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June 15, 2025

Cambridge Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Cambridge

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Let’s Talk about It: Dare to Lead Training Shapes Mid-Shore Leaders with For All Seasons Beth Anne Dorman

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The opportunity to participate in For All Seasons’ Dare to Lead™ training last month opened my eyes to learning who I am as a leader and how I want my leadership to evolve moving forward. For All Seasons’ Center for Learning is offering community leaders the opportunity to develop bold, authentic leadership through this courage-building program based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown. This January, the agency welcomed 12 local professionals to participate in the four-day training, designed to help us embrace vulnerability, cultivate meaningful connections, and develop a leadership approach rooted in integrity.

As both a community leader/volunteer and owner of my own company, I have had many great mentors over the years who have taught me about the qualities of a good leader. This course helped me to reflect on those lessons and to evaluate how I show up for those whom I serve. While we all have the will to be good leaders, I learned that there are specific skills that, when used correctly, enable us to be more effective in our leadership.

Even though I have been in the field of communications my entire life, this training offered me a new perspective in how to engage in problem-solving with my peers, leaning into vulnerability, and paying attention to my emotional literacy and the emotional literacy of others – showing up with an open heart and mind to discussions, conversations and meetings. I also learned how my body language, how I form my words, and how I organize my thoughts can be powerful tools in effectively communicating with others.

The section on values was particularly valuable in helping me understand the filters I use when making hard decisions. While I lead with my key values, I also learned that I need to be aware of the values of others when problem-solving—whether at home with my family, in the office with colleagues, or in the community.

One of the most confirming parts of the training was realizing that I am a risk taker and that when I take risks, there are often unexpected finds as a writer and as a civic leader/volunteer. Brené Brown uses a quote from Joseph Campbell to explain this concept, saying, “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” That quote now holds special meaning for me. Understanding how to navigate the cave, having courage, and not being averse to risk will enable me to have better success in the future as I follow my heart.

One unique aspect of the Dare to Lead training was getting to know the 12 people training with me. I asked a few of them about what they took away from the training, and these are a few that were shared with me.

“The Dare to Lead™ course allowed me to explore my leadership style and to identify my strengths and areas to improve on. There were great takeaways for me to make immediate improvements in communication with my team. My team meeting structure has improved, as has our expectation of one another. I highly recommend this course for any leaders young or old(er),” comments Beth Brewster, Supervisor of Food Services, Caroline County Public Schools.

“The thought-provoking training encouraged me to embrace new perspectives, think deeper about how I engage with others, and helped reshape how I approach leadership,” shares Kelly Simonsen, Director, Corporate Communications for Easton Utilities.

The Dare to Lead program is facilitated by Beth Anne Dorman, President & CEO of For All Seasons, and Lesa Mulcahy, LCSW-C, Chief Clinical Officer, both Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitators and two of fewer than 300 professionals nationwide authorized to teach Brown’s leadership curriculum. Participants explore the foundational principles of courage-driven leadership, learning to build trust within teams, align their actions with their values, and confidently navigate challenges.

“The courage was contagious during this week of inspiration,” shared participant Sharon M. Pepukayi, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, Talbot County Public Schools.

For All Seasons will offer another Dare to Lead™ training session from May 13 to 16, 2025, at Anchor Church in Easton. The program is open to professionals from all industries who want to enhance their leadership skills in both professional and personal settings. Each session runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. over four consecutive days, with breakfast, lunch, and training materials provided.

The training curriculum covers four core leadership skill sets: Rumbling with Vulnerability, which challenges common misconceptions about vulnerability and its role in effective leadership; Living into Our Values, which focuses on aligning personal and professional behaviors with one’s core beliefs; Braving  Trust, which teaches leaders how to build and maintain trust within their teams; and Learning to Rise, which explores resilience, growth, and how to navigate failure with courage.

Participants who complete the training will receive a certificate of completion and the right to display an “I am Dare to Lead™ Trained” badge on LinkedIn. Additionally, clinicians attending the program will be eligible to receive 24 Category I CEUs issued by For All Seasons, an approved continuing education provider for Maryland social workers and professional counselors.

The total cost for the training (inclusive of meals and materials) is $650, with a non-refundable deposit of $100 required at registration. Limited scholarships are available, and payment plans are offered to make the program more accessible. Interested individuals can register or learn more by visiting https://supportforallseasonsinc.org/daretolead or by contacting [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

One Mission Cambridge Celebrates First Anniversary

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One Mission Cambridge recently celebrated its first anniversary with a picnic at its location at 614 Race Street in Cambridge. Over 100 people came to the event which provided food and drink.

According to Krista Pettit, Director of One Mission Cambridge, the organization served a record number of clients in the last two months. In May and June, One Mission Cambridge Center served 710 different individuals, supporting 1673 people, including 533 children, 772 adults, and 368 seniors.

“After one year, the news has spread about our services. Our location has proved ideal to serve some of the community’s most vulnerable populations. One Mission Cambridge is about the Body of Christ working together – combining resources and people. This past year, our churches have come together in supporting our combined missions of loving God and loving our neighbors.  All Christian Churches are invited to participate in what we are doing,” she states.

One Mission Cambridge recently celebrated its first anniversary with a picnic at its location at 614 Race Street in Cambridge.

To date, One Mission Cambridge provides quality programs, including a food pantry, community navigation, community dinners, and counseling services.

Resident Terry of Cambridge, comments about One Mission Cambridge’s food pantry, “It’s so nice to be able to pick out what you want like the grocery store. I hate to throw away food because often somebody else with kids could use it. I also participated in a Bible Study they have during the day and have also met a lot of new friends at the community dinner. One Mission Cambridge is helping a lot of people.”

Another client of the nonprofit, Brenda of Cambridge, shares, “I am getting less from the grocery store at the end of the month because of inflation and my food stamps don’t get me through anymore. One Mission Cambridge is located in the right spot for the people who need it.”

For other clients, some who own their own homes, using the resources of One Mission Cambridge means being able to make ends meet to be able to stay in their homes. Married couple Ray and Pat of Cambridge are living on limited income due to disabilities. The couple even thought of selling their house to be able to pay their bills.

“This place has been such a blessing to us. We attend the community dinner once a month and shop at the food pantry beforehand where we can shop for our own food items. We even try to give back by giving other clients rides home,” states Ray.

“The older you get, there are not as many resources to help you. We are forever grateful,” adds his wife Pat.

One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 6 p.m. for services. For additional information visit onemissioncambridge.org, Facebook, and Instagram, or call 410-901-3959. For further information about donating to One Mission Cambridge, contact Krista Pettit at 443-521-6825. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 815, Cambridge, MD 21613.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Haven Ministries Appoints Ed Wilson to Board of Directors

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Ed Wilson

Ed Wilson of Chester has recently been appointed to the Board of Directors of Haven Ministries and will serve as the organization’s treasurer replacing Dottie Wilson who has served as treasurer of the Board for almost 6 years.

Wilson, a retired financial executive, has over 35 years of extensive accounting, finance, and banking experience.  Most recently, he worked as part-time Executive Director of Finance for Lighthouse Church, a “Mega Church” in Glen Burnie Maryland. Before that, he was Senior Vice President of the Shelter Group/Brightview Senior Living, a property management and senior housing company. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a Certificate in Accounting from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Peter Grim, Executive Director of Haven Ministries, comments, “I’d like to thank Dottie Wilson for her years of dedication to the Haven Ministries Board of Directors serving as our Treasurer. She has been instrumental in the growth of this excellent organization serving under-resourced individuals in Queen Anne’s County. I am pleased to announce that Ed Wilson has joined the board and has been elected as our new corporate Treasurer. Ed brings with him a wealth of experience and has a firm grasp of the financial aspects of non-profit organizations such as Haven Ministries.”

Ed Wilson moved to the Eastern Shore a year ago and was introduced after his wife began volunteering at Haven Ministries Food Pantry.  When he learned more about the organization, it reminded him of the position that Lighthouse Church was in 10 years ago – poised for major growth.

“Haven Ministries has a real vision for the future. They need someone with a background in accounting and high-end finance to help them continue to reach their goals,” he adds.

“Having been founded over 20 years ago, Haven Ministries has experienced significant growth due to increased need in recent years and our financial systems need to keep in pace with such growth. Ed will be working with me to enhance our systems to best meet the needs of those we serve. I am excited to work with Ed to bring Haven Ministries to the next level of service to help our neighbors in need in Queen Anne’s County,” Grim states.

In reflecting on his retirement years, Wilson comments, “I think as a retired person, now is the time to give back. This volunteer work is fun and I’m doing something meaningful and helping people. It gives me purpose. Everybody has different gifts. I happen to love numbers. Peter has got a vision and I would like to help them to get the organizational structure in place to get to the next level.”

For further information about supporting Haven Ministries, visit haven-ministries.org.

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Earth Data Selected for Water Quality Data Collection Project in Dorchester County

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Earth Data, Inc. of Centreville was recently selected by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), Dorchester Citizens for Planned Growth, and ShoreRivers to implement a comprehensive data collection, reporting, and analysis project that focuses on a portion of the Transquaking River in Dorchester County, Maryland. The local and regional advocacy organizations seek to better understand pollution problems in the Transquaking River, which the Maryland Department of the Environmental lists as impaired by phosphorus and nitrogen pollution that harms aquatic life.

As part of the project Earth Data will install multiple flow and temperature monitoring stations that will continuously monitor, record and transmit data via a cellular network to a cloud-based server. The specialized equipment will include state-of-the-art ultrasonic area/velocity flow sensors that utilize continuous wave Doppler technology and advanced signal processing to provide high-accuracy readings. Additionally, Earth Data field geologists will regularly collect physical surface water samples from multiple locations for laboratory analysis of selected parameters. The work is expected to culminate in a comprehensive report that will summarize all flow, temperature, and water quality data, including publicly available climate and precipitation data.

Eric Flickinger, Director of Geospatial Services at Earth Data, and Jeff Chipman, Senior Geologist at Earth Data, collecting and transmitting water quality data in a tributary to the Chesapeake Bay.

“We are very excited to support this important water quality monitoring project,” states Earth Data president Mark Williams. “We’ll be furnishing and installing some state-of-the-art equipment that will enable both Earth Data and local water quality advocacy groups to monitor key parameters in near real-time using cloud-based technology.”

Earth Data project manager Jeff Chipman explains, “In addition to collecting physical samples for laboratory analysis, during all surface water sampling events Earth Data will use a sophisticated multi-parameter water quality meter to measure and record key data that will be incorporated into the data analysis and summary reports.”

“As part of the project Earth Data’s geospatial team will develop a custom cloud-based data tracking portal to facilitate timely data visualizations and accurate data storage and retrieval.”

Monitoring is expected to begin early summer 2023 and last at least 18 months.

For more than 48 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 Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

One Mission Cambridge Sponsors Fund a Flat Challenge Food Drive

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Krista Pettit, Director of One Mission Cambridge with a flat of food.

One Mission Cambridge is sponsoring a “Fund a Flat” challenge in May. During the month, citizens can donate a case of a product to help One Mission Cambridge keep its shelves stocked. The nonprofit has seen a large increase in demand for food items – having more than 100 people needing food over the last two months.

Although One Mission Cambridge’s Food Pantry is supported by churches and individuals, as well as Aldi as a Retail Recovery Partner, the demand is exceeding the supply.

“We continue to see new people coming to our Food Pantry. When the supplemental funding from COVID was discontinued in March, the demand increased significantly. It now takes $2500 every three weeks to adequately serve the community with food,” comments Krista Pettit, Director of One Mission Cambridge.

“Citizens, churches, businesses, and community organizations can participate in this challenge. Help us keep the shelves stocked by funding a flat. For less than $10, you can purchase a flat of canned goods from a local store, such as our community partner Aldi. Participants can create a fun video on social media to challenge three friends to do the same,” she adds.

Throughout the month of May, One Mission Cambridge is collecting flats on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 1 to 6 p.m. and on Mondays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Visit Facebook and Instagram @onemissioncambridge @onemissioncam for additional times.

For further information about donating, contact Krista Pettit at 443-521-6825. One Mission Cambridge is 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 for services. Visit onemissioncambridge.org or call 410-901-3959. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 815, Cambridge, MD 21613.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Earth Data Selected for Mapping Project in Delaware County, Pennsylvania

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Earth Data, Incorporated was recently selected by Delaware County, Pennsylvania to perform a comprehensive project to scan and digitize all of the County’s subdivision maps. Delaware County is the fifth most populous county in Pennsylvania.

The maps had been developed and maintained in a paper format since the 1970s. According to the County the maps “have reached their life expectancy, as well, as it would be helpful and cost-effective for the subdivisions to be captured digitally and added to the extensive County mapping database for planners to utilize on top of other geospatial data.”

Earth Data Selected for Mapping Project in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Pictured are Ron McDonald (Project Administrator at Earth Data) on the left, Eric Flickinger (Director of Geospatial Services at Earth Data) on the right.

Earth Data was one of several firms to compete for this work, which involves scanning, organizing, and naming the maps for easy accessibility and georeferencing the scanned maps using ArcGIS tools to align with current county parcel boundaries. Additional tasks include digitizing the maps, verifying topology, generating metadata, and creating fields to capture the subdivision data visible on the plat maps.

According to Eric Flickinger, Earth Data’s Director of Geospatial Services, “Earth Data is well suited to complete this project. We have significant recent, relevant experience digitizing documents, georeferencing scanned maps and digiting features in an ArcGIS environment for Federal, state and local governments. We look forward to being of service to Delaware County on this project.”

After an initial delivery and review of a subset of the digitized parcels by the County GIS department, the project is expected to take approximately six months to complete.

For more than 48 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 Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Fiber Artist Susan Fay Schauer John Gains Notoriety as Thread Painter

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Her work in fiber and thread intersects layers of reality and fantasy, life and rebirth. It explores what we are made of. In it, there is a strong dose of realism such that the viewer ‘knows’ the subject right away. But something more lies within and that is the draw and the depth of the work of fiber artist Susan Schauer John of Easton, Maryland.

Schauer John is catching the eye of a national audience with her fabric collage and creative stitching. This month her work will be featured in the Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington, DC, and at the Oxford Fine Arts Fair in Oxford, Maryland. In June she will be teaching at the Winslow Arts Center in Bainbridge, Washington. Her work has been exhibited and sold in galleries from Washington, DC to San Francisco and she has work in the permanent collection of the White House.

“Peter Hears a Noise,” by fabric artist Susan Schauer John who is exhibiting May 3-7 at the Smithsonian Craft Show and will be at the Oxford Fine Arts Fair in Oxford, Maryland May 19 – 21.

Schauer John has been an artist all her life. She was introduced to drawing, painting and sculpture at a young age by her father who was a renowned watercolorist. Educated in both the sciences and the arts, she received her bachelor of science in biology at Denison University and went on to receive a graduate education in the neurosciences at Princeton University, all the while studying the arts on the side. In the late 1980s, however, Susan turned her full attention to her art and has not looked back. She has had inspiration and recognition in many art forms, including woodturning, portraiture, and fiber arts.

“During COVID, I wanted to do something that I had never done before. I had my sewing machine on the third floor and thought, now that I’m home, I can spend a little time sewing. The first thing I did was to make some fun art quilts that I hung up,” she recalls.

Fiber artist Susan Schauer John who is featured in the Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington, DC on May 3 – 7, 2023.

“Then one day, I started to think about being in my 60s and whether my work was leaving any kind of legacy. I realized I needed to express myself in something that was just me. And it dawned on me that I love realism. I can do realism. I can sketch anything, and make it look like the real thing. But where I hadn’t grown in my art was in abstraction.”

Schauer John then decided to take a collage of fabrics, based on values from dark to light, that would maybe give her a chance to explore abstraction more, but still do what she liked to do – realism. This began her journey into her fabric art. Since she lives on the Chesapeake Bay, she decided to start with species of birds native to the region.

“One day I was looking out my window and saw a Merlin, which is in the falcon family, come down to my bird feeders and steal a bird and fly off with that bird. I found a photograph of a Merlin and asked the photographer if I could use it to draw from. From my drawing, I then laid down my cut cotton fabric shapes from light to dark to create value. And that’s where I finally was able to kind of force myself into doing some abstraction. The fabrics form the base of a collage. Once that is done, then then I start stitching with my sewing machine and go straight for realism. I use the thread as my painting/drawing form to put realism back into the work. When I’m stitching or thread painting, I think about it as if I’m doing colored pencil,” she explains.

“This medium puts everything together. It is a combination of abstract and realism.”

Quality is important to Schauer John as she uses high-quality cotton fabric and quality Italian cotton thread sourced from England. Sometimes she uses layers of batting to add depth to her work. She starts sewing from the middle of her fabric to be able to stitch out and not get big puckers in it. She states, “You have to start in the middle and radiate out, just like a stone that you throw in the water that ripples out.”

Some of the elements that are distinctive about Schauer John’s work are the realism in the eyes of her animals and the hidden surprises in each piece. In several of her recent pieces, she hid a Peter Rabbit using the fabric in a creative way for viewers to play “I Spy” when looking at her work. Because of the detail in each piece she creates, it can take up to a month to complete.

“Art is how I see the world, and what I see continues to evolve.”

Schauer John has studied with the exceptional figure painter and sculptor Robert Liberace and the talented realistic painter James Plumb. She is a member of the Portrait Society of America, and the Colored Pencil Society of America, and teaches art to adult students.

In its 41st year, the 2023 Smithsonian Craft Show will bring 120 artists from across the country to the National Building Museum for a five-day event, May 3 through 7, to be themed “Celebrating the American Spirit.” Produced by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, the annual event will showcase the work of contemporary American artists, including this year a selection of Native American and Indigenous artisans.

Representing all facets of contemporary craft and design, the Smithsonian Craft Show will include basketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art, and wood. The works will be for sale with collectors and shoppers able to find one-of-a-kind pieces at a wide range of prices.

To learn more about Susan Schauer John’s fiber artwork, visit sfsfiber.art or email [email protected], or call Susan Schauer John at 410-253-9131.

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Mid-Atlantic Tire Pros Offers First Car Care Clinic

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Helping people feel more confident while operating their vehicles has been on the mind of Terry John, the previous owner of Mid-Atlantic Tire Pros. He and his step-son Ben Ellison, who is now the owner of the business, thought it was about time to offer a car care clinic which did just that. John has had a heart for children and the community, organizing the Koats for Kids Coat Drive every year for the past 16 years.

Ben and Terry organized their first car care clinic for Girl Scouts who had just gotten their licenses and their mothers.  John developed a handout for participants on what to do in an emergency and the two used one of the company’s loaner vehicles as a demonstration car. Mid-Atlantic Tire Pros lead technician Cody Cahall provided the hands-on instruction.

“We realized pretty quickly that the scouts didn’t understand basic car care, so we showed them how to open the hood and explained how the engine works and what combustion is,” Ellison stated.

“We then covered how to fill the windshield washer fluid and coolant, and how to use jumper cables, including the new jump boxes. The moms got really engaged in the process and wanted to learn too. We want women to feel comfortable learning about cars in a male-oriented industry.”

Pictured back row, left to right, at a recent Mid-Atlantic Tire Pro car care clinic with Girl Scout Troop #289 are Terry John, the previous owner of Mid-Atlantic Tire Pros; Cody Cahall, master mechanic of Mid-Atlantic Tire Pros; Anna Sqwaja; Ben Ellison, owner of Mid- Atlantic Tire Pros; Christa Chesley, and Gwen Fike. Pictured front row kneeling, left to right, are Lori Hammond – Troop #289 Girl Scout Leader; Kate Adelman, Morgan Fike, Jessica Hammond, and Leslie Adelman.

Sprout supplied refreshments for participants and Mid-Atlantic Tire Pros gave them each a free entry-level car tool kit as part of the experience. Participants walked away with a basic knowledge of car care and some basic tools to help them as new drivers.

One of the mothers who participated in the car care clinic, Leslie Adelman, told Ellison that her daughter texted her a picture of herself jumping someone’s car battery in a local parking lot. Her text read, “Look what I am doing right now – helping a senior at a physical therapy office. Definitely feeling more confident after the car clinic!”

Another mother, Lori Hammond, added, “I think you offer a good course that people could benefit from in our community.”

Ellison learned that maybe if we made the clinic broader, people of all ages would want to participate by creating a comfortable welcoming atmosphere. He plans for Mid-Atlantic Tire Pros to offer a two-hour clinic quarterly for the general public covering basic car care, such as understanding dashboard lights, tire pressure, standard maintenance intervals, changing the oil, and managing emergencies.

Chesapeake Forum, which provides lifelong learning courses locally, has also approached Ellison about offering the course through its program.

“We would love to partner with other local businesses in offering the clinic to more people locally. This is about helping out the community by providing a knowledge base about car care. It makes me feel better personally with my wife and kids that my wife understands the car and how to handle emergencies in it. After we offered the car care clinic, the biggest key moment for me was realizing that this can be empowering for people,” Ellison comments.

For further information about upcoming car care clinics, contact Mid-Atlantic TirePros and Hybrid Shop, call 410-770-3337, or visit midatlantictire.com or visit its Facebook page.

Mid-Atlantic TirePros and Hybrid Shop in Easton is an independently owned and operated automotive repair shop, which also provides expert care for hybrid and electric vehicles.

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Earth Data Employees Volunteer with Habitat Choptank in Easton

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In addition to using high-tech tools in field-oriented water resources and geospatial consulting services, employees with Earth Data, Inc. in Centreville are rolling up their sleeves to use manual tools to help out the community through volunteer service. Earth Data employees recently participated with Habitat Choptank to help install siding on sheds for Habitat homes on Prospect Avenue in Easton. Habitat is currently building four houses on Prospect Avenue and five houses and one rehab in the Hill Neighborhood in Easton.

Back row, L-R: Jim Thomas, Site Supervisor for Habitat Choptank, Elijah Madron, Christine Kunkowski, Jackson Forrest, Ron McDonald, Travonte McCready, Site Supervisor for Habitat Choptank; Jennifer Marshall, and Aden Marshall. Front row, L-R: Shawn Stabile and Tina Wright.

“Working with local businesses like Earth Data is great because it lets more people know what we’re doing and allows them to build their team, working together as a team on site. So, I think it helps them and it helps us,” comments Jim Thomas, Site Supervisor for Habitat Choptank.

In addition to regular crews of volunteers during the week, Habitat Choptank utilizes crews on Saturdays where businesses, churches, and nonprofit groups can volunteer. The organization continues to build its volunteer corps since COVID.

“Volunteers are critical to helping us keep our homes affordable for the families we serve,” said JoAnn Hansen, Executive Director of Habitat Choptank. “The need for affordable housing just keeps growing, so volunteers like those from Earth Data help us meet the need and are so appreciated.”

Earth Data employee Jen Marshall spent the day learning more skills she can use at home with DIY projects. She adds, “In addition to learning new skills, I also like that I am helping the community.”

Christine Kunkowski, Office Manager at Earth Data, and Tina Wright, Administrative Assistant at Earth Data, who helped organize the volunteer day for employees, also made up an all-women’s team at the site. They, add, “It’s just fun just being out here knowing that you’re doing something great for the community and helping people to move into their new homes.”

Pictured left to right are Earth Data’s employees Ron McDonald and Jen Marshall with Jim Thomas, Site Supervisor with Habitat Choptank in the background.

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 more than 48 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 Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Haven Ministries’ Hope Warehouse Sponsors Art Auction

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Haven Ministries’ Hope Warehouse is having an Art Auction benefiting Haven Ministries on Friday, April 28, 2023 at Cascia Vineyard at 1200 Thompson Creek Road in Stevensville starting at 6 p.m.  Hope Warehouse offers used appliances, furniture, artwork, and building supplies for purchase in Queenstown. The sale of items at a reduced cost to the public support Haven Ministries’ other ministries in the community, including its homeless shelter, food pantry, street outreach, and resource center. The Art Auction, which will feature live and silent auctions featuring art donated by the community and local artists, will also offer lite fare and libations for guests.

Hope Warehouse often receives donations of all types of quality artwork and crafted pieces to sell to the public.  Occasionally, they receive original pieces of artwork which are more valuable.

According to Joni Melotti, Hope Warehouse Manager, and Lorraine Sincavage, Lead Volunteer, who are organizing the event, “It occurred to us that an art auction might be a great way to offer a fun experience while raising money to support Haven Ministries’ many outreach programs that help citizens in our community.  It also brings more attention to the presence of Hope Warehouse and Our Daily Thread and the quality donations we receive through both.”

Pictured left to right are Barbara Regalia, Lorraine Sincavage, Lead volunteer, and Joni Melotti, Warehouse Manager, holding a sampling of the artwork to be featured at Haven Ministries’ Hope Warehouse Art Auction on April 28.

“Additionally, we hope that we will gain more visibility as a charity to which members of our community can donate while also shining a light on our dedicated sponsors.  The donations of artwork from local artists for the auction also showcase the local talent we have in the area which helps the artists as well.   We are so appreciative of the generosity of our community and hope this event will expand our revenue and bring more visibility to the work of Haven Ministries in our community.”

Sponsors of the event to date include Cascia Vineyard, Kent Island Federation of Arts, and Queen Anne County Art Development. The following are sponsors who provide continued support of Haven Ministries: PNC Bank, Miltec Construction Services and Supplies, Inc., The Narrows, Judy Center Early Learning Hub, Marriage Miracles, Waterman Realty Company, Homeland Tile and Escrow, The Shore Update, Social Point Media and Marketing, What’s Up Media, Increte, and the Jacob Sloan Foundation.

Tickets for the Art Auction cost $30 in advance and include a glass of wine at the event. For further information or to buy tickets, visit haven-ministries.org or call 410-827-7194.

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.