Poetry contest underway
Each year more than 200 poems are entered in the Upper Eastern Shore’s Regional Poetry contest. This event is unique to the area and offers an excellent opportunity for aspiring and accomplished poets to have their work judged by working writers and to read to an audience. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate the contest into classroom studies and to submit student work for the contest. Now in its 16th year, this annual event is presented by the Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot County Arts Councils.
Cash prizes of $100, $50, and $25 dollars are awarded for first, second, and third place in each of four categories: children / youth (grades 1-8), students (grades 9-12), adults (ages 18-59) and seniors (ages 60+). In addition to the cash awards, winners enjoy a public reception at the Church Hill Theatre where they can recite their winning poems.
Entrants must be residents, students, or employees in the participating counties. They may not submit previously published or award winning poems. Staff members of the participating arts councils are not eligible. Winners will be notified no later than the second week of April. Full details and rules are available with each entry form.
This year’s contest judge is Ellen Wise. Wise received the 2011 Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award and the 2009 Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation Creative Fellowship in Poetry. She attended the 2011 Breadloaf Writers Conference and is a Virginia Center for the Creative Arts Fellow. Her poem sequence, Ventriloquist Acts of God, set to music by American Classical composer Adolphus Hailstork, has been performed widely including at the Manhattan School of Music and in Auvillar, France. She received honorable mention in the 2011 Delmarva Review short story competition and was semi-finalist for the Pablo Neruda Prize in Poetry. Her poems have appeared in numerous literary journals. She serves as board member for Perugia Press, a national prize-winning publisher of emerging women poets. She lives with her husband Fred in Galena, Maryland.
The deadline for submission is March 1, 2012. Deliver entry forms with poems to the Queen Anne’s County Arts Council by the deadline or send with postmark by March 1 to 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD 21617. Late entries are not accepted and an official entry form is required for contest consideration. Entry forms are available through the participating local Arts Councils: Caroline 410-479-1009, Cecil 410-392-5740, Kent 410-778-1149, Queen Anne’s 410-758-2520, and Talbot 410-310-9812.
$1,000 arts scholarship for Queen Anne’s or Kent Island High Schools
High school seniors planning to continue their education in the arts have an opportunity to apply for scholarship funds through the Queen Anne’s County Arts Council. Students who attend Queen Anne’s or Kent Island High Schools are eligible for a $1,000 arts scholarship. The award is available to students who will be attending college full-time in the fall of 2012 in one of the following fine arts disciplines: visual arts, music, dance or drama.
The scholarship was established in 1989 as an annual program to assist high school students in Queen Anne’s County who will be furthering their arts education and is supported through donations from board members past and present. There are two, $1,000 awards available for eligible students. Applicants are reviewed by an independent panel of artists.
Scholarship applications are available at each high school and at the Centre for the Arts in Centreville during regular business hours, Tue - Fri, 9 am to 5 pm and Sat 10 am to 2 pm. The application deadline is May 1, 2012.
The Center is located at 206 South Commerce St. in Centreville, MD. Office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Applications can also be requested via email at volunteer@arts4u.info. The Centre receives support through a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.
December 3: “Heck with the Malls!” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Experience holiday shopping at its best with artists, artisans and fine crafters, and a town wide open house. In its 16th year, this annual event is a must do! Featuring hand crafted jewelry, holiday ornaments, original paintings, photography, ceramics, wood sculpture, artisan created fashions and home accessories, book signings, pictures with Santa and more. Downtown Centreville merchants will have extra discounts and refreshments for holiday shoppers. Find QACAC artisans at two locations: The Centre for the Arts in Centreville, 206 South Commerce Street, Centreville, MD. 410.758.2520, and at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 302 S. Liberty St., Centreville, MD. 410-758-1553. Free. Sponsored by PNC Bank.
December 3: Third Annual “Small Works: Exhibit & Raffle” Raffle tickets on sale during Heck with the Malls! Great stocking stuffers and the chance to win unique miniature works of art from artists around the country. $5 per ticket or 7 tickets for $30. Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. 410.758.2520. www.arts4u.info
December 10 and 17: Photography with your DSLR, Ages 16+, Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Develop photography skills by understanding how to use a digital single lens reflex camera with award winning photographer Don Dement. Register by 12/2. $99 members, $110 non members. Centre for the Arts, 206 South Commerce St., Centreville, MD. 410.758.2520. www.arts4u.info
December 12 – January 13: Boot Camp A five-week total workout with Pam Thaxton and Mary Messick that will have you in great shape just in time for the holidays. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 5:30-6:30 a.m., Register by 12/2. $104 new students/$80 returning students. Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. For more information call 410.758.2520. www.arts4u.info
January
January 4 – 25: Ballroom Dance Foxtrot, Level 2, ages 14+, Wednesday, 7-7:50 p.m. Prior experience necessary for Level 2 Foxtrot instruction taught by world class dancer and instructor Amanda Showell. www.dancingontheshore.com. Register by 12/28. $50 members/$55 non members. Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. 410.758.2520. www.arts4u.info
January 4 – 25: Ballroom Dance Cha Cha, Level 1, ages 14+, Wednesday, 8-8:50 p.m. This class is a continuation of Cha Cha instruction taught by world class dancer and instructor Amanda Showell. www.dancingontheshore.com Register by 12/28. $50 members/$55 non members. Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. 410.758.2520. www.arts4u.info
January 13 – February 18: Third Annual “Small Works: Exhibition & Raffle” exhibit of original miniature artworks. Donations from regional artists and private collectors include jewelry, two dimensional and three dimensional artworks. Exhibit admission is free. Raffle tickets are $5 per ticket or 7 tickets for $30 and remain on sale through closing of exhibit. Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. 410.758.2520. www.arts4u.info
January 13: Third Annual “Small Works: Exhibit & Raffle” Pre-Opening Cocktail Party. Fee $25. Historic Draper home in Centreville, MD. Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. 410.758.2520. www.arts4u.info
January 13: Second Annual “Small Works: Exhibition & Raffle” Opening Reception 6:00-8:00 p.m. Third annual exhibit reception of original miniature artworks. Donations from regional artists and private collectors include jewelry, two dimensional and three dimensional artworks. Exhibit and opening party admission is free. Raffle tickets are $5 per ticket or 7 tickets for $30 and remain on sale through closing of exhibit. Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. 410.758.2520. www.arts4u.info
January 14: Waltzing Through Winter Dance Party. 8-10:30 p.m. Come kick off the new year at this fun dance party. Early Bird Waltz lesson from 7:15-8 p.m. Presented by world class dancer and instructor Amanda Showell. www.dancingontheshore.com Held at the Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. 410.758.2520. $10 members/$12 non members.
January 16 – February 17: Boot Camp Jump start the New Year in this five-week workout with fitness instructors Pam Thaxton and Mary Messick. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 5:30-6:30 a.m., Register by 1/6. $104 new students/$80 returning students. Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. For more information call 410.758.2520. www.arts4u.info
January 27: Much Ado About Beer: Tasting & History, Ages 21+, Friday, 6-8 p.m., Develop your knowledge of Standard American Brew and Micro-Brews with Certified Master Brewer, Jack Ehmann. Top off the evening with a sampling of some of the finest brews in the area and appetizers. Register by 1/20. $25 per person. Centre for the Arts, 206 South Commerce St., Centreville, MD. 410.758.2520. www.arts4u.info
February
February 4: Copper Creations, ages 16+ Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Learn how to use Copper Metal Clay (PMC) to create unique pieces of jewelry with artist Janice Colvin. Materials and tools included in the class cost. Register by 1/27. $35 members/$42 non members. Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. 410.758.2520. www.arts4u.info
February 8 - 29: Ballroom Dance American Tango, Level 1, ages 14+, Wednesday, 7-7:50 p.m. This class is a continuation of American Tango instruction taught by world class dancer and instructor Amanda Showell. www.dancingontheshore.com Register by 2/1. $50 members/$55 non members. Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. 410.758.2520. www.arts4u.info
February 8 – 29: Ballroom Dance Cha Cha, Level 2, ages 14+, Wednesday, 8-8:50 p.m. Prior experience necessary for Level 2 Samba instruction taught by world class dancer and instructor Amanda Showell. www.dancingontheshore.com Register by 2/1. $50 members/$55 non members. Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. 410.758.2520. www.arts4u.info
February 10 – March 30: Drawing 100, ages 16+ Friday, 9-11:30 a.m. Learn the principles, tools and media used in drawing with an emphasis on still life, landscape and architecture. Experienced instructor and professional artist Rick Strittmater www.blackppodesign.com teaches a variety of approaches using dry media. Register by 2/3. $105 members/$114 non members. Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. 410.758.2520. www.arts4u.info
February 11: Valentine Dance Party. 8-10:30 p.m. Dress in red at this valentine celebration. Early Bird Rumba lesson from 7:15-8 p.m. Presented by world class dancer and instructor Amanda Showell. www.dancingontheshore.com Held at the Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. 410.758.2520. $10 members/$12 non members.
February 18: Third Annual “Small Works: Exhibit & Raffle” Gala Drawing of Winning Tickets. 6-8 p.m. Winning tickets for each work of art will be drawn while attendees enjoy refreshments. Winners who are present may take artwork home at the end of the evening. Raffle tickets are $5 per ticket or 7 tickets for $30 and remain on sale through closing of Exhibit. Gala tickets are $30. RSVP required. Sponsored by Palate Pleasers. Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. 410.758.2520. www.arts4u.info
February 20 – March 23: Boot Camp A five-week total workout with instructors Pam Thaxton and Mary Messick. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 5:30-6:30 a.m. Register by 2/3. $104 new students/$80 returning students. Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. For more information call 410.758.2520. www.arts4u.info
The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council and Centre for the Arts is a non-profit organization committed to promoting, expanding and sustaining the arts. We receive support from the Maryland State Arts Council, corporate and private giving. Visit us on the web: www.arts4u.info
Congratulations
Congratulations, Update readers voted your organization as one that MAKES OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE in our annual Good, Better, Best Reader Poll!
Lamont Layton, Bud Kurtz, Duane Younts, and Mike McLean.
Ron Walden, Lew Mason, Rodney Bliss and Dan Bungori
Jennifer Senner, Carllene Hurd, Renee Kremm and Tracy Smith
The 19th Annual United Way Golf Tournament was held on June 17, 2011 at Queenstown Harbor Golf Course in Queenstown, MD. The new Golf Committee Chair, Art Potts stated that he expected the tournament to net just over $7,000 and those funds will go to a special reserve account which will enable the United Way to serve 23 different non-profit agencies that serve community needs from children to seniors covering areas from health and human services, to the arts and the environment. For a list of the agencies or more information about the United Way, please visit their website www.unitedwayqac.org or call Executive Director, Sandra Early at 410-643-6288.
And a special thanks to our sponsors! Click here to download the pdf!
Here are the winners of the tournament:
First Place (left to right):
First place this year went to United Way supporters Lamont Layton, Bud Kurtz, Duane Younts, and Mike McLean.
Second Place (left to right):
Representing the United Way Agency Chesterwye Center, Ron Walden, Lew Mason, Rodney Bliss and Dan Bungori came in second.
Last Place (left to right):
The team with the highest score that day represented BankAnnapolis and included Jennifer Senner, outgoing United Way President, Carllene Hurd, Renee Kremm and Tracy Smith. Golf Co-Chair, Corky Shawn (in the back) is with Duke's Golf Works and agreed to give the team free lessons! This team, being the only all women's team, also won the distinction for being the first place women's team!
The 6th Annual Blooms for United Way of Queen Anne's County was a beautiful success! Close to $10,000 was raised this year thanks for the many sponsors that stepped up including BankAnnapolis as the Title Sponsor, Banquet Sponsors Paula's Fine Jewelry, Chesapeake Investment Planning and WHBG, CPAs. Of course, the majority of the Blooms were donated once again by Gary & Sonia Mangum of Bell Nurseries.
"Because they’re our neighbors, our friends, and our families"
The United Way Board of Directors is once again presenting the “Spring Into Giving Wheelbarrow Raffle,” a wheelbarrow brimming with gardening items that will be raffled off at the Blooms event. The wheelbarrow is on display now at Kent Island Branch of Bank Annapolis, also this year’s Event Sponsor!
Raffle tickets are 5 for $10, and tickets to the event are $50 per person. Tickets are available for purchase at Bank Annapolis. According to United Way President Carllene Hurd,
“BankAnnapolis is thrilled to be the Event Sponsor this year. Not only are we invested in the community’s people and businesses through the normal course of our day – but it’s our mission to invest still more money and time in organizations whose sole purpose is to help people here live better, more productive lives. Because they’re our neighbors, our friends, and our families.”
Sponsored by BankAnnapolis
P.O. Box 399, Chester MD, 21619
For information, contact Executive Director Sandra Early at 410-643-6288 or Email: admin (at) unitedwayqac (dot) org
We provides ample opportunites for volunteer assistance to the community. Persons interested in serving with the Queen Anne's County United Way should call 410-643-6288
