Katrina Relief Yard Sale Donations Total Over $2,700

Thurmont’s Katrina Relief Committee held a yard sale on Saturday, November 5 and raised over $2,700 for hurricane victims in Waveland Mississippi, Thurmont’s adopted town.

“People were so generous,” said committee chairperson Karen Kinnaird. Money from the sale was used to buy pressure washers, cleaning supplies, trash cans, tower heaters, 21 dictionary and thesarus books for schools, copy paper, a DVD/VCR player for a school, food and toiletries.

“Thanks to everyone who before and at the sale and to the town for sending workers to help setup,” said Karen.

John and Karen will be taking a trip to Waveland on November 19 and 20 to these and other donations.

The first wave of donations were sent to Waveland recently with Larry Finegan of Emmitsburg. Light jackets, linens, school supplies, 3,000 donated books from Thurmont Elementary and Primary schools and household items were sent to Kiln and Waveland.

Five Generations of the Doll Family

John Doll, of Gateway Market and Candyland in Thurmont recently met to celebrate the five generations of his family following the birth of grandson Jameson. Shown left to right is Jane Doll, Ruth Blumenauer, Chris Doll, John Doll and Jameson Doll.

Lacie Ann Wivell

First Annual Bus Trip to Dresden, Ohio to support the Lacie Ann Wivell Fund was a great success. Unfortunately Lacie lost her battle to Taysachs on October 23, 2005.

Lacie and her family would like to thank everyone for their support and a special thanks to all the businesses who donated for this special cause: Mick’s Plumbing and Heating, Towne House Realty, Four Seasons Flower Shop-Smithsburg, CR Custom Pools, GS Electric, Mountain Gate Family Restaurant, M&T Shear Magic, Main Street Groomers, The Catoctin Banner.

We will be having another trip to Dresden in April in memory of Lacie and all proceeds will be donated to help find a cure in her name. If you are interested in attending this trip, please contact Shannon 301-271-1765 for details.

—The Family of Lacie Ann Wivell

Girls Softball Team Seeking Players

The Maryland Express Girls Fastpitch Softball has a few positions open for the 2006 season on its 12 & under and 14 & under teams. This organization is focused on both individual and team development, with positive, skilled coaching and dedicated players. Tryouts are being conducted as-needed, during team practices. For more information visit www.marylandexpress.org and follow the 2005-2006 tryout link, or contact the team manager(s) by calling 301-788-9147 for the 12 & under team or 301-831-3952 for the 14 & under team.

Thurmont Economic Development Council

The Thurmont Economic Development Council (EDC) hosts monthly meetings and sponsors a variety of events throughout Thurmont.

The EDC’s next meeting will be on November 30, 2005 at Mountain Gate Family Restaurant in Thurmont. Dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. (if desired) and the meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.

Thurmont EDC welcomes local business owners and citizens. For more information visit www.thurmontfirst.com or contact chairperson Vickie Grinder at 301-271-7313 or vice chairperson John Kinnaird at 301-271-2273.

Local Girls Succeed in Saddleview Horse Show Circuit

Samanatha Smith won Reserve Champion in the western division riding her horse "A Real Asset" aka Duke. Samantha also won Reserve Champion Youth Western Division in Chambersburg Show Circuit.

Mary Rice won Champion in the Halter Division and Champion Green Horse Division with her 2 year old horse Rocked to a Te" aka Rocky.

Local Girl Places in Chambersburg Saddle Club

Bridget Bittner of Thurmont won Champion in two Western Pleasure divisions at Chambersburg Saddle Club with her horse, "Pass the Treasure". She won Champion Novice Rider and Champion Pee Wee Rider. This was Bridget’s first year showing on a show circuit for points.