Currently viewing the tag: "Thurmont Guardian Hose Company"

Kristen Daly

Local dance studio, Elower-Sicilia Productions (ESP) Dance and Music, LLC is celebrating 50 years of business this year.

Owner Linda Elower Sicilia started the studio back in 1969 in the basement of her parents’ Thurmont home. Within a year, she was able to move the studio to the Thurmont Guardian Hose Company Meeting Room, renting a room there one night a week to teach dance lessons. Within the next couple of years, Linda married her husband, Pete Sicilia, and moved the studio to the front room of their home on Main Street, while she and Pete lived upstairs. In 1972, Pete secured a loan from the Thurmont Bank and remodeled the basement himself to make a small studio space for Linda to continue teaching lessons.  Quickly outgrowing the basement studio space, Pete designed and built the Pool House (which was originally planned to be his shop and garage) to accommodate the growing studio. Linda continued teaching lessons in both the basement and the Pool House studios for the next few years. But as the studio continued to grow, it was moved to a variety of locations throughout Thurmont over the years, eventually ending up in the Old Mill building on Water Street, where it is today. 

Regardless of what the studio space was like, over the past 50 years Linda has taught so many young people to love dance. Some students may have stayed for just a year or two, or only took a couple of classes. While others stayed for their entire childhood, taking every class that was offered. Either way, countless young people were shaped by their time with Linda at ESP.

When asked to reflect on the past 50 years, Linda said the one thing that comes to her mind is the life-long friendships of parents and students that she has gained over the years that have made her life so much richer. Generations of families have gone through ESP, including Linda’s own three daughters, who were all ESP students and remain a part of the studio. Now, they have their own children dancing there.  Linda’s oldest granddaughter is the director of the ESP Performing Company. There are many parents who were ESP students themselves, who are now bringing their own children to dance at ESP.

ESP parent Megan Claggett shares “My fondest memories of my childhood are dancing for Linda. I still have all of my costumes, recital t-shirts, and recital VHS tapes! I couldn’t wait to have a little girl of my own to send to ESP, and now I have two. ESP truly is a big family, and I’m so proud to have my family be a part of it!” Megan’s daughter Jordyn said, “Dancing at ESP makes me so happy! I think it is so cool that most of my teachers also taught my mom and will teach my baby sister, too!” 

Many families share Megan’s sentiment, as do many alumni. Most of the current instructors at the studio are former ESP dancers. It is a true testament to the bonds students form with the studio when they want to send their own children to the studio or come back to teach classes there themselves. What makes ESP so special is that Linda sees the potential in each and every student that walks through the door. There is no set mold that ESP dancers must fit into, and every dancer can find a forever home at ESP. 

In addition to the quality dance technique and training that dancers receive at ESP, they also gain self-confidence, perseverance, and learn teamwork and dedication. And they make some of the best and most lasting friendships of their lives in the dance studio.

Current high school senior Lucy Estep, who has danced at ESP since she was two years old, sums it up perfectly by saying, “Miss Linda has created such an incredible family; they will forever be special to me. I have had countless laughs and memories made at the studio, and none of it would be possible without Miss Linda. I am beyond thankful for everything she gives the community, as well as her dancers. I can’t wait to watch the legacy continue on for plenty more years.”       

After 50 years, Miss Linda has impacted thousands of lives, and continues to make a difference every day. Although ESP is what some may call a “small town studio,” it has a huge heart and a reach far beyond the town of Thurmont.  ESP alumni and former Frederick County Public Schools teacher and counselor Beth Myers said it best when she said, “There’s so much to be said about a wonderful woman who was a second mom to most of the kids, including my two sisters and me.  Through dance, she also taught us kindness, teamwork, cooperation, the power of commitment, and building confidence. She created a welcoming space that expanded our small-town life with the diversity and creativity of the world of dance and life outside of Thurmont. I cherish her trust and faith in my sisters and I to become student teachers for her studio, assisting other kids to enjoy the passion and fun of being in the dance family. In fact, it was my first teaching job. What I learned from Linda, I carried with me in my heart and implemented in my teaching career, paying those gifts forward.”  Fifty years ago, Linda Elower Sicilia had a dream to teach children to love the art of dance. And through hard work, dedication, and the love and support from her family and friends, that dream is a reality. Thank you, Linda, for being a part of the Thurmont community for 50 years!  We are so proud! 

Come see the annual ESP Recital “ESP Visits Wonderland,” on June 15, 2019, at the Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick. There will be two showings: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available through the Weinberg Center Box Office.  

Pictured from left are Kyra Fry, Kara Weedy, Rose Weedy, Maria Fry, Linda Sicilia, Pete Sicilia, Kela Marceron, and Toni Marceron.

Blair Garrett

Through rain, shine, sleet, or snow, first responders will be there in our time of need. The Thurmont Guardian Hose Company’s Annual Banquet was no exception, with several of the featured volunteers called away to combat a house fire on the Catoctin Mountain.

But, the show must go on, and the banquet didn’t miss a beat. 

The food was served, memories were shared, and the banquet got underway to celebrate and recognize all of the hard work the men and women of Guardian Hose Company puts forth day after day. 

A moment of silence and recognition for the dedication and accomplishments of five members of the Guardian Hose Company was held, whose passing in 2018 was felt by each member of the area’s fire and EMS community. Diane Oxendale, Elwood Riffle, Richard Kaufman, Marion W. “Bill” Rice, and Gloria Clabaugh were honored through their families with the lighting of a candle and Reverend James Hamrick’s blessing.

Guardian Hose Chief Chris Kinnaird was responsible for the minutes of the banquet, informing the public on the past year’s events and statistics, accolades for administrative and operational officers, and future plans for the fire company.

The Top 10 Responders for the year were highlighted for their loyalty and service: Larry Duble (102), Michael Beard (124), Stacy Stackhouse (147), Steve Strickhouser (163), Christopher Kinnaird (194), Terry Frushour (200), Mike Duble (254), Jared Snyder (261), Wayne Stackhouse (271), Brad Weddle (421).

The officers who were inducted for 2019 are Lieutenants Chad Brown, Brian Donovan, Will Gue, and Kevin Welch; Captain Blaine Schildt; and Assistant Chief Charlie Brown.

“I’m sure they will support me throughout the year, as they have done in the past. I thank them for stepping up to the plate and taking these positions,” Chief Kinnaird said.

It was a tremendously busy 2018 for the Guardian Hose Company, running nearly 700 calls in just twelve months. As a company that is depended upon day in and day out, entirely functioning on the efforts of volunteers, the dedication of the operational and administrative officers doesn’t go unnoticed.

“It’s amazing that you’re an all-volunteer fire company,” Mayor John Kinnaird said. “There are very few communities like ours that have all volunteer companies, and we really appreciate your service.”

Volunteer fire companies thrive on the shoulders of invested community members who aim to support and protect the public. The communication and teamwork among local departments is paramount to maintaining the safety of the Catoctin area.     

“I’d like to thank our neighboring departments who helped us out throughout the year,” Chief Kinnaird said. “We can’t do this job by ourselves. It’s not a one-company operation anymore. The whole department relies on everybody, and everybody always lends a hand.”

As President Wayne Stackhouse continued to acknowledge each member and their years of service and membership to the fire company, a few stood out among the crowd.

Donald Stitely and Richard Wilhide joined the sixty-year club, putting in more than a half century of service to Guardian Hose Company.

“I want to make note that William “Bill” Rice was our oldest member on record before his passing last year, and he had completed seventy years,” Stackhouse said.

President Stackhouse’s next award put a smile on everyone’s face in the room, but none bigger than the smile on committee member Linda Davis’ face. “This next award is kind of a special award,” Stackhouse said. “Linda is one of those members in the activities committee who goes way beyond what she needs to do, but she’s always there.”

Davis was presented with a framed certificate and a huge bouquet of flowers, and the emotion on her face was immediately apparent. The gifts weren’t done yet for Davis though, as she also received a lifetime membership, certifying that she will receive membership benefits and privileges for her hard work and dedication to the Guardian Hose Company.

The banquet ended with the official installation for the 2019 officers by Director of Volunteer Fire Services Director, Chief Kevin Fox: President, Wayne Stackhouse; President Emeritus, Donald Stitely; Vice President, Terry Frushour; Secretary, Lori Brown; Assistant Secretary, Tisha Miller; Treasurer, Chad Brown; Assistant Treasurer, Beverly Frushour; Trustees, Brian Donovan, Jared Snyder, Joe Ohler, Steve Yuengling, and Christopher Kinnaird. Operational Officers: Chief, Chris Kinnaird; Assistant Chief, Carroll Brown; Captain, Blaine Schildt; Lieutenants, Chad Brown, Brian Donovan, Will Gue, and Kevin Welch; and Chaplain, James Hamrick.

The Installation of Officers puts the Guardian Hose Company and its supporters in a position to be successful for yet another year. As a volunteer fire company, Guardian Hose is always looking for more help and dedicated volunteers.

For more information, contact one of the company’s officers or visit www.guardianhose.org for more information.

President Wayne Stackhouse (center) acknowledges Richard Wilhide’s (left) and Donald Stitely’s sixty-years of service.

Vice President Terry Frushour is shown with Linda Davis, who receives a beautiful bouquet of flowers, as well as a lifetime membership.

Submitted by Natalie Bentz and Payton Troxell, Rocky Ridge 4-H Reports

On November 6, 2016, the Rocky Ridge Progressive 4-H Club held their Annual 4-H Banquet and Achievement Night. Special quests, community members, and 4-H families were in attendance.  The night started off with appetizers, prepared by the Rocky Ridge 4-H Club’s cooking group. Payton Troxell delivered the Invocation, followed by a potluck meal prepared by the member’s families. Austin Ridenour, the Club’s 2016 vice president, gave the banquet welcome. Club Leader Brenda Seiss talked about how proud she was of every member and all the positive things they have done throughout the year. She thanked the families for their time and support.

Jason Baust led the American Pledge, and Kelsey Troxell lead the 4-H Pledge. All had the pleasure of listening to Addison Eyler sing “Baltimore and Me.” Next, Nikita Miller introduced all the guests invited to the banquet and asked them to stand for recognition. Caroline Clark, FC Sheep Ambassador; Payton Troxell, FC Beef Ambassador; and Samantha Bentz, Royalty Ambassador, were in attendance.

During the evening, several awards were presented to members in the Club. Club Record Book awards were given to Mckenzie Forrest (first-year member), Caroline Clark (junior member), Kallan Latham (intermediate member), and Nikita Miller (senior member). Club Demonstration Awards were given to Katie Glass (first-year member), Caroline Clark (junior member), Jake Kenney (intermediate member), and Brietta Latham (senior member). Members were also recognized for their achievements throughout the year. The Senior Award was received by Margo Sweeney; Intermediate Award to Payton Troxell; Junior Award to Madison Ohler; and Braydon Wetzel for first-year member.

Special gifts were given to those Club members who participate in the specialty groups throughout the year. These groups were the Craft Group, led by Mrs. Dutton; the Cooking Group, led by Mrs. McAfee and Mrs. Bentz; and the Sewing Group, led by Mrs. Latham. These leaders give much of their time, providing learning experiences to our members. Ms. Brenda recognized the Club’s first-year members with medals: Braydon Wetzel, Katie Glass, McKenzie Forrest, and Kelsey Troxell. She also recognized our two outgoing senior members: Margo Sweeney and Wesley Brown. Scholarship awards were presented by Jim and Judy Miller to Olivia Dutton and Megan Millison. The Family of the Year Award was given to Jim and Judy Miller, along with their children, Konnor and Nikita.

The Rocky Ridge Club presented three community organizations with monetary gifts for their help with the Club in 2016: Thurmont Guardian Hose Company, Thurmont Grange, and Thurmont Ambulance Company.  The Thurmont Grange presented their “Unsung Hero Award” to an individual who works hard and is always there for others: Kolton Wetzel.

The 2016 Officers were recognized, and then welcomed the new 2017 Officers. Ms. Brenda and the new officers made a chain to show their trust in one another and the Club. Every 4-H member received a “boot bag,” with a personalized tag as their gift from the Club. The banquet ended with closing remarks from 2017 Secretary Breitta Latham.

Guardian Hose Company Makes a lot of Noise

by James Rada, Jr.

From November 16 to November 21, 1953, the fire sirens went off a lot more often than usual around Thurmont, and people took particular note of where they were when they heard the sirens.

It wasn’t that there was a rash of fires in Thurmont. Guardian Hose Company just wanted to see which of the two sirens they had could be heard the furthest away from town.

The officers of the Guardian Hose Company had asked that citizens listen for the sirens and call in their location to the company.

“So that they will be able to make the comparison, the firemen announce that the old siren will be sounded first with three blasts, and then the new siren will be sounded with three blasts,” the Catoctin Enterprise reported.

The fire company had installed the new siren in October of 1953 but hadn’t taken time to test it against their old siren. The test was to sound each siren at noon during the test week and see which one could be heard furthest away.

Since the siren alerted the firefighters that they needed to report to the station, the further away it could be heard, the more firefighters could potentially hear it.

In December, “D. Sayler Weybright reported that the new siren given to the company by Civil Defense officials was the loudest and could be heard the furthest, will be used at all times,” according to the newspaper.

The new siren was used in the relatively new Guardian Hose Company fire station. Guardian Hose Company had the old town hall on North Church Street razed in 1950. Then a new building was constructed on the site that was large enough for four firefighting vehicles, a meeting room, a furnace room, and a storage area. The cost at the time for the new station was $38,000 (about $375,000 today). It was funded through bonds from the Thurmont Bank.

The cornerstone for the building was laid on July 4, 1950. It was a big event in Thurmont that drew a large crowd.

Even with a loud siren, someone still needed to sound it. That job usually fell to one of the firefighters who worked closest to the station. When Wayne Stackhouse joined Guardian Hose Company in 1969, that job fell to the chief.

“The chief was a local barber named Harry Miller,” Stackhouse said in an interview last year. “The call would come into his shop, which was close to that station. He’d come in and set off the siren.”

Guardian is still protecting the community from its station on North Church Street, though it has been redone to fit more equipment that is larger. It also has more space for the firefighters. When there’s a fire, a lot of calls go out to pagers and cell phones and the siren still sounds.

GHC article by Jim

Photo Courtesy of Guardian Hose Company

Photo is the old Guardian Hose Company