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MSS Breakfast with Santa & Christmas Bazaar

Shop Mother Seton School’s (MSS) Christmas Bazaar and enjoy the Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 6, 2014, from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at 100 Creamery Road in Emmitsburg. Event features door prizes, crafters, bake table, pictures with Santa, and more! New this year is a Kid’s Bazaar, featuring lots of gifts under $10.00. Admission to Bazaar is free. Breakfast with Santa tickets are $7.00 (age 7 to adult); $5.00 (ages 3 to 6); free (ages 2 and under).

Start Pulling Out Your Holiday Decorations!

The Catoctin Banner’s

Holiday Home Decorating Contest

Will your home sparkle and shine in celebration of the holiday season? Be festive, creative, and use your imagination when decorating, then enter The Catoctin Banner’s Holiday Home Decorating Contest. Nominate your own home or a home you think could win by Friday, December 19, 2014. The Catoctin Banner will judge only the homes you nominate on December 19 and 20, so please leave your lights on for us between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. Please email The Catoctin Banner at [email protected] to give the address of the home you are nominating. Homes must fall within the coverage area of the newspaper, which includes zip codes 21780, 21719, 21787, 21788, and 21727. We will feature a photo of the winning house in the January 2015 issue. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winner of the Decortating Contest, as well as to the runner-up. Happy Decorating! Beth Watson and the Thurmont Thespians Present Noises Off by Michael Frayn Come enjoy a good hearty laugh with the funniest farce ever written. Noises Off is a roller coaster, side-splitting look at theatre—inside and out—as a hapless troupe of actors attempt to mount the dreadful comedy Nothing On. Door slamming, missed cues, and romantic intrigue will have you roaring with laughter as the casts’ collective sanity slowly unravels.  Yet, the show must go on, despite the catastrophe being played out on stage and the vicious antics among the actors backstage.  All-the-while, an ill-fated tray of sardines mysteriously appears and disappears. Michael Brown is directing this talented cast. The cast includes Rose Alexander as Dotty, Matt Bannister as Lloyd, Kyle Tirak as Garry, Erin Schwartz as Brook, Dr. Greg Ochoa as Frederick, Jennifer Brown as Belinda, Paul Smaldone as Selsdon, Emily Cofer as  Poppy, and Ian Fowler as Tim. The creative team includes scenic and sound design by Michael Brown, costume design by Mary Lou Royer, and lighting design by Cynthia Kaminsky. The stage manager is Paula Smaldone, and the master carpenter is Rich Friis. Performances will be held in the Thurmont American Legion auditorium, located at 8 Park Lane in Thurmont, on November 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2014, with a 7:30 p.m. curtain. Performances on November 9 and 16, 2014, will have a 2:00 p.m. curtain. The ticket price is $15.00 per person.  There will also be a dinner theater on November 15, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. for $35.00 per person (dinner and show included.)  Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 301-271-7613. Tickets will also be available at the door, though seating is limited. Noises Off is being presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. The Cast of Noises Off from left: (front row) Erin Schwartz, Matt Bannister, Rose Alexander; (back row) Ian Fowler, Paul Smaldone, Kyle Tirak, Jen Brown, Greg Ochoa. In the cast, but missing from the photo is Emily Cofer. Old Field Woodworking’s Christmas Open House See what they can create for you at Old Field Woodworking’s Christmas Open House in Thurmont on November 22, 2014, from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Bring in and show them their advertisement and you can receive a discount! Troxell—One Name…One Night Catoctin High School and the Thurmont Senior Center present Troxell—One Name…One Night concert on Saturday, November 15, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., at Catoctin High School in Thurmont. The concert benefits the Catoctin High School Music Program and the Thurmont Senior Center. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. Tickets reserved in advance are $10.00 per adult (age 17 and up) and $5.00 for ages 16 and under. Tickets purchased at the door will be $12.00 per adult and $8.00 for ages 16 and under. EVAC Bingo Bash The Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company (EVAC) is holding a Bingo Bash on November 9, 2014. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m. Games will begin at 7:00 p.m. Bingo features twenty-two games, three $1,000 jackpots, and a meal. Tickets are $35.00 in advance, and $45.00 if purchased at the door. Concerts at MorningStar Family Church Come on out to the Southern Gospel Concert with Kevin Spencer, Gaither Alumni, at the MorningStar Family Church, on November 9, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. View their advertisement on page 38 for more information. MorningStar Family Church will also be holding a Quiet Love Concert “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” on Sunday, November 30, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. MSS Thirty-One, Coach & Vera Bradley Bingo Mother Seton School (MSS) is holding a not-to-miss Thirty-One, Coach & Vera Bradley Bingo on Saturday, November 15, 2014, at 100 Creamery Road in Emmitsburg. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with games starting at 7:00 p.m. Bingo features specials, raffles, and door prizes. Concessions will be for sale. The cost for tickets for twenty games is $20.00 in advance or $25.00 at the door. Event is sponsored by the MSS Home & School Association. Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Association Events The Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Association is holding a Cash Bingo on November 2, 2014. Doors will open at 11:00 a.m. Games will begin at 12:45 p.m. Their Meat Raffle and Buffet will be held on November 21, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. Country Butchering Country Butchering will be held on November 22, 2014, at the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, located at 13527 Motters Station Road in Rocky Ridge, Maryland. Benefits Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company. Veterans Day Open House at Thurmont Senior Center An Open House Veterans Day Celebration honoring our local Veterans and their families from Thurmont and Northern Frederick County areas will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014, at the Thurmont Senior Center, from 12:00-4:00 p.m. The American Legion, AMVETS, Emmitsburg VFW, the DAV, Thurmont Lion’s Club, Main Street Thurmont, The Catoctin Banner, Catoctin Civitan Club, and others will be on hand to honor the Veterans. Refreshments will be served throughout the day and Chuck Fisher will be providing entertainment. Scheduled guest speakers will be Attorney David Wingate, Eldercare, at 12:00 p.m.; James Burger, Fort Detrick Community Based Outpatient Clinic Coordinator, at 1:00 p.m.; Mike “Mad Dog” Sater of DAV, at 2:00 p.m.; John Kempisty will do a presentation about a captured WWII Nazi flag with the flag on display. Parking is available at the Center, behind the Police Station, and across the street at the elementary school. Retro-Rockets 50’s and 60’s Dance Rock and Roll with the Retro-Rockets on Saturday, November 15, 2014, at the Emmitsburg Ambulance Hall, located at 17701 Creamery Road in Emmitsburg. The dance will be held 8:00 p.m.-midnight. Tickets in advance are $15.00 per person or $100 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $20.00 per person or $35.00 per couple. Benefits Emmitsburg Osteopathic Primary Care Center (EOPCC). Trinity United Church of Christ’s Veterans Day Worship Service and Recognition On Sunday, November 9, 2014, Trinity United Church of Christ will hold a special Veterans Day Worship Service and Recognition at the church, located at 101 East Main Street in Thurmont. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon immediately following. Special recognition will be given to those currently serving, those who have previously served, as will as any named persons who are deceased and had served their country. Honored guests are Dale Williams, speaking; Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, reading Veteran’s names; Honor Guard, patriotic music; musical group Solid Ground; Larry Clabaugh, patriotic readings. The Wonder of Winter Art Exhibit Don’t miss the Art Exhibit featuring The Wonder of Winter, being held on Saturday and Sunday, November 15-16, 2014, at 14726 Old Frederick Road in Rocky Ridge, Maryland, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and raffles will be held for special prizes. The event benefits the Catoctin Forest Alliance. Santa’s Christmas Craft Show Visit the Santa’s Christmas Craft Show on Saturday and Sunday, November 22-23, 2014, at the Carroll County Agriculture Center, located at 708 Agriculture Center Drive in Westminster, Maryland. Event times are: Saturday, from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Sunday, from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Cost is $3.00 for adults; children, ages 15 and under, are free. You won’t want to miss seeing Santa arrive in a helicopter on Saturday (weather permitting) at 11:00 a.m.! Guardian Hose Company Holiday Bazaar A Holiday Bazaar will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2014, at the Guardian Hose Company’s Activities Building, located at 123 East Main Street in Thurmont, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Bazaar will feature crafts, The Pampered Chef, Thirty-One, Origami Owl, and more! Volunteers Wanted! Sunday, November 2, 2014, will be a trail work day, from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. The day begins at Rainbow Lake on Hampton Valley Road in Emmitsburg, with free coffee, doughnuts, orange juice, bagels, and fruit, and the day finishes with a barbecue in the Community Park. Please consider joining us. Tools will be provided. Dress for the weather. Interested or Questions? Please contact Commissioner Tim O’Donnell at [email protected]. Thurmont Holiday Gallery Stroll The Thurmont Holiday Gallery Stroll will be held on Friday, November 14, 2014, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. on Main Street in Thurmont. Rebecca Pearl will unveil her two new portraits: Cozy Restaurant and Trinity United Church of Christ. Yemi will have a genre of his Thurmont artwork, along with Joann and Nancy selling great mural items for Christmas gifts! The event features great musical entertainment by Paul Zelenka and Mary Guiles, local artist Gnarly Artly with cool art, and Judy Ott showing her pottery. The Thurmont Regional Library will be on hand for kid art participation. Other local artists will be there, too. Also, Detour Winery will be present for tasting and purchasing, with great appetizers from Celebrations Catering, and much, much more! Be at Heart & Hands for the unveiling at 6:00 p.m. of the new art for the front of the Masons building and side. Heart & Hands will be the talk of the county! For more information or to become a participant, email [email protected]. Free Children’s Christmas Party The Emmitsburg Lions Club will host its annual Children’s Christmas Party on December 6, 2014, at the Vigilant Hose Company, located at 25 East Main Street in Emmitsburg, starting at 10:00 a.m. The event is free and will feature children’s crafts, face painting, Khan-Du the magician, and hot dogs and hot chocolate. It is also anticipated that Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance. Catoctin Forest Alliance Art Exhibit and Show Catoctin Forest Alliance (CFA) will be celebrating “The Wonder of Winter” in an art exhibit and show on Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16, 2014, from 2:00-5:00 p.m., at the Art Studio, located at 14726 Old Frederick Road in Rocky Ridge, Maryland. The exhibit will feature original paintings, photographs, prints, and cards done by local artists. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the CFA. The public is welcomed and encouraged to attend. For more information about the art exhibit and show, contact Elizabeth Prongas at 301-271-4459. CFA is a 501 c 3 organization and is partnered with Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park. Their mission is to preserve and promote the health of the Catoctin Mountain forest for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. Some of the programs that CFA conducts include SUCCESS, Seasons 101, Artist in Residence, and Trout in the Classroom. SUCCESS is a program with the FCPS that brings youth to the parks, where they learn about CPR, plants and animals, the use of hand tools, trail safety, etc. The students put their knowledge and skills to use as they do projects in the parks. The Seasons 101 program brings youth to the parks to  learn about fishing, orienteering, creek exploration, and photography. Bringing youth to the forest is a step in growing the next generation of forest stewards. The Artist in Residence program brings juried artists from all over the United States to Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park for two-week residencies (three per year).  During the residency, each artist does a public presentation in the parks. Then the artist donates one piece of art to CFA. The art pieces have been exhibited at the Delaplaine Center for the Arts and the Thurmont Regional Library. The collection of art will soon be displayed in the Manor Area Visitor Center at Cunningham Falls State Park. Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is a project conducted through Chuck Dinkle, Maryland TIC Coordinator. CFA provides fish tanks and coolers, plus some man power to deliver the trout eggs to the schools. Currently, there are seventeen schools in Frederick County participating in the TIC program. For more information about CFA, visit www.catoctinforall.org or contact Jim Robbins, CFA President, at [email protected] or 301-693-9703. Poetry Reading at Holy Grounds Cafe On November 21, 2014, Jane O’ Callaghan Edwards—poet, librarian, and storyteller—will read at “Catoctin Voices” Evening of Poetry, at 7:00 p.m. at the Holy Grounds Cafe in Emmitsburg. Edwards is the publisher/editor of a literary and photography journal, First Lights. Poets and the public are invited. Open readings precede. For more information, call 301-418-3375. Noises Off Noises Off presented by Thurmont Thespians on November 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2014: 7:30 p.m. Showtime; November 9 and 16, 2014: 2:00 p.m. Showtime; November 15, 2014: Dinner Theater, 6:30 p.m. Showtime. Call 301-271-7613 for tickets. Performanes held at the American Legion, located at 8 Park Lane in Thurmont. Foothills Artists The 8th Annual Foothills Artists Studio tour will be held on November 22 and 23, 2014. Meet local artists in their studios where their work is created. Meet four new artists this year among the ten studios, representing painting, pottery, woodworking, calligraphy and printmaking, jewelry, color pencils, stained glass, and photography. Studios are open from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Visit Foothillsartists.net for locations and additional information about the artists. Come and enjoy the beautiful Fairfield valley; bring the family, meet the artists, enjoy the day!