The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners held their final meeting of 2008 with a host of proclamations and Christmas carols featuring young vocalists from Grasonville Elementary School.

“On behalf of all the Commissioners, I want to take a moment to wish everyone a joyous holiday season, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” said County Commission President Gene Ransom at the commissioner’s meeting on December 23.

Before the proclamations two Character Counts pillars were presented at the meeting. Curtis George and his sixth grade homeroom class from Matapeake Middle School presented “Caring,” while coach Mary Ruth Meredith presented “Fairness.”

The Living Water Food Bank in Stevensville was honored with a proclamation for ten years of service to the community. Volunteers Marsha Johnson and Gail Flynn received the award on behalf of the food bank which has helped over 800 families over the years.

The County Commissioners declared January 2009 National Mentoring Month in Queen Anne’ County. According to statistics, students who meet regularly with a mentor are less likely to skip school and less likely to start using drugs or alcohol. Mentors offer valuable encouragement, motivation and support and are an effective way for businesses and other organizations to support young people in the community.

The players and coaches of the Queen Anne’s County High School Varsity Football Team were honored for their terrific season which included winning the Regional Championships. Each member of the team was given a certificate signed by the County Commissioners.

The final proclamation was for James Williams who works for the county Department of Emergency Services and is also a member of the Air Force Reserves. Williams was deployed to Iraq for a second time on December 28, having completed his first tour in Operation Iraqi Freedom in September 2007.