An open letter to the Town of Chestertown Recreation Commission:
I write to ask the Recreation Commission consider honoring long-time Chestertown resident Ms. Sarah Derry by naming the Wilmer Park playground in her honor.
Ms. Derry – or Aunt Sarah as she was known to everyone – purchased 221 South Queen Street at the age of 17 (in 1940). She lived there until illness forced her reluctant move to Chester River Manor where she died in 2016.
Aunt Sarah had no children of her own, but she was a friend to all and mother to many in our
community.
I recently spoke with her son, Marvin Scott (in fact great-nephew) whom she raised from a youngster, about his mother. He helped me understand that Aunt Sarah exemplified all we wish our community to be: She raised others’ children as her own, set a positive example for generations of neighborhood children and spent her life in service to others. Everyone was welcome in her home (especially the front porch where she often visited for hours with friends and neighbors).
Mr. Scott and his daughters Tamika Ellis, Shamika Scott, and Sarah Scott each endorse this proposal and thank you in advance for considering this request. In addition, Mr. Scott is willing to come before your panel and offer reminiscences of his mother upon your request (and with some notice to accommodate his work schedule). Please reach out to me personally for his contact information.
I know you will agree that Aunt Sarah deserves recognition in our community.
I am aware there may be other names or organizations who are worthy of this tribute. My request is only that Aunt Sarah be considered among any others who may vie for this honor.
Tom Herz
Chestertown Town Council, Ward Two
Marlene Moores says
I agree. Aunt Sarah’s Playground. Perfect.
Thomas Mack says
Well deserved posthumus honor! A former Queen St neighbor and care taker of so many.
Cheryl Butler says
It would be an honor to have the playground named after Aunt Sarah my great aunt. She lived on Queen St for many years and took in many people and every child in the neighborhood loved Aunt Sarah as their aunt and she loved them as her own.
Vontay'e says
Yes I definitely agree
Latiya Frazier says
I think this would be so wonderful to Honor miss Sarah!!!
Christine Burke says
I feel this is a well deserved honor for Cousin Sarah! May her legacy live on in our hearts forever!She was a True Angel 😇 ❤ 💗 ♥ 💖 🙏
Judith Hughes says
Certainly, I agree! Aunt Sarah deserves the recognition. She was a beautiful lady. Aunt Sarah’s Playground is perfect.
Aunt Sarah once offered my dog a treat when I was walking him in front of her house. I heard from some individuals that dog treats were frequently available in her mailbox.
Joy Brown Cowins says
Awesome request!!
Denise jones says
What an honor it would be! Sarah wasn’t my aunt but I called her aunt Sarah because whenever I was in her home or presence she treated me as if I was apart of the family. She took care of many children in the community. I agree name the playground after this honorable soul who gave so much of herself.
Sherri Steward says
I may be a bit bias because Aunt Sarah was my great aunt. She was an amazing woman through and through. She looked out for everyone and anyone. She never saw the color of your skin, everyone was precious in her eyes. She truly lived by “Love thy neighbor! She helped those who couldn’t help themselves and those that could be needed a little help she would be right there. When the Jane’s church needed the best white potato pies on the Maryland Eastern shore, she wouldn’t hesitate to make them.
I remember one time I came home to visit and I came to see her. Well before I left that evening I told her to lock her porch door and she said no because I have people to who sleep on my porch. I said “sleep” and she said yes the homeless sleep here some nights and its ok with me to give them a place to sleep. All I could do is smile because that what type of person she was.
I can’t remember if it was her 70 or 75th, but we through her a surprised birthday party at the local firehouse. I engraved a plaque for her and on it was the poem by Maya Angelou called “Phenomenal Woman”. I chose that poem because she was so well respected by all. Always carried herself as a lady.
Although her spirit lives on in all her nieces and nephews and grands having Wilmer Park named after her will be an Joy for us and generations to come.
Final Words: Well Done Boots, Well Done ❤
rebecca says
She well deserve that honor
Carol Lynn McNair says
If I had a vote, I would vote yes! Aunt Sarah along with my Aunt Hilda were treasures not to be ignored.
Jeremy L. Smith says
I would love to see this happen and I would also like to donate to the effort in honor of my friend Marvin Scott
LORI BUTLER PERRY says
I agree for the playground to be in Honor of Ms.Sarah name..Beautiful ❤❤❤