On Thursday, March 12, 2015, the Calvert County Democrats assembled at the Rod n Reel Restaurant in Chesapeake
US Labor Secretary
Beach to pay honor to some of their own, for their accomplishments. The special keynote speaker was U S Labor Secretary Thomas Perez. Other notables in attendance were Congressman Steny Hoyer, Delegate Michael Jackson, and Senator Mike Miller.
The attendees dined on chicken, rice, salad, shrimp and scallop creole along with mixed vegetables and green beans.
Senator Mike Miller did the introductions and presentation of awards. US Labor Secretary Thomas Perez spoke on the National Labor Union (NLU) and the role it played in America.
Ann Brown
The Dan Pike Volunteer of the Year Award went to Ann Brown. Ann taught in several Calvert County schools before ending her teaching career at Patuxent High School teaching English. On Friday afternoons, she volunteers at the Calvert County Democratic Central Committee Headquarters. She is also the recording secretary for the Calvert County Democratic Women’s Club, a member of Delta Kappa Gamma , Solomons Chapter AC of P<E>O>, vice president and scholarship chair of the Calvert County Retired School Personnel, a member of the Antique Arts Association, and has been an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church for almost 50 years. She is the mother of 3 children as well as eight grandchildren. She is also a member of the Red Hats and enjoys outings for lunch with friends, traveling, reading and quilting.
The Community Service Award went to Kelly McConkey. He grew up in Camp Springs and attended Charles County
Kelly and Kimberly McConkey
Community College on a baseball scholarship. He knew at an early age he wanted to own his own business and started a lawn service in 1986. Kelly met his future wife, Kimberly, in 1989 and married in 1991. They have 4 boys, the oldest 23 and the youngest 10. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, The United Way and other community organizations. He is currently President of the Calvert County Optimist Club and an elected member of the Board of Education. Kelly values his family and education. He also believes in helping and giving back to his community as well as being a productive, caring, useful member of society. When asked about the honor of receiving the award, Kelly said “It was a real honor to receive this award. It feels really good to be appreciated!!”
The 2014 Chairman’s Award went to Ruth Contee and Jesse Jo Bowen was given a present for her many years of service. Due to another commitment, Jesse Jo was not able to attend.
Ruth Contee
Kelly McConkey and Barbara Stinnett
Margit Miller / Calvert Beacon Photos courtesy of Joyce Stinnett Baki