From the September - October 2006 Issue
Anderson Elected Vice Chairman Of NAACP Region
In a stunning turn of events at the NAACP National Convention Kent County Branch President, Timothy Anderson upset long time Howard County President and Maryland State Conference President Jenkins Odoms Jr. to seize the Region VII Vice- Chairmanship. He will begin as Vice-Chairman of the Maryland, D.C. and Virginia Region in 2007 and serve a one year term.The Kent County Branch had a delegation of six included among the five thousand at this years convention in Washington D.C. It helped to gain the adoption of two resolutions: one concerning the escalating cost of fossil fuel and the other on full financial support of Medicaid. Both are now official policies of the NAACP National Office and will be lobbied for in Congress.
In other news Don Cash Sr. of Baltimore won a landslide victory over two term National Board of Director member Marjorie "Marge" Green. He is President of the United Food and Commercial Workers Minority Coalition and founder of Faces of Our Children, a non profit organization fighting sickle cell disease. Cash won by a count of 127 to 62 and his term will last three years. These election results show a strong desire for change in the NAACP leadership.
Trump Apprentice Randal Pinkett Speaks In Vienna
The first Black Apprentice has relatives on The Shore
Donald Trump Apprentice, Dr. Randal Pinkett was the speaker at the Wesley UnitedMethodist church Homecoming Service in Vienna, MD on September 3, 2006. It turns out that the PhD who made history becoming the first African American to win on The Apprentice last season, has relatives on The Shore including his grandmother, Avious Pinkett, who lives in San Domingo. Dr. Pinkett has established himself as an entrepreneur, speaker, author, scholar and community servant. He is the Co-founder, President and CEO of BCT Partners, a multimillion dollar management, technology and policy consulting firm in Newark, NJ, as well as an executive with Trump Entertainment Resorts in Atlantic City, NJ.
Dr. Pinkett holds five Chesterton academic degrees including a BS in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers U. in NJ, that he completed with a 3.9 GPA; Master of Science in Computer Science from Oxford U. in Kent England as a Rhodes Scholar and a MS in Electrical Engineering, a MBA, and a PhD from MIT. Born in Philadelphia, PA, as the son of the Late Leslie Pinkett and Elizabeth Pinkett, and raised in East Windsor, NJ. Pinkett resides in Somerset, NJ, with his wife, Zahara Wadud-Pinkett.
Outstanding Achiever: Sarah Bynum King
Town Manager of Delmar, Maryland and Delaware SE
Our Outstanding Achiever for this issue is Sara Bynum King the first Black Town Manager of Delmar Maryland and Delaware and the only African American to head a city or town administration on The Shore. She was appointed to the post in May 2002 after serving as the acting town manager since January 2002 when the previous town manager retired. The 18 year veteran of the town's administration has been the towns' grants administrator and assistant town manager. As Town Manager, Bynum-King serves Delmar, Delaware and Delmar, Maryland. She answers to both town mayors and the joint town council.The town of Delmar has had tremendous growth during her career there. Although the 2000 US Census has the town's population at 3,266 (1,407 in DE and 1,859 in MD), the area has grown dramatically by annexations and developments. The Town has annexed East of US 13 and to the South. A major commercial park is being developed to the South and a Saturn dealership, medical clinic, and Holiday Inn Express have been built along US 13. A new shopping center is being built at US 13 and State Line that will have a Walgreens in it.
A new Rite Aid has already opened at the same intersection. Wood Creek Golf Community has added some 220 homes, while Breckenridge has added some 70 homes. Yorkshire Estates (DE) is adding some 250 homes, and Pond's Edge will build some 268 homes. Bynum-King is meeting the challenge of keeping up with all this development and expanding the infrastructure to serve the growth. She is past president of the Coastal Community Housing, Resources Board and the financial officer for Grow In Grace Worship Center. She attended Delaware State University.
A native of Delmar, Bynum-King is the daughter of Samuel and Barbara Bynum of Delmar. She and her husband, Kevin, live just outside Delmar, MD with their daughter.
Asparagus Seeks Talbot Circuit Court Judgeship
Easton native, Jo Ann Asparagus is seeking to become the first African American circuit court judge in Maryland Eastern Shore history as she runs for the Talbot County Circuit Court Judge seat in the upcoming elections. She is an Attorney and has already made history as the first and only African American to serve as Domestic Relations Master in the State Judicial System on the Shore. Asparagus serves as the Domestic Relations Master for the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court of the State covering Talbot, Caroline, Kent and Queen Anne's Counties. The Attorney was appointed to the post in 1996. Ms. Asparagus also has the distinction of being elected president of the Talbot County Board of Education of which she is still a member.Born in Salisbury, :MD to James and Barbara Dashiell, Jo Ann migrated to Talbot County with her parents and two siblings at age six. She earned her undergraduate degree from Lincoln U. in PA, her Masters of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, and her Juris Doctorate Degree from Duquesne U. in Pittsburgh.
Asparagus returned to The Shore and worked as an Assistant State's Attorney and a staff attorney for the Office of the Public Defender. She worked with the Legal Aid Bureau in Salisbury and Centerville, MD ultimately becoming a Chief Attorney at the Upper Shore Office. She has also had a private law practice. Active in her community, Ms. Asparagus is not only on the Talbot County Board of Education, but a Life Member of the NAACP and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and New St. Johns United Methodist Church in Wittman, MD. She has served as trustee for the Country School in Easton and the Delmarva Peninsula United Methodist Conference and on the Talbot County Democratic Central Committee. The recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, Jo Ann is married to Vernon D. Murray, Sr. and resides in McDaniel, :MD with him and their son.
Election Special
MD Statewide Races Include Several African Americans
MD Statewide Races Include Several African Americans
 Lt. Gov. Michael Steele |
 Kweisi Mfume |
 Stuart Simms |
Several Black Candidates Vie For Offices In Talbot County
The campaigns in Talbot County include a number of African American candidatesFamily Court Judge Ann Asparagus is seeking to become the first African American to serve as Circuit Court Judge on the Shore.
Black town council woman Moonyene Jackson-Amis of Easton failed in an attempt to get enough signatures to be on the ballot for State Senate against Richard Colburn but will run as a write-in candidate in the November elections.
 James "Kenny" Camper |
Talbot County native and Talbot Bank and Trust employee Gloria Y. Farrare is running for the District 1 seat on the Talbot County School Board. James "Kenny" Camper is a native of Talbot county who lives in Trappe. He wants to assure that Talbot County citizens know more abut the importance of wills and estates. He also leads the Talbot County Branch of the NAACP effort to elect more African Americans to public office. A graduate of Morgan State D., Camper was a career military officer, then worked in the fast food industry and was a fast food entrepreneur for 15 years. A retiree now, he has been heavily involved with the American Legion Post #77 and the NAACP branch. Kenny and his wife, Marva, have been married 46 years and have three children. The couple has acquired properties in Baltimore, Ocean City, Prince George's County, and Talbot County during the last 32 years.
 Corey W. Pack |
 Gloria Y. Farrare |
Jackson-Amis Vies For State Senate Dist. 37
 Moonyene Jackson-Amis |
"For me, Jackson-Amis continues, those configurations are simply a means to an end. My political loyalties lie instead with those people in the community who want - and in my opinion, deserve the right to live in a safe community, with open access to a sound education, affordable housing, affordable health care, equitably distributed, well delivered public services, and who seek to participate in the economy through holding a job or starting a business. All of my commitments in my public life lie with those parties".
Jackson-Amis, in her second elected term as Easton Town Council member wants to expand the delivery of services and access to opportunities for residents of Talbot, Dorchester, Caroline and Wicomico Counties, in the Maryland Senate. Jackson-Amis, earned her Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall U. School of law. Besides state and federal courts, she is admitted to practice before the US Supreme Court. She earned a Masters Degree in Science from Syracuse U. and a BS Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Emerson College.
Moonyene Jackson-Amis, Elected Official, Lawyer, Speech Pathologist, teacher, non-profit leader and story teller, specializing in the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, has served in several state-wide legislative positions, including MD Municipal League's Legislative Committee. She has received numerous awards including 2003 Women in Government Excellence Award from Maryland Women for Responsive Government, the Excellence in leadership award from Talbot County Branch NAACP, and 2004 Maryland African American Preservation Award for her initiative to build the Frederick Douglass monument in Easton. She is a Silver Star, plus in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and active the Peninsula Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church and a 2005 nominee - Maryland Women's Hall of Fame.
Jackson Amis returned to the Eastern Shore 15 years ago to care for her parents, the late, Allen N. Jackson and Mabel Miller Jackson, of Easton, Maryland.
Billups Seeks Seat On QA County Council
Courtney M. Billups is seeking to become the first African American to sit on the Queen Anne's County Commission. He is the managing principal of the Law Offices of Courtney M. Billups, in Washington, D.C. A resident of Queen Anne's County, he and his wife operate Ingleside Gardens tree nursery in Ingleside. Atty. Billups is a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA where he was a 3 time all-conference running back and graduated with honors receiving his BA Degree in Political Science. He received his law degree from George Washington U. Law School where he served as president ofthe Black Law Students Association.
A speaker for several law schools and associations, Billups was one of Black Professional Magazine's "Best and Brightest" and has published Minority Business Strategies, A Mosaic Formula. He volunteers as a mentor and character coach for youth in Queen Anne's County schools.
Friendship UM Church Names Malinda Gerald As Its Church Mother
Ninety-seven year old Malinda Jane Polk Gerald was named the Mother of Friendship United Methodist Church in Allen, MD last May. The Church dedicated her seat with a special reserve cloth in her honor. Chosen because of her long-time love, dedication, and support for the Church, Mrs. Gerald is the oldest member of the Church. She attends church every Sunday, Mrs. Gerald teaches the adult Sunday School class each Sunday, and attends the United Methodist women's meeting each month. Mrs. Gerald is the widow of the late Rev. Charles D. Gerald and the mother of two sons.
Rev. Anthony Dickerson Is Awarded An Honorary Doctorate Of Divinity
The Rev. J. Anthony Dickerson of Salisbury was awarded the honorary Doctorate of Divinity from St. Thomas Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, FL at his church on Sept. 3, 2006. The presentation was made by Dr. Zamekio Jackson, President of the Seminary, at Greater Mount Olive Full Gospel Church in Cambridge. A repast was held at the Empowerment Center in Cambridge. Rev. Dickerson is pastor of Mt. Olive andan Overseer in the United Covenant Churches of Christ.
Rev. Hickman Is Named Vice Moderator
The Rev. Hickman of Union Baptist Church in Easton, MD has been named the Vice Moderator of the Progressive Baptist Association of the Eastern Shore, Inc. He is the pastor of Union Baptist Church and has a BS Degree and a Masters Degree in Divinity. The Progressive Baptist Association of the Eastern Shore includes 14 member churches in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. The Moderator is Rev. Dean A. Jones Evans.
Rev. Isaac Jenkins Is Elevated To Bishop
Rev. Isaac Jenkins, Sr. of Pocomoke was elevated to Bishop last August in a ceremony held at his church. He has been pastor of New Macedonia Baptist Church in Pocomoke City, MD for 47 years. He is the past moderator of the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia Baptist Association. A graduate of Antioch College in Baltimore, Rev. Jenkins also studied at UMES. He received his Theology degree from Burton College and Seminary in Colorado and has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from National Theological Seminary.Among his many affiliations are: founder and head of Save The Youth, Inc. crime prevention program; past president of the Ministerial Alliance of Pocomoke City; and past Chairman of the Board of Directors of SHORE UP!, Inc. Among numerous honors and awards, Rev. Jenkins has received citations from the United States Congress and Maryland State Senate and Governor; The Martin Luther King, Jr. Award; and membership in the MD Association of Community Action Agencies Hall of Fame.
UMES Receives $25K Donation From Alumnus
In a recent show of Hawk Pride, J. Ricardo Queen, Class of 1972, pledged $25,000 for faculty development aid and support of all academic departments at the University. Faculty development includes research and travel. The contribution establishes the Edna and J. Queen Endowment Fund in tribute to his parents.Queen has also agreed to donate his time and serve on the Advisory Council for the UMES Campaign of Academic Excellence, a seven-year fundraising effort. In honor of the gift, the University will establish the Edna and J. Queen Faculty Lounge in Hazel Hall. An English major at UMES, Queen went on to teach and acquire several government and sales jobs that led him to Xerox Corporation. There he serves as national accounts manager for some of the company's top clients, including GET, NAPA, and Delta Airlines.
Diriker Promoted To Development Director
Veronique Diriker of Salisbury was recently promoted to the position of development director of the Institutional Advancement Division at UMES. She joined the Division last year as director of annual fund and stewardship.Diriker earned her PhD from the University last Spring as one of the first graduates of the organizational leadership doctorial program. A native of Diriker France, she earned her master's degree from the University of Paris. She is the former regional director of the American Lung Association of Maryland and has more than 15 years of fundraising, public policy and community outreach experience. Veronique is married to Dr. Memo Diriker of Salisbury University.
Dr. Thompson To Chair Council Of MEAC CEO's
UMES President Thelma B. Thompson, PhD, was appointed by a committee of her peers as chair of the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Council of Chief Executive Officers last Spring. The Council of Chief Executive Officers is comprised of presidents and chancellors from each of the 11 MEAC member institutions: Bethune Cookman College, Coppin State College, Delaware State U., Florida 11 A&M U., Hampton U., Howard U., UMES, Morgan State U., Norfolk State U., North Carolina A&T State U., and South Carolina State U. The Council's scope of responsibility consists of setting policy and the direction of Division I athletics, adopting bylaws for Division I athletics and delegating responsibilities to the management council for Division I athletics.In addition to presiding over council meetings and teleconferences, Thompson will be responsible for ensuring that the constitution and by-laws of the MEAC are enforced. The appointment is for two-years.
Verizon Summer Camp Ends Its Fourth Year In Crisfield
The Verizon Summer Academy ended its fourth annual program at the Help Our Children foundation in Crisfield. The program provides a summer camp on Saturdays to enhance Somerset County public education, motivate families to pursue life-long learning, and to support the No Child Left Behind law. Funded by the Verizon Foundation in partnership with UMES in 2003, the program is a vision of UMES President Thelma Thompson to help carry out the University's charge to answer specific areas of need for Somerset County students grades 9-12. the focus of the program is to improve academic performance and test taking, teach computer skills, and advancemusic appreciation and performance skills.
Camp participants visit the campus with camp staff and are pictured above with UMES president (c) and some staff, administrators, athletes, friends of the University, and an alumnus.
The Academy's program module includes community based and campus-based components. Preliminary testing of students is done on campus. UMES athletic director and athletes provided motivation. Four UMES students assisted teacher-mentor Regina Bright Edwards with teaching and mentoring while earning community service credits. UMES hosted participants and their families at cultural events for their social enrichment and to expose them to the college atmosphere. Our thanks to UMES for reaching out to the Community.
Branson D. Williams Is A Summa Cum Laude grad
Branson Do Williams of Princess Anne, MD graduated Summa Cum Laude from UMES last Spring. He earned the BS Degree in Environmental Science concentrating in Marine Science. The Princess Anne native graduated from Washington High School as valedictorian and studied at UMES in the honors program. He is the son of Leon and Sylvia Williams of Princess Anne and the grandson of Sylvia Smith of Princess Anne and Emily Williams of Salemburg, NC.During his four years at UMES, Branson interned at NOAA including a research cruise along the Atlantic Coast. He interned and presented research in MD, VA, Hawaii, and Australia. Among his many honors are the UMES & National Dean's Lists and being named to Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges & Universities. Williams will pursue graduate studies in Fisheries Science at William and Mary School of Marine Science in Gloucester Point, VA this Fall.
Singleton Donates $50,000 To UMES
Allen J. Singleton, Class of 1959 donated $25,000 and pledged another $25,000 to establish an endowment fund for the University's Campaign of Academic Excellence. The fund will provide need-based scholarships for students pursuing degrees in business and/or education. Singleton's initial donation is the largest one-time contribution by an UMES alumnus. He has spent 45 years as an educator, entrepreneur, administrator, and philanthropist. Singleton hopes that he can encourage other alumni to give to the University.A lecture hall in the Haze Hall will be named in Singleton's honor to commemorate his generous contribution. Inscribed on its wall will be the quote he chose, "keep climbing, reaching landings and turning corners... " from Mother to Son by Langston Hughes.
Velma Morris Honored By The Wicomico County Commission
Velma Polk Morris, a retired educator, was honored by the Wicomico County Commission for Women during its annual recognition of outstanding women in the county held in March Women's history Month. Active in her community, Ms. Morris is the founder and past president of the Thomas Elzey Polk, Sr. Chapter of the Velma Morris Buffalo Soldiers.She has served as president of several area organizations including the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 145, National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.- Beta Tau Chapter, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Alpha Pi Chapter Tvettes. Ms. Morris, a Wicomico County native, is a graduate of Salisbury High School and earned her BS Degree from Bowie State University and her Masters in Education from Salisbury University. She was a teacher in Wicomico and Worchester Counties and retired as a Curriculum Coordinator. She formed tutorial programs and a 4-H Club for the youth in Allen.
A member of Friendship United Methodist Church in Allen, Ms. Morris has received certificates for community leadership, Wicomico Board of Education, Allen Improvement Association, Martin Luther King Achievement Award, Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, and several others. Velma is the wife of William Morris, mother of Chandra Long and Patricia Nutter.
Dr. Bronte' Jones Named Treasurer Of St. John's
She started at the Annapolis college July 1st.
Dorchester County native Bronte' Jones, PhD has been selected by St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland to be its treasurer. She was selected after an extensive nationwide search. Jones joined the staff at the 310 year-old college July pt and became the first African American to serve as an executive there. Dr. Jones is the daughter of Darlene Jones and the late Clayton Taylor. Her grandparents are Asbury Jones and the late Rosalie Tater Jones. A graduate of Dorchester County public schools, Jones earned her bachelor's degree in finance and her MBA from American U. She received a PhD in higher education from the U. of Texas and graduated from the Harvard Institute for Higher Education.She returns to Maryland from Huston-Tillotson U. in Austin, TX were she was VP for administration and finance for two years. Prior to that, Dr. Jones had been assistant dean of financial services, dean of enrollment management and an instructor at the university. She also worked for the Texas State Auditors office while auditing financial aid programs at colleges across Texas. Jones said that she is happy to have the opportunity to come back to her home state and looks forward to working for such a premier institution.
Vernon Rivers Elected Vice Chair Of YMCA
Vernon Rivers of Salisbury was elected vice chairman of the Mid Delmarva Family YMCA last spring. The organization serves over 12,000 members with facilities in Worcester and Wicomico Counties. Rivers retired to Salisbury after a distinguished 32year career in education in Westchester County, NY where he served as a teacher, principal, and administrator. He earned his bachelor's degree from the State University of Plattsburgh and a masters degree from the State University at New Paltz. Rivers made history by being the first African American teacher and the first African American principal in Westchester County and Putnam County, NY. A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, he is past Polemach of the local graduate chapter. Vernon has been married to his wife, Audrey, for 47 years and the couple has three children and eight grandchildren.
Morse Elected Vice Chairman Of Hudson Health Services
The Board of Directors of Hudson Health Services, Inc. in Salisbury elected Joseph E. Morse to serve as vice chairman. The organization provides in house and out patient care to persons seeking recovery from substance abuse problems in the Lower Maryland Eastern Shore and southern Delaware area. Morse is CEO of JEMAR Associates community development consulting firm, executive director of Delmarva Rural Community Development Corporation, and Publisher Editor of the Maryland African American Pride Magazine.A native of Tuskegee, AL, he holds a Bachelors of Architecture Degree, Masters of City Planning Degree, and Juris Doctorate in Law from Howard University. Among his numerous activities are: vice chair of the Salisbury Area Substance Abuse Center, vice chair of the Salisbury West Side Revitalization Partnership Committee, and member of the Wicomico County Board of Appeals. He and his wife Edwina, reside in Salisbury.
Aesha Ashanti Johnson Earns Her MSW at DSU
Salisbury native Aesha Ashanti Johnson was awarded her Masters of Social Work Degree from Delaware State University on May 22, 2006. The daughter of Asmar and Mary Ashanti of Salisbury, Aesha received her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Hampton University. She is currently employed as a community support advocate at GoGetters, Inc. in Salisbury. Johnson is married to David Emieke Johnson and the couple has three children.
Monique Burgess Wins $500 Scholarship
Thirteen year-old Monique Burgess is the recipient of the Kids of Honor Scholarship award of $500. The award was presented June 2nd at Wicomico Middle School. She also received awards for three times on the Honor Roll, perfect attendance, Pillars of Character, Outstanding Achievement, and the Helping Hands Award, Certificate of Merit in English, and Certificate of Spanish Academics. Monique is the daughter of Faith Smith Burgess and the granddaughter of Mary Smith, both of Salisbury. She plans to attend college and study communications and social work.
Mattox Attends Uconn Summer Health Program
Charquelle Mattox of New Britain, CN attended the University of Connecticut Health Center's 2006 Jumpstart Summer Program this past summer. She worked as an intern with the UConn Health Center's doctors and received $500 and college credits. Charquelle is the daughter of Charlene and Todd Mattox. Charlene is a native of the Shore and a 1984 graduate of James M. Bennett High School. Charquelle is a frequent visitor to the Maryland Eastern Shore where she visits her grandparents, Elaine and Alexander Price, in Head of the Creek and her great aunt, the Rev. Gloria Taylor-Lewis who is co-pastor of St. James Free Methodist Church in Head of the Creek.Charquelle has excelled in acting, modeling and higher education although only 15 years-old. When she was four, she performed in "The Nutcracker" at the Apollo Theatre. She started modeling and acting at John Casablanca's when she was only five. Charquelle made her acting debut in 1998, playing the role of Harriet Tubman in a documentary. She has done educational shows for various school systems in Connecticut. Charquelle attended the Institute for the Gifted Program at Amherst College in 2001. She participated in Hershey Track Atlantic from 4th to 8th grade and won several ribbons. Currently, she attends University High School of Science and Engineering where their main focus is math and Science.
Aaron Green Excels In Swimming In Dover, DE
The grandchild of Charles & Gladys Goslee is only 8.
Shown here swimming the breaststroke, Aaron shows the style that has made him the best swimmer in the eight and under age group out of Mid-Delaware YMCA.
Eight year-old Aaron Green has proven to be a champion swimmer for the Central Delaware YMCA. He won three gold medals in the Black History Invitational Swim Meet in Washington, D.C. last February, swimming against some of the best in his age group on the East Coast. He was named the top swimmer in the eight and under division .after he won the 100-meter individual medley, the 50-yard butterfly, and the 50-yard breaststroke. Considered "a natural" by his coach Aaron swam his personal best times in each event. He competes in the 10 and under age group in the Mid Atlantic regional swim meet. Aaron is the son of Dr. Aaron Green and his wife, Vonda who is the daughter of Charles and Gladys Goslee of Salisbury. The family lives in Dover, Delaware.
IBPOEofW Elks Annual Oratorical Contest
The Eastern Shore Local Department of Education, I.B.P.O.E. of W. Elks is seeking participants for its Annual Oratorical Contest It sponsors the Contest on the first Saturday in April each year. Any junior or senior high school student may participate. The Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World (I.B.P.O.E. of W.) is a 100-year-old predominately Black fraternal organization whose primary objective includes assisting our youth. There are Elks lodges across Delmarva and the nation. Students who participate must prepare and memorize an oration not to exceed ten (10) minutes. The oration may cover, but is not limited to, any historical or contemporary issues relative to African Americans. The contestant's speech must be original and show evidence of research. First, second and third place contestants will receive $250.00, 150.00 and $100.00 respectively, and a plaque. Remaining contestants will receive a Certificate of Participation and a donation.The winner of the local contest must compete in the Maryland State Contest in May. The winner of the MD State Contest must compete in the Tri-State Contest in June where the winner receives a $1,500 award. The winning contestant from Tri-State must compete at the Region II Contest in July. The Region II winner receives a $1,000 award and an all expense paid trip to Jacksonville, FL in August where he/she must compete in the National for the opportunity to win an additional $7,500.00.
All interested and eligible young women and men are encouraged to apply and share their ideas and concerns. All contestants and parents will be invited to attend an informational meeting after all applications have been reviewed. For information, please contact the lodge or temple in our area. Call 410-968-2245 or 410-651- 2606 for the Crisfield lodge, 410-543-0449 for Salisbury for the lodge, 410-228-5765 or 410-476-3537 for the Cambridge lodge, and 410-829- 2533 or 410-770-3664 or 410-822-0778 for the Easton lodge.
Brantley Whittington Retires From Somerset Roads Dept.
Somerset County native Brantley James Whittington, Jr. retired from the Somerset County Roads Department earlier this year after 43 years of service. He became the first African American to be the Assistant Superintendent of the department in 1992 after working his way up the ranks starting as a laborer. He has worked under six different directors and says that he still has great respect for all of them.Brantley, Jr., as he is affectionately called, graduated from Woodson High School in 1955. He worded for Birdseye in Pocomoke City for five years prior to joining the County. Active in the Prince Hall Masons, Whittington is a member of Union Masonic Lodge #33 in Crisfield, King David Consistory in the Valley of Salisbury, and Commander of Rites where he is a 33rd Degree Mason. He is also active in his church. The son of the late Brantley James, Sr. and Elsie Whittington of Kingston, MD, Brantley, Jr. is married to Betty Whittington.
George Ames Is Honored By The Shore Birds
The Delmarva Shore Birds held Dorchester County National Night prior to their August 29th Academy baseball game at Purdue Stadium in Salisbury. George Ames, Jr. was one of three Dorchester He was County residents honored as also in the Hometown Hero's. first The honorees were presented before the game and given the honor of throwing out the first ball to start the game. Ames is a long-time community activist who is Dorchester County Judge of the Orphan's Court, and past president of the NAACP Branch and the Chamber of Commerce and past commander of the County's American Legion Post.
Gene Parker To Serve On The Wor-Wic CC Foundation Board
Wor-Wic Community College has selected Gene Parker of Ocean City, MD. to be one of the five new members joining the Wor-Wic Foundation board of directors. Parker recently retired· as captain and assistant police chief with the Ocean City Police Department having earned the highest rank of any African American in the department's history. He is now a deputy with the Worcester County Sheriff s Office. The other four selected were: Lois E. Brunkhorst of Berlin, Anne S. DeMarco and Marlene Porter Rinnier of Salisbury, and Michael Guerrieri of Ocean City.Parker earned his BS in sociology from UMES and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantiico, MD. He was also in the first graduating class of Wor-Wic's Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy and has since taught classes there. Gene and his wife Dr. Shirley Hyman-Parker have a son and daughter.
Sandra March Is The New Wor- Wic Child Care Director
Sandra March of Salisbury has been selected as the new child development center director at Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury. Named the Jordan Center, it was dedicated August 24, 2006. The center will care for children of the College's students and provide a learning laboratory for students majoring in early childhood education.Mrs. March came to Salisbury from Open Hands Christian Academy in Temple Hills, MD where she was the director and a teacher for more than ten years. She was also a substitute teacher for Prince George's County Public Schools and Wicomico County Public Schools. Married to an international missionary who is in Haiti, March earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from California State U. of Pennsylvania and a MBA from National-Louis U. in McLean, VA. The couple has three sons.
US Marine Band To Perform At UMES
They are among the nation's finest musicians and, in fact, have the distinction, "The President's Own." The United States Marine Band will be performing in a free concert on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore on Monday evening, October 2nd at 8:00 in the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts.The Marine Band performs a varied repertoire including new works for wind ensemble, traditional concert band literature, challenging orchestral transcriptions, and the patriotic marches that made it famous. The band frequently features its members in solo performances that highlight their virtuosity and artistry.
Founded in 1798 by an Act of Congress, "The President's Own" United States Marine Band is America's oldest professional musical organization. Today, "The President's Own" is celebrated for its role at the White House and its dynamic public performances. "The President's Own" encompasses the United States Marine Band, Marine Chamber Orchestra, and Marine Chamber Ensembles, and performs regularly at the White House and for more than 500 public performances across the nation each year. This will be the only Maryland concert in the Band's 2006 Concert Tour through the Southeast.
The concert is free, but tickets are required. To request tickets, send a written request to "Marine Band Tickets," at the UMES Department of Fine Arts. Tickets are limited to four per request; all requests must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. If a concert becomes listed "sold out," no tickets remain for the performance. Stand-by seating will be opened to non-ticketed' patrons at 15 minutes prior to the performance. For information, please contact the Dept. of Fine Arts at (410) 651-6571 or - 6487.
CMG Studio Named Business Of The Month
CMG Studio of Salisbury, MD was honored by the Maryland State Minority Business program as "Minority Business of the Month" for the month of March 2006. Owned by Derek Bland, the CMG stands for custom Modeling and Graphics which describes the service that the State MBE certified firm does. The recognition included a feature story in the State MBE Program's electronic newsletter MBE Connections. The firm has become nationally recognized as an architectural presentation firm and has completed such high profile projects as the model for the US Capital Visitors Center (shown here) which sits on display in the Capital building. CMG Studio, Inc. was incorporated in 1999 and currently is located in Winterplace Park office park and has six employees.
Pictured above is a photo of the model built by CMG Studio in Salisbury showing the new Capital Visitor's Center that is to be built in front of the US Capital building in Washington, D.C. by Maryland's Minority Business Program
The concept for CMG Studio, Inc. began when Bland was a child who loved building models. Now CMG Studio, Inc.'s clients include internationally prominent architects and developers. In addition to physical modeling, CMG Studio, Inc. supplies digital 3D modeling and graphic design services for logos, brochures and other marketing pieces. Most of the firm's current clients are in the building and real estate fields. However, Bland wants to attract clients from other industries.
Although dedicated to his business, Bland does find time to serve on the MD Lower Shore Workforce Investment Board helping to provide job training and job opportunities. For more information on visit: www.cmgstudio.com
Lt. Gov. Steele Visits UMES To Promote Minority Businesses
Sherman Holmes & Lt. Gov. Michael Steele
Heading the panel of State officials that came was MD Special Secretary of Minority Affairs Sharon Pender. Her office coordinates the State effort. Also represented were the State Dept. of Business and Economic Development, Housing and Community Development, and the Governor's Office of Business advocacy and Small Business Assistance. The' African American Economic Development Committee is a new organization, formed to network and motivate minority businesses on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore. The chairman of the group is Sherman Holmes.
Governor Cites Chyke Maurice Architect Firm
Maurice Ngwaba was the recipient of a Governor's Citation from Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich for his "ingenuity, hard work and the perseverance that" he has "created and sustained in the success of his business" Chyke Maurice & Associates, Inc. Architecture and planning firm. The citation was presented at Salisbury U. during the Governor's visit to the Shore in August. The firm has designed and overseen the construction of several buildings on the Shore including new Life Seventh Day Adventist Church in Salisbury and the St. James United Methodist Church in Westover, MD. The firm's office is in Salisbury, MD.
Craig Winder Impresses U. Of Texas Basketball Coaches
The former Cecil CC basketball star is a Hebron native
Hebron native, Craig O'Brien Winder impressed his basketball coaches at the University of Texas even though he had to fight for playing time off the bench in the second guard position. His head coach said Winder (six points, three steals, two assists) impressed him in their 85-49 comeback win over Texas State U. in front of 7,334 fans at UT last season. At 6'-2", 190 lbs., the 223 year old Cecil Community College graduate has made the transition from community college· to NCAA Division I University of Texas. He chose UT over Arizona State u., the U. of Wyoming, and Penn State U. after a stellar career at Cecil Community College. He is returning for his senior year and had a chance to tryout with the Washington Bullets NBA team this summer.The son of James and Jackie Winder, Craig was reared by his grandmother, Fran Atkinson, since he was two years old. He played his first three years in high school at Mardela Springs High School in Mardela Springs, MD and was team MVP during all three seasons and all-time leading scorer in county history with 1,630 points. Winder played his senior season in high school at Wicomico High School in Salisbury where he led his team to a 28-0 record, the Bayside Conference championship, and the Maryland 2A state title. He also earned first-team all-state, All-Mason-Dixon and all conference honors.
Recruited to Cecil Community College in Cecil County Maryland, Winder became a two-year starter who led the team in scoring both seasons ... scored a total 0f 1,138 points (average of 18.4 ppg) in his two-year career (third in school history) ... also ranked third in Cecil history with 147 career three-pointers made ... earned first-team NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Division II All-America honors as a sophomore ... became the first player in Cecil history to gamer first-team All America accolades ... also earned first-team All-MD JUCO Conference and first team All-Region XX honors ... averaged 21.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.6 steals and 1.1 blocks in 26 minutes per game ... converted a team high 91 three-pointers on the season ... led Cecil to a 31-3 record and a berth in the NJCAA Division II 12-team national tourney ... earned All Tournament Team honors at the Nationals ...
Cecil was ranked No. 1 in the country for eight consecutive weeks during the regular season ... named MVP of the Region XX Tournament and the MD JUCO Conference tournament ... also claimed MVP honors at the Dundalk Holiday Tournament ... team MVP (player vote) and team captain as a sophomore ... garnered team MVP honors as a freshman in 2002-03 ... played in 28 of 34 games and helped Cecil to a 27-7 record and a trip to the NJCAA Division II semifinals ... earned All Tournament Team honors at Nationals ... averaged 14.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.5 steals in 22 minutes per game ... converted 56-of-142 (.394) three-pointers during the season ... also claimed MVP honors at the Dundalk Holiday Tournament. Asked what accomplishment he was most proud of, Winder responded "graduating from junior college."
