Thurmont electric rates to drop in 2011
November 19, 2009
Thurmont electric rates to drop in 2011 Vickie Grinder
In 2008 it was predicted and the worst feared for 2011 electric rates would once again increase. Most felt the rate hike which occurred in 2006 were unaffordable and the thought of any relief in 2011 when a new contract would emerge, would most certainly remain bleak. Analysts predicted the increase would once again spike to yet a higher rate. Thank goodness they were wrong! Thurmont buys commodity from Allegheny Energy Supply and jointly goes to the bargaining table with Hagerstown and Williamsport. The current contract will expire on May 31, 2011, and the new contract with a lower rate will take effect June 1, 2011. Under the new contract the rate will drop about eight percent. Good news to say the least but what caused the rate to decrease? Changing market variables; supply, demand and new technology. I contacted William Blakeslee, CAO of Thurmont to verify the eight percent reduction when June 2011 rolls around. “Yes, we do negotiate purchase power agreements jointly with Hagerstown and Williamsport.” ”In early October we extended the term of our current contract due to expire on May 31, 2011 to May 31, 2013.” Mr. Blakeslee says the current purchase cost is $74.05/MGH and will reduce to $65.04/MGH on June 1, 2011 when the extension starts. Mr. Blakeslee adds, this reduction is a result of negotiations between the three municipalities and the supplier, Allegheny Energy Supply Company.” “The bottom line to our customers is projected to be between 8% and 9% reduction in their bills starting in June of 2011.” Blakeslee added a foot note saying this is a projection only, as there are other factors such as state taxes and universal service charges which may change between now and 2011. Mr. Blakeslee also notes these may affect the customer’s bill. Blakeslee ended by saying “It is good for our customers in this day of rising prices; the town will be able to reduce electric costs starting in 2011.” Definitely some long overdue good news for utility costs!
Senior Moments, Gifted Hands:
November 19, 2009
Artist Carl Braun
Senior Moments. By Carol Hutson
Looking to the sky many simply see blue or gray depending on the weather. Artists observing this scene would be inspired by the beauty of the different colors captured within. Studying the sky you will find shades of blue, purple and sometimes green. Windblown clouds stretched across the horizon like angel hair flowing in the wind. Storm clouds cast shadows of gray, charcoal, silver and purple from one to the next, as sunbeams gently find their way to the ground, as God’s radiance flows gracefully down to embrace his earth.
I have had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of one such artist, Carl Lawrence Braun, an ex-marine fighter pilot of five years, retired Xerox executive of 34 years, and now the director of a non-profit horse farm where Autistic and handicapped children, and military veterans with PTSD benefit from their equine therapy. Horses have now taken on a different meaning for this very talented artist.
Carl grew up in southern Connecticut and received inspiration from his mother who was well known in the community for her oil and pastel paintings mostly portraitures. From an early age, Carl was encouraged to draw and take lessons. Carl took several painting lessons with Frank Sexton of New Haven. While attending college at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, Carl briefly switched his curriculum to architecture, which brought him into contact with the works of Ted Kautsky, who drew amazing renderings with the broadside of the pencil.
Finding inspiration from a variety of artists such as French Impressionists Pissaro, Boudin, Sisley and Monet, Carl was also influenced by artists Sanford Gifford, Albert Bierstadt. John Constable and Emile Gruppe as well, Carl was led to become an avid collector of many of his favorite artists works.
In 1996, anticipating retirement, Carl enrolled in an oil painting class with artist Diane Tessler, a faculty member of the Art League School in Alexandria, Virginia. Diane became his mentor and teacher for the next 10 years also studying with Kurt Schwartz, Robert Liberace and Susan Abbott rounding out his art education. Carl states, “My favorite subjects are found in nature and I find endless challenges in the limitless variety of scenery and lighting effects that transform ordinary subjects into breathtaking drama.” Carl has exhibited his work at the Torpedo Factory gallery, has won some awards and has sold his paintings to private collectors.
While on a recent trip to Nova Scotia, Carl found beautiful coastal scenery in Mahoney Bay and Penny’s Cove, stating “I have enough photographs to keep me busy in the winter but it will entail a plein aire trip back there in the spring before I can finish them.”
Very recently Carl placed three of his paintings for sale in our now very popular antique shop and art gallery, Timeless Trends, located on Main Street here in Thurmont. Carl states, “It is my aim, after some encouragement, to actively market my paintings.”
Carl has also recently become a member of the Frederick Arts Council, located on Market Street in Frederick City and will exhibit his work in the Members Only exhibit, during the month of December.
Treasured Moment for Carl: ” The look of astonishment and pleasure when he gave his brother, Ted, a painting he completed of a waterfall on Mt. Washington where they had hiked the year before.
Senior Moments for Carl: He has recently completed a waterscape of Great Falls of which he is very excited,”In my opinion, it represents a new level of accomplishment and I hope my subsequent paintings will continue this pattern”, Carl states with enthusiasm.
Thurmont Police Recommend Shredding
November 11, 2009
Food Bank needs your help now!
November 2, 2009
The Food Bank needs help! In October we gave food to more people than we ever have before. We helped 269 families made up of 885 individuals. By comparison in October of 2006 we helped 42 families made up of 120 individuals. We are grateful for the generous support of the community, but we are falling short on food donations each month and are purchasing large quantities of food. Purchasing food is possible because we have put money aside knowing the situation would be getting worse but unless donations increase we will run out of funds in the spring of 2010. Right now we have the extra challenge of gathering food for Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets so we need your help!
There are several ways people, businesses and organizations can help:
- Financial donations can be sent to The Thurmont Food Bank , P.O. Box 74, Thurmont, MD 21788. Financial donations are very helpful since we have limited storage space and we can use the money to restock certain items we are running short of at any given time.
- Non-perishable food can be dropped off at the Town Hall during regular business hours or at Harriet Chapel at 12625 Catoctin Furnace Rd. (south of the zoo) at any time.
- Perishable and non-perishable food can be brought to the Food Bank at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 15 North Church Street (Next to the Fire Station) on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30p.m. and on Fridays from 3:00-5:00p.m.
- The Boy Scout Food drive will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 8:00a.m. until they pick up all the food so if you get a collection bag from them please fill it up and have it ready when they come around. If there is no collection in your area you can bring your donation to the Food Bank at St. John’s at 15 N. Church Street.
- You can donate through food drives held at schools, churches, community events and service organizations.
- Keep the Food Bank in your prayers as we work to feed those in our community who would otherwise be hungry.
If anyone has questions about this you can call me at 301-712-5356.
Many thanks !
Pastor Sally
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