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December 9, 2023

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

News News Notes

Tickets on Sale Now for Habitat Choptank’s Hard Hats & High Heels

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Tickets are now on sale for Habitat for Humanity Choptank’s 2nd annual Hard Hats & High Heels! This annual fundraising event will support the need for building homes, community and hope in Talbot and Dorchester Counties.

Habitat Choptank’s signature fundraiser, Hard Hats & High Heels, will take place on Saturday, November 18th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Waterfowl Building in Easton. This night of celebration and fun includes cocktails, heavy h’ors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions, dancing, and more! Guests are encouraged to dress creatively by taking inspiration from the “Hard Hats & High Heels” theme of the event!

Tickets for Hard Hats & High Heels are $100 each and include two beverage tickets. Tables of 8 guests are $1,000 and include a wristband for beverages during the entire event, a table close to the stage, and a pre-reception with a toast to supporting the need for affordable housing in our community. Use the following link to purchase tickets or tables or to make a donation: bit.ly/hardhats2023.

All proceeds from Hard Hats & High Heels will benefit Habitat Choptank’s mission—to work in partnership with God and all people to build, rehab, and repair homes, improve the quality of life in communities, and help to restore hope in Talbot and Dorchester Counties.

In the State of Maryland, 1 in 7 households spend half or more of their income on housing. As of 2021, the income needed to purchase a median-value home in Maryland is $86,209, but the median income of Maryland renters is $51,100. By allowing homeowners to purchase affordable homes with mortgages that are limited to no more than a third of a family’s income, Habitat Choptank partners with families to build health and safety, financial security, independence, and hope.

Habitat Choptank extends its gratitude to their event sponsors for making the 2nd annual Hard Hats & High Heels fundraiser possible, including: Auction Sponsor, Shore United Bank; Hard Hat Sponsor, Bay Imprint; Drink Sponsors, Builders FirstSource, Easton Utilities, Preston Automotive Group, Red Oak Properties, and Town and Country Wine, Liquor, Etc.; and Program Sponsors, Avon Dixon, Benson & Mangold Real Estate, and Delmarva Power, an Exelon Company.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Habitat Choptank to Host Housing and Resource Fair

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Attendees from Habitat Choptank’s last Housing and Resource Fair in Cambridge.

Habitat for Humanity Choptank will host a Housing and Resource Fair on September 21st which will offer community resources, demonstrations, and educational workshops focused on seniors in the community.

Habitat Choptank’s Housing and Resource Fair will take place on Thursday, September 21st from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 712 Bradley Avenue in Cambridge. Attendees will have the chance to talk with numerous community resources, participate in informational workshops, meet with program representatives about critical home repairs, and enjoy a free lunch. The Housing and Resource Fair will be a fun and informative opportunity for senior community members.

The Housing and Resource Fair is a way to serve the community by providing a one-stop shop for the day. The event offers us the opportunity to bring together information and resources focused on housing and senior-related topics. Participants can expect representatives from vendors such as Shore Legal Access who will provide information and presentations, and the Dorchester County Health Department who will have information, and Covid and flu vaccines and supplies. Other vendors include Bay Center for Independent Living, the Cambridge Police Department, Chesapeake College, the Chesapeake Multicultural Center, Maryland Legal Aid, Meals till Monday, Mid Shore Behavioral Health, One Mission, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Some presentation topics include rights for renters, financial well-being, home repairs, and energy efficiency. For a full list of vendors and a complete schedule for the Housing and Resource Fair, please visit habitatchoptank.org.

To RSVP for the Housing and Resource Fair on September 21, please contact Tre’Shawn Todd, Family Services Coordinator at 410-476-3204 or [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Habitat Choptank Celebrates 104th Home Dedication

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On June 3rd, Habitat for Humanity Choptank celebrated their 104th home dedication. Angela and her 10-year-old daughter were welcomed to their new home on Brooks Lane in St. Michaels by Habitat board members, staff, and volunteers and their friends and family.

Angela attended trade school to become a welder, and she currently works at Regal Rexnord in Cambridge. Her daughter is enrolled in a school in St. Michaels based on the several great resources available to her. Angela selected a Habitat home in St. Michaels so that her daughter could stay in her school district. She completed “sweat equity” hours, attended financial education classes, and saved funds for the down payment for her home.  Angela is glad to be able to give her family the stability of their own home.

Angela expressed her gratitude at her home dedication. “Everybody helping me and guiding me through this process has been amazing and a wonderful experience,” said Angela. “I was so determined to give my daughter a better life, and with your help, I am able to make her dream come true of having a stable life. She will be able to stay at the same school for the rest of the school year. It’s nice to be able to give her a stable life, and this truly means more than I can ever imagine.”

Angela and her ten-year-old daughter smile for a photo on the porch of their new home.

Among those who supported Angela’s home dedication were Jeff Joseph, Habitat Choptank Board President and Phyllis Rambo, Habitat Choptank Homebuyer Coach. Pastor Tim Poly presented a Bible. The Rotary Club of Easton, represented by Patti Willis donated a toolbox. Mid Shore Board of Realtors, represented by President Megan Rosendale donated a welcome basket. The Habitat Choptank ReStore, represented by General Manager Anne Davis presented a gift certificate. Jim Thomas, Habitat Choptank Construction Site Supervisor presented Linda with the keys to her new home.

“Angela is the kind of person who always looks at the positive in everything,” said Jim Thomas as he gave Angela her keys. “It was a real pleasure to work with her. She’s just a wonderful person, and I’m glad to be able to hand these keys over to Angela.”

Angela has dreamed of owning her own home for her whole life. As a homeowner, Angela now assumes the responsibilities of repaying her mortgage, maintaining her home, and paying homeowner’s insurance and property taxes. Along with these responsibilities of homeownership also comes a great sense of accomplishment.

Habitat Choptank thanks all of the volunteers, donors, and partners of Habitat Choptank who worked alongside Angela to make her dream of homeownership a reality.

Habitat Choptank believes that everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Due to the high demand for high-quality and affordable homes in this area, Habitat Choptank has moved to schedule interviews only at certain times during the year. If you would like to be considered for the homeownership program and scheduled for an interview, please visit habitatchoptank.org/our-programs and complete the Homebuyer Inquiry Form.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for over 100 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 300 qualifying homeowners in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. By building and rehabbing homes, Habitat Choptank helps families achieve better health, financial freedom, independence, stability, and security. Visit habitatchoptank.org to volunteer or apply for homeownership or home repair.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Habitat Choptank Celebrates 103rd Home Dedication

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Habitat for Humanity Choptank celebrated their 103rd home dedication on Saturday, April 15th in Cambridge. Family and friends as well as Habitat board members, staff, and volunteers gathered on Wells Street to celebrate the new homeowner, Linda.

Linda works as a medical technician, filling an essential need in the community. While working in healthcare full time, Linda completed “sweat equity” hours by working on the Wells Street construction sites and at the ReStore. Linda also attended financial education classes preparing for owning and maintaining her home.

Wells Street has been a major neighborhood revitalization project of Habitat Choptank for the past year, and when complete, will consist of twelve single-family homes for affordable homeownership. These three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes are built with energy-efficient features and will allow homeowners to remain in their homes as they age. Linda is the first to move into her home on Wells Street, which will soon be a thriving community in the heart of Cambridge.

“It is so fitting that Linda is the first Habitat homeowner on Wells Street,” says JoAnn Hansen, Executive Director of Habitat Choptank. “She’s a caregiver, she’s a light, and she’ll be here to welcome all of the other families who will live on Wells Street.”

Linda smiles on the front porch of her new home as Scott Baynard, Construction Site Supervisor gives her the keys to her new home.

Wells Street will have a new sewer system, sidewalks, and streetlights, thanks to the City of Cambridge and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Habitat Choptank thanks Bay Vanguard Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank—Atlanta for supporting the construction of affordable and energy-efficient homes on Wells Street.

Among those who supported Linda’s home dedication were Jodi Cavanaugh, Habitat Choptank Board Vice President; Jameson Harrington, Cambridge Ward 3 Commissioner; Thomas Carroll, Cambridge City Manager; Chris Doria, Habitat Choptank Homebuyer Coach; and JoAnn Hansen, Habitat Choptank Executive Director. Chuck Weber, a longtime volunteer of Habitat Choptank presented a Bible. The Rotary Club of Cambridge, represented by President Jeff Cornwell donated a toolbox. Partners in Giving, represented by Felice Joseph donated a welcome basket. The Habitat Choptank ReStore, represented by General Manager Anne Davis presented a gift certificate. Scott Baynard, Habitat Choptank Construction Site Supervisor presented Linda with the keys to her new home.

While sharing a few words of gratitude at her home dedication, Linda also recounted her path to homeownership. “It has been a journey that actually started in 2019, and then Covid hit. But it must have been my destiny because here I am four years later. I am so humbled for all of you being here and I want to say thank you.” Along with homeowner responsibilities comes a sense of accomplishment and pride in owning her home.

Habitat Choptank extends its gratitude to all of the volunteers, donors, and partners of Habitat Choptank who worked alongside Linda to make her dream of homeownership a reality. This home dedication was a wonderful way to celebrate 30 years of building homes, community, and hope in Talbot and Dorchester Counties.

Habitat Choptank believes that everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Due to the high demand for high-quality and affordable homes in this area, Habitat Choptank has moved to schedule interviews only at certain times during the year. If you would like to be considered for the homeownership program and scheduled for an interview, please visit habitatchoptank.org/our-programs and complete the Homebuyer Inquiry Form.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for over 100 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 300 qualifying homeowners in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. By building and rehabbing homes, Habitat Choptank helps families achieve better health, financial freedom, independence, stability, and security. Visit habitatchoptank.org to volunteer or apply for homeownership or home repair.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

$750,000 Grant from FHL Bank Atlanta Awarded to Habitat Choptank

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Habitat Choptank is one of 14 affordable housing initiatives in seven states that was awarded funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBank Atlanta) in 2022, and it’s the only project funded in Maryland. The grant is through FHLBank Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Program and will support Habitat Choptank’s ambitious project on Wells Street in Cambridge by supporting a portion of the costs associated with constructing eight single-family affordable homes for ownership. BayVanguard Bank, a local bank and member of FHLBank Atlanta partnered with Habitat Choptank, making it possible for the grant application to move forward and is also providing a construction bridge loan to Habitat Choptank to assist in financing the construction costs.  Grant funding provided by FHLBank Atlanta will be paid out over the next two years as these new affordable homes are sold.

Seven of the eight homes will be constructed with two stories and will include 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a first-floor bedroom and other features that would enable homeowners to successfully remain in their homes as they age.  Habitat Choptank homes are targeted toward income qualifying buyers earning between 35 and 65% of the Area Median Income in Dorchester or Talbot Counties and are built to be energy efficient and to last.  Features of these homes include:  concrete and brick front porch and steps; GAF architectural shingles (50-year transferrable warranty); prefinished Hardie plank siding (extended color & material warranties); laminate hardwood flooring typically (20-year warranty); ceramic tile floors in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room (30-year lifespan); fiberglass doors and vinyl windows; energy star heat pump water heater reduces utility bills; improved insulation and air sealing reduces utility bills and improves comfort; and, conditioned crawlspace controls temperature & humidity for improved energy efficiency.

The 2019 Housing and Market Analysis prepared as part of the Cambridge Neighborhood Revitalization plan looked at the economic challenges driven by the lack of safe, affordable housing stock. This plan revealed that “Nearly one out of every four Cambridge households (24%) was severely housing cost burdened in 2017, paying more than 50% of their income on housing costs. More broadly, approximately 46% of all Cambridge households are considered cost burdened paying in excess of 30% of their income on housing expenses. Preservation of an affordable rental housing stock, and homeownership opportunities for the entire income spectrum will be important as upward pressure on prices is likely to continue in Cambridge.”

Habitat for Humanity Choptank plays a vital role in a community such as Cambridge, empowering low-income households to improve their housing conditions so that their dreams for the future, a future for themselves and their families, can become a reality. The organization’s core values help to make that happen:  sweat equity, financial education, and counseling are keys to their success along with partnering with local and state government, community foundations, nonprofit organizations, and individual members from the community who lend their time, talent, and support to work alongside local families as they strive to achieve homeownership or undertake emergency and necessary repairs on their homes.

The Habitat model has been working for 30 years with the organization having a foreclosure rating of less than 2% after building 102 homes.  All this work drives important social and economic outcomes as stable housing has a tremendous impact on family and community health, improved education outcomes for children and increased financial stability and opportunity. In addition to these benefits, building and repairing homes also stimulates other sectors of the economy – driving additional spending and creating more local jobs.

If you are interested in owning your own home on Wells Street in Cambridge, visit habitatchoptank.org to learn more about Habitat Choptank’s homeownership program and to complete the inquiry form.

Wells Street in Cambridge will soon be a thriving neighborhood of safe, affordable, and energy-efficient homes.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for 102 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 300 qualifying homeowners in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. By building and rehabbing homes, Habitat Choptank helps families achieve better health, financial freedom, independence, stability, and security. Visit habitatchoptank.org to volunteer or apply for homeownership or home repair.

About Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta

FHLBank Atlanta offers competitively-priced financing, community development grants, and other banking services to help member financial institutions make affordable home mortgages and provide economic development credit to neighborhoods and communities. The Bank is a cooperative whose members are commercial banks, credit unions, savings institutions, community development financial institutions, and insurance companies located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. FHLBank Atlanta is one of 11 district banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Since 1990, the FHLBanks have awarded approximately $7.3 billion in Affordable Housing Program funds, assisting more than one million households. For more information, visit fhlbatl.com.

About BayVanguard Bank

BayVanguard Bank is a Maryland headquartered, full-service, community bank founded in 1873.  BayVanguard provides the full range of banking products and services with a flexible and responsive delivery.  For more information, visit www.BayVanguard.com.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Habitat Choptank is HUD Certified Thanks in Part to a Grant from Bank of America

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Habitat for Humanity Choptank is now a certified Housing Counseling Agency through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and can now better meet the needs of the community, thanks in part to a grant from Bank of America.

“Habitat Choptank is aware of increasing needs in the community and desires to expand housing counseling services to the public,” says JoAnn Hansen, Executive Director of Habitat Choptank. “The HUD certification reflects Habitat Choptank’s commitment to industry standards and the delivery of quality education and one-on-one services.”

Habitat Choptank applied to HUD for approval as a Housing Counseling Agency, demonstrating an active presence in the communities it serves and the provision of housing counseling services in accordance with HUD requirements. Housing counseling services must be provided by a Certified Housing Counselor. This individual participates in extensive training to gain proficiency in topics covered through housing counseling. Additionally, the counselor must pass an exam and submit an application to HUD for certification.

Matthew Powell, VP—Relationship Manager of Bank of America (left) presents JoAnn Hansen, Habitat Choptank Executive Director (center) and Wayne Suggs, Habitat Choptank Construction Supervisor (right) with a $5,000 gift.

To support the HUD Housing Counseling program, Habitat Choptank applied for a grant from Bank of America and received $5,000. Thanks to the generosity of Bank of America, Habitat Choptank can increase homeownership and housing stability and help families become more resilient and empowered to build a better future.

To better meet the needs of the communities that it serves, Habitat Choptank constantly “expands its toolbox.” The organization provides education resources to anyone looking to improve their housing situation. These resources provide foundational information for making informed decisions regarding housing and financial needs, and they are available to renters, homeowners, and prospective homeowners.

Currently, Habitat Choptank is the only HUD Certified Counseling Agency serving Dorchester and Talbot Counties. Habitat Choptank offers education and one-on-one services related to rental topics, homebuyer readiness, homebuyer education, financial education, and budgeting, fair housing, and post-purchase topics including home maintenance, finances as a homeowner, and protecting your investment.

For more information about these housing counseling resources, visit habitatchoptank.org to review Habitat Choptank’s Housing Counseling Education Program and information, or contact Tara Felts, Housing Counseling & Education Manager at 410-476-3204 ext. 305

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for 100 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 300 qualifying homeowners in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. By building and rehabbing homes, Habitat Choptank helps families achieve better health, financial freedom, independence, stability, and security. Visit habitatchoptank.org to volunteer or apply for homeownership or home repair.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Habitat Choptank’s 100th House Dedicated in Cambridge

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Keyondra smiles and holds the keys to her new home during her home dedication. Photo by George Dappert, Habitat Choptank Board Treasurer.

For a while, Cambridge resident Keyondra had harbored the idea of becoming a Habitat for Humanity homeowner in the back of her mind. But about 8 months ago, after seeing a Facebook story about another local woman who had taken the plunge, she began taking the first steps on a similar journey.

Turning the dream into reality took a dedicated effort involving nearly a year attending educational meetings, earning sweat equity, and staying on a sound financial course, all while working full time. Throughout, family members pitched in with practical and moral support.

Keyondra’s Habitat coach, Jennifer Grier, along with the organization’s other staff members and cadre of construction volunteers, offered invaluable measures of dedication and know-how.

On Saturday, November 12 at 9 a.m., as the cordoned off 400 block of Pine Street filled with joyous well wishes, Keyondra officially became the organization’s 100th soon to be homeowner in its 30 year history of helping Dorchester and Talbot counties build homes, community, and hope.

Under sparkling sunshine following Friday’s stormy weather, Keyondra and her smiling family were joined by Mayor Steve Rideout, 3rd Ward Commissioner Jameson Harrington, and Habitat Choptank staff representatives including Board Vice President Jodi Cavanaugh, Client Services Manager Pat Ingram, Construction Supervisor Scott Baynard, and Executive Director JoAnn Hansen.

Reverend Jerome E. Tilghman, Sr. of Waugh Chapel and St. Luke United Methodist Church offered the ceremony’s invocation, the closing benediction, a Prayer of Dedication and presented Keyondra with a bible.

He quoted from Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord Builds a House, the Builders Labor in Vain,” explaining it as a metaphoric reference for God’s direct involvement in our lives. Tilghman also commended Habitat for “this ministry, which has so graciously given to this community.”

He also noted that the Hebrew word for home appears nearly 1,000 times in the Bible.

“The word represents, not only a primary dwelling place, but also one’s sense of self identity, security, and place in the world.”

Tilghman fondly recalled the serendipitous circumstance of having personal childhood memories associated with the lot where Keyondra’s new home arose.

“When I was in high school, my classmate Terry Matthews lived with his family, right here on this spot, and we would come here almost every day after school, heading upstairs to Terry’s bedroom until his brother Butch ran us all out of the house,” he laughed.

Mary Helen Gillen, Pickering Creek Director of Education, gifted Keyondra with an oak tree sapling, explaining that it represented longevity while also providing cooling shade and enduring beauty.  Gillen noted Pickering Creek’s pride in its ongoing partnership with Habitat, helping new homeowners opt for Bay friendly landscaping.

Julia Barker, past president of the women’s group  Partners in Giving, and fellow member Julie Fox, also a longtime Habitat volunteer and partner coach, gifted Keyondra with a large welcome basket laden with housewarming supplies, and Jeff Cornwall, Cambridge Rotary Club President, donated a stocked toolbox to the new homeowner.

Before presenting her with keys and scissors to officially snip open the sky blue ribbon ornamenting the front door, Construction Supervisor Baynard gave Keyondra a $100 gift certificate to Habitat’s ReStore located on Commerce Drive in Easton.

In her closing remarks, Hansen addressed Habitat’s fulfilling 30 year mission of making home ownership a reality, thanks to working in partnership with God and all people.

Congratulating Keyondra, she said, “The fact is, that the woman on my left is dedicated, has persevered, and overcome, to soon become the owner of this home,” her words meeting with cheers and applause from the crowd.

Hansen added that it’s God who provides the home’s foundation.  “I promise you he will meet you everywhere in this house, wherever you are, even when the storms come, and they will come, but if you stand on that foundation, and that of your family and community, God will support you and lift you up, always.”

Rev. Tilghman echoed those sentiments in his benediction.

“Just as God builds his Kingdom, one person at a time, we build this community one home at a time.”

For more information, or to volunteer, visit www.habitatchoptank.org.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for 100 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 300 qualifying homeowners in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. By building and rehabbing homes, Habitat Choptank helps families achieve better health, financial freedom, independence, stability, and security. Visit habitatchoptank.org to volunteer or apply for homeownership or home repair.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Tickets on Sale Now for Habitat Choptank’s Hard Hats & High Heels

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Tickets are now on sale for Habitat for Humanity Choptank’s premiere Hard Hats & High Heels fundraising event to support the need for building homes, community and hope in Dorchester & Talbot Counties.

Habitat Choptank’s premiere signature fundraiser, Hard Hats & High Heels, celebrates the organization’s 30 year history and is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 19th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Waterfowl Building in Easton. This night of celebration and fun includes cocktails, h’ors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions, and more! The online auction will feature the Habitat Hut, the ultimate shed for any backyard gathering! This 10’ x 14’ shed will include furniture. Attendees are encouraged to dress creatively by taking inspiration from the “Hard Hats & High Heels” theme of the event!

All proceeds from Hard Hats & High Heels will benefit Habitat Choptank’s mission—to work in partnership with God and all people to build, rehab, and repair homes, improve the quality of life in communities, and help to restore hope in Talbot and Dorchester Counties. Habitat Choptank’s promise to families that partner with the organization is that no family will spend more than  30% of their income on the cost of housing.

In the State of Maryland, 1 out of 6 households spend more than 50% of their income on housing, which means that other needs such as healthcare, prescription drugs, education, clothing and food often go unmet.  “Housing is the foundation for community health and well-being and providing access to safe, stable and affordable housing impacts the community is ways far beyond a roof and 4 walls.  Kids do better in school, health improves, and quite frankly families can sleep with a certain peace of mind that many of us take for granted”, shared Habitat Choptank’s Executive Director JoAnn Hansen.

Funds raised from Hard Hats & High Heels will support Habitat Choptank as it continues to build and repair safe, decent, and affordable homes for hardworking families in Talbot and Dorchester Counties.   Tickets for Hard Hats & High Heels are $75 each and include two beverage tickets. Tables of 8 guests are $2,000 and include a wristband for beverages during the entire event, a table close to the stage, and a pre-reception with a toast to supporting the need for affordable housing in our community. Use the following link to purchase tickets or tables or to make a donation: bit.ly/hard-hats-and-high-heels.

Habitat Choptank extends their gratitude to their event sponsors: Signature Sponsor, Shore United; Hard Hat Sponsors, Bay Imprint and Town & Country Wine, Liquor, Etc.; and Avon Dixon, Choptank Electric Cooperative, Easton Utilities, Friel Lumber, M&T Bank, Preston Ford, and Tri-Gas & Oil, Inc.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for 99 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 300 qualifying homeowners in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. By building and rehabbing homes, Habitat Choptank helps families achieve better health, financial freedom, independence, stability, and security. Visit habitatchoptank.org to volunteer or apply for homeownership or home repair.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Bluepoint Hospitality Group Provides Generous Support to Habitat Choptank

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Habitat for Humanity Choptank received a generous gift of $25,000 from Bluepoint Hospitality Group. This gift will be used for critical equipment to help Habitat Choptank build and rehab homes in Talbot and Dorchester Counties.

Habitat Choptank is using Bluepoint Hospitality’s gift for three new construction trailers. While the affiliate owned two trailers, those trailers date back to 1996, making them26 years old. In addition, three trailers are really needed to fully support all of Habitat Choptank’s build sites. The affiliate’s continued work in rehabbing and restoring homes makes the equipment even more necessary and will save Habitat Choptank considerable money in dump fees.

L-R: Wayne Suggs, Habitat Choptank Construction Director; Joanne Prager and Julia Foxwell, representing Bluepoint Hospitality Group; and Jim Thomas, Habitat Choptank Construction Supervisor in Talbot County.

JoAnn Hansen, Executive Director of Habitat Choptank expressed her gratitude for Bluepoint Hospitality’s generosity. “The right tools are critical to our work. This gift will allow Habitat Choptank to ramp up our work in The Hill District in Easton where five new builds and an historic rehab will take place, while continuing our work in Cambridge and St. Michaels. We can’t thank Bluepoint Hospitality enough for their support of our work.”

Paul Prager of Bluepoint Hospitality Group recognizes the state of affordable housing in the community, and made this gift in support of Habitat Choptank’s mission. “A safe and comfortable home is the foundation for well-being. My wife, Joanne, and I hope that this gift enables Habitat to continue to provide safety and opportunity to our neighbors in Talbot County,” said Mr. Prager.

This year, Habitat Choptank is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The generosity of supporters like Bluepoint Hospitality has enabled Habitat Choptank to build, rehab and repair homes in Talbot and Dorchester County for three decades. Visit habitatchoptank.org/donate for ways to give and support Habitat Choptank’s mission.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for 99 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 300 qualifying homeowners in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. By building and rehabbing homes, Habitat Choptank helps families achieve better health, financial freedom, independence, stability, and security. Visit habitatchoptank.org to volunteer or apply for homeownership or home repair.

About Bluepoint Hospitality

Bluepoint Hospitality Group owns and operates boutique restaurants and businesses in Talbot County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Our team strives to create an atmosphere that is refined, yet never pretentious. We are committed to providing a remarkable experience for our guests- one that is executed with excellent service and the very finest cuisine.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Habitat Choptank Raffles off the Habitat Hut

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Habitat for Humanity Choptank is raffling off the Habitat Hut as a fundraiser for their mission to build homes, community and hope in Talbot and Dorchester Counties.

Habitat for Humanity Choptank is building and raffling off a backyard shed called the Habitat Hut as their spring fundraiser. The Habitat Hut is a 10’ x 14’ backyard shed valued at $8,000, and it was fully designed, constructed, furnished, and decorated by Habitat Choptank’s dedicated construction volunteers, repair crew, and board members. The Habitat Hut includes a brand new TV, a new Weber grill for barbecues, and a counter window with barstools.

All of the proceeds from the Habitat Hut raffle will support Habitat Choptank’s mission to build homes, community, and hope in Talbot and Dorchester Counties. “One in 7 households — 17.6 million in total — were “severely cost burdened,” spending half or more of their income on housing, and Maryland’s Eastern Shore is no better,” said JoAnn Hansen, Executive Director for Habitat Choptank. “We are committed to ensuring that families in our area have a safe place to call home. Every ticket purchased for the Habitat Hut raffle will help more families in need.”

Habitat Hut raffle tickets are $25 each, or five for $100. Tickets are available at the Habitat Choptank affiliate office in Trappe, at the Habitat Choptank ReStore in Easton, from Habitat Choptank board and staff members, and online at bit.ly/habitat-hut. The winning ticket will be pulled at the Habitat Choptank ReStore on Commerce Drive in Easton on June 15.

Habitat Choptank will pay for and coordinate delivery of the Habitat Hut for the winner to one address in Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, or Dorchester County. Delivery must take place by July 31, 2022. For more details regarding shed permits and site preparation, visit habitatchoptank.org/news-events/habitat-hut/.

The Habitat Hut will include a brand new TV, a new Weber grill for barbecues, and a counter window with barstools. If you would like to see it before purchasing a raffle ticket, it is currently located behind the Habitat Choptank ReStore on Commerce Drive in Easton.

About Habitat Choptank
Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 97 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 263 qualifying homeowners. Habitat Choptank provides services in Dorchester and Talbot Counties and currently accepts applications for its homeownership and repair programs throughout the year.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.