Hagerstown Magazine – November/December 2024

The Magical Legacy of Santa Bud

MANAGING EDITOR

Jeff Thoreson

ART DIRECTOR

Alexandra Barr

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Ian Sager

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BUSINESS & CIRCULATION

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

April Bartel

Kenneth Buckler

Deborah Smith-Fiola

Laura Forrest Hopfauf

Lisa Gregory

PHOTOGRAPHY

Rick Gregory

Mark Youngblood

BUSINESS OFFICE

Hagerstown Publishing 6 N. East St., Suite 301 Frederick, MD 21701

SEND MAIL TO: P.O. Box 2415 Hagerstown, MD 21741

Charles Jeffries

Bill Kamenjar

Mike Marotte III

Crystal Schelle

“I just started a new career and I want to begin saving and investing. Do you have any recommendations for getting started?”

L.E. – Middletown, MD

In the world of personal finance, it’s not just about how much you earn; it’s about how you manage what you have. Whether you’re fresh out of college, eyeing retirement, or somewhere in between, developing strong financial habits is critical for long-term success. Let’s explore four key moves that can help you build wealth, reduce financial stress, and achieve your long-term goals. Although they aren’t quick fixes, you’ll be amazed at how they can positively affect your financial future if you stick with them.

Put Savings and Investments on Autopilot

You’ve heard this before, but don’t dismiss it as a cliché: pay yourself first. This means setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings and investment accounts as soon as you get your paycheck. Begin by logging into your online banking platform and setting up recurring transfers. You can start small—even 5 percent is worthwhile— and gradually increase the percentage over time. If your employer offers a 401(k) match, ensure that you’re contributing enough to take full advantage of this free money. Remember, even small, consistent contributions can grow significantly over time due to compound interest.

Track Your Spending

To make informed money decisions, you need to know where your cash is going. Keeping track of spending helps you figure out where you can cut back and increase the funds you put toward your goals. Start by choosing a way to record your purchases, whether it’s a budgeting app, a spreadsheet, or just an old-fashioned notebook. Record every expense, no matter how small, for one month. Then, go over your spending patterns and figure out where you can make cuts. You might find some surprises, like buying coffee, snacks, or a daily lunch salad add up to a vacation’s worth of cash over time. Use this information to create a practical, goal-centered budget, and continue tracking to ensure that you’re sticking to it.

Get Familiar with Your Credit Report

Your credit score affects everything from loan approval to interest rates, so it’s a major factor in your financial life. Make it a habit to check your credit report regularly to catch errors and find ways to improve your score.

Hot tip: Every 12 months, you’re entitled to one free credit report by mail from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) through Annual Credit Report.comHome Page .

Stick to It

It’s not always fun or easy to stick to a financial plan, but consistency is key when it comes to money matters. Developing discipline helps you stay on track, even when you spot a great sale or find a must-have collector’s item. Start by setting clear, achievable goals. Write them down and keep them somewhere you’ll see them often, like your fridge or as a phone background. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. If you want to save $5,000 for an emergency fund, for instance, set monthly or weekly savings targets.

Developing strong financial habits is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about making small, smart choices each day. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks. Start by choosing one or two habits to focus on, and gradually incorporate the others as you become more comfortable.

As always, we’re here to help you reach your goals. Feel free to reach out for more information or advice on how to adopt these habits for a more financially secure future.

Scott A. McCaskill CFP®, RFC® President

26 Making a Difference

Shane Azar-Myers turned the heartbreak of losing a young nephew into good fortune for others in the Tri-State area.

28 The Legacy of Santa Bud

Floyd “Bud” Kline’s 57-year legacy as Santa Bud in Hagerstown didn’t end with his passing last year. It’s in safe hands with his successor, Chris Brezler.

Eloisa

Cacique is a

of Spanish and Latin American cuisine, a

Former

For more than 175 years Wilson’s Store near Clear Spring has served as a general store offering food, candy, antiques, knickknacks, and odds-and-ends.

Don’t think late autumn isn’t a good time for planting and prepping your garden for next year. 64

Was a fish thought to be extinct found in Antietam Creek, or is this just another satirical look at Hagerstown from Kenneth Buckler?

THE MEMORY OF SANTA BUD

I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT I’M NOT MUCH OF A HOLIDAY PERSON, BE IT THE SLEW OF CELEBRATIONS WE GRAVITATE TO AT THIS TIME OF YEAR OR THE GREETING CARD/CHOCOLATE FABRICATION OF LOVE WE CALL VALENTINE’S DAY.

In the years since encountering the wisdom of thumb-sucking, security-blanket-carrying of Linus Van Pelt several decades ago, I’ve come to the unfortunate realization that most “holidays” are merely commercialized institutions, vehicles to drive the economy forward as opposed to actual celebrations of whatever it is we’re supposed to be thinking about or giving thanks for at that particular time of the year.

I would be curious to know how much Thanksgiving Day dinner conversation revolves around paying tribute to the work of early American settlers compared to NFL football or how we’re going to get a jump on the shopping season as soon as we lap up that last bit of gravy with the final bite of our biscuit. On Memorial Day, do we really remember our fallen heroes, or is it more important that we get to the beach and kick off summer?

I never spoke with Santa Bud, but I feel like he represented the bridge between what the young Van Pelt offered as his explanation of what Christmas is actually all about and the commercial aspect that the holiday has become. So, we pay tribute to Floyd “Bud” Kline in this issue, thanking him posthumously for what he did as Santa Bud for 57 years. It takes a special person to donate so much of their time to helping others. And these days it seems it takes an especially wise man to recognize that wearing the Santa suit is more than just nodding and smiling uncommittedly when a child asks for a pony.

The breed of shopping-mall Santas that has emerged over the last 50 years may be great for smiles and pictures, but they can’t match the depth of Santa Bud. Floyd Kline will be missed as we move into the Christmas season in Hagerstown, regardless of how commercialized it has become. Christmas will go on without the original Santa Bud, but it won’t be the same for many whose lives he touched every year.

Happy Holidays to all.

ONCE AGAIN WE FIND OURSELVES ON THE THRESHOLD OF THAT LOVE-IT-HATE-IT TIME OF YEAR. TYPICALLY, THE first snow of the year signals the holiday season, which we love. But that first snow also means traffic gets snarled, and it becomes more difficult to get around, and we hate that. Winter brings skiing, sledding, and playing in the snow with your kids. But it also brings higher heating bills, getting into a freezing car in the morning, and shoveling snow. Then again, we find scenes like this all over Washington County and realize there are ways to enjoy the beauty of the season. Credit: Mark Youngblood

This is Washington County

Fountain Head Country Club Celebrates 100 Years | PLACES

EMBEDDED IN THE LYRICS OF “DON’T BLINK” (a song recorded by country music superstar Kenny Chesney and written about an interview with a 102-year-old man on the evening news) is the line, “Trust me friend, a hundred years goes faster than you think, so don’t blink.”

So, while Father Time marches on during the waning months of 2024, that’s exactly what the members of Fountain Head Country Club, set in the rolling hills just north of Hagerstown, are committed to doing—not blinking. Instead, they celebrate with eyes wide open. And they do so in both a classy and classical style.

It all started back in 1924 through the initial plans and blueprints drawn up by the “Father of United States golf course architecture” Donald Ross (with some apparent follow-up help from his on-the-ground associate Walter Hatch).

Members and staff have rejoiced with yearlong special events culminating with a grand 100th anniversary Gala in October. They have commemorated Fountain Head’s first century with a hard-covered book detailing the club’s rich history and with 1924 centennial stickers. Even the club’s shiny electric golf carts are adorned with the insignia signifying the historic debut of the club. Reminders of Fountain Head’s rich history abound everywhere.

The course itself, despite the game’s technological advances, remains virtually the

same as it was when it opened. Though stately trees have grown up around it and grand old houses have been preserved and well maintained throughout the Fountain Head Heights area (so called for the large spring that generated water for the local population), the grounds remain as one of the few unaltered Ross designs left in the country. It is also the only true Ross-inspired project (out of five courses he designed) surviving in the state of Maryland.

It’s all a part of the Fountain Head experience—common bonds shared by members and their guests, with intentions to keep the place special for the next 100 years. It’s how they organize social and competitive events, always purposefully infusing history into them in some way.

The course is a short but surprisingly difficult 6,300-yard, par-71, a truly authentic version of early American golf. Its classic nature maintains Ross’ small, undulating, and super-fast greens. Holes that once played across an open field are now lines with stately trees. Members can see why Sam Snead—the seven-time major winner— considered it one of his favorite places to escape when venturing away from his Appalachia base.

Club historian Paul Mellott, a member for more than 41 years and a two-time club champion, considers it to be “the best course around. I go nowhere else.”

Roger Finn, a 50-year Fountain Head member and past president of the Maryland State

Fountain Head Country Club founder Emmett Gans.

Fountain Head Country Club’s 18th hole and the clubhouse, which was rebuilt and opened in 2006.

Golf Association, admires the layout as an excellent challenge, which is always in top condition and worthy of holding state-level championships. As for the special nature of the overall club, he said, “that’s hard to put your finger on.”

“For the most part, all members seem to be very proud,” said Finn, whose family has lived in Hagerstown’s small-town atmosphere since 1967. “Not only golf but the tennis and swimming facilities are excellent along with the food and restaurant service. We were just there last night for dinner and of the eight or so tables that were occupied we knew most everyone there and stopped by to say hello. This makes for a very friendly and enjoyable atmosphere.”

On one particular glorious Friday in October, even more celebrations ring through the autumn air with history in the making as a first-time hole-in-one is declared by one and a personal best nine-hole score is carded by another. All in all, a historic grandeur continues to infiltrate the fabric of Fountain Head Country Club, now 100 years old and pleasantly rolling along.

Farmed since the Revolutionary War times, the 100-plus original acres that make up the Fountain Head course were acquired by Emmett Gans in 1922. The new owner hired the Ross firm, on recommendation from a family contact, to draw up plans for an 18-hole golf course, a clubhouse and other country club amenities. A prosperous local Hagerstown businessman, Gans would go on to use Ross’ plans and had the course built with the first nine opening for play in 1924.

While Ross is often credited with hundreds of solo designs, many were conceived from the drafting table with plans shipped along and principles then followed by various associates at the sites. That’s where Hatch comes in. While original drawings of holes 10 through 18 are housed in a collection dedicated to the legend in Pinehurst, North Carolina, and credited to Ross directly, the remaining nine holes— which opened a few years later—are believed to have been fashioned by Ross’ senior landscape architect Hatch. This would logically mean that the overall product is most likely a result of both Ross’ and Hatch’s visions and of course Gans’ who faithfully followed whatever guidance was provided by the hired firm’s architects in

molding the entire 18-hole finished product.

Based on 1938 aerial photos, it is remarkable how little the course has changed over time. ‘Golden Age’ golf course designers like Ross used only rudimentary machines in shaping the landscapes as compared to what modern architects have at their disposal these days. Consequently, the most serious earthmoving was concentrated around the green complexes, although the current tee boxes at Fountain Head show definite character construction with runway tees combining with a variety of other squared-off teeing areas.

In terms of celebrity, President Eisenhower likely snuck away from Camp David on at least one occasion to peg the ground for an array of tee shots at nearby Fountain Head while other famous people like Babe Zaharias and ‘The Slammer’ Snead were are also known to have putted their way across the layout’s small-but-fun green textures during rounds there.

Another one of many nice Fountain Head stories found in the history book include Fred Funk, who blew away the 1987 Maryland Open field with a closing round of 67 while toting his own bag and not carrying any woods. He birdied holes Nos. 7, 9, 11,12, 13, 14, and 17 on his way back to the clubhouse that career-changing day. Famous longtime Columbia Country Club head pro Bill Strausbaugh also cut his teeth in the business at Fountain Head, perhaps developing many of his legendary people-person skills there while serving as a young golf pro.

The Fountain Head Country Club of today, in essence, enjoys a 21st century clubhouse that fits well into the course’s 20th century roots. It’s been said that the overall venue is a place that makes you feel immediately right at home. So, if the members and its leadership can continue to stave off the urge to blink, this wonderful Hagerstown private club tradition looks to continue for many more successful years ahead.

— By Bill Kamenjar

The 18th hole, clubhouse, and swimming pool in the club’s early years.

The Chamber Welcomes New Board Chair

AT THE CHAMBER OF WASHINGTON COUNTY’S 105TH ANNUAL MEETING outgoing board chair Dwight Clark of Jamison Door Company shared his pride for the chamber and his appreciation that he had the opportunity to lead the organization for the past year. He passed the gavel to the 2025 board chair Mary Ellen Waltemire of One Step Closer Coaching. Waltemire said she appreciates the opportunity to serve the chamber, and encouraged members to do three things in the coming year: engage, be curious, and inspire.

Nearly 200 guests showed up for the dinner and the networking opportunity. Dinner was followed by a presentation about the chamber’s initiatives and current membership statistics for this past fiscal year, plus a recap of the recent successes and ongoing projects in Washington County.

Chamber officials also unveiled the new logo created by HighRock. The new branding symbolizes the chamber’s foundation of stability and unity. The distinct 90-degree angle in the logo reflects the strength of the chamber’s structure, while the arrow points toward the organization’s name to represent direction, leadership, and a vision that guides businesses toward success. The blue color evokes trust, dependability, and professionalism, while the vibrant orange communicates energy, optimism, and forward-thinking momentum.

Together, the design elements inspire confidence, encouraging businesses to look ahead and pursue growth with the chamber of Washington County as their steadfast guide.

Start Small, but Dream Big at the HCC Business Incubator

HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S BUSINESS INCUBATOR, THE DAVID W. Fletcher Incubator + Labs, is a place for entrepreneurs, small business owners, independent contractors, researchers, catering chefs, and companies moving into Maryland.

Its mission is to inspire entrepreneurship and enhance small businesses as the owners learn, leverage, and launch into Washington County. The incubator offers private office suites, wet labs, virtual offices, dedicated desks, and hourly access to a commercial kitchen. Spaces can be combined, and the amenities are vast.

Many businesses have used it as a gateway to innovation and entrepreneurship at the comprehensive ecosystem empowers startups, small businesses, and aspiring entrepreneurs with state-of-the-art facilities, expert mentorship, and collaborative networking opportunities. It can also provide access to funding and resources to turn visionary ideas into reality.

The Mama’s Biscuits Culinary Incubator offers aspiring chefs and food entrepreneurs use of a commercial kitchen, on-site mentorship, business development, and other support to catering chefs, mobile food truck owners, and entrepreneurs producing food and beverage packaged goods.

The culinary incubator is dedicated to fostering culinary innovation and entrepreneurship in the Hagerstown area. Its mission is to provide exceptional support, resources, and services to help culinary dreams flourish. The commercial kitchen space is available at competitive rates, providing the professional environment food and beverage start-ups need without straining budgets.

Kirk NationaLease Co. Coming to Hagerstown

KIRK NATIONALEASE CO. IS OPENING A LOCATION on Shifler Lane in Hagerstown. The company specializes in fleet maintenance and full-service lease. Kirk NationaLease Co. operates 24 locations in 11 states, and with access to more than 900 affiliate NationaLease member locations, they have the resources to cover their partners nationwide. Kirk NationaLease Co. puts an emphasis on a consultative approach, proactive communication, quality of service, and quick turnaround times. Offerings range from shop repair, mobile/ on-site, emergency roadside, full-service equipment leasing, yard truck lease/rental, and contract maintenance programs.

“Hagerstown is a critical location in our strategic growth plan and is positioned in a main transportation artery,” says company president Mitch Rank. “As part of our due diligence, we were pleased to find local government supporting private industry, a hard-working labor market, and an opportunity for our organization to bring added value to this market.”

Incoming board chair Mary Ellen Waltemire (left) accepts the gavel from Dwight Clark, outgoing board chair. Credit: Mark Youngblood

Waterfront Wow

Getting Awash in Nautical Charm In Historic, Scenic St. Michaels

By Guy Fletcher

IT SEEMS LIKE MOST JOURNEYS ACROSS THE CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE end on a warm ocean beach, but the Eastern Shore is much more than a pass-through to sand and sunscreen, boasting many destinationworthy locales noted for their shopping, dining, and history.

Tucked into a corner of Talbot County along the scenic Miles River, St. Michaels is a picturesque maritime community perhaps best known for its appearance in the 2005 comedy Wedding Crashers. But Hollywood didn’t come close to capturing the full charm of St. Michaels, which can be seen in its many boutiques, historic homes, and restaurants.

“It’s a gem of a town,” brags Jamie Lyon, founder and president of LYON RUM. Located in something of a craft beverage district of town that also includes a winery and brewery, Lyon’s distillery occupies a historic factory that once housed a flour mill. The building hovers four stories above visitors who arrive in town by car on South Talbot Street.

Of course, St. Michaels is a maritime town and many tourists arrive here by boat, tying up at one of the many docks and marinas in town or just dropping anchor and hitching a ride to shore on the water taxi. Members of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum can dock for free.

Just a short walk from the heart of St. Michaels, the museum explores and preserves the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region on its sprawling 18-acre campus through traditional exhibits and artifacts enhanced by unique features like a working shipyard and a fleet of historic vessels.

The small town of Clear Spring, west of Hagerstown, has a long and interesting history.

Photo courtesy Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Photos courtesy Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism

Last fall, a new Welcome Center opened to greet the 100,000 guests who visit the 59-year-old museum every year.

“Our new Welcome Center is a truly transformational addition to our campus,” says Eric Detweiler, communications specialist for the museum. “We are proud of the storytelling within the new exhibitions that provides a wonderful orientation for our guests to begin their visit, and we believe the building’s amenities, including the new Museum Store, take the guest experience to the next level. We are thrilled to share it with everyone who visits us in St. Michaels.”

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum also hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Antique & Classic Boat Festival this month in June, the Waterman’s Appreciation Day will take place in August and OysterFest will be held in October.

“Our annual festivals celebrating the best of the Chesapeake Bay offer something for everyone, from boating to seafood to the arts,” Detweiler says. “These are mission-driven events that share what makes our region so special with fun for the whole family, so they make for a great time to check out all that we have to offer.”

Another event this month is the St. Michaels Brewfest (stmichaelsbrewfest.com), which will celebrate its 10th year on June 8 by bringing regional and national craft brews to town.

Of course, there is so much more to do in town, including a wide variety of dining, ranging from crab shacks to gourmet restaurants, nonstop water activities, and even more history at the St. Michaels Museum (www.stmichaelsmuseum.org). For those extending their visit beyond one day, lodging options in St. Michaels include mansion-like rentals, historic inns, marina-front rooms, and a worldrenowned resort at The Inn at Perry Cabin.

For more information about visiting St. Michaels, go to www.stmichaelsmd.org, tourtalbot.org or cbmm.org

Photo courtesy Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

| TIME TRAVELER

Time Traveler Mike Marotte III wishes

Happy Holidays from the Past

THE END OF THE CALENDAR YEAR IS DRAWING NEAR, AND WE KNOW THAT MEANS THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS UPON US. HISTORICALLY, Thanksgiving and Christmas are a time to be thankful, rejoice with our families, and help those less fortunate. Our families will gather to celebrate. We’ll give gifts to one another and enjoy the tasty feasts that go with our traditions.

My wish for our readers and everyone will take the time to spread the joy of the season and be mindful of those less fortunate; that we share our time, talents, food, extra clothing, and gifts. The smallest of things mean a lot, and your time given to the less fortunate is priceless. With that, our images this time are of holiday cards from more than a century ago.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, we need to remember that this day began as a day of giving thanks for all the

This is an embossed Thanksgiving postcard from the early 1900s that was sent from one family member to another wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving.

This colorful Santa Claus postcard from the early 1900s shows that Santa Claus is on his way with Christmas presents for some lucky children while they sleep.

Christmas is an annual holiday celebrated by billions of people around the world. We share our gifts with the less fortunate in our community. The Time Traveler hopes you have a happy holiday season.

blessings and the great harvest of food.

WCMFA Visitors Pick People’s Choice Winner

A PAINTING THAT CAPTURES THE HORRORS OF A FIRE WON THE People’s Choice Award for the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts’ “Cumberland Valley Artists” Exhibition. Museum visitors named Lesa Cook of Burkittsville the winner for her oil painting “House on Fire.” Cumberland Valley Artists Exhibition was on display June 15 through August 25.

Cook’s piece was among 65 pieces of art by 62 artists in this year’s juried exhibition. An annual tradition since the 1930s, the “Cumberland Valley Artists” exhibition showcases, celebrates, and supports artists of the Cumberland Valley region. This year’s exhibition juror was Lise DubéScherr, dean of continuing and professional studios at Delaware College of Art and Design.

The painting shows a person in the foreground watching a house burn. Fortunately, Cook said, her painting is not based on an actual event but is part of a current series she is working on that explores fire.

“I’m interested in the intersection of man and nature and particularly the mesmerizing beauty and destructive power of fire,” she said. “Beyond that, I hope the narrative retains some ambiguity since I like the viewer to go away with their own interpretation.”

With a 36-inch-by-48-inch canvas, Cook said she made a conscious decision to paint it on a large canvas.

“I had done a series of small studies for this series, and while they were well received, I knew the subject matter demanded a large scale,” she said.

This is the first time she has won People’s Choice, but she won the individual Valley Art Association Award in 2016 and 2018.

“I am honored that the piece spoke to so many people,” she said. “Painting is solitary work, so when you see that something connects with other people, it is really gratifying.”

Cook said she doesn’t want viewers to have a “specific reaction or emotion” when seeing her painting.

“I prefer to allow the viewer to come to the painting with their own set of experiences and interpret it through their personal lens,” she said. “That is way more interesting for me, and more of a conversation.”

It’s because of the exhibition’s reputation that she continues to enter often.

“The exhibition is well-respected, and I usually try to enter work,” she said. “I enjoy seeing the variety and high caliber of work that gets juried in.”

As for the $100 cash prize, Cook said she already has plans: art supplies.

“I appreciate the museum and all it does to promote local art. I appreciate the friendly staff, and I love having access to the Singer collection,” she said. “The fact that I can drive a short distance and be in the presence of such amazing work is one of the reasons I love living where I do.”

Guidelines to submit to the 2025 Cumberland Valley Artists Exhibition will be announced in the fall.

Grace House Opens to Help Troubled Men

WASHINGTON COUNTY RESIDENTS JOYCE BROWN AND HANNAH KLINE wanted to give back to their community and opened the Grace House, low intensity treatment home for adult males diagnosed with substance use disorder. Their mission is to help those struggling with addiction to live healthy, productive, self-sufficient lives with purpose.

Grace House offers a comprehensive system of care, including counseling, life skills training, self-help groups, referral to peer counseling, religious and spiritual wellness, drug testing, recovery skills, relapse prevention, emotional coping skills, social enterprise opportunities for work experience, and promotion of physical health with gym memberships as an incentive. Referral services include educational programs, employment assistance, financial assistance, medical/dental coordination of care, and reintegration into the community.

Hagerstown Rescue Opens New Station

THE NEW COMMUNITY RESCUE SERVICE STATION 759 IS NOW OPEN.

The new state-of-the-art facility is located in Maugansville, at 13725 Oliver Drive. Community Rescue Service is a non-profit EMS organization dedicated to serving Washington County. The team, which operates daily, is committed to delivering professional, timely, and high-quality emergency medical and fire ground services. Based in Hagerstown, CRS enhances community safety and well-being by providing urgent medical care and support for fire-related incidents.

CRS upholds a commitment to excellence, ensuring that residents receive exceptional care in critical situations.

Fahrney Keedy Breaks Ground on Independent Living Expansion: FAHRNEY KEEDY SENIOR Living Community broke ground at its Mapleville Road location in Boonsboro. This marks the beginning of a new partnership with Paul Crampton Contractors. When construction begins this fall, they will usher in the expansion of Fahrney Keedy’s independent living community together, starting with the construction of a top-of-the-line model home.

The model home will feature two bedrooms, two baths, a den, a two-car garage, and sunroom and more than 1,600 square feet of interior space. This single-family cottage will offer luxurious upgrades like a fireplace, granite countertops, and an open floor plan. This project, designed by Noelker & Hull Associates, reflects the next wave of independent living cottages on Fahrney Keedy’s expansive 147-acre campus. The model home is expected to be completed by next spring.

“Independent living is becoming an increasingly important option for the future of senior care,” says Fahrney Keedy president and CEO Stephen Coetzee. “It serves our aging population at a point in their lives when they’re able to still be autonomous and embrace an active lifestyle yet plan for their future by being part of a continuum of care. If and when advanced care is needed by the resident, our facility is within close reach.”

Fahrney Keedy resident Sylvia Frank’s contribution will cover the construction costs. Her hope is that this model home will drive pre-sales for the overall expansion, which will eventually include 36 individual units pending final approval from the Maryland Department of Aging.

Paul Crampton Jr. of Paul Crampton Contractors shared his enthusiasm for the project: “We’re looking forward to being part of your community and constructing this model. I think it’s going to bring a lot of people down here who’ll truly appreciate this way of life.”

A

Day

in the Big Apple:

CRUISE PLANNERS AND the Washington County Chamber of Commerce are offering a one-day winter bus trip to New York City. The day is yours to spend as you like. The bus ride relieves the stress of getting to the city and means no worrying about driving in the city and no expense for parking. The cost is $125 per person. The bus leaves Hagerstown at 6 a.m. and leaves New York at 10 p.m. That’s plenty of time to enjoy many of the city’s sights, restaurants, and shows.

CALENDAR

november to december

NOVEMBER

2

FALL BACK–CIDER, SPIRITS & WINEFEST/ BRUNCH FEST

Washington County Agricultural Education Center, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro

2nd

NOVEMBER

6

STATE BALLET THEATRE OF UKRAINE PRESENTS SWAN LAKE

Two events in one. More than 130 varieties of regional libations represented by more than 25 wineries, cideries, distilleries, and breweries. All alcohol samples are included with admission in your festival tasting glass. Take part in numerous games and contests, browse and shop from dozens of vendors, and chow down on some scrumptious food from the best local food vendors. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes and jam with Staff Infection and The Reagan Years. 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. 301-259-1991 or www.ifg-events.com/fallback.

DECEMBER

21

Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown Swan Lake, the epitome of ballet, is a night of pure enchantment. Classical Arts Entertainment presents the mesmerizing spectacle that will leave visitors breathless. Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting Dance of the Little Swans and entranced by Odiles flawless execution of 32 fouettés. Let yourself be transported to another realm by Tchaikovsky’s celestial melodies. Immerse yourself in a world of unparalleled beauty with meticulously crafted, hand-painted sets. This exhilarating performance starts at 7:30 p.m. and runs for 2.5 hours with a 20-minute intermission. 301-790-3500 or www.mdtheatre.org.

HOLIDAY PUP & PICKLE FEST

Washington County Agricultural Education Center, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro

Designed to be a fun holiday shopping and sampling event with a pickle theme, visitors can shop from the dozens of local vendors with awesome gifts that include pickle-focused varieties, insane pickle-inspired food offerings, and pickle-infused adult beverages, to the straight up pickle vendors. Find the perfect gifts for pickle-loving friends and family.

NOVEMBER 8

ROCK THIS TOWN TRIOROCKABILLY RIOT

Live at Hub City Vinyl, 28 E. Baltimore St, Hagerstown

Rock This Town brings an energetic, modern twist to the toe-tappin’, timeless Rockabilly songs you know and love. 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. www.liveathubcityvinyl.com.

NOVEMBER 8

CULTURE & COCKTAILS: HALFWAY AFRICAN AMERICAN CEMETERY

Miller House Museum, 135 W. Washington St., Hagerstown Washington County has a rich African American history, with much of it just now being shared with the public. Join Dr. Emilie Amt, PhD. and Elizabeth Paul of Friends of Halfway Maryland African American Cemetery as they share updates regarding recent improvements and restorations at the cemetery. This month’s drink is the Gibson Cocktail from the Ideal Bartender by Tom Bullock. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 301-797-8782or www. washcohistory.org.

NOVEMBER 16

THAT MOTOWN BAND: A NIGHT OF MOTOWN

Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown

Do you love songs like “Heat Wave,” “Ain’t too Proud To Beg,” “Baby Love,” “My Girl,” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough?” Do you love artists like Smokey Robinson, The Tempta-

16th

8th

tions, The Supremes, and The Four Tops? Then you are going to love this group of talented vocalists and musicians. That Motown Band has been entertaining Motown fans for years. 7:30 p.m. 301-790-3500 or www.mdtheatre.org.

NOVEMBER 23-24

KRIS KRINGLE CRAFT SHOW

Hagerstown Community College ARCC, 20175 Scholar Dr., Hagerstown

This holiday craft show features more than 200 vendors offering fabulous holiday decor, primitive items, country decor, unique holiday crafts, jewelry, baskets, floral, pottery, quilts, dolls, gourmet foods, candles, gifts, and more. Attendees also will have the chance to win door prizes. Free parking and free golf cart shuttle for customers from the parking area to the show entrance. Free entertainment. Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.kriskringleholidaycraftshow.com.

DECEMBER 6-8

WILLIAMSPORT CHRISTKINDLMARKT

17051 Virginia Ave., Williamsport

This annual three-day small, outdoor German Christmas Market is sponsored by Kelly Moore Sheds. 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. 240-513-6996 or www.kellymooresheds.com.

DECEMBER 6

COCOA CRAWL

100 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, Pa.

Cocoa Crawl celebrates everything that makes shopping local special. Stroll from one shop to the next tasting unique cocoa recipes and submit your votes for the highly contested “Best Cocoa” Award. Listen for the sound of carolers and watch for Santa. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. www.discoverchambersburg.com.

DECEMBER 13

CULTURE

& COCKTAILS:

ADAM HILDEBRAND STOCKS HIS STORE

Miller House Museum, 135 W. Washington St., Hagerstown

Join Jefferson Boyer of the Smithsburg Historical Society and learn how a Smithsburg storekeeper’s advertising poster from 1856 leads to understanding how general stores were community “hubs” in the pre-Civil War era. This month’s cocktail is the Hot Apple Toddy, the perfect drink to keep you warm during the holiday season. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 301-797-8782. www. washcohistory.org.

DECEMBER 14

HOLIDAY SIP & STROLL

Downtown Waynesboro, 13 W. Main St., Waynesboro, Pa. Sample the spirits while you stroll the wide sidewalks of downtown Waynesboro. More than a dozen local and regional producers will be handing out samples that are sure to put a twinkle in your eye. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 717-762-0397 or www.mainstreetwaynesboro.org/brewmaster-beer-festival.

12th

DECEMBER

14-15

WESTERN MARYLAND CITY BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER

Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown

The Western Maryland City Ballet Company and The City Ballet School present a stunning classic. Experience the magic of ballet this holiday season as you join Clara on her enchanted journey to the land of sweets. Set to Tchaikovsky’s stunning score, this magical ballet is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with your family. This holiday classic features a full cast of 100 dancers, brilliant theatrical magic and elaborate costume and set designs to delight an audience of all ages. Saturday 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 3 p.m. 301-790-3500 or www.mdtheatre.org.

DECEMBER

21-22

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS 2024

Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown

Join us in celebrating the holiday spirit at “Home for the Holidays,” held at the historic Maryland Theatre. Immerse yourself in the magic of the season with these festive performances featuring a delightful blend of beloved traditional and popular music, capturing the true essence of the holidays. Saturday 7 p.m.; Sunday 3 p.m. 301-7903500 or www.mdtheatre.org.

DECEMBER 31

KRUMPE’S DONUT DROP

City Square, 10 Public Square, Hagerstown Don’t miss the fun outside on the square with free AC&T coffee and hot chocolate and, of course, free Krumpe’s donuts to the first 5,000 people. Thanks to Middletown Valley Bank for sponsoring this year’s fireworks and sending the year out with a bang. We hope you’ll make the Krumpe’s Donut Drop the first stop for your New Year’s Eve plans. Be sure to stop by downtown restaurants and shops that will be having specials in honor of the big event. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 301-791-1221 or www.krumpesdonuts.com

90’S NEW YEAR’S EVE

Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theatre, 44 North Potomac St., Rear, Hagerstown

Ring in 2025 at The Playhouse. This event features a 1990s Musical Revue, DJ, dance floor, salad, dinner, dessert, midnight champagne toast, and continental breakfast. A full cash bar is available. 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. 301-739-7469 or www.washingtoncountyplayhouse.com.

Cigarettes, Coffee, and Christmas

By Laura Forrest Hopfauf

GMaybe there is some magic in those holiday lights.

rowing up, my insular family, just my parents and I, didn’t have any standing traditions. We didn’t serve a special breakfast. We didn’t always hang lights. Some years we didn’t have a tree. What I most remember happening every Christmas is my dad having to pause the present opening so he could step outside to have a smoke and drink a cup of reheated black coffee. Like one hour without either of these things was pure torture and that moment of solitude alone on the porch in the cold was the real gift of the season.

I didn’t really get the magic of Christmas with decorations and lights and Santa until my oldest daughter lit up like a bulb when we walked into a department store with so many decorations it twinkled like the midnight sky. On first sight, she picked out the most obnoxious tree topper I have ever seen. A North Pole sign that

reads Santa Stop Here with lights that come out in every direction and spin a rainbow of colors across our ceiling and walls. We keep our tree in our dining room and both her and her little sister demand me to turn it on during every meal. Wonder in their eyes.

Sometimes I catch myself watching it after they go to sleep thinking I get it now. There’s some kind of magic in those lights.

Even before my tree topper induced revelation, my husband, who grew up with traditions unrelated to his father smoking cigarettes in solitude on his porch on Christmas morning, had been trying to teach me the beauty of the season. Last year, he finally talked me into watching Home Alone. I learned a couple things. One being that he didn’t make up you’re what the French call les incompetents. The other being that all these little things we do matter to build something special that only comes once a year.

We’ve been trying to build traditions with our daughters. We go to the City Park and walk around and look at the lights. We watch Mickey Mouse’s version of The Christmas Carol. We make cookies with icing that look nothing like stockings or candy canes but taste just fine. We do Elf on a Shelf, which I forget to move a lot, and we creatively named Elfie. We leave a plate out for Santa and read The Night Before Christmas.

All of our traditions have not been hits. Taking a picture with Santa is pretty much like getting teeth pulled without pain medication. After the first try, when we couldn’t even get close enough to Santa to take a picture in the same frame as him, my husband’s work put on a Christmas party and needed a Santa. He volunteered and we made up a whole story about how Elfie had come in the night and said Santa couldn’t make it and asked daddy to help. That didn’t work like we thought it would.

My youngest daughter burst into tears that didn’t even stop when he pulled the beard down and said it’s just Daddy. My oldest daughter wouldn’t touch him. So, we’ve got a picture of me sitting on Santa’s lap with both of our girls sitting on my lap looking like they are on the ferry to Alcatraz. I put it on the mantle so everyone can see it and understand how much we love Christmas.

We’ve also got this thing with orange cinnamon rolls, bad ones. We’ve been trying to find a recipe that we like for five years. And for five years I wished that we would have just bought the tube that you pop by smacking it on the counter and called it a day. Ours take longer to make, require way more dishes, and don’t taste half as good. We’re going to try again this year anyway. I already have a recipe. It’s important that we make these terrible orange cinnamon rolls from scratch. It’s tradition that we hate Christmas breakfast and wish Walmart was open every hour of every day like it was in the ‘90s. Someday if our kids think back to our family Christmases and remember terrible homemade cinnamon rolls and being terrified of Santa, even if he’s their dad, I’ll know we built a tradition. A good one. Because the truth is, I don’t remember what our trees looked like as a kid or how many presents I got or the lights we hung or didn’t. I remember my dad smoking cigarettes and drinking black coffee, and that tradition, as small and strange and perhaps typical as it was, brings me joy and love every season.

Taking Up the Fight

A Tri-State businessman has turned his success into good fortune for others

By Laura Forrest Hopfauf

Shane Azar-Myers opened UV Bronze Tanning in Waynesboro in 2012 to provide the area with affordable tanning. Before stepping out on his own, he had worked in the business for several years, learning the intricacies of operating a salon. So, he knew what it would take to be successful.

Since then, he’s continued to expand UV Bronze Tanning throughout the Tri-State by opening salons in Greencastle in 2013, Hagerstown in 2017, and Shippensburg in 2023. Beyond offering traditional tanning services, Azar-Myers’ salons offer seven levels of UV tanning, leg tanners, red light therapy, customized sunless spray tanning, professional teeth whitening, and the newest addition to the tanning world, the Velocity Bed, which provides a powerful ultra-high pressure experience that gives long-lasting color for both fairer-skinned and dark-skinned customers.

But Shane’s contributions to providing affordable and safe places to tan have hardly been his only contribution to the community.

Charity is at the heart of all he does.

“I started doing charities in 2013 when my nephew Cameron Myers was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma at the age of two. He unfortunately passed at the age of three on February 2, 2014. Since then, we have held numerous charity and fundraising events to help families in need and cancer fighters,” Azar-Myers says.

In the decade since his nephew’s diagnosis, Shane has turned a tragedy into an inspiring story of goodwill by working tirelessly to provide help, support, and kindness to his communities by sponsoring charity and fundraising events to fund aid for wide array of people, services, and needs.

“They are all super important to me, big or small,” Azar-Myers says of his charity work.

Constantly looking for ways to give back, if he hears of a need in the community, he tries to find a way to fill it.

“If I see a family in need on Facebook or hear one of our customers is in need of help, I reach out to the family and see what we can do to help. I like to always respect the family and let them decide,” he adds.

But Azar-Myers’ goodwill hardly stops here.

When he adopted his rescue cat, Asher, from Antietam Humane Society in Waynesboro, he fell in love. And that love extended to wanting to help other animals find their forever homes. To help provide for their needs in the meantime, UV Bronze Tanning runs an annual pet supply drive accepting dog and cat food, litter, toys, crates, carriers, food dishes, blankets, and cleaning supplies at any of their locations during the Christmas season. “Asher’s Happy Pawliday’s Pet Supply Drive” named lovingly after Azar-Myer’s rescue cat has become an annual event.

Life influencing Azar-Myer’s giving seems to be a common theme in the ways he finds to give back. In 2012, Shane did his first competitor spray tan for a close friend who was in a bodybuilding and physique show. When other competitors saw his tan, they loved the color and results and asked Shane to do their sunless tans for their next competitions. From there, bodybuilding and physique competitions became part of his life.

“I am a director of an elite team of National

Physique Committee male competitors called “Team UV Fit” that is sponsored through my salons. We offer personalized coaching and tanning to get athletes stage ready as well as provide them with all access tanning services–all 100 percent free–this is one way to help them save money while achieving their dream,” Azar-Myers says.

Today, Azar-Myers sponsors 36 male and three female competitors. Several have won first place in multiple shows and received their pro-cards allowing them to compete in iconic International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation events like the Arnold Classic.

Azar-Myers adds, “I’m honored to be able to be part of such a great organization and be part of the fitness world. The dedication these competitors put in daily is truly remarkable.”

What is also remarkable is the variety of ways that Azar-Myers finds to help those around him. Instead of limiting his charities to one specific need, he has opened his arms and embraced as much as he can. Azar-Myers may have opened a successful tanning business, which has continued to expand throughout the area, but more than that, he has opened a place that embraces life, the challenges it throws our way, and finds a way to lend a hand.

“I think it’s important to remember that the world is one big family, and we need to help each other. No one should ever have to fight alone,” he says.

With Azar-Myers, it doesn’t look like anyone will have to.

Everyone Believed

As the holiday season approaches, Hagerstown pays tribute to Santa Bud as a new era begins

By Lisa Gregory

Floyd Kline, who was Santa Bud for almost 60 years, symbolically passes his toy bag to protege Chris Brezler. Credit: Amy and Mark Cullember

CREDIT: SNIPS AND SNAILS PHOTOGRAPHY

During the early 1990s 2-year-old Katie Delaportas was at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore for a 12-week hospital stay. “I had taken my son to see Santa Bud,” says says Katie’s mom, Kathy Delaportas, who was living in Boonsboro at the time. “And I asked if there was any way possible for him to come see my daughter in the hospital.”

In typical Santa Bud fashion, he was eager to oblige. “After several phone calls clearing it with the hospital and security it was arranged,” says Delaportas.

Santa Bud not only visited with Katie but with every single child in the ward. “Gifts were given,” says Delaportas. “Many photos were taken. He took pictures with all the staff. The front security guard was beaming in his photo. The magic in the ward on that evening was tangible. Everyone believed.”

If you grew up in the Hagerstown area, you grew up with Santa Bud. For 57 years Floyd “Bud” Kline as Santa Bud made appearances at businesses such as his own family business, Kline’s Auto Body, as well as churches, hospitals, and private homes bringing joy to countless children, including generations of children in the same family. Kline himself estimated that more than 500,000 children had sat on his lap and shared their Christmas wishes with him.

Kline’s journey as Santa Bud began in 1966 when he dressed up as the jolly old elf to sell Christmas trees at a gas station he owned. A little boy with special needs came by with his family. The little boy couldn’t speak but clung to Kline saying, “ho, ho.” The moment touched Kline deeply and years later he couldn’t speak about it without tears coming to his eyes.

“He loved being Santa,” says his daughter, Debby Kendrick. “He touched so many lives.”

So naturally in his later years, Kline began to worry who would continue to spread Christmas joy when he no longer could. And last December, days after he had made his last appearance as Santa Bud, Kline did, in fact, pass away at the age of 86. Kline had been suffering with heart and kidney problems, according to Kendrick. The beloved Santa, says Kendrick, had nearly 1,000 people pay their respects after his death.

But Kline, a man of deep faith, didn’t leave this earth without a plan. “He would say to me, ‘I’m getting old,’” says Chris Brezler, a longtime family friend. “He truly worried about people not having a Santa.”

During one such conversation, Brezler, who had grown up in the “same neighborhood as Santa” from the age of 10, reassured him that he would step up when needed. “I told him don’t worry,’” says Brezler. “I’ll take care of it for you.’”

That last Christmas season proved to be especially challenging for Kline. However, Kendrick says he was

hesitant to go to the hospital. She was persistent. “I kept telling him,” says Kendrick, “if you want to play Santa Clause, you’re going to have to listen to me and go to the hospital.” He finally agreed.

Kline desperately wanted to keep being Santa Bud, pushing through pain and fatigue to do so. For example, “He had an ulcer on his leg,” says Kendrick. “He was upset because he had to wear sneakers instead of his boots. I told him, ‘Daddy, they’re not going to look at your shoes.’ ”

The boots mattered.

Authenticity was key to Kline. No one knows that better than Brezler. As Santa’s protégé, he was instructed in all things Santa. “You just can’t look like Santa,” he remembers Santa Bud telling him.

“You have to be Santa.” The Santa suit, for example, “Couldn’t be mall Santa red, but a deep red or a maroon,” says Brezler.

The color wasn’t the only thing Kline didn’t like about mall Santas. “He didn’t like the idea of an assembly line of sitting on Santa’s knee, taking a picture and on to the next kid,” says Brezler, who is a supervisor with the City of Hagerstown Water Department in his other life. “He told me, ‘There are kids with special needs who need a bit of time. Or you might be a kid who has lost a parent or lost a brother or sister, and you need some time. They need Santa.’”

Sometimes their parents needed him as well. Brezler witnessed this firsthand.

Brezler recalls that his wife worked with a woman

who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She had a special wish. “Her son would never sit on Santa’s lap, and she always wanted that moment,” says Brezler.

Santa Bud had an idea. “He told me to have her son write Santa a letter,” says Brezler. The boy did just that and the woman gave the letter to Brezler’s wife and Brezler gave it to Santa Bud. During a Santa Bud event after all the children had their photos taken and left, “The kid is all the way on the other side of the room and won’t go anywhere near Santa,” says Brezler.

That’s when Santa Bud reached under his chair and pulled out the letter. “It had these stickers on it that the kid had colored and put on the letter,” Brezler says. Santa Bud said to the boy, “Is this your letter? Come over here and help me read this.”

“Of course, the kid comes over and he’s talking to Santa Bud and standing beside him,” says Brezler. Safe to say, the boy eventually ended up on Santa’s lap. “His mother was in tears watching her son,” says Brezler. “Bud just had that magic.”

Brezler was witness to more lighthearted Santa Bud encounters as well. “We were down at Ocean City sitting on the benches outside,” recalls Brezler. “A kid comes out of a store crying. Maybe he didn’t get the toy he wanted.”

The little boy saw Kline sitting there with Brezler and stopped in his tracks. “Bud motions the little boy to come over to him,” says Brezler. “The kid immediately stops crying.”

The mother accompanied the boy over to where CREDIT: SNIPS AND SNAILS

CREDIT: AMY AND MARK CULLEMBER

Kline was sitting. “I had to take a trip down here because of you,” Kline said to the boy. “I heard you were being naughty.”

According to Brezler, Kline then told the boy,” We’ve got plenty of time to put this in the right direction before Christmas. Do you think you can get it going in the right direction?”

The kid nodded his head yes. “The little boy and mom start walking down the boardwalk and this kid keeps turning around, looking at Bud, to see if he was still there,” says Brezler with a chuckle. “Bud could slip in and out of that persona on a whim.”

Brezler all the while was learning from the master. He remembers visiting Kline in the hospital as he prepared to cover a scheduled event for Santa Bud last December. It would be the first time Brezler would don the Santa suit and step in for Kline. And Kline was leaving nothing to chance.

“They’re getting ready to wheel him down for more tests,” says Brezler. But not before he imparted upon Brezler some last-minute instructions on being Santa. “The nurse said, ‘Mr. Kline we have to go,’” says Brezler. “And he was like, ‘Hold on I got to tell him something. I got to finish this.’ I told the nurse, ‘You’re going to have to let him finish because he’s not going to be happy unless you do.’”

Instructions given, Brezler said goodbye as Kline was wheeled away. “I said, ‘Alright, Pap, I got it,” he says. “We’ll make sure it’s taken care of. I’ll swing by

when I’m done on Saturday.”

That Saturday morning as he readied himself for his appearance as Santa, Brezler got a phone call. It was Kline’s grandson. “He told me Bud was gone,” says Brezler.

Brezler remembers turning to his wife and saying, “What am I going to do now?” To which she responded, “You know what you have to do.”

Brezler put on his Santa suit.

Later at the Wilson Old Country Store in Clear Spring, where he was being Santa, a little girl came in and randomly ran up to him and gave him a big hug. “She didn’t sit on my lap or even speak to me,” he says. “She just gave me a hug and then ran back to her mother. I told her, ‘You have no idea how much Santa needed that hug.’”

With Kline now gone, Brezler has the blessing of the Kline family to continue his legacy, including Kline’s wife Doris, who often was Mrs. Santa Clause. “We tell him, ‘Daddy is smiling down on you,’” says Kendrick.

He certainly has the blessing of the man himself.

There is a photo that Brezler holds dear. “It was the first time I wore the Santa suit, and it was the last time Bud was Santa,” he says. In the photo Santa Bud is handing the toy bag over to Brezler. Passing the torch, if you will.

“I’ll never be able to fill his boots,” says Brezler, “but I can walk in his footsteps.”

Kline as Santa Bud at the Wilson Store in Clear Spring last year. Credit: Snips and Snails Photography.

In the Time of Her Life

Senior Olympian Eloisa Banes takes on new athletic challenges in her 60s

By Lisa Gregory

When Eloisa Banes was in seventh grade and living in Chewsville, her physical education teacher asked her to represent the school in a county track meet. It would be her first official race.

“I guess she saw that I was pretty good,” says Banes. She was excited to compete but says, “I didn’t’ really have proper running shoes and my parents couldn’t afford to buy me any. My parents were hard-working people, and they were just trying to keep a roof over our heads and keep us fed. New running shoes weren’t part of the budget.”

However, a friend offered to loan her a pair. “They were two sizes too big for me,” says Banes, who was one of four children. No matter. She was grateful and determined. “I stuffed tissues in the toes of them to make them fit,” she says.

Banes ended up placing third in that race. “I was so ecstatic,” she says. Banes would go on to be a successful competitor before graduating from Smithsburg High in 1978. With that first race, “I thought to myself, I can do better than this,” adding, “I have been running ever since.”

Today, at 64 years old and retired from the Washington County Public Schools after 30 years as an administrative school secretary, Banes, now a Hagerstown resident, is competing again. And she is delighted to do so.

“Especially after retiring you have so much more time to put into it,” says Banes, who retired in 2020 and currently works part-time at the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars baseball games. “Retirement isn’t the end of your adulthood, it’s the beginning of new adventures.”

In fact, Banes recently went 10 for 10 at the Maryland Senior Olympics, earning medals in all 10 of her events in the women’s 60-64 age group. This included competing in the 50-, 100-, 200-, 400-, and 800-meter runs as well as the running long jump, standing broad jump, and softball, football, and Frisbee throws.

“My two favorites are the 50-meter dash and the running long jump,” she says.

Besides competing in the Maryland Senior Olympics

Banes has run in the JFK 50 mile, the Marine Corps Marathon, the Philadelphia Marathon, and “hundreds of 5Ks 10Ks, five-milers, and half-marathons,” she says. “I typically run 15 to 20 races a year in addition to the Senior Olympics.”

In fact, “I have a room in my basement that I call my ‘Girl Grotto,’” she says. “It’s where I have all my sports and running memorabilia.”

Last year, she even competed in the national Senior Olympics. “The games were held in Pittsburgh, so I took advantage of the close proximity and represented my state and hometown,” she says. “I placed in the top 20 for the running long jump and 50-meter dash.”

This year she qualified again for the national

games, which will be held in Des Moines, Iowa. Banes is still determining if she will make the trip to Iowa. “I’m not a fan of flying,” she says.

Banes runs five miles a day, six days a week, and swims laps three days a week to keep herself in good competitive shape. As she has gotten older, “I find I really enjoy the 5Ks,” she says. “They give me a chance to pace myself but yet save a little bit for the end.”

She is attentive to her body and its needs. “If I feel like I’m starting to overdo it, I’ll take a day off or I’ll back down on the training that I’m doing,” she says. “I listen to my body.”

Banes lost 55 to 60 pounds, “a couple of years ago when I really wanted to get serious,” she says of competing. “I started really watching what I was eating and trying to have a better diet.”

With the support of her husband, Randy, “My goal is to keep going as long as I can,” she says. “As long as I can stay healthy and active and free from injury, I’m going to keep at it. I just enjoy it so much.”

The events themselves are a bonding experience for her and her like-minded competitors. “I have met so many awesome, amazing people and made friends with them,” she says.

Including a 100-year-old British woman named Wally. Wally, says Banes, was determined to keep competing no matter the obstacles. “Her doctor told her she couldn’t run anymore because she had a hip replacement,” says Banes “But she still competed in the throwing events. She was doing the javelin, and the shot put.”

Sadly, Wally passed away recently. But she remains an inspiration for Banes. She and the others.

“When I see athletes in their 80s and 90s and even 100 competing in athletic events I am in awe and hope to be like them when I grow up,” she says with a grin.

Hagerstown resident Eloisa Banes with some of her medals from the Maryland Senior Olympics. Credit: Rick Gregory

Eloisa Banes competes in the long jump and the football throw at the Maryland Senior Olympics.

The Red Hill Theatre Group performing “Fat Unicorn Cake,” a frantic and surreal look at social media.

Living the Theater

By Crystal Schelle

Artistic productions by a group of Boonsboro High School graduates Keeps local theater alive in Washington County

People who have performed in theatrical productions get it. There’s a bonding experience when you work together on and off stage, and it often continues years after the curtain falls on the last performance.

That’s exactly what led a group of Boonsboro High School graduates to form the Red Hill Theatre Group, which is wrapping up its first official season.

Boonsboro High 2011 graduate Cody James, 31, of Sharpsburg, is the artistic director of the group. Boonsboro 2019 graduate Amanda Thomas, 22, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, is the associate artistic director. They, along with Jacob Reese, Sarah Usary, and Kenzal Jones, helped form the group.

“We all did theater, and we all loved it,” James says. “We always talked about starting our theater company, because that’s just who we were.”

After graduation, James worked as technical director for Boonboro High School.

James eventually went to Ireland for his master’s degree, graduating in 2019. Upon returning home, James took a playwriting class.

“Playwriting was something I’ve always been interested in and kind of work on in my little corner,” James says. “But I developed a pretty solid show idea I was happy about. I just contacted some Boonsboro people and asked, ‘Hey do you want to put this show on?’ I just wanted to see it get off the page, and from there we were like, ‘That was really fun.’”

From there, James says the actors who were part of the original show decided they wanted to continue, and Red Hill Theatre Group was officially founded in 2019. The ensemble was able to stage its first production on January 3, 2020, mere months before everything shut down due to the pandemic and unable to proceed with a first season.

Thomas originally thought they would

Red Hill Theatre Group 2025 Season

February 2025: “Mythos of a Lost Nightmare,” by Cody James

A fresh and fantastical exploration of history, environmentalism, and being non-binary in modern Appalachia.

June 2025: “Monster Girls at Sunshine Donuts,” by Dani Herd

A vampire, a werewolf, and a Frankenstein’s monster walk into a doughnut shop…A look at the stresses of growing into new lives, outgrowing the past and learning all the while. Doughnuts abound.

August 2025: “A Calvalcade of Cryptids,” a new anthology play by Red Hill Theatre Group

A series of stories about family, love, life, and Cryptids. Monsters of the Middle Appalachian region are explored through the lens of a broader story told by a suspicious narrator. www.redhilltheatregroup.org

major in computer science in college, but quickly realized college wasn’t something to pursue and they wanted to be part of theater again. Today, Thomas, who has a background in dancing, has been a working actor for eight years in addition to the duties at Red Hill.

The name Red Hill, James says, comes from an area near Keedysville, and the group’s logo represents the geography of the area.

“We wanted something that looked local and referenced local geography but still felt ubiquitous, you know, it was a local thing. But it still could sound like it didn’t mean anything,” James says.

Thomas says the area is more or less the middle point from where most of the core people grew up. James agrees, saying Red Hill is a recognizable landmark and they had “all sorts of memories around that part of the county.”

As for being a “group” instead of a theater company, James says, “We want to make clear that we have what’s known as an ensemble structure. We wanted to be clear that this is a group of people making theater, not a company that is directing what theater is made and what art is made. We’re a group of people who are coming together to create what we want.”

The group previously staged its work at the nearby Black Box Arts Theater in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. When the theater changed ownership, James says the group decided to find somewhere Maryland-based, as that is the group’s mission in general. “It’s our home. It’s where we all grew up. It’s where we want to make theater.”

Now, the group stages its productions at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre in downtown Frederick, where James and Thomas are full-time company members. James is also the technical director. The next show scheduled for February will be staged at New Spire Arts, also in downtown Frederick and run by the Weinberg Center for the Arts.

Thomas says Red Hill aims to stage four productions each season. “We just wrapped up our first season,” James says. “We’re very lucky to be in a place right now where we’re able to have a week or two or even a month between shows as a little bit of an ‘OK, let’s get our heads back on and let’s go at the next one with a fresh start,’ instead of jumping from show to show to show to show.”

As for the show selection, Thomas says Red Hill tries to stage at least one

The Red Hill Theatre Group presented Diana Son’s modern queer classic “Stop Kiss.”

original production each season. “We try to aim for an original piece from a local playwright, something from New Play Exchange; so smaller shows that are unpublished works.”

In addition to James’ original play, “I Was Made for Less,” which was staged in January 2024, Red Hill is staging Ryan Stevens’ “I Build Giant” in November 2024, making it the second production of the play.

The first production of 2025 will be another original play by James, “Mythos of a Lost Nightmare.” It is a fantastical exploration of history, environmentalism, and being non-binary in moder Appalachia.

All of the Boonsboro drama graduates involved in Red Hill were students of Michael J. Bair, the theater and digital photography teacher.

They both credit Bair for nurturing their love of drama.

“I started theater in high school in that class, purely because I was switching schools, and I didn’t have any friends,” Thomas says. “And my guidance counselor was like, ‘Well, I’ve seen a lot of lifelong friendships come from drama. So why don’t you try drama?’”

Thomas did and found instant friendships that have survived past high school. The background of Bair’s classes made students learn all aspects of theater, not just being actors, which Thomas credits for having such a strong team because of what the students were taught at Boonsboro.

James credits Bair for giving “me the opportunity as a young adult learning the trade of theater, to learn how to be a technical director, but also to learn how to produce theater, as I got so many opportunities to direct, to define, to work in the ways that lead to me having the skill set to be artistic director.”

Bair says James and Thomas were part of the “Golden Era of Drama” at Boonsboro.

“That era was filled with kids like them who loved what we were doing, and as a result, produced amazing and life-changing performances,” says Bair, who has been teaching for 33 years. “I’m proud to say that I am still in contact and maintain such meaningful relationships with so many of them. We were a family then, and we are still family now.”

Bair says he is proud of what his former students have accomplished.

“When you look back at the 33 years of doing this, you often wonder how much of a difference you make,” he says. “There are some simple benchmarks that remind me that just by creating opportunities, we have created life-altering circumstances. We have drama marriages, we have drama lifelong friendships, and we have students who, despite the difficulties of finding a career in professional theater, have done so. We have students in Hollywood, students in professional

lighting and sound, and we have students like the Red Hill Group who just want to keep acting because they cannot imagine life without that.

“While most people think theater is my life or my love, the reality is that every person who has come through the program has become part of what makes life lovely. What better tribute could they offer than continuing to grow something that we planted here? It’s beyond touching.”

As for the future of Red Hill Theatre Group, James says the group wants to be able to expose theater to people from more rural settings who might not be able to attend shows.

Thomas says, “In our early days our big goal was to show people that it doesn’t matter that you don’t live in New York City or East Annapolis or whatever, you can make theater in your hometown.”

Cody James’ play “I was Made for Less” is Red Hill Theatre Group’s look at gender expression.

day tr ipper

Winchester, VA

The heart of the Shenandoah Valley

FOR THE HOLIDAYS OR ANY TIME, OLD TOWN WINCHESTER IS UNIQUE

NESTLED IN THE HEART OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY, OLD TOWN WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA, IS A VIBRANT TAPESTRY OF HISTORY, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT. THIS CHARMING DISTRICT, WITH ITS RICH FLAVOR AND WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE, INVITES VISITORS TO EXPLORE ITS UNIQUE BLEND OF THE PAST AND PRESENT. FROM ITS INDEPENDENT BOUTIQUES AND MUSEUMS TO ITS LIVELY EVENTS, OLD TOWN WINCHESTER OFFERS A DELIGHTFUL EXPERIENCE FOR ALL WHO WANDER ITS HISTORIC STREETS.

Old Town Winchester is a place where history comes alive. The National Register Historic District is a testament to the town’s storied past, featuring beautifully preserved architecture that dates back more than 250 years. Walking through the pedestrian-friendly Loudoun Street Mall, one can’t help but feel transported to a past era. The historic buildings, now home to a variety of independent shops and fabulous eateries, exude a timeless charm that is both inviting and intriguing.

The flavor of Old Town Winchester is not just in its history but also in its culinary offerings. The district boasts an array of dining options that cater to diverse tastes. From the cozy Hideaway Café and Espresso Bar, both known

for their variety of coffee options, to the vibrant Sexi-Mexi Burrito Bar, where global flavors tantalize the taste buds, there is something for everyone.

The local restaurants, many of which offer outdoor seating, provide the perfect setting to savor a meal while soaking in the lively atmosphere. Enjoy a craft beer at local breweries such as Winchester Brew Works, the Broken Window Brewing Company, Vibrissa Brewery, and upstairs coziness of the Alesatian Brewing Company.

Old Town Winchester is a hub of activity, events, and festivals that draw locals and visitors throughout the year. One of the most anticipated events is the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, a celebration of the region’s rich agricultural heritage. This annual event features parades, live music, and transforms the town into a sea of colorful pink and green.

Another highlight is the Fiddles & Fifths Bluegrass and Bourbon Festival, showcasing the best of local music and spirits. The festival brings together talented musicians and bourbon enthusiasts for a day of toe-tapping tunes and flavorful sips. Events like these foster a sense of community, bringing people together to celebrate the unique culture of Old Town Winchester.

A couple enjoys the flurries in front of the Old Town Christmas tree.

The district’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its diverse range of events. From the Juneteenth Celebration, which honors African American culture and history, to the Celtic Fest, which celebrates the town’s Celtic heritage, and the Hispanic community’s Celebracion, Old Town Winchester

embraces and celebrates its multicultural roots.

The community’s pedestrian mall, with its wide walkways and inviting benches, encourages leisurely strolls and impromptu conversations. Local businesses, many of which are independently

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA’S MAGICAL HOLIDAY SEASON

This holiday season, take a short trip to nearby Winchester, Virginia, which offers numerous festive opportunities. Spend a weekend visiting Old Town Winchester to shop and dine, tour historic homes decorated for the season, attend a Nutcracker Tea, and be amazed at the Winter Wonderland light show at Clearbrook Park. Ring in 2025 at Winchester’s New Year’s Eve Celebration, a spectacular laser light show.

OLD TOWN WINCHESTER

Forget the hustle and bustle of the big box stores and stroll the locally owned shops on historic Loudoun Street Pedestrian Mall, decorated with twinkling lights and a 35-foot Christmas tree. Spend the day browsing the shops, boutiques, and galleries for unique gifts. Grab a cup of coffee at one of several cozy coffee shops, or a glass of wine at The Wine Room at Taylor Pavilion. There are plenty of culinary experiences at more than 30 restaurants in Old Town Winchester that offer many ethnic cuisines—Thai, Mexican, Italian, French, American and even sushi.

If you enjoy trying new brews, the Winchester Beer & Cider Trail highlights six breweries and two cideries, many within walking distance.

For a sophisticated holiday experience, attend a special holiday Nutcracker Tea at The Tea Cart. Guests enjoy a festive three-course meal and bottomless pot of tea in the beautifully decorated historic Old Water Street Inn. Special

family-friendly tea times are also available.

WINCHESTER WINTER VILLAGE

From December 6 to 8, the Winchester Winter Village in Old Town will transport visitors to a cozy European holiday market. A village of food and crafts vendors will be selling their wares, and the shops will be decked out for the holidays and offering specials for shoppers. Restaurants and beverage establishments will be creating their own versions of “gluhwein,” a traditional German mulled wine, that can be enjoyed while you wander the mall and shop. Free horse-drawn carriage rides, strolling carolers, and a Santa’s village for children add to the celebration.

HOLIDAY HOUSE TOURS

On December 6 and 7, Abram’s Delight Museum, the oldest home in Winchester (built in 1754) will host its annual Candlelight Tour. Guests tour the home and cabin, walk the museum grounds, and view the beautiful holiday decorations created by local garden clubs. Admission is free.

From December 6 to 30, Belle Grove Plantation’s historic manor house will be decorated for the holidays and open for tours. This year’s theme is “Christmas in the Valley.” Daytime and candlelight tours with live music will be available.

On December 8, Preservation of Historic

First left: Kids and adults enjoy walking through Winchester’s holiday light display. Second left: A family tours the historic Belle Grove Plantation, which was built with limestone quarried on the property.

owned, add to the friendly vibe. Shop owners and restaurateurs greet customers, and personalized service makes each visit a memorable one.

For kids, step into the wonder of the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, featuring hands-on exhibits for children of all ages and the inner child in all of us.

Old Town Winchester’s independent spirit is reflected in its eclectic mix of shops and boutiques such as Scarpa Alta, Nibblins, and Kimberly’s. The district is a haven for those seeking unique, locally made products. From handcrafted jewelry and artisanal home décor to vintage clothing and

Winchester hosts the annual Holiday House Tour, which gives special access to some of Winchester’s most impressive and beautiful historic homes decorated for the season.

WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

From November 29 to January 1 visitors can spend the day in Old Town Winchester or touring decorated homes and museums, take a short drive to stroll the paved trails at Clearbrook Park’s annual light show, Walking in a Winter Wonderland, a stunning show of thousands of twinkling lights reflecting off the lake. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season, with whimsical photo ops and lights synchronized to music. Warm up with some hot chocolate and cookies or pay a visit to Santa and Mrs. Claus.

NEW YEAR’S EVE GLOW PARTY & LASER LIGHT SHOW IN OLD TOWN WINCHESTER

Ring in the New Year at this family-friendly event that begins with children’s activities at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, before moving to Old Town Winchester for even more festivities. A stunning laser light show and glow dance party with DJs and street performers along the Loudoun Street Mall ends with the grand finale countdown and “Apple Drop” over the crowd of revelers at midnight.

VisitWinchesterVA.com

rare books, the shops in Old Town Winchester offer a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind finds. This emphasis on local craftsmanship and entrepreneurship not only supports the local economy but also adds to the district’s distinctive character.

The independent spirit extends to the local art scene as well. The district is home to several galleries such as the Eugene B. Smith Gallery, and studios where local artists showcase their work. Visitors can also enjoy the ArtScape banners hanging on many light poles downtown—the only outdoor gallery of its kind in the state of Virginia. ShenArts Fest brings together local and regional artists for a weekend of collaboration and community sales.

Old Town Winchester’s event calendar is packed with activities that cater to all ages and interests. From the family-friendly Old Town Winter Village to the Juneteenth Celebration, there is always something happening in this lively district. The annual Chocolate Escape, where visitors can sample delectable chocolate treats from local vendors, is a sweet highlight that draws chocolate lovers from near and far.

In addition to these major events, Old Town Winchester hosts a variety of smaller, community-focused activities. On the first Friday of each month events feature local artists, live music, and special promotions from local businesses. These events create a festive atmosphere and provide an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the unique charm of Old Town Winchester.

Holiday lights light up the pedestrian mall in downtown Winchester, Virginia.

Cacique marketing director

Milton Hernandez offers up the Fajita Trio Deluxe. Beef, chicken, and shrimp seasoned and served over fresh sautéed onion, peppers, and tomatoes.

Platos Diversos

By April Bartel / Photography by Mark Youngblood

Cacique bridges Spanish, Mexican, and Peruvian flavors like a boss

Nestled within the hum of daily office life in Hagerstown, Cacique’s cozy, fine-dining atmosphere offers a refreshing reprieve from the everyday grind. A “hidden gem” to those who aren’t familiar with its address, this vibrant restaurant stands out not only because of its unexpected location–tucked into a business center among medical and professional offices–but also because of its authentic, pan-Hispanic fare.

The menu is a vibrant culinary fusion of indigenous, European, African, and even Asian influences that bridge Spanish and South American cuisines.

Since opening in 2016, Cacique has become a local favorite for residents and visitors who give it good marks for its tasty food in generous portions, reasonable prices, and friendly service. The name “Cacique” is derived from the native

Arawak/Taíno society of the Caribbean, meaning “chief” or “boss,” a fitting moniker for a restaurant that honors its epicurean traditions.

We spoke with partner and site manager Rigoberto Gutierrez, to learn more about the restaurant’s story. He and co-owners Jose Hernandez and Jose Perez have another place on Massey Boulevard, Mexicali Cantina, and the original Cacique in Frederick, which opened in 2004.

It’s clear that the trio has infused decades of experience in the hospitality industry into curating dishes that appeal to a wide range of palates. Gutierrez got his start as a dishwasher, eventually moving up to the salad station. Although he didn’t plan a career as a chef or a restaurant owner, he now finds joy in seeing guests savoring meals, unwinding with friends, or celebrating life’s special moments at Cacique.

Stepping into the restaurant is like being transported from the mundane into the vibrant, colorful heart of Latin America. With warm hues, striking artwork, and soft lighting, the restaurant’s ambiance is refined and welcoming.

Above: Cacique offers two dining rooms, one which flows into the bar and patio and another more private space.

Below: Tres Leches Cake is a moist sponge cake condensed in three sweet milks. Sprinkled in cinnamon.

The restaurant features two dining areas. One flows into the fully stocked bar and patio while the other is more private, ideal for events or group reservations. Despite its elegance, with white linen tablecloths and artfully folded napkins, the vibe is far from pretentious. Like any restaurant worth its salt, the Cacique team knows that the real centerpiece of any dining experience is the food.

“We want to make sure there is something for everyone,” Gutierrez explains.

A WORLD OF CHOICES

For starters, the Ceviche Mixto is a Peruvian classic bursting with citrusy brightness. It is a mélange of fresh tilapia, shrimp, and squid marinated in lime juice and spiced with cilantro, celery, jalapenos, and red onion. Other popular appetizers include the Platanos Maduros, fried ripe plantains served with sour cream for a sweet-starchy-creamy combo, or Camarones Brochette, which are indulgent bites of shrimp wrapped in bacon with Monterey Jack cheese, served with a side of crispy French fries.

Of course, there are crowd pleasers like cheesy nachos, fried calamari, quesadillas, and sauteed mussels. And everyone is treated to a serving of fresh, house-made salsa and tortilla chips.

For heartier fare, the menu showcases a variety of rich and flavorful options. Lomo Saltado, a Peruvian stir-fry featuring 10 ounces of marinated filet mignon, onions, and tomatoes in a savory sauce, blends Chinese and Peruvian culinary traditions, while Mexican staples like tacos, burritos, and saucy enchiladas are served with a range of fillings, including spinach, chicken, shrimp, or beef. Platter combos allow guests to enjoy several favorites on one plate.

Cacique’s fajitas are always in demand. There’s a whole menu section

Cheese dip served with warm tortilla chips.

Paella de Marisco is shrimp, scallops, fish, mussels, calamari, and clams all cooked in a seafood broth and served over a bed of rice. Cacique’s signature red sangria is in the background.

dedicated to the many variations of this Tex-Mex creation, including all the fixings. The Spanish side of the menu features dishes like roast duck with green olives and red wine and the ever-popular classic Paella Valencia.

One of Spain’s most iconic dishes and one of the restaurant’s most requested meals, this timeless preparation is packed with shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops, and chicken with a savory spike of Spanish sausage on a bed of mellow, short-grain saffron rice.

When asked which dish is his personal favorite, Gutierrez pauses, then grins, “It’s all good.”

To complete the meal, Cacique tempts diners with treats like decadent

chocolate mousse, creamy flan, whimsical fried ice cream, or the luscious Pastel de Tres Leches, a cake soaked in three types of milk (whole, evaporated, and sweetened condensed milk). For those skipping dessert, a “skinny” margarita packs a punch with fresh squeezed lime and liquors, sans the sugar. Cacique’s margarita menu offers a variety of flavors, using premium tequilas or fruity options like mango and watermelon, and even a jumbo version for two.

The latest addition to Cacique’s offerings is brunch. This season’s debut menu includes options like pancakes and eggs benedict, perfect for a relaxed weekend morning. As autumn gives way to winter, the restaurant is gearing up

for holiday parties and office luncheons, with the dining room accommodating up to 60 guests. Local delivery is also available for home or office locations.

To make any weekday feel like a celebration, visit Cacique for happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., where you’ll find specials on food and drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal, an after-work drink, or planning your next festive gathering, Cacique is ready to welcome you with open arms—and a full plate.

LOCAL FLAVOR

Time Travel

By April Bartel

Wilson’s Old Country Store is a step back in time with food, home goods, antiques, and charm

Exploring Civil War history on the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg or Antietam is one thing, but stepping into Wilson’s Old Country Store takes time travel to a whole new level.

Established in 1847 by Rufus Hillary Wilson, this charming shop and its surrounding “village” are steeped in history and registered in Maryland’s Historic Trust. Tales abound of Civil War soldiers stopping here for supplies, adding to the store’s allure. Located just east of Clear Spring, near Conococheague Creek, the property includes a large brick manse (a private

Wilson’s Old Country Store dates to 1847 and has been a true general store for more than 175 years.

residence), a general store, a former post office, a converted feed and grain room, a carriage house, a stone church, and a one-room schoolhouse that was used until the 1950s. The adjacent Sweetsies Eats and Treats is a more recent addition to this picturesque setting.

The property remained in the Wilson family until 1993, and it continues to thrive thanks to a chain of dedicated owners who share a passion for preserving this local landmark. Current proprietor, Penny Hose, opened neighboring Sweetsies in 2018, but her connection to Wilson’s runs deep. As a child, she fondly remembers riding her bike to the shop for candy.

“I grew up on Ridge Road, and my dad and his friends would often gather around the potbelly stove at Wilson’s to chat,” Hose recalls. “My dad passed away a couple of years ago, but I have so many fond memories of this beautiful place.”

When the opportunity arose at the end of last year for her to take over Wilson’s, it only took a day to decide. “I thought about my childhood and how important it is to preserve this place so others can experience it,” she says.

Now holding the reins of this nostalgic institution, Hose made a few thoughtful updates. She expanded the store’s offerings with locally crafted goods like hand-knit scarves and hats, loose-leaf teas from Red Dragon Mini Farm in Boonsboro, and a wider array of Amish and Mennonite-made foods, including goodies from Grandma’s Jam House. Upstairs, the second-floor overflows with décor for all seasons, while the grain room is packed with treasures ranging from vintage cast iron cookware to whimsical cookie jars and furniture, even gently used modern

Right: An antique cash register is no longer in use but still on display. Credit: Cullember Photography

items like designer purses and collectibles.

“We have items that people can just stop in and pick up—bread, milk, eggs, and lunch meat,” she says. Wilson’s sell stamps, too, but the only letters the semi-restored on-site post office takes are the ones from children to Santa during November and December.

The country ham and cut-to-order aged cheeses are best sellers, displayed in a timeworn oak cabinet.

Top: Seth Possinger and Nick Cullember tidy up the candy jars that are among the most popular items at Wilson’s Store.

The specialty Cheddars, aged three to 11 years, come from Wisconsin in hefty 20-pound wheels. Fans love the sharp flavor and crunchy bits of crystalized calcium lactate that develop with maturation. For many, the real allure is the candy. Jars upon jars of sweet treats line the length of the store, filled with everything from classics to retro favorites that bring out the kid in all of us.

Hose confirms, “We go through hundreds of pounds of candy each week. And between the cheese and ham, we sell about 100 pounds of those a week.”

Fans will be happy they can still get hand-cooked potato chips or pull a glass bottle of Coca-Cola from an antique, refrigerated chest. There are always samples, too, especially during special events like Wilson’s Christmas

Open House on November 2. This festive day features entertainer Mack Berry performing and a visit from the big man himself, Santa. There are giveaways, sales, and an array of seasonal Christmas candies, like Peach Blossoms. Santa returns for more holiday cheer on December 7 and 14.

For Hose, Wilson’s is more than just a store. It is a piece of living history. While some customers have known the store their entire lives, others travel from far-off states to experience this slice of Americana. Either way, she is happy to help them create new memories.

“I like to talk to the people who come in and to watch the expressions on their faces when they see the old Coke bottles and different things we offer. You don’t find places like this just anywhere. We are keeping traditions alive.”

The second floor of Wilson’s store is filled with collectibles and, at this time of year, holiday amenities.

Left: The old potbelly stove in Wilson’s Store has been the site of many conversations over the decades. Credit: April Bartel

Right: A 1950s-era refrigerator and other antiques at Wilson’s Store.

Tips to Help Manage Your Aging Parents’ Finances

If you have aging parents, you might have come to the realization that they need assistance with managing their nances. is could be due to health issues, cognitive decline, or simply the complexities of modern nancial systems. Taking over the management of your parents’ nances is a signi cant responsibility and can be both emotionally and practically challenging. Here are some tips that will help you approach the task with care, organization, and sensitivity.

• Understand the situation. Before you dive into managing your parents’ nances, start by gathering bank statements, investment records, insurance policies, wills, and any outstanding debts. It’s crucial to understand their income sources, expenses, and nancial obligations. Discuss their goals and expectations, and ensure you have their consent to manage their nances.

• Organize nancial records. Create a binder or digital folder for easy access and keep it updated. Categorize documents into sections such as banking, investments, bills, and legal documents. Consider using nancial management software to help track income, expenses, and investments.

• Develop a budget that re ects your parents’ income and expenses. is budget should cover all their basic needs, including housing, utilities, gro-

ceries, medical expenses, and insurance premiums. Be sure to account for any irregular or unexpected costs, such as home repairs or medical emergencies. Monitor their spending regularly to ensure that the budget is being followed.

• Review their investment portfolio and savings. If your parents are nearing retirement or are already retired, their investment strategy might need to be evaluated or adjusted to preserve their capital and ensure a steady income. Consult with a nancial advisor if you’re unsure about managing investments or need professional advice.

• Consider legal and tax matters. Ensure that their estate planning documents, such as wills and powers of attorney, are up to date. ese documents will guide you in making decisions and managing their assets according to their wishes. Stay on top of tax obligations to avoid penalties or legal issues.

F&M Trust’s Wealth Management team strives to provide practical advice, and we continue to build relationships and solve complex problems for our clients. Give us a call or stop into a nearby location.

Our website also o ers a wealth of information about investing based on where you are in your life’s journey. Learn more about how we have been de ning what it means to be a community bank for more than 115 years at fmtrust.bank West Washington Street O ice

DINING GUIDE

28 SOUTH

28 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, 240.347.4932

Locally sourced contemporary American fare. $–$$$

ALEKOS 2 GO

511 Northern Ave., Hagerstown, 240.313.4976

Freshly prepared and cooked Greek food made daily. $

AMERICAN PIE PIZZERIA

17520 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown, 301.582.6281

Family run business that serves not only pizza but several authentic Italian dishes as well. $$

BENNY’S PUB

49 Eastern Blvd. N., Hagerstown, 301.791.5915

Relaxed venue serving specialty burgers and other pub grub, plus bespoke beers in convivial surrounds. $–$$

BISTRO 11

13208 Fountain Head Plaza, Hagerstown, 301.733.2222

Relaxed and refined cuisine. Full menu of specialties, steaks, and seafood. $$–$$$

BJ’S RESTAURANT & BREWHOUSE

17318 Valley Mall Road, Suite C, Hagerstown, 240.513.4040

Handcrafted beer, Chicago-style pizza with a Southern California twist, and Pizookies. $$-$$$

BLACK ROCK BAR & GRILL

17301 Valley Mall Road, Hagerstown, 240.850.3365

An award-winning steakhouse specializing in Certified Angus Beef steaks served and cooked to perfection by you on a 755-degree volcanic sizzling rock. $$-$$$

BONNIE’S AT THE RED BYRD

19409 Shepherdstown Pike, Keedysville, 301.432.5822

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are covered with a wide selection of sandwiches and entrees. $–$$

THE BROAD AXE

28 W. Franklin St., Hagerstown, 301.733.8454

Daily specials featuring top-notch pub fare and a quickly rotating tap list. $–$$

BROTHER’S PIZZA

75 Eastern Blvd. N., Hagerstown, 240.625.9215

Fresh, fast, and affordable pizza, sandwiches, and Italian classics. $–$$

BULLS & BEARS

38 S. Potomac St., Suite 1, Hagerstown, 301.791.0370

American cuisine in a New York style atmosphere. $$–$$$

CACIQUE

1101 Opal Court, Hagerstown, 301.739.7207

Fresh, creative, and classic Mexican, Spanish, and Latin American cuisine. $$

CAFÉ DEL SOL

1481 Salem Ave., Suite 1, Hagerstown, 301.739.3072

Gourmet pizza, flatbreads, and pasta with a California twist. $$–$$$

CAFÉ ITALIA

935 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown, 240.420.6677

Classic Italian dishes, and they offer one of the biggest pizzas in town. $–$$

CHIC’S SEAFOOD

300 Summit Ave., Hagerstown, 301.739.8220

Daily specials featuring some of the freshest seafood around. $–$$$

COLONIAL SPORTS BAR AND GRILL

14130 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown, 240.203.6206

The best game-day food at the best prices around. $–$$

THE DOG HOUSE CAFÉ

53 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, 240.850.2883

Family-owned and operated restaurant that specializes in dozens of unique hot dog creations, great fries, and more. $

DISTRICT PROVISION & SUPPLY CO.

6 Rochester Place, Hagerstown, 301.791.1717

Open for breakfast and lunch, featuring gourmet sandwiches, salads, and soups. $

DOLCE PIZZA GOURMET

792 Frederick St., Hagerstown, 301.745.6300

Italian flavors complemented by Eastern European dishes. $–$$

EL CASTELLO PIZZERIA & TEX MEX

15616 National Pike, Hagerstown, 301.582.4727

Pizza, salads, lunch specials, and a spicy array of Tex Mex. $–$$

EL RANCHERO MEXICAN

RESTAURANT

1481 Wesel Blvd., Hagerstown, 240.420.2842

1715 Dual Highway, Hagerstown, 301.797.7589

Fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine using the highest-quality ingredients available. $$

FAJITA GRANDE MEXICAN

RESTAURANT

12818 Shank Farm Way, Hagerstown, 240.707.6333

Where the fiesta never ends. $

FOSTER’S ON THE POINT

1437 Salem Ave., Hagerstown, 301.739.7182

Soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and a rotating list of entrées and specials offered in an inviting rustic atmosphere. $$–$$$

FRATELLI PIZZERIA AND GRILL

120 E. Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, 301.393.8733

Italian specialties like pasta, pizza, in addition to Mexican options. $–$$

FREE RANGE CAFÉ

520 Northern Ave., Hagerstown, 240.513.6070

Food that makes you feel good! $-$$

FUJI ASIAN FOOD & SUSHI BAR

11205 John F. Kennedy Drive, Suite 205, Hagerstown, 301.393.9099

Authentic traditional Chinese cuisine options and sushi. $–$$

GREENLEE’S FIRESIDE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

1716 Underpass Way, Hagerstown, 301.733.4800

A full menu of steaks, seafood, and other American specialties. $$–$$$

THE GRILLE AT RUNWAYS

18421 Henson Blvd., Hagerstown, 240.707.6996

Traditional American dining with a quiet and relaxing view of the airstrip. $–$$

HAGERSTOWN FAMILY DINER

431 Dual Highway, Hagerstown, 240.707.6330

Great hidden gem of Hagerstown. $

HOFFMAN’S ALL AMERICAN GRILL

18203 Mason Dixon Road, Hagerstown, 240.707.6600

Casual dining at its finest featuring burgers, steaks, salads, and seafood. $$–$$$

HONG KONG CHINESE RESTAURANT

1075 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown, 301.733.1292

Veteran eatery serving familiar Chinese dishes in an informal setting. $$

HOUSE OF KOBE

757 Dual Highway, Hagerstown, 301.797.6979

Fine dining featuring sushi and hibachi cooking right in front of you. $$–$$$

HUB CITY DINER

190 Railway Ln., Hagerstown, 240.707.6638

Comfort food served hot and fresh in a family friendly atmosphere. $

HUMMUS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

11205 John F. Kennedy Dr., Unit 108A, Hagerstown, 240.513.6020

A blend of authentic Mediterranean recipes with modern flavors. $–$$

J’S DINER

43 Eastern Blvd N, Hagerstown, MD 21740, 301.745.3091

Innovative breakfast destination for those in search of an unpretentious place to begin the day. Everything they offer is made from scratch, so you can feel good about what you’re eating. $$

LEDO PIZZA

1423 Dual Highway, Hagerstown, 301.766.4900

Creative flavor combinations and lots of sandwich and gluten-free options. $–$$

LOS AMIGOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT

29 N. Burhans Blvd, Hagerstown, 240.420.8000

18330 Spark Dr., Hagerstown, 240.707.6250

The finest authentic Mexican food prepared just the way you like it. $

LOTUS MOON CAFÉ

16 Conococheague St., Williamsport, 240.366.1335 Unique sandwich and salad creations to please any taste. $-$$

MANGO GRILL INDIAN & THAI CUISINE

11205 John F. Kennedy Drive, Suite 201, Hagerstown, 240.707.6220 Experience the flavors of India and Thailand with daily lunch buffet deals. $$

MISSION BBQ

17301 Valley Mall Road, Hagerstown, 443.491.8777

Authentic, mouth-watering all-American food that’s done right. $$

NICK’S AIRPORT INN

14548 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown 301.733.8560

More than 50 years of serving quality cuisine from scrumptious seafood to delectable desserts. $$

NIKKO JAPANESE STEAK & SEAFOOD

1580 Wesel Blvd., Suite F, Hagerstown, 301.714.0005

Bento combo box lunches, tons of a la carte sushi options, and hibachi lunch and dinner options. $–$$

PHO VIET

1441 Wesel Blvd, Hagerstown, MD 21740, 301.745.5030

Dine in and carry out Vietnamese cuisine. Small venue but the portions are authentic and large. $

POKÉ & SUSHI

11347 Robinwood Dr. Hagerstown, 301.393.8833

Refreshing Asian alternative. Choose your own ingredients for soups, Poké, rice bowls and sushi. Boba (bubble) tea. $$.

PRETZEL & PIZZA CREATIONS

20 W. Washington St., Hagerstown, 301.733.7795

Calzones, sandwiches, hot dogs, and of course pizza featuring pretzel dough as the star. $–$$

PRIMANTI BROS.

17301 Valley Mall, Hagerstown, 301.228.0933

High-piled sandwiches equipped to quell the heartiest of hungers. $

PURA VIDA COFFEE

14035 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown, 240.707.6540

Costa Rican inspired coffee shop/restaurant featuring craft coffees/teas, onsite baked goods, breakfasts, and lunches. $

RAD PIES

10210 Governor Lane Blvd., Williamsport, 240.366.8634

Unique, wood-fired pizza options for the adventurous. $$

REAL DEAL JAMAICAN RESTAURANT

71 W. Franklin St., Hagerstown, 240.513.6393

A concise menu of classic Jamaican comfort foods & soft drinks amid casual digs. $

RHUBARB HOUSE

12 Public Square, Hagerstown, 301.733.4399

Sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salads, and soups with a unique touch. $–$$

RICE THAI DINING

40 N. Potomac St., Hagerstown, 301.766.9559

A taste of authentic Thailand, without needing a passport $$-$$$

RIK’S CAFE

1065 Maryland Ave., Hagerstown, 301.302.7541

California-inspired contemporary American cuisine featuring sandwiches, hearty soups, small plates, and salads. $$–$$$

ROCKY’S NEW YORK PIZZA

907 S. Potomac St., Suite 1, Hagerstown, 301.791.6810

Great pizza in addition to other classic Italian fare. $–$$

ROCKY’S PIZZA ROBINWOOD

11351 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown, 301.790.3853

Delicious Italian cuisine at an affordable price $-$$

ROOSTER MOON COFFEEHOUSE

Longmeadow Shopping Center, 1551 Potomac Ave., Hagerstown, 301.790.5040

Fine coffee, espresso drinks, organic teas, with a full breakfast and lunch menu. $

SAKURA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

102 Railway Lane, Hagerstown, 301.393.8680

Part Japanese steakhouse, part sushi bar, featuring hibachi dining. $$–$$$

SARDI’S POLLO A LA BRASA

100 Railway Lane, Hagerstown, 240.382.1214

Casual Peruvian chain serving charbroiled chicken, ceviche, and other traditional dishes. $–$$$

SCHMANKERL STUBE

58 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, 301.797.3354

Old World-style Bavarian dining with an emphasis on German traditions. $$$

SCHULA’S GRILL AND CRAB HOUSE

11205 John F. Kennedy Drive, Hagerstown, 301.714.1397

Seafood and sandwiches are served in a casual setting with polished wood tables and a bar. $$–$$$

SILK THAI RESTAURANT AND BAR

1580 Wesel Blvd. K, Hagerstown, 240.267.2142

Spreading good vibes of Thai culture by introducing the wonderful food and scenery of the land of smiles. $$–$$$

SITAR OF INDIA

110 Railway Lane, Hagerstown, 301.733.8223

A contemporary atmosphere that complements their traditional Northern Indian specialties. $-$$

STADIUM TAVERN

401 S. Cannon Ave., Hagerstown, 301.714.0849

Crabs and steam buckets, shrimp, and oysters, and don’t forget the wings. $–$$

TACOS CARLITOS

Food Court, Valley Mall, Hagerstown, 240.452.1888

100% authentic genuine Mexican food – the best in town! Daily specials and delivery available. $

TASTE OF REGGAE

40 E Washington St, Hagerstown, MD 21740, 240.513.1101

Authentic Jamaican restaurant specializing in made-to-order Caribbean and Jamaican food. Packed with flavor and cooked the way it is done in Jamaica. $$

TAQUERIA JALISCO AUTHENTIC MEXICAN GRILL

1037 Maryland Ave., Hagerstown, 301.797.2000

Authentic Mexican cuisine with the experience of being in Mexico. $

THE CRAB 99

116 Railway Lane, Hagerstown, 240.452.1937

Tasty seafood dishes with a wide range of flavors. Make your own seafood combinations. $$

SENIOR LIVING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Every Wednesday CONTEMPORARY RETIREMENT

9:06 a.m. to 10 a.m., WJEJ Radio

Tune in for topical discussions on issues affecting retirees.

Wednesdays, November 6 and December 4

NEW TO MEDICARE WORKSHOP

1 p.m.-3 p.m., 6 p.m.-8 p.m. 535 E. Franklin St., Hagerstown

Hosted by the Washington County Commission on Aging. To register call 301.790.0275.

Tuesdays, November 5 and December 3

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP

4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Somerford Place

Hosted by Somerford Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s Care. For more information, call 301.791.9221.

Tuesdays, November 5, 12, 19 & 26 and December 3, 10, 17 & 31

HEALTH MATTERS RADIO SHOW

9:30 a.m.-10 a.m., WJEJ radio (1240 am)

Tune in for information on health topics that matter. Call 301.739.2323 during broadcast times with your health questions.

Thursdays, November 7 and December 5

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

11:45 a.m.–3 p.m., Western Sizzlin Steakhouse, 17567 York Road, Hagerstown

Parkinson’s Disease patients and caregivers meet to hear a variety of speakers and enjoy lunch and conversation. Call Judy Fiery 301.797.7373 or visit www.hagerstownparkinsonsupport.org.

Mondays, November 11 and December 9

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

2 p.m.-3 p.m., LIFE Lutheran Services, 840 Fifth Ave., Chambersburg, Pa.

Covers a new topic each week. Free; light refreshments served. Call 717.709.2342.

CHARLES | FREDERICK

Mondays, November 11 and December 9

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

7 p.m., Breast Cancer Awareness — Cumberland Valley, 12916 Conamar Dr., Suite 201, Hagerstown Call 301.791.5843 or visit www.bcacv.org.

Mondays, November 18 and December 16

SPINAL CORD INJURY SUPPORT

3 p.m.-4 p.m., Robinwood Medical Center, Suite 201 Education and support for those who have suffered a spinal cord injury and are now adjusting to their disabilities. Call 301.714.4070.

Tuesdays, November 19 and December 17

SMART SENIORS

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Diakon Senior Living — Robinwood Campus

Educational forum about topics of interest to older adults; sit-down meal served. $9. For reservations, call 240.420.4119.

Tuesdays, November 19 and December 17

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA

6 p.m., Robinwood Medical Center, Suite 129 Open to those affected by leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, MDS or myeloma. Call 301.665.4650.

Thursdays, November 14 and December 12

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP

6 p.m.-7 p.m Brookdale Senior Living, 20009 Rosebank Way, Hagerstown

Family and friends of those suffering from dementia are invited to network with others who are experiencing similar situations in a safe, non-judgmental setting. Call 301.733.3353.

Tuesdays, November 26 and December 31

55 UP

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Cortland Mansion 19411 Cortland Drive, Hagerstown Lunch and educational seminar for people ages 55 and up. $13. Call 301.790.8907.

grow-it-all

Use the cooling weather of late fall to plant and prepare your garden for the next growing season.

Deborah Smith Fiola is a professional horticultural consultant who lives in Keedysville. A former university professor/ Extension agent, she has a B.S. in horticulture and an M.S. in entomology/ pest management (from the University of Maryland). Email your questions to: landscapeipm@gmail.com.

Disclaimer:  Theinformationpresentedinthiscolumn maycontainculturalandpesticiderecommendations thataresubjecttochangeatanytime.Theserecommendationsareprovidedonlyasaguide. Itisthereader’sresponsibilitybylawtoreadand followalllabeldirectionsforanyspecificpesticide orproductbeingused. Duetoconstantlychanging labelsandproductregistrations,ifanyinformation hereindisagreeswiththelabel,therecommendations mustbedisregarded. Theuseofbrandnamesand anymentionorlistingofcommercialproductsor servicesinthiscolumndoesnotimplyendorsementby LandscapeIPMEnterprises,nordiscriminationagainst similarproductsorservicesnotmentioned. Landscape IPMEnterprisesassumesnoliabilityfromtheuseof theserecommendations.

Fall Plantings

The crisp late-fall weather entices us outside to the garden and landscape. If you thought there’s nothing more to plant this year, think again.

Fall is when roots are actively growing, even when leaves have dropped. The rule of thumb is to plant/transplant before Veteran’s Day (six weeks before the ground freezes, as the soil typically freezes around Christmas). Many trees (non-evergreens) can still be planted during this window, as can many perennials (black-eyed Susan, coneflowers, coral bells, Russian sage, yarrow).

Divide perennials such as aster, catmint, hosta, sedum, and peonies, transplanting to a new spot where you can envision their mature size. Remember to mulch and water weekly until the end of the year.

Likewise, plant garlic. I grow hardneck garlic, which produces bigger individual cloves than softneck. Plant by Thanksgiving where it can grow undisturbed until harvested next June or July. It’s easy: split a garlic bulb into individual cloves and plant (pointy side up) three inches deep and four inches to six inches apart. Cover with soil and mulch. Then forget about it for nine months.

Do you still have spinach, lettuce, kale, beets, Brussel sprouts, and carrots left in the garden? If so, cover them with floating row covers (“Reemay”) for frost protection while allowing rain and sunlight to pass through. These light fabrics can either “float” on top of the plants or be draped over a wire frame. For overwintering, choose a heavier fabric with five to 10 degrees Fahrenheit of protection to extend the season. Envision picking your own spinach for Christmas supper.

While in the vegetable garden, clear out plant debris and add to the compost pile. Discard any diseased vegetation to avoid harboring any overwintering pests (insect eggs or disease). This is vital if you have fought cabbage worms, squash bugs or borers, and tomato diseases.

Don’t leave bare garden soil, however, it can erode and lose nutrients through the winter. Protecting soil now prevents a spring ‘Garden of Weedin’ (a weed mass next spring) of chickweed, henbit/deadnettle, cranesbill, and other winter annual broadleaf weeds.

Cover the soil with organic mulch, such as straw, grass clippings, manure, or leaves (my favorite freebie). Chop dry leaves with a lawn mower, blowing them onto the garden bed. Spread to a depth of two inches to four inches.

While you’re at it, blow a thin one-inch layer of chopped leaves into perennial beds and shrub beds too, pushing away from plant stems. For new or valuable plants, consider wire trunk guards to prevent vole and rabbit attack. Shape 12-inch-high cylinders pressed two inches to three inches in the soil (so voles don’t burrow under them).

December is not the best time to prune hollies (February or March is best), yet I won’t tell anyone if you do some light pruning for holiday décor. It’s Christmas after all. For seasonal sprays, wreaths, and garlands, trim boughs of conifers and add pinecones, and winter berries. Greenery will last longer if first “conditioned”— Prune them using diagonal cuts, then place in water for a few hours to rehydrate. After creating your masterpiece, spray with an anti-desiccant (‘Wilt-Pruf’; ‘LeafShield’) to seal the leaf and bark pores, reducing loss of moisture. Keep out of direct sun and heat to stay fresh longer.

a dose of satire

Was an extinct fish found in Antietam Creek? Kenneth Buckler offers another satirical look at Washington County.

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER DISCOVERS EXTINCT FISH IN ANTIETAM CREEK?

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was shocked when the lesser-known YouTube personality “Creekfisher21740” featured a live stream in which he catches a freshwater Coelacanth fish from the Antietam Creek, then proceeds to cook it and eat it. The YouTuber, whose real name is still unknown, apparently spends most of his time camping on the C&O Canal and traveling in local creeks using an inflatable kayak. During these sessions, he films himself catching dinner, then creates new recipes live on the video.

Initially concerned by the apparent weight of the fish as soon as it hooked, the YouTuber actually broke his fishing rod as he pulled the fish in. “I have no idea how the line didn’t snap, but we got it,” exclaimed the fisherman. The YouTube video appears to have been filmed near where Antietam Creek enters the Potomac River.

The Coelacanth fish was originally believed to have gone extinct 66 million years ago, but several of the saltwater variety were in fact discovered off the South Africa coast in 1938. No freshwater Coelacanth has been recorded in the modern era.

Wildlife experts believe the fish was only a juvenile, as it is believed that the fish when fully matured could reach up to 16 feet in length. Besides the obvious question of “how did it get there,” even more interesting questions arise such as if there are any larger fish living in the Potomac River itself. It is believed the Antietam Creek wouldn’t be deep enough for a fully grown

Coelacanth, but the Potomac River could possibly support their larger size.

After being contacted by DNR, the YouTuber issued a follow-up video, apologizing for eating the thought-extinct fish. “I really had no idea it was extinct, I mean I guess it wasn’t extinct, but maybe now it is. Once in a lifetime meal I guess,” said the YouTuber.

“It tasted pretty oily,” said the YouTuber, “but after adding some breading, spices, and a dash of lemon, it was palatable. I wouldn’t recommend serving it at fine dining establishments though.”

DNR has declined to pursue charges against the YouTuber, labeling the incident as an honest mistake but has requested the YouTuber to keep alive any additional similar fish he might come across in the future, so they can be better studied.

In the meantime, DNR is requesting all boaters on the Potomac River to keep an eye out for these believed extinct fish. “Not only would it make an incredible find,” stated a representative, “but these are also large enough that they could absolutely destroy your boat if they wanted to.”

If any more of these fish are still out there, look for a future article on the fish monster of the Potomac River.

This might be satire, but did you know the Maryland Darter is a unique fish which was discovered in Deer Creek in 1912, and only existed in that specific creek until it is believed to have gone extinct in 1988?