Page 22 - July Banner 2018_Neat

Page 22 July 2018 The Catoctin Banner Newspaper www.TheCatoctinBanner.com Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com

Thurmont’s Fuse Teen Center is Born — A Positive Group for
Teens

The Fuse Teen Center isn’t actually a “center.” It and another ten adults who came along for the ride. The event was held at
will be a transient teen center, comprised of a Trinity United Church of Christ in Thurmont. Fuse extends its gratitude to
group of parents and concerned citizens hoping to the church for its willingness to take a chance on the group.
provide activities for teens in the Thurmont area. Fuse is based on Christian Fuse’s second event was a “School’s Out” picnic, held at Thurmont
principles; however, it is not affiliated with any particular church. Community Park on Saturday, June 16, 2018. Fuse greeted the start of
The founder of Fuse, Susan Crone, had been long considering how to summer vacation with twelve teens and nine volunteers, along with many
provide a group for teens. As a response to several events in which teens were adults who stopped in to see how things were going.
lost to suicide or overdose, Susan decided it was time to step out in faith. In The biggest undertaking for Fuse has been the negotiation with Trinity
February of this year, a group was formed, a core group of members were United Church of Christ in Thurmont to offer a “coffee house” meeting
identified, and a mission statement was accepted by the core. The group twice a week through the summer, every Tuesday and Thursday (July and
originally called themselves “Abandon,” but after a reorganization of the August) from 6:00-8:30 p.m., for middle school and high school teens. Two
core, Fuse was born. rooms of the church will be used to allow teens to gather for food, fun,
Crone has been a teacher in Frederick County Public Schools for thirty and “Fuse-ing!” All teens are welcome.Fuse Teen Center has joined RJ’s
years. “I have worked with many students touched by the death of a friend Lasting Foundation. RJ’s Lasting Strength Foundation, Inc” is a 501c(3)
or a loved one who is struggling with depression or addiction. The number non-profit whose mission is to combat the heroin epidemic in Frederick
of my actual students who have died is so sad to me. I have to do something. County by spreading awareness and educating the community on the disease
I can’t just sit by anymore and let ‘no’ be the answer anymore. If Fuse fails, of addiction and overdose deaths. Fuse Teen Center activities fit in with its
we lose nothing but our time. But if we do nothing, we fail for sure—and prevention goals. Fuse has also partnered with the Thurmont Addictions
the cost is our teens. Someone has to do something, so I’m doing it,” stated Commission under its prevention pillar, which is chaired by Mike Randall.
Crone. These partnerships will allow Fuse to be visible to more people.
Other members of the Fuse team include Buddy Summers, Carly Crone Fuse does not have funding. At this point, it is operating on the generosity
(high school teen rep.), Liz Yingling, Emily Little, Thomas Treat (middle of places like Food Lion, Taco Bell, Mountain Gate Restuarant, Shuff’s
school teen rep.), Bryan Riffle, Rachel Hubbard, the members of RJ’s Lasting Meat Market, and friends and family. Donations of snack items are greatly
Strength Foundation, Doug Mongold, and many others. appreciated. Monetary donations would also be appreciated and can be
The goal of Fuse is to build relationships—relationships between teens, made out to RJ’s Lasting Strength Foundation – Fuse Teen Center. Monetary
relationships between teens and adults. So many relationships today are made donations will be used to fund items that teens at the center request.
and maintained over social media. Fuse hopes to give teens the opportunity Currently, teens have requested a projector to show movies and games on the
to meet face-to-face in a positive envirnoment. wall, and a bowling game!
Fuse hosted its first event on May 5, 2018: a Cinco de Mayo-themed For this venture to prosper, Fuse is eager to have volunteers who are
evening of games, talking, and tacos. Taco Bell and Food Lion provided willing to commit to at least one night this summer. If someone would like
donations for a spectacular buffet. A visit from “Tessa” the guinea pig made to volunteer or donate, please contact Susan Crone at 301-676-1183, at
the evening complete. Fuse welcomed eighteen teens, thirteen volunteers, [email protected] , or at www.facebook.com/fuseteens/.