CR Custom Pools recently celebrated its first year in business. The business is growing, offering in-ground vinyl and fiberglass pools as well as pool maintenance and service.

CR Custom Pools is owned by Charles Ruby and wife Tracey. Charles has over 14 years of business in all aspects of pool construction.

"What makes our pool company unique is that other than the electrical, we do all the work ourselves from start to finish," said Charles. From pool sales to excavation, construction and setup, Charles in on the jobsite overseeing your pool construction. "I’ll be there every step of the way to make sure there is clear communication. It’s important to me," he added.

Quality is the first concern for Charles. "I’m a perfectionist and I want everything to be perfect when we are constructing your pool."

CR Custom Pools is now offering pool service and maintenance including vinyl liner replacement and repair, weekly and bi-weekly maintenance and pool openings and closings.

Call CR Custom Pools at 301-271-7547 to receive more information or to arrange an appointment to discuss your building a swimming pool at your home.

Portier Receives Girl Scout Gold Award

Christine Portier, of Thurmont, has earned the Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. Portier is a member of Senior Girl Scout Troop 1502 in the Maize Meadow Neighborhood of Penn Laurel Girl Scout Council.

Christine, the daughter of Fred and Becky Portier, attends Catoctin High School and will graduate in June. Portier is a member of the Drama Club, a Peer Minister at her church, the Drama Coordinator for the youth group at her church, and she also takes voice, piano and guitar lessons. She plans to attend Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania to study Music Therapy.

Receiving a Gold Award has many benefits, including recognition from The White House and college scholarships. The leadership qualities developed by each girl will have a lasting impact on both her and her community.

Girl Scouts of the USA is the world’s pre-eminent organization for girls, with a membership of more than 3.5 million girls and adults. Today, as when founded in 1912, Girl Scouting helps cultivate values, social conscience and self-esteem in young girls, while also teaching them critical life skills that will enable them to succeed as adults. In Girl Scouting – and its special, girl-only environment – girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together. To join Girl Scouts, you can register for the 2006-2007 school year on April 18, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, next to the Fire Company on North Church Street in Thurmont or call local troop organizer Judi Smith at 301-898-5556.

Girl Scouts Host Open Registration Night for 2006-2007 School Year

The Maize Meadow Neighborhood of Penn Laurel Girl Scouts includes troops in Emmitsburg, Thurmont, Lewistown, Woodsboro and Walkersville will host spring registration for the 2006-2007 school year this month. Registration is open to kindergarten through high school age girls.

To join Girl Scouts, you can register for the 2006-2007 school year on April 18, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, next to the Fire Company on N. Church Street in Thurmont or call local troop organizer Judi Smith at 301-898-5556.

Girl Scouts of the USA is the world’s pre-eminent organization for girls, with a membership of more than 3.5 million girls and adults. Today, as when founded in 1912, Girl Scouting helps cultivate values, social conscience and self-esteem in young girls, while also teaching them critical life skills that will enable them to succeed as adults. In Girl Scouting – and its special, girl-only environment – girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together.

Yard Waste Not Accepted in Regular Trash Pickup Beginning May 1

On January 17, 2006, the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners approved an ordinance prohibiting yard waste from being disposed in the refuse disposal area of the Frederick County landfill. The ordinance, which pertains to both residential and commercial users, will take effect beginning May 1, 2006.

Yard waste consists of materials normally generated in the maintenance of gardens, yards, lawns or landscaped areas whether residential, commercial or public. Grass clippings, plants, shrubs, prunings and small trimmings are included.

Trash haulers will not pickup your trash if yard waste is found. Haulers will be fined at the landfill if yard waste is found in their load.

For your convenience, the town of Thurmont will be picking up grass clippings only on Mondays beginning April 17, 2006.

Instead of placing yard waste in your trash, give grasscycling and backyard composting a try or dispose of it at one of the two County Yard Trimmings and Mulch sites: Walkersville Heritage Park Farm (residential only) or the Reichs Ford Road Recycling Center.

For more information on backyard composting, grasscycling and yard waste policies, you may contact the Frederick County Office of Recycling at 301-694-1848 or visit www.co.frederick.md.us/recycling.