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David R. Brinkley, Maryland State Delegate.

February 8, 2001 - The Gazette (MD)

Delegation to back local organizations

by Sherry Greenfield
Staff Writer Feb. 8, 2001

Frederick County's delegation to the Maryland General Assembly is working to make the dreams of several county organizations come true.

The eight-member delegation last Friday agreed to support $1.3 million worth of bonding requests from Hospice of Frederick County, American Red Cross and the Weinberg Center for the Arts.

The delegation also agreed to prioritize the list of requests, with Hospice as No. 1, Red Cross No. 2 and Weinberg No. 3.

Hospice is seeking $500,000 for the construction of a $1.4 million Hospice House in New Market. The home would serve those suffering from a terminal illness in their last few weeks of life and allow them to receive care in a home-like atmosphere, when a situation prevents them from staying in their own homes.

The 14-acre parcel for the house off Old Annapolis Road was donated to Hospice from Carl and Norma Miller.

Hospice representatives are thrilled their project has been given top priority.

"That is wonderful," said Laura Cholewczynski, community liaison for Hospice. "We are very happy to have the support of the legislators."

The fact that the land for the house is being donated was a plus for the delegation.

"A person has put up the land, and I think it would be embarrassing for us to fall behind on that," Del. David Brinkley (R-Dist. 4A) of New Market said.

He stressed the importance of putting Red Cross second on the priority list. "This is a chance to clear them off the decks," he said.

For the third year, Red Cross officials have come before the delegation seeking $1.5 million for renovations to their headquarters in Walkersville.

This year they are asking for $350,000. Two years ago they received $100,000, and last year they were awarded $300,000.

Red Cross officials accept the process, and the yearly requests they must make to the delegation.

"It's a process every time we go," said Leah Crace, executive director for the Frederick County Chapter of the American Red Cross. "We do feel the delegation has been very supportive of our project and feel confident they'll continue to support us."

Weinberg Center representatives also welcome the support.

"We're very excited," said Stewart Seal, executive director of the Weinberg. "I would like someone to write a check for $10 million, but that is not going to happen."

Seal asked for $500,000 for stage repairs, part of an $8 million to $10 million renovation project at the historic West Patrick Street building.

"I think it's important to get in the door with the Weinberg project," Del. Sue Hecht (D-Dist. 3) of Frederick said.

Not all the bonding requests were granted.

The delegation turned down a $600,000 request from the Great Frederick Fair's board of managers. That money is needed for the construction of a new multi-use building at the fairgrounds.

Maurice Gladhill, board chairman, is disappointed with the delegation's decision.

Now the board must determine whether it should move ahead with the project.

"We need to look at the circumstances around their decision and see what is in the best interest of the fair," Gladhill said. "We're certainly disappointed they turned down our request, but we're big boys and girls and we'll get over it."

All requests still must be approved by the full General Assembly before the legislative session ends April 10.

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Authority: Friends of David R. Brinkley - Sallie M. Brinkley, Treasurer