Currently viewing the tag: "Northwestern Frederick County Civic Association"

John A. Cliber Memorial Scholarship Recipients

By On · Add Comment · In School News

During the 39-year history of the John A. Cliber Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Northwestern Frederick Country Civic Association of Sabillasville, 56 awards have been awarded to Catoctin High School graduating students from the Sabillasville Elementary-feeder school.

Two 2021 graduates have each received a $1,000 award for their continuing education. Both recipients, Rachel Pastor and Zander Sharpe, are enrolled for the fall semester at Frederick Community College, pursuing their goals of obtaining degrees in business.

The Northwestern Frederick County Civic Association Scholarship Recipients

By On · Add Comment · In School News

The Northwestern Frederick County Civic Association (NWFCCA) Scholarship Committee has announced the recipients for the 2020 school year. Since the inception of the organization in 1974 and the development of the scholarship programs, a total of 63 awards have been given. Catoctin High School graduates that have attended the Sabillasville Elementary School are eligible to apply.

This year, two graduates have each been awarded $1,000 from The John A. Cliber Memorial Scholarship.

NWFCCA is very proud of recipients Christa Royer, attending The Von Lee International School of Aesthetics in Pikesville, Maryland, and Garrett Toms, pursuing a degree in Pharmacy at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia.

mountain talk

By On · Add Comment · In Local Events

by Chris O’Connor

Sabillasville’s Northwestern Frederick County Civic Association

Mountain FestThe year’s annual Mountain Fest Festival in October, sponsored by the Northwestern Frederick County Civic Association (NWFCCA), was attended by local residents and repeat visitors from as far as Baltimore and Annapolis.

Founded in 1974, the positive effects of the NWFCCA are palpable, far beyond the picturesque hills that surround Sabillasville Elementary on what was a picture-perfect October weekend.

George Kuhn, current president of the NWFCCA, explained that Mountain Fest is the organization’s sole fundraiser that benefits the scholarship fund, which includes the John A. Cliber Memorial Scholarship, the Automotive Industry Scholarship, and a scholarship intended for an individual returning to the workforce or re-training for a new career.

Kuhn expressed that one of the most fulfilling aspects of his role as president of the association is seeing the positive effects on the lives of over fifty individuals who have benefited from the scholarships. And, of course, the scholarships wouldn’t be possible without the innumerable volunteers who help. Kuhn expressed special thanks for these efforts, citing life’s fast paced commitments as zapping some of the organizations volunteer base in recent years.

Despite dwindling membership, NWFCCA remains responsive to citizens in innumerable ways by providing residents a sounding board for any of their concerns. Their brochure describes their efforts: “…neighbors serving the social, recreational and environmental needs of the Sabillasville community and surrounding Catoctin Highlands while preserving and protecting its rural legacy.”

Just a few of the ways the NWFCCA helps neighbors on the mountain include providing assistance for local projects, education on issues that affect individuals and families, speakers on pertinent state and local issues, and candidate forums. Some of the speakers have included Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, our own publisher of The Catoctin Banner, Deb Spalding, and many others.

Kuhn adds that the association is there to react and respond to issues that concern local residents, filling a vacuum and giving a voice to the folks who sometimes feel somewhat forgotten or invisible in the larger context of Frederick County. He is concerned with the shrinking membership and hopes residents will join the association.

Additional philanthropy by the NWFCCA includes financial aid to local families in need, disaster relief donations, and funds to local schools, fire and rescue, and libraries.

Attention to maintaining the health of beauty of the environment is also of interest to association members. Members and volunteers conduct an annual roadside cleanup each spring, and strive to monitor the health of the creeks and streams.

For further information on becoming a Mountain Fest vendor or to join the NWFCCA, contact George Kuhn at 301-241-3997. You can also attend a NWFCCA meeting, held the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at Sabillasville Elementary School.

mountain talk

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

MountainFest Weekend in Sabillasville

by Chris O’Connor

COLUMN mountain fest -Juanita Pfister and daughter OliviaA rather inauspicious opening day of MountainFest at Sabillasville Elementary School in Sabillasville, Maryland, deterred many visitors due to the chilly, misty weather.

Sunday, the overcast skies gave way to sun and warmer temperatures and attendance typical of the decades old annual arts and crafts festival sponsored by the Northwestern Frederick County Civic Association (NFCCA).

The NFCCA headed by President George Kuhn describes the gathering as a unique alternative for artisans and crafters to display their wares in an ideal environment without the crush of crowds and parking fees.  He considers the relaxed country setting a perfect place for friends and neighbors to gather and enjoy local churches’ baked goods, live music, an affordable meal, and ice cream from Antietam Dairy, an ever-welcome fixture at MountainFest.

Robert Eyler of Rocky Ridge provided fare from his food truck on Saturday and Sunday.  The menu included hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, and other items, but he sold out of pit beef and soup both days, a testament to the popularity of Eyler’s chow.

MountainFest is the only fundraiser held by the NFCCA.  It primarily benefits students through the Catoctin feeder school system who choose to apply for scholarships. George, whose duties include vendor registration and assignment of spaces, explained that there are three categories of scholarships, including academic, auto industry, and the lesser known designation for individuals wishing to continue their education.

There were approximately twenty-five exhibitors at the show, including George who had a wide array of antiques and collectibles that he’s found at a variety of sales. He claims no special knowledge, but happily enjoys the quest and how interesting he considers the individual items he finds.

MountainFest draws in crafters and artisans from towns hither and yon.  Jack and Holly Olszewski of Cascade, Maryland, displayed their fossils, crystals, minerals, and massive teeth from the ancient megaladon.

Jerry Stiffler from Wellsville, Pennsylvania, builds distinctive cupboards and shelving fashioned from salvaged antique wood from deserted barns and other buildings slated for demolition.  He strives to learn the age and history of the structure and includes that information with the purchase of each piece.

Another popular draw was hand-crafted jewelry by Deanna Maginnis from Myersville, Maryland, who designs and fabricates her own jewelry from a variety of beads to semi-precious stones, including freshwater pearls to Swarovski crystals.

Sunday, the emerging sun illuminated glistening chrome and shiny paint jobs, highlighting another popular feature of MountainFest, the much anticipated annual car show, founded over thirty years ago by the late Kenny Tressler.

George Kuhn credits the continued success of the car show to current chairman Jason Worth of Sabillasville, who registered 110 antique and classic rides this year. Funds raised from the car show go toward the NFCCA scholarship fund.

Jason, who has helped with the annual car show for six years and been the chairman for three, points out that the show isn’t limited to antique or classic cars, or what car lovers describe as “Detroit Muscle.”  Any car can be entered in the show for a $10.00 fee, which allows the entrant to vote for twenty-five awards and a chance at a variety of door prizes offered by local businesses from Thurmont; Emmitsburg; and Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, who generously provide goods and services.

Jason extends his gratitude to everyone who contributed cash and/or door prizes, the gathering of which involves friends and family who volunteer to visit the local businesses and cites ultimate beneficiaries:  students looking for a financial boost in their respective hopes to further their education with NFCCA scholarships.

Three additional awards included one for the vehicle that traveled the greatest distance, which hailed from Bunker Hill, West Virginia. The Oldest Vehicle award was bestowed on 1927 Ford Model A. Voted Best in Show was a ’69 Chevelle.

A fitting finale to a beautiful Sunday at MountainFest was punctuated by rumbling thunder from the exhaust systems of the cars, a veritable symphony to any car enthusiast’s ears as the participants departed the show grounds.

The descending sun reflected in the cars spotless paint jobs and flashed like lightning as the show cars headed toward the horizon.

For information, contact George Kuhn at 301-241-3997 or Jason Worth at 301-241-4537.