Page 30 - June 2021 Issue.indd

Federalsburg Activity Some of the programs being considered building on Morris Avenue, zoning
are: counseling on resume writing, and building permits, grant and other
Center interview skills and dress for success; capital improvement funding, and more.
joint programs and activities with senior MD State Delegate Johnny Mautz and
In 2020, a group of local pastors, business
citizens and youth; yoga and exercise; MD State Senator Addie Eckardt, -37B
leaders and interested citizens became
arts and crafts; and guest speakers. Mid-Shore obtained a $100,000 grant
involved in a plan to open an activity
Partnership opportunities include the from the State of Maryland which is
center for area youth, senior citizens and
Chesapeake YMCA, Caroline County being used for demolition, construction
others to use in downtown Federalsburg.
Department of Recreation and Parks, materials, labor and other renovation

When Mayor Kim Abner and and Caroline County Human Services expenses. The Committee is pursuing
Councilmember Debi Sewell were Council. other grant opportunities as well.
elected in 2019, they envisioned a Many hurdles have been accomplished An appeal letter has recently been
Community Center which would to date. Access to the old Dollar General mailed to local businesses and other
provide activities for youth and other
citizens.
“But how do we fund it and who would
run it,” Abner said.
David Ricks and other members of
Men For Change, Inc. had already been
working with local youth for about a
dozen years, mentoring them and
offering positive role models in the

community. They had been addressing
the social, educational, wellness and
cultural needs of children between the
ages of 7 to 17.
Their brochure states “Our goal is
to instruct young men and women
to integrate the benefits of positive
thinking, responsible personal conduct
and respect for self and others into their
daily curriculum.”
Pastor Pam Bockart of Christ United
Methodist Church in Federalsburg, was
also interested in organizing activities
for community youth. So were others
in the community. Getting these people
together was instrumental in the plan.
“And it kind of snowballed from there”
stated Abner. “A lot of people from the
community are now involved. This is
a great partnership in the community
which can provide services to all
citizens.”
A committee was formed over a year
ago with local business leaders, pastors
and interested citizens. The director is

Pastor Pam Bockart and the committee
includes Pastor Stanford Ricks, David
Ricks, Ronnie James, Sherwood Sharp,
Sr., Felita Friend, Kim Abner, Wayne
Cole, Darlene Hammond, and others.

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