Hall takes office as new Perryville commissioner

PERRYVILLE — The newest member of the Town of Perryville’s Board of Commissioners is no stranger to Perryville.

Charlene Hall grew up in Perryville and came back to her hometown several years ago after her husband retired from his job, which had them living all over the United States.

At Tuesday night’s meeting, Hall was administered the oath of office by Charlene Notarcola, Cecil County Clerk of the Court, filling the seat left vacant in May with the resignation of Christina Aldridge. This is the first town office Hall has held but, over the past three years, she’s been active in Perryville with River Sweep — an event she started more than 30 years ago — and with the Chesapeake Feline Association to name a few. She helps with the town Greenways, Boo Bash and is a member of the executive board of the American Legion Auxiliary.

“I started the river clean up when Austin Amos was mayor,” Hall said. She was manager of Perryville American Legion when it was in the former cast iron stove factory building along the waterfront. “He would give me the town truck and we’d do a river clean up.”

Hall was a regular at town meetings since moving back to Perryville and knew of Aldridge’s departure and the open seat on the board.

“I asked (Town Administrator) George Patchell and he said to let (Mayor) Michelle Linkey know she was interested,” Hall said. Linkey interviewed as many as five candidates before deciding to bring Hall’s name to the board for approval.

Hall was surprised at how quickly it all came together, with the approval of the other commissioners and the oath of office in a matter of minutes.

“It was exciting. I had friends that showed up too,” she said. There was a placard in front of her seat bearing her name as well.

Hall doesn’t expect to have too much trouble getting acclimated to the new role.

“I’m pretty sure I’ll be comfortable,” she said, adding she already has plans to place her name on the ballot in May 2025.

Linkey assigned Hall to be the commissioner in charge of Parks and Public Works.