by Teresa Kempisty

Photos by Teresa Kempisty

President John Dowling & Board Member Kathy Dowling drive in the Drive-By Greetings Parade on October 14, 2020, waving to over 36 seniors

Jim and Joan Leo are visited during the October 14th Drive-By Greetings Parade.

Helen Deluca waves to the participants in the October 14th Drive-By Greetings Parade.

Hi, there! Happy Thanksgiving to all! 

Even in these difficult COVID times, we can all find much to be thankful for. If you can’t find anything to be thankful for, try reaching out to a friend or neighbor in need. It always helps us when we help others. Please wear your masks and social distance, and keep your hands washed and away from your face when you are with others. 

I have observed something that troubles me about mask-wearing.  I have noticed that not all people are wearing masks over their nose and mouth. If your mask is to be protective of you and others, you must have both your nose and mouth covered. I know it’s a bother, and it causes glasses to fog up, but it is a simple bother if it keeps you and others well. 

Several of you have called the Thurmont Senior Center (TSC) regarding meeting with Ellie (Jenkins) Williams about Medicare prescription coverage during the open season, but the Department of Aging (now called Senior Services Division) is not meeting with anyone in person. They are taking appointments to talk on the phone or virtually. To make an appointment, call the Senior Services Division at 301-600-1234. 

Beginning back on October 8 (monthly now), we held our Fundraiser Night again at Roy Rogers in Thurmont (always on the second Thursday night of each month), from 5:00-8:00 p.m. However, it will now be drive-thru only. Please specify when you order that it’s for the Thurmont Senior Center fundraiser. The drive-thru stipulation is due to the restaurant only being able to have 50 percent capacity inside. Also, we are not having our bake sale at this time, but it will resume sometime in the future. Every bit helps, so thanks to all who participate and thanks to future participants. We receive a donation of 25 percent of the total sales between 5:00-8:00 p.m. on our Fundraiser Night at Roy Rogers, which for November is Thursday, November 12.

We had another successful Drive-By Greeting Parade (our fourth) to some town areas through Woodland Park and Jermae and up Rt. 77 and 550, to visit seniors in these areas who frequent the Thurmont Senior Center. Thanks to all who participated. The last parade for 2020 will be on Thursday, November 5, with a rain date of Friday, November 6. We will be driving to a few more residents in town areas, then out to Rocky Ridge, Keymar, and Woodsboro. The Thurmont Senior Center serves a very large area, and we miss everyone! Also, thanks again to the “Birthday Quakers” who are still bringing birthday treats to those seniors who are signed up with TSC, considering we are still closed and can’t have our monthly birthday parties. 

I will leave you with some Thanksgiving quotes to make you smile.

“The thing that I’m most thankful for right now is elastic waistbands.”—author unknown

“May your stuffing be tasty, may your turkey be plump, may your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump, may your yams be delicious, may your pies take the prize, and may your Thanksgiving dinner stay off your thighs.”—anonymous 

“What we’re really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets.  I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?”—Erma Bombeck 

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”—John F. Kennedy

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