Community Shred Event
The Thurmont Police Department and the Thurmont Police Commission will be hosting a Community Shred Event on Saturday, April 30, 2016, from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at the Thurmont Police Department, located at 800 E. Main Street in Thurmont. ALL-SHRED, Inc. will provide a truck for four hours; all residents in Thurmont and surrounding areas can bring up to five boxes of documents per resident. As part of this free service to residents, the host will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Thurmont Food Bank. Residents are encouraged to prevent Identity Fraud and Identity Theft by taking advantage of this free service and have their sensitive documents shredded.
Postal Food Drive
The National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive is being held on Saturday, May 14, 2016. For twenty-four years this collaboration between the community; city, and rural carriers, post office management, county food banks, the Religious Coalition, volunteers and sponsors have made this food drive a mainstay for our food banks. The timing of this drive restocks the shelves for the summer when families don’t have access to school breakfast and lunch.
You can participate by placing bags of non-perishable food by your mailbox for your postal carrier to pick up on May 14. You may also leave clearly marked checks made out to your local food bank with outgoing mail, or take your food donation to the lobby of your post office where there will be a collection bin during the week of the food drive. All donations stay in your immediate community to help those who need it most.
Emmitsburg Community Garden Open
James Rada, Jr.
With the late-January blizzard and the cold temps, it may have seemed like spring would never get here. It still may be a ways off, but it’s not too early to start planning your gardens. The Emmitsburg Community Garden opens at the end of May.
“Mushroom compost has been ordered for the beds and mulch for around them,” said Emmitsburg Commissioner Tim O’Donnell.
The garden plots will be available in the Community Park for Emmitsburg residents who wish to demonstrate their gardening skills. The town currently has eight raised garden beds available for use, and more can be added as demand increases.
You can reserve a plot by completing a short application at the Emmitsburg Town Office and providing a $20.00 refundable deposit.
For more information, visit the town website at www.emmitsburgmd.gov or call 301-600-6300.
2nd Annual Thurmont Pioneer Covered Wagon Excursion to be Held
Last year, the Thurmont Commissioners and Mayor John Kinnaird declared by proclamation that the weekend of May 29 be Thurmont’s Pioneer Covered Wagon Excursion Weekend. Wagons Ho! On May 29, 2016, more wagons and outriders than last year are expected for this 2nd annual excursion because the word has gone out to many.
It all starts Friday evening, with the gathering of wagons and outriders at 14 Eyler Road in Thurmont. Saturday morning, wagons will be leaving the farm at 9:00 a.m. sharp, because the first day’s trip is thirteen miles long. The evening’s entertainment will be provided by Kevin Booth, a fantastic Elvis, Conway, George Jones, and gospel performer, and will last until after midnight. The public is always welcome.
Sunday morning features breakfast and cowboy church. The excursion will leave at 9:00 a.m. for Keymar, Maryland by way of Francis Scott Key farm (Star Spangled Banner) and on to Taneytown, Maryland. Call Joe Eyler for more information at 301-271-2023 or 301-639-4933.
Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church Hosts Face of America Rest Stop
When a representative of the World T.E.A.M. Sports’ Face of America bike ride asked Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church (UMC) to host a rest stop on Sunday morning, April 24, 2016, for the nearly 700 riders who would be passing through the area, Pastor Heath Wilson was honored and elated.
“While we knew this would impact worship, the church knew this is what it means to be the church. We are honoring those who sacrificed for our nation, so as a church, we could sacrifice to ensure they know the body of Christ supports them and does not take for granted the sacrifice they made while serving,” Pastor Heath explained.
Since 2006, the Face of America ride has brought together disabled veterans, active and retired military personnel, emergency responders, and citizens alike to honor and raise funds and awareness for the wounded warriors of our nation. This year, participants could choose one of two routes on their way to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: 110 miles from the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, or 120 miles from historic Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Many of the participants, who had lost limbs during tours of duty, rode specialty recumbent bikes.
For several years, members of Tom’s Creek UMC in Emmitsburg had cheered on the riders as they passed the church on Sunday morning. Riders often expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of heartwarming support from the church. One rider shared with a volunteer, “We always looked forward to seeing you out there!”
So this year, Tom’s Creek UMC cancelled Sunday School and its second worship service to be able to serve as host of a rest stop for the riders, offering food, facilities, and a place to rest and re-energize before continuing on their journey. A bluegrass/gospel band from Calvert County, called The Unclouded Day, provided uplifting patriotic music. Many volunteers from the church served beverages, nutritious snacks, and home-baked goods to the riders.
But more than providing a place of rest was the opportunity for the church community to show gratitude to the participants for their determination and resilience, not only for the wounded veterans but for all participants who embraced the meaning of the American spirit. Riders were greeted at the entrance with a large American flag, hoisted high on a crane provided by D.G. Johnson. Church members, volunteers, a fire truck from Emmitsburg Vigilant Hose Company with members of the company, and community members, including the mayor of Taneytown, lined the drive, waving flags, clapping, and offering words of thanks and support. The whole event was inspirational to spectators, volunteers, and riders alike.
On a Facebook post, a rider and pastor, Rev. Chris Bishop of FaithPoint UMC, later shared, “Many thanks from team FaithPoint goes out to the awesome pit stop today hosted by Heath Wilson and Tom’s Creek UMC.”
After the ride, Pastor Heath reflected on the day, “As I watched the bike riders reach the pit stop with the church community cheering them on; as I was told by the wife of the president of Face of America how amazing the people of the church I serve are; as I was called over to pray for one of the teams; I was overwhelmed and humbled by the call God has placed on my life. I was speechless when riders who have lost limbs serving our country said ‘thank you to you and your church,’ because, in reality, I have given so little compared to their sacrifice. I had a moment when my eyes welled up with tears, proud of the church I serve and thankful that I have been given the opportunity to serve at Tom’s Creek.”
As the riders set off for the next leg of their journey toward Gettysburg, volunteers could be heard promising, “We’ll see you next year!” After all, as the Face of America website explains: “We all ride the same road…”
For more information about the Face of America ride, visit worldteamsports.org/events/face-of-america/or about Tom’s Creek UMC, visit www.tomscreekumc.org
One of the riders is shown riding a specialty bike so that he can participate in the race despite injuries from serving.
Volunteer, Greta Nettleton, is pictured with one of the teams. They were so grateful for all the ways they were nourished!
Volunteer Donald Loveland, who is a veteran, helps feed a veteran who is riding.
A Community Memorial Dedication Ceremony in Honor of Cpl. William Kyle Ferrell
The communities of Thurmont and Emmitsburg are hosting a memorial dedication ceremony for Marine Corps Cpl. William Kyle Ferrell, a young Marine stationed at Camp David, who lost his life by a hit-and-run driver on September 29, 2015, when he stopped to assist a stranded motorist on Rt.15 during a rain storm in Thurmont.
Cpl. Ferrell was also a full member of his local fire department, and aspired to become a police officer in his hometown when his service to the Marine Corps was completed. Remembrances told by those who knew this young man well attested to his life of generosity and service to others.
The dedication ceremony will be held on June 11, 2016, at the Memorial Park, located at 116 East Main Street in Thurmont, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Colors will be presented by the Color Guards of AMVETS Post 7 and the American Legion 168.
The National Anthem will be performed by Thurmont residents, fourteen-year-old Jodie Eyler and American Legion member Dwight Reynolds.
A dedication sign in memory of Kyle will be erected by the Maryland State Highway Administration under the Catoctin Furnace Historic Trail bridge on Rt. 15.
Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird will unveil and present a memorial stone in Kyle’s honor. Commander Bob White, American Legion 168, will present a tree planting. A Day of Remembrance Plaque will be presented to the family by Commander Ed Superczynski, AMVETS Post 7, and a replica plaque of the bridge dedication sign will be presented to the family by Jack Collins of VFW 6658. A Bible, signed by all, will be presented to the family.
Guest speakers will include Kyle’s parents and hometown friends, fellow service personnel from Camp David, state and local government representatives, and representatives of the Veteran organizations sponsoring the event.
The ceremony will be followed by a Pig Roast picnic at the American Legion 168 pavilion at 8 Park Lane in Thurmont, featuring roasted pork, hamburgers, hot dogs, vegetable trays, salads, chips, and water and soda. A cake walk will also be held during the picnic.
Proceeds from contributions and the day’s events will be presented to the family to be donated to the Carthage Police Department in Carthage, North Carolina, in Kyle’s memory.
If you would like to make a donation to support the dedication and memorial ceremony to honor Cpl. Ferrell and his family, who nurtured, loved, and lost such a giving and kind soul, please make checks payable to “CPL. William Kyle Ferrell Dedication Fund” and send to AMVETS Post #7 – Sandi Burns, 26 Apples Church Road, Thurmont, MD 21788.
The Catoctin Community Mourns Nick DiGregory
I remember vividly the moment when I first heard the news. I had just arrived at my day job, and as I clocked in for the morning, I passed my boss. A young and happy guy in his mid-twenties, my boss rarely conveyes any kind of negative emotion. That’s how I knew something was up. As I passed him on the way to the office, he was visibly perplexed, so I asked him if anything was wrong.
“Did you hear the news?” he asked me, seemingly dumbfounded at my ignorance. “A girl from Catoctin passed away. She committed suicide.”
Later that day, as I was driving home, my mother texted me a link to the obituary. I pulled off the road so that I could read through it. Sienna Michele Caselle. Only sixteen years old. My heart sank as I looked over the memorial photo; there was just so much youth, vibrance, and joy in her face. I had never known her personally, but I had seen her name in The Catoctin Banner several times before, and I remembered that she was something of a cross-country star. I whispered a little prayer for her and her family, and then drove back onto the road.
It was later that I learned about Jesse Hubbard’s death, which occurred in the same week. He graduated from Catoctin last spring, while Sienna was a junior this year. I am in my early twenties and know the excitement of life, and I am saddened that these two will not have the opportunity to experience that. I know that their friends and families will miss them tremendously.
Through social media, I have watched my community come together in support of Sienna and her family, and in support of Jesse and his family. So many have reached out with love and compassion, and so much bittersweet beauty has come in the memories of them both.
In memorial to Sienna, every website or social media page with her name on it has been flooded with well wishes from friends and strangers alike, offering strength and peace. A new non-profit organization, which Sienna was working on with her father before her death, is being formed and will, amid other things, help to promote suicide awareness among veterans.
I don’t know the details about Jesse’s passing, but do know that his passing was way too soon.
While our community has come together fiercely, and publicly, to battle bacterial meningitis with Catoctin freshman, Wyatt Black, the hidden battle that led to suicide for Sienna Michele Caselle resonates with me on a deep level. Sienna’s death brings to light a growing trend in child suicide, identified by some as the “silent epidemic.”
We’ll never know the reason Sienna chose suicide, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Violence Prevention, suicide rates among preteen and teenage girls have more than tripled since 1999. Suicide continues to be the leading cause of death for children under the age of fourteen, and it has become a particular threat for young girls.
Researchers debate the primary causes of this increase; most agree that the growing trend of impersonal communication through texting and social media is driving more girls toward depression and suicidal behavior. A study conducted in 2012 by David D. Luxton, Ph.D., illustrated that high-risk groups, among which preteen and teenage girls are included, were more susceptible to depression and suicidal behavior when exposed to negative or aggressive content on the Internet. Since 2006, a growing number of child suicides have been linked directly to specific posts or comments on websites or social media.
With the escalating trend of child suicide linked to a growing social media presence, it is more important than ever for every person to be involved in suicide prevention. The exercise of proper social media habits, as well as an understanding of suicidal traits, can help prevent the further loss of young lives.
For more information about suicide statistics and prevention, visit the National Institute of Mental Health website at www.nimh.nih.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website at www.afsp.org.
If you suspect that someone is exhibiting suicidal behavior, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Graceham Volunteer Fire Company Banquet
Grace Eyler
On April 16, 2016, members and guests of the Graceham Volunteer Fire Company joined together to celebrate the company’s successes during the past year over dinner at their year-end presentation.
Graham VFC’s President, Louie Powell, stood before the audience to welcome special guests from around the county who made a special trip to be a part of the company’s 56th anniversary.
President Powell called upon the Morningstar family for a special recognition in remembrance of a beloved member of the fire company, George (Junebug) Morningstar. Mr. Morningstar had passed in March 2016. Powell made sure to let his loved ones know that they are a part of the family and thanked them for their presence.
Graceham’s Chief, Jim Kilby reviewed that in 2015, Graceham ran a total of 228 calls. Out of the 228 calls, there were 20 to which the fire company was unable to respond. Kilby reported, “We were unable to make them because most of our members work during the day time, when these happen.” Graceham is known as a “100 Percent Volunteer Fire Company” which is not staffed all hours of the day.
During the quiet years of 2013 and 2014, Graceham VFC had no property loss due to fires. However, that changed in 2015 with three major fires; one on Old Frederick Road, one on Creagerstown Road, and one on Jimtown Road. These fires resulted in a little over $200,000 in damage.
“Out of all those calls, one of our volunteers was there for 118 responses!” said Kilby. Hilary Blake was Graceham’s number one responder this year. Other top responders included Chief Kilby with 73 calls, Scott Willard with 72 calls, and Louie Powell with 64 calls. They all modestly declined the award, indicating that as line officers, it is their main responsibility. Sunny Grimes had 36 calls, Brian Boller had 34 calls, Michele Powell had 26 calls, and Kelly Willard had 25 calls.
Before Chief Kilby could exit the podium, President Powell asked him to remain while he announced to Kilby that he wanted to specially recognize him for the work he does behind the scenes with the company. Kilby makes sure that all of his volunteers are up-to-date on training, and makes sure the company’s equipment is ready to go on a moment’s notice. Powell added that Kilby reaches out to members to see how they are doing, if there is anything they need. He is a mentor, teacher and a leader. As members clapped, Louie presented Chief Kilby with a special recognition award.
The next award that was presented is always a difficult choice for any president. Powell said, “It is always hard to choose just one person, because every one of our members is a vital part of the organization, and that’s the God’s honest truth.” The recipient of the President’s Award had been a member of the fire company since she was seventeen years old. She was recognized as being the go-to person for working with children, giving good insight to the fire company, as well as representing Graceham Fire Company during Fire Prevention Week at the Thurmont Primary School. “I couldn’t do my job without her keeping me straight,” joked Powell. The recipient of this year’s President’s Award was Hillary Blake.
Not only did Hillary receive recognition for being the Top Responder and President’s Award, but Chief Kilby then awarded this year’s Chief’s Award to her as well.
Doc Simmers was called forth by the Chief and President for being a dedicated member of the company for fifty years. As a thank you to Simmers, the Fire Company made a special shadow box that holds his first jacket, badge and helmet. They plan to proudly display the box on a wall in the building.
After the awards were presented, Brian Boller came forth with Frederick County Fire and Rescue Coordinator, Chip Jewell, to honor the two members Graceham lost this year. Leslie “Sonny” Sovocool, Jr. was the last member who was one of the original incorporators of the Graceham Volunteer Fire Company. He passed on October 17, 2015. “Sonny” was recognized for spending three decades on keeping the company up and running. He was one of the first EMTs of Frederick County.
George Morningstar, active in the company for the past fifteen years, recently passed on March 22, 2016. In recognition of those lost, Mr. Jewell rung the fire station bell three times for each member lost. Prayer was followed with Pr. Sue Koenig.
Following the Memorial Service and year-end review, Graceham installed the new officers for 2016. Officers included Louie Powell, President; Bill Morgan, Vice President; Hillary Blake, Secretary; Julie Durgan, Asst. Secretary; Sterling Seiss, Treasurer; and Brian Boller, Asst. Treasurer. Operational Officers included Jim Kilby, Fire Chief; Louis Powell, Jr., Asst. Fire Chief; and Val Kilby, Captain.
Pr. Sue Koenig ended the evening with Benediction. If you’d like more information on volunteering for the Graceham Volunteer Fire Company or to find out what events are coming up, please visit them online at http://gvfc18.webs.com/.
Graceham Volunteer Fire Company’s Administrative Officers
Chip Jewell swears in the officers of the Graceham Volunteer Fire Company.
Pictured are Top Responders Hilary Blake, Brian Boller, and Sunny Grimes.
Photos by Grace Eyler
Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Awards Banquet
Allison Rostad
The 23rd annual awards ceremony for the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue (FCVFR) Association and the FCVFR Ladies Auxiliary was held on April 18, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., and was hosted by the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company. During the evening’s presentation, several Northern Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue companies, or one of their members, were nominated and awarded for their service, time, and dedication as volunteers.
Among those companies were the Emmitsburg Ambulance Company 26, Vigilant Hose Company 6, Guardian Hose Company 10, Thurmont Community Ambulance Company 30, Rocky Ridge Volunteer Company 13, and Lewistown Volunteer Fire Company 22.
FCVFRA President Eric Smothers presented special presidential recognition awards to all previously listed Northern Frederick County volunteer companies. This award was presented in recognition of each company’s diligence in responding to the house fire on West Main Street in Emmitsburg in December of 2015, when one life was lost.
Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company 6 was awarded the Fire and Rescue Department Training Award, having averaged 126 hours of training per member for the 2014-2015 training year. Rose Latini, chief of the Emmitsburg Ambulance Company and also assistant chief of Thurmont Community Ambulance Company, was also awarded the Michael Wilcom Officer of the Year Award for her “drive and determination that helped the station [Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company] see it’s return of career staff and the dispatching of first dues calls in May of 2015,” stated Smothers.
Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company had three of its members awarded throughout the evening. Both Alan Brauer, Sr. and Larry Eyler were inducted into the Hall of Fame for their dedication to and support of fire and rescue volunteerism over a combined eighty-one years of service (Alan Brauer, Sr. joined in 1963; Larry Eyler joined in 1988). President Smothers presented the Dr. Jame Marrone EMS Member of the Year Award to Kerri Gasior, commenting, “Although she only joined the company in 2014, her excellent work ethic and dedication to EMS services has greatly benefitted her department.”
From Lewistown Volunteer Fire Company, Steve Stull earned his lifetime membership to the Lewistown department in 1996, and was awarded the Presidential Award for the company in 2013. During the evening’s presentation, he was nominated and inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Special Presidential Awards were received by each company’s representative.
Rose Latini, Chief of the Emmitsburg Ambulance Company and Assistant Chief of the Thurmont Community Ambulance Company, was awarded the Michael Wilcom Officer of the Year Award.
On behalf of Emmitsburg Ambulance Company 26, Vice President, Eric Stackhouse (left), accepted the Fire and Rescue Department’s Training Award.
Kerri Gasior of the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company 13 was awarded the Dr. Jame Marrone EMS Member of the Year Award.
Steven Stull of Lewistown Volunteer Fire Company 22 was inducted into the FCVFRA Hall of Fame.
Photos by Allison Rostad
Fort Ritchie Community Center Bass Fishing Series Underway
Blue skies and warm temperatures helped make the first event of the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites Bass Fishing Series a tremendous success. Over one hundred people participated in the first of three qualifying events on Lake Royer in Cascade, Maryland. The winner of each qualifying event earns a spot in the championship, which will feature a $10,000 fish. The series supports the mission of the Fort Ritchie Community Center, a non-profit organization, located on the former Fort Ritchie property.
“We have very aggressive goals in terms of our services for 2016,” said Buck Browning, executive director of the Fort Ritchie Community Center. “Events such as the Bass Fishing Tournament are fun and also help to secure resources for the community center to continue providing programs and activities for local residents,” Browning added.
Patrick Eshelman of Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania, won the tournament with a 17-inch Bass. Eshelman will be one of only four competitors in the championship, scheduled for August 13.
Janet Kuhn of Cascade took second place with a 16¾-inch Bass. Kyle Minnick of Smithsburg received third place with a 16½ fish.
New to the series this year is a fourth competitor being added to the championship through a raffle.
The Bass fishing series includes a youth division, sponsored by Gander Mountain. Daniel Niederer of Ortanna, Pennsylvania, took the top honors among the youth with a 14¾ inch fish.
Alexa Dainton and Aidan McCleaf, both of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, tied for second place in the youth division, each bringing in a fish measuring 13¾ inches.
The second round of the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites Bass Fishing Series is scheduled for May 21. The third event is set for June 18.
The cost for adults is $35.00 per person, and $15.00 per person for youth (ages seventeen and younger).
For more information or to register for any of the upcoming events, please visit their website at www.thefrcc.org.
Patrick Eshelman (center) won the first round of the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites Bass Fishing Tournament. Janet Kuhn (right) took second place and Kyle Minnick (left) was third.
Daniel Niederer (back left) won the Gander Mountain Youth Division. Aidan McCleaf (front) and Alexa Dainton tied for second place in the tournament.
