(11/2020) Police commission members named

The Thurmont commissioners appointed Cathy Maddox to the municipal Police Commission at the board’s October 6 meeting.

Maddox has been a civilian employee of the Montgomery County Police Department for the past 22-years. She is responsible for management of the daily operations at the Fourth District Station, including supervising front-desk staff, processing and storing of evidence, and other duties.

She also formerly worked at the Mount Rainier Police Department as a dispatcher and parking enforcement officer. Maddox also serves as the host for 100 riders with the Police Unity Tour on their route to Washington D.C. to honor officers who have fallen in the line-of-duty.

Police Commission members Greg Seymore and Shawn Martiak, whose seats were expiring, were re-appointed to the commission at the October 20 meeting of the town commissioners.

Flag-replacement donations sought

Commissioner Hamrick asked commissioners at their October 13 meeting that the residents consider donating money to help pay for new American flags, for replacing those that are worn, faded or damaged.

Anyone interested in contributing can mail a check to the "Commissioners of Thurmont," denoting "flag donation" in the appropriate space on the check. The town has received a shipment of flags costing $3,400.

The flags will be displayed during a number of events during the course of each year.

Hamrick stated that the flags that the town is attempting to replace are six years old, and many are faded, frayed, or otherwise worn, and will be flown for the last time on Veteran’s Day … before being retired. The old flags will be properly disposed of as per established etiquette.

Town offering free COVID-19 tests

Commissioner Marty Burns stated at the commissioners’ October 13 meeting that he is surprised that more residents have not taken advantage of the free COVID-19 tests being offered by the town.

"For the life of me, I don’t understand why every resident hasn’t stood up in line there and gotten testing. It’s free. It doesn’t require a doctor’s note. It doesn’t cost you a dime." Burns said. "I’ve been tested. Why? Because it was free, and it was offered to me. The health department is doing this."

"I’ve gone out there and there’s nobody in line anymore," the commissioner said, "For those who lose a loved one, this is real. Those that aren’t affected by it (the pandemic) think it is overblown (exaggerated) … it doesn’t matter - go get tested."

The free tests are being administered every other Friday, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Town Office. Check the town’s Facebook page for posted dates or contact the Town Office for specific dates.

Multi-restaurant event slated

Commissioner Wes Hamrick informed the town commissioners at their October 13 meeting that Thurmont will be featuring a "restaurant week," featuring several local eateries during November.

Hamrick said the event, "TOGO BOGO Restaurant," will be held From November 13 through November 20 and will feature locally owned restaurants.

Participating restaurants include Bollinger's Family Restaurant, Celebrations Catering, Fratelli's NY Pizza, Rocky’s NY Pizza & Italian Restaurant, Thurmont Bar & Grill, Thurmont Kountry Kitchen, and Roy Rogers.

Hamrick stated that advertising cards are available at the restaurants, the Town Office, and throughout town, listing the various eateries’ menu specials.

Gateway golf event successful

Commissioner Bill Buehrer commented at the commissioners’ October 13 meeting on the success of this year’s Gateway to the Cure Golf Classic

Buehrer said, "We had a phenomenal Gateway to the Cure golf outing," adding that there were 72 golfers participating, whereas last year there were only 40 … I heard nothing but compliments by the participants. We got blessed with good weather."

The commissioner also acknowledged Economic Development Manager Vicky Grinder and Missy Zook Grimes for their efforts in organizing the event. "These two girls knocked it out of the park," he said.

The Second Annual Golf Classic was held on October 9 at the Maple Run Golf Club. Because golf is inherently a social-distancing type activity, the ongoing pandemic did not have any adverse impact on the ability to hold the event.