From the Desk of Mayor Don Briggs

(11/12)

Bulletin Board:

• Thank you Kerry and Valerie Shorb for another Scotty’s Ride. This year 175 cyclists left from Jubilee for a 100+ mile ride around the Emmitsburg Country side for Scotty Harbaugh who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor several years ago. The event started in 2006.
• Congratulations to Brenda Ruepoli our town administrative assistant who on October 25th received the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Advisory Committee award in recognition for the time and effort she has contributed to the Sheriff’s "Fun Ride" and many other activities.
• The North Seton sidewalk extension is done! Just in time for Halloween. Congratulations to the residents of Northgate. Thank you also to the kind property owner for all she has put up with to bring this about.
• A design team for the Square has been selected. Meetings with stakeholders and the public will commence in November. We are on our way.

Journal:

October 2nd attended Mount Athletic Advisory Board meeting. The Mount is right on track with its focus for student athletes. The community service effort that goes with representing the Mount as an athlete is awe inspiring.

The Maryland Municipal League Fall conference was held in Hagerstown, Wednesday, October 3rd - Friday October 5th. Besides conference meetings I attended the Mayor’s Association meeting and classes on Green initiatives, Blighted Properties, and Selling Your City instead of the Newspapers.

Saturday, October 6th started with attending and saying a few words at the military ceremony for deceased RAF Wing Commander Ackermann who died in 1986 and is buried in St. Joseph’s new cemetery. A British citizen who played a key role in WWII Ally espionage efforts bombing runs over German occupied Europe. He never received the military honors due him. An RAF officer attached to the British Embassy, the son and daughter of the deceased and an author of a book on him who flew in from London were in attendance. A very moving ceremony that included the presentation of the US and England flags to the children and a 21 gun salute by the VFW color guard.

That afternoon I attended some of the Mount Oktoberfest events and a great rugby match. It was good to see the alumni I coached and members of the school administration. With the day not over it was then back in town to meet with the other members of National Fire Fighters Heritage Center Board at the museum on South Seton Avenue.

On Sunday, October 7th I had the honor again to give the welcome address at the 31st Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Service. Because of inclement weather the service was moved to the Mount Athletic Center. Over 5,000 attended to honor 85 fallen firefighters. Thank you to Mount Saint Mary’s for the accommodation. The Mount did not miss a beat.

Sunday afternoon I attended the annual "Pilgrimage for the Sea Services at the Seton Shrine. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is recognized as the patroness of the sea services; another special observance for Emmitsburg going back to 1977.

On Thursday the 11th I attended the EBPA social held at the Carriage House; EBPA is a solid partner of the town that continues doing wonderful things for economic development in our community.

On Thursday, October 18th I had the honor of talking to the 4th grade class at Emmitsburg Elementary. What a wonderful future we will all have if this is a sample of what is coming up through the ranks.

On Friday, October 19th I attended the Mount College of Liberal Art Advisory Council meeting. The Mount is rolling out a terrific new program titled "Veritas". Sensational addition to the well rounded education the Mount offers.