
Inspiring Kindness in Thurmont
Alisha Yocum Thurmont resident, Lousie Schafer, had an idea to inspire kindness throughout the town of Thurmont, her idea being to spread kindness and joy through rock painting and creating several “Be Kind” rock gardens throughout the town of Thurmont. With Kindness Day approaching on February 17, Schafer approached the town with her idea to…
Fort Ritchie Community Center Executive Director Honored by The Rural Maryland Council
Each year, The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) holds an annual event to recognize the accomplishments of those who advocate on behalf of rural communities in Maryland. “It was a true privilege to meet and honor our Rural Community Advocates, each of whom exemplifies the spirit of service and dedication. Their work uplifts entire communities and…
A National Park Service Expert is Coming to Thurmont Lions Club
Lion Ruth Heaney Here is a trivia question: How many national parks are in the United States with “national parks” in their title? Answer: There are 63 national parks with “national parks” in their titles. Here is another trivia question: How many national park sites are in the United States? Answer: There are 433 national…
Squadron 239 Sons of the American Legion Present Donation to Operation Second Chance
Members of Squadron 239 Sons of the American Legion in Cascade visited Heroes Ridge at Raven Rock to present a donation to Operation Second Chance on Saturday, January 10. Squadron 239 is very active in the community, annually raising more than $50,000 to donate to Veterans and various community organizations. To raise this money, the…
The Catoctin Banner's Random Acts of Kindness
Inspired by Lousie and the “Be Kind, Inspire Thurmont” campaign, The Catoctin Banner will be doing random acts of kindness (RAOK) throughout the month of February. If you are the recipient of one of our RAOK, we simply ask that you pay it forward and complete an act of kindness for someone else. Our goal…
2025 Cascade Update
Controversial Dollar General Approved for Site Near Fort Ritchie Challenged In Ongoing Court Appeals Geraldine Otremba, Cascade Resident, on Behalf of the Committee to Protect Our Mountain Background In August 2022, the Washington County Zoning Board voted 4-1 to approve a new Dollar General Market at 14413 McAfee Hill Road, granting to Outdoor Contractors Inc.…
Maryland Value-Added Producer Matching Grants Now Available From MARBIDCO
The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) has announced a grant-funding opportunity, the Maryland Value-Added Producer Matching Grant (MVAPG), to encourage Maryland’s agricultural producers to engage in value-added activities and pursue financial support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Value-Added Producer Grants Program (USDA-VAPG). The USDA-VAPG is a highly competitive nationwide grant program…
WHEN WE HARBORED A BANK ROBBER
Submitted by Joan Bittner Fry Excerpted from a 1979 article in The Record Herald, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. Nearly four decades ago (before 1979), an innocent–looking radio shop in Waynesboro turned out to be the front for the leader of a gang of bank robbers. It put the town of Waynesboro in the headlines and cost the…
The b&O Railroad Story
Richard D. L. Fulton The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (or more simply referred to as being the B&O) traces its origins back to Baltimore’s economic struggles, which the port city had faced in the mid-to-late 1820s. Prior to that time, the port city had thrived on engaging in exporting and importing, actually since the founding…
Seton Center shares first Thanksgiving Community meal
ALISHA YOCUM While the holidays bring joy to many families, they can also create financial stress for others during this time. Seton Center Executive Director Deb Bisenieks said that this is the first year that they have served a hot meal as part of their Helping Hands program. In the past, the organization has simply…
Thurmont Lions Club Hosts Mayor and Chief as Speakers and You are Invited
Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird — January 8 Mayor John Kinnaird is a mainstay of Thurmont, for sure, but there were mayors before him. An excellent resource for finding pictures of previous Thurmont mayors and other Thurmont history is the “The Robert S. Kinnaird Collection of Historic Thurmont Photographs.” Among these photographs is Mayor Charles Andrew…
Harriet Chapel Recipient of Grant from the Delaplaine Foundation
Harriet Chapel, Catoctin Episcopal Parish was pleased to receive a grant of $20,000 from the Delaplaine Foundation to upgrade the internet capability in the historic church. Pictured from left are Delaplaine Foundation President Marlene Young; Harriet Chapel members, Elizabeth Shatto and Kathryn Hauser; and Delaplaine Foundation Board Member Phil Hammond.
Thurmont Lions Club 95th Anniversary Celebration
Throughout the year, Thurmont Lions Club members receive recognition for their dedication and service to others. Some members go above and beyond to give their service. During the evening of the Thurmont Lions Club’s 95th Charter Night Anniversary, several members were recognized by receiving awards. For more information about the Thurmont Lions Club, visit their…
A Joyous Occasion: Lions Club Holds Christmas Tree Event & Debuts Mobile Health Screening Unit
Alisha Yocum . Christmas lights lined the entrance to a private event held by Thurmont Lions Club Members, Doug Favorite and Don Keeney, Jr. The lights were sure to put anyone in a festive spirit as they entered their personal residence with a display of over 100 Christmas trees. Themed trees filled each room, from…
Thurmont Lions Club Annual Cookie Contest Winners
The Thurmont Lions Club hosted a Christmas Cookie Contest on December 13, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Thurmont. There were 25 adult entries and 7 children entries. Judging was based on appearance, texture, taste, creativity, and Christmas spirit. All proceeds went to local charities. Children’s Category Winners 1st Prize — Emma Santos…
Local VFW Pays Tribute to Veterans
The Monocacy Valley VFW Memorial Post 6918 in Harney, Maryland, brought together members from all branches of the military in observance of Veterans Day, November 9. There was no shortage of patriotism, with the Honor Guard posting colors; the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America,” led by VFW member Tom Nichols; the…
YMCA Expands Early Childhood Education with Launch of Early Head Start Program
New Classrooms Opening in Emmitsburg & Frederick The YMCA of Frederick County is excited to announce the expansion of its Head Start program to include Early Head Start services, offering crucial educational and developmental support for our community’s youngest children and their families. This fall, six new Early Head Start classrooms will open across Emmitsburg…
Emmitsburg Receives Prestigious Sustainable Maryland Certified Award
The Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland announced that the Town of Emmitsburg was one of 17 Maryland municipalities honored at the Sustainable Maryland Awards Ceremony at the Maryland Municipal League’s annual Fall Conference. The Town was certified at the Bronze level. “The Board of Commissioners would like to thank all the Town…
Community Difference Maker
C. Rodman Myers Nominated by: Nikki Eyler By Alisha Yocum In Thurmont, you might be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t know the name Rodman Myers. At 90 years old, Myers has been a lifelong resident of Thurmont and the face of agriculture in our community. Being a full-time farmer his entire life, he expressed,…
Seton Center Celebrates 55 Years
Seton Center in Emmitsburg recently celebrated its 55th Anniversary. The Seton Center’s mission is to work with its neighbors to build a hopeful future in the spirit of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton through a focus on the well-being of the whole person. The staff, board of directors, and supporters recently gathered to celebrate the accomplishment.…
