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(EASTON & ST. MICHAELS, MD – Dec. 3, 2021) Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS® recently provided a $1K contribution to the St. Michaels Community Center to help address food security in our local communities. The funds were raised through a crab feast raffle sponsored by Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS over the summer and will be used to help the St. Michaels Community Center provide pantry bags and meals to Bay Hundred families and individuals in need. “The St. Michaels Community Center is fulfilling an important role in our community in making sure no one in the Bay Hundred area goes hungry,” said SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “So this kind of support from the Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS® and all our donors is critical in helping us to fulfill our mission of serving, empowering, and connecting our community.” “Our REALTORS® and leadership are deeply invested in the communities we serve,” said Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS® President Gwen Eskridge. “Contributing to organizations like the St. Michaels Community Center helps everyone by helping to make our communities more resilient.” The Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS®’ advocates for its members and the public to preserve the right to own, transfer and utilize real property while providing its members with resources in accordance with the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, with more at midshoreboardofrealtors.org. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop in St. Michaels, Md. help the nonprofit provide year-round community programs and services that serve, empower, and connect people from throughout the Bay Hundred area, with more information at stmichaelscc.org.  From left: Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS® Community Service Member Gary Marquardt; MSBR Community Service Chair Diana Albers; St. Michaels Community Center Executive Director Patrick Rofe; and MSBR Community Service Member Leslie Stevenson. Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS® recently provided a $1K contribution to the St. Michaels Community Center to help address food security among our local communities, with more midshoreboardofrealtors.org at or at stmichaelscc.org.
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(ST. MICHAELS, MD – Nov. 26, 2021) The St. Michaels Community Center hosted its annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Wed., Nov. 25 at the parish hall of the Union United Methodist Church, where Community Center staff and volunteers packaged 173 meals along with numerous boxes of fresh produce and pantry items for delivery and pick up. The annual outreach event is part of fulfilling St. Michaels Community Center’s mission to serve, empower, and connect people from throughout the Bay Hundred area. The meal’s roasted turkey was generously provided by Ava’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar, with Awful Arthur’s of St. Michaels providing all the sides. Pantry items and fresh produce were provided through individual donations and the Maryland Food Bank. “We’re especially grateful for Ava’s and Awful Arthur’s for providing these meals,” said St. Michaels Community Center Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “And connecting our community to a hearty Thanksgiving meal, pantry items, and fresh produce is at the heart of the service work we provide, with special thanks to our donors and volunteers.” The St. Michaels Community Center is also hosting a Christmas toy and household item drive, with donated items dropped off no later than Dec. 20 at the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop at 200 Railroad Ave. Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; or at the St. Michaels Community Center at 103 Railroad Ave. on Mondays from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.; Wednesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.; and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Suggested donations include toys suited for children of all ages; personal hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, and shampoo; family homecare items like detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning products, and sponges; and food items like canned chicken, tuna, roast beef, ravioli, pasta, stew, peanut butter, rice, soup, crackers, pudding, and fruit cups. Community Center staff and volunteers will also be preparing Christmas meals for those in need on Wed., Dec. 22. The pick-up and delivery meals are provided at no charge, with donations helping to offset costs. To reserve a meal or for more information, contact SMCC Food Distribution Director and Youth Programs Coordinator Amy Dewitt at [email protected] or 410-745-6073. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop in St. Michaels, Md. help the nonprofit provide year-round community programs and services that serve, empower, and connect people from throughout the Bay Hundred area, with more information at stmichaelscc.org. (ST. MICHAELS, MD – November 23, 2021) The St. Michaels Community Center recently made kitchen upgrades with funding through a Maryland Community Block Grant to help serve holiday meals and distribute more than 200 pantry bags and meals each week to individuals and families in need from throughout the Bay Hundred area. The $150k grant received approval in July 2020 and is governed by Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and regulated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funding is used for staff costs and the purchase of kitchen equipment, supplies, and food for food programs serving low to moderate income persons during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Community Center additionally purchased a commercial oven and made other upgrades in 2020. “We are grateful for this generous support for our operations,” said St. Michaels Community Center Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “It speaks to the relevance and importance of our work in making sure no one in the Bay Hundred area goes hungry.” The St. Michaels Community Center continues serving as the Bay Hundred area’s food hub as designated by the Talbot County Emergency Task Force and is a member of the Maryland Food Bank. The Community Center also participates in the Talbot County Hunger Coalition and the national No Kids Hungry program to help eliminate food insecurity for low-income individuals and families in Talbot County. The Center’s Community Café and pantry are open three days a week to provide meals and groceries for anyone in need, with limited local delivery provided by a group of dedicated volunteers. The St. Michaels Community Center also hosts food drives and holiday meals for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, along with year-round engaging programs and activities for children and adults. The St. Michaels Community Center is currently seeking holiday donations of new toys, non-perishables, toiletries, and household goods, which can be dropped off or shipped directly to SMCC to arrive no later than Dec. 20 at 103 Railroad Ave., St. Michaels, Md., 21663. Donations can be dropped off at Treasure Cove Thrift Shop at 200 Railroad Ave. Monday, and Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., or at SMCC Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Suggested donations include toys suited for children of all ages; personal hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, and shampoo; family homecare items like detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning products, and sponges; and food items like canned chicken, tuna, roast beef, ravioli, pasta, stew, peanut butter, rice, soup, crackers, pudding, and fruit cups. SMCC staff and volunteers will also be preparing Christmas meals for pick-up and delivery to those in need. The meals are provided at no charge, with SMCC donors and in-kind donations helping to offset costs. To reserve a meal or for more information, contact Amy Dewitt at [email protected] or 410-745-6073. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop in St. Michaels, Md. help the nonprofit provide year-round community programs and services that serve, empower, and connect people from throughout the Bay Hundred area, with more information at stmichaelscc.org.
 St. Michaels Community Center Volunteer Brian Griffiths stands with assembled shelving that is part of kitchen upgrades funded through a Maryland Community Block Grant. The Community Center additionally purchased a commercial oven and made other upgrades in 2020, with the funding used for staff costs and the purchase of kitchen equipment, supplies, and food for food programs serving individuals and families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.  From left: St. Michaels Community Center Amy Dewitt, Volunteer Brian Griffiths, and Executive Director Patrick Rofe pause for a selfie after putting together shelving for the Center’s food distribution program. The kitchen upgrades are funded through a Maryland Community Block Grant to help the Community Center serve holiday meals and more than 200 pantry bags and meals each week to individuals and families in need from throughout the Bay Hundred area. The St. Michaels Community Center is seeking donations of new toys, non-perishables, toiletries, and household goods, which can be dropped off or shipped directly to SMCC to arrive no later than Dec. 20 at 103 Railroad Ave., St. Michaels, Md., 21663. Charitable donations can be dropped off at Treasure Cove Thrift Shop at 200 Railroad Ave. Monday, and Thursday through Saturday from 10am-2pm, or at SMCC Monday through Friday from 9am-3pm. Suggested donations include toys suited for children of all ages; personal hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, and shampoo; family homecare items like detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning products, and sponges; and food items like canned chicken, tuna, roast beef, ravioli, pasta, stew, peanut butter, rice, soup, crackers, pudding, and fruit cups. SMCC staff and volunteers will also be carrying on the tradition of St. Michaels Food Pantry by preparing Christmas meals for pick-up and delivery to those in need. The meals are provided at no charge, with SMCC donors and in-kind donations helping to offset costs through their support. Sign-up for your Christmas meal by emailing Amy Dewitt at [email protected] or calling (410) 745-6073. The St. Michaels Community Center will host a community Christmas dinner on Wednesday, December 22 at the parish hall of Union United Methodist Church, when staff and volunteers will be preparing 150 meals, all offered at no charge, with donations accepted. Ava's Pizzeria & Wine Bar in St. Michaels are donating the hams and turkeys for the dinner, with Awful Arthur's in St. Michaels donating the side dishes and desserts. More than 100 family baskets will also be distributed at the dinner, all supported by generous donations from local organizations and individuals. SMCC also hosts community Thanksgiving and Easter dinners each year, as part of its mission to serve, empower, and connect the community. SMCC also provides emergency clothing and household goods through its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels, which is open Monday through Saturday from 10am-2pm. Donations to the Thrift Store of gently used clothing, toys, household goods, and furniture are gratefully accepted Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10am-1:30pm. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop in St. Michaels, Md. help the nonprofit provide year-round community programs and services that contribute to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of people from throughout the Bay Hundred area, with more at www.stmichaelscc.org. ##### (ST. MICHAELS, MD – Oct. 13, 2021) The St. Michaels Community Center is providing lunch and a series of programs for adults each Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Walk-in participants are welcome, with a $2 suggested donation to contribute to the cost of the lunch and activities. Adult participants are invited to come alone or bring a friend to enjoy a hot lunch and participate in programs that include bingo, arts, crafts, and brain games, with the schedule posted on the community center’s website. “St. Michaels is such a vibrant place for locals and guests alike,” said SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to resume many of our normal programs beyond the food distribution services we provide.”  From left: St. Michaels Community Center’s Jeannie Butler with SMCC volunteer Johanna Saucier help serve a nutritious lunch as part of SMCC’s outreach. The St. Michaels Community Center recently resumed its children and adult programs after the COVID-19 pandemic surge. The nonprofit continues to provide groceries and meals to those in need during select hours on Mondays and Fridays as the County-designated Bay Hundred food distribution hub. The nonprofit St. Michaels Community Center provides activities and services contributing to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the community. SMCC is dedicated to filling the unmet needs of the Bay Hundred and St. Michaels communities by providing supervised programs for the enrichment of children and teens; activities and services for adults and senior citizens; and affordable recreational, social, and educational activities to the entire community. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop, located on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels, help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for people from throughout the Bay Hundred area. More information is at stmichaelscc.org. Job Posting
(You can also download this information as a .pdf here) SMCC is looking for a responsible Assistant Retail Manager to help organize and run our Treasure Cove Thrift Shop and fill in for the Retail Manager when needed. Assistant Retail Manager responsibilities included training volunteers, receiving, and processing donations. You will also ensure our thrift shop meets and exceeds our customers’ expectations. Our ideal candidate will have retail manager skills with a sharp business mindset. You should also be skilling at organizing and solving problems. Interpersonal skills will also be very useful, since you’ll often be interacting with customers and volunteers. Ultimately, the duties of the Assistant Retail Manager are to make sure the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop operates effectively, and we keep our volunteers and customers happy. If interested, please contact Patrick Rofe, executive director, at 410-745-6073 or [email protected] by October 31, 2021. Position: Assistant Retail Manager Reports To: The Assistant Retail Manager will report the Retail Manager. Position Overview: The Assistant Retail Manager will support the Retail Manager in daily business operations. The Assistant Retail Manager’s responsibilities include training and managing volunteers, managing inventory, ensuring a safe, clean, and aesthetically pleasing store environment, and assisting customers. The Assistant Retail Manager should also address and resolve customer complaints and any issues with volunteers. The Assistant Retail Manager should have strong leadership and decision-making, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Assistant Retail Manager Responsibilities:
Assistant Retail Manager Skills and Qualifications:
(ST. MICHAELS, MD – Sept. 14, 2021) The St. Michaels Community Center is helping to centralize food distribution for Bay Hundred residents by consolidating the operations of the St. Michaels Food Pantry with the community center’s food distribution program. “The St. Michaels Food Pantry and its volunteers and donors have helped to provide meat and nutritious, non-perishable foods for Bay Hundred families in need for more than 60 years,” says Food Pantry Board member Mary Ellen Olcese. “We’re fortunate to have helped the community for so long, and now is a great time to transition the program, because the St. Michaels Community Center is doing a great job as the area’s lead for food distribution.” “The Food Pantry began in 1961 and was located in the parish hall of Christ Church. We were able to provide twice-weekly food distribution and special holiday baskets for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter,” says Alice Petizon of the Food Pantry Board. “And we will continue to support food distribution in the community in the future.” “We’re grateful for this opportunity to combine our programs while helping our neighbors who are facing food insecurities,” said St. Michaels Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “We’ll continue to provide take-out meals and grocery pick-up for those in need at the community center on Mondays from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.—including Jeannie’s Community Café for onsite dining—and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.”  St. Michaels Community Center Executive Director Patrick Rofe, front, with St. Michaels Food Pantry Board members from left, Alice Petizon, Jeff Hart, Mary Ellen Olcese, Susan Armstrong, Judy Tanczos, and Kim Kerrigan at Limoncello Restaurant Individuals can support St. Michaels Community Center’s operations by making a tax-deductible donation at paypal.me/smccmd, or drop off non-perishables at the St. Michaels Community Center, located at 103 Railroad Ave., in the historic district of St. Michaels. An outdoor pantry is additionally set up at the community center for anyone in need or wanting to make a donation of non-perishable food items.
The St. Michaels Community Center provides activities and services contributing to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the community. SMCC is dedicated to filling the unmet needs of the Bay Hundred and St. Michaels communities by providing supervised programs for the enrichment of children and teens; activities and services for adults and senior citizens; and affordable recreational, social, and educational activities to the entire community. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop, located on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels, help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for people from throughout the Bay Hundred area. More information is at stmichaelscc.org. More about Christ Church is at christstmichaels.org. The St. Michaels Community Center is hosting after-school programs for pre-kindergarteners through sixth graders on Mondays through Thursdays beginning Sept. 13 and continuing through Dec. 2. The age-appropriate programs are $50 per student, per session, with donor-funded scholarships available. All programs begin at 2:35 p.m. and continue through 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. Transportation is provided from St. Michaels Elementary School for programs at the St. Michaels Community Center, with a snack provided during class. Members of the St. Michaels Art League are partnering with the St. Michaels Community Center this year to help lead the Creative Crafts & Arts program, to be held on Mondays for kindergarteners through fifth graders. Other weekly sessions include Building your Mind with Legos, and dance programs for pre-kindergarteners through second graders, and for third through sixth graders. Each program has limited participation and pre-registration needed, with the program booklet and registration form available at bitly.com/afterschoolstmichaels. The St. Michaels Community Center recently resumed its children and adult programs after the COVID-19 pandemic surge. The nonprofit continues to provide groceries and meals to those in need during select hours on Mondays and Fridays as the County-designated Bay Hundred food distribution hub. A special class to teach the game of chess to second through fifth graders has been added for Thursdays from 2:35 to 4:00 p.m. at the St. Michaels Community Center from Sept. 16 through Dec. 2. The cost is $10 per student, with donor-supported scholarships available. The St. Michaels Community Center provides activities and services contributing to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the community. SMCC is dedicated to filling the unmet needs of the Bay Hundred and St. Michaels communities by providing supervised programs for the enrichment of children and teens; activities and services for adults and senior citizens; and affordable recreational, social, and educational activities to the entire community. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop, located on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels, help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for people from throughout the Bay Hundred area. More information is at stmichaelscc.org. (ST. MICHAELS, MD – Sept. 1, 2021) The St. Michaels Community Center is hosting a Community Block Party on Sat., Sept. 18 to celebrate the arrival of fall and for the public to have an opportunity to meet new Executive Director Patrick Rofe. The party includes dancing and music with a DJ, along with family activities, food, and drinks. The free event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the St. Michaels Community Center, located at the intersection of Railroad Ave. and Fremont St. in historic St. Michaels. Hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, drinks and sides are on the menu, along with a full day of family activities, including jump rope, yard games, and more. “Our location is a great place for everyone in St. Michaels to come together as a community,” said Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “I’m very much looking forward to meeting more of our neighbors at the block party, and especially being a part of enjoying a meal together during a fun, relaxing afternoon in St. Michaels.” The Community Center pivoted from its normal programs during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide tens of thousands of bags of groceries and takeout and delivery meals to those in need as the County-designated Bay Hundred food distribution hub. The return of normal programs began over the summer, with adult programs and children’s after-school programs starting this fall. The St. Michaels Community Center provides quality activities and services contributing to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the community. SMCC is dedicated to filling the unmet needs of the Bay Hundred and St. Michaels communities by providing supervised programs for the enrichment of children and teens; activities and services for adults and senior citizens; and affordable recreational, social, and educational activities to the entire community. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop, located on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels, help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for people from throughout the Bay Hundred area. More information is at stmichaelscc.org. (ST. MICHAELS, MD – August 9, 2021) St. Michaels and Bay Hundred businesses and residents are embracing the St. Michaels Community Center’s mission of serving, empowering, and connecting the community with a spike in recent support to help provide food to those in need. SMCC’s Food Distribution Director and Youth Programs Coordinator Amy DeWitt says the Community Center recently distributed new backpacks filled with school supplies to 50 local children in need. Tracey and Mark Miller of Reclaimed and Iron Will & Woodworks of St. Michaels led the charge in raising the funds for the school supplies, with their efforts matched by another generous, anonymous donor. “It’s a wonderful experience to work for a nonprofit that has so much support,” says DeWitt. “This support makes our entire community stronger by helping provide lifelines like this to people in need.” DeWitt says she was also recently surprised to learn another anonymous donor contributed $3,500 to the St. Michaels Community Center’s credit with Graul’s Market in St. Michaels while picking up ice for a recent fundraiser. The generous donation will be used to help provide the tens of thousands of bags of groceries and take-out meals SMCC continues to provide during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are extremely grateful for the help of this anonymous donor,” says DeWitt. “Graul’s Market is also a big supporter of our work and mission,” says DeWitt. “Graul’s supports our annual neighborhood block parties and holiday meals. This donation will really go a long way in addressing food insecurities in St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred areas.” DeWitt says Mike Lynch of Christ Church St. Michaels and members of the Claiborne Community Group and the Rotary Club of St Michaels have been making brownies and other treats for grocery and meal recipients. Lisa Foss and Bengt Goransson of Royal Oak, Md. have provided homemade, decorated cookies since the pandemic’s beginnings. The baked goods are provided as extra treats to go with each meal and a reminder to the recipients that their lives matter. The St. Michaels Community Center is part of a community of food support organizations operating under the Talbot County Emergency Services Task Force during the COVID-19 pandemic. SMCC’s 2021 Summer Concert Series is continuing through Sept. 9 at Muskrat Park each Thursday beginning at 6:00 p.m., with treats for sale and the music line-up at bitly.com/stmichaelsconcerts. The concert series is made possible through the generous sponsor support of Ava's Pizzeria & Wine Bar, Carpenter Street Saloon, Chesapeake Trading Co., The Crab Claw Restaurant, Foxy's Harbor Grille, Graul's Market, Guilford and Company, Hammy's Hideout, Higgins and Spencer, Inc., The Lumberyard Inc., Lyon Rum, The Preppy Redneck, Shore United Bank, St Michaels Inn, and Theo's Steaks, Sides & Spirits. SMCC’s Advisory Board recently announced Patrick Rofe will began as the nonprofit’s fourth Executive Director in mid-August. Rofe and his wife Simone are returning to the Eastern Shore from Olympia, Wash. SMCC’s Executive Director Emerita Trish Payne announced her retirement in late 2020, with Amy DeWitt appointed Interim Executive Director this summer. “Rofe’s leadership comes at a critical time in the history of SMCC,” said SMCC Advisory Board President Langley Shook. “We’re planning a major renovation of our building on Railroad Avenue, with our dream to transform our old lumber warehouse into a modern, efficient facility to better serve our community and to become a landmark that better harmonizes with the neighborhood and the historic Union United Methodist Church across the street.” The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to serve, empower, and connect the community, with program and building improvement plans dependent on grants and private donations. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for residents of St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred area. More information is at stmichaelscc.org.  St. Michaels Community Center Advisory Board members, including from left, President Langley Shook, Secretary Bob Tiernan, Dr. Bill Thomas, Dr. Jeffrey Quartner, Hon. Ed Kasemeyer, Lori Morris, Chris Agharabi, Karen Footner, Travis Johnson, and Vice President Carolina Barksdale. The Advisory Board recently welcomed Agharabi, Sen. Kasemeyer, and Morris to serve in guiding the St. Michaels Community Center, along with Treasurer Parker Spurry, and St. Michaels Police Chief Anthony Smith, not shown. Other members include Cheri Bruce-Phipps, Laura Chance, Delores Pinder, and Sharon Shenk. ST. MICHAELS, MD -- July 20, 2021) The St. Michaels Community Center has announced its new Advisory Board members and officers, while recognizing the service of six retiring Advisory Board members. Board officers are President Langley Shook, Vice President Carolina Barksdale, Secretary Robert Tiernan, and new member and Treasurer Parker Spurry. Newly elected to a two-year Board term besides Spurry are Advisors Chris Agharabi, the Hon. Edward Kasemeyer, Lori Morris, and Chief Anthony Smith. Remaining on the Board are Cheri Bruce-Phipps, Laura Chance, Karen Footner, Travis Johnson, Delores Pinder, Dr. Jeffrey Quartner, Sharon Shenk, and Dr. William Thomas. SMCC also recognized the dedication and work of retiring President John Stumpf, Treasurer Harley Gates, and retiring advisors Mattie Fountain, Capt. Jeff Oswald, and Katrina D. Whittington. The Community Center is beginning to resume its normal summer programming after serving during the pandemic as the Talbot County designated Bay Hundred Food Distribution Hub, providing tens of thousands of bags of groceries and prepared meals to those in need. “The St. Michaels Community Center is entering into an exciting time,” said SMCC Board President Langley Shook. “We’re welcoming Patrick Rofe as our new Executive Director this August. He’ll be an outstanding leader to take our Community Center where it can go to strengthen and expand its community service. We also want to recognize and thank Executive Director Emerita Trish Payne for her dedication and service as our longtime Executive Director. Shook resides in St. Michaels and is a retired lawyer and former President of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Vice President Barksdale of St. Michaels is an Associate Real Estate Broker with Benson & Mangold Real Estate. Secretary Tiernan of Bozman is a retired editor of Consumer Reports. Treasurer Parker Spurry grew up in Talbot County and now lives in Easton with her husband Joe. Their two grown children are Eliza Spurry, 21—who is studying elementary education and will be returning to her Talbot County Public Schools alma mater as a teacher, and U.S. Marine Corps Second Lieutenant Marine Officer Stewart Spurry, 23—a Virginia Military Institute graduate currently enrolled in The Infantry Officers Course at The Basic School in Quantico, Va. Spurry studied psychology at Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, Va., before beginning her 35-year banking career with Shore Bank in Accomack County, Virginia. She then worked for Maryland National Bank in St. Michaels before joining Talbot Bank as Assistant Vice President, St. Michaels Branch Manager. Spurry is serving in her 26th consecutive year in the position, with the bank now Shore United Bank. Her volunteer work focuses on a passion for enhancing education for local elementary school students. Spurry’s volunteer work spans her entire career and includes helping youth through the St. Michaels Community Center, Character Counts, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church’s Nursery School and Preschool, The Country School, St. Michaels Elementary School, St. Michaels Middle High School, Friends of Hospice’s Festival of Trees, Christmas in St. Michaels, and Shore United Bank’s Teach Children to Save program. Spurry also is a member and volunteer with the Talbot Watermen Association and is a past Rotary International member in St. Michaels. “I am passionate about helping people in need,” said Spurry. “Connecting people in need with the people who can help makes our community stronger, and the Community Center more sustainable. The St. Michaels Community Center is a gathering place for people to have as a safe haven. It’s a non-judgmental, happy place for all to enjoy.” New board member Chris Agharabi of Easton arrived to the Eastern Shore in 2008 when he and his wife opened Ava’s Pizzeria and Wine Bar in St. Michaels. The restaurant is named after his daughter, Ava, and serves a staple of gourmet pizzas featuring locally produced fresh ingredients, where possible, and a diverse wine and international beer selection. Agharabi currently owns and operates six restaurants in St. Michaels, Cambridge, and Rehoboth, Del., with ongoing expansion plans. He also has spearheaded local, charitable endeavors including the Maryland Eastern Shore’s Feed the Front Effort during COVID-19, and has been a constant contributor to charities and organizations throughout the communities his businesses serve. “The St. Michaels Community Center is a great place to bring the community together,” said Agharabi. “Its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop is the first place Ava and her friends want to go when they are in town. In fact, Ava has started her Collection of ceramic chicken bowls from Treasure Cove. I’m eager to help the Center expand and reach its goals while continuing to serve St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred communities.” Retired Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer was born in Baltimore City in 1945 and moved to Howard County in 1957. He graduated from Western Maryland College, now McDaniel College, in 1967. Kasemeyer served in the Maryland General Assembly for 32 years, 28 of which were in the State Senate. From 2010 until his retirement at the end of the term in 2018, Sen. Kasemeyer served as Chairman of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. Sen. Kasemeyer and his wife have since bought a home near St. Michaels and are in the process of becoming full-time residents. He says a lifelong passion for community service and serving those most in need will continue as he becomes more involved in the St. Michaels community. “I’m honored to be able to serve on the Board of St. Michaels Community Center,” said Sen. Kasemeyer. “I’m excited about seeing how our services and programs help improve the lives of people in need in St. Michaels and throughout the Bay Hundred area.” Lori Morris is a life-long Marylander, born in Bowie and attending Prince George's County Public Schools before earning Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park. Morris serves as Chief of Staff to Maryland State Senator Douglas J.J. Peters, 23rd District. She assists Sen. Peters in his role as the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee’s Capital Budget Subcommittee Chair. She advises the Senator on a full range of issues, represents him in the community, and coordinates all facets of the Senate office’s work. Morris also served as Senate Veterans Caucus and Prince George’s County Senate Delegation staff through her work with Sen. Peters, which began when he served as a County Council member with a focus on education issues. Morris is a respected community leader, serving on the Board of the Prince George’s Community College Foundation, and as past Board Chair of Prince George's Community College. Under her leadership, PGCC selected Charlene Dukes as the first female President in the college’s history. Morris and her husband, Mark Pelavin, moved to St. Michaels in 2020 and have two adult children. Morris says she looks forward to developing strong opinions about where to get the best crabs, French fries, and margaritas in the area. “I’m honored to help the St. Michaels Community Center prepare for the future while serving the needs of our community today,” said Morris. “I’m grateful to be of service to such a vital anchor organization for St. Michaels and the entire Bay Hundred area.” St. Michaels Police Chief Anthony Smith of Tilghman is returning for his second term on the St. Michaels Community Center Advisory Board. Smith is a committed officer with 40 years of experience serving with the Maryland State Police and the St. Michaels Police Department. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Morgan State University and his Masters in Public Policy from the University of Maryland School of Public Affairs in College Park. He previously served for six-years on SMCC’s Board. “The St. Michaels Community Center is our most important partner,” said Smith. “Community policing is 90% of what a police department should perform, and the Community Center helps improve our community policing program through their involvement and many invaluable resources.” The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to serve, empower, and connect the community, with program and building improvement plans dependent on grants and private donations. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for residents of St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred area. More information is at stmichaelscc.org.
 (ST MICHAELS, MD -- July 5, 2021) The St. Michaels Community Center’s Advisory Board has announced Patrick Rofe will become the nonprofit’s fourth Executive Director in its more than 30-year history. Rofe will begin in mid-August after he and his wife Simone move cross-country from Olympia, Wash., where he has served the past three years as Executive Director of a local land trust. SMCC’s Executive Director Emerita Trish Payne announced her retirement in late 2020, and has continued serving as Interim Executive Director while the Advisory Board conducted its executive search. “Patrick is an outstanding choice to lead our Community Center in strengthening and expanding our community service,” said SMCC Advisory Board President Langley Shook. “We also want to recognize and thank Trish for her dedication and service as our longtime Executive Director and her staying on to help with this transition.” Rofe’s career in executive leadership and development spans more than 16 years. His experience includes working at large and small nonprofit organizations with a focus on strategic planning, financial management, event planning, program development, process improvement, and development. When he’s not at work, you might spot Patrick birding, hiking, kayaking, or fly-fishing throughout the Eastern Shore. “We moved from Salisbury to the Pacific Northwest, but the Eastern Shore kept calling us back,” says Rofe.”The Eastern Shore is where Simone and I were married, and we’re excited to return and to reconnect with friends and eager to get out and explore Blackwater and Assateague.” Rofe served as Executive Director of the Furnace Town living history museum in Snow Hill, Md. from 2015 to 2018, with prior service leading nonprofits on the Eastern Shore and Annapolis. He received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Oakland University in Rochester, Mich., and serves on the boards of the Eastern Shore Heritage Council and the Haki Farmers Collective. “I’m very much looking forward to working collaboratively with the SMCC’s staff, board, and the community,” said Rofe. “I’m eager to create lasting results and deeper connections for people and the Community Center’s work. “Rofe’s leadership comes at a critical time in the history of SMCC,” said Shook. “We’re planning a major renovation of our building on Railroad Avenue, with our dream to transform our old lumber warehouse into a modern, efficient facility to better serve our community and to become a landmark that better harmonizes with the neighborhood and the historic Union United Methodist Church across the street.” The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to serve, empower, and connect the community, with program and building improvement plans dependent on grants and private donations.
Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for residents of St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred area. More information is at stmichaelscc.org. (ST. MICHAELS, MD – June 7, 2021) Railroad Avenue near the intersection of Fremont Street in St. Michaels will be the backdrop for this Saturday’s Community Block Party hosted by the St. Michaels Community Center. The party includes dancing and music with a DJ, along with family activities, food and drinks, and the opportunity for individuals ages 12 and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccination from the Talbot County Health Department. The free event takes place on Saturday, June 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at SMCC, with hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, drinks and sides on the menu, along with family activities including jump rope, yard games, and more. Talbot County Health Department will have medical staff at the event to provide Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations to children ages 12 and above, and Johnson & Johnson vaccinations to those ages 18 and older. The first 22 people to receive a vaccine will be provided with a free trip to Six Flags in Landover, Md. “We’re very excited to return to the core of everything we do,” said interim Executive Director Trish Payne. “We’re at our best when we are connecting community in meaningful ways, and the return of our annual block party is a great way to expand beyond our food distribution services.” SMCC pivoted from its normal programs during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to provide tens of thousands of bags of groceries and takeout and delivery meals to those in need as the County-designated Bay Hundred food distribution hub. The St. Michaels Community Center provides quality activities and services contributing to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the community. SMCC is dedicated to filling the unmet needs of the Bay Hundred and St. Michaels communities by providing supervised programs for the enrichment of children and teens; activities and services for adults and senior citizens; and affordable recreational, social, and educational activities to the entire community. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop, located on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels, help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for people from throughout the Bay Hundred area. More information is at stmichaelscc.org.  (ST. MICHAELS, MD – June 4, 2021) St. Michaels Community Center Executive Director Emerita Trish Payne received the Comptroller of Maryland’s 2020 William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award at a virtual presentation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is Payne’s first time receiving the award.
The annual award recognizes individuals and organizations in each of the 23 counties and Baltimore City who best exemplify former Governor and Comptroller William Donald Schaefer's unparalleled legacy of public service and selflessness, with awardees nominated by their peers. Payne’s work improving the community, problem-solving, and providing direct aid to vulnerable members of the population during her 13-year tenure as SMCC Executive Director earned her this honor. She has been instrumental in developing strong partnerships with other community organizations and agencies. Her efforts with the Town of St. Michaels, the St. Michaels Police Department, and the St. Michaels Youth and Law Enforcement (S.M.Y.L.E.) program have resulted in inclusive and diverse community outreach and involvement. Under Payne’s effective intervention and leadership during the pandemic, SMCC pivoted from its normal programs to provide tens of thousands of bags of groceries and takeout and delivery meals to those in need as the County designated Bay Hundred food distribution hub. “We are extremely grateful for Trish’s leadership and service to the people of St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred region,” said SMCC Board President Langley Shook. “Because of Trish’s dedication and hard work, we can continue to provide much-needed services and programs to the people in our community who need them the most. And because of Trish, SMCC is now in great shape to pass the baton to our next leader. We’re excited about what the future holds.” Payne recently retired and SMCC’s Board of Advisors named her Executive Director Emerita to honor her longstanding role leading the organization. She continues to serve part-time as interim Executive Director while SMCC conducts a search for her successor. “It has been a sincere honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to serve my neighbors and friends in the Bay Hundred Community,” said Payne. “I am very grateful to have enjoyed the many valuable partnerships with local businesses and other nonprofits that I had the pleasure of working with all these years. Most of all, my most heartfelt appreciation goes out to the incredible family of staff members, volunteers, and supporters who believe in the mission of SMCC. Thanks for the memories.” The St. Michaels Community Center provides quality activities and services contributing to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the community. SMCC is dedicated to filling the unmet needs of the Bay Hundred and St. Michaels communities by providing supervised programs for the enrichment of children and teens; activities and services for adults and senior citizens; and affordable recreational, social, and educational activities to the entire community. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop, located on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels, help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for people from throughout the Bay Hundred area. More information is at stmichaelscc.org. 
Win this beautiful, Vintage Laura Ashley Garden Quilt
This beautiful quilt would be a wonderful addition to your home or collection, and a treasured keepsake to cherish! 100% of the proceeds from this raffle benefit the children and adults served by the St. Michaels Community Center. Buy your tickets using the links below or at the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop. Raffle Tickets are: 1 for $3 2 for $5 5 for $10 8 for $15 11 for $20 The winner's name will be drawn on September 3, 2021. Ticket holders need not be present to win. (ST. MICHAELS, MD – February 17, 2021) Have you caught the pandemic gardening bug? The St. Michaels Community Garden is kicking off its 9th season of providing community members with space to grow their own vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruits, and more for personal consumption or for donation, as chosen by the gardeners themselves. The garden, launched in 2012 with support from a local Eagle Scout, St. Michaels Rotary Club and others, includes 40, 4-foot by 14-foot beds, which are available for rent on a yearly basis. Gardeners work together to maintain the lawn and common path areas while individual gardeners are responsible for maintaining their own beds and nearby paths. The community garden, located between Fremont and Conner Streets, provides water, hoses, and gardening tools, with participants including St. Michaels in Bloom and Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers, among other groups and individuals. The St. Michaels Community Center serves as fiscal agent for the community garden, with the $5 per year/per bed rental fee and other donations helping to maintain the property year-round. The land is leased through the Town of St. Michaels. Beds are currently available for the coming season. For more information, call SMCC at 410-745-6073. Social distancing measures outlined by the State of Maryland and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be adhered to for the season. Participants are also encouraged to bring and use their own tools or sanitize shared tools before and after each use. St. Michaels Community Center continues to serve as the Bay Hundred’s food distribution site in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of its mission to serve, empower, and connect the community. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop in St. Michaels, Md. help the nonprofit provide year-round services for people from throughout the Bay Hundred area. More information is at stmichaelscc.org.  From left: St. Michaels Community Center Executive Director Trish Payne, with Allison (7), Cameron (9), Judith Cornette, and Megan (12) at SMCC as the family drops off their donated items for families in need this holiday season. SMCC is collecting toys, games, books, clothing items, and infant items up until December 18, with donations dropped off at Treasure Cove Thrift Shop or SMCC, and more at stmichaelscc.org.  Judith Cornette of St. Michaels, Md. and her grandchildren recently reached out to the St. Michaels Community Center with items gathered through their following a reverse advent calendar for food banks this holiday season. The children did all the shopping and decorating of the box, and the items will help bring a family hope and joy this season, with the calendar downloaded at bit.ly/reverseadventcal.
“You have a great staff who are helpful and treat folks with respect and dignity through this tough time.” - Survey Respondent
Dear St. Michaels and Bay Hundred Neighbors, New horizons are in the future for the St. Michaels Community Center, and your continued support of our mission to serve, empower, and connect the community is needed now more than ever. Earlier this year—and after the COVID pandemic began—SMCC conducted a needs-assessment survey to help direct the future of our programs and services. We’re extremely grateful to those that participated because your input is helping point SMCC toward a bright future. We also recently announced the upcoming departure of our beloved Executive Director Trish Payne, who is retiring at the end of the year. Trish has been our steadfast leader since 2007 and was instrumental in having SMCC selected as the Bay Hundred food hub during the COVID pandemic. With Trish’s leadership, SMCC has provided more than 12,000 bags of groceries and 13,500 take-out meals for those in need, since April 2020. With these changes, you can very much be assured SMCC is focusing on our future of serving the community. The needs-assessment survey results indicate our programming provides sustenance as well as the help needed for people to become self-reliant. “A wonderful, food and meal resource (especially during this pandemic) with wonderful, caring staff! You are doing a great job – outstanding!” remarked another survey respondent. “You folks are great—I appreciate the wonderful food donation during this pandemic and Ms. Jeannie's meals. You have a great staff who are helpful and treat folks with respect and dignity through this tough time.” Your input has also given us the opportunity to fine-tune our scope of services. Our Advisory Board is looking at offering apprentice programs to teach entrepreneurship, for example, using SMCC’s Treasure Cove Thrift Shop as a potential business model. When you donate to SMCC, you are helping to support a forward-thinking vision for SMCC’s future, while sustaining the Community Center’s financial stability as we welcome our new leadership in the near future. We simply can’t do this work without your help. Please generously support our work and our future by making a charitable donation to the St. Michaels Community Center. You can mail your check to SMCC, PO Box 354, St. Michaels, MD 21663-0354, or donate online here. Your donation will ensure St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred communities have greatness to share with our locals, our guests, and especially those who need our help the most. With deepest gratitude, John W. Stumpf President, Advisory Board P.S. Please consider making your annual appeal gift in honor of Trish Payne. We will be acknowledging all supporters honoring Trish Payne with their annual donation in a print ad this January. Thank you again. St. Michaels Community Center is a 501(c)(3) organization – donations to which are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. A copy of our current financial statement is available upon request by contacting SMCC, PO Box 354, 103 Railroad Avenue, St. Michaels, MD 21663, or by calling 410-745-6073. Documents and information submitted to the State of Maryland under the Maryland Charitable Contributions Act are available from the Office of the Secretary of State for the cost of copying and postage. Thank you. You help make this a stronger community in times of need.  St. Michaels Community Center Executive Director Trish Payne has recently announced her retirement to the Board of Advisors, with plans to stay on with the nonprofit through December. The Board will name Payne Executive Director Emerita upon her retirement to honor her longstanding role leading the organization.
“It has been a sincere honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to serve my neighbors and friends in the Bay Hundred Community,” said Payne. “I am very grateful to have enjoyed the many valuable partnerships with local businesses and other non-profits that I had the pleasure of working with all these years. Most of all, my most heartfelt appreciation goes out to the incredible family of staff members and everyone that supported and believed in the mission of SMCC. Thanks for the memories.” “Helping those in need has always been the mission closest to Trish’s heart. Trish has been instrumental in establishing SMCC as the Maryland Food Bank hub during the COVID pandemic beginning this past March,” said SMCC Board Vice President Carolina Barksdale. “With new administrators for the Food Distribution Program in place, Trish now feels that the program is established and she can move ahead with her long-planned retirement.” “We are extremely grateful for Trish’s leadership and service to the people of St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred region,” said SMCC Board President John Stumpf. “Because of Trish’s dedication and hard work, we can continue to provide much needed services to the people in our community that need it the most. And because of Trish, SMCC is now in great shape to be under the reigns of our next leader. We’re excited about what the future holds.” Stumpf says the Board has formed a search committee to identify SMCC’s next Executive Director, and that Payne plans to continue volunteering in the community after her retirement. Payne is a long-time resident of Talbot County and St. Michaels. She came to SMCC in 2007 following a 28-year career in the financial services industry. Trish also has enjoyed a lifetime of experience in the performing arts as an actor, dancer, singer, director, and a professional clown. She has always been involved and active in the community, and continues to thrive on being of service in her hometown and the Bay Hundred area. The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to serve, empower, and connect the community. The Community Center is currently conducting an online needs-assessment survey, with public participation encouraged. The survey is accessible at bit.ly/smccsurvey20. The St. Michaels Community Center is seeking donations of new toys, non-perishables, toiletries, and household goods, which can be dropped off or shipped directly to SMCC at 103 Railroad Ave., St. Michaels, Md., 21663.
Charitable donations can be dropped off at Treasure Cove Thrift Shop at 200 Railroad Ave. Mondays through Saturdays from 10 to 2 pm, or at SMCC on Mondays from 5-7 pm; Wednesdays from 3 to 5 pm; and Fridays from 11 to 3 pm. SMCC is collecting toys, games, books, clothing items and infant items up until December 18. Food items and household products can be dropped off anytime. Suggested donations include toys suited for children of all ages; personal hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, and shampoo; family homecare items like detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning products, and sponges; and food items like canned chicken, tuna, roast beef, ravioli, pasta, stew, peanut butter, rice, soup, crackers, pudding, and fruit cups. SMCC staff and volunteers will also be preparing Christmas meals for pick-up and delivery to those in need. The meals are provided at no charge, with SMCC donors and in-kind donations helping to offset costs through their support. SMCC usually hosts annual community dinners at Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. This year they have transitioned to take-out and delivery meals as part of the Community Center’s role as the Bay Hundred area’s food hub during the COVID pandemic. SMCC also provides emergency clothing and household goods through its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels, which is open for shoppers with masks and social distancing Mon. through Sat., 10 to 2 pm. Donations to the Thrift Store of gently used clothing, toys, household goods, and furniture are gratefully accepted each of those days from 10 to 1:30 pm. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop in St. Michaels, Md. help the nonprofit provide year-round community programs and services that contribute to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of people from throughout the Bay Hundred area, with more at stmichaelscc.org. |
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