Dublin/Darlington March 2014 Bulletin: Wilson Ministry Center Offers New Transportation Option for Seniors; Tariff Changes Approved for Delmarva Power

From the 21034 Community E-News Editors:

NEWS FROM OUR FAITH COMMUNITIES

The Franklin Baptist Church, at 2106 Franklin Church Road, Darlington, has started a food pantry ministry call Boxes of Blessings. Starting the first Sunday in February and continuing on the first Sunday of every month, a Box of Blessings will be given to attendees in need of help with groceries. Our morning worship service starts at 11:00, and boxes will be distributed to attendees once the morning service has ended. Individuals interested in receiving help must attend service to receive a voucher redeemable for a Box of Blessings. All are welcome.

For further information, please feel free to call Pastor Rick Wilson at 443-252-1630.

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The Church of the Ascension in Deer Creek Parish, 3015 Dublin Road, Street, MD 21154

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner — The Church of the Ascension will host a pancake dinner on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Donations appreciated; they will be designated for St. George’s Food Pantry.

“Where Is God When It Hurts?” — The Church of the Ascension will hold a Lenten study series beginning at 4 p.m. on the first Sunday in Lent through Palm Sunday. The Reverend Nick McDonald, Priest-in-Charge, will lead the series.

For more information, please contact Tim White at 443-643-6301

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Darlington United Methodist Church, 2118 Shuresville Road, Darlington, MD 21034

Ash Wednesday Service
A Wednesday, March 5th @ 5:00PM
Prayer Station to the public available 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Darlington United Methodist Church
All are welcome to join us!

Monday, March 10th @7PM
Lent Season Bible Study: “Relationships and Marriage”

The Rev. James Ridout 410-457-4145
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Deer Creek Friends Meeting, 1212 Main Street, Darlington cordially invites those interested to join a group to read and discuss: The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Color Blindness, by Michelle Alexander.

We will pick the time and place after we have replies to see what works, hopefully for all of us. We contemplate meeting once every week for eight weeks. The book explains how we gradually came to lock up more minorities (African-Americans and Latinos) than any other country, and how we have more people incarcerated overall than any other nation, mostly due to drug laws that flood the system with non-violent offenders. The author details how these “color-blind” incarcerations have affected the fabric of our society as seriously as the Jim Crow laws of the 20th century.
There is currently a bill in the Maryland legislature addressing this issue, and we seek to expand our understanding of how this gross discrimination came about.

Please contact Chris Neumann at willow@pacadise.com or call 717 456-7934 if you are interested.

Hosanna AME Church, 2418 Castleton Road, Darlington, MD will host its Annual Jubilee Day on March 16th, 2014.
Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Please join us for a full day of worship, jubilee and fellowshiip.

Rev. Johnie Branch, Pastor
Rev. Betty Scott
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Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, 1022 Main St., Darlington, Maryland

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner: Tuesday, March 4, 2014 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Ash Wednesday Service: Wednesday, March 5, 2014 noon and 7:30 p.m.

Sundays in Lent: “What Wondrous Love is This?” Holy Week in Art and Scripture 10:15 a.m.

Wednesdays in Lent: Healing Service, Simple Supper followed by a movie and discussion.
This year’s theme is “What is Truth?”

– March 12, 2014: “Big Fish”
– March 19, 2014: “Saving Grace”
– March 26, 2014: “The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill and Came Down a Mountain”
– April 2, 2014: “Waking Ned Devine”
– April 9, 2014: “Where Do We Go Now?”

All are welcome! Come for all or part of each evening. Come for any or all of the series.
Please note that these movies are for mature audiences and may not be appropriate for children.

Sunday Services at 9 a.m.

The Rev. Nancy Dilliplane GraceMemorial.Darlington@gmail.com 410-836-3587

The 11th
Annual Janet Hardy Memorial Soccer Games and Tournament will be held at the Cecil Arena, 2706 Northeast Road, Northeast, MD 21901
The community is invited to the benefit soccer games in memory of Janet: 13 y/o daughter, sister, friend and soccer
player, who was killed by a drunk driver.
Games begin at 9 am and continue to 6 pm.
Concessions, Raffles, and More!
Donations collected benefit the Janet Hardy Memorial scholarship fund. All donations are tax deductible.

Janet Hardy Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 302,
Conowingo, MD 21918
heydebhideb@hotmail.com or (443) 466-4990

NEWS FROM THE WILSON CENTER

New Transportation Option for Seniors!

The Wilson Ministry Center is pleased to announce the acquisition of a vehicle to be used for the Getting There Ride Share (GTRS) senior transportation program! The “nearly new” Dodge Grand Caravan was purchased through a generous gift from an anonymous donor who also assisted with arrangements to obtain the van from a local car agency. Funding to cover the cost of operating the vehicle for one year is being provided through a grant from The Dresher Foundation. We are grateful for this generous support.

The primary purpose of the van is to provide supplemental transportation for area seniors through prearranged group rides. Groups of from two to six seniors can be taken to a destination of their choice such as the grocery store, Walmart or the Harford Mall. The van will also be used to transport seniors to the monthly Gad Abouts events held in Darlington or elsewhere. All passengers must be 60 years or older and registered in advance with the GTRS Office. There is no cost for group rides to qualified passengers although donations to the program are always welcome! In the near future,
we plan to arrange set days each month when rides will be provided to pre-determined destinations. At this time, seniors can arrange for a group of their friends to go to a particular destination and then coordinate the day/time through the GTRS Office.

Dublin, Darlington and the surrounding northern areas of the county have been designated by Harford County Government as “underserved” portions of the county. We believe that the new van operated through the GTRS program is a big step in the direction of the Wilson Center’s goal to help alleviate some of the isolation felt by our local senior residents.

Can you help? We are seeking volunteer drivers who are available during the day who are willing to drive the van once or twice a month. Volunteer drivers do not need a commercial license or any other special training in order to qualify but they do need to register with the GTRS Office. Van drivers will also attend an orientation class that covers safe driving practices and familiarizes them with the special needs of our senior passengers. Please call the GTRS Office at 410-836-3005 if you would like more information about becoming a driver or passenger.

Summer Camp Program in Darlington

It’s not too early to start thinking about summer camp! For many years, the Wilson Center has offered a Summer Fun Camp program for area children in grades K – 8. The program takes place at the Center and runs for 9 weeks (start date depends on the last day of school). A variety of activities are provided for the children in a “family type” setting where they can enjoy themselves in a structured but relaxed atmosphere. In order to prepare for adequate staffing, please contact the Center if you are interested in having your children attend the camp program this summer. Early registration incentives will begin in April. Phone: 410-836-3555 or Email: wilsoncc1@verizon.net.

Donate to Darlington!

On the third Saturday of every month, a small group of dedicated volunteers gathers in the Grace Memorial Church Parish Hall to hand out free food to local residents in need. The Darlington Distribution has been in operation for four years and in that time, has seen the numbers of folks needing help double. Unfortunately, the food sources supplying the distribution have not kept up with the demand so we are reaching out to the community for help. The Darlington Distribution serves clients from the local area, which includes Darlington, Dublin, Street, Whiteford, Conowingo, Colora and portions of northern Aberdeen. Recipients are asked to provide information consistent with that required by other social service agencies in the county.

The Wilson Ministry Center supports the distributions by seeking grant funding, coordinating donations and accessing resources. The Center will now serve as a collection point for donated non-perishable food items as well as cash donations. All donations are welcome! To coordinate dropping off donations or for more information on how you can help our neighbors in need, please call the Center at 410-836-3555. For monetary donations, please mail your check to the Wilson Ministry Center, 1024 Main Street, Darlington, MD 21034. A receipt will be mailed to you. Thank you!

Marthea Proudfoot, Executive Director, Wilson Ministry Center (410) 836-3555

CINDERELLA’S CLOSET
Sponsored by,
Aberdeen Lioness Lions Club

Plan to attend a Dress Give-Away Event
Featuring Brand New and Gently Used Gowns
(Just received $15,000 donation of Brand New Gowns)

Each girl will have the opportunity to choose a gown free of charge. Must show current high school student ID to receive a dress. Limited quantities and sizes—first come, first served

– Saturday, March 8, 2014 9am – 1pm. Holiday Inn Express 1007 Beards Hill Road, Aberdeen

– Saturday, March 22, 2014 9am – 1pm Holiday Inn Express 1007 Beards Hill Road , Aberdeen

Located behind Olive Tree Contacts

Don’t need a dress? Consider donating a dress!

Cinderella’s Closet promotes self-confidence and individual beauty by providing free prom dresses to high school girls who cannot otherwise afford them. Lessening the burden of family expense will give all girls a chance to attend this special school event they have always dreamed of.

Donate your new or gently used dresses, suitable for Prom attire. All sizes are needed. With your help, all girls interested will be offered their choice of a dress in our giveaway event in March 2014 in Harford County!

If you can donate a dress or two, please take them to one of the locations listed below or call one of the phone numbers listed to make arrangements.

– Heart to Heart Hair Studio, 215 W Bel Air Ave, Aberdeen

– Amanda’s Florist, 203 N. Washington St., HdG

– K & B Bridals, 54 N. Main St., Bel Air

Sandy Pierce 443-876-4472 Barbara Mortus 410-272-2655

NEWS FROM SENATOR BARRY GLASSMAN

Now Accepting District 35 State Senatorial Scholarship Applications

Harford County Senator Barry Glassman would like to announce that he is accepting State Senatorial Scholarship applications now until April 15, 2014. The State Senatorial Scholarship targets current high school seniors, full-time and part- time undergraduate and graduate degree seeking individuals. The scholarship is open to individuals who are attending public or private institutions in the State of Maryland.

In order to qualify for the State Senatorial Scholarship you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1, 2014. The application for the Senatorial Scholarship can be found on www.BarryGlassman.com

Please return the completed application to:
Senator Barry Glassman
320 James Senate Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401

If you would like any additional information on the Maryland State Senatorial Scholarship, please feel free to contact Senator Glassman at 410-841-3603 or Barry.Glassman@senate.state.md.us

Is Your Baby Harford’s Most Beautiful Baby?

Support Harford Family House and enter our 5th Annual Harford’s Most Beautiful Baby contest. The winner receives a prize package worth over $10,000 including a year of pre-school at Celebree Learning Centers and $1,000 cash from Susquehanna Bank.

Visit www.harfordbaby.org for more information.

– Entries run from March 1st to 31st

– Voting runs from April 2nd to 30th

– Top 10 vote getting babies come to Harford Mall on May 10th for the live contests.

Thank you for supporting our mission to families experiencing homelessness in Harford County.

For more information call or email Tiffany Simmons at 410-273-6700 or tsimmons@harfordfamilyhouse.org.

News from the Deer Creek Coffeehouse

On Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 pm Deer Creek Coffeehouse will host the multi-instrumentalist and award winning songwriter, Heather Pierson. (www.heatherpierson.com).

Heather Pierson is a pianist, multi-?genre singer/songwriter and performer and winner of the 2012 New England Songwriting Contest. From New Orleans jazz to poignant folk narratives and Delta-?style blues to soul?stirring instrumentals and chants, Heather’s live performances move seamlessly and effortlessly from one style to the next, and a growing catalog of wildly divergent CD releases reflects her boundless creativity.

Deer Creek Coffeehouse is located at 1022 Main St., Darlington, MD
Suggested donation: $10 for Adults and $5 for Students

Tickets only available at the door. Only cash and checks to Deer Creek Coffeehouse accepted. Homemade baked goods, snacks, coffee, tea, water available for purchase.

This program has been assisted by grants from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Harford County Government through the Harford County Cultural Arts Board. This program has also been assisted by a grant from the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland.
Contact: Jeff King, 410-378-4350, deercreekch@zoominternet.net

NEWS FROM OUR LIBRARIES

The Darlington Library, 1134 Main Street, Darlington MD, holds a Pre-hours Preschool Party on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.

The Darlington Book Discussion Group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
In March we’ll be reading Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed.

Mark your calendars! On April 1st we’re having a program called Backyard Chickens
The program will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Wilson Center, 1024 Main St., Darlington, MD
“Ever thought about raising chickens in your backyard but don’t know where to start? Are you already raising chickens and would like to share your experiences with others? Let’s talk chickens!” 410-638-3750

The Darlington Friends of HCPL will be holding its March Book Sale on Saturday, March 8, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

SPRING INTO ACTION WITH GOOD BOOK BUYS ON Gardening, Cooking, Travel, Self-improvement, Health, Do-it-yourself, Home Decorating, Crafts

ONE BAG – $10.00 (Bags provided by Friends)
FREE book with donation for the Twice-Blessed Shop!
410.457.5030. Connie Beims

CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSETS

The Darlington Elementary PTA is hosting a spring clothing drive to benefit students at the school. We will collect used clothing, housewares, accessories and toys in the school parking lot April 7-11th. This is a great way to combine your spring cleaning with a convenient fundraiser for Darlington Elementary School!

Please email kimhollowaydvm@gmail.com with any questions.

Dublin Darlington Community Council March Meeting and April Candidates’ Forum

The March meeting of the Dublin Darlington Community Council (DDCC) will be held at the Conowingo Visitor Center on the third Wednesday of the month, March 19, at 7pm. The guest speaker will be Morita Bruce, President of Friends of Harford. Her topic will be how Community Information Meetings fit into the development process as well as when the public can (and can’t) have a meaningful impact. The Visitor Center is located at 4948 Route One/Conowingo Road. Mark your calendars for a Town Meeting featuring a Candidates’ Forum on Friday, April 25, at the Darlington Volunteer Fire Company social hall. Candidates for the June primary election have been invited to express their views on local government. The meeting will start at 6:30pm. More information will follow in the April issue of the 21034 Community E-News. Both meetings are open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. To view minutes of past meetings, go to www.harfordcountymd.gov and click on Community Council.

Dublin Country Fair
19th Annual Dublin Country Fair — Saturday May 3, 2014
Looking for something fun for your family? Come out to the Dublin Country Fair!

The 19th annual Dublin Country Fair will be held on the grounds of Dublin Elementary School, Saturday May 3, 2014, rain or shine from 10am to
3pm. The day offers something for all ages. The fair starts out with a fabulous parade at 10 am. Have an antique car you’d like to show everyone? Or a community group that would like to be in the parade? Sign up to participate! It’s FREE! Parade participants include antique cars, tractors, floats, fire and rescue apparatus and marching units. The parade is followed by a family-friendly fair, with live entertainment starting at 11am. Come join the fun! The fair includes many craft vendors, delicious food and numerous children’s games.

Are you a craft vendor and would like to participate in the fair? Do you have a community group that needs a fundraiser? Sign up to become a vendor for Dublin fair. Be sure to sign up early, as spaces are limited and fill up quickly! Vendor fees are $30 for a 10 x 10 space until April 1st. After that date, the fee is $40. No registration accepted after April 15.

Proceeds from the fair support scholarships awarded to individuals living or attending school in the Dublin/Darlington Elementary School districts and attending an institution or trade school beyond high school.
For more information please contact us through our website, www.dublincountryfair.org, email
dublincountryfair@yahoo.com or phone 410-457-5442.

Community Garden at Francis Silver Park
Coming this Spring 2014!

Are you interested in growing your own vegetables, fruits and flowers? The Dublin Darlington Rec Council has teamed up with Harford County Parks and Rec to provide garden space for anyone who would like to get active, grow healthy food and maybe even save some money. The garden will be located at Francis Sliver Park in Darlington. Raised beds are four by eight feet and the cost to rent a bed is $25 for the growing season. Space is limited. For more information contact: janehowe@aol.com, 410-457-4849. Deadline for registration is March 20, the first day of spring! This project will not move forward without sufficient interest from a minimum number of participants.

AARP Free Tax Preparation

The AARP, in conjunction with the IRS and the Harford County Tax-Aide Program, provides FREE TAX PREPARATION and e-filing on Federal and Maryland State income tax returns for low to middle income taxpayers of any age.

To schedule an appointment with one of our IRS-certified volunteers, call 410-638-3425
Monday-Friday, Between 9am and 3:30pm
Services are offered in Abingdon, Bel Air, Edgewood, Havre de Grace and Whiteford. Personal returns only – no out of state returns, or returns involving farms, businesses, rental properties, or partnerships.

Maryland Faerie Festival May 10-11, 2014

The Festival is organized as a 501 c-3 not for profit with an emphasis on Environmental Issues and Education. A fully volunteer organization, we return a percentage of our funds directly to volunteer organizations such as the Sheriff’s Department Explorer Post and the Darlington Fire Department. We have found a home at Camp Ramblewood located at 2564 Silver Road. Friday will be an opening Fire and Drum Spectacular, with the Festival Saturday and Sunday, and Saturday night being the Faerie Costume Ball. Attendees are welcome to stay the weekend with our Faerie Camping
Experience, or an overnight experience, or even just come for the day. We look forward to seeing you.

The month of March is a busy one. First on March 4th we will be dressed in our Faerie Finest meeting at 6:15pm at Havre De Grace High School for the Mardi Gras Parade. If you are interested in being in the parade with us to hand out beads, bubbles and advertising cards for the festival, please RSVP and register at www.marylandfaeriefestival.org . You can also join our Facebook group as well to RSVP.
On March 8 we will be having a volunteer meeting at Camp Ramblewood in Darlington from 1-5 pm. Dress to paint, construct and create everything from craft items to prizes for the Faerie Scavenger Hunt. We will be collecting fabric, ½ or thicker pieces of Plywood 2 feet square or larger for Mushroom Making. Volunteers for decorating are always welcome, please RSVP!

We need the community’s help with advertising the show, specifically on state roads. Those are the roads with numbers, like 24, 1, 136, 462, 155 and 161 as examples. If you are interested in allowing us to put a sign on your property to advertise the festival, please contact me directly. We also are having a limited amount of window posters printed for display in store windows or prominent areas to advertise the festival. If you would like one of these to help us advertise the show, contact me at kalabran1965@gmail.com. Thanks again for your help to make this year’s show the greatest of successes.

FACES OF FREEDOM: THE UPPER CHESAPEAKE, MARYLAND, AND BEYOND FEBRUARY – MAY 2014

– Twelve Years a Slave Book Discussion, Susan Muaddi-Darraj, M.A.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014, 11:45 a.m. -1 p.m.

– A Regiment of Slaves: The 4th United States Colored Infantry, Book Discussion, James Chrismer, M.A.
Tuesday, March 18, 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Room 201

– Achieving Emancipation: Slavery & Freedom I Maryland During the Civil War, Lecture
Tuesday, March 11, 12:3-=1:30 p.m. Student Center, Room 243, James Karmel, Ph.D.

– 12 Years a Slave: Film Screening & Discussion (Offered three times)
Tuesday, March 11, 2-5 p.m., Student Center, Room 243, led by Sharoll Willimas-Love, B.A.
Wednesday March 23, 2-5:50 p.m. Joppa Hall Room 115, led by Wayne Hepler, M.S. & Chris Kaltenbach, M.A.
Monday, Mar 17, 6-9:50 p.m. Joppa Hall Room 115, led by Wayne Hepler, M.S. & Chris Kaltenbach, M.A.
All events are free to the public. Registration is required: HaysHeighe@harford.edu or 443-412-2539

Mark your Calendars!

Susquehanna To Freedom: The Role of the Susquehanna River in the Underground Railroad, Theater Production.
Dorothy E. King, Ed.D., playwright; Performed by Pen Owl Productions, Inc. Theater Company. Friday, April 4, 2014 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.

FROM OUR FRIENDS AT DELMARVA

Tariff Changes Approved

The Delaware Public Service Commission (DPSC) has approved changes to the natural gas tariff governing Delmarva Power’s ability to deliver natural gas to more than 120,000 customers.

The approved changes will make it more affordable for interested ccustomers within Delmarva Power’s natural gas service territory to convert to natural gas service for their home-heating needs.

In response to DPSC’s approval, Delmarva Power will work to implement the tariff changes to provide natural gas service to more customers, including customer communications, public announcements, community outreach and continued coordination with state and local partners. Implementing the tariff changes will be a multi-phase, long-term project.

“We believe that more Delaware residents should have choices in meeting their energy needs and that those choices should be based upon the current state of energy markets in Delaware,” said Gary Stockbridge, president, Delmarva Power. “We are pleased to make these tariff changes, which will make natural gas available to more customers who may wish to convert to it as an alternate energy source.”

Natural Gas Rate Refund

Delmarva Power on Feb. 18 began issuing natural gas rate refunds to customers. The refund, which will include interest paid to the customer, is a result of the most recent natural gas rate case settlement in October 2013.

In July 2013, following Delaware law, Delmarva Power implemented a temporary natural gas distribution rate increase of $10.5 million in Delaware while we awaited a final decision from the Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding our request to raise natural gas distribution rates.

In October 2013, the PSC approved a natural gas distribution rate increase of $6.8 million, which took effect on Nov 1, 2013. This refund is a result of the difference between the proposed rates implemented July 7, 2013, and the rates ultimately approved by the PSC on Oct. 22, 2013.

A much smaller percentage of customers will receive their refund in a check. These customers had active accounts between July 2013 and October 2013 but no longer have an active Delmarva Power electric account.

For additional information please visit www.delmarva.com , and click the Natural Gas tab on the homepage. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/delmarvaconnect , and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/delmarvaconnect . Our mobile app is available at www.delmarva.com/mobileapp .