Annual fishing derby hooks city youth

For the last seven years, the authority’s physical services director, Rick Gladhill, has organized the annual trip for young people living in its properties throughout the city. The nonprofit agency provides, mainly through federal subsidies, housing options to families who need financial help.

Gladhill, 49, wanted to share his love of fishing, honed over 45 years, with the city dwellers.

‘‘These kids really need to be introduced to the outdoors and fishing is a great way to do that,” Gladhill said. ‘‘We go by the motto ‘Get hooked on fishing, not drugs’ as this is a way to avoid some of those bad behaviors and really do something positive ... I have been hooked on fishing and hunting and know it really has lead me down a very good path...”

On Saturday, Gladhill, members of the authority, the Frederick Police Department and others taught the children, ages 6 to 16, the ins and outs of fishing, from baiting the hook to casting a line. The group spent the day fishing and talking and ended up with about 30 trout, he said.

‘‘The fish didn’t cooperate as much as they have in the past,” Gladhill said. ‘‘But that’s fishing, and kids need to learn that aspect, too ... Year after year, these kids give their total concentration and focus on catching fish and that’s great to watch.”

Winners in four age groups took home grand prizes of a fishing rod and tackle box. All participants got something to take home that encourages more time in the great outdoors.

Gladhill said thanks to all the volunteers who have helped him over the years with plaques of appreciation for their participation.

E. Kevin Lollar, director of the Hope VI housing program, said the day was ‘‘fantastic,” despite the lack of fish.

‘‘The kids had a great time,” he said. ‘‘A lot of them have never experienced the outdoors like this before even though Frederick has a lot of space for them to take advantage of. It was a wonderful event for all involved.”

Middletown student wins patriotic essay award

Middletown High School senior Aislinn Sweeney recently won a patriotic essay contest, and received a U.S. savings bond for her efforts.

The Fleet Reserve Association holds an annual essay contest in which students in grades seven to 12 are invited to submit 350-word essays on the topic of ‘‘Americanism,” with a different theme each year. This year, the theme was ‘‘Why I am Proud to Be an American.” Antietam Branch 142 awarded one of its two first-place local awards to Aislinn.

For placing first, she received a $200-U.S. savings bond, a framed certificate and a U.S. flag during an April 23 ceremony at AMVETS Post 9 in Middletown. The flag was obtained from the office of U.S. Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett (R-Dist. 6) of Buckeystown, and was accompanied by a certificate indicating that it was flown over the U.S. Capitol.

A total of 72 students submitted essays in the local contest, and all entrants received a certificate of appreciation.

Walkersville mannamed to dean’s list

Michael Long of Walkersville was named to the winter 2008 dean’s list at Johnson and Wales University. Long is pursuing an associate’s degree in culinary arts at the university’s Charlotte, N.C., campus, according to a press release from the university.

Students must earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or above for the dean’s list.

Do you have an item for Valley Voice? Contact reporter Connor Adams Sheets at 301-846-2130, e-mail csheets@gazette.net or fax news to 301-846-2124