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The Community Foundation of Frederick County honored three area residents for their "selfless contributions of time, energy and talents to the Frederick County community" this week.

On Monday, Miriam Lane of Union Bridge, Eugene Long of Thurmont and Frank Parsons of Frederick were recognized as the foundation's 2009 Wertheimer Fellows for Excellence in Volunteerism. Each received $10,000 to establish a new fund at the foundation or add to an existing fund there.

The awards are made possible by a bequest from the late Janis Miller Wertheimer, a Frederick businesswoman and volunteer.

A press release from the foundation gave the following accounts of each Wertheimer Fellow:

- Lane was chosen because she "has inspired many with her tireless service to others, despite her own ongoing battle against cancer." A retired physical therapist, Lane now volunteers with Mission of Mercy, traveling through Frederick County to serve patients four days each month at the mobile healthcare clinic's sites in Frederick, Mount Airy and Brunswick. She is Mission of Mercy's only physical therapist, enabling the nonprofit to help many patients who could otherwise not afford therapeutic treatments.

Lane plans to use her award to create The Jane White Fund for Mission of Mercy. Jane White was the director of the Korean orphanage where the Lanes adopted their daughter in 1986.

- Long, a retiree in his 80s, "refuses to take it easy" and is always on the lookout for people in need or situations that he could improve, according to the foundation. He is a longtime member of the Thurmont Lions Club. In 2004, Long spearheaded a project to revitalize a walking trail along the old trolley route through Thurmont and worked through 18 months of permitting and design. He secured many significant donations of equipment, labor and money so that the trail could be dedicated in September 2007.

Late last year, Long spearheaded a fund drive dubbed "Callie Needs a Van" for an 8-year-old girl and her family. He helped raise more than $38,000 to provide a new van and home improvements for the girl, who is wheelchair-bound because of spinal muscular atrophy.

With his award, Long has established The Davey Long and Mike Compton Memorial Fund in memory of his son, Davey, and his wife Shirley's son, Mike, both of whom took their own lives at a young age. The fund will award grants at the recommendation of the Longs and with the approval of the Community Foundation Board of Trustees.

- Parsons first sought out volunteer opportunities at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick after his retirement in the mid-1990s. It was a natural fit, given his career in the U.S. Air Force in the Medical Service Corps and his years as administrator in military and civilian hospitals. Parsons has served as a docent with the museum, has volunteered thousands of hours and traveled thousands of miles to and from the museum and other outreach sites. At the museum, he gives guided tours and inspires diverse groups of visitors with his passion for the Civil War and for medicine. He conducts educational presentations for school groups, authentically dressed as an 1860s civilian physician — a role he extensively researched to ensure the accuracy of every detail. He has achieved master docent status and been recognized by the Tourism Council of Frederick County for his interpretive skills.

With his award, Parsons has established The Frank R. Parsons Fund for the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. The fund will support community education so that the story of medical care during the Civil War continues to be told to the general public.

Downtown Frederick Partnership celebrates 20th

The Downtown Frederick Partnership announced last week its plans for a yearlong celebration of its 20-year history.

The group, devoted to the promotion of downtown Frederick businesses, held a ceremony last week detailing the partnership's history.

The partnership began in 1990, as a result of efforts by city residents and the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, who worked to start an economic development group to focus on the downtown business district.

In 2003, the group's name changed to Downtown Frederick Partnership to better represent its mission. The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Downtown Frederick a "Great American Main Street" in 2005, making it the first city in Maryland to win the honor.

"... Really what started Downtown Frederick Partnership was a group of citizens who wanted to make a difference in downtown Frederick," said Kara Norman, who has worked as the partnership's executive director for seven years. "The volunteerism that we've seen in the downtown Frederick community ... is the reason we've made so many accomplishments in our downtown history."

To celebrate the partnership's anniversary, throughout the year 2010 downtown merchants plan to create customized products and give a portion of proceeds to the partnership.

To kick off the celebration, inkthis!, a stationery and gift store at 14 S. Market St., will offer a "Spires Snow Globe" in November and December. Other participating businesses include Zoe's Chocolate Company (Downtown Warm Up Hot Chocolate, January), Frederick Cellars (Partnership Heritage Wine, February; East Street White Wine, July), The Perfect Truffle (Taste of Frederick Truffle, March), Ben & Jerry's (Spires Sundae, April), Market Bagel & Deli (Downtowner Sandwich, May), Brewer's Alley (Opera House IPA Brew, June), Black Hog BBQ & Bar (Special Edition BBQ Sauce, August), McCutcheon's (Orchard Harvest Spread, September), Candy Kitchen (Market Street Treat, October), The Frederick Basket Company (Wrap It All Up Gift Basket, November/December 2010).

Frederick man completes basic training

Brent Michael Zimmerman of Frederick graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as "Operation Warrior Forge," at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash.

Zimmerman underwent 32 days of professional training and evaluation in the aspects of military life, administration and logistical support. He was assessed on performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while attending the course.

Upon successful completion of the course, the ROTC program, and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, National Guard or Reserve.

Zimmerman is the son of John Raymond and Sigrid Botker Zimmerman of Frederick, and a 2006 graduate of Tuscarora High School.

Junior Fire Company offers free smoke alarms

Junior Fire Company No. 2, located on North Market Street, recently purchased about 250 smoke alarms to provide to city residents.

The Junior Fire Company received a $1,000 grant in August to purchase the alarms.

Those interested in receiving an alarm for their homes should contact fundraising chair Bertie Abrecht at 301-371-5349.

Send City Beat items to Erica L. Green at egreen@gazette.net or call 301-846-2134 for more information.