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Thurmont High School Alumni Reunion to be Held

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The Thurmont High School Alumni Association will hold its annual banquet on Saturday, June 10, at the Thurmont Event Complex, located at 13716 Strafford Drive, which is just off Lawyer’s Lane, from Route 550 (south of Thurmont).  Frederick County COVID-19 rules will be followed. 

New this year, we will recognize all cheerleaders to stand at some point in the program. Social hour will begin at 4:00 p.m. with the meal served promptly at 5:00 p.m. This year, the anniversary classes are those that end in 3 and 8.  Several basket raffles and a 50/25/25 raffle will take place. Special scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors related to Thurmont High School Alumni.

The cost for the evening is $25.00 per person, which should be mailed to Viola Noffsinger, 131 Cody Drive #33, Thurmont, MD 21788 (before May 24). All alumnus of Thurmont High School and Catoctin High School classes (1969-1974) and friends are encouraged to attend. Visit the alumni Facebook page: Thurmont High School Alumni Association. 

Thurmont High School Alumni Annual Banquet

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Maxine troxell

Volunteers with the Thurmont Alumni Association hosted the Thurmont High School (THS) Alumni Annual Banquet at the Thurmont Event Complex on June 11, 2022. Alumni President Howard Lewis (Class of ‘60) welcomed the crowd of about 200, and Ron Free (Class of ‘64) served as master of ceremonies. Joanne Coleman Gaver (Class of ‘51) gave the invocation.

Fond alumni memories were shared with a big screen video developed by Maxine Troxell (Class of ‘62), with photos from the good old days in school.

In addition to the social aspect of the banquet, some association business was conducted with the reading of the organization’s last meeting minutes by Secretary Viola Noffsinger (Class of ‘58), as well as the Treasurer’s Report and Scholarship Fund Report by Treasurer Becky Linton (Class of ‘58).

Scholarships totaling $22,400 were awarded to this year’s scholars.  Those receiving scholarships were:

Paige Baker (Catoctin HS)—Albert Eyler, Jr. (Class of 1944)

Rianna Chaney (Catoctin HS)—Mark Long (Class of 1971), Raymond Long (Class of 1953), Carole Beauchamp  (Class of 1956)

Sheridan Chaney (Catoctin HS)—Mark Long (Class of 1971), Raymond Long (Class of 1953), Carole Beauchamp (Class of 1956)

Joshua Glass (Catoctin HS)—Cindy Shire (Class of 1970)

Makenzie Kuhn (Catoctin HS)—Barry Kuhn (Class of 1971), Barry Brown (Class of 1972), Richard F. Kuhn, Jr. (Class of 1968)

Jack Willard (Brunswick HS)— Morris Willard (Class of 1952)

Anniversary classes honored at this banquet were graduating classes: 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, and 1972. 

Election of officers for 2023 were: President—Ron Pearcey, Vice President—Rusty Hauver, Secretary—Viola Noffsinger, Treasurer—Becky Linton. Volunteers are needed for assistant secretary and assistant treasurer.

Prizes were given for the oldest attendee, Edward Coleman (Class of ‘42), and the person who traveled the furthest, Terry Miller (from Waxahachie, Texas). 

Door prizes, donated by various local businesses and organizations, were hosted by Ron Pearcey, Ray May, and Lela Weaver; 50/25/25, Basket & Baked Goods Raffles—Bill Eyler, Melanie Pearcey, Bernadine Trout, Nancy Rice, Carol Long; Auctions—Bill Eyler.

The banquet was closed by President Howard Lewis. Next year’s THS Alumni Banquet will be held June 10, 2023.

The Thurmont High School Alumni would like to thank the following donors of door prizes and auction items: Door prizes: Bollinger’s Restaurant, Trout’s Market, Carriage House Inn Restaurant, Catoctin Mountain Orchard, Roy Rogers Restaurant, Mountain Memories, The Ott House, Fratelli’s New York Pizza,  Karen Myers Bouquets, Gateway Candyland, Weis Market, Hillside Turkey Farm, Hobbs Hardware, Jubilee Foods, Mountain Gate Restaurant, Epicure Foods LLC,  Rocky’s Pizza, and Kountry Kitchen; Auction items: Original THS Brick —Dick Creager & Tena Creager Karinshak, THS Cats Meow—Becky Linton, Maple Run Golf Outing—Russell Moser, Wine Display—Gladys Baker.

Photos by Maxine Troxell

Class of 1944 Edward Coleman

Class of 1952 (from left) Rodman Myers, Virginia Dewees Portner, and Charles Portner.

Class of 1957 (from left) Back row: Don Clabaugh, Chester Fogle, Donald Stitely Robert Layman, Plummer Fraley; Front row: Frank Free, Connie Heck Testaman, Betty Lee Eyler Rickard, Ross Smith, and Terry Miller.

Class of 1947 Robert Fox

Class of 1962 (from left) Back row: Charles Harbaugh, Jack Sease, Earl Miller, Mike Thompson, James Mackley; Center row: Maxine Fogle Troxell, Judy Coleman Knott, Jerry Moser, Beverly Rayford Mapp, Helen Staub Troxell, Beverly Hoke, Frances Beard Redding, Nancy Gearhart Rice; Front row: Jerry Weddle, Cheryl Zentz Hildebrand, Phyllis Johnson Dayhoff, and Betty Keeey Dewees. Missing from photo: James Abiba, Larry Eby, Edward Reifsnider, and Dennis Hoffman.

Class of 1967 (from left) Back row: Bill Eyler, Larry Clabaugh, Wayne Moser, Mike Smith; Front row: Faye Christie Worth, Larry Brown, and Jim Kuhn.

Scholarship recipients: THS Alumni President Howard Lewis presents scholarships to Jack Willard, Rianna Chaney, Sheridan Chaney, and Paige Baker (Joshua Glass and Mackenzie Kuhn not pictured).Teacher Clarence Piper

Thurmont High School Alumni Reunion to be Held

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The Thurmont High School Alumni Association will hold its annual banquet on Saturday, June 11, at the Thurmont Event Complex, located at 13716 Stratford Drive in Thurmont. Frederick County COVID-19 rules will be followed. This year, we will recognize all basketball players (male and female) to stand at some point in the program. Social hour will begin at 4:00 p.m., with the meal served promptly at 5:00 p.m.

This year, the anniversary classes are those that end in 2 and 7. Several basket raffles and a 50/25/25 raffle will take place. Special scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors, related to Thurmont High School alumni. The cost for the evening is $23.00 per person, which should be mailed to Viola Noffsinger, 131 Cody Drive #33, Thurmont, MD 21788 (before May 25). All alumnus of Thurmont High School and Catoctin High School classes (1969-1974) and friends are encouraged to attend. Visit the alumni Facebook page: Thurmont High School Alumni Association. 

Thurmont High School Alumni Association Offers Scholarships

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Attention graduating seniors! Are you related to a graduate from Thurmont High School or Catoctin High School up through the class of 1974? Are you looking for a scholarship?

Check the Community Foundation of Frederick County website at www.cffredco.org for the scholarships offered by the Thurmont High School Alumni Association. Applications are being accepted from March 1 through March 31, 2022, only.

Seniors, remind your parents, grandparents, and their friends that the Thurmont High School Alumni banquet will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the Thurmont Event Complex. Any questions, call 301-418-1760 or email vmnoff@gmail.com.

Maryland Workforce Development Career Fair Held

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Deb Abraham Spalding

The Maryland Workforce Development Division partnered with several agencies and businesses to provide a career fair on January 11, 2022, at the Thurmont Event Complex.

At the career fair, employers were seeking part-time, remote, and full-time job applicants, and applicants were looking for great opportunities.

Theresa Mena, the regional business solutions consultant with the Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Workforce Development said, “There’s a great turnout. I’m thankful to Thurmont Ambulance for making the facility available, so we can support our employers in their quest to find job seekers. My goal [for the career fair] is to provide the bridge so employers can find applicants they’re looking for.”

“If you’re looking for a job or job applicants, don’t forget to register yourself, or your business, in the Maryland Workforce Exchange, so we can help connect you with opportunities. That’s the first step in transforming your life,” Mena explained.

Yolanda Faust with Rutters (will be located along Route 15 where Shamrock used to be) said she was looking for “retail, as well as food service team members with first, second, and third shift availability starting out at $16.00 per hour.”

Brian Fitzsimmons, Facility Administrator on TJ Drive at DaVita, a dialysis company, was looking for nurses and techs in a full-time capacity. DaVita has three clinics in Frederick (Thomas Johnson Drive, Golden Mile, Ballenger Creek), as well as Carroll County, Westminster, Mt. Airy, and Hagerstown.

Thelma Lehmann, Human Resources Administrator with the Frederick YMCA, was looking for childcare, youth center, and aquatics applicants.

Brittney Rowse with Structural, LLC, located in Thurmont, was seeking full-time applicants at the fair.

The Flood Department out of Mt. Airy performs emergency water removal services and was seeking full-time applicants.

Jodee Rudy of In-home Health Care was hiring full- and part-time 24-hour in-home caregivers to work in Frederick, Washington, and Carroll Counties.

Lexie with NVR said, “I’m hiring for manufacturing laborers to build houses.” See the NVR advertisement on page 12 of this edition of The Catoctin Banner to learn how to apply.

Other vendors at the fair included Frederick County Public Schools, Frederick Health, Amazon, Western Maryland Hospital Center, Frederick Police, and more.

Participants signed up online in the Maryland Workforce Exchange. By attending the career fair, it counts as a reemployment activity for the applicant.

James Marchinke is a Maryland State employment rep, covering Garrett, Frederick, Allegheny, and Washington Counties, helping Veterans get employed. He partnered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange to reach Veterans seeking employment.

Marchinke reminded us, “A resume won’t get you a job, a resume will get you an interview. It’s up to the applicant to sell themselves at the interview.”

Job seekers visit with employers during the career fair.

Thurmont High School Alumni Reunion to be Held

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The Thurmont High School Alumni Association will hold its annual banquet on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at the Thurmont Event Complex, located at 13716 Strafford Drive in Thurmont.

Due to COVID-19, masks will be required inside the complex. Social hour will begin at 5:00 p.m., with the meal served promptly at 6:00 p.m. The anniversary classes this year are those that end in 0 and 5 and 6 and 1, since we did not have a dinner last year. Several basket raffles and a 50/25/25 raffle will take place. Special scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors, related to Thurmont High School Alumni.

The cost for the evening is $23.00 per person, which should be mailed to Viola Noffsinger, 131 Cody Drive #33, Thurmont, MD 21788 (before May 26). All alumnus of Thurmont High School and Catoctin High School classes (1969-1974), and friends, are encouraged to attend.

Visit the alumni Facebook page: Thurmont High School Alumni Association. Questions, special reports, or other information may be sent to vmnoff@gmail.com or call 301-418-1760.

Annual Thurmont High School Alumni Banquet Held

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Maxine Troxell

The Annual Thurmont High School Alumni Banquet was held June 1, 2019, at the Thurmont Event Complex. 

President Howard Lewis (Class of 1960), who replaced the late Don Dougherty as president, served as master of ceremonies.

The ceremonies opened with the singing of the “National Anthem,” followed by a delicious meal, served by the Thurmont Ambulance Company.

Eugene Long, Class of 1944, was the oldest in attendance. The person traveling the longest distance was Barbara Davies Watts from Fort Rose, Texas.

Scholarships are an important part of the alumni’s purpose: supporting continuing education.  Six scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors who have a relative that attended Thurmont High School. This year’s recipients were: Mackenzie Anders (Middletown HS)—Roy Anders (1961); Cameron Baumgardner (Catoctin HS)—Sharon Bennett (1970), Nancy Hill (1971), John Fink(1950); Ryan Bollinger (Frederick HS)—Sterling Bollinger (1946); Carly Crone (Catoctin HS)—Roger Clem (1957); Lucy Estep (Catoctin HS)—Terry Blickenstaff (THS*CHS 1969); Sydney Zentz (Catoctin HS)—Chester T. Zentz, Jr. (1951) and Jean L. (Tressler) Zentz (1955).

Donna Fisher and Dominick Massett were in attendance, representing former teachers. Former alumni officers were recognized and thanked; those who served in the military were also recognized and thanked.

Honor classes represented were from 1944, 1954, 1959, 1964, and 1969.

Recognition and thanks are extended to the many businesses who donated door prizes for the banquet. Next year’s banquet will be held on June 13, 2020.  Anniversary years will be those ending in 5 and 0.

Photos by Maxine Troxell

Thurmont High School Class of 1944

Picutred is Gene Long.

Thurmont High School Class of 1954

Pictured: (back row) Jim Moser, Connie Horn, Jim Freeze, Rau Fry, Russell Long, Buddy Bostian; (front row) Linda Fogle, Lois Griffith, Dollie Sanders, Lottie Bostian, and Irene Miller.

Thurmont High School Class of 1959

Pictured: (back row) Jim Baker, Kenny Fraley, Ray May, Deanna Shuff, Joe Fleagle, Ron Boller, Harvey Gearhart; (middle row) Barbara Campbell, Geneva Coren, Sandy Moser; (front fow) Janet Brown, Ruth Ann Miller, LaRue Beckley, Nancy Andrew, Glenna Willhide.

Thurmont High School Class of 1964

Pictured: (back row) Ann Miller, Jo Ellen Middle, Patsy Manahan, Barb Watts, Jim Fraley, Carolyn Fraley, Darlene Six, Joan Freeze; (front row) Connie Fream, Judy Vonn, Nancy Turner, Ethel Alexander Brauer, and Beverly Weddle.

Thurmont High School Class of 1969

Pictured: (back row) Daniel Walter, Daniel Delauter, Robert Black, David Delaire; (middle row) Terry Black, Deb Fogle, Martha Matthews, Mary Jane Putnam; (front row) Linda Redmond, Christina Laughman, Wayne Wireman, Joyce Marshall, and Lottie Twigg.

Thurmont High School Reunion to be Held

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The Thurmont High School Alumni Association will hold its annual banquet on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at the new Thurmont Event Complex, located at 13716 Strafford Drive, just off of Lawyer’s Lane, from Route 550 South of Thurmont.

Social hour will begin at 5:00 p.m., with the meal served promptly at 6:00 p.m. The classes ending in 4 or 9 will receive special recognition. Several basket raffles and a 50/25/25 raffle will take place.

Six graduating seniors, related to Thurmont High School Alumni, will receive $1,000 scholarships. The cost for the evening is $23.00 per person, which should be mailed to Viola Noffsinger, 12510 Creagerstown Road, Thurmont, MD 21788 (before May 16).

All alumnus of Thurmont High School and Catoctin High School classes (1969-1972), and friends, are encouraged to attend.

Visit the alumni Facebook page: Thurmont High School Alumni Association. Questions, special reports, or other information may be sent to vmnoff@ gmail.com or call 301-898-9898.

Thurmont Community Ambulance Company Holds Annual Banquet

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Blair Garrett

Through a wintry mixture of sleet and snow, locals from around the Catoctin Area poured into the Thurmont Event Complex to show love and support for the Thurmont Ambulance Company during its annual banquet on January 18, 2019.

Friends, families and volunteers of the Thurmont Ambulance Company braved the icy conditions to honor and recognize the people who dedicate their time and energy to answering calls for help 365 days a year.

Food was served, laughs were had, and awards were given for several individuals who go above and beyond for citizens in need around the area. Among those recognized, a few could not make it due to the snowy tundra that blanketed the Catoctin Mountain, but the snow did not stop President Lowman Keeney from reading their names and praising their services in their absence.

The Rocky Ridge 4-H Club served the dinner for the banquet, providing everyone with a variety of delicious foods and desserts to accommodate even the pickiest of eaters. The lines for food piled up, with guests collecting around the mashed potatoes, green beans and fried shrimp.

As the 4-H kids made their rounds providing refills and entertainment for guests, President Keeney took the stage to bring attention to the banquet and give thanks to all who made the event possible.

As everyone began to settle in, bellies full and eager for things to begin, Keeney started with introductions and a welcome.

“I want to thank you all for being here despite the conditions outside.” Keeney said. “There are a few of us who could not make it tonight, but we still appreciate the all of the contributions they have made.”

Many people had and continue to have a helping hand in making the Thurmont Ambulance Company the smashing success that it is, but Keeney identified a few key players who make the company what it is today.

Chief Dennis “DJ” Ott, Judy White, Joyce Stitely, Dennis Ott, Sr., Jim Wolf, Shirley Stackhouse and the company’s top responder Jenn Frushour all got special thanks among several others for the work and efforts made for the ambulance company.

Across all members, 46 responded to calls in 2018, providing Catoctin Area residents with fire and EMS aid at all hours of the day. Of the 46 responders, one stood above all others in time dedicated and calls ran.

Jenn Frushour clocked 3,872 hours for the Thurmont Ambulance Company, running a remarkable 342 calls for patients. To put it in perspective, across a full year, Frushour logged 10.6 hours per day in total time spent for the Thurmont Ambulance Company.

“Our top responder apparently has no life, running 342 calls,” Chief DJ Ott joked.

Other top responders include last year’s Chief’s Award winner, Brooke Ott, who ran 201 calls. Hilary Blake ran 128 calls, William Ott ran 62 calls and Chris Pigula ran 55 calls.

The ambulance company responded to 1116 EMS, 50 fire and 92 non-emergency calls over the course of 2018, continuing to stay busy each and every day. “We had an average response time of seven minutes,” Chief Ott said. “Ideally, we’d like to get that to five, but that’s something we’re working toward.” With an average response time of seven minutes and a total call time of 87 minutes, it’s easy to see just how much time some of the staff and volunteers are pouring in to help the community.  

“We have a great group here, but we’re always looking for more help and more EMTs,” Chief Ott said.

Venture Crew 270’s presentation kicked off the awards.

The operational awards went off without a hitch despite absences from a few key members. President Keeney presented Dennis Ott, Sr. with the President’s award, highlighting his contributions to the community of Thurmont and all its people. “He takes an hour to get from Thurmont to Emmitsburg, but he’ll always be there for you,” Keeney joked.

A memorial service soon followed in honor of two close members who passed away in 2018 and made a significant impact over the course of their lives.

Two candles were lit by Shirley Stackhouse for the memorial service to symbolize the eternal place Russell “Lee” Fisher, Sr. and Diane Oxendale have with the Thurmont Ambulance Company. Fisher passed away in April of 2018 and Oxendale passed in June 2018.

After a moment of silence and a prayer for those we’ve lost rang through the Thurmont Event Complex, the focus shifted to the naming of the 2019 administrative and operational officers.

Lowman Keeney, Dennis Ott, Sr., Judy White, Glenn Muth, Joyce Stitely, Shirley Stackhouse, Tim Wiltrout, Jim Wolf, Jim Humerick, Dennis Stitely, Cole Mercer, Dennis “DJ” Ott, Jr., Jenn Frushour, Brooke Ott and Renae Coolidge were all named officers for the new year. Congrats to all current officers on their positions protecting and serving our community.

The 4-H Club members made their rounds once again, handing out raffle tickets to everyone in attendance, with the crowd eagerly awaiting to hear their ticket called to get one of several awesome prizes. The ambulance club had gift baskets filled with fruits, several bottles of wine and gift cards to a select few lucky winners.

The raffle wrapped up the event and capped off another successful Thurmont Ambulance Banquet, but each speaker made it clear that the contributions made by those honored do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. A sincere thank you goes out to all EMS providers in the area for your service and dedication.

Without your time and efforts, our community would not be the same.  

Fifteen members were appointed as 2019 Administration and Operational Officers. Administrative Officers include President, Lowman Keeney; Vice President, Dennis Ott, Sr.; Treasurer, Judy White; Asst. Treasurer, Glenn Muth; Secretary, Joyce Stitely; Asst. Secretary, Shirley Stackhouse; Directors, Tim Wiltrout, Jim Wolf, Jim Humerick, Dennis Stitely, and Cole Mercer. Operational Officers include Chief, Dennis Ott, Jr.; Asst. Chief, Jenn Frushour; Lieutenant, Brooke Ott; and Sergeant, Renae Coolidge.

(above, right) Despite the wintry weather, a significant crowd attended the annual banquet.

(left) One of many awards presented, Dennis Ott, Sr. presented an award to Judy White.

(right) Shirley Stackhouse lit two candles in memorial of Russell “Lee” Fisher, Sr. and Diane Oxendale.

Thurmont High School Alumni Banquet Held

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The annual Thurmont High School Alumni Banquet was held June 2, 2018, at the Thurmont Event Complex. Alumni president, Don Dougherty (Class of 1969) served as the master of ceremonies. Audrey Ecker Coe, Class of 1940, was the oldest in attendance. She first attended alumni banquets in 1933 at the age of nine. She would tap dance and sing. Ironically, Audrey’s great, great nephew received a scholarship.

Scholarships are an important part of the alumni’s purpose: supporting continued education. This year’s recipients were Edison Hatter (grandson of Mayor James Black), Keren June Ott (related to Kenneth Ott), Hayden Spalding (related to Mary Fraley Lawyer, Robert Abraham, Barbara Bittner Abraham, Donald Spalding, and Joan Lawyer Spalding), Nikita James Miller (related to James E. Miller, Sr. and James E. Miller, Jr.), and Casey Ecker (related to Larry Ecker).

Gayle Slezak was in attendance representing former teachers. Former alumni officers were recognized and thanked. Those who served in the military were recognized and thanked.

Addison Eyler sang the “Star Spangled Banner,” and Larry Freshman read a poem he wrote about growing up in Thurmont.

Honors classes were 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, and 1968. Fred Addison came the farthest, traveling from Texas. Thanks to the many businesses who donated door prizes for the banquet. Next year’s banquet will be held Saturday, June 1, 2019. Anniversary class years end in a 4 or a 9.

Pictured from left are Nikita James Miller; Edison Hatter; Jeff Ott, excepting for his daughter, Keren June Ott; Casey Ecker; and Hayden Spalding.

 

 

Thurmont High School Reunion to be Held

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The Thurmont High School Alumni Association will hold its annual banquet on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at the new Thurmont Event Complex, located at 13716 Stratford Drive, which is just off of Lawyer’s Lane, from Route 550 South of Thurmont. Social hour will begin at 5:00 p.m., with the meal served promptly at 6:00 p.m.

The classes ending in 3 or 8 will receive special recognition. Several basket raffles and a 50/25/25 raffle will take place. Five graduating seniors, related to Thurmont High School Alumni, will receive $1,000 scholarships.

The cost for the evening is $23.00 per person, which should be mailed to Viola Noffsinger, 12510 Creagerstown Road, Thurmont, MD 21788 (before May 18).

All alumnus of Thurmont High School and Catoctin High School classes (1969-1972), and friends, are encouraged to attend. Visit the alumni Facebook page: Thurmont High School Alumni Association.

Questions, special reports, or other information may be sent to vmnoff@gmail.com or call 301-898-9898.

Thurmont Community Ambulance Company Holds Annual Banquet

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Elizabeth Swindells

On Saturday, January 20, 2018, the Thurmont Community Ambulance Company held its annual awards banquet in the new Thurmont Event Complex on Strafford Drive in Thurmont. A wonderful meal was graciously prepared and served by the young volunteers of the Rocky Ridge Progressive 4H Club. A fun time was had by all, while celebrating all of the individuals who work so hard and sacrifice so much to serve the community.

The ceremony started with an address from President Lowman Keeney. Following an introduction of the honored guests, Keeney went on to thank the members of the ambulance company for their service and sacrifice. “Our community is one big family. We do the best that we possibly can with the amount of calls, volunteers, and equipment that we respond to every year.”

Chief Dennis “DJ” Ott then delivered the Chief’s address. He summed it up in fourteen words: “Nothing’s changed; It’s all the same. We do the same thing day-in and day-out.”

Over the course of 2017, their vehicles traveled 46,328 miles, they ran 803 medical calls, and received 288 trauma, 44 fire, and 112 non-emergency calls. Chief Ott then reported on the magnitude of Colorfest and the staff and resources necessary to accommodate the crowds that attend. “Eighty-six patients and six transports in two days—that is the busiest two days we have to deal with. We accomplish that by staffing four ambulances, two medic units, two ATVs, and four first-aid tents. It takes about twenty-two individuals to continuously cover the operations of that. It makes us a lot of money, but causes me a lot of headaches with paper work.” He went on to acknowledge those who are currently in training and those who have completed training in EMT, EVOC, Fire 1, Fire 2, and paramedic school.

Some of the highlights of 2017 included sending two ambulances to Washington, D.C. for the presidential inauguration. They also provided coverage for the lifeguard challenge at Cunningham Falls Park, the Rocky Ridge Carnival and Guardian Hose Company Carnival, the Frederick Fair, and the demolition derby. They also attended the parades for Guardian Hose and Rocky Ridge, Thurmont Community Fun Fest, and the Town of Thurmont’s open house, in addition to various sporting events. This was the Company’s first year attending the National Fire Academy for Sons and Daughters’ Day. It was a busy year, to say the least. “This year is no different than last year. We are busy and we keep getting busier. We increased our calls by 200 and volunteer numbers are dwindling. We are going to keep moving on and doing the best we can.”

Following a presentation and report by Venture Crew 270, awards were presented. Individuals were recognized for their operational and administrative support: Jenn Frushour (304 calls), Rose Latini (176 calls), Brooke Kennedy (127 calls), Cole Mercer (118 calls), and Renae Coolidge (85 calls) were recognized as being the Top Five Responders. Chief Dennis “DJ” Ott presented the Chief’s Award to Brooke Kennedy. She joined in November of 2010, then became an EMT in 2011. Once she started training, she never stopped! She completed several classes, including Fire 1, Hazmat, rescue tech, EVOC, and Fire 2. She has held a line officer position for two years. She has put in countless hours to serve the Thurmont Ambulance Company and the community as a whole.

In addition to the Operational, Administrative, and Chief’s Awards, another prestigious award was granted. President Lowman Keeney presented Jim Wolf with the President’s Award. Jim Wolf is a former certified EMT and has served in different aspects and held many roles and responsibilities for the Company. He has served on the board of directors and contributed numerous hours for the Company.

Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird held the honor of swearing in the new 2018 officers. The 2018 Administrative Officers are: President Lowman Keeney; Vice President Eric Stackhouse; Treasurer Judy White; Assistant Treasurer Dennis Ott, Sr.; Secretary Joyce Stitely; Assistant Secretary Shirley Stackhouse; and Directors, Tim Wiltrout, Rose Latini, Jim Humerick, Glenn Muth, and Dave Place. The 2018 Operational Officers are: Chief Dennis Ott, Jr.; Assistant Chief Jenn Frushour; and Lieutenants, Brooke Kennedy and William Ott.

Delegate Kathy Afzali was also in attendance. On behalf of the Frederick County delegation, she presented Chief Dennis “DJ” Ott and President Lowman Keeney with an award, recognizing the Thurmont Community Ambulance Service for serving the health, welfare, and safety needs of Northern Frederick County and the community for over fifty years, while responding with fast, professional, and well-trained teams.

Congratulations to each and every award recipient. Regardless of whether one is operational, social, or administrative, it takes everyone to make the department run. As Chief Dennis “DJ” Ott said, “We are here as one big family, and this is what we love to do.”

2018 Administrative Officers: President Lowman Keeney; Vice President Eric Stackhouse; Treasurer Judy White; Assistant Treasurer Dennis Ott, Sr.; Secretary Joyce Stitely; Assistant Secretary Shirley Stackhouse; and Directors, Tim Wiltrout and Dave Place.

President Lowman Keeney presents Jim Wolf with the President’s Award.

Chief Dennis “DJ” Ott presents the Chief’s Award to Brooke Kennedy.

Photos by Elizabeth Swindells