The Salisbury Jaycees recently were named one of the top 10 chapters in the United States by the group’s U.S. parent organization, JCI USA.
The designation was announced during the 2015 JCI USA annual meeting in Nashville, TN, as the chapter was presented with the prestigious Clarence H. Howard Memorial Award. With that honor, the Salisbury Jaycees were named the No. 1 chapter in the nation serving a population of 15,000-50,000 (Division III). The accolades came for the chapter’s achievements in 2014.
“For many years, we have known how special the Salisbury Jaycees are,” said Emily Nock, 2014 chapter president and current chairperson of the board. “Now, the rest of the nation knows it, as well. I am proud of what we have accomplished in the past year and look forward to continuing that tradition of excellence during our 75th anniversary in 2015.
“This award is all about the dedication and commitment of our chapter members and supporters, who continually give of themselves year-round to help make the community a better place.”
At the meeting, Nock also received a top national honor, the Charles Kulp Jr. Memorial Award, denoting her as one of the most outstanding local presidents in the United States.
“The Salisbury Jaycees had a very good year in 2014, and that obviously would not have been possible without a tremendous president,” said Joel Maher, 2015 chapter president. “The chapter flourished under Emily’s leadership, and she continues to make an impact at both the local and state levels.”
Nock also currently serves as membership vice president of the Maryland Jaycees.
In 2014, the Salisbury Jaycees ran 42 project, ranging from traditional community projects including the Salisbury Christmas Parade, Children’s Christmas Shopping Tour (during which some 200 local children are taken gift shopping at no cost to them or their families) and Treat Street safe Halloween trick-or-treating initiative, to new community events such as the Great Wicomico Yard Sale.
Those projects also included fundraisers such as the annual Soft Shell Metric Century bicycle ride in Somerset County, membership and individual development events like the chapter’s annual crab feast and Murder Mystery Night, and state activities, including hosting a Maryland Jaycees convention. In addition, the chapter participated in area events such as Pork in the Park, 3rd Friday, the Fruitland Easter Parade and Salisbury University’s volunteer fair.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2015, the Salisbury Jaycees is a community service, social and leadership training organization for men and women ages 18-40 on the Eastern Shore. Membership meetings are 7 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Business Center, 144 E. Main St.
For more information call 410-749-0144, ext. 109, or visit the chapter’s website at www.salisburyjc.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/salisburyjaycees.
