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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit www.ptsd911movie.com.

Richard D. L. Fulton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prologue

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broken Handles

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

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

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

Epilogue

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

Who Let the Dogs Out?

by James Rada, Jr.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Helping You Find Plants That Work”

Historic Aphrodisiacs (Love Potions)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by James Rada, Jr.

February 1924, 100 Years Ago

Collided With Policeman

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

                                – Frederick Daily News, February 19, 1924

Thurmont Lands First Place in School Debates

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

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

                                – Frederick Daily News, February 4, 1924

February 1949, 75 Years Ago

Story Discloses Nine Churches Held Lotteries

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

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

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 4, 1949

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

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

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

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

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 11, 1949

February 1974, 50 Years Ago

Council Makes Plans To Obtain School

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

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

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 7, 1974

Daughters of Charity to Observe Seton Bicentennial

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

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

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 7, 1974

February 1999, 25 Years Ago

VHC Loan Paid In Full

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

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

                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, February 1999

Catoctin High Groundbreaking

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

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

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

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

                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, February 1999

by Buck Reed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Maxine Troxell

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

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

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

Fastnachts

Ingredients

1 package dry yeast

¼ cup butter

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg

¼ cup warm water

¼ cup sugar

¾ cup milk, scalded

3½-3¾ cups flour

Directions

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

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

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

Punch dough down and let rise for 1 more hour.

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

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

Dip fastnachts in sugar or powdered sugar.  

Medic John W. Bennett

Survived Being KIA

by Richard D. L. Fulton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazingly, after recuperating, Bennett returned to duty.

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

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

American Legion Post 168, Thurmont

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

The month of February has some interesting days.

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

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

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

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

Shingles

Shingles is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus can remain dormant in your body and reactivate itself, causing shingles, an illness characterized by red skin rashes, blisters, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and headaches.

According to the Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention (CDC), about one in three people will experience shingles at one point in their lives.

If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus may remain in your body for years and can reactivate as shingles at one point.

Like chickenpox, shingles is characterized by a red skin rash that causes burning and pain. It usually looks like a stripe of blisters on one side of your body, typically on your neck, torso, or face. It usually clears up within two to five weeks, depending on the person. Symptoms of burning and pain will be the most intense for the first five days. Within a few days, your rashes will turn into fluid-filled blisters that will dry up and crust over within seven to ten days. It will take another couple of weeks for the scabs to completely clear up.

In rare cases, shingles can lead to the following symptoms and complications:

    Rash or pain around the eye, which needs immediate treatment to avoid permanent eye damage.

    Loss of hearing, earache, dizziness, or loss of taste, which may be the symptom of Ramsay Hunt syndrome that needs immediate medical attention.

    Bacterial infections, causing redness, warmth, and swelling of the skin.

Risk Factors for Shingles

Shingles can develop in anyone who has had chickenpox, but there are certain risk factors that may increase your chances:

Being age 60 or older.

Having had chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Taking medications that weaken your immune system, including steroids, immunosuppressants, and medications given after an organ transplant.

Having any health conditions that weaken your immune system, including HIV/AIDS and cancer.

Conventional Treatments

To avoid complications and speed recovery, it is generally recommended to start treatment within 72 hours of the occurrence of symptoms.

Conventional treatment strategies for shingles include a variety of medications, along with a few simple natural methods for symptom relief.

Oral antiviral medications may be prescribed to reduce pain and speed recovery. Oral medications or analgesics may be used for pain relief. Oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may be used for itching. Topical numbing gels, creams, and patches, such as lidocaine, may be used for pain. Topical capsaicin may be prescribed to reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia, a nerve pain that may occur after the recovery from shingles.

Natural Support Strategies

If you get shingles, you can use natural support strategies to help you feel better. The following are a few ideas.

A weakened immune system can increase the symptoms and risk of complications of shingles. Following an antiviral nutrition plan that is rich in anti-inflammatory and antiviral foods can improve your symptoms and support your recovery.

Lysine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in collagen formation, calcium absorption, cholesterol regulation, and growth and development. It also helps to support the immune system and suppress viral growth. A 2017 review published in Integrative Medicine (Encinitas) has discussed the antiviral benefits of lysine when it comes to the herpes simplex virus.

Arginine is an amino acid that stimulates viral growth. Clearly, eating a diet high in lysine and low in arginine is important when you are dealing with viral infections.

Foods high in lysine and low in arginine include wild-caught salmon, grass-fed dairy (cheeses and yogurts), pastured and organic poultry, and grass-fed beef. Additionally, you can eat plenty of lemons, limes, cranberries, and avocados, as well as lots of organic vegetables, herbs, and spices, and healthy fats like avocados, olives, coconuts, grass-fed butter or ghee, and coconut oil.

Avoid refined sugar, refined oils, processed foods, junk food, artificial ingredients, gluten, and food additives.

Intermittent Fasting

Fasting is a great way to support your recovery from viral infections like shingles.

Intermittent fasting is a way of eating that involves periods of eating and not eating within a day. 

According to a 2016 review published in Ageing Research and Review, intermittent fasting can improve your health and reduce the risk of disease. Intermittent fasting stimulates cellular autophagy and reduces inflammation.

If you are new to fasting, you may want to start with a simple fast, which involves 12 hours of fasting (including your overnight sleep) and 12 hours reserved for meals within a day.

After one or two weeks, you can start decreasing the eating window to eight or ten hours a day.

Intermittent fasting can be a good strategy even if you don’t have shingles to support your health and reduce your risk of health issues.

Reduce Stress & Improve Sleep

Whether you are dealing with shingles or any other health issue, reducing stress and improving your sleep are key. To reduce your stress levels, try meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, guided visualizations, and breathwork. Practice a positive mindset. Move your body. Even if you are sick, it’s important that you stretch, or walk if you are up for it.

Make sure to sleep seven to nine hours a night. If you are sick, honor your body by resting, sleeping more, or taking naps as needed.

Develop a relaxing nighttime routine. Support your circadian rhythm by going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time each day.

Use a Cold Compress

The symptoms of shingles can be painful and uncomfortable. To reduce pain, use a cold, wet compress on shingles blisters. The cooling feeling can reduce pain, sensitivity, and itching.Just wet a washcloth under cool water and use it as a compress over your blisters. Use a new washcloth for each session to avoid spreading the virus. Use it as needed throughout the day.

Take a Healing Bath

It is important that you cleanse your blisters daily to lower the risk of spreading the shingles infection.

Take a cool bath or shower. Cool water can reduce pain and calm itchiness.

Take daily healing baths to reduce your symptoms of itching, burning, and pain by adding one to two cups of colloidal oatmeal or cornstarch to a bathtub full of lukewarm bathwater. Avoid hot water, as it can increase blood flow and worsen your shingles. But make sure that your water is not too cool to sit in it for a while. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes, then dry yourself completely.

Make sure to wash your towel and use a new towel for your next bath to avoid spreading the virus to others or across your own body.

Baking Soda and Cornstarch Paste

To relieve the symptoms of a shingles rash or blisters naturally, try a baking soda or cornstarch paste.

Add two parts baking soda or cornstarch and one part water into a cup. Mix it well until you achieve the desired consistency.

Apply the paste on your rash and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse it off and dry it well. Repeat it several times a day, as you feel it’s needed. Make sure to use a new towel each time.

Immune Support Nutrients

In addition to the prior strategies, it is a good idea to support your immune system.

Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiencies can worsen your symptoms of shingles. To optimize your vitamin D levels, get some sunshine daily; eat foods rich in vitamin D, such as oily fish, liver, and egg yolk; or take a high-quality vitamin D supplement daily.

Zinc deficiency may also make your experience with shingles worse. According to a 2019 study published in Advances in Nutrition, zinc plays a role in antiviral immunity in a variety of viral infections, including HIV and hepatitis C.

Eat a variety of foods that are rich in zinc, including oysters, red meat, and seafood.

Vitamin C may also be helpful for shingles. According to a 2020 review published in Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy, vitamin C has antiviral properties.

Load up on vitamin C-rich foods, such as lemons, limes, oranges, other citrus, strawberries, kiwi, and bell peppers. 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

by Kristen Bodmer

We are right in the middle of winter now. I hope everyone is staying safe and warm. You will be greeted here at the Thurmont Senior Center with a friendly face and a warm smile. Be prepared for fun and laughter while visiting us. We look forward to seeing you.

The Thurmont Senior Center is a place to come have a great lunch, enjoy various activities, and find laughter and friendship. You are never too old to make new friends!

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

Check out the Community Calendar in this issue of the Banner for Thurmont Senior Center event dates and times.

As a reminder with winter weather setting in, if Frederick County Public Schools are closed, the Thurmont Senior Center is closed. If there is a two-hour school delay, we open on time.

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

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 301-271-7911.

BY Caitlyn Kirby

February is here! The month of heart-and-heart health. As 2024 moves along, let us take a moment to reflect on health and love. There are some advantageous opportunities to aid in self-appreciation and care through offered instructions and activities at the Emmitsburg 50+ Center.

There’s no better way to begin than to join us for a very important talk we are holding on February 12: Advising individuals on the early signs of heart attack and stroke, as well as why we should call 911 and why we sometimes hesitate. There will also be a question and answer session and a lunch.

Additionally, there are many not-to-be-missed upcoming February events at the Emmitsburg 50+ Center, including a fire rescue on February 15, with provided blood pressure screenings. This opportunity will include a meet-and-greet with the local resident deputy of Frederick County Sheriff’s Department. Please come meet your local heroes and get to know your heart! Following the talk and questions and answers, there will be a Valentine’s Luncheon.

Please also check the schedule online or come in for many of the virtual programs available for nutrition, mental, and heart health for better living. 

The Emmitsburg 50+ Center will also be hosting new and return crafts. In addition, the talented Dorothea Barrick is returning for a Valentine’s Day watercolor-themed instructional painting class. Come socialize and get your creativity on! 

As always, Emmitsburg will maintain its regularly scheduled weekly programs, including video exercise,  open gym, and pickleball. As it is Heart Healthy Month, there’s no better time to get active. Don’t wait another day!

Check the Community Calendar in this issue for February happenings at the Emmitsburg 50+ Center, with dates and times.

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

Birthplace of American Armor

Richard D. L. Fulton

“No tank is to be surrendered or abandoned to the enemy. If you are left alone in the midst of the enemy, keep shooting. If your gun is disabled, use your pistols and squash the enemy with your tracks… You must establish the fact that American Tanks do not surrender.”  —Captain George S. Patton, September 1918

From World War II to Desert Storm to the Ukraine-Russian and Israeli-Hamas wars, armored tanks have been the mainstay of the ground wars and were used en masse to break through enemy positions in supporting infantry maneuvers.

However, that has not always been the case. The “modern” tanks had been initially introduced during World War I, and not everyone in the military was entirely smitten with their creation and introduction into combat.

The first tanks of World War I tended to be cumbersome, unwieldy beasts, and were used initially simply to tear down barbed wire defenses and other obstacles that stood in the way of planned infantry charges.

The Rise of Armored Warfare

According to the History Channel, the first tank was produced by England in 1914 during World War I by the British military. The project was considered so top-secret that workers producing the weapons were told that they were actually intended to be tracked vehicles to be employed in transporting water to the troops on the front… resulting in the armored vehicles being called tanks.

The British tanks made their first appearance at the First Battle of the Somme on September 15, 1916, but it was their performance during the British tank-facilitated breakthrough of German positions during the Battle of Cambrai.

After the British introduced tanks into combat at the Somme, the Germans began to develop their own tanks, but never manufactured them in the numbers they would come to be known for going into World War II. In fact, the Germans only built 20 tanks, according to the Australian War Memorial website.

The French developed their first tanks and sent them into combat in April 1917. Not then known for their tank designs and performances, by the end of the war, of the 800 French tanks sent into battle, only 200 survived the war. Some 308 had been destroyed by enemy fire, and hundreds had been pulled out of service due to mechanical issues, according to tankmuseum.org.

As for the United States, many in the military were dubious of the employment and usefulness of tanks in warfare. Armyhistory.org noted, “These massive, intimidating, metal hulks debuted to mixed results, as they were prone to mechanical malfunctions and were easily impeded by rough terrain.” However, General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in Europe during World War I after America had entered the fray, was not ready to dismiss the usefulness of the tank as a viable weapon, and “approached the weapon with an open mind.”

Camp Colt

To make a long story short, Pershing gained the pertinent approvals from the military and established the United States Army Tank Corps.

Of the several Tank Corps’ training camps established overseas and in the United States, one of the most noteworthy camps was established on, and adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield and was commanded by future president, 27-year-old Captain Dwight D. Eisenhower. The camp was named after Samuel Colt, the inventor of the Colt revolver.

As an aside, the Gettysburg Battlefield Military Park fell under the authority of the War Department until it was transferred to the National Park Service, via the Department of the Interior, in 1933.

Upon assuming command of Camp Colt, Eisenhower was immediately confronted with a rather unique challenge. The camp had not yet received any tanks, but it did have flat-bed trucks. According to the Army Historical Foundation, “ Initially lacking tanks, Eisenhower had to make-do by training his men to drive on trucks. For machine-gun training, he had machine guns bolted to the beds of trucks…”

The National Park Service noted that “men trained on a variety of car chassis made to look like tanks that were built by two innovative Brooklyn soldiers.”

In March 1918, a thousand trainees (which included 250 officers) arrived at the camp, with more arriving during July and August. The first tank, a Renault FT17, which was a 7.4-ton light tank manned by a crew of two arrived in June. Eisenhower was then faced with having to figure out how to operate the tank himself in order to be able to teach his trainees how to operate it. A second Renault FT17 subsequently arrived.

One of the quirky attributes of the FT17 was described in Dale E. Wilson’s book on WW1 TANKS, entitled Treat ’em Rough! when he wrote: “(FT17) Tank commanders were required to transmit commands to their drivers by kicking them (the commander was seated above the driver in the small tanks). This was the only means of internal communication, as the Renaults lacked a radio intercom system and were too noisy for voice commands to be heard. To get the driver to move forward, the commander kicked him in the back. Similarly, a kick to either shoulder signaled a turn in the direction of the shoulder kicked. The signal to stop was a kick to the driver’s head, while repeated kicks to the head meant the driver should back up…”

The National Park Service described the 192-acre camp as “a bustling installation of barracks, shops, mess halls and offices… horse barns from the infantry camp were converted into barracks to house additional troops.” Ultimately, the camp consisted of nearly 100 wooden structures, as well as a hospital.

The camp encompassed an area of the old battlefield from the Round Tops to the entire location of the housing development now known as Colt Park.

By the end of the war, as many as 10,000 trainees, support personnel, and officers had occupied Camp Colt during its existence.

Pandemic and the Closure of Camp Colt

Camp Colt staff and trainees experienced very few deaths and injuries during its days of existence. However, a hammer blow struck the camp in the form of a pandemic, specifically the Spanish Flu, which by mid-October had infected nearly one-third of the force at the camp at that particular time.

The pandemic began to subside by the end of October, but by the end of the first week of November, some 150 soldiers at Camp Colt had perished from the flu.

According to the National Park Service, Camp Colt officially closed in March 1919, further noting that “by the end of the year, the barracks, shops, offices, and tents were gone with only some of the training trenches and unfilled pits remaining.”

Eisenhower was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by the Army for “his exemplary leadership displayed at Camp Colt and during this virus outbreak,” according to battlefields.org.

The Army Tank Corps had existed for only a short period of time before the end of world War I, when an armistice was signed between the warring parties on November 11, 1918.

However, they did have an opportunity to establish their battlefield worthiness beginning with the Meuse-Argonne offensive in September 1918 until the end of hostilities.

Oddly enough, interest in maintaining a tank corps seemed to have waned in the wake of the war. The Army Historical Foundation wrote (on their website) that by July 1919, the Army Tank Corps, which had peaked at 20,212 officers and enlisted men in November 1918, “had shrunk to eighty-one officers and 213 enlisted men. By this time the very existence of the Tank Corps had come into question.”

by James Rada, Jr.

January 1924, 100 Years Ago

Injured When Auto Hits Phone Pole

Miss Mary Nagle, of Thurmont, who suffered a fractured collar bone and a severe cut in her right hip last Monday morning, when the automobile in which she was riding left the road and struck a telephone pole along the Lincoln Highway near Abbottstown, Pa., is said to be improving.

Four persons were in the automobile, two men and two women. They were returning to Thurmont about 12:30 a.m., when suddenly the machine, a Hudson coach, left the road and struck a telephone pole. With the exception of Miss Nagle, the occupants of the machine were not badly hurt.

                                – Frederick Daily News, January 10, 1923

2 Suspects Not Hart And Tilson Sheriff Declares

Suspected of being Jack Hart and William F. Tilson, the two convicts who escaped from the Maryland Penitentiary two weeks ago, two men on a “walking tour,” were arrested by Sheriff Albaugh and Deputy Sheriff Crum this morning, near Lewistown. They gave the names of Jos. B. McCrossen and Roy McGlennon, hailing from Ohio and New York, respectively, they said.

The men spent Friday night in the basement of the power house at Thurmont. After they left this morning to walk to Frederick, someone at Thurmont notified Sheriff Albaugh that two men answering the descriptions of Hart and Tilson had spent the night in Thurmont and were walking towards this city.

Sheriff Albaugh and Deputy Crum started out the Thurmont pike in the Sheriff’s automobile. When near Lewistown, they saw the two men and asked them if they wanted a lift.

Before they got in the machine, however, the Sheriff searched them to see whether or not they had any fire arms. They had none.

Upon reaching this city, Sheriff Albaugh, who saw that there was not the slightest resemblance between the two men and Hart and Tilson, told them to come into his office and “warm up.” The two men regarded the whole affair as a huge joke as did the Sheriff and his deputy.

                                – Frederick Daily News, January 26, 1923

January 1949, 75 Years Ago

County May Get Pari-Mutuel Race Betting

The enactment of legislation to permit pari-mutuel betting at harness race meets at the Frederick Fair Grounds was approved by an overwhelming majority at the annual meeting of the life members of the Frederick County Agricultural Society, held in the Court House, Frederick, Saturday.

A resolution offered by Beninmin B. Rosenstock, attorney, and submitted to a secret ballot won by a margin of 127 to 22, it was announced.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, January 14, 1949

Thurmont Mother Honored At Military Fete

An Army Colonel, a Maryland mother of 24 children, 12 of whom are still living, was honored by the United States Army Tuesday evening at a ceremony sponsored by the Mothers of World War II Veterans at the War Memorial Building, Baltimore.

Mrs. Charles H. Clarke, of Thurmont, was presented an Army citation for “faithful public service” covering the period of the war years and since. The citation, sponsored by the Second Army and issued by Lieutenant-General L. T. Gerow, commanding, was presented to Mrs. Clarke by Colonel Arthur L. Shreve, executive of the Maryland-Delaware Military District.

Colonel Shreve, in presenting one of the highest citations available to a civilian citizen, asserted that it was through such voluntary service that the military and civilian population was gaining unity towards securing and guaranteeing a lasting peace.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, January 28, 1949

January 1974, 50 Years Ago

Mother Seton Bicentennial Year Opens With Mass Here

Bicentennial Year, some one thousand ecclesiastical and civic dignitaries, friends and benefactors joined His Eminence, Lawrence Cardinal Shehan, Archbishop of Baltimore, and the Daughters of Charity, in an Eucharistic Celebration, Saturday, January 5, at St. Joseph’s Provincial House.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, January 10, 1974

Canonization Nears For Mother Seton

During her relatively brief life of less than forty-seven years, Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton performed varied roles. By turn she was an attentive daughter, devoted wife, solicitous mother, and intrepid foundress. She was an especially devoted daughter of the Holy Roman Church and not only founded the first native American sisterhood, but also initiated the American parochial school system. She sent Sisters to staff St. Joseph’s Orphan Asylum, Philadelphia, and she personally cared for the sick and trained her Sisters to do likewise. Sisters who are her spiritual descendants, found today at every level of education, social work, and health care, are but the lengthened shadow of Mother Seton.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, January 10, 1974

January 1999, 25 Years Ago

Christmas Elves Strike Again

A lively crowd showed up at the town garage on Saturday morning after Thanksgiving for the annual Christmas swag making. The group was so full of energy that within 2 hours they had more than 200 swags with red bows ready to be hung on the street lights and poles. Jim Click, Leon Sperling, and Randy Myers hung the swags on Monday.

                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, January 1999

Fore! With An Eye On The Future

Growth? No growth? Managed development is the position taken by the Holloway Development Corporation which presented concept plans to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the Frederick County Planning and Zoning Commission December 9 at Winchester Hall in Frederick.

At stake is the development of approximately 1,000 acres that straddle the Mason-Dixon Line north of Emmitsburg. The acreage located in the vicinity of the Steinwehr Exit is bounded by US 15 on the west, Bullfrog Road on the north and Harney Road on the east. Planning for its development has progressed slowly over the past five years. “We have progressed slowly because we are incredibly anxious to be good neighbors and get people’s reactions,” said local Holloway representative Tom Wolf.

                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, January 1999

The Time Has Come

by Valerie Nusbaum

It’s said that all good things must come to an end. The time has come for me to hang up my pen and paper (or keyboard as it were) and bid adieu to Happily Ever After. It’s been a very enjoyable ride, but I’ve said everything there is to say—some of it twice, I’m sure—and it’s time for me to give you, dear readers, a break. This wasn’t a decision I made quickly or easily, but it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while now. Last summer, I broached the subject of ending my run and then decided to go out at the end of 2023.

I started writing for The Catoctin Banner in July of 2008, so it’s been over 15 years, and that’s as long as I’ve stayed with any job. Deb Abraham Spalding and I had a conversation in my living room all those years ago, and Deb took a chance on me as a columnist. I remember my very first column was about our neighbor’s dog, Boomer. I compared some of the things Boomer did with some of Randy’s antics. Our neighbor, Nancy King, read the column and promptly ran over to our house with a dog biscuit for Randy! And, so it began.

Thank you, Deb, for taking that chance on me. Your support and encouragement have kept me going when my mind was blank. It’s been my honor and pleasure to work with you and all the staff at The Catoctin Banner, particularly Michele Tester, whose proofreading and editing skills kept me on track more than once. Thank you, Michele. I’ll see you at the beach!

I’ve been very fortunate to have a husband and partner in all things who can laugh at himself. Oh, he laughs at me, too—make no mistake about that. Some of you readers have chastised me for poking fun at the things that happen in our home, but, truthfully, if Randy and I didn’t have a sense of humor about our life, we’d be up the creek. Those of you who know us well know that our life hasn’t been all unicorns and rainbows, especially during the last six or seven years. It’s gotten more and more difficult to find things to laugh about, but I can always count on my husband of 30 years to make me smile or downright guffaw in a very unladylike manner. Thank you, Randy, for that, and for so many other things. Your positive attitude and determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds have inspired me and many others to “put our shoulders into it and push.” The fact that you never complain, even when it’s understandable or expected, never ceases to amaze me.

My mom was also a source of inspiration and merriment. She had a good sense of humor, and she put up with a lot from her three children. I’m counting Randy as the third child because Mom often had a better relationship with him than with my brother or me. I’ll never forget the time I came downstairs to start breakfast and found Mom and Randy at the kitchen table discussing something I’d never dream of discussing with my mother! Randy seemed to be trying to make Mom feel sorry for him. After having my mother with me for such a long time (I’m old, remember?), I’ve been struggling to find my way without her this last year.

What will I do next? Who knows? The hubby and I are still fit enough to get out there and do things like travel, so we’ll probably do some of that. We have a whole bucket list of places to see. Are we leaving Thurmont? Nope. You’re stuck with us. We like it here and plan to stay until we can’t. Hopefully, I’ll see some of you around town. I definitely won’t become a contestant on Survivor or any other reality show. Randy, however, has plans to become the next Golden Bachelor if things don’t work out with me.

I’ve made a lot of friends and connections through this column, and most of the feedback has been positive and generous. I’d name names, but I’d be sure to forget someone (unintentionally, of course), and I don’t want any hurt feelings or angry townsfolk. Believe me, I’ve enjoyed your cards, letters, emails, and in-person comments and chats. Well, most of them, anyway. You’ve been gracious and friendly, and your kind comments are the reason I’ve kept writing as long as I have. You’ve been so thoughtful in taking the time to write and in surprising me with all kinds of goodness. Thank you for that.  I’ve always been amazed that anyone wanted to read what I wrote.

After roughly 185 columns, though, it’s time for me to say farewell to this chapter of my life. I’ll miss hearing from you, but I hope you know how much I’ve appreciated it all.

I’m wishing every one of you a very Happy New Year, filled with all good things. As my friend, Madeleine Sherald, used to say, “It’s been real, Camille.” She also said, “It’s been real, and it’s been good, but it ain’t been real good.” That doesn’t apply here. If you’re old enough to remember Lawrence Welk, I’ll say, “Adios, Au Revoir, Auf Weidersehen.” So long!

The British Invade catoctin mountain

by James Rada, Jr.

In the spring of 1941, the U.S. had yet to enter World War II, but other countries had been fighting for two years. Germany showed early dominance in the war, and it hadn’t been going well for the British Royal Navy. It had lost more than 55 ships and 18,000 men. Those who remained were exhausted.

“British Prime Minister Winston Churchill pressed the United States for desperately needed aid,” according to K.C. Clay in the report, “Rest Camp: A Report on the WWII Use of Catoctin Recreational Demonstration Area by the Royal Navy.” “Pushing to the edge of US neutrality, President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought ways of helping the British.”

During March 1941, Congress passed the Lend-Lease Act, which allowed the U.S. to aid the Allied nations with food, oil, and material. It was given free of charge, but it could only be given if the help was essential for the defense of the United States.

Under this act, the U.S. was able to justify repairing damaged Royal Navy ships. While the ships were in port, the crews went ashore to recuperate from the stress of combat.

The Catoctin Recreational Demonstration Area on Catoctin Mountain was one of seven National Park Service sites that provided rest camps for the Royal Navy sailors. This pre-war U.S. aid to the Allies is largely unknown.

Clay, a National Park Service historian, identified four ships whose crews visited Catoctin Mountain. These were the H.M.S. Southern Prince, H.M.S. Bulolo, H.M.S. Menestheus, and H.M.S. Agamemnon.

During June, 150 sailors stayed at Camp Greentop in two groups of 75 men. Each group stayed for a week, enjoying swimming and other sports activities. Other sailors stayed at the Short Term Lodge, which the National Park Service had acquired after Bessie Darling was killed in the house in 1933. It was a 12-room boarding house with three indoor bathrooms.

“CRDA canceled visitor reservations for the summer of 1941 and configured the house to accommodate the sailors,” Clay wrote.

The largest group consisted of 85 sailors. In all, five groups of sailors stayed there averaging 56 men in each group.

The third site where Royal Navy sailors stayed was Hi-Catoctin. Two groups of sailors stayed there with an average size of 99 men.

As with just about everything that happened on the mountain which was supposed to be a secret, the truth was known to local residents.

“Although the British Ministry of Defense and the US War Department did not publicly acknowledge the presence of the sailors in the U.S., the residents of Frederick County were aware of them and extended invites to multiple social engagements,” Clay wrote. “National Park Service employees also provided social functions such as hot dog roasts and dances. To some of the war weary sailors, the Americans seemed over compensating for not being engaged in the conflict.”

This is not to say the British didn’t appreciate the efforts on their behalf. They repaid the kindness by putting on exhibition cricket and rugby matches for visitors to the park. They taught British songs, dances, and dialects to their hosts.

“Some sailors got on so well with the Americans that they married them,” Clay wrote.

Despite the camaraderie between the Americans and British, the British Admiralty had ordered the sailors not to talk about their assigned ship names, combat engagements, area of operation, and “any information that could possibly be used by the Nazis against them.”

The Nazis had sympathizers among the Americans who might have passed that information on.

Although locals knew of the Royal Navy presence, the U.S. media and the British press did not report on it until the U.S. Navy announced it on September 19, 1941.

After the successful 1941 season, plans were made for 1942, such as adding a telephone booth the sailors could use. However, the second season never happened because the U.S. entered the war and needed to use the facilities for its own purposes. It eventually served as a training camp for OSS agents and a rest camp for U.S. Marines.

Clay wrote that the rest camp story “is about the men who spent two years on alert for Nazi U-boats getting a week respite in the woods far inland from coastal waters. Some men arrived already decorated for valor. Others would go on to perform heroic actions. A few would sacrifice all within weeks of departing the camp.”

In total, more than 21,000 British sailors enjoyed a respite from the war on American soil, although only around 630 of them visited Catoctin.

Picture shows a British sailor relaxing in a cabin on Catoctin Mountain during WWII.

Courtesy of the National Park Service

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Why It Occurs and Things You Can You Do To Help It

by Ana Morlier

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a prevalent condition that persists from early winter to spring, sometimes even starting in fall. While some might label it as “winter blues” or a mood fluctuation, it’s officially recognized in the DSM-5 as a form of depression by the American Psychological Association, underscoring its seriousness. January, coinciding with Earth’s farthest point from the sun (perihelion), often exacerbates symptoms for those with SAD.

Symptoms of SAD include increased duration of sleep, reduced energy levels, withdrawal from social interactions, feelings of sadness, listlessness, or a persistent low mood. It’s crucial to pay close attention if these symptoms persist for multiple days or weeks, or if they start hindering your ability to engage in activities you typically find enjoyable. Seeking assistance from your primary care provider is highly recommended in such cases!

Why does SAD Occur?

Diminished exposure to light disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, heightening the vulnerability to depression by causing a decrease in serotonin levels. The altered rhythm also impacts the regulation and release of melatonin, further influencing sleep patterns and subsequently affecting mood.

Treatments

Vitamin D is recognized as a valuable remedy for SAD as it is linked to increased serotonin levels, particularly when consumed in enjoyable forms like delicious gummy supplements! Invite fun-gi into your diet by incorporating mushrooms into your meal as a great way to boost your vitamin D intake. Additionally, consider vitamin-fortified milk products.

Seeking guidance from a primary care physician or therapist is also important for managing symptoms. Primary care doctors can offer referrals to other specialists or resources that can assist with treatment. Therapists, specifically, can provide invaluable coping strategies for navigating the challenging times when depression feels most overwhelming. Additionally, free platforms such as Therapist Aid, Buddy Help, and 7 Cups offer support and various resources to help individuals dealing with SAD find assistance and strategies to cope.

A more commonly used strategy is light therapy. Light therapy involves using a specialized light source such as a light box or lamp for around 20 to 30 minutes. It’s particularly beneficial when used upon waking up as it aids in regulating the melatonin cycle. For specialized recommendations and further directions, discuss using light therapy with a doctor or therapist.

Furthermore, fostering self-compassion is vital. Instead of being hard on yourself for not accomplishing major tasks, break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. Recognize that regulating mood and overcoming SAD takes time and requires support. Being kind to yourself throughout the process is key to making progress and managing symptoms effectively.

Mindful walks, where you focus on the present moment and your surroundings, can be incredibly soothing and beneficial for managing SAD.

Similarly, engaging in mindful gardening and plants allows for a calming and grounding experience.

Visiting a greenhouse or other gardens not only provides movement but also introduces a change of scenery and routine, offering exposure to natural elements and greenery, which can have a positive impact on mood and well-being. These activities encourage a connection with nature and promote relaxation.

Picking out some indoor plants,  such as Snake Plants, Philodendrons, Pothos, Ivy, Rex Begonias, and Anthurium, will help brighten your home and brighten your mood.

Indoor plants help clear the air of toxins and can also increase humidity levels and help regulate the temperature inside closed spaces, such as a home or office. This helps our brains feel more content and uplifted.

Seasonal affective disorder warrants serious consideration. During winter, prioritizing self-care is essential, particularly amidst holiday-related anxieties. Experiment with the approaches above, document what resonates with you in a journal, and remember that progress takes time. Take care of yourself during this frosty season!

*Credit to Credit to National Day Calendar, John Hopkins Medicine, Sarah Vanbuskirk or Verywell Mind, Bethany Juby of Healthline, and ChatGPT for spell check.

by Buck Reed

A Crawfish Tale

During the 1600s, two very distinct people immigrated to the Americas from France. One went to New Orleans, where they found industry and prosperity. The first generation to be born here were dubbed the Creoles. The second group went to Acadia in Canada to look for their fortune. Instead, they found hardship and persecution from the British who settled there. Eventually, they picked up and moved to New Orleans; but unlike their Creole cousins, they were very poor and could only afford the swamp lands around the city. Being from Acadia, these people were called the Cajuns.

A very distinct difference can be found in the way these two groups ate. The Creole would need six chickens to prepare a meal for one, whereas, a Cajun could feed six people with one chicken. In fact, it is said that a Cajun can pull up to a puddle on the side of the roadway and find a meal for his family within. Now at this point, most of my readers might expect me to list off several indigenous ingredients or the delicious dishes they might make. But not today. Instead, I would like to share a Cajun fairy tale.

While the Cajuns lived in Acadia, their life was harsh. They might well have perished had it not been for a very important friendship they made with the lobster. At the time, lobsters were plentiful and being the friendly sort were happy to be a major food source for their Cajun friends.

Time went by, and even with their deep friendship with the land and animals living there, life proved too harsh for the Cajuns. So, it was decided they would relocate to New Orleans in hopes of a better life.

Now, leaving the British who never really cared for them might be easy, but telling their friends was difficult, especially their very good friends, the lobsters. The lobsters were hurt and sad to hear this news. In fact, they were so distraught that a very large number of them made up their minds that they would follow their friends down south to live with them.

As the Cajuns migrated south on ships and such, the lobsters started their trek by walking along the east coast and around Florida into the gulf, and eventually into the swamps of Louisiana. Yet, this trip proved to be very difficult for the lobsters and it took a toll on them. As they traveled, they became weaker and weaker and smaller and smaller.

When the lobsters finally made it to New Orleans with their friends, they were the tiny Mud Bugs that feed the Cajuns today. And being a thoughtful people, anytime the Cajuns have a celebration, they have a crawfish boil where their friends are always guests of honor. It is best to read this story with a Cajun accent, as this was how it was told to me.

Specialist-4 Richard Sanders

“Chopper Down” Rescue Service in Vietnam

by Richard D. L. Fulton

Helicopters played a major role in the Vietnam War, notably in support of ground operations and in airlifting combat casualties, but this placed many of them at the risk of taking enemy fire themselves.

Richard Sanders, Sabillasville, was born in 1947 in the Waynesboro Hospital, the son of parents Lester and Hilda Sanders of Sabillasville. His father, Lestor, worked as a pipe cutter in a pipe factory, according to the 1950 United States Federal Census, while his mother was listed as a housewife.

Sanders attended Thurmont High School, graduating in 1965, and attended Penn State Mont Alto, graduating in 1968 with an “accelerated” associate degree in engineering technology.

The course was “accelerated” as the result of Sanders having been serving in the Pennsylvania Army Reserve since 1966 with the 357th Transportation Company based in Hagerstown. Facing activation with his unit as the Vietnam War continued to drag on, Penn State Mont Alto staff and professors accelerated the final courses and final exams needed to satisfy the requirements of earning the associate degree.

Following the May 1968 activation of the 357th Transportation Company, Sanders, as a helicopter crew chief, and the 357th Transportation Company (classified as Aircraft Maintenance Direct Support) were assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia for advance training before being shipped overseas to Vietnam. The advance elements of the 357th arrived at Bien Hoa Air Base on September 27, 1968 followed by the main body on October 11.

The 357th Transportation Company was assigned to the 520th Transportation Battalion, with a portion of the 357th designated as the 20th Transportation Company, which was then based at Cu Chi. Sanders was then with the 20th Transportation Company because of the re-designation. The primary helicopter of the transportation units was the “Huey.”

As to the duties of Sanders and the 20th Transportation Company, they were to repair battle-damaged helicopters and render them serviceable. 

He said repair work restoring downed helicopters was accomplished by the men in shifts, but if one or more of the workers was making substantive progress on one of the wrecks, they might not cease work on the craft until it was fully functional again.

“If you started working on one (damaged helicopter), you worked on it until it could get back into the air again,” Sanders said.

It would seem that such a job would not entail much of a risk, but the base had come under attack several times. In February 1969, a small force of the Viet Cong attacked Cu Chi and damaged and destroyed 11 aircraft, according to transportation.army.mil. The base was again attacked on August 15, resulting in the 20th Transportation Company having sustained a number of wounded.

Another of Sanders’ duties was to serve on recovery helicopters as needed to bring back downed choppers, which often entailed flying into active combat zones, Sanders explained, noting, “Everyone took turns flying (on recovery missions).”

Sanders said the recovery operations included utilizing heavy-lift helicopters, such as the dual-propellered Boeing CH-47 Chinook and the CH54 “flying cranes” (for jobs too big for the Chinooks to handle).  Recovery of a downed aircraft usually included strapping the damaged craft to the recovery helicopter and air-lifting the wreck back to the base of operations for repairs (if the helicopter was salvageable).

Encounters with the enemy were not uncommon. Sanders said when the enemy began shooting at the rescue helicopters, the crew just quickly adopted a “spray and pray” strategy:  “We just opened fire and shot the hell back.”

However, Sanders was seriously wounded when a Vietcong round made a direct hit on a recovery helicopter in which he was riding. The rescue helicopter had just been rigged to a downed helicopter and was about to lift it when the round had struck.

Sanders said he didn’t know if he was hit by shrapnel or metal fragments from his helicopter, “but I caught it right in the (buttocks)…”  He said the injury “looked like a checkerboard” on his behind. He was transported back to the States for hospitalization, and then released, thereby ending his career in the Army.

By the end of the war, Sanders had received the Purple Heart for his wounding, along with the unit citations awarded to all the members of the 357th Transportation Company, including the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Army Commendation Medal.

Sanders went on to work for Landis Tool Company (Waynesboro) for 55 years, having retired in 2020. Upon his return to the States, he had also earned two master’s degrees while in England (while employed by Landis Tool).

Richard Sanders in Vietnam.