Currently viewing the tag: "thurmont Grange no. 409"

Dog and Cat Food Collection for Thurmont Food Bank

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During the month of February, local organizations, Thurmont Grange No. 409, Rocky Ridge Progressive 4-H Club, and BSA Scout Troops 270B and 270G joined together to collect dog and cat food to be donated to the Thurmont Food Bank.

Their combined efforts resulted in 311 pounds of dry dog and cat food, 28 cans of food, as well as cat litter, dog treats, and various dog and cat toys, being donated to the Food Bank. It is important to remember that pets are also family members, and we need to do what we can to make sure they also do not go hungry.

Pictured (from left) are Pastor Sally Joyner Giffin, Thurmont Food Bank Director; and Nancy Wine, Thurmont Granger and Food Bank volunteer.

Grange Hosts “Antique Roadshow”

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The Thurmont Grange No. 409 hosted its annual Antique Roadshow on Monday, March 11. This event is held each year to raise money for an individual or family in need or an organization’s cause.

This year, funds were donated to the Catoctin FFA Chapter’s trip to the 2024 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Several past FFA members attended the Roadshow and shared their experiences at National Convention and the impact the trip had on them.

Those in attendance brought a wide variety of antiques and collectibles to be evaluated by our local experts, Norman Feldser and Bill Eyler, who graciously volunteered their time and knowledge. Everything from a toy train and swords to a corn sheller and pocket watch, and everything in between, was examined and evaluated.

All the guests enjoyed listening to the stories and history behind these items and learning the potential value and professional opinions of both Norman and Bill. Our experts also shared local history and personal experiences related to many of the items. Catoctin High Ag teacher, Barry Birch, was present to receive the donation Thurmont Grange was able to raise, thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended the Roadshow.

Bill Eyler examines a crock belonging to Joe Pelkey, as Norman Feldser observes.

Attention All Graduating Seniors

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Thurmont Grange Offering Two Scholarships

Thurmont Grange No. 409 is offering two scholarships to any 2024 Catoctin High School graduating senior or graduating homeschool senior, residing in the Catoctin feeder area, who will be attending a technical or trade school, community college, or four-year college.

Applicants are required to submit one letter of recommendation, an essay about how furthering your education will have a positive impact on your community, and your official high school transcript. Scholarships will be awarded on May 31, 2024. Applications may be obtained by emailing thurmontgrange@gmail.com or contacting the Catoctin High School Guidance Department at 240-236-8100. All applications must be received by April 30, 2024.

Words For Thirds

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Members of the Thurmont Grange  No. 409 recently presented dictionaries to all Northern Frederick County third-grade students. This is a community service project called “Words for Thirds,” and all of the third-grade students in the Catoctin feeder system received dictionaries (Sabillasville Environmental School, Lewistown, Thurmont, and Emmitsburg Elementary Schools).

The Grange is an agricultural organization which is deeply rooted in the community. Many of its members are farmers, businessmen and women, and its focus is on community service, legislation, education, and agriculture. Many of our local members hold local, county, and state offices to promote the Grange.

Every year, the Grange helps at events such as the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show, the Frederick Fair (where they put in an exhibit at the Farm and Garden Building), the Catoctin Colorfest, and the annual Cookie Walk in December, to name a few. The Grange holds a Veterans’ Appreciation Night, and has also donated funds and items to the Thurmont Food Bank, Catoctin FFA, Boy Scouts, Catoctin Safe & Sane, and so forth. 

The dictionary has many features, such as the history of the Presidents of the United States, the solar system, sign language, and also the longest word in the United States.

Emmitsburg Elementary School

Pictured from left: (back row) Grange members, Carolyn Wiles, Robert Wiles, and Paulette Mathis; (front row) third-grade students, Jack Wivell, Dylan Ridinger, Telsa Moore, and Kelsie Merriman.

Thurmont Grange Hosts Veterans Appreciation Program

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On November 8, 2023, Thurmont Grange No. 409 held its annual Veterans Appreciation Program. The evening started with a welcome, given by Grange President, Niki Eyler. She stated that the Veterans being honored were “all honorable, upstanding, and respectable members of their families, churches, and communities.” 

Next, Thurmont American Legion Post 168 Commander Nick Middendorff led all attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem, played by Bob Dunk of both Harmony and Spires Cornet Bands. 

A special recognition of Veteran and Thurmont resident, Jim Stull, was given by Niki Eyler. Jim was born on March 3, 1933, on the outskirts of Thurmont. He was one of nine children and was forced to leave school early to work in the family plumbing business. Jim always understood the importance of taking care of family, even at a young age.  At 18, he was drafted into the Korean War. His basic training was at Camp Atterberry, Indiana, and from there, Jim was stationed at Fort Carlson, Colorado. He volunteered to be a cook in the mess hall. After returning from a six-week recuperation from a broken leg, Jim’s platoon received the news they were being sent to Korea the following week to fight in the war.  Fortunately, the war ended before they were deployed. Jim went on to marry his wife of 59 years, Carolyn, and they had two daughters, Diana and Sylvia. He was a member of Weller United Methodist Church and Thurmont American Legion Post 168 for 45 years. He enjoyed spending winter months in Florida, and during the summer, he loved to be at his cabin in Fairfield, Pennsylvania. Jim also loved spending time vacationing with family and driving his antique Chrysler 300 convertible. The members of Scout Troup 270 folded the American flag and presented it to Jim’s daughter, Diana Stull, in honor of Jim’s service to our country.

Thurmont Grange also honored Thurmont resident, Grange member, and U.S. Army Veteran, Russell Moser, with a banner in the Military Banner Program, sponsored by the Thurmont Lions Club. Russell served as Private 2nd Class (1957-1958) as a trained Lineman in the 559 Signal Company. His basic training was at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Russell was then stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Upon release from active duty, Russell returned to the Army Reserves until 1963. During the Cuban Crisis, he was called back to active duty, at which time he was stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland.

The guest speaker for the evening was First Vice Commander of Legion Post 168 Debbie Middendorff, who spoke about the Poppy Program and how Veterans across the country are assisted by the funds raised through this program. Post 168 Poppy Princess, Ella Renner, was also in attendance and fulfilled her duty by ensuring everyone received a Poppy.

Next, the evening’s Veterans were recognized: Roland Renner (Army 69-72), Allen Middendorff (Army 76-98), Debbie Middendorff (Army 79-82), Denise Shriver (Navy 90-93), and Alvin Hatcher (Navy 84-96). Honorees were met with a round of applause in appreciation of their selfless service in the United States Armed Forces.

Finally, a moment of silence was observed for recently departed Grange members Patty Johnston, Roger Troxell, and Robert McAfee, as well as those who have lost their lives defending our country. In closing, Taps was performed by Bob Dunk. Before parting for the evening, those in attendance enjoyed refreshments and fellowship.

If you are interested in joining Thurmont Grange, please contact Rodman Myers at 301-606-9221.

Pictured from left are: Thurmont Grange President Niki Eyler, Roland Renner (Army 69-72), Allen Middendorff (Army 76-98), Debbie Middendorff (Army 79-82), Denise Shriver (Navy 90-93), Alvin Hatcher (Navy 84-96) and Thurmont Grange Vice President Alan Brauer.

Courtesy Photos

Jim Stull’s daughter (pictured center), Diana Stull, holds the flag presented to her by Scout Troup 270 in honor of Jim’s service, surrounded by friends.

Pictured from left are Thurmont Grange President Niki Eyler, American Legion Post 168 Poppy Princess Ella Renner, and Thurmont Grange Vice President Alan Brauer