Golfers met at the Eisenhower golf course on September 11^th to commemorate the heroic deeds of the first responders on that day 17 years ago and our wounded vets who are fighting for us everyday.

This is the first time that the golf tourney, the “Rider Cup,” sponsored by Talisman Therapeutic Riding, Inc. in Grasonville was held on the Western Shore. This year’s location did not dissuade the Eastern Shore golfers from participating but it did, in fact, make it more convenient for the organization’s Western Shore supporters to play.

Following a lunch provided by Pasta and Murphy Ameriprise, the golfers teed off at 1:00 PM and began the competition for longest drive, closest to the tee, low net, …… The day concluded with dinner and prizes.

Talisman Therapeutic Riding is the only year round PATH certified therapeutic riding facility on the Eastern Shore. After beginning with one horse and 2 riders in 2011, the organization’s instructors and therapists now provide more than 3500 lessons a year to veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and children and adults with physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.

The Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Linda Persaud as Family Advocate. Persaud, who interned at the Talbot County CAC in the spring of 2018, will assist victims and families who are referred to the center after a sexual assault has occurred. The CAC provides a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary response in a child-focused setting to allegations of child sexual and severe physical abuse. In partnership with University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, the CAC provides forensic interviews and non-invasive medical examinations in a secure location for cases in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties.

Persaud has completed a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and her Bachelor’s of Social Work from The Richard Stockton College of NJ.

In her job as Family Advocate, Persaud will provide crisis intervention and support to caregivers and child victims of abuse when a child is participating in a Forensic Interview, Forensic Exam, and other CAC services.  She conducts intakes, assessments, and provides referrals to behavioral health and community services.  She also provides advocacy services and support through the entire legal process, including attending court with the child and family.

Persaud comments, “As family advocate, I am part of a multidisciplinary team with Law Enforcement, the Talbot County Department of Social Services, and the State’s Attorney Office, which helps to support the client. Our goal is to meet the needs of the child and family – working through their concerns and helping to stabilize their emotions through the process.”

She adds, “Education is very important in the process, keeping child and family informed, and making sure they have voice.”

Lauren Krasko, Coordinator of the Talbot County CAC, states, “Linda is bilingual in Spanish. Having her on board has been especially helpful with our Hispanic clients in developing a level of trust. She has become one of the other trusted adults in the lives of the children and teenagers we work with.”

Talbot Community Connections (TCC), a 14-member volunteer nonprofit board, was formed to raise funds to enhance the Talbot County Department of Social Services’ capacity to respond directly to problems of safety and well-being of county citizens. The funds raised by TCC help abused children through the CAC. In addition to grant funds, the Center operates on donated funds from the community.  The generous contribution of space and facility infrastructure from Shore Health System is essential to keeping the Center’s doors open. To donate to Talbot Community Connections for the Children’s Advocacy Center, visit talbotcommunityconnections.org.  For further information about the CAC or to make a donation, contact Lauren Krasko at 410-820-7141.

Compass Regional Hospice recently completed its 24^th Camp New Dawn, a grief retreat summer camp for children, teens and families, held annually at Camp Pecometh near Centreville.

The retreat, which took place from Aug. 18 to 21, is designed to meet the needs of all ages and stages of grief, serving children and teens between the ages of 4 and 17, as well as their families. This year, 92 children and eight families were served by Camp New Dawn.

Of those numbers, 35 participants were from Queen Anne’s County, 25 were from Caroline County and 12 were from Kent County. Other camp participants were from other Mid-Shore and Maryland counties, and some came from as far away as Delaware to take part in camp.

From left are Compass Regional Hospice’s Camp New Dawn Director Rhonda Knotts and Nathan Powell.

Camp New Dawn Director Rhonda Knotts, who has been involved with the camp for nearly 20 years, said, “It’s just a reflection of what our community, the losses they have suffered and the pain that is still out there. Remembrance is necessary in healing. You may not realize it at first, but Camp New Dawn helps you to take a step forward; just by showing up, honoring, remembering and crying for your loved ones … you move forward, just a little bit. Somehow, you walk through a doorway.”

Nearly 120 volunteers were on hand during the camp to make sure it ran smoothly. About two dozen more assisted with preparations prior to camp beginning.

The most visible volunteers are “Buddies” — caring and compassionate adults who were paired up with campers to provide support. There also were support staff volunteers who tended to every detail of camp by helping plan, set up and facilitate activities. Former campers, “PALS” and “Campatiers,” were found helping in a variety of ways around camp, as well as sharing their own personal camp experiences with new campers.

Knotts said every year the camp is notably full of amazing volunteers and memorable support groups, but this year, she also noted the impact of the younger volunteers – how many campers eventually become volunteers, helping other children and families through difficult periods of grief.

“I get so emotional about our volunteers, because they just keep showing up, every year,” Knotts said. “It’s these kids, too, these young adults, who, if we can give them pieces of this, they really can, through ideas of their own, make Camp New Dawn grow into the future.”

Pictured are participants following a therapeutic activity that involved spray-painting a van to express their feelings.

Knotts said it is not just the visible volunteers that make Camp New Dawn so special, but the ones behind the scenes, as well. Several of those behind-the-scenes volunteers include the Anthony family and several friends who make the opening night cookout possible; Carolyn Moorsehead who purchased all the food for the opening night cookout; Karla Horton of Dragonfly Paddle and Fitness who offered to teach yoga to children during opening night therapeutic activities; Dave Briguglio of Ridgely and owner of Greener Systems LLC, and several of his friends, who cook and provide boardwalk fries to the campers during the opening night cookout; and countless others who volunteer their time, talents and money to make sure the campers have a unique and memorable experience, before, during and after camp.

One such volunteer is Nathan Powell, who spent two weeks prior to the start of Camp New Dawn making gallons of homemade vanilla ice cream for the campers to enjoy during the opening night cookout.

“You know, it’s not the idea of him making the ice cream, really, it’s the idea of the devotion,” Knotts said. “What people are willing to do to somehow make Camp New Dawn even more special. Dr. (Thomas) Walsh (Compass Regional Hospice’s chief medical director) had a snow cone mobile show up on Monday during camp; Georgia and Jim Wilkison arranged for a snow cone mobile to show up on Sunday, in the heat of the afternoon … snow cones for every volunteer and every kid. It’s not the gift, it’s the idea that they want to make it more memorable for these kids.”

Knotts said the August retreat helps participants learn healthy ways to express their grief.

“Under the guidance of professional grief support staff and specially trained volunteers, participants are taught healthy ways to express their grief in a safe, supportive and fun environment, while also getting to know others who are on a similar journey,” Knotts said.

Campers ages 7 to 17 attended therapeutic workshops, age-specific grief support groups and participated in supervised camp activities, such as swimming, fishing, drumming, yoga and arts and crafts.

Camp New Dawn uses Camp Pecometh near Centreville as the site for the long-weekend camp, and Knotts said Compass Regional Hospice is “deeply grateful and appreciative for all the support from Camp Pecometh’s staff.”

Camp New Dawn also included an overnight adult and family retreat that began Sunday, Aug. 19. While their campers were busy learning how to cope with their grief, parents and guardians were invited to attend the adult retreat designed to help restore participants to a place of wholeness as they learn to navigate their own grief journey. Activities included grief support groups, therapeutic workshops and restorative activities, such as sunrise yoga and nature walks. The adults then were then joined by their children for overnight family camp, where they came together to learn skills they could take home with them. A mini retreat for children ages 4 to 6 was held Monday, Aug. 20.

The cost of Camp New Dawn was $30 per camper and $75 per family. These fees represent a small fraction of the actual cost of operating Camp New Dawn and no one is ever turned away because of an inability to pay. Compass Regional Hospice relies on community donations, grants and fundraising events to cover expenses, so that anyone who needs to attend may participate in Camp New Dawn.

During closing ceremonies, campers and volunteers gathered and walked to the ceremony together while chanting “We Heal. We Laugh. We Create.”

Knotts said she is grateful for a community who cares and who devoted time, resources and funding to make sure camp is available to those who need it.

“Camp New Dawn is a year-round priority for us at Compass Regional Hospice,” Knotts said. “We work really hard all year to make sure we have what we need for these children and families.”

For more information about Camp New Dawn, contact Knotts at 443-262-4109 or rknotts@compassregionalhospice.org. For more information about volunteering for Camp New Dawn, contact Courtney Williams, assistant Camp New Dawn director, at 443-262-4112 or cwilliams@compassregionalhospice.org. For more information about donating to Camp New Dawn, contact Kenda Leager, development officer, at 443-262-4106 or kleager@compassregionalhospice.org.

Compass Regional Hospice – Care on your terms

Compass Regional Hospice is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the state of Maryland and accredited by the Joint Commission. Since 1985, Compass Regional Hospice has been dedicated to supporting people of all ages through the challenge of living with a life-limiting illness and learning to live following the death of a loved one. Today, the organization is a regional provider of hospice care and grief support in Queen Anne’s, Kent and Caroline counties. “Care on your terms” is the promise that guides staff and volunteers as they care for patients in private residences, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and the residential hospice centers in Centreville and Chestertown. Grief support services are offered to children, adults and families of patients who died under hospice care, as well as members of the community who are grieving the loss of a loved one, through The Hope and Healing Center. For more information about Compass Regional Hospice, visit compassregionalhospice.org.

Paul M. Katz, DO, FACA, FASAM will join the medical team at Eastern Shore Psychological Services (ESPS) full time this month.  As the Associate Medical Director for Recovery Services, he will lead the Agency’s recovery team in expanding state of the art Recovery Programs.  Dr. Katz will provide direct care services primarily at the agency’s Kent and Talbot County locations.  Dr. Katz is board certified in addiction medicine, anesthesiology and family practice.  He received his doctorate from Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and training in anesthesiology at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.  Dr. Katz is Diplomat of the American Board of Addiction Medicine and President-Elect of the Maryland-D.C. Society of Addiction Medicine He in the Founder of the Chesapeake Wellness Center where he has provided specialized treatment in substance abuse in Cecil County since 2000.

Dr. Ben Kohl, Director of Mid Shore Programs for ESPS notes, “We are thrilled to have Dr. Katz join our team.  His philosophy of treating the whole person, commitment to promoting mental wellness and relapse prevention, and clear dedication to treating this epidemic in rural communities makes him a perfect match for our agency.”

Eastern Shore Psychological Services was formed in 1999 in Salisbury, Maryland by Dr. Kathryn Seifert and has grown to become one of the leading providers of behavioral health on the Shore.   The agency, which has locations in Somerset, Worchester, Talbot and Kent counties, annually helps over 3,000 consumers address mental health concerns, recover from substance use problems, and heal from the impact of trauma.  Dr. Larry Pezor, ESPS Chief Medical Officer, adds, “Dr. Katz’ expertise brings a level of care and quality of service unsurpassed by any Agency on the Eastern Shore”.

To learn more about how to access ESPS services please call 443-282-0102 or visit www.espsmd.com.

Talbot Community Connections, a non-profit organization of volunteers that was founded to raise monies to meet the kinds of needs that can overwhelm and cause long-term disruption to families, recently supported the Talbot County Department of Social Services (TCDSS) in providing over 269 cinch sacks with school supplies at the agency’s 11^th annual event. The cinch sacks were filled with school supplies to area school-aged children in grades Pre-K through high school, as well as children ages 0 to three years of age. Vendors at this year’s event included Talbot County Hunger Coalition, Mid-Shore Pro-Bono, Agape Ministries, Priority Partners, Talbot County Health Department, Healthy Talbot, MD Coalition of Families, WIC-Mid Shore, Channel Marker, MD Legal Aid, Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, Talbot County Free Library and the Talbot County Sheriff’s Department. In addition, Bay Area Church of Easton and First Baptist Church of Easton were on hand to give out free ice pops. The ACME donated 15 cases of water again this year to event participants.

Talbot Community Connections provides supplemental funds to the TCDSS to expand the agency’s ability to solve problems. Every year, TCDSS finds citizen need is greater than available governmental funding. The organization also supports the Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center (TCCAC), a collaborative effort of several Talbot County agencies to provide services to Talbot County children and families victimized by sexual abuse.

For further information about how you can support Talbot Community Connections, contact Amy Steward at 410-829-0436 or visit www.talbotcommunityconnections.org.

Photo: back row, L-R are Nelson Taboro, Yadira Sanchez; and James Carter, Facilitator for the Department of Social Services. Pictured front row, L-R are Ruth Taboro, Nelson Espinoza, and Britney Taboro.

Beginning September 1, 2018, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health will extend its hours for the Diagnostic and Imaging Center located at 10 Martin Court in Easton. The Center will now be open between 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday.

“We understand our patients have busy lives and may not be able to get the care they need when it is most convenient to them,” says Brian Leutner, executive director, UM Shore Medical Center at Dorchester and UM Shore Regional Health Oncology Services. “By extending the general hours (lab work, EKG, X-ray and mammograms) to 6 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, we are hoping to give those patients the opportunity to come in at the end of their day.”

Exceptions to the Monday – Thursday 6 p.m closing are as follows: Walk-in for MRI, 8 to 5:30 p.m; CT and PET scans and ultrasound exams, by appointment only, 8 to 4 p.m. MRI, CT and PET scans are conducted on Saturdays between 8 a.m and 12 p.m. but must be scheduled in advance.

The UM SRH Diagnostic and Imaging Center offers a variety of services including walk-in laboratory services, mammograms, electrocardiogram (EKG), X-ray,US guided biopsies, stereotactic biopsies and bone density scanning. In addition, the DIC schedules patients for ultrasound (US), CT/PET scanning and MRIs.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 410-822-1000, ext. 2600.

About UM Shore Regional Health: As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,600 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers work with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

September…

Volunteer Training Session — An online/classroom hybrid where volunteers can complete their online classes before joining Compass Regional Hospice for the classroom segment. We will be meeting from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays; Sept. 11, 18 and 25, at Compass Regional Hospice, 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville. Registration is required, and completing the entire class is necessary for volunteers who would like to work with patients and families. For more information about volunteering, contact Courtney Williams at 443-262-4112 or cwilliams@compassregionalhospice.org.

Grief Support Group for Significant Others—An eight-week support group that begins Wednesday, Sept. 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Compass Regional Hospice’s main office, 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville. An eight-week grief support group open to anyone who has lost a spouse or significant other. For ages 18 and older. The group will be facilitated by grief counselors Linda Turner and Ann OConnor. The registration fee is $25 for those who have not been served by Compass Regional Hospice, but no one will be turned away based on an inability to pay. For more information or to register, contact Linda Turner at lturner@compassregionalhospice.org or Ann OConnor at aoconnor@compassregionalhospice.org.

Estate Treasures Warehouse Sale — Saturday, Sept. 15, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 106 Log Canoe Circle, Chesapeake Business Park, Stevensville. Come find deeply discounted furniture, tools, sports equipment, small appliances, lawn and garden items, silver pieces, Precious Moments figures, children’s items, art, area rugs, clothing and more. Proceeds will benefit Compass Regional Hospice. For more information, call Estate Treasures, an affiliate of Compass Regional Hospice, at 410-643-7360.

Benefit for Hospice Services in Caroline County — Saturday, Sept. 22, 1 to 4 p.m., at Harry’s on the Green, 4 1^st St., Denton. The event will feature a buffet, a cash bar, local bands, a silent auction, raffles and games. Cost: $15. Proceeds will benefit hospice and grief support services in Caroline County. For more information or to purchase tickets ahead of time, call Harry’s on the Green at 410-479-1919 or Marie Freeman at 410-562-0283.

Estate Treasures Art Auction — Saturday, Sept. 22, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Cascia Vineyards, 1200 Thompson Creek Road, Stevensville. Featuring silent and live auctions, including a variety of art, some created and signed by local artists whose work reflects scenes from the Eastern Shore. Enjoy light refreshments and a complimentary glass of Cascia Vineyards wine. Tickets are limited for this exclusive event and are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. All proceeds will benefit Compass Regional Hospice. Estate Treasures is an affiliate of Compass Regional Hospice. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Kenda Leager at 443-262-4106 or kleager@compassregionalhospice.org.

Community 10K/5K Run/Walk to Benefit Compass Regional Hospice— Saturday, Sept. 29, at Island Athletic Club, 448 Kent Narrow Way N., Grasonville. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. Take part in a 10K/5K run/walk to benefit hospice and grief support services through Compass Regional Hospice. For more information, contact Kenda Leager, development officer, Compass Regional Hospice, at 443-262-4106 or kleager@compassregionalhospice.org. To register for the run, visit www.IACRun4Hospice.EventBrite.com.

October…

Estate Treasures Fashion Show and Luncheon — Monday, Oct. 15. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. at Prospect Bay Country Club,311 Prospect Bay Dr W., Grasonville. This event will feature an upscale boutique, luncheon, cash bar, bake sale, raffle and live auction. Tickets are $40 and there is limited seating available. Proceeds will benefit Compass Regional Hospice. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Kenda Leager at 443-262-4106 or kleager@compassregionalhospice.org.

Grief Support Group for Those Who Have Experienced Any Type of Loss — An eight-week support group that begins Thursday, Oct. 18, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Heron Point of Chestertown, 501 E. Campus Ave. Open to anyone 18 and older who has suffered any type of loss. The group will be facilitated by grief counselors Linda Turner and Ann OConnor. The registration fee is $25 for those who have not been served by Compass Regional Hospice, but no one will be turned away based on an inability to pay. For more information or to register, contact Linda Turner at lturner@compassregionalhospice.org or Ann OConnor at aoconnor@compassregionalhospice.org.

Sporting Clay Tournament— Saturday, Oct. 20. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and all shooters must be on the course by 11:30 a.m. At Schrader’s Outdoors, 16090 Oakland Road, Henderson. The event will include Lewis Class Scoring, 75 targets, 5-stand shooting, a side game, a catered lunch and an awards ceremony. Registration is $100 for an individual shooter, $75 for a junior individual shooter (17 and younger) and $400 for a team of four shooters. Proceeds benefit Compass Regional Hospice. For sponsorship information or to register, contact Kenda Leager at 443-262-4106 or kleager@compassregionalhospice.org.

Ongoing…

Bereaved Parent Grief Support Group — First Monday of each month; Sept. 3 and Oct. 1. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Compass Regional Hospice, 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, (due to construction this fall and until further notice). A drop-in group for individuals, 18 and older, dealing with the loss of a child. For more information, contact Rhonda Knotts at 443-262-4109 or rknotts@compassregionalhospice.org.

HALOS-Healing After a Loved One’s Suicide Grief Support Group — Second Wednesday of each month;Sept. 12 and Oct. 10. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Compass Regional Hospice, 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, (due to construction this fall and until further notice). A drop-in group for individuals, 18 and older, dealing with the loss of a loved one from suicide. For more information, contact Rhonda Knotts at 443-262-4109 or rknotts@compassregionalhospice.org, or Wayne Larrimore at 443-262-4108 or wlarrimore@compassregionalhospice.org.

Drug Overdose Grief Support Group — Third Thursday of each month; Sept. 20 and Oct. 18. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Compass Regional Hospice, 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, (due to construction this fall and until further notice).  A drop-in group for individuals, 18 and older, dealing with the loss of a loved one from drug overdose. For more information, contact Rhonda Knotts at 443-262-4109 or rknotts@compssregionalhospice.org, or Linda Turner at 443-262-4120 or lturner@compassregionalhospice.org.

All Losses Grief Support Group — Fourth Tuesday of each month; Sept. 25 and Oct. 23. From noon to 1:15 p.m. at the Caroline County Public Library, Federalsburg branch, 123 Morris Ave., Federalsburg. A drop-in group for individuals, 18 and older, who have experienced any type of loss. Please bring a lunch. For more information, contact Wayne Larrimore at 443-262-4108 or wlarrimore@compassregionalhospice.org.