| 2005 Annual Report |
Review of Activities: January 1, 2005 – December 31, 2005
Art Show & Reception with Cecil County Arts Council – February 4th |
| Featuring works by or about women, the “A Women’s Work is Never Done” exhibition was co-sponsored by the CCCW and the Cecil County Arts Council. Approximately 75 guests enjoyed music, art, and refreshments during the early evening reception. CCCW flyers were distributed to share information about the groups mission and activities. |
| Trailblazer Honors – May 18th |
| In collaboration with Chesapeake Publishing, the CCCW participated in the Cecil County Trailblazer Luncheon held at the Rising Sun Banquet Hall. Cecil County women in four categories were honored: Ruth Graybeal, Business & Industry; Dr. Jui-Chih Hsu, Medical/ Healthcare; Shirley E. Herring, Non-Profit/ Public Service; and Allaire DuPont, Entrepreneur. Winner of the Youth category, Ashley Welch, received a $500 scholarship courtesy of the Friends of the CCCW. |
| Relay for Life – June 3rd & 4th |
| The CCCW sponsored a team for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life held at Elkton High School. The group collected $1,000 for the cause. |
| Financial Literacy Workshop – June 24th |
| A Financial Literacy Workshop was held at Cecil Community College’s Elkton Station. APGFCU Representative Tina Ripken and attorney Jane Cairns-Murray instructed approximately 40 women in the basics of sound financial management and estate planning. Participants enjoyed a catered lunch and received informational pamphlets to boost their financial know-how. |
| Girls’ Conference – November 5th |
| The Sixth Annual CCCW Girls Conference was held at Cecil Community College’s Main Campus in North East. Entitled “Invest in Yourself,” the theme of the conference was Financial Literacy. Forty-six young women (Grades 6 - 12) participated in the free all-day event that included breakfast and lunch. Commission members, as well as a host of community volunteers, facilitated conference activities. Keynote Speaker, Sandy Queen, founder of Lifeworks, Inc., a training/consulting firm in Columbia, Maryland, spoke to the group about the true value and meaning of money, tying in her recent experiences in New Orleans helping Hurricane Katrina victims.
Participants selected two of five workshops that featured learning about making smart money and life choices as young people. To apply what they learned during the day, participants received a sample job description and expense log. Armed with a calculator and life-like checkbook, they received instruction on managing a bank account and were given opportunities to spend or save money at a school store. Representatives from several area banks mentored small groups on how they managed with their “finances” during the day. Based on the results of the evaluations, 90% of respondents said they would recommend the Conference to a friend, and 88% gave themselves a Grade A or B in Financial Literacy at the conclusion of the conference.
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| Funding for Basic Operating Expenses |
| The CCCW was allocated $3,200 by the Cecil County Board of Commissioners for basic operating expenses and to support planned activities The Commission continues to focus its funding on joint programs and co-sponsorships to maximize efficiency of funding for community use. |
| Expanded Partnerships and Representation on Agency Committees |
| All of our planned activities were done in partnership with another county agency or group: Chesapeake Publishing, Cecil County Arts Council, Cecil Community College, Cecil County Health Department, Cecil County Public Schools, and others working collaboratively for successful programs. |
| New Commission Appointments & Officers |
| Kathryn Beerley and Patricia Brown were appointed to the board to replace Karen Emery and Mary Maloney who resigned their commissions. We welcome Ms. Beerley and Ms. Brown and thank Ms. Emery and Ms. Maloney for their service. The CCCW is seeking to fill one additional vacancy created by the departure of Dorothy Campbell as a member. In January 2005, Ms. Beerley replaced Carol Roane as CCCW Secretary. |
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| 2006 PLANS: |
| Evaluate CCCW Activities to Best Achieve Stated Mission |
| • Plan a Community Summit to gather information from county women and human service organizations serving women |
| • Develop an event or on-going activity to honor the achievements of Cecil County women who have made a difference in the community |
| Improve Communications |
| • Educate the community about CCCW, expanding marketing efforts |
| • Maintain website |
| • Publish quarterly newsletter |
| • Utilize research and data from the health department, hospital, and on-line surveys to prioritize initiatives. Data will be used to streamline the work of the CCCW. |
| Build Relationships at Local & State Level |
| • Continue pursuit of Cecil County representation on Maryland Commission for Women |
| • Support Legislative Agenda for Maryland Women – the CCCW will continue to support the initiatives of the Maryland Commission for Women. |
| • Continue to support efforts by the Maryland Commission for Women to develop the first museum in Maryland to celebrate the contributions of Maryland women in shaping the history of the United States. |
