Currently viewing the category: "Business News"

James Rada, Jr.

After two years of meetings for planning and approvals, the new, larger Goodwill retail store in Thurmont is under construction. While not complete, the end is in sight.

The new 17,850-square-foot store on Thurmont Boulevard, behind the Taco Bell/KFC, is expected to be finished by the end of November, with a grand opening sometime after that. The location is part of 2.95 acres in the Thurmont Business Park, according to planning documents.

The new, larger store will replace the current store on East Main Street and is conveniently located near shopping, banks, and restaurants.

The concept plan was first presented to the Thurmont Planning Commission in January 2022. The preliminary plans were presented in May and June of that year.

All new Goodwill stores, including store relocations like in Thurmont, will have drive-thru donation centers, according to a statement from Kristen Jones, senior manager of marketing and communications for Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley.

“We know that larger stores with more square footage will provide our shoppers with more product offerings at an affordable price,” the statement said. “[W]e’re committed to making a positive economic impact in Frederick and Carroll County, which includes increased employment opportunities for community members. Last year, we provided more than 300 jobs in the communities our stores serve.”

Mayor John Kinnaird said the Planning and Zoning Commission has handled reviewing and approving development plans, and the Board of Commissioners hasn’t provided much input on this project.

Kinnaird said the current Goodwill location has a “horrendous” parking situation, and there isn’t much room for the business to grow.

“Some nights, it’s surprising how many people are shopping at Goodwill, so I’m sure that their own customers’ needs have probably driven them to look for another location,” he said. “Any business that expands is great. It shows there’s a need for it, and they have the customer base to justify the expansion.”

Thurmont Town Planner Kelly Duty echoed Kinnaird and said the current Goodwill location has consistent problems with parking. When she passes by the store, it’s busy, she said.

“I think this definitely will be a benefit to the community at large. This will take a business where parking is an issue, it’ll move it to the general business district,” Duty said. “It’ll be easier to access by all.”

When Tamara Manahan of Sabillasville decided to open a business with her daughters, Mallery Sheppard and Jordan Reaver, it only seemed fitting to pick a name that indicated a change in direction. Manahan was looking for a new location for her permanent makeup business, and Sheppard, a hairstylist, had just moved back to the area after her husband completed six years as an airborne combat medic at Ft. Bragg. Reaver had also just completed her nail technician training. Together, they came up with the name Studio Veer, which is located at 204 Chambersburg Street in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. They believe that God had sent them in this new direction, with an opportunity to provide personalized care to their clients in a comfortable and intimate setting. Manahan says she doesn’t see this as just a business, but as a ministry. They love hearing their clients’ stories and journeys and helping them feel beautiful and confident.

Manahan has been doing permanent makeup for over eight years and offers services such as micro-blading, brow shading, combination brow, permanent eyeliner and lip color, tattoo removal, and, her newest service, fine line tattoos.

If you are looking for hair care, the studio offers full hair-care services, but Sheppard , who has been licensed since 2016, specializes in low-maintenance color, lived-in blondes, fashion shades, and gray blending. Reaver offers complete nail services, including manicures, pedicures, and beautiful nail art.

These ladies are proud to be women and a family-owned business, but they are also proud and passionate about their “Sunshine Project.” This program is for those who may need a little extra ray of light in their lives. Perhaps, someone is struggling through illness, the death of a loved one, divorce, financial struggles, and more. Studio Veer is asking for nominations of someone who could be blessed with a little extra sunshine in their life through a manicure, pedicure, haircut, etc. Text 301-302-6632 to make a nomination.

Studio Veer is open by appointment only. See their advertisement on page 12 for more details.

Alisha Yocum

Brad Nesbitt and his cousin, Troy Nesbitt, grew up watching their dads run a painting business, and the two recently decided to start their own venture, Nesbitt’s Painting.

The duo offers interior and exterior painting, drywall repair, deck and fence painting, and more. Brad says they mostly take on jobs in Frederick, Washington, Carroll, and Franklin counties, as well as parts of West Virginia, but they will travel further if requested.

Brad grew up in Sabillasville and now resides with his wife and their three kids in Smithsburg, while Troy and his wife are raising six kids in Keedysville.

When the two cousins aren’t sprucing up walls with a new paint color, you will find them deeply involved in their communities. Brad said that just like they both watched their dads run the painting business, they also learned the importance of community from them as well. Brad serves as a local youth minister, and Troy is an Army Veteran and is currently studying to become a minister. 

For more information, view their advertisement on page 32.

James Rada, Jr.

Taylor McCrea and Jean Churnesky in the Cracken Catering kitchen at the carry-out location in Blue Ridge Summit.

Photo by James Rada, Jr.

Taylor McCrea has worked in catering since he was 17. For nine years, he worked with a catering and convenience store in the Blue Ridge Summit area. He took a break from it for two years to work in heating and air conditioning, but his heart was still with the food industry.

“I had an idea that I wanted to have a food truck, and then I found one for sale locally,” he said.

He bought it and started selling meals from it in August 2022. A little over a year later, Cracken Catering opened. He is helped by Jean Churnesky, who has worked with him since the start. The business not only offers catering and food truck service, but it also has a carry-out business on Buchanan Trail East in Blue Ridge Summit.

They are starting to be seen regularly at local events, making customers happy. One thing customers like is the home-cooked food.

“A lot of our menu is made to order,” McCrea said.

Besides Cajun offerings, steak subs, and chicken, you can also find specials of the day on the menu, such as pot pie or the Cracken Cubano, which is grilled ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and remoulade on a toasted French bread roll.

McCrea said he especially enjoys the catering side of the business. He can go to a customer’s event, set up on site, offer good food, and make the event less stressful and more enjoyable for his customers.

“That’s what gets me up in the morning,” he said.

The restaurant is located at 14085 Buchanan Trail East in Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania. Carry-out is available Thursday through Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can check the daily specials on their Facebook page.

Alisha Yocum

Ryan Ely is shown outside of E Plus in Emmitsburg.

As a kid, Ryan Ely said that being around his dad’s business, C Ely Signs & Graphics in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, he never really saw it as a future career for himself. However, after dabbling in other jobs, he realized that working in signs and graphics was what he wanted to do.

At just 22, Ely took over managing E Plus Graphics & Promotions in January and is looking to bring the community more! While they will still offer all their existing services, he plans to offer more large format signage, the ability to print on any substrate or material, and faster turnaround on apparel printing. Ely said he thinks Emmitsburg offers lots of opportunities to grow with all the businesses that are in the area. While they are planning to grow, E Plus will remain community-oriented, and long-time staff members, Blair and Grace, are still at the store helping customers.

E Plus is located at 1 E. Main Street in Emmitsburg. The store is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Alisha Yocum

Steve and Dawn Harbaugh, owners of Harbaugh Memorials.

Photo Courtesy of Dawn Harbaugh

Steve and Dawn Harbaugh, residents of Smithsburg, were driven to start a new business venture, Harbaugh Memorials, in September, based upon what they think is a need in the community.

Specializing in the sales and installation of high-quality granite memorials, the couple offers a diverse selection of headstone designs available in various granite colors. Beyond their commitment to craftsmanship, the Harbaughs say they are dedicated to simplifying the memorialization process for grieving families. Acknowledging the challenges of busy schedules, they hope to offer a flexible solution by doing custom design work that can be conveniently reviewed and approved via email. This approach accommodates individuals with busy schedules or those who may not be local to the area.

Emmitsburg New Business and Development Briefs

The following are the statuses of new businesses and development coming to Emmitsburg from the town planner’s report:

The following are the statuses of new businesses and development coming to Emmitsburg from the town planner’s report:

Federal Stone (Creamery Road, east side of U.S. 15) — Groundbreaking for this project was held last month.

Seton Village — The forest conservation and delineation applications need to be updated.

Emmitsburg Distillery (East Emmitsburg Industrial Park II Lot 4) — The planning commissioner conditionally approved the site plan and improvement plan. Staff are waiting for the applicant’s response to their comments.

Development Pipeline/ Applicant Interest

Frailey Property Annexation — The DRB Group has expressed interest in developing this property with single-family homes/duplexes.

Emmit Ridge — The DRB Group has expressed interest in developing this property with single-family homes.

Rodney McNair Property Annexation — Town staff is awaiting an annexation application.

James Rada, Jr.

Don’t be surprised if you missed the opening of the Seton Avenue Barber Company in Emmitsburg. Paula Socks was able to open her new business in one month.

Socks is a familiar name to many residents of Emmitsburg. She cut hair at another business in town for two-and-a-half years.

“I left for four months, but I realized I missed the town,” Socks said. “It has the most genuine and kind people I’ve ever met.”

When she decided she wanted to return to Emmitsburg, she saw the space available and started planning her comeback to town.

She had a lot of what she needed. Her son deals in antique furniture, so she was able to get a couple pieces from him, such as an antique buffet that now serves as her counter. Other things like a barber chair and waiting seats, she was able to order quickly online.

“Things fell into my lap very quickly, and we opened in 30 days, which is very quickly,” she said.

The shop opened on November 13, 2023. The only hiccup she found was that by the time she opened, a lot of people had already had their hair cut for the holidays.

Although Socks lives in Hagerstown, she is happy to be back in Emmitsburg. During the four months she was away, she worked as a military barber in Thurmont.

“I like the people here, and it’s a bit slower pace than Hagerstown or Frederick,” she said.

As word gets out about the shop being open, she is seeing some of her former customers, as well as new walk-ins.

Socks has been doing hair for 30 years. “I give a really nice haircut at a fair price.”

That price is $16.00, although women’s hair is a bit more because they tend to have more of it. She also does Veteran’s haircuts for a donation, if they let her know they are a Veteran.

The Seton Avenue Barber Company is located at 130 S. Seton Avenue in Emmitsburg. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and on Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Photo of Paula Socks by Deb Abraham Spalding

James Rada, Jr.

Dr. Olumide (Olu) Bolarinwa (pictured right) used to drive by Emmitsburg Family Dentistry on his way to go skiing at Liberty Ski Resort. It caught his attention because he was a fellow dentist. He then got to know Dr. Timothy Bringardner, and the two became friends.

So, when Dr. Bringardner retired, it wasn’t too surprising that Dr. Olu took over his practice even though he had a practice in Mt. Airy.

Under Dr. Olu’s care, the Emmitsburg Dental Center has been thriving, and it continues the tradition of patient-centered dentistry that Dr. Bringartner started.

Dr. Bringardner retired in January 2023 after nearly 40 years as a dentist. Dr. Olu took over at the end of February 2023.

He still lives in Mt. Airy with his family and takes the back roads to get to Emmitsburg. “I was already used to the drive because I would come this way to ski, so it doesn’t feel far and I enjoy the views on my drive,” Dr. Olu said.

Dr. Olu is a Nigerian immigrant. He came to America in 2006 and attended Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University to get licensed as a dentist in the U.S. He obtained his DMD in 2016. He also received a Master’s in Global Health and one of several residency trainings in Dental Public Health, both at the University of California, San Francisco (USCF).

He wound up in Frederick County because he fell in love.

“I met my wife there (Boston University),” he said. “She was studying for her Ph.D. She had grown up in Mt. Airy, and she liked it there.”

He wound up taking over a practice in Mt. Airy, so when he took over Dr. Bringardner’s practice, he had prior experience and knew what to expect. This made it easier and helped make the transition more seamless for the patients.

Besides general dentistry, he also performs extractions, implants, child sedation, and other procedures.

While dentistry has become his calling, Dr. Olu didn’t always want to be a dentist. He wanted to be a professional soccer player. He still enjoys playing the sport, but when he was a young man in high school, his parents had to set him straight.

“They told me that while they weren’t opposed to me playing soccer, it wasn’t a career,” Dr. Olu said. “They said not a lot of people become professional soccer players, and I needed something I could make a living at.”

Being an obedient son, he looked at where his strengths were with his academics (the sciences), and started to look into medicine, eventually settling on dentistry. It is a decision that has benefitted not only him, but his many patients.

The Emmitsburg Dental Center is located at 101 S. Seton Avenue in Emmitsburg. For an appointment, call 301-447-6662.

Photo by James Rada, Jr.

Emmitsburg New Business and Development Briefs

The following are the statuses of new businesses and development coming to Emmitsburg from the town planner’s report:

Federal Stone (Creamery Road, east side of U.S. 15) — Groundbreaking for this project was held last month.

Village Liquors & Plaza Inn (Silo Hill Parkway) — A preconstruction meeting is pending.

Seton Village — The forest conservation and delineation applications were received, and town staff are reviewing them.

Emmitsburg Distillery (East Emmitsburg Industrial Park II Lot 4) — Town staff are reviewing the site plan and improvement plan applications. Staff are waiting for the applicant’s response to their comments. The planning commission reviewed the application last month.

Development Pipeline/ Applicant Interest

Frailey Property Annexation — The DRB Group has expressed interest in developing this property with single-family homes/duplexes.

Emmit Ridge — The DRB Group has expressed interest in developing this property with single-family homes.

Rodney McNair Property Annexation — Town staff is awaiting an annexation application.

Deb Abraham Spalding

Ritchie Revival’s John Krumpotich was pleased to announce that the new Nisei Gallery on Fort Ritchie is now open in one of the finger buildings.

“Every time we turn the lights on in a building that has been dormant for 25 years, it renews the excitement,” said Krumpotich.

Visitors can’t help but notice the long line of identical buildings, set along the main street that is straight ahead upon entering the former Army base’s gate. Krumpotich said they’ve started a new “finger building” project that is a combination of boutique apartments, overnight rentals, and small commercial shops. 

He said renovations and leasing are going faster than they thought they would. The salon is open, an automotive shop is opening on January 1, and two additional buildings are leased with businesses coming soon.

Fall on the Fort wrapped up with Fall Fest. This event was entertaining for everyone, with arm wrestling competitions, pumpkins, hayrides, bands, and tours of the museum and gallery. 

There is plenty to see at the Ritchie History Museum and the new Nisei Art Gallery. Stop by soon or call Ritchie Revival at 301-241-2009 for leasing information.

The new Nisei Gallery is open for shoppers on Fort Ritchie in Cascade.

Photo by Deb Abraham Spalding

The following are the statuses of new businesses and development coming to Emmitsburg from the town planner’s report:

Federal Stone (Creamery Road, east side of U.S. 15) — A preconstruction meeting was held on October 18.

Village Liquors & Plaza Inn (Silo Hill Parkway) — A preconstruction meeting is pending.

Seton Village — The subdivision application has been received. The town is waiting for the forest conservation application.

Emmitsburg Distillery (East Emmitsburg Industrial Park II Lot 4) — The site plan and improvement plan applications have been received.

Development Pipeline/ Applicant Interest

Frailey Property Annexation — A meeting has taken place with a potential traffic engineer for this development of single-family homes/duplexes.

Emmit Ridge — Interest in developing 48 single-family homes.

Rodney McNair Property Annexation — Residential and Neighborhood Commercial potential zoning.

The U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) presented a thank you certificate in November to Dan Hanagan of Spike Auto Care & Tire Center in Emmitsburg for supporting NFA/ATF Fire Investigations classes on campus.

The commendation was presented to Dan Hanagan in recognition and appreciation of his support of the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy and the U.S Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Fire Investigation and Arson Enforcement Division, recognizing his ongoing assistance to investigators from law enforcement and fire agencies attending the Fire Investigations training classes to have access to vehicles for use in hands-on scenarios.

Pictured from left are Kevin Oliver, NFA Fire Investigations Training Specialist; Dan Hanagan; and Eriks Gabliks, NFA Superintendent.

The following are the statuses of new businesses and development coming to Emmitsburg from the town planner’s report:

Federal Stone (Creamery Road, east side of U.S. 15) — A preconstruction meeting is pending. Zoning permit was issued on August 23.

Village Liquors & Plaza Inn (Silo Hill Parkway) — A preconstruction meeting is pending.

Seton Shrine Museum Entrance (South Seton Avenue) — The deed of easement is pending. A zoning permit was issued on August 17.

Tenant Fit-out for Daughters of Charity Ministries (South Seton Avenue) — A zoning permit was issued on August 21.

Mount St. Mary’s University School of Health Professions (South Seton Avenue) — A zoning permit was issued on August 21.

The following are the statuses of new businesses and development coming to Emmitsburg from the town planner’s report:

Federal Stone (Creamery Road, east side of U.S. 15) — A preconstruction meeting is pending. Zoning permit was issued on August 23.

Village Liquors & Plaza Inn (Silo Hill Parkway) — A preconstruction meeting is pending.

Seton Shrine Museum Entrance (South Seton Avenue) — The deed of easement is pending. A zoning permit was issued on August 17.

Tenant Fit-out for Daughters of Charity Ministries (South Seton Avenue) — A zoning permit was issued on August 21.

Mount St. Mary’s University School of Health Professions (South Seton Avenue) — A zoning permit was issued on August 21.

The U.S. Postal Service is observing the 20th anniversary of the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program, which was created in 2003 to commend USPS employees who go above and beyond the call of duty in a variety of situations, such as assisting lost children, getting help for sick or injured customers, spotting fires, and more.

Around 5,500 individuals, known as PMG heroes, have been recognized through the program, which reflects a simple, yet powerful, idea: Because they know the habits of their customers and the rhythms of their communities, Postal Service employees are often the first to notify emergency personnel and render aid when something is wrong.

Delivering mail 365 days over the 20 years of the PMG Heroes’ program would equate to 7,300 heroes if we were to recognize a hero everyday. However, all our heroes are not recognized because of their humility, and often after assisting a member of their community, they continue their route without saying a word.

Most recently in Washington, D.C., letter carrier Donald Proctor saved a customer from choking. After dislodging a piece of cheese using the Heimlich maneuver and saving this customer’s life, he continued delivering mail and finished his day without sharing the story. It wasn’t until one month later the customer felt compelled and wrote a letter to the station manager, sharing the heroic story. They were reunited during a local PMG Hero event, and she was able to thank her “angel,” her new name for him.

This is one of many untold stories of everyday heroes at the Postal Service. 

Today, potential PMG heroes are nominated by postal colleagues. After approved nominees receive a commendation letter from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, they are featured in the “Heroes’ Corner” column on Link, the organization’s national employee news site, where it has become a popular mainstay. In 2020, “Heroes’ Corner” received a national award for excellence in employee communications.

But to be nominated, they need to hear from you, our customers, our neighborhoods, and our livelihood.

If you know of a PMG Hero, please contact your local post office and share your story.

To learn more, the PMG heroes’ stories are archived at link.usps.com/heroes to illustrate how Postal Service employees do so much more for their communities than deliver mail.

Geraldine Otremba, Cascade Resident

On August 2, the Washington County Zoning Board voted 4-1 to approve a new Dollar General Market that has been hotly opposed by local residents for two years as not in character with the unincorporated community’s rural setting. The applicant seeking a “special exception,” Outdoor Contractors Inc., has been seeking the exception to construct the store in what is recognized as a rural village zone.

The zoning board’s authority to grant an exception rests on the criterion of compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. Special exceptions allowed include B&B’s, farm stands, and grocery stores. Cascade residents opposed to adding another Dollar General in Cascade filled the hearing room (three Dollar General stores are nearby in Blue Ridge Summit, and Wayne Heights, PA, and Emmitsburg, MD) and rallied around the town’s long-established grocery store, Sanders Market, which has provided fresh meat, produce, deli, and a full array of products for 60 years.

The zoning board first approved a special exception for the proposed Dollar General in May of last year. Cascade residents appealed the decision to the Washington County Circuit Court, which sent the appeal back to the Zoning Board to re-consider the request as a single special exception use.

The zoning board heard presentations from Outdoor Contractors and opponents of the project.

One resident testified in support of the exception, based on the allegation that the proposed Dollar General was “functionally similar” to a grocery store. Residents from Cascade, Sabillasville, Frederick, Hagerstown, Blue Ridge Summit, and Waynesboro testified in opposition to the exception, citing Dollar General’s own legal and financial filings describing the business as a general merchandise entity.

Opponents also offered first-hand recent photographs from in-person visits to existing Dollar General Markets, highlighting limited grocery offerings and moldy produce. Much of the discussion among the members of the zoning board focused on what is a common understanding of a grocery store. In the end, Board Member Tim Ammons appeared persuaded by an undated, unidentified photo of grocery shelves and voted with chairs, Jay Miller, Marvin Gower, and Bob Meyers to approve the exception. The local opponents through their attorney have said a further appeal is likely

The following are the statuses of new businesses and development coming to Emmitsburg from the town planner’s report:

Federal Stone (Creamery Road, east side of U.S. 15) — Performance bonds and tap fees are pending.

Village Liquors & Plaza Inn (Silo Hill Parkway) — A preconstruction meeting is pending.

Seton Shrine Museum Entrance (South Seton Avenue) — The deed of easement, county approval, and signatures from town representatives are pending.

Tenant Fit-out for Daughters of Charity Ministries (South Seton Avenue) — This project is under review, and a county building permit is pending.

Mount St. Mary’s University School of Health Professions (South Seton Avenue) — This project is under review. A zoning certificate and county building permit are pending.

On the former Fort Ritchie military base in Cascade, the Fort Ritchie Museum continues to collect historical memorabilia. Those who may have historical items or information to donate to the collection may contact Landon Grove at the Fort Ritchie offices in the old firehouse onsite.

In December, Meritus Health opened the first and only primary care clinic in the community and expanded to full-time hours for all ages in June.

Mountain Top Ice Cream Shop is open behind the firehouse on weekends through October. 

Flat Top Salon and Suites at 14310 Castle Drive is now open and houses several businesses including Winsome Woods, Orchid Oasis Day Spa, The Kera Studio, Radiant Artistry, and Chemically Lavish. A ribbon cutting will be held on August 4 at 10:00 a.m. to introduce these businesses that offer a various spa treatments, massage, sound healing, and beauty services. The Tap Room and Artisan Village are slated to open this fall! Stop by Fort Ritchie and check them out!

Courtesy Photos

Meritus Health ribbon-cutting in June.

Mount Saint Mary’s University (MSMU) has announced the hiring of a new athletics director, replacing retired Athletics Director Lynne Robinson.  Robinson’s retirement was effective in August. Hired as the new director was Brad Davis, whose term began effective in August.

University President Timothy Trainor said, “We enthusiastically welcome Brad and his family to Mount St. Mary’s,” adding,  “As we enter our second year in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, we look forward to his leadership and collaboration with our excellent coaches and staff in positively developing our student-athletes in mind, body, and spirit, as well as in building on our winning tradition.”

Davis was hired by the Mount following a successful five-year tenure at Mercyhurst University in Erie, according to MSMU Assistant Sports Information Director Matt McCann, further noting, “The Mercyhurst ‘Lakers’ boast a similar-sized department to the Mount, with 26 varsity programs and 750 student-athletes.”

Davis said, “I am honored and humbled to be named the next athletic director at Mount St. Mary’s. The Mount is a special place with special people and plenty of potential.”

He further stated, “There is tremendous energy and excitement throughout campus, and I am ecstatic to join President Trainor’s leadership team and meet the Mount faithful. I was impressed with President Trainor’s vision immediately, and I look forward to working with our student-athletes, coaches, and staff to achieve success together.”

The five years Davis supervised Mercyhurst were transformative. Rebuilding the Lakers’ structure, mission, and culture, administrative and head coaching hires helped Mercyhurst attain the top spot in the Pennsylvania States Athletic Conference (PSAC) for promoting diversity in 2021-22. Teams recorded a department-wide GPA of 3.4 with a 90 percent Academic Success Rate in six out of seven years, according to McCann.

Mercyhurst President Kathleen Getz stated, “Brad arrived at Mercyhurst five years ago with vision, passion, and experience to elevate Laker Athletics to the next level,” adding, “He has been an asset to Mercyhurst, enhancing our athletics programs and facilities, while being thoroughly dedicated to our student-athletes and to the integrity of our university.”

Getz said, “We are grateful for his contributions to Mercyhurst, and we wish Brad, his wife Kristin, and their son Brecken all the best as they embark on a new chapter in their lives.”

Jeremy Gibson, director of Athletics, Merrimack College, stated, “Mount Saint Mary’s has made a great decision in naming Brad Davis to lead its athletic programs. Brad was an outstanding colleague at Merrimack College and made a meaningful impact at Mercyhurst. I am certain he will enjoy similar successes at the Mount.”

Gary Manchel, head Men’s Basketball coach, Mercyhurst University, stated, “Mount Saint Mary’s University made a fantastic choice with Brad Davis. Brad is a leader with great vision, who not only wants to win the right way but also enable all student-athletes to have the experiences they deserve. He is a person who represents the best values between education and athletics. Coaches will truly enjoy working with Brad while competing for championships.”

In addition to duties at Mercyhurst, Davis serves as chair of the Atlantic Hockey Executive Committee and the PSAC Executive Committee. Past committee assignments include chairing the Division II National Advisory Committee for Men’s Lacrosse as well as the PSAC Advisory Council and PSAC Officiating Committee, according to McCann.

Before his time in Erie, Davis served at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts for 11 years. Beginning as the sports information director in 2007, he was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for External Relations in 2011, and again to Associate Director of Athletics one year later.

Regarding Athletics Director Robinson’s retirement, Davis said, “I would be remiss without recognizing Lynne Robinson, who has served the Mount for 42 years,” further stating, “The Phelan family is synonymous with the Mount, and I know there are big shoes to fill. I’m grateful to Lynne for her help and support during the transition.”

Joan Bittner Fry

In the early 1950s, there was a dance hall/restaurant in Sabillasville. My parents, Harold and Helen Bittner, owned it.  Previously, it had been a salvage yard owned by Buck Wierman and is now a church. Do you recall hearing about it?

The deed was transferred from Leroy A. Wierman to Harold A. Bittner on August 23, 1949. The restaurant and dance hall operated from 1950 to 1953. I believe milkshakes and sandwiches were 50 cents, soda was 5 cents, and soup was a quarter.

The Bend (so named because it was within the Western Maryland RR’s Horseshoe Bend in Sabillasville) was opened to give the young people of the community a place to gather. On Friday nights from 9:00 p.m. to midnight, dances were held with country bands such as The Carroll County Ramblers, Joe Phillips, the Young Brothers (Mehrle being one of the brothers), and The Sunnyside Ramblers. Some band members I can recall were Les Sanders (banjo), Glenn Wolfe (drums and spoons), Harland Benchoff, Larry Harbaugh (fiddle, and his memorable rendition of “The Orange Blossom Special”), Carroll Harbaugh (bass fiddle), and Jim and Jimmy Lynn (guitars). In the beginning, the band was paid $5.00; increasing to $15.00; then to $20.00, and then to $25.00. Those fellows sure didn’t play for three hours for the money!

For the Friday night dance, my late sister, Barbara, and I would make a supply of tickets each week. They were whatever we could dream up, and each had to have a punched hole with a string. Patrons were not to go outside during the evening. My mother was always on watch to be sure if you did go out, you had your own ticket when you returned. We would decorate with crepe paper streamers, which would sag as the evening warmed up. Sometimes, there was an abundance of dance wax on the hardwood floor.

I remember it well. This is where I learned to dance: Jitterbug, two-step, slow dance, Paul Jones—we did it all. Of course, I wasn’t even a teenager at the time, so I believe I was tolerated. There were some Filipino sailors stationed at Camp David at the time who could really dance. I loved it when I could dance with them. I wonder now what they thought. They seemed to enjoy our country shindigs because they were there often.

Some of the first recordings of attendance at the Friday night dances were 35, 29, 41, 62, 62, 67, 76, 78, 88, 83, 75, 94, 86, 73, 54, 80, 75, 108, 114, 84, 100, 126, 114, 118, 94, 105, 125, 122, 111, 94, 104, 84, and 119.

By the time the coin-operated amusement devices tax, the trader’s tax, the restaurant tax, the jukebox tax, and the cigarette tax were all taken care of, there was little to no profit; but as I said before, it was for the young people of the community. Soon, many of the local young men went into the service. This had an effect on the attendance at the dances and, in 1953, the business was closed. 

All I have left are memories and a table and a back bench from one of the booths. It was quite an era!

Photo by Blair Garrett

Tickets and cards from The Bend. 

10Tavern is a new business in Thurmont, located at 10 E. Main Street. The owners, Scott Austin and The Golf Group, purchased the former Thurmont Bar and Grill that had been in that location for nearly 40 years. They have rehabbed the entire facility on the inside and out to create a really “cool” place. They also hired an executive chef, Ray Taylor, who also serves as the general manager.

In 2010, the Golf Group opened Structural Systems and then purchased Hobb’s Hardware in Thurmont. Thurmont’s Commissioners and Economic Development Director Vickie Grinder are excited for additional shops and restaurants to select Thurmont as their business location, with the goal of making Thurmont a destination town.

Visit www.tentavern.com for more information about the restaurant and peruse the menu.

Deb Abraham Spalding

Part 3: It’s All In What You Believe

As I fumbled along my healing path under the direction of Dr. Lo, I experienced massive improvements in digestion and relief of pain, as well as some weight loss.

Dr. Lo focuses on four main areas to help people: Nutritional Response Testing (NRT), chiropractic care, allergy screening and testing, and detox. At first, I thought Dr. Lo coached his patients through each quadrant of treatments, but I was incorrect. Simply put, if the client does not need a treatment, the client doesn’t get it. 

As you may recall from last month’s article, I believed I needed chiropractic care. Afterall, I had received chiropractic care over the course of more than 20 years. Sometimes, I was seeking help several times a week.

It was a shock to learn from Dr. Lo that I didn’t need chiropractic, as long as I was not eating the things that triggered the spasm that ignited the nerves responsible for the back pain. Now, understanding this, I no longer believe I need chiropractic. I am not in pain.

Recently, I talked to a man named Skeeter who shared his path to healing with me. Skeeter sought the help of a fourth-generation acupuncturist in Frederick for vertigo and sciatica. Skeeter explained, “They’re the first [the acupuncturists], after five doctors, who helped me.” He added, “They take my insurance, so why not try it!”

Skeeter had problems with vertigo, sciatica, limitation of movement in his hands after hand and wrist surgery, and joint pain associated with Lyme Disease. The acupuncture helped the vertigo after two treatments. Then, the acupuncturist started on the sciatica. Like Dr. Lo, this doctor was working through the issues.

Skeeter had acupuncture treatments twice a week for three weeks, then once a week for another three weeks, and, now, after four months of treatments, he only goes once a month. The doctor performed acupuncture on each joint in his hands. Before, Skeeter “couldn’t pick up a quarter.” Now, Skeeter can make a fist and pick up all the change he wants—“even dimes!”

He had Lyme Disease that was causing joint pain from “dry joints.” Since receiving the acupuncture, he has had more tests for Lyme and now has only two out of five bands in the Lyme test. 

Skeeter’s symptoms and pains are less severe than ever. The sciatica and vertigo are 85-90 percent gone.

As much as I have been preaching nutrition, nutrition, nutrition with Dr. Lo’s NRT program, Skeeter hasn’t changed his diet at all with acupuncture. He said, “Unlike normal medicine where you take a pill and your headache goes away for a while, acupuncture helps long term.” Most importantly, Skeeter claims, “If you believe in the treatment, believe it will help you, then it will help.”

Skeeter’s acupuncturist was recommended to him by a western medicine doctor. “It’s helped a lot. I recommend it to anybody.”

Compared to my path where eating certain things are linked to various pains, Skeeter hasn’t changed his way of eating at all. Skeeter said, “It all depends on what you believe.” The acupuncture is really working for Skeeter. I can’t help but to believe Skeeter.

What is the path to health? Dr. Lo has several. He’s an excellent doctor. Skeeter’s acupuncture doctor also has a path to health. I think the reason for writing these articles has been to show all of our readers that going to a traditional doctor and taking pills isn’t the only way. As a matter of fact, those pills sometimes cause more problems that need more pills. It’s a crazy cycle. Maybe there’s a different path for you. We’ve told you about two options here. 

Please note, I named Dr. Lo because he’s a columnist and advertiser on our Banner Team. I didn’t name the acupuncturist because he’s not an advertiser or writer for this newzine.

I wish you the very best on your path to health.

Example of how far Skeeter could close a fist before (left) and after (right) acupuncture.

Photos by Deb Abraham Spalding

Deb Abraham Spalding

While traveling through Thurmont to look at real estate, Greg Elliott and Nina Tate-Elliott noticed the commercial space for sale at 21 East Main Street.

Their search for their new home took them to see many houses, but they were drawn back to that first house they looked at in Jimtown and the commercial space on East Main Street in Thurmont. Why Thurmont?

Nina shared, “To be totally honest, we kept coming back to that house.” The first house became THE house for Greg and Nina and the Elliotts officially opened Studio 24E with a ribbon cutting on June 24, 2023.

Greg and Nina began their journey in retail with customer service and design being the main focus. Studio 24E originated in a white cape cod residential-style building in Linthicum, Maryland, in 2001. There, the foundation was forged with a base of custom framing, and a very loyal customer following emerged and still continues today.

Slowly, new selections were added in the form of jewelry and home departments. Eventually, the Elliotts outgrew this location and, in 2005, the move was made to Oakland, Maryland, with a second location soon opening at the Wisp Resort at Deep Creek Lake. Today, all of those locations have been closed and consolidated to Thurmont.

Nina calls Studio 24E a “lifestyle store,” where the customer can purchase everything needed to create a fashionable lifestyle. Customers of all ages will notice a broad range of price points in home décor, fashion lines of clothing and accessories, fragrances for the home and body, footwear, holiday merchandise, and gifts for any occasion. Nina provides event make-up (cosmetics) services and/or make-up tutorials. Nina has been a make-up artist for close to 30 years, working for brands MAC Cosmetics and Laura Mercier.

The store’s ever-changing inventory captures your daily busy lifestyle. Carrying brands like Simply Southern, The Sak Onesole the Original Interchangeable shoe and OkaB Shoes makes it easy to accomplish.

Jewelry by famed designer Rodrigo Otazu, or Angelique de Paris, or Wind & Fire bracelets.

Our designer sunglass selection is unmatched from Tom Ford, to Versace MCM, Chloe, and more. You’ll love the great selection of Puppie Love T-shirts, as well as Maryland My Maryland tees.

Need a quick gift? Select from Aromatique home fragrance Thompson Ferrier or our Tussie Mussies bath & Body line, Mixologie Fragrance, Annalee, Old World Christmas, or from our many gift selections.

Don’t forget that quality custom framing is also available. Take a look! Visit Studio 24E at 21 E. Main Street in Thurmont or visit their website at www.studio24e.com online to shop. Call 443-679-7916 for more information.

Thurmont Town Commissioners and staff welcomed Nina Tate-Elliott and Greg Elliott  of Studio 24E to Thurmont with a ribbon cutting on June 24, 2023.

Courtesy Photo

+

Emmitsburg New Business and Development Briefs

The following are the statuses of new businesses and development coming to Emmitsburg from the town planner’s report:

Federal Stone (Creamery Road, east side of U.S. 15) — Site plan and improvement plans are complete. Performance bond estimates are being reviewed.

Village Liquors & Plaza Inn (Silo Hill Parkway) — SCD approved the improvement plat. The site plan has been submitted to the county. Payment and performance bonds are pending.

Mount St. Mary’s Seton Shrine E Wing (South Seton Avenue) — The site plan was received on May 26 and is under review.

Thurmont New Business and Development Briefs

The statuses of new businesses and development coming to Thurmont:

Subdivisions

Emmitsburg Road Flood Control Project (behind Sheetz) — The Town of Thurmont acquired 0.9 ac in the general business zone has been conditionally approved.

Hammaker Hills, Phase 1 (Woodland Avenue) — 36 single-family lots recorded and 22 permits issued for single-family dwellings.

Hammaker Hills, Phase 2 (Westview Drive) — Preliminary plat approved for 22 single-family lots in R-2 district. The improvement plan is conditionally approved.

Mechanicstown, LLC (Emmitsburg Road) — Preliminary plat approved for 31 single-family lots in R-2/ ARP district. Improvement Plans are anticipated for the Aug. 24 Planning and Zoning Commission agenda.

Mountain Brooke (Emmitsburg Road) — Preliminary plat approved for 11 single-family lots in R-2/ ARP district. Improvement Plans are anticipated for the Aug. 24 Planning and Zoning Commission agenda.

Site Plans

Thurmont Business Park (Thurmont Blvd.): Lot 1 to be developed for the relocation of Goodwill into a 17,850-square-foot building; under county review.

New Businesses

Studio 24E, a lady’s boutique, is now open at 21 East Main Street.