Thurmont Grange Recognizes Community Citizen & Grange Membership
The Thurmont Grange #409 held its annual Community Citizen and Grange Membership Awards Dinner on Monday, April 13. In addition to recognizing Grangers who have reached milestones in their years of membership, the Grange honors an individual or group that strives to make a difference by giving back to our community.
This year, Vickie Grinder, Thurmont’s Economic Development manager, was recognized with the 2026 Community Citizen Award. Thurmont Grange President Niki Eyler commented that Vickie has worked with the Grange over the years to gain exposure through the Thurmont Business Expo, Farmers Market, window displays at the Main Street Center, and the Channel 5 Zip Trip.
Vickie was also instrumental in assisting the Grange in obtaining grant funding for roof repairs. Since 2016, Vickie has obtained grant funding for organizations and businesses in Thurmont, exceeding $2 million. She manages town events that benefit local individuals, families, businesses, and organizations, such as the Art & Wine Stroll, Christmas in Thurmont, Gateway to the Cure, and the Business Expo, and she oversees our Farmers Market and the Thurmont Business Network.
Wes Hamrick, president of the Catoctin Medical Group Board, spoke about Vickie’s involvement in securing $146,000 in grant money to make the medical center ADA-compliant. Additionally, Thurmont Commissioners Wayne Hooper and Bob Lookingbill complimented Vickie on her commitment to Thurmont and her hard work that has made Thurmont a wonderful community with so much to offer its residents.
Thurmont Granger, Cheryl Lenhart, was also recognized with the 3rd Annual Thurmont Grange Gold Award, which honors Grangers who do so much, not only for the Grange, but also within our community. Cheryl has been a Thurmont Grange member for over 50 years. In addition to the Grange, Cheryl is or has been involved with the Catoctin FFA & Alumni, the Great Frederick Fair, the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show, Woodsboro Lutheran Church, the Eastern Stars, Lewistown Mtn. View 4-H Club, Frederick County Shooting Sports Club, and the Burall Brothers Annual Scholarship Breakfast, just to name a few. Thurmont Grange President Niki Eyler commented that Cheryl’s involvement goes beyond showing up for a meeting or two. She holds offices; sits on committees; and is always helping, planning, and volunteering her time, knowledge, and muscle any way she can. No matter what you ask Cheryl to do, she is always ready to step up.
Several Thurmont Grangers received awards to recognize their years of membership. Robin Portner, Sherry Ramage, and Jeremy Ramage received their 5-year certificates; Chuck and Susan Crone, Bob and Carol Long, and Tyler Wolf each received their 10-year certificates; and Daniel Myers received his 15-year certificate. Recipients of National Grange membership awards were Jessica Zentz Ridenour (25-year Silver Star Certificate), Dale McNair and Bobby Myers (40-year membership seal), Alan and Ethel Brauer (55-year membership seal), and Sandy Moser (65-year membership seal).
Peggy Long was honored with the 75 Years of Steadfast, Faithful and Devoted Membership Award, presented by Maryland State Grange President and National Grange Lecturer, Dr. Richard Stonebraker. At 18 years old, Peggy joined Lewistown Grange, which disbanded in 1965. At that time, Peggy, along with her husband Cap, became members of Thurmont Grange. Throughout the decades, she was the Grange secretary for 15 years, a member of the Pomona Grange Drill Team, participated in events and community service projects, and baked many cakes and cookies for dinners and fundraisers. In addition to the Grange, Peggy devoted much of her life to the Lewistown Mountain View 4-H Club, one of the oldest and largest clubs, not only in the state but also in the nation. Peggy was a farm wife to Cap for 69 years. They began milking cows in 1956 and raised their six children together. She could always be found working long hours on the farm, cooking for a dozen people, chaperoning a school field trip, or volunteering her time. She was also involved with the Frederick County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, the Great Frederick Fair 4-H Dairy shows, the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show, and is a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Utica, where she taught Sunday School for many years. Peggy and Cap often attended National Brown Swiss conventions, Farm Bureau conventions, and state and national dairy cattle shows. They bred several national champion Brown Swiss and were inducted into the Maryland Dairy Shrine. Peggy turned 94 on April 12, and she continues to devote her life to agriculture and promoting and supporting youth involvement in agriculture and our community.
Thurmont Grange was honored to recognize its members and citizens who strive to give so much back to our community.
Recipient of the 2026 Community Citizen Award, Vickie Grinder, Thurmont’s Economic Development Manager, presented by Thurmont Grange President Niki Eyler.
Peggy Long receives her 75-year Membership Award, presented by Dr. Richard Stonebraker (Maryland State Grange President and National Grange Lecturer) and Thurmont Granger Rodman Myers, who was a member for 77 years.
(from left) Recipients of the 5-year membership Award Jeremy and Sherry Ramage, and 10-year award Carol and Bob (not pictured) Long and Chuck and Susan Crone, presented by Niki Eyler.
(from left) Recipient of the 25-year Membership Award Jessica Zentz Ridenour, accepted by her mother Candy Zentz, and 40-year Award recipients Dale McNair and Bobby Myers, presented by Thurmont Grange President Niki Eyler.
