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March 20, 2023

The Chestertown Spy

An Educational News Source for Chestertown Maryland

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News News Notes

United Way of Kent County Announces Annual Application Process

March 5, 2023 by United Way of Kent County Leave a Comment

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United Way of Kent County (UWKC) invites agencies to apply for funds for its 2024 allocations. Applications are due Saturday, April 15, 2023. Information may be found online at the UWKC website. https://unitedwayofkentcounty.org/news/2023-uwkc-application/. A webinar is scheduled for March 23rd from 4-5 pm for those with questions about the application. Please contact Hope Clark at executivedirector@unitedwayofkentcounty.org if you would like to attend.

Last year 23 Partner Agencies were awarded a total of $160,000.  An Allocations Committee reviews applications, with a particular view toward proposed assistance to Kent County residents in UWKC’s three impact areas: Education, Financial Stability, and Health. UWKC is committed to programs and activities that are free of racial or ethnic discrimination. UWKC endeavors to provide and maintain an environment that fosters respect among all members of the community.

Donations to UWKC may be made at any time via the website unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news

UWKC and KCLMB Explore an Approach Toward Building Stronger Communities

February 8, 2023 by United Way of Kent County Leave a Comment

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UWKC and the KCLMB periodically conduct planning and cross-sector conversations to improve the wellbeing of residents across the county.  They are exploring the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach to inform their planning efforts over the next year or more.  On February 16th, 25 community leaders will gather to learn more about the strategy.

With ABCD, service providers can better engage with individuals affected by homelessness, hunger and other challenges and become partners in driving change. The strategy connects the strengths and resources of residents and neighborhoods. According to John McKnight, a founder, “ABCD builds on the gifts (skills, experiences, knowledge, and passions) of local community members, the power of local associations, and the supportive functions of local institutions to build more sustainable communities for the future.”  To learn more visit:  www.resources.depaul.edu/abcd-institute

ABCD starts at the neighborhood level with residents exploring their strengths, skills, and connections. By leveraging what already exists in the community, they can better leverage other external resources. The approach gives space for highly creative opportunities to emerge.

Traditionally, organizations and agencies identify priorities and programs by looking at what communities need, or by identifying what is lacking. This unintentionally overlooks the possibilities and opportunities that are already present in those spaces.

United Way of Kent County… works to improve the Health, Education and Financial Stability of Individuals and Families in Kent County with a focus on community partnerships as the most effective means to problem solving.  www.unitedwayofkentcounty.org/

Kent County Local Management Board…is an interagency forum that convenes partners, funds solutions, and evaluates local investments to improve systems, services and programs for Kent County youth and families.  The current Community Plan for Children, Youth & Families prioritizes basic needs and economic mobility, centering the voice and choice of youth and families, and expanding community-based programs and innovative approaches for child well-being.  www.linktr.ee/KCLMB

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news

Local Board to Accept Applications for FEMA Funds

February 7, 2023 by United Way of Kent County Leave a Comment

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Kent County, MD has been selected to receive $9,392 under Phase 40 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) based upon the available statistics of its total number of unemployed as compared to the total number of unemployed in all qualifying jurisdictions.

The Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP) is a Federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS/FEMA) made up of members from the United Way Worldwide, The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, USA, The Jewish Federation, the American Red Cross, and The National Council of the Church of Christ.

The United Way of Kent County has coordinated a Local Board made up of fourteen organizations to evaluate requests and determine the distribution of funds. Eligible agencies to apply for funding include those providing shelter, food, supplies (diapers, feminine hygiene products), rental and utility assistance and building code repairs/accessibility improvements.

The Local Board for Kent County members are: Chester Valley Ministers Association, Chestertown Havurah, Kent County Emergency Services, Kent Community Food Pantry, Local Management Board, Mount Olive Church, Rebuilding Together Kent County, American Red Cross of Delmarva, Sacred Heart Church, Salvation Army, Samaritan Group, United Way of Kent County, Upper Shore Aging, and Women in Need.

The National Board has been entrusted through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act “to supplement and expand ongoing efforts to provide shelter, food and supportive services” by local social service organizations for people across our Nation who are hungry, homeless, and in economic crisis. Congress has appropriated $130,000,000 to supplement and expand emergency food and shelter programs. The National Board selects jurisdictions (cities or counties) for funding, not specific agencies. These are not state/county government or United Way funds.

For further information or an application to apply, please contact Hope Clark at executivedirector@unitedwayofkentcounty.org. The application is due on March 2 at 5 pm.

Filed Under: Commerce Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, commerce, local news

United Way Elects New Board Members

January 26, 2023 by United Way of Kent County Leave a Comment

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United Way of Kent County (UWKC) has announced the addition of three new Board members.

Matthew Groppe of Worton is an executive at Purolator International and has held previous board positions with International Shipping Associations. He and his wife are one-year residents of Kent County.

Johnnie Johnson served as Director of Admissions at Georgetown College in Georgetown, KY, prior to joining Washington College as Vice President for Enrollment Management in September 2022. He has also served as the Affiliate Presidents Council Coordinator with the National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), as president of the Kentucky Association of College Admissions Counseling (KYACAC), as a board member of the YMCA Black Achievers Program and is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

Amanda Nelson Parks, a native of Kent County, is the owner and operator of Fit Flock, LLC, located in Chestertown. She is the Vice President of The Chester River Wellness Alliance and a volunteer with Kent County 4-H and The Maryland Business Roundtable. Her main passion is health and wellness.

L-R: Matthew Groppe, Johnnie Johnson, Amanda Nelson Parks

They join current Board members DeLia Shoge, President, Robert Altieri, Muriel Cole, Carol Droge, Nina Fleegle, Martin Knight, Rebecca Murphy, Nina Ogor, Susan Storm, and David White. Every effort is made to maintain a board that reflects the county’s racial, ethnic, age, religious, and geographic diversity.

The United Way of Kent County strives to improve our community by building partnerships and bringing together diverse stakeholders from 23 agencies to focus on three areas: Health, Education, and Financial Stability. UWKC promotes an inclusive environment that leverages the unique contributions of Kent County individuals and organizations to create opportunities collectively and effectively for a better life for all.

The annual fund-raising campaign is underway. Donations may be made at any time via the website: unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Filed Under: Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, Chestertown Spy, local news

United Way of Kent County to Hold 5K Run and Walk

November 2, 2022 by United Way of Kent County 1 Comment

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Runners and walkers are invited to Wilmer Park on Saturday, November 12, at 9am for United Way of Kent County’s annual “Run United” event. The race starts and ends at the Park across from 400 Cross Street in Chestertown.   A free Kiddie Dash for ages 10 and under will precede the race.

The rain-or-shine race is a chip timed race, with runners given transponders to wear. Registration begins at 8am in Wilmer Park or may be done in advance online at unitedwayofkentcounty.org. Until November 6, registration is $25. After November 6, the price is $30. Teams may register and must be under the same name. Proceeds benefit the United Way’s  23 local charities. Those unable to participate may register as “Silent Heroes”, in a show of support.

“Run United 5K” long sleeve performance tech shirts will be given to all registered participants. Post-race food and beverage will be available after the race.

Awards will be presented after the race to overall male/female and master winners, top 3 male/female runners in categories 10 and under through 70 & over in 10-year age groups and top 5 male/female walk finishers.

Sponsors include Chesapeake Bank and Trust, Choptank Electric, Modern Stone Age Kitchen, Redner’s, Chesapeake Advisors, Cross St Realtors, RCM Strategic Consulting, Figgs Ordinary, Molly’s, Tidewater Trader, Dukes Moore, Rock Hall Marine Railway, Eastern Shore Animal Hospital, Hagert Family Dentistry, Deep Landing Workshop, A-Plus Septic Service, and Mullin/Ashley Associates.

FY 2022-2023 Partner Agency programs include scholarships for Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s, Echo Hill Outdoor School, the Boy Scouts of the Del-Mar-Va Council, the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Council, the RHYC Sailing School Scholarship Program and Open Door Partners. YouthSTAGES program with Garfield Center for the Arts bringing state-standard and Character Counts-aligned social issues plays right to our schools and community groups, For all Seasons, Kent County Cares Foundation, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Mid-Shore Pro Bono, Upper Shore Aging, Rebuilding Together, Samaritan Group, and Community Mediation Upper Shore, Community Food Pantry, Camp Fairlee Manor/Easterseals, Kent Association of Riding Therapy, American Red Cross, United Needs & Abilities, Upper Shore Aging, and Compass Regional Hospice.

The annual fund-raising campaign is taking place now, with a goal of $280,000. Donations to the organization may be made at any time via the website unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

For more information about the race, go to trisportsevents.com or email races4u@trisportsevents.com or executivedirector@unitedwayofkentcounty.org.

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news

United Way Announces New Executive Director

August 4, 2022 by United Way of Kent County Leave a Comment

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Hope Clark

United Way of Kent County has announced the appointment of Hope Clark as Executive Director.

Clark brings a strong set of skills to the fund-raising organization. After a career as a professional modern dancer in NYC, she received a Master’s in Intercultural Service Leadership and Management from the School for International Training Graduate Institute, with a focus on Social Justice and Conflict Transformation. She moved to Kent County in the mid-eighties and has served on the Board of the African American School House Museum, worked at CommunityMediation Upper Shore, Eastern Shore Health Education Center, and the Local ManagementBoard for Children and Family Services. She volunteered as the coordinator of the DiversityDialogue Group and founded Wheelbarrow Productions, a non-profit organization to partner with communities to create social change and economic opportunities through the arts. Her recent work, as the Maryland Organizer for Climate XChange, coordinated the Rebuild MarylandCoalition to pass equitable and effective climate legislation in the State.

The United Way of Kent County strives to improve our community by building partnerships and bringing together diverse stakeholders from 27 agencies to focus on three areas: Health, Education, and Financial Stability. This is the 65th year of United Way’s operation in Kent County.

“We are very pleased to welcome her to this position. I am confident that her experience and commitment will help us strengthen our ability to have a positive impact on our focus areas,” said DeLia Shoge, Board President.

The annual fund-raising campaign begins September 1. Donations may be made at any time via the website: unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Filed Under: Commerce Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, commerce, local news

Executive Director of United Way of Kent County to Retire

March 30, 2022 by United Way of Kent County Leave a Comment

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Elizabeth Everett

United Way of Kent County has announced that Elizabeth Everett, Executive Director for the past ten years, will retire before the next fund-raising campaign.

“This job has been wonderful,” she said. “I can look around the County and see what United Way has been able to do, especially since the pandemic. People have been so generous, and it’s nice to know we are on the upswing.” Everett is leaving to spend time with her family and her new granddaughter.

During her tenure, the organization has made progress in increasing donations resulting from workplace campaigns and has welcomed new businesses into the program. This year a total of 27 non-profit agencies received funds.

United Way of Kent County strives to improve the community by building partnerships and bringing together diverse stakeholders to focus on three impact areas: Health, Education, and Financial Stability. To date, 81% of the current campaign goal of $250,000 has been met. Donations may be made at any time via the website unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Recruitment is now taking place to fill the vacancy. The Board of Directors has determined that the position, previously part-time, will become full-time. Information and a job description are posted at www.unitedwayofkentcounty.org. Direct inquiries and submit resumes with cover letter to martyknight@yahoo.com or call 410-810-0735.

 

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news

United Way of Kent County Seeks Board Members

January 21, 2021 by United Way of Kent County

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United Way of Kent County is requesting nominations for its Board of Directors. Board members serve for a three-year term. Those nominated are expected to have a commitment to Kent County and a desire to build community partnerships and mobilize resources to address root problems.

Board member responsibilities include participation in monthly meetings, committees, and special events; evaluation of funding allocations, and active support for the organization.  United Way is especially looking for those that may speak for underrepresented populations or areas of Kent County.

United Way works to improve the health, education and financial stability of individuals and families in Kent County. The Board assesses community needs, solicits funds, and determines priorities for the allocation of funds.

Those interested may contact the Executive Director, Beth Everett, by email at info@unitedwayofkentcounty.org for more information.  The United Way’s annual fund-raising campaign is taking place now. Donations may be made at any time via the website unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news

United Way of Kent County Achieves 2019-2020 Goal

August 11, 2020 by United Way of Kent County

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United Way of Kent County (UWKC) has announced that it has achieved its 2019-2020 fund-raising goal of $235,000.

“We sincerely thank all of our donors. This community is so generous. We are so pleased,” said Beth Everett, Executive Director. “We were allowed to campaign on the campus of Washington College, and President Kurt Landgraf encouraged all employees to give and personally matched those donations. We are indebted to him for his wholehearted support, as well as to seven Kent County businesses that kindly sponsored workplace campaigns. We also appreciate the matching and in-kind contributions, and individual and corporate donations.” she added.

She noted that the organization has made progress in increasing donations resulting from workplace campaigns and has welcomed new businesses into the program. “We are also very lucky in Kent County to have CEOs who have supported the United Way of Kent County.  It really helps when employees know the CEO is supportive of the United Way.”

Bill Harr, this year’s Fundraising Chair, noted that “the Comprehensive Needs Assessment initiated in 2017 by the UWKC brought the County and service providers some needed information on our shortfalls in services here on the Shore.  As a result, the County has agreed to hire an employee to oversee the Housing and Transportation initiative.  Successes like these inspire donors to help our future campaigns.”

United Way of Kent County strives to improve our community by building partnerships and bringing together diverse stakeholders from 28 agencies to focus on three impact areas: Health, Education, and Financial Stability. The program began in 1957 with a goal of $45,000 and six Member Agencies.The 2020-2021 campaign begins September 1, with a goal of $245,000. “Each year we look at what we were able to raise the year before and we raise it a little,” said Everett.

“Everything’s different this year,’ she added. “We’ve got some real challenges.”

“We receive about 30% of our donations through direct payroll deduction at most Kent County businesses, including Washington College.  As a result of COVID-19, many of those businesses are going to be challenged, and some of them will not make it.  There will be layoffs at some employers, and some companies will close,” noted Marty Knight, Board President.

According to Knight, “On the grant side, many of the organizations we help fund are forced to change the way they operate.  And the community services they offer will be in higher demand.  We are expecting our requests for funding to increase and the workplace contributions to decrease. In the meantime, United Way has been able to provide some emergency grants to those organizations responding directly to the COVID-19 crisis.”

The annual report will be completed in September and distributed to every household in Kent County. Donations may be made at any time via the website unitedwayofkentcounty,org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

Filed Under: Commerce Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, commerce, local news

United Way Elects New Board Members

July 26, 2020 by United Way of Kent County

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United Way of Kent County has announced the addition of three new Board members for 2020-2021.

Rebecca Murphy is the Principal of RCM Strategic Consulting, with over 25 years of experience in government, community development, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropy focused on economic development and public-private partnerships. She has recently relocated from the Baltimore area to Chestertown.

DeLia Shoge worked in secondary education for seven years in Montgomery, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties, after earning a Master’s degree in Leadership in Teaching- Special Education. She will join the faculty of Kent County Middle School in the Fall.

Muriel Cole, a local resident for 24 years, has a Master’s degree in Governmental Administration from George Washington University and is an advocate for seniors. She co-chairs the Kent County Commission on Aging and is a Past-President of Homeports.

They join current Board members Martin Knight, President; Sarah Feyerherm, Vice-President; Glenn Wilson, Past-President; Marilyn Parks, Secretary; Elizabeth Gross, Acting Treasurer; William Harr, Creg Fleetwood, Patricia Dowling, Deirdre LaMotte, Edward Silver, Alison Libshitz, Jean Austin, Sabina Minney, and Nerina Fleegle. Every effort is made to maintain a board that reflects the county’s racial, ethnic, age, religious, and geographic diversity.

The United Way of Kent County strives to improve our community by building partnerships and bringing together diverse stakeholders from 27 agencies to focus on three Impact Areas: Health, Education, and Financial Stability.

The annual fund-raising campaign begins September 1. Donations may be made at any time via the website: unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news

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