Currently viewing the tag: "Thurmont American Legion"

The Thurmont Little League Fall Ball season is in full swing, literally! From intermediate all the way down to T-ball, the kids are working hard and having a great time being back out on the field. The board of directors planned out a very extensive season, and it has been jam-packed with games and events thus far.

Speaking of the board, they welcomed several new members for the 2020-2021 year: Mike Smith—V.P. of Intermediate Division, Jeff Kuhn—V.P. of Minors Division, and Chad Hahn—Equipment Manager. They were all recently sworn into their new positions. The league would also like to thank Jeremy Johnson and Joe Wehage for their years of dedicated service as they exit their positions on the Board.

Along with the typical slate of games and practices that make up the fall season, there have been several ongoing fundraising efforts to help make up for the lost spring season. Spirit Wear and raffle ticket sales have been extremely successful in bringing in additional revenue for the league. On Saturday, August 29, the basket raffle was held, and the lucky winners were notified of their prizes. A “Mom’s Day Out” basket was won by Becky Wilson, while the “Guys Day” basket went to Richard Balsley. Two additional “Family Fun” baskets were won by Diana Merritt and Gail Bunyan. Congratulations to all the winners, and thanks to everyone who purchased tickets.

Over Labor Day weekend, the Major Division Twins and Orioles competed in the second annual Brunswick Little League Garel Hauver Memorial Tournament. Eleven teams played over the course of the weekend, and both Little League teams did a fantastic job representing Thurmont Little League and making the community proud.

The Hit-a-thon is the largest annual fundraiser for the league. This year, it was held on Saturday, September 12. The goal is for players to obtain sponsors to contribute money for them to get a certain number of hits. For every $10 earned, a player gets one hit, with a maximum of ten hits per player. A special bonus hit can be procured with a non-perishable food donation. This year, Thurmont Little League players raised over $8,000 and collected more than 120 items for Blessings in a Backpack. Individual prize winners were: Bryce Yocum—Overall Fundraising Winner ($365), Aiden Munday—Farthest Hit T-ball, Nemo Dewees—Farthest Hit Instructional, Seamus Riddle—Farthest Hit Minors, and Teddy Topper—Farthest Hit Majors. This event was a huge success, and the Thurmont Little League could not have done it without the support of its community and volunteers.

Finally, Thurmont Little League would like to give a special thank you to Thurmont American Legion Post 168 for donating brand new American flags for the complex. These will be put to great use as players recite the pledge to the flag before each game.

It has been a tremendous start so far, with lots of action and events. The league is looking forward to continuing on with the remainder of a successful fall season.

Hitathon winner for the furthest distance: Majors Division — Teddy Topper (221 ft.).

Andrea Myers Mannix

During the Opening Ceremonies of the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show in September at Catoctin High School, Veterans representing the Thurmont American Legion and the Francis X. Elder American Legion Post No. 121 in Emmitsburg were honored in recognition of the American Legion’s 100th Anniversary in 2019.

The American Legion organization was founded in 1919 by Veterans returning from Europe after World War I. It was later chartered as an official American patriotic society and carries on the tradition to support Veterans, families, and their community. The Legion continues to volunteer in patriotic service of mutual help to our country’s Veterans and has touched virtually every facet of American life. Even to this day, American Legion members carry on their objective to serve their community, state, and nation.

Veterans honorees of the Francis X. Elder American Legion Post No. 121 of Emmitsburg were:

Kevin Cogan

Kevin entered the U.S. Navy Seabees in 1979 and was assigned to Construction Battalion Unit 416 and then Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, proudly serving until his honorable discharge in 1986.

Kevin now serves as the commander of the Francis X. Elder American Legion Post No. 121 in Emmitsburg.

Thomas E. Hoke

Thomas served as a Combat Medic during World War II in the European Theater, and his Division was part of Patton’s Third Army.  He fought in the Hurchin Forest, Siegfried Line, and the Battle of the Bulge.

On April 11, 1945, the Division which Thomas was part of, liberated the Buchenwald Concentration Camp, and then were the first Division home after the War. His Division was to get a furlough and then be the first wave to hit the Japanese Mainland.

Thomas was home on August 6, 1945, when the first atomic bomb was dropped. After that, Thomas was sent to the 95th Division at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, and was discharged on January 9, 1946, as a staff sergeant.

Edward E. “Gene” Lingg

Gene served as a Gunner with the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam from July 1966 through August 1967, as a corporal. He was stationed in northern South Vietnam near the DMZ – The De-Militarized Zone.

Gene was re-assigned about halfway through his 13-month tour to Headquarters Battalion S-3, Intelligence, which planned and carried out field operations. 

Sanford “Mac” McGuire

Mac joined the U.S. Air Force in January 1959 and served our country until his honorable discharge in November 1962 as Airman First Class. He then entered into Federal service—as a civilian—for 43 years.

Mac has continued his service and support through memberships in different Veteran organizations and appointments that he has held in these organizations. He is currently the finance officer of the Francis X. Elder American Legion Post No. 121 in Emmitsburg.

Paul J. Sutton

Paul served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years as an aviation mechanic and has been a life-long resident of the Emmitsburg/Thurmont area.

Legion leadership positions include Past Post Commander and the Western Maryland District Adjuvant.

Martin R. Williams

 Martin served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1969 through 1971 and was part of the 5/2 Artillery 2nd Field Force, 25th Infantry. Martin is also a life member of American Legion Post 121, and an active member of AMVETS Post No. 7. He is presently serving in his eighth year as commander of VFW Post 6658, where he is also a life member.

TheEdwin C. Creeger, Jr. American Legion Post No. 168 of Thurmont honorees were:

The Late Kenneth Allen

Kenneth served in the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel and was a personnel service clerk from 1970 through 1973 and—in both active and reserve duty—was a Judge Advocate from 1976 through 2002. He was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Fort Jackson, South Carolina; the Judge Advocate General School in Charlottesville, Virginia; the Court of Military Review in Northern Virginia; and various reserve units in both Pennsylvania and Germany.

Kenneth was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, and came to the Thurmont area after being hired as a contract lawyer at Fort Ritchie.   His leadership position at the Legion was as judge advocate.

Kenneth passed away in May of this year. His contributions to the American Legion, the members, and the families it serves are too numerous to list. He was a man of integrity, honor, and service, and is greatly missed.

Robert H. Brennan

Bob served in the Army from 1960 through 1964. For 50 years, he has lived in Thurmont with his wife, Marie, and been a member of Post 168.

Bob’s leadership positions have included being adjutant for 30 years.   He is also adjutant of Frederick County and at the department level.

Lee Fisher was a great teacher and mentor for Bob, and between them, they know so much about Post 168. Bob is a very dedicated Legion member and loves helping all Veterans.

Edward Gravatt

Edward served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 through 1969 in Vietnam, working in the Air Police with Base Gym-Photographic Systems Repair. He is originally from Wilmington, Delaware, and his wife’s family is from Thurmont.

Edward has been a member for 12 years. His leadership positions have included post commander, second and first vice commander, and the post executive committee.

His Legion memorable moments were renovating the kitchen, Legion College at the Convention, Wounded Warrior Fishing, the Community Show, and the Catoctin Colorfest.

Rick L. Hall

Rick served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam from 1970 through 1973 as a gunner aboard the USS San Bernardino, USS Alamo, and Patrol Boat Riverine. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, he came to Frederick County in 1965, when his father was transferred with State Farm Insurance Company. Rick enlisted on July 15, 1970—just 24 days after his 17th birthday. Rick joined the American Legion in Clear Spring, Maryland, and then transferred to Thurmont. He was also involved with the Sons of the American Legion at the Woodsboro American Legion under his father, E. J. Hall.

Rick has been a Legion member for 23 years, and his leadership positions have included first vice commander, commander, and the post executive committee. His Legion memorable moments are the Ocean City Department meetings.

Rick stays as a member for all the important things the Legion does for our Veterans, families, scouts, scholarships for high school students, baseball teams, and the great friends he has made. The American Legion is a place for healing for some and a place of remembrance for others.

Alvin L. Hatcher

Alvin served in the U.S. Navy from 1984-1996 as hospital corpsman and was involved in Grenada and Desert Storm.

Alvin is from Mansfield, Ohio, and his wife is from Thurmont. His wife’s grandfather, Charles Downs, Sr. was a founding member of Post 168.

His leadership positions have included sergeant at arms, first vice commander, second vice commander, commander, post commander, county commander, and district commander.

Memorable moments at the Legion include becoming commander at Post 168 and his First Legion Convention in Ocean City. Alvin has enjoyed meeting many great memorable Legionnaires over the years.

Raymond A. Long

Raymond served in the Army from 1954 through 1956 and was a Morse Code interceptor during the Korean Conflict. He is a lifetime Thurmont resident, and joined the Legion so he could volunteer for his community.

Leadership positions in the Legion have included post commander, county commander, and district commander. While a member of the Veterans Affairs Department, Raymond was able to get funding for the Martinsburg, West Virginia, Veterans Affairs Center. 

His most memorable moments were being installed as commander of Post 168 and going to play bingo with Veterans at the Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Center.

James “Buzz” Mackley

Buzz served as a sergeant in the Maryland Army National Guard from 1962 through 1968, with Light Weapons Infantry and Heavy Weapon Infantry. He was stateside for Vietnam and involved in riot duties while being stationed in Baltimore in 1968. He was also stationed twice in Cambridge, Maryland.

James is originally from Thurmont and has been a Legion member for over 50 years. His grandfather, Lloyd Mackley, was a previous commander. Leadership positions have included commander, vice-commander, and board chairman of the post executive committee. 

Cooking for the Wounded Warrior Fishing Day at Camp Airy Ponds, sponsored by the Brotherhood of the Junglecock, was one of his best Legion memories.

Sidney A. Wolf

Sidney served in the U.S. Marines, and also served as the Legion’s Post Commander.

He also served on the House Corporation and Colorfest committee and helps to play bingo at the Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Center.

Pictured from left are: (front row) Paige Riley; Emmitsburg’s Francis X. Elder American Legion Post #121 Honorees: Martin Williams, Sanford “Mac” McGuire, Paul Sutton, Thomas Hoke, Edward “Gene” Lingg, Kevin Cogan; (back row) Andrea Mannix; Amy Poffenberger; Daniel Myers; C. Rodman Myers; Cathy Little; Jennifer Martin; Frederick County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Theresa Alban; Jennifer Clements; Barry Burch; Dave Harman; and Cheryl Lenhart.

Pictured from left are: (front row) Paige Riley; Thurmont’s Edwin C. Creeger, Jr. American Legion Post #168 Honorees: Alvin L. Hatcher, Raymond A. Long, Robert L. Brennan, Edward Gravatt, James “Buzz” Mackley, Rick L. Hall, and (not pictured) Sidney A. Wolf. Also honored was deceased member Kenneth Allen; (back row) Andrea Mannix; Amy Poffenberger; Daniel Myers; C. Rodman Myers; Cathy Little; Jennifer Martin; Frederick County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Theresa Alban; Jennifer Clements; Barry Burch; Dave Harman; and Cheryl Lenhart.

The 2nd Annual Gateway To The Cure Zumbathon was held on Sunday, April 7, 2019, at the Thurmont American Legion.

Zumba lovers of all ages came out to show their support for Gateway To The Cure, the Town of Thurmont’s annual fundraiser. Thurmont Zumba Instructor Kellie Bevard organized the entire event, with the assistance of four other Frederick County Zumba instructors.

The Zumbathon raised $900 in just two hours! Proceeds for Gateway To The Cure are donated to the FMH Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund at Frederick Memorial Hospital.

Thurmont’s 6th Annual Gateway To The Cure will be held the entire month of October. Proceeds from the Zumbathohn will be included in the October month-long fundraiser.

The 2nd Annual Gateway To The Cure Zumbathon fundraiser, held April 7, 2019, raises $900 in two hours.

Beth Watson is ready for her final bow, and when the curtain drops on the final performance of Footloose in the fall, the Thurmont Thespians twenty-year run will come to an end.

“It’s time,” said Watson, adding, “even if it’s going to be hard to give up something you love so much.”

Watson and her husband, Spence, moved to the Thurmont area in 1993 and formed the Thurmont Thespians a few years later. It originally began as an organization to train and inspire young actors and allow them to perform. It eventually expanded into an organization for adults that performed multiple shows each year at the Thurmont American Legion. During that time, it became a cultural staple for Thurmont.

“We both founded it, but it was his genius that got it going, not mine,” expressed Watson.

Watson retired after directing The Fantasticks in March. The performance of Footloose in the fall will be directed by Rosalyn Smaldone, who actually came up through the Thurmont Thespians program, learning her skills first in the children’s workshops, then as an actor with the group, and now finally as a director.

“I think it speaks well for the program that our last production is directed by someone who came through our program,” Watson said.

When Footloose closes, so will the Thurmont Thespians. It will be the sixty-fifth performance staged by the theater group.

“I’m really proud that we produced three original musicals over the years,” Watson said. This includes a play about autism that actually went on tour to Washington, D.C.

Although Watson still loves the stage, she is eighty-one years old and feels it is time to quit. Also, she points out that managing the group has been a heavier burden to run since Spence died in 2014.

Watson’s love of the stage is not surprising. She and Spence met onstage playing opposite each other in a dinner theater in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1980. They were married thirty years.

Out of the sixty-five shows the Thurmont Thespians have performed, her favorite production is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which they produced in the middle of the summer. She knew the author of the book and was able to tie in author events with the performances.

She has acted in, as well as directed, shows. She has even been able to perform with family. She and Spence acted together in Gin Game and Love Letters, and she performed with her daughter in Grace and Glorie.

Her main goal with the Thurmont Thespians, though, has always been to teach children to love the theater.

“I love the theater, and I think it teaches kids a lot,” Watson said. “The Thurmont Thespians was also able to provide something they couldn’t get in school.” She estimates that approximately three hundred children have attended the summer workshops for children held every year. Some children came back summer after summer and fell in love with the theater. Others only attended one summer and decided that it wasn’t for them.

However, keeping the program running requires a lot of time and effort. It also requires a lot of fundraising, which she never liked doing.

Once she retires, Watson said the first thing she is going to do is rest and relax.

Beth-Watson

Nathan Kopit, Emily Cofer, Beth Watson, and Rachel Johnson. Nathan, Emily, and Rachel participated in the Thurmont Thespians summer program and had lead roles in the adult production of The Fantasticks in March 2016. Emily and Rachel were both in productions as preschoolers, as they had older siblings in the program.

Beth-Watson-2

Beth Watson is shown teaching students in the Thurmont Thespians Program, her main goal always being to teach children to love the theater.

Catoctin High School Leo Club Collects Jeans for National “Teens for Jeans” Campaign

The Catoctin High School (CHS) Leo Club is collecting jeans for Teens for Jeans, a national campaign from DoSomething.org, one of the largest global not-for-profit organizations for young people and social change. Teens for Jeans encourages young people across the country to run a jean drive in their school or community to help provide clothing for youth experiencing homelessness.

Over a million young people experience homelessness in the United States every year, and one of the most requested items that young people in homeless shelters ask for is a pair of jeans. In the past eight years, young people across the country have collected over five million pairs of jeans through Teens for Jeans. This year, the top collecting school will win a $3,000 grant, the school that comes in second place will win a $2,000 grant, and the school that comes in third place will win a $1,000 grant.

Members of the community can support the CHS Leo Club’s drive by dropping off their gently used denim at Catoctin High School, located on 14745 Sabillasville Road in Thurmont, until February 29, 2016.

For more information, please visit DoSomething.org/jeans. You can contact the CHS Leo Club at catoctinleoclub@gmail to arrange drop off/pick-up.

Visit CHS Leo Club at e-leoclubhouse.org/sites/catoctin, @catoctinleoclub on Twitter, and https://www.facebook.com/CHSLEO.

If you are involved with any organization in this area helping our homeless teens, please contact Wendy Candela at 301-717-7813 and leave a message.

 

Emmitsburg High School Alumni Association Donates a Piece of History to Emmitsburg Library

The Emmitsburg High School Alumni Association has donated a copy of the school’s history to the Emmitsburg Library. The library is housed in the original building of the old high school. The library area today is housed on the floors that once housed grades one through six. The building has been renovated for multiple uses for the town and community.

The five-hundred-page history was compiled by the organization’s historian, Joyce Bruchey, with contributions from the school’s alumni and the local community. The basic book was printed in 2013, and a supplement was added in 2015.

A time line of public education in Emmitsburg—one-room school houses in the area and articles and photos from the Emmitsburg Historical Society—tell the early history of the school. Mementoes, class photos, and articles cover classes from 1923 to 1968, when the high school closed. The earliest memento is a souvenir program from the class of 1910’s graduation. A copy of the school’s first yearbook from 1928 contains information of the upper classes, sports teams, and clubs.

Photos and articles of the staff from 1898 to 1972 are included. The high school joined Thurmont High School in 1969 to create the new Catoctin High School. The building then became the home of grades kindergarten through eighth, and class photos of the elementary students during those years are included. The alumni organization has reached out to members of the 1969-1972 classes of Catoctin High to join the organization since they were a part of the Emmitsburg School for most of their education years.

The history is divided by decades, with supplements of the news, events, popular culture, and cost of living prices. Following class photos are memorabilia of the class. Graduation class photos cover most of the years from 1928 to 1968. The organization is asking the community’s help in locating class photos from the following years: 1898-1922; 1924; 1927; 1933; 1938; and 1939. An attempt has been made to list graduates from the years without photos.

An original copy of the school’s newspaper, The Tattler, dates back to June 1925. Later it was called E-Hi Times, and the earliest copy in EHSAA possession is December 1944. The association is seeking copies of the old school newspapers. Early articles from The Emmitsburg Chronicle and The Frederick News-Post are included, as well as photos of the school’s growth. The Class of 1964 issued a yearbook after a nearly forty-year hiatus, and the following years’ books add depth to the high school’s last years.

A brief history of the Emmitsburg High School Alumni Association, its scholarship winners, past officers, and reunion photos are found in the last chapter. The book includes excerpts from an antique copy of The Service Record Book of Men and Women of the Emmitsburg, Maryland and Community, sponsored by Francis X. Elder Post 14 American Legion and Emmitsburg Businessmen. It lists honor roll and photos of those who served in WWI and WWII. Statistical data of Emmitsburg in 2009-2011, and the United States economy during the years of Emmitsburg High School’s existence, concludes the book.

The Alumni Association continues to search for items related to its school’s history. Material can be sent to Joyce Bruchey, EHSAA historian at 6444 Middleburg Road, Keymar, MD 21757. Copies of the book may be obtained by contacting her at 410-775-7921 or jbruchey6444@gmail.com. The original book with the supplement is $35.00 plus $5.00 shipping. A supplement alone for those who earlier purchased the history book costs $10.00 plus $3.00 shipping.

EHS-Alumni-Article---sent-i

Joyce Bruchey (left) presents copy of the Emmitsburg High School Memory Book to staff members at the Emmitsburg Library.

 

Thurmont Middle School Science Olympiad Team Brings Home the Medals

The Thurmont Middle School Science Olympiad team competed in January in the Frederick County Science Olympiad tournament. They earned two gold medals, two silver medals, one 4th place, four 5th places, and one 6th place! The results were as follows: Air Trajectory—2nd place; Bio Process Lab—5th place; Crime Busters—1st place; Disease Detectives—1st place; Elastic Launched Glider—5th place; Invasive Species—4th place; Picture This—2nd place; Road Scholar—5th place; Scrambler—5th place; Wind Power—5th place; Write it Do it—6th place.

Thurmont Middle School is so proud of their team! Their next tournament will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016, at the University of Maryland. There is no doubt that they will do a super job! A huge thank you goes out to Mrs. Mize, the team’s coach, as well as to all the parents who support all of the students’ efforts.

 

Thurmont American Legion Offers Scholarships and Government Experience to Catoctin High School Students

For those of you who aren’t aware, there is money available for College from the Thurmont American Legion. Post 168 in Thurmont offers four Scholarships each year for qualifying Catoctin High School (CHS) seniors. They also hold an Oratorical Contest each year, with a monetary prize for the top three places. The applications for the scholarships are at the CHS Guidance Office.

The Applications for Boys State will soon be at CHS for high school juniors. Boys State is a week-long stay, where the boys set up a mock government similar to our State government; they have all the offices and make important decisions. For your information, one of the questions on all the applications for Military Academies is: Are you an Eagle Scout or have you attended Boys State.

Last year, they had only one applicant from Catoctin High School for the Boys State. Of the four scholarships, only two were applied for. The Oratorical contest was to be held in January, but no student was interested in competing, so no contest was held.

 

New Club Starts at Thurmont Elementary

A Good News Club started this January at Thurmont Elementary School for children in grades three through five. The club, sponsored by Child Evangelism Fellowship, is a non-denominational club that features games, music, snacks, and Bible stories. The club meets after school in the school cafeteria, from 3:45-4:45 p.m. every Tuesday (unless school is closed). Children must have a signed registration form, as well as a note to the school to attend. All children are dismissed to the cafeteria at dismissal time at 3:10 p.m. Supervised recreation is led by staff members until the club officially starts at 3:45 p.m. Parents meet their children at the cafeteria doors at the end of the club. Outreach projects are planned to help the community. Children who do not attend a specific church will be encouraged to attend a local church with their families.

The Child Evangelism Fellowship is an international organization that sponsors clubs all over the world, including over eighty-four clubs in Maryland. Good News Clubs are in six schools in Frederick County, including Thurmont Elementary. The club is open to all children from kindergarten to fifth grade, but is designed for upper elementary-aged children. The club gives the children the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and enjoy fellowship with other children. The team leaders are all trained and have been background checked. Parents are welcome to attend any club meeting and to participate.

For more information or to register, contact any of the Thurmont Team Leaders: Sherri Eichelberger at resjae@comcast.net, Davada Irons at bdirons@gmail.com, Kari Tuttle (tandktuttle@netzero.net), or Jan Jones (janjones0626@gmail.com).

 

Thurmont Middle School Students Answer Christmas Wish

Thurmont Middle School students were inspired by one of their fellow students to answer the Christmas wish of a young arson survivor to collect Christmas cards. Safyre Terry is an eight-year-old girl from Schenectady, New York, who suffered burns on seventy-five percent of her body and lost her family due to an arson fire two years ago. Safyre was the only one of four children to survive, found under the debris protected only by her father’s body.

Over the next year, Safyre endured many surgeries and lost her right hand and left foot. This year, in anticipation of the holiday season, she and her custodial aunt bought a Christmas card holder from a secondhand store. Safyre couldn’t wait to fill it up with Christmas cards. Her aunt, however, told Safyre that she didn’t think they would get more than ten cards to put on the tree that could hold close to one hundred. Safyre wasn’t discouraged, and she was so excited when she received her first card that her aunt took a picture to share with friends and family. When a friend of the family saw the picture, he posted it to Facebook, asking a few friends if they could send a card. Within days, the picture and Safyre’s story had gone viral. When Logan Riley of Thurmont heard Safyre’s story and her wish, he immediately asked his mom if he could send a card. However, after thinking for a few moments about what type of card to send, he realized that he wanted to do more than just send a normal card, he wanted to share her story and wish. The next morning, Logan went directly to the principal’s office at school; he wanted to share Safyre’s story and wish and ask the principal if they could invite fellow students to participate. The school principal said they would love to help him share the story and to invite his fellow sixth grade students to make Safyre’s wish come true.

Over the next few days, a plan was made to have Logan share Safyre’s story and allow the students to make and write cards to be sent to Safyre. Logan continued to share the story with other classmates and students, as well as with the after school club he attended. Logan was so focused and motivated to make sure Safyre’s wish came true that he forgot to send his own letter to Santa this year. When asked what he was going to ask for from Santa this year, he paused for a moment, and then stated, “How many signatures do you think we can fit on each card?”

On December 16 and 17, 2015, Thurmont Middle School sixth grade students created and composed cards to be sent to Safyre, using their extra class time and lunch/recess time. In addition, students from sixth through eighth grade, who attended the after school club, also created and signed cards for Safyre. The cards were then mailed to Safyre’s hometown post office in New York in time to make sure she had them for Christmas. Since Safyre’s wish went viral the first week of December, the story has reached people all over the world. So many were touched by her innocent wish and heart-wrenching story that she received hundreds of thousands of cards, so many that her local post office was overwhelmed. Logan and his fellow students and friends at Thurmont Middle School remind us all that even the smallest acts of kindness and consideration can make a difference in the lives of others.

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.