Currently viewing the tag: "Vickie Grinder"

Thurmont the Focus of Morning-Long Television Event

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

James Rada, Jr.

Thurmont got its day before the camera as Good Day DC on FOX 5 in Washington, D.C., spent the morning of July 13, 2018, filming in town. The hosts and crew of the television show traveled to Thurmont and broadcasted from various locations around the town from 6:00-11:00 a.m.

“Our whole purpose in participating was to expose Thurmont and north county to millions of viewers,” said Vickie Grinder, economic development manager for Thurmont.

To be considered for one of the “zip trips,” Grinder had to submit a portfolio of information about Thurmont to FOX 5 last year. It included a list of events, history of the town, places to visit, and much more.

“It was a lot, but as a town, we had all these great things to show them,” explained Grinder.

The announcement of the 15 trips was made in May. One location is visited each Friday during the summer. Grinder said that to the best of her knowledge, Thurmont is the smallest town that the crew has visited. “Thurmont shined just as much, if not more than those larger places.”

Zip Trips showcase local restaurants, schools, and businesses. They interview members of the community who come out to watch the broadcast and host lots of activities.

Hosts Tucker Barnes, Maureen Umeh, and Annie Yu set up their central location at the open field next to PNC Bank on East Main Street.

Some of the other locations and people featured were:  Mechanicstown Park; Gateway Brass Ensemble, directed by Morris Blake;  Linda Elower, ESP dance director; Timeless Trends; Eyler Family Stables; Cunningham Falls State Park; Thurmont Police Chief Greg Eyler; Mayor John Kinnaird; Josh Bollinger, Bollinger’s Family Restaurant; Tony Testa, Rocky’s Pizza; Cindy Grimes, J&B Real Estate; Thurmont Little League coaches and players; and Sam Feng, owner of Simply Asia.

Kinnaird was quizzed on Thurmont trivia, although he was given the questions and answers ahead of time.

“I think I would have scored 100 percent even without the answers,” stated Kinnaird.

The eventual hope of Grinder and Kinnaird is that people will see the segments about Thurmont and decide to visit. The afternoon of the broadcast, Grinder heard that someone had seen the show and visited Eyler Family Stables Flea Market, which was included in a list of the five stops that visitors need to make while in Thurmont. Grinder also said that during the weekend after the broadcast she received five emails requesting more information about the town.

Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird poses with FOX 5 Good Day DC’s Annie Yu and Maureen Umeh at the filming in Thurmont on the morning of July 13, 2018.

Photo Courtesy of Kinnairdimages.com

Christmas in Thurmont

By On · Add Comment · In Community News

Deb Abraham Spalding

“It was a Great day for everyone. Christmas in Thurmont is always a very special event,” said Vickie Grinder, Thurmont’s Main Street manager, about the 2017 Christmas in Thurmont event, held on Saturday, December 2, 2017.

Mild and sunny weather made for a pleasant trip for participants to stroll through town, traveling from store to store to collect stamps for the prize drawing.

Mayor John Kinnaird could be found smiling for photos as Santa in Mechanicstown Park. He has put his long white beard to work for several years, volunteering as Santa throughout Thurmont and surrounding areas. His wife, Karen, also helps as Mrs. Claus. Later in the day, he read “The Night Before Christmas” to a crowd of eager listeners at the Thurmont Regional Library.

In the municipal parking lot, horse-drawn carriage rides were enjoyed by many. Boy Scouts with Troop 270 helped participants on and off the carriages in a safe manner.

Prizes winners were drawn in a presentation held at Hobb’s Hardware. Almost every kid was a winner. The day was enjoyed by many.

Mayor Kinnaird expressed these sentiments on Facebook, “What an absolutely amazing day we had at Christmas in Thurmont! Everyone had a great time and the weather was perfect. My thanks to the girls and boys of all ages who visited with us today, and a special thank you to the volunteers, businesses, and donors that made today possible. Christmas in Thurmont is one of the 365 days each year that reminds me of why I would not live anywhere else!”

Pets also love to have their photos taken with Santa! Mary Dal-Favero’s dogs are too interested in Santa’s beard to smile for the camera!

Santa is shown holding a baby elf, who felt so snuggly in Santa’s lap, a little nap seemed like a good idea.

Niki Eyler (pictured right) of Eylers Stables hosted carriage rides during Christmas in Thurmont. She is shown with  Nan Collins.

Driver John Towers is shown with Boy Scout Troop 270, who assisted with carriage rides during Christmas in Thurmont.

Thurmont Receives National Main Street Accreditation

By On · Add Comment · In Featured Articles

The Town of Thurmont Main Street Program has once again received the National Main Street Accreditation for 2017.  Thurmont’s Economic Development Manager Vickie Grinder, who also manages the Thurmont Main Street program, was notified of the recognition last month.

In a release from Main Street America, Thurmont received notification stating “Thurmont Main Street, in June of 2017, has been designated as an accredited Main Street America Program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center.” Thurmont Main Street hosts events and programs throughout the year, including the Main Street Farmers’ Market, the Business Showcase, Christmas in Thurmont, the Thurmont Business Bucks program, and Art and Wine Strolls, along with operating the Thurmont Main Street Center.

“Main Streets are the heart of any community and the catalyst for future growth within any town. Thurmont is proud and honored to be recognized as an elite member of the 828 Nationally Accredited Main Street America communities, and one of the twenty eight in the state of Maryland. A special thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers who make this possible,” stated Grinder.

Thurmont Names New Economic Development Manager

By On · Add Comment · In Featured Articles

Vickie Grinder has been named as the new Economic Development Manager for the Town of Thurmont. Grinder has recently served as Thurmont’s Main Street Manager, a part-time position, since 2013. During her tenure as Thurmont’s Main Street Manager, Grinder has overseen many popular events, including Christmas in Thurmont, the Thurmont Business Showcase, the Main Street Farmers’ Market, and the annual Art and Wine Strolls.

Grinder’s new responsibilities will include the promotion and marketing of business and economic development interests within the town, providing guidance to existing businesses, attracting new business opportunities to Thurmont, and continuing to oversee the Thurmont Main Street program.

“We’re looking forward to increasing our economic development efforts in Thurmont. Vickie’s professional contacts and her determination for the success of Thurmont’s business community will prove to be invaluable as we move forward,” stated Thurmont Commissioner and Main Street Liaison Bill Buehrer.

Grinder, who resides in Fairfield, Pennsylvania, is scheduled to begin working in her new position on January 17, 2017.

Thurmont Moves Forward on The Gateway Trail

By On · Add Comment · In Community News, Local Events, Recent News

James Rada, Jr.

You may notice some new road signs in Thurmont indicating that you are on The Gateway Trail.

The signs were approved by the Thurmont Mayor and Board of Commissioners in January, as a way to start promoting the new hiking and biking trail before the weather turns warm.

Thurmont Main Street Manager Vickie Grinder told the commissioners that the idea was “to create a buzz” about the trail.

In 2012, Catoctin Mountain Park had nearly 250,000 visitors, but only a small portion of those visitors extended their visit into Thurmont, according to Grinder. She believes that The Gateway Trail will help encourage visitors to come into town after their visit to the park.

The trail begins at the Trolley Trail in town. From Memorial Park, it runs along Park Lane to Frederick Road to South Altamont and west along West Main Street. At that point, the trail will tie in with a trail that the National Park Service is developing down to the Lewis Property. Once complete, visitors will be able to hike from Thurmont up onto Catoctin Mountain and back.

Eventually, the goal is to run the trail through Community Park and build a bridge at the back of the park that crosses the highway and ties into the Lewis Property from that direction.

The mayor and commissioners approved $350 for up to twelve signs to mark the trail. This would allow people to start using the trail this season. Grinder said that it would put the trail “on the map” for possible funding for trail improvements next year.

“This can work,” Grinder told the commissioners. “It will work. It is just going to take a concerted effort by all parties.”

“Think Pink” Fundraising Campaign Results in Substantial Donation to Breast Cancer Cause

By On · Add Comment · In Community News, Featured Articles, Local Events, Recent News

think pink donationFor the month of October, the Town of Thurmont sponsored a “Think Pink” fundraising campaign, during which many businesses and residents contributed to the Patty Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund at Frederick Memorial Hospital. “Think Pink” resulted in an impressive response. Through the cooperation of residents and businesses in Thurmont, the Town of Thurmont presented the Patty Hurwitz Fund at Frederick Memorial Hospital with a check for $5,287.10 at the town’s November 18, 2014, meeting.

Thurmont’s Chief Administrative Officer, Jim Humerick, stated, “To have this type of participation and support from businesses and residents for the first year of our program is phenomenal. This speaks volumes about our community.”

“Thanks to all the ‘Think Pink’ Business participants, the residents, and the Town of Thurmont. Thurmont rocks!” added Thurmont’s Main Street Manager, Vickie Grinder.