A Love for Thurmont, A Legacy in Real Estate
J&B Real Estate Celebrates 45 Years By Alisha Yocum In 1981, Jim and Bonita Smith made the decision to return to their hometown of Thurmont to raise their family and bring their real estate experience back to the community. That decision led to the founding of J&B Real Estate, a business that has continued to…
The Rise & Decline of the Baltimore Oriole
by Richard D. L. Fulton Arguably, the Baltimore Oriole ranks as one of the most attractive and distinctly “attired” of the 50 state birds. As is fairly typical among the birds, the male is brightly colored with its stark black head, back, and wings, along with its brilliant golden-orange underpart and white wing bars. The…
From the Mayor
ThurmontMayor John Kinnaird October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Town of Thurmont, with the help of local businesses and residents, has been raising funds for the Gateway to the Cure. This effort supports the Patty Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund at Frederick Health Hospital. The funds raised help local cancer patients with treatment and support,…
Let’s Talk Turkey
by Masyn Sanders, Student Writer With the Autumn season maturing, leaves are turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. The air becomes cool and crisp, and families across the nation are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving, a staple of American culture, focused on gratitude and civic reflection. Although the holiday is recognized as a time…
Book of the Month
Chele’s Pick by Michele Tester Book Lovers by Emily Henry published in 2022 contemporary romance novel This month’s book pick, Book Lovers by Emily Henry, was recommended to me by my daughter, as well as my oldest son, which very much surprised me, as my son is not normally a romance novel fan. I’m usually…
Blended by Criswell Welcomes Customers to Thurmont
By Alisha Yocum Thurmont welcomed its newest salon, Blended by Criswell, on October 3 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Mayor Kinnaird, town commissioners, and staff joined in welcoming the new business to the community. Owner Heather Criswell graduated from Frederick County Public Schools’ Career and Technology Center with a cosmetology license and has spent the past…
Businesses Past
by Richard D. L. Fulton Dutch Cupboard Tea House by Richard D. L. Fulton The Dutch Cupboard Tea House was located within the building that is presently housing Rita’s Water Ice and the Gettysburg Cigar Company at 523 Baltimore Street, across the street from the Jennie Wade House and Museum. The company held its grand…
Emmitsburg New Business and Development Briefs
The following are the statuses of new businesses and development coming to Emmitsburg from the town planner’s report: Emmit Ridge — The preliminary plan was approved on August 10. Improvement Plans were resubmitted on August 24 and are under review by the town engineer. Brookfield Phase 5 — Construction work is ongoing. Patriot Crane —…
Thurmont New Business and Development Briefs
The following are the statuses of new businesses and development coming to Thurmont from the town planner’s report: Subdivisions: Mechanicstown, LLC (Emmitsburg Road) — Final Plat conditionally approved for 31 single-family lots in R-2/ ARP. Discussions between developer and builder in progress. Mountain Brooke (Emmitsburg Road) — Final Plat conditionally approved for 11 single-family lots…
Recollections of Jim Bittner
This was part of the first book I self-published in 2009, The State Sanatorium at Sabillasville from 1908. At that time, I asked Dick to write something relative to the sanatorium for the book. My late brother, Dick (1936-2024), and I had a great relationship. His wife, Mary Ellen, and family and I are still…
Maryland on Stamps & Covers
thurgood marshall by Richard D. L. Fulton The Ku Klux Klan never dies. They just stop wearing sheets because sheets cost too much. ~ Thurgood Marshall, December 4, 1978, TIME magazine. The United States Postal Service (USPS) issued a 37-cent stamp commemorating the services rendered by Thurgood (Thoroughgood) Marshall, the first African American United States…
Gold Star Families Memorial Dedicated
By Lion Susan Favorite 1Lt Robert Seidel was killed in Iraq in May 2006; Airman Apprentice Patrick Stellitano passed on U.S. soil in February 2020. What could these two men have in common? They died 14 years apart, on different continents, in different branches of the military. What they had in common: two determined, committed…
Pumpkin Challenge
Mayors John Kinnaird (pictured left) of Thurmont and Frank Davis (pictured right) of Emmitsburg face off in a friendly challenge as residents compete to see which town can divert the most fall pumpkins from the landfill. Thurmont’s 4th Annual Great Pumpkin Pick Up takes place Saturday, November 28. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., volunteers will pick…
National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week
Did you know that the first full week in November celebrates National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week, honoring animal shelters, rescue groups, and the staff and volunteers who care for homeless pets? The annual appreciation week was established in 1996 by the Humane Society of the United States to recognize daily shelter operations, pet…
Thurmont Food Bank News
November is always a busy month at the Thurmont Food Bank (TFB), and this year, the cutback in food stamps is making food assistance more important than ever. Anyone in need who lives in Northern Frederick County (north of Mountaindale and Lewistown) may receive food twice a month on any Tuesday, from 5:00 p.m. to…
Mountain Fest Celebrates 50 Years
By Alisha Yocum For the 50th Anniversary of Mountain Fest, patrons saw a mix of weather. Saturday was a beautiful fall day, but Sunday brought four inches of rain; despite the downpour, organizers and vendors prevailed to make the event a success. It was 1976 when community members of the Northwestern Civic Association held its…
Mountain Fest Announces Car Show Winners
The 50th Annual Car Show at the Sabillasville Mountain Fest drew big crowds on October 10 with over 90 cars in attendance. Congratulations to all the winners! Please save the date for next year’s show, which will be on October 9. People’s Choice: Jay and Tracie Cody, 1962 Chevy C10 Kid’s Choice: Steve Bankard, 1956…
Local Drop-Off Locations Opening Soon For Operation Christmas Child
Volunteers are preparing to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, from November 16 through November 23. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease, and disaster. Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach 12.8 million children in…
From Senegal to the Mount
Four Players Bring International Talent to the Court By Alisha Yocum Many people may not know much about Senegal, a country along the Atlantic coast of West Africa with a population of approximately 18 million people. French is its official language, and basketball has become an important part of its sports culture for its youth.…
CYA Football & Cheer Hosts 2nd Annual “Gives Back Day”
By Alisha Yocum Catoctin Youth Association (CYA) Football & Cheer believes what you do on off the field is just as important as what you do on the field. To emphasize this to their athletes, the organization started a day focused on giving back to organizations who are doing great things for our community. Now…
