Currently viewing the tag: "Christmas in Thurmont"

Thurmont Lions Cookie Contest Winners

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The Thurmont Lions Club held a Christmas Cookie Contest on Friday, December 1, with participants bringing six of their finest Christmas cookies on a paper plate to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Thurmont. Judging was done in two sections: Lion judging was Friday evening, and public judging was on Saturday during Christmas in Thurmont. There were two sets of prizes (judged and public): 1st place received $100; 2nd place received $75; 3rd place received $50; and 4th place received $25. Winners are as follows:

Lions Club Judging

1st Place — Wanda Frye

2nd Place — Geoff Bowen

3rd Place — Drew Dayhoff

4th Place — Luke and James Dugan

Public Judging

1st Place — Drew Dayhoff

2nd Place — Angie Matthews

3rd Place — Maxine Troxell

4th Place — Diane Hunter

Christmas In Thurmont

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Grace Eyler

Thurmont’s annual Christmas in Thurmont is a magical time each year for so many reasons, and this year was no different. The event was held on December 7, 2019, and people flooded the streets to bring holiday cheer and to celebrate the season of giving. From face painting to horse and carriage rides, to a Christmas Train Display and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, to the award-winning ESP Dance performance, a wonderful time was had by all.

Elle Smith, and her boys, Jack and Sam, enjoy the day out, along with their Aunt, Teresa Covell. Dylan Owen (back) enjoys chatting with families and educating kids about model trains.

Volunteer Wendy Martyak gives directions and maps to eager participants, Morgan Gipe, Grant Zimmerman, Autumn Long, and Mason Knott, who look forward to the festivities of Christmas in Thurmont!

From left, Wayne Stackhouse, Pam Fraley, Linda Davis, Lori Brown, and Peggy White take a quick break for a photo opportunity with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Looks like Guardian Vol. Hose Co. made it to the nice list!

Model train conductor, Ed Maldonado from Frederick County Society of Model Engineers kept his train busy on Saturday entertaining children and adults visiting during Christmas in Thurmont.

It’s the Busiest Time of the Year for Jolly Old Elves

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James Rada, Jr.

Twenty-five years ago, John Kinnaird of Thurmont, thought he would give his kids a Christmas surprise. He dressed as Santa Claus and climbed onto the roof of his house, so he could pretend to climb down the chimney when his kids could see him.

Someone else saw him on the roof.

“Some neighbors saw me and asked if I would play Santa for their kids at their house,” Kinnaird said.

And with that, a new Santa’s helper was born.

Nowadays, Kinnaird dons his Santa outfit 25 to 30 times a year to help the jolly old elf in Frederick and its neighboring counties. His events generally start the first week in November and run through Christmas.

Another Santa’s helper, Frank Schmersahl of Emmitsburg, has been playing Santa even longer than Kinnaird, with 31 years of service. “In those [early] days, I had to wear padding,” Schmersahl said with a Santa-like laugh.

Schmersahl plays Santa a handful of times each season, including playing the chief of the North Pole Fire Department at the Frederick County Fire Museum during the Museums by Candlelight event in December.

His favorite event is acting as Santa’s stand-in during Emmitsburg’s Evening of Christmas Spirit. He’s been the event’s Santa since it began. He was a member of the Emmitsburg Business Professionals Association (EBPA) back then and volunteered for the job, which he hasn’t regretted. He is now seeing the children of children for whom he once played Santa.

“When Santa greets you by name, you better straighten up,” Schmersahl said.

Kinnaird’s favorite event of the season is Christmas in Thurmont. “That’s when you get to see all of the local kids and a lot of the adults and talk to them,” Kinnaird said.

That’s important for Kinnaird. He wants to be there for the community. He even asks for contributions to the Thurmont Food Bank in lieu of payment.

Schmersahl said he has to be careful not to promise anything when he’s sitting in for Santa. “You tell them: ‘We’ll see what we can do,’” Schmersahl said. He must also remain cool if he happens to have a “leaker” on his lap.

Despite all of the good cheer and laughing children, both men said the hardest part of playing Santa is speaking with a child who has a sad story. A relative has died. A parent has lost a job or been in an accident.

“Those are the ones that really drive home the problem some families have,” Kinnaird said. “You tell them you can’t make people better or find jobs for them. What you can do is bring some joy into their lives.”

Both men said their ideal Santa from television and the movies is Edmund Gwenn, who played Santa in the original version of Miracle on 34th Street. Many people must agree with them since Gwenn won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance.

“To me, he is Santa Claus,” Kinnaird said.

Thurmont Becomes a Stop for Trains Once Again

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James Rada, Jr.

It has been decades since Thurmont had a train station; however, this December trains will once again stop in the town.

Of course, each train is only a couple feet long.

The Frederick County Society of Model Railroad Engineers will host a weekend train garden throughout December. The group will use the empty storefront at 5B East Main Street in Thurmont. The trains will first arrive on December 1.

“The mayor contacted us because he wanted to have an extra event at Christmas in Thurmont that would engage the community,” said Dylan Owens, vice president of the Frederick County Society of Model Railroad Engineers and the member in charge of the Thurmont project.

The society began in 1966. It is housed in a 70-foot-long, six-door Chesapeake and Ohio horse car in Frederick. The car houses a 56-foot HO scale layout, showing off the imaginary Catoctin Central Railroad (CCRR) that crosses Frederick County and the Catoctin Mountains, where it connects with the HOn3 scale Catoctin Mountain Lines.

The Thurmont train garden will have three garden trains running along the floor, an N-scale layout on tables above, and Hagerstown and Frederick trolley running back and forth. The trains will weave between buildings, trees, parks, and other features.

“This is our first time doing a show outside of our clubhouse,” Owens said.

The train garden will be open throughout December: Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.; Sundays at 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Owens was unsure of just how large the final display would be. The society has a van that can be packed with track and trains.

“We were told to use however much we could legally fit and go for it,” explained Owens.

The garden will be free to visit, although donations will be accepted.

“If it’s a big hit, we will try to do it as a yearly thing,” said Owens.

The society sees the Thurmont project as a way to reach out to younger people and interest them in creating their own model railroad layouts.

Christmas in Thurmont

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Deb Abraham Spalding

“It was a Great day for everyone. Christmas in Thurmont is always a very special event,” said Vickie Grinder, Thurmont’s Main Street manager, about the 2017 Christmas in Thurmont event, held on Saturday, December 2, 2017.

Mild and sunny weather made for a pleasant trip for participants to stroll through town, traveling from store to store to collect stamps for the prize drawing.

Mayor John Kinnaird could be found smiling for photos as Santa in Mechanicstown Park. He has put his long white beard to work for several years, volunteering as Santa throughout Thurmont and surrounding areas. His wife, Karen, also helps as Mrs. Claus. Later in the day, he read “The Night Before Christmas” to a crowd of eager listeners at the Thurmont Regional Library.

In the municipal parking lot, horse-drawn carriage rides were enjoyed by many. Boy Scouts with Troop 270 helped participants on and off the carriages in a safe manner.

Prizes winners were drawn in a presentation held at Hobb’s Hardware. Almost every kid was a winner. The day was enjoyed by many.

Mayor Kinnaird expressed these sentiments on Facebook, “What an absolutely amazing day we had at Christmas in Thurmont! Everyone had a great time and the weather was perfect. My thanks to the girls and boys of all ages who visited with us today, and a special thank you to the volunteers, businesses, and donors that made today possible. Christmas in Thurmont is one of the 365 days each year that reminds me of why I would not live anywhere else!”

Pets also love to have their photos taken with Santa! Mary Dal-Favero’s dogs are too interested in Santa’s beard to smile for the camera!

Santa is shown holding a baby elf, who felt so snuggly in Santa’s lap, a little nap seemed like a good idea.

Niki Eyler (pictured right) of Eylers Stables hosted carriage rides during Christmas in Thurmont. She is shown with  Nan Collins.

Driver John Towers is shown with Boy Scout Troop 270, who assisted with carriage rides during Christmas in Thurmont.

From the Mayor – Thurmont

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Mayor John Kinnaird

We are fast approaching the end of the year, and each year seems to pass quicker than the one before. I know that this year has been good to me, and I hope it was good for you as well. With Christmas just a few weeks away, Karen and I want to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Christmas in Thurmont is coming up on Saturday, December 2. Be sure to stop downtown and register the kids for the many gifts and prizes. Santa will be at Mechanicstown Square Park to meet with all the children, parents, friends, and pets. The day will include free photos with Santa, horse drawn wagon rides, a story with Santa at the Regional Library, and fun and prizes for everyone.

This time of year brings with it colder weather, employment slowdowns, and all the seasonal difficulties many of our neighbors face. Please keep the less fortunate of our community in mind this winter by helping support the Thurmont Food Bank, Thurmont Clothes Closet, Seton Center, and other local charity organizations. Your donation of food, clothes, or cash can help bring joy to a local family.

I want to thank Catoctin Colorfest Inc. for the generous donations they made to our community this year. Their donations totaled $20,676.80 and included $1,500.00 each to the Guardian Hose Company, Thurmont Community Ambulance Company, and the Thurmont Police Department. Catoctin FFA received $1,146, and $4,500 to Catoctin High School Scholarships. The Thurmont Food Bank received $3,400. Other beneficiaries include $1,000 to the Trolley Mural Project, $5,000 for improvements in Community Park, $325 to the Library, and $200 for flowers and decorations in our parks.

You might have noticed that the sidewalk project on Moser Road is nearing completion. This project will improve pedestrian safety on the road and allow easy access to the Regional Library. Improvements to the Frederick Road intersection will help turns onto Moser and the narrowing will help control speeds. This project is a joint effort of the Town of Thurmont and Frederick County.

The recent Town election has returned Commissioners Hooper and Burns to office and yours truly to the office of mayor. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our community for another term, and I look forward to working with our residents, town staff, and the commissioners, as we work together to make Thurmont a great community.

Please contact me at 301-606-9458 or jkinnaird@thurmont.com with any comments, questions or suggestions.

From the Mayor – Thurmont

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Mayor John Kinnaird

Thurmont has survived yet another Colorfest weekend, probably the best one we have seen weather-wise and crowd-wise in the past five years or so. Saturday was an amazing day, despite starting out cloudy, and Sunday was just as nice. First and foremost, I want to thank our residents for making this a great weekend; your patience and understanding go a long way to making this event work for all of us. As you may know, many of our local non-profits count on Colorfest as their biggest fundraiser of the year. I want to thank all the vendors and Catoctin Colorfest, Inc. for coming out this year and helping to make the weekend a success. Thanks, also, to our town staff, both our office workers and the outdoor crews. The office staff had been working for several weeks making sure everything was planned and that vendors were able to get their permits. Our outdoor crew worked all weekend making sure that things ran smoothly. The Electric crew handled an emergency outage on Friday evening and got everything back in working order in no time. Our Police Department was also out in full force making sure there were no issues. I want to thank our department heads including CAO Jim Humerick, Chief Greg Eyler and Public Works Superintendent Butch West for helping make this weekend a pleasant experience for our guests and vendors. I want to mention that we had three amazing companies helping us this weekend, Tim May Investigations and Security provided additional security personnel to help guide pedestrian traffic throughout the town in a very professional and courteous manner; Rill’s Bus Service supplied buses and drivers to help move our guests form the parking areas to Colorfest quickly and safely; and finally, Key Sanitation worked hard to provide our trash and sanitary facilities. Without these fine companies providing these services, Colorfest would not be the smooth-running operation that it is. Come Monday morning, our street crew had cleared away almost all remaining indications that anything had occurred over the weekend and things quickly returned to normal for another year.

The leaves are starting to change colors, the daylight is getting shorter, and the temperatures are dropping as we head into the Fall. Be sure to keep an eye open for our children as they make their way to school. They may not always watch when crossing our streets, so be sure to be on the lookout for them. Remember that these cool mornings can mean the roads are slippery!

Christmas in Thurmont will be here before we know it! This year, it will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017. Be sure to watch for upcoming information about this annual event.

As I write this article, we are preparing for the Thurmont Municipal Elections on October 31. There are three seats up for election: two commissioners and the mayor. I want everyone to know that it has been an absolute pleasure serving these past four years as mayor of the Town of Thurmont. I have decided to run for office again, and I will be honored to serve our great community for another term if I am re-elected.

As always, I can be contacted by phone at 301-606-9458, by email at jkinnaird@thurmont.com, or you can just stop me if you want to talk about an issue or concern in our community.

Thurmont Receives National Main Street Accreditation

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The Town of Thurmont Main Street Program has once again received the National Main Street Accreditation for 2017.  Thurmont’s Economic Development Manager Vickie Grinder, who also manages the Thurmont Main Street program, was notified of the recognition last month.

In a release from Main Street America, Thurmont received notification stating “Thurmont Main Street, in June of 2017, has been designated as an accredited Main Street America Program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center.” Thurmont Main Street hosts events and programs throughout the year, including the Main Street Farmers’ Market, the Business Showcase, Christmas in Thurmont, the Thurmont Business Bucks program, and Art and Wine Strolls, along with operating the Thurmont Main Street Center.

“Main Streets are the heart of any community and the catalyst for future growth within any town. Thurmont is proud and honored to be recognized as an elite member of the 828 Nationally Accredited Main Street America communities, and one of the twenty eight in the state of Maryland. A special thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers who make this possible,” stated Grinder.

Thurmont Names New Economic Development Manager

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Vickie Grinder has been named as the new Economic Development Manager for the Town of Thurmont. Grinder has recently served as Thurmont’s Main Street Manager, a part-time position, since 2013. During her tenure as Thurmont’s Main Street Manager, Grinder has overseen many popular events, including Christmas in Thurmont, the Thurmont Business Showcase, the Main Street Farmers’ Market, and the annual Art and Wine Strolls.

Grinder’s new responsibilities will include the promotion and marketing of business and economic development interests within the town, providing guidance to existing businesses, attracting new business opportunities to Thurmont, and continuing to oversee the Thurmont Main Street program.

“We’re looking forward to increasing our economic development efforts in Thurmont. Vickie’s professional contacts and her determination for the success of Thurmont’s business community will prove to be invaluable as we move forward,” stated Thurmont Commissioner and Main Street Liaison Bill Buehrer.

Grinder, who resides in Fairfield, Pennsylvania, is scheduled to begin working in her new position on January 17, 2017.

Start Your Holiday Shopping with Local Businesses

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James Rada, Jr.

With Thanksgiving dinner behind them, many people will set out that holiday weekend to begin their Christmas shopping. Don’t forget the local businesses when looking for gifts. They often offer unique gifts for the hard-to-shop-for names on your list. That Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 26, will also be Small Business Saturday. It is a national event, sponsored by American Express, where mom-and-pop shops across the country encourage residents in their communities to “Shop Small.” The event began in 2010; last year, American Express reported that 95 million people went out to shop at local businesses on Small Business Saturday.

This will be the third year that the Thurmont business community has participated in the event.

“It’s a great tool for the businesses to use, and more and more are participating every year,” said Thurmont Main Street Manager Vickie Grinder.

Her office will be offering businesses “Shop Small” bags and stickers. She will also be sending out an offer to Thurmont businesses to have their business promoted on the Thurmont Main Street website for the week of the Small Business Saturday.

Grinder said that last year several businesses offered the bags and stickers to shoppers and used the “Shop Small” signage. All of these promotional items are free and available from American Express or the Main Street office. In addition, a handful of businesses also took the opportunity to advertise themselves via the web.

“More and more businesses are using it, and, hopefully, it will continue to grow,” Grinder said.

In Thurmont, the week of Small Business Saturday culminates with the popular Christmas in Thurmont event, which also brings a lot of shoppers into local businesses.

For more information about Small Business Saturday, you can call 240-626-9980 or visit the website at www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small.

Christmas Services

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St. Johns Lutheran Church

Join St. Johns Lutheran Church in Creagerstown for a Celebration of the Birth of Christ Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols, followed by a dinner, at 5:00 p.m. Their Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. in their 1908 worship space. View the advertisement on page 25 for more information.

Celebrate Birth of Jesus with Trinity United Methodist Church

Celebrate the birth of Jesus with Trinity United Methodist Church in Emmitsburg during their Christmas Eve Service with Communion and candlelight on December 24, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 26 for more information.

Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church’s Christmas Journey

Join Tom’s Creek UMC on a Christmas journey, with a Children and Family Service with song and story, a Traditional Candlelight Service, and a Traditional Candlelight and Communion Service. The Sanctuary is open every Wednesday in December for time of reflection and prayers. View the advertisement on page 26 for more information.

Live Nativity at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church of Urbana

Join Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church of Urbana on Sunday, December 6, 2015, for the Live Nativity, featuring live animals (including a camel), music, and narration. Show times are at 6:00 p.m.; 7:00 p.m.; and 8:00 p.m. Admission is free. View the advertisement on page 24 for more information.

Deerfield United Methodist Church

Join Deerfield United Methodist Church for a Traditional Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2015, at 8:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 25 for more information.

Thurmont United Methodist Church

Celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve with Thurmont United Methodist Church. They offer three different times and style options, including a service geared towards children and a service with different styles of music, the story of Christ foretold, candle lighting, and more. View the advertisement below for more information.

Weller United Methodist Church

Discover God’s promise of unending love this Christmas and join Weller United Methodist Church in Thurmont for their new sermon series, December 6-24, 2015, including Christmas Cantata on December 13; Longest Night Service on December 20, and Christmas Eve Services on December 24. View the advertisement on page 26 for more information.

 

Christmas in Thurmont 2015

This year, Thurmont’s Christmas in Thurmont event will take place on Saturday, December 5, starting at 10:00 a.m. on Thurmont’s Town Square. They will start with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m., followed by the arrival of Santa! They will have live entertainment by ESP Performing Company, hot cider, and cookies, along with photos with Santa for all ages! Christmas in Thurmont includes the business map-stamping activity for adults, grand prize giveaways, caroling, lighting of the Lions Club Remembrance Tree, and the lighting of the Town’s Christmas Tree.

Their goal for this event is to encourage a spirit of community and giving, and to also encourage our community to support local businesses. All of these activities and prizes are possible thanks to our business community. They are asking that you consider making a donation of cash/check, gift certificates, or merchandise for prizes. Cash/check donations are preferred, but all donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be acknowledged on printed materials the day of the event, and also on thurmontmainstreet.com and Facebook.

For more information, please contact Dr. John Hagemann at jhagemann@centeroflife.us, Michael Hobbs at 301-271-2233, or Vickie Grinder at vgrinder@thurmontstaff.com. Donations may be dropped off at Hobbs Hardware, located at 15 East Main Street. If you are not able to drop off your contribution, arrangements may also be made for them to pick up your donation by notifying the above contacts. Checks should be written to Thurmont Main Street. If possible, please have your donations turned in by Friday, November 27. Thurmont First is a 501(c)(3) and your donation is tax deductible.

 

Christmas in Emmitsburg 2015

Emmitsburg’s holiday season includes many traditions. Mother Seton School third graders will trim the tree on the square on December 1. Emmitsburg Elementary School students will trim the tree in front of the Community Center on December 18.

Then, the community will gather for the 27th Annual “An Evening of Christmas Spirit” on Monday, December 7, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., beginning in the Emmitsburg Square. A tree lighting ceremony, caroling, and the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree will kick off at 6:00 p.m.

At 6:30 p.m., Santa arrives at The Carriage House Inn, located just down South Seton Avenue from the Square. In and around The Carriage House, entertainment, refreshments, a live Nativity Scene, and hay rides will contribute to the holiday celebration.

From 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., local choirs and vocalists will be featured in Joann’s Ballroom.

Experience the true meaning of Christmas Spirit here. Canned goods donations accepted for the Emmitsburg Lions Club Christmas Food Drive.

Traditional Village Christmas

The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc. (CFHS) will host the fifth annual Traditional Village Christmas celebration in this historic village on Saturday, December 5, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This year, CFHS is honored to host local blacksmith Jim Maness, along with jewelers, yarn spinners, and other local craftspeople. Guests can sip apple cider and enjoy heirloom-recipe baked goods.  Kris Kingling, a village Christmas tradition involving masked and costumed members of the community who danced, sang, and ate as they went from house to house, will be recreated.

Catoctin Furnace maintains much of its original layout and structures, which were constructed primarily between 1774 and 1820. The village introduces visitors to the area’s historical importance and heritage resources, providing the look and feel of an early industrial complex yet retaining the charm of a small community at the foot of Catoctin Mountain. It is located on Maryland Route 806 (Catoctin Furnace Road) in Thurmont. For more information, call 443-463-6437 or visit www.catoctinfurnace.org.

The Thurmont Historical Society’s Christmas House Tour is Back in 2015

Take the Turmont Historical Society’s Christmas House Tour on Saturday, December 5, from 4:00-8:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 6, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. The house tour includes four wonderful homes and two churches, for a new lower price of $15.00. Tickets and information are available at Hobb’s Hardware and Browns’ Jewelry.

 

Toys for Tots

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Reserve is once again helping children in our area this Christmas with their annual Toys For Tots campaign. Helping the USMC is Cub Scout Pack 270 with their annual Toys for Tots drive.

Boxes will be on hand to accept new, unwrapped toys at Food Lion, Mountain Gate Restaurant, and Hobbs’ Hardware, all in Thurmont, until December 8, 2015. The primary goal of the Toys for Tots program is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate children that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens, and so they can have an exciting Christmas. Please consider donating a new unwrapped toy. If you would like to make a monetary, tax-deductible donation, visit frederick-md.toysfortots.org.

 

 

Getting in the Holiday Spirit Around Town

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Christmas in Emmitsburg

There are multiple events taking place in Emmitsburg on Saturday, December 6, 2014. The day is sponsored by the Emmitsburg Council of Churches.

Christ’s Community Church, located at 303 West Lincoln Avenue in Emmitsburg, hosts their 3rd Annual Christmas Bazaar, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. There will be nineteen vendors and a silent auction, as well as baked goods and food for sale. There will be a free scavenger hunt, free cookie decorating for the kids, and a free picture with good ol’ St Nicholas. For more information, contact Heather at 717-321-5522 or Pastor John at 301-447-4224.

Elias Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 100 West North Avenue in Emmitsburg, will hold their Annual Christmas Bazaar and Beef, Turkey, & Ham Supper (with apple fritters), starting at noon. The cost is $11.00 for adults; $4.00 for children (ages 6-12); $12.00 for carryout. The supper also includes stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, applesauce and cake. The annual bazaar includes crafts, home baked products, yard sale items.

The Lions Club of Emmitsburg hosts its annual Christmas Party for the children of Emmitsburg, hosted at the Vigilant Hose Company fire hall, located at 25 West Main Street in Emmitsburg. Free for children of all ages, featuring crafts, magic show, food, and a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Contact Lions Club for a time at joe@NOSPAMemmitsburg.net.

Breakfast with Santa and Christmas Bazaar will be held at Mother Seton School, located at 100 Creamery Road in Emmitsburg, from 8:00 a.m.-noon. Enjoy a pancake breakfast then shop their craft and specialty gifts vendors at the bazaar. With photos for Santa, door prizes, raffles, and a kids’ bazaar, there’s something for everyone. Free admission to the bazaar. Breakfast tickets are available for $7.00 (ages 7-adult); $5.00 (ages 3-6); Free (ages 2 and under). Visit www.MotherSetonSchool.org for more information.

Spend an evening with the Mount St. Mary’s University Chorale at The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, located at 339 South Seton Avenue in Emmitsburg, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. They will perform Haydn’s Mass in Times of War.  Find comfort from the worries of today in a beautifully hopeful artistic performance.

Don’t miss the Christmas Craft Fair at the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Saint Joseph Catholic Church (corner of North Seton Avenue and DePaul Street) in Emmitsburg, from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. There will be over thirty vendors. Baked goods and food for sale. (Event also on Friday, December 5, from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) Contact Jane Gjerde at 717-642-1247 or Gwen Topper at 301-447-2713 for information.

Free parking is available at Christ’s Community Church, Seton Shrine, Mother Seton School, Elias Lutheran Church, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas Celebration

Come join in the fun-filled festivities at the annual Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas Celebration. This year’s event, sponsored by the Blue Ridge Summit Free Library, will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2014, from 4:00-7:00 p.m., at the Blue Ridge Summit Plaza, located at the intersection of Monterey Lane and Sabillasville Road. There is something for everyone at this year’s activities and it’s all free!

There will be songs of the season by Rich Fehle and others, fire truck rides, horse-drawn sleigh rides, s’mores on the plaza, refreshments, craft making for the kids, and the historic Blue Ridge Summit Free Library will open its doors for the annual Holiday Open House.

At 6:30 p.m., the tree lighting ceremony will take place. This year the tree lighting will honor the memory of Jerry Scruggs and Dorothy Abplanalp.

At 7:00 p.m. the program continues at the Monterey Pass Battlefield museum and interpretive center, with a special candle light program and tours by Civil War and Monterey Pass Battlefield Historian, John Miller.

Any questions regarding the event, please call library board members, Duke and Lynn Martin at 717-642-5645.

Santa Comes to the Fire Museum

The Chief of the North Pole Fire Department, ol’ Santa Claus himself, will be at the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum in Emmitsburg on Saturday, December 13, 2014, from 1:30-4:00 p.m. The museum will be participating in Frederick County Museums by Candlelight that day, and will also be collecting for Toys for Tots for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Representatives of the Reserve will be on hand to receive new, unwrapped toys to pass on to deserving children.

The museum is located at 300B South Seton Avenue in Emmitsburg, in front of the Community Center. Stop in on December 13 for a  visit with Santa Claus and a free tour of the museum.

Free Children’s Christmas Party

The Emmitsburg Lions Club will host its annual Children’s Christmas Party on December 6, 2014, at the Vigilant Hose Company, located at 25 East Main Street in Emmitsburg, starting at 10:00 a.m. The event is free and will feature children’s crafts, face painting, Khan-Du the magician, and hot dogs and hot chocolate. It is also anticipated that Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance.

 

An Evening of Christmas Spirit

Come out for the 26th Annual An Evening of Christmas Spirit on Monday, December 1, 2014, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. The event will begin with the Emmitsburg Tree Lighting Ceremony on the square in Emmitsburg. Join local choirs in caroling and Mayor Briggs in the lighting of the town Christmas tree. At 6:30 p.m. Santa will arrive at The Carriage House Inn. All are invited for complimentary hot dogs, cookies, live Nativity, entertainment, and hayrides. Local choirs and vocalists will be featured in Joann’s Ballroom from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Canned goods and donations will be accepted for the Emmitsburg Lions Club Christmas Food Drive.

Event sponsored by The Carriage House Inn, the Town of Emmitsburg, and the EBPA.

Christmas in Thurmont

Christmas in Thurmont will be held on December 6, 2014, and will begin with a ribbon cutting at 9:00 a.m. at Mechanicstown Square Park in the center of Thurmont. Santa will be available for free photos, from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and, again, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Thurmont Lions Remembrance Tree will lit at 4:00 p.m., with caroling. Gather at 5:00 p.m. at Hobbs Hardware for prize drawing. Be sure to get a map and visit the listed businesses so you can enter the prize drawings. Children need only register to be eligible for prizes.

Thurmont American Legion Post 168

8 Park Lane, Thurmont

HO-HO-HO, Santa Claus is coming to town. As a matter of fact, he will be stopping here, at The American Legion in Thurmont, for Breakfast on December 20. Santa will only be here from 8:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday morning for breakfast. The cost for having Breakfast with Santa is free for kids ages 12 and under; $5.00 for those over age 12. Santa will be sharing juice, scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, coffee, and tea.

This month, we will be having entertainment downstairs on December 5 with DJ Jake; on December 12, Big Al will be doing the Honors; and on December 19, for our Ham & Turkey Night, Ralph Gann will be here. On New Year’s Eve, we will be having DJ James; bring a dish to share and bring in the New Year here.

Next month, the band Poverty Ridge will be here on January 10, 2015, from 8:00 p.m.-midnight. There is a Fender Electric Guitar donated by Poverty Ridge to our Scholarship Fund, being raffled off; winner to be announced the night of the dance. Raffle tickets available at the Legion or from Members of the Auxiliary, The Sons of the Legion.

There will be Bingo on Thursday evenings, and on Wednesday evenings they will be doing Corn Hole upstairs. Don’t forget our Ace of Hearts on Wednesday. Kitchen is open on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Legion will be closed on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day.

VFW Post 6658

12 W. Main Street, Emmitsburg

DJ Southpaw will be at the VFW Post 6658 on Saturday, December 6, from 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. DJ/Karaoke with Brian’s Songs will be held on Saturday, December 13, from 8:00 p.m.-midnight; Ugly Sweater Party! Come in your best ugly sweater for a chance at a prize. Judging will be done at 11:00 p.m.

DJ/Karaoke with Mountain Music will be on Saturday, December 20, from 8:00 p.m.-midnight. Turkey/Ham Give Away, sponsored by the Men’s Auxiliary, is on Saturday, December 20, from 6:00-10:00 p.m.

town hall reports

By On · Add Comment · In Community News, Local Events

by Michele Cuseo

Thurmont

Christmas in Thurmont—December 6

The 12th Annual Christmas in Thurmont event starts at 9:00 a.m. at the Mechanicstown Square Park with a ribbon cutting. This event is meant to help support local businesses by asking citizens to shop locally.  Shoppers can register for free prizes and enjoy hot cider and cookies from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Event also features a game to “find the Elf” in each participating business in order to win free prizes. Learn more about the game rules when registering for this event. Donations of warm coats and non-perishable food are being accepted at the square and Hobbs Hardware during the event.

Bring kids to visit Santa and get free photos with a Christmas stocking (for first 250) during the following times: Photos with Santa at the Square park, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; Santa reads a story to the kids at the Thurmont Library, 1:00-2:00 p.m.; Santa visits with kids again at the Gazebo, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

At 4:30 p.m., join the Lions Club for the Remembrance tree lighting with caroling next to the PNC bank,  followed by the prize drawing at 5:00 p.m. at Hobb’s Hardware.

Call Heather Dewees at 301-471-7313 for additional information on participating as a business or a shopper.

Food Bank and Coat Drive in Thurmont

Drop-off boxes to collect winter coats and canned food goods will be available at the Christmas in Thurmont event and at many participating businesses, including Hobbs Hardware.

Organizers and businesses encourage all shoppers to bring a canned food item for donation to help with the spirit of giving for this holiday season.

Sidewalk Construction Update

The sidewalk construction that incorporates the handicap accessibility design is almost complete on E. Main Street. More sidewalk work will continue throughout November and December. Town officials ask that you please be aware of the traffic and safety issues while Thurmont gets this upgrade.

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

Emmitsburg

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot “Emmitsburg Wattle Waddle” to Benefit Seton Center

The 6th Annual Wattle Waddle will be held on Thanksgiving day.  Activities start at the Emmitsburg Community Park (parking behind Library and next to Community Pool) at 8:30 a.m. with the 5-Mile run. Walkers and spectators can enjoy an early morning breakfast from the Holy Grounds Café that will include turkey bacon at 8:45 a.m. Walkers will enjoy a walk through the grounds of St. Catherine’s and St. Joseph’s.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the Seton Center, Inc., our local non-profit organization that helps the needy in Northern Frederick County. For more information, visit the website at www.emmitsburgturkeytrot.com or call David Weigelt at 240-575-5399.

Lions Club Bake Sale—November 22

The Lions Club will hold a Bake Sale at the Emmitsburg Jubilee shopping center on November 22, 2014. Proceeds will provide school scholarship funds to college-bound Emmitsburg high school students. Any student who lives in the Emmitsburg area can apply for the scholarship.

Emmitsburg Holiday Party—December 6

Children can look forward to a magic show, photos with Santa, arts and crafts, and other fun activities to celebrate the holiday season this year. Activities start at 9:00 a.m. at the Fire Hall. Santa will arrive at 10 a.m. and stay until 1:00 p.m. The Lions Club will be collecting canned goods for their annual Christmas Baskets program, which helps approximately sixty local families in need. Drop-off boxes are also located at Jubilee Foods and other business locations.  Anyone who would like to contribute for the holidays can mail checks to:  Emmitsburg Lions Club, PO Box 1182, Emmitsburg, MD  21727.

Working Together for Park Equipment in Silo Hill

Commissioner Mellor strongly advocated for the new park equipment in Silo Hill. There was a lot of teamwork between her, the mayor, and the town staff. The playground is funded through a grant to the town.

View the Town of Emmitsburg’s website at www.emmitsburgmd.gov or call the town office at 301-600-6300 for more information.