Captain Scrubby named tourism ambassador

Captain Scrubby has been named tourism ambassador of the year by the Tourism Council of Frederick County.

David V. Stambaugh Sr., owner of Captain Scrubby and the Squeegees Window Cleaning, may be better known as Captain Scrubby, a man who brightens many of Frederick's downtown windows.

The council honored Stambaugh because he is always willing to give a stranger directions.

"He was our most visible example this year," said John Fieseler, the council's executive director. "In addition to the information the person needed, he points out the visitors center."

The council has given an award every year for as long as Fieseler can remember, but in recent years it looked to acknowledge someone in the community, rather than an employee.

"Really the award was to recognize people like him," Fieseler said. "People ask him for directions, and he is usually one of the first that visitors meet."

Stambaugh was surprised.

"I didn't know I was going to get the award," he said. "It was exciting -- I was honored to get it."

Stambaugh knows kindness is a two-way street.

"Sometimes I need help, and I want to help other people," he said.

Fieseler knows Stambaugh was the right choice for the award.

"He's not one to ignore someone who needs help," he said.

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