Robin Evans Named Rotarian of the Year

Robins Evans, a nine-year member of the Rotary Club of Salisbury, has been named the 2024-2025 Rotarian of the Year by club President BJ Summers.
Robin Evans Named Rotarian of the Year![]() Robins Evans, a nine-year member of the Rotary Club of Salisbury, has been named the 2024-2025 Rotarian of the Year by club President BJ Summers.
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Flags for Heroes Help Military Veterans![]() The large display of American flags at Wor-Wic Community College is gone, but the good the hundreds of flags achieved continues. 2025 was the tenth year of the Wicomico County Flags for Heroes program and at a new location this year.
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Salisbury Mayor Visits Our Club![]() Salisbury Mayor Randy Taylor visited the Rotary Club of Salisbury tonight and brought our members up to date on planned construction projects, what is going on with the several planned commercial developments in downtown Salisbury that negatively will affect vehicle parking, the status of the soon-to-be altered traffic flow on Carroll Street, and his thoughts on the city's ban on certain merchants being able to provide customers with plastic bags. |
Past President David Downes HonoredJune 18, 2025 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 106th 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 AfricansJune 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 AwardedJune 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:
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.” The Rotary Club of Salisbury is in its 106th 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. |
Our New Wicomico County LibraryMay 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 InstalledMay 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.
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Four-Way Test Award Recipients HonoredMay 15, 2025 The Rotary Club of Salisbury, in its 106th 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:
![]() 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 MoneyMay 4, 2025 The Rotary Club of Salisbury, in its 106th 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 CountyApril 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 AnnouncedApril 9, 2025 The Rotary Club of Salisbury, in its 106th 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. 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. |
An Update on the Salisbury Regional AirportMarch 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.
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A Tour of the New Wicomico County Sheriff's OfficeMarch 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. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() This was another opportunity for club members to learn more about their community. 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. |
Supporting Youth in Our CommunityMarch 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:
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. |
Wicomico County Sheriff Visits with ClubFebruary 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. |
Gus Lebois Assumes Rotary Club of Salisbury Leadership Position
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Salisbury Rotarians Share Their BountyJanuary 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 StudentsDecember 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. 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.
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A Salisbury Police Update![]() 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.
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