Minary's Dream helps see kids off to successful school start

CHESTERTOWN — On Sunday, parents were grateful for Minary’s Dream Alliance’s annual back to school event, the Back to School Bash III at 9155 American Legion Rd.

The organizers were pleased with the good turnout.

Co-Founder Paul Tue III expressed the importance of the event, especially in financially uncertain times in the country.

“For a family of 1-3 kids, supplies could be up to or over $300. That’s on top of clothes for the kids and other things,” Tue said.

Helping parent’s wallets, they handed out 160 backpacks full of the essential items listed by the Kent County Public Education system.

And like last year, hairdressers and barbers provided free braiding and cuts to kids, getting them stylish for the new school year.

Big Mixx of Big Mixx’s Beautiful Beginnings led an experienced crew, cutting and styling hair steadily from when the bash started at 1 p.m. until an hour after closing at 6 p.m.

They had so many kids, Tue pointed out, that they’ll be opening an hour earlier for the haircuts next year.

Mixx isn’t just the barber. Tue emphasized he’s an equal partner in this event, and in fact, this bash was his idea in the first place.

“I wanted to organize a something that could bring the community all together,” Mixx told Kent County News.

Also playing a big role this year, was Kent County School Board member Frank Rhodes. Not only did he give Minary’s Dream Alliance a “hefty amount,” according to Tue, but he stayed all day handing out backpacks. That was in addition to him attending another back to the school event the day before.

Also busy this weekend, school board member candidates joined in: Laura McKenzie and Piers Heriz-Smith, as well as the new Superintendent Mary Boswell-McComas, who spoke. All of them had attended another back to school event on Saturday.

Tue said Boswell-McComas’ message was positive, rallying the kids to get excited for the school year.

Tue said they were glad to see her in-person at the event. That hadn’t happened before although financial contributions were given in previous years.

Officers of the The Kent County Sheriff’s Office, the Chestertown Police, and members of the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Department greeted families as well.

A big hit always with the children was Khari, Sergeant Scott Lockerman’s K-9 police dog.

With a football toss and corn hole, it was a fun event.

“The kids had big smiles,” Tue said.

And the organizers enjoyed themselves too. Tue said this event and their National Night Out are the two he looks forward to the most.

He’s also looking forward to the school year and the after school programs Minary’s Dream Alliance offers.

Coming up in fall is Minary’s Dream Academy, run by program Director Jasmine Robinson, where kids get a snack, physical activity, homework activity and learn life skills.

Also Tue and Rhodes are instructing the Little Gentlemen’s Club. This program teaches boys about showing respect, having empathy and no bullying.

“It’s important to have positive male role models in the school system,” Tue said.