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July 7, 2022

Cambridge Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Cambridge Community

News News Notes

Community Reading: Frederick Douglass’s “What to the Slave is the 4th of July?”

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The Frederick Douglass Honor Society is pleased to announce their annual community reading of Frederick Douglass’s historic address “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” on Saturday, July 9, starting at 11 a.m. in front the Talbot County Court House, 11 North Washington Street, Easton, Maryland.

Frederick Douglass was thirty-four years old when he delivered this riveting and concise speech at the newly constructed Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York. On July 5, he stood in front of six hundred abolitionists, all invited by the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society, in 1852, nine years before the start of the Civil War.

“What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” was written at a point in time when the country was strongly debating the matters of slavery. Throughout Frederick Douglass’s speech he spoke about the contradictions between the reality of slavery and the contentions of a just society defined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Just one day following the country’s celebration of freedom, Douglass implored his audience to contemplate the endless oppression of the enslaved.

“The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me, “Douglass said. “The sunlight that brought life and healing to you, has brought stripes and death to me. This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must morn.” The Fourth of July, he said, “is a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is a constant victim.”

A newspaper noted that when Douglass finished his stirring speech and was seated, “there was a universal applause”. His words stimulated deep thoughts, showed falseness, and addressed a call to action, “Not light is needed, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake.” His speech received such an overwhelming validation that over seven hundred copies were sold for fifty cents each or $6 for one hundred copies.

“It is an honor to host more than fifty members of our community, as we read “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”. More than two hundred years after his birth, Frederick Douglass’s words continue to resonate through our daily challenges and continuous fight for freedom for all people. Elizabeth Cady Stanton wrote in 1895, “Frederick Douglass is not dead! His grand character will long be an object lesson in our national history; his lofty sentiments of liberty, justice and equality… must influence and inspire many coming generations!”, said Brenda Wooden, President, Frederick Douglass Honor Society. The Community Reading is free and open to the public.

The Frederick Douglass Honor Society is dedicated to developing programs that continue the Douglass legacy of human rights, education, personal growth and involvement of citizens. For more information about the Community Reading or the organization, please visit us on the Frederick Douglass Honor Society Facebook Page or online at www.FrederickDouglassHonorSociety.com.

Edith Ramirez Joins Mid-Shore Pro Bono as Community Outreach and Communication Coordinator

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Edith Ramirez

Edith Ramirez of Greensboro, Md. has recently joined the Easton office of Mid-Shore Pro Bono as the Community Outreach and Communications Coordinator.

Her responsibilities include raising awareness about Mid-Shore Pro Bono’s civil legal services to individuals in need throughout the Eastern Shore, and to donors interested in forwarding the nonprofit’s mission.

Ramirez is bilingual in English and Spanish. She most recently worked in customer service in Dover, Del., and is a graduate of North Caroline High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society.

“Learning about resources available in our community has always been important to me, especially growing up as the daughter of a single, immigrant mother,” says Ramirez. “I’m passionate about helping to provide an equal chance to underserved individuals and families in my new role.”

“Edith is a pleasure to work with,” said Mid-Shore Pro Bono Executive Director Meredith Lathbury Girard, Esq. “Her experiences bring warmth to our clients and earnestness to our communications. We’re especially grateful to have her among our other interpreters so that we can make a difference in the lives of clients from different cultures.”

Mid-Shore Pro Bono delivers a mission of helping Maryland’s Eastern Shore residents obtain access to legal assistance, with offices in Easton, Chestertown, and Salisbury, with more at www.midshoreprobono.org.

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.

Spy Reminder: Last Day to Register for Maryland Primary is June 28

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The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) reminds those who wish to register to vote, change party affiliation, and update their address before the 2022 Primary Election that the deadline to do so is Tuesday, June 28.

Those using the online registration system must submit their completed voter registration application to register, change party affiliation, or update their address by 11:59 p.m. on June 28. To ensure applications are completed and received by 11:59 p.m., SBE advises voters to access the online system no later than 11:50 p.m. on June 28. Those who prefer not to register to vote online may print the registration form (English version and Spanish version) and submit it at the office of their local board of elections by 5 p.m. on June 28 or return it by mail. Registration forms returned by mail must be postmarked by June 28.

Voters may also register to vote in-person during early voting and on Primary Election Day, July 19. Early voting runs from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Thursday, July 7 and continuing through Thursday, July 14. Voters can register to vote and vote early at any early voting center in the county in which they reside. A complete list of early voting centers for the Primary Election is available online.

Voters wishing to register to vote and vote in person on Primary Election Day – July 19 – can do so at their polling place.

Voters who wish to cast their ballots by mail or via one of Maryland’s 288 ballot drop boxes must request a mail-in ballot from the State Board of Elections or their local board of elections. Requests for a mail-in ballot for the Primary Election must be received by July 12, 2022.

Each of Maryland’s 288 ballot boxes are available for use until July 19 at 8 p.m. Voters can return their mail-in ballots using any official ballot box in their county of residence. A complete list of ballot box locations is available online.

The local boards of elections continue to look for voters to serve as election judges. Interested voters can learn more and apply here.

CAN’s Notes on the City Commission Meeting: Should Poplar Street turn into One-way Street?

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The Cambridge City Council Meeting of June 21, 2022 was a dual meeting.  The first part from 6:00 pm to 7:10 pm was a Council meeting and the second part from 7:10 pm to 7:35 pm was a budget workshop on the FY23 Budget. 

Council Meeting:

The Council Meeting centered on Ordinances that needed to be passed, as follows:

1 .Contract for Cornish Park Basketball Courts resurfacing – $20,500 approved 5/0

  1. Contract for Bayly Road Sidewalk Project – $152,600 approved 5/0
  2. Ordinance to approve the City Budget, as amended – approved 5/0
  3. Ordinance to set the City Tax rate, approved 5/0
  4. Ordinance to purchase 601 Chesapeake Court for $537,500, approved 5/0
  5. Ordinance to sell 700 Philips St to Groove City Black Heritage & Culture group for $3,535.  Approved 5/0
  6. Ordinance to repeal Ordinance #s 881,882 and 934 regarding the by-laws of the Historic Preservation Committee, approved 5/0
  7. Ordinance to require real estate contracts in the Historic District should state that exterior improvements are subject to approval by HPC.  Approved 5/0
  8. Ordinance that allows the Planning Commission to deviate from the Sign Program in Cambridge, Approved 5/0

The Council then went into a lengthy discussion led by Commissioner Roche about turning Poplar St. into a one-way street on a pilot basis.  The idea is to extend the side walk on the RAR side by 10 feet and set up Jersey barriers to project the people.  There would be no parking on Poplar St.  The street would be one way going from the Gay St./Race St. intersection to the High St. intersection. 

In addition, all traffic lights would be removed at that intersection and the High St./Glasgow intersection.  All the Commissioners were in favor of the idea; however both Commissioners Cephas wanted to contact business owners and making any amendments before voting on the issue.  The subject was then opened to public and 4 businesses testified and all were against the pilot.  After more discussion the pilot was passed 3/2.  

The final item of the Council meeting concerned the upcoming Mayoral election.  The City Manager had hoped to get the timeline started this week but due to difficulties with the contract it will have to be delayed two weeks which puts the election in the middle of August.  

Other news that came out doing the meeting:

  1. 3 new police recruits graduated from the Police Academy
  2. Council members toured the Hearn building which a contactor wants to turn into 53 one and two bedroom apartments 
  3. The Mill St. School has a developer who wants to convert the school into 8 luxury apartments and 10 townhouses on the back lot.

Public Comment:

  1. Charles McFadden spoke on the budget to make 4 points:
    1. The Council is raising salaries in an inverse order – more for the lower level employees, less for the top.  This gives the lowest level worker in DPW a $4,384 annual raise and the head of DPW a $3,336 raise.  This is the third time in the past 5 years this approach has been taken causing a salary compression within the organization,  Recommended a $40,000 wage study to be done.
    2. Requested that the Council provide funding for Council President Cephas  Gun Violence task force to start any recommendations 
    3. Requested a review of all the ARPA funds targeted to non-profits.  $500,000 in FY22 and $1,250,000 in FY23.  Thinks the numbers should be reduced to fund fire equipment and fix up Old City Hall.
    4. Recommended the Council set up a Marina Committee to proposed solutions to the complex problems the marina is facing.
  2. A woman spoke (did not get the name) and requested that the Council not spend $537,500 for the Chesapeake Court property and use the money elsewhere. 

The Council Meeting was adjourned at 7:10 and then the Council went immediately into the budget work section.

The City manager wanted to make 5 amendments to the draft budget based on comments from the Commissioners at the last budget meeting, they are:

  1. $50,000 for the Police department for the Spot Shooter program

  2. Increasing Community Policing by $100,000 but postponing that expenditure until FY 24 so it would be a two year effort.

  3. Spend $200,000 to stabilized City Hall so it would not fall down, estimate to refurbish it is about $5 million

  4. Take $200,000 from the $500,000 economic development budget and target it for Cambridge Harbor development

  5. An additional $30,000 was allocated for wages and a wage/classification study.

All items were approved 5/0 without discussion

The City manager then introduced the 4 business funds as follows:

  1. The New Special Projects fund, $13.3 million.  This fund is an accumulation of all the grants the City receives and has dozens of projects from sidewalk repair to the $6 million in ARPA funds that the City received from the Federal government.  There is a long list including dozens of projects that will use the ARPA funds.  Approved 5/0 with no questions asked.

  2. The Sanitary Sewer Fund, $4.7 million.  Two questions from Council on when construction will start on the sewer problem on Water St. – answer about 18 months and when will the construction start on the Trenton St. pumping station – answer 18 months. Fund approved 5/0

  3. MUC, $2.6 million, Approved 5/0, no questions asked

  4. The Marina Fund, $681.500, approved 5/0 no questions asked.

Commissioner Roche asked for $100,000 for two traffic circles, raised crosswalks and signs. Approved 5/0

The Council did not allow any public comments at this meeting, although they did at the last budget work session (unsure why).

Meeting adjourned at 7:35.  

Notes prepared by Charles McFadden, President, CAN

Chrissy Aull and Beth Brewster Receive 2022 Women & Girls Fund Annual Awards

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Chrissy Aull, Founder and Head of School (Retired), Wye River Upper School, is the recipient of the 2022 Women & Girls Fund Award.

The Women & Girls Fund of the Mid-Shore has announced Chrissy Aull, of Queenstown, and Beth Brewster, of Denton, are the 2022 recipients of the Women & Girls Fund and Sheryl V. Kerr Awards, respectively.

“Our annual awards are special because they shine a spotlight on individuals, often unsung heroes, who are making a difference in our communities.  We want the recipients to know their inspiring work, either personal or professional, is recognized, valued, and improving the lives of Mid-Shore women and girls,” said Kathy Deoudes, president of the Women & Girls Fund Board of Directors.

Chrissy Aull received the 2022 Women & Girls Fund Award for her efforts in co-founding the Wye River Upper School (WRUS) to educate bright high school students with learning differences.  Based on a shared personal need for an appropriate high school experience for their young adult sons, she and co-founder Patricia McGlannan, of Tilghman, opened the school in 2002 with nine students, three teachers, and two staff members on the campus of Chesapeake College.

Establishing the school was not without challenges, and Beth Spurry, former WRUS board member and current Women & Girls Fund board member, recalled, “At every point in the founding and development of WRUS, when it appeared there was ‘no way this will work’, Chrissy did impossible things through her positive attitude and compassion.  She never took no for an answer.  It’s a remarkable story and look where the school is now!”

Wye River Upper School grew to 57 students from as many as nine Maryland counties and Delaware while Mrs. Aull’s served as Founding Head of School from 2002 until her retirement in 2020.  The school offers a wide range of curricular options, including an impressive digital and mechanical tools space, and extra-curricular offerings including interscholastic sports, theatre, and off-campus experiential learning.

In 2010 the school purchased the Centreville Maryland National Guard Armory as its permanent campus.  Mrs. Aull led a successful capital campaign to raise over $5 million dollars to complete a total renovation of the historic structure.  During her tenure, the school awarded an average of $150,000 annual financial aid to enable deserving students to attend.

The Women & Girls Fund Award was established by the board in 2004 to recognize a community member who, through their body of professional work or volunteer experience, exemplifies the Fund’s mission.  The shared traits among recipients are vision, integrity, compassion, and generosity of time and talent, which demonstrates a commitment to improving the lives and opportunities of women, girls, and families.  This award is publicized in all five counties, and nominations are accepted from the public.

Previous recipients of the award are the following women of distinction:  Lois S. Duffey, Harriet S. Critchlow, Sandra W. King, Maria Boria, M.D., Sr. Patricia Gamgort, OSB, Tracy Davenport, Sandra Redd, Sara Jane Davidson, The Hon. Karen Murphy Jensen, Kathleen Francis, Maureen Jacobs, Janet Pfeffer, Joy Price, Nancy Wilson, Mary Lou McAllister, Diana Mautz, Kathy Weaver, Ellen Rajacich, Susan Stockman, Krista Pettit, Carlene Wilson, and Julie Lowe.

Beth Brewster, Founder of the Chesapeake Culinary Center and Director of Food Services for Caroline County Public Schools, received the 2022 Grayce B. Kerr Award.

Beth Brewster received the 2022 Sheryl V. Kerr Award for her accomplishments as the driving force at the Chesapeake Culinary Center (CCC) in Denton, which she founded in 2005. The center’s focus is on job training, youth education, and economic development in Caroline County, critical issues in the area Mrs. Brewster recognized needed to be addressed.

In partnership with the Caroline County Public Schools, Town of Denton, Caroline County Government, and other organizations, CCC undertook the rehabilitation of the original Caroline County high school building, built in 1901.

The old building has been retrofitted with classrooms, training kitchens, and a retail store featuring local products.  The building lends itself to be a community kitchen incubator for farmers to create added value products and promote small food-based businesses entrepreneurship.  It also houses the Caroline Career and Technology Center’s culinary arts class allowing high school students to gain a job skill as well as a variety of community programs.

For many years, Mrs. Brewster has offered “The Dinner Party”, an after-school program for at-risk students, and “Cooking Matters”, a program to teach lower income families how to cook and shop on a budget.  She leads “Farm to Freezer”, an in-house project capable of preserving up 20,000 pounds of local produce to serve all year.

Caroline Curbside Market is CCC’s newest project.  A specially outfitted van – “Sho Go Mobile” – follows a busy weekday schedule traveling to food scarce areas of Caroline County to bring residents with mostly local fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat at deeply discounted prices.

Mrs. Brewster’s tireless efforts at CCC – in addition to her “day job” as Caroline County Public School’s Supervisor of Food Services – have earned her town, county, state, and national awards.  She is legendary for her vision and innovation.  Says Women & Girls Fund board member, Kathy Bosin, “Beth is one of the brightest stars on Delmarva.”

Established in 2015 with a grant from the Grayce B. Kerr Fund, the Sheryl V. Kerr Award can be given to an individual or organization.  Recipients are identified and selected through an internal board review process that recognizes exceptional community outreach or work that aligns with strategic goals of the Women & Girls Fund.  The late Shery Kerr, a philanthropist and vice-president of the Grayce B. Kerr Fund, was a proponent of women empowering women, which is hallmark of the Sheryl V. Kerr Award.

Previous distinguished recipients of the award are Maria D’Arcy, Estela Ramirez, Cheryl Hughes, Robbin Hill, Debbye Jackson, Peggy and John Ford, and Leslie Bishop.

For further information or to download a 2023 Women & Girls Fund Award nomination form, visit www.womenandgirlsfund.org or call 410-770-8347.

CBMM to Host Volunteer Interest Meetings

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Photo by George Sass

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Md., has planned a set of upcoming volunteer interest meetings to welcome more members to its volunteer team. Volunteer roles include opportunities with guided tours and programs, exhibitions and collections, caring for CBMM’s grounds and gardens, on-the-water and dockside with its Floating Fleet and working Shipyard, and more.

Scheduled for Saturday, July 16, from noon–1pm; 2–3pm on Tuesday, Sept. 13; and again from noon–1pm on Saturday, Nov. 12, the public is invited to learn more about how they can participate in the Chesapeake Bay region’s communities with CBMM in a variety of roles.

Through behind-the-scenes and public-facing work, CBMM volunteers contribute their time, talents, and experience to help our guests make personal connections to the history, environment, and culture of the Chesapeake. These virtual meetings are designed for adults and teens interested in joining CBMM’s volunteer team.

CBMM’s Volunteer Program engages community members to participate in its mission to make the Chesapeake Bay available and accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities. CBMM fosters a collaborative environment where volunteers are empowered to participate and grow and is committed to making volunteering and community participation accessible to people of all backgrounds and experiences.

“Volunteering is one of the many ways that you can participate in your community and make a difference,” said CBMM’s Volunteer & Education Manager Concetta Gibson. “Interest Meetings are a great way to learn about CBMM and see if we’re a good fit for your volunteer experience. Whether you’d like to meet new people, pursue your interests and hobbies, or learn new skills, there can be a place for you here.”

Registration is free and required at bit.ly/CBMMVolunteerInterest. Applications for those already interested in volunteering with CBMM can be found at cbmm.org/support/volunteer.

MDOT SHA to Begin Rehabilitation Work on MD 14 Bridge Over Marshyhope Creek in Dorchester County

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The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will begin a bridge rehabilitation project next month to improve safety and reliability on the 91-year-old MD 14/Brookview Bridge (Rhodesdale Eldorado Road) over Marshyhope Creek in Dorchester County.

The work will consist of deck patching, waterproofing, milling and paving the existing bridge, necessitating a closure of the bridge, with detours. To perform the work, crews will close MD 14 for 300 feet on both sides of the bridge, starting Monday, July 11.  Motorists will be directed to take the following posted detour routes:

  • From southbound MD 313 (Eldorado Road) – take westbound MD 392 (Harrison Ferry Road) to southbound MD 331 (Hurlock-Rhodesdale Road) to MD 14 (Rhodesdale-Eldorado Road).
  • From northbound MD 14 (Rhodesdale-Eldorado Road) – take northbound MD 331 (Hurlock-Rhodesdale Road) to MD eastbound 392 (Harrison Ferry Road) to MD 313 (Sharptown Road).

Traffic will be detoured beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, July 11, and the detour will remain in effect until 3 p.m. Monday August 8. MDOT SHA will make every attempt to minimize disruptions, however, area residents may notice some dust and noise during construction. MDOT SHA’s contractor, Covington Machine and Welding Inc., of Annapolis, will perform the work.

MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews, as well as our customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving, and look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes. Please driave like you work here and slow down in construction zones.

For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.

From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders.  MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties. 

Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore Reveals New Learning Center Design

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Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore (JA), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland, recently unveiled renderings that feature the design of their new interactive learning center. The ‘Perdue Henson Junior Achievement Center’ is now in the early phases of construction with anticipated delivery by Fall 2023. Located within Oak Ridge Commons, the center will fill the 25,000+ square foot unit formerly occupied by Kmart at the 300-block of Tilghman Road in Salisbury, Maryland.

Gillis Gilkerson (GGI) and Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. (DBF) have formed a team that is responsible for the design and construction of the center. The state of the art facility is expected to serve 10,000+ students across the Delmarva Peninsula, annually. In partnership with local school systems, the experimental learning center will support Junior Achievement’s mission to improve financial literacy, workplace readiness, and entrepreneurial skills amongst our region’s youth.

With hands-on learning as the core strategy for delivering real-world scenarios to students, this unique adaptive reuse project will transform the vacancy into a “mock city” – one that simulates the day-to-day functions of adult life. This portion of the facility will feature a large, open area complete with eighteen interactive storefronts that serve to encourage career exploration. Students will also have access to a learning lab with interactive monitors and other technology used to explore career paths and their associated education requirements.

As you enter the front of the building, the lobby space will feature an exhibit wall recognizing the facility’s generous donors as well as a display spotlighting the history of the Junior Achievement organization. From this entrance, the office and boardroom portion of the center will be accessible for JA staff and visitors. Other areas of the center will be dedicated to outdoor learning and the hosting of events.

“Designing the center as it was envisioned by JA has been a truly rewarding experience. The center was collaboratively designed with the overall goal of enriching education, reinforcing connections between students and their local communities, and fostering positive student experiences,” said DBF Architect Project ManagerPayton Bridge, AIA.

As a whole, Junior Achievement operates on a national level, reaching over 3-million students per year. With a sincere commitment to providing our country’s youth with the knowledge and skills needed to create their own success, Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore opens this center backed by the full support of the Delmarva community.

“It’s truly an honor to have been selected as the construction team for this project. We are beyond excited to play a role in the transformation of this space, helping it to become a community asset for years to come,” said GGI Vice President Tyler Barnes. “Junior Achievement makes a lasting impact on our community. The guidance and examples their initiatives provide to our youth are critical throughout the Eastern Shore and beyond.”

Pride Festival Set for Easton June 17th and June 18th

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The Delmarva Pride Center (DPC) is a community service organization dedicated to creating a positive environment inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities. DPC’s vision is that all people, regardless of gender expression or sexual orientation, are embraced as worthy members of the Delmarva community. DPC is thrilled to bring our community together to celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion with the first-ever Delmarva Pride Festival 2022! The weekend is jam-packed with exciting events: a free legal clinic, drag show dance party, street festival with live entertainment, over 50 vendors, face painting, brunch, and more. Come out next weekend to Downtown Easton on June 17-19th to join in all the fun!

Friday, June 17th, from 2 PM to 6 PM, FreeState Justice will be hosting a free LGBTQ+ legal clinic at the Talbot County Democratic Headquarters located at 316 East Dover Street. Following the clinic at 7 PM, a drag show will take off at the Hummingbird Inn. Delmarva’s legendary Queen, Miranda Bryant, and her beautiful team are excited to give us a drag performance that’s divine and one of a kind! There will be a cash bar and a dance party after the show! This event is for 18+, and tickets are sold out but keep your eyes out for our next show.

Saturday, June 18th, from 11 AM to 3 PM, we will celebrate Delmarva Pride on Harrison Street in downtown Easton! The festival is family-friendly, free and open to the public. There will be a main stage outside the Avalon Theater with talented live entertainment, comedy, drag, and music, over 50 vendors, and a children’s corner with face painting and arts and crafts activities. 

Sunday, June 19th, from 10 AM to 1 PM, we will close out Pride weekend with a Charity Brunch at the Hummingbird Inn with a food buffet and drinks provided by the local Chesapeake Culinary Center. Brunch tickets are $20, and children under 12 are free. Tickets are still available and can be found at www.delmarvapridecenter.com.

DPC currently holds LGBTQ+ socials that are scheduled 1 to 2 times a month and hosts a transgender and gender expression support group meeting every third Tuesday of each month. We invite you to join our Delmarva LGBTQ+ Social and Delmarva Gender Expression Movement Facebook groups. All members of the community and allies are welcome. We are open to any questions, or if you would like to know more about us, feel free to contact us by email at board@delmarvapridecenter.com or FB Messenger at Delmarva Pride Center.

DPC depends on the generosity and support of the community to have events like these and appreciates all donations and sponsorships that have been graciously given. Our goal is to open a brick-and-mortar Pride Center and serve our community by providing inclusive events, support, outreach, education, and a sense of in-person community for all gender expressions and sexual orientations.