Last year this time, many of us were just beginning to get a sense of how dire predictions about the global pandemic would affect us where we live . . . our homes, our businesses, our children, our elderly, our schools and institutions of higher learning, etc. I am convinced that not many of us understood how much it would cost us personally and that it would be almost a year before there was even a glimmer of hope that the end is coming.

Today, given recent medical advances, I am thankful for the hope I have concerning the pandemic. I believe the end is in sight. So let’s take a moment to pause despite the distractions we are facing. I believe it is important because there are only a few days left in February. In addition to this month marking our place in time concerning the pandemic, it also marks the celebration of African American history.

Furthermore, I am reminded that in only a few more days we will be looking at the anniversary of when we started online learning and remote work. There was a bit of a learning curve, to say the least. What’s important, however, is that we have been successful in many ways despite the challenges. How fitting, in that individual successes despite immeasurable challenges is the hallmark of the observance of Black History Month.

So while I am encouraging you to take time to read the stories included in this newsletter, I’m also encouraging you to draw encouragement from three great minds, who happen to be African American:

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” – Booker T. Washington
“If you’re always trying to be normal, you’ll never know how amazing you can be.” –Maya Angelou
“Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” George Washington Carver
 
Lastly, to the faculty, staff and students of SANS and to all of you . . . never mind the obstacles, just continue to succeed. Be amazing, hold fast to your dreams and remember to support one another when there is suffering and let’s remain focused on our powerful mission.

Moses T. Kairo
SANS Professor and Dean

 

Local farmers can still take advantage of University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension’s MyFaRM initiative, a free program consisting of a series of classes covering the aspects of farm risk management. 

The spring line-up starts on March 8 at the Henson Center with the first of two production risk classes and continues on April 7 on the UMES Education and Demonstration Farm, both are from 9 a.m. to noon.  Marketing risk is the final series meeting on May 11 from 3-6 in the Henson Center and in June on a date to be determined to coincide with UMES Extension's Small Farm Marketing Bus Tour.