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July 7, 2022

Cambridge Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Cambridge Community

News News Notes

One Mission Cambridge Hosts Open House

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Since its opening on June 6, 2022, One Mission Cambridge has served over 140 people in need. The first week alone, the coalition of Christian churches and ministries called to meet the physical and spiritual needs of men, women and children in the Cambridge area, served over 90 people and had to order 3,000 pounds of extra food to meet the needs of the community.  The organization will host an open house on July 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at its location at 614 Race Street in Cambridge. The open house is open to everyone in the community to learn about the mission center and celebrate it.

Pictured is Krista Pettit of One Mission Cambridge in the center’s facility at 614 Race Street in Cambridge.

One Mission Cambridge’s location has proved ideal to serve some of the community’s most vulnerable populations. The building includes a storefront on Race Street with a large communal space in the rear of the building. By consolidating some of the area’s food pantries, One Mission Cambridge can offer a food pantry store where people can shop for what they need in a dignified manner. In addition, the center offers community navigation with computers onsite for people to research jobs and complete job applications and look up resources to help them connect to community services. Whether you need food items, to get a replacement Social Security card or photo ID, or just need a friendly face to talk to, the center is open for walk-in services.

“When you are in a crisis, you are overwhelmed with navigating the process to get on the other side of it. We are the stopgap – stepping into the process and providing support,” comments Krista Pettit, leader of One Mission Cambridge’s efforts.

In the back of the storefront, there is a private meeting room to offer Christian counseling and support groups. Further back, a large community space is available to host community dinners for about 120 people. These dinners hope to start in the fall on the first Monday of each month and will include a sit-down dinner, along with a Bible reading and discussion, as well as music and art enrichment.

One Mission Cambridge is about the Body of Christ working together – combining resources and people. The organization’s name “One Mission” comes from all the churches having the same mission: to love God and to love their neighbors.  All Christian Churches are invited to participate in this exciting organization. The organization was born in the summer of 2021 when a volunteer subcommittee brought people from the community together and interviewed nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and community members who utilize various agencies to determine the unmet needs in the community and what services could be provided. The survey revealed that people in the community have a heart for others, there are a lot of great organizations helping people, and there needs to be a place for people to talk, listen and provide guidance on getting help and encouragement.

One Mission Cambridge, the coalition of Christian churches and ministries, is called to meet the physical and spiritual needs of men, women and children in the Cambridge area. Its storefront location is ideal for serving some of the community’s most vulnerable populations.

To date, over 15 churches are working with One Mission Cambridge. Krista Pettit, who began working on the project as a volunteer with Grace United Methodist Church and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, recognized the need in the community when talking with other churches. The organization wants to partner with everyone providing services in the Cambridge area, including area food pantries, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and churches who, according to Krista, are doing tremendous work in the community. Volunteers are also needed and interested persons can attend the open house to inquire, contact Pettit directly, or sign up via the website at onemissioncambridge.org or call 410-901-3959.

One Mission Cambridge will be open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 1 to 6 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. These hours were selected as times when other organizations aren’t open and to allow people who work to utilize the services.

Visit One Mission Cambridge on Facebook or Instagram or their website onemissioncambridge.org or call 410-901-3959. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 815, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Personal Ties to Aspen Wye by Amelia Blades Steward

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Pictured left to right are Judy Stagg Kusuma and Amelia Blades Steward in their original Wye Institute camp uniforms from 48 years ago. The two met as campers at Wye Institute in 1974 and have remained lifelong friends.

When my parents dropped me off at Wye Institute in Queenstown, Maryland in August 1974, little did I know the impact that four weeks of summer camp would have on both my career as a writer and lifelong friendships. 

Industrial magnate Arthur A. Houghton Jr. bought 1000 acres of property on the Wye River in 1938 to become a gathering place where ideas and innovations evolved. In 1963, Houghton established the foundation, Wye Institute, expanding his philanthropic interests to stimulate educational, cultural and economic opportunities in the region. He built contemporary facilities at Wye Woods to launch a summer educational camp for middle school boys designed to promote civil understanding and in Arthur’s words, “stir the imagination of extraordinarily promising young persons” from Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The camp was integrated and eventually included girls—open to all students regardless of race, religion or ethnic origin.

When I arrived at camp in 1974, the girls stayed at Gunston in Centreville, while the boys stayed at Wye Institute. We all gathered at Wye Institute during the daytime hours for camp programming. The campers were from Maryland’s Eastern Shore and from the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York where Houghton made his fortune with Steuben Glass Works, a subsidiary of his family’s company Corning Glass. Many of us were from very moderate-income families – we didn’t have a lot. This camp experience was a gift to all of us.

Some of my memories include participating in a social experiment in downtown Centreville where some of us walked around with war paint on our faces while others walked around without any makeup. We observed how the two groups were treated. Another memory was seeing the Houghtons’ sea lion who lived at Wye Woods. We attended plays and read Greek mythology. We played music, participated in theatre and wrote creative fiction. I met my best friend there, Judy Stagg Kusuma. She was from Snow Hill and I was from Easton. Her family was moving to Easton at the end of that summer for her dad’s new job as superintendent of the Hog Neck Golf Course. Our sisterhood was formed that summer and she is still my best friend today.

But it is the personal connections I have had to the property since my time as a camper at Wye Institute that have been so serendipitous.  The first connection happened in 2004 when I was asked to write an article on Leon Andrus, the benefactor who started Adkins Arboretum in Ridgely. It turns out that Andrus owned Cheston-on-Wye, adjacent to Arthur Houghton’s Wye Plantation. Andrus bought some of Houghton’s Black Angus cattle and my grandfather was his herdsman – something I never knew until I talked with my mother while writing the story. Later, writing copy for the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, located at Wye Plantation, I was able to bring my mother to visit the tenant house where she was born at Cheston-on-Wye – a very special experience for her and me and another connection to this beautiful property.  Most recently in 2019, I was asked to write a DVD booklet on the history of Wye Plantation to accompany a film, “Escape to Aspen Wye,” created by Aspen Institute to help sell the property.  I found my Wye Institute jacket and tee-shirt while cleaning out some clothes that year and was able to share them when I was interviewed for the film as one of the campers who attended the Wye Institute.

I love how everything comes full circle if we wait long enough. While I don’t know the meaning of all of these connections to this special property on the Wye River, I know that its impact on my story is significant and not an accident. Recently, I was thrilled to hear that the 166-acre Wye River Conference Center property was donated by Aspen Institute to become a Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for children with serious illnesses and their families in the Mid-Atlantic region. The property will once again help transform the lives of children. What a wonderful legacy to leave for the future. Aspen Institute’s gift pays forward the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Houghton in 1979 when they donated the property to Aspen Institute.

Amelia Blades Steward has written non-fiction articles for national, regional, and local publications for over 30 years. A lifelong storyteller, she published her first book in 2014, a memoir entitled “Charles H. Thornton: A Life of Elegant Solutions.”

 

Haven Ministries Opens Homes of Hope in Stevensville

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Haven Ministries is addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in Queen Anne’s County this spring with the opening of two new single-family homes located in Stevensville.  What has been 20 years in the making, the “Homes of Hope” will provide real hope to those participating in Haven Ministries Housing Assistance Program.

Built in the middle of the pandemic, these two 1700-square-foot single-family homes were completed because of generous donations from local businesses of materials and services totaling over $150,000.

“Even though we were living in uncertain times, people in our community stepped up to donate so that someone less fortunate could have shelter – one of our basic human needs. People like Jim Moran, owner of Increte of Maryland, Inc. and Brad Lundberg, President of Lundberg Builders and 314 Design Studio, helped to coordinate the supplier donations on the project. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the giving these two men solicited,” comments Krista Pettit, Executive Director of Haven Ministries.

Photo: Representatives of the area business who donated materials and services to building Homes of Hope in Queen Anne’s County include left to right Brad Lundberg with Lundberg Builders and 314 Design Studio; Krista Pettit, Executive Director of Haven Ministries; Jack Wilson with Absolute Fire Protection, JTW Building Services LLC, C2 Foam Insulation, and a Queen Anne’s County Commissioner; and Jim Moran with Increte of Maryland, Inc. and a Queen Anne’s County Commissioner.

Jim Moran, also a project donor and a Queen Anne’s County Commissioner At-Large, states, “This project has been a long time coming. I got involved eight years ago and have been donating ever since. These homes have been funded through donations, a $150,000 grant from Queen Anne’s County, as well as state funding. Haven Ministries does a tremendous job and has built this organization from nothing into a model program.”

Moran was raised in Bowie, Maryland and his parents instilled in him charity as a child. His military experience overseas also exposed him to those less fortunate and has been a motivator for his philanthropy as well.

“I learned early through my faith about charity. The quote, ‘The measure of a community is how they care for the least of the community,’ has always resonated with me. I have been blessed to have a successful company and a loving family. We can always do more.”

Through the Homes of Hope, Haven Ministries will be able to provide clients with affordable housing while leading them to a permanent housing solution. While participating in the Housing Assistance Program, participants will work closely with a Haven Ministries case manager to ensure that they are positioned for success to secure safe and stable long-term housing once their respective program period is over, usually within two years.

Individuals and families who live in Queen Anne’s County can apply for the program, must pass the background checks, pay a program fee, and voluntarily agree to work with a case manager. Haven Ministries will connect participants to area resources such as education, jobs, and job training, allowing individuals and families to stabilize, build up their resources, and successfully move on toward safe and affordable housing.

Housing instability can include trouble paying rent or a mortgage, moving frequently due to the lack of affordable housing, or spending a majority of household income on housing. The construction for Homes of Hope and the Housing Assistance Program are being funded by private donations and grants, including those from foundations made directly to Haven Ministries, and through major fundraising activities. A program fee will also be collected from the Housing Assistance Program clients approved for the program.

Haven Ministries will continue to operate its seasonal shelter at Kent Island Methodist Church in Stevensville to offer emergency overnight safe and warm accommodations for individuals and families that do not have a dedicated location in which to sleep. Although both of these programs are important programs, they each serve a different population of community members with different needs.

Moran concludes, “I used my contacts in the industry to help fund this project. No one said ‘no’ when they were asked to contribute. Each of the following sponsors sees the value of helping others.”

“This project has been a community project from the start. Several things have been donated from the initial demolition to Delmarva Power donating their labor for electricity hook-up to the local plumbers and electricians donating their labor and materials – the generosity has been overwhelming,” adds Lundberg.

Sponsors for Haven Ministries Homes of Hope were 314 Design Studio, ABC Supply Co Inc., A Plus Sanitation, Absolute Fire Protection, Inc., Annapolis Exteriors, . Bill Thomas, C2 Foam, Capital Electric, Chesapeake Environmental Labs, Inc., Choice Stairways, Matt Cole with Cole Ventures, Delmarva Power, Dress Your Windows, Economy Pest Control, Inc., ED Supply, Ernest Maier Companies, Ferguson, F.A. Hobson Landscaping, Inc., Friel Lumber, Increte of Maryland, Inc., Island Floors, Jack Wilson, Jr. Electrical Services, JTW Building Services LLC, KI True Value, Lane Engineering, Lifetime Well Drilling, Lindy J Jones Plumbing and Heating Contractors, Lowes, Lundberg Builders, O’Berry Engineering, Inc., Palmer’s Plumbing, Patuxent Materials, Patuxent Roll-Off, R.B. Bakers, R and D Electric, Puckett’s Heating and  Air Conditioning, Rental Works, Torchio Architects, Universal Supply Co., W Scot Jones Mechanical Contractor, and White’s Custom Concepts.

Special thanks goes to the following organizations who contributed funding: Queen Anne’s County Commissioners, Weinberg Foundation, Salmon Foundation, Bank of America Foundation, May Foundation, Trust Foundation of Maryland, Legislative Bond Grant, Keller Giving, Queen Anne’s County Mental Health Grant, Mid-Shore Community Foundation, and many individual donors.

For further information about donating to this important project, visit haven-ministries.org. For information about applications for the Homes of Hope, call 410-739-7859.

Love shapes the ministry, love transforms people, and hope prevails at Haven Ministries.  Haven Ministries operates a seasonal Homeless Shelter, a Resource Center and Food Pantry in Queenstown, Our Daily Thread Thrift Store in Chester, Hope Warehouse in Queenstown, and a Food Pantry Truck in Sudlersville.

Earth Data Employees Participate in Virtual Polar Bear Plunge

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Earth Data virtual Polar Bear plungers, left to right, are: Ted Trumbull, Ron McDonald, Scott Wolf, Mark Williams, Ben Gemballa, Jeff Chipman, and Kayla Warhola.

In support of the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Sandy Point State Park, seven Earth Data employees participated in a virtual plunge at their office in Centreville, Maryland. Facing 27-degree temperatures, employees set up an outdoor shower and tub with one of the company’s drilling rigs to make their plunge.

“I have long been a supporter of the Special Olympics mission of celebration and inclusion of individuals with disabilities and was happy to participate in the Polar Bear Plunge as a member of the Earth Data team.  Who doesn’t love jumping in an ice-covered tank on a cold winter’s morning?” commented  Earth Data participant Ron McDonald.

Visit Earth Data “Team Drillin’ & Chillin’” fundraising page to make a donation in support of the Polar Bear Plunge.

Earth Data Partners with Chesapeake College TRiO Office to Offer GIS Workshop to Students

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Earth Data, Inc., based in Centreville, Maryland, recently offered a free workshop to students participating in Chesapeake College’s TRiO Student Support Services. The program is a federally-funded program designed to help eligible students with their entire Chesapeake College experience. Katrina Johnson, Associate Director for STEM Programs at Chesapeake College, reached out to Earth Data to offer hands-on training in Geospatial Information System (GIS) and Mapping to students in the TRiO Program.

“This type of outreach fits into our company’s mission to make our communities thrive and encourage those around us. Our employees represent a wealth of talent and experience and are eager to help the community when they can,” states Mark Williams, CEO, Earth Data, Inc.

Pictured left to right in the Earth Data, Inc. GIS & Mapping Workshop with TRiO Student Support Services at Chesapeake College are: Ty Walk of Greensboro, Aaron Turner of Talbot County, Jackson Forrest, Earth Data Geospatial Technical Manager, Katrina Johnson, Associate Director for STEM Programs at Chesapeake College, William Turri of Federalsburg, and Shawn Stabile, Earth Data GIS Analyst.

Johnson comments, “We have been looking for experiences like this to expand our student’s horizons and to partner with local businesses. In addition to this workshop, we have created workshops in financial literacy, physics and math, career advancement, and college preparation by visiting four-year universities – options for those students wanting to continue with their education.”

Earth Data employees Jackson Forrest, Geospatial Technical Manager, and Shawn Stabile, GIS Analyst, were instructors for the workshop which was held over two weeks at Chesapeake College. Part I of the workshop focused on what GIS is and how it is used and Part II of the workshop students created their own GIS project applying the knowledge they learned using live maps and mapping 58 resources. In addition, students learned about cartographic principles and how to manipulate data.

Shawn Stabile, Earth Data GIS Analyst, working with William Turri of Federalsburg on creating detailed symbology to better visualize the data.

“This is the first time we have done a workshop like this. It’s been nice being able to put together an informational course for the community that we can use in other applications and in other communities to familiarize people with how GIS works,” states Forrest.

Stabile adds, “I have enjoyed taking a step back and understanding that this isn’t what other people do as I am conveying this basic information to students. It allows us to show and tell what Earth Data does as a company and to illustrate the talent and experience needed to do GIS, as well as the work opportunities out there.”

TRiO currently has 315 students in the program which assists students from low-income and rural areas who are first-generation college students and may lack the support they need to attend college. TRiO coordinators work with students on everything from tutoring and financial aid to registration for classes and transfer options. Five students participated in the workshops from the program: Cecil Robinson, Aaron Turner, William Turri, Ty Walk, and Jasen Xander.

Ty Walk of Greensboro, one of the students in the workshop, commented, “It’s been fun to learn a new program.”

“It was new and different for me from computer science, but I am glad I learned it,” added TRiO student Aaron Turner of Talbot County.

Participant William Turri of Federalsburg, stated, “I had a job in this field using similar software. I am seeking a cybersecurity degree and a job with the National Security Agency. GIS may be a side interest for me. Learning new skills and getting a better understanding of GIS has been very fun.”

According to Johnson, “We would like to have TRiO students work on a GIS project on campus that will align with the STEM side of the program.”

For 47 years, Earth Data, Inc. has been providing field-oriented water resources and geospatial consulting services using high-tech tools to collect, analyze, manage, and distribute data in sophisticated ways. For further information, visit earthdatainc.com.

Brian Wachter Hired for Earth Data’s SWIFT® Project

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Earth Data recently announced the hiring of Brian Wachter of Williamsburg, Virginia as hydrogeologist and project manager of its Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT) recharge and monitoring well services project with the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HSRD).  The company which provides field-oriented water resources and geospatial consulting services using high-tech tools to collect, analyze, manage, and distribute data in sophisticated ways, was recently awarded the biggest contract of its 46-year history. This project is thought to be one of the largest drilling projects in the United States.

Wachter was previously field team leader, author, and project manager with CH2M HILL/JACOBS in Virginia Beach, Virginia working for the last three years on HRSD’s SWIFT test well program. Initially, he will be working on the James River Treatment Plant site in Newport News, VA and Nansemond site in Suffolk, Virginia.

Photo: Brian Wachter of Williamsburg, Virginia, project manager and hydrogeologist for Earth Data on its Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT) recharge and monitoring well services project with the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HSRD).

“It is important to have reliable drinking water. Working on these water resource projects, we are dealing with deeper wells reaching productive aquifers which can meet the high demand for water in this region,” Wachter states.

He completed his bachelor of science degree in environmental geology from the College of William and Mary and his master of science degree in hydrogeology from the University of Kansas. As a registered professional geologist (P.G.), he holds a HAZWOPER certification for workplace safety.

“It has been a good experience to work for a smaller company like Earth Data,” Wachter adds.

Mark Williams, CEO for Earth Data, comments, “We are thrilled to have some of Brian’s knowledge and experience on this project with us. He is already familiar with the James River and Nansemond sites and this gives us an advantage as we move forward. Earth Data’s team is a dynamic group of qualified water resource engineers, hydrogeologists, geologists, soil scientists, GIS/LiDAR specialists, licensed well drillers, and field technicians.”

The SWIFT project includes planning services, design services, contract administration, geophysical logging services, and field engineering and testing services for approximately 65 recharge wells and 30 monitoring wells. The Southeastern Virginia-based project is expected to last up to 12 years and will ultimately recharge the Potomac Aquifer with up to 100 million gallons per day of SWIFT Water®—wastewater treated to meet drinking water standards and be compatible with the characteristics of the aquifer.

For further information on Earth Data, visit earthdatainc.com.

For more than 47 years, Earth Data, Inc. has been providing field-oriented water resources and geospatial consulting services using high-tech tools to collect, analyze, manage, and distribute data in sophisticated ways. For further information, visit earthdatainc.com.

Haven Ministries Volunteers Extend Reach in the Community

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For two decades, Haven Ministries has been transforming the lives of those in need through shelter, clothing, food, and support in Queen Anne’s County. The backbone of these services has been the many volunteers who work behind the scenes in a variety of capacities to be sure those in need have the resources they need. This month, the organization is doing a campaign, “We Love Our Volunteers,” to thank its volunteers and encourage more people to volunteer for the organization.

Haven Ministries volunteer Rob McCauley carrying furniture for a customer at Hope Warehouse in Queenstown.

“Our volunteer pool has always been at the core of the services we provide. We couldn’t do it without them,” comments Krista Pettit, Executive Director of Haven Ministries.

“These are truly remarkable people who have dedication and compassion for those we serve. They are making a difference in the lives of their neighbors by volunteering their time to help people get back on their feet.”

Haven Ministries utilizes volunteers in a variety of ways through its homeless shelter, resource center, food pantries, and at Our Daily Thread and Hope Warehouse retail locations. At Haven Ministries Headquarters/Resource Center in Queenstown on Del Rhodes Avenue and at Hope Warehouse on Friels Road, volunteers are used in a variety of ways. Right now, Hope Warehouse has the greatest need for volunteers to pick up donations from community members one day a week and help lift furniture and appliances into vehicles when items are purchased at the Warehouse.

“Each volunteer has his/her strengths and contributes in unique ways to make the shopping experience at Hope Warehouse enjoyable for both new and returning customers. Volunteers help customers, arrange furniture and displays, clean, and serve as cashiers. We need able-bodied people who can work a three-hour morning or afternoon shift Wednesday through Saturday,” states Joni Melotti, Hope Warehouse Manager.

In the Resource Center, volunteers answer the phone and schedule clients for both food pantries in Queenstown and Sudlersville. They also help gather information for client requests for assistance. Volunteers who have office skills and enjoy working with people are encouraged to apply. Volunteers also help with Haven Ministries seasonal shelter.

“We have the best volunteers. They are willing to do what is needed and are such pleasant and caring individuals,” comments Mary Jeeter, case manager for Haven Ministries’ Resource Center.

Haven Ministries’ food pantries and thrift shop have the greatest number of volunteers, using volunteers in shifts to keep their operations running. At the Haven Ministries Food Pantries, nearly 40 volunteers work Monday through Friday at the Resource Center Pantry in Queenstown or the Food Pantry Truck in Sudlersville, providing a friendly face to clients. Volunteers move food from storage locations, stock the pantries and clean pantry sites, while also assisting clients with finding the items they need.

“Our volunteers enjoy interacting with clients. It’s meaningful for them. Clients enjoy the engagement just as much as the volunteers do,” states Christine Perkins, Food Pantry Director.

“Clients are relaxed at our pantries as they can leisurely shop for the items they need among dry goods, canned goods, frozen foods and toiletries. This time of year, we also offer them hats, gloves and scarves.”

An equal number of volunteers keep Haven Ministries’ Our Daily Thread store operations going. The store’s new location in Chester has attracted a number of new volunteers and its volume of donations is increasing every day. Volunteers help by sorting and pricing clothing during two shifts Monday through Saturday.

“The new location offers such a pleasant work environment for our volunteers, who really are the backbone of what we do in serving the public. We are always looking for people to join our team,” states Liz Bazzell, Our Daily Thread Manager.

All of the volunteer opportunities at Haven Ministries allow flexible scheduling. To volunteer, call Haven Ministries staff at the following numbers and locations:

Haven Ministry Food Pantries – Headquarters – 206 Del Rhodes Avenue in Queenstown & Food Pantry Truck – 407 Dudley Corner Road in Sudlersville – Christine Perkins, Food Pantry Director at 443-988-1183

Resource Center & Seasonal Shelter – 206 Del Rhodes Avenue in Queenstown – Mary Jeeter, Case Manager at 410-827-7194

Our Daily Thread Store – 1521 Postal Road in Chester – Liz Bazzell, Manager at 410-353-0455

Hope Warehouse – 6527 Friel’s Road in Queenstown – Joni Melotti, Warehouse Manager at 410-490-8498

For further information about supporting Haven Ministries, visit haven-ministries.org or call Krista Pettit at 410-739-4363.

Love shapes the ministry, love transforms people, and hope prevails at Haven Ministries.  Haven Ministries operates a seasonal Homeless Shelter, a Resource Center and Food Pantry in Queenstown, Our Daily Thread Store in Chester, Hope Warehouse in Queenstown, and a Food Pantry Truck in Sudlersville.

Bob Breeding General Contractors is Second Metal Building Assembler in Maryland to Obtain AC478 Accreditation

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The Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) announces that Bob Breeding General Contractors, LLC, headquartered in Denton, MD, and servicing Maryland, Delaware, and Northern Virginia is the second metal building assembler based in Maryland to obtain the prestigious AC478 accreditation administered by the International Accreditation Service (IAS).  AC478, Accreditation for Metal Building Assemblers Inspection, is a standard to recognize metal building assemblers committed to excellence.

Achieving this accreditation demonstrates that Bob Breeding General Contractors has the personnel, the organizational skills, vast experience, knowledge, management procedures, and commitment to assemble the metal building in accordance with code, specifications, costs, and deadlines.  Some of the requirements for this accreditation include documented management systems, rigorous safety training, quality managers, OSHA training, documented safety plans, site-specific plans, and other documents.

Chris and Andrew Breeding of Bob Breeding General Contractors

“Metal building contractors that join MBCEA set themselves apart for the competition.  Those who achieve IAS AC478 accreditation set themselves further apart by committing to an unparalleled level of safety and quality”, notes Art Hance, MBCEA president while acknowledging the company’s achievement.  “We congratulate the team at Bob Breeding General Contractors on this significant achievement and recognize them not only as a leader in their geographic area but in the industry overall.”

When he first heard about AC478 several years ago, Chris Breeding, President and Owner of Bob Breeding General Contractors, quickly realized that this was the wave of the future for the pre-engineered metal building industry. “It was easy to see the writing on the wall, based on the level of effort from the MBCEA to promote AC478, that we had better embrace this new accreditation program if we wanted to excel in this industry moving forward,” said Breeding.  “While we initially thought this was just another burdensome task to complete, we began to realize that many of the problems we faced in our company’s day-to-day operations would actually be addressed when we implemented the changes that AC478 would require. Now, after having gone through the process, I’m looking forward to being a leader in quality, safety, and planning in the metal building industry.  I’m also excited about the direction we are going as I think about the next generation that I will be leaving the company to one day.”

For more information about the IAS AC478 accreditation program visit www.mbcea.org.  For more information about Bob Breeding General Contractors, visit www.bobbreeding.com.

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Bob Breeding General Contractors, LLC, established in 1969, is a true family-owned and operated business, headquartered in Denton, Maryland and serving the Mid-Atlantic region. Their motto, “Born to Build” refers to their three generations of steadfast commitment to their clients. With more than 50 years of experience, they pride themselves on providing the highest quality self-installed, pre-engineered buildings in the area.

The MBCEA was formed in 1968 to serve the needs and support the interests of metal building contractors and erectors. It has 3 main goals:

  • Education: To provide programs and venues that enhance education opportunities for metal building contractors and erectors.
  • Image Enhancement: To develop programs to enhance the image of metal building contractors and erectors, and the metal building industry.
  • Grassroots Support: To develop and maintain programs specifically designed to support and respond to the needs of the grassroots membership of the MBCEA.

The association proudly boasts membership from virtually every aspect of the industry and all 50 States and Canada. For additional information please visit our website at www.mbcea.org or contact Sasha Demyan at 484-239-3337.

Earth Data Employees Participate in Oyster Recovery Program

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More than 15 employees with Earth Data, Inc. in Centreville, Maryland recently supported the Oyster Recovery Partnership’s (ORP’s) Marylanders Grow Oysters (MGO) program, building more than 70 oyster cages. MGO engages more than 2,000 volunteers throughout 36 tributaries in the Chesapeake Bay to nurture young oysters during their most vulnerable first year of life. After the year of growth, the oysters are collected and planted on sanctuaries where they will filter water and provide habitat for crabs, rockfish, and other marine life.

Kayla Warhola and Kevin White of Earth Data, Inc. working on an oyster cage.

Earth Data’s employees participated through the Earth Data Gives program, which was started by the company to give back to the community. Over the years, Earth Data employees have helped support the health of the Chesapeake Bay, Cub Scouts’ summer camps, ending the global vision epidemic, stocking fish with the Department of Natural Resources, and providing CarePacks to local students.

Shawn Stabile and Eric Flickinger show a completed oyster cage.

“Cage building is important because they act as shelters for young, growing oysters during their most vulnerable first year of life. Those oysters, once planted on local reefs will help filter excess nutrients from the Bay and improve water quality.  Not only did we have fun, but we did something of great importance for the Chesapeake Bay and its oyster population,” commented Tawney Strazza, Administrative Assistant, Earth Data, Inc. who participated in the event.

Earth Data employees Eric Stille, Eric Flickinger, Tawney Strazza, Shawn Stabile, Bruce Strazza, Jackson Forrest, Ron McDonald, JP Stokes, Kevin White, Kayla Warhola, with Paul Shurick (ORP) and Kaylee Fleury (ORP), Jake Bram and Jeff Chipman, Earth Data employees.

“This is a foundational principle in what we do and who we are as a company. We care about more than soil and water. We care about people, too. We believe giving makes our communities thrive, our employees passionate about more than work, and Earth Data an encouragement to those around us,” said Mark Williams, CEO, Earth Data, Inc.

According to Kaylee Fleury, Events & Marketing Coordinator with Oyster Recovery Partnership, Marylanders Grow Oysters (MGO) has been around for 13 seasons and the extension of cage building activities is relatively new over the last few years. “It is important for us to work with other community organizations, nonprofits, and companies whose mission aligns with ours in terms of the environment, water restoration and outdoor recreation. Connecting with like-minded people at these events helps raise awareness about oysters and their critical role in Bay cleanup. The Earth Data employees were a pleasure to work with – smart, diligent, and hard-working. It was easy to teach them how to build cages and pass them the reigns. It was a huge success. We hope to work together again in the future!”

In addition to giving back through its environmental work, the Earth Data Giving Program encourages all Earth Data Incorporated employees to help others. It provides employees with paid public-service hours for volunteer work done to support local charities and others, such as helping feed school kids on the weekends, cleaning hiking trails, supporting elementary school reading programs, and teaching kids about the world around them by using maps and GIS.

For 47 years, Earth Data, Inc. has been providing field-oriented water resources and geospatial consulting services using high-tech tools to collect, analyze, manage, and distribute data in sophisticated ways. For further information, visit earthdatainc.com.

The Oyster Recovery Partnership is the region’s leading nonprofit dedicated to the large-scale restoration of oyster reefs in the Chesapeake Bay, planting more than 9 billion oysters on over 3,000 acres of oyster habitat in Maryland since 1993. Learn more at oysterrecovery.org.

Earth Data Reports Record Number of Eagle Scouts Among Its Employee Ranks

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What does it take to be an Eagle Scout? Mark Williams, the CEO of Earth Data, Inc., a Centreville, Maryland-based company offering field-oriented water resources and geospatial consulting services would tell you it speaks to a person’s integrity, honesty, hard work, and dedication. That’s why he’s proud to have four Eagle Scouts among his employees today.

“I feel like it’s highly unusual to have four of 20 employees – 20 percent, having reached the advancement of being an Eagle Scout. When I’m reviewing resumes and I see Eagle Scout that means something to me—helps to tilt the scale in favor of me bringing someone in for a personal interview,” states Mark Williams, CEO, Earth Data, Inc.

Although not an Eagle Scout himself, Williams values community service which has been a big part of his civic life.

“My number one rule of life is to treat every living being with dignity and respect. I believe we need to leave the world a better place than we found it. At Earth Data, we are more than data. We are people who work hard and want to help, not only our clients but our community.”

Pictured left to right are Jeff Chipman, James Janis, Jackson Forrest and JP Stokes, four of 20 employees at Earth Data who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in their younger years.

According to the Boys Scouts of Ameican, each year, approximately 55,000 youth achieve the important milestone of completing an Eagle Scout service project which reflects the scout’s spirit of caring and giving. These projects usually have a significant impact on a community and represent the scout’s very best effort.

Earth Data Geospatial Analyst James Janis became an Eagle Scout because of the honor that comes with the designation. His Eagle Scout Project centered around the Assateague Coastal Trust “Gateway to the Bay” project.  The purpose of the project was to use native vegetation to make the drive to Assateague Island seem less touched by man.

“My Eagle Scout project was a small part of a larger project.  The first thing that was needed was to find land to be donated for the landscaping portion.  After I identified the location, I looked through native plant species that would be suited to the area.  Because we were building the Pine Shore Golf Course, where I worked at the time, I had all of the equipment that was needed to install the landscaping with help from volunteers from the troop. The Eagle Scout project gave me confidence in my leadership ability and in obtaining goals,” stated Janis.

Another Earth Data employee, Jackson Forrest, who serves as the company’s Senior Geospatial Analyst and Data Manager, commented, “I wanted to become an Eagle Scout because of the years I was able to spend with friends going on trips and learning new skills. Our local church had a degraded walkway from the church to the hall next door, so my Eagle Scout project involved removing the old stone pathway and building a new brick walkway. Earning the Eagle Scout recognition allowed me the opportunity to learn how to raise money for my project and to figure out the logistics and organize the volunteers to help me get the work done. It was great to give back to the community.”

Earth Data Senior Hydrogeologist JP Stokes, now a registered professional geologist (P.G.) in 3 states, decided to overcome his childhood shyness challenges and complete his Eagle Scout project before his 16th birthday. His Eagle Scout project was to ensure that his community of nearly 1,000 homes all had house numbers visible from the street to help increase the emergency services response times.

“So much of the Eagle Scout journey involves being able to effectively reach out to others for help, as well as communicate with your neighbors and community leaders, especially in public speaking forums. The service project helped me with not just setting goals but knowing how to achieve them through long-term planning, time management, and managing the resources I had at my disposal. It taught me leadership and instilled a desire in me to continue with community service to others,” he comments.

Earth Data Senior Geologist and Project Manager Jeff Chipman made his pledge to attain the Eagle Scout award along with his brother. His project was to design and build front-facing bookshelves for a local elementary school.

“The Scouting program in general is what I am a big advocate of. I learned a lot of valuable lessons for safe and responsible outdoor recreation, being a valuable member of my community on the local and national level, and just how to have fun. All of the life lessons I learned helped me become who I am today,” he states.

“The Eagle Scout award has helped me advance in the various jobs I held before and during college. Now that I have become a project manager here at Earth Data, it is very obvious that the lessons learned during my Eagle Scout project were in fact lessons on how to manage a project and ensure that it is completed – which has been invaluable in my work here.”

For 47 years, Earth Data, Inc. has been providing field-oriented water resources and geospatial consulting services using high-tech tools to collect, analyze, manage, and distribute data in sophisticated ways. For further information, visit earthdatainc.com.