Selfless Volunteers Build New Playground in Mount Tabor Park

A wonderful group of volunteers from Mt. Tabor Churches donated their time, labor, and tools to build a new playground in the Mount Tabor Park.

 

 

 

 

Volunteers from Mt. Tabor Churches complete spreading 64 cubic yards of playground mulch and installing borders and railings: (back row) Mike Harris, Travis Sanders, Marrie Sanders, Charles Riggs, Shirley Sharrer; (front row) Bill Dinterman, Regina Dinterman, Kevin Sharrer, Pat Riggs, Jeff Sharrer; (kneeling) Daniel Hobbs. Not Included: Larue Long, Alex Sumner, Tyler Sumner, John Sanders, Ben Sanders, and Kathy Sixx.

Commissioners Consider Raising Colorfest Fees

James Rada, Jr.

For the last four years, the amount that Thurmont receives from parking fees and vendors fees has not covered the costs that the town has incurred to host the annual Colorfest festival. This includes the cost for bus transportation for visitors, trash pick-up after the activities, Sani-pot rentals, personnel to help with traffic, and other Colorfest-related items.

“We need to make sure that we at least break even,” Mayor John Kinnaird told a group gathered for a workshop on the issue.

In 2015, the town spent $61,588.74, while bringing in only $49,153.

Kinnaird suggested raising the recommended charge for parking from $10.00 to $15.00. He also said that increased parking enforcement was needed to make sure that people weren’t parking where they shouldn’t and that all cars parking were being reported.

“We have latched onto parking fees multiple times over the past decade,” said Commissioner Marty Burns. “It’s starting to get almost too steep.”

He pointed out that the number of permits for crafters selling goods at the festival has dropped over the years, which can have a big impact on revenues.

As part of the workshop, Kinnaird invited representatives of various organizations that make a lot of money from the festival. They urged the commissioners to find ways to reduce Thurmont’s expenses before raising fees. In particular, sanitation and transportation have increased drastically.

Many of the representatives thought that the parking fee was already as high as it could go.

Other options suggested included requiring permits to be paid earlier so that vendors can’t wait to see what the weather is like before purchasing permits or charging an admission fee.

The commissioners took up the issue again during a January 26 workshop. Commissioner Bill Buehrer presented the commissioners and mayor with his suggestions to serve as a starting point for discussion.

Following discussion over multiple workshops, the commissioners are considering raising the following permit fees: Non-profit food vendors: $27 to $30; Craft vendors: $35 to $50; and Information-only booths by location: $50.

These increases, if approved by the commissioners, would raise more than $8,700, based on the 2015 permits. Even with a 10 percent decrease in permits, revenue would still increase by nearly $7,900.

Also, as the attendees at the first workshop urged the commissioners to look at cutting expenses the town pays for, Buehrer suggested cutting transportation, sanitation, and security by 20 percent. He believes it is an achievable number when the detailed spending for each of those items is considered.

Kinnaird suggested that transportation might even be cut more than 20 percent. “I think we could do away with a third of the buses,” he said.

Town staff ran projections based on these recommended numbers and presented them to the commissioners on February 9. Reducing the number of portable toilets around town by 39 and increasing the number of handicapped-accessible portable toilets by two represents a savings of $2,725 for the town. Reducing the number of buses running each day of Colorfest by five creates a $6,600 savings. Using one less variable-message board on Route 15 saves $900. The combined savings in costs to the town would be $10,225.

The commissioners considered reducing the number of security personnel at Colorfest, but Thurmont Police Chief Greg Eyler told the commissioners that the current level was needed not only for security but to direct traffic at 15 intersections around town.

“I don’t think we’d see any kind of real savings by cutting four or five security personnel,” Kinnaird added.

The net benefit would be roughly $19,000, which would have more than made up for the Colorfest deficit that the town saw last year.

The commissioners are also talking about putting any surpluses from Colorfest into a separate fund that would be used to offset any years where the town does run a deficit.

A Friendship to Remember

Seana and Gilley were paired up through the horse buddies program at the Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program, held at Silverado Stables in Lewistown. That was the beginning of an amazing friendship.

Seana learned how to take Gilley’s vitals, groom her, and train her. During training, they would practice multiple things: whoa, walk-on, lunging, and going through obstacles to keep Gilley fresh for the TRP riding program. They introduced different noises and items to familiarize her with things that could spook her in the field and in the ring. Seana’s favorite thing during training was lunging Gilley. She loved grooming her, just to spend time with the horses. Seana did not, however, like cleaning Gilley’s feet: “Too much smelly yuk!”  Of course, her favorite part was giving treats after they were done grooming and training.

Sadly, Gilley passed in January. “It has always amazed me how gentle Gilley was with Seana, always going her speed and listening to her commands. She will always be remembered,” expressed Debbie Endlich of the Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program.

If you would like to volunteer with the Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program, email fc4htrp@aol.com or call 301-898-3587. Check them out on Facebook and visit their website at www.fc4htrp.org.

Seana is shown riding on her much-loved Gilley at the Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program. Also pictured is the horse leader, Holly Feather; side walker (on left), Joy Jenkins; and side walker (on right), Megan Bogart.

 

 

Volunteers Sought to Help with Maple Syrup Festival

Volunteers are sought to assist in the 46^th year that Cunningham Falls State Park has demonstrated the making of Maple Syrup during the park’s Maple Syrup Festival in March.

Volunteers will help serve food, help gather maple sap, and fill additional roles. This event is one of several held by the Friends. Interested individuals should email info@cunninghamgambrill.org or call 301-271-7574 for more information.

27th Annual Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company Banquet

Allison Rostad

We all know who Oprah Winfrey is: an extremely successful American talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist. But how many of you know that she was demoted from her job as a news anchor because she “wasn’t fit for television”? Oprah’s story of fortitude embodies the same essence that filled the banquet hall of the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company (EVAC) on Saturday, January 30, 2016, during EVAC’s annual end-of-the-year banquet.

In 2014, EVAC was placed on second-due status. As of May 16, 2015, the career staff returned to the station, and they became fully reinstated in running ambulance calls for the Emmitsburg community. EVAC’s President Mary Lou Little and Chief Rose Latini made many mentions of the great success the company had achieved over the past year that pushed the company back into service.

The emcee of the evening, Eric Stackhouse, started off the night by introducing the guest speaker, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner. Gardner set the tone of “hard work pays off” by congratulating EVAC, with praiseful words: “You worked hard in 2015 to meet county standards and to be placed fully back in service, and that was a tremendous accomplishment.” She made note to the audience that EVAC’s fail response rate had dropped to less than two percent in 2015. Gardner fully extended her appreciation for EVAC’s hard work and dedication to the community and passed the audience’s attention back to Stackhouse, where he invited President Mary Lou Little to give her speech on the year’s success.

“Fundraising efforts remained very successful this year,” Little said, as administrative president. “Wednesday afternoon and Friday night bingos continue to bring new players in and regulars coming back.”

Little astonished the audience with a jaw dropping gross of $300,000 being earned just through their bingo fundraising efforts. EVAC holds an extra 50/50 game of bingo that brings thousands of dollars in each year to be donated back to the community through charitable non-profits. This year they raised over $6,000. Little concluded, “That’s the way we continue to be volunteers and save the county lots and lots of money.”

Chief Rose Latini added to Little’s comments when she took the stage for her speech, commenting, “Last year at this time, I wasn’t sure if we were going to be here again this year.” She applauded the company members as they stood up in the audience and thanked them for their dedication. “We didn’t sit idle. We trained, and trained again, and trained some more. And we continue to do so,” Latini said, pointing at the Zembower Trophy they were awarded from the Maryland State Fireman’s Association in recognition for their participation in formal training (only the second time awarded to Frederick County). The company recorded 90.3 hours per member of training from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015. Even though the company was set on second-due status, they never stopped working hard to overcome and grow as a company, adding fifteen new operational members to the team.

Overall, EVAC had 752 response calls from May through December after they were reinstated. With the help of Vigilant Hose Company 6, 1,089 EMT-related calls were attended to. As the company continues to improve and expand their team, they will be working closely with Company 6 to organize a better way to fill in holes and work with one another to better serve the Emmitsburg community. “Onward and upward—that’s our goal!” Latini concluded.

The banquet ended on a good note, with awards being given to the Top 10 Responders: Brandon Murdorf (81), Eric Stackhouse (69), C. N. Burriss (59), Jennifer Frushour (54), John Ruppel (47), Rose Latini (40), Lisa Eichelberger (40), Beth Ruppel (34), Amber Zimmerman (24), and Chad Zimmerman (20).

A Special Recognition Award was given to Career Officer Scott Johnson for entering the burning home on West Main Street in Emmitsburg, in search of the entrapped victims of the fire that took place in December 2015. Eric Stackhouse was presented the Jamie Eyler Volunteer of The Year Award and Pam Ellison was awarded the Donald B. Byard Humanitarian Award.

The President’s Award was given to Vicki Long, and the Rookie of the Year Award was presented to Brandon Murdorf. Jen Frushour was awarded the David Copenhaver Driver of the Year, and Eric Stackhouse was chosen as the Thomas L Topper EMS Provider of the Year. Lastly, Nicki Burriss was awarded the Chief’s Award.

2016 Operational Officers include: Rose Latini, Chief; Eric Stackhouse, Assistant Chief; Amber Zimmerman, Lieutenant; Chad Zimmerman, Lieutenant; Beth Ruppel, Sergeant; John Ruppel, Sergeant; Brandon Murdorf, Sergeant.

2016 Administrative Officers: Mary Lou Little, President; Eric Stackhouse, Vice President; Vicki Long, Secretary; Kim Bolin, Assistant Secretary; Pam Bolin, Treasurer; Beth Ruppel, Assistant Treasurer; and Directors Bob Dinterman, Diane Kelly, Donna Miller, and Ed Little.

Special thanks to Thurmont Community Ambulance Company 30 for their food service, as well as to Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company 5 for covering as fill-in crew during the banquet.

 

 

 

 

 

2016 Administrative Officers

 

 

 

 

 

2016 Operational Officers

Photos by Allison Rostad

Lewistown District Volunteer Fire Department Holds Annual Banquet

Deb Spalding

Volunteers of the Lewistown District Fire Department held their annual awards banquet on Saturday, February 6, 2016, in their banquet hall in Lewistown. Company President, Donald Stull, Sr., served as the master of ceremonies for the evening. He mentioned that the volunteers at Lewistown “have a lot of fun,” which was definitely demonstrated later in the evening with the presentation of the “Oopsies Awards”!

The invocation and benediction were given by Board Member Scott Martin.

Two members of the Lewistown VFD earned significant accolades over the past year. Outgoing Chief, Vicky Martin, was designated as Michael Wilcom Officer of the Year within the Frederick County Department of Emergency Services, and Chuck Jenkins was inducted into the 2015 Frederick County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association’s Hall of Fame.

Pastor Elza Hurst held a memorial service for four members who were laid to rest in 2015. Friends and family stepped forward to honor Fran Beahm, Donna Cook, Marlin Green, and Lester Rice.

Steve Stull presented Oopsies Awards. “These awards,” he explained, “celebrate the human condition to not be so perfect.” A golden toilet plunger; a Fischer Price blood pressure kit; an emergency pocket card, stating “Locked Inside Please Help”; and miniature traffic cones were just some of the comical awards distributed.

Vicky Martin presented the Chief’s Award to Wayne Stull. Wayne was a top responder on both the Fire and EMS side, as well as helping with numerous things around the station and being very active with fundraising. She mentioned that one man spends most of his time at the station, and recognized Donald Stull as that person. He is helped by his “firehouse wife,” Karen Stull. Vicky said, “She heads all fundraising efforts, bingos, dinners, etc., and keeps us in line and out of trouble.”

Donald Martin was recognized for keeping the apparatus and the building in working order.

Top Fire Responders for 2015 were: Vicky Martin (126); Beth Wachter (125); Wayne Wachter (121); Wayne Stull (118); Donald Martin (107); Steve Stull and Frannie Wachter (95); Mike Fogle (75); Donald Stull (60); Mike Stull (37); Lisa Monday (23).

Top EMT Responders for 2015 were: Beth Wachter and Wayne Wachter(157); Vicky Martin (137); Frannie Wachter (50); Mike Fogle (45); Steve Stull (38).

Emergency Medical Responders were: Stephanie Wachter (123); Brianna Wachter (104).

Fire police were recognized for their service, including Steve Stull, Doc Wachter, Ronnie Myers, Diana Bryant, Fred Bureau, and Bud Howerton.

2016 Officers were installed by Frederick County Director of Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services, Chip Jewell. Administrative Officers include: Donald Stull, Sr., President; Chuck Jenkins, Vice President; Karen Stull, Secretary; Mary Frances Bostian, Assistant Secretary; Lena Stull, Treasurer; Lisa Monday, Assistant Treasurer. Line Officers include: Mike Fogle, Chief; Mike Stull, Deputy Chief; Wayne Wachter, Jr., Assistant Chief; Doug Wallick, Jr., Assistant Chief; and Scott Stonesifer, Assistant Chief.

Board of Directors are Donald Martin, Steve Stull, Wayne Stull, Scott Martin, Scott Stonesifer, Jake Howell.

Vicky Martin presented a visual review of 2015. Special thanks were extended to Company 10 (Guardian Hose Company of Thurmont) for serving as the standby crew for the night.

G.T.’s Catering of Cascade, Maryland, prepared and served the meal. Congratulations to all who received awards and acknowledgements at this year’s banquet.

Donald Stull, Sr., closed the ceremony expressing his gratitude to the volunteers and for the support of the company over the past year.

 

 

 

 

 

Pictured from left are: (top row) Jake Howell, Scott Stonesifer, Wayne Wachter, Doug Wallick, Mike Stull, Mike Fogle; (front row) Donald Martin, Scott Martin, Wayne Stull, Steven Stull, Karen Stull, Donald Stull, Lena Stull, and Mary Francis Bostian.

Photo by Deb Spalding

Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company Holds Annual Banquet

Grace Eyler

Blizzard Jonas was not a deterrent on January 28, 2016, for members of the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company to hold their annual banquet at New Midway Fire Department. Friends, families, and members flocked to the local fire hall to celebrate this year’s successes for the fire company. As members found their seats, four-year-old Devin Humerick and Junior Treasurer Breezy Combs passed the time with a quick card game while others shared their stories of the recent blizzard.

President Dale Kline warmly welcomed Rocky Ridge Fire Company members and thanked them for their support throughout 2015. Company 10 in Thurmont covered calls for Rocky Ridge for the evening. Members lined up for a home-cooked meal, courtesy of their New Midway cohorts. After everyone finished dinner, apple pie—made by the Rocky Ridge Auxiliary—was served with ice cream.

Leading the awards ceremony, President Dale Kline asked Pat Riggs to come forward to speak in remembrance of her friend, Nancy Albaugh, who passed on March 19, 2015. “Nancy Smith married Richard Albaugh in 1954; she was pretty certain her future life would be revolved around the fire service…” Nancy was a charter member of the Auxiliary, as well as when it was formally recognized in 1955. Aside from Nancy’s dedication to the fire company, she was a truly devoted foster mom. Her daughters, Linda Northrup and Bonny Hurley, along with their brother Kevin, are also very involved members of the fire company.

“This year, we had our best-ever carnival!” Dale reflected. He then reflected on the company’s success, “What draws people to Rocky Ridge is, without a doubt, the food!” From 4:30 in the evening, the ham sandwich and French fry stand was loaded with customers, bringing in almost $115,000. The funds that are raised from the event go towards the upkeep of buildings and equipment.

This year, Rocky Ridge is celebrating sixty-six years in service. They started from the ground up, with just one shed next to Mount Tabor Church that housed one fire engine. “Today, we have two buildings with some of the most modern equipment in Frederick County, and nobody could be prouder of that than me,” Kline commented, as he continued to thank the members and their families in the audience for their support through these years.

The company is divided between operation and social members. The operation members run equipment and partake on calls, and the social members volunteer their time to raise money for the fire company to stay in operation and protect the surrounding communities. Last year, Rocky Ridge’s most popular fundraisers included the annual butchering, bingo, basket bingo, car show,  Ridgefest, gun raffles, and meat raffles. They also sponsor for the children of the community their annual Halloween party, Santa Detail, and Santa’s Workshop, all of which the community looks forward to each year.  The president welcomed new recruits to join the fire company in 2016.

Kline joked, “ As a social member, you receive an invite to this great banquet…but that’s all ya get!” Last year, the company had three new members join. They also boast well-known “Junior” members who are supervised by the Humerick family.

“I’ve got some of the greatest help that could ever be received,” said Kline, who recognized the highly competent members. Company officers were asked to stand in recognition of their contributions during the past year.

Administrative Officers include: Vice President Dennis Mathias; Secretary Paulette Mathias; Assistant Secretary Melissa Mathias; Treasurer Bun Wivell; Assistant Treasurer Bonny Hurley; Chaplin James Russell; and Directors, Andrew and Jamison Mathias, Donnie Kaas Jr., Wesley Burrier, Craig Hovermale, Leon “Buddy” Stover, and Steve Orndorff.

Operational Officers include: Chief Alan Hurley; First Assistant Jim Rice; Luke Humerick Second Assistant; and Captain Kevin Albaugh.

The Auxiliary Officers include: President Betty Ann Mumma; Vice President Nancy Summers; Secretary Bonnie Sander; Assistant Secretary Emily Grant; Treasurer Betty L. Mumma; Assistant Treasurer Helen Burrier; Historian Linda Northrup; Chaplin Pat Riggs; and Assistant Chaplin Nancy Baker.

Junior Fire Company Officers include: President Jolene Mathias; Vice President Jacob Dolly; Secretary Josie Kaas; and Treasurer Breezy Combs.

The president also called upon “Community Line Members” that included the Church of the Brethren, the Lutheran Church, and the United Church of Christ.

President Dale Kline then passed the attention over to the president of the Auxiliary, Betty Ann Mumma. She thanked New Midway’s Auxiliary for hosting the extensive dinner, as well as her own Auxiliary for this year’s accomplishments. She called upon the president to receive a $15,000 donation from the Auxiliary fundraisers. “Again, ladies and gentlemen, this shows us what can be done when we all work together as one organization.”

Mumma then invited Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner to share her thoughts on Rocky Ridge’s service to the community. “I just wanted to come up to say thank you to everybody who served the community this past week with the weather—wherever you might live—and for spending your weekends at the fire station. I really thank you for taking care of the people… on behalf of the county, we thank you.”

Bonny Hurley and Linda Northrup presented this year’s awards. Starting off, the recipient of the “Outstanding Junior Award” was given to Heather Hurley. The “Charles Mumma Firefighter of the Year” recipient was Robert Eyler. The Honorary Member award was given to Craig Hovermale. The “Outstanding Volunteer” in honor of Robert Albaugh, was presented to “our Super Woman,” Betty Ann Mumma.

Years of Service award pins were presented by Paulette and Dennis Mathias. Heather Mathias and Heidi Myers (5 years), Robert Black (10 years), Dawn Albaugh and Denny Ott (15 years), Donnie Kaas Jr. and Juliann Frantz (25 years). Dale Kline Jr. and Lewis Smith (35 years), Richard Weagley (40 years), and Robert Burrier (45 years).

Chief Alan Hurley came forward to present this year’s statistics for the fire company. This year’s team for Fire Police consisted of Alan Brauer Sr., Ronnie Hahn, Emily Grant, Steve Orndorf, and Carl Dolly. Rocky Ridge Fire Company ran a total of 185 calls during the past year. The top three call types were 81 calls involving the special unit and a tie between House Fires and Vehicle accidents, with each classification holding 18 calls. Operation personnel put in over 130 hours of training for the fire company. The busiest day during the week was Wednesday, and the busiest month was February, with 22 calls.

Luke Humerick joined the chief to recognize this year’s Top Ten Responders: Matt Moser (131), Alan Hurley (102), Kerri Gasior (100), Luke Humerick Jr. (95), Christina Hurley (92), Bonny Hurley (90), Leon Stover Jr. (82), Wesley Burrier (73), Kevin Albaugh (65), and Craig Hovermale (52).

This year’s recipient of the President’s Award was given to Leon “Buddy” Stover Jr. “It was ten degrees last weekend, and he was running around in the snow with his shorts on.” Kline recognized Buddy’s accomplishments, stating that, without a doubt, “This gentleman has done it all,” commending Buddy’s volunteer work in the fire company for over twenty years.

Luke and Connie Humerick (Supervisors of the Junior Fire Company) stood up to recognize the seven member’s, with a total of 309 hours volunteered during 2015. “They are hardworking, fun to be around, and I’m proud of them.” said Luke. The young members came forward to receive a gift of appreciation.

From one end of New Midway’s fire hall to another, the administrative, operational, auxiliary, and junior officers lined up in preparation for the induction. Bob Jacobs of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services, drew the evening to a close as he administered an oath while officers held their right hand in the air, promising to serve and protect “The Ridge” in 2016.