Sharpsburg’s parks and recreation commission is at full strength with the addition of its newest member.

Resident Julia Granito was sworn in by Mayor Kayla Portis as the volunteer panel’s ninth commissioner on Oct. 23.

It was the first council meeting Granito, a scientist at Quick-Med Technologies and freelance artist, said she attended since moving to the borough from Etna in the spring of 2024.

She is a frequent attendee of parks and recreation meetings, which take place on the third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the borough building.

“I’m excited to hopefully be working towards helping everyone in Sharpsburg have a voice and participate in the community,” Granito said after the meeting. She was sworn into a four-year term expiring in October 2029.

Granito is a photographer, drawer, painter and founder of a small art studio near Redhawk Coffee Roasters in Sharpsburg.

She recently earned a master’s in data science with a specialization in artificial intelligence from Northwestern University School of Professional Studies and has a bachelor’s in chemistry and economics from Dartmouth College.

Her artistic and analytical talents are a welcome addition to the group, according to commission president Mallory Helbling.

“I think there will be many ways that she can make an impact,” Helbling said. “I think that her artistic abilities are much needed in the group. I’m excited to see how we can utilize her there. She’s going to bring a different perspective.”

Granito said she learned about volunteer opportunities at a borough community event and is eager to make an impact.

“Everyone having a voice and everyone knowing about stuff happening for the community is something I hope to help with,” she said.

The parks and rec commission organizes various community events, including the Halloween Parade, a holiday event in November and the upcoming bicentennial, to name a few.

It also partners with the Sharpsburg-Aspinwall Rotary Club to present Funnel Cake Fridays at Kennedy Park in June.

Helbling said the limit was set at nine people when the commission was first established in 2022.

However, the public can still attend its meetings and have input.

There has been some turnover since its founding and it has never been at full strength until now.

“It feels great,” Helbling said. “We have surprisingly been able to do a lot since we started. I’m very excited to see the possibilities (with a full commission). It’s all volunteer work. Most people either work or have other commitments. Having more people that are excited to be here will be helpful.”

Current members include Helbling, Granito, Donna Bishop, Lori Claus, Kellen Stepler, Denise Hoffman, Barbara Pugliese, Paul Rouse and Jon Andrascik.

The commission seeks support from local businesses in the form of monetary donations to the bicentennial celebration or gifts for basket raffles for an event on Nov. 22.

Any business that wants to donate can email Mallory Helbling at parksandrec@sharpsburgborough.com.

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