Glenn Wilson, the current president-chairman of the Kent County United Way, spoke to us today on the benefits the United Way, both nationally and locally, brought to the many charities that are supported.  Locally, there are 27 charities in Kent County that rely on United Way for major funding.  They are well aware of the dire transportation needs of the poor and handicapped.  They are also well away of poverty and it’s associated issues.  A lot of smart people who want good, long term solutions are working to make things better.  The problems are not easy to solve, but good people are at work making progress in this regard.

Give to the United Way.  Al funds received go to our local charities.

The Kent County Food Pantry which operates in Chestertown is one of several food pantries for people in Kent County who need some occasional assistance with getting enough food.  There are many reasons why folks end up needing such help and our local food pantry is doing a great job with non-judgmental distribution of such needed aid.  Rather than create a bureaucracy, the Pantry makes sure it has food for those who ask for it and allows them to keep their dignity and privacy.  It is a balancing act, but it seems an efficient way to distribute a necessity to those who need it.  Likely as not, there are many more folks in the area who could use such assistance, but who have yet to make the connection.

With all the wealth of our County, there is an underlying large body of citizens who just are not living well.  The reasons are many and diverse, but the outcome of being in poverty cuts across all the reasons.  We can supply such essentials to citizens easier than giving them a hard time about it.  A small minority of these folks might benefit greatly from counseling, eduction, and job training, but most are stuck in circumstances that the affluent can’t and won’t envision.  The Kent County Food Pantry and its many volunteers are simply making a big difference for the better.  It is good news to hear about the smooth operation of their program in times where so many organizations talk a lot, but don’t accomplish a whole lot.

Looking for a good cause?  Make a donation of food, money or volunteer time.  You gift will be effective and not lost in the process.

Tess is a young whirlwind of energy and organizational skill presiding over coordination of the activities going on at the Garfield Center.  As she spoke on the many programs and opportunities being offered, one can only imagine the network of volunteers in the background who make each and every event happen.  The energy and level of enthusiasm found there is likely unrivaled anywhere else in our county or region.  Funding is always a huge issue since Tess told us that only 25% of the expenses of the Center are met by ticket revenue.  Thankfully, the events and activities are popular.  It would be a huge loss to find such a great place unable to meet the required funding levels.  Contributors of money and volunteer workers are in constant demand even as the Center is have so much success.  It deserve our full support.

Nancy Bedell spoke with CBG participants today.  She gave us her optimistic outlook on the good that will happen over time with the changes coming down the road in health care.  She sees the US shifting toward a far less costly long term wellness system versus the current model of being the best in fixing the worst health problems at the highest cost and at the last minute.  The implementation of this process has begun, but it will take time and adjustment to see the real benefits both in cost and overall longer life expectancy.  She was well prepared and made sense to those present.  It was a great experience to hear from someone who is in the daily battle of delivering health care who has a positive attitude about the good changes that are already taking place and further expected changes that will be coming soon.