Philanthropy Day to celebrate Hall of Fame inductees
The 2016 Philanthropy Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at the Community Foundation of Southern Maryland 11th annual Philanthropy Day Luncheon, “Celebrating Business Philanthropy In Southern Maryland,” 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Center.
When asked, the community responded with nominations of businesses who give back in extraordinary ways. This year’s inductees are Eric Franklin (ERIMAX Inc. & Eric Franklin Entrepreneurial Acceleretor), Joseph “Bubby” Knott (Great Mills Trading Post) and Keith Grasso (Island Music Company).
Franklin, of Calvert County, is the CEO of ERIMAX Inc., an information technology and acquisition management company he founded 15 years ago, that provide services to more than 20 federal agencies in nine states across the nation. According to the nomina- tion submitted on behalf of Franklin, he also founded Eric Franklin Entrepreneurial Accelerator, a philanthropic effort, targeted to support entrepreneurial and development, business start-up and growth in the Southern Maryland region for youth and adults. Franklin has more than a decade of volunteer community ser vice, investment and philanthropy and has provided board leadership and service for Calvert Memorial Hospital, Leadership Maryland, Calvert Economic Development Commission, Southern Maryland Higher Education, Calvert County Minority Business Alliance and more.
Joseph “Bubby” Knott of Great Mills Trading Post, founded the Trading Post in 1970 as a general construction and excavating, asphalt and concrete paving, truck and equipment sales, and aggregate material sales businesses. The company also provides utility installation, and residential ashpalt and concrete services; and asphalt and concrete, fill dirt, topsoil, bank run and gravel, and construction sand recycling services. Knott is involved in numerous nonprofits and is the host of many nonprofit events at his family farm, located on Flat Iron Farm, where he hosts a large light display and Christmas market during the holiday season for the community to enjoy.
Keith Grasso, of Charles County, owns and runs Island Music Company, a nearly 10-year-old one-stop shop music supply store located in La Plata. Grasso is a member of many organizations and gives back through time and treasure to Charles County Public Schools, Charles Regional Medical Center, the Town of La Plata, local food banks, and other nonprofits.
In addition to this year’s inductees, the foundation is recognizing the following businesses as Honorable Mentions for their philanthropic excellence: Aist & Associates/Dudley Aist & Associates; Sage Point Senior Living Services; Sneades Ace Home Center; Primary Residential Mortgage Incorporated; and The Welburn Organization — McDonald’s.
At this annual luncheon, the Community Foundation of Southern Maryland honors and recognizes individuals, families and corporations who have given back to the community in extraordinary ways. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Business Philanthropy In Southern Maryland” and the keynote speaker is Michael L. Middleton, chairman of the board of Community Bank of the Chesapeake and one of the founding board mem- bers of the Community Foundation of Southern Maryland.
The public is welcomed to join this annual celebration. Tickets are $40 per person and reservations will be accepted until Oct. 28. To purchase a ticket or sponsorship online, go to www.somdgiving.org. To pay by check, send to: CFSOMD, P.O. Box 716, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. For more information about the keynote speaker, sponsorship levels, and a complete list of annual award recipients, go to www.somdgiving.org.
Chick-Fil-A to collect shoeboxes for children in need
Charles County ChickFil-A restaurants will serve as collection sites for Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, that sends millions of gift-filled shoeboxes to children living in difficult situations around the world.
Anyone who drops off a shoebox filled with small items such as school supplies, toys and hygiene items on Nov. 8 will receive a coupon for a free Chick-Fil-A sandwich. Empty shoeboxes can be picked up from volunteers from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, and filled boxes may be dropped off on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
After Nov. 8, participants can drop off additional shoebox gifts at one of the many area drop-off centers during National Collection Week, Nov. 14-21. To find the nearest drop-off sites, go to samaritanspurse. org/occ.
The following ChickFil-A locations will accept drop-offs:
• Chick-Fil-A Waldorf, 3365 Crain Hwy., Waldorf;
• Chick-Fil-A Brandywine, 16003 Crain Hwy., Brandywine; and
• Chick-Fil-A La Plata, 107 Drury Drive, La Plata.
Amateur radio license exams to be conducted Nov. 12
The Charles County Amateur Radio Club will be offering free amateur radio license exams. The tests will be conducted 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Waldorf West Library, 10405 O’Donnell Place. Walk-in applicants are accepted but pre-reg- istration is preferred. Register by clicking the “Ham License Exams” button at http://k3smd.orgor call 301-503-4706. Tests for all levels of amateur radio license will be available.
Libraries to hold donation program
Charles County Public Library announces that it will be running a “Food for Fines” program Monday, Nov. 14 through Saturday Nov., 19. All four branches will be accepting donations of non-perishable food and personal hygiene supplies. Each item will equal $1 waived fines. Food must be within expiration date and clearly labeled. There is no limit on how much can be waived per account, however Collection Agency fees cannot be waived. Patrons may turn in their items at their branch’s check out desk. All items will be donated to the Southern Maryland Food Bank. For more information, call your local branch:
• La Plata, 301-9349001;
• P.D. Brown Memorial, 301-645-2864;
• Potomac, 301-3757375; and
• Waldorf West, 301645-1395.