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Frederick resident and Eagle Scout Cody Evans has spent the last seven years learning skills most people won't acquire in their lifetimes.

The 17-year-old Gov. Thomas Johnson High School junior recently was awarded the last of the 121 obtainable merit badges in Boy Scouts of America in March, an accomplishment that the organization deems almost unattainable.

Evans, who belongs to the Troop 1998 based out of the Elks Lodge in Frederick, said that though he had been involved in scouting for seven years, it was only in the last two that he realized that he was close to doing what very few scouts do in their Boy Scout careers. Realizing how close he was to getting the last badge, he became more motivated.

"I never thought I had much time to earn them all until I got just over halfway there," Evans said. "I thought, ‘I have a chance, why not just go for it.' So, I started working hard to earn them all."

Evans has spent the last seven years learning to do everything from practicing veterinary medicine to driving a motorboat, even bugling, a skill he never anticipated having under his belt.

"That was the hardest because I didn't know how to play at all before," Evans said.

On March 14, Evans earned his last badge in energy. To complete the badge requirements, he had to build two projects that represented different forms of energy, which he demonstrated by building a slingshot and a sailboat.

Evans had little words when asked how it felt to have such a big accomplishment.

"I was overwhelmed," he said. "Just happy that I was able to reach my goal."

But, he said that the badge requirements have made him a more well-rounded person and student, provided him valuable leadership skills, and he hopes it will reflect well on his resume when he applies for college. Evans is a National Honor Society member and vice president of the Student Government Association at TJ High.

Despite achieving the highest of Boy Scout honors, Evans said he still has more goals in the organization. He said that he will apply to become an assistant scout master for his troop and help other scouts achieve their goals in the program.

When asked what advice he would give to other scouts in Frederick, Evans said: "Set short goals, and start trying to knock a little off at a time when you can."

Bremer to be honored during

Maryland Fallen Heroes Day

Frederick Police Officer Richard Mark Bremer will be honored on May 1 in observance of the State of Maryland's Fallen Heroes Day.

Police officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty during the past year will be honored at the state-wide 24th Annual Fallen Heroes Day Ceremony at 1 p.m. May 1at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens, in Towson.

Bremer will be one of eight fallen law enforcement and public safety officials honored for giving their lives to protect citizens.

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) has issued a proclamation declaring May 1, 2009 Fallen Heroes Day in Maryland and has ordered flags flown at half-staff at the State House and all state facilities.

Bremer, 39, was killed on Oct. 23 in Frederick while pursuing of a suspected drunk driver.

Second phase of spring bulk trash collection under way

Crews from the city's Department of Public Works began picking up bulk waste on Tuesday in areas West of U.S. Route 15. The pick-up will be completed by Saturday. 

The city will collect trash that has been set in the city right of way and meets all criteria. Small amounts of building materials, electronics, furniture and appliances are eligible for pick-up. For a list of acceptable disposal items, visit www.cityoffrederick.com.

Additional information on the city's bulk trash collection can be obtained by contacting the Department of Public Works at 301-600-1440.

Sound equipment donation honors former students

A donation from The Community Foundation of Frederick County's Dustin and Courtney Muse Memorial Fund to Gov. Thomas Johnson High School has brought new sound equipment to the school's auditorium.

The donation was made in memory of Courtney Muse, a member of the Monocacy Middle School chorus, pianist, and musical theater enthusiast who died in a car accident, along with her brother Dustin, in December 2006.

The parents of Dustin and Courtney Muse said they recommended the donation from the Fund for the approval of the Community Foundation's Board of Trustees so that their children will be remembered for helping others.

The new sound equipment will be used when TJ Stage's production of the Broadway classic "Little Shop of Horrors" which debuts today.

Hood students present departmental honors projects

Michelle Leggieri, David Lester, Rachel Lombardo, Elizabeth McFadden and Kristina Negas, of Frederick, presented their senior projects to graduate with departmental honors from Hood College.

The Frederick students were among a group of 20 students who presented their year-long, research projects on April 17 to faculty and staff.

The departmental honors project is a senior-year program that allows some of Hood's top seniors to pursue intensive research or special projects in close coordination with faculty advisers.

All department honors papers are included in the permanent collection of the Beneficial-Hodson Library at Hood.

Basket bingo to support

FCC Women's Volleyball

A Vera Bradley/Longaberger Basket Bingo will take place on Sunday in the Frederick Community College Field House.

Doors open at noon, and games begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

The event is sponsored by the FCC Foundation, Inc., to raise funds for scholarships and travel expenses for the FCC women's volleyball team. Extras include two specials, raffles, a King Tut, tip jars, and concessions. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 301-293-1259.

Weinberg Center for the Arts seeks public input

The Weinberg Center is seeking ideas from the Frederick community for programming in its 2009-2010 year.

Executive theater manager John Healey and marketing and development manager, Stephanie Miller invite the community to share their ideas with them via e-mail. They can be reached by emailing info@weinbergcenter.org . 

Do you have an item for City Beat? Contact reporter Erica L. Green at 301-846-2134, e-mail egreen@gazette.net or fax news to 301-846-2124.