(1/17) “This is your host George
Wireman.”
For more than 20 years, residents of
Thurmont have been able to listen to “George
Wireman’s Thurmont World” on the radio.
“Over 20 years, you have listened to my
voice and learned of the many interesting
facts pertaining to Thurmont and its many
interesting citizens,” Wireman said.
On Jan. 11, Wireman taped his last show,
which was broadcast on WTHU on Jan. 12.
“After 20 years of doing this show, which
has become a tradition on WTHU, I feel that
the time has come to give it up,” Wireman said
as he made the announcement of his retirement.
Wireman spent much of the final half-hour
show reminiscing about life in Thurmont over
the years. He got choked up as he thanked his
long-term sponsor, Cozy Restaurant, and WTHU.
Wireman also introduced his successor
behind the microphone, Vickie Grinder.
“It’s a great honor to sit here with you and
be picked as the one to replace you,” Grinder
told Wireman.
Grinder has been a guest on the show
multiple times over the years. Her radio
experience began as Wireman’s guest during
live feeds from the Cozy or during festivals.
During the past year, she has filled in as
host when Wireman has been unable to.
Grinder said she enjoyed hosting so much,
“I told Chuck, if someday George ever retires,
please consider me for the job and by God, I
got the call the other day.”
Wireman has been heard on radio on and off
since Thurmont got its first radio station in
1968. He got his own show more than 20 years
ago and named it after the newspaper column he
wrote called “This and That.” Since then, he
has been interviewing local officials,
business owners and interesting people.
“Actually, I never dreamed it would go on
this long,” Wireman said.
He said he will miss finding interesting
guests and coming out to the studio to tape
conversations with the guests.
He wished Grinder well and offered to help
out whenever he could. Then he signed off,
“Until then, a happy and thankful new year to
all of you.”
Thurmont World can be heard on WTHU 1450 AM
Saturday mornings at 9 a.m.
