Stephanie Long
(11/1) Thurmont Commissioner-Elect Bob
Lookingbill has not even been sworn into
office yet but has already met with Thurmont
senior citizens to discuss plans to start a
Thurmont Senior Commission.
While stressing the importance of senior
advocacy and the necessity of a senior
commission to ensure that the voice of the
seniors is heard, Lookingbill held an open
discussion with the seniors to find out what
issues most concerned them.
A range of issues were discussed from the
seniors wishing to expand the Thurmont Senior
Center or building a new center to the seniors
concern over the workload of Thurmont Senior
Center Director Anna Rollins, which many said
was too much, and their wish to have a second
employee help out.
The lively discussion, which lasted nearly
45 minutes, was a fact finding mission for
Lookingbill, who was looking to get at the
heart of the seniors’ concerns and garner
support for a senior commission.
“We’re coming away here with some good
ideas. Together we can do better,” Lookingbill
said, stressing the importance of forming a
commission.
Lookingbill said he will work with the
Thurmont Commissioners to address the seniors’
concerns. He hopes to partner with the
Frederick County Commissioners to ensure that
the commission’s voice is heard.
Harold Ehart, Junior Chair, Commission on
Aging in Frederick County, attended the
meeting and assured seniors the Frederick
County Board of County Commissioners will
listen to their concerns and that change can
come from the county commissioners, but it
will only happen if the seniors advocate for
themselves.
“Seniors have got to start speaking up,
writing your commissioner… attend meetings if
your can,” Ehart said.
In addition to addressing the concerns
voiced at the meeting, Lookingbill has other
concerns he would like to address on behalf of
the seniors, such as the building of an
urgent-care facility in Thurmont.
Due to Thurmont’s lack of medical
facilities, which means that seniors must
travel long distances to receive urgent care,
Lookingbill said an urgent-care facility would
benefit seniors by giving them the care they
need without the hassle.
Although it is early in the game,
Lookingbill feels confident that he can
address the concerns of the seniors and bring
about some positive change.
“I don’t like to hear no,” Lookingbill
admitted, “I won’t take no for an answer until
we get where we want to go.”
No formal commission has been formed yet,
as Lookingbill will have to wait until he is
sworn in to propose the idea to the town
commissioners for approval, but he will hold
another meeting on November 19 at 1 p.m. at
the Thurmont Senior Center.
Lookingbill said Carolyn True, Director of
the Frederick County Department of Aging, will
be in attendance at the meeting to “listen,
understand and try to address the concerns” of
the seniors.
