Home Care In Perry Point, MD

WYE ISLAND — Residents of the Perry Point Veterans Administration Medical Center, located near Havre de Grace, recently visited Queen Anne’s County, where they treated to lunch at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7464 in Grasonville, and then provided a free and personal tour of the University of Maryland’s Wye Research and Education Center’s Angus beef farm located at Wye Island, near Queenstown. The tour was conducted by longtime farm herd manager Kevin Morgan, who has worked at that location for the past 40 years.

Morgan met the veterans at VFW Post 7464 in Grasonville, where the veterans guide, Occupational Therapist Susan Walter had driven them in a Perry Point touring van. The free lunch included a goody bag of memorabilia, including a Post 7464 VFW baseball cap along with other mementos.

Helping veterans on their recovery journey through outpatient and inpatient services, the VA’s residential facility helps veterans deal with substance abuse, homelessness, mental health, and unemployment through its 24-hour therapeutic and educational programs. Those attending the tour of Wye Island farm had expressed in pursuing careers in agriculture.

Escorting the group of nine to the farm, Morgan had arranged for them to all ride on a tractor pulled metal touring cart with a roof on it. As they toured the farm, he narrated the work done with Angus beef cows on the farm, even taking them and the cart out into one of the fields where the livestock feeds on grass. He also drove past several fields where a variety of hays, including alfalfa, timothy and orchard grass are grown and harvested.

The group toured the livestock area where the cows receive vaccinations required to protect and keep them healthy while on the farm. Morgan explained that there is a livestock auction, open to the public once a year, usually in early April.

He also showed them where a bomb shelter was built on the farm back in the early 1960’s following the Cuban Missile Crisis. Morgan said the bomb shelter was built to house just over 100 people underground, in case the United States was attacked by nuclear weapons during the Cold War era with the former Soviet Union. Food was stored there to be able to feed people for at least one month following an attack.

Formerly known as Wye Plantation, the original farm was founded in the 1650s, and owned by the family of the late William Paca, former governor of Maryland and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The property remained in the Paca family until is was sold in 1938 to the late Arthur A. Houghton, Jr., who raised Angus beef cattle there himself until 1979, when he donated the property, nearly 1,000 acres, to the University of Maryland, and established a foundation to support the work of the UMD in agricultural production and studies.

The shelter, designed by Houghton, was constructed to be able to provide shelter to his closest neighbors. Fortunately, the shelter was never needed to be used, and at times has been used for storage purposes. Today, the shelter is completely empty.

Morgan also stopped by one of the large homes on the farm, now being renovated and converted to serve as a respite camp for children who are terminally ill from cancer and other illnesses. The camp, founded by the organization started by the late movie actor Paul Newman, known as the “Hole in the Wall Gang” will provide a place where families can stay and be close to their child while the child is receiving treatments.

Before their departure, each veteran was presented a challenge coin from VFW Post 5118 in Easton by Morgan. Morgan is an active VFW Post 5118 auxiliary member, and American Legion Post 29 auxiliary member in Denton. His father, uncle and late brother were all veterans. Military veterans hold an emotional place in his heart, he said. The challenge coin is given in hopes that each recipient will do their personal best to overcome whatever challenges life presents them going forward with their lives.

HELP Veterans Village was recently named the Special Needs Housing Project of the Year by Affordable Housing Finance Magazine. Developed through a partnership between the VA Maryland Health Care System, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, HELP USA, Cecil County, and the Town of Perryville, HELP Veterans Village provides housing for at-risk and formerly homeless veterans in the village area of the Perry Point VA Medical Center. The department provided nearly $19 million in financing for this vital project that has contributed to the reduction of veterans homelessness in Maryland.

Located just outside of the Town of Perryville in Cecil County, HELP Veterans Village features 75 newly renovated and newly constructed homes located in the village area of the Perry Point Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. The Village was awarded 75 Project Based VA Supportive Housing Vouchers from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which are administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. These vouchers provide subsidized rent for all the homes in the Village to support at-risk and formerly homeless veterans and their family members. These veterans and their families receive safe, stable, energy-efficient housing located near the full range of VA support programs and services provided by the medical center, as well as convenient access to local transportation resources. The Village also achieves net zero-energy consumption thanks to a 4-acre, 420-kW solar-array field that feeds back into the power grid.

The selection of HELP Veterans Village for this award highlights Maryland’s ongoing efforts to support local veterans. Earlier this year, Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed 2019 as the Year of the Veteran in Maryland to recognize the state’s 380,000 veterans for their service and raise awareness of the unique challenges they still bravely face, including homelessness. HELP Veterans Village has contributed to the reduction of veterans homelessness in the state. Based on data from the 2019 Point-in-Time Count, the number of veterans experiencing homelessness declined by 8.58% compared to 2017 data. Conducted by the state’s 16 designated Continuums of Care and supported by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the Point-in-Time Count is a count and survey of homeless persons on a single night in January by local homelessness service providers that serves as a snapshot of the scope and scale of homelessness in Maryland’s communities.

Department financing for HELP Veterans Village was provided through a variety of resources, including short-term and long-term bonds, 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, a Rental Housing Works loan, and energy efficiency funds. The department’s Community Legacy program also provided funding to the Town of Perryville to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant system to support the creation of the Village. Additional financing for the development came from philanthropic support from the Home Depot Foundation, the Citi Foundation and Northrop Grumman. The Village’s sponsor is HELP Development Corporation, the development arm of HELP USA, a national homeless service and low-income housing nonprofit.

PERRYVILLE — In 1943, Kernie Thompson, 18, received notice that he was being drafted to fight for the United States in World War II (WWII). Thompson, an only child with an interest in wood work, would depart from his home in West Baltimore to Georgia where he completed basic training for the Army.

Thompson, now 98, is a resident at the Perry Point VA Hospital in Perryville, where he enjoys ukulele class and other events hosted by the hospital. When asked what it was like to be drafted, Thompson said that he felt some nerves.

“I was getting the news of the fighting and killing so when I was drafted, I was a little concerned because I didn’t know what I would have to face,” said Thompson.

After basic training, Thompson was sent to Camp Breckinridge in Kentucky, where he was put in the Army’s 599 Ordnance Ammunition Company – an all African American unit.

Private First Class Kernie Thompson was the youngest soldier in his company, which led to him being dubbed “Young Boy” by his fellow soldiers. Thompson, along with the 40 soldiers in his company, went on to fight in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

“Being overseas at war was a great experience, but some days were pleasant and some days were scary,” said Thompson.

Thompson noted that he enjoyed talking to not only his fellow soldiers, but citizens of the countries they were deployed to about their life and what it was like living in their country.

“They would ask about the United States and we would ask about their country and we would always talk to the people, we had a good relationship,” said Thompson. “With the soldiers, we would play cards and everyone always had something to say to make you laugh.”

But when Thompson and his fellow soldiers weren’t playing cards, telling jokes or talking with citizens, they were receiving ordnance shipments, supplying soldiers with ammunition and exercising their knowledge from basic training – something Thompson said his survival was contingent upon.

“What they teach you is important to your life, especially in combat,” said Thompson. “Your life might depend on what you were taught in basic training.”

Thompson recalled that that training saved his life late one night in 1944, when his company was waiting for the arrival of a munitions shipment. After his group laid down to rest before the shipment arrived they were awakened by the sight of enemy flares falling from the skies.

According to Thompson, flares were used to illuminate areas at night so planes and infantry could properly identify enemy soldiers, weaponry and other valuable targets – such as the ammunition holds that Thompson’s unit was responsible for.

“Basic training taught us that when they drop flares, don’t move and turn your face to the ground,” said Thompson. “If you look up, the planes could see the glare of your face and it could mess up the dilation of your eyes. It was a scary night.”

After two years of his service, in 1945, Thompson – now 21 – received word that the war was over.

“When we heard the war was over, it was a big joy,” said Thompson. “We shouted and we celebrated. When I got back, the first thing I did was go with my mother to see my grandmother and we had a nice dinner and celebrated.”

Following the war, Thompson got married and had a daughter, moving back to Baltimore where he was born. After he retired from working as a maintenance worker for Baltimore City, Thompson began working for the Baltimore Orioles; selling a variety of drinks and snacks in the stands during games. Thompson worked for the Orioles for 25 years.

“Being a part of the Army and serving my county was one of the most rewarding things because I felt like I was fulfilling a duty that I owed to my country and it makes me feel good,” said Thompson. “I am a blessed man to be here.”

BALTIMORE COUNTY - On Friday, the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks officially began construction of the new 22-acre Sparrows Point Park.

The ground-breaking ceremony represented the culmination of years of negotiations and planning. The park will be the first sizeable recreational space opened in southeast Baltimore County in over two decades, fulfilling long-standing community requests.

"The incredible new Sparrows Point Park will provide a cutting-edge selection of recreational opportunities for residents of all ages — from playing fields and indoor gyms to a new playground and kayak launch — that will better connect families in Eastern Baltimore County and beyond," Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said.

Sparrows Point Park plans to repurpose part of the historic Bethlehem Steel Mill property into a state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable park. A beam from the historic steel mill will be on display, symbolizing the company's significant influence on the region. Additionally, nearly 50% of the park's waterfront will be preserved as wetlands to aid in environmental conservation.

Founded in 1887, Sparrows Point Steel Mill became an industrial cornerstone in Baltimore. Strategically located by a deepwater port, it soon expanded, drawing a vast workforce from various regions. By the 1950s, it emerged as the world's largest steel producer, contributing to landmarks like the Empire State and Golden Gate Bridges.

Its significance extended beyond industry; the mill fostered a thriving community with multi-generational ties. Despite its decline and eventual bankruptcy in 2001, Sparrows Point remains emblematic of Baltimore's rich industrial legacy, symbolizing the zenith of American steel production and a way of life for countless residents.

According to the Department of Recreation and Parks, it will feature an array of modern amenities and recreation opportunities, including:

Negotiations with Tradepoint Atlantic to modify an existing infrastructure agreement for the property began in 2018, leading to the generous donation of the scenic Wharf Road site to the county in 2022.

Aaron Tomarchio, Executive VP of Corporate Affairs at Tradepoint Atlantic, highlighted the projects' commitment to preserving the legacy of the former Sparrows Point Steel Mill.

"We are especially thrilled that this new park will also honor and help preserve the storied legacy of the former Sparrows Point Steel Mill and the men and women who worked here," Tomarchio said.

The county estimates that the project will cost around $25 million. A substantial portion will be covered by grants, including $3 million from federal HUD Community Project Funding, $3 million from Maryland state funds, and $4 million courtesy of the Maryland Open Space Program.

Let Patch help your business grow! Learn more about the local business guide.

The Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks estimates that Sparrows Point Park will be completed by 2024. Residents can stay updated about the park's progress by visiting the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks website.

More News from Perry Hall

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Loyola freshman guard Deon Perry collected Patriot League GEICO Men’s Basketball Player and Rookie of the Week when the League office announced accolades on Monday.

Perry received his first GEICO Men’s Basketball Player of the Week and his third rookie of the week honor this season. The Baltimore native averaged 24.5 points on 55 percent (11-of-20) shooting from 3-point range in the Greyhounds’ wins over Holy Cross (90-68) and American (83-77, OT).

American junior forward Matt Rogers, Army West Point junior guard Jalen Rucker, Boston University graduate student forward Walter Whyte, Bucknell senior center Alex Timmerman, Colgate senior forward Keegan Records, Lafayette sophomore center Justin Vander Baan and Navy senior forward Daniel Deaver all received honorable mentions for their performances last week.

The Patriot League men’s basketball players of the week are selected in a vote by League media members and each school’s sports information director, who are not eligible to vote for their student-athletes.

2022-23 Patriot League Men’s Basketball Final Regular Season Standings

! Clinched Patriot League regular-season title and No. 1 seed in League Championship *Clinched a top-four seed and a quarterfinal-round home game ONLINE SCHEDULE | ONLINE STATS

PATRIOT LEAGUE MEN’S BASKETBALL GEICO PLAYER AND ROOKIE OF THE WEEK Deon Perry, Loyola Maryland, Loyola Maryland, Fr., G, Baltimore, Md./Our Lady of Mount Carmel *Perry averaged 24.5 points on 55 percent (11-of-20) shooting from 3-point range to lead Loyola Maryland to wins against Holy Cross (90-68) and American (83-77, OT). *The Baltimore native scored a season-high 27 points on six 3-pointers and three steals in the Greyhounds’ win over the Crusaders on Wednesday. *He made five 3-pointers, scoring 22 points and two steals in an overtime victory over the Eagles on Saturday to earn a first-round home game in the Patriot League Men’s Basketball Championship.

HONORABLE MENTIONS Matt Rogers, American, Jr., F, Knoxville, Md./St. Maria Goretti *Rogers recorded a double-double with a season-high 24 points and a career-high 16 rebounds in an overtime loss against Loyola Maryland on Saturday. He finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals against Navy.

Jalen Rucker, Army West Point, Jr., G, Baltimore, Md./Gilman (USMAPS) *Rucker averaged 19.0 points and 4.5 assists to help Army West Point split a pair of games last week, including an 80-65 win over Holy Cross in the regular-season finale. He scored 24 points and dished out four assists in a loss against Boston University.

Walter Whyte, Boston University, Gr., F, New Haven, Conn./St. Luke’s School *Whyte averaged 14.0 points and 7.5 rebounds to lead Boston University to wins over Army West Point (73-67) and Lehigh (59-56) to clinch the No. 5 seed and a first-round bye in the Patriot League Men’s Basketball Championship. He posted a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds in the regular-season finale against Lehigh.

Alex Timmerman, Bucknell, Sr., F/C, Crystal Lake, Ill./Crystal Lake Central *Timmerman averaged a double-double with 17.5 points and 11 rebounds to help Bucknell split a pair of games, including a 75-65 victory over Lafayette. He finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds against Lehigh on Wednesday before posting 16 points and 10 boards against the Leopards.

Keegan Records, Colgate, Sr., F, South Kingstown, R.I./St. Andrew’s *Records averaged 16.5 points and 6.5 rebounds to help Colgate go 2-0 last week with wins over Lafayette (73-69) and Navy (64-60). The senior forward became the 40th Raider to reach 1,000 career points, then matched his career-high with 25 points against Navy.

Justin Vander Baan, Lafayette, So., C, Northbridge, Mass./Whitinsville Christian *Vander Baan averaged 22.0 points, 7.5 points, 2.0 assists and 2.0 blocked shots while shooting 68 percent (9-of-14) from the floor and 50 percent (3-of-6) from long distance.

Daniel Deaver, Navy, Sr., F, Falls Church, Va./Marshall *Deaver averaged 17.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists during Navy’s 1-1 week. On Wednesday, he scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half of the Mids’ 70-54 win over American. The senior forward recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds against Colgate on Saturday.

GEICO Men’s Basketball Player of the Week 11.14 – Walter Whyte, Boston University, Gr., F 11.21 – Tucker Richardson, Colgate, Sr., G 11.28 – Evan Taylor, Lehigh, Sr., G 12.5 – Xander Rice, Bucknell, Sr., G 12.12 – Johnny O’Neil, American, Jr., F 12.19 – Matt Rogers, American, Jr., F 12.26 – C.J. Fulton, Lafayette, So., G 1.3 – Gerrale Gates, Holy Cross, Sr., F 1.9 – Jalen Rucker, Army West Point, Jr., G 1.16 – Jalen Rucker, Army West Point, Jr., G 1.23 – Keegan Records, Colgate, Sr., F 1.30 – Tucker Richardson, Colgate, Sr., G 2.6 – Daniel Deaver, Navy, Sr., F 2.13 – Tyler Nelson, Navy, Sr., F 2.20 - Daniel Deaver, Navy, Sr., F 2.27 - Deon Perry, Loyola Maryland, Fr., G

GEICO Men’s Basketball Rookie of the Week 11.14 – Braeden Smith, Colgate., Fr., G 11.21 – Coleton Benson, Army West Point, Fr., G 11.28 – Geoff Sprouse, American, Fr., G 12.5 – Geoff Sprouse, American, Fr., G 12.12 – Austin Benigni, Navy, Fr., G 12.19 – Coleton Benson, Army West Point, Fr., G 12.26 – Braeden Smith, Colgate. Fr., G 1.3 – Braeden Smith, Colgate, Fr., G 1.9 – Will Batchelder, Holy Cross, Fr., G 1.16 – Deon Perry, Loyola Maryland, Fr., G 1.23 – Will Batchelder, Holy Cross, Fr., G 1.30 – Josh Rivera, Lafayette, Fr., F 2.6 – Ethan Roberts, Army West Point, Fr., F 2.13 – Deon Perry, Loyola Maryland, Fr., G 2.20 - Braeden Smith, Colgate. Fr., G 2.27 – Deon Perry, Loyola Maryland, Fr., G

ABOUT THE PATRIOT LEAGUE The Patriot League is in its fourth decade of academic and athletic achievement, continually demonstrating that student-athlete can excel at both academics and athletics without sacrificing high standards. The Patriot League’s athletic success is achieved while its member institutions remain committed to its founding principle of admitting and graduating student-athletes that are academically representative of their class. Participation in athletics at Patriot League institutions is viewed as an important component of a well-rounded education.