(8/2022) Safety Improvement Grants Awarded
In July, the Town of Thurmont received $41,591 in grant funding from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development "Safety Works" Grant Program. An application was submitted by Town Economic Development Manager Vickie Grinder after meeting with town administration and the Thurmont Police Department to determine where improvements were needed.
The grant funding will be utilized toward the purchase of additional security cameras, speed awareness signs, flashing pedestrian crossing signs, and security lighting in several of Thurmont’s parks. The program is available to local government agencies for community related safety improvements that implement the agency’s plan for making public and private spaces safer and more defensible. "I am very happy that we have been able to obtain this grant funding for these very important projects that will enhance and improve safety measures throughout town", according to Chief Administrative Officer Jim Humerick.
"The safety of our residents, businesses, and visitors is our highest priority and we are fortunate to receive this funding that helps us in achieving this goal," Thurmont Police Chief Greg Eyler said.
Duty Promoted To Town Planner
Thurmont welcomed town employee Kelly Duty as its first full time town planner.
Dudy started with the town of Thurmont in 2015 as the zoning and utilities inspector. As time passed and responsibilities increased, Duty was promoted to planning and zoning manager. Thurmont has come to the point where the need for an onsite planner is a necessity, Chief Administrative Officer Jim Humerick said.
Chris Jakubiak served the town in an exemplary manner for the past several years as a contractual town planner and will continue to work in a consulting role, he said.
Duty’s education and experience makes her the perfect fit for this position according to Humerick, "and I couldn't be more pleased with this well-deserved personal personnel action."
Eddie The Therapy Pig Visits Camp
Thurmont’s A Day in the Park Program summer program welcomed a special visit from Eddie the therapy pig at Thurmont Community Park July 11.
Yes, that’s right: therapy pig.
Eddie is a two-year-old American Mini Pig Association (AMPA) Certified Therapy Pig.
Together with his best friend and owner Dave, Eddie brings joy and happiness to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities.
Bringing Eddie in to meet the kids helps showcase different types of careers as well as lesser-known aspects of animal husbandry opportunities, Program coordinator Amie McDaniels said.
The campers were able to see firsthand how smart pigs are as Eddie performed games with toys to the crowd’s delight. The kids relished asking questions and learning about how smart and sociable pigs can be, she said.
Eddie is amazing with all ages and the campers were able to get a hands-on look and petting of his calming demeanor.
"It was a wonderful day, and we appreciate Eddie and Dave for hanging out with us," McDaniels said.
Although a "mini pig" in name, Eddie’s personality is anything but miniscule.
Eddie brings smiles everywhere he goes and works to create a calm environment for all.
Eddie is regularly busy brightening the day of those who need it as the duo make regular trips to visit hospitals, nursing, and other areas where people need an extra smile brought to their face.
Eddie became a part of Magill’s life during the COVID-19 pandemic. When he is not changing lives and touching hearts with his snout, Eddie lives in the house with his family.
Dave described Eddie as "the bougiest pig on the planet" who loves toys, playing games, and uses a litter box.
Eddie has an active social media presence and the pig’s claim to internet fame is over 100K followers on the video social media Tiktok. Eddie’s story has also been featured on The Dodo, an entertainment media page.
More information about Eddie’s events and therapy visits can be found on social media including Facebook and Instagram @eddiethepigmd.
