Towne Spotlight Local

AACC Foundation Gifts Clauson Center to College

AACC Foundation gifted and dedicated the Clauson Center for Innovation & Skilled Trades to Anne Arundel Community College on December 16th. The event included a ribbon cutting in addition to recognizing and thanking donors, Board members, business and community leaders, AACC faculty and staff, and partners for their support in making the new facility a reality. The 11,300-square foot Clauson Center was built “by the community, for the community,” as AACC’s first building to be funded solely through philanthropy. Through the generosity of approximately 200 donors, the AACC Foundation secured over $4.25 million in private contributions to construct the building, including a lead donation made by Janet and James Clauson, for whom the building was named. The building opened to students studying electrical work, forklift operations, HVAC, plumbing, welding, framing and finish carpentry, general contracting and more in January. “By expanding our workforce development programs, we can support the needs of our employers and our local economy while helping people start and maintain successful careers,” said Dr. Dawn Lindsay, president of AACC. For more information, visit aacc.edu.

LOCAL ENT PRACTICES MERGE

For those who haven’t heard the big news, Anne Arundel Ear Nose & Throat (AAENT) has officially merged with Severn River Ear Nose & Throat (SRENT), becoming Anne Arundel ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery and Severn River MediSpa & Laser Center. Dr. Rob Meek, the medical director at AAENT, and Dr. Kleiman, the medical director of SRENT, found from years of collaborating, that they share the same philosophy of care and high standards of skill and excellence in each of their surgical practices. In fact, the two doctors have long been respected colleagues and friends of one another and have been partners at the Arundel Ambulatory Surgical Center for over 16 years. As a combined practice, they excitedly welcomed the addition of a new physician to their team, Dr. Brandon Wachal. To learn more about the merged practice, visit aaentmd.com.

2022 CIAA HALL OF FAME CLASS 

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the nation’s oldest historically Black athletic conference, inducted the 2022 John B. McLendon Hall of Fame Class in February. The CIAA recognizes inductees for their excellence in the conference, significant contributions in the community, leadership within CIAA athletics, and commitment to the conference mission. This year’s class features six inductees and include: Gregory Goings (Bowie State University), Andre’ Altice (Shaw University), Dr. Beverly Downing (Livingstone College/Saint Augustine’s University), Greg Jackson (Saint Paul’s College/ North Carolina Central University), Amba Kongolo (North Carolina Central University), and Jamie Waller (Virginia Union University)

Glenelg Country School Has New President 

Exactly one year ago, the Glenelg Board of Trustees unanimously selected Matt Walsh to succeed former Head of School Greg Ventre, who retired last June. Walsh previously served as president and head of school at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. Walsh officially began his tenure on July 1 and quickly acclimated to the Glenelg community this school year. “The Board emphasized strengthening the community and continuing to bring it together,” Walsh said. “They were also looking for someone who could adapt to their school culture and can move the school into the future.” Bradley Smith, board chair, in announcing Walsh’s selection, had this to say: “Matt’s experience and expertise as an independent school head make him an excellent choice for the job. His intelligence, integrity, energy, transparent communication style, demeanor, and collaborative nature, and warm and caring demeanor make Matt a great fit for our GCS community.” Learn more about GCS at glenelg.org.

 THE WELL EXPANDS

The Well recently hosted an open house to showcase and offer tours of the organization’s expanded Hon’s Honey production site and The Well’s programming. Hon’s Honey also had a pop-up shop for holiday shopping. As part of the event, the space was officially commissioned. The space will double the production space for Hon’s Honey and the capacity for staff and programming by 40 percent. The Well is a community of women committed to transforming lives through long-term relationships, practical programs, and the healing power of love. It is a nonprofit, 501c3, organization operating in Curtis Bay and serving the greater Central Maryland corridor. For more details, visit drinkatthewell.org.

Regal Ribbon Cutting

Regal Paint Centers recently cut the ribbon and opened a new location at the Crofton Center. The independently-owned paint and decorating retailer specializes in premium, commercial, and industrial coatings. The center’s new address is 1637 Crofton Center, Crofton. Additional locations are in Annapolis, Frederick, and the greater D.C. region. To learn more, visit regalpaintcenters.com/pages/crofton.

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