Currently viewing the category: "Community News"

Vigilant Hose Company to Have Funds in Hand Upon Taking Possession of Tower 6 Replacement Piece in October 2023

By On · Add Comment · In Community News


Early in 2022, the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) formed a committee to replace its aging Aerial Unit, Tower 6, that has served this community faithfully for over 22 years. Shortly after forming the committee and receiving the approximate cost of the endeavor, President Tom Ward kicked off a fundraising campaign to help offset the estimated $1.6 million cost of the replacement Tower 6, due for delivery in October of 2023.

Today, VHC is proud to announce that when it accepts delivery of the new Tower 6, they will be able to push a button and transfer the funds necessary to fully cover the cost of its construction. “It goes without saying we are totally blown away with the outstanding and continued support of our little community, through donations and support for our many fundraising efforts.”  

President Ward, Chief Brotherton, and the entire VHC Board want to express their sincere appreciation for all the hard work the membership and its auxiliary partners endured in achieving this astonishing goal.

“We were hopeful we could supplement a large portion of the cost to minimize the financing of Tower 6; but in our wildest dreams, we never imagined reaching our entire goal before delivery. It speaks volumes of how close-knit this community is and how dedicated they are in support of their own.”

Launch of Adopt-a-Stop Program

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

Transit Services of Frederick County is thrilled to announce the launch of the new Adopt-a-Stop program with representatives from Fort Detrick USAG. The men and women of Fort Detrick embody service to the Frederick community and are demonstrating that today as the very first Adopt-a-Stop participants here in Frederick County.

With the Military Road at Fort Detrick bus shelter adopted by Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, or BOSS, at Fort Detrick, they are now a part of a statewide movement to sustain public transportation ridership, reduce pollution,  and keep our community beautiful for years to come!

This bus shelter adoption is just one example of how working together as a community will help keep Frederick’s bus stops safer and help make cleanliness a priority for all residents and visitors.

If your organization is interested in adopting a bus stop or shelter, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/transit or call 301-600-2065.

Town of Thurmont Retains Counsel Regarding Multi-District PFAS Litigation

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

The Town of Thurmont authorized retaining the law firms of Baron & Budd and Poole Law Group for the purpose of investigating legal options and remedies available to it due to the presence of “aqueous film forming foam” or “AFFF” and/or other products containing perfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) (including perfluorooctanoic acid (“PFOA” or “C8”), perfluorooctane sulfonate (“PFOS”), and other related compounds in the town’s water system. 

Such investigation may include the initiation of a complaint in the Multi-District Litigation (MDL), currently pending in Charleston, South Carolina, related to this chemical. 

Thurmont has and will continue to meet all federal and state guidelines for safe drinking water. It has and will continue to protect its citizens. This action is a prudent effort to proactively determine whether third parties have legal responsibility for the cost of treatment for its water system; the taxpayers and ratepayers should not bear this financial burden. The town will continue to exhaust all efforts to protect its citizens and exercise financial prudence in the process. 

For further information on PFAS, visit www.epa.gov/pfas.

Stroke Awareness Project Launched

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

Campaign Urges Residents to BE FAST

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater recently announced the launch of a county-wide project to raise awareness of stroke signs and the action to take. More than 300 stroke patients are treated at Frederick Health Hospital each year. This project has been a year-long collaboration between Frederick County Government agencies, including Division of Fire & Rescue Services, Frederick County Health Department, Diversity and Inclusion Office, Communications and Public Engagement, Senior Services Division, and Frederick Health Hospital.

“Stroke Smart Frederick has the potential to create lasting and meaningful change in our community,” County Executive Fitzwater said. “Strokes have an enormous impact on Frederick County. Through this collaboration, more people will know the signs and symptoms of someone having a stroke, will know they need to BE FAST, and the safer and healthier our community will be.”

This project launch can be found on the website using FrederickCountyMD.gov/Stroke and includes information on the signs of a stroke and actions to take—call 911! A short video is available for people to view, along with a quiz to confirm that the key points have been learned. This resource expands access to information, allowing any community group to view and share it. Videos in Spanish will be added to the website soon. A PSA video has been created in English to relay the importance of this health issue from the local perspective. A Spanish version of the video is under development.

“For decades, stroke has consistently been one of the leading causes of death in Frederick County, as well as the leading cause of disability,” said Frederick County Health Officer Dr. Barbara Brookmyer. “We’re using local data and setting a goal, and I look forward to seeing our progress.”

“Frederick Health is honored to help make Frederick County the first Stroke Smart county in the nation,” said Heather Kirby, vice president of Integrated Care and Chief Population Health Officer at Frederick Health. “When it comes to a stroke, every second counts. That is why we’ve been working to expand our outreach efforts and partnerships to educate our community on the signs of a stroke. Frederick Health has an award-winning stroke care team and is here for you when it matters the most.”

“It’s an honor to be part of this public health collective impact initiative,” said Kathy Schey, director of the Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence (formerly known as the Senior Services Division).

Girl Scout Troops Give Back

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

The Lewistown Girl Scout Troops got together and planted flower gardens at Lewistown Elementary School on May 6. This allowed Scouts to complete a Journey and earn badges and to give back to their community. Most importantly, it helps support our ecosystem, giving pollinators a place to graze.

Pictured are Members of Daisy Troop 81224, Brownie Troop 81449, Junior Troop 37173, and Cadette Troop 37014.  All Troops currently meet at Lewistown Elementary School for their meetings.

Things are Blooming

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

Venturing Crew 270 spent a rainy Saturday, May 13, supporting our ecosystem at the Thurmont Conservation & Sportsman’s Club, weeding, landscaping, designing, and planting perennial flowering plants to help our environment. How? Flowering plants give our pollinators something to nibble on to keep our ecosystem in balance.

Without pollinators, humans and wildlife would not have much to eat. Pollinators are responsible for assisting over 80 percent of the world’s flowering plants to reproduce. 

Pictured are  Members of Venturing Crew 270: M.Place, M.Whetzel, and L.Resch.

Mulch, Mulch, and Mulch

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

Kayla, Alex, Tyrone, and Tristin load up a customer’s vehicle with Country Boy brand pre-purchased mulch.

BSA Scout Troops B/G would like to say “Thank You” to the Thurmont and Emmitsburg communities for their support in the second annual mulch sale. A special “Thank You” to Nikki Eyler for allowing the use of Eyler Stables for the pick-up point for mulch.

This fundraiser allows the Scouts to earn money to help pay for a week at summer camp. The Troops are traveling to Raven Knob Scout Reservation in Mount Airy, North Carolina for summer camp. 

Fort Ritchie Community Center’s Bass Fishing Tournament Results

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

Over 60 participants turned out for the Fort Ritchie Community Center’s Spring Bass Fishing Tournament. The tournament, which is sponsored by Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, is held on Lake Royer located on the former Fort Ritchie property in Cascade.

Bobby Swomley of Williamsport won the event with a 15-inch bass. There was a three-way tie for second place: Gary Thomas of Sharpsburg, Brehon Sweeny of Thurmont, and Kody Brown of Waynesboro; each caught a 13.5-inch bass. Owen Cozort of Hagerstown took top honors in the youth division with a 15-inch catch, and Pierce French of Boonsboro was second with a 14-inch Bass. 

Funds raised through the Bass Fishing Tournaments support the youth programs offered by the Community Center, such as Summer Camp, Kids Club, Sports Saturday, and special events like the annual community Halloween Party and Breakfast with Santa.

The Community Center is in Cascade, located on the former Fort Ritchie U.S. Army Post property. For more information on the Community Center or to sign up for the September 16 Bass Tournament, visit www.thefrcc.org or call 301-241-5085.

Janet Sweeny, general manager of the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites in Waynesboro, PA, (left) pictured with Brehon Sweeny, Kody Brown, Gary Thomas, and Bobby Swomley at the Spring 2023 Bass Fishing Tournament.

Pierce French took second-place honors (left), and Owen Cozort (middle) was the winner in the youth division. Janet Sweeny (right) is general manager of the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites in Waynesboro, PA, which sponsors the tournament.

Helen Keller Month

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

Lion Ruth Heaney

Every month is special for some reason, but June is important to all Lions Clubs. We celebrate Helen Keller and her challenge given to each Lion on June 30, 1925, when she spoke at the Lions International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio. She challenged all Lions to be “…Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness.”

Helen Keller knew about “darkness.” She was born June 27, 1880, as a healthy child. At the age of 19 months, an unidentified child illness left Helen blind and deaf. At age six, Alexander Graham Bell referred Helen to the Perkins Institute for the Blind. Twenty-year-old Anne Sullivan was selected to be Helen Keller’s teacher and arrived at the Keller’s Alabama home on March 3, 1887.

To experience the trials of all those involved—the Keller family, Helen Keller, and Anne Sullivan—check out The Miracle Worker from your public library. The 1962 black-and-white film stars Patty Duke as Helen Keller and Anne Bancroft as Anne Sullivan. In one intense dining room scene, it is obvious that the child and the teacher each test their determination to maintain their own ground. Helen could neither see nor hear, so it was through physical interaction that Anne gets across the message that eating will be done with forks, not hands.  After seeing the movie, it is easy to understand why Anne Sullivan is called “The Miracle Worker.”

The Thurmont Lions Club is one of the “Knights of the Blind” by collecting eyeglasses, eyeglass cases, and usable hearing aids. These items are taken to Frederick and then given to those who need assistance with vision and hearing. The drop-off sites are the Thurmont Public Library, Mountain Gate Restaurant (in the inside entrance), Med 1 Pharmacy, Goodwill, and the Thurmont Senior Center.

We are fortunate for the many in Thurmont who donate eyeglasses and hearing aids, but the Lions Club also sponsors other programs to nurture leadership and caring, including the Leo Clubs at Thurmont  Middle School and Catoctin High School. In April, the Thurmont Lions hosted a benefit breakfast for Bentley Wetzel at Bell Hill Farm, and the Thurmont Kountry Kitchen donated a portion of their proceeds to Rex Davis.

If you want to help others and accept Helen Keller’s challenge, think about joining a Lions Club. Visit www.thurmontlionsclub.com as the place to start if there are questions or if you want to take a look at the coming events. We meet at St. John Lutheran Church the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you!

Emmitsburg’s Conrad Weaver Cycles Coast-to-Coast for PTSD Awareness in First Responders

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

A few months ago, Conrad Weaver of Emmitsburg debuted his film documentary, called PTSD-911, which spreads awareness about PTSD among first responders.

Conrad is currently on a coast-to-coast bicycle tour to raise money for awareness. The documentary will be shown at Mount St. Mary’s University on July 13.

Watch Conrad’s coast-to-coast progress on Facebook at PTSD-911 Movie or online at www.ptsd911movie.com/coast2coast/.

On May 24, 2023, the day of this edition going to print, he was riding along Middle Fork Clearwater River in Idaho. 

Trolley Trail Still Has Open Gardens That Need You!

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

Love your Thurmont community? Help to maintain the beauty of the Thurmont Trolley Trail by adopting one of the available garden plots. There are several garden plots available for you, your group, or business. Responsibilities include weeding, mulching, and maintaining the existing plants in your garden, so it looks its best year-round. Many plots have native plants, and new pollinator friendly plants can be added. You will have a sign with your name on it for the garden you adopt! For more information or questions contact the Thurmont Green Team at  [email protected]

Frederick Co. Announces Drone Show for 275th Jubilee

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

The Frederick County 275th Planning Committee announced that they will have an official grand finale to include Frederick County’s first-ever synchronized drone show at their upcoming jubilee on June 10. Sky Elements, of Dallas, Texas, will illuminate the night’s sky over Utica District Park. The show will feature 150 drones, customized from 10 key categories: Agriculture, Business and Economy, Changing Communities, Education, Foundations (History), Government, Great Outdoors, Looking Forward (Today & Tomorrow), Tourism, and Transportation.

The drone show will begin at 9:20 p.m. and will run for approximately 15 minutes. The show viewing area will be located by the main stage. In the event of severe weather, only the drone portion of the event will be rescheduled to the following day, June 11, at the same time.

Frederick County’s 275th Anniversary Jubilee is being held June 10, from 3:00-10:00 p.m., at Utica District Park, rain or shine. The free event includes something for everyone—families, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday. More information can be found at www.frederickcountymd.gov/275jubilee.

Lewistown Ruritan Club Presents Awards to Winners of Essay Contest

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

Pictured from left are Ray Ediger, Essay Committee; Harold Staley, Essay Committee; Zoe Wetzel, essay winner; Loberta Staley, Essay Committee; Patty Golf, Essay Committee; and Frank Warner, Lewistown Ruritan President.

The Lewistown Ruritan Club sponsored an essay contest for the students at Catoctin High School and Thurmont Middle School on “The Importance of Volunteerism,” with the hopes that this subject would spark a renewed interest in volunteerism for the students in our community. Zoe Wetzel, a student at Thurmont Middle School, was awarded first prize of $100 during the dinner/meeting of the Lewistown Ruritan Club for her essay on “The Importance of Volunteerism.” In her essay, Zoe wrote that “volunteer groups strengthen the communities they belong to and that few services are more honorable than volunteerism.”

Joanna Genemanse from Catoctin High School was also awarded first prize for her essay on “The Importance of Volunteerism.” In her essay, Joanna stated that “Volunteering is not only beneficial for the community, but also adds to the volunteer’s quality of life and well-being.” Unfortunately, Genemanse was unable to attend the dinner/meeting.

The Lewistown Ruritan Club was proud to present these awards to two of our local students.

The Lewistown Ruritan, also known for their famous chicken BBQs, has served the Lewistown/Thurmont Community since 1960. The club members work to enhance the quality of life through community service and to make our community a better place in which to live and work.

Catoctin Mountain Park Ramps Up Protection of Native Plants 

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

The National Park Service (NPS) reminds visitors that the harvest of ramps, wild leeks, in Catoctin Mountain Park is illegal and kills native plants. Foraging for ramps has become popular in the Eastern United States, and the NPS has seen an increase in illegal harvesting in Catoctin Mountain Park.

In addition to being illegal, the collection of ramps in the park threatens the plant’s long-term viability. Harvesting ramps typically involves the removal of the entire plant from the root up. This makes it far more difficult for the ramp population to regenerate compared to other natural products that can be harvested like berries or mushrooms. Studies show that if ramps are harvested, it can take several years for ramp patches to recover. The NPS is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the natural beauty and ecosystems within Catoctin Mountain Park.

Visitors are allowed to gather by hand, for personal consumption, some berries and edible mushrooms as long as they gather no more than one-half gallon per person, per day. These berries include blackberries, raspberries, wineberries, dewberries, and blueberries.

In 2022, the NPS issued multiple violation notices for illegal harvesting and increased efforts to raise awareness of park regulations around ramp harvesting. In doing so, the park joins other eastern national parks in focusing attention and effort on the problem of illegal ramp harvesting. 

“As more people explore and enjoy Catoctin Mountain Park, it’s especially important that visitors follow park regulations and help us protect the park’s plants, wildlife, and historic resources,” Rick Slade, Catoctin Mountain Park superintendent, said. “If you see something that looks out of place during your visit to the park, please let us know.” 

To report illegal plant harvesting or any other potentially illegal activity, please call National Park Service dispatch center at 301-714-2235. Illegal harvesting of park resources can lead to a maximum fine of $5,000 and six months in jail.

Fort Ritchie Revival Update

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

Fort Ritchie in Cascade saw a major makeover in April.

Barrick Avenue and Lakeside Hall received new roofs for the first time since before the Army left in 1998. The current plan is for the barracks buildings to host a series of shops, overnight lodging, and homes, once renovations are completed. Lakeside Hall also received renovations to the bar area and is ready to host the coming wedding season. The Greenhouse Cafe is now in the final stages of opening new handicap-accessible lavatories.

In addition, many infrastructure projects are underway to revive the existing stone buildings above the barracks buildings.

The month of May will see the opening of the Fort Ritchie History Museum at long last. The museum has curated a cannon to restore the Army’s tradition of cannon fire echoing in the mountains once more. And a new salon, Ritchie Rejuvenation, is pegged to open next to the chapel on Castle Drive shortly after.

Barracks buildings; Photo Credit to John Krumpotich

Guys at work; Photo Credit to Tamela Baker with Herald Mail

Courtesy Photo

Equestrian-themed Park Coming to the Area

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

It looks like Northern Frederick County will be getting another county park.

Frederick County Parks and Recreation has completed a Preliminary Master Plan for Kanode Farm Park, located along Stevens Road in Thurmont.

According to the Frederick County website, “The Richard W. Kanode Farm Park will provide future educational and recreational programming related to agricultural and equestrian pursuits. This park will include various upgrades and improvements to existing farm buildings, indoor and outdoor equestrian riding rings, and trails.”

Parks and Recreation recently hosted an open house to show off plans for the park and get public comment. An online version of the draft Master Plan is available on their website at www.recreater.com/874/Kanode-Farm-Park-Development. Public comments will also be accepted through an online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/KanodeMasterPlan until the end of the public comment period: May 31, 2023.

The Parks and Recreation Commission is expected to review the park Master Plan later this year with Phase 1 design beginning this fall.

Kanode Park will be a different type of park from the regional park that is planned near Emmitsburg on property Frederick County purchased from Mount St. Mary’s University.

The 152-acre park along U.S. 15 and straddling Motters Station Road will feature turf sports fields, courts for basketball, tennis and pickleball, walking trails, and a dog park.

More than 3 million people visit Frederick County each year, according to the county.

Preliminary Master Plan of Richard W. Kanode Farm Park, with Phase 1 design beginning this fall.

Map Courtesy of Frederick County Parks and Recreation

Artist in Residence Coming to Catoctin Mountain Park

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

Jeffrey Lockwood (shown right) from Laramie, Wyoming, will be the Catoctin Forest Alliance Artist in Residence at Catoctin Mountain Park on May 8-27, 2023.

Some 40 years ago, Lockwood earned a BS in biology and a PhD in entomology. the choice of the latter field was motivated by a fascination with the life forms that were disturbingly and enchantingly “other.” He was hired as an insect ecologist at the University of Wyoming in 1986, and for 15 years, he immersed himself in the lives of insects. His work focused on grasshoppers and locusts, taking him to the steppes of Asia and the Tibetan plateau, the savannah of Africa, the outback of Australia—and back to the grasslands of North America. 

With time, however, he found himself no longer fulfilled by applied research, which had become a euphemism for the wholesale killing of grasshoppers, creatures that had grown close to his heart and mind. This led to his first book of essays, Grasshopper Dreaming: Reflections on Killing and Loving (Skinner House 2002). Over the next five years, he transitioned (or perhaps metamorphosed) from the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources into the College of Arts & Sciences, where he settled into a split appointment between the Department of Visual & Literary Arts (focusing on creative nonfiction in the realm of nature and environmental writing) and the Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies (focusing on environmental ethics and aesthetics).

Lewistown Ruritan Club’s Guest Speaker Talks About a Rare Hop Found

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

Dr. Ray Ediger was the guest speaker at the Lewistown Ruritan meeting on April 4. His presentation covered the rare hop plant he found growing on his farm. At first he used this invasive plant to help create a fenced in area for his peacocks. Ediger explained that this aggressive plant can grow from 6” to 12” in a day. 

With the help of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Clonal Germplasm Repository, it was discovered that his hop was not only unique to Maryland, but also to the hundreds of other hop varieties stored at the USFA repository. Ediger called his hop plant the Monocacy hop since its origins are unknown. According to Ediger, there are 40,000 different varieties of hops.

Ediger’s hops have been used to brew beer and will be available at several local breweries.

Frederick H.S. Class of 1955 Holds Reunion

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

The Frederick High School Class of 1955 held its annual gathering to celebrate their 67th reunion. 

Classmates traveled from various states to attend, and it was so nice to see them and their spouses. Harold Staley served as the master of ceremonies and reminded the class members of past memories of their high school years at the “old” Frederick High School.   

A delicious meal was prepared by the members of the Church of the Brethren.  The class will hold its 68th reunion in the fall.

Pictured from left: (first row) Patsy Moore Meunier, Lucille Snyder Ecker, Bob Fothergill, Jill Rippeon Schelfe, Jenny Horton Rhoderick, Carolyn Dodson Walker-Fitzgerald, Doris Baumgardner Webb, Mary Ann Hoff Hobbs, Betty Wiles Laumann, Clarence Rinehart, Darlene Summers Korrell, Alma Martz Boyer; (second row) Harold Staley, Bob Browning, Patsy Young, Nancy Corun, Rachel R. Ford, Florence Castle Danner, Helen Stambaugh Martin, Nelda Shuff Burdette, Mary Edith Lease Hallock, Janet Boyer King, Bryan Rice, Nancy Oneida Hahn Baugher Smith, Thomas Angleberger, Sam Fogle; (third row) Richard Fisher, Kenny Willard, Ed Godsey, Dick Shank, Gene Roberts, James Lightner, Jett Lorriane Flook Pearce. Absent from photo: Dennis Shafer. Courtesy Photo

Thurmont Grange Hosts Community Citizen Dinner & Announces Citizen of the Year Award

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

On Monday, April 10, Thurmont Grange No. 409 hosted its annual Community Citizen Dinner. Each year, the Grange recognizes an individual or group who strives to make a difference by giving back to our community. This year, Jon Barton, general manager of Roy Rogers in Thurmont, was the honoree.

 Although Jon is not from Thurmont, he has made this town his home.  Jon grew up in the small town of Hinsdale, New York, and went on to graduate from Mercyhurst University for Business Management. It was at a job fair hosted by Mercyhurst University that he first heard of Roy Rogers. They offered him an assistant manager position, and he moved to Maryland to start his career. Jon has now been with the company for 17 years, spending most of that time at the Thurmont location, where for the last 8 years, he has been the general manager. 

Jon epitomizes Roy Rogers’ mission to give back to the community. In the last year alone, Jon, along with the amazing Thurmont Roy Rogers’ staff, has helped 35 local organizations raise $35,596.42. Not only does Roy’s donate 25 percent of sales to organizations during their fundraiser nights, Jon also allows organizations to display their current fundraiser and event information, have bake sales, and hold meetings and sign-up events. Jon takes it a step further by freezing leftover food and donating it to the Thurmont Food Bank. This is vital to those whose living situation may only provide them with access to a microwave or their physical condition makes it difficult for them to cook for themselves. Even on a personal level, Jon is giving back to the community by being a manager, coach, and board member for the Thurmont Little League. 

Representatives from several organizations who have benefited from Jon’s generosity, including the Thurmont Food Bank, Thurmont Little League, Catoctin Safe and Sane, and The Thurmont Senior Center, spoke about all the wonderful things Jon has done to support them. In addition, Jon’s family, local Roy Rogers staff members, and those from the cooperate office also had so many great things to say about him. It is obvious that Jon Barton has made a positive difference in our community, and he is well-deserving of Thurmont Grange’s Community Citizen of the Year Award.

Jon Barton is pictured with Thurmont Grange President Niki Eyler.

Frederick County Launches Suicide Prevention Coalition

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

The Frederick County Health Department is proud to announce the creation of a new Suicide Prevention Coalition. The mission of the Frederick County Suicide Prevention Coalition is to make Frederick County free of suicide through community collaboration rooted in suicide prevention best practices for safe and responsible gun storage, eliminating stigma surrounding suicide, and support for anyone thinking of or impacted by suicide.

“The members of this coalition will work to address this serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities,” shared Andrea Walker, the lead for the Coalition and the director of the Behavioral Health Services Division and Chief Behavioral Health Strategist for the Frederick County Health Department. “Our goal is for Frederick County to be free from suicide, not to simply reduce the suicide rate.”  

Suicide prevention has been an identified area of concern in the community for several years. In Frederick County, the number of suicides has been trending upwards over the last decade. Men are more likely to complete a suicide than women, and one in six deaths by suicide are Veterans. For the last decade, suicide has been a subcommittee topic of the Frederick County Local Health Improvement Plan (LHIP), which is facilitated by the Frederick County Health Care Coalition. The current Mental Health LHIP Workgroup, which Walker also leads, currently has one subcommittee focused on suicide prevention. The Suicide Prevention Coalition is the outgrowth of this foundation of community interest and need.

More than 20 collaborators have come together to support this Coalition, which will focus on outreach and education, responsible gun ownership, postvention and supportive services, and Veterans. Workgroups on these topics and a complete list of collaborators, is available at health.frederickcountymd.gov/SuicidePreventionCoalition. The website also contains information about warning signs of suicide; tips on how to talk to someone thinking about suicide; data and reports; and local, state, and national resources.

For family or individual crisis support, call 988. In the case of immediate danger or loss of life, call 911. For more information, visit health.frederickcountymd.gov/SuicidePreventionCoalition or contact the Frederick County Health Department at [email protected].

Lewistown Ruritan Club Members Recognized

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

Sam Ropp and Harold Staley were recognized by Ruritan National for the growth awards for Ruritan members. They both received a letter congratulating them for accepting the challenge of making Ruritan grow by recruiting new members for the Lewistown Ruritan Club.

Recruiters who bring in two or more adult members are also eligible to receive the President’s Golden Key Award. Harold was also presented the President’s Golden Key Award by Loberta Staley, Lewistown Ruritan secretary, for recruiting three members.

Pictured from left are Sam Roop, Loberta Staley, and Harold Staley.

Thurmont Grange Hosts Annual “Antique Roadshow”

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

On Monday, March 27, Thurmont Grange No. 409 hosted its annual “Antique Roadshow.” This event is held each year to raise money for an individual, family, or organization in need.

This year, funds were donated to Kyle Stine’s family. Kyle was a local 14-year-old boy who, in November 2022, was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), which is a brain tumor that is highly aggressive and difficult to treat. It occurs in an area of the brainstem (the lowest stem-like part of the brain) called the pons, which controls many of the body’s most vital functions, such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. On December 27, just over a month after being diagnosed, Kyle passed away. He leaves behind his parents and two younger brothers, as well as countless family and friends.

The Roadshow attendees brought a wide variety of antiques and collectibles to be evaluated by our local experts, Norman Feldser and Lisa Cantwell, who graciously volunteered their time and knowledge. Everything from a corn cracker and letters to jewelry and toy trains, and everything in between, was examined and evaluated. All guests enjoyed listening to the stories and history behind these items and learning the potential value and professional opinions of both Norman and Lisa. As our experts explained, sentimental value and actual value are not the same and condition is everything when it comes to appraisals.

Keith and Sarah Stine, Kyle’s parents, were present to receive the donation that Thurmont Grange was able to raise, thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended the Antique Roadshow.

Emmitsburg Community Chorus’ Spring Performance Schedule

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

The Emmitsburg Community Chorus will perform four free concerts during its 2023 spring season. Under the direction of Peggy Flickinger, the 25-voice group includes members from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. They are accompanied by pianist Lisa Mattia. The community concert schedule includes:

Saturday, May 6, at 3:00 p.m.—Lewistown United Methodist Church, 11032 Hessong Bridge Road;

Sunday, May 7, at 3:00 p.m.—St. John’s Lutheran Church, 8619 Blacks Mill Road, Creagerstown;

Saturday, May 20, at 4:00 p.m.—Apples Church, 7908 Apples Church Road, Thurmont; and

Sunday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m.—Homewood at Crumland Farms, 7407 Willow Road, Frederick.

 The nonprofit Emmitsburg Community Chorus was founded in 1966. Their concerts are made possible in part through a grant from the Frederick Arts Council. Freewill offerings will be accepted at the Lewistown, Creagerstown, and Thurmont concerts.