To the Editor:

A dreary day greeted this year’s participants in the “Step by Step” 5K Fun Run/Walk held on November 7th and sponsored by the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Inc. (CAASA). We are thankful that the rain held off long enough for the participants to enjoy a great day running and walking around Solomon’s Island to help raise funds for local alcohol and other drug prevention efforts. 

This year marked the 15th annual “Step by Step” 5K Fun Run/Walk held in memory of Michael Blackwell, a jogger who was killed while running on Broomes Island Road. We thank Bonnie Blackwell, Mike’s wife, for providing the opening remarks to start the race and for the Blackwell family’s continued support and involvement with this event. We were excited that Bonnie also took time away from her business, Sweet Dreams Candy Shoppe, to stay and help present the awards to this year’s winners.  

CAASA has been fortunate to hold the “Step by Step” race at the Calvert Marine Museum since its inception and we greatly appreciate the professionalism and support of the museum staff. Of course, volunteers are important to our success and we thank the CAASA Board members who volunteered their time, Chesapeake Bay Running Club volunteers, and the Sheriff’s Office Explorers, Dfc. Andre Mitchell and Dfc. Vaughn Evans who assisted with monitoring the course. A special thank you to Brent Bobo, graphic arts student at the Calvert Career and Technology Academy, for designing this year’s t-shirt.     

In addition, CAASA would like to thank the sponsors of this year’s event: Chesapeake Bay Running Club; Quality Built Homes; Built Rite Home Developers, Inc; Calvert Elks Lodge 2620; American Legion Post 206; Pennysaver; Century 21 – Bare Enterprises; Bob Hall LLC; World Gym; Sneade’s Ace Home Center; A.H. Hatcher, Inc.; Sheriff Mike Evans; Smith Printing, Inc.; Loch Less Farm; Chesapeake Pharmacy; Rausch Funeral Home; Holiday Inn Select – Solomons; Cedar Point Federal Credit Union; Giant Food – Lusby;  and Safeway, Prince Frederick.

Funds raised from this event will support CAASA’s mini-grant program and local neighborhood watch activities.   Race results can be found on CAASA’s event’s page at www.co.cal.md.us/caasa. 

Candice M. D’Agostino    
CAASA Coordinator