Cecil County Sports Weekly Vol 3 Issue 17 Arts/Entertainment Insert

CECIL DESTINATION

An Under Sea Voyage with the Little Mermaid

By Barbara Norton

NORTH EAST - WOW!

That’s the only word to describe a two-hour ballet that can keep a crowded theatre full of parents, grandparents, dance enthusiasts, and dozens of little kids enthralled with the story unfolding in front of them – a story that has no words, only music

and dancing.

That’s what happened at the Milburn Stone Theatre at Cecil College when the Cecil Dance Theatre (CDT) presented matinee performances of “The Little Mermaid” on May 6th and 7th. I remember wondering how many of the enthusiastic, mostly 5,6, and 7-year-olds who answered Cecil Dance Theatre Direc-

tor Tina Travers’ invitation to come on stage before the show began and do the “Hokey-Pokey” with cast members would last through the show. They came forward without hesitation. And when they returned to their seats they stayed attentive, obviously loving every moment.

How could they not? The

colorful costumes of mermaids, seahorses, scary creatures, and a huge variety of sea life were glittery and appealing. The backdrop of a castle with a sailing ship pulled up to its dock, and the projections of a fascinating under-the-sea world are perfect. Best of all, the innovative choreography of Soviet Union trained former balleri-

na Anya Ivanova-Bojko, and the outstanding performances of the huge cast of dancers are just wonderful. Many of these young performers have been studying dance at CDT since they too were toddlers. Particularly outstanding were Marie Bojko as Ariel, the Little Mer-

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LITTLE MERMAID

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maid, and Aidan Gresock as Prince Eric. Maria has been studying ballet for 16 years and has appeared in CDT shows since 2011, including “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Swan Princess,” and more. Her lines and on-point moves personify beauty and grace.

Aidan is as handsome as she is beautiful and he does an excellent job of framing the ballerina’s moves. Together they execute breathtaking jumps and lifts. Aidan has also studied at CDT for a number of years. He recently played Prince Phillip in “Sleeping Beauty” and the Cavalier in “The Nutcracker.” He is about to graduate from Havre de Grace High School and has received $408,000 in college scholarship offers. He plans to major in dance.

With a cast of 26, it’s impossible to recognize everyone by name, but a few of the outstanding performances include Annabel Carney as Princess Ursula and Gracie Milanoski as Ursula the Sea Witch. Both bring years of dance experience and dramatic energy to their fiery shared character. I also really enjoyed Zack Cantler

Johnson, who played a sailor with great enthusiasm and also executed several difficult lifts. Zack received his Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in dance from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and has appeared in several CDT shows.

Cecil Dance Theatre produces two dance-centered shows per year, so even

if you missed “The Little Mermaid” you can look forward to their performance of “The Nutcracker,” also at the Milburn Stone Theatre, scheduled for December 16 and 17, 2023. Call 410-2871037 or go online at www. cecildancecenter.com for tickets.

On Wednesday, April 26th, Youth Empowerment Source held their annual "Build a Burger" fundraiser. The evening was a tremendous success with over 190 in attendance. Music from "The Krispy Minstrel" set the tone, and food was both plentiful and delicious, especially the build your own burger bar. Youth led the event serving as greeters, busboys, master of ceremonies and guest speakers. Perryville Junior Gaby Mills and Rising Sun Junior Mason Watters led the evening as the emcee's, and testimonials from Elkton High School Senior Javier Villagomez-Magana and Sophomore Joslyn Robinson were delivered with humor and grace. Cupcake and Basket raffles were wildly popular, thanks to the generosity of the community who donated a wide variety of interesting and unique items.

Youth Empowerment Source thanks everyone who contributed to the success of the evening. Funds raised will be used to support programs for children and youth in Cecil County.

Library Art Exhibit Showcases Exciting Young Talent

By Barbara Norton

NORTH EAST - The North East Branch of the Cecil County Library is hosting a first-ever exhibit of art gathered from 28 Cecil County elementary, middle, and high schools. It opened on April 26th and runs during regular library hours through May 26th. An Open House is planned for Saturday, May 13 from 10:00 pm – 12:00 pm. Many of the young artists and their teachers will be there, so be sure to come and meet them.

The “Cecil County Public Schools Art Show” exhibit is easy to find, since it’s located right inside the library’s already stunning new reception lobby. The high-ceilinged, light-filled room is filled with the kind of works that only children can create … art that shouts “look at me” with its bright colors and wonder-filled imagination.

An amazing variety of watercolors, acrylics, and mixed-media, pencil and pen-and-ink sketches, plus photography, and ceramic masks and bowls has been hung on free-standing accordion-style display panels. The artists range in age from 1st graders to seniors in high school, and it is interesting to realize that some of the most appealing pieces are by the youngest students. All are fun to view and many demonstrate a sophistication about subject matter, color, composition, and technique that goes well beyond the ordinary or expected. Destination Cecil applauds not only the student artists, but also their art teachers and the North East librarians who “light up” when you engage them in conversation about the show. Credit also goes to Dave Hastings, Ed.D, Program Coordinator for Fine Arts for Cecil Coun-

ty Schools. Dr. Hastings worked with both the teachers and librarians to assemble this show.

Frazier Walker, the library’s Communications & Development Manager, agrees that this is a “great show” and said the library would be delighted to host future CCPS exhibits. The library’s next exhibit, “Beautiful Cecil County,” showcases the work of artist Michael Bignell. You may have attended his exhibit of marine art and architecturally accurate city ‘scapes at the library last year. This year, Bignell has painted all new scenes from around Cecil County – from the Sassafras to the Susquehanna. Save the date. His show opens Saturday, May 17th, with an Open House reception the night before. The North East Library is located in North East Station near Lowes.

‘Charleston’ by Sarah Murrell Perryville High School

‘Wslk Off’ by Evan England North East High School

‘Untitled’ by Sydney Phillips Perryville High School

‘Radiate’ by Abby Wishart Rising Sun High School

‘Piccasso Rooster’ by Noah Clark Grade 2 - Rising Sun Elementary School

‘Kim K’ by Avery Squitieri Elkton High School

‘Unbreakable Bond’ by Mia Pedene Bohemia Manor High School

Student Veterans Club host commemorative Memorial Day event

NORTH EAST, Md. - The Cecil College Student Veterans Club will hold a Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony on Monday and Tuesday, May 22 and 23, in the Quad on the North East Campus, located at One Seahawk Drive, North East, Md.

Members of Cecil College faculty, staff and students, the community, and local veterans’ groups are invited to visit the campus over the two days to place a flag in memory of a veteran. TAPS will be played at noon on May 23 to honor all those killed in action or missing in action.

The Quad will be encircled by flags representing the different branches of the U.S. military, along with the American Flag. Visitors will be able to plant a smaller American Flag within the grass section, and there are seating areas for them to reminisce.

The Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Monday, May 22, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, May 23. Visitors can enjoy some light refreshments.

Cecil College students take first place in 2023 Maryland Scholars Summit

NORTH EAST, Md. – Congratulations to Seahawks Jillian Neuhof and Abigail Graham for placing first in their respective categories at the 2023 Maryland Scholars Summit. On Saturday, April 29th, scholars from eight Maryland colleges presented their work at Harford Community College.

Maryland Leads scholarships address teacher shortage with Cecil County Public Schools

NORTH EAST, Md. – Cecil County Public Schools (CCPS) are working in unison with Cecil College to meet the need for educators within the county by offering full scholarships to qualified students pursuing a degree in teacher education at Cecil College.

To be eligible for this grant, students must have graduated from CCPS in 2021 or 2022 and are currently enrolled in Cecil College’s Teacher Education program. Students are encouraged to apply to CCPS upon earning a bachelor’s degrees in teacher education. Students enrolled in the Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) program are also eligible. These scholarships are funded through Maryland's Local Education Agencies (LEAs).

"Teaching is a fabulous profession where these young people, our educators of tomorrow, have an opportunity to shape their community. There isn't a day that I don't consider myself blessed that I chose a career where I get to help people. As a group of students receiving scholarships, this program will allow you to be in that very same position,"

said CCPS Superintendent Dr. Jeffery Lawson.

These scholarships are funded through The Maryland Leads Initiative, a program funded by the State of Maryland and facilitated by Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), which supports LEAs in addressing short and long-term challenges related to the current labor shortage and attends to the longstanding need to establish and strengthen teacher pipelines and development. Maryland Leads

LEA strategies for CCPS focus on growing its teachers' pool through financial support and staff retention.

Implementation of awards began with the Spring 2023 semester for 26 students pursuing an Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degree at Cecil College. This group of students include first- and second-year students along with CCPS juniors and seniors enrolled in the Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) program. Funding continues through the 2023-24 school year.

“The Maryland Leads grant program has motivated me to reach my full potential in the education field, not

only for my own goals but to highlight that teachers are an important part of the foundation of the future. The Maryland Leads grant program has pushed me to become that teacher that people will remember. This program has fueled my perseverance and determination regarding my classes because it has shown me that, by being granted this opportunity, I can realize my potential,” said Hannah Swanson, one of the 13 Cecil College students who signed a pledge to apply for a teaching position with CCPS upon earning their bachelor's degree in education.

“The Maryland Leads Grant has impacted my time at Cecil College in the best way possible. It helped with the financial expenses (classes and textbooks) and provided new opportunities as I transfer to Towson University in Northeastern Maryland for the fall semester. After graduating with a teaching degree, the grant also offered a position at Cecil County Public Schools. I am thankful to be included in this grant and look forward to my future with CCPS,” said Natalie Sexton.

Jillian Neuhof won the posterboard presentation category for her research Wrongful Convictions and Exonerations with DNA: Freeing the Innocent. She writes in her research, "One of the greatest tragedies in the criminal justice system is the conviction of a person for a crime they did not commit. Erroneous convictions can have immeasurable consequences for exonerees, original crime victims, and families." The statistics are striking. Dating back to 1989, "375 DNA exonerees have been released from prisons across our country due to DNA testing."

Abigail Graham won in the creative works category for her painting Aching for Motivation. She said the painting is "about my struggle with self-motivation when it comes to making art and brings attention to the minds of other artists who struggle with motivation." In a moving explanation, Abigail spoke to the audience about managing dyslexia and what the painting expresses. "Being dyslexic, I find it hard to remember things unless they are visual thoughts or creative ideas. The creative ideas come out as golden diamonds, meaning that my ideas are grand and unique" Her greatest fear is that these ideas will "overflow and eventually fade into lost memories."

Faculty members Ashley Fundack and Mark Donohue were in attendance as presentation judges and proud mentors of the winners. www.cecil.edu

TRAVEL WELL

by Lisa Lowry

A Legendary Cruise

The Carnival Legend is inspired by famous myths, but a vacation close to home can be your reality. Last Sunday, I had the pleasure to tour the Carnival Legend, which is currently sailing round-trip cruises from Baltimore. Seeing what a cruise ship so close to home had to offer was very exciting. The tour consisted of cabins, pools, lounges, and samples of the delicious food.

The Carnival Legend is a Spirit class ship that first sailed in 2002. It can accommodate 2124 passengers at capacity. It is a perfect size ship for those who might not want a large ship with over 6000 passengers but still offers plenty of fun options.

A nice variety of cabins are available for different budgets. The interior cabins and oceanviews are the most economical options. The ship has many balcony cabins from obstructed views to a larger room with a premium balcony. For those who want lots of space and large balconies, a suite is another option. The beautiful Vista suite has a stunning wrap-around balcony that gives both an aft and side view. The cabins are all well-appointed, but let’s explore the fun and relaxation that awaits outside the cabin.

One of the first things people think about with a cruise is the food, and the Legend has plenty of great options. In addition to the main dining room, Lido Marketplace is available with lots of options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night pizza. Guy Fieri’s Burgers and Blue Iguana Cantina are both conveniently located near one of the pools. These fun options are complimentary as well. Two options for specialty restaurants with an upcharge are Bonsai Sushi and The Golden Fleece Steakhouse. For a true culinary experience, the Chef’s Table is a must do. The variety of choices should please many types of palates.

Just as many options for cocktails can be found on board. You can enjoy tropical drinks and even sample beers at the Red Frog Pub. The Alchemy Bar’s mixologists will create a perfect cocktail for you to enjoy. A Sports Bar and Piano Bar provide even more entertainment options.

Even more entertainment options can be found to keep everyone busy. A theater with nightly shows, Punchliner’s Comedy, casino, and nightclub provides evening fun. Children and teens are not left out. They have their own areas and activities at Camp Ocean. During the day, try one of the pools. One of them can be covered in case of bad weather. Waterslides and mini golf are a great time for kids or the young at heart. If you crave some adult only time, Serenity Retreat is a stunning space with a pool, padded loungers, and a bar. The best part is this fantastic area is complimentary. The wide range of entertainment ensures your trip will never have a dull moment.

With year-round sailings from Baltimore, the Carnival Legend is a fantastic option. It might be an older ship, but the public spaces are well designed to not feel congested or crowded. I priced a cruise for June 4, 2023, and prices started at $1337 per person double occupancy. According to the hotel director, cruises have been selling. He was also very proud of the crew’s customer service achieving best in the fleet. The customer service has led to many repeat customers for the ship. The Carnival Legend sails to Bahamas, Caribbean, Canada, and Greenland this year from Baltimore and is a great choice for your next vacation.

Lisa Lowry is a travel expert and blogger who owns a Cruise Planners franchise. She has traveled extensively and is ready to help you plan your dream vacation. You can reach her at Lisa. Lowry@Cruiseplanners.com or by calling (302) 985-6403. Her website and blog are at www.AlpacaMyBagsCruises.com

SUMMER CAMP AT SHOWCASE

Students ages 8 and up are invited to join us for three weeks of theatre fun! Students will learn all of the important parts of putting on their very own musical production - from audition to performance!

Camp runs July 10-28 (Monday - Friday from 9 AM - 3 PM)

Performances Friday, July 28 at 7 PM and Saturday, July 29 at 3 PM and 7 PM.

To register, please download and complete the registration at http://www. showcaseonmain.com/summer-camp.html. Completed registration forms can be emailed to showcaseonmain@gmail.com You will receive a confirmation email when your registration and payment have been received.

Registration price is $550 if you sign up before June 1.

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS

CAT ENSLEN, instructor

Cat Enslen (she/her) is honored to be working with Showcase on Main to bring you Seussical Jr. An active member of Delaware and Maryland community theatre since she was 8, she could be more excited to explore the educator side of the process. Cat has choreographed for summer camps for the last few years and is now directing and teaching for Child Drama Workshops and Drama Kids, while nannying during the day.

ROSEMARY CAMPBELL, assistant

Rosemary “Rosie” Campbell (she/her) has graduated from Cab Calloway as a theatre major having attended from grade 6-12. She has gathered experience in different techniques in acting as well as education in different forms of theatrical literature. Rosie has not only had the pleasure of working with in-school teachers such as Brendan Moser, Amanda Curry, and Tessa Laneve, Rosie has also had the pleasure to work with other theaters in Delaware like Wilmington Drama League, Delaware Theater Company, and Delaware Shakespeare.

Several months ago, local attorney Jobeth Bowers, who performs mind reading type effects under the stage name Judge Mentalist, began a collaboration project with a Scottish illustrator, Brogan Hastings, to put together a special deck of tarot cards depicting famous magicians from around the world. This limited-edition deck of cards was specifically designed as an homage to these famous magicians, as well as a special piece to be used in stage performances.

Only 10 of these special decks of cards were ever printed, and include images of famous magicians such as David Copperfield, Piff the Magic Dragon, Penn & Teller, as well as Matt Donnelly the Mind Noodler, who has performed 3 sell-out shows here in Elkton, Maryland over the past 2 years.

Last week Judge Mentalist was visiting Las Vegas to study the mystery arts with some other legendary magicians, Jeff McBride and Dr. Larry Hass, who together run McBride’s School of Mystery. Imagine Hogwarts, except dedicated to learning and improving mystery performing arts. Some of the cards in this set depicted the coordinators of this school and were presented to them as gifts during this visit.

These gifts prompted an entire array of discussion, photos, and dissemination of the existence of this limited item throughout the Las Vegas Magic Community, when eventually magic legend David Copperfield learned of these cards, and requested a deck for himself.

“I received a call in the middle of class, and recognizing the name on the caller ID I jumped up to take it. It was Copperfield himself on the phone. I was shocked, expecting a secretary or handler to be making the call, but it was actually him on the line.”

The week of learning culminated with a special invitation from Copperfield to attend his stage show and meet up backstage after the show. Of course, one of the few decks of tarot cards was gifted to Copperfield during the meeting.

Judge Mentalist, as he is known on stage, makes regular visits to the House of Mystery in Las Vegas. “McBride’s classes are an immersive way to improve stage performance, as well as refine skills with actual methods and routines. My goal is to always level up my performance ability, and there’s no better way I’ve found to do this.”

Judge Mentalist is the coordinator of Elkton Magic, which hosts touring magicians for stage shows on a monthly basis. For more information Judge Mentalist, his local appearances and upcoming summer tour with Matt Donnelly the Mind Noodler, check out judgementalist.com. For more information on the monthly touring magicians, visit Elktonmagic.com

Elkton-based performer and creator’s newest project prompts a meet-up with magic legend David Copperfield.

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902 E. Pulaski Highway Elkton, MD 21921

Youth Empowerment Source is hiring for a Full Time Case Manager

Minimum of Bachelor's degree required in Education, Psychology or Human Service field. Salaried position. 36 hr week hybrid in office, WFH, following 90 day probationary period.