COMMUNITY news
Melissa Wetzel CPA Staff and Customers Donate for Emmitsburg Food Bank
Photo by Deb Spalding
Golden Statue of Mary Gets Crowned
As hundreds gathered on May 3, 2015, on the grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, the golden 25-foot statue of Mary, which stands atop the 95-foot campanile and stands high above the campus, was crowned with flowers. The crown measured 12 feet in diameter and was elevated by a crane and placed upon the statue’s head. The event celebrated the Catholic tradition of crowning Blessed Mother Mary with spring blossoms to recognize her model of faith and discipleship. The 12-foot crown was constructed by florist Will Stone, owner of Flower Fashions in Frederick, Maryland. The crowing of the golden statue of Mary on May 3, 2015.
Photo by Robert Rosensteel, Sr.
Tom’s Creek UMC Message of Hope
Just imagine a tree that is leaning, decaying, and dying, and it is only a matter of time before it falls over and lands on a building, car, road, and so on. So, what do you do if it is on your property? Most people cut it down and then have the stump removed and the story ends there. However, Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church (UMC) had a different vision. They had a dying tree cut down to a ten-foot stump and then had it carved. They took something that was dead and/or dying, and they gave it new life. Even better, they turned to local artist and businessman, Jason Stoner, to transform it into a message of hope. A member of the church paid to have the stump carved into Jesus Christ, holding a lamb, sending the message of hope to the lost, the wandering, the hopeless, and the unloved. This dead tree that was resurrected to be a message of hope can be found at Tom’s Creek UMC (a couple of miles off of Route 140, by taking either Simmons Road or Tom’s Creek Church Road). For years, the community has had a gold statue of Mary watching over the area, and, now facing her, is the carving of Christ. If you are out on a ride, stop by and see it. Courtesy Photos
Local Artist Jason Stoner carved the stump of a cut down tree into a message of hope, outside of Tom’s Creek United Methodist Chruch in Emmitsburg.
Drop Your Change for Food by Deb Spalding The Emmitsburg Food Bank was founded in the 1980s to help meet the needs of local residents in emergencies (fire, flood, accidents, illness, job loss, divorce, economic recession, job transition, etc.) and to assist citizens with the sustained low incomes. This food bank serves about sixty families per month, and operates on donations of food and money from the community. The Emmitsburg Business and Professionals Association (EBPA) started a change drop box program several years ago, called “Change for Food.” The coordinator of that program, Bob Rosensteel, Sr., said that donations have been going down in the past year because other charitable entities are vying for change box donations. He wants to make sure donors know how much their contributions are appreciated by the food bank. “Please tell everyone not to forget to drop one dollar per month in a Change for Food box. That one little dollar makes a huge difference!” said Rosensteel. Emmitsburg Food Bank Director Phyllis Kelly indicated that the food bank constantly buys meats, eggs, cheese, margarine, and bread with money from the Change for Food donations. “Organizations, churches, schools, FEMA, and Mount St. Mary’s University have been very generous over the years. The EBPA’s Change for Food collection boxes that are seen around town in stores have helped greatly. Thanks to all of you,” said Kelly. The Emmitsburg Food Bank requires proof of residence in the Emmitsburg school district area and a photo ID. While a driver’s license qualifies as a photo ID, it may not show a current address. Proof of residence may be in the form of a lease, a utility bill, a car registration, or a piece of mail addressed personally to the client. They will maintain copies of the documents during the calendar year. When a new year begins, clients must re-submit documents showing current address and a photo ID. The Emmitsburg Food Bank’s policy is to help with food once a month, unless proof of greater need is shown by contacting Social Services in Frederick at 301-600-4575 for services such as Food Stamps, medical assistance, cash assistance, or Family and Adult Services (301-600-2635). They suggest that all clients apply for Food Stamps. If one is denied, they can bring the denial letter to the Food Bank and more help can be provided. They cannot give food from government sources more than once a month. The Frederick County food banks are linked through the Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs. One may not use more than one food bank—this is called “double-dipping.” It is unfair to others who are in need. The Emmitsburg Food Bank has guidelines for the number of items from various food groups, based on family size. They have a “Help Yourself” section of items that don’t fit any category. Any questions can be directed to the manager, Phyllis Kelly, at 717-642-6963. Food bank hours are: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 p.m.; Fridays, 1:00-2:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Don’t forget to drop your change in the Change for Food boxes at various locations around town! Contact the Emmitsburg Food Bank by emailing [email protected].
Pictured from left are Emmitsburg Food Bank volunteers Mary Kate Price, Carson Kelly, Phyllis Kelly, and EBPA Change for Food Coordinator Bob Rosensteel, Sr.