Town Hall Reports

by James Rada, Jr. Emmitsburg August 2015 Sign Up for Gym Usage Time is running out if you want to use the gymnasium in the Emmitsburg Community Center during the upcoming athletic season that runs October 1, 2015, through March 31, 2016. If your organization would like to use the gymnasium, you need to send a letter to the town office stating your interest, the name of your group, contact information, and how you will be using the gym. The letter must be received in the town office by 3:00 p.m. on September 4. All interested parties will meet on September 10 at 2:00 p.m. to work out the schedule. Only those people who submit a letter of interest will be allowed to participate in the meeting.   Yard Waste and Recycling Emmitsburg residents can drop off yard waste and recyclable items on the first and third Saturday of each month, from 9:00 a.m.-noon. Drop off is at the sewer plant on 16707 Creamery Road. People dropping off yard waste must show a driver’s license with an address in the town of Emmitsburg. People dropping off recyclables must show a Frederick County address on their license. For more information about the Town of Emmitsburg, log onto www.emmitsburgmd.gov or call 301-600-6300. Thurmont August 2015 Thurmont Receives $162,800 in Grants The Town of Thurmont received three grants totaling $162,800 in July. A $125,000 Community Development Block Grant will help finish bringing town sidewalks into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. Two Maryland Department of Natural Resources grants, each for $18,900, will be used to build two basketball half courts in Woodland Park and Pleasant Acres Park.   Commission Members Appointed The Thurmont Board of Commissioners have appointed Carol Robertson and Lisa Nolan-Humerick to the Board of Supervisors of Elections for fall elections in Thurmont. Ed Superczynski, Frankie Thornton, and Jim Robbins were appointed to the Thurmont Police Commission.   New Parking Restrictions Proposed During the August 11 Thurmont Town Meeting, Police Chief Greg Eyler briefed the commissioners on two new parking restrictions that he is proposing. Because of the new sidewalk project on North Church Street, the road is two feet narrower. This necessitates that no parking or stopping along the side of the road will be allowed. The other location is along Apples Church Road from Carroll Street to Eyler Road. This restriction will only be during Colorfest. Visitors to the many yard sales along the road tend to park along both sides of the road, clogging it up so other traffic is sometimes unable to pass. “Someone’s going to get clipped with those wide loads coming through there,” Eyler said. Therefore, during Colorfest, parking will only be allowed on the right side of the road. Eyler pointed out that the driving force behind these restrictions is that they are public safety issues. Without the changes, emergency vehicles may have trouble moving along those roads. Thurmont Bandshell Committee to Form Acting on a suggestion from resident Bill Eyler, the Thurmont Board of Commissioners decided to approve the creation of a committee to make recommendations on the location, design, and funding for a bandshell where outdoor musical performances can be held. Eyler will head the committee, which will meet at the town office building. He will be seeking four additional members to join him on the committee. If you are interested in helping with the project, contact the town office. Upcoming Town of Thurmont Election for Two Commissioner Positions Notice is hereby given of the upcoming Town of Thurmont Election for two Commissioner positions. The Nominating Convention will be held on September 29, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at the Thurmont Municipal Office, located at 615 East Main Street in Thurmont. The General Election will be held on October 27, 2015, at the Guardian Hose Activities Building. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Persons in line at the time of closing shall be permitted to vote. Absentee Ballot Applications will be available on Friday, October 2, 2015. The last day to register to vote in the Town Elections is close of business on September 29, 2015. Thurmont to Host 5K Fun Run/Walk for Breast Cancer Month The Town of Thurmont will be sponsoring the Think Pink/Gateway to the Cure Campaign again this year. Last year through donations from businesses and residents, the Town of Thurmont proudly presented a check to the Patty Hurwitz Fund for just shy of $5,300. Something new for this year is the Thurmont Think Pink 5K Fun Run/Walk on October 24. The event will begin and end at Eyler Road Park in Thurmont. All proceeds will once again be donated to the Patty Hurwitz Fund at FMH. The event will provide awards for overall male and female top 5 finishers. Each participant will also receive a Think Pink t-shirt and other goodies. Thanks to help from CHS Cross Country coach Terri Gibbons and CYA Cross Country coach John Steiner, the course will be one that runners and walkers of all ages can enjoy. For details on the event and registration, contact CAO Jim Humerick at (301)-271-7313. Thurmont Main Street Manager Vickie Grinder is also working on other Think Pink events that will be held in the month of October. Thurmont will once again be adorned with pink light bulbs and pink ribbons all through town. View the Town of Thurmont’s website at www.thurmont.com or call the town office at 301-271-7313 for more information.