Currently viewing the tag: "Lewistown Fire Hall"

101 Years and Still Celebrating

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Theresa Dardanell

Thurmont High School alumni, along with spouses and guests, gathered together on June 3, 2017, at the Lewistown Fire Hall for their annual banquet. Over 220 people enjoyed a delicious turkey and fried shrimp dinner, served by the Lewistown Volunteer Fire Company. Alumni Association President Don Dougherty (class of 1969) began with a welcome and the Pledge to the Flag. Addison Eyler, eighth-grade student at Thurmont Middle School, sang the “Star-Spangled Banner” and, during dinner, performed the song “Good Morning Baltimore” from the musical Hairspray.

Former Thurmont High School teachers, Donna Fisher, Mary Fisher, Dominic Massett, Gail Slezak, and John Zink, were introduced. They thanked the members of the association for the invitation and for the chance to meet with their former students.

Viola Noffsinger (class of 1958) presented the secretary’s report, and Becky Linton (class of 1958) gave the treasurer’s report. Noffsinger, Linton, and Dougherty will continue in their current positions as officers for the upcoming year.

Matt Wiley (class of 1967), member of the Community Foundation Board of Trustees, provided information about the foundation and the scholarship fund. The 2017 scholarship recipients are Alexi Baumgardner, Athena Fream, Courtney Orndorff, and Meagan Mongold. Relatives of Thurmont High School alumni are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Special anniversary classes were recognized. Members of the graduating classes in the years 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, and 1972 were introduced. One speaker for each group shared details about their class motto, class colors, and class flower. The 1962 women alumni, led by Judy (Coleman) Knott, sang the pep song “We are the Thurmont Girls” to rousing applause.

Prizes were awarded in several categories: Blanche Long Keilholtz (class of 1940), the oldest graduate, received a beautiful basket of flowers. Joanna Tschiffely (class of 1968) traveled 1900 miles from Fort Collins, Colorado. Susan Long Wireman (class of 1972) was the youngest person in attendance. Wireman and Tschiffely received gift certificates. Gift baskets, created by Carol (Gearhart) Long, with items donated by local businesses, were auctioned to raise money for the scholarship fund.

The first Thurmont High School graduation was held in 1916. The school was replaced in 1969 by Catoctin High School. Alumni celebrated the 100th anniversary of Thurmont High School last year. The next banquet will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018. Anniversary years ending in 3 and 8 will be recognized.

Ninety-four-year-old Blanche Long Keilholtz, the oldest graduate in attendance, along with Gene Long, Gloria Long Green, Harold Long, and Raymond Long.

Thurmont High School Alumni Association Scholarship

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Attention graduating seniors related to a graduate from Thurmont High School!  Are you looking for a scholarship? Did you check the Community Foundation of Frederick County website at www.cffredco.org for the scholarships offered by the Thurmont High School Alumni Association?  Applications are accepted from March 1 through March 31, only. Also, remind your parents, grandparents, and their friends of the Thurmont High School Alumni banquet on Saturday, June 3, 2017, at the Lewistown Fire Hall. Any questions call 301-898-9898 or email vmoff@gmail.com.

Thurmont High School Celebrates Centennial

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Deb Spalding (Please note, photos taken by The Catoctin Banner during the banquet were corrupt and therefore were not usable. Our apologies for this.

IMG_1795Graduates of Thurmont High School (THS) gathered on June 4, 2016, at the Lewistown Fire Hall, to celebrate the school’s 100th Anniversary during a banquet that was hosted by the school’s alumni association.

The banquet was well attended by over 270 people, who were seated at long tables with graduation years indicated on table plaques. Mark Widmyer, representing the governer’s office, issued a Governor’s Citation in recognition of Thurmont High School’s 100th anniversary. Margaret Nusbaum, representing county executive Jan Gardner, also presented a citation.

The Lewistown Volunteer Fire Company served a buffet meal. Special music was performed by Neal Coty (Angleberger), a 1982 Catoctin High School graduate, who is now a singer-song writer and lives in Nashville, Tennessee. The National Anthem was performed by Taylor Zentz, a 2015 graduate of Catoctin High School and a THSA scholarship recipient.

The oldest graduate in attendance was Donald Lewis, a graduate of the THS class of 1935, former Mayor of Thurmont, former Frederick County Commissioner, retired local business owner, World War II Veteran, and instrumental in the formation of the THS Alumni Scholarship Fund.

Master of Ceremonies and Thurmont High School Alumni Association president, Bill Eyler, acknowledged Lewis by expressing appreciation for his service to the community and thanked him personally for sponsoring him in the Brotherhood of the Jungle Cock fishing organization as a youngster, fifty years ago.

Richard Shinn traveled the farthest, from California, for the reunion. The youngest graduate in attendance was Herman Beall, Jr., who was awarded a certificate to a youth spa.

Becky Linton created the 100th anniversary booklet with the help of contributors, John Kinnaird, Dennis Black, William Eyler, Gladys Baker, Eugene Myers, the Town of Thurmont, and Georgette Stitely. If you would like a copy of the booklet, please call Becky at 301-696-0467.

Former teachers at THS were in attendance: Jane and Paul Nolan, Donna Fisher, and Mary Fisher.

Donna Fisher taught math and physical education at THS, from fall 1951 until June 1954. “Anytime I see one of my former students, it’s very special to me,” expressed Fisher.

Mary Fisher taught English at THS from 1950 to 1956. Eugene Martin (Class of 1953) said he was Mrs. Fisher’s “favorite student.”

Anniversary classes included the classes of 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961, and 1966. Some of the anniversary class members spoke.

The class of 1951 had forty-nine students in their graduating class; thirty-two are deceased, and six were in attendance. Their class colors were pink and white, and their class flower was the carnation.

The class of 1961 had sixty-one graduates with ten in attendance; their class motto was, “Today we follow, tomorrow we lead.” Their class flower was the forget-me-not, and their class color was bright blue and white.

The class of 1956 had forty graduates, with twenty-three deceased; their class flower was the pink and white carnation, and their class motto was,“Strive forward.”

The class of 1966 had one hundred and two people in their graduating class; they shared the class motto, “Knowledge= Happiness=Success.”

Alumni officers for the upcoming year include Don Dougherty (Class of 1969), president; Becky Linton (Class of 1958), treasurer; and Viola Noffsinger (Class of 1958), secretary. Individuals are sought to fill the positions of vice president and assistant secretary.

The 2016 scholarship recipients were Kathleen Barnes, Marlee Dinterman, and Josie Estep. This scholarship fund is managed by the Community Foundation of Frederick County.

Next year’s alumni banquet will be held on June 3, 2017. Anniversary years ending in “2” and “7” will be honored.

THSA-Scholars-6-2016-1-(2)

Scholarship awards are a big part of the Thurmont High School Alumni Association’s Mission. Recipients are shown during the Frederick Community Foundation banquet. Pictured left to right are Cynthia Palmer, Immediate Past Chairman of the Community Foundation, Josie Estep, scholarship recipient, Kathleen Barnes, scholarship recipient, Viola Noffsinger, secretary of the Thurmont High School Alumni Assn., & Don Dougherty, President of the Thurmont High School Alumni Assn. Marlee Dinterman, scholarship recipient was absent

AROUND town

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Catoctin Mountain Adventures Magazine

If you own or operate a business in the Catoctin Region, from the Mason Dixon line to the Potomac River, you should advertise in the new Catoctin Mountain Adventures Magazine with Byway Guide (CMA). This is a project of E Plus Promotions, publishers of The Catoctin Banner, and operators at E Plus Copy Center in Emmitsburg.

The CMA will be free for readers to pick up in tourist centers, high-traffic areas, and business locations of those who advertise.

The content is appealing to residents and tourists, with rich history articles, fun lifestyle articles, leisure opportunities, a byway guide by town, an event calendar, and fun games all bundled into each vivid, slick issue.  Online, an interactive format will make it easy to learn more about advertisers and content. The first issue will be released at the end of May. Interested advertisers should call as soon as possible to reserve a space.

All are invited to place an event listing in the calendar, from big concerts to local church dinners. Event listings are $25.00 each. For more information, call  301-524-9275. Visit their website at www.catoctinmountainadventures.com.

His Place Car Show

Mark your calendar for the 6th Annual His Place Car Show, being held on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Mother Seton School, located at 100 Creamery Road in Emmitsburg. Event features three awards each, for five categories; raffle, food, door prizes, and more.

Vigilant Hose Company’s Seafood Bonanza

The Vigilant Hose Company is holding their annual Seafood Bonanza on April 2-3, 2015, from 11:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m., at the fire hall. Baked goods available, too.

FRCC 2015 Bass Fishing Series

Fort Ritchie Community Center (FRCC) is holding a 2015 Bass Fishing Series, sponsored by Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, on April 11 and May 24, with the championship on June 20 (event winners qualify for championship; must be 18 years of age or older). The cost per event is $15.00 for youth, and $35.00 for adults.

Cut and Dip Fundraiser

Come to the Cut and Dip Fundraiser on Saturday, May 3, 2015, at Gateway Candyland & Liquors in Thurmont. Cut a minimum of eight inches of your hair and donate to Children With Hair Loss (CWHL). Haircuts will be done from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Dipping ice cream proceeds will be donated to Frederick Dialysis Center. In memory of Sterling Bollinger and Bud Sweeney. Event being held from noon until closing.

Guardian Hose Company Yard Sale

The Guardian Hose Company is sponsoring a yard sale on May 30, 2015, at the Thurmont carnival grounds on 123 East Main Street in Thurmont. Spaces are $5.00 each.

Emmitsburg Masons Tyrian Lodge’s Open House

Masons Tyrian Lodge, located at 303 East Main Street in Emmitsburg, is holding an Open House on Saturday, April 11, 2015, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. All are welcome.

Thurmont Business Expo Rescheduled

The Thurmont Business Expo that was originally scheduled in March had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather. The new date is Thursday, April 2, 2015. Admission is free for visitors. Stop by the Catoctin High School Gymnasium from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Call 301-471-7313 with questions.

St. John’s UCC Spaghetti Dinner

Mark you calendar for a Spaghetti Dinner, being held at St. John’s United Church of Christ (UCC) Parish Hall in Sabillasville on Saturday, April 25, 2015. The church is located at 16923 Sabillasville Road in Sabillasville. The cost is $10.00 for adults; $5.00 for children, ages 5-12; free for children, ages 5 and under.

Safe Disposal of Medication

Turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal on Saturday, April 18, 2015, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick, Maryland.

Annual Ladies Day

Join Catoctin Church of Christ for their Annual Ladies Day on Saturday, April 25, 2015, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Guest speaker will be Janet Dill. Registration and light breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m.

Baltimore Work Camp Bingo

Bingo will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at Mother Seton School in Emmitsburg. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m., with games starting at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $30.00 in advance and $35.00 at the door. Ticket price includes an all inclusive 9 pack and a free spaghetti dinner. Proceeds from this fundraiser will help support high school youth from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, St. Anthony Shrine, and St. Joseph parishes to attend the camp, a weeklong service trip where they repair the homes of those in need.

Cash Bingo at Lewistown Fire Hall

The Thurmont Middle School PTA is holding a Cash Bingo on April 26, 2015, at the Lewistown Fire Hall. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., with games beginning at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 in advance and $30 at the door. Come out to support Thurmont Middle School students!

Guardian Hose Company’s Flower Sale & Chicken BBQ

Don’t miss the Guardian Hose Company’s Flower Sale and Chicken BBQ event on May 8, from 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., and May 9, from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Emmitsburg Lions Club Chicken BBQ and Yard Sale

The Emmitsburg Lions Club is holding a Chicken BBQ and Yard Sale on Saturday, May 2, 2015. Chicken BBQ sale will begin at 11:00 a.m., and run until they are sold out. The yard sale will start at 6:00 a.m.; yard sale spaces are available.

Fun Festival

Don’t miss the Fun Festival at Victory Tabernacle, located at 6710 Kelly Store Road in Thurmont, on May 30, 2015, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Event features games, crafts, face painting, live music, clowns, and much more!

Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Events

The Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Association in Fairfield is hosting many events in April, including a breakfast with the Easter bunny, a meat shoot, cash bingo, and much more!

Turkey & Oyster Supper at Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church

Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church (UMC) will hold a Turkey & Oyster Supper on Saturday, April 11, 2015, from 12:00-6:00 p.m. A bake and craft table will also be available to purchase baked goods and craft items. The church is located at 10926 Simmons Road in Emmitsburg.

Acacia Masonic Lodge Open House

Acacia Lodge No. 155 A.F.& A.M., located at 12 East Main Street in Thurmont, will host an Open House on Saturday April 11, 2015, from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The public will have an opportunity to discover the history of Freemasonry and tour the 100-plus year old Lodge building. Stop by and find out more about their Lodge and Freemasonry, and what they do for our community. Thurmont Masonic Lodge is also announcing their annual Mary & Robert Remsberg Memorial Scholarship Award for all graduating high school seniors within the Catoctin High School district.

Thurmont Lions Club Sandwich Sales

Thurmont Lions Club has five upcoming Sandwich Sale events, the first being held on April 25, 2015, featuring pit beef, pit pork, pit turkey, and pit ham sandwiches. All events are held from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. or until they are sold out.

Rocky Ridge Fire Company’s Cash Bingo

On Sunday, May 3, 2015, Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company will hold a Cash Bingo, featuring regular games, special games, door prizes, and more.