January 25, 2022 Update: All garden beds are now reserved. (ST. MICHAELS, MD – Jan. 20, 2022) In 2022, the St. Michaels Community Garden celebrates its 10th year of providing community members with space to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruits, and more for personal consumption or for donation, as chosen by the gardeners themselves. The garden includes 40, 4-foot by 14-foot beds rented on a yearly basis. The beds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be reserved by emailing admin@stmichaelscc.org. Through regularly scheduled work parties, the garden community shares responsibility for maintaining paths, communal spaces, and equipment, while individual members are responsible for planting, harvesting and upkeep of their raised beds. Water, hoses, and some gardening tools are provided, and some funds are available to help with the purchase of seeds or garden equipment for those who need support to do so. The St. Michaels Community Garden, located between Fremont and Conner Streets, began in 2012 on land leased through the Town of St. Michaels and with support of an Eagle Scout project. 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 St. Michaels Community Center promotes and 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 program opportunities for the enrichment of children and teens; activities and services for adults and senior citizens; and affordable recreational, social, and educational activities to community residents of all ages, regardless of ethnicity, gender or economic status. 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 is at www.stmichaelscc.org.
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(ST. MICHAELS, MD – December 20, 2021) The St. Michaels Community Center recently received a No Kid Hungry grant in support of its ongoing food distribution program for children and families experiencing food insecurity in St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred communities. Maryland’s Bay Hundred area is a rural and mostly agricultural area that extends from St. Michaels to Tilghman Island. SMCC’s food distribution program includes a food bank and community food pantry; a weekend backpack program; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Women, Infants, and Children nutrition outreach and services; after school and childcare meals and snacks; summer program participant meals; and more. No Kid Hungry is a national child hunger organization working to end childhood hunger. The national campaign is run by Share Our Strength, a nonprofit working to solve problems of hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world, with more at www.nokidhungry.org. “The St. Michaels Community Center is the only nonprofit in the Bay Hundred area whose primary mission is to provide services to economically disadvantaged residents,” said SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “We also serve people in crisis and emergency situations, including those suffering from the effects of fire, flood, eviction, job loss, or other special circumstances.” Rofe says 1 in 5 children nationwide are food insecure – that means hungry—with 43% of Talbot public school kids receiving free or reduced-price school meals. “The $10K No Kid Hungry grant will be used to serve more than 1,000 of our local youth facing food insecurity,” says Rofe. “We still need to count on donor support each year to help meet our community’s needs, but this grant helps to offset the costs of making sure no one goes hungry throughout the entire year, and especially during the holidays.” The Community Center also participates in the Talbot County Hunger Coalition 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. Tax-deductible donations to the St. Michaels Community Center are being 100% matched through December, and can be made online at www.stmichaelscc.org. Proceeds from the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop in St. Michaels, Md. also help the nonprofit provide year-round community programs and services that serve, empower, and connect people from throughout the Bay Hundred area. December, 2021 Dear Friend, It’s an honor to serve our community and I love what I do. With your support, I get to work with a great staff, board of advisors, and volunteers to make a difference in the lives of those in the Bay Hundred community. Please consider donating to St. Michaels Community Center this holiday season. Your gift will go twice as far because it will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Board of Advisors. Soon after I arrived at SMCC four months ago, I was inspired by Emily*. She is a member of our community who regularly visits the Center to participate in our programs. Emily has strength and resilience that far exceeds her age. Emily is a 4th grader at St. Michaels Elementary School who participates in our Afterschool Programs. She also brings home food and groceries from SMCC each week to feed her family of six. She lives with her diabetic mother, grandparents, younger sister, and older brother. It would be easy for Emily and her family to lose hope during an increasingly difficult time. Life is hard, and sometimes comes with adversities like poverty, or a chronic illness. Thankfully, Emily has the safety net she needs through the work of the St. Michaels Community Center. Work that is only made possible through the help of our donors. Donors like you who help us deliver each week more than 200 bags of groceries and meals to our community, including Emily and her family. The St. Michaels Community Center is more than a food pantry. We’re a place where service in our community is seen and felt by Emily and many other neighbors and friends. We’re a place of empowerment for children like Emily to help smooth the edginess of life while providing nutritious meals so hunger is no longer a worry. And most importantly, the St. Michaels Community Center is a place of connection—a place where Emily and others in our community find hope and are strengthened in character and self-worth through a sense of belonging to something bigger than an adverse home life. One day as Emily was leaving, she said. “My grandmother loves everything that Ms. Jeannie cooks in the kitchen, and I really like those cookies she adds for dessert.” It’s only because we have a dedicated staff and volunteers that we can achieve our mission. In fact, the cookies Emily mentioned are donated every week by the St. Michaels Rotary Club and a volunteer who loves to bake and give back to their community. We’re lucky to be of service to Emily and her family, and all our friends and neighbors who participate in our programs and activities. We’re grateful that we can make a difference because of your support. Your donations help improve the lives of people in very meaningful ways—which is a great motivator each day. It’s also the reason people like you continue to generously support our operations through charitable donations. When you donate to the St. Michaels Community Center you are helping to improve lives and ensuring a bright and continuing future of the Community Center’s mission. We simply can’t do this work without your help. Please generously support our work and the future of our community by making a charitable donation to the St. Michaels Community Center. You can mail your check or donate online at paypal.me/smccmd. Your donation will ensure St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred communities we serve have the resources to provide hope and security, especially to those who need our help the most, like Emily. With deepest gratitude, Patrick Rofe Executive Director P.S. Double your impact! For the rest of December, the SMCC Board of Advisors will match all donations dollar-for-dollar. Your employer might help too. Ask your employer if they will match your gift to SMCC! Thank you! *Name has been changed to protect identity. Thank You on behalf of the individuals and families we serve!
(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.com. 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 www.midshoreboardofrealtors.com or at www.stmichaelscc.org. (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 amy@stmichaelscc.org 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 amy@stmichaelscc.org 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 amy@stmichaelscc.org 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.” 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 patrick@stmichaelscc.org 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.” 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, 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) Fremont Street near the intersection of Railroad Avenue 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.
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