Community Alert System in Action

August 31, 2009

During the early morning hours of August 30, 2009 a young adult female was arrested after she was found to have entered numerous vehicles to steal items.  All of the vehicles she entered were unsecured.  REMINDER:  Please lock your vehicles to help deter crime.

Pet Time with Dr. “JB” Bramson

August 29, 2009

Why You Should Spay and Neuter Your Pet   by Dr “JB” Bramson

An ounce of prevention (spay/neuter) is worth a pound of cure (protection from reproductive cancer).

Male dogs like men are susceptible to prostate and testicular cancer. These types of cancer are preventable by neutering. Female dogs and cats, like women are susceptible to mammary cancer. This is preventable by spaying at a young age (less than 1 year old)

Myths of Spay and Neuter

1) “Neutered pets get fat” - No. They require less food and more exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

2) “Neutered pets’ personalities change and they become wimps” - No. Neutering stops unwanted behavior such as marking, spraying, roaming and fighting. However, dogs still remain protector of the family and loyal.

3) “You should let a female have a litter before spaying” - No. More puppies and kittens can wind up abandoned or turned over to shelters. There is no health benefit to the mother.

4)”Children should see the miracle of birth” - No. Often females want to be secluded to deliver in private. They can require and emergency cesarean section in some cases. More puppies and kittens leads to more pet overpopulation with a lack of adequate homes available.  Instead rent or google a movie on the subject if you wish.

Facts

1) The main reason for cat overpopulation is feral, free- roaming, un-owned cats. Source: Save Our Strays

2) Every day 10,000 babies are born and 70,000 puppies and kittens are born in the USA. There will never be enough homes for all of these animals. Source: Spay USA

3) Un-neutered males have a greater likelihood of getting prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

4) Neutering inhibits undesirable behavior such as urine marking, aggression (fighting), and roaming.

5) 55% of dogs and puppies in shelters are euthanized.

6) 71% of cats and kittens in shelters are euthanized.

7) 30% of shelter animals are pure breeds.

8) Only 14% of the public gets their pets from shelters.

9) In 6 years, and un-spayed female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs!  Source:  Spay USA

10) In 9 years, an un-spayed female cat and her offspring averaging two litters per year and three surviving kittens per year can produce over 11 million cats! Source: Spay USA

Don’t be part of the problem, be part of the solution. Please, please spay and neuter all pets. Your dog or cat will thank you, and they’ll live longer, healthier, happier lives.

Ponders

August 29, 2009

Wow! Let me catch my breath. Last month I most certainly placed my head on the chopping block with the Health Care Reform Bill and several of the H.R. 3200’s controversies. As it turns out seems many Americans have reservations about the contents of this “Health Care Reform,” in reference to the nationwide town hall meetings. There were several who defended the bill and I respect their opinions as well. That most certainly is one of the reasons that make this country so great-the freedom of choice and speech. There is an enormous problem in this country with health care availability and needs addressed.  I do believe the elected officials who are public servants should accept the same health coverage for which they have engineered for we the people who are expected to accept it. They want health care to be equal for all, than make it fair and equal for all. That’s more story and I am sticking to it. I am however confused in one area which as a society we seem except; while some must go without medication and doctor visits, can somebody explain why prisons are allotted all the medicine and medical treatment needed? Moving on, I am going to beat Dave Little to this one. I am pondering the return of Michael Vic to the NFL. Michael Vic for years was my football idol. A huge Falcon Fan I become a Vic groupie. I have all of the Michael Vic paraphernalia which used to adorn my everyday life. While I was idolizing Vic my friends would make fun of me calling him a convict (prior to the dog incident) and other names I cannot repeat. Imagine how I felt when Vic was busted for dog killing. I am a huge dog lover and advocate for animal rights. I was crushed. But what was worse? My friends calling, hounding and rubbing salt in the wound at every opportunity given. To my friends, okay here it is, you were right. Needless to say I no longer have my number 7 belongings and cannot cheer for the old Falcon any longer. Mr. Vic contracted by the Eagles has served his debt to society and should be offered a clean slate. I watched the return of Vic on television and his proclamation of apology. I don’t think Vic is sorry for what he did to those helpless animals but in fact sorry that he got caught. Had Vic not been busted would he still be involved in the Bad News Kennels? Of course he would. As for those friends who warned me-perhaps I will listen next time. Not! Anywho, he is back and what a country we live. On that note I adopted a boxer last month which needed a home, and am pretty sure I have lost my mind. Baby makes 3!  I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our latest columnist George Puvel. Mr. Puvel is proprietor of Anytime Fitness and will feature health tips each month on diet and wellness topics. Be sure to visit thurmonttimes.com for up-to-date information and events as they happen. Have an organization but no website? Just send it in and your event will be posted immediately on the website.  Once again please remember to read all of the ads listed and thanks to all of the advertisers in the Times. They allow us the opportunity to bring you up to date local and national happenings. Remember Buy Local!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Thurmont Candidates Announced

August 25, 2009

On Tuesday August 25th nominations were entertained for two commissioner seats and mayor for the upcoming October election in Thurmont. The two commissioner seats which will be available are currently held by Commissioner Ron Terpko and Commissioner Wayne Hooper. The nomination process was called to order by Carol Robertson of Thurmont. Ms. Robertson called the meeting to order at 7pm. The first round of nominations was for the upcoming commissioner seats. Thurmont resident Brian Lynch nominated Commissioner Hooper, Mrs. Joy Lookingill were second. The nomination for mayor would bring Mr. Richard Lee of JerMae Estates to the microphone for his candidate and incumbent Martin A. Burns. There were no other nominations so Mayor Burns will run unopposed. Ms. Robertson called the nominations closed in accordance to Robert Rules at 7:08 pm. Be sure to join us in September when we interview each candidate up close and personal. Thurmont Election will be October 5, 2009 at the Fireman’s Activity Building. Polls Will Be Open From 7:00 am- Until 8:00 pm. Much success to all candidates.

Left to right: Commissioner Wayne Hooper, Mr. John Bean, Commissioner Ron Terpko and Mayor Martin A. Burns

Thurmont Food Bank in Demand of Food

August 8, 2009

The Thurmont Food Bank is in demand of food. There are families who are depending on us to be able to eat. During the months of June and July we provided food for almost 700 people and that means we no sooner get food on the shelves before it is given out. Please pass the word to anyone who can contribute food that we could really use some help because donations are way down this summer. Non-perishable items can be dropped off at the Town Hall or at Harriet Chapel Episcopal Church which is 2 miles south of Thurmont on Catoctin Furnace Road. Perishable and non-perishable items can be dropped off at the Food Bank at St. John’s Lutheran Church on 15 N. Church Street on Tuesday from 5:30-7:30p.m. or Friday from 3:00-5:00p.m.  These are the items we need at this time: spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, soup, fresh produce, frozen or canned meat, eggs, cheese, 1/2 gallons of milk, canned vegetables and fruit, peanut butter, jelly, baked beans, Hamburger Helper, tea, coffee, sugar, laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo and snacks for kids.

This summer The Thurmont Ministerium which oversees the Food Bank and an Emergency Needs Assistance Program has been overwhelmed with requests for aid. If anyone can make a financial contribution to help families in crisis, please send a check to P.O. Box 74, Thurmont, MD. 21788

Thank you so very much for any help you can give.

Sincerely,
Pastor Sally
Food Bank Coordinator

The Rev. Sally Joyner-Giffin
Harriet Chapel, Catoctin Episcopal Parish
12625 Catoctin Furnace Rd.
Thurmont, MD 21788
301-271-4554

home: 301-271-1090