St. Michaels Community Center

Healthy Living Classes Begins March 2 in St. Michaels

February 26, 2023 by St. Michaels Community Center

The St. Michaels Community Center in partnership with the Talbot County Health Department is offering two classes promoting healthier living that are free and open to the public, with limited participation and preregistration needed.

Both six-week classes take place in small group settings at the St. Michaels Community Center at 207 N. Talbot St. and include a cooking demonstration that will show how to prepare healthy meals utilizing ingredients available from the pantry. Dinner will be provided to all participants.

The first class focuses on chronic disease self-management and takes place on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning March 2 and continuing through April 6.

The workshop will provide tips and techniques for pain and fatigue management, dealing with depression, healthy eating and exercise, medication management, working with healthcare providers, goal setting, problem solving, and more.

Diabetes self-management is the focus of the second class and takes place on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning March 22 and continuing through April 26.

This workshop will help adults with Type 2 diabetes or who are pre diabetic with management tips including defining diabetes, dealing with stress, appropriate exercise, carb-counting, addressing high and low blood sugar, healthy eating, menu planning, and more.

Registration for the workshops can be made by calling SMCC at 410-745-6073 or emailing stephanie@stmichaelscc.org.

The Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence serves residents throughout the state of Maryland with a variety of evidence-based programs to improve self-management of chronic conditions along with wellness programs promoting health and preventing disease.

Donations to the St. Michaels Community Center’s annual fund and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop, located on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels, help provide essential human services, programs, and community events for people in St. Michaels and from throughout Maryland’s Bay Hundred area. The nonprofit is currently undergoing an adaptive redesign of its building, with architectural renderings, new programming information, and more at www.stmichaelscc.org/future.

Kerri Clear Joins St. Michaels Community Center as Executive Chef

February 15, 2023 by St. Michaels Community Center

Kerri Clear

Kerri Clear of Easton, Md. has been named Executive Chef at the St. Michaels Community Center, where she is responsible for creating healthful, nutritious menus for SMCC’s Community Café. Clear also will be working with local chefs and food distribution programs to coordinate food donations, including fresh produce and cooked dishes.

The St. Michaels Community Center’s Community Café serves eat-in and take-out meals during select hours each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, provided at no cost for individuals and families in need. The Café is made possible through support from the Maryland Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul of Easton, numerous local restaurants and businesses, and donors to SMCC.

Clear grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland where garden and dairy coops fed her family.

“I developed an appreciation for fresh ingredients and flavors,” says Clear. “While in college I found my love of hospitality and never looked back. Since then, I’ve worked in all aspects of the business and have taken every opportunity to build a career doing what I love.”

Clear’s culinary experience spans more than 20 years of working in the hospitality industry, including most recently serving as chef at Latitude 38 in Oxford, Md.

“Being around food and people talking about food has always been and remains my happy place,” says Clear. “I believe food brings people together, and I love being part of it.”

SMCC’s programs are expanding into culinary and hospitality workforce training with the adaptive redesign of the nonprofit’s Railroad Ave. building currently underway. Clear will serve an important role in planning and executing the new program, with guidance from regional chefs and hospitality professionals serving on SMCC’s Culinary & Hospitality Advisory Team.

The renovated Community Center will include a modern, well-equipped commercial kitchen, where SMCC will train people for jobs in restaurants and hotels, and from which the Center can continue to serve and deliver prepared meals and tens of thousands of bags of groceries to those in need.

“Kerri joins our team at a critical juncture in the 30+-year history of the St. Michaels Community Center,” said SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “Her knowledge, relationships, and talents will help plan and lead our future culinary programming while bringing more fresh, nutritious meals to the people we serve.”

Donations to the St. Michaels Community Center’s annual fund and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop, located on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels, help provide essential human services, programs, and community events for people in St. Michaels and from throughout Maryland’s Bay Hundred area, with more at www.stmichaelscc.org. More about SMCC’s building renovations and new programming is at www.stmichaelscc.org/future.

Program for Dads Begins Feb. 28 in St. Michaels

February 10, 2023 by St. Michaels Community Center

The St. Michaels Community Center is helping dads and men learn or brush up on their fathering skills with a program beginning on Tuesday, February 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The course consists of 12 weekly sessions ending on May 16 and taking place at SMCC’s location during renovations at 207 N. Talbot Street in St. Michaels, Md.

The free program includes dinner for participants, with limited participation and pre-registration recommended. The program is facilitated by the Responsible Fathers Initiative and follows the National Fatherhood Initiative’s evidence-based 24/7 Dad® curriculum to help build stronger family connections for dads.

“We’re grateful to be able to provide meaningful programs like this to help strengthen local families while empowering dads to be the best fathers they can be,” said St. Michaels Community Center Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “The program will help dads with the parenting, relationship, and communication skills needed to be more involved, responsible, and committed fathers.”

Developed by fathering and parenting experts, the community-based program helps men develop the attitudes, knowledge, and skills they need to get—and stay—involved with their children. The program focuses on key fathering characteristics—like fathering styles, discipline, and work/family balance—and helps men evaluate their own parenting skills, as well as their fathering role models.

“The commitments of a nurturing and responsible father strengthen the entire family,” said Responsible Fathers Initiative Lead Facilitator Corey W. Pack. “I am excited to work with the St. Michaels Community Center to reach fathers in St. Michaels and throughout the Bay Hundred area.”

Pack founded the Responsible Fathers Initiative in 2021 after a career working with the State of Maryland and while serving as Talbot County Councilman. The Initiative provides communication and engagement skills and provides fathers with an understanding of the importance of their roles in the family while providing the skills and tools needed to empower fathers to be the best they can be. More is at www.responsiblefathersintiative.org.

For more information or to enroll in the program, contact SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe at 410-745-6073 or at patrick@stmichaelscc.org.

St. Michaels Community Center Names Culinary & Hospitality Advisory Team

February 3, 2023 by St. Michaels Community Center

The St. Michaels Community Center’s current renovations are about more than just a building because the new Community Center will be home to new programs, including culinary and hospitality workforce training.

A new Culinary & Hospitality Advisory Team is helping the St. Michaels Community Center plan and execute these new workforce training programs, with advisory members including Chesapeake College Workforce Programs Dean Jason Mullen, Maryland 2022 Chef of the Year and The Inn at Perry Cabin Executive Chef Gregory James, Ava’s Pizzeria & Theo’s Steakhouse Executive Chef Derek Dilley, Gina’s Café Owner and Executive Chef Gina Werner, Perdue Farms Culinary Team Corporate Executive Chef Chris Moyer, CEC, CRC, and Hambleton House Events & Catering Owners Executive Chef Jordan Lloyd and Alice Lloyd.

“The St. Michaels Community Center has a three-point mission that includes connecting people to resources,” says SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “And now we have connected an incredibly talented group of culinary professionals to help build our future programs. We are extremely grateful for the insights and guidance from these advisory team members.”

Photo: SMCC Culinary & Hospitality Advisory Team Member Chef Jordan Lloyd of Hambleton House Events & Catering, left, with SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe, right, in SMCC’s temporary kitchen space during renovations.

The Community Center’s renovated building will be an adaptive redesign of its current structure, meaning some parts of the World War II-era building will remain. The project team includes general contractor Harper & Sons, Inc. and engineering by Lane Engineers, both of Easton, Md. The project’s architect is McInturff Architects of Bethesda and Neavitt, Md.

The new building will include a modern, well-equipped commercial kitchen, where SMCC will train people for jobs in restaurants and hotels, and from which the Center can continue to serve and deliver prepared meals and tens of thousands of bags of groceries to those in need.

The new Community Center also will include a Technology Center where students can do their homework and space for after-school programs and community gatherings. SMCC is working with Chesapeake College and other partners to provide high-level instruction right in the middle of town.

Architectural renderings of the new building and more about SMCC’s planned capital improvements, including updates and information about how to support the campaign are at www.stmichaelscc.org/future.

The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to serve, empower, and connect the community, with year-round essential human services programs and activities for children, families, and adults. Tax-deductible 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 people in St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred’s communities, with more at www.stmichaelscc.org.

St. Michaels Community Center Gutted, Renovation Begins

December 8, 2022 by St. Michaels Community Center

Architect Mark McInturff walks toward the front of the now-gutted lumber warehouse building that has been serving as the St. Michaels Community Center for more than 30 years. The building is now under major renovation through 2023, with the project supported by grants and tax-deductible donations from individuals and private foundations that are now being 100% matched by another donor through Dec. 31. McInturff is the architect for the project, with Harper & Sons, Inc. of Easton, Md. serving as the general contractor. A video tour, architectural renderings, and more about the project are at www.stmichaelscc.org/future.

St. Michaels Community Center Renovations Begin

November 23, 2022 by St. Michaels Community Center

After a highly-competitive process, the St. Michaels Community Center has selected Harper & Sons, of Easton, Md. as the general contractor for the renovation of the nonprofit’s WWII-era building at 103 Railroad Ave., with the project kicking off Mon., Nov. 21.

“We are extremely pleased with how Harper & Sons has approached this project so far, and we can’t wait to get started on construction,” said SMCC Advisory Board President Langley Shook. “They have an impressive track record with successful commercial projects in St. Michaels and throughout the Eastern Shore,” adding “we have been very impressed with their work and what we have heard from their other clients.”

From left: Harper & Sons Vice President Benson Harper and St. Michaels Community Center Advisory Board President Langley Shook at the nonprofit’s WWII-era building at 103 Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels, Md.

Harper & Sons, Inc. was founded in 1968 by Howard G. Harper in Easton, Md. after his work as a general manager for the ES Adkins Company Lumberyard in Easton. He started the business as a way for him and his sons to meet the construction needs of the rapidly developing Eastern Shore.

Today, Harper & Sons is managed by the third generation of family members, with project experience that includes working with the Town of St. Michaels, Caroline County, Easton Utilities Commission, Choptank Community Health System, University of Maryland Medical System, Salisbury University, Compass Hospice, and more.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to work on this meaningful project for St. Michaels and the entire Bay Hundred region,” says Harper & Sons Vice President Benson Harper. “We look forward to overseeing the project—as our top management does on all of our projects—to ensure a high level of responsibility and personal attention to critical details throughout the renovation process.”

The Community Center’s renovated building will be an adaptive redesign of its current structure, meaning some parts of the World War II-era building will remain. The architect for the project is McInturff Architects of Bethesda and Neavitt, Md.

Founded in 1990, SMCC purchased its current building in 2015 and has since made do with the converted lumber storage warehouse’s crudely constructed interior that lacks windows, heat or air conditioning in most of the building. Disability access also has been a major issue.

The St. Michaels Community Center’s renovated building will be an adaptive redesign of its current structure, meaning some parts of the World War II-era building will remain.

“Our building’s primary asset is its location in the commercial district, near the people we serve,” says St. Michaels Community Center Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “This long-awaited renovation will make the St. Michaels Community Center the only fully-equipped resource center for social services on the Bay Hundred peninsula,” he added.

The new Community Center also will include a Technology Center where students can do their homework and space for after-school programs and community gatherings. Rofe says the Center is working with Chesapeake College and other partners to provide high-level instruction right in the middle of town.

Support for the renovation is both broad and deep, reflecting the urgency of the need. Charitable contributions from individuals have been the largest source of funding, with more than $1M from the State of Maryland, and other government and foundation support. Shook says most of the necessary funding already has been raised, and there is a 100% donor match for additional tax-deductible gifts to the capital campaign before year-end, 2022.

“The excitement is really growing,” says Rofe, adding that “We’ve packed up our programs and administrative operations to prepare for the renovations, thanks in part to a number of volunteers who assisted with the efforts.”

Christ Church, St. Michaels generously has donated office space in its Parish Hall, located at the intersection of Church Street and Willow Street. The Center’s food services and other programs will be moved throughout the renovation to 207 N. Talbot St., next door to The Wildset Hotel.

Both temporary locations are close toSMCC’sbuilding, and there will be only minimal disruptions to client services during the building renovation. The Center anticipates operating from its two temporary locations until the end of next year when the renovation project is expected to be completed.

The renovation will not impact SMCC’s Treasure Cove Thrift Shop on Railroad Avenue, which will be open throughout the project.

Community Center Seeks Christmas Donations for Bay Hundred Families

November 17, 2022 by St. Michaels Community Center

New, unwrapped toys are being sought to benefit Bay Hundred area children this holiday season, with drop-off locations including the St. Michaels Community Center, The LumberYard in St. Michaels, Perkins Family YMCA, and Fairbank Tackle. The toy drive is organized by St. Michaels Granite Lodge #177, with donated toys being accepted through Dec. 21.

SMCC additionally is seeking donations of non-perishables, toiletries, and household goods, which can also be dropped off or shipped directly to SMCC at its temporary program location of 207 N. Talbot St., next to The Wildset Hotel, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donated toys and household goods with “for the holiday drive” noted can also be dropped off at Treasure Cove Thrift Shop at 200 Railroad Ave. Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The St. Michaels Community Center is seeking donations of new toys, non-perishables, toiletries, and household goods, which can be dropped off or shipped directly to SMCC at its temporary location at 207 N. Talbot St., located next to The Wildset Hotel.

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 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 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations to the Thrift Store of gently used clothing, toys, household goods, and furniture are gratefully accepted Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to serve, empower, and connect the community, with year-round essential human services programs and activities for children, families, and adults. 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 people in St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred’s communities, with more at www.stmichaelscc.org.

St. Michaels Community Center Gains Grant Support to Address Hunger

November 9, 2022 by St. Michaels Community Center

The SMCC recently received grant funding in support of the nonprofit’s food distribution program, with Executive Chef Sean Raspberry shown here in SMCC’s current facilities.

The St. Michaels Community Center recently received grant funding in support of feeding people in need through the nonprofit’s food distribution program. The St. Michaels Community Center offers freshly cooked, nutritious meals and pantry bags each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, providing for up to 250 people for each meal.

A $2,945 matching grant has been awarded by the Maryland Department of Human Services Statewide Nutrition Assistance Equipment Program (SNAEP) for the purchase of pantry and kitchen equipment for the St. Michaels Community Center.

A $10,700 American Rescue Plan Act grant has also been awarded by Talbot County for the purchase of food and equipment supporting the St. Michaels Community Center’s food distribution program. The program provides meals and pantry items for people in need from throughout Talbot County’s Bay Hundred area, which spans from the Royal Oak bridge to Tilghman Island.

Other recent grants and gifts in support of SMCC’s general operations and food distribution program have come from The Qlarant Foundation, the Maryland Food Bank, and the local Hell’s Crossing neighborhood group, among others.

“This support comes at a critical time in our history as we move forward with plans to renovate our Community Center,” says St. Michaels Community Center Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “These funds will help SMCC strengthen its food distribution program with the purchase of new kitchen and pantry equipment and will provide nutrition education to our neighbors. These funds will help SMCC provide assistance to our neighbors who need our support the most.”

The Community Center announced its first-ever capital campaign supporting the adaptive redesign of its building earlier this year and is currently seeking donations to finish out the campaign. Groundbreaking plans are anticipated to be announced later this year.

The renovated facility will include a modern, well-equipped commercial kitchen, where SMCC plans to train people for jobs in restaurants and hotels, and from which the Center can continue to serve and deliver prepared meals and tens of thousands of bags of groceries to those in need.

Included in the plans are a Technology Center where students can do their homework and space for community gatherings, along with classrooms where Chesapeake College and others can provide high-level instruction right in the middle of town.

Architectural renderings of the building and more about SMCC’s planned capital improvements, including updates and information about how to support the campaign are at www.stmichaelscc.org/future.

The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to serve, empower, and connect the community, with year-round essential human services programs and activities for children, families, and adults.

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 people in St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred’s communities. More is at www.stmichaelscc.org.

Community Center Hosts Sept. 17 Rock the Block Party

September 10, 2022 by St. Michaels Community Center

The St. Michaels Community Center is hosting a Rock the Block Party on Sat., Sept. 17 from 3 to 6:00 p.m. The free event includes food and drinks, music, games, children’s activities, community resources, and more.

The St. Michaels Community Center hosts block parties throughout the year to build a stronger relationship between neighbors and the community center.

“We are grateful for the work we do in partnership with our donors and community supporters,” said SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “These events bring people together to become more engaged in and connected to the community as a whole.”

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.

Community Center Hosts Aug. 2 National Night Out Block Party

July 29, 2022 by St. Michaels Community Center

The St. Michaels Community Center is joining the St. Michaels Police Department and numerous community partners to host a National Night Out Big Block Party on Tues., Aug. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The free event includes food and drinks, Nannie’s water ice, music, games, community resources, and a police display.

National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. The program provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances, with more at www.natw.org.

“We are grateful for the work we do in partnership with the St. Michaels Police Department,” said SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “Together we keep the pulse of the community so that we can help people find the resources they need and to strengthen our community as a whole.”

“National Night Out hits at the core of our community policing approach,” said St. Michaels Police Chief Anthony Smith, who also serves on SMCC’s Advisory Board. “Partnering with the Community Center in this way helps bring people together, and the opportunity to meet the police officers who serve to protect our community.”

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