Community Difference Maker

C. Rodman Myers

Nominated by: Nikki Eyler

By Alisha Yocum

In Thurmont, you might be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t know the name Rodman Myers. At 90 years old, Myers has been a lifelong resident of Thurmont and the face of agriculture in our community. Being a full-time farmer his entire life, he expressed, “It was all I ever knew.” Myers’ father and grandfather were both farmers. Even his late wife, Jean (Ogle), was from a farming family. The two met while attending meetings at the Creagerstown 4-H Club. Later, the two would marry in 1955 and have four children, Patty, Cheryl, Bobby, and Andrea.

“I got my good work ethic from my parents, and Jean and I have passed this on to the next generation.”

It seems his parents, Charles and Helen Myers, may have also instilled the importance of promoting agriculture in him as a young child. They were charter members of the Thurmont Grange, a national organization that supports and advocates for the interests of rural and agricultural communities, which started in 1946. Myers, a member of the Thurmont Grange for 75 years, has been part of many service projects for the community over the years. Myers also joined Future Farmers of America (FFA) when in high school and is now a life member of the Catoctin FFA Alumni and Supporters.

Perhaps, what Myers is most known for is co-founding the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show 68 years ago! Myers explained that the agriculture teacher, William Baker, who worked part-time at both the Emmitsburg and Thurmont High Schools, had started a small show in Emmitsburg, which Myers attended. Together, the two decided that this was something that should be done every year in Thurmont. Today, the show has grown into a cherished cornerstone of the Catoctin community and is the largest show in Maryland. Myers doesn’t go without thanking the many volunteers from the Thurmont Grange, the Catoctin FFA Chapter, the Catoctin FFA Alumni and Supporters, and the community volunteers who have helped make the show possible for so many years. “It is a wonderful event to showcase the agriculture in Northern Frederick County and a place for the community to come together…many may only see each other once a year.” Myers also mentioned the generosity of the community businesses that are what makes offering premiums for exhibitors possible.

When not planning for the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show, Myers also supports agriculture education through funds and scholarships. Myers and his wife started the C. Rodman and M. Jean Ogle Myers Fund to support the Frederick County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program in Thurmont, whose mission is to provide citizens who have medically certified mental, physical, and/or emotional disabilities with equestrian activities to learn basic horsemanship skills; improve physically with better muscle tone, balance, and posture; and encourage their emotional well-being by building self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as the Maryland FFA Foundation. Myers also co-founded the Master Farmer’s Scholarship, with De Willard, Frank Gladhill, and Mehrle Ramsburg, for students pursuing a career in agriculture. All these programs are run through the Community Foundation of Frederick County.

Myers’ dedication to agriculture hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 1991, the Myers family was the first of three families inducted into the Maryland Agriculture Hall of Fame by Governor Donald Schaffer. The Hall of Fame is the state’s most prestigious agriculture award, recognizing farm families with high standards of achievement and commitment to the industry and their communities. Myers also received the following awards: Maryland Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer Award (1968), Pennsylvania Farmers Magazine’s Master Farmer Award (1978), Maryland State Grange Master from 1978-1982, 2013 Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Wertheimer Award for Excellence in Volunteerism, and was named the 2016 Maryland Fair Person of the Year Award for his work on the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show.

Outside of promoting agriculture, Myers also has been a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Thurmont, where he has served in many volunteer roles, such as a church council member. He also joined the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company 15 years ago and still helps annually at its carnival, which helps raise money for the fire company.

“Farming gives everyone an appreciation for what nature can do for you,” said Myers.

He encourages everyone to grow something, even if it is a small garden. “This way you can see the work that goes into growing things. It helps you appreciate what other people do to keep food on your table.”

We thank Rodman Myers for his continued commitment and dedication to promoting agriculture in our community!

If you know of a community member who is making a difference, please send your nominations to [email protected].