(5/25) In February Thurmont residents joined together to form the Fuse Teen Center, for teens in the Thurmont area to build relationships in a positive environment, face-to-face. The founder of Fuse, Susan Crone, had been considering a way to organize and provide a group for teens in the Thurmont area for awhile. As a response to several events in which teens were lost to suicide or overdose, Crone decided it was time to step out in faith, so, in February of this year a group was formed, a core group of members were identified, and a mission statement was accepted. The group originally called themselves "Abandon," but after a reorganization of the core, Fuse was born.

The overarching goal of Fuse is to build relationships; relationships between teens, and relationships between teens and adults. In a society where many relationships are made and maintained over social media, Fuse hopes to give teens the opportunity to meet face to face. Fuse hosted their first event on May 5th - a Cinco de Mayo themed evening of games, talking, and delicious food. Taco Bell and Food Lion generously provided donations for the event. And a visit from "Tessa" the guinea pig made the evening complete. Fuse welcomed eighteen teens, thirteen volunteers, and another ten adults who came along for the ride; providing a very successful turnout for the organization’s first event. The event was held at Trinity United Church of Christ in Thurmont, and Fuse thanks them for their willingness to take a chance on them.

As described by Crone, Fuse Teen Center isn’t a physical "center," it is a transient teen center comprised of a group of parents and concerned citizens who are hoping to provide activities for teens in the Thurmont area. This means that at the moment, Fuse does not have an official building to call home, as the organization is just starting out. However, Crone hopes to work toward this as a goal for the future.

Additionally, at this time, Fuse will be working in partnership with RJ’s Lasting Foundation to pursue fundraising efforts in the future. RJ’S Lasting Strength Foundation, Inc is a 501c(3) non-profit whose mission is to combat the heroin epidemic in Frederick County by spreading awareness and educating the community on the disease of addiction and overdose deaths. The activities that Fuse hopes to move forward with blends well with the prevention goals of RJ’s Foundation. Fuse has also partnered with the Thurmont Addictions Commission under their prevention pillar, which is chaired by Mike Randall. These partnerships will hopefully allow Fuse to be visible to a wider range of individuals in the community.

"I have been a teacher in Frederick County Public Schools for 30 years. I have worked with many students who are touched by the death of a friend or loved one who is struggling with depression or addiction. The number of my actual students who have died is so sad to me. I have to do something. I can’t just sit by anymore and let "no" be the answer anymore. If Fuse fails, we lost nothing but our time. But if we do nothing we fail for sure - and the cost is our teens. Someone has to do something - so I’m doing it," stated Crone.

Fuse is always looking for volunteers. At this point in time, Fuse is planning on holding an activity once a month, but is also hoping to offer a "coffee house" type meeting twice a week - one night for middle school teens, and one night for high school teens. Fuse is looking for volunteers who are willing to commit to at least one night this summer for this venture to prosper. If someone would like to volunteer they can contact Crone at 301-676-1183, at fuseteencenter@gmail.com, or at www.facebook.com/fuseteens/.