From the daily archives: "Friday, May 25, 2018"

Deb Abraham Spalding

The Spring Fling event held on May 19, 2018, marked Vigilant Hose Company’s tenth year of hosting it. While this could have become a focus for a special celebration, the Spring Fling took on so many changes this year that the event’s diamond anniversary was almost forgotten in the mix. Most notably, the location changed from muddy fields and stony parking lots at Mount St. Mary’s University to the paved grounds at Vigilant’s own event complex on Creamery Road in Emmitsburg. Also, the size of the grand prize was upgraded to a whopping $10,000.

Over the years, several Spring Flings have featured rain or other weather events which served to make things memorable. This year was no exception. With significant rain days before, and slight rain during, the event, the unfavorable weather created a solid excuse for ‘low’ attendance. It is important to note that there is “no mud” at the new location. The entire event was held on paved ground with the majority of that ground covered with large event tents. Regardless of the weather and conditions, 860 ticket holders checked in at the gate and made this fundraiser a continued success.

Spring Fling is a unique event that has been described as, “going to our local beach where all of our neighbors and friends are partying.” This year’s party included an option to play 25¢ bingo games inside the event building and a new Big 6 Wheel game outside. Both new activities were busy with customers all day.

One of the Spring Fling’s coordinators, Gabe Baker, said, “It’s a good thing it’s where it is now. The community supported us [Vigilant Hose Company] well.”

To view prize winners, please visit www.vhc6.com. Plan now to attend next year’s Spring Fling. Bring sunshine!


A large crowd, undeterred by the rain, enjoyed Spring Fling in Emmitsburg.

Helen Topper sold holders inside the event building during bingo.

Herbie Click worked the slicers to cut meat for sandwiches.

Kathie Stambaugh was thrilled to win at the Spring Fling.

Sue Reaver, Kay Hollinger, and Kim Wivell sold tickets during Spring Fling.

Sandy Umbel and her daughter, Kayla, volunteered during the event.

Kim (left) and Marc Piermatteo (right) worked with Cliffy Shriner at the beverage tent.

Patty Kuykendall, JoAnn Boyd, Tom Ward, and Jenn Stahley kept track of the winners.

This photo shows the set up of Spring Fling at the new location on Creamery Road the day before the event.

James Rada, Jr.

Although milk and other dairy products are no longer delivered fresh to your door daily, they are still part of our everyday lives, whether it’s drinking milk, enjoying ice cream, or adding cheese to a dish. June is National Dairy Month and celebrates the contributions that the dairy industry makes to the economy and to our health.

Locally, many dairies have provided home delivery over the years. Milkmen had regular routes they traveled, first by wagon and then by truck, delivering fresh milk, cottage cheese, cream, and other dairy products. They would pick up the empty bottles and return them to the dairy, where they would then be washed and used again.

“The first one that I know of is Homarway Dairy,” said Dennis Black, a collector of milk bottles from the area.

The dairy was a partnership between Guy Hobbs, Lee Martin, and Daniel Weybright. Gall and Smith Dairy bought Homarway in 1932. This large operation in Emmitsburg and Thurmont was apparently the only local dairy where you could purchase a gill (1/4 pint). These small glass bottles were used for holding cream.

Although some of the local dairies sold raw milk, many did their own pasteurization. However, buying raw milk allowed for the buyer to skim the cream off the top of the milk as it separated. The milk, itself, also tasted thicker and richer, according to Black. Buyers also sometimes looked for dairy farms with particular cows. This is because certain breeds were known to have a greater or lesser fat content in their milk, which affected the taste.

“Pasteurization is what killed the local dairy farmer,” stated Black.

When pasteurization became the standard, and grocery stores installed refrigerated sections, customers began buying milk during their weekly grocery shopping. During the 1960s, the local milkman became a thing of the past.

“Bollinger Dairy was the last one in operation in Thurmont,” Black recalled.

Northern Frederick County had two Bollinger Dairies, which could be confusing at times. One operated in Thurmont and the other in Emmitsburg. Collectors can tell the difference because the dairies used different bottles. Bollinger’s Dairy in Emmitsburg always used embossed bottles, while Bollinger’s Dairy in Thurmont always used bottles with the lettering painted on them (pyro-glazed).

Black has created a display of bottles and caps from local dairies in the Thurmont Regional Library, on permanent loan. The display case is located next to the entrance to the Thurmont Center for Agricultural History in the library. Black is always looking for information and artifacts about local dairies that he might have missed. If you have any information, he can be reached at 301-271-4297 or dennisblack1@msn.com.

Dennis Black, avid collector of milk bottles in the area, showcases his bottles and caps from local dairies in the Dairies of Catoctin exhibit at the Thurmont Regional Library.

by James Rada, Jr.

Emmitsburg

Dog Park Open

The Emmitsburg dog park officially opened on Saturday, May 5, with thirty-plus dogs in attendance. The park—near the town tennis courts—has separate areas for large and small dogs. The park also includes water stations for the dogs and benches for the dog owners to rest on while their pets romp and play.

“It looked like everybody had a good time, including dogs and people,” said Commissioner Joseph Ritz, III.

 

Community Deputy Contract Approved

The Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners approved a contract with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office to continue the use of community deputies in Emmitsburg. The $276,403 contract increased by 3.15 percent or $8,712 over the current contract. The increase is due to anticipated salary increases for sheriff’s deputies and increasing fuel costs.

 

Commissioners Receive Budget

At the beginning of May, the Emmitsburg Commissioners got their first look at the fiscal year 2019 budget, and continued to review it during a second meeting in May. The property tax rate to fund this budget is expected to remain the same at 36 cents per $100 of assessed value.

The proposed budget includes a 5 percent increase to the general fund, which represents an increase of $88,080. The water and sewer fund is projected to increase by 2.63 percent due to expected residential and commercial development. Staff will also receive a 2 percent cost-of-living raise. Mayor Don Briggs pointed out that staff did not receive any COLA this year.

The final budget needs to be approved by the end of June.

 

Commissioners Begin Review of Ethics Code

Emmitsburg Town Manager Cathy Willets presented the mayor and commissioners an overview of the town’s ethics code and appeal procedures. The code helps “assure the people of the impartiality and independent judgment of officials and employees,” Willets said. This is a routine review with no major changes expected. Town staff will be making some recommendations for changes for simplifying the code and process.

 

Clock Erected on Town Square

A new four-sided clock has been erected on the town square as part of the square revitalization project. The clock is on the northeast corner of East Main Street and North Seton Avenue intersection.

Thurmont

FY 2018 Budget Introduced

In May, the Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners received the proposed budget for the town for fiscal year 2018.

It is proposed to increase the town’s property tax rate by 3 cents to 31.41 cents per $100 of assessed value. The tax rate increase will generate $161,152 more in revenue to fund the budget.

Under the proposed budget, the general fund revenues are expected to be $3,876,040, with $3,643,679 in expenditures and $89,612 in capital expenses.

The water fund is expected to have $973,965 in revenues, with $847,093 in expenditures and $61,600 in capital expenses.

The wastewater fund is expected to have $1,623,326 in revenues, with $1,457,570 in expenditures and $135,436 in capital expenses.

The electric fund is expected to have $6,445,357 in revenues, with $6,210,464 in expenditures and $165,700 in capital expenditures.

Copies of the budget can be viewed at the town office or online at the town’s website.

 

Town Plans Summer Day Camp for Youths

Thurmont Chief Administrative Officer told the Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners the result of the town survey about interest in a summer day camp program in the Community Park. The results of the survey were used to put together a plan for what to offer residents, the ages participants can be in the program, and the cost of the program.

The summer program “A Day in the Park” runs from July 23-26 and July 30-August 2 (Monday through Thursday), from 8:30 a.m.-noon each day. The program is for youths, ages five to fifteen, and costs $10.00 per day or $35.00 per week.

“We have a lot of parents who ask about this, and they’ve asked for several years,” said Mayor John Kinnaird.

The activities include meeting fire and EMS personnel, hiking, history talks, games, crafts, and sports.

Summer Park Coordinator Deb Spalding told the mayor and commissioners that the program is “one where we’re going to learn about Thurmont. We’re going to learn about parks, and we’re going to have fun in parks.”

You can register for individual days or entire weeks. Registration can be done at the town office or by calling 301-271-7313 to have a form sent to you. Each pre-registered participant receives a t-shirt and a reusable water bottle.

 

Commissioners Approve ADA Curbs

The Town of Thurmont has started to improve the curbs at many locations in town so that they are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The town received a Community Development Block Grant for $63,000. This will not be enough to add forty-eight ramps at eighteen locations throughout the town, but it should get the majority of them done. Town staff has prioritized each curb based on the amount of pedestrian traffic it receives.

“I think we can certainly accomplish our goals by meeting the higher-pedestrian-traffic areas,” Chief Administrative Officer James Humerick said.

The mayor and commissioners approved RFP, Inc. in Middletown to do the work. If more CDBG funds become available, they will go towards improving additional curbs.

 

Police Car Bomber Pleads Guilty

The man who bombed a Thurmont police vehicle in 2016 recently pleaded guilty to malicious use of explosive material in a Baltimore federal court. Kyle Rutger Mueller placed a pipe bomb on Thurmont Police Officer Tim Duhan’s SUV. The resulting explosion damaged the vehicle, but no one was injured.

Both federal and local officers investigated and arrested Rutger on August 5, 2016. In his plea agreement, Rutger admitted to buying parts to build a bomb and being in the area of the explosion.

Although facing four bomb-related charges, Rutger only pleaded guilty to the one charge under the plea agreement. Rutger could serve up to twenty years in federal prison and face a $250,000 fine and supervised probation, but the U.S. Attorney’s Office will recommend a ten-year sentence. Sentencing will be on July 30, 2018.

Emmitsburg
Mayor Don Briggs

With the arrival of our timid spring, all the hard work of the town staff is finally evident. I mean, hours and hours of hard work, planning, grant writing, and construction administration: the new dog park, the renovated pool, and the entire streetscape of Main Street, Seton Avenue, and the square. Not to forget in April, we held our first Arbor Day community tree-planting celebration. Scouts and the Mount men’s rugby team were there to assist the community in the planting of twelve native – adaptive trees along the Willow Run winding channel through Community Park. Guests included County Executive Jan Gardner and Roger Wilson; Government Affairs and Public Policy Director (and also a Frederick City Alderman); Tonya Hoover, Superintendent of the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy (NFA); and Sister Martha with Seton Center Outreach. Also, representatives from the town council and staff, Emmitsburg Business and Professional Association, FEMA, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Council of Churches, Mother Seton School, Emmitsburg Elementary School, and residents all pitched in. We are now a Tree City USA town.

On the first Saturday of May, Catoctin High School student Aedan Myles had the honor of cutting the ribbon to open the new dog park. It was her drawing three years ago that prompted its development. Amid gifts, treats, and the music, “Who let the dogs out” and Elvis’ strumming, “You ain’t nothing but a hound dog,” thirty-plus canines of all varieties—to one person’s count—joined in. Another great community interaction event.

The renovated (really new) community pool will open on Saturday, June 2, at noon. It was very hard not having a pool last year. It is planned to be a special occasion, with County Executive Jan Gardner on hand for the ribbon-cutting.  Included in the renovations are landscaping, fencing, and a new roof for the changing-rooms building. There will be no charge for swimming on opening day.

Mid-Maryland baseball and the town present summer United Baseball Academy’s “Schools Out” Summer Baseball Camp, Monday, June 18, through Wednesday, June 20, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (each day); lunch from 12:00-12:45 p.m. *Lunch is not provided; pack a lunch* Drop-off is 9:00 a.m., sharp; Pick-up is 3:00 p.m., sharp. Camp will be held at Emmitsburg Community & Memorial Parks. The cost is $130. This camp is free to residents of Emmitsburg (address verification required). Camp is for ages eight to fourteen. Registration: mmubaseball.net (click on the Schools Out Camp tab in the upper right corner). If you have questions about the clinic, please email them to mmumanager2023@gmail.com or call 267-664-5059.

In May, I presented to the council the 2019 budget of $3,147,116. The council is obligated to approve a budget by no later than June 30.
In June, predicated on staff investigation, I will propose to the town council that we install four electronic vehicles (EV) charging stations at the Community Center parking lot.

The four-faced clock, the gift of Mount St. Mary’s University, is now set on the square. We are almost there. Again, thank you to everyone for your patience; we are getting great reviews on the brickwork and refreshed facades of buildings and the new setting. Rededication of the square will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 30, by the new town clock. This is also Community Heritage Day, a great day of food, vendors, entertainment, parade, and fireworks.

The first Pool Party will be held July 15, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Admission is $1.00. We will have a DJ, free hot dogs, and lemonade.

Thank you to Mayor John Kinnaird and Thurmont Main Street Economic Development Manager Vicki Grinder for a second season of developing a north county description insert for the Frederick News-Post. It was, again, a privilege for me to write, and for Emmitsburg to be a part of it. We look forward to working with Thurmont on the fall edition.

Thurmont
Mayor John Kinnaird

If I told you that I could see into the future, many people would question my sanity, but I know it is possible to see our future if we just take the time to look. No one can see specifics of what is to come, but I have met with and spoken to the very people that will craft our future, and I am impressed! Of course, I am referring to the next generation of residents currently attending our schools.

It has been my honor to speak to students at all of our local schools, and I can assure you that they are up to the task ahead. Several weeks ago, I spent a morning talking with students at the Thurmont Elementary School about a wide range of topics, including our local government and immigration. Every student was very attentive, and they asked many thoughtful questions. As part of the fourth grade program, I invited the students to write an essay, describing what they would do if they were mayor. After careful consideration, the teachers selected two essay winners: Lily Winn and Chase Jackson. As essay contest winners, Lily and Chase were invited to our meeting on May 22 to read their essays and to participate in the meeting. I thank all the students for participating in this contest and want you to know that every essay was wonderfully written and expressed a genuine interest in our community.

I also had the opportunity to speak to some of the third-term Honor Roll students at the Thurmont Middle School (TMS). It was surprising to see how many students qualify for inclusion in the Honor Roll at TMS. My congratulations to each of the TMS Honor Roll students, their parents, and their teachers! It is obvious that the student body at TMS is determined to enter adulthood as well-educated and socially responsible individuals.

I encourage all adults to take advantage of any opportunity to visit our schools and to see how positive our youngest residents are about our community and their future in it. I want to express my thanks to all the teachers and staff at the schools for their amazing compassion and dedication to the education of our youth. Finally, thanks to the parents for investing in the future of our community by raising these considerate and well-rounded future leaders.

While I am thinking about our youth, I want to remind everyone that the Town of Thurmont is hosting a Summer Park Program, “A Day in the Park.” The program will be held at the Thurmont Community Park on July 23-26, and again on July 30 -August 2; hours are 8:30 a.m.-noon. A different theme will be featured each day, and the cost is $10.00 per day or $35.00 per week. Activities include crafts; hiking; games; a visit by Fire, EMS & Police personnel; baseball; and local history. Be sure to register for this great summer program, so your children can join in on the fun! You can stop at the town office to register or call 301-271-7313 and ask to have a registration form sent to your home.

With the school year coming to an end, I want to encourage everyone to be extra careful while driving in our neighborhoods. Children are not always aware of their surroundings, and as they adjust to summer break, please be on the lookout as they play with their friends and cross our streets.

If you have any questions or comments, I can be reached at 301-606-9458 or by email at jkinnaird.thurmont.com

James Rada, Jr.

Thurmont’s business community put its best foot forward on Saturday, April 28, 2018, with its annual Thurmont Business Showcase. Forty local businesses and nonprofits set up tables in the Thurmont Ambulance Events Complex to introduce members of the community to what they each offer.

Brittney Rebert of Sabillasville said, “I like to come and look at new businesses I didn’t know about.”

She was one of the many attendees who steadily streamed into the event complex and wandered around the room, table to table. They could view veterinarians, artisans, restaurants, home businesses, and funeral homes.

This year was the first time that Michele Maze set up a table at the Showcase. She moved to Thurmont in 2016, and she supported the Showcase to be a part of the community. It also gave her the opportunity to show her business,  Seven Dragonflies Studio, to the community.

“I like to paint and personalize glassware,” Maze said. “I’ll paint anything. It’s a challenge.”

Many of the businesses were also handing out samples or swag, which the children enjoyed. The Thurmont Ambulance Company offered food and drink.

Pansy Stottlemyer of Sabillasville came to the show with her family. She particularly enjoyed looking at the samples from one of the jewelry vendors. “I love coming to this thing every year,” she said. “I like to see the businesses, but I also get to see people who I haven’t seen in a while.”

This is the Showcase’s second year at the Event Complex, and it is one of the oldest events that Thurmont Main Street sponsors. It was an event that helped Thurmont get its Main Street designation. The designation opens Thurmont up to getting help to improve its economy and the appearance of the business district.

For more information about Thurmont Main Street, visit www.thurmontmainstreet.com

Seton Center, Inc.’s Outreach Office and Seton Family Store are scheduled to open their new facility at 226 East Lincoln Avenue in Emmitsburg on Monday, June 11, 2018. Founded in 1969, Seton Center was established in the former Mother Seton School by the Daughters of Charity at the request of the three mothers in the Emmitsburg area. These hard-working women faced a need for quality daycare, which could enable them to work and support their families while their children received safe, adequate care and developmental enrichment. In 1970, the licensed Seton Day Care was opened, followed by the addition of social and nationally-recognized educational services. The Thrift Store also opened in 1970, which is now called Seton Family Store.

The original building at 16840 South Seton Avenue in Emmitsburg was constructed in 1956. It has long outlasted its predicted life span of ten years. Seton Center is excited to begin using its new facility, an environmentally- and user-friendly space from which it will continue to serve Northern Frederick County.

The Daughters of Charity and Seton Center are grateful for all the firms and trades who worked to complete construction of the new building in record time: Morgan-Keller Construction, CJL Engineering, Frederick, Seibert & Associates, Inc., MSB Architects of Hagerstown and their interior designer, Raquel Orsini. The project produced a new 13,000-square-foot building that will house the Outreach Office, Seton Family Store, and a large meeting room for presentations of all kinds. All those visiting Seton Center will enter through the main front entrance. Once inside the building, Outreach Office visitors will enter a door on the left. The interior entrance to the Seton Family Store will be straight ahead.

Today, Seton Center’s Outreach Office continues to offer hope to under-resourced neighbors by offering a wide range of services and programs, from short-term assistance with financial needs to life-changing programs for long-term success. Emergency material assistance, referrals, Build Your Resource workshops, and the Getting Ahead and DePaul Dental programs all offer temporary relief and substantial opportunities for systemic change. The Outreach Office hours will remain the same: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., closing for lunch daily from noon-1:00 p.m.

Seton Family Store will also continue to offer a reputable place to donate pre-loved items that are then sold at low-cost to the community. Because the Daughters of Charity provide for the operational costs of Seton Center, 100 percent of Family Store sale proceeds directly fund the Outreach Office programs and services. In the new location, the Family Store will no longer be separated into multiple rooms, but will offer one bright, open and updated space to shop for bargains. The schedule for retail sales will remain the same as well, Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Donations are no longer accepted at the South Seton Avenue location. Beginning June 12, the community is welcomed to bring donations of good, clean clothing, household goods, and collectibles to the 226 Lincoln Avenue site, Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. When coming to donate items, donors will enter the new driveway, bear right, then follow the signs along the driveway around to the left, to the back of the building. Donors will stop under a covered drop-off area and ring the doorbell for a staff person or volunteer to greet them and accept their items.

For more information or to support their mission, visit Seton Center’s website at www.setoncenter.org, follow them on Facebook at Seton Family Store and Seton Center Outreach Office, send an e-mail to setoncenter@doc.org, or call 301-447-6102.

Thurmont celebrated its first Greenfest on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at the Thurmont Regional Library. It was an event where “people could learn new things, share information, and have fun,” according to Thurmont Green Team Member Cindy Poole.

The event was held at the Thurmont Library, with tables and stations set up in front of the library, in the lobby, in the meeting rooms, and on the patio. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, local companies, and local organizations manned the tables to educate attendees about protecting the environment and about green living. There were even activities for kids to do and giveaways of foot-tall trees, ready for planting.

Bob Allen of Rocky Ridge came to the event to recycle a printer, but he also checked out all of the tables to collect information about things he was unfamiliar with.

Carol Haag of Thurmont also came to the festival to recycle electronics and stayed to look around. “I wanted to see what the Green Team has been doing, but I have also been interested in solar energy for a couple years,” she said.

Some local farms showed off their organically grown goods. Visitors could find out about geothermal energy, recycling, and the environment around them. Events even included guided walks and bike rides along the Thurmont Trolley Trail.

The festival was a culmination of the efforts of the Thurmont Green Team. “The Green Team said ‘let’s combine the things that we do, and let’s do a festival,” Poole said.

Thurmont Commissioner Bill Buehrer said that the team’s accomplishments were “immeasurable.”

At the beginning of the festival, Becky Wilson with the Maryland Forest Service awarded Thurmont its second Tree City USA Award. To earn this award from the Arbor Day Foundation, Thurmont needed to meet four standards: (1) Have someone responsible for the care of town trees; (2) Enact an ordinance to protect trees; (3) Dedicate at least $2.00 per capita to tree forestation; and (4) Have an Arbor Day proclamation.

Greenfest was sponsored by the Thurmont Green Team, the Town of Thurmont, and the Thurmont Regional Library.

One of the vendors at Green Fest explains electronics recycling to a young girl.

Becky Wilson with the Maryland Forest Service presents Thurmont CAO Jim Humerick and Commissioner Bill Buehrer with a Tree City USA Award for Thurmont.

It’s time to be thinking about your entries for the 62st annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show, being held September 7-9, 2018. Exhibits may be entered on Thursday night, September 6, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., and/or Friday morning, September 7, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Exhibits must be removed on Sunday, September 9, between 3:00-6:00 p.m.

There will be changes made to some of the department classes. Most notably, changes will be made to two adult departments:  Dept. 12 – Arts, Paintings & Drawings; Dept. 13 – Crafts as follows:  (1) All painting and drawing entries must be framed, must be ready to hang for display, and must be the exhibitor’s original work (no prints or copies); (2) No nude or distasteful entries will be accepted.

By early August, the Community Show premium books will be available at local businesses, and the Community Show website (www.thurmontandemmitsburgcommunityshow.webs.com) will have the entry exhibits listing and the schedule of activities.

So that exhibitors can begin preparing their entries, the following are the class listings for Dept. 12 – Arts, Paintings & Drawings and Dept. 13 – Crafts:

 

Dept. 12 – Arts, Paintings & Drawings

Arts: Calligraphy • Sculpture • Wood Burning • Other, not listed.

Painting: Acrylics • Mixed Media • Oil • Paint Night Painting • Decorative Painting, China • Decorative Painting, Fabric • Decorative Painting, Wood • Decorative Painting, misc. • Tole Painting • Watercolor • Other, not listed.

Drawing: Charcoal • Colored Ink or Pencil • Computer Created Technical Drawing/Graphics • Pastel • Pen and Ink • Pencil • Other, not listed.

 

Dept. 13 – Crafts

Basketry • Ceramics • Collage • Dried Materials (framed or in a container) • Decorations, Door (a. Wreaths; b. Misc.) • Decorations, Holiday (a. Christmas; b.  Easter; c. Fall; d. Halloween; e. Thanksgiving; f. Misc.) • Fiber & Textiles • Furniture (a. Handcrafted, Small – 2 ft. or less in height; b. Handcrafted, Large – more than 2 ft. in height; c. Restored, Small – 2 ft. or less in height; d. Restored, Large – more than 2 ft. in height) • Jewelry • Leather Craft • Metal Craft • Model • Recycled Materials • Stained Glass • Scrapbooking • Stenciling • Wood Craft (other than furniture) • Other, not listed.

Anita DiGregory

Are you a struggling mom? Do you feel like you are failing? Do you feel like your efforts are never quite good enough? If so, local mom and author Colleen Duggan has some practical and spiritual advice for you. On April 29, 2018, in honor of Mother’s Day, the Seton Shrine hosted a “Chat with an Author,” featuring Duggan and her book, Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom, which has a 5-star Amazon rating.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born U.S. saint, faced many struggles in her life. Because Mother Seton was a young wife, mother, and resident of Emmitsburg, the Seton Shrine was thrilled to invite Duggan to share her message with the community. The event, which was well attended, included a talk, a question and answer session with the audience, a book signing, and refreshments. The free event was the third in the series, with the next talk (featuring Thirty-Three Breaths: A Little Book on Meditation author Father Jack Lombardi) scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on August 19, 2018.

Duggan, a wife and mother herself, was happy to meet with the community and share her personal “confessions” on imperfect motherhood. In a refreshingly humble and honest manner, Duggan shared stories from her life and the lessons she has gathered along the way. As a woman who has struggled with the challenges of trying to be the “perfect” wife and mother, Duggan communicated the hopes, fears, joys, and sufferings of her journey thus far.

With the honesty of a best friend, Duggan invites her reader into her life. With all of her “confessions” as separate chapters (including I Don’t Know How to Master Motherhood, I Don’t Always Take Care of Myself as I Should, I Don’t Know How to Keep My Kids Catholic, I Don’t Like Watching My Children Suffer, and I Sometimes Compare Myself with Other Parents), Duggan tackles each heart-wrenching subject with a humble and honest approach, interspersing advice from spiritual advisors, counselors, and saints.

In addition to sharing her stories and lessons with the reader, she has questions for reflection at the end of each chapter. Another unique element of the book is that each chapter ends in a heartfelt prayer for moms struggling with that particular “confession.”

Duggan adds, “Maybe you feel like everything is up to you, that you have to get everything right or you’ll destroy your kids’ lives. Maybe you think creating perfect Catholics, who stay Catholic, is something you can control. Maybe you struggle with doing everything “right” but know the ill effect of this approach to life.  If so, this book is for you.”

Those looking for helpful, friendly advice on motherhood can also reference Duggan’s blog at Colleenmurphyduggan.com. In addition, you can find her photography and a free, downloadable group study guide for Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom on the site.

Colleen Duggan discusses her book, Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom, at Seton Shrine Chat with an Author Series in April.

Devon Griffin

Summer is around the corner and that means the return of local farmers markets. In Frederick County, farmers markets are held periodically throughout the week. With a wide variety of produce and vegetables, there is something for everyone. What people may not understand is that buying local benefits the consumer and the environment in many ways.

Transportation is a hidden economic and environmental cost when it comes to industrialized food production. Food is hauled hundreds and thousands of miles in order for it to reach its destination. That is a lot of fuel, whether it be by truck, train, or airplane. All of that fuel being burned adds to the growing concern surrounding air pollution. Fossil fuels, like gasoline, contribute excess carbon dioxide to the atmosphere when burned. With farmers markets, the food is local and doesn’t have to be trucked in from unknown locations. The mystery of where the food came from is reduced, while assuring the consumer the food is fresh and hasn’t been aging during tractor trailer transport.

Most consumers do not have knowledge of how their food is produced. Grocery store shelves are stacked high of packaged, processed foods that potentially have harmful effects on the body. Much of the food seen today is treated with unhealthy chemicals during the production phase. With locally grown food, you don’t have to worry about it coming from a large processing plant, hundreds of miles away.

A huge benefit of local farmers markets is that the farmer receives the money made from his personal crops. He doesn’t have ties to a contract associated with an industrialized company. Money stays circulating in the neighborhood and community with farmers markets. According to an article published in The Washington Post, “For every dollar consumers spend on food, only 7.8 cents goes to farmers…” (Caitlin Dewey). The large industrial companies are receiving around 92 cents per dollar off the farmer. A lot of crops may be grown, but 8 cents doesn’t compare to the time and money spent working towards their harvest. Farmers markets ensure that profit will be reinvested into producing next year’s crops.

In Frederick County, the amount of farmland is diminishing as urban sprawl takes over. Before we know it, the distinguished individual towns will merge and become part of Frederick. Supporting local farmers markets will help prevent disappearance of farmland, while preserving Frederick County’s rich agricultural history. As long as our farmers can continue to provide for themselves and the community while making profit, we can help preserve the rural areas.

Through buying farmer’s products, we are giving them feedback and showing our appreciation for their work. The more support received, the more likely the farmer is to return the following year.

The largest benefit of local farmers markets is the quality of the food. Produce and fruits are picked right in season, and you don’t have to worry about whether it is fresh or not. Fresh produce usually tastes better and provides more nutritional benefits. Frozen veggies do not compare to fresh veggies purchased at a farmers market.

I encourage you to find your nearest farmers market and check it out! Farmers Markets have a kid-friendly atmosphere, so bring the whole family. In addition to cash and credit cards, some farmers even accept SNAP and WIC benefits.

Some nearby farmers markets to consider visiting this summer are: Emmitsburg: Fridays, June 22-September 21, located at 302 S. Seton Avenue, 3:00-6:00 p.m.; Thurmont: Saturdays, June 2-September 22, located at Municipal Parking Lot, South Center Street, 9:00 a.m.-noon; Frederick Farmers Market at Eveready Square & Shab Row: Thursdays, May 31-September 27, located in Downtown Frederick, 113 North East Street, Church Street & East Street, Frederick, 3:00-6:00 p.m.; Field Fresh Farmers Market: Saturdays, April 28-November 17, Holiday Markets: December 1, 8, 15, located at the Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick Street, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Theresa Dardanell

Seven Thurmont Middle School (TMS) students recently attended the Maryland Association of Student Councils convention in Ocean City.  This event gives the TMS Student Government Association (SGA) members the opportunity to improve their leadership skills. They listened to a motivational speaker, attended leadership workshops, and met with other student leaders from across the state.

The SGA members at TMS  are chosen based on their grades, their attendance at afterschool meetings, and their participation in school and evening events. They meet once a week during the school day to brainstorm ways to improve school spirit and to make their school a comfortable place for students.  They visit classrooms and lead discussions with students; concerns and ideas are then forwarded to the administration by Student Government Advisor Angela Knapp.

The SGA members also plan, organize, and run events like the game days, the afterschool open gym, and the evening candy bingos. Knapp said, “They are great. I’ve definitely seen them grow.  They really like being leaders and just being able to help others and increase the school spirit.”

I met with the students who attended the conference and was impressed with their confidence and genuine concern for their fellow students.

SGA President Sean Whitworth said that he joined the organization so that students know they have somebody looking out for them.

Natalie Dodson is looking forward to being a community leader to help other people.

The other students who attended the conference were: John Gidcumb, Charlotte Bradley, Cheyenne Van Echo, Morgan Ridenour, and Peyton Moxley.

Other SGA members are Maddie Ring, Skyler Payne, Traci Stine, Peyton Davis, Kayleigh Frantz, Natalie Hoty, Nikita Burris, Randall Hall, and Samantha Davis.

Pictured are John Gidcumb, Charlotte Bradley, Cheyenne Van Echo, Morgan Ridenour, Sean Whitworth, Natalie Dodson, and Peyton Moxley.

Theresa Dardanell

The CHS Science Olympiad Team is pictured with coaches Rebecca Hurley and Theresa Hutchinson. Not pictured: Coach Doug Young.

Congratulations to the Catoctin High School (CHS) Science Olympiad team. They recently competed in the Maryland State Tournament at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.  According to their coaches, “The nerd trials lasted close to ten hours. The cougars competed against 24 teams (12 in our division). We placed 10th in our division and 23rd in the State! This was our very first time qualifying for the state level competition. It was a wonderful experience for the students.”

Students competing in the events were: Zack Carter and Grace Mazaleski — Microbe Mission; Emmalynn May and Sophia Degennaro — Write It Do It; Kyle Dutrow and Sophia Degennaro — Game One; Michael Yang and Sean Miller — Helicopters; Sophia Degennaro and Madison Raimondi — Thermodynamics; Michael Yang and Kallan Latham — Chemistry Lab; Zack Carter and Grace Mazaleski — Ecology; Avie Hopcraft and Kallan Latham — Optics; Kyle Dutrow and Emmalynn May — Remote Sensing; Kallen Latham and Karianna Strickhouser — Mission Possible; Sam Grimes and Lauren Ames — Material Science; Zack Carter and Grace Mazaleski — Herpetology; Maddy Reynolds, Sophia Degennaro, and Sean Miller — Experimental Design; Karianna Strickhouser and Madison Raimondi — Dynamic Planet; Sean Miller and Kyle Dutrow — Hovercraft; Michael Yang and Sean Miller — Towers; Sam Grimes and Michael Yang — Rocks and Minerals; Lauren Ames and Avie Hopcraft — Forensics; Emmalynn May, Madison Raimondi, and Maddy Reynolds — Astronomy; Grace Mazaleski and Zack Carter — Disease Detectives; Sean Miller and Sam Grimes — Fermi Questions; Avie Hopcraft and Grace Mazaleski — Anatomy and Physiology; Sean Miller and Michael Yang — Mousetrap Vehicle; Devon Shorb and Teairah Velasquez were alternates.

CHS Science Olympiad coaches are Rebecca Hurley, Theresa Hutchinson, and Doug Young.

Mother Seton School (MSS) is pleased to announce that The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) has recertified MSS as a 2018 Maryland Green School. Maryland Green Schools are part of a national and international community of sustainable green schools. There are 618 active Maryland Green Schools, over 27 percent of all Maryland schools, a 2 percent growth from 2017. MSS was the first Catholic school in Frederick Country to receive Green School certification, having first been certified in 2009.

The Maryland Green Schools program encourages educational opportunities for Pre-K–12 schools that increase awareness and understanding of environmental relationships that impact public health and the local community. A few of the initiatives adopted by MSS include lunchtime composting, the Monarch Waystation, and integration of the Trout in the Classroom program, where seventh-grade students raise trout from eggs to fingerlings before releasing them into the wild.

“Our recertification demonstrates our commitment to teaching our students values such as stewardship, that we are responsible for God’s creation and have a duty to protect and care for the earth,” said Mother Seton School principal Sister Brenda Monahan, D.C.

Senior, Solomon Weisgerber, was selected as this year’s recipient of the “Student Peace Award of Frederick County,” representing  Catoctin High School.

Solomon is recognized at Catoctin High as someone with a positive, caring attitude, who promotes peace among those around him, always smiling and cheerful, willing to hear the other side and respect the opinion of others, someone who will sit down with someone who is struggling or upset in an effort to be of help.

Solomon states, “The name Solomon actually means peaceful, and I act on this by helping others find peace with themselves and in their lives through Jesus Christ.”

Each year, high schools in Frederick County are invited to choose one of their students to receive the “Student Peace Award of Frederick County.” The purpose of the award is to honor students who are helping to make our world a better place by promoting the values of peacemaking, conflict resolution, and respect for all people. This year all eleven public high schools and two private high schools in Frederick County selected a student to receive the award.

The award comes with a $200 check and a $100 contribution to the charity of the student’s choice. For his designated charity, Solomon has chosen Brooke’s House, a home for adult women recovering from alcohol and substance use disorder, located in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Awards were formally presented at a peace conference and awards ceremony held at Friends Meeting School in Ijamsville, on April 14, 2018.

Pictured are Solomon Weisgerber and Catoctin High School Principal Bernard Quesada.

Frederick County Public Schools received the news that Catoctin High School is named a National School of Character. The nonprofit Character.org evaluates character initiatives in schools and communities around the world. Catoctin is the only Maryland high school on the 2018 list of four schools statewide and seventy-three schools making the list nationwide.

The recognition was announced at the May 18 conference of the New Jersey Alliance for Social, Emotional, and Character Development at Rider University. Each year, Character.org and its state affiliates certify schools that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development, with a positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior, school climate, and their communities. To qualify for national consideration, Catoctin High was already declared a Maryland School of Character, a distinction it has earned each of the past five years.

Character.org will honor Catoctin High School and other National Schools of Character at its 25th National Forum on Character in Washington, D.C., October 4-7, 2018.

by Anita DiGregory

“A Tribute to Dads”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 72 million fathers across the country. This month, as we prepare to celebrate dads, their importance in society, communities, and families is palpable and unmistakable.

Recent research points to the importance of an engaged father in the development of his children.  According to Pennsylvania State University Sociologist Paul Amato, continued research points to “the father effect,” a term depicting the many positive effects that children with engaged fathers experience.  He adds, “Fathers and mothers are children’s most important teachers. Fathers might ask themselves, what are my children learning about life in general, about morality, about how family members should treat one another, about relationships from observing me every day?”

This sentiment seems to be shared by many. Former President George W. Bush, who himself is a father of two, stated, “By providing their sons and daughters with a positive example, fathers help give their children the necessary foundation they need to make wise decisions throughout their lives.”

Happy Father’s Day to all those dads out there working tirelessly and heroically for their families.  Although you may not own a red cape, you rise each day and fight the good fight. And, even though your days may be filled with traffic, board meetings, hard labor, dirty diapers, minimal sleep, and even teenage eye-rolling and attitudes, your dedication and commitment is making a positive difference…a difference you may not see now, but a life-altering difference. Thank you!  As a tribute, here are some words of wisdom from some famous TV dads.

 

Words of Wisdom from TV Dads

Philip Banks (The Fresh Prince of Bel Air)…“Before you criticize somebody, you find out what he’s all about.”

Ray Barone (Everybody Loves Raymond)…“Look, you want to know what marriage is really like? Fine. You wake up—she’s there. You come back from work—she’s there. You fall asleep—she’s there. You eat dinner—she’s there. You know? I mean, I know that sounds like a bad thing. But, it’s not. Not if it’s the right person.”

Mike Brady (The Brady Bunch)…“It may be the hip thing to call parents by their first names, but around here, we’re still Mom and Dad.” “Fighting isn’t the answer to anything. If it were, the biggest and the strongest would always be right. That doesn’t make any sense does it? Reasoning. Calm, cool reasoning. That’s a lot better than violence. And it’s the only sensible way to settle differences.” “Never open the front door without asking who it is.” “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”

Ward Cleaver (Leave It to Beaver)…“You are never too old to do goofy stuff.” “A thing is either right or it’s wrong. And if it is wrong in the first place…then it is still wrong no matter how many people do it.” “There’s nothing old-fashioned about politeness.”

Dan Connor (Roseanne)…“Someday, my precious angel, you will be a parent and you will realize that every day is Kid’s Day.”

Howard Cunningham (Happy Days)…“Richard, there is one thing that women like men to do. It’s what they call “a romantic gesture.” We men call it “eating crow.” ”Well, what can I say? Both of our children are married now, and they’re starting out to build lives of their own. And I guess when you reach a milestone like this you have to have to reflect back on, on what you’ve done and, and what you’ve accomplished. Marion and I have not climbed Mount Everest or written a great American novel. But we’ve had the joy of raising two wonderful kids, and watching them and their friends grow up into loving adults. And now, we’re gonna have the pleasure of watching them pass that love on to their children. And I guess no man or woman could ask for anything more.”

Charles Ingalls (Little House on the Prairie)…“Everybody wants to know that they are loved, or needed, or cared about.”

Jack Pearson (This Is Us)…“Sometimes they’ll make good decisions. Sometimes bad decisions. And every once in a while, they’re gonna do something that’s gonna knock us off our feet. Something that exceeds even our wildest dreams.” “The kids are gonna be fine. We’ve shown them a healthy marriage…We’re their parents, Bec, but at the end of the day, what happens to them, how they turn out, it’s bigger than us.”

Danny Tanner (Full House)…“Just remember, when children seem the least lovable, it means they need love the most.”

Andy Taylor (The Andy Griffith Show)…“You do the best you can and that’s all I’ll ever ask of you.” “It don’t take courage to be a winner. It DOES take courage to be a good loser. Now, you wanna be a good loser, you’ll be proud of your friends that DID win and you’ll congratulate ‘em for it.”

Tim Taylor (Home Improvement)…“We are enlightened men, and enlightened men share in the household responsibilities, right?” “(On helping with math homework)…why don’t they just call it the bottom number? The denominator… that sounds like a Schwarzenegger movie doesn’t it?”

Carl Winslow (Family Matters)…“When you make a mistake, you fess up to it. Trying to cover it up would only make it worse.”

The Brent Stitely Memorial Golf Tournament was held on April 28, 2018, at Maple Run Golf Course in Thurmont to benefit The American Cancer Society of Frederick County.  One hundred golfers participated, raising over $6,000 to help fund education and patient-support programs, such as The Hope Lodge, Roads to Recovery, and a free “Cancer Hotline,” staffed by medical professionals for cancer patients and caregivers.

The tournament concluded with an awards ceremony and lunch, catered by Mountaingate Restaurant, at The American Legion Post 168 in Thurmont. Relay For Life team “FunRaisers” hosted the tournament as part of their annual fundraising effort, and participated in the Frederick County Relay held at Banner School in Frederick for the twenty-first year to honor the memory of their son, brother, and friend, Brent Stitely, who lost his battle with Ewings Sarcoma in 1997 at the age of thirteen.  This year’s Relay Event, held at Banner School on Friday and Saturday May 11-12, raised nearly $250,000, with team “FunRaisers” providing over $19,000 of that total.  Tournament organizers wish to thank all of our sponsors and players for their generous support.

On Tuesday, April 23, 2018, the Cougars placed first in the Monocacy Division of the Ninth Annual Frederick County Unified Track and Field Championship.

Athletes represented ten area high schools for the event. Catoctin was in the Monocacy division with Frederick, Governor Thomas Johnson, Oakdale, and a combined team of Brunswick and Linganore. CHS had seventeen team members of the eighty athletes that competed. In the Monocacy Division, Cougars gave all of their heart and hustled to bring home the gold.

The Emmitsburg Heritage Day event will be welcoming the addition of a 6K Race in 2018. Lace up your sneakers and hit the road on Saturday, June 30, 2018, for the Inaugural Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day 6K Race. Beat the heat with an early start at 7:30 a.m. on this 6K (3.7 mile) course.  The race begins at the Emmitsburg Community Center on South Seton Avenue and meanders through the rolling outskirts of town, finishing at the Community Park, where the Community Heritage Day festivities will take place. Don’t forget those furry, four-legged friends who have faithfully run by your side. Register your dog to run with you and receive a special bandana for it to wear proudly. The race is open to young and old alike, and promotes good, healthy competition for walkers and runners. Awards will be given to the top overall male and female runner, as well as medals to the top three finishers in each age group category.

For more information about the Inaugural Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day 6K or to download a Race Registration Form, visit www.emmitsburgevents.com.

Deb Abraham Spalding

A path that included soccer, teaching, and coaching led Kevin “Mac” McMullen to become Catoctin High School’s athletic director. His tenure will conclude on June 30, 2018, when he will formally retire from Frederick County Public Schools. Mac’s now-Assistant Athletic Director, Keith Bruck, will become Athletic Director at that time. Obviously friends, as well as co-workers and director and assistant director in ranks, the two joked that Keith will enjoy replacing the Orioles and Ravens fan gear on Mac’s office walls for his Steelers and Nationals fan gear. They also kidded about Keith’s obvious incentive for becoming Athletic Director: the dedicated bathroom adjoining Mac’s office.

All kidding aside, Mac is looking forward to retirement and professes to having plenty to do, like playing golf and being more involved with his family, as they are expecting their fourth grandchild. The McMullens have three grown children, Sarah (a kindergarten teacher) and Tony live in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania; Esther (a Lifetouch professional photographer and regional director) and Andres live outside Rochester, New York; and Patrick (plays for the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds Ultimate Frisbee team and professionally serves as a mental health counselor) lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mac’s wife, Linda, is a kindergarten teacher in Fairfield.

Mac was raised in Brooklyn Park, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County, where he graduated from Brooklyn Park High School and played soccer and basketball. He graduated from Towson State University with a degree in Physical Education and Health, and he was immediately hired by his high school basketball coach as Brooklyn Park’s boy’s soccer coach while teaching at the elementary level. He later earned his Master’s of Education Degree from Bowie State University. After four years teaching and coaching at Brooklyn Park, a brand new school, called Broadneck High, opened. Mac became one of first on the coaching staff there and ended up teaching there. He was boy’s head soccer coach and the assistant basketball coach. Mac and Linda were raising their family while living in Severna Park, Maryland.

While at Broadneck, Mac struck up a relationship with Catoctin’s boy’s soccer coach, George Kuhn. The two started the Catoctin Select Soccer Camp, with local kids and kids from Mac’s draw area in Annapolis. This camp was held at Thurmont Middle School, and participants stayed in cabins in Catoctin National Park. They ran that camp for about six years. During that time, Mac grew to like the Catoctin area and learned more about it.

He and Linda decided to move to the area when a job opening came up at Governor Thomas Johnson High School. Soon after taking that job and moving to Fairfield, Pennsylvania, there was talk about a new high school opening in Urbana. Mac went to the new Urbana High School to serve as the athletic director and be head boy’s soccer coach, beginning in 1995.

He also helped coach men’s soccer at Mount St. Mary’s University for six years, and when word spread that Tom Sherald, Catoctin’s then athletic director, was up for retirement, the timing was right to apply to, and accept, the athletic director position at Catoctin High.

Mac said, “I could not have scripted a better last chapter of my career.” He added, “Working with Bernie [Quesada, principal at CHS], we have an awesome staff here. Catoctin is very similar to Brooklyn Park. It’s like being home. I’ve been very happy with my time here and very pleased with some of the things that we’ve accomplished.”

He’s worked with his successor, Keith Bruck as his assistant for the past six years. About Keith, Mac said, “I’m very happy and proud. He’s going to do a great job.”

Ketih Bruck has been at Catoctin High for sixteen years, serving as Assistant Athletic Director for eleven years. He said, “Moving forward, we will continue to emphasize the importance of sportsmanship and the value of an education-based athletic program. We have wonderful coaches and great kids at Catoctin. No huge changes are planned now, but I am always looking to improve upon what we have going.” The first change is a Catoctin Athletics season ticket pass purchase option, via a cell phone app, that can be verified at the ticket booth. That will be available starting in July.

Keith shared that while working with Mac he developed an appreciation for handling situations in a tactful and respectful manner. Having worked with Tom Sherald as well, Keith noted that he appreciated Tom’s passion about Catoctin. He indicated that he’s learned a lot from working with both of them.

Mac shared his insight, “In athletics, you forget about specific years and seasons and final records. The most important thing is the relationships with people. I’ve made some very close friends, both on the staff and in the community.” He added, “Once a Cougar always a Cougar. I’m very vested in the athletic program at Catoctin. I’m a fan!”

Kevin “Mac” McMullen (right) will retire from Catoctin High School as Athletic Director at the end of June. Assistant Athletic Director Keith Bruck (left) will become Athletic Director at that time.

by Theresa Dardanell

Graceham Moravian Church

The very popular “Served With Grace” monthly community meal is what most people know about Graceham Moravian Church, but it is only part of their very extensive ministry. Held on the first Monday of every month, this free dinner is a social event that brings the community together, while providing a nourishing meal. What you might not know is that some of the food that is served during the dinner is grown in the garden that is located on church property. Members of the Garden Ministry grow potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and other vegetables. Surplus vegetables are donated to the local food bank.

“Served With Grace” is only one of the many local community outreach programs. They participate in the Thurmont Ministerium’s summer lunch program for children and Christmas Gift Program; organize and host the annual school supply drive for students in the Catoctin feeder district; and support the Thurmont Food Bank, Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs, Seton Center, Safe and Sane, Hospice, and Catoctin Community Medical Fund.

“Angie’s On The Bend” is a housing ministry for women who have experienced homelessness or who are in need of safe, affordable housing. The Women’s Fellowship Group at Graceham Moravian Church makes Valentines to send to shut-ins and the elderly, creates ornaments at Christmas for nursing home residents, and visits St. Catherine’s nursing home to lead games and social activities. The Garden Ministry also grows sunflowers, zinnias, and perennials, which are then given to members and friends who are confined to their homes. Youth members also visit and deliver flowers to nursing home residents.

Prayer, of course, is an important ministry. An Opioid Prayer Group meets on Thursdays at 5:45 p.m. to pray for those struggling with addiction, as well as their families and those providing services, and they pray for a solution to end the crisis. There is a Prayer Shawl Ministry and a Prayer Chain Ministry. Worship leadership at St. Catherine’s is provided several times a year.

Community outreach is not limited to local organizations. The congregation supports the Sowers’ Family Mission work in Honduras; their work includes feeding centers for children, training for pastors, and building hospitals. Shoe boxes and backpacks full of essential items donated by church members are assembled by the Christian Education Committee and sent to children in Honduras. The annual youth mission trip is an opportunity for the young members of the congregation to travel to other areas of the country and provide services, including exterior painting, building new porches and wheelchair ramps, and roofing. The church also supports the work of the Moravian Church’s Interprovincial Board of World Mission through monetary and in-kind gifts, as well as participation in mission trips.

Fundraising helps to support all of the many outreach programs.  The popular Turkey and Oyster dinners are held every March and October. Over two days, between 750 and 1,300 family-style meals are served. Some of the dinners are prepared for home delivery by the Caring Team Ministry. Along with the turkey and fried oysters, diners enjoy stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans sauerkraut, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, rolls, cake, and beverages. Peanut butter balls made by the Women’s Fellowship Group, as well as crafts and baked goods, are available for sale. Other fundraisers include a Valentine’s dinner in February, cake auction in August, yard sale at the church during Colorfest, and the senior citizen’s Christmas dinner in December.

Christian education takes place throughout the year. Classes for adults and children are provided by a dedicated staff of teachers and assistants at 9:15 a.m. on Sundays, from September through May. In June, July, and August, children attend Summerfest during the 9:15 a.m. worship service. Children who are members of the congregation have the opportunity to attend retreats and camps at the Hope Conference and Renewal Center in Hope, New Jersey. An annual silent auction provides half of the registration cost for each child. Children in the community are invited to participate in vacation Bible school, where they rotate through stations and enjoy games, crafts, music, stories, and snacks.

The Music Ministry is very busy. The different groups alternate to provide joyful music during the services. There is a Children’s Choir, a Hosanna Choir, and a Praise Team. The “Bells of Grace” handbell choir, which is open to children and adults, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016. In addition to performances at Graceham Moravian and other churches, they have performed at St. Catherine’s and in various states over the years.

Graceham Moravian was founded in 1758. The original wood building was replaced in 1791, and the new sanctuary was added in 1822. Additional wings were built over the years, with the latest addition in 1989. There are currently about 250 members who are part of the worldwide Moravian church. Their mottos are “Our Lamb Has Conquered, Let Us Follow Him” and “In Essentials, Unity; In Non-essentials, Liberty; In All Things, Love.”

Everyone is invited to join the Sunday worship services, which are held at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., September through May.  There is a 9:15 a.m. service in June, July, and August. The church is located at 8231A Rocky Ridge Road in Thurmont.

Visit www.gracehammoravian.org or call 301-271-2379 for more information.

Pastor Sue Koenig (second from right) is shown with members of the Graceham Moravian Church.

by Valerie Nusbaum

When people are going through a major ordeal, one would hope that the fates would be kind and not pile on more trials and tribulations.  Such has not been the case for us recently.

Does anyone remember that terrible wind storm we had back at the beginning of March? Yes, I know that March is supposed to come in like a lion, but did we really need a whole pride? I remember it, vividly. It was a Friday, and Randy was in the hospital in Towson. I had been staying down there in the family housing, but I came home on Thursday evening because I had an appointment on Friday.  Randy called me early on Friday morning and said that his surgeon was releasing him, and he needed me to pick him up. No problem. I had to drive to Brunswick for my appointment and to check on my mom, and I’d head to Towson after that. I went down to the basement to get some bottled water and happened to feel a draft. I was none too happy to discover that the wind had blown our storm door off the frame and had knocked out the glass panel. The interior door was nearly shoved inward, too. I did the best I could to shore things up, but I had to leave it and head out.

On my way to Brunswick, a light came on in my car, telling me that my tire pressure was low. I hoped it was due to the cold weather, but decided to stop at the garage to check since I had a long drive ahead of me and the wind was trying to shove me off the road. The first mechanic refused to put air in my tires, but he did point out that I needed new ones. Dry rot. At this point, I was ready to sit in a corner and cry, but I still had to see my doctor, get a shot, check on Mom, and pick up Randy. By the time I got to Mom’s, I was a mess, and she suggested going back to the garage to get air in my tires. The lady (and I use that term loosely) at the garage desk was downright hostile, but I had taken my mommy with me and she set her straight. Mom’s friend, Mike, put some air in the tires for me. He also pointed out that I needed new ones. The good news was that Randy was coming home and all the hassles were worth it to get him here, and even though I’m old, and she’s older, my mother still goes to battle for me.

We had some roof damage from the wind storm, too, so we decided to file an insurance claim for the roof and basement doors. The adjuster who worked our case wasn’t happy that we went ahead and had the roof fixed by our own contactor, but we were glad we did because the roofers did the repairs the day before we had the blizzard. Randy and the adjuster went a few rounds, and our claim was eventually denied. Our insurance agent got involved, and we’re waiting for a new claim. I imagine we’ll be waiting a long time. We had our contractors replace the basement doors anyway. It had to be done, and the doors are really nice ones.

The dryer hose managed to separate itself from the dryer and blew lint all over the laundry room.  We’re lucky we didn’t have a fire. I had been telling Randy that the hose needed to be cleaned, so now that’s done. The laundry room is clean and shiny, too, and I’m looking at new dryers.

While our yard was being mowed and trimmed, a rock hit our front storm door glass and shattered it into 10,000 little pieces.  I discovered it when I opened the interior door and a sucking, whooshing sound let me know that something bad was about to happen.  I was able to shove the interior door closed just in time to keep the glass shards from cascading down on me. I had never liked the storm door because it was so heavy. Now we have a much lighter one, and it’s easier for me to get in and out when my hands are full.

We discovered ants in our pantry.  The pantry got a good cleaning, all opened food is now stored in containers and plastic bags, and we have an exterminator on retainer.

I got four new tires and found out that I need new brakes, and that was just after Randy had a flat tire on the way home. He was lucky he wasn’t on the highway. It happened right in front of our house.

My toilet isn’t working, Mom’s oven caught fire, and the last two times I’ve tried to meet my cousin Tricia for lunch, I’ve had to cut it short and go to a funeral.

Honest, I’m doing my best to be positive and focus on the good things. I found eight cents in the parking lot the other day, and never mind that the clerk inside the store was horribly rude to me. What I’m trying to say is that life is all about how we look at it. I’m trying.  Really, I am.

P.S.  Thank you, Barb Barbe!

by Christine Maccabee

“There is No Planet B”

When I heard that the President Macron of France was coming to the United States to meet with our president, I knew he had an important agenda. I knew in my heart that he would speak up for the need for our country to join with other nations to preserve the health of our precious planet Earth, and he did not disappoint.

True confession…I am a news junkie. I want, and need, to know what is going on in our country and around the world. Having no TV, I listen to C-span quite a lot, as I do chores or gardening projects. I like to hear many points of view, though not agreeing with all of them, of course. Who does?

A couple of weeks ago, I just happened to be tuned in at the very time the French President was speaking to Congress, so I stopped in my tracks to listen. I have always seen Macron as a truth seeker and a very good leader, who is not afraid to speak truth to power, and he did not disappoint that day! Perhaps you heard him, too.

Young President Macron, just thirty-nine, spoke boldly and eloquently, explaining the importance of us all to work together, for “in the long run, we will have to face the same realities, as we are citizens of the same planet; so we will have to work together to ensure the health of Earth’s oceans, its critical biodiversity, preserving these things for our children and their children.”

Macron said he sees the U.S pullout of the Paris Climate Agreement (signed by 176 nations in 2015) as “a short-term family disagreement,” and that he believes “it is the responsibility of lawmakers to ensure leaving our children a planet that is liveable in twenty-five years.” With those words, there was an immediate loud cheer from members of Congress, and a loud applause in my heart, for truth recognizes truth.

This amazingly intelligent and caring young man spoke for most of us, I am sure, for who does not care for the health of the oceans, which are filled with plastic debris that are killing aquatic life, left and right? Who does not care that the Polar ice caps are melting much faster than anyone thought, creating sea-level rise and confusion in weather patterns? And, who does not care that our rainforests are being clear cut, destroying untold diversity of plant and animal habitat and necessary oxygen, our trees being the lungs of the earth? I am sure our children care, as do Emmanuel Macron’s children. He is speaking for them and for the Earth, as we can’t have one without the other.

President Macron continued on, saying, “I believe we must transition to low carbon economies, because what is the meaning of life if our decisions, if our jobs, are destroying quality of life on our Earth? We must work together to create new jobs, new opportunities, so as we work [to support our families] we are also supporting our Earth.” Last I heard, France is phasing out all coal-related jobs within a few years. I have also heard that Finland is a totally fossil-fuel-free nation already, employing nothing but wind and solar; but then, these two nations are much smaller than the U.S., with fewer wealthy fossil fuel magnates, so it is likely easier for them to come to agreements about energy.

Still, I want to thank you, Emmanuel Macron, for lifting my spirits that day. I pray that your wise leadership and earth ambassadorship will create a ripple in our own country towards wise choices in the very near future, for there truly is “no planet B!”(at least not one that we have discovered yet).

Richard Bard Makes Good His Escape

by James Rada, Jr.

Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of columns about Richard Bard’s escape from captivity and the rescue of his wife.

Richard Bard had made his getaway from the Delaware Indians, who had captured his family at their mill near present-day Fairfield on April 13, 1758. He was one of the lucky ones. Two others had been killed by the Indians for no apparent reason. Six other people were still being held prisoner, including his wife.

When the Indians discovered his escape, they searched for Bard, but he hid in a hollow log. Once the Indians had passed him by and were out of hearing range, Bard climbed out and ran off in the other direction.

“He traveled [across] the mountain pick[ing] berries and herbs to survive. His feet and legs were swollen, and his body was in a weak condition. The snow on the brush and leaves of the laurel made it impossible to walk, and he was [compelled] to creep on his hands and knees under the thick brush,” according to L. Dean Calimer in Franklin County Archives VII.

The Indians and their captives remained in the area for a day and night before making their way another twenty miles until they reached an Indian village. There, Catherine Bard, Richard’s wife, was severely beaten by the squaws in the village.

“Now almost exhausted with fatigue she requested leave to remain at this place but was told she might if she preferred being scalped to proceeding,” Archibald Bard, one of Richard and Catherine’s children, wrote in Incidents of Border Life. Instead, the Indians traveled to another village called, Cususkey. Catherine and the others were beaten in this town as well. One man was even killed. “The Indians formed themselves into a circle round the prisoner and commenced by beating him some with sticks and some with tomahawks. He was then tied to a post near a large fire and after being tortured sometimes with burning coals they scalped him and put the scalp on a pole to bleed before his face. A gun barrel was then heated red hot and passed over his body and with a red hot bayonet they pierced his body with many repetitions. In this manner they continued torturing him singing and shouting until he expired,” Archibald wrote.

Meanwhile, Richard was undergoing his own trials to stay alive. The fifth day after his escape, he got some protein in his diet when he killed and ate a rattlesnake.

Eight days after his escape, he found himself in a stream that he would have to wade. On the other side of the river, he found a path that led him to a settlement. He found himself facing three Indians. Instead of being the Delaware Indians who had captured him, they were friendly Cherokee Indians. They escorted Bard to Fort Lyttletown, where he recovered from his experience.

Meanwhile, Catherine’s ordeals went from being physically abused to being adopted as a sister by two Delaware Indians. Catherine was to replace their actual sister, who had died. Over the next few months, Catherine’s new family traveled so much that she became ill and nearly died.

When she did recover, she got a glimpse of what the future might hold for her when she met a woman she knew. “This woman had been in captivity some years and had an Indian husband by whom she had one child,” Archibald wrote. “My mother reproved her for this but received for answer that before she had consented they had tied her to a stake in order to burn her.”

The woman also told her that once captive women learned the Indian language, they either married one of the Delawares or were killed. Knowing this, Catherine played dumb and did not learn the language. She remained as the sister of the braves and was treated kindly.

Once recovered from his ordeal, Richard set out to free his family. He began seeking information about his wife and the Delawares, making many trips from Franklin County to western Pennsylvania, as he followed up on leads. As the weeks turned into years, he despaired at what had happened to his family, but he did not give up.

This determination was what would finally lead to his family being reunited.

The cover of The Ballad of Richard Bard, a long poem about Bard’s escape from the Indians who captured his family.