(11/2021) Gateway To The Cure 5K Takes Off With A Swarm
This year’s Gateway to the Cure 5K seventh annual Covered Bridge 5K Fun Run/Walk ran straight to the bank raising money for cancer research.
The 5K brought dozens out showing their unwavering support for the community and the cause through all manner of pink shirts, wigs, shoes, tutus and more.
Despite the autumn chill, more participants than ever before, including avid runners, strollers, and four-legged friends, readied to move through town in support of Thurmont's annual community campaign to raise money for local breast cancer research.
Local youth track and cross-country coach John Steiner has been organizing the active event for its entire seven years and his heartfelt dedication to the cause and event have driven it forward every year, Grinder said.
Recognizing an imperative cause when they see it, the Thurmont community has been front and center supporting the Gateway to the Cure since it began in 2014 to spread awareness about breast cancer and its research.
Proceeds from all Gateway to the Cure events throughout the month October are donated to the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund and together businesses, residents, and visitors of Thurmont have donated over $98,000 since the inception of the initiate back in 2014. A check of the total funds collected during this year’s campaign will be presented to the town council later in the month.
Town To Acquire New Accounting Software
At their October 5th meeting, the Town Council awarded a contract to Tyler Technologies to provide the town with new accounting software that would facilitate customer transactions remotely.
The new accounting software will integrate all town financial functions seamlessly and provides a central database for financial information in a one stop software application.
The town is currently using four different programs to accomplish this, according to Joyce. Upgrading the current software to today’s standards would cost between $50,000 and $60,000 and would require the town to purchase a new server. This option would leave the town with the current problem of having to manage four different systems that don’t talk to ach other, resulting in a risk of some important financial detail being lost in translation between systems.
The cost of the project includes installation of the fund accounting software, data conversion from the town’s current software, as well as maintenance, support, and necessary training.
Medical Center To Receive ADA Ramps
A project to bring all-accessible entrances to the Catoctin Medical Center is now one step closer to completion following approval by the Town Council to submit an application for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to fund the project.
The funding would be utilized toward American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant ramps for the front and rear entrances of the Catoctin Medical Center. The current rear entrance ramp is steeper than the ADA allowance as the requirements were not mandatory for the ramp’s initial construction in 1977.
The proposed project will remove the current rear ramp and replace it with one that is ADA compliant and install a ramp to the front of the building.
The estimated cost of the project and cost requested through the funding is $151,425 with no cost to the town.
As the ramp project is beyond the budget of the nonprofit medical center, town staff and the center’s Board of Directors have worked together to find where the funding could be applied for ADA compliance and help patients, according to Humerick.
Mayor Kinnaird thanked Humerick for his hard work in establishing the application for grant possibilities. "We sit up here and read a piece of paper and it gets done but the truth of the matter is you put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into every one of these programs," Kinnaird said.
Town employee honored
At the October meeting, Thurmont Town Council honored long time employee Jeffrey Kilby who passed away earlier that day.
A town employee since 1993, Kilby worked at the wastewater plant as a Class Five operator and held a CDL driver’s license.
Kilby had just celebrated his 28th year working with the town and the council praised Kilby as a kind individual with an unparalleled work ethic.
"Jeff was a great guy, if there was ever an issue with wastewater, Jeff was there. He was usually up to his armpits in the wastewater pipes doing something," Mayor John Kinnaird said.
When and whenever, there was work to be done, Kilby could be unfalteringly found and regularly greeted people when out on the town.
"He was a quiet soul, he wasn’t a real talker, but he was right there with the whole crew every time I was out there," Commissioner Martin Burns said.
Commissioner Martin Burns for his 22 years of service
A certificate of recognition was presented to retiring Commissioner Martin Burns for his 22 years of service to the town of Thurmont.
On behalf of the Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner, Government Affairs and Policy Director Joy Schaefer thanked Burns for his tireless dedication and honored his service to the community both as a commissioner and as three terms as mayor.
In strengthening the community and making the county a better place to live through integrity and enthusiasm, "You’ve exemplified service and dedication. You’ve demonstrated that the role of a true public servant is to create a strong and thriving community for all," Shaffer said.
A Key to The City Award was also presented to Burns by Mayor John Kinnard who "couldn’t present it to a better man."
Kinnaird gave his "undying respect" to Burns, whom he regarded as a dependable and thoughtful leader who always gave his wholehearted devotion and encouragement to fellow commissioners.
"Marty’s heart has always been squarely what’s the best interest of Thurmont," Kinnaird said.
Burns called the recognition "absolutely mutual," and praised his fellow commissioners for their teamwork and dedication to Thurmont.
"It’s been an absolute pleasure and joy…I appreciate you guys putting up with me for 22 years for the town," Burns said.
