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FEDERALSBURG – Men For Change honored five individuals for their service to the community at the organization’s 16th annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on July 18, 2026, at the Federalsburg VFW.
The theme was “individuals doing good work,” and five people were honored from the greater Federalsburg area. The honorees: Isaac Fletcher, Amy Smith, Reggie Parker, Blake Whitten, and Pastor Pat A. Jones. The sixth honoree, Chuck Foskey, a local business owner, was unable to attend due to an emergency.
Coach Isaac Fletcher, a member of the well-known and well-loved Fletcher family, was introduced by his brother Joey. Joey honored his brother with humor and love and noted the Fletcher siblings owe their dedication to serving others to their parents. Isaac further acknowledged the influence of his parents and family members when asked what the honor means to him. “It means that I am following in my mother’s and father’s footsteps,” he said, “it means living in what I was built on.”
One could say that Amy Smith, who works with kids at the Federalsburg Elementary School is having a good year for being acknowledged for the work she does with children. In addition to her honor from Men For Change, Smith was named Caroline County Public School Support Staff of the Year. She enthused over her love of helping kids and connected the dots on Men For Change’s grassroots efforts to support Federalsburg youth, saying, “When David Ricks (on of the founders of Men For Change) came into school, he would need a bigger table,” to seat all of the kids that flocked to him.
Reggie Parker shared how his younger self “started to destroy the community,” but through service to God, he changed. His is an example of Men For Change’s mission – get the kids off the streets and show a different path that leads to success. “It’s truly humbling, anytime you are recognized by thoughtless actions,” Parker said. His quiet strength is evident to those who know him, according to his friends and family members who introduced him, “when you grow up in a small town, it is good see good come out of it. Keep shining, Reginald Parker, Jr.” Parker is Head Coach of CSD boys basketball, Ethics Committee of Hurlock, Member of Minister and Citizens of Hurlock.
The connections among the people of Federalsburg and neighboring areas are strong, and Blake Whitten demonstrates that connection. His brother-in-law TJ Thomas introduced Blake, noting that he is, “always thinking about how he can serve the community,” a sentiment echoed by Blake when he thanked his wife and children for “allowing me the time to volunteer.” Whitten shares his time and expertise with the community. He reflected on the recognition, “It’s a testament to the community and the other honorees here – we have a strong community, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
The community stretches beyond geographic boundaries, as the last honoree exemplifies. Pastor Pat A. Jones, who is based in Delaware, noted that she has many friends in the room. Indeed, a whole front table was in attendance to support Pastor Pat. “It means a lot to be recognized in another state…. the works that have spoken for us.” Beyond her service to her church, Jones is the Executive Director of the Eastern Shore AFRAM Festival. This multi-cultural event scheduled for Aug. 8, 2026, draws hundreds of festival goers from Delmarva region.
Dr. Michelle Boulden-Hammond, keynote speaker and previous honoree, spoke on the responsibilities of citizenship and community engagement.
Dr. Hammond emphasized that true leadership is not defined by titles or positions but by a willingness to serve others with compassion, integrity, and purpose. She reminded honorees and attendees that every individual has the ability to make a meaningful difference within their neighborhoods, organizations, and communities.
"Service can be the change your community needs for overall well-being," Dr. Hammond shared, encouraging participants to become active contributors to the betterment of those around them. Dr. Hammond is owner of MommasHealing4U and a longtime community-driven philanthropist.
