Amy Blades Steward

Talbot DSS Receives Significant Donation from Oasis Church of Easton for Foster Youth

January 19, 2022 by Amy Blades Steward Leave a Comment

Oasis Church in Easton recently donated 29 kits to the Talbot County Department of Social Services to provide the necessary resources for children of all ages and gender who transition to foster care. Rolling luggage was donated for middle school and high school youth and duffle bags were donated for elementary youth – all filled with age-related personal hygiene, comfort, and fun items such as toys, stuffed animals, coloring books, and journals. Kits including diapers, clothing, and other supplies were provided for children ages two and under.

“This donation is such a helpful tool for helping with the transition of our youth to care. Many come without any supplies. On the day the kits arrived, we needed items for both a teenager and an infant. The Oasis Church donations met our immediate need and provided something special for each of the children,” comments Paris Quillet, Special Project Coordinator for the Talbot County Department of Social Services.

These resources donated have also been shared with families experiencing homelessness in the county as they transition to local shelters.

Pictured left to right are Tara Carl of Oasis Church in Easton with Paris Quillet, Special Project Coordinator for the Talbot County Department of Social Services. Oasis Church in Easton recently donated 29 kits to the Talbot County Department of Social Services to provide the necessary resources for children of all ages and gender who transition to foster care.

“We have a program at Oasis Church called “12 Stones,” where every month we support a different organization or community need. After prayerful consideration, God put in on our hearts to do something for the foster program. We have several members of our church who have had their own experience with the foster program and know firsthand the importance of supporting these children,” commented Tara Carl of Oasis Church in Easton.

“Our congregation was excited about sponsoring bags to fill. Many people said they enjoyed shopping and picking out special things like stuffed animals and journals for the children, along with objects of necessity. It was heartwarming to see the bags filled and ready to go to a child who could use them . . . we are called to love our neighbors and care for all the children. This is what community is all about!”

“We continue to experience a high level of need in our community and appreciate donations of this kind to help meet that need,” Quillet adds.

To support the Talbot County Department of Social Services needs in these areas, contact Paris Quillet at 410-770-4848. A little more than half of the children in care on the Mid-Shore are under the age of 14 and many are sibling groups. Talbot County needs foster parents for long-term placement to provide temporary, safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children to live in until they can be reunited with their own families, placed with relatives, or adopted. Call the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-820-7371 for information about becoming a foster parent.

Bob Breeding General Contractors is Second Metal Building Assembler in Maryland to Obtain AC478 Accreditation

January 12, 2022 by Amy Blades Steward

The Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) announces that Bob Breeding General Contractors, LLC, headquartered in Denton, MD, and servicing Maryland, Delaware, and Northern Virginia is the second metal building assembler based in Maryland to obtain the prestigious AC478 accreditation administered by the International Accreditation Service (IAS). AC478, Accreditation for Metal Building Assemblers Inspection, is a standard to recognize metal building assemblers committed to excellence.

Achieving this accreditation demonstrates that Bob Breeding General Contractors has the personnel, the organizational skills, vast experience, knowledge, management procedures, and commitment to assemble the metal building in accordance with code, specifications, costs, and deadlines. Some of the requirements for this accreditation include documented management systems, rigorous safety training, quality managers, OSHA training, documented safety plans, site-specific plans, and other documents.

Chris and Andrew Breeding of Bob Breeding General Contractors

“Metal building contractors that join MBCEA set themselves apart for the competition. Those who achieve IAS AC478 accreditation set themselves further apart by committing to an unparalleled level of safety and quality”, notes Art Hance, MBCEA president while acknowledging the company’s achievement. “We congratulate the team at Bob Breeding General Contractors on this significant achievement and recognize them not only as a leader in their geographic area but in the industry overall.”

When he first heard about AC478 several years ago, Chris Breeding, President and Owner of Bob Breeding General Contractors, quickly realized that this was the wave of the future for the pre-engineered metal building industry. “It was easy to see the writing on the wall, based on the level of effort from the MBCEA to promote AC478, that we had better embrace this new accreditation program if we wanted to excel in this industry moving forward,” said Breeding. “While we initially thought this was just another burdensome task to complete, we began to realize that many of the problems we faced in our company’s day-to-day operations would actually be addressed when we implemented the changes that AC478 would require. Now, after having gone through the process, I’m looking forward to being a leader in quality, safety, and planning in the metal building industry. I’m also excited about the direction we are going as I think about the next generation that I will be leaving the company to one day.”

For more information about the IAS AC478 accreditation program visit www.mbcea.org. For more information about Bob Breeding General Contractors, visit www.bobbreeding.com.

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Bob Breeding General Contractors, LLC, established in 1969, is a true family-owned and operated business, headquartered in Denton, Maryland and serving the Mid-Atlantic region. Their motto, “Born to Build” refers to their three generations of steadfast commitment to their clients. With more than 50 years of experience, they pride themselves on providing the highest quality self-installed, pre-engineered buildings in the area.

The MBCEA was formed in 1968 to serve the needs and support the interests of metal building contractors and erectors. It has 3 main goals:

Education: To provide programs and venues that enhance education opportunities for metal building contractors and erectors.
Image Enhancement: To develop programs to enhance the image of metal building contractors and erectors, and the metal building industry.
Grassroots Support: To develop and maintain programs specifically designed to support and respond to the needs of the grassroots membership of the MBCEA.

The association proudly boasts membership from virtually every aspect of the industry and all 50 States and Canada. For additional information please visit our website at www.mbcea.org or contact Sasha Demyan at 484-239-3337.

Mid-Atlantic Tire Pros and Hybrid Shop Collects Coats for 15th Annual Coats for Kids Drive

December 25, 2021 by Amy Blades Steward

Mid-Atlantic Tire Pros and Hybrid Shop in Easton recently sponsored its 15th Annual Arlene M. John Koats for Kids Drive, collecting over 409 coats and a number of knit scarfs, hats, and gloves for underprivileged children on the Mid Shore. The drive began in 2007 in honor of Terry John’s late wife Arlene.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years since we started holding this drive. The community continues to recognize its importance and supports us year after year. We are grateful for everyone who participated this year,” comments Terry John, owner of Mid-Atlantic Tire Pros and Hybrid Shop.

Pictured left to right are Terry John, owner of Mid-Atlantic Tire Pros and Hybrid Shop; Matt Spence of WCEI, Whitney Kerridge of Admiral Cleaners, Terry Hines of Admiral Cleaners, and Linda Laramy of Crackerjacks with Coats collected for the 15th Annual Coats for Kids Drive. Not in the photo Betsy Griffin of the Star Democrat and Marilyn Neal of the Neighborhood Service Center.

Partners in this year’s event include WCEI/WINX, Crackerjacks, Admiral Cleaners in Easton, Michelin, The Star Democrat, Neighborhood Service Center, Ship and Print, Continental Tire, and SSJ Web Consultants. Admiral Cleaners provided complimentary coat cleaning. Mid-Atlantic Tire Pros and Hybrid Shop is located at the corner of Dover Road and Teal Drive in Easton. For further information, contact Terry John at 410-770-3337.

Mid-Atlantic TirePros and Hybrid Shop in Easton is an independently owned and operated automotive repair shop, which also provides expert care for hybrid and electric vehicles.

Earth Data Employees Participate in Oyster Recovery Program

December 17, 2021 by Amy Blades Steward

More than 15 employees with Earth Data, Inc. in Centreville, Maryland recently supported the Oyster Recovery Partnership’s (ORP’s) Marylanders Grow Oysters (MGO) program, building more than 70 oyster cages. MGO engages more than 2,000 volunteers throughout 36 tributaries in the Chesapeake Bay to nurture young oysters during their most vulnerable first year of life. After the year of growth, the oysters are collected and planted on sanctuaries where they will filter water and provide habitat for crabs, rockfish, and other marine life.

Kayla Warhola and Kevin White of Earth Data, Inc. working on an oyster cage.

Earth Data’s employees participated through the Earth Data Gives program, which was started by the company to give back to the community. Over the years, Earth Data employees have helped support the health of the Chesapeake Bay, Cub Scouts’ summer camps, ending the global vision epidemic, stocking fish with the Department of Natural Resources, and providing CarePacks to local students.

Shawn Stabile and Eric Flickinger show a completed oyster cage.

“Cage building is important because they act as shelters for young, growing oysters during their most vulnerable first year of life. Those oysters, once planted on local reefs will help filter excess nutrients from the Bay and improve water quality. Not only did we have fun, but we did something of great importance for the Chesapeake Bay and its oyster population,” commented Tawney Strazza, Administrative Assistant, Earth Data, Inc. who participated in the event.

Earth Data employees Eric Stille, Eric Flickinger, Tawney Strazza, Shawn Stabile, Bruce Strazza, Jackson Forrest, Ron McDonald, JP Stokes, Kevin White, Kayla Warhola, with Paul Shurick (ORP) and Kaylee Fleury (ORP), Jake Bram and Jeff Chipman, Earth Data employees.

“This is a foundational principle in what we do and who we are as a company. We care about more than soil and water. We care about people, too. We believe giving makes our communities thrive, our employees passionate about more than work, and Earth Data an encouragement to those around us,” said Mark Williams, CEO, Earth Data, Inc.

According to Kaylee Fleury, Events & Marketing Coordinator with Oyster Recovery Partnership, Marylanders Grow Oysters (MGO) has been around for 13 seasons and the extension of cage building activities is relatively new over the last few years. “It is important for us to work with other community organizations, nonprofits, and companies whose mission aligns with ours in terms of the environment, water restoration and outdoor recreation. Connecting with like-minded people at these events helps raise awareness about oysters and their critical role in Bay cleanup. The Earth Data employees were a pleasure to work with – smart, diligent, and hard-working. It was easy to teach them how to build cages and pass them the reigns. It was a huge success. We hope to work together again in the future!”

In addition to giving back through its environmental work, the Earth Data Giving Program encourages all Earth Data Incorporated employees to help others. It provides employees with paid public-service hours for volunteer work done to support local charities and others, such as helping feed school kids on the weekends, cleaning hiking trails, supporting elementary school reading programs, and teaching kids about the world around them by using maps and GIS.

For 47 years, Earth Data, Inc. has been providing field-oriented water resources and geospatial consulting services using high-tech tools to collect, analyze, manage, and distribute data in sophisticated ways. For further information, visit earthdatainc.com.

The Oyster Recovery Partnership is the region’s leading nonprofit dedicated to the large-scale restoration of oyster reefs in the Chesapeake Bay, planting more than 9 billion oysters on over 3,000 acres of oyster habitat in Maryland since 1993. Learn more at oysterrecovery.org.

Earth Data Reports Record Number of Eagle Scouts Among Its Employee Ranks

December 10, 2021 by Amy Blades Steward

What does it take to be an Eagle Scout? Mark Williams, the CEO of Earth Data, Inc., a Centreville, Maryland-based company offering field-oriented water resources and geospatial consulting services would tell you it speaks to a person’s integrity, honesty, hard work, and dedication. That’s why he’s proud to have four Eagle Scouts among his employees today.

“I feel like it’s highly unusual to have four of 20 employees – 20 percent, having reached the advancement of being an Eagle Scout. When I’m reviewing resumes and I see Eagle Scout that means something to me—helps to tilt the scale in favor of me bringing someone in for a personal interview,” states Mark Williams, CEO, Earth Data, Inc.

Although not an Eagle Scout himself, Williams values community service which has been a big part of his civic life.

“My number one rule of life is to treat every living being with dignity and respect. I believe we need to leave the world a better place than we found it. At Earth Data, we are more than data. We are people who work hard and want to help, not only our clients but our community.”

Pictured left to right are Jeff Chipman, James Janis, Jackson Forrest and JP Stokes, four of 20 employees at Earth Data who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in their younger years.

According to the Boys Scouts of Ameican, each year, approximately 55,000 youth achieve the important milestone of completing an Eagle Scout service project which reflects the scout’s spirit of caring and giving. These projects usually have a significant impact on a community and represent the scout’s very best effort.

Earth Data Geospatial Analyst James Janis became an Eagle Scout because of the honor that comes with the designation. His Eagle Scout Project centered around the Assateague Coastal Trust “Gateway to the Bay” project. The purpose of the project was to use native vegetation to make the drive to Assateague Island seem less touched by man.

“My Eagle Scout project was a small part of a larger project. The first thing that was needed was to find land to be donated for the landscaping portion. After I identified the location, I looked through native plant species that would be suited to the area. Because we were building the Pine Shore Golf Course, where I worked at the time, I had all of the equipment that was needed to install the landscaping with help from volunteers from the troop. The Eagle Scout project gave me confidence in my leadership ability and in obtaining goals,” stated Janis.

Another Earth Data employee, Jackson Forrest, who serves as the company’s Senior Geospatial Analyst and Data Manager, commented, “I wanted to become an Eagle Scout because of the years I was able to spend with friends going on trips and learning new skills. Our local church had a degraded walkway from the church to the hall next door, so my Eagle Scout project involved removing the old stone pathway and building a new brick walkway. Earning the Eagle Scout recognition allowed me the opportunity to learn how to raise money for my project and to figure out the logistics and organize the volunteers to help me get the work done. It was great to give back to the community.”

Earth Data Senior Hydrogeologist JP Stokes, now a registered professional geologist (P.G.) in 3 states, decided to overcome his childhood shyness challenges and complete his Eagle Scout project before his 16^th birthday. His Eagle Scout project was to ensure that his community of nearly 1,000 homes all had house numbers visible from the street to help increase the emergency services response times.

“So much of the Eagle Scout journey involves being able to effectively reach out to others for help, as well as communicate with your neighbors and community leaders, especially in public speaking forums. The service project helped me with not just setting goals but knowing how to achieve them through long-term planning, time management, and managing the resources I had at my disposal. It taught me leadership and instilled a desire in me to continue with community service to others,” he comments.

Earth Data Senior Geologist and Project Manager Jeff Chipman made his pledge to attain the Eagle Scout award along with his brother. His project was to design and build front-facing bookshelves for a local elementary school.

“The Scouting program in general is what I am a big advocate of. I learned a lot of valuable lessons for safe and responsible outdoor recreation, being a valuable member of my community on the local and national level, and just how to have fun. All of the life lessons I learned helped me become who I am today,” he states.

“The Eagle Scout award has helped me advance in the various jobs I held before and during college. Now that I have become a project manager here at Earth Data, it is very obvious that the lessons learned during my Eagle Scout project were in fact lessons on how to manage a project and ensure that it is completed – which has been invaluable in my work here.”

Talbot County Department of Corrections Donates to St. Mark’s Village for Thanksgiving

November 29, 2021 by Amy Blades Steward

The Talbot County Department of Corrections held an employee drive to collect donations for two residents of St. Mark’s Village in Easton. The Thanksgiving baskets included everything from meats, cheeses, eggs, and canned goods for a Thanksgiving meal to cleaning supplies and toiletries.

“We had donated in the past to residents of St. Mark’s Village and picked the project up again last year. It was such a success we decided to do it annually. Our employees enjoy participating and giving back to the community,” comments Deputy Director Tyler of the Talbot County Department of Corrections.

The Talbot County Department of Corrections recently delivered Thanksgiving baskets to two residents of St. Mark’s Village in Easton. Pictured left to right Ms. Baire and Captain Green of the Talbot County Department of Corrections, St. Mark’s Village residents Mary Johns and Liz Gay, Deputy Director Tyler, Captain Hughes, and Sgt. Johnson of the Department of Corrections.

“They provide so much in these baskets that these two individuals will also share with their neighbors. We identify our residents who can cook to share the bounty with others,” states D.J. Sedgwick, Administrative Assistant at St. Mark’s Village.

“We have an outpouring of community help here at St. Mark’s Village and we are very grateful for what everyone does for our residents.”

Both residents receiving this year’s baskets had never received these gifts before.

“It’s a blessing,” states Mary Johns, a two-year resident at St. Mark’s Village.

“It’s unbelievable to have someone who thinks of the elderly. I like to cook, so I will share with my family and those who won’t have things for the holidays,” adds Liz Gay.

For persons interested in careers with the Talbot County Department of Corrections, visit www.talbotcountymd.gov.

Earth Data Expands Technical Staff

November 24, 2021 by Amy Blades Steward

Earth Data, Inc., which provides field-oriented hydrogeological and environmental consulting services throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, announces the appointment of two new employees: Benjamin Gemballa, Project Geologist, and Kayla Warhola, Staff Geologist.

Gemballa of Apollo, PA, recently completed his Master of Science degree in Seismology at the University of Memphis, where he was also a Graduate Research Assistant. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in geology at Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA. His work experience has included work on the Proline Pipeline in Irwin, PA. He was the Memphis Chapter President of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists and coordinated lectures from faculty and professors in the geosciences from around the world.

Benjamin Gemballa, new Project Geologist at Earth Data, Inc. and Kayla Warhola, new Staff Geologist at Earth Data, Inc.

Warhola of Baltimore recently completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the California University of Pennsylvania. Her work experience includes being a Geotechnical Engineering Technician at Geo-Technology Associates in Laurel, MD. She has been a member of the Pittsburgh Geological Society and Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists.

“We are thrilled to have these two employees join our team at such an important time in the company’s history. Earth Data’s team is a dynamic group of qualified water resource engineers, hydrogeologists, geologists, soil scientists, GIS/LiDAR specialists, licensed well drillers, and field technicians,” comments Mark Williams, President of Earth Data, Inc.

Earth Data, Inc. was recently awarded the biggest contract in its 47-year history when it was selected by the Hampton Roads Sanitation District as lead consultant for its Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT®) managed aquifer recharge and monitoring well services project. The project is expected to last 10 to 12 years and is thought to be one of the largest drilling projects in the United States

Local Businesses Support Haven Ministries Homes of Hope

November 20, 2021 by Amy Blades Steward

Haven Ministries has had an overwhelming response from local businesses to its Homes of Hope project with businesses donating a variety of materials and services toward the completion of the homes. Homes of Hope – two new 1700 square foot single-family homes located in Stevensville – will provide hope to those participating in Haven Ministries Housing Assistance Program in Queen Anne’s County.

“We are so very grateful for the generous response we have gotten from the community. There are more and more businesses stepping up every day to support this project for the residents of Queen Anne’s County,” states Krista Pettit, Executive Director of Haven Ministries.

Pictured at Haven Ministries’ new Homes of Hope in Stevensville are left to right Brad Lundberg, President of Lundberg Builders, and Chris Spurry, Supervisor of Lundberg Builders, general contractors for the project, which is planned for completion by spring 2022.

Lundberg Builders, the general contractor on the project, has been coordinating the donations, which have ranged from building materials to actual services. “We have been committed to this project because we make our living from the community and feel we should give back to the community. Housing assistance is important to the health of our community and there continues to be a shortage of affordable housing in Queen Anne’s County. It’s also hard to build affordable housing today with the cost of some of the impact fees associated with this type of housing,” states Brad Lundberg, President of Lundberg Builders.

“This project is a community project. Several things have been donated from the initial demolition to Delmarva Power donating their labor for electricity hook-up to the local plumbers and electricians donating their labor and materials – the generosity has been overwhelming.”

To date, the following local companies that have contributed to the Homes of Hope through free or reduced labor and/or materials: Increte, Torchio Architects, Lane Engineering, Lundberg Builders, O’Berry Engineering, Inc., Delmarva Power An Exelon Company, Universal Supply Co., Friel Lumber Company, Absolute Fire Protection Inc., True Value Kent Island, A Plus Sanitation, Cole Ventures, Insurance, Island Floors, W. Scott Jones Mechanical Contractor, Lindy J. Jones Plumbing and Heating Contractors, Jack Wilson Jr. Electrical Services, Patuxent Roll Off LLC, Economy Pest Control, Inc., R and D Electric, Annapolis Exteriors, 314 Design Studio, Choice Stairways, and Lifetime Well Drilling. At the end of the project, a complete list of donations will appear on Haven Ministries’ website and there will be a recognition event to celebrate the Homes of Hope opening.

“Both current supply chain issues and contractor time have affected the process and timetable for the project. We have had to plan as far ahead as we can to avoid some of the price increases and delays that are happening. We hope to complete the project by spring 2022,” adds Chris Spurry, Supervisor for Lundberg Builders.

The construction for Homes of Hope and the Housing Assistance Program is also being funded by private donations and grants, including those from foundations made directly to Haven Ministries, and through major fundraising activities. The organization wishes to give special thanks to the organizations who have contributed funding to make this project possible including the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners, Weinberg Foundation, Salmon Foundation, Bank of America Foundation, May Foundation, Truist Foundation, Maryland Legislative Bond Grant, Keller Giving, Queen Anne’s County Mental Health Grant, Mid-Shore Community Foundation, and many individual donors. The Truist Foundation, one of the funders for this project, supports nonprofits to help ensure the communities they serve have more opportunities for a better quality of life.

Each of the Homes of Hope two-story houses has four bedrooms and two baths and are mirror images of each other. Individuals and families who live in Queen Anne’s County can apply for the program, must pass the background checks, pay a program fee, and voluntarily agree to work with a case manager. While participating in the Housing Assistance Program, participants will work closely with a Haven Ministries case manager to ensure that they are positioned for success to secure safe and stable long-term housing once their respective program period is over, usually within two years. A program fee will also be collected from the Housing Assistance Program clients approved for the program.

Haven Ministries will continue to operate its seasonal shelter at Kent Island Methodist Church in Stevensville to offer emergency overnight safe and warm accommodations for individuals and families that do not have a dedicated location in which to sleep. Although both of these programs are important programs, they each serve a different population of community members with different needs.

For further information about donating to this important project, visit haven-ministries.org or call Krista Pettit at 410-739-4363.

Love shapes the ministry, love transforms people, and hope prevails at Haven Ministries. Haven Ministries operates a seasonal Homeless Shelter, a Resource Center and Food Pantry in Queenstown, Our Daily Thread Thrift Store in Stevensville, Hope Warehouse in Queenstown, and a Food Pantry Truck in Sudlersville.

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