On Sunday, Jan. 30, many Calvert and State dignitaries came together to honor former County Commissioner, Linda Kelley for her 16 years of service to Calvert citizens. The luncheon was held at the Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department.

According to George Owings (D – Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs), one of the Masters of Ceremony in a phone interview with TheBAYNET.com, “The facility holds 220 people and there wasn’t a seat in the house. There were so many people and organizations touched by Linda; there was quite of list of presenters.”

Owings stated that Kelley was honored by the NAACP, Republican Women, Republican leaders, The Animal Welfare League, Safe Harbor and many more people and organizations. He and Delegate Anthony O’Donnell (R) held the bipartisan event because the Republican Kelley had had such an impact during her 16 years of service.

“The appreciation during the luncheon focused a great deal on animals and youth,” said Owings. “Much of her work on behalf of children and animals was turned into state law because of Linda’s effort.”

Owings told TBN that Kelley’s efforts in a few areas ended up as Maryland law including the Grand Parents Rights Bill which gave greater rights to grand parents of children of a divorced family. Another bill which can be traced directly back to Kelley is the Kinship Care Bill, which according to Owings is the legislation that creates more flexibility for children who have suffered from domestic violence or other abuse. “Because of Linda’s efforts a bill was passed that gives more flexibility than in the past where children were automatically taken by Social Services and placed in foster care.”

Owings explained that Kelley’s effort led to the law which allows authorities to place children with other family members instead.

Making presentations at the event were:
Commissioner Jerry Clark-Calvert, George Owings-Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Commissioner Pat Nutter-Calvert, Commissioner Evan Slaughenhoupt-Calvert, Dick Myers-Southern Maryland Representative for Senator Barbara Mikulski, Former Commissioner President Wilson Parran-Calvert, Frank McCabe-Chairman Calvert County Republican Central Committee, Joyce Terhes-Republican National Committeewoman, Greg Bowen-Director of Planning & Zoning, Fred Holzberger-Former President  Dunkirk VFD, Chief Marty Sealey-DVFD, Wayne Clark-Executive Director  Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, Councilwoman Ingrid Lamb, Councilman Pat Mahoney-Chesapeake Beach Town Council, Carol M. Porto-Program Director, Porto Treatment Center, Paul Sikorski-Western Shore District Commissioner National Capitol Area – Boy Scouts of America, Linda Bracey-Calvert County Commission for Women, Grace Hanners-Humane Society of Calvert, Catherine Grasso-President Republican Women Leaders of Calvert, Carol Lehman-President Republican Women of Calvert County, Mike Brown-Vice President, Dunkirk Area of Concerned Citizens Association, Laura Mathews and Lynne Gillis-Humane Society of Calvert County, Rick Bailey-Vice President Merrick Homes, Jay Lounsbury, David (Spiggy) Spigler-Washington Redskin Hogettes, Mike Mathews, Bob Arscott-Vice Chairman Calvert County Republican Central Committee.

For more photos go to http://johndoug.smugmug.com/2011Events-2/lindakelly/