 (Please know that this list is nowhere near complete and will be changing rapidly as more info is found. With the current coronavirus pandemic, we wanted to post what information we did have ASAP. Please notify us at What’s Up QAC if you have something to add). Expired/Unused Med Disposal: QAC Dept. of Health Alcohol/Drug Prevention Office Kathy Wright, Prevention Coordinator 410-758-1306 Ext 304 QAC Office of the Sheriff 505 Railroad Ave, Centreville, MD 21617 Phone: (410) 758-0770 Food: Haven Ministries - Haven Ministries Emergency Food Pantries are provided the third Friday of every month (except November) at Safe Harbor Presbyterian Church in Stevensville for residents south of Centreville and at Centreville United Methodist Church in Centreville for North County Residents. Purpose: To provide emergency food to the residents of Queen Anne’s County. Haven Ministries partners with the Maryland Food Bank as well as community members and groups to purchase and collect food. Open every 3rd Friday, from 5:30pm to 7:00pm for QAC Residents w/Photo ID. St. Christopher’s Church - Our Outreach Office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 am - Noon. 410-643-3366 Housing: Artwork - Haven Ministries offers a new program to provide original artwork to people making the transition from homelessness or living in a shelter to permanent housing. We recognize that when money is tight, buying artwork is probably a low priority. Artwork can help a new place feel like home and provide a genuine sense of ownership. Importantly, recipients choose which artwork they want — something that is meaningful for them. Original artwork is provided at no cost through this program in partnership with the QA Co Centre for the Arts. Contact: Phil Stapleton marganphil@gmail for more info Clothing & Household Items – Our Daily Thread Thrift Store provides deeply discounted prices on clothing and household items with proceeds benefiting Haven Ministries programs. Our Daily Thread Thrift Store collects donations of clothing and household items from the community and sells them at deeply discounted prices. Donations are welcomed and accepted during store hours only, Mon – Sat 10am-4pm. We accept gently used clothing, shoes, household goods, collectibles, toys, small appliances, and small furniture items. No baby equipment or electronics, please. Location: 425 Thompson Creek Road, Stevensville, MD 21666 Furniture, Appliances & Construction Items - The Hope Warehouse provides deeply discounted prices on donated furniture, appliances, and construction items. The revenue helps support Haven Ministries’ efforts to provide HOPE and AWARENESS in QA Co, MD and assists neighbors in need with furniture and appliances. A Customer Service Job Training Program has been implemented with a curriculum focused on soft skills training, retail store knowledge, and personal development. With the completion of the program, trainees will receive a Haven Ministries Customer Service Certificate. Hours: Wed - Sat 10 am – 4 pm Shelter – Provides a safe and warm environment for men, women, and children. To provide hope through Jesus Christ to those in need. All children ages birth-17 years old must be accompanied by and supervised at all times by a parent or legal guardian. Dates of Operation for the Winter Season: October 2018 – April 2019 7 days a week. Sign-In Times: 6 pm –7 pm, nightly. For info Call Sandi Wiscott, Director of Operations: 410-739-7859 Location: Kent Island United Methodist Church 2739 Cox Neck Road, Chester, MD 21619 Near corner of Cox Neck Road and Rte. 50 Utilities - The Resource Center of Haven Ministries - offers a place of referral and connection to residents of Queen Anne’s County including case management services, educational programs, job training, and use of computers and office equipment. Purpose: To meet the needs of QAC residents who need a hand up by offering financial assistance with bills, job training, wellness, limited pastoral counseling, and enrichment classes. Operation: Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm Location: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (basement) 301 South Liberty St., Centreville, MD Phone Number: 410-758-0129 St. Christopher’s Church - The St. Christopher’s OUTREACH Program provides some relief to folks in need of financial assistance with their utility bills or rent. These funds come to OUTREACH from the poor box donations or checks written to St. Christopher’s with OUTREACH in the memo section of the check. On average, we assist from 10 to 15 families each month. Family: Law Clinic: Family Support Services Family Services Coordinator (410) 758-1773 or (800) 987-7591, Ext. 128 The following services and programs are available to the Circuit Court for Queen Anne's County: *Family Law Assistance Clinic *Custody/Visitation Mediation *Parenting Seminars *Home Study Evaluations *Substance Abuse Assessments *Mental Health Evaluations *Other Family Services *Family Law Assistance Clinic Volunteer lawyers are available in the courthouse every Monday from 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.; every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, the 1st and 2nd Thursdays of the month at the Kent Island Public Library from 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m., and the 3rd and 4th Thursdays of the month at the Centreville Public Library from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for consultation on how to represent yourself and complete forms for divorce, custody, visitation, and modification of child support. Custody/Visitation Mediation When deemed appropriate the Court refers parties to their Mediation Program. Parties attend the necessary sessions with the assigned mediator. The fee for the this court-ordered mediation program is $125.00 per hour. Costs are divided between the parties and paid to Circuit Court for Queen Anne's County. When parties reach an agreement, the mediator prepares a Parenting Agreement for signature and a copy is submitted to the Court. Parenting Seminars The Parent Education Program is a six-hour educational class which offers parents the opportunity to gain an understanding of the impact their separation and/or divorce has on their children. Parents will learn skills that can help their children adjust to the situation. The focus is on the importance of parents meeting the needs of their children emotionally and financially. The sessions are offered every month in Queen Anne's County. The cost is $40.00 per person and is generally conducted in two parts. Home Study Evaluations Investigations are conducted by the Queen Anne's County Department of Social Services to determine whether a home is an appropriate environment for children. Written reports submitted to the Court may, include recommendations for improving the current situation. Verbal testimony may also be required by the Court. These evaluations are utilized by the Court for custody and adoption cases. The cost for a home study in a custody case is $250 and an adoption case $350. Substance Abuse Assessments The Queen Anne's County Health Department, through its Drug and Alcohol Abuse Services Department at the Nielsen Center, provides substance abuse assessments, recommendations, referrals and urinalysis as needed. The assessments are scheduled within 10 days. The urinalysis reports are generally available within a week. Written reports are submitted to the court. Verbal testimony may also be required by the court. The fees are on a sliding scale based on ability to pay. Mental Health Evaluations In cases when a mental health evaluation is necessary, a referral to a specific individual practitioner may be made. In other cases, the party may choose the evaluator. The Court may determine who pays the fees, although they are generally divided between the parties. Other Family Services: Family Law Hotline - operates Monday through Friday from 9:30 - 4:30 1-800-845-8550 Pro Se Hotline (Women's Law Center) can assist with completing pro se forms. 1-800-818-9888 (Hours: Tuesday 9:00 - 12:30; Wednesday 9:00-12:30 and 4:00-7:00; Thursday 9:00 - 4:00; Friday 9:00-12:30) Mid-Shore Pro Bono 410-690-8128 Child Support Enforcement 1-800-332-6347; website: http://dhr.maryland.gov/ Job Training: Crossroads Community – Currently offers these services and resources: Young Adult Program, Adult Services, Vocational Services & Health Home. Crossroads Community 120 Banjo Lane Centreville, Maryland 21617 Phone: (410) 758-3050 Fax: (410) 758-1223 Resource Center @ St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (basement) The Resource Center of Haven Ministries offers a place of referral and connection to residents of Queen Anne’s County including case management services, educational programs, job training, and use of computers and office equipment. Purpose: To meet the needs of QAC residents who need a hand up by offering financial assistance with bills, job training, wellness, limited pastoral counseling, and enrichment classes. Operation: Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (basement) 301 South Liberty St., Centreville, MD Phone Number: 410-758-0129 Resource Center @Fisher Manor - Open 2nd Saturday of every month from 9am-12pm Located on Fisher Manor Dr in Grasonville just off of Grasonville Cemetery Rd. Services Provided will Include: *Connecting clients to Area Resources *Church Benevolent Fund *Budget Classes *Resume Writing *Job Searches Phone: 410-739-4363 Mental Health: Crossroads Community – Currently offers these services and resources: Youth Recovery Program, Young Adult Program, Adult Services, Vocational Services, Health Home, Behavioral Health Case Management Program, Respite Care Program, Mental Illness and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health Resources Crossroads Community 120 Banjo Lane Centreville, Maryland 21617 Phone: (410) 758-3050 Fax: (410) 758-1223 The Kent Island United Methodist Church - “GriefShare” Ministry Team meets several times per week at the church located at The Ministry Team offers: *Peri-Natal Parents Group meets Tuesday, 6:00 pm *Bereaved Parents Group meets Tuesday, 6:00 pm *Bereaved Spouse Group meets Thursday, 10:00 am *All Bereaved Group meets Thursday, 6:00 pm *Our Celebrate Recovery meets at 7:00 pm every Wednesday for worship, lessons, and testimony. At 8:00 pm, we break into smaller groups for discussion and support. Childcare is provided! Kent Island United Methodist Church 2739 Cox Neck Rd Chester, MD 21619 Phone: (410) 643-5361 Mentorship: Coming Soon Street Outreach Services: Haven Ministries’ staff proactively work with individuals and families who are experiencing a housing crisis before they’re in need of emergency shelter services. Staff also help connect folks with available resources. An average of 20 individuals and families are helped monthly though Street Outreach Services. Purpose: To help community members experiencing a housing crisis. Contact Information: Sandi, Director of Operations for the Shelter: 410-739-7859 Additional Resources (provided by Haven Ministries) Visit Haven Ministries Website haven-ministries.org Queen Anne’s County Housing and Community Services: 410-758-3977 Queen Anne’s County Housing Authority: 410-758-8634 Queen Anne’s County Health Department: 410-758-0720 Queen Anne’s County Social Services 410-758-8000 QAC Helps 866-722-4577 Crossroads Community Inc.: 410-924-8192 Seniors QAC Office on Aging – Senior Care, Income Tax Preparation, Home Visitors, Group & Senior Assisted Living. Telephone reassurance Program, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Transportation services, Senior Centers, Home Delivered Meals, Employment Service 55+, MAP Information and assistance (see next table) 104 Powell St. Centreville, MD 21617 410-758-0848 Transportation: AAA Transport - Sedan/medivan services 24/7 by CPR & first aid certified drivers & is one of the largest medicaid transportation providers in the region. (transporting to & from dr appointments) 301-933-HELP (4357) or email: [email protected] QAC County Ride – County Ride operates 3 deviated fixed routes, Route 1 (Kent Island & Grasonville to Easton), Route 2 (Centreville to Stevensville) and Route 3 (Annapolis). Deviated-fixed routes operate on a time schedule. Drivers may deviate off the route for any rider if the deviation is within 3/4 of a mile. Please call dispatch at 410-758-2361 or 410-758-2357 for more information about deviations. Route 3 stops are located at Church Circle, AAMC, and Annapolis Mall. Route 3 operates Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. through 4:45 p.m. To contact County Ride for more information, or to schedule a ride, call 410-758-2357 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. NOTE: Veterans living in Queen Anne's County and need a ride to mental, medical or behavioral health appointments can ride at no cost to and from those facilities thanks to generous donations from various organizations in Queen Anne's County. QAC County Ride also provides non-emergency transportation to and from medically necessary covered services for Medical Assistance recipients who have no other means of transportation. Please call for further information about this service. To Schedule Transportation Services, Phone: 443-262-4462 Senior Transportation: QAC Office on Aging 104 Powell St. Centreville, MD 21617 410-758-0848 Volunteer Opportunities: Kent Island Beach Cleanups https://www.kentislandbeachcleanups.com/ Queen Anne's County Recreation http://www.parksnrec.org/ Animal Resource Foundation https://www.nokillnetwork.org/d/Maryland/ARF,-Animal-Resoucers-Foundation-(Stevensville)~4592/ Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center https://www.bayrestoration.org/ Animal Welfare League of Queen Anne's County http://awlqac.org/ Queen Anne's County Library https://www.qaclibrary.org/ Camp Pecometh https://www.pecometh.org/ Volunteer Maryland https://volunteer.maryland.gov/ Chesapeake Helps http://chesapeakehelps.org/ VolunteerMatch https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/?l=Centreville,%20MD%2021617,%20USA LOCAL NON PROFITS LIST Coming Soon
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Comptroller Peter Franchot awarded Davis with the 2017 William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award for exemplifying “the very principles that William Donald Schaefer had for helping people during his 50 years of service in Baltimore, mayor, governor and comptroller,” Franchot said before presenting the award. Davis, who has been a member of the Grasonville Volunteer Fire Department since the age of 14 and grew up four houses down from the fire station, thanked his friends, family and the “brotherhood” of the department. “I would not be where I am today and doing what I do if I didn’t have all these great men and women by my side, and for that I am so beyond grateful,” Davis said. The award was created to highlight the contributions of one individual per year from all Maryland counties, including Baltimore City, in their effort to build, strengthen and help their communities. The award goes to someone who best lives Schaefer’s commitment to helping people. “I know there are many other worthy citizens and organizations who do great work in our communities,” Davis said. “The fact that you have recognized me is very special, and I will always be grateful for it.” Like the two words “He Cared” on Schaefer’s gravestone, Franchot said, Davis has embodied that sentiment through his work as a volunteer firefighter, supply organizer and other acts, such as creating the First Light for First Responders nonprofit organization. Officially established last year, First Light for First Responders is dedicated to providing resources and assisting all first responders and their families. Through partnerships with local businesses and government agencies, the operation has helped many individuals and organizations. Franchot referenced how after Davis took supplies to New York first responders and their families after the 9/11 attacks he “realized he was on a mission to provide critical operational support and create innovative programs that could increase capacities for the first responders, handle disasters both natural and manmade.” “Justin, I wish we all had the same moxie that you do,” Franchot said. “Not only saying something but actually doing it.” County Commissioners Mark Anderson, Jim Moran and Jack Wilson all gave congratulations to Davis for his recognition from the state and service he provides Queen Anne’s County. Davis, along with other volunteers, have aided more than just Maryland citizens. Though only established a year ago, Davis’ efforts of altruism extend many years before the organization’s creation as he has collected and delivered food, clothing, and gift certificates, as well as helped people find housing and aided in general labor efforts in Maryland, New Jersey, Illinois, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. But just because Davis has now been recognized for his work in the community doesn’t mean he is going to stop. When disaster strikes will he work to help those in need, he said, but he also aims to promote volunteerism in the community, honor the fallen and their legacies, and teach preparation and safety to the youth. For more information about First Light for First Responders or to get involved, visit www.flfr.org. Follow Mike Davis on Twitter: @mike_kibaytimes.
6:02 PM, Oct 18, 2016 KENT ISLAND, Md. - People are still cleaning up from the effects of Hurricane Matthew, and some fire companies are helping with the cleanup effort. Justin Davis, with the Grasonville Fire Department, has been in contact with Northwood Fire and Rescue in Lumberton, North Carolina. First responders in North Carolina say they are still in bad shape. So Davis, with the help of Ferndale Fire Department in Anne Arundel County, is trying to get an 18-wheeler full of supplies to help those in need. "The main thing is blankets. The chief did tell us a lot of people in the shelters are still in the clother they were rescued in," Davis said. Davis was hoping to leave Tuesday, but the fire chief in North Carolina told them they're still experiencing difficulties from Matthew. "The chief told us the waters are still receding and that there was a detour as of Saturday that was a 65 or 70 mile detour. They told us to hold off," Davis said. One of the places on Kent Island to drop off supplies is the Shore Stop on Route 18. Mary Wilt, the manager, is trying to pay it forward. "It's a good thing to do, helping out people. that one day one of us might be in need and I'd like to think that people somewhere else would be willing to come and help us," Wilt said. They are going to continue to collect supplies throughout the week and they hope to leave with their relief mission sometime in the middle of next week. Here are some of the items being collected: Copyright 2016 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. GRASONVILLE — Local firefighter Justin Davis is spearheading a Hurricane Matthew relief effort to aid first responders and their families in Lumberton, N.C., and others there devastated by flooding.
Davis said he is waiting for flood waters to subside before heading out with the first tractor-trailer load of supplies. He estimated roads might be clear enough to make the trip in the next week or so. In the meantime, collections are ongoing. Items sought include: blankets, pillows, bottled water, canned food (preferably pop top), baby food and formula, bottles/sippy cups, plastic silverware, plastic cups, paper plates and bowls, paper towels, baby wipes, diapers, toys such as coloring books and crayons, toiletries, garbage bags, plastic storage bins, gloves, masks, safety glasses, buckets, mops, squeegees, all types of cleaning supplies, extension cords, submersible pumps, wet/dry vacuums, dehumidifiers, fans, heaters and generators. “Unlike the past, we will also be accepting gift cards not only to pass out to those in need but also to assist with fuel/supplies to those delivering everything. This is not going to be a cheap trip,” Davis said. Current drop-off locations include: Shore Stop (South), 201 Romancoke Road, Vape Bird, 356 Romancoke Road, and Rams Head Shore House, 800 Main St., all in Stevensville; Grasonville Community Center, 5601 Main St., and Massage By Jess, 430 Kent Narrows Road, in Grasonville; A-Shore Out Bail Bonds, 101 S. Commerce St., in Centreville; and Best Western Inn & Suites, 8708 Alicia Dr., Easton. 8/14/2014 - Terry Alley takes the ALS Ice Water Challenge!
That's right, WNAV's Terry Alley has received a challenge from Justin Davis of Heroes for Homeland. Terry said "sure" and it is arranged. Thursday, Terry will be broadcasting from the Queen Anne's County Fair in Centreville beginning at 3pm. At approximately 6pm, Terry will get the bucket of ice water poured on her head. Of course, this is all for a good cause. Your contributions would be greatly appreciated. Terry was thinking "it's not much different from this past Tuesday at the Fair (with the torrential rains) only the water coming down will be a little colder"! See you at the Queen Anne's County Fair, at the 4-H grounds in Centreville. By ANGELA PRICE [email protected] | Posted: Wednesday, December 4, 2013 6:45 am WASHINGTON, Ill. — The Heroes for the Homeland team hit the road early Saturday morning, Nov. 30, with a convoy of four trucks and three trailers filled with supplies bound for Illinois tornado victims. Last minute donations included a moving truck from Penske of Baltimore and 17 pallets of supplies from the Gleaning for the World organization. The cross-country drive took them through parts of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana before finally reaching Peoria Heights, Ill. Sunday morning, the team unloaded more than $35,000 worth of donations, Justin Davis said. “We then went to the local fire department and police department and asked them which of their members needed assistance. We then hit the streets to assist with anything we could.” He called the vast destruction “unreal,” adding, “There are no words to express what we’re seeing here. “The devastation is even more then I could have ever imagined. It is heartbreaking seeing all the pictures and personal items laying everywhere and not knowing where to take them,” he said. Also Sunday, the team visited and helped in Washington, Ill., another town struck by the powerful tornados. The community they visited was similar to Cloverfields on Kent Island, Davis said, only it was in the direct path of a tornado that went for 49 miles. Some buildings along the tornado’s path weren’t even touched; while neighboring buildings were demolished. For example, an Advanced Auto Parts store in Washington is totally gone with the debris in the parking lot of a neighboring Tractor Supply that is open and fine, he said. Team members will remain in Illinois the rest of the week, helping however they can. They will head back Friday. More photos from Illinois are available on our website, myeasternshoremd.com.
By ANGELA PRICE Special to the Record Observer | Posted: Thursday, September 22, 2011 12:00 am GRASONVILLE A standing-room-only crowd packed The Jetty Sunday night, Sept. 11, for a memorial service to mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and to honor those who lost their lives that day. The American flag flew high, suspended from ladders atop Grasonville Volunteer Fire Department's Truck 2 and Church Hill Volunteer Fire Department's Tower 5. A bagpiper and drummer clad in kilts passed beneath the flag playing "Danny Boy" as they marched down the road and into The Jetty to open the service about 8 p.m. After the flag presentation, the crowd took part in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Laurie Plemons sang "The Star Spangled Banner." Father Paul Jennings, pastor at St. Christopher's Catholic Church and chaplain for the sheriff's office and Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department, offered an opening prayer. Local volunteer Justin Davis has been organizing a memorial and doing fundraisers for survivors every year since the attacks. "I would like everyone to take a minute to reflect on what they were doing on that fateful day, and the changes that have come to this country since the attacks," Davis said. "We have all changed in many ways, but we have not changed in regard to the fear we shared as we watched the planes hit the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon. Or when we saw the towers fall, then realizing all the lives that had just been lost brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. Everything we believed about freedom was challenged in a matter of a few hours by an enemy trying to instill fear and destroy this country." Davis has been a volunteer firefighter in Queen Anne's County for 21 years; he said fire fighting is a "brotherhood," and the brotherhood was devastated that day. "You don't have to know them or have ever worked with them to feel the loss," he said. Davis talked about his brother Allen, who fought in the Gulf War and who has served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He called for those gathered to pray for the brave men and women in the armed forces defending our freedom no matter the cost to themselves. He spoke of the patriotism that swept the country shortly after 9/11, saying it seems to have faded with time. He called for its resurgence. "The truth is that we don't know what is going to happen to our country in the days ahead. I am not a pessimist, but we know the terrorists have not given up. What we must do is keep supporting our troops, law enforcement, firefighters and EMS personnel, and stand up for what we believe and keep praying that God will bless and protect this great country," Davis said. Joe Edwards, a firefighter with Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company of Centreville, read "The Fireman's Prayer." Capt. John Ryan of the Grasonville Volunteer Ambulance Department read the "EMS Prayer." Retired U.S. Army Col. Harry Ruzicka, who lost a leg serving in the Middle East in the U.S. war on terror, read "A Soldier's Prayer." Sgt. Morris "Sonny" Jones, representing the Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office, read a piece he wrote for the service titled, "We Remember." Jones is also a volunteer firefighter. "We remember the fear that gripped our very soul, the thought of war on our own soil, and the steadfast determination that we would overcome," Jones said. "We remember words like patriotism, nation, and freedom. Our country bound together as one family, one voice that cried out for justice and wept in sadness." He spoke of the numbers, like 9/11 and 343, that had no real meaning before that morning. "We remember the countless faces that day. Covered in dust, tired and broken. Faces that inspired courage in all of us. Faces that spoke to us far beyond that which words ever could," Jones said. He spoke of the aftermath, of unearthing the bodies and the determination not to leave anyone behind. "Most of all, we remember the people, ordinary people that did extraordinary things that day. People who gave their own lives so that others may live. People that in the face of almost certain death said 'I will not fail in my mission. I will not leave you in harm's way. I will be there to help you, no matter what the cost,'" Jones said. "My fallen brothers and sisters, we remember you, and we will never, ever forget." Author Mark Prachek, a retired paramedic/firefighter, offered a toast and a poem. Prachek also is a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, who show their respect by escorting the bodies of servicemen home from Dover Air Force Base and attending their funerals. Linda Haney of St. Christopher's offered a closing prayer. Bill Reem played "Taps," and the bagpiper and drummer played "Amazing Grace" to end the service. Davis said the sale of commemorative T-shirts prior to the service and donations made during the service raised $390 for the Families of Sept. 11. He added $110 to make it an even $500 donation to the nonprofit organization. T-shirts are still available at a cost of $20; $5 from each sale goes to the charity. Sgt. Morris "Sonny" Jones of the Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office reads a piece he wrote for 9/11 Memorial Service entitled "We Remember." Jones is also a firefighter. By ANGELA PRICE Special from the Bay Times
STEVENSVILLE — Two Eastern Shore firefighters are members of Heroes for the Homeland disaster relief organization and will spend a week assisting with tornado clean up efforts in Illinois at the end of this month. At least 16 tornadoes struck Illinois and northwest Indiana on Nov. 17, killing six people, injuring dozens of others and damaging or destroying fourteen hundred houses. Blaine Slacum of Bay City, a firefighter in Anne Arundel County, and Justin Davis, a life member of the Grasonville Volunteer Fire Department, have been working with local businesses to establish sites for residents to drop off donations to help those devastated by the recent disaster. Heroes for the Homeland, a 501c3 nonprofit, is made up of law enforcement and emergency services personnel and prioritizes helping the families of first responders who are affected by the disaster so the local emergency workers can focus on helping the community. “As first responders, they are out there taking care of everybody else,” Slacum said. “So, we want to take care of first responders families, so they don’t have to worry.” However, the group’s assistance is not limited to those families. They try to help anyone who has been affected, Davis said. Members also work in the clean up for the disaster-struck communities. The organization got its start after Hurricane Sandy; it was founded by Chris Johnson, a Prince George’s County Police detective. Slacum and Davis got to know one another while volunteering with Sandy relief efforts in Crisfield. A team of a dozen or more volunteers, including Slacum and Davis, will leave for Illinois on Nov. 30 with trailers filled with supplies. Donations are coming from all around the region. One church in Lynchburg, Va., has collected a large pallet of ladders and dog food, Davis said. “The biggest need right now is money,” Slacum said. Cash and gift cards for food and gas rank high on the needs list. Monetary donations will help cover both the costs of the trip — estimated at more than $3,000 — and provide additional supplies to those who need them. Donations needed include: monetary donations/gift cards; work gloves; dust masks; hand warmers; cleaning supplies; personal hygiene items; first aid supplies; baby supplies (diapers, wipes); tools, such as rakes and shovels; chainsaws and other power tools; lights; trash bags; unexpired non-perishable foods; new black work boots; and storage bins. Drop off locations on the Shore include: A-Shore Out Bail Bonds, 100 N. Liberty St., Centreville; Western Tire & Auto, 1406 Main St., Chester; Crossbones Tattoo & Body Piercing, 305 Saddler Road, Grasonville; and Best Western Plus Easton Inn & Suites, 8708 Alicia Dr., Easton. The deadline to drop of donations is Nov. 29. Davis said anyone who would like to donate but who can’t get to one of the drop off locations can call him at 410-829-2821 and he will come pick it up. Heroes for the Homeland has partnered with Wives Behind the Badge, an organization of wives of law enforcement officers, for the Illinois effort. Wives Behind the Badge has arranged for a house to be donated where volunteers can stay while they are assisting in the clean up. Eventually the organization would like to get enough supplies built up “that we can drop wheels and go” whenever there’s a disaster without having to wait to collect supplies, Slacum said. Heroes for the Homeland lists its mission: to assist men, women and children in American communities affected by disaster by providing essential supplies and cleanup assistance during recovery efforts. The organization’s vision is to “foster the American spirit of citizens helping one another in times of hardship; and work to ensure that no American is alone when disaster strikes.” By ANGELA PRICE [email protected] | Posted: Tuesday, November 26, 2013 8:00am
Two local firefighters are members of Heroes for the Homeland disaster relief organization and will spend a week assisting with tornado clean up efforts in Illinois at the end of this month. At least 16 tornadoes struck Illinois and northwest Indiana on Nov. 17, killing six people, injuring dozens of others and damaging or destroying fourteen hundred houses. Blaine Slacum of Bay City, a firefighter in Anne Arundel County, and Justin Davis, a life member of the Grasonville Volunteer Fire Department, have been working with local businesses to establish sites for residents to drop off donations to help those devastated by the recent disaster. Heroes for the Homeland, a 501c3 nonprofit, is made up of law enforcement and emergency services personnel and prioritizes helping the families of first responders who are affected by the disaster so the local emergency workers can focus on helping the community. “As first responders, they are out there taking care of everybody else,” Slacum said. “So, we want to take care of first responders families, so they don’t have to worry.” However, the group’s assistance is not limited to those families. They try to help anyone who has been affected, Davis said. Members also work in the clean up for the disaster-struck communities. The organization got its start after Hurricane Sandy; it was founded by Chris Johnson, a Prince George’s County Police detective. Slacum and Davis got to know one another while volunteering with Sandy relief efforts in Crisfield. A team of a dozen or more volunteers, including Slacum and Davis, will leave for Illinois on Nov. 30 with trailers filled with supplies. Donations are coming from all around the region. One church in Lynchburg, Va., has collected a large pallet of ladders and dog food, Davis said. “The biggest need right now is money,” Slacum said. Cash and gift cards for food and gas rank high on the needs list. Monetary donations will help cover both the costs of the trip — estimated at more than $3,000 — and provide additional supplies to those who need them. Donations needed include: monetary donations/gift cards; work gloves; dust masks; hand warmers; cleaning supplies; personal hygiene items; first aid supplies; baby supplies (diapers, wipes); tools, such as rakes and shovels; chainsaws and other power tools; lights; trash bags; unexpired nonperishable foods; new black work boots; and storage bins. Drop off locations on the Shore include: A-Shore Out Bail Bonds, 100 N. Liberty St., Centreville; Western Tire & Auto, 1406 Main St., Chester; Crossbones Tattoo & Body Piercing, 305 Saddler Road, Grasonville; and Best Western Plus Easton Inn & Suites, 8708 Alicia Dr., Easton. The deadline to drop of donations is Nov. 29. Davis said anyone who would like to donate but who can’t get to one of the drop off locations can call him at 410-829-2821 and he will come pick it up. Heroes for the Homeland has partnered with Wives Behind the Badge, an organization of wives of law enforcement officers, for the Illinois effort. Wives Behind the Badge has arranged for a house to be donated where volunteers can stay while they are assisting in the clean up. Eventually the organization would like to get enough supplies built up “that we can drop wheels and go” whenever there’s a disaster without having to wait to collect supplies, Slacum said. Heroes for the Homeland lists its mission: to assist men, women and children in American communities affected by disaster by providing essential supplies and cleanup assistance during recovery efforts. The organization’s vision is to “foster the American spirit of citizens helping one another in times of hardship; and work to ensure that no American is alone when disaster strikes.” By LAURA WORMUTH Special to Record Observer | Posted: Monday, September 23, 2013 2:00 pm
GRASONVILLE — Gathering for prayers and a moment of silence, firefighters, EMTs and the public came together for a Salute to Heroes at The Jetty restaurant in Grasonville on Wednesday evening, Sept. 11, 2013. After raising the flag high on the fire engine ladder, the procession of servicemen was led by bagpipes and drum through the crowd that waited to honor the fallen and the dedicated men and women who served during the tragedies of 9/11. “Thank you for being our heroes,” called out one patron. “We love you.” The ceremony opened with a prayer for those lost during 9/11. “God, please hold those souls close to you,” said Dan Mautz, a lifetime member of the Tilghman Island Fire Department. “Please protect those who are still protecting our freedom — our police officers, our firefighters, EMS and military.” The audience joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moving rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner,” which was followed by a reading of the EMT prayer, the firefighter’s prayer, the police officer’s prayer and the soldier’s prayer. The whole crowd joined in a verse of “God Bless the U.S.A.,” originally written and recorded by Lee Greenwood, and performed Wednesday evening by John Frase Justin Davis, lead coordinator of the event, read an emotional letter from a member of the team that traveled to Ground Zero during that time to bring supplies and assistance from Queen Anne’s and Kent counties. “Immediately following the nightmare on Sept. 11, people were so patriotic. They flew flags from their homes, overpasses, bridges and buildings, and had flags attached to their cars,” Davis read. “What we must do is keep supporting our troops, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and EMS personnel and stand up for what we believe.” The evening closed with a moment of silence and a toast to all of the servicemen who were heroesduring Sept. 11, and in service to Queen Anne’s County every day. |
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