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 Alisha Yocum Ruthie Simmel Nominated by: Kaitlynn Polen For nearly four decades, Ruthie Simmel (pictured above) has called Thurmont home. Originally from Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Ruthie and her husband moved to Thurmont shortly after they married in 1988. “We knew this would be a much better place to raise our children,” Ruthie said. Her…

By Alisha Yocum Elle Smith Nominated by: Erin Code While many know Elle Smith as a familiar face in local real estate with J&B, it’s her unwavering dedication to the community, warm presence, and genuine kindness that are what truly set her apart. She frequently sponsors many of the local sports teams and was recently…

By Alisha Yocum Brenda Gonder Brenda Gonder of Thurmont has a gift for bringing smiles and comfort to everyone she meets. Affectionately known as the “Queen of Weis,” many recognize her as the friendly face greeting them at the self-checkout at Weis Markets in Thurmont. For 18 years, Gonder has gone beyond her role, brightening…

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,…

Katie Warthen Nominated by: Phyllis Kelly At 93, Katie Warthen (pictured right) still smiles as she reminisces about her time spent rebuilding the Emmitsburg Library. Originally from Kentucky, Katie moved to Emmitsburg after high school to help her sister care for her children. In 1952, not long after her move, she met her late husband,…

Dottie Davis Nominated by: Phyllis Kelly At 91, Dorothy (Dottie) Davis acknowledges that she is not as active as she once was, but her dedication to the Emmitsburg community remains unwavering. Born and raised in Thurmont, it was after marrying her late husband, Alan Davis, that she moved to Emmitsburg, where she still resides in…

Phyllis Kelly Nominated by: Sarah Jacobson Phyllis Kelly’s dedication 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…