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Wags for Hope and Thurmont Police Department Announce Partnership

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Alisha Yocum

On March 19, the chairs in the Thurmont Town Meeting were filling up quickly, but not by who you may expect.

In attendance at the meeting were several four-legged friends, who were there to help the volunteers from Wags for Hope and the Thurmont Police Department announce their new partnership.

Wags for Hope is a local non-profit that provides volunteers with their pets to bring joy to the lives of others. During the meeting, Meghan Padhi, co-president of the organization, gave a brief presentation about the organization to the Thurmont Commissioners. During the presentation, she announced that they would now be partnering with the Thurmont Police Department and will use their dogs to bring stress-relief to the community through attending outreach events, visiting the police department staff, and helping in cases where community members, especially children, have experienced trauma.

Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird expressed that when Kristi Woods, a Town of Thurmont employee and volunteer at Wags for Hope, brought her dog to visit him in the hospital, it really made a difference.

You may have already seen Wags for Hope volunteers and their furry friends around town, as they often visit schools and have a partnership with Frederick County Public Libraries, where children are able to read to the dogs, inspiring them to learn to read because an animal is non-judgmental and reading then becomes fun for them. The goal behind the R.E.A.D.® Program is to improve literacy skills and give children a positive association with reading.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Service Project

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The Thurmont Lions Club (TLC) annually recognizes the Thurmont Police Department for National Law Enforcement Day. On January 9, 2023, Lion Debbie Schray (pictured third from left) did a “fill the table” event. She provided drinks, snacks, and goodies in honor of the policemen to enjoy throughout the day.

Being a police officer is a service of pride and respect, and the people in this position are giving their all for the safety of their community. The Thurmont Lions Club thanks the Thurmont policemen for the risk they take in their lives to safeguard the people of the town.

“It is a great privilege to represent the TLC as we support our police officers, and blessed are the peacemakers,” said Lion Debbie Schray.

Thurmont Grange Holds First Responders Appreciation Event

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Cheryl Lenhart

Thurmont Grange #409 hosted its First Responders Appreciation Night at the Thurmont Town Park on June 27. After an invocation given by Nancy Wine, all members and guests in attendance enjoyed a covered-dish picnic dinner.

Lecturer Niki Eyler then turned the program over to Grange members who introduced our First Responders.

Graceham VFC No. 18: Jane Savage introduced recipient of Graceham VFC No. 18 recognition award, Julie Fogle. Julie was nominated by Fire Chief Louis Powell, Jr., who in his comments stated, “It is with the utmost honor that I nominate FF/EMT Fogle to be recognized by the Thurmont Grange #409.” Chief Powell stated that FF/EMT Fogle’s hard work and dedication earned Graceham VFC No. 18 the Clint Hughes Departmental Fire Prevention Award at this year’s Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (“FCVFRA”) Awards Ceremony, which was held on April 18 at Walkersville VFC #11. FF/EMT Fogle is in charge of Graceham’s Facebook page, where she posts monthly fire prevention and life safety messages. FF/EMT Fogle previously held the positions of secretary and lieutenant and currently serves on the board of directors and is assistant secretary. She is also the chairperson for Graceham’s Fire Prevention Committee and Banquet Committee. It was her hard work that allowed Graceham to have a great banquet this past year. FF/EMT Fogle meets and exceeds the standards set forth by the FCVFRA to be a Chief officer.

Lewistown Volunteer Fire Department: Nancy Wine introduced recipient of Lewistown’s recognition award, Bethany Wachter. Bethany was nominated by Wayne P. Wachter, Jr.  and was nominated as she was the top responder for EMS calls during the entire COVID-19 pandemic.  This year, she will have 25 years of service to the community. Bethany helps with dinners, bingos, yard sales, and all other functions the Lewistown Volunteer Fire Department has during the year.  She lives in Mountaindale with her husband and two daughters.

Thurmont Community Ambulance Service: Nancy Wine introduced recipient of Thurmont Community Ambulance Service recognition award, Jennifer Frushour. Jennifer was nominated by Judith White of the Thurmont Community Ambulance Service. Jennifer was recognized for her service to the department and the community as a whole. She has been involved with volunteer fire and rescue service since she was a youngster and helped her dad with activities at the fire department. Jen became involved with the ambulance company as well; she completed her Emergency Medical Technician training and went on through national registry.  She has also trained in Emergency Vehicle Operator, instructor training, hazardous materials operations training, and EMS officer program.  She has served as lieutenant and now is the assistant chief for Thurmont Ambulance. She has countless hours of standby and has been recognized by the department as a top responder for multiple years. Jen is also a mentor to new members and EMT students and continues to assist with many activities. She is employed as a dispatcher for the 911 Center in Frederick.

Vigilant Hose Company: Jim Barto introduced recipient of Vigilant Hose Company’s honoree, Matthew Boyd.  Matt was nominated by Fire Chief Chad M. Umbel. In his remarks, Fire Chief Umbel stated that it was his honor to nominate Matthew Boyd, who has been a member of Vigilant Hose Company for 10 years and was active as a junior firefighter before obtaining operational status.  Matt’s remarkable ability to work with people and effectively organize tasks and priorities have made him a model for others to emulate and has earned him the respect of his peers.  Along the way, he has obtained many certifications and awards for exceptional service. At the Vigilant Hose Company, there is no better role model than someone who is humble and modest, who constantly strives to improve his knowledge and skill set toward the betterment of the organization; someone with a vision who is also a good listener, has a sense of humor, and can be decisive when necessary; a person of integrity, always willing to help someone else succeed. Matt has spent many hours at the station and the activities complex, utilizing his mechanical capabilities, working on and fixing whatever needs done.  Matt has worked his way up through the ranks and currently holds the position of Captain.  

Thurmont Police Department: Jim Barto introduced recipient of Thurmont Police Department’s honoree, Sgt. Dave Armstrong.  Sgt. Armstrong was nominated by Lt. P.A. Droneburg, deputy chief of police for the Thurmont Police Department. In his remarks, Lt. Droneburg stated that Sgt. Armstrong joined the Thurmont Police Department in 2012 after retiring from the Frederick Police Department. He has proven to be an asset to the department since the day he began. After serving in patrol and as a first line supervisor, Sgt. Armstrong was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2018. His service has been exemplary. He has responded to numerous call-outs for death investigations and other significant criminal investigations. His work ethic has also been outstanding.  In January 2021, Sgt. Armstrong received a compliment from a citizen (excerpt): “The sergeant then took it upon himself to look for my daughter as a missing person (as she had fled the scene), and once he found her, he took her to the hospital. I did not expect the professionalism and great concern for everyone’s safety that the officer provided.”  Sgt. Armstrong assumed the role as the agency’s training coordinator after being promoted and has developed a timeline for all mandated training.  During this past year, he attended numerous training sessions to improve his knowledge and to better serve the agency. In May 2021, Sgt. Armstrong completed a De-escalation Training Course, so he could be an instructor for the agency. In July 2021, Sgt. Armstrong received a Letter of Acknowledgement from Chief Eyler for his outstanding performance in handling a suspicious death investigation. Also during July 2021, Sgt. Armstrong nominated a citizen for a Certificate of Appreciation for their assistance with a young female found walking along a roadway. This nomination enhanced community involvement and recognition. During this past year, Sgt. Armstrong became an advocate for the skateboarding youth in town and was instrumental in assisting them with their presentation to the board of commissioners, which led to the construction of the Thurmont Skatepark. In October 2021, Sgt. Armstrong worked with the agency’s administrative coordinator to prepare for a significant CJIS Audit.  Their combined effort provided the agency with one of the best audit evaluations ever received. Sgt. Armstrong also provides daily supervisory leadership for the officers. His service to the Thurmont Police Department projects a professional image to the community with efficient and quality policy service. 

Guardian Hose Company: Niki Eyler introduced Brian Donavon, the representative for the Guardian Hose Company. In the company’s remarks, Chief Charlie Brown and President Wayne Stackhouse stated as follows: “We have decided not to pick only one person from the Guardian Hose Company to be honored, but to honor everyone that is a first responder/member in our organization. It is very hard to pick one person over another when everyone in our organization has an input to our success. There are so many people within our organization that provide a very meaningful part of the day-to-day operations, from administrative duties to responding to emergency calls. Without either one of these individuals, we could not function as a whole and be there when residents of Thurmont need us. We want to thank the Grange for thinking about our family at GHC and our mission to do our best to help the citizens of Thurmont remain safe. We hope that we can continue to assist residences in Thurmont for a long time to come.”

Chief Brown also wished to thank all of the people who came out the last week of June and supported the Guardian Hose Company during the carnival. It was a very successful week with lots of support for the town and the residents. He then went on to say that the “Guardian Hose Company has operational members who run the emergency calls, we have social members and also administrative members, all who play a special role in the organization. This past year and a half, the organization received career staff from the county. We have three people 24 hours a day to get the first piece of apparatus out the door.  The career staff and the volunteers work hand-in-hand to respond to emergency calls. With the changing world and everyone’s schedule being more involved with family priorities and work obligations, it’s hard to make sure someone is around to staff the apparatus 24 hours, seven days a week. The operational members responded to over 700 calls last year. This year, I think we are going to top that. Our area is currently in the neighborhood of 47.2 square miles of first-due area. Now, we also respond out past the state lines and county lines. We respond to Pennsylvania. We assist other counties: Franklin County and Adams County, Pennsylvania; Carroll County and Washington County, Maryland, and a few weeks ago, we were specially requested to a commercial building fire in Jefferson County, West Virginia, with our air unit. We have over 50 operational volunteers and are always looking for more to help to fill the openings. The Guardian Hose Company was organized in 1887 and provides fire and rescue services to an approximate 84 square miles, mostly all rural area. In that 84 square miles lies the Catoctin Mountain National Park, the Cunningham Falls State Park, and William Houck Area, within which the company provides service as well.”

Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company: Niki Eyler then introduced honoree for Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, Alan Brauer, Sr.  Alan was nominated by Linda Northrup, the Awards Committee chairperson. Alan joined the fire company in July of 1963. He is also a member of the Thurmont Community Ambulance Company and the Frederick County Hazardous Incident Response Team.  He has been active with the fire service and instrumental in company training since joining. He has also held many offices and served on many committees throughout his 58 years, serving as secretary for 14 years, assistant secretary for 4 years, vice president for 2 years, and captain of the Rocky Ridge Fire Police for 11 years. He has served as captain of the fire prevention committee for 13 years, chairperson of LOSAP for the company for 18 years, and Fund Drive Committee for 7 years. He also served as the meat raffle chairperson in 2018-2019 and the drive-through ham sandwich sales in 2021.

Alan also helps with the fire company’s Santa detail two weeks before Christmas, and he helps to patrol the traffic and keep personnel safe. He provides fire police services for any need in Frederick County, especially in the northern part of the county. He is a member of the Frederick County Fire Police Association, and has served as secretary for the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Association and the Executive Committee, and was chairman of the Frederick County Fire Prevention Committee. 

At the annual Rocky Ridge Carnival for the past 47 years, Alan has been in the same stand. It just has had a few name changes over the years, from nickel pitch to glass pitch and now dime pitch. Alan has received many awards, including 1988 Lifetime honor member, and in 2018, the Charles Mumma “Firefighter of the Year Award.” He has also received the Millard “Mick” Mastrino Instructor/Safety Award at the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Association Awards Ceremony in 2005, and in 2007, received the State Instructor of the Year Award. He also has participated in several fun activities with the fire service such as the Hook Up Contest in 1971, chairman of the Halloween party, and has participated in a pie-eating contest at the Summers Farm. 

He provides Hazmat Refresher and CPR Refresher courses for the local volunteer fire companies. He also provides safety consulting services. He does CPR, OSHA, MOSHS training and other safety training all over the United States.  He has developed and implemented compliance training for the biotech, general, and construction industries across the country. He has extensive knowledge in Federal regulations, including OSHA, DOT, and EPA. He has had many years of experience in the fire service, including specialized knowledge in fire prevention, life safety, and hazardous materials.

Alan is also very involved with agriculture and is an active member of the Farm Bureau and the Grange, where he has held several offices in the local, county, and state.

When Alan spoke at the Rocky Ridge Fire Company banquet in January of 2014, he recapped his 50 years in the fire service. His ending comment was “The concept of fighting a fire has not changed from 50 years ago, we just have bigger and more expensive equipment and a lot more training.”

The members of the Thurmont Grange sincerely congratulate all of the award recipients and thank them for their service to the community and the county.

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Pictured from left are Julie Fogle (Graceham VFC #18), Niki Eyler (Thurmont Grange Lecturer), Bethany Wachter (Lewistown VFC), Brian Donovan (Guardian Hose), Alan Brauer, Sr. (Rocky Ridge VFC), and Sgt. Dave Armstrong (Thurmont Police Dept). Not pictured: Jennifer Frushour (Thurmont Ambulance) and Matt Boyd (Vigilant Hose).

Courtesy Photo

Thurmont Lions Club’s Police Officer of the Year

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On January 18, 2022, Sergeant Dave Armstrong was honored as Thurmont Lions Club “Police Officer of the Year” at the town meeting.

Sergeant Armstrong joined the Thurmont Police Department in 2012 after retiring from the Frederick Police Department. He assumed his role as the agency’s training coordinator after being promoted and has developed a timeline for all mandated training.

During this past year, Sgt. Armstrong became an advocate for the skateboarding youth in the town and was instrumental in assisting them with their presentation to the board of commissioners, which led to the construction of the Thurmont Skate Park. The Thurmont Lions Club recognized Sgt. Armstrong for his exemplary service to protect and improve the quality of life under his extraordinary leadership for his devotion, dedication, and hard work for the Thurmont community. He was given a Certificate of Dedication, a gift certificate to a restaurant in Frederick, and $400 to be donated to a charity of his choice: the Cub Scouts.

The Thurmont Lions Club meets the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at St. John Lutheran Church on Church Street in Thurmont. For more information, visit www.thurmontlionsclub.com or contact Lion Joyce Anthony at jananny@comcast.net or 240-288-8748.

Pictured from left are Lion Jonathan Hamrick, Sgt. Dave Armstrong, and Thurmont Lions Club President Dianne McLean.

Courtesy Photo

A Proud Project By Local Teens

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Deb Abraham Spalding

It was a beautiful day for the grand opening celebration of the new Thurmont Skatepark at the East End Park on East Main Street in Thurmont on Saturday, November 6, 2021. The day started off with the group of project-founding skaters gathering at the skatepark for a sunrise skate session. Their project had become a reality!

They skated for about an hour and a half, then other volunteers joined them to plant 30 trees around the skatepark. Soon, event attendees started filling up the space.

From sunup to sundown, the celebration continued as a solid slate of skaters on skateboards, on scooters, or wearing in-line skates, rolled around the smooth concrete contours of the facility. Paul Zelenka served as the event’s DJ mixing up 5 hours of fun tunes.

This project was initiated by local young residents who were looking for a safe place to skateboard. Sgt. Dave Armstrong, of the Thurmont Police Department, started having conversations with the kids instead of just telling them to stop skating when he saw them around town. He realized they needed a safe place to skate. He went with them to a Parks and Rec Committee meeting and gained roots-level support for a skatepark.

A group of 15 Catoctin High School sophomores attended an April 12, 2021 Town of Thurmont meeting with Patrick Dugan as their leader and presented their case, convincing the town to build a skatepark. Four main skaters spearheaded the project including Dugan, Maceo Zelenka, Alan Chimel, and Norman Montoya, by petitioning for support.

The teens didn’t attend that meeting unprepared. They had done research. They visited other towns with skateparks, and met with other organizers and planners who have designed and built skateparks. A visit with Brent at Embark Skate Shop for advice on building a skatepark led the teens to Joe Wallace who had done fundraising for Urbana Skate Park. He shared the name Matt Arment who built the Urbana Park. Within one day of contacting Arment, he had a skatepark design and a proposal drawn up. That project plan was presented to the town. Everything moved along well.

The mayor and commissioners gave the teens lots of positive feedback, as well as advice on how to help their project move along as quickly as possible. The Thurmont Board applied for, and received, a grant from Program Open Space, a program from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources that provides counties with funds for public space projects.

Embark donated a skateboard for a raffle to raise funds. The teens had formed a committee and they were present at Thurmont’s Farmers Markets selling raffle tickets and t-shirts. This was a great way for the committee to tell people about the park.

The committee met every week. Josh Boyle, an active inline skater, joined the committee and contributed a wonderful point of view. Sgt. Armstrong stayed active with the committee and remained a great advocate.

Maceo Zelenka’s mother Stacie Zelenka and Patrick Dugan’s mother Kirsten Dugan became parent volunteers who helped lead the boys through the logistics of fundraising.

Commissioner Wayne Hooper, served as the liaison between the board and the committee. Matt Arment of Arment Concrete out of Dover, PA, was really close to the kids. He designed and built the park. Sponsorship was incredible! The teens wrote a letter and asked the community and businesses for support.

Stacie Zelenka said, “We said the first five $500 donations would have a banner at the park. Within 24 hours we had all five of them. Ninety percent of the people really supported the project because it was driven by teens. They can make a change!”

At the grand opening celebration, Embark Skate Shop hosted the best trick contest. People got to see pro skaters. Delegate Jesse Pippy did a kick flip to start off the best trick contest. That was cool to see, especially since he actually landed the stunt.

A proclamation was presented by Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird on behalf of the Governor of the State of Maryland to the Thurmont Skatepark Committee.

There are many individuals who deserve credit and acknowledgement for this true example of a “community” project. Harold Lawson, Thurmont’s Superintendent of Public Works and his crew are responsible for everything that makes up the skatepark’s finished look. Lori Kaas with the Town of Thurmont was the committee’s point of contact with the town office. She kept the committee organized and on track.

Jim Humerick, The Town of Thurmont’s CAO included the skateboard committee in the process every step of the way so they learned how government works. Jacob Williams designed the logo which has been a big hit on the hoodies and t-shirts. Mayor John Kinnaird was always supportive of the skatepark and Thurmont youth.

The skatepark isn’t completely finished. Eventually, there will be lights installed. Next spring, paved walking trails will be installed from the inclusive playground and from the Main Street sidewalk.

Stacie Zelenka said, “A lot of individuals donated to the project and realized that by giving kids and teens in the community a safe outdoor space for a sport just makes the community better.”

Kirsten Dugan sums it all up, “In less than seven months, this project went from a proposal by a group of teenagers into a reality.  This skatepark is a great asset to our town.  People have been out here enjoying the skatepark almost constantly since the concrete dried. To see it completed and to celebrate with the community that has given so much support is really incredible. The whole process has felt like a miracle.”

The official ribbon-cutting was held at the at the grand opening.

Ben Swauger of Waynesboro attended the Thurmont Skatepark Grand Opening on November 13, 2021.

Catoctin ninth-grader Cameron Santmier catches some air on his scooter.

Police Officer Of The Year

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Officer First Class Nicole Fair was honored as Thurmont Lions Club “Police Officer of the Year” at the town meeting held on April 20, 2021. OFC Fair joined the Thurmont Police Department in July 2016. She is  a graduate of the Western Maryland Police Academy. She is currently serving as a Patrol Officer and has accepted extra assignments.

OFC Fair took an interest in Juvenile Delinquency and assisted the agency with the adoption of the Juvenile Diversion Program and serves as the agency’s liaison with the State Attorney’s Office and Juvenile Services. She is also the agency’s Gang Coordinator. Among many other duties, she tracks gang activity locally and monitors regional gang intelligence networks. OFC Nicole Fair was presented a Certificate of Appreciation, a gift certificate to a restaurant, and $400 to be donated to a charity of her choice.

Pictured from left are Lion Jonathan Hamrick and OFC Nicole Fair.

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Police Officer of the Year

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Detective Gerald Bowen was honored as Thurmont Lions Club “Police Officer of the Year” at the town meeting held on June 30, 2020, by Lion Jonathan Hamrick. 

Detective Bowen joined the Thurmont Police Department in 2013, after serving 19 years with the Frederick Police Department.  He is currently serving his third year as a criminal investigator in the Thurmont Police Department.  He has fulfilled this position in an exemplary manner. Detective Bowen has responded to numerous call-outs for death investigations and other significant criminal investigations. His investigations have been thorough and meticulous.  All of his case closures have been successful and have reflected well for the agency. Detective Bowen also serves as a liaison for numerous law enforcement partners in the county.

Detective Gerald Bowen received a Certificate of Appreciation, a gift certificate to a local restaurant, and $400 donated to a charity of his choice, whereby he choose St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Congratulations, Detective Gerald Bowen.

Pictured from left are: Commissioner Wayne Hooper, President Joyce Anthony, Commissioner Bill Buhrer, Detective Gerald Bowen’s family (Detective Bowen is wearing the purple tie), Mayor John Kinnaird, and Lion Jonathan Hamrick.

Catoctin Colorfest Gives Back

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One weekend, every year, Thurmont is taken over by crafters, vendors, visitors, and shoppers during the Catoctin Colorfest. The show promotes “artisans and craftsman who are hard-working individuals putting their hearts and souls into their craft.” While it seems like a temporary small-town take-over, it is nice to know that the show generates a significant financial benefit to our community.

Catoctin Colorfest’s president, Carol Robertson, and Colorfest Committee members hosted a banquet on November 14, 2016 to thank event volunteers and distribute donations. A total of $18,044.08 was distributed to various organizations of Thurmont. Highlights included that the Guardian Hose Company, Thurmont Ambulance Company, and Thurmont Police Department were each given $1,500, Catoctin High School Scholarships totalled $3,500, $2,500 was given to the Town of Thurmont towards the reforestation of the Community Park, and the Thurmont Food Bank received $3,000. The Town of Thurmont issued 694 permits for the weekend, with 34 being food vendors, and Catoctin Colorfest paid the town $14,420 for official Colorfest vendors. Robertson extended sincere thanks to event volunteers, town staff, and the Thurmont community.

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Some of those who attended the 2016 Colorfest Banquest are shown.

Thurmont and Emmitsburg Community Show

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The Thurmont and Emmitsburg Community Show held its annual Pet Show on Saturday, September 10, 2016, at Catoctin High School. Prior to the show, a K-9 demonstration was held by the Thurmont Police Department and narcotics dog, Buddy. Dave Harman and Dave Johnston served as chairmen for this event. Jenny Humphries, an employee at Catoctin Mountain Park, and Don Stanley, a retired employee from Catoctin Mountain Park, served as judges. They selected a dog, owned by Tracy Beeman, as Champion of the show. She received a gift certificate donated by the Thurmont Feed Store and a rosette ribbon. Selected as Reserve Champion was a dog-owned by Pam Kaas. She received a gift certificate donated by Main Street Groomers and a rosette ribbon. Food coupons to Taco Bell and Kentucky Fried Chicken were given to those participating in the show. Also, the Thurmont Feed Store donated pet food for the Show. Winners listed as first, second, third and honorable mention are: Cat With Prettiest Eyes—Brittan Sweeney, Larry Duble, Audrey Downs; Cat With Longest Whiskers—Larry Duble, Audrey Downs, Diana Gouker, Brittan Sweeney; Cutest Cat—Brittan Sweeney, Diana Gouker, Audrey Downs, Larry Duble; Best Trained Pet—Mary Larrivee, Rodney Kline, Tracy Beeman; Dog With Wiggliest Tail—Madison and Owen Ott, Joyce Kline, Kayla Long, Luanne Ewing; Prettiest Dog (25 Pounds and Under)—Tracy Beeman, John Herr, Madison and Owen Ott, Kayla Long, Olivia Vega, Curtis Clopper; Prettiest Dog (26 Pounds and Over)—Matthew Offutt, Pam Kaas, Mary Larrivee, Madison and Owen Ott, Maxine Troxell, Abby Ewing Kendra Keeney; Best Costumed Pet—Natalie Johnson, Fabiola Miller, Alivia Blum, Kendra Keeney, Cole Hahn, Carly Hahn, Audrey Downs; Pet With Most Spots—Abby Ewing, Mary Dal-Favero, Matthew Offutt, Brittan Sweeney, Mary Larrivee; Largest Pet—Pam Kaas, Mary Larrivee; Most Unusual Pet—Mary Dal-Favero, Brittan Sweeney; Smallest Pet—Brittan Sweeney, Carly Hahn, John Herr, Cole Hahn

A Kiddie Tractor Pull was held Sunday, September 11, 2016, during the Community Show. Dave Harman served as chairman of this event. Dan and Pat Herbst and Ben and Sarah Steelman of the Plowboy Pedal Pullers provided the Tractor, sled, and weights for this event. Nineteen children, between the ages of five and ten, participated. Winners are listed as first, second, and third, respectively: Ages 5-6—Josie Martin, Chloe Mathias, Preston Clark; Ages 7-8—Ryan Martin, Wyatt Milbourne, Xavier Yates; Ages 9-10—Caroline Clark, Shank Milbourne, Gavin Valentine. The first place winners in each age group received a John Deere-FFA-Special-Edition-Tractor. Grand Champion of the contest was Ryan Martin and Reserve Champion was Caroline Clark.

Winners in the 36th Annual Robert Kaas Memorial Horseshoe Pitching Contest for 2016 were: 1st place—John Holt and Dale Kaas; 2nd place—Rich Willard and Carl Willard; 3rd place—Gary Willard and Donnie Kaas.

The 36th Annual Log Sawing Contest was held, with the winners as follows: Children’s Team (14 years old and younger): 1st place—Wyatt Davis and Kolton Whetzel (1.51:52); 2nd place—Natalie Bentz and Katie Glass (3.00:34); 3rd place—Caroline Clark and Kolton Whetzel (3.03:73); Men and Women’s Division: lst place—Justin and Ashley McAfee (1.03:3); 2nd place—Paul Dennis and Amanda Dennis (2.02:90); 3rd place—Debra and Chuck Hilton (2.13:23); Men’s Division:  lst place—Justin McAfee and Jeff McAfee (42:19); 2nd place—Ray Martin, III and Dennis Lescalleet (51:84); 3rd place—Robert Hahn and Ray Martin, IV (1.21:94); Ladies Team: lst place—Kelly Glass and Brittany Brown (4.25:12); 2nd place—Megan Millison and Brittany Brown (5.51:49); 3rd place—Jessica Martin and Caroline Clark (8:01:53); Adult and Child (under 13): 1st place—Ashley Lescalleet and Dennis Lescalleet (52:14); 2nd place—Gavin Valentine and Mark Valentine (1.15:21); 3rd place—Cadin Valentine and Eric Troxell (1.37:08).

 

* Correction:  The Reserve Champion in the 2016 Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show Canned Fruits category was awarded to Jackie Troxell (Yellow cherries). The Community Show Committee regrets this error.

2016 Plans for 60th Annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show

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The 60th annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show will be held at Catoctin High School on September 9, 10, and 11, 2016.

Entry of exhibits will take place on Thursday evening, September 8, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., as well as on Friday, September 9, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., in the new gymnasium and in the agriculture department area. Judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, September 9, and is closed to the public. Commercial exhibits may be entered on Friday, September 9, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The show will open to the public at 6:00 p.m. A silver offering will be collected to benefit the Thurmont Food Bank and the Emmitsburg Food Bank. Door prizes will be awarded each day.

On Friday night, September 9, at 7:00 p.m., approximately forty participants will participate in the community flag ceremony, accompanied by a bagpipe processional performed by Bill and Andrew Douwes. “The Star Spangled Banner” will be sung by Chad Umbel, former Catoctin FFA student. This year’s program will recognize all former past Maryland State FFA officers who graduated from Thurmont High School, Emmitsburg High School, or Catoctin High School. Following the recognition, the 2016-2017 Catoctin FFA Chapter Ambassador will be announced. The baked goods auction will begin immediately following the program, and the grand champion cake, pie, and bread will be sold at 9:00 p.m.

On Saturday, September 10, the show opens at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 10:00 p.m. Activities include a Market Goat, Beef, Sheep, and Swine Fitting & Showing Contest, from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at the Ag Center at the school. The Thurmont Police Department will have a K-9 dog exhibition, featuring “Buddy,” which will be held at 10:00 a.m., immediately before the Pet Show begins in front of the school. The Pet Show will be held at 10:30 a.m. Categories include: cat with prettiest eyes; cat with longest whiskers; cutest cat; best-trained pet; dog with wiggliest tail; prettiest dog (25 pounds and under); prettiest dog (26 pounds and over); best costumed pet; pet with most spots; largest pet (by height); most unusual pet; and smallest pet. The petting zoo, farm animals, and pony rides will also be held on Saturday and Sunday.

The Thurmont Grange will serve their turkey and country ham dinner in the school cafeteria from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday night. Entertainment for Saturday and Sunday will be performed by the Catoctin Mountain Boys. Performance times on Saturday will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.; and from 7:00-8:30 p.m., the Taylor Brown “Elvis Show” will be performed. On Sunday, the entertainment begins at 1:00 p.m.; the Taylor Brown “Elvis Show” will be performed from 2:00-3:00 p.m. There will be no admission charge for the entertainment.

The 42nd annual Catoctin FFA Alumni Beef, Sheep & Swine Sale will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Ag Center area on Saturday night. There will be approximately twelve beef, twelve sheep, twenty swine, and seven goats for sale by 4-H and FFA members. Buyers are welcome to come to support these individuals and their livestock projects.
Activities begin on Sunday, September 11, at 9:00 a.m., with the Goat Show, followed by the Dairy Show and Decorated Animal Contest. The decorated animal contest will begin at noon.

At 12:00 p.m., the Catoctin FFA Alumni Chicken Bar-B-Que will be held in the cafeteria. The 37th annual Robert Kaas Horseshoe Pitching Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m.
The Log Sawing Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m. under the show tent in the Ag Center area. Another new and fun feature will be a Peddle Tractor Contest for kids, which will be held on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m., also in the Ag Center area, and prizes will be awarded.

Exhibits must be removed on Sunday, September 11, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Please note the new deadline to pick up items.

The community show booklets can be found in local Thurmont, Emmitsburg, and surrounding area businesses in late July or early August. New residents of the community are urged to enter and be a part of the Community Show, the largest in the State of Maryland. Some minor additions and deletions will be made in some of the departments.
Departments include: Fresh Fruits, Fresh Vegetables, Home Products Display, Canned Fruits, Canned Vegetables, Jellies & Preserves, Pickles, Meats, Baked Products, Sewing & Needlework, Flowers and Plants, Arts, Paintings & Drawings, Crafts, Photography, Corn, Small Grains and Seeds, Eggs, Nuts, Poultry & Livestock, Dairy, Goats, Hay, Junior Department, and Youth Department. There is no entry fee. Please visit our website for updated information at www.thurmontemmitsburg communityshow.webs.com.

The Community Show is sponsored by the Thurmont Grange, Catoctin FFA Chapter, Catoctin FFA Alumni, the Maryland State Grange, and the Maryland State Agricultural Fair Board.

2016 Plans for 60th Annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show

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The 60th annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show will be held at Catoctin High School on September 9, 10, and 11, 2016.

Entry of exhibits will take place on Thursday evening, September 8, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., as well as on Friday, September 9, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., in the new gymnasium and in the agriculture department area. Judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, September 9, and is closed to the public. Commercial exhibits may be entered on Friday, September 9, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The show will open to the public at 6:00 p.m. A silver offering will be collected to benefit the Thurmont Food Bank and the Emmitsburg Food Bank. Door prizes will be awarded each day.

On Friday night, September 9, at 7:00 p.m., approximately forty participants will participate in the community flag ceremony, accompanied by a bagpipe processional performed by Bill and Andrew Douwes. “The Star Spangled Banner” will be sung by Chad Umbel, former Catoctin FFA student. This year’s program will recognize all former past Maryland State FFA officers who graduated from Thurmont High School, Emmitsburg High School, or Catoctin High School. Following the recognition, the 2016-2017 Catoctin FFA Chapter Ambassador will be announced. The baked goods auction will begin immediately following the program, and the grand champion cake, pie, and bread will be sold at 9:00 p.m.

On Saturday, September 10, the show opens at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 10:00 p.m. Activities include a Market Goat, Beef, Sheep, and Swine Fitting & Showing Contest, from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at the Ag Center at the school. The Thurmont Police Department will have a K-9 dog exhibition, featuring “Buddy,” which will be held at 10:00 a.m., immediately before the Pet Show begins in front of the school. The Pet Show will be held at 10:30 a.m. Categories include: cat with prettiest eyes; cat with longest whiskers; cutest cat; best-trained pet; dog with wiggliest tail; prettiest dog (25 pounds and under); prettiest dog (26 pounds and over); best costumed pet; pet with most spots; largest pet (by height); most unusual pet; and smallest pet. The petting zoo, farm animals, and pony rides will also be held on Saturday and Sunday.

The Thurmont Grange will serve their turkey and country ham dinner in the school cafeteria from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday night. Entertainment for Saturday and Sunday will be performed by the Catoctin Mountain Boys. Performance times on Saturday will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.; and from 7:00-8:30 p.m., the Taylor Brown “Elvis Show” will be performed. On Sunday, the entertainment begins at 1:00 p.m.; the Taylor Brown “Elvis Show” will be performed from 2:00-3:00 p.m. There will be no admission charge for the entertainment.

The 42nd annual Catoctin FFA Alumni Beef, Sheep & Swine Sale will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Ag Center area on Saturday night. There will be approximately twelve beef, twelve sheep, twenty swine, and seven goats for sale by 4-H and FFA members. Buyers are welcome to come to support these individuals and their livestock projects.

Activities begin on Sunday, September 11, at 9:00 a.m., with the Goat Show, followed by the Dairy Show and Decorated Animal Contest. The decorated animal contest will begin at noon.

At 12:00 p.m., the Catoctin FFA Alumni Chicken Bar-B-Que will be held in the cafeteria. The 37th annual Robert Kaas Horseshoe Pitching Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m.

The Log Sawing Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m. under the show tent in the Ag Center area. Another new and fun feature will be a Peddle Tractor Contest for kids, which will be held on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m., also in the Ag Center area, and prizes will be awarded.

Exhibits must be removed on Sunday, September 11, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Please note the new deadline to pick up items.

The community show booklets can be found in local Thurmont, Emmitsburg, and surrounding area businesses in late July or early August. New residents of the community are urged to enter and be a part of the Community Show, the largest in the State of Maryland. Some minor additions and deletions will be made in some of the departments. Departments include: Fresh Fruits, Fresh Vegetables, Home Products Display, Canned Fruits, Canned Vegetables, Jellies & Preserves, Pickles, Meats, Baked Products, Sewing & Needlework, Flowers and Plants, Arts, Paintings & Drawings, Crafts, Photography, Corn, Small Grains and Seeds, Eggs, Nuts, Poultry & Livestock, Dairy, Goats, Hay, Junior Department, and Youth Department. There is no entry fee. Please visit our website for updated information at www.thurmontemmitsburgcommunityshow.webs.com.
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The Community Show is sponsored by the Thurmont Grange, Catoctin FFA Chapter, Catoctin FFA Alumni, the Maryland State Grange, and the Maryland State Agricultural Fair Board.

P.A.K.N. (Police and Kids Night)

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The P.A.K.N. Program (Police and Kids Night) is a free drop-in cooperative between the Thurmont Police Department and the Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation. This is a fun opportunity for youth ages 11-17 to play pick-up basketball, soccer, kickball, flag football, or just hang out with friends. It’s a place to interact with the Thurmont Police officers in a relaxed atmosphere. Located in the Thurmont Recreation Center (the county-run Recreation Center in the gym of Thurmont Middle School), this activity is held every third Thursday of the month. The next P.A.K.N. drop-in will be held February 19, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

“We have a great program, we need to spread the word to community members,” said Carrie Sprinkle, Recreation Coordinator with Frederick County Parks and Recreation.

Thurmont’s Police Chief Greg Eyler said, “The program is a way we, the police, can interact and meet many of the kids in town. We believe the program will be beneficial for us and the kids and it promotes our community policing efforts. There are many programs and activities for the kids.  We wanted to provide a more personal one where the kids could see that their police officers have a different side to them, not just the official side. The police department and the Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation believe in this program, and we are hopeful that attendance will increase.  Interaction and communicating with the citizens, no matter what age, is of utmost importance. It builds a foundation of trust, which is one of our goals.”

Just drop in and have some fun! Call 301-600-2936 with any questions.

Burglary Prevention and Your Business

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Allison Rostad

Imagine locking up your business at the end of the day—closing out the register, shutting off the lights, locking up until the next day. Now imagine that the next day you find your business had been broken into. It is now part of a crime scene.

According to the Thurmont Police Department, the Thurmont area recorded ten commercial burglaries between the months of August and October. For a small town of 4.1 square miles, that’s a lot.

On Thursday, November 6, 2014, the Thurmont Police Department invited business owners to join them at the Thurmont Library to discuss burglary prevention tips in hopes of curtailing future commercial burglaries.

Prevention tips were reviewed by Thurmont’s Police Chief, Greg Eyler. While these tips are not guaranteed to keep a burglary from happening, when utilized, they may help to maximize your protection against a burglary.

There were three big take-a-ways from the prevention discussion: (1)Work as a team with the police; (2) Be proactive; and (3) Always remain calm. Thurmont has a police department comprised of thirteen officers. These officers work split shifts in order to cover 24 hours of every day. A community of active allies who work to enhance the safety and quality of neighborhoods makes for a big help.

Working as a team with the police in your community can dramatically decrease the likelihood of crime in your area. Imagine the force of thirteen officers now aided to well over one thousand, due to the allies of the community. That’s a number sure to deter a possible burglary.

This expansion of allies simply requires that business owners take measures to more securely protect their businesses. Start by taking a look at your business’s physical layout, your employees, and your business’s overall security. Consider installing video surveillance, proper interior and exterior lighting, and a monitored alarm system. Make sure adequate locks are installed on all doors, and consider adding additional hardware that will improve the level of security of your current doors and locks.

Keep windows and counters clear to allow for law enforcement and civilian surveillance. Do not keep cash in register after closing. Monies should be taken straight to the bank or placed in a safe that is anchored to the floor. Always provide training for employees, so they are familiar with security procedures and know your expectations.

Although some of the mentioned security improvements are costly, consider the cost of each improvement you make against the potential savings through loss reduction. Crimes against businesses are usually crimes of opportunity. Failure to take good security precautions invites crime into a business.

Perhaps even after precautionary steps are taken to prevent a burglary, you still become victim, remain calm. Officers and their families will appreciate this more than you know. The last thing anyone would want out of a burglary is injury or the loss of life. No amount of money could replace the worth of an individual’s life. Understand that the way a crime is reported determines the way the police are dispatched to handle the situation. If someone has shoplifted from your business, simply report it as such. Don’t panic and describe matters worse than they are.

Crimes have different classifications. A robbery is handled differently than a shoplifting situation, because a robbery is classified to have some sort of violent or forceful action along with obtaining unauthorized control over property. Shoplifting from a business is to obtain unauthorized control over property but without force or violence. Although there is only a slight difference between the two, it is important to note that an officer dispatched to a robbery is likely to respond with more caution and concern towards the violent action.

Don’t forget, in the event of an emergency, please call 911.