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National FFA Week

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John Kempisty, Catoctin FFA Reporter

During the week of February 22-28, 2015, FFA chapters across the nation celebrated National FFA Week. The Catoctin FFA Chapter celebrated every day of the week, hosting events for members and alumni.

On Sunday, the Catoctin FFA chapter ate brunch, along with chapter Alumni, at the Mountain Gate Family Restaurant. After brunch, the chapter sold emblems and popcorn at the Tractor Supply Co. store in Walkersville. On Monday, the chapter gave back to the community, making blankets to donate to the Emmitsburg Women’s Center. On Tuesday, the chapter made and served homemade ice cream in appreciation to the hard-working staff of Catoctin High School. On Wednesday, the members wore their camo to school. On Friday, the members, along with alumni, had fun dancing and playing games at a game night. On Saturday, members went skating at Cosmic skate and had dinner out in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.

On Tuesday, March 3, students from all over Frederick County traveled to Walkersville High School for the regional Creed Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Agriculture Mechanics competitions. Members from Catoctin competing in the Creed Competition were Mackenzie Hendrickson, Tiffany Lenhart, Stephanie Moreland, and Kaitlynn Neff. The creed involves new members in ninth grade, giving a speech called the Creed, and answering questions from the judges. Catoctin members competing in the Extemporaneous Speaking competition were Hannah Barth, May Cruz, and Ashley Grimes. In the Extemporaneous Speech competition, members were given an agricultural-related topic, and had thirty minutes to prepare a speech about the topic. The members were then judged on the quality and duration of their speech. Members on the Catoctin Agriculture Mechanics team were Dusty Hahn, Johnny Kempisty, Rob Reaver, Daniel Wolf; individually competing were Zach Milbourne and Jimmy Kempisty. The Agriculture Mechanics competition involved members demonstrating their proficiency in small engine knowledge and repair, welding, electrical systems, electric motors, and other agricultural technical systems.

Of the teams and individuals who competed at the Region 2 judging, those who placed were: Creed Speaking—Mackenzie Hendrickson;  Extemporaneous Speaking—May Cruz; and Agriculture Mechanics—the Catoctin Agriculture Mechanics team, which placed first.

These members will move to compete on the state level at the 85th Maryland State FFA Convention this coming June. Also, the state Agriculture Mechanics competition will be held in April at College Park.

Creed Speaking

Creed Speakers

Pictured from left are    Stephanie Moreland, Kaitlynn Neff, Tiffany Lenhart, Mackenzie Hendrickson, and Mrs. Poffenberger.

Ag. Mechanics

Ag mechanics

Pictured from left are    Coach Jason Green, Zach Milbourne, John Kempisty, Dusty Hahn, Jimmy Kempisty, Daniel Wolf, and Rob Reaver.

Extemporeneous Speaking

Exemporeneous Speaking

Pictured from left are Ashley Grimes, May Cruz, Hannah Barth, and Mrs. Poffenberger.

SPORTS news

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Mid Maryland JV Girls Team Wins Championship

The Mid Maryland JV girls basketball team won their league and tournament championships. They finished with a 19-0 record and an undefeated season.   Team members include Madison Tobery, Chayney Barnhart, Allie Thomson, Kallan Latham, Courtney Eyler, Rachel Fox, Hailey Crawford, Jaida Snider, Phoenix Staub, Madison Flohr, Alana Harris, and Lily Smith. Coaches were Jason Smith, Scott Thomson, and Chris Barnhart.

mid maryland JV girls basketball

The Mid Maryland JV girls team finished their successful season undefeated, and moved on to win their league and tournament championships.

Division 1 – 6th Grade Catoctin Boys Basketball Team

The Division 1 – 6th grade Catoctin Boys Basketball team played in the 2nd Annual Max Exposure Winter Championship on February 8, 2015, in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The team won their division championship game in overtime.

D1 Cougars 02082015

On The Wild Side

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Christine Schoene Maccabee

The Inevitability of Change

While everyone else is sleeping in on this beautiful early spring morning, I am standing outside listening to the ecstatic songs and calls of birds. I know I am the privileged one, the lucky one, for I get to hear those songs and to see the sun rise on this gorgeous day. I also witnessed the honking of a flock of geese, heading north mind you, not south, while feeling the warmth of the sun on my face.

“No snow in sight!” announced the reporter on my radio yesterday, and a thrill had gone right up my spine! Finally, the change I have been waiting for is beginning.

This has not been an easy winter for anyone. Last fall, I sensed it was going to be a hard one, and so I was dragged kicking and screaming into the cold weather months. Of course, I had no choice but to adjust, as I am entrenched here in the mountains (sort of like reporters who are entrenched in war zones). Flying to Bermuda was not an option, so there was nothing to do but accept the changes in the temperature and the radical moods of the weather patterns. If you got to go to Florida, all I can say is, “Lucky you!”. However, here is a contradiction that  you may find peculiar : I wouldn’t want to live without all these amazing seasonal changes. Once a Maryland girl, always a Maryland girl, complaints and all!

The Ecclesiastic philosopher of the Old Testament lived around 900 B.C., a time when writing one’s thoughts down was beginning to become all the rage. He did not use the word “change,” but that was what he was thinking. I have been thinking a lot about change, too, and its inevitability; and so I am writing about it now in 2015. The “Preacher” as we call this mystery man, was a good bit more grim about life in his book than I am (it is not really a great read). Perhaps if he knew what scientists have revealed to us in this day and age about the nature of life, his mind might have been more at ease. We now know that changes are occurring at every second of our lives, as well as the life of our planet, not to mention the universe. In fact, with no change, there would be no life, at least not as we know it. Without change, much like the changes of chords and keys in music, there would be no creativity and very little of interest or beauty.

Chord changes in music, though hard to learn for some people, come easily to me. However, some changes in life’s circumstances have come very hard. There have been times in my life when I could not sing a love song if you paid me. Loss of love relationships can nearly kill a person. I call this bad change. As well, the unexpected death or disappearance of a loved one can leave a hole in  one’s heart that may not easily be recovered from, if ever. Ambiguous loss (such as not knowing if your son or brother who went off to war is dead or alive (popularly called “missing in action”) can be a tragedy that may be impossible to transcend, and creates a wrenching change for loved ones. Even a divorce can create similar feelings of loss and change, that only time can heal. Unexpected calamities such as fires and floods, auto accidents, twisters, tsunamis, earthquakes, war, and illness also create difficult circumstances that inevitably require heroic adaptation and tons of faith.

A couple of years ago, a fire destroyed my little house and many precious items. This was a most unwelcome change, to say the least.  A time of mourning ensued and my recovery has taken a while, as many of my plans were shattered, as well as my peace of mind. However, due to that setback, among others, I have become a more empathetic person. I see now that we are all bound together by a single thread, that thread being change, and there is no avoiding it. It takes perspective to attain wisdom, and after so many changes in my life, I must admit, I am still not wise. So who is? Your spouse? Your minister? A teacher? Your best friend? Count yourself lucky if you have at least one such person in your life; for no matter how hard the adjustment, there is usually at least one person who cares enough to help see you through with their love and understanding.

If my death (the ultimate change) is inevitable, which it is, then I will again be dragged kicking and screaming ‘til then; none of that mellowing into end of life antiquity for me! As philosophical as I try to be about all the changes—good, bad, and difficult—my plan is to drink deeply from that Fountain of Youth, and, springtime is the best time of year to do just that. Nature is “the gentlest mother” said Emily Dickinson, and, I agree, since my problems tend to melt away as soon as I walk out the door into the wonderful wildness of the little mountain valley I call home. Today, the birds are going crazy trilling their tunes for  mates. In time, babies will be hatching, warmer breezes will be blowing, Easter eggs will be hunted by our next generations, and resurrection feelings will come as naturally as the crocus and daffodils emerging from the once frozen soil. I can handle spring changes. They are great changes!

So, thank God winter is over! Let us now all join in singing a lusty chorus of “Alleluias” for the wonder, and inevitability, of change (and don’t forget the chord changes that create those heavenly harmonies)!

Raising Dogs to Help the Blind

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James Rada, Jr.

Five young Labrador retrievers bounded into the Frederick Youth Center on a cold Thursday night, pulling their trainers behind them. Still puppies, they wanted to romp, play, and explore. They slid on the wooden floor, as they strained their leashes to visit nearby people or other puppies.

This wasn’t a play-date for them, though. Pretty soon, they were calmed down and one-by-one they were asked to show their mastery of basic commands. They had to go to their rug and lay down on command and come to their trainer on command. They were also walked around the room to experience different smells and tactile sensations.

These puppies are destined for bigger things than chasing squirrels around a yard. They are only puppies now, but in a couple of years they will help blind people lead independent lives. These puppies are part of the Guiding Eyes For The Blind Program.

“Our job is to raise the puppies to be sent to New York, where they can be trained to be guide dogs,” said Beth Propps of Emmitsburg.

She and her family have raised three dogs, from approximately eight weeks old until they are eighteen months old. Propps first got involved with the program in 2009, when she saw a newspaper ad asking for volunteers.

“We do miss the puppies when they leave—they’re all such characters—but we know going in we’re only going to have them for a short time,” Propps said.

Guiding Eyes has been around since 1954, so they have developed a program based on seeing what has worked in the past. Since all of the puppies that the organization trains each year can’t be trained in New York, where the Guiding Eyes headquarters is, local organizations like Guiding Eyes Catoctin have been set up to handle the pre-training of puppies.

“They tell you exactly what needs to be done each day,” Propps said. “Then the puppies are evaluated weekly to see how they are doing.”

The pre-training involves things that are good for every dog to know. House manners. Obey voice commands. Control their youthful exuberance. The local families also make sure to expose the dogs to a variety of stimuli, such as train noises, crowds, and farm animals.

Not all dogs are cut out to be guide dogs, though. When the dogs are eighteen months old, they are evaluated for the New York program, and again upon completion of the program. Those dogs that don’t make the cut are often used as companions for autistic children or police dogs to be trained to sniff out drugs or bombs. A few might be used in a Guiding Eyes breeding program. If none of those options work, then the dog is adopted out to a loving family.

Guiding Eyes depends on volunteer puppy raisers to provide the love, support, and direction the puppies need to prepare them for formal training as future guide dogs. No prior experience is necessary, as Guiding Eyes provides training and support for raisers; raisers attend local classes and puppy evaluations. 

For more information or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer puppy raiser or simply want to learn more, take a look at these websites: Guiding Eyes Catoctin: guidingeyescatoctin.org and Guiding Eyes For the Blind: guidingeyes.org.

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Puppy-in-training, Endora, is shown with her raiser, Susan Allen.

Photo by James Rada, Jr.

 

Thurmont Moves Forward on The Gateway Trail

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James Rada, Jr.

You may notice some new road signs in Thurmont indicating that you are on The Gateway Trail.

The signs were approved by the Thurmont Mayor and Board of Commissioners in January, as a way to start promoting the new hiking and biking trail before the weather turns warm.

Thurmont Main Street Manager Vickie Grinder told the commissioners that the idea was “to create a buzz” about the trail.

In 2012, Catoctin Mountain Park had nearly 250,000 visitors, but only a small portion of those visitors extended their visit into Thurmont, according to Grinder. She believes that The Gateway Trail will help encourage visitors to come into town after their visit to the park.

The trail begins at the Trolley Trail in town. From Memorial Park, it runs along Park Lane to Frederick Road to South Altamont and west along West Main Street. At that point, the trail will tie in with a trail that the National Park Service is developing down to the Lewis Property. Once complete, visitors will be able to hike from Thurmont up onto Catoctin Mountain and back.

Eventually, the goal is to run the trail through Community Park and build a bridge at the back of the park that crosses the highway and ties into the Lewis Property from that direction.

The mayor and commissioners approved $350 for up to twelve signs to mark the trail. This would allow people to start using the trail this season. Grinder said that it would put the trail “on the map” for possible funding for trail improvements next year.

“This can work,” Grinder told the commissioners. “It will work. It is just going to take a concerted effort by all parties.”

Business news

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The Palms Restaurant Adds New Hours

Deb Spalding

Terry (Orndorff) Ryder and Doug Long, proprietors of The Palms Restaurant, located at 16-20 West Main Street in Emmitsburg, will now open the restaurant on Tuesdays, from 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Customer hours the rest of the week remain the same: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 7:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; Sundays 7:30-11:30 a.m., with only breakfast served; Closed on Mondays.

Terry has a long history at the restaurant. She was hired in 1981 by Adam Mott, and worked there full-time for seven years. She left for a job at the Provincial House.

“In 1999, Frank Davis talked me into coming back full-time,” said Terry. His mother, Dot Davis, needed the help, so she worked with Frank and his wife, Julie, to run the establishment. In August of 2001, Terry and Doug purchased the business.

The restaurant stands on a solid reputation for good food. “Everything is homemade,” said Terry.

Customer favorites include soups, crab cakes, the crab & cheddar melt, the real hot turkey sandwich with fries, and the desserts. Despite the chilly weather, the soft ice cream machine is up and running for hot fudge brownie sundaes and pie a-la-mode. Breakfast is also popular at The Palms Restaurant.

“On Sundays, if you get in before the door locks, you will get your breakfast,” said Terry.

The bar at The Palms is also open. Stop by for the popular Orange Crush that also comes in Ruby Red Grapefruit, Orange Cranberry, and Watermelon flavors. When the restaurant is open, The Palms’ bar is also open. Stop in until 10:00 p.m. on Wednesdays; 11:00 p.m. on Thursdays; and 12:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Specials this month include Roast Turkey on Thursdays and Pan Fried Chicken on Wednesdays.

Call 301-447-3689 for carryout.

Terry-Ryder

Pictured are Terry Ryder and Doug Long, owners of The Palms Restaurant in Emmitsburg.

Photo by Deb Spalding

Main Street Groomers Open Shop in Emmitsburg

Deb Spalding

Judy Cochran opened the first Main Street Groomers shop with her twin sister, Cindy Grimes, in Thurmont a few years ago.

Since that first opening, Cindy has shifted her attention to her real estate business, while Judy has opened additional shops on several Main Streets: Taneytown, Walkersville, Middletown, and, most recently, Emmitsburg.

Greta Gray is the full-time groomer at the Emmitsburg location. She’s been grooming for over a year, having completed her training at the Thurmont shop.

Main Street Groomers is a full-service groomer for dogs and cats. They will give your pet a bath, a shave, a haircut, a clipping, a nail trim, clean their ears, brush their teeth, and so on.

“Most people will choose their groomer by location. We have a great reputation for being a full-service, friendly groomer. We take very good care of our dogs and cats,” said Gray.

Shop owner Judy Cochran said, “It’s important to me to ensure that our customers receive the best of care. Our pets are members of our families, and we treat them as part of our family while they visit.”

Customer, Eric Lewis of Emmitsburg, took his boxer named Koolie to the Emmitsburg Main Street Groomers, because he received their colorful flier in the mail. “I chose this groomer because of location. Greta is doing a great job,” said Lewis.

Emmitsburg’s Main Street Groomers is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. until the last appointment. Appointments are requested for all services, except nail clipping. Walk-ins are accepted for nail clippings for $10.00 (mornings are recommended).

Please ask about their Bath Therapy program for dogs with allergies or skin issues!

Pets of all sizes, colors, breeds, and temperaments are welcome to the shop. All pets will be pampered equally. Services start at $25.00, but specific prices will be determined when the scope of services is defined.

Stop by 321 West Main Street, Suite 1, in Emmitsburg, or call 301-447-3100 for more information. Find Main Street Groomers on Facebook and online at www.MainStreetGroomers.net.

Greta-Gray-at-Ebg-Main-Stre

Greta Gray at Emmitsburg Main Street Groomers with Shay Gray and Koolie Lewis.

Photo by Deb Spalding 

Seton Village Now Fully Leased

James Rada, Jr.

It didn’t take long for the new Seton Village Apartments in Emmitsburg to fill up. The apartments were open for occupancy in November 2014 and the last of the forty-three units was occupied in early February 2015.

“The people who are moving in love the property, and they love the community,” said Karen Williams, the community manager for Humphrey Management, who handles the leasing of the apartments.

Homes for America, a non-profit housing development corporation, redeveloped one wing of the Daughters of Charity Provincial House and converted the A wing into forty-three senior apartments. The apartment sizes range from 600 square feet to 900 square feet. They include a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and handicap-accessible designs.

Homes for America is based in Annapolis, Maryland. It specializes in creating affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households, in particular those that include seniors or people with special needs. Since 1994, Homes for America has created 67 housing communities that contain 5,258 rental units in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Delaware.

Williams said that the apartments and its residents have integrated well with the other non-profit and business operations in the building. The apartments share their building with the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Daughters of Charity Archives, and St. Joseph’s Ministries.

While some of the residents in Seton Village already lived locally and simply relocated, other residents moved into the community from out of state.

“We have residents from Massachusetts, Florida, and Texas,” Williams said. “With the family from Texas, their family lived locally and was able to relocate them here when they heard about the apartments.”

Seton Village, which began two years ago, received a federal loan to help purchase the property. As long as the community continues to meet certain conditions, the loan will not have to be repaid.

Getz Computers and Communications Opens in Emmitsburg

Deb Spalding

Getz Computers and Communications is now open to service all of your IT needs at 402 West Main Street in Emmitsburg. Proprietor, Brian Getz, of Emmitsburg, has eighteen years of experience in basic networking and cabling, personal computer repair, laser printer repair, laptop repair, virus removal, spyware removal, operating system upgrades, and just about anything to do with a personal computer.

Before opening the store, Brian worked out of his house. He had two reasons for moving into a retail space: (1) Internet service—he did not have good service in his home; (2) Retail inventory—he’d like to sell retail computer items such as mice, keyboards, HP computers, print cartridges, and the like.

Call Brian Getz at the new Getz Computers and Communications shop for all of your IT needs at 301-447-4292. Brian can also help to dispose of old equipment, but he cautions customers that there may be a cost involved, especially when the customer would like the data on the hard drives to be erased or shredded before a computer is junked.

Brian can also coach computer “dummies” with the basic use and function of their computers. He will go to your location or you can stop by the shop.

There is convenient free parking on both sides of the street outside of his shop.

Brian-Getz-with-son-Zachary

Pictured are Brian Getz and his son, Zachary.

Photo by Deb Spalding

Lewistown District Volunteer Fire Department Banquet

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DSC_0208The Lewistown District Volunteer Fire Department held its annual banquet in their banquet hall on February 7, 2015.

President Donald Stull, Sr. presented the welcome, Renae Coolidge gave the invocation, and Chief Vicky Martin gave chief’s comments. Donald Stull awarded Life Membership to Joe Linton. About Joe, he said, “His pay’s about like mine… a big ‘Thank you,’ but we have a lot of fun!”

This past year, new floors and gear lockers were installed in the department’s engine bay. Drills were conducted for water rescue and vehicle entrapment extrication. The company handled 653 calls, more than the previous year.

Eric Smothers of the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Association swore in the officers. He said, “Traveling the county, I know it takes a lot of folks to make a department run. It takes a constant effort to get volunteers across the county and nationally. Thank you all very much for volunteering.”

Administrative officers included: President, Donald Stull, Sr.; Vice President, Chuck Jenkins; Secretary, Karen Stull; Assistant Secretary, Shari Jenkins; Treasurer, Lena Stull; Assistant Treasurer, Delbert Stull; and Board of Directors, Jacob Howell, Donald Martin, Kenny Miller, Scott Stonesifer, Steve Stull, and Wayne Stull.

Line Officers included: Chief, Vicky Martin; Deputy Chief, Wayne Wachter, Jr.; Assistant Chief, Doug Wallick, Jr.; Assistant Chief, Mike Fogle; and Captain, Scott Stonesifer. Scott Martin was assigned as Chair of the Training Committee.

A seven minute video was presented showing a review of the year in pictures. Renae Coolidge held a memorial service for Rosalie Keyser Garver who passed September 12, 2014.

ToDSC_0204p Fire Responders were:  Mike Stull (46), Lisa Monday (56, 70 EMT), Jake Howell (67), Donald Stull (83), Steve Stull(83, 46 EMT), Frani Wachter (83, 41 EMT), Mike Fogle (91, 41 EMT), Donald Martin (126), Wayne Wachter, Jr. (130, 122 EMT), Wayne Stull (133, 123 EMR), Beth Wachter (136. 122 EMT), and Top Responder Vicky Martin (175, 111 EMT). Also recognized for EMR responses were Brianna Wachter (81) and Stephanie Wachter (93).

Members of the Fire Police were recognized: Steve Stull, Thomas ‘Doc’ Wachter, Ronnie Myers, Diana Bryant, Mike Toms, and Bobby Black. Also recognized were new Fire Police Donald ‘Bud’ Howerton, Kenny Miller and Fred Baudrau.

Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company Holds 26th Annual Banquet

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Allison Rostad

DSC_0170-1The Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company held its 26th Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, January 31, 2015, at their station. The event included a social hour with music by Mike Mahoney of Dr. Mudcat’s Medicine Show D.J., followed by a dinner buffet provided by Sunnyway Catering Services. Father John Holliday of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church led the invocation.

The awards ceremony opened with Eric Stackhouse, assistant chief operational officer and vice president administrative officer, emceeing the program. Stackhouse first introduced guest speaker Clarence “Chip” Jewell, Director/Volunteer Chief with the Division of Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS), who gave a presentation on the necessity of having volunteers remain within the field. Following Jewell’s presentation, Company President Mary Lou Little, gave her remarks on the past year’s trials and tribulations.

“Members have learned to work very well with each other,” Little explained about the company and their overall reaction to being placed on second due status this past year. “Our supporters never gave up on us,” she continued, “they stuck by us as always.” The banquet’s underlying message was unity and perseverance.

DSC_01811“Another big challenge we faced was having our county funding withheld, because we’re not running first due calls due to the career staff being removed and housed at the fire company,” said Little. “We now had to pay 100 percent of all operating costs…we live every day, every week, every month by our original income budget. We raise every dime to continue to save the county millions of dollars.”

Although the company was hit with a tough year, they managed to raise over $5,000 to donate to scholarships to help students at Catoctin High School and Mother Seton School, as well as other non–profit organizations within the community. 

Little stated, “It is very important to us to be able to ‘give back’ to our community.” To close her remarks, she asked that each member of the ambulance crew stand so she could recognize them with the 2014 President Award, as it was a “no brainer” for her to choose the entire company for their efforts in keeping the company up and running.

 Chief Rose Latini then took the stage to present her remarks on the past year as well, calling the station “The little engine that could.” 

Although the company was on second due status for the majority of the year, they still managed to gain twelve new operational members, and are still recruiting.

“The past year has been a very rewarding road,” Latini explained, referencing Little’s statement about losing the career staff. “It allowed us time to take a look into the house and work with DFRS to get things where they are today. We’ve bonded as an operational team. I realized during that time the passion that our operational members had,” added Latini.

She applauded the members and presented the 2014 Chief’s Award to all members of the company saying, “There’s not one person in this company that did not rise to the occasion.”

Stackhouse returned to the stage and began calling the names of every member, as they all were to receive a reward from both the chief and president for their outstanding achievement throughout the year.

DSC_0175-1Little then presented Life Membership awards to members who had earned their gold cards: Eric Stackhouse, Beth Ruppel, and John Ruppel. The Training Award was presented to Smiley and Judy White, who came down to the station to help train EVAC members so they could qualify for their certifications.

Dan and Anne Reaver were presented a special award by Little, where she mentioned that the Company, “wouldn’t know where they’d be without them.”

Stackhouse recognized the Top 10 LOSAP: Pam Bolin (267); Vicki Long (285); Ed Little (349); Diane Kelly (380); John Ruppel (398); Kim Bolin (427); Beth Ruppel (513); Mary Lou Little (572); Dallas Bucheit (582); and Jim Wormley (596).

Top 10 Responders were:  (1) Rose Latini; (2) Jennifer Frushour; (3) Eric Stackhouse; (4) Colt Black; (5) John Ruppel; (6) Beth Ruppel; (7) C.N. Burriss; (8) Dallas Bucheit; (9) Brandon Burriss; (10) Lisa Eichelberger.

Lastly, Stackhouse recognized the members of Thurmont Ambulance Company 30 with a bronze plaque of their new social hall being built as a thank you for all their assistance throughout 2014.

As part of closing the ceremony, Stackhouse had a few presentations he wanted to give away himself. He invited both Little and Latini back up to the stage, where he presented each with an award. For Little, the Board of Directors decided to pay for the first month of internet service to be set up at her house, as she’s only been able to send and receive emails while at the station. She was also rewarded with a gavel from Stackhouse to have and use at meetings. For Latini, she was awarded a Company 26 winter jacket, as it seems she’s always cold. A round of applause was given for both for their hard work and dedication.

DSC_0178-1Judith White, Secretary of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, installed officers. Operational Officers: Chief—Rose Latini; Assistant Chief—Eric Stackhouse; Lieutenants—Sara Johnston, Rose Mercandetti, and Rachel Rosebrock; Sergeants—Beth Ruppel and John Ruppel; and Honorary Lieutenant—Ed Little. Administrative Officers: President—Mary Lou Little; Vice President—Eric Stackhouse; Secretary—Vicki Long; Assistant Secretary—Kim Bolin; Treasurer—Pam Bolin; and Assistant Treasurer—Beth Ruppel. Board of Directors: Bob Dinterman—Donna Miller, Diane Kelly, and Ed Little.

Town of Thurmont Holds Open House for New Municipal Building

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During the Open House and Dedication Ceremony for the Town of Thurmont’s new Municipal Building, held January 31, 2015, Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird was obviously very proud. His message was one of great appreciation for all the parties involved in bringing the project to fruition.

Town Commissioner Wayne Hooper had broached the idea of purchasing the former Daily Funeral Home property, located at 615 East Main Street, and renovating it for use as a new town municipal building. At the time, Town Commissioner Marty Burns was mayor and helped to jumpstart the project. Mayor Kinnaird took office as the bidding process for construction was about to begin.  Mayor Kinnaird stayed very involved in the project as it progressed.

Mayor Kinnaird asked former Mayor, now Commissioner, Burns to cut the ribbon. Burns was sure to point out that no one person gets all of the credit for the project. It was truly a combined effort by many, including Bill Blakeslee for applying for the money and grants to purchase the building and completing many of the renovations.

After the ribbon was cut, Mayor Kinnaird welcomed special guests, starting with Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner. Gardner offered congratulations for a beautiful renovation that will serve the community for many years.

Frederick County Councilman Kirby Delauter said, “It’s a good day for Thurmont. Congratulations!”

Kinnaird recognized Thurmont Police Chief Greg Eyler; Thurmont Police Lt. Alan Droneburg; Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins; Lonestar Builders; Green Brothers Construction; Cornerstone Heating and Air Conditioning; Tier One Technology Partners; Quick Connect Communications; former Mayor Eileen Waesche; Lisa Nolan Humerick; Lowman Keeney with the Thurmont Ambulance Company; former Thurmont Superintendent of Public Works, Joe Fraley; Donna Voellinger, President of the Thurmont Historical Society; Carol Robertson, President of Catoctin Colorfest; Butch West and the Thurmont Public Works Department; Jim Brown, Project Manager; and other Town staff, including Harold Lawson, Randy Eyler, Tim Eyler, Brad Weddle, Dave Stevens, Gary Hodges, Lee Hanvey, and Russell Sanders. Town of Thurmont office staff members were also introduced, including Becky Long, Senior Administrative Assistant; Tracy Schur, Chief Financial Officer; Wanda Stottlemyer; Melody Dix; Lori Kaas; Debbie Ecker; and Chief Administrative Officer Jim Humerick.

Mayor Kinnaird gave praise to all parties involved and also recognized Jim Castle with the Department of Housing and Community Development, stating that, “We wouldn’t have gotten the grant money to purchase the building and complete the project without his help.”

A historian at heart, Mayor Kinnaird noted the history of Thurmont Town Offices. They were first housed in the basement of the Thurmont Bank Building on the square, and then moved in 1956 or 1957 to the Frederick Street location. Moving now to a property that was once owned by one of Thurmont’s former mayors seems fitting.

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Pictured from left are Town Commissioners Bill Buehrer, Wayne Hooper, Marty Burns, Wes Hamrick, and Mayor John Kinnaird during the Dedication Ceremony for the Town of Thurmont’s new Municipal Building on January 31, 2015.

Photo by Allison Rostad

Jen’s Cutting Edge Moves to New Location

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Grace Eyler

Jen Weddle, owner of Jen’s Cutting Edge hair salon, recalls memories of the start of her career. At age fifteen, she began working part-time for Catoctin Hair Studio as a shampoo girl. While attending Catoctin High School, the young stylist began her cosmetology education at VoTech in Frederick (what CTC is today). When the Catoctin Hair Studio salon closed, the opportunity arose for her to open her very own shop. At the young age of twenty, she opened Jen’s Cutting Edge Salon in the Cozy Shoppes in Thurmont. In 2010, long-time friend, Missy Morgan, joined Jen’s team, then Lois Gaber also joined in 2013. Jen takes care of the hair, and Missy and Lois schedule, take calls, and happily welcome their clients.

This year, Jen’s Cutting Edge hair salon is celebrating fifteen years in business. When the Cozy Shoppes closed, Jen was forced to relocate and set up shop at 12917 Catoctin Furnace Road next to Mike’s Auto Body.  This location is visible from Route US 15 near Catoctin Zoo.

“It’s been a quite a transition,” said Jen.

In her prior location, she also offered tanning. Jen plans on re-opening that tanning portion of the business in the future. In the meantime, every product and service that you remember from her previous location is available in the new location, and the new shop is only two miles away from the old location. In the past, people would park in the Cozy parking lot, crossing the busy street to get to her shop. The new location features easy and convenient parking, which makes it very accessible to senior or disabled clients, especially during bad weather. Another perk that came with her new location is a kid-friendly environment, with a tot-sized table and an assortment of interesting toys for entertainment.

“We are hair care for the whole family, and we are happy to give children their first haircut, and every cut from there on out!” said Jen.

With a strong focus on accommodating not only ladies, but the entire family, Jen offers a wide array of services, including haircuts, waxing, perms, updos, foil and cap highlights, and all-over dye. Jen’s Cutting Edge also provides high quality hair products and high-end nail polishes. Even though tanning isn’t currently offered, if you’re looking for discounted lotions or goggles for the local gym’s tanning beds, these great ladies will have you covered!

Appointments are highly recommended. To schedule your appointment, contact the salon at 301-271-0011. Hours of operation are Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Jen Weddle, owner of Jen’s Cutting Edge, is shown with one of her many loyal clients.

Jens Cutting Edge 2

Photo by Grace Eyler

AROUND town

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Country Butchering

A Country Butchering will be held on February 21, 2015, at the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company. A pancake breakfast will be served on the morning of the butchering, from 6:00-10:00 a.m. Benefits the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company.

Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Events

The Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Association in Fairfield will host the following events in February 2015: Cash Bingo at 1:00 p.m. on February 1; Bar Bingo at 7:00 p.m. on February 6, 13, and 20; Wagner Shoot on February 7 and 21; Meat Shoot on February 14; Valentine’s Day Dinner on February 14; Meat Raffle and Buffet on February 27.

MSS Thirty-One, Coach & Vera Bradley

Mother Seton School (MSS) is holding a Thirty-One, Coach & Vera Bradley Bingo on February 21, 2015, at Mother Seton School, located at 100 Creamery Road in Emmitsburg. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with games beginning at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $20.00 if purchased in advance or $25.00 at the door the night of the event.

His Place Car Show

Mark your calendar for the 6th Annual His Place Car Show, being held on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Mother Seton School, located at 100 Creamery Road in Emmitsburg. Event features three awards each, for five categories; raffle, food, door prizes, and more.

Moving Sale

A Moving Sale will take place February 20-22, 2015, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Cozy Inn, 103 Frederick Road in Thurmont. Items for sale include 450 salt and pepper shakers, home decor, Camp David and Cozy items, figurines; coffee table, claw foot tub, hutches, cupboard, safes, desks, cabinets, sewing machines, stained glass canopies; office items such as computers, binders, swivel chairs, and stationary, and much more. Also a mini doughnut making machine will be sold.

Rental spaces are available (all inside).

All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner

The American Legion Riders are sponsoring an All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, February 15, 2015, from 1:00-4:00 p.m., at Woodsboro American Legion, located at 101 W. Elizabeth Street in Woodsboro, Maryland. The cost is $10.00 per person (children under 12 years old are free). Tickets can be purchased at the door.

EVAC Bingo Bash

Don’t miss Bingo Bash at Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company (EVAC) on March 21, 2015. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m., with games beginning at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $40.00 if purchased in advance, and $50.00 if purchased at the door the night of the event. Bingo features twenty-two games, paying $250 each, with three $1,000 jackpots, plus a meal.

Vigilant Hose Company’s Annual Spring Fling

The Vigilant Hose Company will host their annual Spring Fling event on May 16, 2015, on the grounds of Mount St. Mary’s University. It’s time to get your ticket. Contact Chris Stahley at 301-447-3081, John Glass at 301-447-3648, Gabe Baker at 301-447-2212, or Bill Boyd at 717-6423-9717 for more information or to arrange your purchase.

St. John’s Christian Preschool’s Open House

St. John’s Christian Preschool will hold an Open House on Friday, February 27, 2015, from 9:00-10:00 a.m., at 15 North Street in Thurmont.

Hazel’s Thrift Store Opens on the Emmitsburg Square

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Hazel's Thrift StoreGrace Eyler

On January 3, 2015, Anita Marsellars opened Hazel’s Thrift Store on the square in Emmitsburg. This is Marsellars’ first business venture, in honor of her late mother, Hazel.

“She was such a kind-hearted person who loved to give back to her community,” said Marsellars.

With that in mind, Marsellars understands how the costs of living continuously creeps up over time. This leaves many in need of an affordable alternative for clothing, electronics, accessories, home items, toys for children, and other such items. Marsellers brings a wide array of very lightly used merchandise into her store for customers to purchase at a low price.

“I wouldn’t want to sell anything to my customers that I wouldn’t buy myself,” she said.

To make sure she brings the best quality of used goods to Emmitsburg, she travels as far as Ohio, North Carolina, and other bordering states to build her inventory. Many of the clothing items are even brand names—Coach Purses are displayed on the wall.

Marsellers, who makes a commute from Germantown to Emmitsburg every day, is very familiar with this area, attending Emmitsburg Auction’s weekly auctions. When CJ’s recently closed their storefront and relocated to their South Seton Avenue location, she jumped on the opportunity to rent the vacated space to open Hazel’s Thrift Store.

She said that while preparing the store, “We’ve had many people stopping in to take a look around, or do a little shopping. Also, many locals have been stopping in to welcome me to Emmitsburg.”

Stop by and visit “Miss Anita” Marsellers at Hazel’s Thrift Shop on the square of Emmitsburg. Her door is open from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and closed on Sundays. If you have any questions, just give Anita a call at 301-447-4323.

Shamrock’s Little Christmas

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Deb Spalding

On Tuesday, January 6, 2014, the public was invited to enjoy the Irish tradition of Women’s Little Christmas at Shamrock Restaurant in Thurmont.

Outside the dining room windows that day at Shamrock, diners observed beautiful soft snow falling, as they settled in the fire-warmed dining room listening contently as singers, Nita Corn and her daughter Eileen, sang Irish and holiday tunes. For the folks who ventured out, it was an enjoyable afternoon.

Shamrock’s Donna Demmon welcomed visitors by visiting each table. She explained that after the ladies in Ireland have worked to create a festive holiday for their families, they are rewarded with a girl’s outing to celebrate. 

“Ladies would go to the pub and sit and have a Guinness. The publican (man or woman who owns the pub) would serve them free corned beef sandwiches on Women’s Little Christmas. We’re serving to everyone who comes in today, ladies and gentleman, a complimentary Reuben Sandwich,” said Demmon.

Donna enjoyed visiting the folks at each table and making sure they understood the tradition that was being celebrated. She presented each table with free corned beef pinwheels.

Before the snow, Donna said that the reservations for the event were more than she had hoped, but with the weather conditions, many did not venture out. She plans to host the event annually and continue to share the tradition.

DSC_1001

Shamrock Restaurant’s Donna Demmon is shown serving Jackie Campbell, Carol Robertson, and Kathy Cogan corned beef pinwheels during Little Women’s Christmas.

P.A.K.N. (Police and Kids Night)

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The P.A.K.N. Program (Police and Kids Night) is a free drop-in cooperative between the Thurmont Police Department and the Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation. This is a fun opportunity for youth ages 11-17 to play pick-up basketball, soccer, kickball, flag football, or just hang out with friends. It’s a place to interact with the Thurmont Police officers in a relaxed atmosphere. Located in the Thurmont Recreation Center (the county-run Recreation Center in the gym of Thurmont Middle School), this activity is held every third Thursday of the month. The next P.A.K.N. drop-in will be held February 19, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

“We have a great program, we need to spread the word to community members,” said Carrie Sprinkle, Recreation Coordinator with Frederick County Parks and Recreation.

Thurmont’s Police Chief Greg Eyler said, “The program is a way we, the police, can interact and meet many of the kids in town. We believe the program will be beneficial for us and the kids and it promotes our community policing efforts. There are many programs and activities for the kids.  We wanted to provide a more personal one where the kids could see that their police officers have a different side to them, not just the official side. The police department and the Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation believe in this program, and we are hopeful that attendance will increase.  Interaction and communicating with the citizens, no matter what age, is of utmost importance. It builds a foundation of trust, which is one of our goals.”

Just drop in and have some fun! Call 301-600-2936 with any questions.

Give Him a Home Where the Buffalo Roam

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James Rada, Jr.

Lewistown Elementary School student, Nik Contreras, hunches over a notebook, writing down figures for a loan he needs to buy a bison for his farm. Coming up with his total, he flips to another page and begins sketching a design for the corrals on his farm. It’s all part of his business plan.

Then the school bell rings and recess is over.

Nik is only nine years old, but he has a vision for his future, and it is centered around the huge shaggy animals from western lore, typically called buffalo.

“The settlers in the West knew about European buffalo, and, since bison looked like buffalo, that’s what they called them,” Contreras said.

A few years ago, Nik saw his first bison at a park in Virginia, and they captured his imagination. He liked their big heads and shaggy bodies.

He began drawing them in a sketchbook and searching for pictures on the internet of bison that he could use for models. He happened to click on one of those pictures, thinking it would enlarge, but instead it took him to the National Bison Association website.

He began exploring the website, learning more about bison and how to raise them for meat like cattle.

“People tell me why not raise cattle, but I say bison is better,” said Nik. “You don’t need to feed them as much. They can take care of themselves better than cows. You just need nice grass and water.”

Nik can tell you all about considerations for planning a ranch on which to raise bison. He continues researching them, because his plan is to eventually buy his own ranch.

His first step toward this goal is to buy his first bison. Many places around the country will sell bison at auction, just like a cattle auction. His research has allowed him to pick out an auction where he believes he can find the best deal. He has also found out that he can get an unsecured Rural Youth Agriculture loan for up to $5,000.

Now, he just has to turn ten, which will happen later this year.

Nik is now a junior member of the National Bison Association, and he also became the very first junior member of the Eastern Bison Association.

“They’re great people,” said Cindy Burnsteel, Nik’s mother. “They answer his e-mails and calls and treat him as they would any other adult.”

Since becoming interested in raising bison, Nik has attended different round-ups, visited a number of bison ranches, and even lobbied members of Congress about the benefits of bison meat.

“It tastes better than beef,” Nik said. “It’s a little sweeter. It’s also low in fat and cholesterol. You can use it to make a lot of things, like soup, tacos, and burgers.”

Nik even knows how he will raise the money to make loan payments and pay for the upkeep of his bison at a ranch. He is going to make bullwhips and sell them. It is a skill that he has been learning for quite some time, and he believes that he can make better ones than you can often purchase in stores.

Once the first bison he buys has had a few calves, he will sell it and raise the young ones. He will continue raising and breeding them, slowly growing his herd and his income until he has enough money to buy his first ranch. He figures that it will be in Michigan or Wisconsin.

Not surprisingly, he has also researched the places in the United States that have the best conditions for raising bison.

Bill Edwards of SB Farms in Hurlock, Maryland, and Nik Contreras are pictured, with bison bull, Captain Hook.

Bison-article-by-Jim

Photo Courtesy of Cindy Burnsteel

Mineral Bob’s Great Outdoors

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The Dirt on Minerals

by Bob Warden

I hope your hunting season went well, and your freezer is full of venison and your mind full of memories. My season was successful and I have plenty of bologna, chip, and hot dogs to get us through the year.

Now we start the real work to help our deer herd make it through the winter and into the spring, antler growing and fawning seasons. As soon as possible, if you are on private land, you need to start replenishing what the deer have lost through the breeding season and the cold winter months. By this, I mean helping them replenish fat reserves, vitamins, and minerals. I am big on deer nutrition for the health of the herd and for antler growth.

Through the winter, where it is legal, I use a grain-based product, Maxi-1 (15 percent protein) by WYLD Mineral products. Please do not use just corn. Deer need a variety of things, and only feeding them corn does not give them the protein they need. Corn is just a carbohydrate, and too much corn can actually change a deer’s digestive process. They can starve with a full stomach of corn. If you research it on the Internet, you will see what I mean.

As you can tell by my nickname, “Mineral Bob,” my big thing is getting the right minerals in my deer. You can do this year round but it is highly important from March through September. During these months, as things green-up, deer eat a lot of vegetation that is high in water and potassium, which will make them urinate more and in the process, they lose high amounts of salt, calcium, and phosphorus. By just putting out a salt block, the deer will be attracted to it, but will miss the two main minerals they need: calcium and phosphorus. These minerals will help in milk and fawn production, muscle development, and antler growth. So, use the salt as the attractant (this time of year deer crave salt) to get the deer to take in the other essential minerals for overall health.

Look at the labels on the product you use, choose as close to 30 percent total calcium and phosphorus as possible, with calcium being close to twice the amount of phosphorus. The amount of salt in your product is a well-debated topic. I use WYLD Minerals Orchard blend, which is 47 percent salt, 15 percent calcium, and 9.5 percent phosphorus, along with other trace minerals.

One thing to remember is that the closer you are to the ocean, the less salt the deer need.

Emmitsburg’s Green Efforts Paying Off

James Rada, Jr.

The Town of Emmitsburg recently replaced its street lights with LED lights. The result is that the cost to run those lights has dropped by nearly two-thirds.

This is just one of the ways that the town’s efforts to go green—while reducing costs and maintaining the quality of life in town—have paid off.

Last year, the town signed a resolution to participate in the Sustainable Maryland Certified Municipal program.

“It’s a state program with the University of Maryland Environmental Center that puts together a series of tasks or projects that lead toward the better use of community resources,” said Jerry Muir, who is coordinating the town’s certification efforts.

To become certified “Sustainable,” a municipality must accrue 150 points from a project list. According to a memo to the town from Muir, “These include, in general groupings, Local Food initiatives such as the Farmers Market; Energy Efficiency such as establishing a carbon footprint; Community Wellness programs; Green Business recognition; Land Use Planning and Conservation; Pet Waste disposal and education programs; Environmental Conservation Programs such as Tree City, Watershed Protection, etc.” There are dozens of projects a town can choose from to accumulate enough points.  

Emmitsburg had already been doing some of the potential tasks, such as having a farmer’s market and community gardens. Seeking the certification has pushed the town to look for new ways to become green. One such innovation was that the town built a solar energy field to provide it with 100-percent renewable energy.

“The long-term benefit is a better use of resources, and the town becomes a lot more environmentally aware,” Muir said.

He also added that should environmental grants become available in the future, the certification will help in winning them.

In Frederick County, Frederick City is already certified and Brunswick is working towards that goal.

“In the next few months, we should have enough points to be certified,” Muir said.

The last thing that Muir expects to be needed to accumulate enough points for certification is for the town to send out an energy survey. Once that is complete and the points added to Emmitsburg’s tally, certification can be made.

“The Mayor and Town Council have made an environmental commitment to become as environmentally efficient as can be,” Muir said.

Gerrie Inducted into the YMCA Sports Hall of Fame

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Hall of FameJames Rada, Jr.

When Kim Wivell Gerrie was a young girl, she would watch her father when he played softball with different Thurmont-area teams.

“I wanted to step out on the field with him,” Gerrie said.

Gerrie went on to become quite the athlete. She played softball and ran track and field while attending Thurmont Middle School. Then, while in Catoctin High School, she played softball, soccer, and basketball. During her senior year, the softball team had a record of 21-1, losing only in the state championship game.

She graduated in 1990 and went on to Shepherd University to play softball. Although her team had a different coach each year, they still managed to have a winning record each year.

And, now, she will be inducted into the YMCA of Frederick County Alvin G. Quinn Sports Hall of Fame on February 7, 2015. She is one of eight inductees this year.

 

Her bio for the Hall of Fame reads:

 

KIM WIVELL GERRIE Record-setting Softball Pitcher

Kim Wivell Gerrie has set softball records at every level she has played. A versatile athlete during her middle school years with blue ribbons in several track events, it was softball where Kim excelled the most. She was a member of the Little League All-Stars that played in the Maryland State Tournament. At Catoctin High she participated on the varsity soccer team for four years, played basketball all four years, and was truly outstanding in her four varsity years playing softball. She was a first team MVAL selection, starting in her sophomore year and repeated every year afterwards. In her senior year she was All-Area Player of the Year. She went on to a record-setting career at Shepherd University, where she was inducted into the SU Hall of Fame in 2007. She still holds five Shepherd pitching records.

       

“When I walked into the room (the Hall of Fame), it was very humbling to see all of those athletes and coaches on the wall,” Gerrie said.

The other inductees are Troy Barrick, Stan Biggus, Richard Burgee, Stan Goldberg, Chery Poirier, Bill Stup, and Guy Whidden.

The induction banquet will be held at the Walkersville Fire Hall this month. This will be the 39th annual induction ceremony.

town hall reports

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by Michele Cuseo

Emmitsburg

December 2014

 Mayor Meets with New County Executive, Jan Gardner

Emmitsburg Mayor Don Briggs met with Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner to discuss ideas and concerns for the town of Emmitsburg. Briggs stated that Gardner is meeting with town mayors around the county to discuss their concerns and needs in preparation for her new role in Frederick County. Mayor Briggs expressed his concern for the lack of accessibility to programs and services for the elderly in Emmitsburg due to their distance from the city of Frederick. Briggs requested a possible improvement regarding the transportation options provided for senior citizens to get to Frederick for necessary services. 

 Emmitsburg Sustainability Certification

Emmitsburg Mayor Don Briggs and the “Green Team” will be meeting with the state of Maryland officials to further promote Emmitsburg toward a state of Maryland Sustainability Certification. The Green Team, which includes the mayor and five other members, was formed to complete the requirements for the sustainability certification.  Emmitsburg has already accomplished most of the required tasks, which include: an operational farmers market, a State certified green school (Mother Seton), a local business directory and promotion, a community garden, LED street lights, pet waste program, and ordinance and a solar power array (we have completed phase I). The City of Frederick is the only other town in the county with this certification. 

 Mount St. Mary’s University Donating Clock to Town

Mount St. Mary’s has donated a large vintage style clock to be included in the town’s downtown square improvements project.  The clock weighs 1,000 lbs. and has Roman numerals for clock numbers. Mayor Briggs was pleased to accept the donation and believes it will be a great addition for the town square. The placement for the clock in the downtown square area has not been determined yet.

For more information about the Town of Emmitsburg, log onto www.emmitsburgmd.gov or call 301-600-6300.

Thurmont

December 2014

 New Town Office Opening

The new Thurmont town office will be located at 615 E. Main Street and will officially be in place by Monday, January 12, 2015. The town office will be closed on Friday, January 9, 2015, in preparation of the move from the old office to the new. A grand opening celebration is tentatively planned, but the date is yet to be determined. 

 Sidewalk Project Request

The town is asking citizens who live along the new sidewalk areas to use Non-Corrosive Salt to melt the ice and snow on these sidewalks to avoid damaging them this winter.  Cement hardens over time.  The new cement sidewalks need more time to harden up and should be fine by next winter.  Further construction on this project has been put on hold until the spring.  

 

View the Town of Thurmont’s website at www.thurmont.com or call the town office at 301-271-7313 for more information.

COMMUNITY news

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Thurmont Grange Presents Community Citizen Award

Donna Voellinger, dedicated volunteer at the Thurmont Historical Society, was awarded the Thurmont Grange’s Community Citizen Award during a Grange dinner held on November 24, 2014, at the Grange Hall in Thurmont.  In addition to her commitment to the Thurmont Historical Society, Donna is a compassionate and dedicated individual who would help anyone in need, and does so in a variety of roles within her reach. The adage, “If you want something done, you ask a busy person to do it,” seems to fit Donna perfectly. She most often anticipates the needs of others in their time of illness, shut-in, hospital, doctor visits, or bereavement, offering assistance before being asked.  She is always ready to help at her church, especially with the food committee, by serving meals and making potato salad.

As a long-time member of the Thurmont Historical Society, Donna has most recently been serving as president.  Through her efforts and enthusiasm, the Thurmont Historical Society remains strong, and she continues to seek ways to expand its mission to preserve the rich history of Thurmont.  She is also involved with the Frederick Historic Sites Consortium, the Gale House, the Heartly House, Thurmont’s Halloween in the Park, Thurmont Main Street, the Frederick County Historical Society, and some local and state-wide political campaigns.

In earlier years when her children were in Thurmont schools, Donna was very much involved in Little League sports, SHOP, and Safe and Sane.  It was evident that many students and their parents felt comfortable working with “Mrs. V” in accomplishing whatever task was at hand.

It was noted humorously by several at the dinner that Donna has earned a reliable reputation for using her big snow blower to clean her neighbors’ driveways.  Deb Spalding with The Catoctin Banner said, “Donna and her husband were my CYA girls’ basketball coach in middle school. She had an early influence on several of us who earned state semi-final championships in high school basketball for three years.  Donna always smiles when she remembers the first practice, where stand-out Tammy Joy showed her abilities. Donna has had an impact in many areas and in many people’s lives.”

For more information about the Thurmont Grange, please call Rodman Myers at 301-271-2104.

TM Grange Community Citizen of the Year

Donna Voellinger (center) is presented the Thurmont Grange’s Community Citizen Award on November 24, 2014, by Helen Deluca (left) and Rodman Myers (right).

Photo by Deb Spalding

 

EBPA Awards Portier its Extraordinary Service Award

James Rada, Jr.

The Emmitsburg Business and Professional Association (EBPA) awarded Dr. Bonita Krempel-Portier its annual Extraordinary Community Service Award on Friday, December 5, 2014, during the EBPA annual dinner.

“I can’t think of anyone else who has served this community more so quietly,” said Mayor Donald Briggs.

The audience of approximately fifty people gathered in Joann’s Ballroom in the Carriage House Inn in Emmitsburg.

Following dinner and entertainment provided by Knight Time Impressions and the Fairfield High School Show Choir, the audience watched a video of local residents talking about Dr. Portier. They spoke of her kindness and quality care and how she was a role model to those around her of how to serve others.

“People through service bind a community,” Briggs noted.

Portier runs the Emmitsburg Osteopathic Primary Care Center (EOPCC) on West Main Street in Emmitsburg. The center has 5,700 patients visit a year, and one out of four of the patients seen at the Care Center have no health insurance. Portier also does all of her work at the Care Center for free.         

The EOPCC website notes that, “In 2008, EOPCC donated $29,000 in services for the uninsured alone. This does not include donated medications. Nor does this include services at severely reduced re-imbursements such as medical assistance programs.”

Portier, who was awarded the 2006-2007 Maryland Osteopathic Physician of the Year by the Maryland Association of Osteopathic Physicians, is a 1991 graduate of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency at Franklin Square Hospital Center in Baltimore in 1995.

The EOPCC began in Thurmont in 1999, and expanded to a Gettysburg office two years later. The current and permanent site for the EOPCC opened at the end of 2005, where it continues to provide quality health care to patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

EBPA awards Dr. Bonita Krempel-Portier with its Extraordinary Community Service Award during its annual dinner on December 5, 2014.

Portier

Photo by James Rada, Jr.

St. Mark’s Welcomes New Pastor

Spastor miket. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Sabillasville welcomed its new pastor, Rev. Mike Simane, on November 1, 2014. Rev. Simane holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In addition to serving at St. Marks, Rev. Simane also works as a chaplain at Hospice of Washington County.

Pastor Mike, as he likes to be called, lives in Smithsburg, Maryland, with his wife of twenty-five years and two daughters. Pastor Mike enjoys reading and spending time working in the yard.

“There is a peace that comes when you’re mowing the lawn or tending the garden,” said Pastor Mike. Although, he jokes, “It’s not too peaceful shoveling snow.”

Please welcome our new pastor at St. Mark’s. Worship service is at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings. For more information, please visit www.stmarkssabillasville.org.

Officers Elected at Rocky Ridge Progressive 4-H Club Banquet

An election of officers was held at the November 2, 2014, Rocky Ridge Progressive 4-H Club Banquet.

The new officers for 2015 are: President—Ashley McAfee; Vice President—Margo Sweeney; Secretary—Lauren Schur; Treasurer—Ashley Ridenour; Reporters—Caroline Clark, Laura Dutton, Logan Long, and Karianna Strickhouser; Recreation Leaders—Nikita Miller and Jason Baust; County Council Representative—Olivia Dutton.

The Maryland Cooperative Extension Service’s programs are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, sex, handicap, religion, age or national origin.

Local Civil War Soldier’s Bible Returns to Rightful Family

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Dennis E. Black

The weather forecast for Sunday, November 9, 2014, called for a splendid day for anyone wanting to venture out on an antiquing trip. My friend, Larry Hauver, asked me to consider going along with him that day to the first York Antique Bottle Show. I was reluctant to go, with so many things that needed to be done, but he talked me into it—as he usually does. I’m thankful that he did.

There were a fair number of dealers at the York show, with the usual assortment of collectibles being offered for sale, in addition to bottles.  About an hour into the show, I happened to be checking out the display of a bottle dealer (Tom Gordon) from Manchester, Maryland, when I noticed a potential buyer beside me, holding a small Bible that the dealer had for sale. During the conversation between the two, I heard the dealer explain that the Bible belonged to a Frederick County, Maryland, Civil War soldier. That piqued my interest.

After the potential buyer returned the Bible to the dealer’s display case and walked away, I picked up the book and noticed the following inscription on the inside cover:  M.L. Brown, Co D, 6th Regt Md. V.I.   Now I am really curious!  Company D, 6th Regiment, of the Maryland Volunteer Infantry consisted of a group of 112 young Frederick County men, including those from the Hauvers and Mechanicstown Districts (Foxville, Wolfsville, Sabillasville, and Thurmont), who fought in the Union Army during the Civil War. (Ref. History and Roster of Maryland Volunteers – War of 1861-1865.)  My great-grandfather Josiah Edward Wilhide (1844-1915) was a member of Company D.  In addition to being wounded in battle at Winchester, Virginia, he was captured and held as a prisoner at Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia.

While I examined the small 1863 Bible, the dealer further explained that his research confirmed the existence of a soldier in Company D named “M. L. Brown” from the Foxville area. He had acquired the book online, which had ended up in Indiana. Could this well-worn Bible, most likely carried by this soldier during the Civil War, have belonged to a relative of my brother-in-law, Ed Hatter?  Ed’s mother and John Brown (Brown’s Jewelry & Gift Shop in Thurmont) are both descendants of the Brown family from the Foxville area. I had to get home and further research this with Ed.

Some things simply can’t be explained. After further research that evening, Ed confirmed with much excitement that the Bible belonged to his great-grandfather, Martin Luther Brown (1836-1898), who had, in fact, served in Company D and was wounded in battle at Cold Harbor, Virginia. Two days after the York Antique Bottle Show, which coincidentally turned out to be Veterans Day, Ed was able to acquire the Bible. The incredible luck of standing in the right place at the right time at a small antique bottle show resulted in a local Civil War soldier’s Bible being returned to his family for safe-keeping—over one hundred years later. What are the odds?

Catoctin’s Cross Country Team Wins States Third Time in a Row

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Cross Country pic -go with article by AshleyAshley McGlaughlin

On November 8, 2014, Catoctin High’s Cross Country team competed for the 2A State Cross Country Championships at Hereford High School, near northern Baltimore County. The sheer determination, love of the sport, and countless hours practice led the Catoctin Boys’ Cross Country Team to win states for the third year in a row.

“It was perfect cross country weather, low 50s with a little bit of wind,” said Coach Terri Gibbons. It wasn’t just the nice weather that aided this group of young men to win this three-mile race.

Throughout the months of training—beginning in August and ending in November—this team practiced every day for two hours, some staying longer just to help each other out. Running next to a group of people every day really makes a team grow strong.

“A lot of it was just how much of a family we are. At the end of the day, at race time, it’s good to know that the person you’re standing next to has your back just as much as you have theirs,” said Patrick Van Der Cruyssen, who placed fifth in the championship.

Coaches and families were very proud. “They all work hard all the time. The boys team does a very phenomenal job of working together and pumping each other up,” said Coach Gibbons. Winning states not only brings them victory, it gives each team member a feeling of accomplishment, achieved from all of the training and dedication, which will only help them with their future goals.

Zach Gascho, who came in first place, winning the overall championship, said, “I think that all the training that our team has done extremely helped us. We got some great workouts in over the season that I think made us prepared for states. Running has given me a work ethic that makes me set higher goals for myself, and I make sure to work every day to achieve those goals and I plan to continue using this throughout my life.”

Not only did the boys cross country team succeed, the Catoctin Girls’ Cross Country Team also did a phenomenal job in the race, placing seventh overall.

“The girls also do a tremendous job of working together. They do this thing called “little sister, big sister,” where upper classmen and lower classmen have an exchange of gifts once in a while—they even give each other motivational quotes,” said Coach Terri Gibbons.

Even being injured, many players have kept a positive mindset. Sophomore cross country runner, Lilie Perella, said “…all I can hope for is to be injury free next year and just train my butt off for states. Last year, my freshman year was better than this year. I want to make my junior and senior year count.”

Girls who qualified in the 2A Cross Country State Championships: Bella Kreiner, Molly Janc, Julien Webster, Lillie Perella, Sienna Caselle, Courtney Orndorff, Hannah Romsburg.

Boys who qualified in the 2A Cross Country State Championships: Zach Gascho, Patrick Van Der Cruyssen, Demetrius Patterson, Paul Slotwinski, Eric Myers, Andrew Douwes, Keith Gasior.

Gardner, Delauter, and Jenkins Among the General Election Winners

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James Rada, Jr.

Statewide, the biggest takeaway from the November 4, 2014, election was the win of Republican Larry Hogan in a heavily Democratic state to become the next governor of Maryland. Frederick County’s election was a historic one, as representatives were selected for the county’s new form of government.

Voter turnout in the county was 51.36 percent. Among the local voting precincts, voter turnout ranged from 41.06 percent at Thurmont Middle School to 51.78 percent at Woodsboro Elementary School.

The new county officers will be sworn in on December 1, 2014.

Jan Gardner (D) defeated Blaine Young (R) to become the first Frederick County Executive. Gardner won 53.82 percent of the vote, while Young finished with 45.82 percent. Although Gardner had a strong victory overall, she did not win in any of the local districts. Her best showing was at the Woodsboro Elementary polls, where she won 44.59 percent of the vote.

Gardner, who will oversee county operations, establish policies, and propose budgets, will be working with a majority Republican county council. The Republican candidates won four of the seven seats, including the two at-large seats and the District 5 seat. The Council’s job is to initiate legislation for Frederick County. It meets for only forty-five days each year.

Kirby Delauter (R) defeated Mark Long (D), 54.72 percent to 45.13 percent, to win the District 5 seat. Delauter won a majority of votes at all the local polling places, including 67.89 percent of the votes cast at Sabillasville Elementary School.

Republicans Billy Shreve and Bud Otis defeated Democrats Susan Jessee and Linda Norris for the two at-large county council seats. The Republicans also won their contests at all of the local polling places.

Incumbent Sheriff Chuck Jenkins (R) easily won re-election over Karl Bickel (D), 62.79 percent to 37.06 percent. Jenkins performed even stronger locally, where he won between 75 to 83 percent of the vote, depending on the polling place.

Four seats on the Frederick County Board of Education were open in this election. Liz Barrett (15.52 percent), Brad Young (14.20 percent), Colleen Cusimano (13.55 percent), and April Miller (12.92 percent) were the top vote getters.

For the District 4 State Senator seat, Michael Hough (R) won 66.7 percent of the vote to defeat Dan Rupli (D) who earned 33.08 percent of the vote.

The three seats open for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 4 are also all filled by Republicans. Kelly Schulz (30.89 percent), Kathy Afzali (28.49 percent), and David Vogt, III (24.69 percent) defeated Democrat Gene Stanton (15.63 percent). Stanton was the lone Democrat running for the position.

For a complete listing of the 2014 General Election results, including the final results in Frederick County, either by county or polling location, visit the Frederick County Board of Elections web page at www.frederickcountymd.gov/index.aspx. You can also find the official final results when they are posted.

Renovations Salon and Day Spa Gets a Renovation

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BUSINESS -Renovations -photo 3BUSINESS -Renovations -photo 1Georgine Rabenold

Renovations Salon and Day Spa got a makeover. The transformation began over Labor Day weekend 2014, and when the doors reopened that following Thursday, the salon had a fresh, updated new look. The Salon and Spa has been open for nine years.

“It was time for a new look. We want to keep the spa in style, just like our customers,” said owner Claire Bennett.

Renovations Salon and Day Spa offers a complete package of services, from facials to hair coloring to pedicures. In addition, they also offer special occasion services for weddings, homecoming, prom, or any big day in your life. They have a full staff of ten experienced stylists, nail technicians, and even a makeup artist!

Renovations participated in Thurmont Thinks Pink in October. Claire and her staff challenged customers to “think pink” by offering them the choice of a pink glitter nail for $5.00, to get a pink hair flair, or to make a small donation. All proceeds went to The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund at Frederick Memorial Hospital.

If you haven’t already, come see the new look at Renovations Salon and Day Spa, located at 120 Frederick Road in Thurmont. 

Emma Jean’s General Store Opens

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Lindsay Brandt

emma jean store nowA new general store has opened in Creagerstown. However, Emma Jean’s General Store isn’t your everyday store. Yes, it has the usual milk, bread, and eggs, but you may be surprised to learn that it is also an antique store.

Emma Jean Goldberg and her son, Chuck Johnson, had the same kind of store open in West Virginia, but when they had an opportunity to purchase the old building in Creagerstown, they felt it would be a perfect spot to open up a new store. “It’s an authentic 1800s store; it’s the nostalgia of old things, and we are trying to make it as authentic as possible,” describes Emma Jean.

The property was on the market several times; it went to auction, had no bidders, and then eventually went into foreclosure. That’s when a friend of Emma Jean and Chuck informed them about the 118-year-old building. So the pair packed up their West Virginia store and headed to Creagerstown.

While strolling through the store, the sense of history and the feeling of nostalgia are noticeable. The store’s shelving, the 24-foot store counter, and the grand staircase leading up to the antiques are all original to the turn-of-the-century building. The additional pieces of furniture that are now housed in the store come from many types of stores and include seed counters, nail bins, cheese cases, shirt display cases, and bread cases. There is also a selection of furniture from old hardware, mercantile, and general stores. They are hoping that the store will become a tourist attraction.

“I’ve always liked general stores. We take old store fixtures and use them in the house. They just have a look that we prefer. It’s solid furniture. We have a bunch of old ice boxes in the store. We just like the look,” Chuck said.

Some of the many antique items that are for sale include advertising antiques, industrial pieces, an old teller station, antique ice boxes, display cases, a revolving nail bin, displays, vintage mannequins, a workbench, old toys, signs, and milk bottles. Whether you are an avid collector or just like to look at old unique pieces, this store will appeal to anyone who appreciates antiques.

Emma Jean’s General Store is already helping to keep local antique historical items in the community. Emma Jean and Chuck purchased several items from the Cozy Restaurant auction that are now being used to enhance the history of the store. Some items acquired are a lamppost, an enormous Christmas wreath, and holiday angels.

“It’s different, almost like a tourist thing,” Chuck said. “We’ve been pleasantly surprised by people showing up. It was packed for Colorfest. We weren’t ready, but we had to let people know that we were here.”

Along with managing the store, both mother and son are working to get involved with local charities in the area. They hope to get the community into the holiday spirit by hosting Santa! Santa will be visiting the store December 13, 2014, starting at 4:30 p.m. The donations received will go to local charities.

In addition to hosting some community activities, they want to service the community. “In winter time, if people can’t get out, we’ll have things to keep people going,” stated Chuck. “If somebody calls at closed hours, and they say they need some milk or something, of course, come on up and we’ll meet you at the door! If we are here, we won’t turn you away. If we can accommodate the people, this is fun for us.”

Emma Jean’s General Store is located at 8636 Blacks Mill Road in Creagerstown (technically) Thurmont. Call 240-288-8778 for more information.

Store hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.