Over 100 neighbors, mostly families, came out to enjoy live music, free food, and fun activities to promote the positive momentum that is starting to take hold in the Pine Street neighborhoods. Food was donated by Perdue Farms, Inc., and the Pine Street Elks Lodge. Club Envy generously provided kitchen and rest facilities.

Residents were joined by public officials, business leaders, faith-based representatives and significant others who came out in support of this initiative. Over 30 community stakeholders participated. The event was coordinated through the efforts of Virtual Office Associates, with assistance from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Cambridge Main Street, Bethel A.M.E. Church, the Cambridge Office of Housing and Community Development, and members of the Pine Street Committee.

Community organizations that assisted included the African American Land Trust, American Legion, Post #87, Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation, Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce, Concerned Brothers United, Dorchester Historical Society, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, Elks Lodge 223, Progressive Temple 4224, Harriett Tubman Center, Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights, and Nanticoke Watershed.

Businesses that supported the effort through donations of food and other contributions included Absolute Moon Bounce, Budweiser (Provided signage for this alcohol-free event), Club Envy, Cynergy Associates, LLC, Get Ready Entertainment, LLC, PNC Bank, Perdue Farms, and DLA Piper.

The project was also supported by the City of Cambridge through the efforts of the Office of the Mayor, Cambridge Police Department, and the Department of Public Works. In addition to Mayor Victoria Jackson Stanley, Commissioners Donald Sydnor (Ward 2), Frank Stout (Ward 3) and Robert Hanson (Ward 5) attended the program.

An earlier Heir Property Worshop at the Harriett Tubman Museum further enhanced the day’s events.

“New relationships have been formed and trust is being built in the City’s efforts to revitalize the Pine Street community,” said Mayor Jackson-Stanley. “It was great to see so many families coming together, and all the businesses and institutions from all over the city who want to join the effort to bring this neighborhood back.”

A Project of the City of Cambridge

The next scheduled Cambridge Lives! event is a two day community workshop, planned for November 6 and 7 at Bethel A.M.E. Church. There, neighbors and community leaders will meet to study the opportunities that lie ahead, and share their vision with each other and the City to craft an action plan that will put real revitalization efforts in motion. The Neighborhood Advisory Group will be meeting on October 6, also at Bethel, to start planning that meeting. All Cambridge Lives! events are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Donya Maria Twyman at 410-280-1513.