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CAASA celebrates 20 years, volunteers
Friday, Oct. 30, 2009
 Click here to enlarge this photo Submitted photos by JUSTIN ASTAFANOUS
Janet and John Bateman posed after receiving the Eagle Award for CAASA Board of Directors at CAASA's 20th Anniversary Awards Ceremony.
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A man known for his environmental efforts and protecting the bay, former Maryland State Senator C. Bernard "Bernie" Fowler also spearheaded Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) and gave the invocation at its 20th Anniversary Awards Ceremony held at the Calvert Pines Senior Center Monday night.
Fowler spoke of CAASA continuing to make a difference, saying, "It's making its mark … trying to turn things around."
Honorary board member and the ceremony emcee Joyce Nalley told the history of CAASA and five men who met at the Holiday Inn Select, Solomons, in 1988 "to discuss the rising rate of addictions and crime in Calvert County."
Most of the founders, along with CAASA board members, Calvert County Sheriff's Office deputies, teachers and community members attended CAASA's anniversary celebration, which honored those who make a difference in fighting alcohol and other drug abuse in Calvert County.
Along with Fowler, Nalley read off the founders' names: Eugene Karol, former superintendent of Calvert County public schools and current board of education president; Dr. David Rogers, Calvert County health officer; Thomas Rymer, retired circuit court judge; and Warren Sengstack, former Calvert County state's attorney.
"They have all remained very diligent in our mission and our goals," Nalley said.
Nalley shared her experiences helping create programs and activities for CAASA and forming liaisons with addiction treatment and rehabilitation experts.
"Under Dr. Roger's leadership, we learned to develop a place in our community," she said.
One of CAASA's signature hosting events, National Night Out, helps communities organize an evening spent socializing with neighbors, meeting law enforcement officers and promoting alcohol and drug awareness. CAASA also organizes Project Graduation, a night of drug- and alcohol-free fun for graduating high school seniors and gives mini grants to schools for drug and alcohol awareness and prevention projects.
"We just extend ourselves to wherever possible, to reach out and help the families," Nalley said.
One big boost for CAASA came about four years ago when it was given a generous amount of money to provide treatment expenses to people who "want to truly lead a recovered life" through the Bernard Marvin Johnson Charitable Trust, Nalley said. To date, the trust has helped the treatment of 40 applicants, she said.
CAASA presented honors with its premiere award, the Eagle Awards, given to those "who contributed greatly to our efforts," Nalley said.
Board member Lt. Randy Stephens, commander of the Maryland State Police Prince Frederick barrack, presented the Eagle Award for Community to Roger Armiger for always being willing to help out, placing signs around the county advertising events and stepping up when needed.
"Roger has been known as the go-to guy," Stephens said.
Board vice president Chris Comer presented the Eagle Award for Business to Bob Hall Inc. beer and wine distributors, which has sponsored numerous CAASA events like Project Graduation and the Comedy Invasion. Owner Richard Hall and sales manager Dave Parker accepted the award, saying they have a vested interest in community because they live in Calvert and have children who attend Calvert schools.
The Eagle Award for Education was presented to Megan Crowley, teacher at Dowell Elementary School, for putting an outstanding program together for Red Ribbon Week last year, said board member Karen Neal.
"She's an energetic powerhouse," Neal said of Crowley, who could not attend because she was ill.
When the final Eagle Award for CAASA Board of Directors recipient was announced as John and Janet Bateman, the crowd gave a standing ovation as the Batemans made their way to receive the award. Outgoing CAASA president and detective, Homer Rich, said the Batemans always show up and always contribute.
"John and Janet Bateman are the most considerate, compassionate, helpful and dedicated volunteers an organization can have. They are the first to volunteer and usually the last to leave — they want to finish what they start. This year they worked tirelessly to make every CAASA event a success, from hosting the CAASA booth at numerous school and community events to helping sell tickets for CAASA's fundraising events, John and Janet were ready to work and provide their support, " CAASA's coordinator, Candice D' Agostino, wrote in an e-mail. Their dedication shows through their commitment of time, energy, and talents to assist CAASA with achieving its mission, which is to involve the entire community to promote a healthy environment free of alcohol and other drug abuse, she wrote.
The coordinators from all the neighborhoods that participated in National Night Out were recognized along with several teachers and principals who help get the drug-free message out and assist with Project Graduation.
Several Calvert County school were also acknowledged for receiving mini grants for programs such as Patuxent Elementary School's "Prevention through Praise" and Calvert High School's "Smart Choices — a criminal justice program." Calvert County's D.A.R.E. program was also acknowledged for its efforts and $900 mini grant.
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