Page 13 - July Banner 2018_Neat

Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com
Erin Dingle — The Next Chapter
Theresa Dardanell
Thurmont Regional Library
Administrator Erin Dingle
(pictured right) has lots of
things to keep her busy after
her retirement. She is looking
forward to spending time with
her family—babysitting her two
grandsons, who live in Silver
Spring, and attending sporting
and school events with her two
grandsons in Baltimore. She
also plans to travel farther than
Maryland, as she attempts to
continue her goal of visiting all
fifty states. Her passions include
reading and gardening, which
she will enjoy while her already-
retired husband plays golf.
Dingle is also working on
a research project about the
Maryland State Sanitorium
in Sabillasville, which opened in
1908. Because her father worked
there, she grew up on the grounds
of the facility. Her research includes
original documents and oral
histories from nurses and patients.
The future of the research project
might be a book one day.
Dingle started working at the
Thurmont Library in 1987, when
it was located on Water Street.
At that time, she lived near the
library and walked to work for the
evening shift. She reintroduced the
children’s storytimes, as well as
other programs. When Margaret
Bruchey Krone retired as branch
manager, Dingle was promoted.
She earned her Master of Library
Science degree and became the
regional library administrator when
the new library opened on Moser
Road in 2008. When looking back
over the last thirty years, she’s seen
lots of changes: the card catalog
was replaced by the computer
system, the new library has a
literacy corner in the children’s area,
there is now a beautiful deck for
www.TheCatoctinBanner.com
Photo by Theresa Dardanell
everyone to enjoy nature, as well as
study rooms, artwork on display,
and an agricultural history room.
Many community programs have
been added over the years; Dingle
always looked for ways to increase
community involvement, but she
also gives credit to her “fabulous”
staff for coming up with ideas and
implementing them. She will miss
the staff and the patrons who have
become her friends. “I’ve loved
every minute surrounded by books.
It was just the perfect job for me.”
I asked Mayor John Kinnaird
about Dingle’s contribution
to the community. He replied,
“Somewhere, there are everyday,
run-of-the-mill librarians, but not
here in Thurmont! Erin Dingle has
played an important and integral
part of the lives of the residents
of Thurmont since taking her
position thirty years ago. In the
course of her career, Erin has
been the only librarian many of
the last two or so generations of
youngsters have known. I drive
by the library regularly and am
always surprised to see how many
people are there at any time of
the day or evening. Under Erin’s
leadership, the Thurmont Regional
Library has become a central part
of life for residents in and around
Thurmont, with many well-attended
programs and events suitable for
all ages. The Thurmont Regional
Library is recognized as one of
the best libraries in the state; this
recognition is due, in large part, to
the efforts of Erin Dingle. Thurmont
has benefited from having an
outstanding librarian these past
thirty years, and on behalf of the
residents of Thurmont, I want to
wish Erin a happy, healthy, and long
retirement.”
The Catoctin Banner Newspaper July 2018 Page 13
Thurmont Grange Recognizes Local
Veterans
Pictured from
left are Carol
Long, Druscilla
Tresselt, Bev
Frushour,
Debbie
Fornwald,
Beverly Weddle,
Carroll Zentz,
and Niki Eyler.
Courtesy
Photos
Pictured from left are Addison Eyler (on behalf of Joe Eyler), Ray Ediger, John Hart, Joe Moser,
Russell Moser, Bob Wiles, and Carol Long and Niki Eyler (program coordinators).
On June 7, 2018, Thurmont Grange #409 held its first annual Veterans
Appreciation Night. Grange members, along with family, friends, and special
guests, gathered at the Grange Hall to proudly recognized several members
who honorably served in the United States Armed Forces.
Lecturer, Niki Eyler, welcomed everyone and stated that the evening was
dedicated to those Grange members who served our country in the military
and continue to serve our community through Grange. Sandy Moser gave
the invocation and lead the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem
was sung by Addison Eyler. Next, Andrea Mannix prepared a PowerPoint
presentation for the evening about her experience as a guardian for the
Hudson Valley Honor Flight, a nationwide organization that transports our
heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials. The Honor
Flight gives top priority to senior Veterans, WWII survivors, along with other
Veterans who may be terminally ill.
The program continued with special recognition of Grange member, Bill
Zentz, who passed in December 2017. Carol Long shared many of Bill’s
highlights during his military career, as well as his contributions to our
community. Bill’s wife, Candy, and son, Carroll, were present to accept a
certificate of appreciation for his service in the U.S. Army.
Two Grange charter members were also recognized: Frederick
Tresselt (WWI Calvary) and Robert Remsberg (WWII Army). Frederick’s
granddaughter, Druscilla Tresselt, and Robert’s nephew’s wife, Bev Frushour,
accepted recognition for them. Sisters, Debbie Fornwald and Beverly Weddle,
accepted recognition on behalf of
their father, Ralph Fornwald, for his
service in the WWII Navy.
Grangers were then called
forward to be recognized and
honored for their service. Ray
Ediger (Army 61-63), John Hart
(Army 67-70), Joe Moser (Army
Reserves 58-64), Russell Moser
(Army Reserves 57-64), Bob Wiles
(Army 63-65), and Joe Eyler (Air
Force 55-57).
The program was closed on a
very emotional note by Jim and
Sandy Moser, with a patriotic
reading from Reds Skelton. Lastly,
attendees were thanked for joining
in the recognition of our Veterans,
our heroes, our Grangers.