(6/2019) It’s summertime! I hope you take time this season to explore the wonderful parks in Frederick County or enjoy some fun activities taking place. June kicks off Frederick County’s carnival season with Thurmont Ambulance’s annual event. Walkersville’s carnival is just around the corner, with a July 1 start. At our libraries, the incredibly popular Summer Challenge is already under way. This year’s theme is "A Universe of Stories" to mark the 50th anniversary since Apollo 11 landed on the moon. The Summer Challenge is designed for all ages. Participants win prizes and visit fun places all across Frederick County.

In county government, summer means the start of a new budget year. Each May, the County Council votes on the County Executive’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1. This year’s budget supports public education, public safety, and our community’s high quality of life without raising any tax rates. The County Council adopted my proposed budget with a 7-0 vote. I am proud that Frederick County lives within our means while providing outstanding services.

To understand a budget, a person needs to look at what it accomplishes. One of the biggest things that Frederick County’s budget accomplishes this year is fully implementing a new pay scale for our public school teachers and school system employees. By making a record investment in our schools, we can ensure that our children have the best teachers in the classroom and that students achieve their highest possible outcomes. We know that education lifts our children and their families, lifts property values, and ensures a well-educated and trained workforce that is essential to our long-term economic prosperity.

Speaking of our economic prosperity, I recently announced some exciting news that a major employer had chosen Frederick County as the site for a new biologics manufacturing facility. This is great news! Kite Pharma will bring hundreds of job opportunities to our community, with positions ranging from scientists to janitors. The facility will produce cutting-edge cell therapies for people who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Charging the Future

We can be proud that the Town of Emmitsburg is leading the way with renewable energy. As the busy travel season kicks off, travelers through the town have gained a new option for "fueling up" their cars. I joined town officials to cut the ribbon to open five new electric vehicle charging stations at the Community Center. Small towns are often among the last places to implement new technologies, so Emmitsburg truly is a leader with these charging stations. Studies show that drivers in rural communities could save more than $850 a year by driving electric. We save green when we go green!

The Community Center is great location for the charging stations. People can charge their cars while they visit the library or take a class at the senior center. Frederick County Government donated the parking spaces for the town’s project, and facilitated the installation of a new electric meter so town officials can track the charging station’s use. Congratulations to Mayor Don Briggs and the Town of Emmitsburg for leading the way!

Dementia Friendly

I was pleased to unveil a new initiative of the Senior Services Division that will help our families who are touched by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our Caregiver Support staff has begun the process to certify Frederick County as a "Dementia Friendly" community. Dementia Friendly America is a national effort to educate the public, provide support to patients and their families, and promote meaningful participation in community life. Our goal is for everyone to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible, in the community they call home.

Frederick County is leading the way by offering "Dementia Live" training to health care providers, caregivers and first responders about what a person with cognitive problems may be experiencing. Participants use specialized gear to simulate what it is like for someone with dementia to complete basic tasks. They experience sensory changes and confusion, which enable them to develop a deeper understanding of those living with dementia. I went through the training and can honestly say it was eye-opening.

Over 400 first responders in the county’s Division of Fire & Rescue Services will receive Dementia Live training beginning this month. It will allow them to experience the obstacles some of their patients must cope with. Dementia Live also is offered at the county-run senior centers. If you want to learn more about Dementia Live, or any of the services available through our Senior Services Division, placing a call is now as easy as 1-2-3 … 4. We introduced a new easy-to-remember phone number for Senior Services. You can reach the division by calling 301-600-1234.

This summer, spend some time exploring our parks, libraries, senior centers, or one of Frederick County’s beautiful trails. We are blessed to live in an area with such a rich history and a bright future!