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Vigilant Hose Company to Place New Tower 6 in Service at Planned Dedication

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No doubt, many Emmitsburg residents and business owners have already noticed the community’s newest fire and rescue vehicle traversing area roadways while being used for driver/operator training in recent weeks. Solely due to wonderful ongoing community-wide support, the men and women of the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) are proud to announce that a Dedication Ceremony for the new Tower 6 (pictured above) is scheduled for Monday evening, June 3, at 6:00 p.m.

Members of the public are welcome to join with VHC personnel and their families for a time-honored fire services tradition of a “Push-In” event, where all interested can together “push” the new vehicle into the stationhouse at 25 West Main Street.

Featured on the new Tower 6 is a unique graphic (pictured above) of a Pull-Tab with a Serial Number that represents the actual purchase price of the Tower, a Bingo Card, and a “6 of Hearts” playing card, symbolizing the three most community-supported fundraisers that made it possible for VHC to pay for Tower 6 outright upon delivery. Manufactured by Pierce Manufacturing of Appleton, Wisconsin, and purchased through Atlantic Emergency Services near Hagerstown, the new rig replaces the original Tower 6 originally placed in-service in 1995.

Tower 6 features include a 100’ aerial platform, an Enforcer Chassis, an Allision 4500 6-speed automatic transmission, a full complement of ground ladders, a stokes rescue basket, and dozens of specialty tools and accessories necessary for all manner of emergency calls.

The entire Emmitsburg community is encouraged to stop in to see the new vehicle, plus to also be on the lookout for it heading to and from emergency calls and training details.

Additional photos of the Tower 6 can be seen on the VHC website at vhc6.com and on VHC’s Facebook Page.

Ft. Ritchie Museum Receives Award for Historic Preservation

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Alisha Yocum

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners awarded John Krumpotich and the Ritchie History Museum with the 2024 John Frye Historical Preservation Award on May 16.

Krumpotich purchased the old army base in 2021 with the intent to preserve the historic buildings as part of the development process. The museum opened in 2023 and includes exhibits that highlight the history of the base. One of those highlights being the efforts of the “Ritchie Boys” who were trained in intelligence and helped defeat Hitler during World War II. It is estimated that 8,000-10,000 visitors have gone through the museum in the past year.

Katy Best, director of the museum, said, “John, his family, and his team are successful because they genuinely care about Fort Ritchie’s history. They did not wish just to come in and redevelop the property and tear things out as some companies did before, but they focused on breathing life back into these old structures.”

The museum is located at 14319 Barrick Avenue in Cascade and is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit the website at ritchiemuseum.org.

Washington County Commissioners present John Krumpotich with the 2024 John Frye Historical Preservation Award.

Plans In the Works for County Veterans’ Museum

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James Rada, Jr.

While the stories of war are usually told from the perspective of the big picture—the generals, the strategies, the armies—Frederick County may soon have a museum dedicated to telling the stories of the Veterans who are seen only as numbers in the big picture.

“I think there will be a lot of interest in stories of the local men who were there,” Priscilla Rall said.

The Frederick Military Museum of the 20th Century is the brainchild of Priscilla Rall, a Rocky Ridge resident who worked for years documenting the stories of Frederick County Veterans as part of the Frederick County Veterans History Project.

“We want to be a museum built around the voices of Veterans,” said Rall. “Every exhibit will be from their view and will tell their stories. We have five guys in Frederick County who came ashore on D-Day. What was that like? What did they see? What did they do?”

Rall explained that besides the exhibits, there will also be a research area and a lending library of military books. She is also currently lining up experts to give monthly lectures at the museum. In addition, she sees hosting booksigning and art shows tied to the military.

The non-profit museum seeks to educate visitors about the Frederick County Veterans who fought in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf Wars. 

The more than 300 Veteran interviews in the Frederick County Veterans History Project will be the foundation of the museum. These were conducted over years and video-recorded for the most part.

“It was therapeutic for many of the Veterans to tell their stories,” Rall said.

In addition, the museum organizers have pictures, letters, and other ephemera from local Veterans.

The current goal of the organizers is to find a location in downtown Frederick for the museum.

If you would like to participate in helping the museum grow, email fmm20c@gmail.com or call 301-271-2868.

Catoctin Furnace Historical Society Wins 2024 Maryland Historical Trust Preservation Award

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The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society (CFHS) is proud to announce it has won the 2024 Award for Outstanding Stewardship of a Maryland Historical Trust Easement Property. CFHS was selected for its restoration of the Forgeman’s House, a 19th century ironworker’s home. The historic cottage, built in the winter of 1820-21, likely using enslaved labor, was owned by the furnace operation and rented to its employees.

The restoration and stabilization of the Forgeman’s House took four years and was funded by a State of Maryland General Assembly bond bill, a Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) grant from the Maryland Historical Trust, and grants from the Tourism Council of Frederick County Tourism Reinvestment in Promotion and Product (TRIPP) and the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area. The process included removing non-historic additions and returning the house to its original condition. CFHS tore out drywall, repointed and plastered the original stone walls and fireplace, installed a standing seam metal roof, replaced non-period windows with historically accurate reproductions, and furnished the home with antiques that showcase the simplicity of life in the 1800s.

During the restoration, CFHS uncovered more than 30,000 artifacts, including period clothing stuffed into walls as insulation. Now a living museum, the house offers overnight stays and exhibits, such as “Everyday Treasures: Bringing History to Life at the Forgeman’s House,” a collection of archaeologically derived domestic artifacts that span the homes’ 200+ year history and are a testament to the many families who called it home. Another exhibit “Under the Floorboards” features a secret chamber beneath the floor that gives visitors a glimpse into the history of the house, revealing some of the items discovered during the archaeological investigations.

The Maryland Historical Trust is presenting 11 awards recognizing outstanding preservation projects and individual leadership in honor of Preservation Month this May. The Forgeman’s House award ceremony will take place on the premises at 12525 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, Maryland 21788 on Thursday, May 2 at 11:30 am. All are welcome.

The 49th Annual Maryland Preservation Awards selected by MHT’s Board of Trustees will be livestreamed on MHT’s social media beginning on May 2 and continuing through early June. A complete list of times and locations can be found at tiny.cc/MHT-Events.

Throughout the year, the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society shares the history of ironmaking through special events. The 6th Annual Maryland Iron Festival will take place on Saturday, May 18 (10 am to 6 pm) and Sunday, May 19, 2024 (10 am to 4 pm) in the village of Catoctin Furnace, Cunningham Falls State Park, and Catoctin Mountain Park. For more information, contact info@catoctinfurnace.org or visit www.catoctinfurnace.org/events.

Thurmont’s Main Street Art & Wine Stroll Brings Together Preakness Elegance and Local Charm

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Alisha Yocum

If you happened to pass through Thurmont’s square on Friday, May 17, you might have been surprised by the sight of elegant derby-style hats adorning attendees as they wandered the streets for the Thurmont Main Street Art & Wine Stroll—with a touch of Preakness flair!

Balloon arches adorned the doorways of local businesses to help guide attendees through the event. Businesses hosted wineries/breweries, food trucks, artisans, and musicians, allowing for an enjoyable evening for those of all ages. 

Paco, “The Beverage Burro,” and his owner Becky Clarke and daughter Tayor were on hand to keep attendees hydrated with bottles of water.

The vineyards, breweries, and distilleries that were set up at the event included Catoctin Breeze Vineyard, Fordham Lee Distillery, Kind Vine Teacher Wines, Links Bridge, Mazzaroth Vineyard, Rosie Cheeks Distillery, Six Wicket Vineyards, Springfield Manor Winery & Distillery, Twin Valley Distilling, and Uncle Dirty’s Brew Works. Attendees could sample a variety of beverages along their stroll.

Of course, you can’t have an event without food! Event-goers had a variety of food trucks to fulfill their appetites. Thurmont’s own, Sauced Savage, was serving up their delicious BBQ, while Cracken Catering was offering their cajun inspired menu and Dop Pizza had the wood-fired oven going.

As the evening unfolded, the sounds of live music cascaded through the streets, offering a diverse range from jazz duos to classic rock. Local artisans were also set up throughout the event, showcasing their talents. Beautiful paintings and handmade jewelry were just some of the pieces that were being sold, as attendees sipped their preferred beverage and shopped. The night ended in a spirited hat contest hosted at 10Tavern, bringing a delightful end to the festivities.

The following Thurmont businesses hosted vendors in their spaces: Center of Life Pilates & Holistic Studio, Anything From the Trolley, Senior Benefits, CLIMB Properties Real Estate, Studio 24E, Gateway Flowers, Cuddles Cat Rescue, Long & Foster – Greg Salley Real Estate, 10 Tavern, Thurmont Barber & Styling, Thurmont Historical Society, Tracie’s House of Hair, Beautiful You Salan and Spa, Thurmont Main Street Center, J&B Real Estate, Catoctin Mountain Massage, Alex Uphold State Farm Insurance, and Pam’s Rusty Treasures.

Rebecca Jackson poses with her Preakness Hat and artwork.

Greg Elliott and Nina Tate-Elliott, owners of Studio24E, pose in their Preakness attire.

Becky Clarke and her daughter, Taylor,  pose with Paco “The Beverage Burro.” Paco provided bottled water to event attendees as they strolled the streets of Thurmont.

Attendees enjoy a local favorite, The Sauced Savage BBQ, at the Stroll.

Uncle Dirty’s Brew Works in Thurmont serve their hand-crafted beer throughout the event.

(left) Katy Bowers, a Thurmont resident, strolls the streets in her Preakness hat.

Links Bridge Vineyards in Thurmont gives attendees samples of their wines.

Plan Your Entires for the 68th Annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show

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As spring comes to an end and gardening season has begun, it is a great time to start planning for your entries for the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show, Maryland’s largest community show! The Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show will be held Friday-Sunday, September 6-8, at Catoctin High School. The event was started 68 years ago with the intent to highlight agriculture, a strong part of our community’s heritage.

The show offers residents who live within the Catoctin feeder area the opportunity to showcase their best vegetables, fruits, flowers, arts and crafts, and baked goods. Offering youth and adult categories, judges determine the best from each category, which are awarded ribbons at the Show, and premium checks are mailed to the winning exhibitors after the Show.

The cream of the crop (pun intended!) are selected and highlighted on the table of grand and reserve champions during the event. So, as you plant your garden and flowers or are working on your next craft project, consider entering your items in the Community Show.

Look for Community Show books with details on all the categories and requirements at local businesses throughout the community starting in late July.

Entries can be submitted on Thursday evening, September 5, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., as well as on Friday morning, September 6, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., in the gymnasium and the agriculture department area of the school.

The Community Show’s new website is currently under construction. For more information, view the advertisement on page 34.

Catoctin residents submit entries of vegetables for the Annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show each September.

Apples Church Meditation Trail Dedication

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On Saturday, April 20, Apples United Church of Christ dedicated its Meditation Trail at a community event. The one-tenth-mile-long trail was a vision of Roger Troxell after the church was given a connecting 2.25-acre tract by the Harbaugh family several years ago.

Mr. Troxell wanted to make the church and its grounds a place for people to come to any time, not just Sunday mornings. The trail was built by volunteers Bryant Despeaux, Brian Boyer, Tom Erfurdt, Sean McCormack, Chuck Riggs, Ken Stitely, and Ed Johnston, who are part of the H&F Trolley Trail Association. The trail is open to the public.

Ribbon cutting: Bryant Despeaux AUCC (center), Wayne Hooper Thurmont Commissioner (center, left), Bill Blakesley Thurmont Commissioner (center, right), President of AUCC Council Mike Mathis (back, right), Pastor Beth Firme AUCC (left of Mr. Hooper), Thurmont Green Team Emily Darling (left of Pastor Firme), Trail Builders: Chuck Riggs, Tom Erfurdt, Sean McCormack, Ed Johnston (back row).

Fort Ritchie Fishing Tournament

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Over 50 participants gathered around Lake Royer in Cascade for the annual Fort Ritchie Community Center’s Bass Fishing Tournament on Saturday, May 18.

The event was sponsored by Cobblestone Hotel & Suites and included prizes for the largest bass caught by youth and adults. The winners were:

Adult Winners:

Steven Pinkley—17 ¼”

Steve Christian—16 ½”

Jason Saunders—15”

Youth Winners:

Ryan Rosenberry—15”

Carter Gauff—14”

John Gossard—13 ½”

Adult Winners: Steven Pinkley (center), Steve Christian (right), and Jason Saunders (left).

Youth Winners:  Ryan Rosenberry (center), Carter Gauff (left), and John Gossard (right).

Two New Thurmont Police Department Officers Sworn In

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Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird swore in two new Officers to the Thurmont Police Department in May.

“Officer Hayden Glunt and Officer Brett Sharp recently graduated from the Police Academy and will begin patrolling this week. I want to give a warm Thurmont welcome to both of the Officers and thank them for serving our community,” stated Mayor John Kinnaird.

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and Auxiliary Looking for a Civil War Soldier’s Descendants

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Antietam Camp #3 Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and Antietam Auxiliary #3 Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans are planning a Grave Marking Ceremony for a Union Civil War Veteran, buried in Mount Bethel Cemetery in Garfield, Maryland.

They are seeking any descendants or relatives of the Civil War Veteran Thomas H. Shelton (1842-1938), who will be honored at a grave-marking ceremony at Mount Bethel Cemetery in Garfield.

If you, or anyone you know, are related to Thomas H. Shelton (1842-1938), please contact Karl Woodcock by calling 301-663-5056 or at Woody@FrederickMD.com.

‘CP’ (Chocolate Park) Favorite Retreat for Soldiers at Fort Ritchie 

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by becky dietrich     Submitted by Joan Bittner Fry

This article appeared in the December 5, 1975 edition of The Record Herald.

Why do people drink beer in a place called “Chocolate Park?” Because there was once a man named Jansen, from Germany, who made delicious chocolates in his home to sell. An investor from out of town was impressed with the quality of the candy and built the factory for quantity production. Blue Mountain Candy was well known to the many people who summered in this resort area.

Next to the candy company a small concession and park, complete with swimming pool, opened up sometime in the late 20s or early 30s. There, the soldiers at Camp Albert C. Ritchie would have sandwiches and milk shakes during summer encampment breaks. Now for those of you too young to recall, don’t snicker at the thought of soldiers drinking milk shakes. The only other thing to drink came from the moonshiner, Old Man Poole (remember Prohibition?) up on the reservoir road who, no doubt did a booming business.

It wasn’t until 1933 that 3.2 beer was sold legally and then the former Chocolate Park concession stand became a popular “R & R” spot. Sometime in the late 30s the chocolate company, which by this time had gone out of business and converted to a textile company, burned to the ground. Very shortly thereafter the present Chocolate Park was built on the concession spot. Various owners tried to change the name and call it the “Three J’s” or the “Knotty Pine Inn,” but the original name stuck. Its much-frequented bar gave hearty competition to “The Red Hen” up in Pen Mar and “The Blue Goose” on McAfee Hill (which was then the Germantown Road).

During the war a captain at Post Headquarters was finally alerted to a mass deception that had worked for weeks. Every time he sought a certain sergeant or corporal he was told “Sorry, sir, he’s just gone to the CP (Command Post).” One day during duty hours when Chocolate Park’s bar was well lined with beer and men, the captain’s jeep pulled quickly behind the building – and there was a mad dash for the exit. Too late! To the amazement of all conspirators the captain walked in, ordered a beer and said. “So this is the new CP.”

A hush prevailed until he’d finished his beer, gone to the door, and turned to say, “Gentlemen, finish your drinks and report to my office!” A disquieted group soon reported in to hear the ultimatum “In the future there had better be only ONE CP! Dismissed!”

My mother, Helen Miller, was working at Blue Mountain Chocolate Company in 1931, the year she and my father, Harold Bittner, were married. J. Fry.

Rocky Ridge Fire Company Celebrates 75 Years

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James Rada, Jr.

May 9 marks 75 years since a group of concerned citizens formed the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company in 1949. Marshall Fishpaw was the first president. Although formed to fight fires, there weren’t many fires to fight. Even into the 1960s, the company responded to less than 15 fire calls a year.

So the company was also charged with other duties in its early years. A light company formed around the same time, and the fire company maintained the street lights in Rocky Ridge. Members also took care of the pond that the fire company drew water from to fight fires.

The fledgling company also had to store its equipment in available space.

“It was housed in the garage of one of the members,” said Dennis Mathias, who has had four generations of his family serve in the fire company.

Their first fire engine wasn’t purchased until 1951. It was a 1931 Model A Ford that was purchased from the Vigilant Hose Company in Emmitsburg for $1,000.

Although there wasn’t a great demand for a fire company in those days, when it was needed, residents were glad to have a company close by to help minimize the damage from fires. They supported the company, both financially and with their labor. The fire company has become a family tradition for some families in Rocky Ridge with multiple generations of families serving their community.

Kenneth Mathias was the first generation of his family to join the Rocky Ridge Fire Company in 1954, and this past March, his great-grandson, Brody Mathias, became the fourth generation to join the fire company when he turned old enough to start riding in the engine and responding to calls. Some of his early memories were of Bingo nights at the fire hall, where family would stay after to clean up and then talk. He got so tired that he would curl up and go to sleep on the floor.

“Back then, the fire company was the big thing to do in Rocky Ridge,” said Dennis. “It was about the only thing to do.”

While residents now have choices for things to do that are relatively close, the drawback has been fewer people are willing to volunteer for their local fire companies. Rocky Ridge has felt that need for volunteers as well, but so far, residents continue to support their fire company.

Charles Brauer moved from New Jersey, where he had helped form a fire company there, to Rocky Ridge in 1962. He joined the Rocky Ridge Fire Company, the first of three generations of his family that have served to date.

Although he was too young to answer fire calls, Charles’s son, Alan Brauer, started helping out around the company when he was just 10 years old. He would help take care of the equipment and train with the others so that he was prepared to join when he was old enough.

Today, when volunteer fire companies are struggling to stay volunteer, family connections and traditions like those in Rocky Ridge allow the fire company to stay volunteer and provide a valuable service to area residents.

“I joined to help out the community, but I also joined for the excitement,” said Dennis.

Jamison Mathias added, “Yes, there’s excitement, but there’s also pride in being a part of something.”

The Rocky Ridge Hall Association provided the company with its first fire hall on Long’s Mill Road just south of town in 1950.

The first new fire engine was purchased in 1955. It was a Dodge truck with an American Fire Apparatus body that had a 400-gallon booster tank and a 500 GPM front mount pump. The engine and the equipment for it cost $1,175.

In 1964, the fire company purchased 1.5 acres north of the town square on Motters Station Road. The land already had a house on it, which the fire company rented. Construction of a new fire hall on the land began in October 1965 and the building was dedicated a year later with Congressman Charles MacMathias and Maryland Comptroller Louis Goldstein attending.

The Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary was formed in 1955.

Alan remembers responding to a house fire on Christmas Day in 1968. There weren’t enough fire helmets, so he just wore his hat. At one point, he was on the hose line and water was running off the roof onto his head.

“When I got back to the building, I had to break the ice off the front of my coat,” he said.

What sticks in his mind about that fire was how poor the people were, and they lost what little they had on Christmas.

“In the fire service, you see people on some of their worst days,” Alan added.

A more recent major fire happened in 1993. According to Rocky Ridge Fire Company website, “The blizzard of 1993 took its toll on fire calls, the company had a diabetic call where the ambulance crew came on snowmobiles, and then the company had to watch a house burn down, because the road was blocked and the engines could not get there.”

Dennis remembers that call. “The roads were drifting. We were on the state road with the snow plow ahead of us. It hit a drift and went off the road, and we couldn’t make it to the call.”

The company purchased land on Motters Station Road in 1994 for $35,500. The following year, the fire company purchased a Morton building for the new hall, a 90- by 81-foot engine room and a 30- by 102-foot office area. The new fire hall’s total area was 10,350 square feet and cost $255,000.

The Rocky Ridge Fire Company now responds to nearly 300 calls a year and remains all volunteer.

Over the years, the company and its firefighters have seen many changes. It has been in four locations. Equipment has increased the safety of firefighters and has become more effective in fighting fires. It has also grown more expensive. Firefighters also go through more training.

It all comes down to the people who are willing to serve though, and Rocky Ridge has shown that it has had those people, generation after generation.

View Rocky Ridge Fire Company’s advertisement on page 19.

Rocky Ridge VFC’s first fire engine. It was a 1931 Model A Ford that was purchased from the Vigilant Hose Company in Emmitsburg in 1951. Although no longer used, it is still kept at the fire company and used in parades.

(left) Alan Brauer; his daughter, Juliann Frantz; and Gage Frantz are members of the Brauer Family, which has had three generations in the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company. Alan also holds a picture of his father, Charles, who was the first member of the family who joined the company in 1962.

Jolene Mathias, Kelsey Mathias, Jamison Mathias, Brody Mathias, Andrew Mathias, and Dennis Mathias are three generations of the Mathias Family who have served in the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company. Kenneth Mathias, deceased, was the first generation of the family to join the fire company in 1954.

Community Difference Maker

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Phyllis Kelly

Nominated by: Sarah Jacobson

Phyllis Kelly ‘s dedication to to helping serve those in need was learned from her father, John Chatlos, who served as a minister for the Daughters of Charity and the Religious Coalition. He started the Emmitsburg Food Bank after seeing a need in the community back in 1985. When her father started the Food Bank, it was just a small closet. Now, 39 years later, it is housed in a much larger building.

Kelly has been managing the Food Bank for the last 25 years. Kelly volunteers over 20 hours a month, from managing donations, stocking shelves, and assisting families during the hours of operation. While she joked that her husband is ready for her to retire, she said it is something she really enjoys doing.

Sarah Jacobson nominated Kelly because of her dedication to the Food Bank over the years.

“She kept working for others even when she was going through cancer treatment. Not only does she do all this, she is someone people can look up to in the community,” expressed Jacobson.

Kelly’s humble nature was quick to point out that she couldn’t do this without the many volunteers that help keep things going. The Food Bank currently has about 35 volunteers that she manages. She says Emmitsburg has such a wonderful community that supports them as well. They receive donations from many local organizations and businesses. In the years that she has been volunteering, she says whenever there has been a need, God has always provided.

Of course, with the current economy, the Food Bank has seen an increase in need. Currently, they are serving about 75 families a month, which is up from 50 families in previous years.

If you wish to make a donation, items can be dropped off at their building at 130 S. Seton Avenue in Emmitsburg during their hours of operation, which are Monday: 7:00-8:00 p.m.; Wednesday: 7:00-8:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Thank you Phyllis for being a Community Difference Maker and carrying on your father’s legacy all these years later as you continue to serve those in need! Our community thrives because of the many volunteers who dedicate their time to help others or to make our a community a better place. Know someone making a difference in our community? Send nominations to news@thecatoctinbanner.com.

Local Artist and Chaplain Steve Burdette: A Life of Service and Creativity

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Alisha Yocum

Steve Burdette’s journey from his childhood on a farm in Browningsville, Maryland, to becoming a beloved figure in the Blue Ridge Summit community, is one marked by a deep love for both art and people.

Growing up surrounded by farmland, Burdette’s passion for rural scenes and landscapes developed early on. His artistic talents blossomed at the age of 13, and by 14, he was already the youngest student in a private oil art class. This early start laid the foundation for a lifelong love of art.

In 2007, Burdette opened an Art Gallery at Tracey’s Corner, offering various items and art classes that quickly gained popularity. The following year, he and his family made the move to Blue Ridge Summit. Though they didn’t have family in the area, the warm embrace of the community made it feel like home, with friends becoming like family.

But Burdette’s contributions extended far beyond the art world. Recently appointed as Chaplain for the Blue Ridge Fire Company, Burdette had already been ministering to many first responders in the area. He had accompanied enforcement agencies on domestic or suicide calls before his health issues intervened.

Burdette even held church services at his gallery. His wife, Kathy, says “Many people came looking for comfort, guidance, or to learn of God’s Word. He worked with gang members, homeless individuals, drug addicts, suicidal persons… the list could go on. He felt nobody was beyond God’s Grace & Love.” 

On January 27, 2024, Steve Burdette passed away peacefully in his home, leaving behind a legacy of service, compassion, and artistic excellence—a testament to a life dedicated to enriching the lives of others through both his art and his unwavering commitment to community.
An art show will be held on Saturday June 1 at the Blue Ridge Summit Fire Hall with all profits going to his funeral expenses.

Steve Burdette was a local artist and chaplain, who left behind a legacy of service and commitment to the Blue Ridge Summit Community.

Fairfield Resident Writes First Book

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Linda Calhoun of Fairfield, Pennsylvania, has always considered herself a Christian writer and photographer with a love of the outdoors, but her first book came from an unexpected visitor: a monarch butterfly.

Calhoun said that while she was outside one day, the butterfly landed on her hand and stayed for almost an hour. A week later, the butterfly re-appeared, and Calhoun put her hand out again, and, once again, the butterfly walked onto her hand. 

“I want readers to have an appreciation for all of God’s creatures given unto us to enjoy, but most important, respect nature; therefore, the second half of my book is packed full of wildlife pictures from my property.”

Calhoun originally began writing after the passing of her husband 35 years ago, and she has not stopped since. After completing her first book, Calhoun has now started on a second about heavenly visits. Look for her books on Amazon!

Clothes Closet Reopens After Renovation Enhancing Accessibility and Community Support

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Alisha Yocum

The Clothes Closet, operated by Thurmont United Methodist Church, recently reopened following a renovation. The remodeling involved removing walls to expand the space, creating a more open layout for the 50-75 individuals it serves monthly. Additionally, the building now features a designated area for church information, prayer requests for their prayer shawl ministry, and Bibles. To enhance accessibility, all signage has been translated into Spanish, but an interpreter is also available.

Established 55 years ago to address needs within the congregation, the Clothes Closet has grown steadily and now fills its current space. The Clothes Closet offers clothes, shoes, coats, bedding, and other necessities to those in the surrounding areas free of charge. The Clothes Closet is supported through donations from the congregation and the community. At Christmas, the Clothes Closet even hosts a Christmas Open House, where families can fill a bag with toys. While this only happens once a year, the organization takes donations of gently used toys for this event all year long.

Volunteers from the congregation, combined, put in over 40 hours a week to the ministry between sorting, filling racks, and assisting customers during hours of operation.

If you are interested in donating clothes, a donation drop-off box is located outside on the property (just follow the signs). If you are in need of assistance, the Clothes Closet is open the first and fourth Monday of each month from 6:00-7:30 p.m., and the third Tuesday from 10:00-11:30 a.m., and is located at 13880 Long Road in Thurmont.

Follow the church’s Facebook page for updates and donation needs. For more details, view the advertisement on page 51.

Volunteers stand in the recently remodeled Clothes Closet (from left): Tanya Jense, Denise Bentley, Sandy Moser, Debbie Kennedy, Julie Zebroski, Estella Motley, Ricky Motley, and Rev. Ken Fizer.

Scouts Enjoy Visiting Museums

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SA Scout Troop 270B and 270G didn’t let a campout with bad weather dampen their adventures. They spent the day at the National Security Agencies Cryptologic Museum (pictured above), where they learned how codes started way back in Egypt and have manifested throughout the years and how wars were fought and prevented with codes. Did you know that the Navajo Code Talkers played an instrumental role in the allied victory of World War II? Did you know that women were some of the first code breakers? 

After cracking the codes of their minds, they headed to NASA Goddard Space Museum and went to outer space, leaning about weather, planets, and it impacts us.  Have you heard of the Webb Telescope?  Have you seen the pictures it can take? Wow!

Interested in Scouting? Look for more information at Troop270.com.

Scouts Conduct Annual Trolley Trail Cleanup

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Scouts BSA Troop 270B and 270G did their annual Trolley Trail cleanup in April. Tires, lots of plastic bags, sheets of rusted metal, washing machine tubs, and more were weeded out and brought to the landfill.

The Trolley Trail is sponsored by the Thurmont Lions Club. If you would like more information on Scouting, check out the website at troop270.com or visit them on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. at 26 Elm Street in Thurmont.

Scouts Learn About Morse Code

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Scouts BSA Troop 270B and 270G hosted retired USA Intelligence Officer Claybaugh to come teach them about Morse code. What is it? Where in history did it start and why? Is it still used today? How do you do Morse Code? All answers and more were learned, practiced, transmitted, and deciphered between Scouts with Mr. Claybaugh’s help.

The Scouts had a fun and educational night and extend a big “Thank You” to Mr. Claybaugh for teaching the class.

Scouts Helping Out Their Communities

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Scouts BSA Troop 270B and 270G spent Easter afternoon helping their chapter organization, the Thurmont Lions Club, with its Annual Easter Egg hunt. Lots of eggs, lots of children, and the Easter Bunny equaled a lot of fun for everyone!

Scouts BSA Troop 270B and 270G, Cub Scout Pack 270, and Venturing Crew 270 did their Duty to God by welcoming guests at FCF church on Scout Sunday.

Thurmont Grange Recognizes Community Citizen & Grange Membership

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Thurmont Grange #409 held its annual Community Citizen and Grange Membership awards dinner on Monday, April 11. In addition to recognizing Grangers who have reached milestones in their years of membership, the Grange honors an individual or group who strives to make a difference by giving back to our community. 

This year, Kountry Kitchen was recognized with the 2024 Community Citizen Award. Owners Rob and Sherry Myers were present to receive the award on behalf of their business and their employees. Kountry Kitchen opened its doors in 1984 and recently celebrated its 40th year. It has always been a family-run business, with Sherry working beside her parents and grandmother, learning the restaurant business along the way. Rob and Sherry purchased the restaurant in 2019 and quickly learned just how difficult things could be as the pandemic hit shortly thereafter.  With schools closed during those unprecedented times, Sherry realized that many children who depended on the schools for breakfast and lunch were going without those meals.  Kountry Kitchen soon began serving up to 125 meals each day to keep those children fed. Kountry Kitchen continues to give back by hosting bake sales and raffles, donating money, gift certificates, food, and their services to many organizations and families in need across Thurmont and the surrounding communities.  Kountry Kitchen makes a positive difference in our community and is well deserving of Thurmont Grange’s Community Citizen of the Year award.

Thurmont Grangers John and Nancy Wine were also recognized with the 1st Annual Thurmont Grange Gold Award, which honors Grangers who do so much, not only within Grange but also within our community. John and Nancy joined Thurmont Grange in 2017 and have assisted with many community service and fundraising projects, from the dog and cat food collections for Thurmont Food Bank to the Roy Rogers Night bake sales and the Grange booth at the Thurmont Business Expo. Nancy participated in the State Grange Rose Drill, and John has tilled the ground for flower beds around the Grange Hall. John and Nancy each hold a Grange office, and they are always willing to lend a hand. They are also active members of Thurmont Church of the Brethren and volunteers at the Thurmont Food Bank.

Several Thurmont Grangers received awards to recognize their years of membership. Recipients of the 25-Year Silver Star Certificate were Karen Myers, Marsha Hawbaker, Dennis Mathias, Paulette Mathias, Kelly May, and Sue Keilholtz. Roger Troxell, who passed away on May 30, 2023, was also recognized for his 50 years of membership with the Golden Sheath Certificate. Roger joined Thurmont Grange in 1973 and remained an active member on the local, county, state, and even national levels for many years. He was instrumental in the purchase of the Grange Hall and a key player in developing legislative agricultural policy not only in Frederick County but also for the state of Maryland.  Peggy Royer received her 60-Year Membership Seal. During that time, Peggy served on several committees and held various offices. She was the Lecturer, Community Service Chairperson, Secretary, Junior Grange Leader, and even Maryland State Grange Secretary.

Rodman Myers was awarded the 75 Years of Steadfast, Faithful, and Devoted Membership Award. Rodman joined Thurmont Grange in 1949, at the age of 15, and hit the ground running. His list of achievements and contributions to the Grange, community, and agriculture is quite extensive. In 1957, Rodman co-founded the Thurmont Emmitsburg Community Show, which is celebrating its 68th year this year. Rodman and his wife, Jean, were Grange Young Couple of the Year in 1961. He was Maryland State Granger of the Year in 1974 and has served as president of Thurmont Grange, Frederick County Pomona Grange, and Maryland State Grange. In 1991, the Myers family was inducted into the Maryland Agriculture Hall of Fame. In 2013, Rodman received the Wertheimer Fellow Award, and in 2016, he was awarded the Agriculture Advocate Award at the Great Frederick Fair. Rodman has been involved in founding several scholarships; an active member of several agricultural interest organizations; a lifelong supporter of ag education, FFA, and 4-H; an advocate for agricultural legislation; and a farmer, husband, father, and friend. As Rodman prepares to celebrate his 90th birthday, he remains a driving force behind positive change in his community and a constant advocate for agriculture.

The evening ended with additional comments in honor of Rodman, given by Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird, Maryland State Grange President Richard Stonebraker, and National Grange Membership Director Amanda Brozana Rios. Thurmont Town Commissioner Bill Blakeslee also read a proclamation presented to Rodman on behalf of the Town.

Thurmont Grange was honored to recognize its members and citizens who strive to make a difference by giving back to our community.

Rodman Myers receives 75 Years of Steadfast, Faithful & Devoted Membership, presented by Thurmont Grange President Niki Eyler.

Roger Troxell’s sister, Margaret Carbaugh, receives the 50-Year Golden Sheath Certificate on Roger’s behalf, presented by Thurmont Grange President Niki Eyler.

Peggy Royer receives 60-Year Membership Seal, presented by Thurmont Grange President Niki Eyler.

Recipients of the 2024 Thurmont Grange Gold Award, John and Nancy Wine, presented by Thurmont Grange President Niki Eyler.

(above) Recipients of the 25-Year Silver Star Certificate are (from left) Helen Troxell, on behalf of Marsha Hawbaker; Sue Keilholtz; Dennis Mathias; Paulette Mathias; Alan Brauer, on behalf of Kelly May; and Karen Myers, presented by Thurmont Grange President Niki Eyler.

(left) Recipients of the 2024 Community Citizen Award, Rob and Sherry Myers, owners of Thurmont Kountry Kitchen, presented by Thurmont Grange President Niki Eyler.

National Wild Turkey Federation’s Local Chapter Puts on Successful Youth Events

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Dan Neuland

apter (MVC) of the National Wild Turkey Federation has recently sponsored two local youth events, promoting outdoor recreation, hunter preparation, and conservation.

The first event was the annual JAKES Youth Field Day held on April 6, at Catoctin Fish and Game Protective Association in Myersville, Maryland. A jake is a young male turkey and JAKES is an acronym for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship.

Over 100 youth attended the outdoor event that began with trout fishing in the stocked pond at the club. The youth were divided into five groups that moved to a variety of outdoor activity stations throughout the day.

Activities included an archery range, hosted by the Tuscarora Archers; shotgun patterning on the gun range; fur trapping; and turkey-calling demonstrations. In addition, a Woods Walk station was led by expert turkey hunters to help prepare young hunters for the upcoming spring turkey season. The station featured plenty of practical hunting advice with an emphasis on hunting safety. The names of young hunters, who have successfully completed a hunter safety course or have purchased an apprentice license, were randomly drawn for the mentored turkey hunt.

According to MVC president, Russ Leith, a total of 24 youths were paired with mentors for the Junior Turkey Hunt on April 13. A successful turkey hunt is, foremost, a safe hunt with participants watching the sunrise while listening carefully for distant gobbles from lonely tom turkeys. The hunt is a wonderful opportunity for the youths, whether they successfully harvest a turkey or simply enjoy a memorable day afield while learning from experienced hunters.

Later that morning, after the hunt, the mentors and all the participants met at Thurmont Conservation and Sportsman Club for lunch, provided by the MVC. A total of five youths were successful at tagging a turkey that day. Congratulations to Eli Yokum for tagging a 24-pound tom turkey, the largest bird taken that morning. Yokum will receive a free turkey mount, courtesy of Carder Taxidermy in Ijamsville, Maryland.

Congratulations to Regan Austin, Mark Stotler, Eli Yocum, Landon Hahn, and Luke Bucheimer for successfully harvesting a wild turkey on April 13.

Youth participated in archery, just one of the many activities at the JAKE’s Youth Field Day.

Youth practice their turkey calls as part of the JAKE’s Youth Field Day, hosted by Monocacy Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Woodsboro Bank Employees Plant 200 Trees in Support of 5 Million Tree Initiative

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On Thursday, April 10, a team of over 40 Woodsboro Bank employees partnered with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to plant 200 trees in support of the 5 Million Tree Initiative. The project was not just about greening Frederick’s surroundings, but also nurturing a legacy of community care and environmental stewardship. Community is at the heart of all that Woodsboro Bank does. To give all colleagues the chance to participate, the bank closed a portion of their branches for the afternoon for the bank-wide day of service to their community

Night at the Races Event for Rex Davis

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Anyone who knows Rex Davis will remember the horrific accident he suffered on November 26, 2022. He is paralyzed from the chest down from the accident. He was in shock trauma and rehab for months. He is now home recovering, undergoing a lot of physical therapy, and seeing many doctors and specialists. We are praying he regains use of everything once his nerves heal. He had two back surgeries, a broken sternum, broken ribs, pneumonia, sepsis, punctured lungs, and many bruised internal organs; the thoracic spine area was completely rebuilt from T2-12.

We are so grateful for the overwhelming support of our community. We both work at St. Anthony Shrine/Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Our parish community has been wonderful to us, as well as many other churches, and even people we don’t know!

Our wonderful niece, Laken Brashears, really brainstormed and planned months, with Tahler, Tracy, Stacy, Shoey, and Sandi, and got everyone they knew to help, and suddenly the whole community pitched in to help with a horse racing event at the Thurmont AMVETS! It overwhelmed us—ALL the baskets, drawings, donations, food, and help. We simply can’t begin to thank each and every person because there were just so many, BUT with all your help—and you know who are—we are able to purchase both pieces of equipment, so Rex can do therapy at home and save a trip to Westminster and copay a day. Our great community and wonderful people with HUGE hearts are just the best! We want to thank everyone who helped, cleaned up, set up, worked it, and for the food donations, baked goods, etc.

We are so lucky to live in such a loving heartwarming community!

~ Our Heartfelt Thanks, Karen Davis

Rex Davis Event Donor and Sponsors

Thank You All So Much

AMVETS Post 7; Emmitsburg Lions Club; Tracy’s Auto Repair, Inc.; Tina Sweeney; Cliff Sweeney; Anita Stoner; Stacy Kelly; Angi Grossnickle; Mountain View Lawn Service; Tommy West Memorial Fund; St. Anthony’s Bingo team; Kelco Plumbing & Backhoe; 1 Sold by Sandi; Matt Weddle; Beth Ohler of Beth Ohler & Co.; J&B Real Estate; Rocky’s Pizza Thurmont; D&J Auto Enterprises; Wolfe’s Deer Shop; BulletpRoof Exteriors; Fairfield Marriott Cumberland; Weis Markets Thurmont; Maple Run Golf Course; Furnace Bar & Grille; Thurmont Kountry Kitchen; Fratelli’s Pizza; Tracy Grossnickle & Anna Dawson; Los Amigos Thurmont; Simply Asia; Gateway Candy Land; Dave & Jane’s Crab House; The Carriage House Inn; The Palms Restaurant; Carleo Italian Pizza & Subs; Beckley’s Camping Center; Dr. Bonita Portier; Barry Humerick; Becky Flohr; Crumble Cookie of Frederick; Applebee’s of Waynesboro; Hickory Bridge Farms; Liberty Road Seafood; Hoss’s Steak House; Pete & Donna Miller; Tif & David Cagle; Gateway Automotive; Rubes Crab Shack; Advance Auto Parts; Diane Kelly; Lisa White; Bonnie Tracey; Chris & Laken Brashears; Bruce Baust; Ruthie & Kirk Simmel; Michelle Norris; The Staff of Tracy’s Auto Repair Inc.; Deb Eyler; Rachel Misner; Cherrie Dubree; Emmitsburg VFW; Dixie Diner; Jamie & Johnny West; Tammy Kerns Shilling; ABC Creations – Billy Stottlemyer; Chris & Tiffany Kelly; Tony Kelly, Jr.; Ken & Karen Simundson; Jim & Sandi Burns;

Wait, What? Sauce Co.; Cronwell Tools – Kevin Gribble; Jen & Matt Myers; Wayne “Colonel” & Stacey Kerns; Densie Hurley; Ronnie & Shelley Springer; Bollinger’s Restaurant; Corn Crib Boutique; Gateway Flower Shop; Tristin & Chris Stouter; Donna West; Pat Krietz; Panny Moser; Rose Bartlett; Tahler Moxley; Colby Ruffner; Heather Fritz; Jess Weddle; Wanda & Ron Reed; Isaac Dodoson; AJ Moxley; Ralph Bruner; Mackenzie Brashears; Natasha Willard; Connie Cissle; Chris Bosley; Brooke Webb; Collin Willard; Tom Davis; Rocky Gap Casino; Elanor Putman; Leo Krietz; All Trimmed Up Lawn Care; Jodi Wisner; Thresea Davis; Cynthia Hendrickson; Rae Lynn Shafer; Ronnie Wivel; Candy Jones; Mike & Mary Mahoney; Catoctin Labs; Catoctin Colorfest Association; Emmitsburg American Legion; Gene’s Towing; Woodsboro Bank; Melissa Whetzel; Robert & Sandy Seidel; Buddy & Nena Eyler; Hearts of MD Sackette Unit 30; Thurmont AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary; Dawn & Dave Weddle; Cheryl “nan” Murtaugh; Mountain Gate Family Restaurant; Melanie Burkett; Lisa Reed; Karl Schopper.

Frederick County Fire and Rescue Museum Open for Season

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Chip Jewell

The Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum, located at 300B South Seton Avenue in Emmitsburg, just north of the National Fire Academy, is now open for the 2024 season. 

Several new items will be on display, including the “Junior Defender” uniform manikin and the historic original “tin type’ of an actual “Junior Defender.” Also on display from the Junior Fire Co. No. 2,  just added last year, is the restored Silsby hand-drawn hose reel, believed to be the original hose reel for the Juniors 1876 Silsby steam pumper, the first steam pumper in Frederick.

Additionally, the 1919 Ahrens-Fox, originally purchased for the United Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 3 and now owned by the Gladhill family, is still on display.

Other early fire apparatus on display include “Romeo,” the beautiful 1893 Independent Hose Co. NO. 1  hosecarriage; the circa 1848 hand-pumper “Old Lady,” used by both the United Fire Company and Libertytown; and the fully restored Badger chemical engine of the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company and Willy’s Jeep formerly  owned by the Lewistown District Volunteer Fire Department.

The museum also features a memorial display honoring all the fire and rescue personnel in Frederick County who have died in the line of duty, with individual pictures and a brief description of each fallen hero.

The Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum has free admission and is staffed by local fire and rescue volunteers.

Visit the website at frederickmdfiremuseum.org for hours of operation.

1919 Ahrens-Fox fire engine, originally in service at the United Fire Company in Frederick and now owned by Maurice Gladhill of Gladhill Tractor, who has graciously allowed the museum to display this historic piece of Fredrick County firefighting history.