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SMCC continues to be grateful for the support of our neighbors and friends in the Bay Hundred Area, with these stories just a few of the people and organizations helping SMCC during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Gourmet by the Bay Gourmet by the Bay and their customers are helping to make a real difference by providing nutritious meals to ensure no one in our community goes hungry. This support makes a real difference in the lives of the people we serve. (And... this is the kind of good we all need to focus on right now!) Gourmet by the Bay recently posted this note to their website: "Once again, we would like to extend our gratitude to all of our customers who have donated to the St. Michael's Community Center Soup Program. "To date, we have prepared, packaged, and delivered more than 1,400 quarts of soup. Additionally, as the weather got warmer, we moved from preparing soups to helping with the weekly meal distribution. "With the help of each of you, we have delivered three different meals for up to 125 people in the community from homemade pasta bolognese to shepherd's pie to grilled chicken Caesar salads with all the traditional condiments."  Lisa Foss, Cookie Artist Lisa Foss of Royal Oak, Md., who loves to bake and is very creative, came up with this idea to do something for others. Every week she arrives at SMCC with 150 hand-decorated cookies-check out the ones in the photo above. These cookies are added as special treats for our food delivery and take-out guests. One of our guests last week said that she treasures receiving these cookies because they make her smile and feel cared for. "I heard about the good work being done at SMCC and wanted to participate in some way," says Foss. "A weekly cookie donation seemed like a good idea. These are such unprecedented times we're in right now and finding reasons to smile is so important. There is such a thing as baking the world a better place! At the end of the day, if there is a need and a way you can help, why not?" Lisa and her husband recently relocating here full-time after splitting their time between the Eastern Shore and Manhattan. Foss says for the past ten years, she had been working at various community kitchens, food pantries, and homeless shelters throughout the city. Her work focused on a number of issues and provided a variety of services-always with the end goal of treating clients with dignity and respect. She started decorating and donating cookies for special events at various non-profits in the city because she enjoyed making them and others enjoyed receiving them.  Chris Agharabi, Restaurateur Chris Agharabi, owner of Theo's Steaks, Sides & Spirits, Ava's Pizzeria & Wine Bar, and Hammy's Hideout in St. Michaels, Md. is another SMCC helper. He led the way in providing fresh produce for people at the beginning of the pandemic in a coordinated food drive-thru. He also knows a thing or two about who to go to and what works best when purchasing commercial kitchen equipment. That's why we turned to Chris for advice that saved SMCC time and money when our oven broke earlier in the pandemic, and we needed to upgrade our kitchen with commercial equipment. "Serving as the Bay Hundred area's food hub during the pandemic has had its challenges, especially when our oven broke," says SMCC Executive Director Trish Payne. "Chris was an incredible help to SMCC by hooking us up with sound advice on what to buy, and then connected us to his vendors for quick, professional service. Now our kitchen has received big upgrades, thanks to the help of Chris and funding from numerous grants."  The Hedgehogs The Hedgehogs are another great example of helpers who are helping make a difference at SMCC. The informal group known officially as the "Bay Hundred Citizens for Social Justice" is engaged in social and political activities supporting social justice, with an overall focus on being good neighbors. Their outreach to the people SMCC serves includes several members providing homemade cookies, brownies, and other treats each week for our 150+ guests. Other members collect and provide non-perishable items, while some help deliver food in the community or volunteer directly with SMCC. "Our group was formed to look at ways in which we might make positive contributions to our community and the country," said Hedgehog member John Scott. "At the time, one of our members happened to read a story about the scarcity of Hedgehogs in England. Their habitat had been divided into too-small units by fenced-in yards. "The solution was found in making small openings or tunnels through those fences to give the Hedgehogs a larger functional habitat. Convoluted as it might be, that resonated with us and seemed like a good metaphor for the situation in which we found ourselves, so we adopted the nickname, Hedgehogs."  Graul's Market Graul's Market is another great example of those who are making a difference by helping SMCC. The locally managed and owned grocery store recently provided fried chicken for 132 delivery and take-out meals to people in need through SMCC's food support program. "Graul's has been a steadfast supporter of the work the Community Center achieves," said SMCC Executive Director Trish Payne. "They take being a community grocery store to another level through the community investments they make supporting SMCC and many of the other nonprofits in the Bay Hundred area. Not to mention how great their staff and deli are! We are blessed." These are just a few examples of how the thoughtfulness and care of individuals from our community help us help others. You can help too with your tax-deductible donations.
Every dollar donated is used to operate SMCC and support our community outreach efforts. Thank you!
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 Dear Community Helpers,
The St. Michaels Community Center in St. Michaels, Md. has been busier than ever over these past several months--more than any other time serving our community in SMCC's 30-year history. Very soon after the COVID pandemic swept the globe and Maryland's Governor issued a stay-at-home order, SMCC was designated by the Talbot County Emergency Task Force as the Food Bank Hub of the Bay Hundred area. With the support from organizations like No Kid Hungry, we've been able to provide 6,557 meals to our neighbors in need since April 6, 2020, in addition to distributing 6,474 bags of groceries and/or fresh produce boxes. What is truly heartwarming are the number of volunteers who have stepped up to help us accomplish these huge tasks. Local restaurants like Gourmet by the Bay have been providing 150 quarts of soup or meals each week to help us make sure everyone is fed. Volunteers from all over the Bay Hundred Area are baking delicious cookies, brownies, and desserts to make the meals feel like "Mom" packed 'em. SMCC has also been fortunate to receive much-needed funding from extremely generous individuals and organizations to make sure we have everything we need to keep it going for as long as it's needed. Thank you, for helping the helpers, and being a part of the heart of our community, Trish Payne Executive Director St. Michaels Community Center  When the St. Michaels Community Center began serving at the heart of the Bay Hundred community in 1990, no one could have imagined the impact the neighborhood organization would have 30 years later, especially while the organization serves as the Bay Hundred’s food hub during the nation’s COVID-19 pandemic. Nor would they have ever imagined the great kindness gathered during the pandemic through the organization’s role as the community’s helpers.
SMCC Executive Director Trish Payne says SMCC has helped provide 1,941 bags of groceries and 3,830 take-out and delivery meals to people from throughout the Bay Hundred area—which stretches from St. Michaels to Tilghman Island—in the weeks between April 6, 2020 and June 19, 2020. The center continues to provide food support at its Railroad Ave. location on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and has recently re-opened its Treasure Cove Thrift Store with limited guests, required masks, and adherence to social distancing practices. “As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps around the globe, uncertainty and apprehension travel right along with it,” says Payne. “But humanity rises to the challenge in so many ways big and small, as I have been lucky enough to witness in St. Michaels through my role as the community center’s Executive Director.” “In addition to all the selfless health care workers, law enforcement agencies, grocery workers, food manufacturers, truck drivers, churches, social service groups, soup kitchens and more, there are also many unseen heroes among us,” said Payne. “Neighbors, friends, and strangers are stepping up to support each other and the folks on the front lines helping to keep our communities safe, heal the sick, and feed the hungry.” The St. Michaels Community Center is part of a community of food support organizations operating under the Talbot County Emergency Services Task Force. SMCC works as the Bay Hundred food hub, keeping food on the tables and bags of groceries in the homes of those in need. The center works in partnership with other food banks, churches, Meals on Wheels, and many local businesses and volunteers pulling together. The St. Michaels Community Center—with a mission to serve, empower, and connect our community—is committed to combating discrimination and racism through its actions, partnerships, and programs. The Center’s programs of food distribution, neighborhood engagement, family activities, and more aim to bring neighbors together and reduce inequality. Donations supporting SMCC can be made at paypal.me/smccmd, with non-perishable food, household supplies, and dry goods received by drop-off at the St. Michaels Community Center. More information is at stmichaelscc.org.  St. Michaels Community Center staff with masks, ready to serve as the Bay Hundred’s food hub during the COVID-19 pandemic. From left, Amy DeWitt, Trish Payne, Beth Lomash and April Adams. 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/.  Eat Well with Gourmet by the Bay & You Can Help SMCC's Soup Program Too! When you place your personal take-out order with Gourmet by the Bay this spring, please consider adding $10 to cover the cost of 1 quart of soup to be donated to the SMCC Soup Program. Orders can also be placed by calling Gourmet by the Bay at 410-745-6260. You can purchase as many $10 quarts of soup as you would like. For every $10 quart of soup you donate to SMCC, Gourmet by the Bay will add another pint. Get the details here.  Artist Raises Funds for SMCC with Painted Birdhouses for Sale (Limited Time Only)
Lisa Weigand is raising money for SMCC and the local food banks by selling her Handpainted Birdhouses while she is with her mom on Tilghman Island. Lisa is selling the houses for $20 each, with $15 from each sale donated to SMCC. No contact, local deliveries will be arranged. To purchase or to learn more, please contact Lisa directly at 215-589-3702 or [email protected]. Thank you! An Update from SMCC Executive Director Trish Payne:
Dear Neighbors and Friends: The Covid19 pandemic may seem to be losing the urgent need for taking precautions and people needing help, but that is far from true! People still need food to eat, pantries still need donations of food and funding, health workers still need supplies, and we all need each other. Please help where you can. Drop a friendly note to a neighbor, leave flowers on a seniors front porch, check to see if anyone needs groceries or a prescription pick-up, there are lots of things we can do if we use safety precautions. It could mean the world to someone isolated or unable to leave their homes. Helping does a lot for you too! SMCC is still offering free take-out meals on Monday from 5 - 7. Wednesday from 3 - 5, and Friday from 11 - 3. Call 410-745-6073 if you are unable to pick up and need a delivery. Groceries are available on Monday and Friday. The Community Center also has an outdoor pantry in case of emergency, or you can leave a message if you need any other help. You can also click here for a list of all available food resources in Talbot County. Thank you for continuing to be a part of the heart of our community through your support of SMCC. You make a difference. Trish Payne Executive Director St. Michaels Community Center (ST. MICHAELS, MD – April 15, 2020) As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps around the globe, uncertainty and apprehension travels right along with it. But humanity, as it often does, rises to the challenge in so many ways big and small, as I have been lucky enough to witness in St. Michaels, Md. through my role as the St. Michaels Community Center’s Executive Director.
In addition to all the selfless health care workers, law enforcement agencies, grocery workers, food manufacturers, truck drivers, churches, social service groups, soup kitchens and more, there are also many unseen heroes among us. Neighbors, friends, and strangers are stepping up to support each other and the folks on the front lines helping to keep our communities safe, heal the sick and feed the hungry. The St. Michaels Community Center is honored to be part of an amazing community of food support organizations operating under the Talbot County Emergency Services Task Force. We have been working hard to keep food on the tables and bags of groceries in the homes of those in need in the Bay Hundred area in partnership with other food banks, churches, and Meals on Wheels, and many local businesses and incredible volunteers pulling together. One of the early tasks SMCC accepted was to make deliveries to anyone in need in the Bay Hundred area. Very quickly, we realized there were going to be a LOT of deliveries. While “Old Blue”—SMCC’s trusty small school bus—has served us well transporting children to the Center’s after-school programs, transporting large pick-ups of cases of food bank orders three times a week was going to be pushing it. Then, Mr. Scott Wagner of St. Michaels, Md. walked into SMCC while the staff was rushing to prepare one of the weekly meal and grocery shipments. I had never met Mr. Wagner. He and I spoke for quite a while about the St. Michaels Community Center and the efforts our community and county were undergoing to fight this invisible invader. Within days, Scott and his wife Tracy stunned SMCC with a nearly new Ford Transit, 15-seat passenger/cargo van to help us fulfill our mission to serve. This incredibly generous act of kindness—and all the other support SMCC and the other hardworking organizations and agencies are receiving—give us the inspiration and determination needed to keep going and helps us get through this the best way we can. Thank you! –Trish Payne, Executive Director, St. Michaels Community Center  Staff and volunteers of the St. Michaels Community Center are all smiles while preparing take-out meals and grocery deliveries for people in the Bay Hundred area. From left: SMCC Executive Director Trish Payne, SMCC volunteers Bill Dickey and Grace Lemaire, and SMCC staff members April Adams, Beth Lomash, and Amy DeWitt. Non-perishable food donations are being accepted at SMCC, along with cash donations made online. (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.  A Message from SMCC Executive Director Trish Payne:
Hello all, As most of you know, St. Michaels lost a very dear friend on Saturday. Tammy, who often shared her beautiful smile with us when she delivered from Sam’s, died of complications from the Covid19 Virus. Things are serious. I feel passionate about making sure those in need have access to meals and food but we have to seriously tighten up our game plan. I cannot ask any of you to risk your health but if you do choose to keep things going, we now have stricture rules in place. Only staff and select volunteers will be allowed to enter the premises. All others will interact at front or back door or by phone. Also: 1) Everyone entering the building must wear a mask and gloves at all times and strictly adhere to social distancing. 2) The outside door will be locked to prevent random drop-Ins. A sign will be posted asking guests to call for information or assistance. 3) Phones, doorknobs and surfaces will be frequently wiped down with antiseptic. ONLY ONE person per shift will man the phones, otherwise the answering machine will collect messages. NO-ONE passes a phone to anyone! Take a message. Keep your own cell phone on you at all times. 4) If anyone is hesitant or apprehensive about continuing to help, please don’t hesitate to say so. I’d rather that you feel safe than ask you to feel at risk or scared. As for the process, as it stands now: Food Pick-up and/or purchase - * Amy DeWitt will lead SMCC's coordination.. * When groceries are brought to SMCC, they will be delivered through the back door to two people assigned to receive and bag/box. * Staff will determine how many bags/boxes are needed and will manage the distribution at the front door. * Those picking up meals/groceries will NOT sign in. April will record who receives food. * Recipients will be instructed to approach one-at-a-time and observe social distancing while waiting. * Beth Lomash will coordinate the drivers for deliveries and they will pick up from the back door. Meals * GLOVES AND MASKS ARE MANDATORY * Jeannie will manage the Monday evening meals and Friday lunch meals. * Trish will manage the Wednesday afternoon meal. * Only two people in the kitchen at the same time, preparing meals. * Sandwiches or wraps should be sealed in Saran Wrap or Ziploc bags. * Prepared food in containers can be passed to middle room to be boxed and bagged. * Beth will coordinate deliveries and drivers Drivers/Deliverers * Beth will report meal/food requests to Amy, April, Jeannie, and drivers for deliveries * All drivers/deliverers will be required to wear masks and gloves at all times * Adhere to social distancing, do not make any personal contact or enter recipients residence * Call or knock to notify recipient. Leave deliveries on stoop or porch. Outdoor Food Pantry * Linda Joshua will monitor the inventory and let us know when it might need to be replenished. Please stay safe and well. Trish March 25, 2020 An update about our community's response to COVID-19 from St. Michaels Community Center Executive Director Trish Payne:
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,  Trish Payne Executive Director St. Michaels Community Center [email protected] 410-745-6073 Cell: 410-829-3883 We Are The Helpers Photos from this Week at the St. Michaels Community Center  (ST. MICHAELS, MD – March 19, 2020) The St. Michaels Community Center is available to make deliveries for all local pantries in the Bay Hundred area on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the COVID-19 outbreak.
SMCC will pick up food from local pantries in its blue after-school bus and deliver to people in areas west and south of St. Michaels. SMCC is collecting a list of individuals in need of grocery deliveries, with addresses from St. Michaels to Tilghman Island. Times and locations will be announced on SMCC’s website, with those needing deliveries to call 410-745-6073 or email [email protected]. SMCC is also providing take-out meals and grocery pick-up to those in need at its 103 Railroad Ave. location in St. Michaels on Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m., and Fridays from 11 to 3 p.m. 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, 12, 2020 Dear Community Partners and Friends, Today, Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Rona Kramer issued a directive to close all Maryland Senior Centers until further notice. The effort is to help reduce the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), especially among our seniors. While SMCC isn’t categorized strictly as a Senior Center, we do benefit from Upper Shore Aging, which will discontinue providing meals until further notice. With this, the St. Michaels Community Center is also suspending our Wednesday senior programs until further notice, with any updates emailed to you as soon as possible, and posted to our website here. The St. Michaels Community Center will continue to have grocery bags of basic food staples available to anyone in need, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, when non-perishable donations will also be accepted. We remain vigilant in our practices while SMCC remains open and other programs continue, and encourage others to practice the same hand-washing, sanitizing, and other precautionary measures that help reduce the spread of all diseases. We have not heard from the Maryland Food Bank or the Health Department regarding the Community Cafe or food distribution as of this writing. We will send updates to you here, as they occur. And in the meantime, if you have any questions, please email me, or call 410-745-6073. Thank you for your partnership as part of the heart of our community. Warmly,  Executive Director,
St. Michaels Community Center |