponds provided a good water supply over the winter.

Powell said that his family looked for fish with long fins and thick bodies. They would spread Spanish moss in the ponds where the goldfish could lay their eggs. The moss was then moved to empty ponds so that the goldfish wouldn’t eat the newly hatched fish.

In the fall, the goldfish were harvested and sorted by size. Buyers would come driving trucks full of fish cans in which to carry the fish, or farmers would ship the fish to the buyers. A single farmer might ship thousands of fish each day during the harvest.

“At first, we were shipping dark fish to bait shops for fishermen, but later they began to say that the colored fish caught more fish, and they wanted them,” Powell said.

Goldfish production in Frederick County soared. By 1920, eighty percent of goldfish produced in the United States originated in Frederick County. By 1931, the U.S. Commerce Department reported that the goldfish industry was a $945,000 business in the United States.  Throughout the 1930s and into the 1940s, the publications of the News- Post Year Book and Almanac note that Frederick County had “more goldfish produced than in any part of the United States.” Interestingly, the yearbooks list goldfish as “selected crops harvested” rather than “livestock on farms.”

Competition was inevitable, however, and by the late 1930s, the appearance of larger, more diversified, growers across the country reduced the demand from Frederick County farms.

Modern technology also worked against county goldfish farmers. Advances in shipping techniques, and the increased variety and quality of goldfish available from growers around the world, gradually changed the goldfish market. By the 1950s, fish could be shipped in plastic bags by air freight. The plastic reduced shipping costs and the planes extended the distance the goldfish could be shipped. This further increased the competition in the market. Air transportation allowed areas that had not previously engaged in goldfish farming—such as Arkansas—to become competitive or even better locations than Frederick. “By going south, you had a longer growing season,” said Charles Thomas. “In a place like Arkansas, instead of having only one crop each season, you could have two.”

The result was that farms producing only common goldfish seasonally, such as those in Frederick County, could not compete. By the 1940s, only a few farms in Frederick County were still cultivating goldfish. “Everything changed,” Tresselt said. “We have to supply fish year round. The competition made it unprofitable for most farmers, and they went out of business.”

Powell’s family got out of the goldfish business in the 1960s. “People didn’t want them. They were starting to ban them from being in lakes. The county had a severe drought that made it hard to keep the ponds full. Fishermen were using spinning lures more than live bait, and kids didn’t want goldfish as pets. They wanted tropical fish that were harder to care for,” Powell said.

By 1980, Lilypons, once the world’s largest producer of goldfish, had diversified so that it now specialized in water garden supplies and plants more than in fish. Hunting Creek Fisheries and Eaton Fisheries also survived by diversifying their offerings into plants, game fish, and/or other types of ornamental fish, such as koi.

Today, there are still fish ponds in Frederick County. Lilypons devotes some of its nearly 500 ponds to goldfish. Hunting Creek Fisheries still has ponds in Thurmont and Lewistown, as does Eaton Fisheries in Lewistown.

Other goldfish ponds have disappeared, however. The Claybaugh fish ponds in Thurmont are now covered over by Mountain Gate Restaurant, Exxon, and McDonald’s. Fish ponds belonging to Ernest Powell and Maurice Albaugh, along Moser Road, no longer exist. The area east of the Maple Run Golf Course used to have Ross Firor’s ponds, but does no more. The ponds on William Powell’s Arrowhead Farms on Apples Church Road north of Thurmont and Frank Rice’s goldfish ponds alongside Route 15 south of Thurmont have been filled in and turned back to pasture.

Frederick County no longer is the biggest producer of goldfish in the country, but there was a time when the county led the country in growing the fish of emperors and kings.

Long & Foster Real Estate Opens New Thurmont Office

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Town of Thurmont commissioners Wayne Hooper and Marty Burnes (far left), and Wes Hamrick and Bill Buehrer (far right) are pictured with Mayor John Kinnaird and Taylor Huffman (center) during the grand opening of her Long & Foster office at 3 W. Main Street in Thurmont.

Photo by Grace Eyler

Long & Foster Real Estate is pleased to announce that it opened a new office in Thurmont on May 20, 2017. Located at 3 W. Main Street, the office is led by Taylor Huffman and will be managed by Jackie Sellers, branch manager of the Frederick office.

“Long & Foster is committed to growing our presence in Maryland, and the opening of the Thurmont office allows us to increase our footprint and better serve home buyers and sellers throughout the area,” said Cindy Ariosa, senior regional vice president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “Additionally, having a leader like Taylor, who was raised in Thurmont, provides us with a unique understanding of the local market and the needs of its residents.”

Huffman, who has been a real estate agent for six years, will be joined at the office by three additional Long & Foster agents. She is a top-producing agent, a member of the Long & Foster Gold Team, and sold more than $8 million in real estate volume in 2016. In 2012, she was named Long & Foster Rookie of the Year. Huffman is a member of the Frederick County Association of Realtors.

“I’m thrilled to be launching this new Long & Foster office and leading a team of agents who will be supported with the best training, tools, and technology available,” Huffman said. “Long & Foster is a company that puts its agents and clients first, and I saw a need to bring the services the company offers to Thurmont and the surrounding area. We’re excited and ready to put our skills to work in the local community.”

The Thurmont office is a direct result of Long & Foster’s Elite Entrepreneur Platform, which allows agents to build their own business while aligning with the No. 1 private residential real estate company in the United States.

“Opening this new office aligns with Long & Foster’s plan to expand our ability to provide unparalleled customer service to our buyers and sellers,” said Gary Scott, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “We have no doubt that the new Thurmont office will be the go-to resource when consumers in this area of Maryland are looking to make confident, well-informed buying and selling decisions.”

Huffman grew up on a 350-acre farm in Thurmont, which helped her cultivate a hard-work ethic from a young age. She has experience in all types of real estate, especially in the sale of land and farms, and she is a member of the Maryland Agricultural Commission, helping the state connect with farmers. In her spare time, Huffman works alongside her husband, Brandon, on their family farm, Lawyer’s Winterbrook Farm. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Welcome to Cantori’s Theatre of Magic

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James Rada, Jr.

Emmitsburg now has a new place to visit where you can watch a magic show or buy a book. Magician Michael Cantori has opened Cantori’s Theatre of Magic at 24 West Main Street in Emmitsburg.

“We’re going to have a performing space for parlor magic shows, which are smaller shows for groups smaller than thirty people. People used to hold small shows in their parlors for their friends and acquaintances,” Cantori said. He believes that these smaller shows are more interactive.

Cantori envisions the store being an after-dinner destination for people eating at one of Emmitsburg’s restaurants, and also hopes to attract visitors from Gettysburg and Ski Liberty.

Cantori will also have a used bookstore sharing the space with the performance area. “It is a general-use bookstore with material that focuses on magic, philosophy, mythology, literature, and local interest,” he said.

In addition, Cantori will also offer instruction in magic and illusion, although the store will not be selling magic tricks. “We’ll have more of a focus on the art of magic and develop the needed skills sets to perform tricks.” He explained that he could do an hour show with just card tricks, and it is those sleight-of-hand skills that new magicians need to develop first as they learn to perform tricks.

The combination of magic theatre and used bookstore may seem unusual, but it is a combination that Cantori embodies. Not only is he a master illusionist, but he has owned used bookstores in the past. He sees the store as something that will anchor him more in the community so that he won’t have to travel as much for his performances.

“It is fulfilling to become an active part of the community,” expressed Cantori.

Store hours are limited right now. As the store finds its audience and the need for shows grow, so will the store hours.

You can find out more about the store at www.illusionplace.com and you can call the store at 301-447-3400 to find out the current store hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Cantori, owner of Cantori’s Theatre of Magic in Emmitsburg.

Photo by Deb Spalding

Book Signing to Benefit Creeger House

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James Rada, Jr.

It’s been a while since Terry Miller visited his hometown, but Thurmont is never far from his thoughts. He will be in town at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2017, to sign copies of his book The Mountain Beyond and to take a walk down memory lane, at the Thurmont Visitors Center on Water Street.

“It’s a memoir of a young boy growing up in small-town America in the 40s and 50s,” Miller said.

He lives in Texas now, but he grew up in Thurmont until he joined the Air Force in 1958. He used to live where the old Creeger Flower Shop used to be located on Old Frederick Road.

“I grew up with a lot of adversity,” Miller said. “I wanted to turn it into something positive. The book has a lot of ponders and life’s lessons learned and humor.”

His purpose in writing this book was to leave something of value that may touch other people, so they, too, can grow through times of trials. Miller’s sense of humor shines throughout the book, as he finds life can be fun in the midst of the troubling times.

It has been six years since Miller visited Thurmont, and he is returning for his 60th class reunion, a member of the Thurmont High School Class of 1957.

“I have a lot of fond memories of Thurmont,” Miller recalled. “I grew up during a time when doors were never locked, one signal light guided traffic, and the one-man police force went to bed at 8:00 p.m.”

Terry’s goal in conducting a book signing while in town for his high school reunion is to not only talk about recapturing life when times were simpler, but to be a part of the Creeger House preservation. He will be donating $5.00 from every book sale to the “Save the Creeger House Fund.”

During his presentation, Miller will be discussing three ways to learn from the past, so you can leave something of value as part of your legacy.

Following his talk, a tour of the Creeger house will be conducted to show the deteriorating condition of the house. People will be able to see first-hand why the historical society is seeking donations to help pay for the needed repairs.

If $30,000 is raised, the Maryland Historical Trust will provide a matching $30,000 grant. The original portion of the house is a log cabin built in the 1920s by Col. John Rouzer, a state senator and Civil War soldier.

As Miller said, “Preservation is a key part of our heritage. Each of us needs to learn from our past, so we can see the value of making our contribution.”

Former Ford Dealer Wins Chevy

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Deb Spalding

Johnny S. Hollinger of Emmitsburg purchased a raffle ticket a few months ago from Lauri Harley at the Ott House Pub to support the Catoctin Safe and Sane Class of 2017. The Ott House often sells raffle tickets to help out various community groups, and Johnny often buys one or two to show his community support. He never dreamed he’d win a new car, especially not a Chevy!

You see, Johnny is a former Ford dealer. His family owned the Sperry Ford Sales dealership in Emmitsburg for about sixty-five years. The business was located at 130 South Seton Avenue, which is now owned by W.S. Drywall.

Johnny’s Aunt Ada (Hollinger) Sperry owned the dealership with her husband, Ralph. Johnny’s father, John J. Hollinger, worked at the dealership. Formerly from Hagerstown, John visited Emmitsburg while representing a Studebaker company in Hagerstown to help Sperry introduce the Model A Ford in 1927. He was supposed to be in town for just three days, but stayed for the rest of his life. He met his future wife, Pauline Havner, who was in Emmitsburg working for her uncle, M.G. Keilholtz, owner of the Palm Lunch Restaurant. Pauline was from the Woodsboro, Maryland, area.

Starting in 1950 selling parts, Johnny sold Fords at Sperry’s. He also sold Ford chassis, used for fire trucks, to local fire departments. Both Johnny and his father served Emmitsburg’s Vigilant Hose Company in the roles of chief and president at different times. Both achieved life membership in the department. Johnny has been involved now for seventy years at Vigilant.

The Sperry Ford Sales dealership was closed in 1988, when it was sold to a former Redskin football player named George Starke. Starke moved the Ford business to Thurmont after running it in Emmitsburg for two years.

Johnny is still a devout Ford ambassador, having sold them for thirty-eight years. The irony of a Ford man winning a Chevy is legend.

Johnny admitted, “I knew I’d take a lot of flack from friends and family about winning a Chevy.” He did drive the Chevy home.

Johnny (John S.) Hollinger is pictured next to his Frederick County Fire & Rescue Hall of Fame Certificate and a photo of his father, John J. Hollinger, at the Vigilant Hose Company.

This Year’s Fireworks in Honor of Robert (Reds) Hance

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This year, the fireworks at Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day are in honor of Robert “Reds” Hance, who passed away unexpectedly early this year. “Bob was such a proponent for Heritage Day and was such a leader in the community that the Lions, Heritage Day Committee, and community, felt it would be fitting to dedicate the fireworks to him,” said Jennifer Joy of the Heritage Day Committee.

Bob was tireless in his support of many organizations and charities in Emmitsburg. It is hoped that many in Emmitsburg will come out in force to show their appreciation for him at the fireworks. Of course, the fireworks are the final event that finish off a day full of fun, sun, and family activities that begin early in the morning on June 24, 2017, beginning with the annual Vigilant Hose breakfast, followed by the Lions Club field games. Also planned this year: lots of delicious homemade food, including the Lions Club Famous Chicken BBQ; fun sports and activities for all ages; great live music from local artists; special vendor/craft exhibits, kid’s games, and rides; the Lions Club Memorial Event and Art Contest awards; Art Contest Exhibit; Library book sale; K-9 dog and emergency service demonstrations; horse-drawn carriage rides; historical tours, featuring author James Rada, Jr.; Grotto and Seton Shrine tours; car, truck, and motorcycle show (dash plaques also dedicated to “Reds”); annual parade (starts earlier this year at 5:00 p.m.); and evening entertainment with music from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, with Stewart Chapman and Michael Pryor Productions.

To keep abreast of all the news and schedule of activities on Heritage Day, please visit www.EmmitsburgEvents.com and check out its Facebook page: Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day.

The Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day Planning Committee would like to issue a special thanks to all who have contributed to the success of the Heritage Day festival including: the Sons of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, VFW, EBPA, local churches, businesses, and all the residents, for their hard work and dedication to the community.

If you have not already donated to support the Fireworks display, and you would like to, there is still time to contribute. All donations received will support the Fireworks and the Heritage Day Festival. Send check payable to: Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day c/o P.O. Box 1182, Emmitsburg, MD 21727.

Town Works to Abate Lagoon Smell

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James Rada, Jr.

Kim Andrew of Emmitsburg was awakened one morning because the smell in her house was so foul. The smell wasn’t coming from anything in her house, though. It was coming from the wastewater treatment plant lagoon that the town rents to Enviro-Organic Technologies (EOT) during the winter.

The lagoon had not been used since the new wastewater plant went into operation. EOT currently hauls the town’s sludge, but it was in need of a place to store food process residuals from mid-November until the beginning of March. An agreement was reached, and EOT paid the town $80,000 to use the lagoon, which was to be used towards some of the operating costs of the new wastewater treatment plant, at least for the first year.

The problem is that the material stored in the lagoon has been creating a hydrogen sulfide type of smell.

Mary Ann Wivell of Emmitsburg told the commissioners that she is afraid to hang up her clothes to dry outside for fear that they will pick up the smell. She and other residents attended the May town meeting to ask the commissioners to do something about the smell, which has been noticed in the east end of Emmitsburg since March.

“We have a beautiful town, and I’m concerned that you have people that come here, and that’s all they smell,” Wivell said.

Andrew said that she fears she goes to work some days smelling of rotten eggs. The material in the lagoon is a nutrient replacement that is spread on fields, but new state regulations don’t allow this to happen in the winter, so the material must be stored.

Residents also wondered if there were health hazards associated with the smell. In particular, could it affect people with asthma?

Phil Snader, EOT vice president, said that Maryland Department of Agriculture regulates the material and that it is a wash water product from processing poultry.

He said that he believed the smell started when the material in the lagoon was stirred. This broke the crust on the surface and allowed the smell to escape.

Snader suggested some things that could be done to reduce and hopefully eliminate the smell: (1) A biological odor-control agent can be added to the lagoon once it is drained of material; (2) Mixing can be reduced so as to not compromise the crust; (3) Material can be removed through PVC pipe under the crust to keep it intact; and (4) Straw can be placed on top of the material that will help a crust form more quickly.

However, Snader cautioned, “I can’t guarantee there will never be an odor.”

The commissioners are willing to give Snader’s solutions a try. Also, EOT stopped using the lagoon in early May.

Based on how well the implemented solutions work, the commissioners may not want to rent the lagoon for the same use this winter.

Catoctin Banner Resolution Update: Rachel Mohler

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The view out of Rachel Mohler’s kitchen window is so picturesque that it should be a painting—in fact, it is a painting. Or, should we say, it is many paintings. Rachel has painted that ever-changing view nearly a hundred times since her resolution to complete a painting-a-day started on January 1, 2017.

Her New Year’s Resolution had no real rules, so Rachel kept it seemingly simple, painting the view from the picture window in her new home on the mountain in Sabillasville. Each day she paints a unique rendition of the scene on a new 2×3 inch piece of gesso board.

The goal of a resolution is often measured in quantity, like counting calories or losing weight, or an absence of quantity, like stopping a bad habit or abstaining from eating a certain food. Rachel’s resolution seemed to be of the first variety, simple arithmetic—a painting a day.

In fact, Rachel’s resolution took on a life of its own, complete with the emotion of changing moods in the weather; the changing perceptions of the scene by Rachel, her children, and her husband; and the lessons of attention to detail: appreciation of nature, awe of the grand order of the world, rhythm and changing palette of the seasons, ebb and flow of life, happiness about being part of something grand, and peace in new inspiration.

Rachel has captured the scene at the birth of sunrise, the rest of sunset, the blanketing of snow, the cloak of fog, the bathing of sun, the cleansing of rain, and amidst the demand of storm. She said, “Sometimes the fog goes on for days, but then you realize, the color of the fog is changing depending on what’s going on above the fog.”

In the first two weeks, she painted with her usual watercolor but couldn’t quite capture the beauty of the images as well as she wanted, so she switched to oil paint. Feeling somewhat intimidated by oils, Rachel told herself, “Just do it. That’s how you’re going to learn.” So, she completed her first-ever oil paintings.

As the days progressed, Rachel noticed involvement by her children. “They’re seeing when the clouds are pink, the sky is green, there’s a rainbow.” At one point, her daughter Saige (turning five in June), joined the project and completed her own watercolor paintings on small pieces of hand-torn paper.

With a five-year-old (Saige), a three-year-old (Atlas), and a one-year-old (Wren), the mom artist was bound to battle the demands for her time, and family comes first—as it should. This winter, one family member after another battled sickness, as strep, flu, pink eye, and fever swept through the family. Because of this, Rachel was not able to meet the painting-a-day demand.

Reconciling what could be construed as a failure, Rachel was able to give herself a break after talking to her husband, Brian, and her mother, Linda Faulkner, who are very supportive of her. Her mother, who is also an artist, told Rachel, “If you had a friend who went on a diet and fell off the wagon a bit but still was making progress, would you call her a failure?”

Rachel surmised, ”If I can just give myself some grace, it’ll be okay.” So, she paints when she can.

Having never done a daily or a long-term goal project, Rachel quickly streamlined her painting processes. She takes photos of the view with her phone. Her choice of 2×3 inch gesso boards was really a matter of convenience. With three youngsters, she needed her studio to be at-the-ready when the opportunity to paint presented itself. Therefore, she owns a small travel portfolio case that, when unzipped, has all supplies handy, including pens, pre-cut boards, her brushes, and a small old tobacco tin that she purchased from the Emmitsburg Antique Mall, used as her paint box so her paints don’t dry out.

The many paintings that Rachel has completed so far are displayed on the wall next to the family’s dining room table. Some look like photographs. Each painting is different.

There is one painting that Rachel does not like. She has repainted it several times. The image was from Valentine’s Day morning. Rachel explained, “It was the most beautiful sunrise ever. The sun shone like a spotlight into the sky on the clouds. I just cannot capture the light of the clouds. I can’t even count how many times I’ve started that one over. I just don’t have the skill to capture it yet.” Undeterred, Rachel aspired, “It will make me feel better once I’ve conquered it.”

Read more about Rachel’s story and her painting-a-day resolution results at the end of this year in The Catoctin Banner Newspaper. To see postings of Rachel’s paintings visit Instagram.com/rhmohler and facebook.com/rhmohler.

Graceham Volunteer Fire Company Holds Annual Banquet

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Allison Rostad

If you’ve ever been a part of a volunteer fire company, you’ve probably already experienced a banquet that seems more like a family get together. For the members of Graceham Volunteer Fire Company, this is nothing short of the truth.

On Saturday, April 22, 2017, Graceham Volunteer Fire Company members gathered in their decorated engine bay, with apparatus neatly displayed out front, for their annual ceremony and awards banquet. Emcee of the evening, President Louis Powell Jr., welcomed guests and members for a meal provided by Mountain Gate, preceded by an opening invocation and blessing from Pastor Sue Koenig.

The awards program began shortly after 7:30 p.m., with a brief memorial service remembering the three members who passed away in the previous year.

“A bell symbolizes a start of the day for the fire department. It would symbolize a response, ringing the bell to call the firefighters in—on scene, on the apparatus, on the steamers; they would ring the bell that the incident was over and the fire fighters could go home. These three firefighters have gone to their heavenly home. As such, we will ring the bell in their honor,” Chip Jewell, director and chief of the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, explained for the remembrance of Eugene “Sonny” Grimes, George “Junebug” Morningstar, and Anthony “Tony” Weddle.

Members took a moment to say a prayer for their lost loved ones, and a prayer for their safety in the coming year.

Chief James Kilby shared an overview of the previous year, announcing the company’s less than eight percent fail rate on answering their 230 calls for the year. “We did extremely well getting everything out.”

President Louis Powell Jr. then added to the list of company successes with the announcement of their first year being debt-free after the final vehicle payment on Engine Tanker 184.

A President’s Award was given to Brian Boller and Bill Morgan for their assistance in guiding Louis in his new role as president.

Julie Durgan received the Chief’s Award for her consistent efforts in keeping the apparatus up to standard.

Top Five Responders were: Hilary Blake (141 calls); Michelle Powell (113 calls); Josh Hillman (62 calls); Katie Miller (61 calls); and Eugene “Sonny” Grimes, who was represented by his wife and daughter to accept the award. Captain Valaria Kilby shared a slideshow entitled “Reflection of Past,” with images of members active on a call, at training sessions, and taking part in community events.

The banquet came to an end with a final installation of officers for the upcoming year by Gary Keller, Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Associations Board of Trustees member.

Administrative Officers for 2017: Louis Powell Jr.—President; Bill Morgan—Vice President; Hilary Blake—Secretary; Julie Durgan—Assistant Secretary; Sterling Seiss—Treasure; Brian Boller—Assistant Treasurer.

Board of Directors for 2017: Katie Miller, Brian Boller, Lara Gosbee, Hilary Blake, Kenneth “Doc” Simmers Sr., and Sterling Seiss.

Line Officers for 2017: Chief James Kilby, Assistant Chief Louis Powell Jr., Captain Valaria Kilby, and Lieutenant Julie Durgan.

Pictured from left are: (back row): Bill Morgan, Brian Boller, Louis Powell, Hilary Blake, Julie Durgan, Katie Miller, Lara Gosbee; (front row) Kenneth “Doc” Simmers and Sterling Seiss.

Pictured from left are Michelle Powell, Brian Boller, Josh Hillman, Hilary Blake, and Katie Miller.

Pictured from left are Jim Kilby, Louis Powell, Val Kilby, and Julie Durgan.

“STEAM” Night at Sabillasville Elementary

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Theresa Dardanell

The floor of the Sabillasville Elementary gym became the Atlantic Ocean—gymnastic mats were transformed into the Titanic, and ordinary physical education equipment turned into icebergs, lifeboats, and gear to get the students (passengers) to safety. That was only one of the exciting activities during STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Night on May 5, 2017.

Twenty-five families attended the event, which began with a welcome by teacher Melinda Bentz and a pizza dinner served by Principal Kate Krietz and other staff members. Students had the opportunity to visit two of the five stations set up throughout the school. Physical Education teacher Michael Pritt said that the Titanic Challenge gave the students the opportunity to create an engineering strategy and work as a team.
In the Imagination challenge, students used Legos to build a car powered by a balloon. Teachers Tonya Wantz and Shari Austin worked with students to design their cars. One outstanding car traveled 101 inches!

Art teacher Heidi Hench said that the Transportation Creation challenge combined art and math; students used geometric shapes to create and draw different means of transportation.

The computer lab was the location of the Information Station, where Media Specialist Renee Bennett showed students, and their parents, how to use a database to learn more about the Titanic and then use that information to create a fun bookmark.

Thurmont Library staff members Jeannie Read and Shelba Bollinger set up the Engineering Challenge station, where students could design and build structures using everyday items like clothespins, blocks, plastic cups, rulers, and paint sticks. Educational door prizes like Lego, art, and building sets were given out during the evening. One excited student jumped up and cheered as soon as his name was called as a prize winner.

Students were challenged to build the tallest structure during STEAM Night at Sabillasville Elementary School, while parent Kellie Bytella (far right) cheered them on: (back row) Cale Tyeryar and Blair Carpenter; (front row) Brynn Eyler and Giana Bytella.

Two Catoctin High School Wrestlers Place in State Tournament, Another Champion Crowned

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The 2016-17 wrestling season was a difficult one for the Cougars.  Coach Green, now 144 wins and 99 losses in his ten-year career at Catoctin High School, compiled a 4 and 10 regular dual meet record and an overall season total of 6 and 23, not exactly the stellar returns that Catoctin wrestling fans have grown accustomed to.  For a team that has shared so much success in recent years, these uncharacteristic numbers are both disheartening and deceiving, but do nothing to take away the heart and steadfastness that Catoctin wrestlers possess. Disheartening, because Green and his long-time assistants, Coach Gialanella and Garrett Baer, were permanently hobbled by fielding an ultra-thin line-up, and the shrinking number of participants resulted in forfeiting 36 points per match, making winning as a team next to impossible. Deceiving, because six of eight squad members would win 65 percent or more of their individual bouts, a remarkable statistic considering had Catoctin engaged a complete line up, even with wrestlers losing without giving up pins, the team scores would have been  tighter and, in all probability, more than a few of the losses suffered could have been victories. As a result, the Cougars fell from the Maryland State Wrestling Association’s  overall and dual meet rankings, but did manage to hold onto an honorable mention spot as a tournament team—again, due to the fortitude of the young men representing the team. In head-to-head matches, however, the tough and competent squad fared remarkably well and 14 of the 23 losses suffered this year fell within the 36-point deficit, an attribute to the resolve of the individuals that took to the mat in this year of rebuilding. Of the eight wrestlers on the team, only one failed to advance to the regional tournament, and five qualified for the state championships.

At the Bauerlein duals, the Cougars were victorious in only one match as a team, but individual results were much more positive. Zachary Bryant, the 113-pound junior, swept the competition to remain unbeaten in seven matches. Jacob Baker suffered only a single loss during the tournament, and Wyatt Payne and Josh Small registered only two losses. At the Hub Cup—still regarded as one of the toughest tournaments around—a notable six of eight Cougar wrestlers advanced to the medal rounds, including RJ Monaghan and Jacob Baker, taking 5th place; Ethan Fuss and Wyatt Payne each securing 4th; Joshua Small settling for 3rd place after a loss in semi’s; and Zachary Bryant taking 2nd  place with a loss in finals. Catoctin still placed 8th as a team in a field of twenty-two squads, a testament to the quality and grit of  the Cougar wrestlers. Although the team would win only a single match at the Catoctin duals, the team’s home tournament, the individual wrestlers would continue to perform above expectations. RJ Monaghan would remain undefeated in all eight matches; Ethan Fuss, Zachary Bryant, Jake Baker, and Josh Small would lose only one match apiece.

Frederick County has witnessed  the unprecedented perennial success of its high school wrestling programs in recent years, achievements that are simply unequaled anywhere else in the state. The ten public high schools in Frederick County are continually setting new standards for wrestling excellence throughout the state. This year, eight of the twenty-eight state champions represented Frederick County—that’s almost one quarter of  all the champions. Montgomery County, which has the largest number of public high schools in the state with twenty-five, produced  only three state champions, and all came from the same school. Last season, Frederick County sent thirty-four wrestlers to the state tournament and twenty-two of them placed. The year prior to that, Frederick County boasted ten finalists and five state champions. It is no wonder then, why the Frederick County wrestling tournament is often more competitive than the ensuing regional and state tourneys. Catoctin took 4th place as a team, and all but one of the Cougars made the medal rounds. Zach Bryant and Travis Fields each remained unbeaten en route to their county titles. Fields, a freshman and a fifth-seed underdog, was also honored with the Fred Burgee Award, presented to the tournaments most outstanding wrestler, marking the third time in six years that a Catoctin wrestler was honored with that award (Charlie Perella 2012, 2015). RJ Monaghan, Ethan Fuss, and Wyatt Payne each suffered only one loss early in the competition, to secure 3rd place. Jake Baker and Josh Small both placed 4th. Matt Linker, the 220-pound freshman, failed to advance, but saw plenty of varsity action during his opening year. He finished with a 9-18 record in a very unforgiving weight class for a freshman.

The Cougars secured a 7th place team finish at the 1A-2A West Regional Tournament out of seventeen clubs, not a daunting result considering the teams’ lack of entries. The 1A-2A West is—and statistics back it up—considered to be the best region for wrestling in the entire state. In the past three years, almost half (41 percent) of all place-winners at the state championships represented one of the seventeen schools in this region, 103 of 252. In addition, 62 percent of all state champions (26 of 42) represented the region. Furthermore, there were thirteen 1A-2A West regional final rematches in the state finals, including one particular rematch this year at 113 pounds, a testament to the consistent high level of toughness of the wrestlers that this region continues to produce. Zachary Bryant claimed his first regional crown, along with the number one seed for states, after a first round bye, a first period pin in quarter’s, a 9 to 5 decision in semi’s, and a 10 to 1 major in finals. Ethan Fuss and Josh Small both wrestled back to 3rd place after losing one match a piece. Fuss would drop his quarterfinal match in a close 4 to 2 decision, but win two in a row by decision to advance to states. Small lost his first bout by fall, but qualified for states by winning his next three, two by decision and one by pin. Jake Baker and RJ Monaghan each took 4th place, punching their tickets to be included in the sixteen-man bracket for the state tournament. Baker would lose his first match, win two more by decision, only to face the same opponent he lost to earlier with the same result. Monaghan’s fate would mirror that of Baker. Dropping his first match by fall, Monaghan would win his next two bouts with a pin and a 7 to 1 decision, and  lose a second time to his opening opponent, but this time by a very close 5 to 4 decision.

Wyatt Payne, the 145-pound sophomore, was only a point away from qualifying for states. He lost his opening bout by two points, won by seven in his next match, and lost a close 2 to 1 decision in consolation quarter-finals. Payne continues to improve as he won eight regular season dual matches this season. He went 4 and 2, winning some notable match-ups and taking 4th place at the Hub Cup, finished 5 and 2 at the Bauerlien Duals, and placed 3rd in the county tournament. Selected as an honorable mention to the Frederick News Post All-Area team, he concluded his season with a 21 and 12 total, winning 69 percent of his matches, and bumping his career record to 42 wins and 28 losses.

Like Payne, Travis Fields came up short at the regional tournament, suffering a 9 to 2 loss in the preliminary round. The 132-pound freshman showed promise by winning 56 percent of his matches, including eight regular season duals. He was victorious in three bouts at the Hub Cup, three at the Bauerlien Duals, and five at the Catoctin Duals. He stunned the crowd by sweeping the bracket at the Frederick County tournament, winning not only a county title, but the outstanding wrestler award as well. He posted a  22 and 16 record on the season, and secured an honorable mention bid to the Frederick News Post All-Area team.

Catoctin was able to achieve a 7th place team finish among some ninety-nine public high school wrestling programs, and advanced two of the five state qualifiers to the medal rounds during the state wrestling championships, held for the second year at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. One wrestler would lose a single match in semi-finals, but fight back to take 3rd place. The other would pin his way to finals and become Catoctin’s 8th individual state wrestling champion.(Shane Tiffany 1995, Seth Chilson 2010, Tim Nordan and Charlie Perella 2013, Wayne Wivell and Charlie Perella 2014, and Perella again in 2015).

Placing 4th last year as a sophomore, Ethan Fuss, the 126-pound junior, made his second appearance at the state tournament. Fuss lost his preliminary match, but showed composure by pinning his next two opponents, knowing that his next loss would eliminate him from the contest. He slipped from the medal rounds after a 9 to 3 loss in the following session. Fuss, whose wrestling style is both fearless and exciting, won five regular season dual matches this season, placed 4th at the Hub Cup, went 4 and 3 at Bauerlien, and finished 7 and 1 at the Catoctin Duals. He placed 3rd in both the county and regional tournaments, earning him a  bid to the Frederick News Post All-Area 2nd team. He achieved a record of 28 wins and 15 losses on the year and is creeping toward the 100 win mark, with a career total of 89 victories and 31 defeats. He concludes the year with a ranking of #21 in the State by the Maryland State Wrestling Association.

Jacob Baker, the 160-pound freshman, was 1 and 2 in his first appearance at the state tournament. He was defeated in his first match by the eventual state champion, won a 10 to 2 decision in the consolation bracket, but was defeated in his next bout and bumped from the competition. The Frederick News Post All-Area 2nd team nominee  had a stellar debut to his high school wrestling career, winning 11 of 14 regular season dual matches, placing 5th at the Hub Cup, and registering only one loss at both the Bauerlien Duals and the Catoctin Duals. He placed 4th in the Frederick County Championships, 4th in the regional championships, won 68 percent of his matches, and finishes his freshman season with a 32 and 13 record.

RJ Monaghan made his first appearance to the state tournament as a junior, representing the 170-pound weight class. He was defeated in his first bout by a one-point, 3 to 2 decision to the eventual 4th place finisher. He scored 18 points to overwhelm his next opponent with a third period technical fall, but failed to advance to the medal rounds, with another close 3 to 2 loss. The exceptionally strong Monaghan, who is ranked at #25 in the state by the Maryland State Wrestling Association and recognized as a Frederick News Post All-Area 2nd team member,  posted a regular dual meet record of nine victories and five defeats. He placed 5th in the Hub Cup, went 4 and 3 at the Bauerlien Duals, and was a perfect 8 and 0 at the Catoctin Duals. He placed 3rd in the county, qualified for states by placing 4th at regionals, finished the season with a 29 and 16 tally, and now has a career total of 60 wins and 43 losses.

Joshua Small, the 152-pound junior, is no stranger to the state tournament. His name has appeared in the state bracket three times. As a freshman, he came away empty handed, but last season, he was able to earn a hard-fought 5th place medal. This year, he would build on that success with two straight wins out of the gate, both by pin, in prelim’s and in quarter’s, guaranteeing himself a spot on the podium. After a 5 to 1 decision loss to the state runner-up, Small would put together two more consecutive wins, a 13 to 3 decision and a 6 to 4 final, to secure a 3rd place finish in a field where the top three medalists all hailed from the 1A-2A West.  Executing a basic, no-nonsense style of wrestling, Small won 9 of 14 regular season dual matches, suffered only one loss for a 3rd place finish at the Hub Cup, sported a 5 and 2 record at the Bauerlien Duals, and went 7 and 1 at the Catoctin Duals. In championship events, he placed 4th in the county, 3rd in the region, and took 3rd at states, resulting in a 1st team nomination to the Frederick News Post All-Area team. Ranked at #17 in the state by the Maryland State Wrestling Association, Small wraps up his junior year with 33 wins versus 13 losses, bringing his career total ever closer to the 100 win mark, with 93 victories and 36 losses.

Zachary Bryant is the lone member of the current Catoctin squad that sports a state championship medal for each of his high school wrestling seasons. The deceivingly strong and exciting risk-taker would settle for a 4th place finish during both his freshman and sophomore years, but this year he would realize his potential. Wrestling as the number-one seed in the 113-pound weight class, he would simply dominate his first three opponents in true Bryant fashion, with an aggression that could not be matched, claiming victory by fall in each contest. In finals, Bryant would face an opponent that he had derailed just a week earlier. He prevailed with a 6-3 decision, a score that seems much closer than the action actually showed; when his hand was raised, Bryant officially became Catoctin’s 8th Maryland state champion wrestler. Bryant’s remarkable statistics include a perfect 11 and 0 undefeated regular dual meet total, as well as a flawless 7 and 0 showing at the Bauerlien Duals. He would lose a close finals match at the Hub Cup, settling for 2nd place and finish with one loss, going 7 and 1 at the Catoctin Duals, his only loss of the year to a fellow Maryland high school wrestler. Winning 95 percent of his bouts, the Frederick County champion, 1A-2A West regional champion, and Maryland state champion, Bryant would post a 37 and 2 season record, bringing his career totals to 105 wins and 17 losses. He was honored with a 1st team bid to the Frederick News Post All-Area team and is currently ranked #2 in the state by the Maryland State Wrestling Association.

      

 Zachary Bryant, 113-pound Maryland State Wrestling Champion

   Josh Small takes 3rd place at Maryland State Wrestling Championships.

Zachary Bryant, 113-pound Maryland State Wrestling Champion.

Outstanding Performance by Catoctin High School Unified Track and Field Team

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Charmane Nesbitt

The Catoctin High School Cougars placed second in the State during the Interscholastic Unified Track and Field State High School Invitational in May.  All season, they worked hard preparing for this day.

Heat results for the 100-meter run include: 1st place—Destiny Knestout, Max Bingman, Nathan Schwartzbeck; 2nd place—Savannah Smith-Sanchez; 3rd place—David Toddes.

Placing first in the 200-meter run were Kaleb Welch and Jordan Kaas.

Kimberly Shields placed second in the 400-meter run.

The shot put division winners are as follows: 1st place—Kaleb Welch; 2nd place—Max Bingman, Cecelia Bosche, and Nathan Schwartzbeck; 3rd place—Caleigh Laprad.

The javelin flight winners include: 1st place—Savannah Gillis, Riley Flick, and Kimberly Shields; 2nd place—David Toddes; 3rd place—Jordan Kaas, Destiny Knestout, and Savannah Smith-Sanchez.

In the running long jump event, Tierney Monaghan placed second.

The 4 x 400 relay team: Caleigh Laprad, Jordan Kaas, Kimberly Shields, and David Toddes placed second.

The 4 x 100 relay team:  Savannah Smith-Sanchez, Nathan Schwartzbeck, Cecelia Bosche, and Kaleb Welch placed first.

The Cougars were awesome, giving their personal best and showing good sportsmanship! Great job, Team. We celebrate your second place finish in the state!

CHS Unified Track and Field team with coaches Charmane Nesbitt and Guy Nesbitt.

Catoctin Kids

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by Anita DiGregory

In Honor of Fathers

On June 18, America will celebrate Father’s Day, a day devoted to our dedicated dads.  Although widely celebrated today, surprisingly, Father’s Day was not always embraced by society. In fact, it did not receive its designation as an official holiday until the early 20th century, when it was established as a complement to Mother’s Day.

According to History.com, the first organized day of recognition for fathers was celebrated in the state of Washington on June 19, 1910, when Sonora Smart Dodd, a Spokane woman, went to local community leaders in an attempt to establish a day of celebration for fathers in honor of her father, a single parent of six. However, it took sixty-two years for it to become an official holiday, and even then faced some controversy. President Woodrow Wilson had already approved in 1914 a resolution to establish Mother’s Day. This day, set in honor of “that tender, gentle army, the mothers of America,” was enthusiastically embraced, having already been celebrated in forty-five states since 1909.

After Dodd’s 1910 celebration, the idea of Father’s Day slowly increased in popularity, despite thoughts that some dads lacked the sentimentality or interest in a day of honor for them.

In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge advised local governments to institute this day of honor for dads.

During the Great Depression, U.S. retailers struggling to make ends meet launched campaigns in support of Father’s Day and promoted the necessary card and gift purchases to go along with it. With World War II, Father’s Day took on another meaning, becoming synonymous not just with the support of our fathers, but also with the American soldier, many of whom were honored dads. Finally, in 1972, Father’s Day became a national holiday when President Richard Nixon signed the federal proclamation.

In honor of Father’s Day, I would like to give a shout-out to all dads out there. Your role as father is sacred, special, and super important.  It is not easy and certainly not glamorous, but it is monumental; in choosing to get up each day and face your struggles and be there and provide, you shape lives. Your silent sacrifices, devotion to your family, and commitment to being the man you are called to be, is what shapes communities and motivates today’s youth to be equally as inspiring.

So, in honor of my dad (a perpetual list maker), my husband (an amazing and inspiring father and also a list maker) and all dads out there, I have included some Happy Father’s Day Lists, featuring quotes, favorite Dad movies, and things you can do in honor of Father’s Day.

Fun and Inspiring Quotes about Dads

“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.”  —Billy Graham

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord.”  —Ephesians 6:4

“When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”  —Mark Twain

“By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong.”  —Charles Wadsworth

“I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.”  —Sigmund Freud

“Having children is like living in a frat house—nobody sleeps, everything’s broken, and there’s a lot of throwing up.”  —Ray Romano

“When I hear people talk about juggling, or the sacrifices they make for their children, I look at them like they’re crazy, because ‘sacrifice’ infers that there was something better to do than being with your children.”  —Chris Rock

 “Fatherhood is not a matter of station or wealth. It is a matter of desire, diligence and determination to see one’s family exalted in the celestial kingdom. If that prize is lost, nothing else really matters.”  —Ezra Taft Benson

“It’s like you have a child and you think, ‘Everything that I’ve done up until this point is insignificant in comparison to being a father.’ It’s a beautiful, beautiful thing.”  —Vin Diesel

“Every night before I get my one hour of sleep, I have the same thought: ‘Well, that’s a wrap on another day of acting like I know what I’m doing.’ I wish I were exaggerating, but I’m not. Most of the time, I feel entirely unqualified to be a parent. I call these times being awake.”  —Jim Gaffigan

 

Favorite Movies About Dads

Here are some great movies to watch with Dad: Father of the Bride; Three Men and A Baby; The Goofy Movie; Hotel Transylvania; Meet the Robinsons; Finding Nemo; Mrs. Doubtfire; RV; We Bought a Zoo; and Dan in Real Life.

 

Things You Can Do for Dad in Honor of Father’s Day

Clean the car inside and out (yes, that includes getting all of the old French fries and Cheerios out from under the seats), do the yardwork, clean out the garage, clean out the clutter and have a yard sale, surrender the remote, serve him breakfast in bed, go to church with him, take him fishing, go hiking together, plan a family day trip or getaway, work on a household project together, run a 5K with him, go biking, or attend a sporting event together. Listen to him and have fun together. But above all, spend time with him!

Trinket or Treasure

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by Lisa C. Cantwell

Dear Reader: This is a column to help you determine the history and value of your heirlooms, attic finds, flea market purchases, or antique items. Please send a picture and description of your piece, such as how you acquired it and any details about its history, to tomandlisa@wildblue.net. I’ll research any item, whether it’s a piece of furniture, a painting, a tool, a doll, a figurine, or an article of clothing.  An approximate value will be determined to inform you if it’s a “Trinket or Treasure.” Please submit all pictures and questions by the preceding 15th of the month for possible publication in the next monthly issue of The Catoctin Banner. All inquiries will be answered; however, only those selected for publication will include approximate value assessments. Furthermore, not all submissions may be published in the Banner due to space considerations.  Please include your name or initials and where you reside. Thank you and happy treasure hunting!

“My mother-in-law gave me this hitching post that she found in an antique mall. It’s 42 inches high and has some rust. Is it old and does it have value? Should I display it outside?”

— Leigh L., Waynesboro, PA

Hitching posts date from very early days of iron-making to the early 1900s, before the automobile really took off.

It appears that your post does have some rust on the base, but the head has been replaced, as it’s different in tone and doesn’t match the base in the quality of iron. In other words, it was likely added later and spray-painted. The base is very smooth, lacking the granular pock marks found on reproduction casts, so that is a sign that it’s older. Also, check the screw mountings; if they jut out, have Phillips head screws, and are not concealed, it’s likely a reproduction. I love horse hitch posts and recall seeing them as a child during the 1960s on the grounds of antebellum homes in southern Kentucky. One home in Todd Country, known as “The Pepper Place,” had as many as six hitching posts directly in front of the cast iron fence that encased its grounds. The house still stands, but the hitching posts are long gone. If you intend to keep your treasure, do display it outside and paint it with a protective coating suitable for cast iron. If you wish to sell it, don’t paint or remove any rust. Consider keeping it under a patio awning or covered area outside. Taking into consideration that the horse head is not original, your hitching post is worth about $125 to $150 on the current market. Its value would be much higher if it had the authentic head.

 

“I bought these glass pictures at an antique mall. They are framed in wood. The back label reads: Sungott Art Studios, New York. How old are they? Are they worth anything?”

— Clara Gray, Frederick County, MD

This pair dates to the early 1950s and features prints of Victorian ladies surrounded by intricately hand-painted borders of flowers, birds, ribbons, and foliage on glass.

Your pair is a fine example of a technique known as “gravure,” featuring subtle, sepia tones of rose, brown, gold, green, and blue. The marbled gold glass trim and gilded octagon-shaped frame further enhance the illusion of great art value, but the truth is, Sungott was not an art “studio,” but a distributor of affordable art. These paintings and prints were found in department and furniture stores, gift, and decorative outlets for about two decades. They aren’t exactly treasures, but neither are they trinkets. Consider them a charming vintage pair, with a value of $19.99 to $25.00 each.

“I inherited this vase. What can you tell  me about it?”

— Beth Helmick, Thurmont

It’s a two-handled small vase with a beautiful floral scene reminiscent of the hand-painted Nippon (Japan) style seen on porcelains from the last century.

The gilded birds are a Victorian touch, helping date your little piece an approximate timeframe of either late 19th or early 20th century. Much of the gold is missing on this vase, and the medallion at the base is very worn. The “F” mark is etched, not painted or printed, making it difficult to identify. This vase was likely half of a pair that probably looked very regal perched at either end of a mantel or piano. A similarly-shaped, taller vase on eBay sold for $39.99. Given the lapse in interest of antique or vintage porcelain vases of a non-specific maker, value your treasure at approximately $20.00 to $30.00. In terms of heirloom value, which includes the associated memories and stories, it’s priceless!

 

Department Spotlight

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by Theresa Dardanell

Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company

One of the questions I asked the administrative members of the Emmitsburg Ambulance Company was, “Why do you volunteer?”

Some of the responses were, “It lets me help other people,” “It gives me a great feeling,” and “Volunteering is in our blood.”

There are currently sixty-two members that serve in an operational, social, or administrative capacity. Operational members run the ambulance calls, while the social and administrative members take care of the fundraising and the business aspects of the organization.

Because there is always a need for more Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Emergency Medical Responders (EMR), and ambulance drivers, the company plans a mentoring program for new recruits. Free training is provided right here in Frederick County for anyone who is at least sixteen years old. The process begins with the application that is available on the Company website at emmitsburgems.net, or you can stop by the station and complete an application.  After the application is accepted, training begins with the Frederick County “Gear Up” class, in which trainees learn CPR and how to put on the gear and also visit the 911 center. The final steps to become certified are a hazmat class, along with other EMT or EMR classes.

Currently, Bingo is the only fundraiser that supports the Company, evidence of extraordinary community support.  Large crowds join in the fun on Wednesday afternoons and Friday evenings. Because payouts are based on the number of people who attend, the jackpot can be as large as $750 on Wednesdays and up to $5,000 for the progressive jackpot, along with a guaranteed jackpot of $1,000 on Fridays. Company President Mary Lou Little said that money from additional 50/50 drawings is donated to local non-profit  organizations “…as a way to give back to the community for all of the support they give us.”

The Emmitsburg Ambulance Company has been in operation since 1946. They were a part of the Fire Department until 1986, when they became a separate company and moved to South Seton Avenue.

In 2007, they moved to 17701 Creamery Road, their current location. They are equipped with two ambulances and a utility vehicle. Their mission statement is: “The Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company is dedicated to providing the Emmitsburg community and surrounding areas with professional pre-hospital and medical services.  The Company is committed to providing quality care in a timely manner with a highly trained and certified staff.”

Their record of safety is impressive: Serving the Emmitsburg and surrounding community since 1946 with a 97.7 percent success rate, a two minute average career response time (four minute volunteer response), 100 percent EMT BLS certified operational members with an estimated 1,100 calls per year.

Operation Officers are: Acting Chief Lisa Eichelberger and Sergeants, Beth Ruppel, John Ruppel, and Brandon Murdorf.

Administrative Officers are: President Mary Lou Little; Vice President Eric Stackhouse; Secretary Vicki Long; Assistant Secretary Linda Miller; Treasurer Pam Bolin; Assistant Treasurer Beth Ruppel; and Directors, Bob Dinterman, Pam Ellison, Ed Little, and Donna Miller.

The website provides additional contact information for membership inquiries, social hall reservations, and Bingo.

Members of the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company.

…Happily Ever After

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Human Nature

by Valerie Nusbaum

As a writer and an artist, I’m fascinated by humans. I tend to sit quietly and observe how people move and interact with each other.  I notice their bone structures and coloring, and I spend a lot of time pondering their actions. Why do people do and say the things they do? What are their motivations? The psychology of it is quite interesting to me, and I’m constantly amazed by our differences and similarities.

I love conducting impromptu surveys and asking many individuals the same question. It’s both amusing and informative to learn about how we’re different and, yet, so alike. I’ve included some of my recent findings.

I posed the question “What is your favorite breakfast cereal?” and thirty-five people weighed in.  As you can imagine, their answers were all over the place, but the common thread was that most people try to make a healthy choice.  Oatmeal was the big winner, but only homemade oatmeal, not the stuff in the packets; although, one or two people did admit to eating the packaged stuff. Cheerios and bran were popular, as most of my social circle is people of a certain age and fiber is our friend. I learned that one person has a gluten allergy. A few very honest people copped to eating the sugary kids’ cereals—face it, folks, those are the only ones that really taste good. I like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and I’m not afraid to say it. Interestingly, no one asked me why I wanted to know.

A magazine article that I read suggested that women should be drinking 91 ounces of water each day. I asked a group of people to tell me how much water each of them consumes on a daily basis.  Responses from fifty people varied greatly, with some folks drinking as little as 24 ounces, and one person chugging a whopping 144 ounces each day. One person postulated that drinking any liquid counts because everything contains water, which led to a discussion about whether wine consumption should be included.  The person who brought up the other beverage issue is the same person who eats dinosaur eggs oatmeal. Another person sent us all an article about the perils of drinking too much water. Again, no one wanted to know why I asked the question in the first place. In fairness, a lot of people know that I collect data for stories and articles. Some people just think I’m odd.

I asked the question, “In the movie of your life, which actor would play you?” and the responses I got were everything from Herve Villechaize and Don Knotts to Judy Densch and Sandra Bullock (me).  Melissa McCarthy was the big winner, with her name appearing three times. I asked Randy this question and he replied, “That guy who played Earl’s brother on that show.” I knew exactly who he meant.

A lot of people weighed in on the question of whether they install their toilet tissue roll over or under.  The vast majority of responders use the “over” method. Only three out of the seventy who answered the question pull their paper from under.  Those rebels! Two people cited the toilet tissue patent, where it is clearly stated that the tissue roll is to be placed in the “over” position.  One person stores her tissue in a wicker basket, and another has an up and down holder. Several people have absolutely no idea and a few don’t care as long as the roll isn’t empty. No one wondered why I was asking.

“Would you rather read the book or watch the movie?” prompted a lot of discussion. Most people prefer to read. Only three would rather watch the movie. Some said that reading the book first and then watching the movie aggravates them. On the other hand, watching the movie first and then reading the book doesn’t bother anyone. I generally can’t see the movie if I’ve already read the book. I spend too much time looking for the differences. Randy referenced The Girl on the Train, and said that he’d have preferred more information on the train in both the book and the movie. I didn’t point out that we haven’t seen the film.

What did I learn from my polling? Nothing really, except that bit about the toilet tissue patent.  I’ve always known that people like to take part in things. We’re curious about each other, and we try to help when we can. We like to share information, and, frankly, we like talking about ourselves and expressing our thoughts. If we see a big group of people clustered around something, we want to know what’s going on. We’re curious and we like to belong. We have markedly different opinions, likes and dislikes, but we share a lot of thoughts and feelings, too. Heck, maybe we’re all a little odd. Or maybe I’m not as bad as you think. Most importantly, no one cares why I ask the questions.

On The Wild Side

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by Christine Maccabee

What is Delawnification?

First of all, delawnification is not a word. However, its meaning should be pretty clear. At the People’s Climate March in Washington, D.C., this April, one of the speakers talked about the importance of creating and allowing more habitat for native plants and reducing the size of our lawns.

Considering that land as habitat for wildlife is being swiftly devoured by development around the world—turning forests into expansive grassy areas, or into plantations for palm oil, or into parking lots, or you name it—the idea of delawnification is a good idea.

Now, before I offend lawn lovers of the world, I want to say I am not anti-lawn. I understand the need for lawn areas for children to play and adults to play golf or croquet and other polite games of society. Lawns do have a place in our lives. The problem with huge expansive lawns of extravagant size, acre upon acre of lawn, where no one walks or plays, is that those lawns gobble up millions of gallons of gasoline, polluting the air as well as the peace and quiet we all need. Noise pollution is a very real thing in the suburbs, and even the countryside where I live.

When I first moved to my country home twenty-eight years ago, I went crazy with grass seed in order to control erosion of the soil around our home. Being on a slope, it seemed essential. I remember being horrified by the interminable rain that threatened to wash away all of our topsoil, so I was out in the rain throwing grass seeds like a maniac.

However, after stabilizing the slopes, I began to see possibilities of creating large areas of wildflowers, and so began my personal process of delawnification. I killed off grass by putting down black plastic on those same slopes I had sown in grass years before. Leaving the plastic on for one year, I was amazed how wonderfully rich the soil had become underneath it. This actually is a great time for one to put plastic down. By the autumn, you can lift it and find nothing but friable, rich soil. Then, throw a nice mix of wildflower seeds in the soil, and voila! The following spring, there will be flowers galore as habitat for bees and butterflies. There will always be volunteer plants as well, such as daisy fleabane and golden rods, perhaps queen ann’s lace (a non-native, but then, so am I) and maybe even wild wine berries (yum!).

In my meadows, I learned to identify and make teas using medicinals like yarrow, vervain, purple clover, and St. John’s Wort. On one bank, I began growing cucumbers and squash, mulching them with straw and manure from the goat pen and, yes, grass clippings! Grass clippings make a wonderful natural mulch. Also, planting trees on large parcels of land creates shade, as well as multiple advantages for birds and insects, even hummingbirds. I have many gorgeous mimosa trees now, which are a magnet for swallowtail butterflies and hummingbirds. If one allows wild plants to grow between the trees, mowing but once a year in the fall, amazing plants may emerge. Flowers such as black-eyed susans, phlox, even fern in wet areas, may come forth without trying. I have not mowed my old four-acre hay field for two years now due to the small dogwood trees coming up. Once I identify any small trees and protect them from deer, then I will mow in between all trees in the autumn.

The mowing of old fields once a year is especially important to keep the invasives controlled. I learned the hard way why that is important (no details here).

Enough advice as to how you can delawnify your lawn. It does take effort, and, yes, it is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is one definite way to contribute to the health of our precious planet. Some people dedicate a small portion of their yards to flowering plants—native and non-native—and the result can be lovely. Indeed, I have seen some amazing yards around town this year. Yes, you have something very valuable (not in dollars and cents) if you own land, so have fun making a plan to expand your botanical haven.

As I always say, every little bit helps…and Mother Earth thanks you!

LOOKING BACK 1915

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Well-thrown Lasso Saves Boy from Icy Death

by James Rada, Jr.

Charlie Jones, a twelve-year-old Thurmont youth, spent one December afternoon in 1915 walking through the forests around Thurmont, gathering pine boughs and other greens to use to make Christmas decorations. With his bag full of greenery, he headed home.

Though young, Charles was the man of the family. His father had died in 1911, leaving Mary Ann Jones a widow to support four children. She taught high school, and Charles helped in the care of his two younger brothers and younger sister. He had wanted to do something special for his family and decorate their home.

It had been cold out; ice had formed on most of the creeks in the area, and it appeared thick. Charles decided that he would take a shortcut across the pond formed by the Thurmont Electric Light Dam. He started out onto the ice, carefully easing his weight onto it to make sure it would hold. It did, and he grew more confident and walked further out.

Suddenly, the ice cracked and disappeared beneath his feet. “As the youth shot toward the bottom of the dam, he flung his hands outward, grasping the jagged edge of the broken ice,” the Gettysburg Times reported.

Luckily, the ice held. Charles screamed, but he was alone, and the nearest house was half a mile away. He tried to pull himself up, but his clothes were sodden with water, and his legs were starting to go numb in the freezing water.

He couldn’t swim in that condition, and if he let go, he would sink into the pond that was thirteen feet deep at that point.

His only option was to scream and hope that someone heard him before he lost his grip on the ice.

Charles had been in the water around fifteen minutes when Frank and Albert Harne of Foxville came riding along in their buggy. They heard Charles’ screams and saw the boy struggling to stay out of the water.

Frank jumped out of the buggy and unclipped the harness from the horse; he quickly fashioned a lasso. Then he edged himself out onto the ice, knowing that if it couldn’t hold the weight of the boy, it would give way under his weight at some point.

“Cautiously, but quickly, the man walked over the ice toward the youth, who gave indications of exhaustion and of relinquishing his grasp on the ice,” the Gettysburg Times reported.

Eventually, he was close enough to throw the lasso. It landed around Charles’s neck on the first throw. The boy grabbed hold of the leather. Frank began backing up, pulling Charles out of the water.

The Harne Brothers bundled Charles up and took him to his grandmother’s house, who lived a mile away. He was so cold that his clothing was sticking to his body and couldn’t be removed. He was placed in a warm bed and kept warm to help bring up his body temperature.

Charles recovered from his ordeal and was soon as good as new.

He grew up to become a salesman who lived in different towns around the state. When he retired, he returned with his family to Thurmont. He died in 1977 at age seventy-four and is buried in Wellers Cemetery.

Our Neighborhood Veterans

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by Jim Houck, Jr.

Richard (Dick) Fleagle

Sons of AMVETS

Richard (Dick) Fleagle is AMVETS Post 7 Thurmont’s AMVETS Son of the YEAR 2013. Neighbors, I am honored to have him as a friend and comrade, and one of the most respected men I have had the privilege of knowing.

Dick Fleagle—known by many in our Veterans organizations as Uncle Dick—takes pride in serving all Veterans and is an asset to the many Veteran organizations in which he is a member. Dick is the heart of Thurmont AMVETS Post 7, and if anyone at the Post needs something done, Dick is the “go to man.” Dick is 1st Vice Commander of The Sons of AMVETS Squadron 7 Thurmont, and part of his job is taking care of membership. This is a job that he does not take lightly, as he pours his heart and soul into making sure everything is done right in aiding our membership. Dick can probably tell you the names of all of our members and, unless they have recently moved, their addresses, also. Dick puts hours and hours into keeping the membership straight. When he knows he is right about something, and someone tries to change his mind, the five-foot-four-and-a half-inch dynamo cannot be budged. Dick has great integrity and will follow the rules set by our parent organizations to the letter.

The functions given by our family of Veterans, Auxiliary, and Sons, knows that Dick will be there helping in any way that he can, if possible. Dick will only miss being at any of the events if he had already committed to another event before that one was scheduled, or if he or one of his family becomes ill.

AMVETS Post 7 held their 1st Annual “Member of the Year” awards in 2013, and Dick was the Sons of the AMVETS recipient of the award. Dick was very deserving of the award and was very proud to accept it.

Dick is a member of our Post 7 Honor Guard and doesn’t miss many functions that the Honor Guard participates in. He also belongs to the musical group “The Catoctin Hollow Boys,” and, folks, you will just have to go see them when Doctor Mudcat does karaoke and DJs at various functions at the Post. The group is well worth coming to see. The members at Post 7 are all so proud of Dick, and it doesn’t take much to get them talking about what a great person he is and how much he has helped AMVETS Post 7.

Dick is a member of the Department of Maryland Sons of AMVETS and is their Chaplain. He belongs to VFW Auxiliary 6658 in Emmitsburg. Dick also helps with many functions that the Auxiliary sponsors. He also belongs to Sons of the American Legion Squadron 121 Emmitsburg, where he is Chaplain and aides in SAL functions. Dick is a man of many talents and wears a lot of different hats at different places. He is a man of integrity and energy that never seems to fade.

I am proud to call this man my good buddy, and hope we can remain friends for a long time. The next time you see Dick, shake his hand and tell him you are proud of the things he has been doing for our Veterans. You will find out how humble this man is, someone who just wants to do things the right way.                                                                                                                   Thank you, Dick!

God Bless the United States of America, God Bless the U.S. Veteran, and God Bless You.

Richard (Dick) Fleagle

The Supermarket Gourmet

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Food Pro

Buck Reed

Urban legend tells a story of a young woman in the late 60s and early 70s, who upon graduating college, decided to hit the farmers market scene. Her booth in New Jersey had a single apple pie that she had placed at the audacious price of $100 (that’s $12.50 per slice). It took her most of the day, but she finally sold it. No word on whether the purchaser felt it was worth it or not, but she went on to build an empire of magazines; to appear on television shows; and to sell her goods in K-mart, Target, and Macy’s. But no matter how easy her success seems today, Martha Stewart is the story of what an amateur “foodie” can obtain if they work hard, appreciate the business, and get unbelievably lucky to become a successful culinary pro.

In my career in the food service industry, I have met a fair number of people who have never marketed, prepared, plated, and served a single meal for profit in their lives. But if Chef Boy-R-Dee, the McDonald Brothers, and even Paula Deen all did it, these same people think: why can’t I? If passion is a key ingredient in these pursuits, then one can acquire the rest of the qualities needed to become successful. Obviously, they are the grill master of their backyard or the neighborhood cookie queen, but following through can get a bit dicey. Getting your ducks in row can be a daunting task.

Case in point: Dave Peters. Peters, the co-founder of a small family software business, clearly has the first element: a great love for producing great food. “I just love cooking in general, but the most rewarding is producing something that is of high quality,” Peters said. Making cured and smoked meats for his family and friends has given him a deep understanding of the process needed to make and produce these products.

The next element is acquiring the equipment needed to create his masterpieces. Although he has the equipment needed to produce his products as a hobby, he may need to upgrade to equipment that is geared more for professional use and approved by the health department.

So far, he is planning to start his venture by selling sausages and Canadian and American bacon under his company’s name, Peters’ Gourmet & Artisanal Meats. These are all considered cooked items and will be easier to get a license for producing. “The government regulations can be pretty strict; once you mention curing, you tend to get a lot of attention.”

Although it will take time to get his full project up and running, Peters is hoping to get all of his products in a farmer’s market soon. Getting the overwhelming paperwork needed to get a charcuterie license is almost a hobby of its own. And maybe someday his hard work will build a business that will inspire the next group of culinary hobbyists to take the plunge into the deep end in which food pros thrive.

David Peters with some of his masterpieces.

Once Upon a Time on Catoctin Mountain…

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Catoctin Mountain rose from a primordial lake to heights taller than Mount Everest. As time wore it away, many of its secrets were lost with its dwindling peaks. In the era of man, though, its history has been better preserved, although it still holds onto its secrets.

In his new book, Secrets of Catoctin Mountain: Little-Known Stories & Hidden History of Frederick & Loudoun Counties, James Rada, Jr. (Catoctin Banner contributor/editor) tells the stories of Catoctin Mountain, its people, and places.

Residents of Northern Frederick County treasure their association with the mountain, but it actually runs south from Thurmont until nearly reaching Leesburg, Virginia. The more than two dozen stories in the book take place all along Catoctin Mountain.

You can hunt for the snallygaster and dwayyo, legendary monsters that roam the mountain ridges.

Discover what it took to become a spy at the secret OSS training camp on the mountain.

Search for a forgotten gold mine in the foothills of Catoctin Mountain.

These are just a few of the stories included in Secrets of Catoctin Mountain, telling the tales of ordinary people living their lives under unusual conditions at times. Taken together, they paint a picture of the character of the people who live on and around Catoctin Mountain, whether they are from Maryland or Virginia.

“These are stories that caught my attention in one way or another,” Rada said. “They aren’t the types of stories you find in history books about the county, but they are part of the area’s past.”

Rada considers “secrets” in this book as stories that aren’t widely known. He gave as an example a presentation he recently did at the Garrett County Historical Society about his book Secrets of Garrett County. He told the audience about a half a dozen of the “secrets” from the book.

“Before each one, I would ask, ‘Who has heard of…’ and say the secret. I thought that I would be preaching to the choir, and the group would know even more about the stories I was telling than I did. Most of the group had only heard about two of them,” Rada explained. “They’re the type of stories I look for, interesting, but not well-known.”

Secrets of Catoctin Mountain contains sixty-four black and white photographs and illustrations that help bring the stories to life.

“I love writing about history,” Rada said. “I love finding interesting and unusual stories about people and places, and I haven’t come across an area that doesn’t have plenty of these stories.”

Secrets of Catoctin Mountain is the second in a new series of books that Rada is writing about regional topics. The first, Secrets of Garrett County, was released earlier this year.

James Rada, Jr. is an award-winning writer whom the Midwest Book Review called “a writer of considerable and deftly expressed storytelling talent.” Small Press Bookwatch said that Rada’s coal-mining book, Saving Shallmar: Christmas Spirit in a Coal Town, was “highly recommended.” He has two dozen writing awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists, Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association, Maryland State Teachers Association, and Utah Ad Federation.

Rada has been writing about history for nearly twenty years and still finds it fascinating and new.

“History is not boring. It’s full of love, adventure, comedy, and mysteries that still aren’t solved to this day. It’s those types of stories I like to write, and I believe I’ve pulled together a great collection of them for this book,” Rada said.

Rada is the author of twenty books, most history and historical fiction. His articles have been published in magazines like The History Channel Magazine, Boy’s Life, and Frederick Magazine. He also writes five local history columns for The Republican, the Cumberland Times-News, the Gettysburg Times, The York Dispatch, as well as The Catoctin Banner.

Secrets of Catoctin Mountain: Little-Known Stories & Hidden History of Frederick & Loudoun Counties retails for $19.95 and is available at the E Plus Graphics, Printing, & Promotions store in Emmitsburg, at online retailers, or on his website at