Grace Eyler

November 23, 2015, marked the annual Community Citizenship Award ceremony held by the Thurmont Grange. This year, members joined together to share special memories and give thanks to the Keilholtz family who have volunteered so much time to our community. While members mingled and found seating for dinner, Bob Wiles gladly welcomed those who came out for the evening. The crowd proudly stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Addi Eyler singing the National Anthem. Roger Troxell held prayer.

Wiles turned attention to Niki Eyler who told of the Keilholtz family’s history. Bill Keilholtz served in the Air Force. He then worked on the family farm and purchased his first two milk trucks in 1946. He married his wife, Elizabeth in 1952. He began a trucking company known as Keilholtz Trucking. Bill and Elizabeth were members of many local organizations including the Catoctin FFA Alumni and the Thurmont Grange.

After the passing of Bill and Elizabeth, his sons Donnie and Billy, along with his grandson Chad, continued the family business. On behalf of Thurmont Grange President, Rodman Myers, Bill Powell spoke fondly of the Keilholtz family. “They are very giving; Bill would help anybody with anything! He was always there to back you up. People just took to him. If Bill told you something, you could hang your hat on it.”

In the summers, Powell recalled that Bill and Elizabeth would sit on their porch with their little dog. He and his wife, Gail, would stop in and talk. “Bill would talk about where he’s been, Elizabeth would talk about the kids. Right around Labor Day, she’d be working for days preparing food for the church. That lady made about the best red velvet cakes.”

Bill Keilholtz had an inspiring reputation for helping those around him. When cattle were in need of transport for local events, such as the Thurmont-Emmitsburg Community Show and The Great Frederick Fair, Keilholtz Trucking was there to bring the livestock in and out at the end of the day.

The Keilholtz family also has deep roots in our community’s 4-H society. In 1954, Ralph Lee Keilholtz, with other local residents, started the 4-H we know today. Dave Ekenrode said, “At the time, it grew to be the largest in the area with seventy-seven members.” Dave remembers meetings that were held at Ralph’s home, filling the living room and dining room, all the way to the steps. Ralph’s leadership was then followed by Patty Keilholtz.

Patty was not only the leader of Rocky Ridge’s 4-H, but also highly involved with the Maryland Angus Association. Patty was Junior Advisor. Her son, Chad, won the National Showmanship Contest. Mr. Powell said, “That’s almost unheard of because people in the Midwest beat ‘em out.”

Becky (Keilholtz) Clarke and her husband Tim’s daughters, Jessica and Taylor, were also accomplished in the local show rings as members of the Maryland Angus Association.

In 2015, Brenda (Keilholtz) Seiss has been leading the Rocky Ridge 4-H Club for nearly thirty-five years. She credits the highly popular youth organization to “…all of the parental help. I couldn’t do it without the parents and the families. When we want to do something, we don’t just pull a few kids in, we pull in everyone. I’m really fortunate for all the help we have.”

Her husband, Dave, is a local contractor. Their son, Bradley, another member who was known for his showmanship talent, is now the owner of newly opened “Seiss Woodworking,” located near Gateway Candyland, along Route 15 at Franklinville Road in Thurmont. Her daughter, Katie (Seiss) Eaves, is married to Andrew Eaves, whose family is also well known for their farming operations in the area.

Thurmont Grange Vice President Bob Wiles then called the family up to the front of the room to present Mayor’s proclamations from the Town of Thurmont, as well as the Community Citizen Award, honoring the Keilholtz family and the Progressive Rocky Ridge 4-H Club. In one way or another, a member of the Keilholtz family has lent a helping hand or assisted in bettering our community. There’s no better way to say it than Bob Valentine’s compliments, “There’s been no finer family around, than the Keilholtz family.”

Niki Eyler and Bob Wiles present members of the Kielholtz family with the Thurmont Grange Citizenship Award and Proclamation from the Town of Thurmont, thanking the family, as well as Rocky Ridge 4-H Club.

Gateway Market in Thurmont helped their niece and local 4-H’er, Margo Sweeney, with her community service project fundraiser to meet her goal for scholarships.

Margo decided after the passing of her grandfather, Sterling Bollinger, that she would join forces with her Aunt Maggie and Uncle John to have a dipping ice cream fundraiser at Gateway to benefit the dialysis center in Frederick and the Kidney Foundation. The event took place on May 3, 2015. After donating and placing a bench in her grandfather’s name at Davita Frederick Dialysis Center, they had a sum of proceeds left to benefit the Kidney Foundation in amount of $1,307.47 to also help support ones in need.

Pictured from left are John Doll, Maggie Doll, and Margo Sweeney.

James Rada, Jr.

The Emmitsburg Commissioners voted on a spending limit of $40,000 to make repairs to the Doughboy statue and to build a new pedestal for it during the December 8, 2015, town meeting.

The historic statue, which remembers Emmitsburg’s WWI Veterans, was damaged when it was struck by a car in June.

Two bids were received to perform the needed repair work. One contractor specialized in memorials more than statues, while the second bidder had the experience to perform the work needed on the statue.

Although the town will have to allocate the money for repairs initially, it is expecting to be reimbursed about half the costs by the insurance company of the driver that crashed into the statue.

Town Manager Dave Haller sought the spending limit on repairs so that a contract could be signed to start the repairs.

Once started, it will probably take about six months to complete. The monument was lightly damaged, although it will need to have some seams fixed and sealed. The pedestal will be rebuilt. This is what will take the most time because stone will need to be quarried to use in the reconstruction. The foundation will also need to be replaced.

The existing plaque with all of the names of Emmitsburg’s WWI Veterans on it, will also be repaired and mounted on the new pedestal. Because the plaque separates the names of the African American servicemen from the Caucasian ones, it caused some controversy after the accident, with some residents calling it racist. At one point, it was discussed that perhaps a new plaque should be made.

This idea met with overwhelming opposition with local Veterans, including African American ones.

“The existing plaque will remain,” Haller said.

The Veterans also opposed the idea floated about moving the statue to a new location.

The commissioners have reserved the option of possibly adding a second plaque, either to the pedestal or next to it. This plaque would try to explain the reason why the black soldiers’ names are separate from the white soldiers’ names.

The commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the spending limit, with Commissioner Joe Ritz, III, absent.

On November 1, 2015, the Rocky Ridge Progressive 4-H Club of Frederick County Maryland celebrated another great year of 4-H achievements at their annual club banquet. Community members and 4-H families from across the county gathered together in Thurmont to share in a wonderful potluck meal and to hear about all of the achievements of each club member. Club leader, Brenda Seiss, was very proud of all of the activities the children participated in, and thanked each of them for their service throughout the county and state during the year.

During the evening, several awards were presented to club members. Club demonstration awards were given to Ashley McAfee and Logan Long in the Senior category; Ashley Lescalleet in the Intermediate category; Payton Troxell in the Junior category; and Madison Ohler in the First-Year Member category. Members were also recognized for their achievements during the year. The Senior Award was given to Ashley Lescalleet; the Intermediate Award was given to Brittnee Brown; the Junior Award was given to Caroline Clark; and the First-Year Member Award was given to Kendra and Jacob Keeney. Record Book awards were given to senior member Nikita Miller, intermediate member Kiandra Strickhouser, and junior member Addie Eyler. The Family of the Year Award was given to Mr. and Mrs. Randy Ruby and grandchildren, Ashley and Austin.

Special awards were given to those club members who participated in specialty groups throughout the year, focused on cooking, sewing, and crafts. These members had a great time learning new techniques for projects that could be entered at local fairs. This year, the club had five outgoing senior members: Aislinn Latham, Ashley Ridenour, Ashley McAfee, Lauren Schur, and Kendra Keeney.

The outgoing club officers provided the year-in-review slide show and their thank-yous, and also welcomed the 2016 officers to the stage for recognition.

Frederick County Royalty was in abundance at the banquet. Rocky Ridge 4-H Club members, Chase Ferguson, Fair King, Rachel Summers, Fair Queen, and Payton Troxell, 2015 Beef Ambassador, were all present to celebrate the club members. Closing remarks for the evening were given by Fair Junior Princess Caroline Clark.

Support from State Spay-Neuter Grant Program Will Help Tip Me Frederick’s Lifesaving Work for Community Cats

Tip Me Frederick (TMF) is pleased to have received a grant from the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to help residents in Thurmont and other areas of northern Frederick County humanely manage the area’s community cats. The MDA’s two-year old program is designed to reduce the number of unwanted cats and dogs euthanized in shelters across the state by providing competitive grants to local governments and animal welfare organizations that promote and provide spay and neuter services and educational outreach, with an emphasis on low income communities and populations.

“Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) is a humane alternative to the ‘trap and kill’ policies that historically have been used to address the overpopulation of stray and feral/semi-feral cats,” explains TMF founder and president, Barbara Wratten.

Trap and kill, however, has been repeatedly proven ineffective, cost-prohibitive, and is considered inhumane by many citizens. In contrast to trap and kill, trap/neuter/return methods, like the ones used by TMF, capture homeless, free-roaming cats to sterilize, vaccinate, and then return them to their ‘outdoor homes’ to live out their natural lives without reproducing. It is the widely accepted, humane method of controlling the number of free-roaming cats.

TMF is honored and very grateful to receive the award. “This grant will allow us to provide free sterilization and vaccination services to our community cat caregivers in Thurmont and northern Fredrick County,” says Wratten. “In collaboration with our grant partners, Spa Spay and Neuter Nook (www.spayspa.org) in Davidsonville, Maryland, and Cuddles Cat Rescue (www.cuddlescatrescue.com) in Thurmont, we will perform six hundred free spay/neuter surgeries over the next twelve months.”

Tip Me Frederick (TMF) (www.tipmefrederick.org) is the only all-volunteer, non-profit dedicated Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage (TNRM) resource serving Frederick County, Maryland, and surrounding areas. TMF helps people who care about feral cats by providing them with the experience, expertise, and access to services to help them humanely manage cat colonies in their neighborhoods and on their properties. TMF’s services include: education and training in best practices for managing feral cats; loaning traps and assisting with trapping when needed; assisting with transport to low-cost veterinary clinics; and working with local veterinarians to provide access to low-cost or no-cost spay/neuter and vaccination services. TMF also works closely with Frederick County Animal Control (FCAC) to return feral cats to their colonies or place them into new colonies or safe barn homes. Become a fan of Tip Me Frederick on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TipMeFrederick.

In light of two recent area fires of significance, a Home Fire Safety Visitation effort, including Smoke Alarm awareness information, began Saturday, December 12, 2015, reaching Emmitsburg area residents. Red Cross volunteers and local fire/rescue first responders were joined by other safety advocates in going door-to-door, promoting the importance of having working smoke alarms in place and helping to answer questions and/or providing assistance with existing smoke alarms.

The joint effort was undertaken by a number of fire safety advocates from across the region, working together to help assure fire safety in homes, apartments, and similar residential occupancies.

The two recent fire events occurred on: Wednesday, December 2, 2015, in a commercial/residential building (apartments) on South Seton Avenue (residents displaced; business disruption); and Monday, December 7, 2015, on West Main Street (double-fatality, plus one serious injury; residents displaced).

During the Home Fire Safety Visitation effort, personnel were out and about in the community, offering insights on simple and easy-to-accomplish home fire safety measures, including installing free smoke alarms where requested. Safety personnel—men and women—wore easily-identified apparel, showing their affiliations.

Emergency services vehicles were seen in various neighborhoods during visitation periods. Anyone interested can also call the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) fire station at 301-447-2728 to request a visit or follow-up visit at a suitable time. A door-hanger information card was left at each home if no one was home, as well as where residents may prefer safety teams to return at a more convenient time to discuss safe practices and/or install an alarm.

The new alarms have non-removable 10-year lithium batteries, plus also include a “Hush” feature for accidental activations, such as from vapors during cooking periods, from fire places when a damper is not initially opened, and so forth. Teams will offer to replace any existing alarm more than ten years old, including any that use 9-volt batteries, which must be replaced at least yearly.

Jointly with the Vigilant Hose Company, this important initiative was taken in cooperation and coordination with efforts already underway by the American Red Cross of Western Maryland, the Town of Emmitsburg, the Emmitsburg Council of Churches, the Fire Prevention Committee of the Frederick County Volunteer Fire/Rescue Association, the Frederick County Department of Fire & Rescue Services and the Frederick County’s Fire Marshal’s Office, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Fire Administration/National Emergency Training Center, Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company, Mount Saint Mary’s University, area Media Outlets, the Seton Center, the Emmitsburg Business & Professional Association, and area Service Clubs.

Further information is available on various websites like those of the Vigilant Hose Company, Town Government, and so on. Additionally, for residents living inside town limits, information will also be posted on the Town’s Cable Channel.

Note: This effort did not include installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors, but the VHC will gladly help with that effort upon request in the coming weeks.

Deb Spalding

A celebration for the completion of the Thurmont Downtown Revitalization Project was held on Thursday December 3, 2015, in the Thurmont Main Street Center on Water Street in Thurmont. Those who had a hand in any aspect of the new street lights or new sidewalks in Thurmont were invited to attend and celebrate a job well done.

With welcoming remarks and gracious thanks to all involved, Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird said, “I personally thank everyone involved with the renovation of our sidewalks and street lights: our town staff, the state for helping us out with grants, the concrete company, Catoctin Lighting, and everyone who came together to give us a fantastic finished product. I appreciate it.” He added, “There’s one person that I want to thank most of all for this project, and that is Jim Humerick (Thurmont’s Chief Administrative Officer)…without Jim…we wouldn’t have the product we have right now.”

Humerick introduced those involved: Mayor John Kinnaird; Commissioner Marty Burns; Roger Wilson from the County Executive’s Office; Jim Castle from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development; Lt. Alan Droneburg from the Thurmont Police Department; Thurmont Commissioner Wes Hamrick; John Brown with the Main Street Board of Directors; Jim and Alison Richards with Catoctin Lighting (and the hosts who supplied the snacks and drinks for the evening); Tony Romano from Romano Concrete Construction; CJ Holtzople; the guys that did the work, including foreman Noel Alvarado, Juan Gonzalez, Michael Buchalter, Efrain Cabrera, Baltazar Calderon, Walter Canales, Daniel Dominguez, Marley Guzman, Marle Guzman, Esbin Isque, Josue Macario, Francisco Montoya, Jose Navareta, Jason Spear, and Pedro Ventura. Town staff included Butch West, Harold Lawson, Lee Hanvey, Lynn Bass, Kelly Duty, Debbie Ecker, Thurmont Main Street President Mike Hobbs, and Thurmont Main Street Manager Vickie Grinder.

The actual work for the project began in July of 2014 after Grinder called the State Highway Administration to request a new cross walk at the Trolley Trail. Through this inquiry, they were surprised to learn that new sidewalks on East Main Street and West Main Street were soon to be installed by the State Highway Administration. It was going to happen within months. This plan included sidewalks from Lawyer Lane to Route 15.

Soon the town was also informed that the sidewalks on North Church Street were being redone as well, and the State Highway Administration was picking up the tab for everything.

Thurmont’s Board of Commissioners had been discussing new amenities and street lights in the downtown area for several years. They thought that the best time to install these was when the sidewalks were torn up from the sidewalk project. So, they met with Catoctin Lighting to review options for street lighting. They picked a light, but then had to figure out who was going to pay for it and what it was going to cost. The mayor’s repetitive answer was, “Our CAO will find a grant.” Humerick and Becky Long reached out to the Maryland Energy Administration and were approved for $26,800 for the project.

The Town’s Public Works crews worked closely with the concrete construction. They worked well with Romano Concrete Construction. Romano’s foreman Noel Alvarado said, “The town has been great to work for. We really enjoyed working in Thurmont.”

Humerick continued, “Since we replaced everything else, we even repainted the parking meters.” He noted, “Vickie Grinder (Thurmont’s Main Street Manager) got this all started. She made the initial phone call to John Gober. She got the grants for the new benches, trash cans, and bike racks.”

To this point, the State Highway had paid for seventy-five percent of the sidewalk revitalization. The remaining Water Street section was left out, with no funding at that point. The mayor and commissioners voted unanimously to go forward with the Water Street section. Again, the mayor said, “Get a grant.” Humerick and Becky Long went to work again. Within a short amount of time, a Community Development Block Grant through the Maryland State Department of Housing was secured in the amount of $125,000 for the Water Street renovations.

Jim Castle with the Maryland State Department of Housing and Community Development said, “The reason we fund Thurmont is because, number one, you apply for projects which are a need to your community, they’re a reasonable amount of money, and you do good work. Those are the grantees that we like to keep helping.”

Thurmont Commissioner Marty Burns expressed his pride in the town and the town staff and the elected officials. He said, “It shows people that the elected officials get it. We want to make it better and we’re doing everything in our power to try to make it better for the entire community. Job well done.”

Thurmont Commissioner Hamrick said, “I think this is the first time, ever, that we’ve had a unified sidewalk. Before, you’d be walking along and hit a patch that was forty years old then a patch that was eighty years old…great job to everyone.”

Humerick wrapped up by offering a big thanks to the residents and businesses in Thurmont. The vast majority were very tolerant and positive through the whole project. “We apologize for any inconvenience, but look at what we’ve got now! The results are wonderful.”

Those involved with the Thurmont Downtown Revitalization Project are pictured during a celebration held in the  Thurmont Main Street Center on December 3, 2015.

Nicholas DiGregory

While the holiday season is usually accompanied by extravagant announcements of better, brighter, and more meaningless high-tech toys, there is one piece of recently-released technology that you may want to pay attention to: “smart” credit cards.

These “smart” credit cards, also known as “chip” cards, have been stealing headlines and filling search engines since their introduction earlier this year. Countless debates have been started regarding their security, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. There has been much speculation regarding these little pieces of plastic, but you can be sure of one thing: if you don’t have one in your wallet or purse yet, you probably will very soon.

The United States is slowly leaning towards full adoption of the integrated circuit cards that we know as “smart” or “chip” cards. Developed through a joint effort by EMVco—a consortium of the major credit card companies led by Europay, MasterCard, and Visa—integrated circuit cards were developed to make digital transactions more secure.

Until now, credit cards have solely utilized a magnetic strip to relay their digital signatures during purchases, a process that was relatively easy for hackers to counterfeit. The new integrated circuit chips do not have that weakness; when you insert a chip card into the card reader, it generates a one-time-use authorization code that must match the individual transaction. Additionally, chip card readers require a signature or pin to provide an additional layer of security.

But the question remains: Do these extra security features really work? According to the Smart Card Alliance, which was formed in 2012 to find a solution to magnetic strip credit cards, integrated chip cards have cut down fraud-related damages by sixty-seven percent in the U.K. and seventy-three percent in Canada. The Alliance expects a similar response in the U.S., once integrated circuit cards have been fully instituted.

While the additional security of integrated circuit cards has helped to streamline their widespread introduction in the United States, many companies and consumers have criticized the longer wait associated with a “smart” card purchase. If you’ve done any holiday shopping recently, you’ve probably experienced the high-tech hassle of the chip credit cards—or maybe you haven’t. That’s because only about twenty-five percent of major retailers are utilizing the microchip technology of the new “smart” credit cards, according to a survey conducted by ConsumerWorld.org.

Although ninety-nine percent of major retailers have installed integrated circuit card readers at their registers, only ten percent of those chains can actually use those readers at most of their stores. According to the ConsumerWorld.org survey, only Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Old Navy, Rite Aid, and Walgreens have fully adopted the integrated circuit card system.

Most other major retailers have expressed their intent to switch over to integrated circuit card readers once the holiday season has ended. Reasons for this rationale have varied with each company, although most of the retailers have emphasized that the holiday season is not the time to overhaul the purchase process by implementing new software and hardware, thus creating confusion among customers and employees alike.

While most major retailers will have instituted “smart” card systems by the early months of 2016, most experts believe that it will take the United States several years to switch over to the chip card system completely. Javelin Strategy and Research, a corporate research group that reviews transaction trends and practices, predicted that the United States will not fully adopt the integrated circuit card system until 2019. This is due mainly to the fact that smaller businesses will not be able to process chip cards until the card readers and their software becomes less expensive.

So what does all this mean for you as a credit card user? Well, although your credit card company is likely issuing new “smart” cards already—you may already have one—it may be a while before you can utilize their additional safety benefits at most of the stores you visit on a daily basis.

James Rada, Jr.

One is a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice. One is a local businesswoman. One is a police chief. One is a college coach. One is a retired Catoctin High School teacher. They are all part of the group of first recipients of the Catoctin High Distinguished Graduate Awards.

Principal Bernard Quesada told the gathered seniors and freshmen that each year Catoctin High School graduates students who leave their mark on the world. “Since our first graduating class, Catoctin High School has served as a landmark for success,” he said.

The honorees were selected by the Distinguished Graduate Organization, which formed over the summer. The organization established the awards “To recognize distinguished graduates of Catoctin in the areas of Academics, Arts & Humanities, Athletics, Business, and Public Service. Former Catoctin staff members who have had a significant impact on graduates of Catoctin High School will be recognized.”

Gus Eyler, Class of 2001, was the Academics inductee. Eyler is a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Fraud Section. He also serves as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Maryland. While a Catoctin student, he played sports, served in student government organizations, and was a member of the National Honor Society. He lives in Kensington, Maryland, with his family.

Eyler praised the education he had received at Catoctin High. “Learn from these people,” he said. “Imitate their efforts. It will serve you well.”

Maggie Doll, Class of 1971, was the Business inductee. She is the owner of Gateway Candyland, a family business that has given many Catoctin students their first job. She is also very active in the community, helping with fundraisers for cancer patients, school organizations, local events, and location fire and ambulance companies.

She encouraged the students to be a part of their community. “Get off the texting. Get a personality. Learn to relate to people,” she urged the students.

Kate Robinson, Class of 2006, was the Athletics inductee. Robinson was a three-sport athlete while at Catoctin High. She took that love of sports with her and had a successful college athletic career and has become a successful college coach. In 2014, she was named first-ever head women’s lacrosse coach at Whitman College in Washington.

“Challenge yourself,” Robinson said. “Don’t be afraid of failure. Make your moments count.”

Greg Eyler, Class of 1974, was the Public Service inductee. After retiring from a twenty-five-year career with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office in 2005, he was appointed the Chief of Police for Thurmont.

Eyler urged the students to make a difference with their lives. “Nothing is more powerful, and I mean nothing, is more powerful than determination.”

Tom Sherald was the Former Catoctin Staff inductee. Sherald retired from the Frederick County Public School System in 2011, after thirty-nine years. He spent eighteen of those years teaching at Catoctin High. He spent most of his career teaching physical education.

He told the students that ideally their high school years will prepare them for their futures. “The jobs that many of you do may not even exist now,” Sherald said.

Besides a 2015 Distinguished Graduate Award, each inductee also received Catoctin High-themed gifts.

Pictured from left are Maggie Doll, Rachel Olson, Chief Gregg Eyler, Principal Bernard Quesada, Gus Eyler, Kate Robinson, Tom Sherald, and Keith Bruck.

Local Ice Bucket Challenge and All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast

Last summer, sharing a video of yourself reacting to a bucket of cold water being dumped on your head was all the craze. Some went big and used heavy equipment with dump buckets full of ice water, others used a more manageable bucket with a “surprise and run” approach, and still others expected the chill and took it well. The ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Ice Bucket Challenge symbolized a person’s acknowledgement of the ALS disease and their commitment to the pursuit of a cure for the disease.

The Ice Bucket Challenge produced $220 million dollars for ALS research. Research has found some possible solutions to slow the progression of the disease, but none that will be available for years.

Diane “Dee” Spalding Miller was written up in last month’s issue of The Catoctin Banner, announcing her retirement from cutting and styling hair after forty years in the business. She closed her shop in Thurmont, Dee’s Hair Stylists, located on North Center Street. She had recently been diagnosed with ALS.

Our Local Ice Bucket Challenge is intended to raise funds for a chair lift that was installed in Diane’s Sabillasville home.

To contribute to the local challenge, you can drop a donation in designated “ice buckets” that have been placed in area hair salons and barbershops. You can also buy a ticket for an all-you-can-eat benefit breakfast that will be held at Trinity United Church of Christ at the corner of East Main Street and North Center Streets in Thurmont, in cooperation with the Thurmont Lions Club, on January 30, 2016.

The breakfast costs $8.50 per adult; $5.00 for children, five to ten years old; and free for children under age five. Breakfast hours are 6:00-11:00 a.m. For tickets, please see church members at Trinity UCC, Graceham Moravian Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Hobb’s Hardware Store, Brown’s Jewelry Store, or a Thurmont Lions Club member, or you can visit E Plus Copy Center in Emmitsburg.

Catoctin High School Class of 2016 Safe and Sane Upcoming Events

The Catoctin High School Class of 2016 Safe and Sane Committee has two upcoming events that you won’t want to miss. Being held on January 15, 2016, is a Wing Night Football Bash, at the Lewistown Fire Hall, from 5:30-10:00 p.m. On February 21, 2016, they are hosting a Cash Bingo at the Lewistown Fire Hall. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m., with bingo starting at 7:00 p.m.

EBPA Hosts Rock & Roll Relics Dance Fundraiser

Save the date for the Emmitsburg Business Professional Association Dance Fundraiser, being held on Saturday, January 23, 2016, at the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company building, located at 17701 Creamery Road in Emmitsburg, from 8:00 p.m.-midnight. Enjoy music from the 50s and 60s with the The Rock & Roll Relics.

Keysville Grace United Church of Christ Valentine’s Dinner

Make your reservation today for the Keysville Grace United Church of Christ Valentine’s Dinner on February 6, 2016. Reservations are required, and seating is limited. Reservation deadline is January 30, 2016.

Stultz Fitness Open House

Come out to the Stultz Fitness Open House event on January 9, 2016, from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. They are located just minutes from Emmitsburg, Gettysburg, Fairfield, and Thurmont. Find out about their personal training, customized weight and nutrition programs, and more.

Mother Seton’s Take-a-Tour Tuesday and Spaghetti Dinner Open House

Mother Seton School in Emmitsburg is hosting a Take-a-Tour Tuesday on January 12, 2016, from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m. There is no need to pre-register; just drop by on January 12 for a visit and find out all they offer. Their Spaghetti Dinner & Open House will be held on January 24, 2016, from noon to 3:00 p.m.

Irish Women’s Little Christmas

Help Shamrock Restaurant celebrate the tradition of Clonakilty on Wednesday, January 6, from open until close! The event features live music, special ladies menu, complimentary corned beef, and more.

Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Events

The Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Association in Fairfield is hosting many upcoming events in January, including a Wagner Shoot on January 2 and 16; Cash Bingo on January 3, with doors opening at 11:30 a.m.; a Barn Shoot on January 9 and 23; and an Oyster Feed on January 9, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Don’t miss their Bar Bingo on Fridays in January, from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company’s Bingo Bash

Mark your calendar for the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company’s Bingo Bash on April 2, 2016. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m., with games beginning at 7:00 p.m. Event features three $1,000 jackpots and a meal, plus twenty-two games, paying $250 each.

Thurmont Lions Club Cash Bingo

The Thurmont Lions Club is holding a Cash Bingo on Saturday, March 12, 2016, at the Guardian Hose Company Activities Building in Thurmont. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m., with bingo beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Cuddles Cat Rescue Holds Unique and Successful Fundraiser

Cuddles Cat Rescue (CCR) had some awesome fundraisers in 2015: a pizza night at Rocky’s New York Pizza; Cuddles Cat Rescue and Friends calendar with photographer, Gina Rubino McCracken donating her time; a booth set up at Colorfest; and a paint night at The Furnace with Laura Day; and many people making personal donations.

But the most unique fundraiser they had was in December, when Rick Toms of Red Canary Tattoo donated his time for cat tattoos for one week. For $20.00 anyone could get a cat tattoo, chosen from one of his tattoo flash, and 100 percent was donated to Cuddles Cat Rescue. Ninety people came and got tattoos! Cuddles Cat Rescue would like to sincerely thank Rick Toms and everyone who received tattoos, and to all who participated in all of their fundraising events throughout the year and who made personal donations. You can contact them at Info@cuddlescatrescue.com.

 Cuddles Cat Rescue volunteers are shown waiting for their cat tattoos (from left): Dawn Bonsby, Becca Lee, Sarah Stine (one of CCR’s adoptees), Devin Stine, and Cory Stine.

Devastation Rallies the Emmitsburg Community

In December, residents of Emmitsburg suffered great loss of life, homes, and personal belongings, in two separate fires. Pictured right, two of the fire victims, Mr. David Eyler (right) and his daughter, Danielle (center), stood with Seton Center, Inc.’s Case Manager Denise Sauvageau (left), to say thank you to the Seton Center and the Emmitsburg Council of Churches (ECC) Fire Relief Fund for their help to secure safe housing, receive referrals for future needs, and find the hope needed to re-build their lives.

Since the day of the first fire, Seton Center’s Outreach Office has been serving as the liaison for the Emmitsburg Council of Churches’ Fire Fund to help those affected, by providing referrals, case management, and additional support for resulting needs. The ECC’s Fire Fund is assisting the fire victims with rental deposits, first-month’s rent for new housing, and other necessities that will help them restore their lives.

The combined financial support of the Emmitsburg Council of Churches’ Fire Fund, Trinity United Methodist Church of Emmitsburg, and Seton Center, Inc. assisted the widower in paying the funeral costs for his wife, who perished in the December 7 Emmitsburg Main Street fire. The ECC Fire Funds were also used to assist with the funeral expenses of the second victim who also lost her life in that fire.

Catoctin-Ettes, Inc. Awards Ceremony

The Catoctin-Ettes, Inc. Twirling Corps recently named its 2016 Queen during the annual awards ceremony held by the organization. Miss Shyanne George, daughter of Donna Walter and Teddy George, was elected by members of the organization to represent the group in the new year. Her duties will include acceptance of the organization’s awards at various events, and a featured spot in the Emmitsburg Community day parade with the marching group. She was presented with the crown and royalty sash from the outgoing queen, Abigail Adams.

The Catoctin-Ettes also named Kiara George to the first runner-up title. Members of the royal court were Rachel Bechler and Erika Oland.

In addition to the crowning ceremony, the group celebrated the end of its performing and competing year with its annual holiday stage show, where groups and individuals performed new dance-twirl style routines for the audience.

In recognition of the group’s Advanced Marching Corps Championship title, each member of the twirling squads, the competing color guard, and the percussion line received a championship hooded sweatshirt and representative trophy.

Trophies were also presented to members achieving perfect attendance at all events, including practices. As a long-standing tradition within the organization, special recognition pins were presented to those who have maintained accumulated perfect attendance for performances throughout the years. Those receiving these prestigious awards were: Kelly Reed—28 years; Angela Ridenour—18 years; Paula Sharrer—14 years; Catilyn Purdum—12 years; Rachel Bechler—8 years; and Abby Adams—7 years.

Most improved members of the group, Erika Oland and Adelaide Flanary, were recognized with trophies for their exceptional progress as twirling members. McKenzie Walker earned the respect of her coaches as most improved percussionist. Additionally, twirlers who completed their first year of membership were rewarded with “Survivor” plaques. These members were David Haynes, Caylan Markel, Britany Study, Courtney Study, and Bianca Thews.

The Catoctin-Ettes also recognized Paula Sharrer as the Most Valuable Player for 2015, due to her involvement in each area of the corps. Completing the awards ceremony, Angela Ridenour was named as Hero of the Year.

The stage production and awards presentation marks the forty-second year that the Catoctin-Ettes has closed a successful and rewarding marching corps season.

Five Emmitsburg Scouts Earn Coveted Eagle Scout Rank

It’s hard for any high school student to stay focused on achieving the rank of Eagle, let alone five at one time, but that is exactly what happened for five scouts from Troop 727 sponsored by St. Joseph’s Church in Emmitsburg.

On December 26, 2015, Maryland State Delegate Kathy Afzali, Mayor Donald Briggs of Emmitsburg, and Fr. John Holliday CM, pastor of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Emmitsburg, joined Troop 727 Scout Master Mary Neibecker and Assistant Scout Master Christopher Anadale in honoring the five scouts who successfully completed the Eagle Scout rank. The scouts were Keegan Wright, Andrew Neibecker, Brendan Isaacson, Paul Slotwinski, and Stephen Lowe.

The Eagle Scout rank is the culmination of years of work. Most of the boys had been scouting together for ten years, starting as cub scouts. A major highlight of their scouting careers was their trip to Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America’s premier high adventure base, located in New Mexico. Other highlights included camping at the Summit Bechtel Reserve; the new BSA high adventure camp, located in West Virginia; Goshen Scout Reservation; Camp Airy Boy Scout Camp; Camp Tuckahoe; and portions of the Appalachian Trail. They overnighted on both the Battleship USS New Jersey where they slept in hammocks, and the USS Constellation (at anchor in Baltimore Harbor, it’s the last all-sail U.S. Navy warship), where they stood watch aboard the frigate. They also participated in numerous training classes, including CPR and Wilderness and Remote First Aid.

“Boy Scouts has been an amazing experience from start to finish, but it wouldn’t have been the same without these guys,” said Eagle Scout Paul Slotwinski. “They helped to make every experience fun and productive. Also, we all pushed each other to finish, so if not for them, I probably wouldn’t have gotten my Eagle.”

As part of the Eagle rank requirement, scouts are required to complete “a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community.”  Years after they are gone, people who have never met them will enjoy the benefits of their Eagle service projects. This is truly the spirit of scouting.

Keegan Wright constructed a three-sided wooden firewood storage shed at Catoctin Mountain Park for the benefit of the campers staying at the Park’s camp sites. Andrew Neibecker rehabilitated the Willow Rill Nature Trail, located at Mother Seton School, to benefit the teachers and students. Brendan Isaacson constructed a fenced play area around St. Joseph’s Parish Hall to provide a safe area for the children and their parents. Paul Slotwinski blazed fifteen miles of the multi-user trail system, located throughout the Rainbow Lake watershed, for the benefit of Emmitsburg citizens and town visitors. Stephen Lowe constructed a memorial outside of St. Joseph’s Parish Hall to Army 1st Lt. Robert A. Seidel III, who died May 18, 2006, in service of his country.

“Our parish is very proud of these four young men,” said Fr. John Holliday, CM, pastor of St. Joseph’s. “This is a remarkable achievement for a small Boy Scout Troop such as ours and is a wonderful testimony to our men and women who are leaders of Troop 727.”

For more information about the Cub Scout and Boy Scout program sponsored by St. Joseph’s Church, please contact the parish at 301-447-2326. The scouts meet every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the parish hall.

Troop 727, Emmitsburg, had five scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout: (from left) Keegan Wright, Andrew Neibecker, Brendan Isaacson, Paul Slotwinski, and Stephen Lowe.

Thurmont Community Ambulance Company Banquet Held

On January 16, 2015, members and guests of the Thurmont Community Ambulance Company gathered together in the Emmitsburg Ambulance Company Banquet Hall for their annual awards banquet. As volunteers from Rocky Ridge 4-H Club gathered up empty plates from a delicious home cooked meal, Lowman Keeney brought the audience’s attention to the podium. He announced the many honorary guests and thanked them for their participation and help throughout the year. “This year had been a great year!” he said.

As Lowman provided some updates pertaining to the progress of the new ambulance building being built on Strafford Drive in Thurmont, he was excited to announce the first event that will be held at the new facility. The Town of Thurmont’s annual Business Expo will be held in April. Then, he directed attention to the back, where donation forms were located for their “Dollar per Pound Fundraiser”. The goal of the fundraiser is to outfit the new ambulance with all of the needed equipment.

Chief DJ Ott took the stage to share the Company’s stats. They ran a total of 1,265 calls for 2015. He extended a thank you to Graceham, Libertytown, and Emmitsburg companies for their support through the year. In 2015, the volume of calls increased by 25 more than 2014. The busiest day of the week was Sunday. However, the busiest day of the year was August 29th, a Saturday, with a whopping 15 calls during a twenty-four hour span. A normal day in Thurmont averages around three calls. Between the hours of 12:00 and 1:00 p.m., are the busiest times of the day with a total of 87 calls. Most of these cases are reported as “Injured Persons.”

One of the company’s goals for this year is to bring the fail rate back down to 10 or less calls. “This year’s fail rate was marked at 2.38%, which is good, because they give until 10% before county steps in.” Unfortunately in 2015, there has been a reduction in amount of members who would sign up to run calls, but were still able to increase the amount of time people signed up to 2,000 coverage hours. “We lost seven members, but other members who were active picked up the slack,” said the Chief.

As it was a slightly slower year for training in the company, they were happy to announce they were able to train the Boy Scouts on Wilderness training, as well as receiving a 31 person turn out for CPR training from members of the community. All training by the Ambulance Company is done at cost. They volunteer their time and pass the costs along for processing paperwork. “We want you to have the training for what it costs us to give it to you.”

Another point DJ touched on, was the new ambulance the company purchased. The new ambulance will arrive in March or April and will be fully equipped for calls by June or July. The cost for the new ambulance is $229,000 un-equipped. “That means it will be a box, a chassis and lights,” said the President.

The new activities building isn’t the only big project going on at the moment. DJ explained the current ambulance building on North Church Street isn’t getting a total remodel, but will receive a facelift. Another improvement being made to the company will be a computer management system to monitor all calls, scheduling, LOSAP, and fundraising events.

The ambulance company looks forward to new programs in 2016, such as a “Community Wellness Check” that will serve seniors and disabled members in the Thurmont area.

The President then called upon Devin Stafford, President of Adventure Crew 270. Devin proudly announced some of the achievements the crew has conquered in the past year. They placed second in the Klondike Derby, participated in the Iron Chef Camporee, celebrated “Scout Sunday” by planting trees at the Thurmont Regional Library, and held a successful Scouting for Food Campaign boasting 4,869 pounds of collected food benefiting the local food bank.

Before handing out awards, the President of the Ambulance Company kindly thanked the local fire rescue companies for the support they give through the year, especially the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company for filling in during the banquet.

Recognized for the top ten responders were Molly Joiner (58 calls), Amber Zimmerman (65), Dev Shaffer (71), Matt Demarais (88), Jarred Snyder (106), Lisa Eichelberger (125), Brooke Kennedy (158), Rose “Grandma” Latini (161), Amanda Barth (162), and for the second year in a row, Bev Frushour was the top responder with 304 calls.

DJ Ott presented the Chiefs award. DJ acknowledged that he felt this is the one of the toughest awards to give out because everyone does such a great job and it is hard to pick just one. This year’s recipient was Chris Pigula. Chris has been an outstanding member, qualifying in LOSAP every year since 1992. He started the company with no training; now in 2016, he is one of the most-well-trained members.

Administrative awards were presented by Dave Riffle. Recipients who received the award included Jason Schultz, Becky Ott, Jim Humerick, Renee Coolidge, Bob Lookingbill, Travis Unger, William Ott, Kacey Manahan, Holly Herald, Amber Zimmerman, Molly Joiner, Stephanie Kennedy, Chad Zimmerman, Shirley Stackhouse, Joyce Stitely, Matt Demarais, Chris Pigula, Dennis Ott Sr., Dev Shaffer, Jim Wolfe, Tim Wiltrout, Jared Snyder, Lowman Keeney, Lisa Eichelberger, Amanda Barth, Brooke Kennedy, DJ Ott, Rose Latini, Jen Frushour.

Proceeding to the Administrative awards, the President thanked Venture Crew 270 for their participation with the Thurmont Ambulance Company. Devin Stafford accepted a $1,000.00 donation on behalf of Crew 270 to fund future activities. Lowman thanked the Rocky Ridge 4-H, and awarded Margo Sweeney a $200.00 club donation for their efforts to prepare, serve, and clean up dinner every year.

Life members who were inducted included Johnathan Troxell and Vickie Martin. Johnathan was recognized for being an active member in the Ambulance Company, as well as serving in Emmitsburg’s Ambulance Company. Vickie Martin currently serves as Chief at Lewistown Volunteer Fire Company.

As the chief had admitted how difficult it is to choose one person to receive an award, Lowman also agreed. “Doesn’t matter if it is for the membership, for the community, or whomever.” Lowman recalls a recent event of 5 large hay bales being burnt on the new building property and sure enough, the recipient was there to clean up the remnants of the mess. He has served on the board of directors for the ambulance company for two years during which time he was bestowed with, “keeping the ambulance company’s troublemaker [Jim Wolfe] in line.” Lowman called Tim Wiltrout to join him on the stage to receive the President’s award for 2016.

We didn’t get to do much in fundraising this year, but one fundraiser that we are proud of – to the family that makes this all possible…to the people who go out of their way every year, Catoctin Mountain Orchard.” Apple Dumplings during Colorfest contribute to Thurmont Ambulance’s most successful fundraiser. This year it took 1,693 man hours to peel, bake, box and sell the mouth-watering dumplings.  The company made over $44,000 in gross profit with a net profit of $36,123.72.

As the evening drew to a close, Lowman explained how much he is looking forward to the New Year. They will hold new fundraising events that will be bigger and better, with more room for people to spread out. “We often joke that we need a golf cart to get from one side to another in the new building…” said Lowman. On October 26, 2016, The Amish Outlaws are scheduled to play an indoor concert. For more information on future fundraisers and events, check out their Facebook or drop by their location at 27 North Church Street in Thurmont.

Thurmont Ambulance Company’s Administrative Officers

Thurmont Ambulance Company’s Operational Officers

Photos by Gracie Eyler

Vigilant Hose Company Holds 132nd Annual Banquet

The 132nd Annual Banquet of the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) honoring accomplishments for service in 2015 was held on Saturday, January 9, 2016, at Mother Seton School in Emmitsburg. Tim Clarke, Past President of the VHC, served as master of ceremonies. Invocation was given by Fr. Charles F. Krieg of St. Joseph’s Parish in Emmitsburg. Invited guests were introduced. Frederick County’s 5th District Councilman, Kirby Delauter, presented VHC’s Deputy Chief, Jimmy Click, with a proclamation for his dedicated service to the fire company and the Emmitsburg community.

The 2016 officers of the company were installed: President, A. Frank Davis; Vice President, David Wilt; Treasurer, Steven M. Hollinger; Assistant Treasurer, William D. Boyd, Jr.; Secretary, Steven W. Valentine; Assistant Secretary, Thomas Vaughn; and Board of Directors, Hugh Boyle, Elyssa Cool, Randy Myers, Douglas D. Orner, David Stonesifer, and Carl A. White.

2016 Operational Officers: Chief, Chad M. Umbel; Deputy Chief, James E. Click; Assistant Chief, Christopher A. Stahley; Captain, Joshua Brotherton; and Lieutenants, Douglas Yingling, Derek Rosensteel, and Alex McKenna.

Fire Police: Lynn Orndorff, Captain; Ronald P. Face, Jr., 1st Lieutenant; and Steve Orndorff, 2nd Lieutenant. Auxiliary Officers: Tina Ryder, President; Sharel Boyle, Vice President; Jo Ann Boyd, Treasurer; Joyce E. Glass, Secretary; Mandy Ryder, Financial Secretary; and Jennifer Boyd and Katie Davis, Co-Historians.

Chief Awards were presented for length of service to Tyler Bennett, Josh Brotherton, Dale Fogle, Jennifer Stahley, and Thomas Ward for 5 years of service; John Damskey, Tom Vaughn, and Mike Working for 20 years; Bill Boyd, 25 years; Carl White, 30 years; Jim Glass and Wayne Powell, 35 years; and Tom White, 55 years.

The Top 10 LOSAP President Awards were earned by the following: Tenth Top LOSAP was a tie at 79 points for Hugh Boyle and Dave Wilt; Ninth was a tie at 86 points for Chris Stahley and Karyn Myers; Eighth was Matt Boyd with 89 points; seventh Frank Davis with 92 points; sixth Derek Rosensteel with 101 points; fifth John Damskey with 103 points; fourth Carl White with 104 points; third Bill Boyd with 107 points; second Jim Click with 108 points; and Top LOSAP was earned by Cliff Shriner with 145 points.

Vigilant’s Top Ten Responders were: 1st, Cliff Shriner with 257 calls responding; 2nd, Derek Rosensteel (249); Frank Davis (193); Brandon Burriss (181); Tyler Bennett (177); Josh Brotherton (200); Hugh Boyle (147); Tyler Arrowood (140); Alex McKenna (129); Doug Yingling (116). Top Fire Police Responders were: 1st, Sam Cool (68); 2nd, Steve Orndorff (57); 3rd Mike Orndorff (33).

The Training Award was presented to the individual who attended the most hours of in-house training and training conducted outside the VHC to include Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, the National Fire Academy, and the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Association including department drills and recertifications. The Training Award was presented to Tim McKenna who had 245 hours of training.

Karyn Myers was awarded the President’s Award; Derek Rosensteel was awarded the Chief’s Award; Elyssa Cool was awarded the Member of the Year 2015.

During the banquet, the Vigilant Auxiliary presented a check to the department in the amount of $40,000.00. A video presentation was enjoyed by all. The video showed 2015, the year in review. After the banquet, dancing was enjoyed to music by the band, “First Class.”

Memorial was held for Gerald Orndorff who passed away in 2015.

The highest award presented at the annual banquet is the Hall of Fame Award. Inductees included Thomas Hoke and Luther “Jay” Grimes.

Thomas E. “Tom” Hoke has been a long-time active member of the Vigilant Hose Company, serving many key roles over the years. Born in 1923 in Emmitsburg, he had a typical life as a youngster roaming the town and spending most of his time outside. He graduated from Emmitsburg High School in a class of 26 students. He was drafted into the United States Army to serve as a medic during the European Theater and the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

He is one of the remaining charter members of the Emmitsburg Veterans of Foreign Wars and is a member of the Emmitsburg American Legion Post 121. Tom found his career as a heavy equipment operator with Potomac Edison and retired from there in 1985.

Tom has lived his life as a generous man. He married his wife Ethel Grace Long in 1947. They had a son, John (known as Jack) and a daughter Rebecca (known as Becky). Ethel passed away in 2003.

The VFW Post 6658 bought Emmitsburg’s first community ambulance in 1948. It was a green 1947 Cadillac. The first patient to be transported was Tom’s wife, Ethel, as she was going in to labor with Jack. Jack would go on to serve with the Vigilant Hose Company, too, while his wife, June, would be one of the first women in Frederick County to serve in the emergency services.

Thomas E. Hoke was inducted into Vigilant’s Hall of Fame for his many years of faithful service to the community and its emergency services.

Luther E. “Jay” Grimes walked in to the firehouse in the summer of 1988 asking to speak with then Fire Chief, Tom White. He introduced himself as the area’s new Pierce fire truck salesman. Story goes that the chief had run the former Pierce salesman out of town after a bad experience and the company joked that Jay had his work cut out for him.

Jay worked to correct the former salesman’s blunders at no cost to the company. This prefaced a wonderful, true and honest 25-year relationship between him and Vigilant. Over the years, Jay worked hand in hand to help replace an aging fleet of apparatus. That was instrumental in bringing new technologies to Emmitsburg—including compressed air foam, Emmitsburg’s first aerial truck, a state of the art rescue squad that was featured nationally in Fire Chief Magazine with Vigilant’s first engine/tanker, and other innovations.

Jay was a 1963 graduate of Williamsport High School in Williamsport, Maryland, and was a nationally certified firefighter. He was employed by Pierce Manufacturing of Appleton, Wisconsin, until his retirement in 2010. He was a life member of Williamsport Volunteer Fire and EMS for 54 years, where he served as chief, president, and head of various committees.

Additionally, he was instrumental in the creation of the State Wide Alert Network, LOSAP Program, 911 emergency communications, and the National Incident Management System. In 2011, he was inducted into the Maryland State Fireman’s Association Hall of Fame and also received the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award.

He took great pride in each and every fire apparatus unit he delivered. Jay passed away on Monday, April 20, 2015, at the age of 70.

For his many years of faithful service to the fire and emergency services and his very special service to the Emmitsburg community, he was inducted into the VHC Hall of Fame.

The Vigilant Hose Company’s 2016 Fire Police (top row) and Operational Officers (bottom row).

Vigilant’s 2016 Ladies Auxiliary

Thomas E. Hoke was one of two who were inducted into the VHC’s Hall of Fame.

Coach & Vera Bradley Bingo Night

Come out to Mother Seton School in Emmitsburg on Saturday, February 20, 2016, for their Coach & Vera Bradley Bingo Night. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with games beginning at 7:00 p.m. Bingo features specials, raffles, door prizes, and more. View the advertisement on page 10 for more information.

Catoctin High School Class of 2016 Safe and Sane Upcoming Fundraising Events

On February 20, 2016, come out to the Ott House to see the band Sticktime and for the Silent Auction, from 8:00 p.m.-midnight. There will be a $5.00 cover charge. On February, 27, 2016, a Cash Bingo will be held at the Lewistown Fire Hall. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $30.00 each. View the advertisement on page 16 for more information.

Thurmont Lions Club Cash Bingo

The Thurmont Lions Club is holding a Cash Bingo on Saturday, March 12, 2016, at the Guardian Hose Company Activities Building in Thurmont. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m., with bingo beginning at 6:45 p.m. View their advertisement on page 5 for more information.

Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Events

The Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Association located on Waynesboro Pike, Fairfield, PA, is hosting many upcoming events in February, including a Wagner Shoot on February 6 and 13; a Cash Bingo on February 7, with doors opening at 11:30 a.m.; a Valentine’s Dinner (by reservation only) on February 13, from 5:00-8:00 p.m., featuring band Center of Gravity from 8:00-11:00 p.m.; and much more. View the advertisement on page 44 for more event information.

St. John’s Christian Preschool Open House

St. John’s Christian Preschool in Thurmont will hold an Open House on Friday, February 26, 2016, from 9:00-10:00 a.m., with an information session and a tour of the school. View the advertisement on page 35 for more information.

Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company’s Bingo Bash

Mark your calendar for the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company’s Bingo Bash on April 2, 2016. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m., with games beginning at 7:00 p.m. Event features three $1,000 jackpots and a meal, plus twenty-two games, paying $250 each. View the advertisement on page 8 for more information and on how to get your tickets.

Frederick County Library’s Celtic Concert

Come out to the 2016 Celtic Concert on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., in the Marion Burk Knott Auditorium at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg. Admission and parking are free. Pick up your free advance tickets (tickets required for entry) at the Emmitsburg or Thurmont Libraries beginning March 1, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. View the advertisement on page 11 for more information.

Fried Oyster & Turkey Dinner

On February 13, 2016, St. John’s Lutheran Church is holding a Fried Oyster & Turkey Dinner, served family-style, from 12:00-5:00 p.m. View their advertisement on page 35 for more information.

Lakeside Hall Bridal Showcase

On Sunday, March 13, 2016, visit the Bridal Showcase at Lakeside Hall at Fort Ritchie in Cascade, Maryland, from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Admission is free. View the advertisement on page 26 for more information.

7th Annual His Place Car Show

Mark your calendar for the 7th Annual His Place Car Show, scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2016, at Mother Seton School in Emmitsburg. Event features cars, trucks, hot rods, motorcycles, and tuner cars, along with three awards each for five categories, as well as door prizes, food, music, and more! View the advertisement on page 6 for more information and for a schedule of events.

A Winter Extravaganza

You won’t want to miss the One Mountain Foundation Winter Extravaganza on February 27, 2016, at the American Legion in Cascade, Maryland, from 6:00 p.m.-midnight. Admission includes all-you-can-eat beef and chicken barbecue, draft beer and wine, live music, and much more. View their advertisement on page 18 for more information and for ticket prices.

Masquerade Ball — A Night of Mystery to Help Save Lives

On Saturday, February 20, 2016, the Cascade American Legion is hosting a Masquerade Ball, from 7:00-11:00 p.m. Tickets are $20.00 per person. Dress clothes are required; event features a cash bar and light refreshments. Proceeds to benefit Frederick County Hotline. View the advertisement on page 8 for more information.

Seton Family Store’s Valentine Drawing

The Seton Family Store in Emmitsburg is holding a Valentine Drawing, from February 2-12, 2016. Purchasing customers can enter the drawing to win a Valentine basket (wine, bottle opener, two glasses, and chocolate)! Winner will be drawn on Friday, February 12. View the advertisement on page 25 for more details.

Harriet Chapel’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Harriet Chapel will hold its Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Saturday, February 9, 2016, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. It’s all-you-can-eat for only $7.00 for adults; $4.00 for children, ages 7-12; and free for children, ages 6 and under. View the advertisement on page 22 for more information.

Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company’s Country Butchering

A Country Butchering will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016, at the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company. A pancake breakfast will be served from 6:00-10:00 a.m. at the activity building. Orders must be placed by February 13, 2016. View the advertisement on page 10 for more information and how to place your order today.

Fort Ritchie Community Center Bass Fishing Series

Fort Ritchie Community Center will be hosting the 2016 Bass Fishing Series on April 16, May 21, and June 18, with the championship held on August 13. The cost is $15.00 per event for youth; $35.00 per event for adults. Chance to win a $10,000 fish! Series sponsored by Cobblestone Hotel & Suites. View the advertisement on page 3 for more information.

White Star Tours — Smoky Mountain Entertainer TN

White Star Tours is hosting the Smoky Mountain Entertainer TN, featuring seven spectacular shows, traveling six days and five nights, from May 15-20, 2016. Package includes five nights lodging, five breakfasts, five dinners, shows, visit to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, and much more! View the advertisement on page 14 for more details and pricing information.

Weller United Methodist Church Hosting Sweetheart Lasagna Dinner

On Sunday, February 14, 2016, the Weller United Methodist Church in Thurmont is holding a Sweetheart Lasagna Dinner at 5:30 p.m., featuring live romantic musical selections. The cost is $25.00 per couple. View the advertisement on page 24 for more information.

Plans for the 2016 Business Showcase are Underway

This year, the Business Expo will have some exciting changes, starting with the name. The event will be titled the “Thurmont Business Showcase” and will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016, from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. They have a new and exciting location as well. The Thurmont Business Showcase will be held at the brand new Thurmont Community Ambulance Event Complex.

By holding the event on Saturday, at a larger venue and for longer hours, local businesses can get a bigger “bang for their buck”! Applications will be available by mid-February on thurmontmainstreet.com, at the town office, and at a few Thurmont businesses. Look for more details in next month’s issue of The Catoctin Banner.

The Thurmont Business Showcase is a Main Street Community event. Make plans now for Taking Care of Business at the Thurmont Business Showcase.

Thurmont Ministerium to Hold Annual Community Lenten Services at Area Churches

The Thurmont Ministerium will hold its annual Community Lenten services at area churches during the season of Lent. This year’s theme is “Build My Church.” The services will be held on Mondays in Lent at 7:00 p.m. as follows: February 15—Graceham Moravian, 8231-A Rocky Ridge Road in Thurmont (special music: Bells of Grace Handbell Choir); February 22—St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran, 10625 Old Frederick Road in Utica (guest speaker: Ron Kramer, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity); February 29—Harriet Chapel, 12625 Catoctin Furnace Road in Thurmont (Taize Service); March 7—Apples United Church of Christ, 7908 Apples Church Road in Thurmont; March 14—Thurmont Church of the Brethren, 14 Altamont Avenue in Thurmont; March 21—Deerfield United Methodist Church, 16405 Foxville Deerfield Road in Sabillasville.

All services are open to all. Free-will offerings for the work of the Thurmont Ministerium will be received at each service. In addition, non-perishable food items for the Thurmont Food Bank will be received. For additional information, please call 301-271-2379, or contact the host church directly.

Thurmont Food Bank Benefit Fundraiser

Senior Benefit Services and 1st Look Properties are hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Thurmont Food Bank at the Thurmont AMVETS on Saturday, March 12, 2016, from 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Entertainment and Karaoke will be provided by The Firehouse DJ’s. Food and drink will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Thurmont Food Bank. Pay at the door with a nonperishable food item or cash donation. Admittance is open to the public. You must be 21 years old to be admitted.

From the Mayor

Emmitsburg

by Mayor Briggs

The town received several late Christmas presents. On December 26, 2015, five Troop 727 Boy Scouts were awarded the Eagle Scout designation. Keegan X. Wright, Andrew Neibecker, Brendan P. Isaacson, Paul B. Slotwinski, and Stephen M. Lowe were awarded the prestigious achievement award at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor program held at St. Joseph Parish Hall. It was an honor to be present at the award ceremony and to see these young men tracking toward leadership in the future. Thank you to Scoutmaster Mary Neibecker and assistants, Christopher Anadale and Matthias Buchheister, for a job well done.

On January 1, 2016, Emmitsburg received more recognition, this time as one of ten “Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns in Maryland” by onlyinyourstate.com. It sure is.

In mid-December, Emmitsburg was awarded its fourth State of Maryland Community Legacy Program (CLP) grant. CLP is a matching grant program to encourage property owners who live within the town Sustainable Community designated area to make exterior improvements to their properties. To date, over $150,000 in grant funds have been matched by that of owners equal to or in excess of for a total invested in the town historic district of over $325,000. Our goal is $400,000 by 2017.

In January, Lib and I, along with Councilman Glenn Blanchard and his wife, Maggie, attended the Vigilant Hose Company’s annual banquet and awards dinner. This is always a special event that we are honored to attend, this year even more so after the two fires in town in December.

With the mild fall, our solar field production exceeded expectations. As is the case, production dips in winter and early spring, with shorter days and typically cloudy days. The town is reliant on solar renewable energy to reduce the energy cost of residents by not competing with them for it, reduce costs, and enhance the environment. It is a twenty-year program.

January 2016

by James Rada, Jr.

Emmitsburg

Emmitsburg Commissioners Will Hold Fewer Meetings

The Emmitsburg town commissioners voted in January to meet only once a month rather than twice a month, which they have done for the past few years. If additional meetings are needed during the month for some reason, they will be scheduled on an as-needed basis.

The commissioners are required by town charter to meet only once a month. According to Mayor Don Briggs, having town staff at each meeting costs $300 to $400. Cutting the meetings in half could save the town as much as $4,800 a year.

The commissioners have been meeting twice a month since 2002.

For more information on the Town of Emmitsburg, visit www.emmitsburgmd.gov or call 301-600-6300.

Thurmont

Applications Available for Thurmont Senior Tax Credit

If you are at sixty-five years old as of January 1, 2016, live within the corporate limits of Thurmont, and have a total gross household income of $70,000 or less, you may be eligible for a tax credit on your property. The application for the Thurmont Senior Tax Credit Application is available at the town office or online at Thurmont.com.

In addition to the application, you will need proof of age and a copy of your latest tax return so that your gross household income can be verified.

Thurmont Community Park Closed to Vehicles

Thurmont Community Park will be closed to vehicles until the spring. Vehicles can still use the first parking lot next to Frederick Road. The park itself is still accessible to walkers, bicyclists, hikers, and tennis players.

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

James Rada, Jr.

While the design of the Thurmont Regional Library was inspired by the Catoctin Furnace, when you walk into the Thurmont Center for Agricultural History, you’ll see a different inspiration. Two windows from old Moravian Church that had been on Water Street in the late nineteenth Century, hang from one wall. On another wall hangs a grange mural painted in the 1960s by Elizabeth Holter Howard.

Tucked away in one corner of the library, the Thurmont Center for Agricultural History’s collections continue to grow.

“We are saving stuff for the future, when people start wondering more about the farms that used to be in the county and how they operated,” said Thurmont Library Manager Erin Dingle.

Mary Mannix, manager of the Maryland Room at the C. Burr Artz Library in Frederick, said that the idea for an agricultural history room first took root about seventeen years ago, when the Maryland Room obtained its first major agriculture-related collection: a set of annual reports from the county extension agent. There wasn’t room at the old library for the collections, so it remained at the Maryland room until the new library was built.

“We’ve been trying to collect primary and secondary information of the agricultural history and culture in Frederick County,” Mannix said. “A lot of it relates the county granges, which as a social organization have been a large part of agriculture in Maryland and the nation from post-Civil War to the mid-twentieth century.

Besides the extension agent reports, the room also has the Pomona Grange archives, extension service publications, Jefferson Grange archives, Maryland State Grange records, and many more. There are also private collections that have been donated to the room.

“You’ll see people using the room to find information regarding the history of family farms,” said Mannix.

The center also has local history, genealogy information, and microfilm copies of newspapers.

“People searching for the genealogy are probably the ones who use the room the most,” stated Dingle.

The center’s basic core genealogy resources can help a person trying to track down family members from Northern Frederick County.

Researchers can also find information about the area by searching through the Emmitsburg Chronicle, Catoctin Enterprise, and Catoctin Clarion on microfilm. There is also a small collection of local history books about the area.

“As agriculture continues to vanish from the area, I think more people will use the center as they want to find out more about agriculture history,” Mannix said.

The Thurmont Center for Agricultural History has the same hours as the library: 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday. To access the center, check in with the librarian at the reference desk. If you will need research help, you may want to call ahead to make sure a librarian will be available to help you.

If you can’t make it to the center, research requests are accepted at no charge, except for photocopies at $.20 per copy. Submit the request, in writing, with as much information as possible to Erin Dingle.

Nicholas DiGregory

in come and gone. The last-second scramblers have stopped raiding the store shelves; gridlocked traffic no longer clogs every highway; and all of the in-laws have (hopefully) returned to their homes. The festivities to close out 2015 and to welcome 2016 are almost a month behind us, and that means you finally have time to relax and recuperate, right?

Unfortunately, the end of the holiday season does not mean that you are in the clear when it comes to crime. While the cold winter months of the new year see a considerable decrease in overall burglary and larceny, your new holiday goodies can make you a target for desperate potential thieves who are trying hard to make ends meet. New cars, appliances, and accessories purchased at holiday sale prices are all tempting objects for a thief who is looking for his next victim.

According to the FBI’s most recent crime statistics, property crime is the most common form of crime in the United States; the year of 2014 saw over 8.27 million recorded cases at a rate of 2,596 instances per 100,000 people. Home burglaries, that is, theft from a structure after unlawful entry, accounted for roughly twenty percent of those property crimes. Theft of items from vehicles accounted for another sixteen percent of property crimes.

Burglary and theft from vehicles are commonplace occurrences that can severely impact your life and the lives of those around you, should you fall victim. To help you protect yourself from such crime, I spoke with local law enforcement about how one can safeguard one’s property from thieves.

Security Tip #1: Think How a Thief Thinks When He Is Scouting for Victims

Thieves vary in skill level and proficiency, but they all tend to stick to a few trends when committing crime. First, thieves are far more likely to target a home or vehicle if they think no one is around. Your home and vehicle are most vulnerable when you are away from them. Thus, never leave signs that you are not home. If you are away from home for an extended period of time, try not to broadcast it over social media until you return home. Having a trusted friend check your mail and visit your home regularly while you are gone is often enough to deter thieves.

Second, thieves like having a covert entrance and escape route. Trim or eliminate any dense shrubbery around your home and driveway. If you live near a forested space or in an area that is removed from other homes, consider putting up motion-sensing lights. Installing even a small fence can also help to discourage thieves.

Security Tip #2: Deny Thieves Easy Access to Your Home and Vehicle

This one should be obvious, but the reality is that many people unintentionally provide thieves with the means to steal their belongings. Always lock the doors and windows to your home and to your cars. Thieves look for easy access to a home or vehicle; they are more likely to steal from you if they can quickly enter and exit your home or vehicle. Never leave your vehicle running while unattended, even for a second. And be cautious when leaving your vehicle’s windows cracked on a hot day; an experienced thief can remove a car window fairly quickly if they can get their fingers through the gap.

Security Tip #3: Keep Track of Your Belongings

The average thief is not looking to make a fortune from his heists. Most thieves steal small items that they can see clearly prior to committing the crime. If you own an expensive computer, television, etc., try not to place it in your home where one can easily see it from an open window. The same goes for your vehicle; never leave a phone, GPS, or purse in your car where it can be seen.

Another way to protect your larger and more expensive belongings is by recording their serial numbers. If a thief steals a belonging with a serial number and tries to pawn or sell it, having that number on record can help find your belonging and implicate the thief.

Security Tip #4: Involve Others in the Community

Thieves prefer to strike victims who are isolated from others. By getting your friends, neighbors, and local law enforcement involved, you can protect yourself more easily and effectively. An active neighborhood watch program can intimidate thieves and assist police investigations should a theft occur. Should you see something suspicious, call the police and then alert your neighbors. Thieves will often reconsider visiting a neighborhood if they notice observant residents who communicate frequently with each other and the local police.

Security Tip #5: Be Smart!

While these tips can help to discourage thieves from stealing your belongings, it is important to note that no home or vehicle can be completely impregnable. If you should encounter a thief or have reason to believe that a thief has entered your home or vehicle, retreat to a secure location and contact the police immediately. And remember, nothing you own is worth more than your life.

Nicholas DiGregory

Despite statistical odds of 1 in 292.2 million, three superbly lucky winners picked the correct six-number combination to claim a piece of the record-smashing $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot on January 13, 2016. Each of the three winning ticket holders can claim about $533 million before taxes, or approximately $327 million should they cash in on the lump sum option. The winning tickets were sold in Munford, Tennesee; Melbourne Beach, Florida; and Chino Hills, California.

As of January 22, only the Munford winners have stepped forward publicly; John and Lisa Robinson of Munford, Tennessee, elected to take the cash lump sum of $327 million, paid out over a ten-day period.

In addition to the three jackpot tickets, eight tickets for the $2 million prize and seventy-three tickets for the $1 million prize were also sold. One of the $1 million tickets was sold at the Wawa on Urbana Pike in Frederick, Maryland.

More than 635 million Powerball tickets were sold across the United States, with approximately 26 million winning tickets for prizes ranging from $4 to $533 million.

What It Could Mean to Win

Although no one sole winner was able to claim the $1.6 billion jackpot, three winning ticket holders are each entitled to an even cut of the prize money. Each of their shares in the winnings comes to approximately $533 million before tax, or about $327 million in cash.

To put into perspective just how massive these winnings are, the jackpot winners could use their pre-tax cash option earnings to:

• Buy 177,717,391 gallons of gasoline at the national average price of $1.84 per gallon—or 289,673,913 gallons of gas with the $533 million of the annuity option.
• Supply 93,428,571 people in third-world countries with clean drinking water for 20 years—choosing the annuity option could increase that number to 152,285,714 people.
• Stay in Switzerland at the Hotel President Wilson’s Royal Penthouse Suite, which is currently the most expensive hotel room in the world at $80,000 per night, for a total of 4,087 nights—or 6,662 nights, with the money from the annuity option.
• Buy at least ten private islands in the Caribbean—or double that number with the money from the annuity option.
• Build an 86,000-ton cruise ship or a pair of Boeing 787 Dreamliners—while choosing the annuity option would allow a person to do both.
• Give every person living in the United States $1.02—or $1.67 per person with the money from the annuity option.
• Purchase, at its current value, one of the following nine National Hockey League teams: New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, Nashville Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Carolina Hurricanes, Arizona Coyotes, Florida Panthers—choosing the annuity option would allow consideration of the following teams as well: New Jersey Devils, Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche, Ottawa Senators, Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers.
• Buy 81 Lamborghini Venenos, the most expensive car on the market at almost $4 million—choosing the annuity option would allow the purchase of 133 of the luxury vehicle.

What It Would Actually Mean to Win

While the aforementioned options would all be feasible with the gross Powerball jackpot winnings, winning such a large sum through the lottery system imposes a very different reality. While it is common knowledge that taxes must be taken out of the lottery winnings, there is also a slew of other hidden costs that can cut down the jackpot’s net value considerably. Some financial experts estimate that these hidden expenses can cost anywhere from $32 million to $117 million.

One such hidden cost is the need to hire a lifetime financial expert. Any FDIC bank is legally required to insure only up to $250,000, making it an insanely risky move to invest in the banks. Professional financial advisors can help with investment decisions and ensure that the money does not disappear, but their services are not cheap. An experienced financial planner can wind up costing millions of dollars over the years.

Another hidden cost that the jackpot winners must invest in is a tax attorney. The lottery is taxable income on the state and federal levels, and the burden of figuring them out and paying them in full is dumped almost entirely on the lottery winner. Thus, a tax attorney is vital for navigating through the befuddling world of tax bureaucracy. Luckily enough for the three jackpot winners, none of their states require a state income tax to be paid on their winnings. But one can be sure that all of the winners will need the help of a tax attorney when dealing with the IRS.

Beyond these two major hidden costs, the Powerball jackpot winners will probably have to put a small fortune toward umbrella insurance, estate lawyers, begrudging relatives, and many other surprises that come with a big lottery win. While the jackpot win may seem to be the best thing to ever happen to the ticket holders, it will inevitably become a huge hassle for them as well.

What If You Had Won?

Before the winning tickets were drawn, readers were offered a chance to share on The Catoctin Banner Facebook page how they would use the winnings. Here are some of the things they had to say:

• Bryant Hoffman: “First, I’d buy a house. Then, I’d take a trip!”
• Donna Houck: “First, I would take care of my family. Then I would buy a lot of homeless homes, and give them a trust to get them started. Have to really think about the rest. Lol.”
• Jess Nutley: “I would pay off all my bills, build a house not a crazy size one. Set up a CD for each of my loved ones and their kids. I would pay off all my mother’s, brothers’ and sisters’ bills and my in-laws’ and donate a bunch to so many different places. And go on a huge family vacation for all of them.”
• Jo Kerns: “I would help my family first and foremost. Set up college funds for my grandchildren. Then I would build a small cabin by a lake and of course buy me a boat and a new truck to pull it! Love the water and that’s where I would retire. I would also donate funds to cancer research and open a home for children who are abused.”
• Wanda Koontz-Myers: “First I would get me a great CPA and lawyer. Then pay all my medical bills. Look into buying a large piece of land to build a rescue to rescue all the fur-babies I could. Hire people to help me take care of the rescue. Then help my family as much as I can out of debt. Then give to 4 Churches that I used to attend. Then help out as many Veterans and Homeless people that want my help and invest the rest and live off the interest!”
• Janel Norton: “We decided we would buy the property from Stonewall Acres and Eylers land in Thurmont, build the current allotted amount of small farm houses then donate it all to Wounded Warriors for our Military families who need help healing from protecting our freedoms. The other plus is preserving the charm of Thurmont, we don’t need nearly 200 townhomes here.”
• Denny Sweeney: “Hand it over to my wife of course! After that, who knows!”
• Ashley Scott-Andrew: “I would like to start a cancer place, something like St. Jude but for adults and children!!! Where the patients would not have to pay a cent for treatment! I would name it after my grandmother, Doris Cullison, who lost her life to breast cancer. I would also start a scholarship up in her name for Mount St. Mary’s University since she worked there and education was so important to her!”
• Emily Fry: “With that kind of dough I’d pay off everything I owe and be totally debt free & so would my family & a bunch of my friends! And I’ve always thought I’d take the Catoctin Class of ‘89 and their families on an all-expenses paid for cruise!”

Deb Spalding

The Town of Thurmont formed the Thurmont Green Team in May, 2015, and is working towards certification this spring as a Maryland Certified Sustainable Community.  Sustainable Maryland is a voluntary certification program for municipalities in Maryland who want to go green, save money, and take steps to sustain their quality of life.

Residents from Thurmont and the surrounding communities comprise Thurmont’s Green Team, and it is these team members, chaired by Anita Philips, who attended training, implemented action items, measured progress, drafted a town ordinance, and are taking the required steps to achieve certification.

Some action items, such as establishing and promoting a local farmers market, energy audits, establishing and promoting a local business directory, a buy local campaign, and a yard waste program, had already been implemented before the Green Team was formed. The town earned points for conducting a municipal energy audit, measuring residential energy efficiency, converting street lights to LED lights, converting to paper biodegradable yard waste bags, hosting a buy local program and creating a local business directory.

Adding to that firm foundation, The Green Team has also completed additional action items in order to obtain points towards certification. New projects completed included the Pet Waste Program and Pet Waste Ordinance, and partnering with the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Sustainability Program.

One project of note is the Thurmont Community Gardens. Jim Humerick, Thurmont’s Chief Administrative Officer said, “This will be up and running in the spring and we’re really excited about it.” Registration began February 1 to lease 9’x11’ plots within the 30×100’ Community Garden area, located at Carroll Street Park, for $25.00 each. This is a great opportunity for all residents, but especially residents who live in apartments, townhouses and condos to enjoy gardening. For more information or to sign up, email Greg Daniels, Community Garden Coordinator at ThurmontCommunityGardens@gmail.com.  Applications can also be picked up at the Thurmont Municipal Offices.

Hillary Rothrock, a new Green Team member, took part in Frederick County’s Neighborhood Green Program which allowed homeowners to apply for funding for green improvements on their personal property. Rain barrels, minimizing rainwater runoff, compost, and a biomex rain garden are just a few of the improvements supported under this program. She said, “I think educating people about how easy it is to apply to make improvements is important to future sustainability.”

The Green Team is partnering with Frederick County for Residential Energy Efficiency Action. At www.FrederickGreenChallenge.org, residents learn about fifty actions that they can take to save energy. Here residents can earn points to become Certified Power Savers. Thurmont’s goal was to have 20 percent of households certified as Power Savers—a goal that was met in 2013. Residents who participate are automatically placed in an online Thurmont Green Team. To date, forty-one households have participated in the Power Saver Challenge.

The Green Team has several other projects that promote sustainability. With them come some really interesting volunteer opportunities. If you would like to serve on The Green Team, email  ThurmontGreenTeam@gmail.com or visit Thurmont Green Team on Facebook.

Green Team Chair, Anita Philips, urges each of us to, “Be a good ancestor now!”

Nicholas DiGregory

If you tuned in to Jeopardy! on December 3, 2015, you would have seen Rocky Ridge’s own Kelly Wright crowned a Jeopardy! champion. The twenty-six-year-old, who graduated from McDaniel College in 2011, earned a total of $7,700 in winnings, with a first-place victory on the December 3 show and a third-place victory on the December 4 show.

I had a chance to ask Wright a few questions about her experiences on the show; here is what she had to say:

How were you chosen to take part in the Jeopardy! game show?

I initially took the Jeopardy! online test in April of 2015 and found out I had an audition in early May. The audition was in Boston on June 10, so I flew up for the day and had my audition. It consists of another fifty-question test, and then you do a little mock game so they can find out if you’re going to freak out and pass out or anything like that once you’re holding the buzzer. Then there’s a little impromptu interview, so they can get a feel for the possible contestants. After all that, you find out that you’ll be in their contestant pool for the next eighteen months, and you may or may not hear anything back during that period. So I was pretty shocked when I got a call from them in late August that they wanted me to come out and play. I guess I figured it would be a much longer wait, if ever!

What was the game show experience like?

The whole experience was completely amazing, and it was a great day. They tape a week’s worth of episodes in one day, and the two challengers are drawn randomly. The other contestants sit in the audience and watch the taping, just like everyone else. Everyone who works at the studio and with the show, and the other contestants, were awesome; there wasn’t any real feeling of super competitiveness since I think we were all just stoked to be there. When I initially found out I was going to be on the show, I was kind of terrified, but once the day was actually happening, the contestant coordinators with the show do such a good job at keeping people calm, I was never really as nervous as I thought I would be. There were definitely some jitters once I was actually standing behind the podium, though!

Do you have any favorite memorable moments?

The best thing about going on the show was that my ninety-one-year-old grandfather, Horace Wright, got to come along and watch me play. He’s the one who really pushed me to try out for the game, and getting to make him proud was the best possible outcome. One other cool thing was, after the taping was done, I got to go see the RV from Breaking Bad that they keep on the Sony studio lot. I’m a huge fan of Breaking Bad, so getting to see that in person was a great finish to a fantastic day.

How was interacting with Alex Trebek?

The best stuff with Alex comes at the end of the show, when the contestants and him are standing on the stage, just chatting. That’s when you really get to find out that he has a hilariously dry sense of humor. During my first show, we all chatted a little bit about hockey and the then-upcoming NHL season, and during the second show, he gave me a little bit of ribbing about my bone-headed final Jeopardy answer, and it was hilarious. How many people get to say that Alex Trebek made fun of them?

Rumor has it that you wore a lucky t-shirt on air? Is this true and, if so, what was the significance?

So, when I auditioned for the show in Boston during the summer, I was wearing an Alex Ovechkin shirt under my auditions clothes for good luck. When I found out I was going to be on the show, I figured I had to up the ante and I ordered a shirt from “Russian Machine Never Breaks”—it’s a Capitals blog run by guys from Frederick—that commemorated when Alex Ovechkin famously acted like his stick was on fire after scoring his 50^th goal of …the 08-09 season. I knew I wanted to rock the red under whatever I was wearing for the show, and I like to think it brought me enough luck to join the ranks of the Jeopardy! champions.

How has life been since the show?

Since the show, everything has gone back to normal, thankfully. The week leading up to my shows was absolutely crazy; so many people were wishing me good luck and things really blew up. I’m very grateful that I had so many people rooting for me, but I’m even more grateful that everything died down quickly as well.

Kelly Wright of Rocky Ridge, crowned a Jeopardy! champion, is pictured with Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek.

James Rada, Jr.

Training Center,Besides helping residents before and after the fires in Emmitsburg, the American Red Cross and Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) set out to stop fires from happening again.

Beginning on December 12, 2015, volunteers began going door to door to offer smoke alarm checks.

“Emmitsburg’s all-volunteer fire department, the Vigilant Hose Company, was challenged, to say the least, in terms of firefighting and rescue efforts, but, in spite of significant challenges, managed to accomplish what many locally, all across Northern Frederick County and surrounding counties, continue to say was amazing,” stated Wayne Powell with Vigilant Hose Company.

Vigilant Hose Company has offered installation of free smoke alarms for years, but with the two fires in town in December, residents’ interest in having their smoke alarms checked increased. The first fire occurred on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, mid-afternoon, at Paul’s Pit Stop on South Seton Avenue and the apartments above it. The second fire occurred on Monday, December 7, 2015, at 112 West Main Street, a few doors west of the Vigilant Hose Company fire station. In the second fire, two residents died from injuries, and one person was seriously injured.

“For years, VHC has installed free smoke alarms, but the men and women of the VHC knew they had to take full advantage of public attention—or ‘window of opportunity’ as it’s known,” said Powell.

Homeowners who had previously turned away volunteers doing smoke alarm checks were suddenly interested in having their alarms checked. First responders, community leaders, Mount Saint Mary’s University staff and students, and employees from the National Emergency Training Center, all pitched in to cover as many homes as possible.

Powell pointed out that the smoke alarms were free only as long as the volunteer teams were allowed to install them.

“We have found that if we give them away without installing them, they wind up in a drawer and people forget about them,” Powell said.

He also said that some people took the batteries out and used them for other things. The smoke alarms that Vigilant Hose Company installed now have a ten-year long-life battery built into them that can’t be removed.

Despite years of Vigilant Hose Company public fire education and year-round smoke alarm promotion, teams found a number of homes with no smoke alarms at all, many non-working units, and others well over ten years old, plus a few with one alarm in homes with more than one sleeping level.

The initial results from the December home fire safety visits and smoke alarm checks was: seventy-eight homes visited and two hundred seventeen smoke alarms installed within three hours. Volunteers were broken into seventeen on-the-street “Safety Teams.” Their goal was to check and see if a smoke alarm was installed on each level and each sleeping area of a residence. A “Go-Team” at the fire station provided smoke alarm expertise from a smoke alarm expert of the U.S. Fire Administration staff, as well as additional literature and alarms as needed, plus handling other normal duties including fire calls.

“Phone call requests for VHC visits have been coming non-stop from across the community ever since,” Powell commented.

As of January 10, 2016, two hundred forty-eight smoke alarms had been installed.

Vigilant Hose Company has carried smoke alarms on its emergency vehicles for years in order to install them whenever possible. They routinely conduct safety presentations to any and all groups who allow it.

Those seeking further information or wish to schedule a visit, contact the Vigilant Hose Company via its website at www.vigilanthose.org or call the fire station at 301-447-2728.

A Safety Team hit the streets in Emmitsburg on December 12, 2015; they were welcomed by residents, with many others now asking for visits.

Nicholas DiGregory

The record-breaking winter storm that struck the eastern United States in late January has gone by many names: , Snowpocalypse, Snowzilla, Snowmageddon. But whatever one is inclined to call it, Winter Storm Jonas, as meteorologists at the Weather Channel have officially deemed the storm, has made history across the East Coast, with record-setting snowfall, wind speeds, and low temperatures.

While Winter Storm Jonas had already begun to affect the East Coast as early as January 20, the bulk of its damaging effects were felt during the weekend of January 22-24. This was due primarily to what CNN meteorologist Chad Myers referred to as to as anything but the H&F.

This was the peak of Maryland’s trolley age. In 1922, the price of Henry Ford’s Model-T had fallen from approximately $950 in 1910, to around $348, the storm’s “supercharging:” when Winter Storm Jonas’ eastern edge reached the jet stream in the Atlantic Ocean, the winds and water temperatures of the ocean significantly increased the storm’s power, turning it into the lumbering behemoth of a snowstorm that buried much of the eastern United States.

As of January 25, Winter Storm Jonas had affected over 85 million people and dropped an average of almost 23 inches in major cities along the East Coast. Here are some statistics that illustrate the winter storm’s tremendous impact:

• Approximately 22 million people were still snowed in as of January 25.
• Associated Press reports from January 25 blame as many as 30 deaths on the storm. Causes of death ranged from traffic accidents to heart attacks while shoveling snow.
• From January 22-25, more than 12,000 flights were canceled, as record-setting snow accumulation blocked runways at the Ronald Reagan Washington National, Baltimore-Washington International, and Washington Dulles International, airports.
• Conservative estimates from utility companies highlight more than a million people without power.
• The following ten states had declared a state of emergency as early as January 22: Georgia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Kentucky, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and West Virginia. Washington, D.C. declared a snow emergency.
• Sustained wind gusts in some areas reached as high as 76 miles per hour, which would classify the storm as comparable to a Category 1 hurricane.
• Federal buildings were shut down throughout the eastern United States; even the United States Post Office announced disruptions in service in Maryland and Virginia.

As of January 25, several major cities were still reeling, as city officials struggled to direct snow clean-up efforts. On January 24, Washington D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser led more than 2,000 volunteer snow shovelers in an attempt to clear the vital roadways of the Nation’s Capital. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in a press conference on January 24 that clean-up of the city’s many minor roads and alleyways may take up to two weeks.

Winter Storm Jonas’ heavy snowfall caused several adverse scenarios across the East Coast. On January 23, in Stafford County, Virginia, a man was forced to deliver his child at home when the heavy snowfall prevented emergency responders from reaching his home. Later that same day, a similar scenario occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Emergency dispatchers guided both new fathers through the delivery process, and reports from local news sources say that both babies are doing well.

The winter storm’s wrath was also felt by thousands of attendees at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., on January 22. A national event, the March for Life is an annual protest attended by thousands of anti-abortion activists who march through the Nation’s Capital in objection to the Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade decision to legalize abortion in America. Despite the impending storm, the organizers of the march elected to go through with the protest. While the march occurred without incident, hundreds of attendees were stranded in their buses on the way home. One notable large group was composed of several hundred college students from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, who were trapped on the Pennsylvania Turnpike from the evening of January 22 until the morning of January 24.

Despite all of the negative effects of Winter Storm Jonas in other parts, locally, the massive snow was handled with patience and perseverance. Many people found ways to turn the event into fun. One such method, deemed the Snow Challenge, involves wearing nothing more than a bathing suit while jumping into a snow pile. The craze, which has gone viral on social media websites, has contributed to many laughs during the seriousness of the winter storm.

The record-breaking winter storm that struck the eastern United States in late January has gone by many names: Blizzard 2016, Snowpocalypse, Snowzilla, Snowmageddon. But whatever one is inclined to call it, Winter Storm Jonas, as meteorologists at the Weather Channel have officially deemed the storm, has made history across the East Coast, with record-setting snowfall, wind speeds, and low temperatures.

While Winter Storm Jonas had already begun to affect the East Coast as early as January 20, the bulk of its damaging effects were felt during the weekend of January 22-24. This was due primarily to what CNN meteorologist Chad Myers referred to as the storm’s “supercharging:” when Winter Storm Jonas’ eastern edge reached the jet stream in the Atlantic Ocean, the winds and water temperatures of the ocean significantly increased the storm’s power, turning it into the lumbering behemoth of a snowstorm that buried much of the eastern United States.

As of January 25, Winter Storm Jonas had affected over 85 million people and dropped an average of almost 23 inches in major cities along the East Coast. Here are some statistics that illustrate the winter storm’s tremendous impact:

• Approximately 22 million people were still snowed in as of January 25.
• Associated Press reports from January 25 blame as many as 30 deaths on the storm. Causes of death ranged from traffic accidents to heart attacks while shoveling snow.
• From January 22-25, more than 12,000 flights were canceled, as record-setting snow accumulation blocked runways at the Ronald Reagan Washington National, Baltimore-Washington International, and Washington Dulles International, airports.
• Conservative estimates from utility companies highlight more than a million people without power.
• The following ten states had declared a state of emergency as early as January 22: Georgia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Kentucky, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and West Virginia. Washington, D.C. declared a snow emergency.
• Sustained wind gusts in some areas reached as high as 76 miles per hour, which would classify the storm as comparable to a Category 1 hurricane.
• Federal buildings were shut down throughout the eastern United States; even the United States Post Office announced disruptions in service in Maryland and Virginia.

As of January 25, several major cities were still reeling, as city officials struggled to direct snow clean-up efforts. On January 24, Washington D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser led more than 2,000 volunteer snow shovelers in an attempt to clear the vital roadways of the Nation’s Capital. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in a press conference on January 24 that clean-up of the city’s many minor roads and alleyways may take up to two weeks.

Winter Storm Jonas’ heavy snowfall caused several adverse scenarios across the East Coast. On January 23, in Stafford County, Virginia, a man was forced to deliver his child at home when the heavy snowfall prevented emergency responders from reaching his home. Later that same day, a similar scenario occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Emergency dispatchers guided both new fathers through the delivery process, and reports from local news sources say that both babies are doing well.

The winter storm’s wrath was also felt by thousands of attendees at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., on January 22. A national event, the March for Life is an annual protest attended by thousands of anti-abortion activists who march through the Nation’s Capital in objection to the Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade decision to legalize abortion in America. Despite the impending storm, the organizers of the march elected to go through with the protest. While the march occurred without incident, hundreds of attendees were stranded in their buses on the way home. One notable large group was composed of several hundred college students from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, who were trapped on the Pennsylvania Turnpike from the evening of January 22 until the morning of January 24.

Despite all of the negative effects of Winter Storm Jonas in other parts, locally, the massive snow was handled with patience and perseverance. Many people found ways to turn the event into fun. One such method, deemed the Snow Challenge, involves wearing nothing more than a bathing suit while jumping into a snow pile. The craze, which has gone viral on social media websites, has contributed to many laughs during the seriousness of the winter storm.

The record-breaking winter storm that struck the eastern United States in late January has gone by many names: Blizzard 2016, Snowpocalypse, Snowzilla, Snowmageddon. But whatever one is inclined to call it, Winter Storm Jonas, as meteorologists at the Weather Channel have officially deemed the storm, has made history across the East Coast, with record-setting snowfall, wind speeds, and low temperatures.

While Winter Storm Jonas had already begun to affect the East Coast as early as January 20, the bulk of its damaging effects were felt during the weekend of January 22-24. This was due primarily to what CNN meteorologist Chad Myers referred to as the storm’s “supercharging:” when Winter Storm Jonas’ eastern edge reached the jet stream in the Atlantic Ocean, the winds and water temperatures of the ocean significantly increased the storm’s power, turning it into the lumbering behemoth of a snowstorm that buried much of the eastern United States.

As of January 25, Winter Storm Jonas had affected over 85 million people and dropped an average of almost 23 inches in major cities along the East Coast. Here are some statistics that illustrate the winter storm’s tremendous impact:

• Approximately 22 million people were still snowed in as of January 25.
• Associated Press reports from January 25 blame as many as 30 deaths on the storm. Causes of death ranged from traffic accidents to heart attacks while shoveling snow.
• From January 22-25, more than 12,000 flights were canceled, as record-setting snow accumulation blocked runways at the Ronald Reagan Washington National, Baltimore-Washington International, and Washington Dulles International, airports.
• Conservative estimates from utility companies highlight more than a million people without power.
• The following ten states had declared a state of emergency as early as January 22: Georgia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Kentucky, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and West Virginia. Washington, D.C. declared a snow emergency.
• Sustained wind gusts in some areas reached as high as 76 miles per hour, which would classify the storm as comparable to a Category 1 hurricane.
• Federal buildings were shut down throughout the eastern United States; even the United States Post Office announced disruptions in service in Maryland and Virginia.

As of January 25, several major cities were still reeling, as city officials struggled to direct snow clean-up efforts. On January 24, Washington D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser led more than 2,000 volunteer snow shovelers in an attempt to clear the vital roadways of the Nation’s Capital. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in a press conference on January 24 that clean-up of the city’s many minor roads and alleyways may take up to two weeks.

Winter Storm Jonas’ heavy snowfall caused several adverse scenarios across the East Coast. On January 23, in Stafford County, Virginia, a man was forced to deliver his child at home when the heavy snowfall prevented emergency responders from reaching his home. Later that same day, a similar scenario occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Emergency dispatchers guided both new fathers through the delivery process, and reports from local news sources say that both babies are doing well.

The winter storm’s wrath was also felt by thousands of attendees at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., on January 22. A national event, the March for Life is an annual protest attended by thousands of anti-abortion activists who march through the Nation’s Capital in objection to the Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade decision to legalize abortion in America. Despite the impending storm, the organizers of the march elected to go through with the protest. While the march occurred without incident, hundreds of attendees were stranded in their buses on the way home. One notable large group was composed of several hundred college students from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, who were trapped on the Pennsylvania Turnpike from the evening of January 22 until the morning of January 24.

Despite all of the negative effects of Winter Storm Jonas in other parts, locally, the massive snow was handled with patience and perseverance. Many people found ways to turn the event into fun. One such method, deemed the Snow Challenge, involves wearing nothing more than a bathing suit while jumping into a snow pile. The craze, which has gone viral on social media websites, has contributed to many laughs during the seriousness of the winter storm.

Thanks to those of you who sent blizzard photos to our Facebook page (The Catoctin Banner is hosted under the name Deb Spalding on Facebook for the time being). We picked just one photo from the masses to post here. The kids at Miss. B’s Family Child Care make snow memories during the blizzard of 2016!