Update: March 2, 2022 Dear families, The first couple of months of 2022 have been a little challenging on the COVID front at Benedictine and in our community. The good news is that COVID case numbers have dropped significantly on the Eastern Shore and are near zero at Benedictine. Last week The Maryland State Board of Education recommended lifting their mask mandate. This recommendation went before a legislative committee for final approval and last Friday the committee approved the State Board recommendation. The CDC also made the decision to not require universal indoor mask wearing in K-12 schools in areas of low or medium COVID-19 Community levels. At this time Caroline and Talbot Counties are considered “Low” on the CDC scale. Because of these metrics Benedictine has lifted its required mask mandate. This is a great step forward but we still need to be vigilant. We continue to ask employees to stay home and notify their supervisor if they experience any symptoms related to COVID. Benedictine continues to have testing capabilities on site for our employees, students and adults in our programs. While it is not our intention to reinstate an organization wide mask mandate, we may have to issue
The Benedictine Foundation is pleased to share our Inspired Giving Summer Newsletter. READ HERE
Students, supported adults, families, board members, legislators, and staff all welcomed the Governor and his team (Ridgely, MD – August 18, 2023) – Governor Wes Moore toured the Benedictine campus in Ridgely on Thursday on his way to the 2023 Maryland Association of Counties summer conference. The tour was conducted by Benedictine Executive Director Scott Evans and Education Director Julie Hickey. Joined by Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty, the tour also included members of the Benedictine leadership team, board members, Benedictine’s students, adults, family members and staff. Congressman Andy Harris’ office Community Liaison Mike Arntz; Delegate Jeff Ghrist; Senator Johnny Mautz; and Ridgely Town Commissioner Anthony Casey also joined the group. The Governor’s tour included an opportunity to sit in on a class on the student’s first day back to school. He also visited a residential suite where Evans and Hickey explained the need to upgrade the facilities to meet the changing demographic of students who have moderate to severe autistic and behavioral challenges. The Benedictine campus also has vocational training spaces and recreational facilities which are utilized by both students and supported adults. The Governor met supported adults who talked about their work experiences in the community
Bikers and Classic Car enthusiasts all joined in to support Benedictine (Ridgely, MD – August 4, 2023) – The Benedictine Foundation’s Chrome City Fundraiser, which took place on Sunday, July 30th, raised over $100,000 to support the children and adults living with developmental disabilities that Benedictine serves. “Chrome City continues to be a much anticipated event for Benedictine every summer. Our supported adults, students at the Benedictine School, staff members, and families look forward to a day of comradery and fun that includes watching the cars and motorcycles roll down the mile-long lane on our Ridgely campus. Couple that with the opportunity for the community to join us and support Benedictine’s mission makes for a perfect day – and this year’s weather really did make it a perfect day!” stated Benedictine Executive Director Scott Evans. Hundreds of motorcycles, hot rods, classic, custom and vintage cars and over 600 people attended the 21st annual Chrome City Fundraiser. Marking its 21st year, the event continues to provide an opportunity to support Benedictine and its critical services and visit the campus all while enjoying a vast collection of cars and motorcycles. “This year’s Chrome City supporters were blessed with a perfect day and
Only 22 nationwide earned the accreditation (Ridgely, MD – June 29, 2023) – The Benedictine School is one of only 22 nationwide to earn accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES) for its school program. This is the second time Benedictine has earned this accreditation; the first was in 2017. The accreditation process is based on a study of compliance to fifty standards covering process, procedures, and practices critical to the functioning of a special education setting. It also includes a comprehensive site-review performed by a team of special education experts. “Benedictine’s dedicated staff work compassionately 24 hours a day with our students. I continue to be honored to be among such an impressive group and program,” commented Benedictine Education Director Julie Hickey. “And this accreditation is a testament to their efforts as well as that of our volunteer Board of Directors and leadership team.” The accreditation is an intensive process that reviews standards in the following categories: organization and administration, finance, planning and evaluation, personnel records, facilities, confidentiality, student records, instructional process, individualized education program (IEP), curriculum, classroom management, behavioral affective practices and medication administration. To see the complete list, please go to https://www.napsec.org/ncases-accreditation For
Annual Blueberry Boogie Event Raises Record Funds for Benedictine (Ridgely, MD – June 27, 2023) – Godfrey’s Farm held its 3rd annual Blueberry Boogie 5K Run/Walk with 215 participants walking or running in the race. This year’s event raised $17,000, which included a matching grant from Denise Kaczmarczyk and John Johnson, to support Benedictine’s programs that provide crucial services for moderate to severe developmentally disabled children and adults. "With another great race behind us, I find myself so grateful for the relationship we have created with Benedictine," stated Lisa Godfrey. "The energy, the excitement, the community, the positive impact we see from this day, makes it an easy decision to support their great work." Runners, walkers and guests enjoyed the sounds of Red Sammy, a Baltimore based band, and Godfrey’s homemade apple cider donuts and blueberry scones at the finish line. Awards were presented to the participants by Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director. Sponsors of the event included Godfrey’s Farms, Richard Brusca Nursery, Harbor Sales, Willard, Cross Street Market, Keany Produce & Gourmet, Tammy’s Cool Things, Graul’s Market, Willey Farms, Langenfelder Pork, Zen Denton Yoga and Wellness, Peoples Bank, Bearing Construction, Inc., and Everbloom Ockels Acres. Fresh fruit at the
Classmates, families, teachers, leadership and support staff joined in on the celebration (Ridgely, MD – June 22, 2023) – Benedictine is proud to announce the graduation of eight students from its school on June 8th. The ceremony took place on the campus in Ridgely. Graduates gathered after the ceremony for a reception with family, friends and staff to celebrate. For Benedictine’s students, this graduation is a culmination of many years of hard work overcoming challenges to move forward and live their best life. “This year, I had the honor and pleasure of teaching three individuals from the class of 2023,” commented Danielle Poore, Transitional Functional Academics teacher. “Seeing my students grow and reach their greatest potential is my biggest goal for each of them.” One of her students, Ben, received the 2023 Student of the Year Award. “Ben is a hard working young man who has touched the lives of many students and staff members at Benedictine. He came to us when he was 13 and over the last 9 years through his hard work has gained independence and developed skills to serve him in his life beyond Benedictine. He loves to be involved in things and has participated in
Event to take place in Sudlersville on June 17th (Ridgely, MD – May 26, 2023) – Godfrey’s Farm 3rd annual Blueberry Boogie 5K Walk/Run, to take place on Saturday, June 17th, will once again benefit Benedictine. Last year’s event raised over $15,000 which included a matching gift from a generous donor that has pledged to match the funds raised again at this year’s race. "The excitement from last year's race was amazing!" commented Lisa Godfrey. “Working with Benedictine just feels right, because we can visibly see the impact each dollar raised has right here, locally. Students from Benedictine have been visiting our farm for many years. We love to see the excitement they bring and the kindness of their caregivers. This made our choice to support Benedictine an easy one!” Last year, a generous Benedictine supporter pledged a matching gift and has once again pledged to match the funds raised in this year’s race. “We have supported Benedictine for many years and thought this was a wonderful way to give and bring recognition to both Benedictine and the partnership with Godfrey’s Farm,” commented Denise Kaczmarczyk. “We are so happy that Benedictine has been selected again as the beneficiary of the
The Benedictine Foundation is pleased to share our Inspired Giving Spring Newsletter. READ HERE
Bikers and Classic Car enthusiasts are invited to join the event in support of Benedictine REGISTER HERE (Ridgely, MD – June 5th, 2023) – Marking its 21st year, the Benedictine Foundation Chrome City Fundraiser will take place on Sunday, July 30th. Known as one of the largest rides in Maryland, this annual event draws more than a 1,000 riders and brings together over 2000 people to Benedictine’s Ridgely campus in support of its mission. “Chrome City has always been an event that our students and adults look forward to every year. But what makes this event more special is that it gives the community, that extends well beyond our Eastern Shore region, the opportunity to join us on campus to support our mission,” stated Benedictine Executive Director Scott Evans. Motorcycles, hot rods, classic and custom cars are all invited to participate. Everyone that registers will receive an official Chrome City t-shirt, lunch from Famous Dave’s and a day of fun and entertainment with door prizes, car contests, live music and more. Don’t have a classic car or motorcycle – you can still join the festivities. Please note that this will not be an escorted ride this year. We encourage
Distinguished Award Given During Lunch Celebration (Ridgely, MD – May 16, 2023) – Benedictine celebrated the winner and all the nominees of the distinguished Sister Jeannette award during a luncheon earlier this spring. The award was established in 2012 by the Benedictine Board of Directors in honor of Sister Jeannette, who served as Benedictine’s leader for over 30 years. The annual award recognizes an employee who exemplifies Benedictine’s values of Hospitality, Dignity of Work and Compassionate Caring. This year’s award was given to Sharon Walbert, Adult Services House Counselor. Among the long list of accolades, it was noted that she works tirelessly to provide the adults she supports with opportunities to increase their skills, to be involved in the community, to stay connected with their families, and to be as independent as possible. Sharon works at several of Benedictine’s 18 adult group homes and she willingly fills in for night shifts when needed. Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director, commented at the award luncheon, “This is truly one of my favorite things to do at Benedictine as it provides an opportunity to stop and reflect on the incredible work that is being done here every day. We celebrate those that go
