Building African American Minds (BAAM), Inc. is thrilled to announce the official ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Academic Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance learning, creativity, and community engagement for youth and families. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 10 a.m.

The event will kick off at the BAAM Athletic Center with a special program featuring remarks from organizational leaders, community partners, and other distinguished guests. Following the ribbon cutting, attendees will have the opportunity to tour the Academic Center, gaining a first-hand look at the innovative spaces where BAAM students will learn, grow, and thrive during after-school and summer enrichment programs. The Academic Center will also serve as the new home of local private school, Polaris Village Academy.

“This new Academic Center represents a significant milestone in BAAM’s 20-year journey of empowering our youth and lifting our community from within,” said Dina Gomes Daly, Executive Director and BAAM co-founder. “It is more than just a building— it’s a space where learning, growth, and community come alive.”

The public is warmly invited to celebrate this momentous occasion, explore the new facility, and learn more about how BAAM is making a difference in the lives of students and families across the community.

Event Details:

• What: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for BAAM Academic Center

• When: Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 10 a.m.

• Where: BAAM Athletic Center (Program start), followed by tours of the Academic Center

For more information, please contact Dina Gomes Daly at 410-310-8984 or [email protected].

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About BAAM:
Building African American Minds (BAAM), Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to creating educational, social, and cultural opportunities for under-resourced youth and adults. Through programs focused on academic enrichment, personal growth, and community building, BAAM inspires and empowers the next generation of leaders. Learn more about BAAM at www.baaminc.org.

Delmarva Community Services (DCS) in Cambridge seeks compassionate people to serve as paid shelter monitors for the Dorchester County Cold Weather Shelter from December 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025, at the Salvation Army Site at 200 Washington Street in Cambridge. Weeknight and weekend evenings and overnight shifts are available.

To support the Cold Weather Shelter in Cambridge, the Cold Weather Shelter Committee is holding a 50/50 raffle fundraiser. Tickets are $5 each and are being sold at the Delmarva Community Action Center at 2450 Cambridge Beltway in Cambridge, the Chesapeake Grove Intergenerational Center at 108 Chesapeake Street in Cambridge, and the DCS Hurlock site at 6210 Shiloh/Church Hurlock Road in Hurlock. A drawing for the raffle winner will be held on Sunday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army Shelter Site at 200 Washington Street in Cambridge.

“DCS is partnering with the Salvation Army, the City of Cambridge, and Dorchester County community volunteers to provide this critical service during the winter months. Many of our neighbors in Dorchester County require the shelter’s support. We hope the community will help us make this happen by serving as a shelter monitor or buying a raffle ticket,” comments Michelle L. Nichols, Community Action Program Director, Delmarva Community Services, Inc.

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For further information contact Michelle Nichols at 410-901-2991 or [email protected].

Delmarva Community Services Inc. (DCS) is a multi-service organization founded in 1974 that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, seniors, and individuals living in poverty, as well as provides childcare and transportation services. Donations can be made at www.dcs.org by clicking the Give to DCS link. For services, please call 410-221-1900.

The Foundation of HOPE (Helping Others Prosper & Excel) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping middle school girls lead productive lives in their communities by providing cultural, social, and educational development.  On December 14th, the Foundation is hosting its Annual Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge to thank and celebrate its supporters.

The festivities, led by Master of Ceremonies Jordie Clark from ABC 47 WMDT, will kick off at 11:30 am, as guests network while looking for the perfect holiday gifts among a curated selection of silent auction items.   The auction will feature incredible items from Piazza Italian Market, Nelson Coleman Jewelers, La De Da, Rise Up Coffee, a stainless-steel grill from Lowe’s and many more.

Attendees will then enjoy a delicious lunch, followed by a presentation by the Foundation of HOPE’s President, Keasha Haythe.  Haythe will give supporters an update on the educational opportunities made possible for this year’s participants in the Foundation’s Economic Development and Empowerment Program.  

Three local organizations – APG Media of the Chesapeake Women to Watch, Easton Middle School, and Women Who Care Talbot County – will receive much-deserved recognition for their program support.  In addition, Haythe will share the latest developments in the Foundation’s HOPE Center building project.  Guests will also hear from this year’s Foundation of HOPE scholarship recipients, Kaleigh Hammond and Mikayla Gibson. 

Finally, guests will have the opportunity to hear from keynote speaker, Dr. Trudy Hall, the Chief Medical Officer at TidalHealth and member of the Foundation of HOPE Board of Directors.  Dr. Hall has known she wanted to care for people since she was six years old.  While she was in medical school, her father underwent a serious medical emergency, and his recovery led her to choose physical medicine and rehabilitation as her specialty.  Dr. Hall finds her new role as Chief Medical Officer incredibly rewarding, as it allows her to positively affect thousands of patients at a time.  The Foundation looks forward to Dr. Hall’s inspiring words.

Tickets for this heartwarming community event are on sale now.  Those wishing to attend can register online at foundationofhopemaryland.org/annual-luncheon.

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About the Foundation of HOPE

The Foundation of HOPE (Helping Others Prosper & Excel) was founded by Keasha Haythe, a 23-year economic development veteran.  Haythe developed the Economic Development and Empowerment Program to teach young girls important soft skills that prepare them for academic and career success.  During the 16-week program, girls explore a variety of topics, including the importance of education, job readiness skills, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and more.  The course culminates with a graduation event, where students present vision boards expressing their plans for the future.

To learn more about the Foundation of HOPE and how you can help local girls become the community leaders of tomorrow, visit foundationofhopemaryland.org or contact Keasha Haythe at [email protected].

Talbot County is pleased to announce the promotion of Joseph Hughes as its new Director of Corrections, succeeding retiring Director Terry Kokolis. After an extensive and impactful career, Director Kokolis is stepping down, leaving the department in the capable hands of Hughes.

Joseph Hughes began his career in corrections in 1995 as an entry-level correctional officer at the Dorchester County Detention Center. During his 22-year tenure there, he advanced to the role of shift supervisor, overseeing a range of programs, including work initiatives, re-entry, and the classification of incarcerated individuals. In 2021, he joined the Talbot County Detention Center as an Administrative Captain, working under Director Kokolis. In 2023, Hughes was promoted to Deputy Director, preparing him for his current role as Director.

“This promotion is a well-deserved recognition of his commitment, leadership, and expertise,” said County Manager Clay Stamp. “We are confident Joe will continue to lead our corrections team with integrity and a focus on safety and rehabilitation.”

When asked about his new role, Hughes shared, “The most rewarding aspect of our profession is knowing that what we do makes a positive impact on the lives of both those who are incarcerated and our staff. It’s fulfilling to see past incarcerated individuals express their gratitude for the positive changes in their lives and to know I’ve played a role in mentoring new officers.”

Reflecting on his career, Hughes credits Director Kokolis as a significant influence. “Throughout my career, I have had the privilege to learn from some excellent leaders, but Director Kokolis stands out. His vast knowledge and experience in corrections has been invaluable in shaping my approach as an administrative leader, beyond day-to-day operations.”

Talbot County Council President Chuck Callahan emphasized the importance of corrections in keeping the community safe. “Our corrections department is a big part of keeping Talbot County safe,” said Callahan. “By helping people get back on track and supporting our officers, corrections makes a difference. I know Joe will do a great job leading this team.”

Hughes is also an advocate for various correctional programs that provide incarcerated individuals with new skills, helping them re-enter society as productive citizens. “Programs give individuals the tools they need to succeed. It’s crucial that we continue to support and expand these initiatives,” he emphasized.

Ultimately, Hughes’ philosophy centers on treating everyone with compassion, respect, and professionalism. “Throughout my career, I have always followed one simple rule: treat everyone like human beings. We should strive to be compassionate, respectful, and professional at all times,” he shared.

As he takes on this leadership role, Talbot County looks forward to continued growth, innovation, and excellence in its correctional services under Joseph Hughes’ guidance. To learn more about the Department of Corrections, visit talbotcountymd.gov/corrections.

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About Talbot County Department of Corrections
The Department of Corrections provides for the public safety by the detention and confinement of arrestees, pretrial detainees and convicted offenders in safe and secure facilities; monitors alternatives to incarceration; and prepares incarcerated individuals for community reentry.