(7/2019) School’s out and summer is officially here! That means it’s time for the annual Walkersville and Thurmont carnivals and a long list of fun activities at our parks and libraries. Get out and enjoy all Frederick County has to offer.

Frederick County’s quality of life was recently featured in a special five-minute documentary by a national production company. "Frederick County: Leading the Way" focuses on how the County is leading the way in cancer research and innovation. It premiered on national networks last month and will appear on public television stations nationwide this summer. Take a few minutes to watch the video by visiting www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/LeadingTheWay or by going to the County’s YouTube channel, www.YouTube.com/FrederickCountyMD. Frederick County has a great story to tell! I am excited to share our story about cancer research, life sciences, agriculture, and other innovative industries to a broad audience. We can all be proud of the community we call home.

Water, Water Everywhere

Heavy rains like what we’ve experienced over the past year can damage property and cause problems with storm runoff. When the county’s Master Gardeners saw runoff damage at the University of Maryland Extension Service facility in Frederick, they turned to the County for assistance. Working together with the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Resources, they found an innovative solution that reduces erosion, uses the rainwater to feed beautiful gardens, and provides residents from around the County a place to learn about tools they can use on their own properties.

The demonstration gardens highlight eight different techniques to harvest rainfall so visitors can learn about methods that might work on their property. The project is the first of its kind in the mid-Atlantic region. Frederick County is leading by example!

You can learn about the Master Gardener program, walk through their beautiful gardens, and look at stormwater management options by visiting the Extension Service office at 330 Montevue Lane. An online story map explains the history of the collaborative project. The story map can be viewed at www.tinyurl.com/StormwaterProject.

New Horizons

Frederick County is blessed with outstanding schools, a safe community, and a vibrant economy. Not everyone in our county, however, is fortunate enough to enjoy all that we have to offer. Some people face major challenges. They may lack a good job, adequate food, or a permanent place to call home. For a teenager, not having a home adds immense stress to an already stressful time in life. Imagine trying to concentrate on homework when you don’t know where you will be sleeping that night.

More than 825 Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) students experienced homelessness in the school year that just ended. Students are considered to be homeless if they do not have a regular and adequate nighttime residence. They may be crashing on a friend’s couch or with another family, living in a motel or shelter, waiting for foster care placement, or staying in places not meant to be housing, such as cars, parks, and abandoned buildings or a tent. More than 150 of these children in our schools did not have adult caretakers.

Fortunately, we live in a community that cares and has taken action. A local nonprofit called the Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership (SHIP) has partnered with FCPS, Frederick County Government’s Workforce Services, and other community organizations to provide academic training this summer to 60 local students who are experiencing homelessness. The goal of the five-week New Horizons Academy is to keep these students on track academically so they can graduate on time. Starting July 1, students from five schools – Catoctin, Walkersville, Governor Thomas Johnson, Frederick, and Tuscarora High Schools – will be bussed to Frederick High for classes. Those who want employment experience will be placed in part-time jobs through the county’s Youth Works program.

We know that education is key to students’ future success. Programs like New Horizons can make a big difference in their lives. In fact, 23 New Horizons participants graduated this spring with their high school diplomas, thanks to the work of SHIP, FCPS, and the many community partners. Together we are creating a brighter future for Frederick County!

Condolences

I want to offer my condolences to the men and women at the Vigilant Hose Company community, the entire Division of Fire and Rescue Services, and our volunteer fire service on the recent tragedy that took the life of career firefighter Drue Jones. Our public servants put their lives on the line everyday when they respond to calls, but they don’t expect to face dangers at home. Drue will be greatly missed by his "fire family" and by all who knew him.