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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.

Wouldn’t It Be Great to Have a Hydraulic Wood Splitter

Hardly a wood-splitting day went by that the chorus of “Wouldn’t it be great to have a hydraulic wood splitter?” was not sung. And, like an Italian opera, came the consistent reply, “Why would I buy a hydraulic wood splitter when I’ve got two wood splitters that I don’t have to buy or pay for?”

It has not escaped the notice of Justus and Jacob that wood stoves are a rather archaic means of heating a house. It’s an awful lot of work that the rest of the civilized world is missing out on.

To provide a little incentive, I tell my boys—who are both avid baseball players—that Mickey Mantle grew up on a farm in Oklahoma where he had to split wood.* Of course, the inferred conclusion is that swinging a splitting maul will improve the odds of hitting homeruns. Splitting wood is basically the same motion as swinging a bat, only a bat is much lighter.

Ah…the key to successful parenting: treachery. 

To my surprise and delight, Justus, the older one, hit seven round-trippers this past season. Maybe there is some merit to that Mantle stuff, after all.

The value of homeruns and physical strength is all well and good. Athletic prowess has a certain currency amongst growing boys.   There is another benefit to this kind of brutish work that I hope they’ll be able to comprehend someday:  There is a satisfaction found in few other places more profound than accomplishment. 

That feeling of satisfaction comes at many levels during the life of the woodpile. There’s the big satisfaction of seeing it all done, but there are little triumphs along the way. When the maul finally elicits that sound of wood fiber reluctantly separating in a particularly tough piece, there is a small, but definite, feeling of mastery. I hear the satisfaction in the boys’ voices whenever they tell their buddies how hard their “Old Man” works them. Martyrdom is very important to growing boys.

When the heart of winter is upon us and the work ceases because the logs freeze together, there is a no better feeling than the warmth of the stoves.  That feeling of security is precisely what I want the boys to feel, and I want them to know they contributed to the welfare of the family. There is a purpose beyond themselves in their work.

I suppose there is nothing worse than living with no other purpose than oneself. I am convinced all kids need to see themselves as integral, contributing members of a family, of society, of something larger than themselves. They need to be assigned a purpose.

I won’t be buying a log splitter for several years yet. Not until the boys are grown and gone. I have a different purpose in mind.

The Blizzard of 1932

Richard D. L. Fulton

On March 7, 1932, Frederick County residents awakened to assess the damage inflicted upon their respective communities by a severe overnight blizzard that had beset the region.

Instead of continuing to seek encouragement from the newspapers as to any signs of relief from the economic oppression of the Great Depression, readers instead learned of the damage that nature had inflicted.  Stories of all the damages and deaths associated with the storm competed with headlines of the latest news regarding the kidnapping of the son of  Charles and Anne Lindbergh, which had taken place less than a week earlier.

The “nor’easter” that moved into Frederick County during the evening of March 6, and raged on into the early morning hours of March 7, had originated in the Gulf of Mexico on March 5, moving rapidly northeastwardly along a track paralleling the eastern flank of the Appalachian Mountains until it made its way offshore in New England, thus, impacting the entire middle Eastern Seaboard of the nation.

The storm generated sustained winds of up to 60 miles per hour, while temperatures plummeted down from 45 to 20 degrees (apparently not accounting for wind-chill effects), according to The (Baltimore) Evening Sun

Snowdrifts in the wake of the storm in Frederick County exceeded five to nine feet in depth.

“And then came the dawn,” The (Frederick) News wrote in its March 7 paper, further stating, “With it, Frederick found: paralyzed electric service, crippled telephone and motor communications, hundreds of stranded motorists… the most tangled snarl in a decade, and a temperature of 15 degrees…”

Frederick County sustained widespread damage. Hundreds of power and telephone lines were downed in the county, The News reporting that “crews would actually be busy for months before the final damage (to the power and telephone infrastructure) was repaired. (More than 1,000 poles were reported down in the Middletown area alone.)”

Not only were roads clogged with stranded vehicles (over 100 of which were towed to Frederick alone, in the wake of the storm), but streetcars (also known as trolleys) were stranded wherever they were running at the time the power went out, including the Thurmont Trolley.

Few deaths associated with the storm were reported in the county.  Two were reported as having frozen to death during the storm, and a third (identified only as a man named Pickett of Lisbon) had sustained a heart attack while shoveling snow.

On March 7, The Sun identified the two individuals who had frozen to death as having been Catherine B. Overs, 30, of Lime Kiln, and Thomas D. Tyler, 25, of Buckeystown.  According to The News, Tyler’s body had been spotted by a passing train crew. Overs’ body was also located by the train crew less than 500 yards from that of Tyler’s.

The newspaper reported that Overs and Tyler had abandoned a stalled car that had originally contained six individuals altogether, and they had struck out on foot to seek help. The Sun further reported that Overs and Tyler “left the car and tried to make their way over the tracks of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to a farmhouse, but were apparently blinded by the storm and became lost.”

The four individuals who had remained in the stranded car were subsequently rescued.

Maryland suffered only one additional death, but more than 40 individuals lost their lives in the balance of the storm’s path (including five individuals who drowned when a Coast Guard surf boat capsized).

The News reported on March 8 that Frederick County was essentially isolated from the rest of Maryland for nearly 24 hours, but that the isolation effect had begun diminishing into Tuesday as roads were reopened (the roads from Frederick to Thurmont and Emmitsburg were yet to be cleared). Railroads had been sufficiently cleared to then permit the trains to run, while work continued in restoring the power and telephone infrastructure.

Structural damage was surprisingly limited, with losses primarily involving the loss of shingles and chimneys, along with blown-out windows and damage to doors.

A Local Arrest Leads to National Death Penalty Case

by James Rada, Jr.

An arrest in Thurmont in 1949 was the first domino to tip in Merlin James Leiby’s life that led to him being executed for murder in Florida a few years later in a case that drew national coverage.

Leiby was like a cat with nine lives. Despite a long record of run-ins with the law, nothing seemed to stick. He escaped without consequences. However, eventually, a cat’s lives run out, and so did Leiby’s.

After a series of robberies at O’Toole’s Garage in Thurmont, police arrested Leiby. The police investigation also identified the Frederick barber as the leading suspect in other robberies throughout the county. A February grand jury named him in several indictments.

He was released on bond, but then he failed to appear in circuit court in March. His bail bondsman, Glenn Crum, was required to pay the court the $1,500 bail amount (about $20,000 in today’s dollars).

Police then arrested Leiby in Florida, where he had fled after making bail. The arrest wasn’t for his outstanding warrant in Frederick County, though. He was now a suspect in the murder of a Baltimore pharmacist in Jacksonville, Florida. “The seriousness of the charge in Florida left some doubt here as to whether Leiby will ever be returned to Frederick County as a fugitive,” the Emmitsburg Chronicle reported.

Detective Inspector H. V. Branch of Jacksonville told local police that Leiby had admitted killing Leonard Applebaum, a 27-year-old Baltimore pharmacist, on the Tamiami Trail, about 72 miles from Miami. Applebaum’s body was found under a bridge over a dry creek. He had been shot six times, and news reports frequently called it his “bullet-riddled body.”

“Branch said Leiby told officers he won an automobile and a large sum of money from Applebaum in a gambling game at Tampa,” the Emmitsburg Chronicle reported. “In an argument later, the confession disclosed, Leiby said he shot Applebaum in self-defense.”

According to Leiby, he said he won $1,300 from Applebaum, who admitted he couldn’t pay because he only had $200 on him. He said he had friends in New Orleans who would help him. He asked Leiby to drive with him to the city to get the money. Leiby agreed. They started on the journey, but Applebaum stopped in the middle of nowhere, pulled a gun on Leiby, and said he would not pay. Leiby drew his own weapon and shot Applebaum.

When police stopped Leiby, police also found the murder weapon inside. Leiby later admitted that after shooting Applebaum, he drove the body from Tampa to the place where he disposed of it.

Interestingly, Leiby said that he and Applebaum hadn’t known each other in Maryland.

Applebaum was a Navy veteran who had been in Florida on vacation but had been missing from his Miami Beach hotel since March 11. Police started questioning Leiby because his girlfriend had gotten suspicious when he showed up with a lot more money than she had seen him with prior.

As an aside, Helen Leiby, Merlin Leiby’s wife, filed for divorce on the grounds of adultery while Leiby was being held on murder charges in Florida. The couple had married in Frederick in August 1948. She discovered his infidelity when the newspapers mentioned his girlfriend in Florida. She was granted her divorce in October.

In late April 1949, it appeared that Leiby still had some of his feline lives when it was announced that his trial was stalled because of “failure of officers to fix the scene of the fatal shooting,” according to the Frederick Post. This is because although Leiby admitted to the murder, he couldn’t say where along the trail it happened. It caused confusion over what court had jurisdiction over the case.

He was finally indicted on May 26.

Then, in mid-July, came the surprising news that his indictment had been thrown out on technical grounds. “Circuit Judge Lynn Gerald ruled the indictment invalid because the grand jury which returned it was drawn by a court clerk instead of a judge,” the Frederick News reported. This required a new grand jury to be empaneled.

On July 21, prosecutors in Florida used an old state law that had never been used before to allow officials in Collier County to prosecute the case. “The law permits a defendant to be tried in any county through which the transient has passed. In order to avoid conflicting constitutional provisions requiring murder cases to be tried in the county in which the crime was committed,” Washington Evening Star reported.

With both the jurisdictional and jury issues settled, the case moved forward, but the four-day trial did not happen until March 1950.

The jury took only 40 minutes to deliberate and find Leiby guilty of first-degree murder.

“The defense presented no evidence in arguing the case to the jury. [Defense Attorney] Smith asserted the State had not proved the crime was planned or that it had occurred in this (Collier) county,” the Frederick News reported.

Leiby was sentenced to die in the electric chair. It was Collier County’s first and only death penalty case.

As Leiby sat in jail awaiting execution, he filed appeal after appeal. Although none were successful, it delayed the execution. At one point, the governor of Florida considered clemency, but the Florida Parole Commission opposed it, in part, because Leiby had outstanding warrants in both Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Finally, at the end of 1951, his execution was set for some time during the second week of January 1952. The exact date was left to the prison conducting the execution.

Leiby’s luck stepped in once again, and on January 7, 1952, Gov. Fuller Warren recalled his death warrant, temporarily.

It seemed Leiby had material evidence in another case. He said he had heard two convicted rapists plotting an escape that had ended in the death of one of them and the other one wounded. The NAACP wanted the county sheriff punished because the wounded rapist was saying he had been shot without reason. The courts wanted to hear Leiby’s testimony before deciding whether action needed to be taken against the sheriff.

Finally, on June 30, 1952, Leiby was led to the electric chair. He had no final words before his luck ran out, and he was executed.

Seed-Savy Savings Tips

Good day to you, readers! ‘Tis the season we’ve all been waiting for: planning and planting time.

Ready to gear up with your gardening weapons of choice? I personally am dusting off the ol’ trowel, nice thick gloves (a find from the dollar store), and scissors. And…the free stuff ends there, it seems. Gardening Pinterest might have you pulling out a depleted wallet for “the perfect’’ plant. I have had difficulty not adopting plant babies whenever I go to a plant store (darn those amazing front-of-the-store displays).  Reflecting upon this during the cold winter months left me curious and eager to learn from my overspending mistakes.

I was surprised to find a bevy of ways to save on plants and seeds. While I still need to work on the ol’ impulse buying, I’m eager to share (and implement) these tips to save on seeds this season!

Do the Research

It seems like a “no duh,” but I have certainly bought plants that looked like they would yield tasty veggies, only to see them wilt away. I failed to do my research about how they would take to the climate, when the plants might bloom best (and making sure to help them get comfortable before then), and how well they would do with other plants. It’s important to research which plants could be friends and reside in the garden together, and which plants could be deadly foes. Find out which plants are invasive, and which ones will love being back in their native land. And, read the little tags that plants come with! They have well-detailed planting, timing, and other instructions. If tags cannot be found, scour the internet for sunlight details, soil acidity needs, and fertilizer needs.

Make a Grocery List

Make a strict grocery list of plants seeds and seedlings you’re going to look for and have a few dollars for something extra. Be sure to examine your schedule. Will you be able to commit to an intensive plant, or do you need something you can simply water once a week?

Be honest with yourself, as hard as it can be.

Seek Out Veggies

Seek out veggies that you and your family or friends will actually eat. I grew a hearty stock of tomatoes, but I only like them in sauces. As a result, we had to find anyone we had a connection with to take the ‘maters that took up a considerable portion of counter space.

Buy Local

Buy local—not just to support local businesses, but because they will often have the plants and soil that do best in your region. Even if it’s more expensive, it will be worth it, as the transfer (from pot to soil) will go well and most likely increase the longevity of the plant. You can also keep an eye out for local plant swaps and markets, like what the Thurmont Green Team offers (thurmontgreen@gmail.com). Catoctin High School also has a lovely and extensive plant sale each year in the spring.

Best Time to Buy Seeds

This is more of a retrospective tip. The best time to buy seeds is early summer and the end of fall. Spring does offer more selection, but usually at a steeper price. Along the same vein, seek out the clearance section, and particularly seek out perennials that will often be dehydrated or done blooming. After watering, they’ll be perfect and ready to bloom for you next year!

The smaller and earlier in development the plant is, the more likely it’ll be cheaper (since you’re going to input your labor instead of paying for the nurseries to grow you a baby squash).

Self-sustaining Gardner

Become a self-sustaining gardener! Let your plant grow and reproduce, then collect seeds and cuttings for the next season. These seeds will be more compatible with your garden, as they have adapted to those specific conditions. Propagate cuttings in water, then after a considerable root system is created, transfer to soil.

Try implementing one of these tips and see what happens! Who knows, maybe you’ll be able to use those extra savings for something fun! Or maybe the Leprechaun will give you a bounty of gold to grow more plants… you never know!

by James Rada, Jr.

March 1924, 100 Years Ago

County Gains In Battle With Storm Damage

Frederick county today gained ground in recovering from the effects of the disastrous storm which swept this section the first of the week. Although this section is still isolated, communication in being slowly established.

…The telephone and telegraph services are beginning to look much lighter according to reports. The C. and P. Telephone Company has succeeded in establishing communication with Hagerstown and on through to Cumberland There is also a probability that communication will be established between this city and Baltimore and Washington some time Friday, said Paul I. Payne, general manager of this division. This, however, is problematical, as new difficulties are always being encountered, he added, Lines have also been opened between Frederick and Walkersville and Thurmont. There is still no telegraph service, however.

                                – Frederick Daily News, March 13, 1924

Get Trophy Tonight

This evening at 7.30 o’clock the Thurmont ball club, winner of the Frederick County League pennant for the 1923 season, will hold a banquet in the north county town at which time the league championship trophy will he formally presented by M. J . Thompson, president of the league.

Lester S. Birely, president, and William J. Stoner, manager of the Thurmont club, have made elaborate preparations for the banquet. Invitations have been mailed to the league officers and to two representatives of each of the other seven clubs in the circuit, requesting them to attend the banquet.

                                – Frederick Daily News, March 17, 1924

March 1949, 75 Years Ago

Town To Install Parking Meters

Installation of parking meters in Emmitsburg is to be started in the near future. In fact, the project is expected to be completely in operation within the next six weeks, Mayor Thornton Rodgers informed the Chronicle this week. The contract has been let to the Michael Art Bronze

Co., Washington, D. C. branch, and all that is holding up the meters is the inscription explaining the local parking hours which should be finished in approximately 30 days.

The meters will start at Frailey’s Store on W. Main St. and will terminate at Community Pure Food Store on E. Main St. There will be none installed on North and South Seton Avenues, it was explained, but there will be restricted parking on one side of these thoroughfares and appropriate signs will be placed by the State Roads Commission in the near future.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, March 4, 1949

Rocky Ridge Man Murdered By Gangsters

Daniel Joseph Myers, 57-year old native of Rocky Ridge, who was buried in Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church cemetery, was murdered in Dayton, 0., last Friday it was learned today.

A 23-year-old ex-convict, whom Mr. Myers had befriended, and a 30-year-old companion, have confessed to crushing the skull of the Dayton restauranteur in a room over his H. & G. Restaurant in Dayton with a soft drink bottle, according to Dayton police. The men admitted robbing Myers of $60 after the fatal assault.

They identified Milton Henry, recently released from confinement in Kentucky on a burglary conviction, and William Henry Childers, powerfully built Dayton moving firm employe, as the confessed murderers.

Henry, they said had been given a room and employment by Mr. Myers after the former had lost his job with a Dayton bakery. Henry stated that he kept watch while Childers bludgeoned the restaurant owner to death in the latter’s room over the restaurant. 

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, March 11, 1949

March 1974, 50 Years Ago

Town To Soon Begin Building Swimming Pool

With the assistance of the Maryland State Program Open Space and the Emmitsburg Memorial Post 6658, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Emmitsburg will soon have a community swimming pool. According to a letter to the Frederick County Commissioners from the State Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Board of Public Works has approved commitment of over $132,000 to the town for the swimming pool project. This amount represents 75 per cent of the estimated project costs. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post has voted to donate up to $40,000 to the town to help pay the remaining amount.

The project includes the construction of a 5,000 square foot swimming pool, a 315 square foot wading pool, a 2,500 square foot bathhouse complete with concrete decking, fencing, lighting, an office, landscaping and a playground. It will cost an estimated $176,043 to develop.

According to Philip Topper, town treasurer, the project may not have been possible without the VFW’s “generous offer.”

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, March 14, 1974

Redskins To Play Basketball Here

The Washington Redskins of the National Football League, and winners of the National Conference Championship of 1972, will be playing basketball at Catoctin High School this Saturday night, March 9, at 8 p.m. Their opponents will be the Alumni All-Stars consisting of: Gene Eyler, Harry Hahn, George Baker, Gary Manning, Jim Weddle, Bill and Steve Wildasin, Larry “Pup” Brown, Lee Koontz, Eddie Gills, Charlie Gearhart, and Dave Swomley.

Preceeding the Redskin game, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Catoctin High faculty will be playing a group of senior boys, headed up by Dick Love, that participated in Fall sports at Catoctin.

Just received from the Redskin office is an up-to-date list of the 20 basketball players available, ten of which will be present. The names are as follows: Mike Bragg, Brig Owens, Herb Mul-Key, Ted Vactor, Mike Bass, Charley Taylor, Frank Grant, Harold McLinton, Chris Hanburger, John Wilbur, Dennis Johnson, Paul Laaveg, George Starke, Terry Hermeling, Walter Rock, Bill Brundige, Roy Jefferson, Jimmie Jones, Jerry Smith and Dave Robinson.

Even though Larry Brown’s name does appear on the list, the Redskin office has stated that he does sometimes appear at these games.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, March 7, 1974

March 1999, 25 Years Ago

Fireman Succumbs On Duty

Volunteer firefighter Terry Lee Myers, 50, of the Vigilant Hose Company, Emmitsburg, suffered a fatal heart attack while on duty at the scene of a brush fire on Monday, February 15, 1999.

Myers had driven Engine 64, the company’s main water supply unit, to the scene of the mid-day fire near the ARCC on the grounds of Mount Saint Mary’s College. He was operating the front-mounted pump on the engine when he was stricken.

Immediate life-saving measures were initiated by emergency medical personnel who were within feet of Myers when he fell. Fire Chief Frank Davis, who was close by, issued a call for additional medical support but all efforts to revive Myers were unsuccessful. Although advanced medical treatment continued enroute to the Gettysburg Hospital, doctors there were also unable to revive him. He was pronounced dead about an hour and 15 minutes after his collapse at the scene.

                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, March 1999

The Torch Is Passed

CPI Printing, former publisher of the Emmitsburg Chronicle, will be taking a new direction soon. The new owner, Dave Runkle of Hanover, will take an already thriving business and increase its potential. A former satisfied customer of Arthur Elder, long-time owner and manager of the company, Mr. Runkle became interested in the business through first-hand experience with its quality production and historic significance to the community.

                                    – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, March 1999

by Buck Reed

Bean Nation

I may have said this before, but that never stopped me from saying something twice: All traditional cuisine is not national, but instead, it is regional. That is to say,  crêpes might be French, but that doesn’t mean all the people of France eat their crêpes the same way. So, if I were to ask what food describes the United States, most people might say we are a nation of hamburger eaters. Yet, I would say we are a nation of bean eaters. And, given the idea of regional cuisine, the way we prepare and eat our beans is the key to that concept.

Let’s start here in Maryland, where lima beans picked fresh off the vines in summer are the dish of the day, simply prepared with a little water, salt, pepper, and butter. Or, you can add some fresh corn kernels and almost anything else and upgrade it to succotash. To be fair, almost any place that serves succotash will claim it as theirs.

Moving up north, we go to Boston (AKA Beantown), where they cook their small white beans in a syrupy tomato sauce. And, being Boston, there is no consensus on who does it correctly. Also, don’t expect anyone to share their recipe that has been in the family since the Mayflower landed with you.

Down south, we find ourselves in barbeque country, and we find a spicy sweet bean that is satisfying but not really all that complicated. This takes us from the Carolinas and throughout the barbeque-eating region of the country.

Down in Louisiana, red beans and rice is the traditional dinner of Wednesday night. It is eaten on Wednesday because laundry day is on this day, and you can set this to cook in the morning on the stove, unattended, while you go about your wash day. This dish is cooked in a thick tomato sauce, with a spicy Cajun flare and smokey Andouille sausage, and is served on white rice.

In California, you may consider the beans processed into tofu might be the regional dish, but let’s consider bean cakes instead. These are cooked beans that are mixed with almost anything that will add a fresh flavor and formed into cakes and pan-fried. Personally, I like them on a sandwich with…what else, bean sprouts. A perfect lunch for the surfing safari.

If you are looking for a variety of beans, then go to Nebraska. They are number one in the nation for Great Northern Beans and third overall for the rest of the varieties. They make a bean salad they call, Cowboy Caviar.

Finally, we have Texas, where the trail is forged on chili beans. These are flavored with the peppers found on the trail and tomatoes. If you don’t mind the cultural appropriation, they call this dish Mexican Strawberries.

If you can grasp the idea behind these thoughts, then it is easy to see how cuisines are developed. Yes, spaghetti is an Italian pasta, but as you move around from region to region, you will find it is the same noodle, yet served differently throughout the country.

by Maxine Troxell

Irish soda bread may be most popular around St. Patrick’s Day, and it’s usually served with corned beef and cabbage. I remember that Shamrock Restaurant served a delicious soda bread with their corned beef and cabbage meals.

This version bakes into a lightly sweetened round loaf, resembling a giant scone, with a burnished crust and tender, fluffy crumb. Plump raisins add pops of concentrated sweetness, but you could swap them out for any dried fruit—such as currants, sour cherries, or cranberries—or simply leave them out.

Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1½ tsp. baking powder

¾ tsp. baking soda

1 cup buttermilk

3 tbsp. chilled unsalted butter, cut into piece

5 tbsp. sugar, divided

½ tsp. kosher salt

2/3 cup raisins

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat an 8” diameter cake pan with nonstick vegetable oil spray. 

Whisk 2 cups flour, 4 tbsp. sugar, 1½ tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. kosher salt, and  tsp. baking soda in a large bowl to combine. Add 3 tbsp. chilled unsalted butter (cut into pieces) to dry ingredients and rub with fingers until mixture resembles coarse meal. Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk. Gradually mix until incorporated and a shaggy dough comes together. Mix in raisins.

Using lightly floured hands, form dough into a ball and transfer to the prepared pan. Gently press dough to flatten slightly (dough will not reach edges of pan).  Sprinkle the remaining 1 tbsp. sugar.

Bake bread until golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean (40-45 minutes). Transfer pan to a wire rack and let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Turn bread out onto rack. Serve warm or cool completely.

Sergeant David J. Smith

KIA Afghanistan

David J. Smith was born on February 16, 1984, in Washington, D.C., to parents Mary Jane McWilliams and Leonard Alan Smith.

The Sergeant David J. Smith Memorial Fund website noted that he had been raised by stepparents, John Jones and Olga Smith, and was the “the middle child to sister, Kristen, and brother, Daniel… (and) he was part of a loving and extended family; he was a caring son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend.”

The Washington Post reported in its January 31, 2010, issue, “As a boy in Frederick, Maryland, David Smith loved to play with his Army and G.I. Joe action figures and spent hours (at play) rescuing his older sister Kristen from all manner of imagined peril.”

Smith was a 2002 graduate of Frederick High School, where he had participated in various sports, including wrestling, lacrosse, soccer, and football. According to his obituary, as posted by Stauffer Funeral Homes, he had also enjoyed participating in school plays.

At the time he enlisted in the Marine Corps, he was also attending East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, where he played lacrosse and majored in distribution and logistics. According to his obituary, “He loved the Redskins, country music, living down South, ECU Pirates, and life in general.”

Smith had enlisted into the Marine Corps on December 29, 2003, and was assigned to the 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Bravo Company in Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as a light-armored vehicle crewman, according to thefallen.militarytimes.com.

His first deployment was to Iraq from 2006 to 2007, during the culmination of the War in Iraq, and he was subsequently deployed to Afghanistan during October 2009, during the final year of “Operation Enduring Freedom,” which had been initiated as the result of the attack on America on September 11, 2001, by terrorist elements based in Afghanistan.

At age 25, Smith was fatally injured on January 23, 2010, as the result of a suicide bomber attack while on patrol with his unit in the Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

The Washington Post reported on January 31, 2010, that Smith was injured when “a suicide bomber made it through the security perimeter and detonated a bomb, which had killed three Marines and injured four others,” noting further that Smith’s sister stated that a ball-bearing that had been contained in the bomb had fatally embedded itself in the back of the Marine’s skull.

The Post further reported that his sister said, “Military doctors kept Smith on life support until his father and mother… were able to fly to (medical facilities) in (Landstuhl) Germany… Once his parents arrived, doctors removed Smith from life support, and he died. In keeping with his wishes, Smith’s organs were donated.”

His sister told The Post that “They (medical authorities) told us he saved five or six other people because of that (the organ donations) … I think David would have liked that.”

The Los Angeles Times reported that Smith had died on January 26 from the wounds he had received on January 23.

The (Baltimore) Sun reported on February 2, 2010, that Sergeant Smith was to be interred in the Arlington National Cemetery.

Smith’s military service awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, according to thefallen.militarytimes.com.

In the aftermath of Smith’s death, his family established the Sergeant David J. Smith Memorial Fund” to provide temporary assistance to Veterans in Frederick County.” The fund can be accessed at sgtdavidjsmith.org.

Additionally, a scholarship is issued in his name every year at Frederick High School from an endowed fund. East Carolina University set up its own memorial scholarship at the School of Engineering and Technology, that being the David J. Smith Leadership

Candy Bingo was a huge success! Thanks to all who came out for an evening of fun! The Candy Bingos support our Easter Egg Hunt on March 23 at 1:00 p.m.

Friday, March 29, is the Auxiliary Cake Auction. The cakes must be at the Legion by 5:00 p.m. Come on out and win your Easter dinner dessert.

Poppy Poster Contest

The Poppy Poster Contest is open to students in Grades 2-12, including students with special needs. Requirements for the poster are: a fitting slogan, the words “American Legion Auxiliary” must be used on the poster, and each poster must include a red poppy. Posters should be on 11×14 poster board. The rules for the contest can be found in the lobby at the Thurmont American Legion. Posters must be turned into the Legion by April 12, 2024. For more information, please send an email to thurmontlegionaux168@gmail.com or check out the Poppy Poster Contest and past posters at the website https://www.legion-aux.org/nationalpoppy-poster-contest.

If you are a high school junior and interested in Boys/Girls State, visit your Guidance Office or call the Thurmont American Legion at 301-271-4411 and a representative will reach out to you.

Boys State – High School Juniors

Boys State is held at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, June 16-22, 2024. For more information, check out the website at http://mdlegion.org/boysstate.

ALA Girls State – High School Juniors

Girls State is held at Salisbury University on June 14 -21, 2024. Check out the website for more at http://www.alamd.org/girls-state.html or on Facebook: ALA Maryland Girls State – Official.

There are lots of things happening at the Legion, so mark your calendars and check us out on Facebook and the Community Calendar in this issue for dates and times of the following: Poppy Wreath Craft Day, SAL Car Show, Yoga, Line Dancing, Bingo, and more!

Come out to the Legion for some great food! The kitchen is open Wednesday through Friday, from 5:00-8:00 p.m., featuring different food specials every week. Don’t forget to come out for the Queen of Hearts Drawing on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

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

Long COVID

Understanding the Post-Pandemic Health Issues in America

Although the pandemic is officially over, there are still several post-pandemic factors affecting the health of Americans.

Long COVID is the name researchers have given the most prevalent of these factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Long COVID can include a wide range of ongoing health problems; these conditions can last weeks, months, or even years.

At least 65 million individuals worldwide are estimated to have Long COVID, with cases increasing daily.

What is Long COVID?

Long COVID is a variety of symptoms, in any combination or individually, that linger after being exposed to the COVID virus.

Patients with Long COVID report prolonged, multisystem involvement and significant disability. By seven months, many patients have not yet recovered and have not returned to previous levels of work. They continue to experience significant symptom burden.

You can get Long COVID even though you were not sick with the virus. In some cases, a person with Long COVID may not have tested positive for the virus or even known they were exposed.

Some Long COVID sufferers only contact with the virus is from the vaccination. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that getting vaccinated only lowers your chance of getting Long COVID by 15 percent.

Spike Protein & Long COVID

The coronavirus has one very important component: a spike protein. It’s the key player responsible for how the virus enters your body’s cells.

The spike protein is like a tiny, spiky club on the surface of the virus. It attaches to receptors on your cells, like a lock and key. Once it’s in, it tricks your cells into letting the virus inside, where it starts multiplying and causing all sorts of trouble.

Researchers believe that spike protein may be a major contributing factor in Long COVID.

How Does This Work?

When your immune system fights off the virus, it can leave behind fragments of the spike protein. These lingering bits can confuse your immune system, causing it to go haywire.

Your immune system might attack not only the spike protein but also your own healthy cells. This “friendly fire” can lead to inflammation, fatigue, and a host of other symptoms that define Long COVID.

It’s like your body’s soldiers going rogue, causing chaos long after the battle is over.

In a nutshell, the spike protein is the sneaky entry ticket for the coronavirus, and its remnants might be the culprits behind Long COVID’s mysterious and long-lasting symptoms.

Long COVID Symptoms

The most troubling part of Long COVID is that there is a wide variety of possible symptoms. This makes it hard to diagnose. According to the CDC, Long COVID includes more than 200 symptoms that can impact multiple organ systems.

General Symptoms

Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life.

Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort.

Fever.

Respiratory and Heart Symptoms

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

Cough.

Chest pain.

Fast-breathing or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations).

Neurological Symptoms

Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”).

Headaches.

Sleep problems.

Dizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness).

Pins-and-needles feeling.

Change in smell or taste.

Depression or anxiety.

Digestive Symptoms

Diarrhea.

Stomach pain.

Other Symptoms

Joint or muscle pain.

Rash.

Changes in menstrual cycles.

Clues That You Might Have Long COVID

Persistence of Symptoms

One of the primary indicators of Long COVID is the persistence of symptoms for weeks or even months after the initial exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, joint pain, and cognitive issues. These symptoms can significantly impact one’s daily life and should not be dismissed as mere post-viral fatigue.

Variety of Symptoms

Long COVID is often characterized by a wide range of symptoms that can affect different systems in the body. These may include respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, and psychological symptoms. The combination of symptoms can vary from person to person.

Diagnosis by Exclusion

Sometimes figuring this out takes a while and requires a process of elimination. If tests show no other underlying medical condition, and you’ve had exposure to the virus in some form, Long COVID becomes a more likely answer.

Impact on Quality of Life

Long COVID can have a profound impact on your quality of life, affecting your ability to work, exercise, socialize, and perform everyday tasks.

If you notice that your life has been significantly disrupted by persistent symptoms, it’s crucial to seek effective help.

If you suspect you have Long COVID, it’s essential to consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider who is familiar with this condition and how to handle it.

They can help manage your symptoms, offer guidance on effective remedies, and provide support.

Research on Long COVID is ongoing, and healthcare professionals are continually learning more about its underlying mechanisms and potential solutions.

Natural Solutions for COVID Long-Haulers

Because Long COVID has so many different symptoms, and it can manifest differently for everyone, knowing what natural solutions to choose can be tricky.

Nutrition and Diet

Since the pandemic, scientists, doctors, and even government officials have made it clear that nutrition is key to a healthy immune system. The Food is Medicine movement is gaining support from many prestigious institutions, including the federal government.

What you eat is a core factor in addressing Long COVID. Nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables provide building blocks for the immune system. A well-balanced diet ensures that the immune system can effectively recognize and combat pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and other invaders such as spike proteins.

On the flip side, a poor diet, high in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats, can weaken the immune system’s defenses, making the body more susceptible to infections.

Therefore, a nutritious diet that has the right components for your body’s needs plays a crucial role in bolstering your natural defense mechanisms and promoting overall health and well-being.

Natural Supplements

A study published in the Journal of Molecular Sciences lists these supplements as useful for people with Long COVID:

Echinacea

Andrographis

Artemesia

Resveratrol

Turmeric with Black Pepper

Prebiotics and probiotics

Personalized Nutrition Plans

Studies have shown conclusively that every person’s body is unique and responds differently to foods, vitamins, and minerals. This is why fad diets don’t work for everyone and taking random supplements is often not successful.

The most successful approach is to work with a Nutrition Response Testing® practitioner. They can test you to find out exactly which symptoms to target first, and what nutrients your body needs to help it heal.

Once they have the roadmap of the nutrients you need, they will put together a clinically designed nutrition plan that addresses your specific situation. They also have access to specialized training and nutritional supplements to effectively address Long COVID.

Understanding the role of spike proteins in COVID-19 and their potential connection to Long COVID sheds light on the complexities of this post-pandemic syndrome. The spike protein serves as the gateway for the virus, highlighting its significance in both infection and vaccination.

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 in Frederick. Check out the website at www.doctorlo.com.

Well, we might be finished with winter, but I am not sure winter is finished with us. I hope everyone is staying safe and warm.

Stop into the Thurmont Senior Center for some fun and laughter and maybe a cup of coffee or tea. We look forward to seeing you. We are a wonderful place to come and enjoy a great lunch and find laughter and friendship. There are so many fun things to do. You are never too old to make new friends and learn new things.

March is full of activities. Don’t forget, we spring forward on March 10, so it will be sunny longer during the day. Saint Patrick’s Day is on March 17. Don’t forget to wear green, or you might just get pinched! Easter falls on the last day of March this year.

We would love for you to join us for our many activities, classes, and games, including a free balance and strength exercise session on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Zumba, pinochle on Tuesdays, dominoes on Thursdays, Coffee & Chat time (we are told our coffee is the best, so come and have a cup with us), Library Day, and so much more!

It is always an enjoyable time at the Thurmont Senior Center. Check out the Community Calendar in this issue of the Banner for Thurmont Senior Center event dates and times.

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

As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at 301-271-7911.

Just a reminder that some activities may have a minimal cost but to join the center is absolutely free.

The turn of the new month has already come with a quick “March.” As seasons are adjusting, come and thaw out with some activities at Emmitsburg 50+ Center. We have many crafts that are sure to warm your hearts and soothe fleeting winter blues. We have a “Make & Take” jewelry craft on Thursday, March 21. Returning crafts include a stained-glass course. Join others and learn a new skill or hone an already existing skill every Monday. Emmitsburg will also have acrylic on canvas paint-by-numbers on Tuesdays—great for anyone looking to have fun! Additionally, for returning crafts, the very talented Dorothea Barrick will be returning to instruct a spring-themed drawing class on March 18. The class welcomes all levels of talents and expression. There’s no better time than now to come craft and socialize.

Emmitsburg 50+ Center will be hosting regular exercise programs. There will be low to moderate intensity video exercises, Monday through Thursday. Pickleball is on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. If neither suits you, there is also open gym on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so come and bring your own ideas for personalized activities.

Emmitsburg 50+ Center will have catered “Lunch Bunch” services on every Monday. The nutritional meal selections are different every Monday. Our “Lunch Bunch” for the month of March will include a delicious addition on March 14  with the St. Patrick day Luncheon. If interested, please call ahead or come in to register or attain more information.

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

Frederick County offers a free monthly distribution of seasonal produce, canned goods, and shelf-stable products in a farmers-market-style setting on the third Friday of each month at the Frederick Senior Center, located at 1440 Taney Avenue in Frederick. The next distribution is Friday, March 15, from noon until all food is distributed.

Please park on the main parking lot and visit the Market tents on the side parking lot. Volunteers are available to assist with shopping and carrying your food to your vehicle. Don’t forget your reusable shopping bag.

All Frederick County residents age 60-plus with an income at or below $1,600 per month are eligible to participate. Please bring a photo I.D. to register the first time.

For more information, email the Division of Aging and Independence at SeniorServices@frederickcountymd.gov or call 301-600-1234.

The Town of Thurmont is in the process of updating its Emergency Preparedness Plan. As part of this plan, they are creating a database to assist those residents who would require special assistance in the event of an emergency. 

This information will be forwarded to our local emergency service agencies in the area. These forms have been sent out in the Utility bills and are also available by visiting www.thurmont.com.  Once completed please return these forms to the Town Office.

The American Pickers are excited to return to Maryland! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in April 2024.

American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques.

They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable Characters and their collections.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.

The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell…they would love to hear from you! Please note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public.

If interested, please send your name, phone number, your location, and description of the collection, with photos, to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 646-493-2184 or on Facebook: @GotAPick.

Emmitsburg filmmaker Conrad Weaver’s latest documentary film, PTSD911, is now accessible to the public on Prime Video at Amazon.com. This marks a significant milestone, as the documentary was initially exclusive to public safety agencies and screening events. With a primary focus on first responders, Weaver’s ultimate goal has always been to reach a wider audience, and this Prime Video release represents the inaugural step toward a global launch.

While the documentary has been a crucial resource for those in the first responder community, it is equally vital for the general public to gain insights into the profound trauma and hidden challenges faced by these heroes.

For more information, visit www.ptsd911movie.com.

Richard D. L. Fulton

Nearly all 50 states in the United States have designated one or more species of prehistoric life as a state fossil. Of the 47 states having done so, 3 state fossils are plants, while the remaining 44 states have prehistoric animals as their state fossils. 

The State of Maryland opted to designate a fossil snail as the state fossil but ran into a couple of problematic issues along the way. 

The state fossil of Maryland is a circa 19-million-year-old marine snail (gastropod) known as Ecphora, which is found in Maryland among the bayside cliffs that make up an assemblage of geologic formations designated as the Chesapeake Group.

There was, of course, no Chesapeake Bay when Ecphora existed, which was during a period of time referred to as the Miocene Epoch, when the Atlantic Ocean had made a major incursion into Maryland in the form of a large bay (referred to as the Salisbury Embayment). The shoreline of this bay, which stretched from west of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, rejoined the main oceanic shoreline in the Philadelphia area.

Shell collectors might likely be familiar with the showy, modern murex shells of the subtropical and tropical seas. Ecphora was a prehistoric member of the murex family.

The Maryland General Assembly designated Ecphora as the state fossil in 1984, and then things got a little wacky from there.

First and foremost, the state chose Ecphora because it was claimed to have been the first fossil that had been collected in the New World and described by scientist Martin Lister in 1770. 

Problem number one was, contrary to popular belief among the sciences at the time, Ecphora was not the first fossil described from the New World. That honor actually belonged to a species of Chesapecten (an extinct scallop) that shared the 19-million-year-old sea with Ecphora. Chesapecten was described by Lister in 1687, according to the Maryland Geological Survey.

Nevertheless, under somewhat false pretense, Ecphora remained as the state fossil until 1994, when problem number two reared its head. Someone realized (more likely a paleontologist, who studies ancient plant and animal life) that the state had the wrong species of Ecphora. It appears that the species of Ecphora the state named as the state fossil actually only occurred in Virginia.

To be honest, naming a Virginia species of Ecphora, rather than a Maryland species, cannot be blamed entirely on the state. 

Since the original 1984 state fossil designation, research on the Ecphora became a little more complicated…and it all came down to species.

The species of Ecphora named as the state fossil in 1984 was a species known as Ecphora quadricostata, a species initially described in 1861. However,  further research determined in 1987 that Ecphora quadricostata only occurred south of Maryland. The Maryland “Ecphora quadricostata” was then renamed Ecphora gardnerae in 1987.

To complicate matters further, it was subsequently determined in 1988 that the Maryland Ecphora gardnerae was slightly different than an actual Ecphora gardnerae, and a subspecies name was then added in order to reflect this, thereby resulting in the state fossil now being Ecphora gardnerae gardnerae.

Maryland finally “threw in the towel,” and, on October 1, 1994, the Maryland General Assembly redesignated the official state fossil of Maryland as Ecphora gardnerae gardnerae.

Anyone interested in obtaining a specimen of the state fossil from one of the fossil sites should take a day trip to the Western Shore of the Chesapeake.  A list of potential fossil sites and collecting tips can be found at fossilguy.com (https://www.fossilguy.com/sites/calvert/index.htm).

Always make certain that the beach being accessed is not private property.  Additionally, digging in the cliffs is prohibited anywhere along the Western Shore to prevent landslides.

A good starting point would be to visit the Calvert Cliffs State Park in Lusby. Fossil collecting along the beach is permitted. Directions and additional information can be found on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website at dnr.maryland.gov.

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.

I don’t really know what my dad used to navigate through life. I understood his dad’s view of the world much better because we talked about it from time to time. One of my biggest fears as a parent is I’ll make the same mistake with my kids. Because of this fear, I’m always looking for a way to convey what I think is important. 

During the 1995-96 winter, the vehicle to deliver this perspective came from a most unlikely source.

Every year, late in the fall, I buy a truckload of logs for firewood. The pile of timber becomes the project for the winter months. Nearly every Saturday of the winter and early spring, my two boys, Justus and Jacob, and I spend a few hours sawing and splitting and stacking and hauling wood (my daughter, Sarah, is not too keen on this sort of thing). Usually, I’ll run the chainsaw until I’m out of gas. Then, we split what’s been cut. The boys and I spend a boatload of time together in this enterprise. I don’t know if it’s the quality time that I hear the experts yap about so much or not.  I get the impression from the boys, it’s the kind of quality time that road gangs spend with their guards.

Early that November, we ordered the truckload of logs and arranged to have it delivered on a day my wife was home. The logs were stacked in my small field, not far from the creek. After they arrived, I looked at each log to determine the quality and species of the wood. Were there a lot of knots? Any rotten spots? How big in diameter? The pile was taller than me at its peak and 16 to 20 feet long. How many cords? I was a little intimidated by the amount of work I saw stretched out before us. Jacob (Jake), who was seven at the time, was something more than intimidated. I’m sure from his seven-year-old perspective, the task before us must have looked like something akin to the building of pyramids. He kept asking if we were really going to cut and split that entire pile of logs, as if I were playing a prank on him.

After sawing a couple of the logs into firewood length, Jake’s suspicion of a joke subsided, but his doubt of ever cutting and splitting the entire pile hung on. We sat on the logs for a breather, and I explained to him how we were going to cut and split that entire pile of logs. We would do a little each weekend until it was all done. We didn’t have to kill ourselves trying to get it done. He nodded his head like he understood and believed we would. Kids do that sort of thing for dads even when they really believe the old man is stark raving mad.

Broken Handles

p the log splitting for a year or two and just burn the handles. Hobb’s Hardware has made a fortune in the handle trade.   Once, I even invested in an expensive maul with a fiberglass handle, and they broke it quicker than a wooden handle. 

The handles break when the maul’s handle, rather than the head, hits the wedge. It’s easy to do, and I have done it myself. I try not to get in a twist about a broken handle, but the two boys will tell you how entertaining a grown man trying to contain his temper can be. At one point, I could have sworn they broke them just to watch me.

They’ve gotten better as they’ve gotten bigger and sharpened their aim. Experience does that, and patience allows for the experience. More than once, I’ve wanted to take the splitting maul out of their hands and just do the job myself. But, I’ll have to sacrifice a few broken handles if I want them to grow into proficient wood splitters. A broken handle is really just a part of the job.

Epilogue

This past autumn, my son Jacob told me how he had won the Bell Ringing Contest at a carnival that he and his wife had gone to. He had beaten much larger guys and won the cupie doll for his wife. He attributed the victory to his years of forced child labor in the woodpile. I took it as a parenting success story.

Who Let the Dogs Out?

by James Rada, Jr.

Mint juleps bring to mind southern plantations with well-dressed men and women sitting on wide porches, sipping a drink to bring a bit of relief to the heat and humidity.

You don’t think of dog sledding. That’s for the wilderness of Alaska and Canada… and Frederick County?

In the early 1970s, dog-sled racing in Maryland could be found on Catoctin Mountain during the running of the Mint Julep Classic in February.

It began as a demonstration that was part of the Catoctin Winter Festival in 1972. It was sponsored by the Catoctin Mountains Tourist Council and the National Park Service (NPS). The council and NPS had planned on 1,000 people showing up. Instead, an estimated 5,000 people did.

“All parking facilities were filled to capacity and automobiles were parked for at least a mile on several roads leading to the camp area. Some local residents gave up and returned home rather than fight the traffic jam,” the Emmitsburg Chronicle reported.

The hit of the festival was the team of Siberian husky sled dogs, owned by the Warren Keefer of Emmitsburg and his family. “Keefer ran the dogs periodically all day and all four Keefers were kept busy answering hundreds of questions,” the newspaper reported.

Part of the reason for the unexpected attendance was the few inches of snow on the ground. Rather than discouraging people, more wanted to come to see real dog sleds that didn’t have to run on wheels.

Because of the popularity of the sled dogs, a true sled-dog race was added to the events the following year. According to the Chronicle, it was the first time that sled-dog racing had been brought to Maryland for an official race because the Mint Julep Classic was sponsored by the Mason-Dixon Sled Dog Racing Association.

Again, thousands of spectators came from Frederick, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Virginia, and Pennsylvania to watch the races. Drivers were as young as five years old. These children ranthe half-mile-long Pee Wee Course with one dog pulling the sled. Women competed in the “Women’s Liberation” class. As the drivers aged up, the courses lengthened and the size of the sled-dog teams grew. The main attraction was the professional race over a nine-mile-long course, with sleds pulled by nine dogs. Eight races a day were run over the weekend, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The main course began at Foxville Tower Road, just off the south side of MD 77. From there, it went toQuaker Camp to Old Mink Farm Road, Catoctin Hollow Road, Wigville Road, Phillips Delight Road, and finally, back to Foxville Tower Road. The roads were all closed to traffic during the races.

In total, 88 dog-sled teams from 10 different states competed in 1973. Herb Meyle of Aldie, Virginia, won the Nine-Dog Class race in 1973.

As the 1974 race approached, people worried that it wouldn’t happen because there was no snow on the ground. The Winter Festival was canceled because of this, but the Mint Julep Classic still planned to run.

“If it doesn’t snow for skiers, they make snow. If it doesn’t snow for snowmobilers, they find wet grass or mud. And if it doesn’t snow for sled-dog racers, they have a solution, too. They put wheels on their sleds, and can still run a competitive and thrilling race,” the Chronicle reported.

Even without snow, more than 3,000 people from six states attended the races. The dry course consisted of loops and straight runs through the fields of Eyler Stables and surrounding farms. Rather than nine miles, this course ran 7.4 miles.

“Despite the track conditions, some respectable times were turned in by the 76 teams fielded in the standard racing classes and 20-plus teams in the special women’s events,” the Chronicle reported.

Jack Thayer of Freehold, New Jersey, was the grand champion. His nine-dog team ran the course in 17:44 minutes.

The competitors, their families, and guests also enjoyed a Musher’s Ball Saturday night at the Blue Ridge Summit Fire Hall. Despite its success in Frederick County, the race moved out of the area in 1975 and never returned, but Northern Frederick County was still the place that first brought

“Helping You Find Plants That Work”

Historic Aphrodisiacs (Love Potions)

Enchanté, dear reader! ‘Tis the month of romance, rose petals, and breathy sighs: February!

Maybe you’re trying to figure out what candy to get for your spouse, romantic partner, or class of 30 kiddos (where the sugar high is inevitable). Or perhaps you’re looking to give or do something new or unique to/for someone who means the world to you. How about taking a page from ancient history and making a meal with ingredients fabled to make love potions? And I’m not just talking about stereotypical chocolate. Potion ingredients can range from beets to honey to vinegar (though the last one isn’t the best ingredient for a good date..vinegar isn’t exactly known for smelling minty-fresh), so you won’t be forced to go with just one option to concoct an enchanting elixir. Here are historic herbs, vegetables, and more that were considered to be the perfect love potion!

Pomegranate. In Greek Mythology, the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, was thought to have been the first to plant and introduce the pomegranate tree, infusing the fruit with the power of her love and abundance. In addition, it can also take the edge off for dates, as a study found that it decreased cortisol (stress hormone) levels (Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, 2012).

eets. Less deliciously, Romans believed beets promoted feelings of love. It was purportedly approved by Aphrodite, as she consumed the vegetable to enhance her attractiveness. While it may not directly promote feelings of romance, it is known to promote feel-good chemicals (tryptophan and betaine, and that is if you like beets), which can help boost mood on a big date (Tori Avey).

Honey. Most likely honey is the easiest to make a “potion” with (it’s a smooth move to make a cup of sweet tea on a cold night for a loved one). Honeymooning came from the concept of drinking mead (fermented honey) during and after marriage. Honey is also associated with love and romance (and endorsed by Gods) in several cultures: the Goddesses Hawthor of Egyptian mythology and Aphrodite/Venus of Greek and Roman mythology. Biologically, honey provides a boost in energy, vitamins, minerals, and even a small amount of amino acids!

Figs. Bursting with flavor, antioxidants, and copper, with a uniquely satisfying texture, these small, delectable fruits have been long associated with romance in Greek culture.

Herbs, Honey & Vinegar. Herbs, honey, and vinegar…as a facial ointment. Roman Catholics who created and used this facial ointment did so on the night of October 17. It was believed that overnight the user would dream of being with a loved one or crush, and ask St. Luke to grant this unconscious wish. It was believed that on the next day, St. Luke’s feast day on the 18th, the dream could be made a reality by the Saint himself.

Flowers. Marigolds are proclaimed to be a lucky charm for getting with a crush, so long as these colorful flowers are planted on their path in Greek culture.

From weird to tasty, these love-boosting ingredients make interesting markers of history.

Personally, I anticipate using pomegranate and honey in a recipe to make my love life and taste buds happier! Enjoy your Valentine’s Day, and may it be full of fun, love, and tasty treats!

by James Rada, Jr.

February 1924, 100 Years Ago

Collided With Policeman

Miss Clara Landers, of Thurmont, who is spending the winter in Brooklyn with her sister, Mrs. R. J. Royer, met with a serious accident last Wednesday. She was walking rather fast to attend a session of “lip reading” school, when she collided with a policeman and was knocked to the pavement. She was taken to the school, and, when found she had sustained serious injury, was sent home in a cab. Her collar bone was broken.

                                – Frederick Daily News, February 19, 1924

Thurmont Lands First Place in School Debates

First honors in the senior high school debating league of Frederick county were taken by Thurmont high school, Wednesday night, while Walkersville high school won the debate championship among the smaller high schools. Debating teams representing Thurmont high school defeated Frederick high school in Frederick and Middletown high school in Thurmont.

The Walkersville high school team triumphed over the Emmitsburg high school at Walkersville and over the Liberty high school team at Liberty. Liberty also lost a debate with Emmitsburg high school at Emmitsburg.

                                – Frederick Daily News, February 4, 1924

February 1949, 75 Years Ago

Story Discloses Nine Churches Held Lotteries

The effort to provide pari-mutuel betting at race meets at the Frederick Fair Grounds has aroused opposition among a number of church groups. It is interesting to note, in reviewing the events of history how moral standards regarding gambling have changed with the passing years. Many churches and schools resorted to lotteries in the early days, and it was not until shortly before the War between the States that this method of raising funds for worthwhile purposes was abandoned.

It may surprise some younger residents to learn that the Seminary buildings on East Church St. or Winchester Hall, Frederick, as they are sometimes called, were built largely from the proceeds of legalized lotteries. These twin buildings with the handsome white columns are now owned by Frederick County.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 4, 1949

Dr. D. L. Beegle to Head Local Baseball Assn.

 At the Firemen’s Hall last Sunday afternoon at 2:30, the people of Emmitsburg voted and elected twelve directors of the Emmitsburg Baseball Assn. who will direct the local hall team’s activities this year. More than 35 ardents fans attended.

The nominating committee of five submitted twenty-five nominees and there was one write-in on the ballot. When the voting had been tallied, it showed Dr. D. L. Beegle, Charles Bollinger, Bernard Boyle, John White, Norman Flax, Arthur Elder, Floyd Miller, Carroll Frock, Thomas Gingell, Edward Lingg, George Rosensteel and Edward Stull as being elected.

Leonard Zimmerman, temporary chairman, had charge of the meeting until after the election of directors. Herbert Rogers read last year’s treasurer’s report which gave a balance of $357.10.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 11, 1949

February 1974, 50 Years Ago

Council Makes Plans To Obtain School

A community center for recreation and activities may soon be more than a dream if the town council wins approval of plans discussed at its monthly meeting Monday night. The hope of the council members is that local groups and organizations will support the town’s purchase of the old elementary school, which has been declared surplus property by the Frederick County School Board.

Council voted to send a “letter of intent” to the school board notifying them of the town’s interest in the building and property. The site, according to Commissioner Eugene Myers, will hopefully be available sometime in September.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 7, 1974

Daughters of Charity to Observe Seton Bicentennial

“Mother Seton: Pioneer in Group Care,” is the theme a one-day conference for Daughters of Charity active in group care work to be held February 12 at St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Emmitsburg.

The theme highlights the Emmitsburg Provinces’ observance of the Seton Bicentennial Year in 1974 through a series of events commemorating the birth of the foundress of the American Sisters of Charity, Elizabeth Ann Seton. Thirty sisters associated with institutions in Maryland and Virginia are expected to attend according to Sister Genevieve Kureth, provincial councillor (sic) for social services. They will be coming from St. Ann’s Infant Home, Hyattsville, St. Vincent’s Infant Home and Villa Louise, Timonium, St. Joseph’s Villa and Seton House, Richmond, Va., and St. Francis Center, Staunton, Va.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 7, 1974

February 1999, 25 Years Ago

VHC Loan Paid In Full

Vigilant Hose Company treasurer Steve Hollinger announced at the annual VHC banquet held January 9 that the $1.2 million loan for the purchase of an aerial ladder truck and renovation of the fire station is now paid in full. The announcement came following the presentation of a check for $50,000 to Art Damuth, past president, and Tim Clarke, president, by VHC auxiliary president, Dot Davis.

Mr. Hollinger told the gathering that the company had planned to pay off the loan from the Farmers & Mechanics Bank in 10 years, but with the help from the auxiliary and tip jars placed in local taverns the debt to F&M bank was paid in full in four years.

                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, February 1999

Catoctin High Groundbreaking

Frederick County Public School Board celebrated additions and renovations scheduled to begin at Catoctin High this year in a groundbreaking ceremony at the school’s gymnasium on Thursday, Jan. 28.

The school’s capacity will increase by 367 seats to accommodate a total of 1,200 students. Included in plans are a new gymnasium and renovation of the old gym, 18 additional classrooms, a new performing arts space, renovation of the media center, addition and renovation of science and art areas, and upgraded technology wiring throughout the building. Additions will add 51,630 gross square feet to the high school. Another 51,480 gross square feet will be renovated.

Completion of additions is expected in May 2000, with renovations slated for competition by September 2000. Principal Marlene Tarr, employed with Frederick County Public Schools since 1978, eagerly awaits increased capacity and improved facilities at the high school.

Proffitt and Pryor Architects PC designed the Catoctin High additions and renovations, and the project will be managed by Reynolds Construction Management, Inc.

                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, February 1999

by Buck Reed

For me, the best meals are the ones made simple. Yes, I like steak and lobster as much as the next person, and I can appreciate a wonderful sauce on a painstakingly made dish. But, for me, I really enjoy simple, well-made meals. Simple means uncomplicated, and it also means nowhere to hide. If you overcook it, there is no sauce to save it…which brings us to the glorious chicken.

A whole roasted chicken, when prepared and cooked correctly, is a masterpiece to behold. Taking the time to learn how to do it correctly is time well spent.

To start, address your chicken. Look for a whole chicken with no broken bones or holes in the skin. Remove any large deposits of fat from the cavity, as well as the neck and the gizzards.

If you can, brine your whole chicken in about three-quarters cup of salt per gallon of water, for three to eight hours in the refrigerator. If you do not brine the chicken, then there are two schools of thought: wash your bird or not. Both are acceptable; just make sure you have a good reason whichever you decide.

Next, you will need a proper roasting pan. A heavy-duty, high-sided roasting pan is essential for conducting heat evenly. In a pinch, you can use a large saute pan that is oven-safe.

While the chicken is brining, take some time to chop up some vegetables and put them in the bottom of the pan. I like red-skinned potatoes, baby carrots, and sliced turnips or parsnips, seasoned with garlic and just about any herb you want to flavor them with, as well as a bit of salt and pepper.

Season your dried chicken with salt, pepper, and any other spice you would like. Don’t forget to season the cavity as well. I like thyme, Old Bay, and sometimes,  Cajun spice. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables, breast side up, and tuck in the wings.

Roast the chicken at 375° until the juices run clear when a sharp knife is inserted into the joint between the body and the thigh or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165° at the same joint (about 60 minutes).

After you remove the chicken from the oven, give it a rest. Remove the chicken from the pan and cover with aluminum foil. Roasted meat’s internal temperature will rise about 10 degrees while resting. The natural juices will also reincorporate into the meat’s fibers and the skin will dry out slightly.

While the bird is resting, check your vegetables to see if they are done. If they are not, strain out the drippings, reserving for a pan gravy if you want, and cook the vegetables longer. Once the vegetables are cooked, serve as a side dish with your chicken.

This is a nice one-pan dinner that is easy to prepare, inexpensive, and everyone should enjoy. You might not be the King or Queen of England, but I am sure you will be considered a monarch at your dinner table.

by Maxine Troxell

Fastnacht Day is the PA Dutch or German tradition associated with Fat Tuesday. It occurs on Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday.

Because many Christians choose to fast or deny themselves sweets and treats during Lent, it was common to indulge on Fat Tuesday. Fat/Shrove Tuesday is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. To prepare for Lent, many religions emptied their pantries of indulgences like lard and sugar. In using up the supplies, the fastnacht was born.

Fat Tuesday occurs on February 13 this year. Below is my mother’s recipe for fastnachts. She used to call them New Orleans donuts. These are worth the effort it takes to make them! Enjoy!

Fastnachts

Ingredients

1 package dry yeast

¼ cup butter

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg

¼ cup warm water

¼ cup sugar

¾ cup milk, scalded

3½-3¾ cups flour

Directions

Combine yeast and warm water. Stir until yeast is dissolved. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine scalded milk, butter, sugar, and salt; cool until lukewarm. Add 1 cup flour. Mix well.

Add yeast mixture and egg. Add remaining flour. Knead dough for about 8 minutes. Place dough into a greased bowl. Turn dough over once to grease top of dough. Let rise in a warm place for 1¼ hours or until dough is doubled. 

Punch dough down and let rise for 1 more hour.

Roll dough to 1/3-inch thickness and cut into squares. Let rise for 30-40 minutes. 

Fry in deep fat for about 2 minutes on each side. Drain to remove excess fat. 

Dip fastnachts in sugar or powdered sugar.  

Medic John W. Bennett

Survived Being KIA

by Richard D. L. Fulton

John W. Bennett was born (“at home”) on March 13, 1948, in Takoma Park, a Montgomery County suburb of Washington, D.C., to parents J.W. and Elmira Bennett. He graduated from Westminster High School. 

Bennett subsequently met his wife Shirley (“on a blind date”). They have two children: John, Jr. and Diana, and they have lived in Fairfield for more than three decades. His wife is presently employed at Saint Catherine’s Nursing Center in Emmitsburg.

Bennett enlisted in the Army and was inducted in October 1966, as a conscientious objector, and thus served as a medic. As a private, Bennett was sent to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, for training, and subsequently to Fort Sam Houston, Texas. 

After graduating from training, Bennett was sent to Hawaii, where he was assigned to the United States Army’s 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11th Light Infantry Brigade, to undergo “jungle training” to prepare for deployment to Vietnam.

Bennett and his unit departed from Hawaii on December 5, 1967, and after a 10-day trek across the ocean, the 11th Light Infantry Brigade was “boots-on-the-ground” in Vietnam, ultimately arriving at Due Pho.

Within days, he found himself assigned to a Recon (Reconnaissance) unit as part of Echo Company, wherein he saw numerous actions in operations against the Vietnamese. 

On one mission, in particular, his Recon unit was suddenly ambushed in a surprise attack, which ultimately turned into a full-scale battle as the Recon team fell back to a safer position. Before the engagement was concluded, the enemy troops found themselves being hit with air strikes, artillery rounds, mortar and gunship fire, and even a coastal warship that had opened up on the enemy.

Bennett said, “Perhaps a million dollars’ worth of ammunition was fired that night… As I looked around the field (after the fight), I could see literally hundreds of bodies.”

But it was during Operation Dragon when the unit’s position came under regular attacks, particularly during storms. Bennett said the enemy preferred moving through the jungles during storms because it made it more difficult for the American defenders to see them.

Having been attacked during a storm the preceding night, Bennett instinctively grabbed an M-16 and several rounds of ammunition and settled down next to a bunker, where he had a clear view of an adjacent hill (medics can carry arms if a unit is short-handed and/or if a troop position is under imminent threat). 

Being seated by the bunker was the last thing Bennett remembered, except for a moment when he thought he was lying on a litter next to a helicopter, at which point he said, “Then there was a huge tunnel (that he saw) and pastel-colored lights with a really bright light at the end, and then suddenly, it went out and left me in the dark.”

Some 10 to 20 hours later, he regained consciousness but felt that he was confined in some kind of plastic tarp. Reaching down into his pocket, he found his knife and cut his way out.

When he sat up, he was startled to discover the tarp in which he had been encased was actually a body bag, and “around me were perhaps a hundred litters with filled body bags on them.” After sitting there for some 20 minutes, a medical staff member entered into what turned out as being a military morgue, and attended to Bennett, showing him his bag-tag that stated, “KIA – Struck by Lightning.”

Amazingly, after recuperating, Bennett returned to duty.

Bennett was honorably discharged from the Army in October 1972. He was awarded two Bronze Stars and numerous other awards issued by the Republic of Vietnam and the United States Army. He was never issued a Purple Heart. He did write a book on his personal experiences during the war, entitled Killed in Action – Struck by Lightning, published by the United Book Press, Baltimore.

To this day, Bennett stated that he still suffers from the effects of having been struck by lightning.

American Legion Post 168, Thurmont

Wow, things sure have slowed down a bit. We hope everyone had a happy and safe New Year! Thank goodness the first snowfall of the year was not as bad as they were calling for, but the wind was something else! Hopefully, you were able to join us for Candy Bingo. It is always a great time, and to watch the excitement in the kiddos’ faces, is always fun. Join us on February 24 for the next Candy Bingo.

The month of February has some interesting days.

February 1st is National Freedom Day; while it is not a national holiday, it is an observance to commemorate the historic signing of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by President Abraham Lincoln. This amendment outlawed slavery, representing a major step toward equality for all Americans.

February 4th is USO Day; again, it’s not a national holiday, but a birthday celebration of the American nonprofit charitable corporation. USO provides live entertainment, care packages, and much more. The USO is the bridge connecting overseas soldiers to their friends, families, and homes. They are partnered with the Department of Defense to serve everyone in military life. The troops fighting in WW2 were the first to benefit from this organization’s efforts, and now almost 4.9 million members are impacted by the USO. To learn more about the USO and how you can benefit or help, visit the website at uso.org.

February 14th is Valentine’s Day–Celebrate You! For years, even decades, Valentine’s Day has been a religious celebration, an ancient ritual day, and a commercial holiday. All that change means the meaning of Valentine’s Day is truly whatever you want it to be: You can skip the celebrations completely, buy yourself some chocolate or flowers, or express your love and appreciation for the people in your life, whether they are co-workers, romantic partners, friends, or family members.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook to keep up with weekly specials, events, and happenings: Kitchen Specials, Yoga, Queen of Hearts, Corn Hole Tournament, Bingo, Line Dancing, and Meat Pack Raffles. Check out the Community Calendar in this issue for weekly event dates and times.