James Rada, Jr.

“Wagons ho!”

With that once-common call, Joe Eyler started his wagon train, moving out from his farm on Eyler Road in Thurmont.

The wagon train was made up of eleven wagons, ranging in size from an authentic Conestoga wagon to a small cart pulled by two small Shetland ponies. The wagon train was accompanied by nineteen mounted outriders. Participants came from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.

The wagon train was part of the annual Thurmont Heritage Day events that Eyler holds on his farm.

“This is the first time we’ve ever done something like this,” Eyler said.

He added that he hopes to make it an annual event that travels to different destinations.

“The Emmitsburg mayor and Taneytown mayor have said that they are interested in having us come through their towns, and I’d like to rotate where we go,” Eyler said.

Orville Baker of Rocky Ridge brought his surrey to the event to join in the wagon train.

“I usually bring it out for parades, but this is nice,” Baker said.

The wagon train took place on Saturday, May 30. The group traveled from Thurmont to Harney (located in Carroll County). Along the way, the train traveled through covered bridges and forded the stream at Four Points Bridge.

The group camped on Saturday night at Eric Glass’ house on Tom’s Creek Road.

Hayden Lamb, a ten-year-old from New Market, participated in the wagon train with his family. He even dressed the part of a buckskinner.

“I like the camping and hanging out with everyone and riding on the wagons,” Hayden said. “I’m having a lot of fun.”

A cowboy church service was held on Sunday morning before the wagons headed out toward Harney. The wagon train arrived at the Harney Fire Department, located on Harney Road in Taneytown, for lunch.

Wagoneers drive one of the wagons in the Thrumont Wagon Train onto Eyler Road as they head out toward Harney.

Photo by Jim Rada, Jr.

Beach Bound

Your agents at Senior Benefit Services in Thurmont want to make sure our seniors are prepared for their trip to Ocean City, Maryland. When packing up your bikini and Speedo, grab your Medicare and your insurance and prescription drug cards. Remember, your doctor knows you, but the Urgent Care at Ocean City does not.

Don’t forget that Senior Benefit Services is now accepting donations to the Thurmont Food Bank. Many of their clients ask, “What do we owe you?” and they reply, “All our services are free, but we graciously accept donations to our local Food Bank.” Don’t have a canned good? They take cash donations as well.

Schools are now out, and some kids are asking, “I’m hungry, what’s for lunch?” Thurmont citizens can answer that question with a donation to the food bank.

The Thurmont office of Senior Benefit Services is built on the premise of “neighbor helping neighbor,” so let’s all help our local citizens with a contribution to the Thurmont Food Bank.

Please stop in to the Senior Benefit Services, meet them, and help to make a difference in our community!

The staff at Senior Benefit Services—Karen, Shawn, Phyllis, and Barb—would like to wish you a safe summer season!

Pictured from left are (standing) Phyllis Nizer, Shawn Graff, Karen Simundson, and (kneeling) Barbara Plovock.

Pink Fire Trucks Coming to Town

The “Bubble Gum Pink” fire trucks that will be seen riding through Emmitsburg on Tuesday, July 7, will be promoting breast cancer awareness. A total of five fire engines of various types will be arriving on Monday evening, July 6, at the Vigilant Hose Company fire station on West Main Street, and also at the National Fire Heritage Center/Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum on South Seton Avenue.

They are bringing with them a broad range of messages on personal well-being and safety awareness. The website www.pinkfiretrucks.org contains photos, video clips, and a great deal of background information. Being hosted by the various fire-related entities here in Firetown USA (as some call Emmitsburg), this special visitation is open to the public.

While in town, the group is open to making short personal home visits to those who have been dealing with debilitating diseases—yes, they are even making “house calls!” This is something they do routinely in their travels. The effort is being made possible by the group’s founder, Dave Graybill of Arizona (dgray-bill911@yahoo.com or 602-380-8714). For more information regarding this local Emmitsburg area opportunity or to include how you can arrange to take photos of the units and/or their personnel, contact Wayne Powell at waynepowellnfhc@gmail.com or 240-344-7390.

Thurmont Grange Welcomes Three New Members

At the May 20, 2015, meeting of Thurmont Grange #409, three new members were proudly welcomed. Grange Master Rodman Myers led their induction, followed by refreshments and fellowship.

Members of the Catoctin FFA also gave a presentation at the Grange meeting. The students shared their FFA projects and highlighted team achievements for this year.

The Grange is an organization dedicated to serving their community and promoting agriculture.

For further information or if you are interested in becoming a member, please contact Rodman Myers at 301-271-2104.

Pictured from left to right are Grange Master Rodman Myers, Sandy Moser, Robert McAfee, Susan Crone, Chuck Crone, and Grange Chaplain Roger Troxell.

Courtesy Photo

Thurmont Lions Club Community Night Celebration

On May 27, 2015, the Thurmont Lions Club held its annual Community Night Celebration. Members have the opportunity to see the fruits of their year-long labor, as grants are given to numerous organizations. Community Night followed Education Night, held earlier in May, when the club gave grants and scholarships to the Catoctin Feeder schools and its students. Approximately $35,000 was given away during the two nights.

Funds had previously been given to Leader Dog, Maryland Medical Eye Bank, and Catoctin High School (CHS) Safe & Sane 2015.

Please call 301-271-0558 if you are interested in helping the Thurmont Lions Club make a difference in our community.

Pictured from left are: Thurmont Lions Club President J.R. Wantz with Wayne Stackhouse, Guardian Hose Company; Tim Sturart, Seton Center; Bob Muchow, Lions Saving Kids Sight; Bob Johnson Lions Vision Research Foundation; George Anzelone, Thurmont Senior Citizens; Brooks Widders, Lions District 22-W Hearing & Speech; John Ruppel, Thurmont Scouting Inc; Megan Millson, Catoctin FFA; Lisa Gerring, Project Hope; Bill Blakeslee, Community Foundation of Frederick County for the Davey Long and Mike Compton Memorial Fund, the Make a Difference in Thurmont Fund, and the 1Lt Rob Seidel Wounded Soldier Fund; John Mashmeier, Catoctin Community Medical Fund; Becca Richards, Thurmont Thespians; Tara Lebherz, Thurmont Regional Library; Brandi Bubczyk, Spirit Show Choir; Kate Burke, Camp Jamie; Rebecca Areola, Frederick County Boys and Girls Club at TMS; Ted Nettles, MD Patriot Guard; Labella Kreiner, CHS Leos; Ann Nettles, MD Patriot Guard; Annalise Lewis, TMS Leos; Nick Nowaczyk, Frederick County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Club; Mary Frances Gosnell, Heaing Loss Association of America-Frederick County Chapter; Donna Jackman, Lions District-22W Diabetes; Paul Cannada, Lions Club International Foundation; Becky Little, Guiding Eyes for the Blind; Paster Sally Joyner-Giffin, Thurmont Food Bank; John Henry, St Joseph’s Ministries – St Catherine’s. Hidden: Susan Polansky, MD Parents of Blind Children.

Picture by Albie Little of Courtesy Photos Inc.

Thurmont Lions Club Inducts New Member

The Thurmont Lions Club inducted a new member, Lion Jill Long, during the March 25, 2015, meeting. Lion Jill’s husband, Mark Long, is also a member of the club. A warm welcome was given to Lion Jill, as the club welcomed her into their Lions family.

The Thurmont Lions Club is a group of community-minded men and women who come together to enjoy each other’s company, hear interesting programs, and raise funds for important local or vision-related activities. They meet at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Mountain Gate Restaurant in Thurmont.

For additional information, visit their website at www.thurmonlionsclub.com or call 301-271-4433.

Pictured from left are Lion Glenn Rickard, sponsor; Lion Jill Long; and PDG Paul Cannada.

Cornhole 4 A Cause Tournament Winners

The winners of the annual Cornhole 4 A Cause Tournament fundraiser, hosted by Light the Night team Barkers 4 Blood Cancer, benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, were Mark Clemmons and Barry Gastly, who went into the championship game with one loss, having to beat the undefeated Paul Eyler and Ryan Eyler twice to win the tournament. Third place went to Jacob Fisher and Kenny Rosenberry, who went undefeated until their fourth game. The event was held on Saturday, May 30, 2015, at the Emmitsburg Community Park. Details about the event, including winners and businesses that contributed to their fundraiser, are listed on their Facebook page: facebook.com/barkers4bloodcancer.

Barkers 4 Blood Cancer would like to thank everyone who attended the event, as well as all of the people and businesses that donated items for the event. They could not have done it without their volunteers: Jeremy Boylan, Tracy Boylan, Abigail Christian, Mark Clemmons, Shannon Cool, Eric Dempsey, Fran Dempsey, Morgan Dempsey, Harvey Dewees, Mary Dewees, Mike Dewees, Peggy Dewees, Brad Doyle, Kim Foreman, Alex Hayes, Gail Hayes, Tracie Lee, Joe MacCaffery, Dave Reid, Kelly Reid, Sue Reid, and Logan Rudez. Heartfelt thanks go out to all for supporting their cause.

 First place winners, Barry Gastly and Mark Clemmons.

 Second place winners, Ryan and Paul Eyler.

Silver Fancy Garden Club Donates to Emmitsburg Branch Library

Children’s Library Associate Cheryl Dillman from Frederick County Public Libraries recently attended the monthly meeting of the Silver Fancy Garden Club of Emmitsburg and Taneytown. At the meeting, Dillman accepted a $200.00 donation to be used for Children’s services at the Emmitsburg Branch Library. Ms. Dillman reviewed the club’s programs held at the branch during the past year.

In thanking the club for their long-standing support of activities for children, Ms. Dillman said, “The time and effort donated by members of the Silver Fancy Club provide a wonderful opportunity for hands-on experiences for young people to learn about nature.” A photographic PowerPoint highlighting events from the past year included photographs of children making Gourd Birdhouses and Christmas Tea Centerpieces.

Also at the meeting, club member Janet Hatter, who has coordinated the programs for children at the Emmitsburg Branch, was presented with the Dessie Moxley Youth Involvement and Development Award. This award—a silver platter—was presented by club President Joyce Bruchey. The award is given annually by the District 5 State of Maryland Garden Club to honor a Federated Garden Club member for activities completed within the current year with youth.

The Silver Fancy Garden Club’s history dates back to 1954 when it began in Emmitsburg. Club members promote an interest in gardening, flower arranging, and conservation. Other activities that members plan are tree and flower planting for civic improvement. Members are concerned about litter control and the Highway Beautification Act. They have planted wild flowers along roadways, and put up bluebird nesting boxes. Club meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at the Emmitsburg or Taneytown Library. New members are welcome. Interested individuals can call Betty Cree at 410-346-7663 for new member information.

This spring, club members Janet Hatter, Cheryl Rippeon, and Linda Mullineaux, instructed a group of thirteen elementary-aged children in the art of spring flower arranging. Each child created a beautiful Easter arrangement that they were able to take home.

The next Silver Fancy Garden event to be held at the Emmitsburg Branch Library will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. and will feature dahlia arrangements. Children, six to fourteen years of age, are invited to register at www.fcpl.org or call 301-600-6329. All materials are provided.

Silver Fancy Garden Club members Cheryl Rippeon, Janet Hatter, and Linda Mullineaux (not pictured) assisted children from the Emmitsburg community in the art of flower arranging during their Spring Junior Gardener class at the Emmitsburg Library.

Cascade Sons of the American Legion Holds Benefit     

Submitted by Bill Eiker, SAL Historian

On June 13, 2015, the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Post 239 of Cascade, Maryland, held a benefit drawing on the grounds of Fort Ritchie.

Of the more than 2,400 tickets sold, more than 900 people were in attendance.

Although it felt more like a mid-summer day on the day of the benefit drawing—hot and humid down in the flatlands—on the mountain top it was much less humid, with a nice cool breeze. Those present thoroughly enjoyed the fundraising festivities and were generously supportive.

Fisher House’s “Persons in Need” fund and the Cascade Elementary School’s “Christmas Project” will be prioritized in receiving the proceeds from the Sons of the American Legion.

The SAL would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all who endeavored to make this day a huge success.

Winners of the benefit drawing were: T. Doing, R. Stinnett, J. Gauss, M. Dewdney, D. Wageman, A. Mogle, D. Knaub, C. Hill, M. Creek, S. Kline, M. Reed, D. Davis, R. Ridenour, F. Young, P. Fleagle, L. Lynn, D. Banzoff, and R. Dougan.

Habitat for Humanity Townhouse for Sale in Thurmont

Habitat for Humanity is back in Thurmont with a new homeownership program through Frederick County Affordable Housing Land Trust (FACAHLT). They are seeking applicants who would like to become homeowners of a fantastic townhouse on Spangler Court in Thurmont, featuring three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, garage, and new appliances. The townhouse is selling for $150,000.

For more information about FCAHLT and how to qualify to purchase, please contact , FCAHLT Director Jennifer Minnick at 301-698-2449 ext. 19 or jminnick@frederickhabitat.org.

You Could Win a Camper

The Lewistown Volunteer Fire Department is holding a raffle for which winners will be drawn on April 2, 2016. You could win a Coachmen Clipper pop-up camper; a Stihl leaf blower; or a weed eater.

The camper is provided by Beckley’s Camping Center. Tickets are $5.00 each or five for $20.00. Call 301-748-2874 for more information.

Bittner Reunion

Descendents of Sam and Clara Bittner will hold their annual Bittner Reunion on Saturday, July 25, 2015, at the St. John’s United Church of Christ Parish Hall, located on 16923 Sabillasville Road in Sabillasville.

Family and friends are invited to gather at noon. Please bring a dish to share.

For more information or with any questions, email Joan Fry at jofry241@yahoo.com with questions. Kids Fishing Derby 2015

The Sons of the American Legion Squadron 121 held their annual Kids Fishing Derby in June. A nice turnout of participants allowed many to enjoy some great prizes and fabulous fishing. Congratulations to all of this year’s participants who landed a big catch!

Businesses who supported this event include Bollinger’s Restaurant, Don’s Towing, Shuff’s Meats, Mare Inc. Boating and Fishing, Thurmont Bar and Grill, Thurmont Eye Care, Thurmont Tanning Salon, Thurmont Auto Sales, Vier’s Auto Repair, Sons of Amvets Squadron 7, Amvets Auxiliary Unit 7, Amvets Post 7, Zurgable Brothers Hardware, VFW Post 6658 Emmitsburg, VFW Auxiliary Unit 6658 Emmitsburg, VFW Men’s Auxiliary Squadron 6658 Emmitsburg, Mountain Gate Restaurant, Hillside Turkey Farm, New Bill’s Auto Body, Emmitsburg Lions Club, Weis Market, Welch’s Lawn Service, Jubilee Foods, Total Look Salon, Rebecca Pearl Galleries, East Park Automotive, Bollinger Construction Inc., Bollinger Homes LLC, Quality Tire Center, Hobb’s Cycle Service, Carleo Italian Pizza, Emmitsburg Glass Company, Fitzgeralds Auto and Cycle, Harrington’s Equipment Co., My Father’s Footsteps Salon, Carriage House Inn, Hobb’s Trucking Co., Knights of Columbus, Stavro’s Pizza, Dave and Jane’s Crab House, Thurmont Feed Store, C. A. Stouter Transport, J.R. Stine, Holtzople Heating and Air, Joann’s Cut and Curl, Rocky’s Pizza, Kountry Kitchen, and E Plus Copy Center.

Legion hosts would also like to thank all the volunteers who helped make the Kids Fishing Derby a success: Mike Hartdagen, Tim Andrew, Mark Zurgable, Jim Houck, Tim Hane, Ron Cool, Alan Cool, Fred Hoff, Mark Walter, Paul Sutton, Brad Hartdagen, Roger Melton, Lewis Smith, Kevin Cogan, Sharon Hane, Rich Kapriva, Gary Stouter, Matt Cogan, Jean Cool, Ron Springer, Brenda Sites, Cory Stouter, Ron Rosensteel, Evon Rosensteel, Tom Joy, Carole Hartdagen, Brianna Gregory, Dave Bushman, and Kelsey Dewees.

“Thanks to all the sponsors and volunteers, and may God bless you for you have made many children very happy!”

Catoctin High School’s New Distinguished Graduate Organization Seeks Nominees

A new Distinguished Graduate Organization was established at Catoctin High School (CHS) during the 2014-2015 school year to recognize the graduates of Catoctin High School who have made a difference locally, in the state, and/or in the nation.

Committee membership stands at seven and currently includes Keith Bruck, Program Coordinator; Bernard Quesada, CHS Principal; Deb Clarke, CHS graduate and current CHS staff member; Kim Flabbi, CHS graduate and current CHS staff member; Curt Howser, CHS staff member; John Koepke, community member and former CHS staff member; Glenn Moxley, CHS graduate and current CHS staff member; and Tom Sherald, community member and former CHS staff member.

“Our Principal, Bernie Quesada, expressed interest in starting the program, modeling it after a similar program that exists at Linganore High School,” said Keith Bruck.

Nominations for Distinguished Graduates are invited in five categories: academics, arts and humanities, athletics, business, and public service. Nominated graduates will be mailed an application to complete. Honorees will be selected from those applications returned to the committee. All nominees must be graduates of Catoctin High School. Students who attended CHS but did not graduate from CHS are not eligible for recognition.

The community can also nominate a former Catoctin staff member (cafeteria worker, custodian, instructional aide, secretary, or teacher) to be recognized.

The earliest a former staff member can be nominated is two years following their departure from CHS.

To honor distinguished graduates, there will be an awards ceremony the Tuesday before Thanksgiving 2015. The freshmen and senior classes and the honorees’ families are the only guests invited to the awards ceremony. When each honoree receives his/her award, he/she will be invited to speak to the guests and students about the impact of a CHS education and the choices that he/she made that led to personal success. The goal is for the freshmen and seniors to discover role models in the many men and women who are Catoctin alumni. After the ceremony, the recipients will visit specific classes to further share their expertise and experience.

The day will conclude with a small reception in the media center to honor the recipients.

Nomination forms can be picked up in the front office of Catoctin High School, or can be downloaded from the CHS website at www.education.fcps.org/chs. Nomination forms must be submitted by September 1, 2015, to 14745 Sabillasville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788.

Nominees will then receive an application to be completed by October 1, 2015. The Distinguished Graduate Organization committee will determine the award recipients by October 15.

Fundraiser Helps Special Needs Students

Pamela Adams-Campbell, a special needs teacher at Catoctin High School, asked Frederick County Public Schools to fund Chromebooks for her students. She received the answer that if they were purchased for one school, they’d have to purchase them for all schools, and the funds are not budgeted or allocated for that purpose at the present time. It could have been a while for this need to be filled.

Mrs. Adams-Campbell set out to raise funds for the purpose. While she could have focused on raising funds for her students alone, she instead has set out to raise enough funds to purchase approximately one hundred Chromebooks at the cost of $33,000. Each Chromebook costs about $330.00.

With Frederick County Public School’s initiative to go “paperless” this past school year, over 90,000 documents were shared using Google Drive at Catoctin High in the school year 2014-1015. Chromebooks will allow students with special needs to share documents. More importantly, the tablet computer will allow visual and verbal interaction with these students who thrive with alternative ways of learning. It is proven that students with attention deficit learn better from hearing words while reading along visually; students with autism learn well by moving items around with a mouse on a computer; students with physical challenges may use apps on the Chromebooks to speak their text or hear words read to them. The benefits of these compact portable tools are unending.

Sponsors of each Chromebook will receive recognition with a plaque on each Chromebook they buy, newsletter recognition throughout FCPS, and Web recognition on “Find Out First” online.

“Friends” are those who sponsor one Chromebook, “Supporters” sponsor two, and “Champions” sponsor up to ten Chromebooks.

Call Catoctin High School at 240-236-8100 and ask for Pamela Adams-Campbell or email her at pamela.adamscampbell@fcps.org for more information. This is a great purpose. Your donation will be greatly appreciated.

Emmitsburg’s Multi-User Recreational Trails Officially Open for Fun

A ceremony for the dedication of the Emmitsburg Multi-Users Recreational Trails was held Sunday, June 28, 2015, at Rainbow Lake where the trails start. The trail system includes sixteen miles of trails through the mountains around Rainbow Lake. The trails can be used by families, groups, enthusiasts, and recreational hikers and mountain bikers. The system includes challenging trails and beginner trails.

Tim O’Donnell, the Town of Emmitsburg’s coordinator for the project, thanked the Trail Conservancy who provided approximately $100,000 in grant funding for this project, as well as Single Track Futures who provided approximately $300,000 in matching funds for grants obtained through the State Highway Administration and the Recreational Trail Program to make this project a reality. Additionally, he thanked Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE), the International Bicycling Association, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Emmitsburg, and all who have traveled far and near to volunteer. Over 1,000 volunteer hours were recorded to build the trails.

Austin Steo, Executive Director of the Trail Conservancy, said, “We were glad to have helped Tim realize his vision for a trail system here.”

There will be more trails built, including a trail to connect to Annandale Road and eventually to the Town of Emmitsburg with a natural surface trail. There will be twenty-five to thirty miles of trail when the project is complete within the next five years.

Caroline O’Donnell said, “My Dad has worked very hard for a very long time to make this happen. He completed a proposal with bulletin boards and drawings that he presented to the town before he became a town commissioner. It’s been a long-term effort.”

Pictured from left are Jason Hade, Jude O’Donnell, Dewey, Austin Steo with the Trail Conservancy, Tim O’Donnell with the Town of Emmitsburg, Noreen O’Donnell, Caroline O’Donnell, and Chris Howell.