Alisha Yocum September is Friendship Month, so it has me thinking about all the friendships throughout my lifetime. My mind drifts back first to elementary school—the friends made on playgrounds or while working together on class projects. We shared birthday parties and sleepovers, and before long, their families felt like an extension of my own. […]
by Joan Bittner Fry The Colemans Last week, St. John‘s Reformed Church in Sabillasville celebrated a centenarian, LaRue Coleman Black. Many family members, friends, and parishioners were in attendance (pictured above). LaRue wasn’t the only attendee who was 100; her brother, Edward, turned 101 in March of this year. Edward resides in Florida but summers […]
by Michele Tester The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks I read The Guardian years ago, and I remember really liking it, so I recently re-read it. It’s my pick for this month. My memory didn’t fail me. This story is full of romance, love, obsession, mystery, suspense, and loss. To be honest, it contains some intense […]
Alisha Yocum Are you looking to add a unique attraction to your next event? The Burro Bar is sure to get attention at your wedding, corporate event, or any gathering! The mother-daughter duo, Becky and Taylor Clarke, started the business after first seeing the idea on Pinterest over 10 years ago. At the center of […]
Alisha Yocum Luxe Nails celebrated its grand opening on August 9. Thurmont’s newest nail salon offers a relaxing atmosphere and tranquil setting for you to be pampered. The business offers a variety of pedicure packages, manicures, and waxings. Luxe Nails’ Signature Herbal Pedicure includes an aromatic herbal foot soak, an herbal scrub, and hot stone […]
In the article about the Thurmont Sheetz Ribbon Cutting, Delegate William Valentine was incorrectly identified. He attended the event and is pictured in the accompanying photo.
Owners Paul and Stacie Zelenka are delighted to celebrate 25 years of their bus;iness, Pondscapes. Paul and Stacie both have been in the watergarden industry for over 30 years. In addition to their professional watergardening expertise, they are both passionate gardeners at home and share a true love for all things pond. They both advocate […]
by Richard D. L. Fulton The CG&W Railway The Chambersburg, Greencastle & Waynesboro Street Railway (CG&W) was a rural trolley line that operated within the areas of its namesake, while adding on some additional communities during its development. According to an article “Memorable Experience: Trolley Service Kept County Connected in the Early 20th Century (by […]
Emmitsburg New Business and Development Briefs The following are the statuses of new businesses and developments coming to Emmitsburg from the town planner’s report: Federal Stone (Creamery Road, east side of U.S. 15) — An occupancy permit has been issued. Awaiting as-builts. Creamery Court Extension (Creamery Court) — Awaiting as-builts. Christ Community Church (Creamery Road) […]
Alisha Yocum Fun and excitement filled the air as community members came together to celebrate National Night Out on August 5, an annual event designed to strengthen the relationship between neighbors and local law enforcement. Matt Peskin established National Night out in 1984 in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The first event involved 2.5 million […]
Do you have a cat? Dog? Or other pet? Can your pet do tricks? Do you have a special costume that your pet wears? If so, bring your pet to the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show’s Pet Show, which will be held on Saturday, September 6. Prior to the Pet Show, there will be a […]
The annual Mt. Tabor Church Big Picnic, Tractor Parade, and Baby Show was held on Saturday, August 9, at Mt. Tabor Park in Rocky Ridge, with lots of sunshine! A total of 33 babies—16 girls and 17 boys—participated in the show. We also had 14 tractors in the Tractor Parade! The youngest baby was Tillie […]
Descendants of Helen and Wilbur Umbel recently had a family reunion in Emmitsburg. Seven siblings were in attendance: Beatrice Umbel, Bill Umbel, Ruth Clarke, David Umbel, Jim Umbel, Clarence Umbel, and Austin Umbel. Over 60 family members from four generations attended the annual event.
Wags For Hope Nominated by: Kristi Wood Community Difference Makers don’t just come in human form! This month we highlight a group of furry friends and their owners who are making an impact on the community. Wags For Hope is a nonprofit organization that provides therapy animal visits to those in need of comfort and […]
by Jeff Yocum “A Change of Scenery” focuses on day trips from Thurmont that are within 150 miles (give or take). These trips will not include “Disney-level” destinations, but rather, lesser-known points of interest. The purpose of the article is to suggest venues for folks seeking a short, easily accessible change of scenery. In the […]
Part Two: The End of the Line Richard D. L. Fulton As previously stated in “Trolleys of Maryland, Part I: The 1800s Start-Ups” (The Catoctin Banner, August 2025), as far as the history of transportation is concerned, the period from the late 1800s through the early-to-mid 20th century has generally come to be termed/known as […]
by Aditi Dhananjaya, High School Student The concern for teen mental health has been growing across the country. In the past several years, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts among adolescents have gone up tremendously. According to the World Health Organization, one in seven adolescents (10-19 years old) experiences a mental disorder. Yet, these adolescents […]
For years, the Mother Seton School community dreamed of having its own chapel—a quiet, sacred place where students could gather for prayer, reflection, and faith formation. This fall, that dream will finally come to life, thanks to a gift born of both generosity and love. TJ and Donna (Fitzgerald) Demmon, whose ties to the school […]
Waynesboro has a new option for families seeking faith-based education. In August, Damascus Road Christian Academy opened its doors at 336 Barnett Avenue. The school was founded by Haley Reynolds, who said she has always had a passion for education and felt called to open a Christian school. The academy is currently accepting active enrollment […]
Alisha Yocum With its sweeping views and signature hillside overlooking the field, Catoctin High School’s (CHS) football stadium has long been a local landmark. This season, football moms Jenn Cregger, Kathleen Davis, Kate Gray, Diana Merritt, and Elle Smith are launching a spirited campaign to “Fill the Hill.” “We have an awesome community, and we […]
With Michael Betteridge Dreams Can Come True I’m not sure if anyone in Thurmont realizes how unique it is to have their very own radio station. Radio stations don’t belong to individuals. They are licensed to individuals and businesses by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) on behalf of the local community. In Maryland, WTHU is […]
Staying Active As You Age Can Be Fun If you are a 50-plus years of age and enjoy competing in your favorite sport, you are invited to prove your athletic ability at the National Senior Games. This is exactly why Jeanne Angleberger stays physically fit! Jeanne had the opportunity to participate in the National Senior […]
May 6, 1945 – August 2, 2025 Maureen Flynn Aravanis, 80, of Emmitsburg, MD, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Kline Hospice House, Mount Airy, MD, surrounded by loving family. Born on May 6, 1945, in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Josephine A. (Garrity) and John F. Hartert. […]
Jame Rada, Jr. 4: A Walkabout Bill Freeze opened his eyes, then closed them and rolled over when he remembered it was Sunday. It was the one day a week the Railroad Diner was closed. The trains still rumbled and rattled as they stopped at and left the Thurmont station of the Western Maryland Railway, […]
by Mitchell Tester, College Student The Ever-Expanding Universe Part Two I live in the woods, with a dirt driveway that feels like you’re off-roading the whole time you’re on it, so I’m way off the beaten path, you could say. With that, comes serene feelings of peace as I’m sitting on my front porch. I […]