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Once upon a time…

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by James Rada, Jr.

December 1923, 100 Years Ago

Infant Drowns in Creek Near Home

The funeral of Charles Hewitt, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hewitt, of Thurmont, who was drowned Saturday afternoon when he fell into a small stream near his home, will be held this afternoon.

The child, who was aged one year, four months and 22 days, while playing about on Saturday afternoon, wandered away and it is supposed that he he fell into a small stream near his home. The child was found by his mother.

                                – Frederick Daily News, December 24, 1923

Dr. Kefauver Leaves Thurmont

After having served many of the citizens of Thurmont and the surrounding community for 32 years Dr. E. C. Kefauver has given up the practice of medicine there to take up his new duties as county health officer of Frederick county. The doctor and his family will leave on January 1, and take up their residence in Frederick. Dr. Kefauver’s successor is Dr. Levin M. Irving, of Chicago, who will occupy the office in the Masonic Building, Thurmont.

                                – Frederick Daily News, December 22, 1923

December 1948, 75 Years Ago

Local Girl Takes Sisterhood Vows

At a ceremony Saturday morning at 9 o’clock in the Chapel of the Monastery of the Visitation, Frederick, in the presence of a number of relatives and friends, Sister Mary Angela Saffer, formerly known as Margaret Mary Saffer, pronounced her perpetual vows which made her a permanent member of the Order of the Visitation.

Sister Angela is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Saffer, of Emmitsburg. Rev. James M. Hogan, pastor of St. John’s Church, performed the ceremony as delegate for His Excellency, Most Rev. Lawrence J. Shehan D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore. Present also for the occasion were Rev. Roger K. Wooden, of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Thurmont, and Rev. Charles Stouter, C.M., Emmitsburg. Rev. Fr. Hogan preached the sermon preceding the ceremony.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, December 10, 1948

Thurmont Baby Show Proves Interesting Affair

Twenty four children of preschool age were entered in the Healthy Baby Show held in the Firemen’s Room of the Town Hall at Thurmont last Wednesday at 1:30 o’clock. Ten babies ranging in age from two months to one year, and fourteen from one year six years, were in the group. Under the direction of the County Health Nurse, Mrs. Susan Ward, and sponsored by the Thurmont Grange and the Guardian Hose Company, the show was held to promote more interest in the health clinic which the Grange is sponsoring.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, December 20, 1948

December 1973, 50 Years Ago

Kiddies’ Treat To Be Held Saturday at 2

This Saturday, December 22, at 2 p.m., Santa Claus will visit Emmitsburg in front of the VFW Home and bring candy and oranges to all local children. Parents are urged to have their children attend. The party is sponsored this year by the Francis X. Elder Post 121 American Legion, and VFW Post 6658 of Emmitsburg.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, December 20, 1973

Libraries Offer Audio Cassettes

A new and exciting thing is happening at the Public Libraries in Frederick County. Any registered Frederick County Public Library borrower in good standing may sign up to borrow Audio Cassettes of music, plays, information and instruction. Applicants must sign a separate card for cassettes registration. An interesting selection of cassettes is being offered… In case you do not have a cassette player, there will be a player in each library. You may not borrow the cassette player. It is assumed that you will have one in your possession either your own or a borrowed one. We anticipate the starting of this program in early January.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, December 27, 1973

December 1998, 25 Years Ago

New After-School Program to Begin in January

Emmitsburg officials, working since June with the Frederick County Bureau of Parks and Recreation, have developed a comprehensive after-school youth program which will include homework assistance, supervised recreation, and social skill development.

“We now have a youth program!” said Mayor Carr. “Under Deborah Spaulding (sic), a county parks and recreation employee, Emmitsburg’s youth program will start in January, 1999.”

                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, December 1998

Community Service

The Town of Emmitsburg would like to thank Mr. Don Briggs (Coach) and the Mount Saint Mary’s rugby team for their recent community service efforts. On Saturday, November 7, 1998, Coach Briggs and the rugby team volunteered their services to paint many of the curbs for the Town’s no-parking zones. This kind of interest and community service demonstrate just what an asset Coach Briggs and these young men are to their team, Mt. St. Mary’s, and our community.

                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, December 1998

HAPPILY Ever After

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‘Twas The Week Before Christmas

by Valerie & Randy Nusbaum

‘Twas the week before Christmas at the Nusbaum estate.

I hate to admit it but things weren’t looking great.

The stockings were waiting to be hung and filled,

the gingerbread house we still needed to build.

Randy was huddled in pain in the bed.

He’d fallen and suffered a bump on his head.

There’s a trophy he covets. He’s determined to win

that darned lighting contest. He’s entered again.

Our neighbor, Big Bob,  put a sleigh on his roof

with Santa and reindeer as if we needed proof.

Bob had been champion for the last seven years

and Randy was bound that he’d have Bob in tears.

My hubby’d amassed a huge yard display

and he added a new piece almost every day.

He’d lit up our trees, our fence, and our house.

I’d feared for our cars, so crazed was my spouse.

And now my poor Randy was out of commission

while I worried and wondered how I’d keep up tradition.

My cards had been sent. At least that was done.

But no presents were purchased, not even one.

I needed to shop for both gifts and food.

Could I leave Randy alone? Would he come unglued?

I called on the neighbors, first Steve and then Brooke

to keep tabs on Randy while I planned what to cook.

I went to the store; didn’t have too much luck.

I couldn’t find turkey so I settled for duck.

The presents I grabbed were tacky and dumb.

I came out of the store with shoe laces and gum.

Feeling downhearted, I dragged myself home

to find Randy much better. He’d dressed like a gnome.

Wait! He wasn’t a gnome. My guy was an elf

and I started to giggle in spite of myself.

That’s when I noticed the tree had been trimmed.

It glowed like a beacon when the lights were all dimmed.

I next spied some cookies, all pretty and sweet!

Oh, who in the world had brought such a treat?

A truly miraculous thing to behold—

The house was bedecked all in silver and gold.

How in the world did you manage all this?

I cried out to Randy. I felt so much bliss.

My mate said he woke and found the house was complete;

The cookies, the stockings, and a turkey to eat.

There were presents all wrapped waiting under the tree.

I couldn’t imagine who’d done this for me.

The jingle of sleigh bells had us heading outside

where our yard was all lighted. It filled us with pride.

The rooftop was sparkling like stars in the sky.

My hubby was beaming, a tear in his eye.

Randy leaned over and picked up his prize.

He’d won that darned trophy, nearly double his size.

We stood there not daring to think it was true

that Santa had been here; his reindeer, too.

Big Bob wandered over; a frown on his face,

Clearly not happy. He’d won second place.

Not one to gloat, Randy still had to grin

At the reindeer memento Big Bob had stepped in.

As you can see, I had some help with this month’s column. We took some license here and there, but it’s the best we could do. As always, Randy is the world’s best helper. I also should point out that since I work for the Banner, Randy is exempt from the real decorating contest. At least I tell him he’s exempt, and it keeps him off the roof. 

Special holiday greetings go out to Grace Borell, who wrote me such a nice note. Grace, you made my day and your photography is beautiful. Thank you for thinking of me. Thanks, too, to our neighbor and friend, Barb, for the lovely basket decorating our front porch the whole fall season. It’s true that people really do masquerade as elves and visit when we least expect it. I also must send greetings to Jan because, well, you know where I live. And to Ruthie Simmel—it’s always a pleasure and thanks for the treats! Randy and I are wishing each and every one of you (even the ones of you who tell me I remind them of a drill sergeant) a peaceful, happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Looking Back

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The Woodpecker vs. Fort Ritchie

Sitting atop South Mountain, Fort Ritchie helped save the world from the Nazis during World War II. However, the camp didn’t fare as well against woodpeckers.

Fort Ritchie’s history dates back to 1889 when the Buena Vista Ice Company of Philadelphia purchased 400 acres on South Mountain. The company developed the land and built lakes where it planned to cut ice from to ship to the surrounding cities for use as the refrigeration source in ice boxes. The first lake was built in 1901 and named Lake Royer. Buena Vista shipped out the ice on the Western Maryland Railroad, which ran through the area.

Business continued until the demand for ice dropped off due to the development of electric refrigeration, and the Buena Vista Ice Company eventually closed.

In 1926, the Maryland National Guard was looking for a location for a summer training camp. It chose the Buena Vista Ice Company property. Not only was the location isolated enough for the National Guard’s training needs, it was located along the railroad, so it could be easily accessed and communications could be maintained using the telegraph line that already ran through the area.

The Maryland National Guard used the site from 1926 to 1942. On June 19, 1942, the U.S. Army took over the site for its Military Intelligence Training Center. During World War II, 19,600 intelligence troops trained at the camp.

Despite the vast knowledge and intelligence training of these soldiers, woodpeckers managed to sabotage the camp, even if the interference lasted a short time.

In 1948, newspapers in Maryland and Pennsylvania ran stories about how woodpeckers were frustrating Col. Leland T. Reckford, the fort commander, with their attacks on power line poles.

“One woodpecker was so diligent in his attack on a pole that the first hard gust of wind the other day sent it crashing to the ground,” the Hagerstown Morning Herald reported on November 9, 1948.

The 2,200-volt power line came down with the pole, causing outages in the area, including the camp.

“There are plenty of trees in the surrounding mountains, if the woodpeckers simply must release their emotions by pecking, camp officials point out,” according to the Morning Herald.

Woodpeckers peck for three reasons, according to Ornithology.com. It uncovers insects, insect eggs, and larvae, which the woodpeckers eat. They drill holes in dead or dying trees to create nests. The hammering also serves as a type of communication to mark territory.

“This is why you might see a flicker pounding on a metal power pole or your house siding–to make the loudest sound he can, not to look for food or drill a hole, but to make a statement,” according to the website.

Given the damage to the power line pole, it seems likely the woodpeckers used it create a nesting area, but instead, compromised the strength of the pole.

The newspapers don’t note how the camp solved its woodpecker problem, but it wasn’t mentioned again, nor were there any articles talking about additional falling power line poles.

Fort Ritchie closed in 1998 under the 1995 Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

An old postcard view of Barrick Avenue at Fort Richie.

The Crazy Plant Lady

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“Helping You Find Plants That Work”

Behind Mistletoe

Everything You Did and Didn’t Need to Know About This Christmas Plant

In Greek, Roman, and Celtic Druid history, mistletoe acted as a panacea- to cure poisons, illness, pain, and more. The most common folklore traced to this tradition comes from Norse Mythology. Baldur (Odin’s son) was condemned by a prophecy to die. Not wanting any harm to come to her son, Frigg ventured about the entire Earth, ensuring all plants and animals agreed to keep her son safe. As with most stories- she forgot one plant. Obsessed with love and beauty, Frigg neglected mistletoe- as it was bland and undesirable. Loki used this oversight and fashioned the plant into a lethal arrow to defeat Baldur, and he did. However, the Gods resurrected Baldur, and Frigg, elated that her son had come back from the dead, declared that she would kiss anyone who passed under the mistletoe and made the plant a symbol of love- not to be forgotten lest it force anyone into bad luck, akin to how she ignored the plant (later interpreted to be that of vitality and fertility).

This evergreen plant seems like a low-maintenance project. After all, you primarily need to take care of the host tree it is attached to and provide full sun to part shade conditions. Like a telemarketer, it is parasitic and will only grow and obtain nutrients and water from the host tree. Keep mistletoe roots and vines in check to prevent further takeover of other trees. The largest it should grow is 3 feet by 3 feet. Some host trees that mistletoe prefers  (and that you can sacrifice) include maple, poplar, aspen, walnut, elm, and oak. While it is commonly used in tradition, it is quite toxic to all organisms, so make sure no one puts it in their salad! It also produces alluring-looking berries, but don’t be tempted! Also, please try to grow it inside (especially the dwarf variety), as it is very invasive. Trash after use (don’t compost!). Finally, since it is such an invasive plant, bugs leave the plant alone!

Some species that you can look for (that won’t be as damaging) include American mistletoe, European mistletoe, and Big Leaf mistletoe. To propagate, you will need mistletoe berries (will be white), gloves, and a host tree. Smash the berries, and press into the bark a little higher than the base of the tree. That’s it! However, it will take a year for the seeds to take. If you want to get rid of some unwanted growth, there are two options you can employ. Begin by cutting away the growth you don’t want. Then apply black plastic on the infested area or use herbicides.

If you (understandably) don’t want anything to do with mistletoe anymore, may this article serve as a basis to know what to look for if you see your trees suffering from an unknown parasite. So enjoy a moment of romance with the knowledge that you didn’t cause your son’s downfall because you ignored this plant.

A ball of mistletoe complete with berries!

*Credit to Gemma Johnstone from The Spruce, Even Andrews of HISTORY, and Rob Dunn of Smithsonian Magazine.

Taste of the Past

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by Maxine Troxell

While looking for a recipe to include in the December Banner issue, I came across my aunt Eileen’s gingerbread recipe. This recipe was included in one of my mother’s handwritten recipe books. She had a lot of her relatives’ recipes included, and most are handwritten. It’s interesting to see how some of these recipes back then are written. Sometimes, you would see ‘a pinch of this or a pinch of that’. OK, but what’s a pinch? This recipe said to bake in a moderate oven, so I am assuming 350 degrees. I am so glad my mom took the time to write all of these recipes. I find it interesting to see how people cooked and baked back then. She has a lot of unique recipes. I hope you enjoy this one.

Aunt Eileen’s Gingerbread

Ingredients

½ cup shortening

2 tablespoons sugar

1 beaten egg

1 cup molasses

2¼ cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon cloves

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup boiling water        

            Directions

Combine flour, baking soda, salt and spices in a bowl and set aside.

Cream shorting and sugar until fluffy.

Add beaten egg and molasses; mix until smooth.

Alternate the sifted dry ingredients with the boiling water.

Beat until smooth. Pour batter into a 9-inch greased square pan.

Bake in moderate oven (350 degrees) for about 45 minutes.

The Supermarket Gourmet

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by Buck Reed

Salsa

The origins of salsa are straight forward. The sauce has its start dating back to the time of the Mayans, Aztecs and Incas who made a cold sauce with tomatoes peppers and herbs to eat with their daily meals and snacks. The dance gets its start in Cuba in the 40’s. We will be discussing the sauce.

Salsa is primarily made with:

Tomatoes – Either fresh or canned are acceptable choices. You can chop them up and even puree them or a combination of both if you choose. Tomato or V8 juice can be added to give it an extra kick. Also if you prefer Tomatillos can be used if you want a different flavor. And, since there are no rules you can do a combination of the two….no one is going to jail.

Peppers – again fresh or canned is acceptable and every pepper on the Scoville Table is acceptable. Deciding what peppers you use and whether you decide to add the seeds or not will decide how hot your salsa will be. Roasting your peppers can also add a nice flavor to your salsa.

Onions – fresh onions or a short sauté of chopped onions will work with your dish. Scallions will work if you are not keeping your salsa too long.

Other ingredients – Fruits work well in salsa and can add a nice finish to most dishes. Topping the list might be Mango or Pineapple but again no rules here, you should feel free to experiment. Also, vegetables such as Cucumber, Radish, Celery or most any you can imagine (I am thinking chopped Olives or Artichokes here}.

Flavoring your salsa is fairly easy. Naturally you can add hot sauce to add heat or lemon juice to add a tang to your finished salsa. Herbs and spices might include the old standbys of Cumin, Chile Powder, Oregano and Cilantro, but you might want to consider a good Cajun Spice or even Old Bay.

One of the best parts about salsa is you can make it ahead of time for when you are having guests over. Naturally, like most foods salsa can go bad and should be kept refrigerated in a covered container. If you have a product that looks and smells bad bear in mind it should look and smell fresh.

Getting rid of it before it goes bad is fairly easy, as salsa is incredibly versatile. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box here.

Almost any sandwich could and does benefit from a spread of salsa on it. One of my favorites is on an egg sandwich any time of the day. Also left over pot roast can be Barbacoa-ized with an addition of salsa and served on bread.

A fast and easy enchiladas sauce can be made with V8 juice and salsa. Just roll your tortillas with whatever leftover you have and you got dinner in the oven.

Try making a breakfast burrito with pancakes. Just roll up with cheese  and salsa and if you are careful you got breakfast on the go, Another idea is waffle nachos. Chop up your hot waffles and cover with salsa and whatever else you have to make nachos. Forget the maple syrup.

Grilled seafood, steak, and chicken can always be paired with fresh salsa to bring a little zing to your dishes from the flame gods

Whether you make it yourself or use the store-bought jarred stuff, you really shouldn’t have a problem using up salsa. It’s so good!

Veteran Spotlight

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Ira H. Buhrman

“Lost at Sea”

by Richard D. L. Fulton

Ira Harrison Buhrman was born on November 10, 1887, in Foxville (Frederick County), to parents Harvey Meade Buhrman, a farmer, and Theresa Need Buhrman. Buhrman had eight brothers and sisters (two apparently having died at birth).

Buhrman resided in Foxville until his death and was, at one point, employed as a laborer in a local lumber mill. 

The (Frederick) News reported on February 10, 1942, that Buhrman had enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in July 1918, and served one enlistment in Hawaii. The newspaper reported that he became a member of the 13th Regiment, which was then employed in Europe as part of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. 

He subsequently was attached to Company D of the 15th Separate Battalion until the signing of the Armistice in November 1918.  Buhrman remained with the Marine Corps at Marine Base Quantico until discharged. It was reported that, after having been discharged from the Marine Corps, he was involved in the construction of Camp Ritchie (perhaps due to his former employment in the lumber industry).

The (Frederick) News also reported that Buhrman was an award-winning marksman, having been awarded a number of medals for sharpshooting and marksmanship while serving in the Marine Corps.

By the time World War II broke out, Buhrman, at 53 years of age, was too old to serve, so he opted to sign up with the Merchant Marines (officially known as the United States Merchant Navy), and, thus, on October 8, 1941, ended up as a member of the crew of the fuel tanker India Arrow, owned by the Socony-Vacuum Oil Company. 

He served as a ship’s wiper, which entailed cleaning the engine compartment and machinery, as well as other jobs that were assigned by the ship’s engineers.

On February 4, 1942, the India Arrow was making its way from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Carteret, New Jersey, with a load of 88,369 gallons of diesel fuel. The ship was unarmed and unescorted.

The India Arrow was struck by a torpedo fired by a German submarine (subsequently identified as the German submarine U-103) when the tanker was only about 20 miles southeast of Cape May. Russpickett.com reported that the German submarine “then surfaced and fired seven shells from her deck gun (at the stricken tanker) at two-minute intervals, from a distance of 250 yards into the bow section, which remained above water as the stern was sinking.”

The Frederick Post reported on February 11, 1942, that Buhrman may have been in the engine room when the tanker was hit by the torpedo ”just aft of the engine room,” further noting that only two or three of the occupants in the engine room had escaped that portion of the ship. Buhrman was initially listed as missing.

The vast majority of officers and the crew of the India Arrow had actually survived the attack, except for two that were killed outright, when the submarine shelled the ship. However, 18 of the officers and crew drowned when their lifeboat sank. Ultimately, as the result, eight officers and twenty of the crew were lost in the attack on the India Arrow, while only one officer and eleven of the crew survived.

Between January and August in 1942, German submarines sank more than a dozen ships off the New Jersey Coast, and even more off the coasts of other Mid-Atlantic states, according to whyy.org.

The (Frederick) News reported that Buhrman was the first Frederick County resident to have been killed in World War II. He was posthumously awarded the Merchant Marine Medal and the Combat Bar with Star. The Combat Bar was awarded to Merchant Marines who were onboard a ship that was attacked by an enemy. A star was added if the recipient was also forced to abandon the ship (or was killed in the attack).

Buhrman was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars as the result of his service during WWI.  According to wikitree.com, in the wake of his mother’s death in 1947, “his name was added to her headstone in Mount Bethel Cemetery in Garfield as a memorial, since his remains were never recovered.

Ira H. Buhrman Source: findagrave.com and Wings Across America

India Arrow

Source: City of Little Rock, LR Parks & Recreation

Anyone who might know a Veteran or is a Veteran, who would like to share their experiences in the military for publication in The Catoctin Banner, is invited to contact the columnist at [email protected]. Thank you.

Upon Combs’ death from congestive heart failure (according to The Washington Post) at age 92, his memorial service was held at the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home in Emmitsburg. He was interred in the Emmitsburg Memorial Cemetery.

health Matters

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What Is Calcium & Why   Do We Need It?

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

Calcium is a mineral your body needs to build and maintain strong bones and to carry out many important functions. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body.

Almost all calcium in the body is stored in bones and teeth, giving them structure and hardness.

Your body also needs calcium for muscles to move and for nerves to carry messages between your brain and every part of your body. It also helps blood vessels move blood throughout your body and helps release hormones that affect many functions in your body.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.

What Foods Provide Calcium?

Calcium is found in many foods. You can get the recommended amounts of calcium by eating a variety of foods, including the following:

    Milk, yogurt, and cheese are the main food sources of calcium for most people in the United States.

    Canned sardines and salmon with bones contain calcium.

    Certain vegetables such as kale, broccoli, Bok choy, collard greens, dandelion greens, arugula, watercress, spinach, okra, scallions, leeks, zucchini, cucumber, Brussels sprouts, celery, green beans, lettuce, squash, and onions also contain calcium.

    Calcium is added to some beverages, including milk substitutes such as soy and almond beverages, as well as some brands of tofu and ready-to-eat cereals. To find out whether these foods have calcium added, check the product labels.

    Most grains (such as bread, pasta, and unfortified cereal) do not have high amounts of calcium.

Types of Calcium Dietary Supplements

The two main forms of calcium in dietary supplements are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. Calcium carbonate is absorbed best when taken with food.

Calcium citrate is absorbed well on an empty stomach or a full stomach. People with low levels of stomach acid—a condition most common in older people—absorb calcium citrate more easily than calcium carbonate.

Other forms of calcium in supplements and fortified foods include calcium sulfate, calcium ascorbate, calcium microcrystalline hydroxyapatite, calcium gluconate, calcium lactate, and calcium phosphate.

Calcium is absorbed best when you take 500 mg or less at one time. If you take 1,000 mg/day of calcium from supplements, for example, it is better to take a smaller dose twice a day than to take it all at once.

Calcium supplements might cause gas, bloating, and constipation in some people. If you have any of these symptoms, try spreading out the calcium dose throughout the day, taking the supplement with meals, or switching the form of calcium you take.

Do You Get Enough Calcium?

Many people in the United States get less than recommended amounts of calcium from food and supplements, especially: Children and teens (ages 4 to 18 years); people who are Black or Asian; and adults aged 50 and older and living in poverty.

Certain groups of people are more likely than others to have trouble getting enough calcium, including:

Postmenopausal women. The body absorbs and retains less calcium after menopause. Over time, this can lead to fragile bones.

People who don’t eat dairy products. Dairy products are rich sources of calcium, but people with lactose intolerance, people with milk allergies, and vegans (people who don’t consume any animal products) must find other sources of calcium. Options include lactose-free or reduced-lactose dairy products; canned fish with bones; certain vegetables, and milk substitutes such as soy and almond beverages, tofu, and ready-to-eat cereals; and dietary supplements that contain calcium.

What Happens If I Don’t Get Enough Calcium?

Getting too little calcium can cause several conditions, including the following:

     Osteoporosis, which causes weak, fragile bones and increases the risk of falls and fractures (broken bones).

     Rickets, a disease in children that causes soft, weak bones.

     Fatigue due to your cells being undernourished.

     Poor oral health due to the teeth being more susceptible to decay and loosening and possibly even periodontal disease.

Muscle pain and spasms. Calcium is needed to help our muscles function properly. Specifically, it helps them to contract and relax.

     Numbness and tingling in the fingers. Calcium plays a vital role in many parts of the central nervous system. If we are deficient, we may see those nerves impacted, particularly in our extremities (hands, finger, feet and toes).

     Abnormal heart rhythm could be a sign of severe calcium deficiency.

What Are Some Effects of Calcium On Health?

Scientists are studying calcium to understand how it affects health. Here are several examples of what this research has shown.

After about age 30, bones slowly lose calcium. In middle age, bone loss speeds up and can lead to weak, fragile bones (osteoporosis) and broken bones. Although bone loss is more common in women, it can affect men too.

The health of your bones is measured with a bone mineral density test, which will tell whether your bones are healthy and strong or weak and thin. Some studies have found that calcium supplements with vitamin D may increase bone mineral density in older adults.

   Some research shows that people who have high intakes of calcium from food and supplements have a lower risk of cancers of the colon and rectum. Some studies have shown that men with high intakes of calcium from dairy foods have an increased risk of prostate cancer. For other types of cancer, calcium does not appear to affect the risk of getting cancer or dying of cancer.

Preeclampsia is a serious complication of late pregnancy. Symptoms include high blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine. Calcium supplements might reduce the risk of preeclampsia in some pregnant women who consume too little calcium.

Metabolic syndrome is a serious medical condition that increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

You have metabolic syndrome if you have three or more of the following:

A large waistline;

High blood levels of fat (triglycerides);

Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (good cholesterol);

     High blood pressure;

     High blood sugar levels;

Some research suggests that a higher intake of calcium might help lower the risk of metabolic syndrome in women but not men.

Does Calcium Interact With Medications or Other Dietary Supplements?

   Calcium dietary supplements can interact or interfere with certain medicines, and some medicines can lower calcium levels in your body.

Tell your healthcare provider about any dietary supplements and prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines you take. They can tell you if the dietary supplements might interact with your medicines, or if the medicines might interfere with how your body absorbs, uses, or breaks down nutrients such as calcium.

Calcium and Healthy Eating

People should get most of their nutrients from food and beverages, according to the federal government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Foods contain vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and other components that benefit health. In some cases, fortified foods and dietary supplements are useful when it is not possible to meet needs for one or more nutrients.

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. Check out the website at doctorlo.com.

Source: Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS).

Once upon a time

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by James Rada, Jr.

November 1923, 100 Years Ago

Thurmont Conference

The second of the series of conferences being held by the Frederick County C. E. Union will be held tonight at Thurmont, beginning at 7:30 o’clock. Following will be the program: Hymn, invocation; “Christian Endeavor, the Church’s Tool Chest,” Rev. Wm. R. Glen, Frederick; “An Ideal Prayer Meeting,” Frank Witter, Frederick; “An Ideal Business Meeting,” Vernon Coblentz, Middletown; music; “I Am My Brother’s Keeper” Ruth Krieg, Adamstown; “Nature, a Constant Reminder of Friendship of Christ,” Rev. John S. Adam, Westminster; “Friends of Christ,” Carroll M. Wright.

                                – Frederick Daily News, November 23, 1923

Purely Personal

Mr. Sanford L. Shaffer and family of Thurmont, moved last week to their new home: the property on the east side of Church street, owned by Dr. M. A. Birely.

                                – Frederick Daily News, November 12, 1923

November 1948, 75 Years Ago

Rabbits Scarce But Hunters Are Not Dismayed

While the United States is waging a cold war with the Russians it was a red-hot war that was begun Monday for the rabbits in Frederick County. The eager nimrods laid down a barrage that virtually shook rabbitland to its foundation.

One casualty was listed. He was Kenneth Carty, 16, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Carty, near Catoctin Furnace, had the calf of one leg shattered and his foot peppered with shot when a new shotgun discharged as he was hunting with companions. His condition was reported favorable at the Frederick Hospital Thursday night.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, November 4, 1948

Prisoner Sentenced For Hallowe’en Vandalism, Walks Out of Jail; Returned Again

Less than an hour after he walked out of the Frederick jail, where he is serving a 90-day sentence, Ray Irvin Fraley, 22, of Thurmont, was back in custody Thursday afternoon. Fraley, sentenced last Saturday by Magistrate William J. Stoner in Thurmont, for malicious destruction of property in connection with a Hallowe’en prank, was serving as a trusty at the jail. He changed clothing in a lavatory and walked away about 2 o’clock.

State and Frederick City police were immediately notified as soon as Fraley’s disappearance was discovered. He was picked up about 3 o’clock in a Frederick bowling alley. He offered no resistance and was returned to the jail by Deputy R. Paul Buhrman.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, November 11, 1948

November 1973, 50 Years Ago

Fire Levels Historic Home; Bridge Knocked Out By Fireman Responding

An Emmitsburg fireman was injured when his van overturned while he was responding to a fire alarm at 9 Sunday evening. The fire leveled a large home, a former show place on the Crystal Fountain Road, two miles west of Emmitsburg.

Roger Harner, 24, Emmitsburg R2, was taken to the Warner Hospital, Gettysburg, in the Emmitsburg VFW ambulance after his van turned over on its roof and became wedged in the iron railing of an old wooden bridge on the Annandale Road, a half mile west of Emmitsburg, shortly after the fire alarm was sounded. He was treated at the hospital for injuries to his right eye, lip and chin.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, November 1, 1973

Hoisted Flag Shows Progress Of School

The red checkered flag flying on top of the new school building indicated completion of the structural steel on the building. The last piece was put in place last Friday, according to Robert Brown, Construction Superintendent. The exterior masonry work is 90% complete; curb and gutters, paving, fine grading, and seeding are almost complete.

Placement of cement board on the sloped roofs should be completed this week and the roof dried in with heavy tar paper next week. The plumbers have heat and water lines well under way. Assuming favorable weather, the steel decking will be placed on the flat roof sections next week and work is expected to start on the heating ducts.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, November 29, 1973

November 1998, 25 Years Ago

Overall a Good Start for the Mason-Dixon Line Fall Festival

The Emmitsburg Business and Professional Association (EBPA) met October 20th to discuss the success of the Mason-Dixon Line Fall Festival which they sponsored the first weekend in October this year as part of the county’s 250th anniversary celebration. The organization agreed that they would like it to become an annual event.

According to festival co-chairman Hope Mahoney, “There were some problems, mix-ups, and some things that really worked well. Of course, nobody could do anything about the weather. Overall, I think we have a basic structure in place that will help us plan for a program next year.”

                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, November 1998

CASS Welcomes New Area Director

The Catoctin-Aires Majorette, Color Guard, and Drum Corps has captured the Maryland State Advanced C.A.M.A. Grand Championship Title for 1998. The award is presented to the advanced whole corps with the best overall placements for the areas of baton twirlers, color guard, and percussion units. In a clean sweep victory, the Catoctin-Aires Corps won first place in each of those areas. In addition, the corps’ color guard was awarded the Bob Setera Memorial High General Effect Trophy for its spectacular presentation of music as portrayed in movies. The corps was also named the Maryland title winners for Advanced Best Tiny Tot unit, and Advanced Best Complementary Unit for auxiliary sections with in the corps. The Juvenile Pom  Team championship title was also won by the Catoctin-Aires’ Juvenile Porn Team. The corps beginner branch twirling corps, Catoctin-Ettes, placed second in the Tiny Tot division for beginner tot sections.

Claiming victory in the dance-twirl competition, the corps’ elite dance twirl branch, under the name of Rampage, won advanced Sr. Dance-Twirl Team championship title, the Advanced Juvenile Dance-Twirl Team championship title and the Advanced Tiny TOT Dance-Twirl Team title. Placing second in the senior porn team division was the Rampage Senior Porn team. The corps also sponsors a Senior Percussion Ensemble, labeled X.R.A.; who placed second in that respective division.

                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, November 1998

HAPPILY Ever After

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Across the Miles

by Valerie Nusbaum

With Thanksgiving and the holiday season upon us once again, I’m reminiscing about years past and feeling blessed to have such wonderful memories. I’m sure you are, too. These are just some of the highlights of my Thanksgivings with Randy.

For our first Thanksgiving together, I had the bright idea to host the meal at our house. No small feat since we didn’t yet have a dining room table and there were eight of us. We borrowed folding tables and extended them from our small dining room into the living room. Cousin Linda had given us a lovely non-stick roaster for a wedding gift, and we were anxious to try it out. I used my mom’s tried-and-true method for a juicy turkey and started the bird in the oven at 400 degrees at 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday. At midnight, I turned the oven temperature down to 200 degrees and planned to slow roast the turkey overnight. At 1:00 a.m., the bird was falling-off-the-bone done. You can imagine how the rest of the meal went.

We visited my brother and his family in Rutland, Vermont, in 1997.  Because of our work schedules, we drove to New York on Wednesday night. After getting up before dawn on Thursday and driving for hours, we needed a pit stop but couldn’t find anything open—not even a gas station. Finally, we saw some cars at a Friendly’s, so we rushed inside.  The young woman at the takeout window looked us over and informed us that the restaurant would be closing at noon. My watch showed 11:52 a.m. Randy said, “We’d like two Diet Cokes to go. Where is your restroom?” When she opened her mouth to protest, Randy looked her in the eye calmly said, “This is happening.” It did.

For many years, while our parents were with us, Randy and I hosted Thanksgiving dinner. We made it a point to include anyone we knew who didn’t have plans. Some years, there were five or six of us. Some years, there were twelve. We found Mary’s slippers in the fridge, inside a bag with fresh sausage. Bill made a loaf of homemade bread and left the paddle in the loaf. Pat enjoyed making a turkey picture by tracing her hand on paper.  Dale, Randy, and Bill fought over the oysters. Andrew got sick and gave it to the rest of us. The Johnsons came for dessert. There were pilgrim costumes and feathers, hand towels folded into turkeys, acorns made from kisses, and the list goes on.

In 2001, Randy and I were on vacation in Ocean City, Maryland, and we made Thanksgiving dinner reservations at The Bonfire. My mom had plans to dine with her next-door neighbor, so I knew she’d be taken care of; but when I spoke to Mom on Tuesday of that week, she told me that her plans had been canceled. I couldn’t leave Mom all alone (Randy’s parents were with his brother and the kids, so they were okay), so on Wednesday, we drove four hours back to Brunswick to pick up Mom and her luggage, then drove back to Ocean City that night. We changed our dinner reservation from two to three and had a lovely time sitting by the fireplace, watching football and feasting on five kinds of stuffing and various turkey parts. Afterward, we rode the train through the Festival of Lights and had hot chocolate with Santa. 

In 2008, we again visited my brother who had moved to Bozeman, Montana. Dinner was hosted by friends of theirs at their horse ranch, and we were all seated around a huge dining table. It was so gracious of them to include us. My sister-in-law was responsible for the pumpkin pies, which I found amusing since she rarely uses her kitchen. She gave it a go, though. Randy and I took some hostess gifts and treats for the kids. Our host, Chuck, asked us to go around the table and tell what dish our family always ate that wasn’t featured on their table. Silly me. I didn’t realize the correct answer was: “Why nothing.  Everything is here.” I mentioned that our families ate sauerkraut with a turkey dinner, probably going back to the Dutch/German settlers in our area. There was dead silence at the table.  Kind of reminded me of the time Randy had the gall to show my cousin, Craig, a photo of a trout he’d caught on another trip to Montana. That did not go over well, either.

Twice, we ate out at the Epic Buffet at Charles Town Races. We missed having leftovers.

For Thanksgiving 2021, we thought it would be brilliant to be vendors at the Holiday Fair in Ocean City. We got takeout dinners from Cracker Barrel. Not great and not even real turkey. With setup on Wednesday and working Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, it was an exhausting but enjoyable time. Michele Tester even came to visit!

Last year, we traveled to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for Thanksgiving and stayed at Hershey Farms. The breakfast buffet was included with our stay, so that made three buffets in two days. I kid you not. What does one do after eating all that food, you ask?  Well, we went to Green Dragon on Black Friday and stocked up on fresh fruits and vegetables. And Long Johns.

We’re doing the Ocean City Holiday Fair again this year and taking dinner with us, so I know the turkey will be real.

Whatever you do, wherever you go, Randy and I hope you have a happy, safe, and delicious Thanksgiving!

Looking Back

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Where the White Frogs Frolic

In 1932, Charles Clyde (C.C.) Moler was shopping at Lilypons goldfish nurseries in Frederick County when something in the water caught his eye. The water rippled with activity from the thousands of goldfish in the ponds that been drained to a low level for harvesting. C.C. saw flashes of orange from the goldfish and greenish brown from tadpoles that shared the ponds, but he saw something else, too.

An occasional flash of white caught his eye. He looked closer and saw it was a tadpole. Lilypons raised tadpoles as well as goldfish. Tadpoles acted as scavengers in a goldfish aquarium, eating any food the fish didn’t and helping keep the tank clean.

C.C. pointed out the white tadpoles and had a worker fish them out. He found three. Each one was white with pink eyes. They were albino, a rare congenital defect that causes the loss of any pigmentation.

When asked about an albino frog in the New York Museum of History’s collection at the time, herpetologist Dr. Raymond Ditmars called it, “rarer than human quintuplets.” C.C. had hit a biological lottery jackpot.

“At that time, the museum’s specimen was thought to be the only one in existence and, although widespread publicity brought to light several others, the white frog still holds his rank as one of the rarest forms of albinism,” The Baltimore Sun reported.

Moler surprised Lilypons workers when he told them how rare albino frogs were. They had first noticed albino tadpoles in their ponds the previous year. “No special thought was given to their unusual appearance and, after passing through the regular grading process, a few were shipped out with the normal tadpoles. Several dealers complained that they had received tadpoles which were apparently sick, but no one realized that a rare find had been passed by so casually,” The Baltimore Sun reported.

Moler had Lilypons try to trace the albino tadpoles that had been shipped out. Of the ones they found, “only one had lived to frogdom, and that was dead and resting in alcohol,” according to The Baltimore Sun.

With the news of the rare find, other goldfish farmers in Frederick County started watching the tadpoles they harvested from their ponds. No other ponds yielded the rare albino frogs.

Moler kept the three he found and returned home to Hagerstown. Two of the tadpoles died, but one matured to an albino male bullfrog.

Moler worked as an electrical engineer for Potomac Edison, but caring for the albino frog became his hobby.

He returned to Lilypons the following year during their harvest and found more white tadpoles that he purchased. With a year’s experience, he was better able to care for them. Their tanks were temperature-controlled to be no lower than sixty-five degrees. Moler fed them only live food—primarily earthworms—because frogs won’t eat anything that doesn’t move.

One of these tadpoles matured to a female of the same species as the male.

“Today, they dwell happily together, the world’s first pair of albino frogs, and it is hoped that they will be the Adam and Eve of a new race,” The Baltimore Sun reported.

They were believed to be the only breeding pair of albino bullfrogs in the world.

Experts gave Moler a 50-50 chance of being able to breed them, but he beat the odds, and the Hagerstown Morning Herald reported in 1937 that he had “several hundred Albino tadpoles as a reward.” Of these, he hoped to get as many as 200 to grow to adulthood, but only twenty-three did.

C.C. was so pleased with his success that he presented a pair of albino frogs to the New York Museum of Natural History as a gift. In accepting the gift, Museum Director Dr. G. Kingsley Noble said, “You have already made a very important contribution to science in successfully rearing these delicate creatures.”

The New York Times called Moler, “the world’s only collector and breeder of Albino frogs.”

With his collection of albino frogs growing, Moler purchased a farm near Wagner’s Crossroad on Beaver Creek, along the new Dual Highway. He had three screened outdoor pools built on the property. He then purchased three abandoned Hagerstown and Frederick Railway trolley cars and placed one next to each pool.

C.C. converted one trolley into a massive heated aquarium, where the tadpoles could stay in the winter. Other tadpoles were left in the pools, where they disappeared into the mud at the bottom. Moler wanted to see if the albino frogs could survive the winter as well as regular frogs.

The farm soon became a tourist attraction, advertising itself as having the only white frog colony in the world.

The sign in front of C. C. Moler’s white frog farm.

Photo Courtesy of the Library of Congress

Taste of the Past

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by Maxine Troxell

I love soups and chilis all year long, especially in the fall. This tasty chili twist is perfect for a cold day! If you’re a fan of spaghetti and chili, then you’ll love this recipe.  This recipe came from the Inglenook Granddaughter’s cookbook that was published years ago. It did not list spaghetti as one of the ingredients (I added the spaghetti). If you are not a fan of spaghetti in your chili, then you can omit it.

Chili Con Carne

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef      

¼ tsp. salt     

1 tsp. minced garlic

½ cup chopped onion

24 oz. tomato sauce (3, 8oz. cans)

1 (14.5 oz.) can stewed tomatoes

2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp. sugar     

1 tbsp. chili powder       

2 cans kidney beans (15.5 oz.)

2 cups water

4 oz. spaghetti noodles 

            Directions

In a large pan, brown ground beef and onion. Drain excess fat.

Add tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, 2 cups water, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, minced garlic, chili powder, and kidney beans.

Cook on low heat for about 30 minutes.

At the end of the chili cook time, break the pasta into thirds. Cook the spaghetti as directed. Drain and add it to the chili.

The Supermarket Gourmet

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by Buck Reed

Rocking Ramen

It is a well-known fact that every ancient civilization made some form of alcoholic beverage—let’s call it beer, if they were going to advance that culture (I will make the case in a future article!). No one person in these societies is credited with inventing this beverage. Every single one of them considered it a gift from a higher being, or God. So, let’s start with the ingredients that make the flavors of beer, and maybe in this series, we can prove God exists.

Water is the bulk of what makes beer. For the most part, if you can drink the water, you can make beer with it. There are slight differences in the water from place to place, but mostly this is a matter of the minerals you might find in different regions. These minerals, or lack of them, can influence the beer’s flavor, but for the most part, they are slight.

Grains are the next-largest ingredient used for beer. Mostly barley is used to make beer, and this grain is malted. The malting process involves laying the grains out and wetting them down so that they germinate. Once they go through this process, they are cooked in a kiln to create color and flavor for our beer. These malted grains are cooked to color, which is measured in Lovibond (an older, yet still common, method for measuring the color of beer that was developed in 1885 by Joseph Williams Lovibond). The higher the number of this scale, the darker the grain will be. When used to make beer, these grains add color, body, mouthfeel, and flavor to the beer.

Hops are a fast-growing herb that comes in many varieties and adds bitterness to our beers. The bitterness is measured in Alpha Acid units, with the lower numbers representing less bitterness; as the number increases, so does the bittering properties of the hop. Hops are also regional, so the hops used in an English ale would be different from an ale made in Belgium. Hops add flavor, help keep the beer sanitary, and also add head retention to our beers.

Yeast is a single-celled organism that converts the sugars in our beer into alcohol. These yeasts are traditionally regional and contribute distinct flavors to our various beers. Some yeasts like Scottish will add a flowery flavor to our beer, whereas, a German wheat beer will have a banana flavor. A good brewer will manipulate these yeasts to lessen or increase these flavors.

Other ingredients include specialty grains, like rye or flaked oats, to add their own distinct properties to beers. Also, flavorings like herbs and spices, as well as fruits and vegetables, are added to create unique flavors. Ingredients like peanut butter or Captain Crunch can be added to flavors in beers as well. Although, this writer will say that is not my thing, but insists you be you.

Veteran Spotlight

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Sergeant George Frailey Combs

Navigating Bombers Over Europe

by Richard D. L. Fulton

George F. Combs was born January 11, 1922, to parents Cooley and Clara Rowe Combs. He grew up in Emmitsburg and had two brothers, Samuel and Thomas.

Combs’ military registration card, filled in when he was 20, described him as being 5’7” and as having blue eyes and blonde hair, with a “ruddy” complexion.

Combs was married for 60 years to Doris Peppler Combs, 50 years of which was spent living  in Alexandria, Virginia, according to Combs’ obituary, published at the time of Combs’ death in 2014 by The Frederick News-Post, among others.

He attended Mount Saint Mary’s University and graduated with honors in 1942. Also in 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps.  The United States Air Force did not yet exist in 1942 and would not be created until 1947.

Combs’ obituary stated that, following his graduation from navigation school, he was assigned to the 8th Air Force based in England.  The 8th Air Force was initially designated as being the VIII BC (Bomber Command) in 1942, and was subsequently designated as the 8th Air Force during the reorganization of 1944, according to the Official United States Air Force Website (8af.af.mil).

Combs and the then-designated VIII BC were initially assigned to Daws Hill in England, and subsequently, headquartered in High Wycombe in Wycombe Abbey (a school for girls). 

While stationed in England, Combs “became a lead navigator, guiding formations of B-17 bombers on missions over occupied Europe,” according to his obituary. 

For his service with the 8th Air Force, Combs was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals, and four Battle Stars. 

According to the Air Force website (8af.af.mil), from May 1942 to July 1945, “the Eighth planned and precisely executed America’s daylight strategic bombing campaign against Nazi-occupied Europe, and in doing so, the organization compiled an impressive war record.”

However, the website further noted that the successes of the 8th Air Force, which had included engaging in over 440,000 bomber sorties, during which, the planes dropped 697,000 tons of bombs, did not come without a price: 

“The Eighth suffered about half of the U.S. Army Air Force’s casualties (47,483 out of 115,332), including more than 26,000 dead. The Eighth’s brave men earned 17 Medals of Honor, 220 Distinguished Service Crosses, and 442,000 Air Medals. The Eighth’s combat record also shows 566 aces (261 fighter pilots, with 31 having 15 or more victories, and 305 enlisted gunners).”

Combs attended Dickinson Law School, after having been discharged from the service, and graduated in 1948 with a law degree, subsequently becoming a member of the Maryland Bar Association.

He also spent his entire career with the United States Government Federal Trade Commission, according to his obituary, “he worked as a staff attorney and as a confidential advisor to several commissioners.”  It was noted that Combs had also prepared the drafts of over a hundred Commission adjudicative opinions. According to The Washington Post, Combs also received the Federal Trade Commission’s Distinguished Service Award for his career contributions.

His obituary also noted that his most significant achievement “was his work on the opinion which resulted in the licensing of the patent on the antibiotic Tetracycline, saving consumers millions of dollars.”

Sergeant George Frailey Combs (Obituary photograph)

Anyone who might know a Veteran or is a Veteran, who would like to share their experiences in the military for publication in The Catoctin Banner, is invited to contact the columnist at [email protected]. Thank you.

Upon Combs’ death from congestive heart failure (according to The Washington Post) at age 92, his memorial service was held at the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home in Emmitsburg. He was interred in the Emmitsburg Memorial Cemetery.

health Matters

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What Is Osteoporosis?

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

Osteoporosis occurs when too much bone mass is lost, and changes occur in the structure of bone tissue. Certain risk factors may lead to the development of osteoporosis or increase the likelihood that you will develop the disease.

Many people with osteoporosis have several risk factors, but others who develop osteoporosis may not have any specific risk factors. There are some risk factors that you cannot change, and others that you may be able to change.

By understanding the risk factors, you may be able to prevent osteoporosis and fractures.

Factors That May Increase Your Risk

Your chances of developing osteoporosis are greater if you are a woman. Women tend to have lower peak bone mass and smaller bones than men. However, men are still at risk, especially after the age of 70.

As you age, bone loss happens more quickly, and new bone growth is slower. Over time, your bones can weaken and your risk for osteoporosis increases.

Slender, thin-boned women and men are at greater risk to develop osteoporosis because they have less bone to lose compared to larger boned women and men.

White and Asian women are at highest risk. African American and Mexican American women have a lower risk. White men are at higher risk than African American and Mexican American men.

Changes to hormones and low levels of certain hormones can increase your chances of developing osteoporosis. For example, low estrogen levels in women after menopause. Men with conditions that cause low testosterone are at risk for osteoporosis, however, the gradual decrease of testosterone with aging is not a major reason for loss of bone.

Diet may also be a reason. Beginning in childhood and into old age, a diet low in calcium and vitamin D can increase your risk for osteoporosis and fractures. Also, excessive dieting or poor protein intake may increase your risk for bone loss and osteoporosis.

Long-term use of certain medications may make you more likely to develop bone loss and osteoporosis, such as glucocorticoids and adrenocorticotropic hormone, which treat various conditions, such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Antiepileptic medicines, which treat seizures and other neurological disorders. Cancer medications, which use hormones to treat breast and prostate cancer. Proton pump inhibitors, which lower stomach acid. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which treat depression and anxiety. Thiazolidinediones, which treats type II diabetes.

Lifestyle factors that may contribute to bone loss include low levels of physical activity and prolonged periods of inactivity can contribute to increased rate of bone loss. They also leave you in poor physical condition, which can increase your risk of falling and breaking a bone.

Chronic heavy drinking of alcohol is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis.

Natural Strategies to Help Prevent and Treat Osteoporosis

The following are safe and effective natural strategies to reduce the risk of fracture, support healthy bone mineral density, bone strength and structural integrity.

An Anti-Inflammatory Healing Diet   

Foods to avoid would be foods associated with inflammation in the bones, so it is critical to avoid highly inflammatory foods which include refined sugars and grains, and any foods that are easily metabolized into sugar (high glycemic foods). These foods upregulate inflammation and create extra acidity in the tissues.

It is best to avoid sodas. In addition to sugar, most sodas have a high phosphoric acid content which can remove calcium from the bones. Drinks and foods with high levels of caffeine can also interfere with calcium absorption.

Meat and dairy from conventionally raised animals, farmed fish, processed foods and highly processed vegetable oils, such as canola, peanut, cottonseed, soy and safflower, promote inflammation and should be eliminated.

Foods to Include

The foods you should be eating on an anti-inflammatory, healing diet are whole, unprocessed foods. Choose grass-fed, pasture-raised, wild-caught meats and fish. Eat lower carbohydrate, low glycemic, colorful vegetables and fruits for their abundant antioxidants and phytonutrients. Plentiful amounts of herbs are also helpful to use on a healing diet.

Healthy fats are also an important part of a healing diet. Healthy fats are found in coconut, olives, avocados, and their oils and in grass-fed butter and ghee. Omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) found in wild caught salmon and grass-fed beef and dairy are fats with many bone health benefits.

Foods to Boost Bone Density

Along with a healing diet, you can include foods that can boost bone density. Raw cultured dairy, such as kefir, yogurt, and raw cheese, contain calcium, magnesium, vitamins D and K, and phosphorus, all of which help build strong bones.

Sea vegetables and green leafy vegetables also contain vitamins and minerals that are critical for bone formation and bone strength. Foods rich in omega-3 fats, such as wild-caught salmon and sardines, walnuts, and certain seeds, help reduce inflammation.

Weight-Bearing Exercise

Exercise is critical for both maintaining bone health and preventing fractures.

Weight-bearing exercise has been shown to have positive effects on bone loss by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone reabsorption. Weight-bearing exercise is any exercise that requires your bones and muscles to support your body weight.

Examples are weight lifting, running, walking, dancing, and tennis. It is important to do weight-bearing exercises at least 3-4 times per week for 30-60 minutes per time.

Incorporating balance exercises, such as Tai Chi, into your exercise regimen is important for reducing the overall risk of falling and being injured.

Calcium

Calcium is a major building block of bone tissue. In fact, 99 percent of our body’s calcium stores are housed in our bones. Consuming optimal amounts of calcium from food or supplementation is critical to prevent and treat osteoporosis.

Calcium is best obtained from foods in your diet. Dairy products (preferably raw, grass-fed, organic dairy products) are the most readily available sources of calcium. Dairy products also contain protein and other micronutrients important for bone health. Other calcium-rich foods include fish with soft, edible bones (such as sardines), green vegetables (broccoli, curly kale and Bok choy), and nuts (Brazil nuts and almonds).

Zinc and Magnesium

Both zinc and magnesium are important for bone health and for supporting the immune system.

Zinc is a mineral required for bone tissue renewal and mineralization. Foods high in zinc include pasture-raised chicken and eggs, grass-fed beef and dairy, spinach, and wild-caught salmon. Nuts and seeds such as cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and watermelon seeds are also high in zinc.

Magnesium is a crucial nutrient that supports over 300 physiological processes or functions in the body. It is referred to as the “master mineral” and plays an important role in forming bone. Magnesium is critical to all aspects of vitamin D and calcium metabolism.

The top food sources of magnesium are leafy greens such as Swiss chard and spinach, sea vegetables, sprouts, and avocados. Grass-fed dairy and wild-caught fish are rich in magnesium. Pumpkin seeds, nuts, dark chocolate, and coffee are also good sources of magnesium.

Vitamins D and K2

Vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 work synergistically to promote bone health and reduce the incidences of fractures.  These nutrients work together to help guide calcium into the bone tissue and prevent it from accumulating in places such as the arteries.

There are numerous animal-based food sources of vitamin D3. Whole food sources of vitamin D are much healthier options than foods fortified with vitamin D. The best dietary sources of vitamin D are wild-caught salmon and fatty fish, cod liver oil, grass-fed butter and raw cheese, egg yolks, mushrooms, and beef liver.

Vitamin K2 is an important nutrient that plays a role in many bone metabolisms. Getting enough vitamin K in your diet is key to maintaining healthy bones and protecting against fractures.

Vitamin K2 is needed to form a bone-building protein called osteocalcin. Osteocalcin is a necessary protein for maintaining calcium homeostasis in bone tissue. It works with osteoblast cells to build healthy bone tissue. When we are deficient in vitamin K2, osteocalcin production is inhibited which reduces calcium flow into bone tissue. This can lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Foods rich in vitamin K2 are meat, dairy, fermented foods, and natto. Vitamin K2 is also produced by the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

The combination of vitamins D3 and K2 enhances osteocalcin accumulation in bone cells greater than either nutrient alone. Increased osteocalcin formation significantly improves bone mineral density.

Stress Reduction

There is a relationship between stress and osteoporosis. Increased stress hormones wreak havoc on the body, including the bones.

Stress induces physiological changes leading to osteoporosis. Stress also induces behaviors that may lead to osteoporosis such as distorted eating patterns, drinking alcohol, lack of exercise, and poor sleep habits.

It is critical to take steps to reduce stress and lower elevated cortisol levels daily.

Other powerful techniques are grounding, deep breathing exercises, sunlight exposure, and Epsom salt baths. Practice these stress reduction strategies daily to reduce stress and protect your bones from the effects of stress.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body that regulates circadian rhythm. As we age, our melatonin levels decrease, which may lead to imbalanced bone remodeling.

Recent studies have shown that melatonin may have a positive effect on the skeleton. Melatonin was shown to increase bone mineral density after one year of treatment in a study of postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Melatonin can be taken as a supplement; however, it is possible to promote your body’s own ability to make it as necessary. The best way to support your own production is to try and control your light exposure to match sunrise and sunset.

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.

Source: Natural Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; Drjockers.com.

Once upon a time…

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by James Rada, Jr.

October 1923, 100 Years Ago

New Lunch Room

Henry Weiss, proprietor of the New Thurmont Hotel, has secured the rooms in the Osler Building at Thurmont, formerly occupied by Wisotzkey Bros., in which, he will open a lunch room. He will still continue in the hotel business at the New Thurmont Hotel.

                                – Frederick Daily News, October 27, 1923

Purely Personal

Rev. J. L. Green, of Thurmont, left on Monday for Niagara Falls. He went by way of Harrisburg, where he joined friends who accompanied him. He will be gone about a week.

                                – Frederick Daily News, October 27, 1923

October 1948, 75 Years Ago

Seek Money Needed For School Work

A movement directed at the passage of a legislative act doubling the so-called “incentive fund” for new school construction was reported today to be gaining momentum as the County Commissioners gave further consideration to the proposed contract for additions to Thurmont High School.

Both the commissioners and members of the Board of Education were reported favorable toward the incentive fund increase plan and it was said that some State officials had exhibited an interest. Efforts will be made to enlist the aid of local legislators as well as representatives from other counties in the passage of such a measure.

                                – Frederick News, October 6, 1948

Deer Slayers Are Fined In State

Two men were fined $125 each today for shooting a deer out of season.

Leo B. Lewis of Emmitsburg and Sherman O. Lewis of Graceham pleaded guilty to charges of having a dead deer in their possession out of season and having loaded rifles in their automobile.

Magistrate William J. Stoner fined each $100 on the first count and $25 for the rifle charge. Both paid their fines.

                                – Cumberland News, October 15, 1948

October 1973, 50 Years Ago

Purchase Of Land For Park Completed

The Town of Emmitsburg completed purchase of a tract of land Monday estimated to be between 56 and 70 acres from Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Owens and Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Sanders. The tract lies west of Lincoln Avenue extended or the new school property, extending to the Frailey property and runs from South Alley to Tom’s Creek. It will be annexed and developed as a town park and used for recreational purposes. Purchase price was $79,500.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, October 25, 1973

Health Congress Attended By Over One Hundred At Provincial House Here

The first Health Congress of the Southeast Province of the Daughters of Charity was held at St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Emmitsburg, October 19-20. The mood among the 115 Sisters who gathered was serious yet buoyant. To them the inalienable “right to life” guaranteed by the Constitution is indeed a self-evident truth. Facing daily pressure from the “new morality,” they seemed glad to come together for a mutual reaffirmation of the Christian and patriotic principles which guide their delivery of care.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, October 25, 1973

October 1998, 25 Years Ago

Skatepark Needs Community Support

… You may have noticed the ramps (skaters call them quarter pipes) set up in the parking lot of the Antique Mall in town. During the evening, between 5:00 and 9:00 P.M., area youngsters and I enjoy the thrill of gliding over asphalt and wood as we challenge gravity. Despite my slightly overweight, thirty-something condition (and the accompanying physical limitations), I have found great joy in skating with people half my age (and younger). In the process, I have learned that some of our local youngsters are great people – they are friendly, caring, funny, and generally respectful. The “skatepark,” as we call it, has become an important part of life for area youngsters.

We are currently at a crossroads – the skatepark needs your help. There needs to be more adult supervision at the skatepark. While the skaters are generally well behaved, it makes sense to have responsible adults around to ensure that youngsters are safe, that misbehavior is kept to a minimum, and to send the message that we (adults) are interested in their lives and committed to their well being.

                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, October 1998

CASS Welcomes New Area Director

On October 5, Bill Derbyshire, the new coordinator of the Community Agency School Services will take his office in the Emmitsburg Community Center. He is replacing Debbie Swiderski who gave birth to her baby girl in early September. 

            – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, October 1998

HAPPILY Ever After

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It’s Party Time!

by Valerie Nusbaum

Let me start off by wishing each and every one of you a happy fall season, or as my Aunt Faye would have said, “Happy Fall Y’all!”

I might as well wish everyone a happy Halloween, too. October 31 will roll around before we know it, followed by Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and all the other fall holidays. 

I don’t know about you, but I’m just not ready. Maybe the horribly hot summer had something to do with that. I’m definitely ready for cooler temperatures, but all the work that goes into all the holidays has me feeling exhausted just thinking about it. Instead, I’m thinking about past good times and relishing the fact that I don’t have to work any harder than I choose to this year.

Randy and I, and my parents before us, have always enjoyed a good Halloween party. I’m reminded of several parties we either threw or attended, where one thing led to another and things got out of hand.

There was a work party years ago when Randy and I both worked at a local bank. Roxann and Harry Welch and Randy and I got the bright idea to wear a joint costume. Randy suggested that we all go as a hand, with each one of us being a finger, and carrying the thumb along. We made the costume out of carpet padding, and that thing weighed a ton. We had to lie down and wriggle up into the fingers and then we had a terrible time getting upright.  Not to mention that we had to crowd into an elevator and no one had a hand free to push the buttons. We’d cut holes in the finger pads for our faces, and so we could breathe, but we wore plastic masks so that our co-workers wouldn’t recognize us.   Needless to say, we came out of the hand as soon as possible, which was a good thing because we had to run all over Frederick in the dark finding things for a scavenger hunt. Randy and Harry may or may not have done something illegal. That’s all I’m saying.

Once, my family rented a huge building and had a very large party.  At our parties, guests can wear anything they want, and they don’t have to come in costume at all if that’s not their thing. Randy and I spent all day doing elaborate decorations, even creating a maze for guests to walk through. It was pretty great. One person even suggested that we open it to the public and charge admission.  We didn’t do that. We did, however, do a murder mystery that year. Every guest had a part to play. It got a little crazy because, as we all know, people can’t follow directions or stick to a script.

Our friends, the Heffner-Joneses, throw a themed costume party almost every year. One year, the theme was Downton Abbey. It was fun dressing in 1920s attire that night. Another time, the theme was Harry Potter.  Randy went as Farmer Brown and I was a black and white cow because those were the costumes we had on hand. Mind you, Randy had to re-write one of the Potter novels to include those characters, but our hosts were so impressed by Randy’s invented story that he won first prize in whatever contest was being held. 

Last year, we were instructed to come dressed as our favorite country or rock and roll act. Naturally, we went as The Village People. Yes, I know there are only two of us and six Village People. Randy was the construction worker, and I was the cowboy. We carried small versions of the other four. Most of the guests didn’t get it, and Randy’s mustache wouldn’t stay on.

Another year, we hosted a party here and invited my cousins and elderly aunts. My mom was with us then, too. We had to call the paramedics for that one, and the party ended earlier than intended.

It’s always fun when hosting a Halloween party to come up with delicious-tasting but horribly gross or scary food. I’ve created werewolf fingers and bloody dipping sauce, a Jack o’lantern that threw up guacamole, tiny sandwiches shaped like bats and ghosts, and Jack o’lantern pepperoni pizzas.

There have been other Halloween/fall celebrations, such as the time we had a scarecrow-making contest. That one got combative pretty quickly, and the prize was only a box of candy. 

One year, at the Murphy’s house, Mr. Murphy dressed up as Pippi Longstocking and Aunt Gladys was a gorilla. This was notable because both of those folks were older then than I am now. They were good sports, but they did have a few problems playing charades while wearing their costumes.

My brother, our friends, and I used to go to our Grandmother Ella’s house in West Virginia to help her out with trick-or-treat since she had hundreds of kids come by each year. We’d dress up and decorate the yard and scare the kids, and our grandmother would have treats inside for us. She used to make homemade gingerbread with a warm lemon sauce to pour over it.  Delicious!

As I look back on all these good times, I’m especially grateful for good friends and a wonderful family, and also that I’ll probably be at home in my pajamas this year.

Looking Back

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the “human fly”

Scales the First National Bank

On July 30, 1927, a bespectacled middle-aged man walked up to the First National Bank building on the square in Gettysburg. He looked up at the edge of the roof, more than three stories above him. Then, instead of walking inside, he grabbed hold of one of the stone columns next to the door and began climbing.

Harry Gardiner was obviously no typical middle-aged man. He was the best known of the daredevils in the early 20th century, known as the “Human Fly.” Gardiner made his living climbing buildings and other structures and performing gymnastic tricks. Gardiner had started his unusual career in 1905, and over the next quarter century, he climbed more than 700 buildings.

“These guys didn’t use ropes or nets or suction cups,” said author Michael Largo on a video clip on Dailymotion.com. “They wore normal ordinary clothes, especially Harry Gardiner. He would have his bifocal glasses and regular clothes.”

Gardiner, who was 58 years old at the time, easily scaled the building like Spider-Man in the comic books. At the top of the building, he stood on his head on the cornice and did other stunts. During an earlier climb of the building, the Gettysburg Times described some of his tricks on the roof:

“He leaned backward and stood upward in the same movement, gripped the edge of the cornice and let his body hang down straight.

“The crowd gasped.

“Now the limp body began to swing, back and forth, like a pendulum, rising higher, higher at each sweep. Suddenly its motion seemed strangely accelerated, a second time it swung, and then—the feet shot straight out, the heels reached up to and rested on the cornice and held tight.

“A moment’s wait and then the body seemed shaken with short quick convulsions—as if it were shot through and through with a powerful electric current. But at each convulsion the heels moved farther from the point where the finger-tips gripped hard until, in another moment, the body was almost straight. The head and shoulders rose, pulled up by the powerful arms, the trunk of the body rolled upward and over, the left hand shot still higher up and gripped a crevice in the wall.”

Following his tricks, Gardiner climbed down the building as easily as he had climbed up.

Because Gardiner did not use safety equipment of any kind, his climbs were truly death-defying. Gardiner had had two bad falls on previous occasions. In Columbia, South Carolina, he had fallen 50 feet and broken ribs and lacerated his scalp. During another climb, he had fallen 45 feet and injured his head, according to the Gettysburg Times.

The American Legion had invited Gardiner to Gettysburg to climb the First National Bank and another building. He was guaranteed $50 and half of a collection that was taken up among the crowd that had gathered to watch him climb. The other half of the collection went to the American Legion.

This was not Gardiner’s first visit to Gettysburg. He had performed similar climbs when he visited in 1920. During that visit, approximately 6,000 people gathered on the square to watch Gardiner.

    On October 7, 1916, Gardiner climbed the 12-story Majestic Building in Detroit, Michigan, wearing all white and tennis shoes.

    On January 30, 1917, he climbed the 16-story Empire Building in Birmingham, Alabama.

    The following year, he climbed the 17-story World Building in Vancouver, British Columbia to promote Victory Loans.

    On November 11, 1918 he climbed the Bank of Hamilton building in Hamilton, Ontario, to celebrate the end of World War I. He took a break during the climb to stick his head in a window and sign some insurance papers.

It is not known when Gardiner died. Largo notes that when U.S. cities started passing laws against climbing the outside of public buildings, Gardiner moved to Europe.

“A person of his description was found beaten to death at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower many years later,” Largo said.

Photo shows Harry Gardiner, known as the “Human Fly,” climbing the 17-story Sun Tower Building in Vancouver, Canada, in 1918.

The Crazy Plant Lady

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by Ana Morlier

Unbe-leaf-able! Leaf Tips, Tricks, and Crafts

Hello readers and happy October! Isn’t it a re-leaf that the heat has subsided? It’s a re-leaf to walk outside and not have to worry about melting into the sidewalk. Puns aside, ‘tis the month for your yard’s minimalist phase, but instead of donating all the things it doesn’t need to Goodwill, you have to take care of it instead. Or, instead of dirty laundry, it’s…leaves, which smell much better in my opinion! To leaf or not to leaf behind, that is the question! Below are my tips on raking leaves, composting, and other disposal. Followed by the more, uh, fun topic of CRAFTS (where my biases lie; I’ve also been using the same autumn decorations, so these were a great way to spice things up, minus the pumpkin and cinnamon).

Raking Tips (take it, or leaf it!)

If you want a weight-leaf-ting workout, then be my guest and rake wet leaves.

If the ground is frozen, wait or use a leaf blower if you have it.

For faster compost rate, chop leaves up (with a rake, mower with grass catcher).

Wear eye protection and gloves (lots of loose organic matter).

Use smaller leaves for mulch in plant beds (or just use chopped-up leaves again).

Leaves can provide shelter for beneficial insects, so forming leaves in a donut shape around a plant is helpful to the plant and bugs.

Crafts (That’s my leaf-style)

Organic Leaf Wreath (shown right)

Materials: Leaves, needle, and thread (yarns can be used if you want to make a garland), wire wreath frame, and twine.

Directions:

Thread your needle and thread at least an arms width apart (5 feet).

Thread leaf one, back facing the knot, in about the middle of the leaf (slightly close to the stem). The more gentle, the better!

Thread other leaves facing the same way (back of leaf in the same direction). Don’t push together too roughly, but they should be packed in tightly together!

Keep adding leaves to the string until a circle is formed (that fits your wire frame).

When the circle is finished, tie thread ends together.

Turn wreath around so that the stems eventually face outside of the circle (this gives your wreath more volume and a sense of movement).

Place on a wire wreath and tie twine in six areas spread evenly through the wreath. The twine will go between leaves.

Cut a large piece of twine to hang up your creation, and you’re done!

Ghost Leaves

Materials: Leaves, white acrylic paint, Sharpie or black paint, and paintbrushes.

Directions:

Coat leaves with white paint. Let dry.

Add eyes and a mouth with Sharpie (or black paint!) once the white paint has dried.

Optional: You can also use glitter paint for a fabulous ghost. For better results, paint a coat of glitter paint on top of the white coat of paint.

Leaf Goblins

Materials: Leaves, puffy paint, (optional googly eyes), glue (hot glue or other strong glue, or tape), Sharpie or black marker, white piece of paper (cardstock preferable), or other colors at the crafter’s preference.

Directions:

Simply hold a dried leaf and add puffy paint eyes, a spooky nose, a silly mouth, and other features. (Here you can glue on googly eyes if you wish!)

Let dry.

Then, glue or tape leaf to the piece of paper, and add arms and legs. Make a scene. (Tip: If you’ve chosen to tape on a black piece of paper, white chalk or crayons work better than colored pencil or paint).

“Spray Paint” Leaf Portraits

Materials: Leaves, masking tape, canvas/watercolor paper, spray bottle (the kind for watering plants), any kind of water, any kind of paint.

Directions:

Securely tape down leaves with masking tape to any size of paper or canvas you want to work with.

Fill up your spray bottle with a 1:1 ratio of paint to water. Then, spray on the surface—get creative with it!

Try different paint colors and ratios for various effects. Once the paint has dried, remove the leaves, and voila, you have a wonderful portrait!

Leaf Bowl

Materials: Air-dry  clay, leaves, acrylic paint, sealer (Modge Podge or gloss), and a knife.

Directions:

Start by rolling out your air dry clay to match the area of your leaf- slightly bigger.

Press leaf firmly into the surface of the air-dry clay for 1-2 minutes, or until an imprint reveals itself.

Take the leaf out and cut around the imprint (get rid of excess air-dry clay).

Roll some of the outside edges slightly inward to give the perimeter some fun movement, but do not roll up the tip of the leaf.

Now it’s time to wait! Let the clay air-dry according to the instructions on the package. (Usually one day of drying per side, but it’s perfectly fine if it needs more time! You can’t rush perfection after all).

Now you can paint! Aim for 2-3 layers. Darker colors need fewer coats of paint, while lighter ones need more.

For extra gloss or sealant, use Modge Podge (waterproof if you want to use it like a dish but for non-food stuff).

Happy raking and crafting readers! Leaves are so versatile for many eco-friendly crafts, instead of using foam or other plastics. With natural colors, your crafts will stand out with a lovely scent, dramatic shading, and unique creativity in the best way. Stay cozy and enjoy! I be-leaf in you!

Taste of the Past

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by Maxine Troxell

Early settlers in America noticed that the German immigrants made this salad that was warm and had bacon and onions and a nice sweet and tart dressing, so they started calling it Hot German Potato Salad. German Potato Salad is very popular and unique, most probably coming from using leftover roasted or boiled potatoes. My Aunt Pauline and my sister used to make this a lot for family gatherings.  I hope you enjoy it.

Hot German Potato Salad

Ingredients

4 medium potatoes        

2 bacon strips   

1 Spanish onion, diced

½ cup celery, diced       

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch          

1/3 cup cider vinegar      

1 cup water       

            Directions

Boil potatoes in skins until tender when pierced with a fork. Peel while hot.  Slice potatoes thinly.

In large skillet, fry bacon until crisp and remove from skillet.

In bacon drippings, brown the onion and celery.

Stir in salt, sugar, and cornstarch.

Add vinegar and water

Stir in sliced potatoes.  As the sauce thickens, more water may be needed.

Transfer to serving dish and serve hot.

The Supermarket Gourmet

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by Buck Reed

Rocking Ramen

Ramen is on the rise. Given that it is an inexpensive dish that is easily elevated, it is understandable that we will be seeing it on more restaurant menus, and more Ramen shops will be opening soon. This elegant dish will no longer be relegated to broke college students. And, perhaps, more home cooks will be creating their own versions.

Ramen has a confusing origin, starting in the 5th century when a Chinese noodle was brought to Japan and became a popular dish. Chinese laborers immigrated to Japan and brought Lamen, a wheat noodle, from their country and was soon imported into the country. This noodle was renamed Ramen and soon became an integral part of a Japanese dish that fed the masses.

Toward the end of World War II, food was rationed in Japan, and with the war and its inherent problems, the rations were delayed sometimes for weeks. As a result, illegal Ramen shops were open for business. Business was so good that even the Yakuza got in on the action. After the war, rationing continued and so did the shops.

After the war, Momofuku Ando, a manufacturer who lost his business to the war, was wandering the streets of his bombed-out city and noticed the street vendors selling Ramen. This sparked the idea of the Ramen we are all familiar with today: the precooked block of noodles with the flavor packet. Although a very pale version of the traditional dish, it is still somewhat tasty, satisfying, quick, and, more importantly, economical.

Real Ramen might still be considered peasant food, but it is still a dish that demands a harmonic balance of five elements. These elements are:

Broth ~ If you cannot make your own, then pick a high-quality one that is sodium-free.

Tare ~ this is the seasoning and sauce that is used to flavor your dish.

Noodles ~ Chinese-style alkaline noodles will give you the correct texture. You might find them in the grocery store, but you might want to check the local Asian market for a better price and variety.

Topping ~ Meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and vegetables are a great addition. Think of this as a chance to use up leftovers!

Oil or Fat ~ used to add depth and richness to the dish.

Ramen is one of those dishes that might take a day to learn but a lifetime to perfect. And given the harsh economic times and the need to be frugal, you might as well start sooner than later. Like most dishes, this one is less about being audacious and more about being flavorful, so do not be afraid to go for it.

Veteran Spotlight

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PFC Richard Lee Fulton

From Occupying Japan to War in Korea

by Richard D. L. Fulton

Former Brunswick area resident Richard Lee Fulton was born in Labell, Missouri, on May 30, 1930, to parents, Kansas-born Oscar Lee and Missouri-born Tina Fern Fulton. 

He had one brother (also named Richard) and five sisters: Juanita, Carmeta, Donna, Elmita, and Doris, according to his father’s obituary.

Fulton married his first wife, the late Regina Webber (Moler), also a Brunswick-area resident, and had one son who was born in the Frederick Memorial Hospital in 1949. He subsequently remarried several times and fathered a number of sons and daughters.

Fulton’s father, a World War I Veteran, was recorded at one time as having been a baker, apparently owning his own bakery in Lewis, Missouri, but retired in Florida after having been employed in the banking business. His mother, Tina Fern, was listed as a housewife who had never attended school.

The Army Home Town News Center (AHTNC) listed Fulton’s occupation prior to entering the service as a farmer.

Piecing together Fulton’s military record has remained something of a challenge, since according to the National Personnel Records Center, records that would have detailed Fulton’s military involvement “would have been in the area that suffered the most damage in the fire that date (on July 12, 1973) and may have been destroyed (which included Army personnel records from 1912 through 1963).”

Adding to the confusion, Fulton had initially enlisted in the Army using his brothers’ name, Richard David Lee Fulton, because he, himself, was too young to enter the service. Probably one of those, “It seemed like a good idea at the time” moments.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Fulton had initially served in the military from April 7, 1947, until June 17, 1947.  The AHTNC, via Radio Station WDBO, Orlando, Florida, reported that Fulton had served with the 24th Infantry Division, as part of the “occupation force,” led by General Douglas A. MacArthur. 

The occupation force had been dispatched to Japan in the wake of the Japanese surrender in 1945. The overall occupation lasted until 1952. During Fulton’s tenure with the occupation force, Fulton was promoted to Private First Class.

Records relating to Fulton’s enlistment in 1947 seem elusive, which could be due to their records having been lost in the National Personnel Records Center’s fire.

Fulton was discharged in 1947, after serving barely three months, although there is nothing in surviving military records that would indicate any reason for his discharge. It has been surmised it was due to his having been discovered to have entered the service under a false name.

Whatever the case may be, he successfully (and lawfully) re-enlisted on November 18, 1950, enlisting in Memphis, Tennessee, with the 34th Infantry Regiment’s 2nd Battalion, 77th Armed Infantry Company.

Fulton and the 34th Infantry Regiment’s 2nd Battalion, 77th Armed Infantry Company, were subsequently dispatched to Korea in March 1952, according to the AHTNC. He served in Korea with his unit as a squad leader in Company G.

Fulton was discharged from the Army on January 18, 1954.

It was noted in an obituary that was published at the time of his death that he had also served in Vietnam, although no military records appear to exist that would verify this statement.

Due to his service in Korea, he was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge and the UN Korean Service Ribbon, the Korean Service Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal, and at least two others, according to the Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States.

He ultimately retired as a laborer from the Buckhorn Rubber Company in Missouri and was a member of the Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post 55 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post.

Fulton passed away at the Monroe Manor in Paris, Missouri on October 18, 2008. He was buried in the Mount Olive Cemetery in Hannibal, Missouri, with full military rites, provided by the Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post 55.

health Matters

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Heart Inflammation:

What Are the Risk Factors?

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

You may have an increased risk for heart inflammation such as endocarditis, myocarditis, and pericarditis because of your age, sex, genetics, lifestyle, or medical conditions, autoimmune disease, certain medicines, and the environment.

 Age

Different age groups are at risk for different types of heart inflammation.

Although they can affect all ages, myocarditis and pericarditis occur more often in young adults. Pericarditis also commonly affects middle-aged adults.

Older adults are more at risk for endocarditis, caused by bacteria. In recent years, age-related heart valve infections have been on the rise.

Sex

Heart inflammation from endocarditis, myocarditis, and pericarditis is more common in men than in women, except when caused by autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which are more common in women.

Endocarditis and pericarditis occur twice as often in men as in women.

Genetics

Genetics play a role in the risk of developing all three types of heart inflammation. Your genes may be partly responsible for how your body responds to infection and inflammation and whether you develop myocarditis or pericarditis.

People who have structural or congenital heart defects, such as problems with the heart valves, may be at higher risk for infection that can cause endocarditis.

Certain inherited conditions can affect your risk for heart inflammation. For example, you may be at higher risk for myocarditis and pericarditis if you have familial Mediterranean fever or tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS). These rare conditions that affect how the body controls inflammation.

Lifestyle Choices

Certain lifestyle choices raise your risk for endocarditis or myocarditis. 

These include drinking too much alcohol, which may cause inflammation of the myocardium and could lead to reduced heart function and heart failure.

Drug use, such as cocaine and amphetamines and intravenous drug use, may raise your risk for endocarditis.

Poor dental health increases the risk for bacterial endocarditis.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions can increase your risk of endocarditis, myocarditis, or pericarditis.

Some cancers, such as advanced lung and breast cancer or lymphoma, as well as some of the medicines used to treat these cancers, may cause myocarditis or pericarditis.

Diabetes can make you more likely to develop infections.

End-stage kidney disease can be a possible cause due to the buildup of waste products in the blood.

HIV/AIDS may lead to myocarditis from a number of reasons, including viral, bacterial, or a fungal infection.

Trauma or injury to the chest or esophagus may also lead to heart inflammation, as well as indirect injury to the chest wall.

Other Reasons

Heart inflammation may also be caused by infections, particularly from viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.

Viral infections are the most common cause of myocarditis and pericarditis. They may infect the heart muscle tissue, causing acute or chronic immune responses from the body.

Bacteria are the most common cause of endocarditis, which occurs when bacteria and blood cells form clumps, typically on the heart valves. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common type of bacteria that causes endocarditis. Bacteria can enter the blood during invasive medical procedures or intravenous drug use. Pericarditis caused by bacteria is rare in the United States and other developed countries.

Fungi are rare causes of myocarditis and pericarditis. Most commonly, fungal endocarditis is caused by either Candida or Aspergillus. These infections are more common in immunosuppressed patients, including those who have HIV.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus may cause pericarditis or myocarditis. They can also damage the heart valves, which can lead to endocarditis.

Medicines

Medicines can cause side effects that may lead to myocarditis, pericarditis, or both. These medicines include antibiotics, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, diuretic, heart medication, psychiatric, seizure, vaccines and weight-loss medication.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors that may cause myocarditis include heavy metals and radiation.

Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can be helpful. Some suggestions include avoiding amphetamines, cocaine, or IV drugs and maintaining good dental hygiene.

Foods you may want to avoid because they are inflammatory include fried foods, processed meat, alcohol, refined carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners, vegetable oil and high fructose corn syrup.

   Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods are fatty fish, olives, turmeric, berries, avocados, leafy greens, green tea, cruciferous vegetables, coconut oil, mushrooms and bone broth.

   Here is a breakdown of some anti-inflammatory foods you may want to include during your day.

Fruits like, peaches, pineapple, mangoes, apples, berries, pears and oranges.

Vegetables like, broccoli, kale, spinach, zucchini, squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, watercress, tomatoes and garlic,

Nuts and Seeds like pistachios, macadamia nuts, almonds, chia seeds, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds.

Legumes like black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, navy beans and peas.

Whole Grains like quinoa, couscous, millet, buckwheat and barley.

Proteins like salmon, chicken, turkey and eggs.

Healthy Fats like coconut oil, olive oil, ghee, grass-fed butter and avocados.

Herbs and Spices like turmeric, black pepper, rosemary, basil, oregano, cayenne pepper and dill.

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.

County Fair

Wittisisms No One Asked For…

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Pomme’s Day at the Fair

Pomme Agaçante, Student Ghost Writer

Cows! Free stuff. Baby animals. Delicious treats. How are you not already at our local fairs and shows? You’ve probably seen the signs and advertisements trying to bring people into these wonderful happenings. 

Now, lemme just talk about the best part of these events (at least for me growing up and now). It’s not the amazing foods. I’m talking about the businesses that generously offer freebies at their booths. If you muster up the social courage to go have a peek, you might be greeted by kind staff who simply want to spread their message. That’s great and all, but I’ll say it, I really enjoy the free merch! 

I love fire safety and the little bag of pencils and coloring pages that go with it. I’ll stop, drop, and roll for that free stuff (PLEASE do so in the event of a fire!). Dairy is my favorite food group when I can score a free sample of chocolate milk from the dairy barn, as well as a little cow eraser and fancy pencil sharpener. 

There are so many more free things out there (I’ve even scored a fidget spinner and cup from a certain auto decal place), but you’ll only find out the variety if you seek out the hidden treasures!

You bet I’ll be sporting the latest fashion of rubber bracelets, ranging in cow-pattern black-and-white to rainbow pride bracelets.

Next, I love THE PEOPLE! Crafters, farmers, bakers, and tailors of all different ages never cease to amaze me. The wares created by these talented people inspire me more than Pinterest ever could. I might not have the time to craft at home, but I’ll be hitting up the trailer with the awesome ladies for a fall decoration for home. 

In the baked goods exhibits, the creative cakes certainly make me want to up my birthday cake game. And, all the pastries? They might just turn me into an inspired pastry chef, albeit with a fraction of the talent these exhibitors display. Shout out to you young exhibitors! I, and so many others, are simply wowed by your aptitude to bring amazing things into the world at a young age, ESPECIALLY the art. Breathtaking!

I must admit I’ve been getting into crocheting recently, and seeing the crocheted creations makes me want to bow down to the creators and beg them for lessons. The time it takes to make those items—as well as sewing and quilting done by others—makes me, an impatient youth, weep. I think it’s time for me to learn a lesson in patience for me to even try to measure up to the amazingness of crafters.

Animal therapy, anyone? As a mere student, I pine for any animal that is willing to receive love and affection. I love seeing the animals just vibe: nuzzling, trotting, standing, pooping, gnawing at my clothes…wait a minute! (Yes, I’m a goat lover. You caught me.) I never knew true joy until I saw the fluffy chicks courageously climb up and slide down the long slide into a tiny pool of water. I feel their pain, reaching for the good stuff (corn for them, achievements for me) and having to be exposed to harsh reality (cold water, deadlines), yet boldly climbing up the ladder for another try. You go, lil’ chicks. 

 So…rustle up your family and friends and head out to a local show or a fair! They’re full of entertainment, cute animals, crafters, artists, contests, entertainment, exhibits, and everything in between. I’ll see you there!

Once Upon a Time…

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By James Rada, Jr.

September 1923, 100 Years Ago

Penna. Youth Killed In County Auto Crash

George Shell, the 18-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Shell, Williamsport, Pa., was killed in an automobile accident at Franklinville, Md., on the Frederick Road, about three miles south of Emmitsburg, at about 6 o’clock, Tuesday evening.

Young Shell was driving a machine, occupied by his father, mother, another woman, one other man and a child. The machine was traveling northward and as it was rounding a curve at the beginning of Franklinville, slipped from the road.

The automobile swung around, overturning. All of the occupants were thrown out and badly shaken up. All escaped serious injury, however, with the exception of Shell.

                                – Frederick Daily News, September 5, 1923

Artillery Camps Here Over Night

A battalion of field artillery of the United States Army, Capt. Percy G. Black, commander, passed through Frederick Sunday and camped for the night at the Fair Grounds. They left early today for Rockville, where they will pitch camp for the evening. They will return to Fort Myer, Va., a few miles south of Washington, tomorrow.

The battalion consisted of Batteries A, B and C, and the Headquarters Detachment and Headquarters Train of the Sixteenth Artillery. They are on the return from Tobyhanna, Pa., where they trained the Pennsylvania National Guardsmen.

They made the return trip by way of Gettysburg, Pa., and camped at Thurmont Saturday night.

                                – Frederick Daily News, September 24, 1923

September 1948, 75 Years Ago

Old Timers Lose To Town Team By 15-13

Thurmont athletes ranged from 1908 vintage to present day baseball ganged up to draw better than a $100 benefit gate, Labor Day, when the Town Team of Frederick County League bested the Old Timers, 15-13, by a ninth-inning thriller.

Proceeds of the holiday, “father and son” game, were donated to John Strine, injured earlier in the season playing with the Thurmont nine.

                                – Frederick News, September 6, 1948

Maryland CFA Has Annual Meeting Sunday In Thurmont

Approximately thirty members of the Dan Rice Top, Maryland division of the circus fans association, and their friends met in Thurmont Sunday, September 12th for the annual state meeting.

Meeting chairman George W. Wireman, president of the Lou Jacobs Tent No. 44 of Thurmont arranged a most interesting program which included master of ceremonies, Congressman J. Glenn Beall, Melvin D. Hildreth, past president of CFA and charter member from Washington, D.C., Dr. Wm. Mann, director of the National Zoological Park in Washington, and Mrs. Leah Lanyon, creator of the popular Emmett Kelly and Lou Jacobs clown dolls.

                                – Frederick News, September 15, 1948

September 1973, 50 Years Ago

Aerosol Cans Blamed For Fire

Discarded aerosol cans are believed to be the cause of a fire in the former Gingel Quarry which Emmitsburg and Fairfield firemen were unable to extinguish.

Fairfield Fire Chief Lawrence E. Eversole said the firemen reported twice last Wednesday to the quarry off Route 16, east of Zora, and now owned by W. B. Shank and used as a dump. After pumping thousands of gallons of water into it, firemen decided that nothing could be done but let the blaze burn itself out. The two fire companies finally extinguished the blaze Monday morning.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, September 6, 1973

Town Receives Grant For Park

Acquisition of land south of West Main Street adjoining the corporate limits of Emmitsburg with a State grant of $80,520, is one of 3 park projects in Frederick County that have received funding from the State Program Open Space, as a result of action by the Board of Public Works, Governor Marvin Mandel has announced. The grant represents 100 per cent of the eligible project costs.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, September 20, 1973

September 1998, 25 Years Ago

Mount Upbeat About New Community Club

A record freshman class, the return of students for the fall semester and the start of an exciting new cultural club with the Emmitsburg area community has produced a decidedly upbeat feeling on the campus.

On Thursday evening, Sept. 3, Mount Saint Mary’s College President George Houston is hosting a party at the President’s House on Old Emmitsburg Road to kickoff the formation of the Mount Community Social Club, designed to engage members of the community from Gettysburg to Frederick and all areas in between to take part in cultural and academic activities offered by the school.

                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, September 1998

Dave Haller New Town Manager

David Haller resigned last month his newly elected position as a town commissioner to fill the town manager position vacated by Yvette Kreitz in June.

Mayor William Carr announced his selection for the job at the August 3 town meeting. Dr. Carr said about 40 applications for the position were reviewed. He felt the town was fortunate to get somebody with Haller’s qualification as well as having a town resident in the position. Mr. Haller has lived in Emmitsburg for the last 9 years.          

– The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, September 1998