by Joseph Kirchner

Spring has sprung, and, for most of us, that means it’s time to shake off the winter blues and get in shape. Have you put on a few extra pounds? If your response is yes, then joining a quality gym might be the answer for you. Fortunately, Anytime Fitness in Thurmont has everything you need and all you could ask for in a gym membership.

First, Anytime Fitness (the world’s largest 24-hour gym chain) offers the benefit of Anywhere Club Access. With this benefit, you can visit thousands of Anytime Fitness centers for the price of a standard gym membership. Traveling? With almost 2,000 gyms nationwide, you are likely to find an Anytime Fitness gym close by.

Dale Collis, a happy Anytime Fitness member said, “You can go almost anywhere in the country and you will find two or three Anytime Fitness gyms there.” He exercises primarily right here in Thurmont, but has used his Anywhere Club Access in Waycross, Georgia; Jacksonville, Florida; and Las Vegas, Nevada; among others.

Have you ever joined a gym with very limited hours that did not fit your schedule? At Anytime Fitness, you will enjoy the convenience of a 24-hour gym, a benefit which fits your very busy lifestyle. Simply use your private security-access key twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, at any Anytime Fitness location. So, now you can’t use the all-too-handy excuse that “the gym is not open!”

Without top-notch equipment, even the benefits mentioned above would hardly matter. At Anytime Fitness, you will find amazing amenities, including the best fitness equipment available. If cardio is your main emphasis, you’re in business; Anytime boasts treadmills, elliptical machines, a Concept 2 Rower, Expresso stationary bikes (the very best available), and a stair climber (coming soon). If strength training is your goal, you will find everything you want: free weights (with three full stations of Power-rack systems), a Smith machine, dumbbells from 2-100 pounds, kettle bells, TRX bands, weighted balls, and a full 16-station circuit of top-of-the-line Nautilus equipment.

George Puvel (club owner) gave this writer a comprehensive tour of the beautifully remodeled gym and proudly asserted, “We are excited to offer a new group exercise room as a part of our recent expansion.” Now Anytime Fitness offers free, unlimited classes—a wonderful benefit! Without additional cost, you can take Pilates, yoga, abs and interval classes, as well as the ever-popular Zumba classes. Moreover, tanning is available, and you will have access to single-use bathrooms with private showers.

Perhaps you require a little instruction or motivation to keep you on track. No problem here, because Anytime has certified, experienced personal trainers to guide you in reaching your fitness goals. The area’s best trainers are invested in your health and make it a point to treat you individually. Moreover, at Anytime Fitness the atmosphere is friendly and supportive—you will definitely enjoy working out here!

The following is a quick review of Anytime Fitness: Anywhere Club Access, 24-hour access, the very best cardio and strength equipment, free unlimited classes, tanning, private bath, the area’s best trainers, a congenial atmosphere, a beautifully remodeled club, and a really supportive environment. Truly everything you could ask for in a gym. Also consider that the Thurmont location ranks in the top one-and-a-half percent of all Anytime Fitness locations (based on corporate evaluations), and the membership is quite affordable. What are you waiting for? Call or visit Anytime Fitness, and they will be happy to give you a tour of their wonderful facility. Ask about the free seven-day pass. Now you have no more excuses not to get in the best shape of your life!

Anytime Fitness is located at 130 Frederick Road in Thurmont. Their staffed hours are Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Friday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; and Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. For more information or for a tour, call 301-271-0077. Also, check them out on Facebook.

Melissa Borns is shown in the newly remodeled and expanded club excersie room, featuring group exercise classes, which are included in the membership price.

Pictured from left are Bette Troxell, Chet Tippen (trainer), George Puvel (owner), Jason Blough (manager), and Melissa Borns (trainer).

Photos by Deb Spalding

The Furnace Bar and Grill Now Open for Dining

Deb Spalding

A new restaurant opened on March 8, 2015, in Catoctin Furnace near Thurmont. It’s called The Furnace Bar and Grill, and is located in the former Dale’s Place Bar. The Furnace is visible from Route 15, but you won’t notice any difference from the former business until you walk inside. There, the memory of Dale’s Place ends abruptly when faced with the fact that the interior of the building has been completely renovated. Where a pool table and dividing walls once existed, a new open and airy floor plan welcomes diners. The floors, the bathrooms, the dining room, the bar, and the kitchen have been stripped and replaced with upscale accents.

The renovated interior is a nice surprise, but it is exceeded by the taste of the food. It’s worth your time to try this new dining opportunity. Bring the family!

Sandy Copenhaver stopped in to pick up her to-go order during her lunch break at Renovations and said, “I’m excited to have a new place to eat!”

Greg Martinez, General Manager, is delighted to be part of this new venture. He’s worked with owner Ron Chen, who also owns Liberty Road Seafood near Libertytown, for two years, growing from a part-time cook at Liberty Road to full-time management. When Dale’s Place came available about a year ago, Chen and Martinez dug into the new project and followed it through as it morphed into the exceptional presentation that now welcomes diners.

Furnace Sauce, the signature sauce at The Furnace Bar and Grill, is Martinez’s baby. He’s been working on the recipe for six years. He takes great pride in this “kick it” sauce and his dough. He gives credit to co-workers and to Sue Whitmer who have helped with several recipes on the menu like beer cheese, BLT flatbread, and stuffed jalapenos.  The Furnace Cheeseburger is hand-paddied and fresh. The salads are really good. All menu items feature good sized portions with reasonable prices.

The Furnace presents a pub food menu. The Furnace Dog is a foot-long hot dog stuffed with pickled jalapeno, cheddar cheese, wrapped in bacon then fried. The order is accompanied with a side of Furnace Fries. Martinez said, “If you’re looking to kick back, enjoy a game and have a beer, this is perfect.”

Parties are welcome. Dining groups over ten people should call to make a reservation. There are several television screens and artwork of local landmarks on the walls. “We do everything we can to make sure everyone is comfortable and has a good time,” Martinez added. This summer, an outdoor deck will be open to diners, and entertainment will be scheduled on some weekends.

Martinez is reaching out to local organizations in order to spread the word about the new restaurant and to show their support of the local community.

Visit The Furnace on Facebook or in person at 12841 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont. Call 240-288-8942 for more information. Hours are Sundays to Thursdays 11:00 a.m. to midnight, and Fridays and Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

The Furnace staff pictured from left are Lauren Silverman, Bev Wyke, Greg Martinez, and Bryan Holland.

Photo by Deb Spalding

Red’s Tavern Under New Management

Visit Red’s new “Team Tavern” in Emmitsburg. They would like to give a special thanks to former managers, Tina and Danny. The Tavern will miss you both!

Pictured from left are: (top row) Raeann Wagerman, Sandy Miller, Bryant Hoffman, Raina and Randy Roser, Erin Valentine, and Tyler Hollinger (manager); (bottom Row) Justin Forsythe and Bob “Reds” Hance.