Community Corner
Fly Fry Went from Pilot to Appeals
Clarence Fry was a Korean War fighter pilot, now he gives his time to the town.
Clarence Fry was an Air Force fighter pilot in the Korean War, had three open heart surgeries and survived kidney cancer. But these days his faith motivates him to serve the as vice chairman of the Board of Appeals.
After serving for four years as chairman of the town's Planning Commission, Fry has served on the appeals board for more than five years.
“I feel that all concerned citizens need to contribute their time and talents to make a community as good to live in as possible,” Fry wrote in an email. “In some ways … I am a volunteer junkie.”
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Responsible for conducting public hearings regarding zoning regulations, the Board of Appeals considers requests for special exceptions or variances. In the absence of the Chairman Roy Milan, Fry takes on his responsibilities.
Fry explained that much of his motivation to serve the community comes from his faith in God and his belief that everyone possesses skills that should be used to support others.
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“Those skills, through the love of God, are to be applied to serving others in whichever way we are touched to do that,” Fry wrote.
, the senior planner of the Board of Appeals, has worked with Fry for nearly 10 years. In an email, Syphard attested to Fry’s decision-making abilities.
“Clarence is very smart and has experienced a lot through the years, which results in very open-minded discussions. He’s not afraid to speak his mind—even in front of a crowd that may not share his views,” Syphard wrote in an email. “Clarence sticks to his guns and speaks to the facts.”
In addition to volunteering his time for the board, Fry contributes to other community groups such as the Harford Habitat for Humanity, the Senior Science Society at and the Experimental Aviation Association.
“I want the town to be a safe and pleasant place to live and if my activities with town government can add to that environment, I apply myself to that end,” Fry wrote. “The reward of serving others is the satisfaction that comes from a grateful heart for all that God in Christ has done for us.”
