(6/23) Newman reappointed to Parks and Recreation Commission

Anna Newman was reappointed to her position as a member of the Parks Commission. The reappointment passed without any "nays."

Commissioner Mary Ann Brodie-Ennis, who is the commissioner liaison for the parks department, said Newman was a "good contributor with good ideas." She described Newman as a person who always shows up to participate. Commissioner Mike McNiesh echoed Brodie-Ennis’ comments.

Eagle Scout Project

On May 21, Boy Scout Paul Johnson completed his Eagle Scout project in Walkersville Community Park. In January, Johnson attended the Parks Commission meeting where he expressed his desire to reconstruct the footbridge destroyed by Hurricane Ida in September 2021. After several months of planning and fundraising, his project has come to fruition just in time for summer.

Johnson is in ninth grade at Frederick High School and has been a Boy Scout for three years. He received donations for the project from Frederick Builders and numerous members of the community. During the actual construction, he was assisted by his troop and other friends. Johnson is a part of Troop 1998, which is chartered by the Frederick Elks Lodge.

Walkersville commissioners discussed the completion of the bridge at the May 25 meeting, where it was suggested that a ribbon cutting ceremony of some sort take place in the future. Public Works Director Joseph Birch also hopes to post a plaque at the bridge to honor Johnson’s contribution to the community.

Birthday Vet Honored

The Veterans Committee visited Walkersville resident and World War II veteran Harry C. Scyphers May 9 for his 98th birthday. Commissioner Mike McNiesh, also a war veteran, represented Town Burgess Chad Weddle and his fellow commissioners at the celebration.

While Weddle had written a proclamation to honor Scyphers’ life and service, he read parts of the proclamation at the May 10 Town Meeting to further congratulate the veteran, who was in attendance.

Scyphers served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. His service in the U.S. Army 1st Division included landing on Omaha Beach during the D-Day Invasion on June 6, 1944. His unit also fought at Utah Beach and Battle of the Bulge.

"Thank you for your heroic and dedicated service to the United States of America," the proclamation read.

FCPL Summer Reading Program

At the May 25 Walkersville town meeting, it was announced that Frederick County Public Libraries will be partnering with the Glade Valley Athletic Association to hang banners advertising the Summer Reading Challenge on fields in Heritage Farm Park.

Mary Ann Brodie-Ennis, Commissioner Liaison for the Parks Committee, stated that FCPL will also hang banners in other areas of the town as well as around Frederick County. Since participation in the summer reading challenge has declined due to the pandemic, FCPL hopes that the banners will encourage increased participation this summer.

The summer reading challenge is a valuable opportunity for people of all ages (yes, adults too!) not only to expand imagination, vocabulary, and knowledge, but also to engage with organizations throughout Frederick County. In addition to earning prizes, participants can also attend events and programs at any of the county’s libraries. For more information, you can visit www.fcpl.org/programs-events/summer-challenge.