September/October Shore 2023

EDUCATION EDITION

THE WAY WE LEARN IN THE COMMUNITY & CLASSROOM

+

POLARIS ACADEMY

BUILDING THEIR FUTURE

REST & RECHARGE FROM TEACHERS FOR TEACHERS

BENEDICTINE SCHOOL

SHAPING YOUNG LIVES

TABLE OF

PROFILES: Dr. Kamari Collins

Committing to seeing students succeed

HEARTHBEAT: Polaris Village Academy Building

SHORE ROOTS: Connection on the Eastern Shore

Minary’s Dream Alliance crafts connection

CONTENTS

RESOURCE: Seen & celebrated Benedictine School’s passion for special needs students

BE WELL: Teachers Recharge Quotes from local teachers on how they recharge

EDITORS’ NOTE

Oh hello again! I am so glad to be back here for another edition of SHORE, this time with a focus on education.

What I enjoyed so much about putting this edition together was how many amazing stories there are just right around the corner. The opportunities and the people dedicating themselves to making our community better.

Undoubtedly our community is strengthened when we build up those around us, whether it be children or people who are differently-abled or less fortunate. That is what you will see inside these pages. This is more than an education edition, but a focus on building equity around us.

One of the best perks of becoming a journalist has been learning about so many areas of our world. One of the best perks of becoming an editor has been elevating great stories from passionate writers to readers, like you.

We hope you enjoy what is inside and we also strongly encourage you to stay tuned because there is a lot more fun coming from SHORE this year.

President

Jim Normandin

Executive Editor

Eli Wohlenhaus

Assistant General Manager/Sales

Betsy Griffin

443-239-0307

Creative Director

Jennifer Quinn

Page Design

Jennifer Quinn

Community Coordinator

Amelia Blades Steward

Contributing Photographers

Jennifer Quinn

Amelia Blades Steward

Cal Jackson

Katie Melynn

Mary Ella Jourdak

Laura Olsen

Contributing Writers

Katie Melynn

Niambi Davis

Amelia Blades Steward

Debra R. Messick

Annie Hasselgren

Editorial Contact

240-801-2258

Submissions

submissions@shoremonthly.com

Subscriptions

410-770-4005

— Eli

Eli Wohlenhaus

EVENT:

•4.5 milep addle-poker race on theMiles Ri vertow in gr ea tprizes!

•P as siconicsight slike theHooperS tr ai t Ligh thouse,the Miles Ri ver Yach tCluband theS t. Michael’sshoreline

•Pos t-race aw ar ds part ya tCBMM fe atur ing food,game sand localbrews!

•Opentoall levelk ayak ,c anoe andSUP ’s

COST:

•$ 40 If Register ed by September8 th

•$ 50 If Register ed by Oc tober7th

•$ 60 Register Day of Even t

REGISTER: tinyurl.com /P addle-jam

GOLF TOUR NA MENT

$275

$575 DOUBLE $975

410-822-4653

Cr ea tedin2021bythe Talbot Coun ty Chamber'sBoard of Dire ctor sand managed by theMid-Shore Communit y Founda tion,thisfundhelpstooff se t tuition and tr ainingexpenses forour local fir st responders

Dr. Kamari Collins

HELPING TO SHAPE THE MID-SHORE’S FUTURE

STORY BY NIAMBI DAVIS | PHOTOS BY MARY ELLA JOURDAK

In 2019 Dr. Kamari Collins joined the Chesapeake College administration as Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management. Prior to joining the College, he served as Vice President of Student Affairs at Springfield Community College.

“My mother, Gina Joseph Collins, is the original Doctor Collins,” he said. “In fact,

we were the same age when we earned our doctorate degrees.”

His father, and best man at his wedding, is Jack Collins. When it was time to make a change, for him and his wife Wanda, the Eastern Shore was a no-brainer. Their daughter Kiana Collins, a third-generation educator, “got the education bug and kept it going,”

he laughed. She teaches second grade in Washington, D.C., and is now only an hour and a half way.

Collins has been described as dynamic and committed, with a clear vision of how to succeed.

“To do well in this job, it takes caring and commitment to want to see students succeed,” Collins said. “With this foundation comes the will to work hard and persevere, no matter what comes your way.”

Collins believes the ability to adapt to meet the needs of a diverse student body is critical.

“I’m big on meeting students where they are to understand what they want to achieve, but also what’s happening in their lives and to search for a solution,” he said.

An example is the case of a single mother with three children who lives 20 miles from campus where the solution was enrollment in online classes.

“We’ve also given gas cards to students who have difficulty getting to campus. It also gives them the opportunity to sit in their cars and access campus Wi-Fi.”

At Chesapeake, he affirms, all roads lead to student success but not all end with crossing the stage on graduation day. For students whose GPA is too low for admittance to their first choice, Chesapeake College offers another path.

“They can enroll with us, earn the credit they need and then transfer,” he said. “Although we can’t count them as Chesapeake graduates, we can still count their acceptance elsewhere as a success. It’s all about our students and giving them the necessary tools to do well for themselves.”

In keeping with the holistic approach to creating student success, Collins’ office has cultivated

To do well in this job, it takes caring and commitment to want to see students succeed

partnerships that support not only the students’ academic, professional and social needs but their mental well-being as well.

In 2021, the office partnered with For All Seasons to offer support and therapy for students through on-campus, telehealth appointments or Zoom sessions. They’ve connected with Talbot County’s Building African American Minds (BAAM) and hosted speakers from the region to introduce their businesses and industries.

“We serve five counties and we’ve got students who intend to graduate, stay

here, work and give back to their communities.”

Collins said he is excited about what they have started.

“In a remarkable set of circumstances, we’ve been awarded three Upward Bound grants working with high school students to get them ready and into college,” he said. “I love looking out my window and seeing more than 100 students on campus earning college credits. They may go on to other schools, but the earlier they’re aware and can explore what it means to go to college, the better prepared they are and more likely to succeed.”

In addition, the office’s

part time Diversity Equity and Inclusion position has been increased to full-time.

“It builds into the fabric of our college that anyone who steps foot on our campus belongs here.”

Collins credits the staff, administration and even the location with his success.

“The good thing about being a rural college is that everyone is accessible,” he said. “We’ve created a family atmosphere and wear more hats but everyone works hard to create that environment.

I’m enjoying my

tenure and I couldn’t have achieved any of this without President Coppersmith and our staff.”

As far as his family’s adjustment to the Shore, he says “we’re empty nesters who like the quiet.” They don’t miss the action, but if it calls, city life is not far away.

“We’re thankful for the opportunity to meet people and for the community connections. And especially for the fact that everybody speaks.” S

To do well in this job, it takes caring and commitment to want to see students succeed

Connection

EASTERN SHORE ON THE

Minary’s Dream Alliance makes community a reality

STORY AND PHOTOS BY KATIE MELYNN

The energy coming from the teens walking through the doors of Minary’s Dream Alliance is electric. They snap selfies, laugh together as they share what they did that day and connect with each other. Some wander through the space that has become like a second home, while others give hugs to program leaders that they have spent time with all summer. Surrounding them are members of the community focused on fostering positive relationships to support these young people.

Founded in May 2020, Minary’s Dream Alliance is the dream of founder Doncella Wilson and what she imagines her grandmothers, Minnie and Mary, would

want for Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Minnie and Mary worked processing seafood and lived in the shantytowns in Kent Narrows. Their granddaughter works to bring attention to their stories while investing in the next generation. With a collection of community partners all around the Eastern Shore, Minarys Dream Alliance provides after-school, summer and outreach programs focused on community building.

“Our programming connects youth with past generations,” Wilson said.

One of MDA’s signature programs is Club FEAR (Face Everything and Rise) for teens impacted by the opioid crisis. Students ages 12-17 from Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, Kent, Dorchester, and Worchester

Our programming connects youth with past generations

counties participate in afterschool and summer programs that help them develop social and self-care skills, learn new things, and connect with the natural world.

During the school year, Minary’s Dream Academy brings the same programming to teens at risk for disengaging from school. Program directors Keya Johnson and Jasmine Robinson create rapport with the students by connecting with them through their interests, mentorship and workshops, and engaging field trips.

“We had a Bringing Kids Back to Nature Day,” said Vanessa Holloway-Truxon, Parent Engagement Coordinator and Keeper of the Garden with MDA. “We showed different ways of raising and growing food, worked with community partners to make juices, made art from the pulp, made kale chips, and did bug catching.”

What: When: Where:

Why: Attire: Tickets:

Old FashionedEastern Shore Crab Feast

Thursday, September14, 2023

5:30 – 6:15pmSocialHour 6:15 – 9:00pmBuffet andCrab Feast

Fisherman’sCrabDeck, Grasonville, MD Route 50,exit 42 (KentNarrows)

To support UM Shore EmergencyCente ratQueenstown Crab FeastCasual

$100.00 perperson,$20.00for ages 13 and under

For more information contact Stephanie Bryan 410-822-1000 ext. 5481 or stephanie.bryan@umm edu

help them develop social and self-care skills, learn new things, and connect with the natural world

Acrab feast benefiting the University of Maryland Shore Emergency Center at Queenstown

The garden at the MDA center is made with recycled materials and specifically arranged to represent the students.

“Kingston Mill gave us pallets to create the perimeter,” she continued. “We have a pollinator garden and sensory garden, all of it chemical-free.”

As the Parent Engagement Coordinator with MDA, Holloway-Truxon coordinates programs to connect over 175 youths and their families with resources, mentoring and opportunities to learn more about each other. Connection is at the heart of the work that MDA does in the community.

The Feed the Elderly of Kent County program brings fresh food to homebound seniors in the area. This includes fresh fruits and veggies as well as healthy protein and pantry items. Special events to highlight members of the community also show teen participants what is possible and bring them closer to those around them.

A recent event brought together local artists, storytellers and community members in A Night of the Arts.

“We have artists here. Musicians, authors, poets, all of the ways that people show up in our community,” said Holloway-Truxon.

Poet Robert Earl Price read from his collection of poems written in response to the clearing of an overgrown Chesterville cemetery where ancestors of some of those in the room were buried. The series, “Chesterville Graveyard: Revelations,” was displayed in frames made of local reclaimed barnwood.

A display of photos and stories from the Shantytowns of Kent Narrows where Minnie and Mary lived and worked generations ago were displayed next to an ancestor wall where community members could look for connections to others in attendance. Artist S. Edward Moore and author Ruby Moore Johnson sat in a circle as their work showcased their stories.

By the end of the evening, students smiled as they read through Price’s poems and snapped pictures in front of the ancestor wall. This kind of connection to the area where they live and the legacy of those who came before is what Minary’s Dream Alliance is all about.

To learn more about their programs or support the dream of Minary’s Dream Alliance, visit https://minarysdreamalliance. org/ or follow them on social media @ minarys_dream_alliance. S

THE SPORTING LIFE EDITION

Brand new section of Shore

Sporting Life - the Gear Guide! Features products from local businesses centering on the outdoor and sporting lifestyle of the Eastern Shore

The Shore Sporting Life Edition focuses on the finer aspects of outdoor sporting, with a flavor unique to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We will be featuring the best of hunting, bird calling, fishing and decoy carving in the region and even artisanal game recipes to close out a day in the field or stream. CONTACT US TO BE A

POLARIS VILLAGE ACADEMY SUPPORTS STUDENT AND FAMILY SUCCESS

STORY BY AMELIA BLADES STEWARD

In 2005, Derick and Dina Daly created Building African American Minds (BAAM), a program that identified at-risk first-grade boys, recognized and addressed socioeconomic barriers that inhibit their ability to learn effectively, and provides academic enrichment in a safe, caring and structural environment. The organization was founded on the principle that saving one child could save generations of children.

By 2020, the couple and their family and some friends expanded their efforts to reach children in Talbot County, by starting Polaris Village Academy (PVA) https://polarisvillageacademy.org/, a tuitionfree private school pursuing equitable access to an excellent, joyful and rigorous education in pursuit of equity and justice for all its scholars. By uniting school and community resources, PVA aspires to provide children and their families with a full range of educational and social

support programming — creating a web of support leading to their success.

“We believe that all children can and should become meaningful contributors to their community and broader society,” said Founder Derick Daly.

“Our vision was always to have a community school,” added his wife Dina, who is the executive director of BAAM.

PVA has been in BAAM’s original space on Jowite Street in Easton for the past three years. The school building, which is adjacent to the new BAAM Athletic Center, will be torn down by this fall to make space for the new BAAM Academic Center, which will provide a permanent home for the school in 2024.

In the meantime, several moves will occur to see the Daly’s vision for the school through to completion. First, PVA will move to the former Knights of Columbus building on South Street in Easton

Story by Tracey F. Johns | Photos by Arden Haley

We believe that all children can and should become meaningful contributors to their community and broader society

Pictured are scholars at Polaris Village Academy in Easton, featuring Dina Daly, Derick Daly and Dr. Jymil Thompson.

Photo by JennQuinn Creative

where it will offer kindergarten and grades one and two in the fall of 2023. The school’s preschool program, known as PVA Early Learning Center, will be relocated to a new dedicated facility on Port Street this fall on the site of the historic Mt. Pisgah Church. The early 20th-century church is being rehabilitated by Derick’s family construction business, JACK Construction, and is the company’s first major commercial project.

“This has been a complex project with a lot of moving parts,” Derick said. “The historic church had termite damage but we wanted to try and restore it so the building had to be raised and a new foundation was built to replace the original foundation. We then had to cut the roof off and then build the new building up to the roof.”

Derick continued, by explaining they “will use the PVA Early Learning Center as an incubator for providing kindergarten-ready students for Polaris Village Academy and to help support the school’s tuition-free education.”

“We are excited to have the new BAAM Academic Center house PVA next year because the scholars will then have the opportunity to participate in after-school and summer

Abraham Bartolon, Scholar.

Photo by Amelia Blades Steward

Bella Wilson, Scholar.

Photo by Amelia Blades Steward

ZyHeem Pinder, Scholar.

Photo by Amelia Blades Steward

Dylan Skinner, Scholar.

Photo by Amelia Blades Steward

11902 Kennedyv illeRd, Kennedyv ille, MD

Countrylivingand producefarming this property on 6acres is minutes from Chestertownand Middletown. Hardwood floors,spaciouskitchen,openplan living/diningspace,firstfloorowner’s suite, andthreebedroomsplusastudy and“bonusroom” upstairs, andfull-heightattic. The deckand exterior steps were resurfaced with Trex 25-yearcomposite.Includes agreenhouse andtwo 96-foothightunnels for the buyerinterestedinyear-round produce, agarage/pole barn with walk-in cooler.Two fieldsready for planting in raisedbeds, amixed fruitorchard,and extensivewater lineswithfrost free hydrants.Theproperty is Certified Naturally Grown, meaning no chemical fertilizers, pesticidesor herbicideshavebeenusedanywhereonthe property (for the past tenyears). The walk-outbasement,withradiant heat flooring andwaste rough-in. Newheat pumpand otherenergysavingimprovementsin2023.

$590,000 MDKE2003028

101 School Rd.Chester town,MD

Thishouse is adorable andinimmaculatecondition. Three generous bedrooms, 1.5 baths, with onebedroom beingusedasaden.Updatedkitchen with room for acafestyle table. Majorsystems for the househavebeenupdatedaswell. Charming living room rightoffthe kitchenand diningarea. There is asitting room,two largeclosets in the primary bathroom,which makesfor acozyoasis Thisistruly aturnkeyhome with lowmaintenance!Thebackshedisrelatively new. Hardwood floors are in greatcondition-and thelandscapingand curb appealcompletes thepicture!Improvementsinclude bathroom wasupdated andradiant floor heatingadded,all of the windowshavebeenreplacedand are tilt-out (done2016). Both doors andjambs replacedin2017. Newroofin2020, newACin2023, Newfurnace in 2015, andstove andrefrigerator were replaced in 2019.

$359,000 MDKE2003030

2607 McGinnes Rd.Chester town,MD

Cute 2bedroom, 1bathrancher on almost afull acre!Thespacious living room haswood floors. Most roomshaveceilingfans. The bedroomshave hardwood floorsunder thecarpet. Heated with hotwater baseboard heat andhas CentralA/C. There is aseparatelaundryroomand also a sunporch to relaxonyearround.The2+car garage hasenoughspace to have 2carsand an area fora very smallworkshop. The rear deck hasa powerawningfor shadeifand when needed.A newBAT septicsystemwas installed in August 2022. The newsepticisdesignedfor a3 bedroom home so youcould possibly expand the living area. Closeenoughtoroute 301 for northand southcommuters.

$270,000 MDQA2007336

25024 CordingRd, Worton,MD

Thisparcel is zoned AZD andhas aspecialexception tooperate acottage industry.Parcel size is 3.84 acres. The primary 2200=/- SF cape codstyle residence with graniteinthe kitchen, finishedbasement, twocar garage, in-ground pool,hot tuband firepit.New exterior upgrades andtwo well-built buildings.Thesecondpartofthislisting offers a7200SFtwo-storywithfull basement,garage,bath, anda15X30boathouse.Thefirstflooropenwork area, thesecond flooroffers akitchen with granitecountertops, four additional rooms...which could be used as bedrooms.

$1,700,000 MDKE2002860

programming there as well, providing a support net for them and their families,” said Dina. “This supports the early vision of BAAM supporters Jim Clark and Bill Hunter who thought BAAM’s most promising impact would be if the children started with the program in the morning and stayed with it until the evening.”

The new BAAM Academic Center will have 12 classrooms, a library and media center, multipurpose areas, a commercial kitchen, and a computer lab. The Center will partner with a variety of organizations to provide a variety of activities and programming for the community.

Dr. Jymil Thompson, Headmaster at PVA, who has been a middle school principal and high school assistant principal in the public schools for eight years, has enjoyed the opportunity to do something he had never done before with developing the school’s curriculum. He holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from Penn State, a master’s degree in teaching from Trinity College, a certificate of advanced studies from Howard University, and a doctorate in education from Indiana Wesleyan University.

“The school’s purpose is to provide an inclusive learning environment where scholars of diverse cultural backgrounds can bring their authentic selves each day,” Thompson said. “It is a space where the diversity of our scholar population will be represented in our staff and all elements of our curriculum.”

Thompson added that he has “worked with middle school and high school kids after the damage had been done.”

“Here, we can work on getting kids prepared for ninth grade and creating a foundation of study habits for high school,” he said. “I am a risk taker and this is a risk worth taking to do things out of the box.”

PVM will have 10 scholars per classroom and will cover grades kindergarten to eighth grade. According to Dr. Thompson, admission to the PVM will be based on meeting the individual learning needs of the child and creating a diverse student body.

“Research shows that smaller class sizes and children’s relationships with their teachers have a significant impact on a student’s learning,” Thompson said. “I was sold the first time I met Derick and heard about the educational concept he had in mind. This is a community school model with small group instruction, and when we add experiential learning to that — it becomes unique.”

The experiential learning at PVA includes visits

POLARIS VILLAGE ACADEMY CORE VALUES

HUMILITY: PVA will seek to improve by recognizing our shortcomings while celebrating the achievements of others and understanding the universal values we all share.

INTEGRITY: PVA will embody an unwavering commitment to building a community that adheres to strong moral principles.

RESILIENCE: PVA will show elasticity and recover from challenging situations by taking positive action with a sense of purpose.

EQUITY: PVA will recognize diversity in our school and community and is committed to the intentional work needed to achieve educational equity and inclusion, leading to a more just society.

Harper Greene, Scholar.

Photo by Amelia Blades Steward

from local nonprofit organizations and businesses, including Mid-Shore Behavioral Health, YMCA of the Chesapeake, Horn Point, the Talbot County Free Library, Ebb Tide Wellness, Eastern Shore Karate Fitness, as well as visits from local artists and musicians. The students have also taken field trips to the Salisbury Zoo, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Ferry Cove Oyster Hatchery, and have gone swimming.

PVA, which is registered as a church-exempt school recognizes the importance of providing academic and non-academic support alike, mobilizing and organizing existing resources that children and their families

identify to support student and family success.

“We recognize the value of serving the whole child — and that it truly takes a village,” Thompson said. “The school’s foundation is built upon offering experiential and individualized learning and family participation. With 10 scholars, we can involve families in a very active way. Ninety percent of our parents are committed and involved and we have an active Parent Advisory Committee.”

Since its founding, PVA has entered a new class each year, starting with Pre-K in the first year of the pilot and adding kindergarten in the second year. This past year, the school added a firstgrade class. Seven of the original children in the pilot

We recognize the value of serving the whole child — and that it truly takes a village

Pictured are scholars at Polaris Village Academy in Easton. Photo by JennQuinn Creative

Pre-K program, which began during COVID, are continuing in the program next year.

“The parents really like the small group instruction, the village mentality, and having access to teachers,” Thompson said.” Communication is important as we work with the parents and their children.”

Thompson shares, “Students are not allowed to say ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I can’t do this.’ Instead, we tell them to say to themselves, ‘I can do this.’”

When I was visiting the school, several five-year-old students were excited to share the school’s core values with me. Each student could not only name the core value but could explain what it meant. S

THE BAAM ACADEMIC CENTER

The BAAM Academic Center is a 25,000-square-foot building. The cost of the project is almost $10 million and the Daly’s have raised over $7.4 million toward their goal. The Academic Center will house student after-school and summer programs, career/workforce development, and the Polaris Village Academy. Support for the BAAM Academic Center has come from Mr. and Mrs. William Ryan, the A James & Alice B. Clark Foundation, State of Maryland Budget & Bond Bills (2022/2023), DHCD-Community Legacy Congressionally Spending Fund (2023), the Ryan Memorial Foundation, the Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund, Dock Street Foundation, The Darby Foundation, Ms. Laura Ayers, Mr. and Derick Daly, Drs. Dennis & Mary DeShields, JACK Resources, and NAIMA Ventures.

The Polaris Village Day Care and Early Learning Center site on Port Street is about a $2.8 million project, which has been funded in part by the Ryan Memorial Foundation and the Darby Foundation.

Pictured left to right in front of the site where the new BAAM Academic Center will be built are Derick and Dina Daly, Founders of BAAM and the Polaris Village Academy, with William “Bill” Ryan, President of BAAM Board of Directors and a member of the Ryan Family Foundation who has supported the effort. Photo by Amelia Blades Steward

SEEN CELEBRATED

SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS AT BENEDICTINE SCHOOL

STORY BY DEBRA R. MESSICK | PHOTOS BY CAL JACKSON

Traveling past rural Ridgely in Caroline County, it’s easy to miss the long country lane leading to the Benedictine School.

But for the educators, students and families it has served for 62 years, this comprehensive special needs educational resource has been a shining beacon, a life-changing difference maker, for those with a range of developmental disabilities, including Autism.

“Area people may have a baseline knowledge of what we do, but they don’t know the full extent. We’re a 25 to 26 million dollar annual operation, with 350 to 400 employees,” said Scott Evans, who has been the executive director since 2013.

Evans first came to Benedictine 23 years ago, after working with the Special Olympics. Starting as an adult life coach and group home manager, he never imagined, initially, that he’d still be there today.

But, like many others, Evans stayed on, sharing a passionate belief in its mission of providing a dignified life skills learning environment, where those comprising the special needs community are not only seen, but celebrated.

“We truly are a resource for every county in the state of Maryland,” Evans said. “If a school district has a student who they cannot educate or meet the needs of internally, then they look to a nonpublic school, like Benedictine.”

Scott also explained that they serve students from Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, and, in the past, Pennsylvania.

“School systems have done a great job of being able to support many more students than they had 20 or 30 years ago, but there remain those who will not get what they need within; that’s when that system turns to us,” he said.

“For some of our students, primarily on one end of the autistic spectrum, with more behavioral and communicative needs, they may require a little more medical support, because of seizure activity, and they also may need occupational therapy, and speech therapy; we have all those resources right here on campus,” Evans continued.

“What also makes us unique is that we have the residential component, as well, allowing that student to get education and

Photo provided by Benedictine School

A lot of this education focuses on life skills, but the students also learn about history and other aspects you would learn in ‘school

assistance throughout the day, where it might be difficult for the parent to continue that education in the home, after the school day is done,” Evans added, noting that 90 to 95 percent of Benedictine students reside full time.

“There’s sometimes a misperception that we may be a Catholic parochial school because of where we came from, and that has never been the case,” said Evans. “Yes, we lean heavily, and rightly so, on our history, and our mission and the values of its founders, the Sisters of St. Benedict, but we are part of the public school system, in a way, an extension of them, a piece of that puzzle, to help children with disabilities grow and get the education they deserve.”

The year ‘round school calendar begins in July, but features gently rolling admissions over several weeks, with additional flexibility.

“If a student needs to begin in January, we can do that,” he said.

The program features small classrooms with roughly 3-4 students, a teacher, support staff and additional one on one assistance providers as needed by each youngster.

Starting with those as young as age 5, it continues through age 21, when students receive certificates of completion acknowledged with touching, momentous graduation ceremonies.

“A lot of this education focuses on life skills, but the students also learn about history and other aspects you would learn in ‘school,’” he said. “We just modify those educational components according to each students’ abilities.”

In 1982, Benedictine’s Adult Continuing Services Program began, with its first residential group home in Annapolis. Today there are a total of 22 group residential homes in Annapolis, Caroline and Talbot counties. (Four are solely for residential students under age 21, a precursor to helping them eventually transition into the adult world.)

‘”We have many adults in their 60s and 70s who have been with us for 30 or 40 years,” Evans said.

“We had one resident, a gentleman who worked here for us in our maintenance department for a time over the years, and he decided to retire, and we just had a party for him about a month ago, so now he’s fishing, which is what he wanted to do,” Evans said.

Usually three to four people live in each home, along with 24/7 support staff.

“What we strive to do, whether it’s a school home or an adult home, is to help our folks naturally fit in, instead of standing apart,” Evans said. “To that end, we especially do our best to keep the home exterior as nicely as possible. After all, even though the residents have a disability, they have every right to participate in the community like you or I do.”

Some homes have been outright donations, while some were purchased through other donations. The last two residences, acquired through a dedicated fundraising effort, are special universal design homes crafted to help residents age in place, constructed behind North Caroline High School.

“All the bedrooms are equal sized, they all have fully accessible bathrooms and showers, the halls are a little wider to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs, and there are varying counter heights,” Evans said.

“Another thing we’d like the community to know about us is that Benedictine is a resource for local businesses, because the adults that we support are not only employable, they bring something very special to the workplace,” Evans said.

“Our folks are not necessarily looking for that eight hour a day job; if they go in for two hours, two days a week, that could be amazing for the people we support, and, from what we hear, also amazing for the business, which starts to understand the population we support, and, to be honest, sees what joy they bring to the workplace, plus extra dedication not always found in other employees,” Evans said.

“We have a few training sites here, the garden center and graphics dept, and a car wash, just for our fleet and as a perk for our employees. But we also have many community partners,” he said. “Our Easton office, working through DORS, the Division of Rehabilitative Services, focuses on job development, and we also offer similar outreach efforts to local school systems for their special needs students.”

For more information, visit https://www.benschool.org S

Photo provided by Benedictine School

Photo provided by Benedictine School

December

Crafted in 24k Gold-Plated Brass Perfect

Packaged in agiftbox

A Available at local shops for$25 and online for$31.50 (shipping included)

By Phone: 410-745-0745

visit christmasinstmichaels.org to order the 2023 ornament and anyofthe ornaments in the CollectorsSeries or to locate participating shops

By:RyanHelfenbein

Whileout to dinner theother night with some friends, the topic turned to what is to be done upon our own demise.Yes,perhaps this is aresultofmyoccupation, but none the less we made our way around the table answeringthiseverso eeriequestion. My first palstated, “just cremate me”. His wife shared with us “ green burial” andaroundthe tableitwent. It then gottome. All stared with much anticipation wondering what Digger O’ Dell himself wasgoing to say. As Ianswered, they allsat in amazementoverhow detailedmyanswerwas.

Yousee,manyofusthinkwhenitcomes to alosswe will need to decide on cremation or burial and that is all We look at thedisposition as thesoleanswerto“what now?” What if the only thought we put into our children’s birthday celebrationwas theflavor of thecake? Canyou imagine leading up to your wedding day with the only topicofdiscussionbeing wherethe honeymoonisgoing to be? What if you turned to your spouse upon the 50th anniversaryofyourmarriageand simply asked if they wanted a card or hug to mark the occasion? Some have a tendency to avoidthe topicofour owndemise andpush the discussion off by simply suggesting a disposition only, such as cremation, burial,green burial andso on.

But what about the life that we lived? Shouldn’t that be thefocus at theend of our time?Afterall,isthe end themostimportant part of ourlifeorisitthe journey we hadleadinguptoit? By shiftingour viewpoints from disposition to afinalfarewell, we begintolookat it througha differentlensthatleads us to focusonlife rather than loss.

My answer to my friends wasthis: I’dliketofirstbesure that my threechildrenand wife have time to be with me shortly after my passingatthe funeralhome. Thisisonly to be heldprivately,for immediatefamily, as Inever want to take this opportunity away from them if they feel the need to seemeone more time.Duringthistime, each of them should bringintheir favorite Dadjoke(s) and

tape them to thecremation container. Just before leaving me forcremation,itwill be requestedthateachreadtheir dadjokeout loud as we share thesejokes together often. Afew days later, alifetribute is to be held.

My oldestson,Luke, is to puttogetheraplaylistofour favorite songsand to bringfishingpicturesand tackle to displaythroughoutthe funeralhome. My buddy, Obie, will be askedtocreateabar menu of favorite cocktailsfor our friends andfamilytoenjoy.MyfriendBrad should be readytoencourage everyone to take atequila shot, becauseall that know me know that Ihavedodgedthis requestall my yearswithcreative approaches.Attendees will be askedto bringa funnystory,ofwhicha fewI’m sure will be atad off color, andthere will be achancefor everyone to share this memory of ourtimetogether. At theconclusionofitall,a portionofmeistobescattered when my soncatches hisfirst tuna fish of theseasonwith Team Eastboundoffthe coastofOcean City,a second portiontobemade into twoaquacolored necklace charms formydaughter, Emma, andwife, Sarah, anda thirdto be placedintoa footballfor my son, Chase. Each of theseare to remindthemofour time together fishing, lookingout on thewater from thebeach andtossingthe ol’pig skin around in thebackyard. The focusofmyloss is to be on thetimes shared, jokestoldand memories of thehappiestmoments together

After Iconcludedmyanswer, each diningcompanion looked at each otherand begantobackpedalstating howtheywould want this music played andthe other would want that picturedisplayed.Aconversationthat startedout with genericone-wordanswers became the most entertaining topics of discussion. The tableerupted with laughter at different momentsand therewerea few deeper themes that surfaced as well.Ultimately, we each beganto discuss ourfinalfarewells througha different lensand begantofocus on howour legacywould live on rather than howweare to disappear.

OPPORTUNITIES FULFILLMENT

STORY BY ANNIE HASSELGREN PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TCPS EDUCATION FOUNDATION

An organization in Talbot County seeks to support public education by raising and distributing funds to fulfill needs and opportunities inspired by TCPS educators and students. The Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation (TCPSEF) was established in 2016 as an initiative of the Talbot County Board of Education in partnership with the Mid-Shore Community Foundation.

Thanks to community support and donors, TCPSEF has approved more than $150,000 in grants for classroom materials, field trips, fine arts programming and after-school programs. The organization

has also funded scholarships, internet connectivity and mental health services for students in the TCPS district. The Foundation’s grants have provided significant enrichment for students at Talbot County Public Schools, including a community garden greenhouse at Easton Elementary; a Natural History Day project at Easton Middle; Digital Microscopes for the Easton High BioMedical Science program; field trips for high school students to visit college campuses; and other activities and resources serving a broad range of grade levels and disciplines. Most recently, the foundation partnered with Easton High School “Support our Sports and

Band” initiative and the Grayce B. Kerr Fund to provide new uniforms for the Easton High Marching Band for the first time since the 1990s.

TCPSEF is always mindful of other ways to meet the needs of its schools’ staff and students. During the Covid19 pandemic, the organization raised funds to cover the cost of internet connectivity for families who did not have access to remote education for their children.

The foundation has also covered out-of-pocket expenses for students receiving mental health services through a fund established by the Easton High Latin Honor Society and in partnership with the Dock Street Foundation.

The TCPS Education Foundation is composed of TCPS staff, students, parents, community partners, and donors, and is governed by a 20-member Board, which has final approval for all funding allocations. A grants and scholarship committee reviews all requests and makes recommendations to the Board, and a Finance Committee oversees all income and expenses.

The foundation also includes committees on Strategic Planning, Nominating/Governance, Distinguished Alumni Nominating and Special Events.

“I am very proud of and grateful for the outstanding group of individuals serving on our Board,” said Debbie Gardner, Communications Officer for TCPSEF. “We would love to expand our committees to include more community members.”

Gardner manages the Education Foundation as a component of her multifaceted role handling public relations, communications, and community partnerships for the school district.

“I love working with the board, volunteers, community partners and donors, and seeing our work impact students and educators,” Gardner said. “I love seeing the awesome ideas that teachers have presented through our grant application process. I have also loved getting to know the many phenomenal individuals we have honored as Distinguished Alumni over the last six years.”

Like most non-profit organizations, the greatest

We would love to expand our committees to include more community members.

challenge is fundraising. The foundation relies upon donors and support from community members who value public education and its critical role in our society. The Education Foundation also seeks to raise awareness within the community about its mission and work so the organization may continue to further its mission: to support public education in Talbot County by raising and distributing funds to fulfill needs and opportunities inspired by TCPS educators and students.

The foundation’s focus going forward is to continue to support public education in Talbot County by meeting needs identified via its grant application process and through collaboration with its schools and community partners.

The organization’s annual fundraising event, Mission Possible, will be held on Nov. 17, 2023, at the Oxford Community Center. The event will recognize distinguished alumni from Easton High School, St. Michaels High School, and Robert Russa Moton High schools. Mission Possible will celebrate public education in Talbot County, and raise funds, awareness and support for the Education Foundation. S

To donate, visit https:// tcpsef.org/ or contact Debbie Gardner, TCPS communications officer,

TEACHERS RECHARGE

Amy Fitzhugh

4th Grade Teacher

St. Michaels Elementary School

To recharge myself over the summer break I try to make specific time to do fun things with my two teenage children, and I also try to do a few things for myself. I make time to do things that normally get pushed aside during the school year like reading a book just for fun, meeting a friend for dinner, or being creative by going to a paint night or stained glass mosaic event. The school year completely drains us and it is essential that we recharge.

Robert Williams

Social Studies Teacher

Caroline County Public Schools

Colonel Richardson High School

What I do to recharge during the summer is learn to let go and see the whole picture. Whether the past school year was rough or not, getting out of teacher mode is helpful during the summer.

To me, that means traveling to see Family, spend time with loved ones, and enjoying time outside and on the water.

Exercising, Traveling, and creating my bucket list are all great activities to learn to reload for the next year.

to the classroom?

Stephanie Spencer Fine Arts Department Chair Visual Arts Teacher NAHS co-advisor Kent County High School

In order to recharge, I have found time spent with family and friends to be most beneficial. Sharing stories and laughs, drinks and favorite meals, or simply sitting together to enjoy the summer weather, helps me remember what is most important and what brings me the most joy.

I make a point of disconnecting from all school-related activities as much as I can in the summer and on breaks, and focus on my own interests like cooking for my family, sketching and planning art projects, and traveling.

While I love teaching and working with my students, it is truly the simple joys of my personal life that sustains my energy throughout the school year.

Hollis Special Education Teacher Caroline Career and Technology Center

I recharge by attending live music events, practicing martial arts, and family vacations.

Adam

When the school year is over what do teachers do to recharge and bring their best selves back

ABOUT THE COVER

BY JENNIFER QUINN OF JENNQUINN CREATIVE

Four young summer scholars of the Polaris Village Academy grinned and posed in front of the soonto-be Polaris Village Ministries building. With

promises of small class sizes, continued joyful education and united community, there was much to smile about.

PHOTO