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Catoctin High School Drama Department Presents Little Shop of Horrors

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Stephanie and Evan Felmet, Directors

This spring, the Catoctin High School (CHS) Drama Department is trying something a little different: a double cast show.

Little Shop of Horrors—the horror comedy rock musical—will take the CHS stage on April 18-20. The “Green” cast, led by George Hawkins and Colette Hartman-Carstensen as Seymour and Audrey, will perform on Thursday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m.,  and Saturday, April 20, at 7:00 p.m. The “Red” cast, led by Doug Whitworth and Anna Code in the same roles, will perform on Friday, April 19, at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 20, at 1:00 p.m. Each main cast brings their own interpretation of the characters. The actors are encouraged to make their own acting and staging choices to ensure the performances are unique.

Creation of the various Audrey II puppets has taken months to complete. The man-eating plant begins as a small handheld puppet, then grows three times until it, and its grasping vines, take over most of the stage.

Meanwhile, the cast has been hard at work memorizing lines, practicing songs, and perfecting their dance steps. The crew has also been busy creating sets, lighting, and effects that will draw the audience into this bone-chilling story.

The show is rated PG-13 due to violence, substance abuse, and mild language.

What happens when a young florist finds a plant that’s out of this world?

Come find out at Catoctin High School on April 18-20.

Pictured (above) are George Hawkins, Colette Hartman-Carstensen, Doug Whitworth, and Anna Code.

A Cut Above the Rest!

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Danielle Jackson

Do you know where your food comes from? How is it processed? Or even packaged? A lot of people think that their food comes from a store. But how does it get there? What steps are taken to get it to your table? This is something that is slowly slipping away from younger generations today.

Today’s youth are not as educated about the agricultural industry and where their food comes from. But the Catoctin High School FFA Chapter in Thurmont has a passion for agriculture and teaching! They keep our youth informed, educated, and active in the agriculture industry.

Every year in February, the Catoctin High School FFA Chapter, the Catoctin FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter, and surrounding community members all come together to participate in their annual hog butchering.

This year, the annual butchering was held on February 9 and took place in the agriculture area and agriculture classrooms at Catoctin High School. The day started around 7:00 a.m. and didn’t end until all the orders were processed and picked up. The Catoctin High School teachers, staff, and administration have always been so supportive of this tradition. Many teachers even bring their classes to the butchering. The butchering isn’t just an agricultural lesson or experience, it can be tied into other aspects of learning, too, such as math, science, photography, social studies, health, and history. Some of the teachers who bring their classes to visit create lesson plans and assignments based on the butchering. Math teachers will incorporate the scales and weighing of the processed meat into their assignments. Some science teachers will include the biology and chemistry of butchering in their lessons. Health teachers can incorporate how pork is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Any student who is part of the Catoctin High School FFA Chapter or in any ag class at the high school can participate in the butchering if their grades are eligible. Students help cut up meat, package meat, stuff sausage into casings and bags, and fill customer orders in the evening. By doing this, ag students actively experience the hard work that goes into a butchering, and they learn how food is processed and then put on their own tables. The experience also gives non-ag students at the school a new and better appreciation for agriculture.

Every year, the butchering continues to grow in more ways than one—in members, volunteers, and orders! There were about 120 total students, volunteers, and alumni members present, with 40 of those being FFA members. The students, members, and volunteers butchered 23 hogs, with an additional 3,000 lbs. of extra meat to fill over 300 orders.

We asked Amy Jo Poffenberger, one of the ag teachers and FFA Advisor at Catoctin High School, what her favorite part of butchering was every year. She said that her favorite part would have to be the sense of community, and everyone coming together to help with the entire day. This is Mrs. Poffenberger’s fourteenth year at Catoctin High School and her fourteenth butchering at the school.

We also spoke to Daniel Myers, who is a lifetime member of the Catoctin FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter and head of the butchering committee. We asked him what he hopes this experience teaches the students at Catoctin High School. He said that he hopes it gives them all a better understanding of how their meat is processed and packaged, and that they know that food does not just come from a store.

Everyone who helped said that this year’s butchering was probably the best and smoothest-running butchering that they have ever had, and they hope that they can top it next year.

This event would not have been possible without the help of students and chapter members, alumni and supporters’ members, the staff of Catoctin High School, and the surrounding community members.

The Catoctin High School FFA Chapter hopes to keep this tradition alive for as long as possible and for generations to come.

Catoctin High School FFA members stuff sausage into casings.

Catoctin FFA Alumni, Supporters Chapter members, and community members work together to cut meat into portions to be processed.

Students from Catoctin High School take a tour and watch while Alumni and community members tend to the kettles.

2023-2024 CYA Basketball Season Recap

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Ryan Tokar, CYA Basketball

Dwight Baumgardner, Head Coach, Catoctin Middle School Girls Varsity

The 2023-2024 CYA Basketball season came to a thrilling end in early March. After months of rigorous practices and intense games, it was time for our players to showcase their skills in the end-of-season tournaments for their respective leagues. Our K-2 Instructional Clinic also came to a close, with all of the players learning a lot and having a bunch of fun in the process.

While many teams made serious runs throughout the playoff tournaments, only three were left standing to battle it out for a chance at a championship. From our MYBA Rec Program, CYA was represented by our U12 Boys, coached by Justus Yocum, and U16 Boys, coached by Keith Myers. The U12 Boys had an amazing run during the regular season, going undefeated. That momentum continued in the playoffs, as they remained hot all the way to the championship game. Unfortunately, some untimely injuries and a tough St. John’s team derailed their run, as they fell just short in the championship.

Likewise, the U16 team had an equally impressive regular season, fighting hard and working together to stay very competitive throughout against some very good competition. They, too, would make a solid run in the playoffs; but, like the U12 squad, they fell just short in the championship against Middletown. Despite these losses, both teams represented CYA Basketball well, and they should be extremely proud of their efforts.

On Sunday, March 3, the Catoctin Middle School Girls Varsity team defeated Linganore 39-35 to win the Mid-MD “AA” League Championship.  The team had an outstanding season, going 14-2 during the regular season.  They won their division with a 9-1 record. In the playoffs, the team defeated FSK in the quarterfinals by a score of 59-20. In the semifinals, they defeated Walkersville 46-35, and then beat the previously undefeated Linganore team in the championship to finish the year 17-2 overall. Olivia Hoyt and Sophia Burgee were named Co-MVPs for the playoff tournament.

Congrats to all of our teams on a successful season. We look forward to seeing everyone again next fall!

Mid-MD Girls Varsity celebrates winning the AA Tournament Championship.

Team members are: Ashlyn Vaughan,Caroline Hoyt,Chloe Mathias, Olivia Hoyt, Leah French, Madelynn Case, Madeline Whetzel, Sophia Burgee, Logynn Thomas, and Ivy Simon, with Head Coach Dwight Baumgardner (back, right) and Assistant Coach Tommy Hoyt. 

This is the third straight year the Catoctin Middle School Girls have won Mid-MD Championships.

CYA’s Boys 12U Team went undefeated during the regular season. Pictured (from left) are Coach John Veronie, Stiven Obest, James Clements, Sawyer Burrier, Deegan Beard, Nathanael Fountain, Jeremy Veronie, Weston Tyler, Dominic Jacobs, Daniel Genemans, Eli Yocum, and Coach Justus Yocum.

Hope Springs Eternal!

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Sports Talks with Michael Betterridge

Every year, at the beginning of every sports season—fall, winter, and spring—I find that I always have a pre-conceived narrative developed in my head about how the season will turn out before it even starts. And I am certain that the narrative will come to fruition simply because I love my Catoctin Cougars, and that kind of selfless and righteous loyalty and devotion must always be rewarded with success…in a fair world.

I envision a Cougars football team that blows through the opposition to a Cinderella state championship, like in a blizzard in 2009 or Doug Williams holding the championship trophy aloft in his final game in 2019. I dream of another repeat 2022 girls’ basketball team with freshmen Brooke Williams and sophomore Taylor Smith churning through the 1A, this time to win a State 1A championship. I dream of another carnival-like ride from Smithsburg to Bel Air and Deep Creek Lake to Waldorf in 2021, when we put 500 miles on the Cool Oldies 1450 radio wagon to win a state baseball championship against St. Michaels at Regency Furniture Stadium. It’s “poetry in motion” for dreamers like me.

But reality is the constant reminder that the world isn’t fair, and it levels the playing field for everyone.

At the end of the football season, our Catoctin Cougars football team led us down that primrose path to victory on the road in the playoffs, following a tough regular season to Loch Raven and then Patterson Mill. Could this be the year? And, then, Mountain Ridge ended the dream in Frostburg three days before Thanksgiving! There was nothing thankful about that resounding defeat that ended their season.

So, it was on to basketball. As they say, boys will be boys; and so it was with our boys’ basketball team, who play hard, but lose often.

The girls won out to Christmas, six wins in a row! Then, they ran into eventual 4A Maryland State Champion Clarksburg, who handed them their first defeat during the Christmas week tournament at Hood College. If you are going to lose, do it to the state champion of one of the largest schools in Maryland! And, then, 10 wins in a row to face a really good Linganore team for only their second loss of the season. A win at Middletown, and then a loss at Mountain Ridge, and there they were, positioned as the #2 seed in the 1A for a big run to College Park for the second time in three years.

They started the state tournament quarterfinals after six wins in a row against the No. 7 seed, Surrattsville. At 22:17 of the game, our announcers observed that Taylor Smith twisted her ankle. Taylor got up during the injury timeout and walked off the injury. We breathed a sigh of relief. They took her to the bench and checked her out as a safeguard. After the initial shock of the injury subsided, and Taylor relaxed on the bench, the trainer brought Taylor over to the area behind the bleachers to see how she was doing and to examine the injury more closely. We all thought it was an ankle injury, but when we saw the trainer examine Taylor, we realized this was a knee, not an ankle. As we watched, the trainer had Taylor do some deep knee bends and then jump. Taylor’s knee completely gave out on the jump and she sank to the ground in serious pain. And, we knew, this was not good. Sitting immediately to the left of my position at the broadcast table at courtside was Taylor’s softball coach, Jess Valentine. She saw the collapse, and I heard a gasp from Coach Jess in horror. She began to realize that the most valuable player on the 2024 Catoctin girls’ softball team, who had played to within one run of a state championship last year, had just experienced a potentially devastating year-ending knee injury. The narrative had taken a turn that was as far from our dreams as we could ever imagine.  Taylor had torn her ACL. I remember the eerie sound in the gym that night.  You could have heard a pin drop when Taylor collapsed on the floor in pain.  Coach Burdette, Coach Little, and I looked at each other at the broadcast table and our hearts sank. The basketball team lost its quarterback, and the softball team that was destined for a repeat state championship would soon be without its starting pitcher and one of its best hitters before it had even begun. The worst realization for all of us was that as the Lady Cougars destroyed Surrattsville, 55-18, in that pivotal game, they could have easily done it without Taylor, who would not have been injured. But, then, who knew?

The Lady Cougars basketball team lost in the next round to South Carroll, even though the team, without Taylor, played their hearts out. Taylor sat on the bench, along with her crutches, cheering her teammates on at Thomas Johnson High School in the 1A state semifinals.

It was such a devastating loss to our broadcast team, personally, that for the first time in 10 years, we did not go to College Park for the finals, even though the Oakdale girls and the Frederick boys were playing for championships. 

Congratulations to the Frederick boys on a MD 4A basketball State Championship, the lone Frederick County team to bring home a trophy from College Park this year. 

Year after year, we follow every Frederick County team to the state championships. This year, we would have broadcast the Oakdale girls in the 3A and the Frederick boys in the 4A, but we just didn’t have any desire to go there without our Lady Cougars after what happened to Taylor.

I guess, in retrospect, success is hollow without overcoming disappointments, and that’s why we play the games. They tell the stories of real life and not my fairy-tale sports dreams.

Taylor, we love you. Your heart, toughness, athleticism, and competitive spirit represent our hopes that spring eternal. I think I can speak for the entire community when I say that we are all praying for a quick and complete recovery. 

That was why it got so quiet in the gym that night…we were all praying for you!

Catoctin Furnace Historical Society Receives “Preserving America” Grant From Americana Corner

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Catoctin Furnace Historical Society has won a $7,500 grant from Americana Corner to restore a 19th century bellows.

CFHS was one of 171 historic preservation organizations across the country to receive a grant in honor of George Washington’s birthday.

The restored bellows will be used in the blacksmithing demonstration program held in Catoctin Furnace’s newly constructed blacksmith shop.

The bellows was manufactured circa 1875 to 1885 by J. C. Onions company in Birmingham, England, the preeminent bellows manufacturer of the day. The giant bellows measures five feet by three feet and is constructed of wood, tin, and leather. Blacksmiths use bellows to deliver a constant supply of oxygen to the fire, allowing for the high temperatures, which are required to heat iron to the point that it can be worked.

With the addition of the bellows, Catoctin Furnace has a full complement of 19th century blacksmithing tools.

Just as iron was arguably the most critical industry in the development of the early United States, blacksmiths were essential to the production of equipment and supplies, such as nails, hinges, hooks, wagon parts, and tools.

Late 18th and early 19th century blacksmiths in Catoctin Furnace were primarily enslaved and free Africans and African Americans. Research into the African American owned Moses Jones (1787-1868) blacksmith shop in Carroll County and the Felicity or Oakland Mills blacksmith shop in Howard County informed the design of Catoctin Furnace’s new blacksmith shop.

With the addition of this restored bellows, the blacksmith shop will become a platform to honor the contribution of blacksmithing to our history, revive the practice of the craft, and educate visitors about its importance. In addition, it will become an essential part of Catoctin Furnace’s Heritage at Work program geared toward work skills training for at-risk students.

Catoctin Furnace Historical Society shares the history of ironmaking through special events throughout the year, including an annual commemoration of black history month’s “In Their Own Voices,” an autumn performance of Spirits of the Furnace, now in its 21st year, and the Maryland Iron Festival.

The 6th Annual Maryland Iron Festival will take place on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19, 2024, in the village of Catoctin Furnace, and throughout Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park. For more information, contact info@catoctinfurnace.org.

The Best Time to Start a Financial Plan is Now

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by Tricia Bush, CPA, CFP®, Partner, Bestgate Advisors

Hi, I’m Tricia Bush, CPA, CFP®, and I’m here to share with you what I’ve learned from working with successful retirees to help lead you to your financial and retirement goals.

One of the overriding themes I’ve seen of those who have been successful is that they have developed a financial plan themselves or have worked with a financial advisor to create their financial plan.

So, how do you get started?

In the realm of financial planning, there’s no shortage of advice and strategies. From Dave Ramsey’s rapid debt payoff method to the notion of leveraging debt for investment—the options are endless. But amidst this sea of information, how do you determine what’s right for you? The answer lies in understanding your own financial goals and priorities.

Take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you and your family. Are you feeling overwhelmed by credit card debt? Perhaps you’ve recently come into an inheritance and are faced with new investment decisions. Or, maybe retirement is looming, prompting a shift in your financial mindset. Each circumstance calls for a customized financial plan, tailored to your specific needs.

Once you’ve identified your priorities and envisioned your financial destination, the next step is to assess your current financial landscape.

In today’s world, it’s not uncommon to have accounts scattered across various institutions and platforms. While this setup may offer convenience, it can obscure your overall financial picture. Listing all these accounts in one place can provide a clearer view of your overall financial health. By calculating your net worth—total assets minus liabilities—you establish a baseline for progress.

With your financial baseline established, it’s time to examine your cash flow, commonly referred to as your budget. This serves as the bridge between your current situation and your financial goals. Maybe you have some discretionary income each month; yet, without a budget, it’s easy to fritter it away without a second thought. While the occasional splurge at Starbucks for that Venti Caramel Macchiato with the extra shot of espresso might seem harmless, aligning your spending with your priorities can lead to greater financial security.

For instance, if your top priority is saving for your child’s college education, earmarking those funds for a 529 plan can set you on the right path. A common theme I’ve seen with the successful retirees I’ve worked with is that they had a good handle on their budget.

One of the greatest benefits of having a financial plan is the peace of mind it brings. Knowing that you’re on track to meet your retirement savings goals, or not pulling too much out of your retirement accounts, can alleviate stress and allow you to enjoy life’s pleasures without any guilt. However, just like sticking to an exercise routine, some individuals may find it challenging to stay motivated on their own. If financial planning feels daunting or you struggle to stay the course, consider seeking guidance from a financial advisor.

Contrary to popular belief, financial advisors aren’t just for the wealthy or the Wall Street elite. They come in various specialties, each focused on helping you achieve your unique financial objectives. Whether your goal is retirement planning or debt management, finding the right advisor can provide invaluable support and expertise.

Whether you choose to go it alone or enlist the help of a financial advisor, the important thing is to take that first step toward securing your financial future. By crafting a financial plan tailored to your needs and aspirations, you’re taking control of your destiny and setting yourself up for success.

In closing, I hope this article serves as a catalyst for action, inspiring you to embark on your financial planning journey with confidence. We will continue to dive into more detail about different financial planning topics in future issues, but as you are working on your financial plan, if some topics or questions come to mind, send them to The Catoctin Banner at news@thecatoctinbanner.com, and we’ll see if we can answer your questions in a future issue.

Remember, regardless of where you are on your financial path, it’s never too late to start planning for a brighter tomorrow.

From May To December

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written by James Rada, Jr.

5: Helping Out

Peter Lawrence seemed to mature before his mother’s eyes, and she wasn’t sure if she was proud that he was growing into a fine man or sad that he was losing his childhood.

Stacy Lawrence had reluctantly given her son permission to work part-time on Bobby Hennessey’s farm. So far, Peter said he was enjoying the work, and Bobby had promised Stacy not to overwork the 12-year-old. Each day, Bobby would pick up Peter and drop him off, and for a few hours in between, Peter would take care of the animals and complete odd jobs around the farm–nothing too physically demanding.

Despite this, Stacy couldn’t shake off the guilt she felt. She would have loved to see her son out skateboarding with friends at the Thurmont Skatepark. Peter had chosen to help out on the farm after seeing how much Stacy was struggling financially. It was both heartwarming and bittersweet to see her son take on such responsibility at such a young age.

When she looked at her son, she saw glimpses of Jack, her ex-husband and Peter’s father. They shared the same unruly brown hair that never seemed to lay straight and bright green eyes that shone with kindness. But what really made them look alike was their smiles—wide open and friendly.

Thankfully, Peter had inherited his mother’s strong work ethic. He didn’t shy away from hard work and always gave it his all. With such dedication, it was no surprise that he proudly handed over most of his weekly pay to Stacy. And even though she knew they needed the money, she couldn’t bring herself to spend it. Taking Bobby’s advice, she opened a savings account in Peter’s name at PNC Bank. One day, he would have a nice nest egg thanks to his own efforts – and knowing Peter, she had no doubt he would use it wisely.

In the quiet moments while she tended the bar, Stacy’s thoughts often drifted to her son. She couldn’t help but miss his presence, even if he spent most of their time together, hunched over his tablet while she worked. Thankfully, Bobby was more than willing to match Peter’s days off with hers, so they could still enjoy some quality time together.

One day, after finishing work early, Stacy swung by Bobby’s farm to pick up Peter and save Bobby a trip. As she pulled up, she saw Peter feeding the animals and Bobby sitting under a tree with his easel and paints.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Stacy approached him and peered over his shoulder at his current creation.

“Not bad,” she said.

Bobby smiled warmly. “You’re kind. I enjoy doing it, though. I find it relaxing.”

“What do you do with them once you finish?”

“Half the time I just paint over them again.”

“And the other half?”

“When you go into the barn, you’ll see them hanging for the horses to enjoy.”

Stacy chuckled at the thought of a horse staring at Bobby’s paintings.

Putting his brush in a jar of water, Bobby stood up. “Would you like a glass of iced tea?”

She nodded, and they walked over to the house and the back deck. Bobby motioned to a cozy patio chair with a worn but comfortable cushion, inviting Stacy to have a seat.

“Have a seat, and I’ll bring out the tea.”

Stacy settled into the chair and took in the view of the farm. It wasn’t sprawling, but it had its own charm, with two rustic barns and a large fenced arena. She couldn’t help but feel relaxed as she sat and gazed out at the peaceful property. In the distance, she spotted Peter pushing an empty wheelbarrow into one of the barns before disappearing inside.

When Bobby returned with a tray carrying a pitcher of tea and two glasses, he joined her at the table. He set it down on the table between them and poured each of them a glass before taking a seat next to her.

“You really have a lovely farm,” Stacy remarked.

“Thank you, but it’s too much for me, really.”

“Then why not sell it?”

“I grew up here. I’ve got a lot of wonderful memories of my parents here. If I sold it, I would feel like I’m losing a part of myself. That’s probably why I have no interest in leaving Thurmont. Everywhere I turn, there are buildings, parks, houses that hold special meaning for me because of the memories attached to them.”

“I’ve never lived in a place like that.”

“Too bad.”

“Maybe, but can you miss something you never had?”

“Maybe not, but you can yearn for something you’ve only dreamed of having. In some ways, that can be even harder because it’s an ideal rather than a reality.”

Their conversation was interrupted by Peter jogging out of one of the barns.

“Bobby, I think you should take a look at Hershey,” the boy said.

“What’s wrong?”

“He’s been acting strange. I’m worried he might be sick or something.”

Bobby and Stacy quickly got up and followed Peter into the barn. “You named a stallion Hershey?” Stacy couldn’t help but ask.

“He reminded me of milk chocolate,” Bobby explained with a fond smile as they approached the stall where Hershey was housed.

Bobby’s four horses were housed in a spacious, rustic barn, with each stall adorned with fresh hay and a clean watering trough. Peter stood at the stall of a large, chocolate-colored stallion, its muscles rippling under its glossy coat. The horse kept shaking his head and biting at his flanks, clearly agitated and uncomfortable. Despite Peter’s attempts to soothe him with calming words and food, the stallion showed no interest.

Stacy entered the stall with cautious steps, her experienced hands lightly running along the stallion’s side. He nipped at her hand, but she quickly pulled it away. She noticed Peter hadn’t yet changed the bedding in the stall, which appeared crushed and dirty.

“I think he may have a mild case of colic,” she said to Bobby.

“What should we do?” he asked, concern etched on his face.

“Let me take him out to the arena and walk him for a while,” Stacy suggested. “Movement can sometimes help with mild cases. In the meantime, Peter should clean out the stall and remove any remaining food. A sick horse shouldn’t be eating.”

With a halter in hand, Stacy led Hershey out of the barn. The horse was hesitant at first, but with gentle words and slight tugs on the halter, he reluctantly followed her lead. As they walked around the arena, Stacy explained to Bobby how walking can help relieve gas and stimulate bowel movements in horses experiencing colic.

“Do you have any experience with this?” Bobby asked.

“I’ve dealt with it before,” Stacy replied. “But I’m not a trained vet, so if this doesn’t work, you’ll need to call one out here.”

“You seem pretty knowledgeable.”

“I’ve been around horses my whole life,” Stacy shrugged modestly. “But I wouldn’t want to risk your horse’s health.”

“I trust you,” Bobby said sincerely.

As they continued their slow laps around the arena, they talked about their pasts. Stacy was surprised to learn that Bobby had been married, but tragically, his wife and daughter had passed away in a car accident several years ago.

“Doesn’t it taint your memories of the town?” she asked sympathetically.

Bobby shook his head. “No. The town helps me remember them. They’re buried in a small family cemetery back behind the barns. Sometimes it makes me sad to visit their graves because of the memories associated with their gravestones, but you have to take the good with the bad.”

Bobby came to a sudden stop, waving his hand in front of his face as if trying to ward off an invisible attacker. “Now that’s a something I can do without.” Hershey had let out a belch of gas, the putrid odor hanging heavily in the air. “Smells like a dead skunk that’s been left out in the sun for a week.”

Stacy couldn’t help but laugh at Bobby’s pained expression. “Like you said, you have to take the good with the bad.”

She paused and ran her hands over Hershey’s belly, relieved when he didn’t snap at her. “I think he’ll be fine. Let’s walk him a little longer and see if he gets rid of anything else.”

“If he does, I might just lose my lunch.” Bobby grimaced as they continued their stroll.

They walked for another 10 minutes before Stacy led Hershey back to his empty stall. “Leave it empty for tonight, no bedding or food. Just to be safe and make sure everything is okay. If his manure is soft or watery in the morning, then we’ll take him to get checked out. But he should be fine.”

“Thank you,” Bobby said gratefully. “I really appreciate you helping Hershey and potentially saving me a vet bill… or even losing my horse.”

“I’m just glad I was here to help,” Stacy replied sincerely.

“I want to pay you.”

Bobby reached for his wallet, but Stacy quickly placed a hand on his arm. “Don’t you dare. You’ve already been so kind to me and Peter. This is the least I can do.”

“Well…” He thought for a moment before an idea struck him. “At least let me order us some pizza, and we can have dinner on the back porch?”

Stacy smiled, nodding in agreement. “That sounds lovely.”

“Observations from the Woodpile”

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Prologue

Observations from the Woodpile” is a collection of essays bundled together and given as a birthday present for my wife, Nancy, in 1997. Twenty-seven years have passed since the collection was given. The two main subjects of the essays, my sons Justus and Jacob, have grown into men with families of their own.

The Right Tool for the Job

Over the years, I’ve seen quite a few devices for splitting wood. I’ve been tempted to try them all. Sometimes, I’ve been weak and fallen for promises of wood falling into nice uniform pieces with just one whack of this tool or that. After several seasons of trial and error, I’ve ended up with a basic set of tools: a splitting maul, two or three wedges, a chainsaw, and an instrument called a cant hook.

A splitting maul is a cross between a wedge, an axe, and a sledgehammer. It looks like a wedge with a handle. The chainsaw is noisy and otherwise ineloquent, but I don’t see how folks got along without them. My hat is off to the old-timers who felled the giants of the ancient forests with cross-cut saws.

Except for the cant hook, all these tools are necessary for getting the job done. The cant hook isn’t at all necessary. It’s one of those tools that make doing a job pleasurable or, at least, less of a burden, by taking some of the drudgery out. It’s a stout handle with a hook that pivots about a foot from the end. You use it to lift and turn logs by the principle of leverage. It has, no doubt, saved me from an irreparable back injury.

Being properly equipped for a task is often quite a balancing act. Not enough of the right equipment paralyzes a project. With too many tools and gadgets, too much time is spent on tools and not the task.

Properly equipping children with the right tools for their lives’ tasks is the quintessential purpose of parenting. The tendency is to equip them with too much hardware, too much stuff. It’s easy to throw money and hope it’s the right thing. So, what is the right list of tools?  Well, just as every job is different, so is every child. It takes a bunch of trial and error and that means a bunch of time. 

When Less Than Sharp Is Best

More than once, the boys have commented about how dull the splitting mauls are. They constantly want to file them to a knife edge. I explain to them that for the kind of work the mauls are designed to do, extra sharp is not best. Something very sharp is more easily blunted and dulled. The mauls are continually being driven into the ground and hitting rocks and such. It just doesn’t pay to keep them razor sharp.

Several years ago, I ran a planing mill in a cabinet-making plant. Every day, I replaced the huge planer knives with ones that had been sharpened the day before. Before finishing, I passed a special stone across the knives to take a tiny bit off the edge. I asked the fellow who sharpened the knives why that had to be done. He explained that if the knives were too sharp, the constant friction would cause them to burn up. They would not last through the next shift.

That’s a principle I’ve seen before. Very precise instruments require an extraordinary amount of maintenance. High performance cars spend a lot of time in garages. Sharp, intense people often can’t make it over the long run. They’re too sharp to resist the constant friction, and they simply burn up.

The two boys are too young to comprehend this observation, and I don’t want them using it on me as a way of avoiding their schoolwork. Someday, they’ll be grown men with careers and families and a thousand other responsibilities. I hope they will understand then to take a little of the edge off, so they can last the long run.

Youth Art on Display at the Delaplaine Arts Center

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On a Sunday afternoon in March, the Delaplaine Arts Center in Frederick was bustling with families, grandparents, and local community members, who were all there to see the talent of the budding young artists who are part of Frederick County Public Schools.

The Delaplaine Arts Center once again hosted the Frederick County Public School Youth Art Exhibit, from March 2 through March 25. Art teachers from each school across the county selected up to three of their student’s artwork to be displayed during the event.

The gallery rooms were filled with vibrant colors, displaying over four hundred pieces of artwork in a variety of mediums and even included three dimensional pieces. 

The following students from the Catoctin Feeder Schools were featured in the exhibit:

Catoctin High School: Arianna Calhoun (12th Grade), Leyna Durrschmidt (10th Grade), Kaitlyn Eyler (9th Grade), Kaitlynn Grimes (12th Grade), Lillian Holden (11th Grade), Rebekah Manahan (9th Grade), Abby Nichols (12th Grade)

Emmitsburg Elementary: Dani Beall (3rd Grade), Amilia Luyo (Pre-K), Alexa Sosa Torres (5th Grade)

Lewistown Elementary: Natalie Collins (5th Grade)

Sabillasville Environmental School: Hunter Steele (1st Grade), Julia Marl (6th Grade)

Thurmont Primary: Prairie Brown (2nd Grade), Iris Burdick-Grumphrey, Olivia Roecker (K)

Thurmont Elementary: Ava Burdette (4th Grade), Sydney Grimes (5th Grade), John Irons (3rd Grade)

Thurmont Middle: Garcelle Hinson (6th Grade), Payton Reid (8th Grade), Amelia Rice (7th Grade)

Mixed Media by Cobalt Wivell at Catoctin High School, Art Teacher Laura Day.

Scratchboard by Garcelle Hinson at Thurmont Middle School, Art Teacher Stephanie Strenko.

Collage by Olivia Roecker at Thurmont Primary, Art Teacher Jennifer Riggs.

Oil Pastel & Watercolor by Natalie Collins at Lewistown Elementary School, Art Teacher Cenica Korrell.

Oil Pastel by Leyna Durrschmidt at Catoctin High School, Art Teacher Laura Day.

Watercolor and Cut Paper by Hunter Steele at Sabillasville Environmental School, Art Teacher Destyni Cecil.

Paint and Marker by Ava Burdette at Thurmont Elementary, Art Teacher Jill Dutrow.

Stoneware and Clay Oxide by Arianna Calhoun at Catoctin High School, Art Teacher Valerie Pickett.

Tempera Paint by at Emmitsburg Elementary Alexa Sosa Torres, Art Teacher Heidi Hench.

You’re My World! (Literally)

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by Helen Xia, CHS Student Writer

Have you heard about the basins detected on Mars? Already, experts are devising ways astronauts could utilize this newfound resource. For instance, not only could this be used to discover more about Mars’ history, but it could also be used more directly, such as for rocket fuel. Something else, however, emerged from the finding of water on this extraterrestrial mass: questions about whether intricate life can one day be found on Mars—or, better yet, could life from Earth ever be transferred there in the future?

The answer is uncertain for now, but one thing’s for sure: Humanity thriving on Mars is no easy feat. From high radiation levels to bitter cold—approximately negative 81 degrees Fahrenheit, to be precise—lack of oxygen is not the only factor preventing us from abandoning our home on Earth.

All of that was a convoluted way to say that Earth is our only definite home. There is no guarantee we’ll have a “second chance” to migrate to another body in space if Earth becomes uninhabitable. Hence, some critics question, “Why expend so much time and resources tapping into Mars when those efforts can be used to preserve where we currently live?”

Fortunately, amongst extraordinary discoveries beyond Earth’s atmosphere, there is a day designated for understanding the struggles here on Earth and appreciating what our home has to offer: Earth Day.

Despite not being an official national holiday, Earth Day is celebrated by more than 1 billion every year on April 22. It is often regarded as the origin of the modern movement for environmental conservation. The environmental discussion—more prevalent now than ever—arose decades ago. The first Earth Day materialized in 1970, amid copious amounts of leaded gas emissions from automobiles and the soaring of industrialization. Back then, there was scarcely any legislation combatting these harmful practices, if any.

Junior Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin recognized this unsustainable conduct and employed the powerful voice of youth to amplify his message. Inspired by the anti-war protests occurring during this period, Senator Nelson wanted to incorporate students’ vigorous demands for change into the environmental debate as well. To accomplish this, he organized teach-ins on college campuses with Denis Hayes, who left his academic career at Harvard Law School to pursue environmental advocacy. This explains the seemingly random date of Earth Day: To maximize student participation, Senator Nelson and Hayes purposefully selected April 22, which falls in between college students’ spring break and final exam season.

The event quickly escalated beyond merely college campuses and saw remarkable success. On April 22, 1970, about 20 million people throughout the country—roughly 10 percent of the nation at the time—gathered in various cities and protested against the damage done by careless, uncontrolled industry. Since the first Earth Day, the United States government has formed the Environmental Protection Agency and passed several laws dedicated to environmental conservation, including the Clean Air Act.

Don’t worry, environment-centered initiatives don’t need to be as large-scale as the ones described previously to be effective. An example of a force for environmental good is right in our community: At Catoctin High School (CHS), Brian Brotherton’s Catoctin Conservation Club (CCC) is committed to advancing sustainability within the school and beyond. To accurately illuminate the notable achievements of this club, I interviewed CCC’s incredible president, Gina Lin.

For starters, what is CCC all about? “The Catoctin Conservation Club has been working toward sustainability since its founding in 2019. Although it’s gone through a series of name changes, the goal of CCC stays the same: increasing environmental awareness at CHS and implementing ambitious sustainability practices in various forms,” explained Lin. “To say that the club is juggling a few tasks is an understatement. We worked diligently and submitted the Maryland Green School Application before its deadline in early March. CHS used to be Green School certified. The dawn of CCC was full of momentum, but soon after came the pandemic, erasing much progress, one of them being the expiration of the Green School’s Application. There is a certain set of criteria schools have to meet regarding student-led action, community partnerships, and sustainable school systems [to qualify].”

According to Lin, some highlights of CCC’s hard work consist of partnering with National Park Services to organize a successful on-campus tree planting; applying for and receiving the Maryland State Department of Education’s School Waste Reduction and Composting Program grant; arranging a school-wide recycling movement, titled Recycling Battle Royale, and educating students on proper recycling habits; having a few members of the club—including Natalie Hoyt, Keelyn Swaney, and Lin—attend the Frederick County District 5 Budget Hearing to advocate for more sustainable practices around the county; and welcoming the Frederick County Public Schools’ Sustainability director and operations manager to CHS to discuss next steps with the club.

The CCC is, evidently, a treasure at Catoctin! I can attest that the organization’s positive influence can be regularly felt all through my school.

Managing the numerous dynamic components of CCC requires much dedication and endurance. A problem as extensive as the climate crisis may seem overwhelming, but from her experience, Lin urges, “The most important lesson [I’ve learned] is to just try. Even if you can’t get everyone on board with your ideas, the best you can do is try and influence those who actually demonstrate interest. You never know the full impact of your actions. Communication is so important—I cannot stress this enough. You need to be a good communicator and not afraid to put yourself out there in order to get things going.”

Hopefully, this article left you feeling hopeful or at least taught you something about our planet and the efforts to protect it. Everyone is capable of uniting and outputting good in this world we share.

I will leave you with the following message of encouragement from Lin about conservation: “Every bit of action is significant and will be meaningful in the long run. We can’t be indifferent to the things burning in front of our faces. One less piece of plastic that ends up in the Chesapeake and feeds into the Atlantic is one more marine organism saved. Our actions are what causes eutrophication, the difference between critically endangered and extinct, and the amount of property destruction in coastal areas. The climate crisis is an indisputable issue and one I wish wasn’t politically charged. This is the future of humanity we are saving.”

LOOKING BACK

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Littlestown Man Dies of Fright

John McCall of Littlestown, Pennsylvania, was one of the oldest engineers working on the Northern Central Railroad in 1909. He had worked for the railroad for over 30 years and even lost a leg eight years earlier in an accident on the railroad.

So, what could a man who had probably seen everything—good and bad—having to do with the railroad have seen that literally scared him to death?

The Northern Central Railroad ran from Baltimore to Sunbury, Pennsylvania. It had been completed in 1858. The railroad’s claim to fame was that President Abraham Lincoln rode on the railroad to deliver his Gettysburg Address in 1863, changing trains in Hanover Junction, Pennsylvania. Then, in 1865, the Northern Central Railroad carried Lincoln partway on his final journey to Springfield, Illinois, where he would be buried.

On December 3, 1909, McCall was working on the Frederick Branch of the railroad, east of Stony Brook, at the York Valley Lime and Stone company quarries, near Hallam, Pennsylvania. He backed Locomotive No. 4134 onto a siding at the quarry and unloaded the coal with which it was filled.

After coming off that siding, he reversed the locomotive to back onto another siding. The brakeman applied the hand brakes to stop the locomotive along the siding, but it began drifting backwards down the steep grade.

“When the brakeman realized that he was unable to hold the car, he shouted a warning to McCall, who may or may not have heard it. A moment later the heavy steel car side swiped the locomotive cab, tearing the right side entirely off and throwing McCall to the track, where he was pinned between the parallel bars and driving wheels of the locomotive,” the Gettysburg Times reported.

Men nearby rushed to his aid, but McCall was trapped. In order to free him, McCall’s rescuers had to saw off his wooden leg, “which was fastened under the engine in such a way that it was impossible to move the man otherwise,” according to the Gettysburg Times.

His injuries from the accident were considered slight. McCall had a slight gash on his forehead and a broken left thumb. The most serious of his injuries was the amputation of his left index finger. These injuries were indeed slight, considering that McCall had previously survived the loss of his right leg around the turn of the century.

The accident had occurred around 5:45 p.m. By 6:30 p.m. that evening, McCall was dead. Dr. W. F. Bacon pronounced McCall dead due to shock and not his injuries. The York County coroner, J. E. Dehoff, later agreed with Bacon’s pronouncement.

John’s son, Carter McCall, also lived in Littlestown. He was a member of the freight crew on his father’s train. He was notified of his father’s death so that he could claim the body and return it to his family in Littlestown.

“The accident is the most peculiar known on the railroad, and a similar accident could not be remembered by any of the oldest engineers on the road,” the Gettysburg Times reported.

The Crazy Plant Lady

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Resourceful Rain Gardens

Good day to you, readers! I’m sure you’ve done all the Earth Day activities before: picked up trash, potted a plant, or enjoyed nature. Those are all great, yet, if you find yourself with that time and energy this Earth day, consider making a rain garden for more lasting aid to the planet. You’ll be carrying on a Maryland tradition since the first rain garden was started right here in Maryland by Dick Brinker of Prince George’s County. It was created as a new way to mitigate water pollution in a newly built neighborhood in Somerset.

The installation of one rain garden per house was quite effective: stormwater runoff decreased a whopping 75-80 percent as it was absorbed and filtered by the garden. Even its use at the University of Maryland, College Park, resulted in transparent water (many pollutants, bacteria, and other materials were captured and filtered successfully). Rain gardens are designated depressions or ditches where water and other sediment can drain into. You can find a completed rain garden at Heritage Farm Park (Walkersville, by the baseball fields), accompanied by a sign about its design and implementation. Rain gardens are important, successful, and downright cool! So, are you ready to learn how to make your own?

Preparation

You’re going to be digging into your yard, so call 811 to make sure you don’t hit any important sewage utilities or the like.

First, test your dirt to see if it will drain quickly enough to prevent stagnant water. Start by digging a hole six inches deep by six inches wide. You can check to see if the spot is just right by filling the hole with water and seeing if it mostly drains within 48 hours. If it does drain, begin widening the ditch. The Groundwater Foundation recommends 100-400 square feet for most homes, but you can certainly make it smaller to meet your landscaping needs

Plan to make the garden in a relatively flat area that does not have stagnant water after the rain. Try to place near areas in which pipes, drains, and driveways release excess water.

Make sure the garden is 10 feet away or more from your home’s foundation and 50 feet from a septic system.

Foundation

The deepest part of the garden should be about six inches, with the middle and outside edges forming a slight slope to make a small depression in the ground.

Use excess dirt to line the side farthest from the source of water (for you gardening nerds, you’ll be making a berm to hold leftover water that flows in).

If you’re having trouble getting water to your rain garden, dig a shallow trench from the water source to the garden. Place landscape cloth or tarp on top with stones on the sides to make a waterslide!

Planting

Select native plant varieties based on the water level they need. The trench’s deepest part must consistently tolerate wet to moist conditions, while the outer edges should tolerate dry conditions.

It is essential to use native plants for this garden. Native plants are adjusted to the water cycle and will appropriately absorb water, so there is no excess pooling.

Some good materials to line the deepest layer include: Blue Sedge, Wool Rush/Grass, Little bluestem, blue wood aster, groundsel, spicebush, growing summer sweet; middle layer: Black-eyed Susan, Alumroot, black chokeberry, hillside blueberry; outskirts: Black-eyed Susan, Butterfly milkweed, inkberry holly.

After planting, water the entire garden and add a layer of mulch. Keep watering until rain occurs. Continue to weed until after summer (and you can use your energy on harvest season instead). The only maintenance you’ll need after that is cutting down old growth.

And there you have it! A beginner’s guide to making your own rain garden. If you’re confused about any details, the Environmental Protection Agency website has several resources on how to make the garden and continue upkeep. Further, the Rain Garden Alliance has a free and easy-to-use calculator to create the dimensions for your garden.

Some other benefits of a rain garden you may experience include lovely pollinators, less flooding in your basement, and feeling like a good Samaritan.

Best of luck to you readers, and thanks for saving the Earth!

Credit to: Les Engles from The Spruce, Jeanne Huber of This Old House, James Steakly of Almanac, Viveka Neveln from Good Housekeeping, the University of Maryland Extension, The US Environmental Protection Agency, Chesapeake Stormwater Network, Davis et. al 2001 of University of Maryland Rain Garden Study, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Groundwater Foundation.

The Supermarket Gourmet

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by Buck Reed

Food Rants. PERIOD.

Okay, I have been writing this article for a while now, and I normally am a pretty happy-go-lucky kind of guy. For well over six years, I have been sharing my thoughts on a variety of food topics without any malice or thought toward any specific subject and usually with a little humor (some might say with as little as possible). But, now that we appear to be out of the pandemic, and things are getting to be a bit more normal, I want to share a few pet peeves I have with what is going on in the food service industry.

First, cauliflower is as good as it is going to get. Yes, you can cook it two or three different ways, and that’s about it. It makes a wonderful soup if you match it with something, you can boil it and serve it with butter, and, if you can tolerate the smell, you can roast it. Stop putting it in pizza crust, making “rice” out of it, or making “vegetarian macaroni and cheese” out of it. The last dish is not clever or new. When we made it back in the day, we called it Cauliflower Au Gratin. You either like cauliflower or you are normal.

I understand that the pandemic threw a monkey wrench into the restaurant business and that it might take a few years to get things back to normal. And, I know I am old and might be looking at this one through the eyes of someone who longs for yesteryear. Wait staff need to step up. That means simple things like knowing the menu of the establishment you are working in. Being able to answer simple questions about the ingredients and preparation of each dish is going to make you look more professional and make your job much easier.

I would say that in my day, if you mentioned to a good waiter or waitress that you wanted them to forego tips in favor of a flat hourly rate, you might have a mutiny on your hands. Being a server is a noble profession that requires a lot of skills, including sales, customer relations, and multitasking. Almost every server I have ever worked with made bank, or at least knew they would make it up on the weekend. Once they accept a flat rate, that will be all they will be able to make, as tips will disappear as fast as the menu prices go up.

Being in the food service industry as long as I have, it is easy for me to spot a dirty establishment. If the dining room is a bit disheveled, unorganized, or dusty, then I guarantee the kitchen is as bad. A dirty bathroom is a sure sign that the staff is not keeping up. Further, damage to the furniture and the carpet or cracked tiles is an indication that management is not paying attention to their establishment. I don’t mind seeing mouse or rat traps outside a business; most places have this problem. At least they are doing something about it. But if you see the trash dumpster or used oil bins, and they have bags or buckets that cannot fit in the receptacle, then that establishment has a problem, and I can assure you that it is a big one.

Finally, let me say as a lifelong cook that there is most definitely a proper way to cook almost all foods. Let’s start with hand-cut or boardwalk French fries. Some might even call these fresh-cut fries, which is actually not the case at all. These fries need to be cut from a variety of baking potatoes, then blanched in the fryer once, stored cold, and then refried to produce a crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, product that is delightful to everyone. To just fry a fresh-cut potato and serve it is just a hot mess next to your burger. The same goes for chicken wings. Seriously, I think any bank that is dealing with the food service industry needs a chef consultant to look over the cooking methods of any new establishment to make sure they are doing it correctly. There is actually a chain of wing places in Frederick that believes they can change the tried-and-true wing cooking method developed in Buffalo and put out a good product. (They don’t even have blue cheese dressing!)

Okay, suffice it to say, I got it out of my system. Please note, I have not mentioned any names concerning my rant; however, if you know of someone committing any of these transgressions, leave a copy of this article in their view. I will take the hit. Next month, I will be back to my wonderful self as I butcher the English language while describing the varieties of wild mushrooms available to you and your kitchen.

Taste of the Past

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by Maxine Troxell

I come from a family of good bakers. I remember my grandmother making pies and all kinds of cookies. My Aunt Pauline was famous for her cream puffs. My Aunt Ermie was a grand champion baker at the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Show and other local fairs. I want to share one of my favorite recipes from my Aunt Erma’s cookbook. This coconut cake won at least one Grand Champion ribbon. This is a pretty easy recipe, so I hope you enjoy it.

Grand Champion Coconut Cake

Ingredients

3 cups sifted cake flour

1½ tsp. salt

6 tbsp. sugar

1½ cups sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3-4 cups shredded coconut

4 tsp. baking powder

5 eggs whites

 2⁄3 cup Crisco

11⁄3 cup milk

1 tsp. coconut extract

Directions

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, twice, set aside.

In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add 6 tablespoons sugar slowly and beat until mixture stands in soft peaks.

In another bowl, cream Crisco and add 1½ cups sugar, gradually. Cream until light and fluffy. Add flour alternately with milk, a small amount at a time, beating well after each addition. Add beaten egg whites and flavorings, beat for about 1 minute.

Pour batter into two greased and flavored 9-inch cake pans or 3 8-inch pans. Bake 30-40 minutes in a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees. Remove pans from oven and let sit for about 10 minutes. Remove cake from pans and let cool. When cool, frost with your favorite frosting. Sprinkle coconut on top and side of cake.

Veteran Spotlight

Veteran Spotlight

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Frank W. Albaugh

KIA Lorraine Campaign

Frank W. Albaugh was born on December 26, 1923, in Thurmont, to Maurice, World War I Veteran, and wife, Margaret Albaugh. He and his parents’ address was given in the 1940 Census as simply being “Main Street,” Thurmont; also seen elsewhere as having been “31 West Main Street.” 

Albaugh’s father’s place of employment was stated as having been Woodsboro Savings Bank, where he worked as a banker.

The 1940 Census also stated that Albaugh had a younger sister, Mary C Albaugh, who was 11 years old at the time of the census, and Albaugh was 16 years old.

Albaugh was a graduate of Thurmont High School, and at age 18, he registered for the draft on June 30, 1942. At that time, he had already been enrolled in the University of Maryland and had been attending classes there for two years when he entered into the military service on February 12, 1943, at 20 years of age.

His statistics at the time of his enlistment were recorded as his having been 5’8” in height and weighing 193 pounds, with brown hair and eyes and a “ruddy” complexion.

Albaugh enlisted as a private. He had achieved the rank of staff sergeant before meeting his untimely death on the killing fields of France in 1944. 

Albaugh was dispatched to Europe as a member of the Army’s 137th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, which landed on Ohama Beach during D-Day operation, deploying on July 7 through July 9. 

As the 137th Infantry Regiment pushed through France in pursuit of a retreating German Army, Albaugh was wounded by enemy fire in August 1944, in which he was “slightly wounded,” treated, and was then permitted to “immediately” return to his unit, according to the August 15, 1944, edition of The (Frederick) News. 

The newspaper also noted that Albaugh was issued a Purple Heart for his wounding, which he had subsequently sent home to his parents.  The (Hagerstown) Morning Herald more specifically reported on August 16 that Albaugh had “suffered a slight flesh wound in one leg.”

Fast-forwarding to the engagement that ultimately cost Albaugh his life on the evening of September 9, 1944. The 35th Infantry Division was ordered to assail the German line on September 11, in the area of the Moselle River, and to capture the high ground west of the Moselle River, southeast of Nancy, France, according to coulthart.com.

The action was part of the Lorraine Campaign, which historians have described as “one of the most sensational campaigns in the annals of American military history,” and the campaign against the Germans was launched as the result of allied military having discovered “top-secret interceptions known as Ultra revealed that the Franco-German border was virtually undefended and would remain so until mid-September,” according to The Lorraine Campaign: An Overview, September-December 1944, by Dr. Christopher R. Gabel.

On September 11, the 137th Infantry Regiment was directed to attempt to cross the Moselle River near Crevechamps.

Describing the German defenses, which the 137th had faced, coulthart.com wrote on that website that, “The crossing proved difficult, as the Germans had blown all bridges across the Moselle from Flavigny south, and they held strong positions on the east side of the river, with machine gun emplacements on the steep bluffs overlooking the river, and artillery positions to the rear. The canal running parallel to the river’s west bank was an added barrier… ”

It was on September 12 that Staff Sergeant Frank W. Albaugh fell mortally wounded by enemy fire. Marylanders as a whole did not learn of the death of Albaugh until November 8, 1944, when The (Baltimore) Sun published a story, headlined “20 Maryland Men Killed in (European) War Action,” in which Staff Sergeant Albaugh was cited as having been one of those killed in action. 

Albaugh’s mortal remains were never brought home, and he is still interred in the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial, Saint-Avold, Departement de la Moselle, Lorraine, France.

American Legion Post 168, Thurmont

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It looks like spring is finally here! The flowers are all starting to bloom. The children will start their outdoor sports, and life will get busy. Remember to always check in on our Veterans.

April 5th is Gold Star Spouses Day. This is a day that honors spouses who lost their military significant other due to their Military service.

Poppy Posters are due to the Legion by April 15. If you have any questions, please email thurmontlegionaux168@gmail.com.

The Legion, SAL, and the Auxiliary are always looking for ways to help our Veterans and the community. Over the next several months, we have lots going on, so please follow us on Facebook and check the Community Calendar in this issue for event dates and times. And mark your calendars now for exciting upcoming Legion events, including getting your dancing shoes on for Dinner and Line Dancing for St. Jude on April 5, a Poppy Wreath Fundraiser on April 7, the 2nd Annual Car Show on June 15, and the 3rd Annual Legion Golf Tournament at Maple Run to benefit Platoon 22 and other Veteran programs on June 21.

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Held at Heroes Ridge

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A volunteer appreciation dinner was held on March 16 at Heroes Ridge, a 275-acre retreat facility atop Raven Rock mountain that serves combat Veterans and their families. 

Volunteers enjoyed an evening of camaraderie and a catered meal, hosted by Founder and CEO Cindy McGrew.

For more information or to donate, access the website at operationsecondchance.org.

Pictured from left: (front row) Sandy Crowley, Jan Oberst, Carole Hunt, Cindy McGrew, Erin Ickes, Robin Kantoski, Lisa  Riffle, Janice Maddox, Kelly Toms; (back row) Bobbi Smith, Rich Oberst, Jodi Becker, Chad Berry, Lloyd Berry, Olga Zhula, Lisa Cantwell, Noreen Stevens, Greg Maddox, and Tony Toms.

health Matters

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Uric Acid

A Key Player in Cardio, Brain, and Metabolic Diseases

by Dr. Thomas K. Lo, Advanced Chiropractic & Nutritional Healing Center

Uric acid is a natural waste product in your blood that helps to break down purines. Purines are chemicals created in your body and are also found in certain foods and drinks. Once uric acid dissolves in your blood, it moves through your kidneys and leaves your body through urine. However, if your body cannot remove all excess uric acid, it can lead to a buildup, causing high uric acid levels called hyperuricemia.

Hyperuricemia is a condition that refers to too much uric acid remaining in the body. It may lead to crystals formation, causing gout when settling in your joints or kidney stones when settling in your kidneys.

If left untreated, high uric acid levels may cause kidney damage, bone and joint issues, tissue damage, or heart disease.

In a healthy body, most uric acid will dissolve in your blood, move through your kidneys, and get removed through the urine.

Also, foods high in uric acid and certain health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and fatty liver disease may lead to too much uric acid staying in your body. Foods higher in uric acid include salmon, shrimp, sardines, lobsters, mackerel, anchovies and some other seafood, red meat, liver and other organ meats, dried beans, peas, alcohol, and food and drinks made with high fructose corn syrup.

Fructose and Uric Acid

Fructose is a monosaccharide, which is a type of sugar. Fructose mainly occurs in fruits; however, honey, sugar cane, sugar beet, and many vegetables also contain fructose.

When your body breaks down fructose, it releases purines and to break down purines, your body releases uric acid. If you consume too much fructose, it will lead to increased purine and then uric acid is released. Your body may not be able to keep up, which may cause high uric acid levels.

How to Reduce Uric Acid Levels

High uric acid levels have been linked to a long list of health issues. The good news is that you can reduce your uric acid levels with the help of some natural support strategies. The following are some natural support strategies.

Reduce Alcohol, Sugar, and Fructose Intake

Drinking too much alcohol and consuming food and drinks with too much sugar and fructose may increase the risk of high uric acid and related health issues.

Lowering your intake of sugar, fructose, and alcohol may also reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other health issues that are connected to high uric acid.

It is recommended to reduce your intake of refined sugar and fructose, which should only come from low-glycemic index fruits and vegetables.

Consider Lowering Purines

Eating foods high in purine may lead to high uric acid levels and recurrent gout attacks.

A 2019 review published in Nutrients has found that a low-purine diet may help to reduce uric acid levels, gout, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Foods higher in purines are salmon, shrimp, sardines, lobsters, mackerel, anchovies and some other seafood, red meat, liver and other organ meats, dried beans, peas, alcohol, and food and drinks made with high fructose corn syrup.

Switch to a low-purine whole foods diet rich in greens, vegetables, sprouts, herbs, spices, fermented foods, healthy fats, such as avocados, coconut oil, pasture-raised butter and ghee, olives, and extra virgin olive oil, and low-purine protein sources, such as grass-fed eggs and poultry, cold-water fish, such as tuna, and nuts
and seeds.

Regular Exercise

Regular movement and exercise may also help to reduce your uric acid levels.

According to a 2015 study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, an inactive lifestyle may be linked to high uric acid levels. However, being active helped to decrease uric acid levels and mortality.

A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology (Lausanne) has found that moderate exercise offers the optimal benefits for reducing uric acid levels compared to low-level exercise or no exercise at all.

A 2015 study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine has found that strenuous exercise and over exercising and undereating causing ‘starvation’ can increase uric acid and trigger gout.

Aim for long-term sustainable changes with regular moderate exercise and daily movement combined with a healthy diet and other healthy lifestyle choices.

Good Hydration

Healthy kidney function is critical for removing excess uric acid from your body. Good hydration can support kidney function and may improve uric acid levels and the risk of gout.

Drink water throughout the day, about 8 oz. every hour.

Optimize Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for your bone, muscle, immune system, brain, and overall health. Improving your vitamin D may help to reduce uric acid levels.

A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition has found a link between vitamin D levels and hyperuricemia. Researchers found that low vitamin D levels may be associated with high uric acid, and vitamin D supplementation may help to improve uric acid levels.

Pairing vitamin D3 with vitamin K2 helps improve calcium absorption and inflammation control.

Optimize Zinc Levels

Zinc is a critical mineral for your immune system and overall health. Zinc deficiency may increase your risk of high uric acid.

A 2020 study published in the International Journal of Fertility and Sterility has found that zinc supplementation may help to restore healthy uric acid levels.

Eat plenty of foods that are rich in zinc, such as poultry, eggs, dairy, seeds, nuts, legumes, sweet potatoes, quinoa, and green leafy vegetables.

Some of these foods are higher in purines so monitor which ones are best for you.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C may also help with uric acid level.

A 2009 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine has found that higher vitamin C intake may be linked to lower uric acid levels.

Eating foods rich in vitamin C, such as lemon, lime, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts help you get your daily RDA of vitamin C.

Green Tea

Green tea is a healthy choice. It is full of antioxidants and potential health benefits, including fat burning, weight loss, improved cognition, better blood sugar balance, and longevity.

A 2015 animal study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has found that green tea polyphenols may help to reduce uric acid levels.

Tart Cherry

Tart cherries are full of nutrients and have many health benefits, including muscle health, improved sleep, improved immune health, and less joint pain.

They may also help with reducing your uric acid levels. You may benefit from drinking tart cherry juice (no sugar added) if you have high uric acid levels or gout.

If you are struggling with health issues, call the Advanced Chiropractic & Nutritional Healing Center at 240-651-1650 for a free consultation. Dr. Lo uses Nutritional Response Testing® to analyze the body to determine the underlying causes of ill or non-optimum health. The office is located at 7310 Grove Road #107, Frederick, MD. Check out the website at www.doctorlo.com.

Thurmont Senior Center

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The warmth of spring has finally arrived. I am certainly enjoying the beauty of the trees and the flowers starting to bloom. Stop by the Thurmont Senior Center for some fun, laughter, and maybe a cup of coffee or tea. We look forward to seeing you. You will find we are a place to come to enjoy a great lunch and to find laughter and friendship. You are never too old to make new friends and learn new things.

Hopefully, everyone is enjoying the extra hour of sunshine now. April is full of activities. Take the opportunity to come and enjoy the calendar of events we have scheduled. You can find our calendar on the website at thurmontseniorcenter.org, on Facebook, or come into the center and ask for a schedule of activities. We will happily provide you one. 

We would love for you to join us for a free balance and strength exercise session, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, as well as many other exercise classes. We also hold a variety of games to play, including pinochle, bunko, and bingo (featuring special homemade treats for halftime). I can’t forget to mention our coffee that we are told is the best, so come in and have a cup with us. Please check the Community Calendar in this issue for dates and times of events and classes. Just a reminder that some activities may have a minimal cost, but to join the center is absolutely free.

Don’t forget the Thurmont Senior Center is also available to rent for different activities, such as a baby shower, a birthday party, or a bridal shower.

As always, if you have questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to call us at 301-271-7911.

Some of our initial board of directors: Margaret Cornejo, Roy Clever, Nancy Rice, John Dowling, Irene Matthews, Helen Deluca, Tony Cornejo, and Joan Follin.

Emmitsburg 50+ Center

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April is here, no fooling! Winter is officially behind us, and spring has started. So, why not “spring” into some activities at Emmitsburg 50+ Center! Come and join the exercise group and engage in moderate or low intensity exercise with a video instructor. If you interested in something of an “at your own pace” level, please come join the walking group every Tuesday morning. As always, we have “open gym” for open activities Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and pickleball on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

There are new crafts on Thursday the 11th and 18th. We have “make and take” sugar scrub and ladybug magnet making, respectively. Additionally, the very talented Dorothea will be returning for a beautiful spring theme “Orchard in Acrylics.” We will also have another stained glass beginner class this month. In March, our beginner class made rabbits, mountains, foxes, butterflies and more! One new program we are excited about that is starting in April is “It’s Doable! Managing My Hypertension.” This is an evidence-based eight-week class led by a Registered Dietician that focuses on education in key areas such as goal setting, nutrition, exercise, stress management and blood pressure monitoring. Individuals with hypertension or pre-hypertension are encouraged to participate! Another new program we are hosting in conjunction with the Veterans Advisory Council is a coffee social for Veterans, service members, and their families. This will be an opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee, and to get information on services available to Veterans in Frederick County. Please check the Community Calendar in this issue for event dates and times.

For more information about all our programs, visit www.frederickcountymd.gov/virtual50, call us at 301-600-6350, or stop in the Emmitsburg 50+ Center between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. You can also find Emmitsburg Senior Center on Facebook for more updates!

CLASSIFIEDS

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classified and display ads

To place a classified ad, submit and pay online at www.TheCatoctinBanner.com under the ‘Classifieds’ tab. A classified ad costs $20 and includes up to 200 characters in the For Sale, For Rent, Help Wanted, Yard Sales,  and Wanted categories. Classifieds under the Services category require a paid display ad. When purchasing a paid display ad, you may place a classified ad for free in the months you advertise. Also, continuous advertisers who have regular customer walk-in hours at their brick-n-mortar business location get an additional ad in the Town section. This is to encourage the quick reference reader to visit your business.

Wanted

Antiques & Collectibles like crocks, jugs, postcards, photographs, advertising items, old signs, old dolls, toys & trains (pre-1965), quilts, political items, guns, old holiday decorations, hunting & fishing items, jewelry, and coins; gold, sterling, coin collections, etc. Will buy one item or collection. 301-514-2631.

We buy gold & silver. Call 301-788-2626.

For RENT

HALL RENTAL: Weddings, Banquets, Events of any kind. Call the Thurmont American Legion at 301-271-4411 between 9 and 11 a.m.

Looking for a place for a meeting, reunion, reception, picnic, or party? St. John’s Church in Sabillasville rents its pavilion or parish hall. Contact Megan Doolittle at 301-514-3115 or stjohnsrc21780@gmail.com.

Looking for a storage solution? Storage units available for rent in Emmitsburg. Call Dan 301-788-2626.

Help Wanted

Administrative Assistant-16 hrs per wk St. John’s Lutheran Church, Thurmont, Md Contact Pastor Joe Herb 443-255-5229 or Chris Kreitz 301-471-5691

Rouzerville Church of the Brethren is searching for a pianist or organist, Sunday Mornings from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Please call 240-439-7061.

Weller Puppet Ministry needs you! Enjoy performing? Are you artsy? Like working behind the scenes? Text Wes at 240-818-1122.

Now hiring: nail technician and hairstylist with an established clientele, part-time or full-time; will consider the right person without clientele. Call 301-302-6632.

D&J Auto Enterprises, located at 12440A Creagerstown Road in Thurmont, is hiring for a skilled auto body tech and mechanic. Stop in and apply. www.newbillsautobody.com.

McDonald’s is Hiring! Minimum starting salary $13.25/hr. and above for Crew; $14.25/hr. (Thurmont & Walkersville) for Maintenance. Apply in person at your local McDonald’s or text 38000 and enter location code. Also hiring Managers!

Ott House, 5 W. Main Street, Emmitsburg. Hiring cooks, servers, and crew. 301-447-2625.

E Plus in Emmitsburg is Hiring! Full-time position. Looking for someone who is friendly, hard-working, motivated, and willing to learn. General knowledge of Microsoft & Adobe Acrobat programs; great phone skills and typesetting are a must. Mon.-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Competitive pay. Email art@epluspromotes.com or call 301-447-2804.

Yard Sales

Huge Yard Sale: May 3 & 4, Rt. 15 & Lohr Road, Thurmont. 12 Families. Friday: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. & Saturday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Rain or Shine. Vintage pink depression glass, hundreds of small tools, handmade sewing items, cloth, fabric, riding mowers, fishing rods, smoker, apple butter kettle, household items, men’s clothes 2x-3x, Something for everyone.

Guardian Hose Co. Yard Sale: Saturday, May 4, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Carnival Grounds, E. Main Street, Thurmont. Rain or shine. Breakfast & lunch available for purchase. Want a spot? $10 (12×14 space); you provide table. Contact Bev at 301-271-4289.

Lewistown Vol. Fire Dept. Indoor & Outdoor Yard Sale: April 6, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 11101 Hessong Bridge Road, Thurmont. Lots of vendors. Food available for purchase.

Services

Knife sharpening service for knives used in restaurants, at home, or for hunting. Call 240-288-8432 or email souschefknifesharpening@gmail.com.

Rick Hurley & Son Small Engine Repair Service. Call 301-271-2117 or 240-285-2494 (leave message).

Web Design/Development/Web Maintenance/Data Entry Services.  Reasonable rates. Contact mtroxell1@verizon.net.

Lawn Services – Fertilizer programs, mowing, landscaping, mulching, and more. Call Mountain View Lawn Service at 301-271-2832.

Septic tank pumping, Reliable Service and Reasonable Rates. Serving Frederick County and surrounding areas. Staley’s Onsite Services 301-788-3636 or email staleysonsite@gmail.com.

Asphalt paving and seal coating by Frederick County Paving. Call 301-662-2820 for a free estimate or email frederickcountypaving@comcast.net.

Visit Quality Tire in Emmitsburg for super tire service at 17650 Creamery Road in Emmitsburg. Call 301-447-2909.

Accounting services and tax management and filing with Melissa Wetzel in Emmitsburg. Schedule your appointment today at 301-447-3797.

Maryland Potomac Edison residential or commercial customers are eligible for a Maryland Quick Home Energy Check (QHEC) performed by Perry Joy, a BPI-Certified Home Energy Professional. It is FREE and you receive $150 worth of energy-saving products. Eligible customers sign up online at www.energyauditinfo.com or call Perry Joy at 443-974-7966 for info.

Affordable Lawn Care and Handyman Service gives free estimates and there’s no job too small. Call 240-651-4248 for mowing, trimming, edging, mulching, home repairs, and maintenance.

High tensile, board & post fence repair and replacement. Property maintenance, exterior painting, house cleanouts, junk removal, hauling, and weeding. Also bush hogging and skid loader service. Call Mike at 240-285-6648.

Community Calendar

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Event Advertisements

You may advertise an event in our calendar for free by submitting an entry under the ‘Calendar’ tab at www.TheCatoctinBanner.com. For a more detailed listing (details, contact information, ticket information, and web address), please sign up for a paid display ad under the Calendar tab and reference the Advertisement Rates tab for costs and contract. Paid display ads come with a detailed calendar listing and a write-up in the Around Town section that references your ad page. Calendar listings will be listed only in the calendar month in which they take place.

April Community Calendar

1…… Served With Grace Free Dinner, Graceham Moravian Church, 8231-A Rocky Ridge Rd., Thurmont. 5:30-7 p.m. www.gracehammoravian.org.

1…… Balance & Strength, Thurmont Senior Center, 806 E. Main St., Thurmont. 10 a.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri.

1…… Thurmont UMC Clothes Closet at Thurmont UMC will be closed due to renovations.

2…… Coffee & Chat, Thurmont Senior Center, 806 E. Main St., Thurmont. 10 a.m. Also: 9, 16, 23 & 30.

2…… Yoga (every Tuesday), American Legion Post 168, 8 Park Ln., Thurmont. 5:30-6:30 p.m.

3…… Queen of Hearts Drawing (every Wednesday), American Legion Post 168, 8 Park Ln., Thurmont. 7:30 p.m.

3…… Cornhole Tournament (every Wednesday), American Legion Post 168, 8 Park Ln., Thurmont. 7 p.m.

3…… Teen Perler Bead Bookmarks, Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Rd., Thurmont. 4 p.m.

3…… Bingo, Thurmont Senior Center, 806 E. Main St., Thurmont. 10 a.m. Also: 17.

4…… Dominoes, Thurmont Senior Center, 806 E. Main St., Thurmont. 10 a.m. Also: 11, 18 & 25.

4…… Community Tree Planting Day (rescheduled from March), East End Park, Thurmont. 1 p.m.

4…… Bingo (every Thursday), American Legion Post 168, 8 Park Ln., Thurmont. 7 p.m.

4…… Line Dancing (every Thursday), American Legion Post 168, 8 Park Ln., Thurmont. 7 p.m.

5…… Dinner & Line Dancing for St. Jude,  American Legion Post 168, 8 Park Ln., Thurmont. 7 p.m.

5…… Gift Card Bingo, Union Bridge Fire Hall, 8 W. Locust St.,  Union Bridge. Doors open 5 p.m.

5…… Bingo (every Friday night), Thurmont Event Complex, 13716 Strafford Dr., Thurmont. Doors open 5 p.m.; Bingo 6:45 p.m. Tip jars; food; jackpot up to $1,000. Benefits Thurmont Community Amb. Srv. www.thurmonteventcomplex.com.

5…… Dinner and Line Dancing for St. Jude, American Legion Post 168, 8 Park Ln., Thurmont. 7 p.m.

5-7… Memory Lab by Appointment, Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Rd., Thurmont. All day.

6…… Dueling Pianos Night, Vigilant Hose Co. Activities Bldg., 17701 Creamery Rd., Emmitsburg. Doors open 5 p.m.; dinner until 6:30 p.m.; show 7 p.m. $40/person (includes dinner, beer/wine, soda/water). Must be 21+. Live entertainment by Howl at the Moon. Tickets must be purchased by Apr. 1: Kellie 301-305-8498, Jen 717-398-5699, or at Palms Restaurant.

6…… Monthly Craft Class w/Tanya, Thurmont UMC, 13880 Long Rd., Thurmont. 10 a.m.-noon. Info.: 240-344-7349.

6…… Parent’s Night Out Party, Thurmont UMC,  13880 Long Rd., Thurmont. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Get some time away from the kiddies. Contact Brittany 301-514-6162 or email brittanypclark3@gmail.com.

6…… The Amish Outlaws, Thurmont Event Complex, 13716 Strafford Dr., Thurmont. $10/person. Doors open 6 p.m.; music 9:30 p.m.-midnight; DJ Fire 7-9:30 p.m. Cash bar, kitchen open, tip jars & 50/50. Tickets: at the door, any Friday Night Bingo, or on Eventbrite. 18 & older.

6…… Advance Orders Due for Slippery Pot Pie & Country Ham Sandwiches Take-Out. Chicken Slippery Pot Pie $8/quart; Country Ham Sandwiches $5/each. Pickup April 13, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (baked good available), Lewistown UMC, 11032 Hessong Bridge Rd., Thurmont. Place orders: 240-288-8748 or email lumcpotpie@gmail.com.

6…… Indoor & Outdoor Yard Sale, Lewistown Vol. Fire. Dept., 11101 Hessong Bridge Rd., Thurmont. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Lots of vendors. Food available for purchase.

6…… Emmitsburg Lions Club & Emmitsburg Library Present Roar Like A Lion, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Adults & children. Crafts, community improvement, vision screening, fun projects for all ages & more.

6…… The Role of the Executor of an Estate Part 1, Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Rd., Thurmont. 10:30 a.m.

6…… Harp Concert, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 10621 Old Frederick Rd., Thurmont. 2 p.m.

7…… Shotgun Shoots (12 Gauge & 410), Indian Lookout Conservation Club, 17107 Riffle Rd., Emmitsburg. Registration noon. Shoots 1 p.m. Tip jars available.

7…… Auxiliary’s Poppy Wreath Fundraiser, American Legion Post 168, 8 Park Ln., Thurmont.

9…… Elementary Ages: Upcycled No Sew Projects, Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Rd., Thurmont. 4:30 p.m.

10…. Braddock’s Road: The French and Indian War Marches Through Maryland, Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Rd., Thurmont. 7 p.m.

11…. “Make and Take” Sugar Scrub Magnet Making, Emmitsburg 50+ Center, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. 1 p.m.

11…. Tween Ages: Upcycle No Sew Project, Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Rd., Thurmont. 4:30 p.m.

11…. Teen Blackout Poetry, Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Rd., Thurmont. 4 p.m.

11…. Bunko, Thurmont Senior Center, 806 E. Main St., Thurmont. 1 p.m.

11…. Roy Roger’s Fundraiser for Thurmont Senior Center, Roy Roger’s, Thurmont. 5 p.m.

12…. Livestock Sale, Legacy Livestock Auctions, 137 Emmitsburg Rd., Thurmont. 6 p.m.

13…. Thurmont Green Fest, Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Rd., Thurmont. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Activities for whole family. Upcycling demos, rug making, beekeeping, children’s nature activities, children’s gear swap & more. Compost tumbler raffle & free tree saplings.

13…. Fort Ritchie Community Center’s Health & Wellness Fair, FRCC Gymnasium, 14421 Lake Royer Dr., Cascade. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. www.thefrcc.org or 301-241-5085.

13…. Pot Luck Dinner Followed by Talent Show w/Cake & Pie Auction, Weller UMC, 101 N. Altamont Ave., Thurmont. 5 p.m. 301-271-2802.

13…. Spring Cash Bash, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Center, 103 Church St., Thurmont. 3-8 p.m. (doors open 2 p.m.). $25/person. Food & refreshments included. Live music, games of chance & tip jars. Four drawings per hour. grand prize $3,000 drawn at 8 p.m. Only 500 tickets sold: Tickets: 301-447-2367 or 240-285-6561.

13…. Bingo, Rocky Ridge Vol. Fire Co., 13516 Motters Station Rd., Rocky Ridge. Doors open 5 p.m.; games 7 p.m. Food available for purchase.

14…. Sip and Paint with Seton Center, Carriage House Inn, 200 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. 2 p.m.

14…. Deadline to Order for St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church’s Lunch Deal & Bake Sale. Order pickup: April 20, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 8619 Blacks Mill Rd., Creagerstown. Country ham lunch: country ham sandwich, 4oz. Creagerstown cole slaw, bag of Utz chips, applesauce—$8. Country ham sandwich only—$5. Cole slaw: $4/pint; $7/quart. Bake sale items on pickup day. Pre-order: Carmi Sayler 301-401-0633 or 301-898-5290.

14…. Flutist Sarah Haines of Shenandoah Conservatory, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 10621 Old Frederick Rd., Thurmont.  2 p.m.

16…. Crafting Fun w/Pauline’s Pals, Thurmont Senior Center, 806 E. Main St., Thurmont. 1 p.m.

17…. Library Day, Thurmont Senior Center, 806 E. Main St., Thurmont. 10 a.m.

17…. Totally Turtles w/Fountain Rock Nature Center, Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Rd., Thurmont. 11 a.m.

17…. Frederick in The Civil War: One Vast Hospital, Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Rd., Thurmont. 7 p.m.

18…. Catoctin H.S. Drama Presents Little Shop of Horrors, Catoctin H.S., 14745 Sabillasville Rd., Thurmont. 7 p.m.

18…. Make and Take” Ladybug Magnet Making, Emmitsburg 50+ Center, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg.  1 p.m.

18…. Seated Massage by Marie Free, Thurmont Senior Center, 806 E. Main St., Thurmont. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

18…. Erinie Couch & Revival, Mt. Bethel Church, 14110 Stottlemyer Rd., Smithsburg. 7 p.m.

18…. Farkle, Thurmont Senior Center, 806 E. Main St., Thurmont. 1 p.m.

18…. Digital Learning at the Thurmont Senior Center, Thurmont Senior Center, 806 E Main St., Thurmont. 10 a.m.

19…. Catoctin H.S. Drama Presents Little Shop of Horrors, Catoctin H.S., 14745 Sabillasville Rd., Thurmont. 7 p.m.

19-26 Thurmont’s Restaurant Week: 10 Tavern, Bollinger’s Restaurant, Fratelli’s, Furnace Grill & Crab House, Los Amigos, Roy Rogers, Mountain Gate Family Restaurant, The Farmhouse Exchange, Thurmont Kountry Kitchen, Uncle Dirty’s Brew Works. Enjoy locally owned restaurants’ featured menus. Restaurant Week Cards avail. at participating restaurants.

20…. Catoctin H.S. Drama Presents Little Shop of Horrors, Catoctin H.S., 14745 Sabillasville Rd., Thurmont. 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.

20….. Meditation Trail Dedication Ceremony, Apples UCC, 7908 Apples Church Rd., Thurmont. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Refreshments available during ceremony. All welcome. 301-606-2169.

20…. The Role of the Executor of an Estate Part 2, Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Rd., Thurmont. 10:30 a.m.

20….. Mother Seton School’s Back to the 90’s Dinner & Auction, 100 Creamery Rd., Emmitsburg. 5:30-10 p.m. $40/person or $280/table of 8. Ticket includes dinner, beer/wine & soda/water. Catered by Bollinger’s. Entertainment by Cruizin’ Chris. Ages 21+ only. Tickets: mothersetonschool.org/gala.

20…. Using Your DNA for Genealogy Research, Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Rd., Thurmont.1 p.m.

21…. Tom’s Creek UMC, Face of America’s Annual Bike Ride, at The Promised Land, 10918 Taneytown Pike, Emmitsburg. 8:30-11 a.m. This is a Tom’s Creek tradition to host a rest-stop for our wounded warriors. Bikers greeted with applause, waving banners and flags, snacks, and beverages.

21…. 2024 Wedding Open House, Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood, 12805A Mink Farm Rd., Thurmont. 1-4 p.m. See beautiful lodge & meet many amazing vendors. RSVP: info@mountainmemoriestw.com. Free event.

21…. Easter Music Celebration, Weller UMC, 101 N. Altamont Ave., Thurmont. 9:30 a.m. 301-271-2802.

21…. Slippery Chicken Pot Pie Quart Sales, Drive-thru at Union Bridge Firehall, 8 W. Locust St.,  Union Bridge. 1-3 p.m.

21…. Shotgun Shoots (12 Gauge & 410), Indian Lookout Conservation Club, 17107 Riffle Rd., Emmitsburg. Registration noon. Shoots 1 p.m. Tip jars available.

22…. Pre-order: Sandwich Sale, Fundraiser by Thurmont Grange #409. Pickup May 13, 6-9 p.m. at Thurmont Grange Hall (across from carnival grounds), Thurmont. Pre-order: Served on Kaiser Roll $5 each: turkey & cheese, roast beef, chicken breast, country ham; Served on Pretzel Roll $6 each: ham & cheese or turkey & cheese—call Cathy 240-674-3476 or Rodman 301-271-2104.

22…. Sunderman Wind Quintet, Paul Recital Hall, 210 N. Washington St., Gettysburg, PA. 7 p.m.

24…. Popcorn & Movie, Thurmont Senior Center, 806 E. Main St., Thurmont. 1 p.m.

24…. Teen Anime Club, Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Rd., Thurmont. 4 p.m.

25…. Thurmont Grange Roy Rogers Fundraiser & Bake Sale Night, Roy Rogers, 203 Frederick Rd., Thurmont. 4:30-8 p.m.

27…. Thurmont Business Expo, Thurmont Event Complex, 13716 Strafford Dr., Thurmont. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Showcasing innovations, products, and services offered by local Thurmont businesses. Thurmont Amb. Co. will be selling food during event. www.thurmontmainstreet.com.

27…. Pig Roast for Haiti, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Hall, 103 N. Church St., Thurmont. 4-7 p.m. $25/adults; $10/ages 12 & under. Silent Auction and all proceeds for church’s Haiti Lunch Program.

27…. Turkey & Ham Slippery Pot Pie Carryout, Woodsboro Evangelical Lutheran Church, 101 S. Main St., Woodsboro. 11 a.m.

27…. Pig Roast for Haiti, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Hall, 103 N. Church St., Thurmont. 4-7 p.m. $25/adults; $10/ages 12 & under. Silent Auction and all proceeds for church’s Haiti Lunch Program.

27…. Horse & Tack Sale, Legacy Livestock Auctions, 137 Emmitsburg Rd., Thurmont. Starting at Noon for Tack & 3 p.m. for Horses. 240-440-4841.

27…. Fort Ritchie’s Spring Bazaar, Fort Ritchie Community Center, 14421 Lake Royer Dr., Cascade. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

27…. Union Bridge Bingo Banquet, Union Bridge Fire Hall, 8 W. Locust St., Union Bridge. Doors open 3:30 p.m.

27…. Seton Center Spring 5K Run/Walk, Waldron Family Stadium in the PNC Sportsplex, Mount St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg. 9 a.m.

27…. Recovering Identity: A Study of African American History in Northern Frederick County, 76 East Moser Rd., Thurmont. 10 a.m.

27…. Teen Book Bites, Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Rd., Thurmont. 10:30 a.m.

28…. St. Rita’s Bingo, Knights of Columbus Waynesboro, 42 W. 2nd St., Waynesboro, PA. Doors open 11:30 a.m.

28            Emmitsburg VHC Bingo Bonanza, VHC Activities Building, 17701 Creamery Rd., Emmitsburg. 1 p.m.

AROUND town

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Thurmont Business Expo

Don’t miss the Thurmont Business Expo on Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., held at the beautiful Thurmont Event Complex. Invite your friends, family, and neighbors! The Thurmont Ambulance Company will be selling their delicious food during the event. The Expo is a great event, exhibiting the Thurmont Business Community’s products, services, and innovations. This is a fun way to explore your local businesses and meet them up close and personal! View the advertisement on page 8 for more information.

Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood’s 2024 Wedding Open House

Come out and see ThorpeWood’s beautiful Lodge and meet amazing vendors at the 2024 Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood Wedding Open House on Sunday, April 21, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. This is a free event. RSVP to info@mountainmemoriestw.com. View the advertisement on page 40 for more information.

Spring Cash Bash

You won’t want to miss the Spring Cash Bash on Saturday, April 13, from 3:00-8:00 p.m., at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Center on Church Street in Thurmont. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. There’s 42 chances to win on each ticket; four drawings per hour! Enjoy live music, games of chance, and tip jars. Tickets are $25.00 per person. Food and refreshments included. Only 500 tickets will be sold. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Proceeds benefit Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Anthony Shrine Parish. View the advertisement on page 13 for information on how to purchase your tickets today!

Thurmont Grange Sandwich Sale

The Thurmont Grange is holding a Sandwich Sale  Fundraiser: $5.00/served on Kaiser roll—turkey & cheese, roast beef, chicken breast, or country ham; $6.00/served on a pretzel roll—ham & cheese or turkey & cheese. Pre-order by Monday, April 22. Pickup is May 13, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., at the Thurmont Grange Hall (across from the carnival grounds) in Thurmont. View the advertisement on page 3 for order contact information.

The Amish Outlaws

Get your tickets today to see The Amish Outlaws on Saturday, April 6, at the Thurmont Event Complex on Strafford Drive in Thurmont. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; DJ Fire is from 7:00-9:30 p.m.; music is from 9:30 p.m.-midnight. Food and a cash bar will be available. Tickets are $10.00 each and can be purchased at the door, at any Friday Night Bingo at the Thurmont Event Complex, or on Eventbrite. Must be 18 years old. Benefits the Thurmont Ambulance Company. View the advertisement on page 9 for more information.

Apples UCC Meditation Trail

You’re invited to join Apples United Church of Christ in Thurmont for its Meditation Trail Dedication Ceremony on Saturday, April 20, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Refreshments will be available during the ceremony. All are welcome. View the advertisement on page 17 for more information.

Mother Seton School Back to the 90’s Dinner & Auction

Travel back to the 1990s at Mother Seton School’s Back to the 90’s Dinner & Auction on April 20, from 5:30-10:00 p.m. The event is catered by Bollinger’s Restaurant, with entertainment by Cruzin’ Chris. Ages 21-plus only. Tickets are $40.00 each or $280 for a table of eight (ticket includes dinner, beer and wine, and soda/water). View the advertisement on page 20 for more details and for ticket information.

Lewistown UMC Slippery Pot Pie & Country Ham Sandwiches Take-Out

Lewistown United Methodist Church (UMC) in Thurmont is hosting a Slippery Pot Pie & Country Ham Sandwiches Take-Out, featuring Chicken Slippery Pot Pie at $8.00 per quart, and Country Ham Sandwiches at just $5.00 each. Place your orders by Saturday, April 6: email at lumcpotpie@gmail.com or call 240-288-8748. Pickup is Saturday, April 13, from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., at the church at 11032 Hessong Bridge Road in Thurmont. Baked goods will be available. View the advertisement on page 28 for more information.

Vigilant Hose Company’s Spring Fling

Vigilant Hose Company’s much-anticipated annual Spring Fling will be held on Saturday, May 11, at the Activities Building on Creamery Road in Emmitsburg. Ticket cost is $100 per ticket and is good for two people; ticket price includes food, drink, entertainment, and chances on drawings. Bring your own tents, canopies, and lawn chairs. Grand prize is $10,000! No payouts less than $500! Purchase and return your tickets by March 1 for two chances at a $1,000 early bird drawing prize. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold. View the advertisement on page 12 for information on how to purchase your tickets today!

Bingo — Every Friday Night

The Thurmont Community Ambulance hosts its Friday Night Bingo every Friday! Come out to the Thurmont Event Complex every Friday night to play bingo! Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Bingo starts at 7:00 p.m. Bingo also features tip jars, food, and a jackpot up to $1,500! Proceeds benefit Thurmont Community Ambulance. View the advertisement on page 61.

6th Annual Collectible Thurmont Easter Egg

Order your 6th Annual Collectible Thurmont Easter Egg for $10.60, including tax. These painted wooden eggs are made in the USA by the same company that manufactures the eggs for the White House Easter Egg Roll. This year’s egg features an image of the Trolley Car located near the carnival grounds in Thurmont, with artwork by Gnarly Artly. Only 250 will be produced. View the advertisement on page 26 for more details and for information on how to order your egg today!

Y on the Fly — YMCA Programs in Thurmont

Beginning mid-April, the YMCA of Frederick County, working with the Town of Thurmont, is bringing several six- to eight-week-long classes to the town of Thurmont, to include a Painting & Drawing Class, a Thurmont Run Club, and more, as well as a one-day youth basketball clinic. View the advertisement on page 16 for more information.

Sensory Friendly Prom “Magic of the Stars”

In partnership with “Our Dream Pursuits,” get ready to dance the night away at Frederick Parks & Recreation’s Sensory Friendly Prom on Saturday, May 4, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., at Scott Key Community Center, located at 1050 Rocky Springs Road in Frederick. Enjoy a DJ, light refreshments, and a photo booth, all while in a sensory friendly environment with quieter music. Tickets are $20.00 per person (ages 16-plus).This event is geared toward individuals with disabilities. Advance registration is required. View the advertisement on page 28 for ticket and registration information.

Thurmont United Methodist Church Programs

Thurmont United Methodist Church (UMC) is holding self-defense classes (for ages 40 and over) on Thursdays, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Work on both your mental and physical health and learn practical self-defense techniques. Call the church to register for Parents Night Out on the first Saturday of every month, from 4:30-8:30 p.m., where parents get a break while their kids get entertained! Drop off your gently used donations to the Thurmont UMC Community Clothes Closet, which provides free clothing to the public. All Thurmont UMC services and programs are open and free to the community. View the advertisement on page 16 for more information on these programs, as well as the Sunday Services schedule.

Tom’s Creek UMC Events at the Promised Land

Join Tom’s Creek UMC at The Promised Land, 10918 Taneytown Pike in Emmitsburg, for the Face of America’s Annual Bike Ride on Sunday, April 21, from 8:30-11:00 a.m. This is a Tom’s Creek tradition to host a rest stop for our wounded warriors. The bikers are greeted with applause, waving banners and flags, snacks and beverages. On May 4 is a Drive-Thru BBQ Fundraiser, from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. On May 11, enjoy Down East Boys Concert on the Hill at 6:00 p.m., with a free dinner at 4:45-5:45 p.m. View the advertisement on page 20 for more details and for information on other upcoming events.

Shotgun Shoots at Indian Lookout Conservation Club

Indian Lookout Conservation Club in Emmitsburg is holding Shotgun Shoots (12 Gauge and 410) on April 7, April 21, and May 5. Registration begins at noon. Shoots start at 1:00 p.m. Tip jars will be available. In addition, come out for the 3-D Archery Shoots on Thursday evenings, starting at 5:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 16 for more information.

Thurmont’s Restaurant Week

Indulge yourself with home-cooked goodness from locally owned restaurants in Thurmont during Restaurant Week, April 19 through April 26: 10 Tavern, Bollinger’s, Fratelli’s, Furnace Grill & Crab House, Los Amigos, Roy Rogers, Mountain Gate, The Farmhouse Exchange, Thurmont Kountry Kitchen, and Uncle Dirty’s Brew Works. Restaurant Week Cards will be available after April 12 with special menus and are available at all participating restaurants, as well as Cousins Ace Hardware, The Dirty Dawg, and the Thurmont Town Office. View the advertisement on page 20 for more details.

Guardian Hose Company Yard Sale

Mark your calendars for the Guardian Hose Company’s Yard Sale at the Thurmont Carnival Grounds on E. Main Street in Thurmont on Saturday, May 4, from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (rain or shine). Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase. Want a spot? Yard sale and vendor spots are just $10 (12×14 space); you supply the table. View the advertisement on page 26 for more information.

Emmitsburg Community Chorus Spring Concert

The Emmitsburg Community Chorus will present its Spring Concert at Lewistown United Methodist Church, 11032 Hessong Bridge Road in Thurmont, on Saturday, May 4, at 3:00 p.m. All are welcome.  A free-will offering will be accepted for the benefit of the Chorus. Light refreshments to follow the concert. View the advertisement on page 60 for more information.

Legacy Livestock Auctions

Legacy Livestock Auction LLC, at 137 Emmitsburg Road in Thurmont, is holding a Livestock Sale on April 12, starting at 6:00 p.m. The Horse & Tack Sale will be held on April 27, starting at 12:00 p.m. for Tack and 3:00 p.m. for Horses. View the advertisement on page 52 for more information.

Weller UMC Special Events

Weller UMC in Thurmont is holding a Pot Luck Dinner, followed by a Talent Show with Cake & Pie Auction on Saturday, April 13, at 5:00 p.m.; enjoy Easter Music Celebration on Sunday, April 21, at 9:30 a.m.; Paint with Nancy on May 19, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Weller Puppet Ministry needs you. Like working behind the scene? Enjoy performing? Text Wes at 240-818-1122. View the advertisement on page 28 for more information, as well as regular Service times.

Roar Like A Lion

The Emmitsburg Lions Club and the Emmitsburg Library present Roar Like A Lion on Saturday, April 6, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at the Emmitsburg Library on S. Seton Avenue in Emmitsburg. Enjoy crafts, community improvement, vision screening, and Diabetes Awareness & Screening. Special fun projects will be offered for participation by all ages. View the advertisement on page 6.

Pig Roast for Haiti

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Thurmont is holding a Pig Roast for Haiti on Saturday, April 27, from 4:00-7:00 p.m., at the Church Hall on 103 N. Church Street. Silent Auction and all proceeds go to the Haiti Lunch Program. View the advertisement on page 40 for more information.

Thurmont Community Amb. Company’s Carnival

Mark your calendars now for Thurmont Community Ambulance Company’s Carnival on May 28 through June 1, at the Thurmont Event Complex on Strafford Drive in Thurmont. Come out one night or every night for nightly platters, live music, rides, games, fireworks (May 31), raffles, and much more! Get your pre-sale ride tickets now, and ride from 6:00-10:00 p.m. for $20.00! View advertisement on page 19 for more details and information on how to get your tickets today!

An Ole Time Baptist Camp Meeting

Ambassador Baptist Church in Frederick is sponsoring An Ole Time Baptist Camp Meeting, with Gospel singing and Preaching, at 15231 Foxville Church Road in Sabillasville, on May 6-10, at 7:00 p.m. Speakers will be Pastor Tom Fry, Evangelist Larry Gibbs, plus many singing groups. View the advertisement on page 16 for more information.

2024 BIG MONEY Cash Bash

Save the date for the 2024 Big Money Cash Bash on Saturday, May 18, at the Thurmont Event Complex on Strafford Drive in Thurmont, from 12:00-5:00 p.m. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. Bring your lawn chairs and canopy! Food, beer, wine coolers, and soda is included. No coolers are allowed. Tickets are $20.00 per person. Drawing begins at 11:45 a.m., with a winner every 5 minutes! View the advertisement on page 25 for more details and information on how to purchase your tickets today!

Thurmont Green Fest

The Thurmont Green Fest will be held on Saturday, April 13, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at the Thurmont Regional Library on East Moser Road in Thurmont. Bring the whole family! Enjoy fun demonstrations on furniture upcycling, making rag rugs, beekeeping, be thrilled by live reptiles and discover the nature story path, and much more! Treat yourself to a delicious lunch from Boxcar Burgers Food Truck. There will be a special raffle for a Tumble Composter. Sponsored by the Thurmont Regional Library, the Thurmont Green Team, and the Town of Thurmont. View the advertisement on page 31 for more information.

Rocky Ridge Vol. Fire Co. Presents Drive-Thru Pit Sandwich Sale

The Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company presents a Drive-Thru Pit Sandwich Sale on May 18—pick up from 11:00 a.m. until sold out. Choose from pit beef or pit ham combo ($13.00/sandwich, fries, coleslaw, and applesauce); sandwich only is $8.00. Fire station is located at 13527 Motters Station Road in Rocky Ridge. Every order placed will be automatically entered in a raffle for a $75.00 gift card to Thurmont Kountry Kitchen. Call to pre-order! View the advertisement on page 45 for pre-order contact information.

St. John’s Lutheran Church Lunch Deal & Bake Sale

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Creagerstown is holding a Lunch Deal & Bake Sale for order pickup on April 20, from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Deadline to order is April 14. Country Ham Lunch includes: Country Ham Sandwich, 4 oz. Creagerstown cole slaw, bag of Utz potato chips, and an applesauce cup for $8.00. Country ham sandwiches are $5.00 each. Cole slaw is $4.00 per pint and $7.00 per quart. Bake sale items will be available during pickup on April 20. View the advertisement on page 6 for pre-order contact information.

Lewistown Vol. Fire Dept. Indoor & Outdoor Yard Sale

Love yard sales? Don’t miss Lewistown Volunteer Fire Department’s Indoor & Outdoor Yard Sale on Saturday, April 6, from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Enjoy lots of vendors! Food will be available for purchase. View the advertisement on page 9 for more information.

Graceham Moravian Church’s Served With Grace Free Dinner

Graceham Moravian Church, located at 8231-A Rocky Ridge Road in Thurmont, will hold its Served With Grace Free Dinner on Monday, April 1, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 19 for more information.

Good Soil Farms Summer Barn Dance Series

Get ready for some fun and come out to Good Soil Farms in Emmitsburg for its Summer Barn Dance Series, on June 8, July 13, August 31, and September 28, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 54 for more information.

Catoctin Feeder Community Night Brings Families Together

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Alisha Yocum

The community came together for its annual Catoctin Feeder Community Night on January 24 at Catoctin High School. Families from all the feeder schools within the district, including Catoctin High (CHS), Emmitsburg Elementary (EES), Lewistown Elementary (LES), Sabillasville Environmental (SES), Thurmont Elementary (TES), Thurmont Primary (TPS), and Thurmont Middle (TMS), came together for a chance to share dinner together, connect with local community agencies, and watch some cougar basketball! Dinner was provided thanks to donations by the Thurmont and Emmitsburg Lions Clubs, as well as the Parent Teacher Associations/Parent Teacher Organizations from LES, SES, TPS/TES, TMS, and CHS.

Essays and drawings from students who wrote about what they love about their Catoctin Community were on display. Kindness seemed to be the re-occurring theme that students highlighted in their writings. This year’s essay winners were:

Primary

Analee Winfrey, LES

Aidan Clark, SES

Intermediate

Franek Zielinski, TES

James Dugan, TES

Middle School

James Clements, TMS

Students Visit Annapolis to Advocate for Charter School Funding

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Alisha Yocum

Members of Sabillasville Environmental School’s Student Government Association (SGA) joined over 600 other charter school advocates at the Maryland State House on January 31 to advocate for charter school facility funding.

The group included Bradley Brauning, Kalee Hall, Maycee Grimes, Ruby Jones, and Wyatt Roderick, along with their teacher, Mrs. Isennock; President, Mrs. Yocum; and parent, Mr. Jones.

While Charter Schools are public schools, they currently receive no funding specifically designated for maintaining and updating facilities. Throughout the day, students were able to meet with Senators and Delegates and explain what they love about their school and why this funding is important to its future.