Sherwood recognizes Eagle Scouts and Citizens University graduates; city manager flags holiday events and a retirement

Sherwood City Council used its December meeting to recognize community volunteers and update the public on upcoming events and staffing changes.

Two local teenagers were presented Eagle Scout recognitions. Brent Will (who identified himself as an Eagle Scout) described moving a Statue of Mary at Saint Francis parish to improve wheelchair access; he said the project took roughly six months of planning, involved about eight volunteers and cost about $700, with $500 raised through recycling donations. Jackson Dooney told the council he built four bullpen platforms at Hawksfield Elementary School — one for each of four fields — to create mounds and home‑plate platforms. Dooney said the project cost about $1,300, raised roughly $1,000 on GoFundMe, and drew help from troop leaders and community volunteers.

"My project was to basically move the Statue Of Mary to, like, another place, which is easier to access for, like, everyone, especially with, like, people with disabilities and, like, wheelchair accessibility," Brent Will told the council. Jackson Dooney described his work as "one bullpen for each field" with turf and wood materials and community assistance.

Staff also recognized graduates of Sherwood Citizens University, a six‑session civic‑education series that returned after a five‑year hiatus; staff listed graduates including Sarah Andre, Becca Hargrave, Jean Moffett, Jake Barge, Jean Simpson, Anne Carrie Mixie and Sarah Betts. Sarah (Communications/Engagement Coordinator) said the course ran six Thursday evening sessions beginning in October and welcomed returning participants.

City Manager Craig highlighted several items for the holiday season and year‑end calendar. He recognized Officer Rodriguez Jr., noting the officer "served 24 years here," and announced the Sherwood Holiday Festival kickoff and parade route with a tree lighting slated around 5 p.m. at Cannery Square. Craig also noted a finance committee meeting and confirmed an annual goal‑setting session scheduled for Jan. 24.

Councilors used the announcements period to report local developments: Councilor Brooks recapped YMCA and Chamber events and noted youth advisory committee participation in the parade; Councilor Giles described a new community fridge and dry goods pantry behind Fat Milo's to help residents with food insecurity; Councilor Stanky summarized school board discussion about third‑grade reading scores and a pilot high‑dosage tutoring program slated for expansion in January and read excerpts from a letter the Oregon Attorney General and regional district attorneys sent to federal agencies regarding alleged unlawful federal enforcement actions in the state.

The meeting contained no in‑chamber citizen comments and ended with an adjournment.