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The 106-year-old Rotary Club of Salisbury has presented its inaugural Ace Parker Community Service Award to 43-year club member and past president David Downes. The Award is presented to a Rotarian who has played an active role in making our community a better place through volunteer service.

Dave helped develop a mentoring program for youngsters that attempts to help them overcome the feelings of fear and low self-esteem when their families become homeless. Since the program’s inception, hundreds of children have been served through this program. He has been an advocate for and a volunteer for building safer and healthier homes for low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Additionally, he has been a volunteer in the delivery of meals through the MAC Center’s Meals on Wheels program.

Dave has been awarded $1,000 to donate to the charity of his choice.

Dave Downes, on the right, is shown with club president BJ Summers, on the left, and Ace Parker for whom the award is named.

The Rotary Club of Salisbury is in its 106^th year of service to our community. Interested in becoming one of the club’s People of Action? Contact Ginnie Malone at 410-251-6188 or gmalone@cbmove.com.

Rotary Club Supports Africans

June 13, 2025

The Rotary Club of Salisbury is working to help the lives of Africans.

About one year ago two doctors told us about the medical clinic they wish to establish in Kamachumu, Tanzania. Local physician Justinian Ngaiza told us this month about what has been achieved, items such as a water well dug, building intact, solar panels beginning to be installed, etc.

Next would be the arrival of the equipment, for which he told us the travel time for the cargo container from America to the Kamachumu site may take six to eight weeks.

Our club is supporting this project through the acquisition and storage of medical equipment and financial support.

The first-year operating cost is anticipated to be between $200,000 and $300,000, which includes personnel, medical and administrative equipment and supplies, and other normal operating costs.

While the Rotary Club of Salisbury focuses on local community improvement projects, this time we are working on an international one.

The Rotary Club of Salisbury is in its 106th year of service to our community and the world. Interested in becoming one of the club’s People of Action? Contact Ginnie Malone at 410-251-6188 or gmalone@cbmove.com.

College Scholarships Awarded

June 6, 2025

The Rotary Club of Salisbury has awarded six college scholarships, continuing its longstanding support of youth in our community.

Five students received awards from the Helen C. Wootton Scholarship Fund. Helen Wootton was a long-time employee of the Wicomico County public school system. She believed every student should have the opportunity to further his or her education. This fund was established at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore in her name to honor her service to the youth of this community and provide scholarships to students from each Wicomico County public high school.

The scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating a commitment to service, exhibiting leadership and a strong alignment with Rotary’s Four-Way Test code of conduct. The Four-Way Test asks: Is it the truth, Is it fair to all concerned, Will it bring goodwill and better friendships, and Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

2025 scholarship recipients are:

Urjit Chakraborty from James M. Bennett High School, attending University of Maryland College Park to study computer science.

Caden Lefort from Parkside High School, attending Salisbury University to study exercise science.

Patience Scarborough from Wicomico High School, attending University of Maryland, Baltimore County to study psychology.

Ava Baer from Mardela Middle and High School, attending Frostburg State University to study philosophy.

Jasmine Tribeck of Parkside High School, having completed a course study at the Career and Technology Education Center, attending University of Maryland Eastern Shore to study agriculture.

The Rotary Club of Salisbury additionally awards a scholarship honoring former Rotarian Charles Whitmore. This scholarship was established with the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore by Mr. Whitmore’s family in 2016. It provides a scholarship to a female senior accepted into an engineering program at the post-secondary level. The 2025 recipient is Mahala Kriger, graduating from Parkside High School, who has been accepted into the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland College Park.

Robin Evans, this year’s Rotary Club of Salisbury Scholarship Chair, said the scholarship committee was pleased with the number of strong applications. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support our students and help them continue their educations.”

Our New Wicomico County Library

May 29, 2025

Members of the Rotary Club of Salisbury tonight heard from two members about the planned new Wicomico County Library. Library Executive Director Seth Hershberger and Marty Neat, a member of the Board of Directors of the library's Friends Foundation, shared information about the new facility that will be located in the old Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art that is owned by Salisbury University in exchange for the university taking ownership of the downtown library site and building. Following nearly $14 million dollars in renovations, the new library should be open to the public in 2027.

The total anticipated project cost is $13.8 million with the state of Maryland taxpayers supplying $6.4 million, the Wicomico County taxpayers contributing $2.9 million, and private sector donors suppying $4.5 million. Mr. Hershberger and Mr. Neat said the majority of the private donors' expected gifts already have been pledged.

The new library will be more than just a building housing books. There will be a children's area, teen center, local history hub, community support system, an outdoor reading niche, study spaces, a cafeteria, and programs for persons of all ages.

The Flags are Installed

May 25, 2025

For the tenth consecutive year, the local Rotary clubs Flags for Heroes display of hundreds of American flags is up and at a new location along Route 50 at the Wor-Wic Community College just east of Salisbury.

Led by The Rotary Club of Salisbury with assistance from the Rotary Club of Wicomico County and the Salisbury Sunrise club, club members had to prepare the new site with holes in the ground followed by the installation of the flags.

Thanks to the work of our People of Action, local military veteran assistance groups will benefit from the donations of persons supporting the flags display.

Four-Way Test Award Recipients Honored

May 15, 2025

The Rotary Club of Salisbury, in its 106^th year of service to the community, has recognized Keith and Lora Adkins of Salisbury, Maryland as the recipients of its prestigious Four-Way Test Award. The award is presented annually to non-Rotarians whose lives exemplify the tenants of the Rotary Four-Way Test that asks persons of the things they think, say, or do:

Is it the Truth?
Is it Fair to all concerned?
Will it build Goodwill and better Friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Mr. and Mrs. Adkins, on the left, formed Santa’s Angels, a charitable organization, in 1989, in response to a moment of realization involving their daughters, Amanda and Nicole, who were 14 and 9 years old at the time. The Adkins family noticed that their children struggled to comprehend just how fortunate they were in comparison to others, not fully understanding that many people, especially those less fortunate, didn’t have the same blessings or opportunities that they did.

This awareness prompted Mr. and Mrs. Adkins to create the charity, Santa’s Angels, to help their daughters recognize the importance of giving back and to make a difference in the lives of others who may not be as fortunate. For the past 35 years, Santa’s Angels has been bringing Christmas joy to families in need across the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware. What began as a small, humble operation, with Keith playing the role of Santa and Amanda and Nicole serving as his elves, helping just three families in Wicomico County, has grown into a large-scale community effort that now serves more than 150 families annually.

More than 300 volunteers, ranging from local church groups, service organizations, firemen, teachers, businesses, and individuals, come together each year to ensure the charity’s success. Their goal is simple but powerful: to ensure that every family, no matter its background or circumstances, can experience the magic of Christmas, filled with love, warmth, and the spirit of giving.

Club Awards Golf Outing Money

May 4, 2025

The Rotary Club of Salisbury, in its 106^th year of service to the community, has presented The Humane Society of Wicomico County with a $1,000 gift thanks to the success of the 2024 A Round for the Community golf outing. Executive Director Kim Nock, on the left, accepted the check from club president BJ Summers.

The September 5, 2025 edition of the A Round for the Community at the Green Hill Country Club just west of Salisbury will be the third such event the club has sponsored, allowing The Rotary Club of Salisbury to donate more than $40,000 to local non-profit organizations. All proceeds are used to enhance and expand Rotary’s commitment to help students, military veterans, families in need, and others who need assistance.

This year’s event is presented by Meuse Post 194 Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Rotary Club of Salisbury is seeking corporate and organizational sponsors and golfers. Sponsorship levels range from platinum at $2,000, silver at $1,000, and bronze at $500 down to just $100 for on-the-course recognition signs.

Using a shotgun, best-ball format, the 9:00 tee off time event will begin with a continental breakfast and conclude with lunch and the presentation of golfer competition prizes and door prizes. Only 72 players will be allowed. Details are available in the DOWNLOAD section of this website. Additionally, persons may contact Golf Committee Chairman Bill Satterfield at billsatt@comcast.net.

Proceeds from previous editions of the A Round for the Community went to Disabled American Veterans Salisbury Chapter 34, the Humane Society of Wicomico County, Salisbury Urban Ministries, Christian Shelter, One Year to Empowerment, Rebirth, Dove Pointe, Main Street Gym, Epoch Dream Center, Crossroads Early Intervention, Horizons Delmarva, Inc., Village of Hope, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, Salisbury Christian School, and Junior Achievement, among others.

Economic Development in Wicomico County

April 10, 2025

Dave Ryan, the long time leader of the Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development agency, was our speaker tonight. He shared information on recent activities to retain and bring more employers to our area.

One challenge facing our area is affordable housing.

He also encouraged club members to stay alert to a pending announcement about a new airline planning to offer service to and from Salisbury.

The Rotary Club of Salisbury always is seeking new members. We meet weekly on Thursday evenings beginning at 6:10 for fellowship, dinner, and a short program that ends the meeting by 7:30 p.m. Contact BJ Summers at bjsummers072481@gmail.com or 1-443-880-4296 to learn more.

A Round for the Community Golf Outing Announced

April 9, 2025

The Rotary Club of Salisbury, in its 106^th year of service to our community, is announcing plans for its third annual A Round for the Community community-based golf outing to raise money to share with local non-profit and charitable organizations.

A Round for the Community, presented by Meuse Post 194 Veterans of Foreign Wars, is the theme of this annual event It’s a round of golf to help the Rotary Club of Salisbury stay around to help other organizations perform their missions to help our neighbors. All proceeds are used to enhance and expand Rotary’s commitment to help students, military veterans, families in need, and others who need assistance.

Money raised through corporate sponsorships, golfer registrations, and other means is handled through the Rotary Club of Salisbury. We are seeking new participants to help us help our community.

Using a shotgun, best-ball format, the 9:00 tee off time event will begin with a continental breakfast and conclude with lunch and the presentation of prizes. Only 72 players will be allowed, Details are available in the DOWNLOAD section of this website. Additionally, persons may contact Golf Committee Chairman Bill Satterfield at billsatt@comcast.net.

An Update on the Salisbury Regional Airport

March 27, 2025

The Salisbury Regional Airport is an important part of our community and airport manager Tony Rudy tonight brought club members up to date on airport activities.

As the second largest airport in Maryland, there are 1,400 jobs supported by it.

Mr. Rudy said he was attracted to his position five years ago by the many construction and rehabilitation projects that were planned or underway. Among them are:

•A terminal upgrade

•Upgrades to the air traffic control tower

•A new snow removal equipment/fire fighting equipment building

•New fuel tank

•Natural gas extension for the airport business park

•Improved security system

•Runway extension

Future projects include:

•Rental car lot improvements

•Paid parking lot improvements

•Sewer extension to the business park

•New aircraft maintenance facility

•Solar panel area

•Cellular tower

•Public parking lot expansion

•Fire suppression for the business park

•Taxiway extension

Mr. Rudy told the club that he hopes a low-cost carrier this year will begin offering non-stop flights to and from Orlando, Florida.

All and all, it was another interesting and highly informative presentation to The Rotary Club of Salisbury members.

A Tour of the New Wicomico County Sheriff's Office

March 20, 2025

Members and guests of the Rotary Club of Salisbury tonight toured the soon-to-be opened Wicomico County Sheriff's Office.

This new high tech facility is more than four times as large as the existing facility and is expected to serve the local law enforcement sectors for scores of years. There is nothing quite as sophisticated anywhere on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Sheriff Mike Lewis and his top aides led our members through all parts of the building and explained how each area would benefit county residents.

The dispatch center

The physical fitness room

The motorcycle parking area

The crowd control vehicle

This was another opportunity for club members to learn more about their community.

A Salisbury Police Update

March 13, 2025

With a population of about 33,000 persons and with about 100,000 persons in the city on an average weekday, the City of Salisbury Police Department handled about 50,000 incident calls last year. That was one of the amazing things mentioned tonight at the Rotary Club of Salisbury weekly meeting by Police Chief David Meienschein. Rising through the ranks, Meienschein achieved the chief's position in 2023.

Chief Meienschein shared with club members information about the organization of the department, some crime statistics and crime patterns, dealing with quality of life and community concerns such as panhandling, homelessness, and becoming a better partner with neighborhoods, and the growing problem of dirt bikes causing problems on city roads.

He stressed the great working relationship with other police agencies, especially the Wicomico County Sheriff's Department noting that both he and Sheriff Mike Lewis graduated the same year, but from different Wicomico County high schools.

Another interesting evening at the Rotary Club of Salisbury weekly meeting.

Wicomico County Sheriff Visits with Club

February 26, 2025

Long time Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis was our guest tonight and as always he made an informative presentation. He started with an update on the Sheriff Department's soon-to-be-fully operational $40 million new building just west of Salisbury. Years in the planning, funding, and construction phases, this new 60,000 square foot building, compared to the present 13,000 square foot headquarters, is designed for 70 years of usefulness according to Sheriff Lewis.

This new structure has bullet resistant walls and glass, a wellness center and gymnasium, and facilities for the proper care and lodging of police dogs.

Sheriff Lewis said this new facility has been good for employee retention and the recruitment of new deputies.

He spent a good portion of his time with the Rotary Club of Salisbury answering questions on quite a few topics and closed by announcing he was going to run for re-election next year after earlier saying he was going to not seek another term in office.

Supporting Youth in Our Community

March 1, 2025

Continuing its decades-long support of programs to enrich the youth of our community, The Rotary Club of Salisbury has awarded $52,500 divided among 13 local non-profit organizations through its annual 3-Point Initiative. The initiative supports youth programs that promote leadership, integrity, and academic achievement.

Gus Lebois, chairman of the 105 year old club’s 3-Point Initiative, noted that “the 2025 grants can only be provided through the tremendous support of our partnering organizations.”

Funding for these grants comes from members of the Rotary Club of Salisbury, plus its partnering organizations that include the Donnie Williams Foundation, Richard & Patricia Hazel Charitable Fund, Richard A. Henson Foundation, and the Perdue Family Foundation.

Eligible organizations were government entities, faith-based organizations, and non-profit public charities that support programs for youth on the Lower Eastern Shore. Members of the Rotary Club of Salisbury screened the applications, made site visits, and weighed the contributions that each organization would make to the community.

Receiving grants are:

Salisbury Urban Ministries - The mission of this group’s Kids Café program is to provide a safe learning environment for children to help them flourish academically, socially, and civically while exposing them to activities and services that promote overall growth and development so they can become productive and successful citizens.
Christian Shelter - This grant will support the homeless children after-school program to help the youngsters grow socially and academically. Nearly 300 children are expected to be helped.
One Year to Empowerment -The 2025 Empoweree Program will help 25 middle school and high school girls on the Lower Eastern Shore learn how to be responsible students while acquiring basic life skills knowledge.
Rebirth - This program will provide after-school resources, technology, learning, and a support center for 30 vulnerable youngsters.
Main Street Gym - About 90 children will be aided through scholarships and educational materials for the gym’s learning program. The gym has on-site tutoring, listen and learn sessions, and participation in community service projects.
Horizons Delmarva Inc. - This group’s mission is to close the income-driven academic achievement gap that is prevalent in our community through year-round academic engagement and an intense six-week summer learning program using a project-based educational strategy for low-income children in grades one through nine. The Rotary Club of Salisbury grant supports scholarships for first grade students entering the program.
Epoch Dream Center – About 60 western Wicomico County students in this free after-school and summer program that engages them in areas of academics, character development, behavior, and emotional wellness will benefit from the grant to fund the mental wellness component.
Village of Hope - Close to 45 students in residence at the Village of Hope will be helped in the “Empowering Children’s Project” to achieve success in learning.
Junior Achievement - This program is called the Junior Achievement Inspire Program and the new grant will support 500 8^th grade students in career readiness and financial literacy classes.
Off Street Sports Performance - This organization is dedicated to empowering, teaching, and supporting underprivileged youth to prepare them for post-graduation success. These after-school and summer programs allow students to receive necessary academic enrichment and tutoring, performance training, and character coaching while thriving in a positive and safe environment during out-of-school hours. All students are required to maintain at least a 2.5 GPA. In 2025, it will provide services to more than 400 students.
Lower Shore Autism Community - This agency represents a new program for the 3-Point Initiative. It is dedicated to advocating for individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their families, connecting them with resources and information and building a community of mutual support. The Rotary grant will support volunteer appreciation and training. In 2025, this agency will service more than 50 children.
Pregnancy Care Center of the Eastern Shore - This group is another new agency for the 3-Point Initiative grant program. It provides practical, emotional, and spiritual support to individuals in the community who are facing the challenges of an unintended pregnancy. It mentors teen parents through an evidence-based curriculum called Bright Course. The Rotary Club of Salisbury grant will support the Bright Course program and will serve about 90 young mothers.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore - This group provides evidence-based and professionally supervised mentoring for children ages 6 through 18; training for mentors, parent/guardians, and other community members on a variety of subjects; and enrichment activities for children. As many as 1,000 children will participate this year.

Nominations Sought for Prestigious Rotary Club of Salisbury Award

February 17, 2025

The Rotary Club of Salisbury is seeking nominations of individuals in the community who, in their everyday lives, are a living example of the Rotary Motto: Service Above Self.

The Four-Way Test Award is the club’s most prestigious award honoring exceptional community and volunteer service. This list of previous recipients shows the variety of persons who have been honored, including many well-known persons and those whose names may not be familiar to many in the community. Individuals to be considered by the nominating committee should exemplify the tenets of the Rotary Four-Way Test:

Is it the TRUTH?

Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Will it build GOODWILL and better FRIENDSHIPS?

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Nomination forms may be obtained by contacting Luanne Dashield at luglinowiecki@gmail.com and in the Download Section of this Rotary Club of Salisbury website. A list of previous Four-Way Test Award recipients also may be found on the website.

The nominations deadline is April 5, 2025. Past and present Rotarians in any club are not eligible.

The Rotary Four-Way Test was conceived in 1932 at the height of the Great Depression by a Chicago businessman who was faced with the challenge of saving a major company from bankruptcy. Looking for a way to keep his business solvent, he sought a short yardstick of ethics to every aspect of business. As a result, a climate of trust and goodwill developed among dealers, customers, and employees, and the Four-Way Test was credited with returning the company to a thriving status.

Gus Lebois Assumes Rotary Club of Salisbury Leadership Position

February 2, 2025

Chicken industry veteran and community leader Gus Lebois has been selected by members of the 105-year old Rotary Club of Salisbury to be the club’s President-Elect nominee, meaning he is in line to become President of the 90-member club in the 2026-2027 Rotary year.

Gus retired in July 2016 after 39 years of service at Perdue Farms, where he held the position of Vice President of Wholesale Industrial Sales. His responsibilities included overseeing sales to all wholesale and industrial accounts with annual sales of around $500 million. He attributes his long tenure there to Frank Perdue's influence, stating that he made the company his sole employer throughout his career. He joined Perdue Farms after earning a bachelor’s degree and master's degree in poultry science in 1978 from the Pennsylvania State University.

Active in civic organizations, Gus has volunteered with the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc., the Bethesda United Methodist Church Boy Scout troop, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore including a 24 year tenure as board president, a member of the Board of Directors of the Christian Shelter, parish counsel member for the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, and several positions within the Rotary Club of Salisbury.

The Rotary Club of Salisbury is a member organization whose product is service. Fun, fellowship, and community volunteer work are hallmarks of the club. Club members, People of Action, assist in many leadership roles in the community and provide countless hours of service to dozens of organizations.

Salisbury Rotarians Share Their Bounty

January 2, 2025

The end of 2024 was noted by the Rotary Club of Salisbury as a time to share support with several local groups and individuals.

The first donation was a $1,000 gift to the Adopt-A-Block Outreach, Inc., a local charitable organization that provides quality food at no cost for households experiencing food insecurity. Families and individuals are welcomed to shop for food with dignity and make their own food choices. The heart of the mission is simple: Find A Need, Fill It. Find A Hurt, Heal It.

"Our Rotary Club”, noted President BJ Summers, “is grateful for the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need."

Club President BJ Summers, on the left, worked with Danielle Roach of the Adopt-A-Block program to share information about its food distribution program while presenting her with a $1,000 donation.

More about the Adopt-A-Block Outreach, Inc. can be found at https://adoptablock.live.

The second gift was from the raffles at the weekly Rotary Club of Salisbury meetings. The donation of $574 was directed to The Christian Shelter’s programs for children.

And finally, club members donated $630 to be divided among the 21 Meals on Wheels clients who receive meals delivered by club members through MAC, the area agency on aging. These Christmas gifts were delivered as part of the club’s near-daily food distribution effort.

The Rotary Club of Salisbury always is seeking new members interested in serving their community while enjoying the company of other club members. Want to be part of this dynamic membership organization? We meet weekly on Thursday evenings for fellowship, dinner, and a short program that ends the meeting by 7:30 p.m. Contact BJ Summers at bjsummers072481@gmail.com or 1-443-880-4296 to learn more.

Dictionaries Distributed to Students

December 20, 2024

Dictionaries have been distributed to more than 1,500 Wicomico County third grade government school and private school students thanks to the Rotary Club of Salisbury in combination with the Salisbury Sunrise Rotary Club.

This year's project continues the effort that began in 1998 to give students a book of their own, which for many students is the only book they own. The dictionaries also contain an atlas and facts about many other topics.

Rotary club members bought the books, labeled them to show that they are gifts from the Rotary clubs, packaged them, and with club volunteers visited schools in recent weeks to give the books to the students. The project was led by A.B. Brown, a long-time Rotary Club of Salisbury member and local educator.

This program is another example of how the Rotary Club of Salisbury and its members benefit the local community.

Fish Night Tonight

December 12, 2024

It was fish night at tonight's meeting of the Rotary Club of Salisbury.

Dr. Brad Stevens, professor emeritus at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, presented his Association of Lifelong Learning class in an abbreviated fashion. Starting with beef, pork, and chicken, he then addressed fish, which are derived from an absolutely huge multitude of different fish species. He spoke about the variety of fish, the often mislabeling of species, nutrients provided to consumers, the different omegas in fish, and the unwanted infusion of items into the fish such as plastics. He addressed climate threats, the sea level, water temperatures, salinity, and oxygen.

It was an interesting program, typical of so many at the Thursday evening meetings of the Rotary Club of Salisbury.

Bell Ringing for The Salvation Army

November 29, 2024

For more than 40 years, members of the Rotary Club of Salisbury, People of Action, have supported The Salvation Army by manning the donation kettles and ringing the bells.

Our 2024 volunteers started their work this afternoon at The Centre at Salisbury shopping mall.

Club member John Aukward and wife Kelly welcomed a donor.

Support for The Salvation Army is just one way in which our 90 members serve their community.

The Rotary Club of Salisbury always is seeking new members interested in serving their community while enjoying the company of other club members. Want to be part of this dynamic membership organization? We meet weekly on Thursday evenings for fellowship, dinner, and a short program that ends the meeting by 7:30 p.m. Contact Ginnie Malone at 410-251-6188 or gmalone@cbmove.com.to learn more.

Rotary Club of Salisbury Creates New Award

November 14, 2024

The Rotary Club of Salisbury has created a new award of recognition – the Ace Parker Community Service Award. This award annually will recognize an active club member who has made a positive impact in the community. The recipient of the award will receive $1,000 to be distributed to the charity of his or her choice. The award will be funded through the Ace Parker Community Service Award Endowment Fund established at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.

This endowment was established by Ace and wife Ann's children and will fund this award in perpetuity.

Congratulations to Ace for his service to the community and to the Parker children for their generosity to help our community.