(12/2021) Lots of exciting things are happening in Northern Frederick County as 2021 draws to a close! In the past month, we have celebrated the grand openings of a new skate park and a nature trail in Thurmont, as well as the ground breaking for a new health center in Emmitsburg. All of these projects are examples of people in the community working together to make life better for others.

Skate Park

It was wonderful to see so many people turn out for the opening of the skate park at East End Park in Thurmont. I’m certain the skate park will see quite a bit of use before winter weather arrives. Young adults took the lead on this project, raising $17,000 from the community in just five months to turn their vision into reality.

The remainder of the funding came from a longstanding program known as Program Open Space. The County distributes half of our Program Open Space funds to municipalities, like Thurmont, to help with specific projects like this one. Together, we have been able to build playgrounds, add water and sewer service to parks, create ball fields, replace bleachers, pave trails, and even add amenities to dog parks. In just the past three years, Thurmont has received more than $190,000 in Open Space funds. The skate park is another great example of the things we can accomplish when we work together.

Library Loop

Visitors to the Thurmont Regional Library can enjoy a stroll along a nature trail that officially opened in November. The trail loops around to connect the library with the Trolley Trail.

One of the things I love the most about this new trail is that the entire community worked together to bring this project to life. Students from Frederick County Public Schools’ SUCCESS Program, the Thurmont Green Team, the Catoctin Forest Alliance, the Lions Club, and the amazing staff at Frederick County Public Libraries all played a role. They were supported by so many in the community, including the Catoctin Foundation, the Civitan Club, the Town of Thurmont, and several private businesses, including Baker Tree Service and Frederick County Paving.

Health Center

Whether you prefer to walk or skate board, keeping active is essential to good health. We know that good health is fundamental to a high quality of life, and that access to health care that is convenient and high quality is essential.

That is why it was cause for celebration when Mount St. Mary’s University and Frederick Health broke ground for a new health center that will provide a wide array of services to both students and local residents. It just makes sense to bring health care to people where they are and where they need it. Building a new state-of-the-art facility on the campus of Mount St. Mary’s is a smart solution. This strong community partnership will make life even better for the people who live, work, and study in North County.

Vaccinations

Another step toward healthy living is ensuring more of our residents are vaccinated against Covid-19. Hospitalizations remain stubbornly high in our community. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Frederick Health Hospital had 36 COVID patients in the hospital, with as many as 8 people in intensive care at one time. If you haven’t gotten vaccinated yet, or you are uncertain about whether to get a booster shot, please talk to your primary care physician. Vaccines help to keep the virus from becoming severe, or sadly even fatal.

Maryland is allowing all adults who want them to receive booster shots. If your first shot was Pfizer or Moderna, you can receive a booster 6 months after your second shot. If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you only need to wait 2 months. Many pharmacies and physicians have vaccine available. You can find the closest provider online at covidvax.maryland.gov.

Children as young as 5 years old are also eligible to be vaccinated now. Frederick County Public Schools is hosting vaccination clinics at schools all around the county, including one at Thurmont Primary School on Dec. 3. Children do not need to attend the school to make an appointment at that location. The Frederick County Health Department is also hosting vaccination clinics for children between 5 and 11. The next one is slated for December 6th from 4-7 p.m. The Walkersville Library staff have been providing storytime and other fun activities at the clinic on Oak Street in Frederick. You can schedule an appointment at frederickcountymd.gov/covidvaccine.

Stay healthy this winter by getting vaccinated!

FCG FixIt

Residents have a new, easier way to report concerns to Frederick County Government. We recently launched an app called FCG FixIt. The app is a one-stop location to reach any County division, from Animal Control to Public Works. You can request services, report concerns, and ask questions at any time of day from anywhere. It’s another way that the County can deliver outstanding customer service.

You can take photos, note specific locations on a map, and provide other details in your app. When a request is submitted, staff is immediately notified. They can view your photos and maps, and if you choose to provide contact information, they can respond to you by email or phone.

FCG FixIt is available to download from the app stores for Android and iPhone users. You can also report a concern at FrederickCountyMD.gov/FCG-FixIt. If you’d rather talk directly to a person, you can still call divisions during their regular office hours. And of course, if you have an emergency, call 9-1-1 instead.

No matter what winter holiday you celebrate, I hope the season is filled with joy. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Kwanzaa!