Well, the weather wasn’t ideal for Shepherdstown’s 4th of July parade and picnic this year, but it was pretty good by July standards. And in any case, there was a great turnout for both events, and everyone seemed to have a good time.
It takes a lot of work by many people to make these parades and picnics happen, and the Rotary Club of Shepherdstown wants to thank everyone who helped this year.
Thanks are due first to all the good folks who organized and participated in the many different units that marched in the parade. We’re grateful to all of you for putting so much effort into the occasion. At the bottom of this page, you’ll find an album of photos from the parade, taken by Rotary member Bill Howard. If you were in the parade, you should be able to find at least one photo of your entry there. You can click on an image to see a full-sized version.
We also want to thank everyone who turned out to watch the parade and attend the picnic.
As always, we want to thank the town government for being so supportive of these 4th of July events—not only our elected officials but the police and fire departments and the town hall staff. This year, we especially want to thank Police Sgt. John Jeffries for being so helpful with parade arrangements.
We also want to give special thanks to former mayor Jim Auxer, who over his many years in office did everything he could to assist and promote our 4th of July efforts. And he was there again yesterday, this time as a citizen, cheering on the parade marchers. We look forward to a similarly cordial and productive relationship with our new mayor, James Gatz, and the new town council members.
Last but by no means not least, we want to thank the following individuals and groups for volunteering to help with the parade and picnic. Many, but by no means all, of the individuals are members of the Shepherdstown Rotary Club. Hopefully this list includes everyone who helped, but so many were involved that we may have missed some.
Parade volunteers:
Holly Morgan Frye and Peter Smith, who organized the parade.
Todd Coyle, parade announcer.
Bill Howard, photography.
Other parade volunteers: Marcia Brand, Julia Franks, Termia Jones, Kirsten Martin, Joan Marie Moossy, Lee O’Neil, Jackie Piro, Isabel Reichel, Susan Reichel, Carrie Smith, Elisabeth Staro, Paul Teter, Julie Wootton,
Picnic Volunteers:
Rick Caruso, who organized the picnic.
Steve Campbell, who planned and directed all the food and drink service at the picnic.
The Shepherdstown Centennial Lions Club, which organized and managed the picnic’s children’s activities. The Lion’s Club effort was led by Sandy Brown, with help from Barbara, Monroe, Angie, and Kalynn Burger (three generations of Burgers!); Adam and Diane Link; and Cheryl Roberts.
Other picnic volunteers: Terry Anderson, Richard Anson, Annie Baronner, Linus Bicker, Maria Brown, Fred D’Alauro, Natalie Dunn, Kim and Walt Eiffert, Glen Gargan, Cheryl & Hannah Groen, David Han, Gary Heichel, Carol Hill, Cara Keys, Jim King, Karen Kinnett, Jack Lantzy, John Loeffler, Fritzie Martin, Kirsten Martin, Greg Mason, Tom Miller, Patrick Moriarty, Sean Murtagh, Dana Orsini, Brian Palank, Kyle Roman, Geb Schramm, Austin Slater, Robin Stott, Shannon Thomas, Darlene & Brian Truman, Jennifer Wabnitz, Pam Wagoner, Ashley Wertman, and Paul Woods.
We say this every year because it’s true: Shepherdstown is a great place to live, in no small part because it includes so many enthusiastic, community-spirited people who are willing to pitch and work together for the common good! Let’s all do our best to keep it that way!
Sincerely yours,
The officers and members of The Rotary Club of Shepherdstown
