(10/2020) Leaves are turning colors and there is a chill in the air. Autumn really highlights the natural beauty of the Catoctin Mountains. I hope you can take time to enjoy the fall colors with a hike or leisurely drive.

October is usually the time of year when the nation’s firefighters converge on Emmitsburg to remember their fallen comrades. This year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will broadcast a special tribute on Sunday, Oct. 4th, in honor of the 82 men and women who perished in the line of duty during 2019, and 21 others who died in previous years. One of Frederick County’s own, Michael ‘Pappy’ Powell of Libertytown, is being remembered as part of this year’s event. The tribute can be viewed at 10 a.m. that day at www.firehero.org. You may also hear the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel bells ringing at that hour. The foundation is asking towns across the county to mark the memorial weekend with Bells Across America by ringing bells at fire stations and faith houses. We are shining red lights at fire stations and Winchester Hall leading up to the weekend. It’s part of Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters to honor and remember these fallen heroes.

Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to take care of people. It is important that we support our volunteer and career firefighters and medics. That is why I am pleased to announce that Frederick County will hire 22 additional firefighters thanks to a $5.6 million SAFER grant from the federal government. With these new positions, we will be able to provide 24/7 career coverage at Guardian Hose Company sooner than anticipated to support our hard-working volunteers at that station. The grant also will allow us to fully staff a new Northgate fire station off Route 15 on the northern edge of the City of Frederick. The SAFER grant will cover the entire cost of these new positions for three years. I appreciate the members of our federal delegation who worked to secure these funds for Frederick County.

Upcoming Election

The November 3rd election is fast approaching. If you want to mail in your vote, the deadline to request a ballot is October 20th. The Frederick Board of Elections recommends applying for a mail-in ballot no later than October 15th so they receive your request by the 20th. Once you mark you ballot, it can be mailed in the return envelope or dropped off at any official ballot drop box, including the one at Catoctin High School.

Catoctin High is also one of the early voting centers for those who want to vote in person. Early voting begins October 26th and runs through Election Day, November 3rd. You can stop in any day between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. to cast your ballot.

One big change for this election is that you can vote in-person at any of the county’s four early voter centers or any of the 14 Election Day locations, no matter where you live in Frederick County. The full list of election sites can be found at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Elections.

COVID-19

It’s hard to believe that we are in our seventh month of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadly, the number of new cases rose substantially in mid-September. That is why we had to take a pause from new expanded openings. We want our economy to reopen fully, and that requires everyone doing their part by wearing face coverings and staying physically distant.

As a reminder, under Governor Hogan’s Executive Order, masks are required even when we are outside if physical distancing cannot be maintained. Face coverings are required inside all gyms and fitness centers, as well as retail stores, barbershops and beauty salons, and even farm auctions.

The Frederick County Health Department continues to offer free testing clinics. Clinics will be held at the Thurmont Municipal Building at 615 East Main Street from 5 to 7 p.m. every other Friday, on October 2nd, 16th and 30th. In Emmitsburg, clinics are scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. every other Tuesday at the Seton Center at 226 Lincoln Avenue. This month, the Emmitsburg clinics will be on October 6th and 20th. You don’t need to be sick or have insurance to be tested. There is no cost to you.

Now is also the best time to get vaccinated for the flu. Most health care providers and pharmacist offer the flu shot, or you can visit vaccinefiner.org to find a location nearby.

Stay safe and stay healthy!