From the June 3, 2020 issue of the Star Democrat:. Special to the Star Democrat by Tracey F. Johns

EASTON — Fred Rogers—also known as Mister Rogers of television fame—said that when he was a boy and saw scary things in the news, his mother would say to him, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

Finding the helpers is just what many people and organizations are doing to support Talbot County nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic, as individuals volunteer to help with efforts and generous donors step up to support essential programs and services.

Talbot County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelly Griffith said the school system has seen great support, including a student making N95 masks for local hospitals. She says the schools are grateful for volunteers Emily Moody and Megan Cook for their work with CarePacks, along with Easton Utilities for their outreach to help with hot spots, and the Academy Art Museum for providing art supplies for students.

“The St. Michaels Community Center is serving as the food hub for the Bay Hundred community during the coronavirus pandemic, which brought unexpected large, unbudgeted expenses to the nonprofit, including a $10,000 freezer,” said St. Michaels Community Center Director Trish Payne.

“My heart is warmed by our Board members and other donors and volunteers helping us serve community members in need,” Payne said. “From a bond bill match that will help make our building more usable and sound, along with the food hub donations, each of these acts of kindness will help make someone’s life better. On behalf of SMCC’s Advisory Board and staff, we are extremely grateful to our volunteers, donors, and friends whose generous and continuous support inspires us to serve the community whenever we are needed.”

Talbot Hospice Board Member Liz Freedlander said Talbot Hospice board members are paying for patient meals, and providing the meals through local caterers and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative began through the leadership of Talbot Hospice Board Secretary Pat Roche and helps staff focus on patient care while supporting local businesses.

“We’ve had a couple of folks buy lunch for our Y staff, which has been really great,” said YMCA of the Chesapeake Group Executive Derek White. “We also had someone make masks for staff and the children enrolled in the program. Our (recent) food drive ... filled about 12 barrels worth of food for the Maryland Food Bank from community members.”

Neighborhood Service Center Executive Director Marilyn Neal said NSC received an overwhelming community response during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Donations have increased through our faith-based community and both regular and new supporters,” Neal said. “Individuals are also having food shipped to our food pantry. These donations are critical to sustaining the households of low-income families, as well as those that have suffered job loss during this very difficult time.”

“We’ve had so many great people wrapping their arms around us,” said Talbot Interfaith Shelter Marketing and Development Director Jayme Dingler. “One person, in particular, is Jen McCrea of Hill’s Cafe and Juice Bar, who, while trying to keep her own business afloat, has been providing weekly grocery boxes for the guests in our transitional housing program,” Dingler said.

“The other one is Tommy Cassidy at Subway on Marlboro Road,” she said. “He had to lay off his whole staff, and is running the store by himself, but didn’t let that deter him from donating his monthly dinner for the guests in our shelter facility.”

Rotary International District 7630 Governor Nominee and Rotary Club of Easton member Hugh Dawkins says Rotary clubs in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore raised $35,000 over 10 days to provide personal protection equipment and food bank donations through the coordination of Disaster Aid USA. The funds provided more than 24,000 meals through local food banks and thousands of N95 and other PPE masks to area hospitals.

The Talbot Local Care Team, in partnership with Talbot County Emergency Management, recruited a volunteer pool to help with many different tasks throughout Talbot County.

All tasks have been conducted in a way to safeguard the health of volunteers, with more information and sign-ups at talbotcovid19.org/volunteer/.
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(ST. MICHAELS, MD – April 9, 2020) The St. Michaels Community Center is providing take-out meals at its 103 Railroad Ave. location in St. Michaels on Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. for soup and sandwiches, and Fridays from 11 to 3 p.m. Pick-up and delivery of bags of groceries take place on Mondays and Fridays at the same times. To schedule a pick-up or meal deliver, please call 410-745-6073.
 
“We’re here for you, and we’re smiling,” said SMCC Executive Director Trish Payne. “This pandemic has many more people in need of food, from all walks of life. We are grateful to be able to serve anyone in need, and especially for the donations that help us be the helpers.”
 
Individuals wanting to help can donate to SMCC at paypal.me/smccmd, or drop off non-perishables at the St. Michaels Community Center, the St. Michaels Police Dept., YMCA of the Chesapeake locations, and area churches.
 
The extension of SMCC’s outreach is coordinated in part with Talbot County's Emergency Services, Health Dept., law enforcement, public schools, area churches, and other non-profit community service providers. More information and updates from SMCC are at stmichaelscc.org. 

March 25, 2020

​An update about our community's response to COVID-19 from St. Michaels Community Center Executive Director Trish Payne:
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• SMCC has been designated as the central HUB of Food Pantry collection and distribution for the Bay Hundred Area.
  
  
• SMCC will be working in partnership with all other local food pantries, churches, law enforcement, Talbot County Public Schools, restaurants, and other non-profit groups to provide assistance to anyone in need.
  
  
• SMCC will be accepting food donations from individuals in addition to whatever is allowed from local restaurants in accordance with policies of the Health Dept.
  
  
• Food Distribution will be available as boxed meals and grocery bags in accordance with Health Dept. regulations.
  
  
• Hours of availability to outside organizations and individuals will be revised as needed and posted as soon as these efforts have been coordinated.
  
  
• SMCC will continue offering groceries and boxed meals to the public (and deliveries to those home bound):
  • Mondays from 5 - 7
  • Wednesdays from 3 - 5
  • Fridays from 11 - 3
    
    
• Carpenter Street Saloon and SMCC have offered transportation for food deliveries to anyone unable to get to the Center for pick-up.
  
  
• An Emergency Food Pantry locker in front of SMCC is set up for anyone who is unable to get to the determined distribution dates and times. Donations of non-perishable items may also be dropped off at this location.
  
  
• SMCC is collecting names of anyone in need of these deliveries.
  
  
• J R Burkhardt, Chief Anthony Smith, Childlene Brooks, and Trish Payne are contact points in our area that will network with each other to make sure that all Bay Hundred residents will be served.
  
  
• Recognizing the health recommendations from Gov. Hogan, while volunteers are needed, precautions are being taken to assure safety to emergency staff.
  
  

SMCC is ordering a walk-in freezer to accommodate the increase in food collection. St. Michaels Town Manager Jean Weisman has given the ok on purchase and has notified the Commissioners that required permits will be submitted asap. Donations to SMCC are very much needed to help fill the freezer, for our outdoor food pantry, and more. 

Chesapeake Landing has offered to allow us to borrow a large Refrigeration Truck if/when it might be needed.

The Inn at Perry Cabin and 208 Talbot have offered to donate prepared food for take-out meals. (Waiting for Health Dept. policies regarding this distribution)

FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE EXTREMELY APPRECIATED TO HELP ALL OF US KEEP OUR NEIGHBORS HEALTHY AND SAFE. 

Please help SMCC provide food for our hungry and keep our community strong with your online charitable donation at paypal.me/smccmd.

Things are progressing very quickly. If I've overlooked someone, please forgive me and let me know.

Thank you for being a part of the heart of our community,

(ST. MICHAELS, MD – Feb. 21, 2020) The St. Michaels Community Center is gaining the support of local businesses for its Sat., March 7 Hubcaps concert at the St. Michaels Inn. The Classic Motor Museum will greet guests arriving to the fundraising event at the Inn’s entrance with a selection of classic cars on display.
 
St. Michaels Inn is also helping to underwrite the event, and the owner of St Michaels Winery has generously donated a selection of red and white wine from his private stock for the fundraiser. 
 
Proceeds benefit the children and adults served by the St. Michaels Community Center’s programs and activities, with tickets available at $50 per person, and limited tables for 10 people available at $450.
 
The Hubcaps are known for entertaining audiences throughout the country with their classic rock-n-roll performances and showmanship. Their danceable music includes a wide range of oldies, from Elvis and Patsy Cline, to Tina Turner and Whitney Houston, and more.
 
The 1950’s themed event begins in the Inn’s decorated ballroom at 7:30 p.m., and includes snacks and a cash bar, along with awards presented to the best 1950’s costume and dance-off winners.
 
Tickets can be purchased by emailing trish@stmichaelscc.org, or calling 410-745-6073. Costumes are encouraged, but not required, with the event limited to adults 21 years of age and older.
 
The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to promote and provide quality activities and services that will contribute to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the community. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop in St. Michaels, Md. help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services and community events for people from throughout the Bay Hundred area, with more at stmichaelscc.org.
 
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Classic cars from the Classic Motor Museum, like this shown here, will greet guests to the St. Michaels Community Center’s Sat., March 7 Hubcaps fundraising concert and dance at the St. Michaels Inn. St. Michaels Inn and the owner of St Michaels Winery are also helping to underwrite the costs of the event, with proceeds benefiting the people served by SMCC’s programs and activities. The fundraiser dance and concert includes snacks and a cash bar, along with awards presented to the best 1950’s costume and dance-off winners. To purchase tickets at $50 per person, or a table of ten for $450, email trish@stmichaelscc.org, or call 410-745-6073.

(ST. MICHAELS, MD – Feb. 13, 2020) Mondays and Fridays are the new food distribution days at the St. Michaels Community Center in St. Michaels, Md. The program serves people in need of food assistance, and is part of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Easton’s outreach with the Maryland Food Bank.

Distribution includes fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and more, and is available on Mondays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at SMCC’s 103 Railroad Ave. location.

SMCC’s Community Cafe will also be open from 4 to 7 p.m. on Mondays, and Fridays from 11 to 3 p.m., where people can pay what they can—if they can—for a nutritious meal. SMCC’s Treasure Cove Thrift Shop will now be open on Mondays from noon to 7 p.m., and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SMCC also hosts community Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners each year, as part of its mission to promote and provide quality activities and services that will contribute to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the community.

The Maryland Food Bank’s mission is to feed people, strengthen communities, and end hunger for more Marylanders through an extensive network of community and organizational partners distributing food across the state. More is at mdfoodbank.org.

Donations to SMCC and proceeds from the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop in St. Michaels, Md. help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for people from throughout the Bay Hundred area, with more at stmichaelscc.org.

(ST. MICHAELS, MD – Jan. 29, 2020) The St. Michaels Community Center is sponsoring a Tues., March 3 bus trip from SMCC in St. Michaels, Md. to The Philadelphia Flower Show.
 
The 2020 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, “Riviera Holiday,” brings designers and guests to the Mediterranean Riviera from Feb. 29 through Mar. 8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
 
“The stunning array of floral exhibits is spectacular,” said SMCC Executive Director Trish Payne. “There’s even a butterfly enclosure where guests can get up close and personal with a beautiful variety of delicate winged creatures. This is going to be great show.”
 
Payne says guests to the show can take in an endless assortment of gardening and floral merchandise, including an assortment of make-it-and-take-it activities.
 
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation's largest and longest-running horticultural event, featuring stunning displays by the world’s premier floral and landscape designers. In addition to the major garden displays, the Flower Show hosts world-renowned competitions in horticulture and artistic floral arranging, gardening presentations and demonstrations, special events, and the citywide Bloom Philly pre-Show celebration. More is at theflowershow.com.
 
Boarding is limited, with the cost of round-trip bus fare and a ticket to the show at $83.00 per person. Call 410-745-6073 to reserve your boarding pass. Proceeds from the trip benefit the children and adults served by the SMCC's programs and activities.
 
Donations to SMCC and proceeds from the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop in St. Michaels, Md. help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services and community events for people from throughout the Bay Hundred Area. For more information, visit stmichaelscc.org.
 
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(ST. MICHAELS, MD – Jan. 27, 2020) The crafts and creations of independent artists, hobbyists, crafters, and more are now at the St. Michaels Community Center from 10 – 3 p.m. each Saturday as part of the community center’s new From the Heart Mart. The indoor artisans market takes place at SMCC’s 103 Railroad Ave. location in St. Michaels, Md., and continues through March 21, 2020.
 
Table fees from the weekly market benefit the local children and adults served by SMCC’s food distribution, programs, and activities. The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to promote and provide quality activities and services that will contribute to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the community.
 
Donations to SMCC and proceeds from the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop in St. Michaels, Md. help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services and community events for people from throughout the Bay Hundred area. More information, including vendor applications for the From the Heart Mart is at stmichaelscc.org.
 

​(ST. MICHAELS, MD – Jan. 22, 2020) The St. Michaels Community Center is hosting The Fabulous Hubcaps on Sat., March 7 for a fundraising concert and dance at the St. Michaels Inn. The Fabulous 50’s Flashback event includes snacks and a cash bar, along with awards presented to the winners of the best 1950’s costume and dance-off competitions.
 
The Hubcaps are known for entertaining audiences throughout the country with their classic rock-n-roll performances and showmanship. Their danceable music includes a wide range of oldies, from Elvis and Patsy Cline, to Tina Turner and Whitney Houston, and more.
 
Nostalgia will greet event guests in the decorated ballroom of St. Michaels Inn. This event’s casual, 1950’s theme carries in the eats and treats served, including hoagies, penny candy, root beer floats, and more. A cash bar will be serving wine, beer, and spirits.
 
“Every ticket purchased means more for the children and adults served by our programs and activities,” said SMCC Executive Director Trish Payne. “With many of the event’s costs covered by our generous sponsors, your ticket purchase can really have an impact on someone’s life by what we can achieve.” 
 
Helping to underwrite the cost of the fundraising event include the St. Michaels Inn and other generous local businesses.  
 
Limited tickets are $50 and available in advance by emailing trish@stmichaelscc.org, or calling 410-745-6073. Costumes are encouraged, but not required, with the event limited to adults 21 years of age and older. The event begins at 7:30 p.m., with all proceeds from the event benefiting the local children and adults served by SMCC’s food distribution, programs, and activities.
 
The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to promote and provide quality activities and services that will contribute to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the community. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop in St. Michaels, Md. help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services and community events for people from throughout the Bay Hundred area, with more at stmichaelscc.org.
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​(ST. MICHAELS, MD – Dec. 23, 2019) On Sat., Dec. 21, the St. Michaels community came together for Christmas dinner, with the event organized by the St. Michaels Community Center, and held in the parish hall of Union United Methodist Church.

SMCC staff and volunteers prepared 150 meals, all offered at no charge, with donations accepted. Ava's Pizzeria & Wine Bar in St. Michaels donated 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 were also 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 promote and provide quality activities and services that will contribute to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the community.
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Donations to SMCC and proceeds from the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop in St. Michaels, Md. help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for people from throughout the Bay Hundred area, with more at stmichaelscc.org.
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