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Pictured from the left are, Chris Brownawell, Chris Parker, Dr. Baird Tipson, Tim Kagan, and Will Lockwood.
MSCF Presents Awards for Community Leadership
Easton, Maryland - December 2009
The Mid-Shore Community Foundation presented its annual awards for community leadership and service at its Holiday Reception and Board Meeting. Each year the Foundation recognizes a local charity through a volunteer who has been critical to its success with the J. McKenny Willis, Jr. Community Service Award. The Foundation also inducts one or more individuals into the Town Watch Society for their commitment to community service.
For more than 60 years, J. McKenny Willis, Jr. devoted his time and personal resources to improving the quality of life for all who lived on the Mid-Shore. The award in his name was presented to Will Lockwood for his extraordinary work and service in support of CASA of Talbot County. Will became a volunteer with CASA in its first year of operation and has continued that service for 20 years.
CASA's Executive Director, Robin Davenport, noted that, "Will has advocated for children whose complex situations were such that their need for court protection lasted for many years. He was the one constant in some of those children's lives. There was comfort for the children because Will was a thoughtful and consistent presence in their lives."
Sally Vermilye, one of J. McKenny Willis's daughters, presented the award to Will Lockwood. The Foundation also gave a check to Robin Davenport, made out to CASA of Talbot County that reflects the earnings from a permanent fund at the Mid-Shore Community Foundation established to support this award.
Two individuals were inducted into the Town Watch Society - Alfred "Tim" Kagan, Jr. and Dr. Benjamin G. Kohl. The Town Watch Society was created by the Foundation in recognition of Thomas J. Bullitt, the first owner of the Bullitt House who formed the Town Watch in 1813 to protect the local community. The Bullitt House is home of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation.
Tim Kagan was recognized for his long history of community service which includes his work and leadership with the Rotary Club of Easton and his service as President of that organization. That commitment was extended to include leadership with the Polio-Plus Campaign of Rotary International to eradicate Polio worldwide. He has also been a long time member and supporter of the Brighter Christmas Fund sponsored by Chesapeake Publishing, and an active member and supporter of the Chesapeake College Foundation Board of Directors as well as a number of other efforts in support of local charities.
Significantly, his involvement with For All Seasons included his leadership to put together the financial package that made it possible for For All Seasons to acquire its current office space in Easton. David Nagel, Treasurer and Board member of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation noted, " My father introduced me to Tim Kagan about 35 years ago, and I have witnessed his generous commitment of time and resources to this community, and on behalf of those in need."
Dr. Baird Tipson, MSCF Board member and President of Washington College, nominated Dr. Benjamin Kohl for membership in the Town Watch Society. In addition to his exceptional service to Washington College as trustee and generous supporter, Dr. Kohl serves on the Town of Betterton Planning Commission, is a member of the board of the Kent County Historical Society, and drives for Food Link.
At the nonprofit Mainstay in Rock Hall, he has established a classical music series, and in Betterton, he led the effort to restore historic floating oyster houses known as arks and he is currently involved in an effort to turn a former church into the Betterton Community Center. Dr Tipson explained, "I am honored to nominate this dedicated philanthropic leader whose work has had a major impact on our community."
John Dillon, Vice Chair of the Foundation Board, presented a Distinguished Achievement Award to Shore Health System, Chris Parker, Senior Vice President for Nursing Services, and the Nursing Team at Shore Health for their achievement of Magnet Recognition for excellence in nursing services. The recognition was given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Shore Health System is the first health system on the Delmarva Peninsula to attain Magnet recognition.
The Mid-Shore Community Foundation also recognized the important contributions of two individuals whose leadership in the community has had a lasting impact on the quality of life of the entire region. MSCF president Dr. Stuart Bounds thanked Dr. Tipson, who is retiring as president of Washington College this spring, for his service to the Foundation and for his educational leadership and service to the Mid-Shore community. Bounds also recognized Chris Brownawell for his regional leadership in arts education and for the extraordinary contributions of the Academy Art Museum to the cultural life of the entire region. Brownawell will be leaving Easton this winter to become the Director of the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, Maine.
