SALISBURY, MD—Salisbury University students come together in the Camden neighborhood Sunday, November 16, to make a simple yet powerful statement: “We Love Salisbury.”

From noon-3 p.m., students volunteer to perform yard work at homes adjacent to the University during the first “We Love Salisbury” event, sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA).

“We want to show the community that there are so many SU students who are responsible adults, and we take pride in the city of Salisbury,” said SGA Vice President of External Affairs Patrick Gotham. “We are encouraging residents to work with the students to complete yard work and form a bond.”

All students and residents participating in the event are invited to a cookout at 4 p.m. on the Holloway Hall Lawn. “This will provide additional interaction between students and their neighbors,” Gotham said.

“I’m very proud of our student leaders and their efforts toward providing positive interaction and community relations with University neighbors,” said Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, vice president of student affairs. “They are role models for all of our students.”

Homeowners may sign up for yard work at their residences by calling 410-548-4757 or e-mailing Gotham at sgavpofea@salisbury.edu.

SALISBURY, MD—Salisbury University’s Bobbi Biron Theatre programs enters a courtly world of masked revels and dances this fall with its production of one of Shakespeare’s most famous and popular comedies: Much Ado About Nothing.

Directed by Dr. T. Paul Pfeiffer, performances are Thursday-Sunday, November 13-16 and 20-23 in the Black Box Theatre of Fulton Hall. Curtain is 8 p.m., except Sundays which is 2 p.m. Read more…

SALISBURY, MD—The Salisbury University Dance Company, directed by Mary Norton, hosts its 19th annual Fall Showcase 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, November 12-15, in Holloway Hall Auditorium.

This popular dance production features premiere works by guest choreographer Amanda Showell-Cook and six company members. Read more…

SALISBURY, MD—From the athletic fields to the stage, students share their talents with parents, siblings and other relatives during Salisbury University’s 2008 Family Weekend, Friday-Sunday, October 31-November 2.

Activities begin with the Family Weekend Challenge, a parent-student golf outing 11 a.m. Friday at Nutters Crossing Golf Course. Registration is $75 per two-person team.

Families bringing little ones to campus on Halloween need not worry about missing traditional hometown festivities. From 6-8 p.m., SU presents a Family Weekend Fall Festival at the Scarborough Leadership Center, complete with trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating and inflatables.

Broadway actress Jennifer Hope Wills returns to her Alma Mater to speak with theatre students about preparing for and entering the world of professional theatre 7 p.m. in the Great Hall of Holloway Hall. She gives a brief performance, followed by an Inside the Actors’ Studio-like question-and-answer session with audience participation, hosted by Dr. Paul Pfeiffer, director of SU Theatre. Wills has starred on Broadway as Christine Daae in Phantom of the Opera, performed with Brooke Shields in Wonderful Town and as Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

The Family Weekend Showcase follows at 8 p.m. in Holloway Hall Auditorium. Inspired by American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, SU students become the stars in this variety show. Read more….

SALISBURY, MD—Nerdy Mr. Kirby from the National Institute for Children’s Entertainment (N.I.C.E.) doesn’t believe in the magic of music—but that’s all bound to change when Dr. Jeffrey Schoyen waves his baton while conducting this year’s Salisbury Symphony Orchestra Youth Concert.

The magic happens 3 p.m. Saturday, October 25, in Holloway Hall Auditorium at Salisbury University, where the SSO presents “The Haunted Orchestra.” Children are encouraged to come in costume.

Kirby, AKA visual comedian Dan Kamin, literally loses his shirt (and pants) to widely recognizable classical works including Wagner’s “The Ride of the Valkyries,” Rimsey-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee” and Anderson’s “The Syncopated Clock.” And rest assured, strings are attached (to Kirby himself) as the SSO performs Gounod’s “Funeral March of a Marionette” (AKA the theme from Alfred Hitchcock Presents).

Though Kamin’s name may not sound immediately familiar to audiences, millions have seen his work. From teaching Johnny Depp how to roll a coin around his fingers for the Pirates of the Caribbean movies to putting Robert Downey Jr. through a crash course in physical comedy for his acclaimed title role in Chaplin, Kamin has educated some of the world’s most acclaimed actors. Read more…

SALISBURY, MD—Internationally renowned Czech pianist Radoslav Kvapil performs at 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 22, in the Great Hall of Salisbury University’s Holloway Hall as part of the Patricia Wroten Piano Concert Series.

Considered one of the finest pianists of Czech repertoire, Kvapil has brought his interpretation of music from his native land to concert halls in 47 countries and 26 U.S. states. He has performed at Royal Albert Hall in London, the Auditorium du Louvre in Paris, Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts in South Korea and the Henry Crown Symphony Hall in Jerusalem. Read more…

SALISBURY, MD—From a student-led block party to tours of a brand new education building, Salisbury University’s 2008 Homecoming Weekend is packed with excitement.

Events begin Thursday, October 16, with the annual emeriti faculty and retired staff luncheon from noon-2 p.m. in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri University Center, followed by tours of SU’s new Teacher Education and Technology Center (TETC). Admission to the luncheon is by invitation.

Events continue Friday, October 17. Daytime highlights include a Varsity Club-sponsored golf tournament 10 a.m. at Nutters Crossing Golf Course and a powderpuff football game sponsored by the Residence Hall Association at 3:30 p.m. on the Holloway Hall Lawn. Read more…

SALISBURY, MD—When it comes to political analysis, few journalists have had more hands-on experience than Dotty Lynch.

The CBS News political analyst speaks at Salisbury University 7 p.m. Thursday, October 16, in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri University Center. “Election 2008—McCain vs. Obama: How Will the Voters Decide?” is the topic of her discussion.

The 2008 election marks Lynch’s 11th presidential campaign as a professional journalist and pollster. At CBS News, she covered five presidential campaigns, 10 national political conventions, 18 presidential and vice-presidential debates and five midterm elections. Read more…

If you were hoping to get a job at Salisbury University this fall, things just got a little tougher. Due to a 400 million dollar budget shortfall in the State of Maryland, the entire University of Maryland system has imposed a hiring freeze. All staff and administrative jobs have been removed from the Salisbury University HR web site including the open position of Dean of the Perdue School of Business. Faculty openings remain listed, as the university probably hopes to continue plans for class offerings in the spring and fall semesters of 2009. According to the Towson University student paper, the memo went out to all universities last Thursday that the hiring freeze would affect all positions that have not been filled.

The views along South Division Street in Salisbury will be getting an extreme makeover during the next year or so. Salisbury University has begun preliminary site work for the parking garage that will fill the vacant lot at the corner of Bateman St. and S. Division St. near the university.

Once the parking garage is complete, the view should look something like the architecural rendering of the planned structure.

The City of Salisbury will also be getting into the act with the potential realignment of Onley Rd. at the intersection of Bateman St. The city purchased the property at 1141 S. Division St. in July of 2007, and the residence that occupied the property was demolished in the Spring of 2008. The picture in the slide show provides a view from Onley Rd. through the vacant lot to Bateman St.

With 850 parking spaces planned for the SU parking garage, it is likely that a new traffic light will also grace this intersection.

In the meantime, in order to relieve the congestion caused by college traffic on S. Division St., the City of Salisbury should consider the prohibition of left turns onto Onley Rd. for southbound traffic. Vehicles would travel just a block farther south to Halsey Dr. to make their left turn. Backups are caused on a regular basis by cars waiting to make a left onto Onley Rd., and many rear end collisions have been caused by stopped traffic in this location. The traffic at the junction of Bateman St. and S. Division St. has forced both the University and the City of Salisbury to post an officer and vehicle to monitor the area on a regular basis. This is a poor use of law enforcement resources, and some minor modifications to the traffic pattern could greatly improve the situation.

The First Annual Soft Shell Half Century hosted by the Salisbury Jaycees will take place on Saturday, May 24th, starting in Crisfield, MD. Cyclists will have a choice of 20 and 50 mile courses starting from Crisfield High School and traveling through various scenic and historic areas of lower Somerset County. A registration fee of $35 includes a t-shirt and rider packet. Event registration is available at Active.com or with a printable form.

Also on May 24th, the Shorebird Metric Century will take riders on 15, 35 or 65 routes starting from Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on Hobbs Road in Salisbury. The event benefits the American Cancer Society, and the $45 registration fee includes a t-shirt, two fully stocked rest stops, and a free lunch at Perdue Stadium following the ride. Registration is available on Active.com or with a printable form.

On Saturday, May 31st, Pedal Delmarva will host their latest event starting from Berlin, MD. A registration fee of $35 includes the rider’s choice of a dozen different routes along with energy drinks, healthy snacks and a cookout following the ride.

The Lower Shore Family YMCA will host the 6th Annual Pocomoke Triathlon on Saturday, May 31st. The triathlon will include a 1/2 mile swim, 14.3 mile bike ride, and 3.5 mile run.

The Bike MS: Tour de Shore is scheduled for June 7th and 8th starting from Salisbury University. Participants have the option of staying in SU dorms with all meals provided. Routes from 30 to 150 miles offer riders of all abilities the opportunity to tour the flat roads of the Eastern Shore.

The month of April brings more athletic events to the Delmarva calendar. The 2008 Eastern Shore Senior Games will kick off the month beginning on April 3rd with the golf competition followed by opening ceremonies and various events on April 4th. Senior Games events include swimming, tennis, track and field as well as many others. The games are organized by Salisbury University, and competition is open to participants age 50 and above.

St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church wants you to “Catch the Spirit” at a 5K Run/Walk on April 12th. The event will be held at The Billy Gene Jackson Park on Jersey Road in Salisbury. In addition to the 5K, the event will offer a one mile walk, DJ music, a post race party, and prize drawings. Registration will start at 8:00 AM with the 5K race beginning at 9:00 AM. The Catch the Spirit 5K benefits the Jessie L. Parker Scholarship Fund. The cost of entry is $12 in advance or $15 on race day. The first 100 registrants will receive a free t-shirt. Entry forms are available at Vernon Powell.

April 12th is also the date for the Ocean City Half Marathon and 5K. The Half Marathon will begin at the inlet in Ocean City. The 5K will start from the park and ride in West Ocean City. Registration information is available online along with race details. The event will be followed by an after party at the Francis Scott Key resort.

The Pemberton Panda 5K will also take place on April 12th which proves to be a busy day for running events this year. This is a 1st Annual event for the Pemberton Elementary School PTA. The 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run will take place at Pemberton Elementary School with check in from 7:30-8:45 AM followed by the 5K start at 9:00 AM. All participants that pre-register for the event will receive a free t-shirt. The 5K race will be timed by the Eastern Shore Running Club. Registration forms are available online.

The Zoo Stampede 5K Run/Walk will take place on Saturday, April 19th. The event supports the Salisbury Zoo. Race day registration will take place from 7:30-8:30 AM at the East Gate of the Salisbury Zoo. The 5K race will start at 9:00 AM, rain or shine. The entry fee is $18 in advance or $20 on race day which includes a free long sleeve tech shirt to the first 125 applicants. Entry forms are available at Vernon Powell or online. The Zoo Stampede will be followed by Earth Day activities from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Salisbury Zoo.

The 3rd Annual Ben Layton Memorial 5K Run/Walk will take place on Saturday, April 26th, at the east entrance of the Salisbury Zoo. The event benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Participants may also follow a 2 mile fun walk course. Event registration will begin at 5:30 PM followed by the 5K Run at 6:30 PM and the 2 mile fun walk at 6:40 PM. The 5K also includes a free buffet dinner provided by the Local Owner Restaurant Association for all registered participants along with shirts for the first 200 entries. The early registration fee will be $25 until April 11th and $30 after that date. Registration forms are available on benlayton5k.com or you can register online at active.com.

Another event that will take place on April 26th is the Wee Race at Wicomico Stadium in Salisbury. The event benefits the Beautification Committee of the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce and it is sponsored by VP Shoes in Salisbury where you can pick up an entry form. The race fee of $8.00 allows youth ages 2-9 years old to compete in four race divisions from 100 yards to 440 yards.

The Seashore Striders of Delaware list several events taking place in April including The Race for Jill Sunshine 5K in Milton, DE, on April 5th, the Arbor Day 5K Run in Ridgely, MD, on April 12th, the Oxford Day 10K Run in Oxford, MD, on April 26th, and the LDAF Race For Autism 1/2 Marathon/Team Relay/5k/Kids Fun Run in Lewes, DE, on April 27th.

Registration is already closed for the April 26th Pedal Delmarva event, but you can check out their web site for future cycling tours.

Another source for shore events is the Talbot County Multi-Sport Calendar.

With all of these events taking place in our region, there are plenty of opportunities for residents to support local organizations and improve health and fitness through participation in these great activities.

The March calendar is full of opportunities to support local organizations while you follow the 5K courses laid out for upcoming events. Four weekends in March will be occupied by 5K events in the Salisbury area including the 5th Annual Tim Kennard 10 Mile River Run and 5K Run/Walk which will kickoff the month on Sunday, March 2nd. The race is named for a man who lost a courageous battle with cancer, and loyal friends have carried on the cause which benefits Coastal Hospice programs for pediatric cancer care as well as programs for grieving children who have lost a sibling or parent to cancer. The River Run starts at the Maggs Gym on the campus of Salisbury University with 10 mile runners leading the way at 8:30 AM. The event is preceded on Saturday with a Family Sports and Fitness Expo along with registration at the Maggs gym and a pasta dinner at the SU Commons. Registration forms are available online, or you can register at Charmcityrun.com or Active.com.

The Mid-Shore Family YMCA will host the Funny Bunny 5K Run/Walk on March 8th with a starting time of 9:00 AM. The morning will also include a 100yd Bunny Dash, 1/2 Mile Kids Run and an Easter Egg Hunt. Your $15 registration includes a Funny Bunny t-shirt. The registration form can be printed online or you can register on the YMCA web site.

The 9th Annual St. Paddy’s Day 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk will take place on Saturday, March 15th, at the Salisbury Elks Club. The St. Paddy’s Day Run supports the Alzheimer’s Programs & Services of MAC, Inc. The first 200 entries will receive a race t-shirt, and the event will be concluded with a post race awards party. Registration is available on Active.com, or you can sign up on race day. Registration begins at 2:00 PM followed by the start of the run at 3:00 PM.

Rounding out the 5K events for March is the Bennett Middle PTA Viking 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, March 29th, at Pemberton Historical Park. The Viking 5K is a departure from the normal road races in the area. The Viking 5K will take place on the woodland trails of Pemberton Park with scenic views of the Wicomico River and Pemberton Hall. The first 100 entries for the Viking 5K will receive a free t-shirt. Registration forms for the Viking 5K can be printed online, or you can sign up on race day. The Viking 5K is part of an effort to promote exercise and fitness at Bennett Middle School. Race day registration will start at 9:00 AM followed by the 5K start at 10:00 AM.

The Eastern Shore Running Club is an active supporter of all of these local events, and the ESRC web site is an excellent source for information on local and regional running events.

SALISBURY, MD—The history and flair of one of the nation’s most celebrated choreographers returns to Salisbury University’s Holloway Hall Auditorium Thursday-Friday, February 21-22, as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre presents the Ailey II Dance Company.

Thursday’s events begin with SU’s inaugural Distinguished Lecture in Dance, presented by Dr. Charmaine Patricia Warren, performer and historian, at 7 p.m., followed by the Ailey performance at 8 p.m. Friday’s Ailey performance begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets are required for both evenings, and ticket holders must be seated by 6:45 p.m. Tickets are available at the Information Desk of the Guerrieri University Center starting Monday, February 4, with a limit of two per person. Read more…