Hires

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

The Town of Lovettsville has filled a new staff position that was added with the adoption of the town’s fiscal year 2024 budget that began July 1.

Jean LaPadula started as the town’s community engagement and economic development coordinator on Monday, July 10. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Virginia Tech with, an MBA from Mount St. Mary’s University, and a master of teaching degree from Frostburg State University. She also serves as a town commissioner in Middletown, MD.

Town Manager Jason Cournoyer said the position will focus on aiding economic growth in town, as well as three story buildings with the first floor acting as a recreational space with a patio and the top two levels as assisted living apartment-style residences, single floor individual cottages that will be designed specifically for an older demographic, and possibly a child care center. Wooden also continues on page 25

LaPadula for New Economic Position

work as a liaison with community organizations, nonprofits and residents. The intent is to offer additional services to residents and businesses. He introduced LaPadula to the council and the public at the July 6 Town Council meeting, thanking her for attending even before her official start date.

“She’s already showing a great commitment to the town,” he said. “I’m very excited to have her on my staff.”

During budget talks earlier this year, the council voted to raise the meals tax from 3% to 3.75% to offset the cost of the position, while voting to lower the real estate tax rate from 16.25 to 15.25 cents per $100 in value. The additional 0.75% in meals tax is expected to bring an additional $52,500 of revenue for the town. n

HAMILTON Shumaker Appointed to Vacant Council Seat

The Town Council on Monday voted to appoint Chris Shumaker to fill the council seat vacated by Elizabeth Gaucher last month.

Shumaker said he moved to Hamilton with his family two years ago after living in New York City and Los Angeles. He said since he grew up in a small town in Michigan, he was glad to be back in a small town again.

“I enjoy challenges,” he said to the council on Monday. “… I’ve got big city ideas, but also a small-town heart.”

There were two applicants for the vacancy.

Shumaker will serve until the special election in November, after which the winner will serve the remainder of the term which expires in December 2024.

LOVETTSVILLE Blues Fest Planned for Saturday

The town’s first Blues, Brews and BBQ Fest is scheduled to take place on Saturday and boasts appearances by the Meisha Herron Band, DejaBlue and Big Brad’s Big Bad Blues Band.

Food and drinks will be available by BomBurger, One Family Brewing, Always More Ice Cream, and CRYO Candy.

The event will start at 3 p.m. on the Town Green with the movie “Soul” to begin playing at approximately 8 p.m.

Overnight Construction Scheduled

Phase One of the town’s Streetscapes Improvements began last week with storm drainage systems going in on South Church Street and East Pennsylvania Avenue along with the Municipal Parking Lot.

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