SALISBURY, Md. – As part of its wide-ranging, community-building programming, Pemberton Manor recently partnered with the Salisbury Police Department to host a youth-focused “Cocoa, Cookies and Crafts” winter celebration for residents. More than 60 children joined in the get-together at the property, which is owned and operated by affiliates of Tryko Partners.
The children visited with McGruff the Crime Dog® and took photos alongside him at a mini pop-up photo studio in the Pemberton Manor community room. In addition, attendees decorated – and enjoyed sampling –sugar cookies, and participated in other craft activities with members of the Salisbury Police Department. Cross Pointe Nazarene Church donated gifts for the children.
“The kids were grinning ear to ear when they met McGruff and really enjoyed their time working on crafts with the police officers,” noted Moe Krohn, regional manager with Tryko Partners. “We are grateful for the efforts of the Salisbury Police Department – especially Police Chief Barbara Duncan, who worked with us to develop the program – and Cross Pointe Nazarene for helping us make this a special event to warm up winter for Pemberton Manor’s youth and their families.”
Tryko Partners, a private equity investment group based in Brick, N.J., purchased Pemberton Manor in 2011 and has since completed a $1 million property renovation. Located on 60 acres at 1020 Fairground Drive, Pemberton Manor features 19 brick-clad, garden-style buildings. Its 209 one-, two- and three-bedroom residences include both market-rate and HUD affordable housing units.
“From the very start, we have made community building a priority, both within Pemberton Manor itself and with the larger Salisbury community as a whole,” added Krohn. “Central to our success in doing that through the years have been our strong partnerships with the mayor and city council, and community organizations, and the innovative programs we continue to develop in partnership with them. Our on-site staff, including our community manager, Kelli Salerno, and leasing specialist, Dana Gonzales, work tirelessly to coordinate and implement the various offerings.”
For example, Tryko Partners founded the Pemberton Manor Youth Coalition. The program provides children with daily homework assistance and dinner during the school year, and bagged lunches during summer vacation. Additionally, the community room includes a sizeable collection of books donated by the Mayor’s Office.
Further, this winter, Pemberton Manor established a year-long program with the Extraordinary League of Gentlemen, a non-profit organization with the mission to enhance quality of life for residents of Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore. Geared for ages 7 to 18, the initiative concentrates on programs and counseling to build self-esteem and healthy, active lifestyles. In conjunction with the Wicomico County Health Department, Pemberton Manor also hosts weekly etiquette and interpersonal communication training. Additional programs at the community have included arts and crafts activities, and food giveaways.
“Our community room is buzzing all the time, and we couldn’t be more pleased,” noted Krohn.