Page 17 - October Banner 2017_Neat

Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com www.TheCatoctinBanner.com The Catoctin Banner Newspaper October 2017 Page 17
Emmitsburg Area Fire and Life Fort Ritchie Community Center

Safety Open House — Public Invited Earns Matching Grant

The men and women of the community’s fire, rescue, and emergency Courtesy Photo
medical services proudly announce their Annual Fire and Life Safety Open
House on Thursday evening, October 12, 2017, from 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., at
the fire station, located at 25 West Main Street in Emmitsburg. This will be the
62 year that Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) personnel have sponsored this
nd
always popular event.
Fire and injury prevention in Emmitsburg is a year-round effort, done in
concert with area residents, businesses, schools, institutions, and agencies;
but, during Fire Prevention Month, department personnel seek to especially
underscore the importance of prevention and preparedness. A large crowd is
expected at the fire station on October 12. Guests are encouraged to bring
cameras. Fire Prevention Week is October 8-14. The theme for National Fire
Prevention Month 2017 is: “Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out.”
As part of VHC’s continuing efforts to educate everyone in our community
about essential elements of smoke alarm safety, this year’s Fire Prevention
Open House will include:
1. Amazing feats of magic by talented area Magician Michael Cantori of
Cantori’s Theater of Magic.
2. Information and demonstrations will be available to help families and Pictured are Buck Browning, executive director of Fort Ritchie Community Center; William Young,
individuals prevent unwanted fire. executive director of the Fletcher Foundation; members of the Fort Ritchie Community Center
3. Emergency medical services providers will be on hand to showcase their Board of Directors, Ed Orndorff, Sally Stanley, Michael Wight, Earl Strimple; and participants from
life-saving skills and to conduct blood pressure checks on request. the 2017 Community Center summer camp.
4. Personnel from the American Red Cross of Western Maryland will Thanks to the support of local individuals and businesses, the Fort Ritchie
be showcasing smoke detectors and offering information on disaster Community Center has earned a $15,000 matching grant from the Alice Virginia
preparedness, plus provide keen insights on assistance following major and David W. Fletcher Foundation. The fundraising appeal by the Community
emergencies. Center to match the grant amount officially started in March and ended in
5. Representatives will be present from the Frederick County 911 August.
Emergency Communications Center to assist residents better understand “The response to the matching grant challenge demonstrates how passionate
how ‘911’ works, and why the information they need from callers is so local residents are about the Community Center,” said Buck Browning, executive
vitally important. director of the Community Center. “The funds raised through this appeal will
6. Information will be available regarding opportunities for residents and provide the resources necessary to improve and expand our programs.”
business alike to help their first responders, including how the public One of the new programs to be offered by the Community Center will be a
and the private sector institutions can support the ‘VHC family’ to help Kid’s Club that features sports, arts, and social recreation activities on a weekly
other families. basis. Browning said the idea for the new initiative is based upon the success of
7. Details will be offered regarding the countywide “Gear-Up” Campaign, the Center’s summer camp program. Initially Kid’s Club will be scheduled on
a volunteer recruitment initiative on how one can serve in emergency Tuesday evenings, from 6:00-7:30 p.m.; however, if the community response
response or non-operational roles to help the community. warrants it, the program may be expanded to multiple evenings per week.
8. Our Frederick County resident deputy sheriffs will be on hand to offer The Community Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization, located on the
crime prevention materials and a range of important safety insights. former Fort Ritchie property in Cascade. The effort to secure the matching funds
9. Members of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum and the began with the Community Center’s volunteer board of directors but grew to

National Fire Heritage Center (both based in Emmitsburg) will have include other interested individuals.
displays and informational handouts regarding their work in preserving “The Fletchers were well known in this area, and several of the donors that
the rich history of fire and emergency services organizations, big and helped raise the matching funds knew Mrs. Fletcher personally,” said Browning.
small. “It’s inspiring to have so many local people concerned about the community and
10. Fire truck rides will be available. IMPORTANT NOTE: children our future.”
admitted to ride must meet the mandates of state law regarding age and The Fort Ritchie Community Center opened in September of 2008. The
size (no child car safety seats are available in fire apparatus). Center features a fitness center, weight room, two gymnasiums, a computer lab,
11. Free refreshments, courtesy of the Vigilant Hose Company Auxiliary, and group exercise classes. In addition to the youth summer program, the Center
available for all attendees. also hosts community events, such as a speaker series, craft shows, holiday
12. Door Prizes will be available for persons of all ages; winners must be parties, and fishing tournaments. For more information on the Community
present to win. Center, please call 301-241-5085 or visit online www.thefrcc.org.

★ Assisted Living ★ Memory Care ★ Respite Stays ★

promotional rate for 6 months
Rate available 8/1/17 through 10/31/17
*

as low as 2.49% APR
There’s no place like home, that’s for sure. Yet when life changes, drop by for
a visit, or give us a call, as there’s no place quite like HeartFields either.

www.heartfieldsatfrederickassistedliving.com

Call us at 301-271-4944! 1820 Latham Drive, Frederick, MD 21701 ★ 301-663-8800
