Mason- Dixon Discovery Center Closing
January 27, 2010
Mason- Dixon Discovery Center Closing Editorial by V. Grinder
Three years ago The Mason Dixon Discovery Welcome Center made its debut in Northern Frederick County, a $5.3 million dollar debut. Many independent businesses witnessed the transformation of the Emmitsburg Welcome Center come to life, and looked forward to more visitors channeling from the new center into their nearby establishments. But just three years later, the center is closed. On December 1, 2009, the State cut the funding for the Mason Dixon Discovery Center in addition to four other centers located throughout Maryland. The recent cut saves the state $100,000 per year in their budget according to DBED in December. This closing is beyond budget cuts. Two weeks prior to their closing the State of Maryland praised the tourism industry for the great strides achieved during a time of economic demise; in addition to one of the top providers of employment. One full time and two part-time positions were eliminated at the Mason and Dixon Center. This center also had the opportunity of several volunteers who took pride in one of America’s most popular routes where history was born, the road to Gettysburg. The state perhaps saved their budget; but what about the Northern Frederick County businesses which depended on this center to send visitors their way, especially during the winter months? The center permitted local businesses to display their literature and welcome center staff would direct these visitors to local establishments. While the state cuts the center, hospitality and retail can expect to see a decrease in traffic as well in Frederick County. Gettysburg ranks the third most visited venue nationally for visitors according to a recent Michigan State statistic. State cuts budget + sales decrease in the local tourism industry + unemployment tax increase on businesses as of January 2010 equals the perfect ingredients for yet more loss of jobs in the area. The following is a quote from the FNP from Marci Ross, “The Mason-Dixon history is about freedom, conflict and resolution, faith and humility. When people think of the Mason-Dixon, they usually think North and South and Maryland, hence, the need to capitalize on that history,” “It’s a welcome center for the 21st century, designed and built to fit in with the scenery.” Ms. Ross is the assistant director for product development with the Maryland Office of Tourism Development. Needless to say, Frederick County will not be capitalizing on any of that statement. Sidling Hill Exhibit Center west of Hancock closed in July, leaving the restrooms open which recently closed January 5, 2010. SHA “spokesperson” was quoted in the Herald Mail as saying, “The restroom closure at Sideling Hill will save the state about $114,000 in water, electricity and other costs, Buck said. “For the purpose of a bathroom, you only have to go five minutes on either side (of Sideling Hill),” Buck said. “Will the amenities be the same? Probably not. But a bathroom is a bathroom.” With that said then why are the bathrooms still open at the Mason Dixon Center? After all a bathroom is a bathroom. So cut the jobs and possible revenue for local businesses, yet pay to keep the bathrooms open? If you are going to close it, then close the entire facility. Funnel the restroom “business” into local business, like Buck said, “you only have to go five minutes on either side.” Seems consistency is not in their game plan. It was also noted in the Herald Mail in December 2009; Mr. Buck said signs would be made for posting to inform motorists the center is closed. Wonder how much they will cost? Tom Riford, president and CEO of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said in an e-mail that the restroom closing at Sideling Hill would hurt tourism in Washington County because people will drive straight through without stopping. Frederick County will experience that same decline.
No plans have been made for the reopening of the Mason-Dixon Discovery Center. Spring perhaps? I left several messages and emails for the Office of Maryland Tourism, and DBED for more specific future plans of this center and to date have received no response. The state s decision to ax tourism centers throughout the region necessary? Perhaps, but when one calls the state and you are told, “Oh yes, you need to speak with [the assistant to the assistant] of that department” I think that speaks volumes of budget cuts. We all know how the trickledown effect works and have been the victims; wonder if we could reverse that and trickle up cutting those jobs?
Brian Lynch- gone but not forgotten
January 23, 2010
Brian Lynch- gone but not forgotten by Vickie Grinder
photo courtesy John Kinnaird
Thurmont recently lost an individual who gave much of his time and energy for the betterment of the town he loved so much. Brian Lynch was an advocate for making Thurmont the best it could be for those who not only live here but visit as well! Brian cultivated ideas and opinions for a better tomorrow. Brian Lynch passed Sunday, December 27, 2009. Brian is survived by his wife Mary and two daughters Colleen and Anna. I had the opportunity to work with Brian on many projects and his dedication was always sincere and focused. Mr. Lynch and wife Mary served on various commissions and committees. Thurmont CAO Bill Blakeslee comments the following, “Brian was a member of the Park Commission and coordinated the popular Concerts in the Park. “He also was a member of the Economic Development group, Special Events group as well as the Thurmont Historical Society.” ” He participated in most of the events sponsored by these groups and was even nicknamed the “Parking Czar” for all his efforts to coordinate parking at events such as the Business Expo, Christmas in Thurmont, Halloween in the Park, 50/60’s Day and Family Movies Nights.” ”He also helped with gardening at the Historical Society and Town Parks and seemed to be always helping at almost any event in Thurmont.” ”He was a regular attendee at Town Meetings, EDC Meetings, Planning and Zoning Meetings and was an active participant at these meetings.”Mr. Blakeslee further commented, “Mr. Blakeslee further commented, “It is fair to say that he will be greatly missed throughout the town but he will be missed even more as a friend.”
Our condolences go out to Mary, Colleen and Anna. Your strength is an inspiration to all.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, UPMC Montefiore, 7 S. 3459 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582
Guess what?
September 27, 2009
This month readers will be spared my ponderings. Due to the elections and three seats up for grabs October 5th, I dedicated a large amount of space to the five candidates in Thurmont. I had the opportunity to interview the three commissioner candidates as well as two mayoral candidates. Please see “Breaking News” for all five of those interviews. Publisher Ponders will return next month just like a pesky fly. I will leave you with columnist Mark Smith Ramblings this month which appeared in the printed edition. Til next time-Peace!
Remembering Post 9/11 Bi-Partisanship Mark Smith
Upon reflecting recently of the 8-year anniversary of the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, I can vividly recall so many emotional memories that occurred that day. I remember when the news broke, and then broke again, and then again and again. I recall my initial reaction that this could be the beginning of WWIII and how scared I was of that actually happening. One thing I distinctly remember was the impromptu “God Bless America” sing along by both Republicans and Democrats together in Congress later that afternoon. I also can summon up the sentiment that this was going to be a “different America” now. Partisanship was less important; Patriotic unity was going to be what made our country resilient and strong after this horrific day. How long did that last? 6 months? A year, maybe?
The bickering between the political parties is now again full-blown. Democrats are too busy defending their newly elected President by continuing to live in the past and blame the Bush administration for the state of the union. Republicans are too busy attacking the current administration’s policies without offering any solutions to the existing problems this country is submersed in. Instead they choose to basically proclaim that President Obama and Josef Stalin are one-in-the-same.
Hey, I recognize the importance of the two political party system that we run on in this country. The balance of power HAS to be shifted back and forth for us to stay unified and be able to have the freedoms and liberties that makes of the UNITED States of America. If one set of beliefs and values is all we can rely on in our leaders, we essentially WILL be communists and/or socialists. If you look back in history, it has been proven that this is indeed the case. The Democrats seize control of the country for a while and then the Republicans will have it for a period of time. And back and forth, and so on and so on…
To me it is very frustrating to see the negative propaganda that is being put out by the Republicans these days. I am sent so many emails from my conservative friends that are intended to be humorous, comparing Obama to a socialist and a Nazi, and some other ones making disturbing references to his race. Regardless of how you voted this past November, one thing we all should be proud of as Americans is that as a society, we have escalated above the point where race is a factor anymore. I am so proud to see the next generations, which really are the ones that determined the outcome of this past election, do not even see the color of a persons skin when making judgments about leadership capabilities. Let’s not go backwards again and make race an issue here, please?
The boiling point for me was the bumper sticker I saw that read, “Obama lied; the economy died.” What exactly is that supposed to mean besides being an obvious retaliation the other bumper sticker about President Bush and the war in Iraq. What did Obama lie about? And again, please tell me how HE killed the economy? How can you kill something that was dead when you took it over? I distinctly remember how Obama wanted to make it clear during his campaign that there was NO quick fix to the mess our economy was (and still is) in. This is just a convenient opportunity to attack the man eight months in to his four-year term. Like Jerry Reed once sung in a not-so-famous song many years ago, “We’ve got a LONG way to go, and a short time to get there”.
And Democrats, can you please articulate how Obama’s policies are going to pull this country out of this mess without attacking the Bush administration, please? That’s all you hear from them. “We’re in this mess because the Bush administration did this or didn’t do that.” Please, let’s move forward. You got the power of the White House back, do something with it now instead of attacking the Republican party.
The message every year on September 11th is “We shall NEVER forget!” We will never forget so many things that happened that day, but that short-lived sense of bi-partisanship and unity I feel is long gone.
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!
Publisher Ponders! June 2009
May 26, 2009
I have been very depressed lately over a series of events which are simply out of my control. As an owner of a GMC and Chrysler product I find myself grinding my teeth every time I turn on the radio or TV; wondering the fate of not only millions of jobs which may be lost, but also the warranties on both those vehicles and availability of parts which could be affected as well. Adding salt to the wound Tim Geithner announced last week Medicare will be broke by 2017, and Social Security will bottom out in 2034-37. Just about the time which I and millions of others can apply, but the well will be dry. The system will be broke. So this I ponder: why is the IRS continuing to take my money in addition to the employers who must match this tax? They are taking my money (and millions of others) and will not be there for me. I am not sure what most call this, but I call it stealing. You are stealing from me (and millions) and employers nationwide who are struggling to match these taxes. Gee, what happens to us when we don’t pay the IRS? I think we all know the answer that one. At what point does the silent majority get involved? One more ponder, I am confused as to why an individual would be in charge of the United States Treasury, who is not sure how his income tax error occurred, ie: not paying thousands of dollars in back taxes. Mr. Geithner told us months ago this “oversight” was a blunder of his accountant. Now Mr. Geithner tells us it was his error as he performed his income tax return himself on Turbo Tax. It is not that I ponder the fact he is an obvious liar, but why the person who controls the United States monetary system would be performing his own tax return and says he missed a line while using Turbo Tax. Mr. Geithner’s annual income is estimated at half a million dollars a year, wouldn’t you have someone prepare your return with that level of income? In addition, his resume full of academic achievement and accomplishments, seem to be lacking a finance degree which may not be required but probably should be in order to hold this diverse banking system postiton. I had three semesters of finance and was miserable the entire time, and still have one more to go, I just pray for a D, tough stuff! Does he have the experience to offset the finance degree? Yes, but according to my favorite economist Paul Krugman-he was not successful in those endeavors either.
How can you direct the U.S. Treasury Department with these faux pas continuing to surface? I am just not sure. Mr. Geithner, don’t blame Turbo Tax. Okay, with that said moving on. One good event did happen last week at the Preakness. The philly beat the stallion; way to go Rachel. Come on ladies, how many times when you were a kid would hear the boys say “you run like a girl” Okay, I was girl, and Rachel Alexandria-thanks for running like a girl! By the way, I dig Calvin Borel too! I am pleased to announce beginning in June the Thurmont Times will be expanded to Fairfield. This is good news for our advertisers as well. Even better news, Rosemary McDermott continues to recover nicely from her heart transplant in March, and hopes to be back in Thurmont within the next several months. Chuck Walmer former Thurmont Times & WTHU owner received his kidney transplant in April at University of Maryland Hospital and is recovering and doing well at home. And yet another transplant from Thurmont this month; my friend Norman Gibat received his pancreas transplant this month at Georgetown and is recovering at home and I can’t wait to see you! Thanks once again to all of the Thurmont Times advertisers which allow good news like this and much, much more to come your way each month! Breathe deeply and remember: Buy Local!
Letters to the Publisher - January 2009
January 29, 2009
Thurmont Times:
Love the change in the paper. Your honesty and concern for the citizen’s opinions of the town are appreciated. I think you also realize that more people than just the ones that live in the town boundaries are affected by things in Thurmont. Keep up the good work!
Kim Beavan
Thank you Times for Christmas tips and recipes. Tina’s appetizers were new additions for our family get together’s. A new twist to our old traditions! Keep them coming.
Pamela Hahn
Letters to the Publisher - December 2008
December 19, 2008
I read your article about school age children getting too much homework. I really agree with you. I have 3 small children in Thurmont Primary School in grades Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st grade. I find it hard to find time to sit down and help my Kindergartener and 1st grader with their homework 4 nights a week. I never have time to help both of them Mon- Thurs b/c my husband isn’t home to help b/c he works afternoon-nights. When I was in Kindergarten, I went 3 hours a day and had no homework. My son is gone from home for almost 7 1/2 hrs 5 days a week for Kindergarten. I think that is enough and that there should not be homework in primary school. Thanks so much for finally saying something about this!
Lisa Snyder, Thurmont
Will not spend another cent at Thurmont Liberty!!!! Monday evening needed some kerosene to get the chill out, so a friend and I went to Thurmont Liberty to get some. Pulled up at the pump to fill the can, pulled the nozzle to turn the pump on and heard a loud pounding noise. I looked to see the man in the station pounding on the window, waving me to come inside (I guess pay before you pump) for I am not sure what he said to me. When I was going to fill the can I had seen the pump price was $4.009, so I handed him $20.00 (I only have a 5 gallon can.) I was pumping and talking, looked at the gallons pumped and it was at 4.2 gallons. I looked at the sale amount, it was at $20.21. I let go of the handle, the pump stopped at 4.254 gallons. I am not sure he understood me because I think all he kept saying was I owed him more money! I told him to go look at the pump and he kept pointing a box that read $20.44. I said I know what that reads but the pump reads $4.009 a gallon. Simple math? No. He did get out a calculator but in the end I still had to pay $20.44 which equals $4.81 a gallon. He did hand me a piece of paper and told me I was very smart and something about the manager. I wrote my name, number and asked him to have his manager call me; he nodded his head yes. I have yet to hear from anyone, probably won’t. I wonder how many people have been getting kerosene from there. Twenty-five minutes for 4.25 gallons of K-1 at $4.81 a gallon-very frustrating. Save your time and MONEY go anywhere else but to Thurmont Liberty, I would now go to Frederick before going there. That Tuesday when my experience occurred was Veteran’s day, so thank a vet it could be a lot worse!
Kirk Simmel, Thurmont
Happy Holidays to all! If you are like me and would rather shop for gifts online instead of making the trek to the stores, I wanted to remind you that there is a way to shop online while helping The Kate Fund at the same time. It is easy!! Hopefully you already know about using Goodsearch as your search engine - every time you search The Kate Fund gets a penny - every penny counts and last year we made $88.00 that way!! You can use www.goodsearch as your default search engine and every time you search for anything a penny goes to our cause when you designate The Kate Fund as the charity of your choice. It is easy - even I could figure it out and it did not take any time at all.But a way to shop and helps also exists and you just use GOODSHOP to do your shopping. The good news is that more than 700 of the top Internet retailers and travel sites including Amazon, PetSmart, WalMart, itunes, Target, Gap, Best Buy, ebay, Macy’s and Barnes & Noble, Apple, Expedia and tons more have joined forces with GoodShop.com to donate part of every purchase to the charity of your choice at no additional cost to you. It takes just a few seconds to go to www.goodshop.com, select The Kate Fund as your charity, and then click through to your favorite store and shop as usual. Again - so easy even I could do it. Wishing all a happy and healthy holiday season - thanks for all you do to help the animals! Oh, and www.katefund.org has been updated with this year’s pictures and thank you’s. Check it out when you get a chance and stay tuned for info about next year’s events.
Thanks!
Dr. Teresa Koogler
Publisher Ponders! December 2008
December 19, 2008
Here we are the end of the year knocking on our doorstep. I for one will most certainly be thankful to see this year come to an end! This year has been most difficult for me personally especially with my resignation from the town of Thurmont due to “irreconcilable differences.” My mom tells me when one door closes another opens. That I believe because I now have the opportunity to spot light the wonderful happenings, economic stability and great individuals in Thurmont and Northern Frederick County via the Thurmont Times. With a new year always brings the glimpse of new opportunities and change and hope. Stay tuned in 2009 for many new additions to the Thurmont Times already in the works. I have decided not to ponder this month but take this opportunity to thank all of our advertisers who consistently support the Thurmont Times, Our Town…Our Times…Your dedication is over whelming and the reason we can make additions to broaden our horizons. I must also thank all of my writing staff who contribute to our community as residents and also take time out of their busy schedules to bring us the most updated information nationally and locally which is what the Thurmont Times is all about, taking what is happening nationally and equating its effects to us right here in North County. So thanks Tina, Tim, Ray, Richard, Mark, Dave (bait) and Dr. Jonathon Bramson and staff of Catoctin Vet Clinic, and Larry Stouter & Company from Catoctin Wellness Center. You guys are simply the BEST! I love ya! And of course you the readers! Thanks for supporting and reading the Thurmont Times, the oldest published monthly publication in Northern Frederick County. Merry Christmas to you all and remember, Christmas is not about fancy gifts but the birth Jesus Christ, family and friends. These are our gifts. On that note, love you mom & dad! Oh, and Jerry, thanks for being Jerry! Happy New Year and I wish a healthy and safe one to you all! We’ll see you next year!
Vickie Grinder
Publisher
Publisher Ponders! November 2008
November 18, 2008
I am still pondering October. To be exact-Colorfest. I am still confused over why a problematic event which reeks havoc on local businesses and residents is given so much praise. To be blunt, this event does not promote commerce for most locally owned businesses and is more of a hindrance than a boon. Secondly, why do residents pay for a permit for a yard sale which is held on their own property, ie:, ‘Yard Sale” and what’s up with the $2 per car parking which is parked on your own property? Oh yea, to offset expenses for a craft show that is overrated and break even or show an increase on the P&L. Moving on to more important issues, be sure to read Tim Eakin’s “Wall Street to Main Street” and how the current economic conditions are affecting us right here in Thurmont. With all of the hype on this coined phrase what a shame the foot traffic has not increased on Main Street nationally or locally according to National Trust for Preservation. As a student of economics, I could not have picked a better time to working on my degree in this field. Join me in December when we visit the economic buzz words and how they affect our daily lives, money and future. On a lighter note, hats off to Commissioner Hooper and Jill along with their troop of volunteers for an incredible Halloween night in the park. Your dedication and creativity was well enjoyed by a record breaking crowd. Your work was awesome! I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Paul Hadfield, LCPC, from Catoctin Wellness Center and his column on “The Invisible Bully” as a continuing series from Catoctin Wellness Center and healthy mental tips to help us cope with a .com society. One more thing to ponder; with Thanksgiving upon us, I am confused about the Thanksgiving dinner. The Pilgrims invited the Indians to share in a feast to thank them. Great! Only one problem, the white man took the land from the Indians and we still continue to celebrate their kindness while we have not treated the Indian nation in good faith.
Gobble! Gobble!
Vickie Grinder
Publisher Thurmont Times
Publisher Ponders! October 2008
October 13, 2008
Thanks to all who participate in our monthly poll questions. I must say however October’s results for two of the questions completely took me by surprise to say the least. The questions: Do you want to see the Guardian Hose Company remain volunteer, and would you be willing to make a donation no matter how small. I figured a few no’s were imminent but as it turned out the no’s were overwhelming. So I guess I am pondering why anyone would want their taxes to escalate to yet another unaffordable level. The Guardian Hose serves our community with stellar service, and standards to the same tune as a paid company. Donations no matter how small could mean as little as five dollars, and once again the no’s narrowed the margin far more than I had expected. On a positive note-Thanks to all of the members of the Thurmont Guardian Hose Company for all of their continued support to this community, and saving lives 365 days a year, 24-7. You are priceless! I am still pondering these results.
Make sure you read “Snap, Crackle, Pop!” in Takin’ Care of Business. As promised, a look to why we are using corn to supply energy while depleting our food source, asking the question, who will feed us? If you don’t think this will not affect as, think again, it is already affecting our food supply. Next month we will examine economic conditions and how what is happening nationally, is affecting us right here in Thurmont.
Be sure to read Wellness Time, with this month’s columnist from the Catoctin Wellness Center Child Psychologist Becky Uppercue. Look for our special pull out section next month “Christmas in the Catoctins”with recipes, events, decorating, Time saving tips, and much, much more!
Don’t forget to vote in this month’s poll questions at thurmonttimes.com. Thurmont Times bringing you current information relating to current conditions, and trends which affect our town in our times.
Comments? Vickie@thurmonttimes.com
Happy Howl’oween!
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