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Compass Regional Hospice Celebrates National Volunteer Month

April 3, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Throughout the month of April, Compass Regional Hospice will be celebrating National Volunteer Month. This month was designated as a time to honor and acknowledge the individuals who volunteer their time and talents to give back to their community.

Compass Regional Hospice was started in 1985 as a solely volunteer-based operation, with the intention of providing care and comfort to those facing a life-limiting illness. Over the last 35 years it has grown into a community-based nonprofit, serving patients and families in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. The organization has also grown to encompass a wide range of services from medical care, to grief counseling, to caregiver support.

As Compass has continued to change and grow, their volunteers have remained a constant. Their team of nearly 300 volunteers provides integral support, and these individuals volunteer their time in a variety of ways. In addition to patient care and companionship, there are opportunities to work at their resale shop, Estate Treasures, sew Memory Bears for grieving families, assist in day-to-day operations, or participate in fundraisers and events. In a single year, volunteers dedicate over 21,000 hours to the Compass mission.

“Each day the nature of our work drives home the sentiment that time is invaluable. We recognize what a privilege it is to have so many volunteers willing to spend their time with Compass to help us serve and support our community with compassion”, said Chief Executive Officer, Heather Guerieri. For more information about becoming a volunteer for Compass Regional Hospice, contact Robyn Affron at 443-262-4112 or raffron@compassregionalhospice.org. Whatever your motivation to volunteer, there is a place for you at Compass Regional Hospice.

Compass Regional Hospice

Since 1985, Compass Regional Hospice has been dedicated to supporting people of all ages living with a life-limiting illness, and those learning to cope following the death of a loved one. Today, the organization is a regional provider of hospice care, supportive care, and grief services in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Whether serving their patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential centers in Centreville and Chestertown, staff and volunteers are guided by their mission to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. Grief support services are offered to families of all patients, as well as to all children and adults in the community through grief groups, one-on-one counseling, and in-school support. As a Level 4 partner of the We Honor Veterans program, they also offer veteran-centric care that meets the unique needs of men and women who have served our country. 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. It is affiliated with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland. For more information about Compass Regional Hospice, call 443-262-4100 or visit compassregionalhospice.org.

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Talbot Schools Teacher and Support Staff of the Year Finalists

April 3, 2020 by Talbot County Public Schools Leave a Comment

Each year, Talbot County Public Schools honors teachers and support staff through the Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year Program. This provides the opportunity to recognize outstanding educators who have innovative ideas, focus positive attention on education, and demonstrate superior commitment to students. Any member of the community may nominate teachers or support staff for these prestigious awards.

Five finalists have been selected from the nominations for both Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year. TCPS is pleased to recognize these outstanding educators.

Teacher of the Year Finalists:

Leslie Beveridge

Leslie Beveridge – 1st Grade Teacher, Chapel District Elementary School.

Daniel Brundige

Daniel Brundige – 6th-8th Grade Social Studies and Language Arts Teacher, Easton Middle School.

David Cherry

David Cherry – Mathematics Teacher, Easton High School.

Jennifer Childress

Jennifer Childress – 3rd Grade Teacher, Chapel District Elementary School

Heather Orr

Heather Orr – 2nd Grade Teacher, Easton Elementary School

Support Staff of the Year Finalists:

Tasha Aikens

Tasha Aikens – Instructional Assistant – Special Education, Easton High School.

Theressa Hoskin

Theressa Hoskin – Instructional Assistant – Kindergarten, White Marsh Elementary School.

Tina Morris

Tina Morris -Drop-Out Prevention and Re-engagement Specialist, Student Services.

Susan Redmond

Susan Redmond – Instructional Assistant, Pre-Kindergarten, White Marsh Elementary.

Diane Vodak

Diane Vodak, Instructional Assistant – P3, Easton Elementary-Dobson.

“We received many thoughtful nominations for this year’s Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year Awards,” explained Dr. Kelly Griffith, Superintendent. “The heartfelt testimonies show the dedication of our amazing TCPS team members, and we welcome the opportunity to recognize these outstanding educators!”

The 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the year winners will be announced at the annual celebration which will be held at a date yet to be determined due to the closure of schools.

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Library to Offer Live Story Time on Facebook for Preschoolers

April 3, 2020 by Talbot County Free Library Leave a Comment

Beginning this coming Tuesday, April 7, at 10:00 a.m., and continuing every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. thereafter, the Talbot County Free Library will take to Facebook to offer a live Story Time program for preschoolers (birth – 5 years of age). Children’s Librarian Laura Powell will read stories, lead group sing-alongs, and generally having a good time making sure our community’s little ones remain entertained and engaged during this difficult period in all of our lives. Parents can find the library’s live Story Time at: www.facebook.com/Talbot-County-Free-Library-130124829867/

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Local Quilters Bring Area Residents Together on Common Cause

April 2, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

As the demand for surgical masks grows, one Mid Shore resident saw that quilters in the Boston area were making masks of colorful fabric for residents. She decided to share the pattern with some of her quilting friends in the local quilt guild, Bayside Quilters of the Eastern Shore, Inc., specifically, the guild’s Outreach and Modern Quilt Bees.

Talbot County Council President Corey Pack wearing a handmade camouflage surgical mask made by local quilters.

To date, 10 quilters have made over 240 masks which will be used primarily for patients being transported in ambulances to help prevent their germs from traveling in the air before they are diagnosed, as well as for law enforcement and nursing homes. According to Jan Willis, Coordinator of the Local Care Team for Talbot County, the masks are not intended to be protective gear. Instead, they are a practical aid that may help prevent the spread of germs from patients, as well as make them smile while they are going through a difficult time.

Willis comments, “This is a moment of a lifetime for quilters and anyone who sews – to use the fabric in their closets for good!”

A local quilter with Bayside Quilters Modern Quilt Bee adapted a pattern she found on the Internet and added wire in the top to form fit the masks over patients’ noses. She is coordinating the mask-making effort locally and distributing the masks to those who have requested them. The masks are made in a variety of fabric patterns, from flowers to camouflage, which makes the project fun for quilters and recipients of the masks. Masks are laundered before being packaged for distribution.

Completed masks are picked up from people’s porches to keep social distancing. One anecdote from a local quilter was that a Queen Anne’s County quilter brought 30 masks by plane to the Easton airport to be distributed. This project is bringing the Mid Shore residents together and giving people things they can do to help.

A variety of quilted masks being donated.

County Health Officer Dr. Fredia Wadley comments, “This effort is just one example of how the residents in this community are reaching out to help meet unmet needs related to this virus. We salute the volunteerism of our community and thank all those who are stepping up.”

Bayside Quilters Outreach Quilt Bee supports Talbot Early Head Start, Caroline Family Service Center (with 3 Early Head Start locations), Talbot Hospice House and University of MD Shore Regional Health, 2 East/Pain Palliative Care unit and the Clark Breast Center with a variety of quilted items from bibs to quilts to soup bowl cozies for Empty Bowls. To participate in the mask-making project sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040e4daaa82faafb6-sewing. For further information about the project, contact Jan Willis at talbotlct@talbotcountymd.gov.

Where to Find More Information

CDC COVID-2019 Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Talbot County COVID-19 Information www.talbotcovid19.org
Shore Regional Health COVID Information https://www.umms.org/shore/patients-visitors/coronavirus
Maryland Department of Health Website: https://health.maryland.gov/pages/home.aspx
Talbot County Health Department Website: https://health.maryland.gov/talbotcounty/Pages/home.aspx
Talbot County Health Department Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalbotHealthMaryland/
Talbot County Department of Emergency Services Website: http://www.talbotdes.org/covid19.asp
Talbot County Department of Emergency Services Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talbotdes

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SMCC Receives $25k from State to Launch Building Renovation

April 2, 2020 by St. Michaels Community Center Leave a Comment

The St. Michaels Community Center recently announced the Maryland General Assembly appropriated $25,000 in bond bill financing toward the cost of an engineering study and architectural design to renovate its building at 103 Railroad Ave., St. Michaels.

Built for use as a lumber warehouse in 1940, SMCC’s building has received minimal upgrades since then. State Senator Adelaide Eckardt and State Delegate John Mautz sponsored the bill, with SMCC Advisory Board member Langley Shook testifying at a joint hearing to support the bill.

SMCC Building

“This legislation requires us to match these funds through private donations,” said Shook. “The people of St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred area need and deserve a sounder, safer facility to better serve the community– something we all can be proud of. This is made more evident during the current COVID-19 crisis, where SMCC has been designated as the Bay Hundred’s Food Distribution Hub.”

The St. Michaels Community Center promotes and provides quality activities and services contributing to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the community. SMCC is dedicated to filling the unmet needs of the Bay Hundred and St. Michaels communities by providing supervised program opportunities for the enrichment of children and teens; activities and services for adults and senior citizens; and affordable recreational, social, and educational activities to community residents of all ages, regardless of ethnicity, gender or economic status.

Donations to SMCC and proceeds from the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop in St. Michaels, Md. help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for people from throughout the Bay Hundred area. More information is at stmichaelscc.org.

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Compassion and Empathy Can Help in a Time of Stress and Uncertainty

April 2, 2020 by For All Seasons, Inc. Leave a Comment

We are home and now we are on lockdown following Governor Hogan’s latest message delivered on Monday, March 30, but for some of us, we have been home together for weeks now – home with our kids, our spouses, and even our parents or grandparents. Like many Americans, our households are made up of different ages, different maturity levels, and let’s face it – different personalities. While the threat to our physical health lurks outside our doors, perhaps one of the biggest threats to our mental health may be in our homes. So how do we all- just get along?

Susan Truitt, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Director of Clinical Services at For All Seasons, said, “As humans, we often want to take ownership of someone else’s poor behavior – blaming yourself for their words and actions.”

She said it is helpful to recognize that the other person may be having a stress response.

With the talk of COVID-19 on television, social media, and in our everyday conversations, it is understandable to have an unusual heightened level of stress. Combine that with social distancing, self-isolation and an abundance of family time, and a typical healthy family unit can become a powder keg of emotions.

In order to diffuse those situations, Truitt offers ways we can balance ourselves and our relationships with others using compassion, empathy, and self-regulation.

Truitt said during these moments of tension with our loved ones is where compassion really comes into play – compassion for others and ourselves.

“Bring self-compassion to your thoughts, knowing you are all in a tough situation,” Truitt said. “Treat yourself just as you would a close friend. Step back and tell yourself what just happened is not about me. This person is not at their best right now.”

Truitt said being able to recognize their emotions and understand their perspectives in the situation might improve their mood and show them support through this challenging situation.

“You can show that person some empathy,” Truitt said. “Let them know that you understand they are having a hard time.”

She said it also important to acknowledge our own needs as well, even if that means stepping away for a moment.

“Let the person know, I want to be here for you, but I need a moment to myself,” Truitt said. “You may need to do things that you do not normally do such as take a walk outside.”

She adds, “Two dysregulated people cannot work out a problem. You need to become regulated in order to help regulate someone else.”

Truitt said “Regulation is the feeling of being grounded or calm. It is when we are able to take in information and provide information effectively.”

“We (clinicians) refer to it as being in your window of tolerance. Meaning you are in a place where you can tolerate what is happening around you and can respond appropriately.”

She said using the window as a guide helps people to stay self-regulated, knowing how to remain within those parameters and being able to acknowledge when one’s emotions may be leading them outside the window of tolerance.

“It is about taking the necessary steps, using the necessary skills and being able to settle back into this space mentally, emotionally, physically,” Truitt said.

There are many ways to maintain self-regulation, including using repetitive movements that help individuals feel centered such as exercise, knitting, rocking in a favorite chair, drawing, playing with Playdough or gardening. Another way to maintain self-regulation is by taking a walk around the house, or in the yard. Other helpful techniques include deep breathing and connecting with a safe person.

For other mental help tips, visit forallseasonsinc.org.

For All Seasons serves Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne, and Talbot counties. For All Seasons Rape Crisis Center offers certified sexual assault victim advocates, counseling and support groups, free and confidential services in English and Spanish, support in the hospital, police department, and court and referrals to social and legal services. For All Seasons English Hotline is 1-800-310-RAPE (7273) and Spanish Hotline is 410-829-6143.

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MSCF Establishes COVID-19 Response Fund for Mid-Shore Nonprofits

April 1, 2020 by Mid-Shore Community Foundation Leave a Comment

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mid-Shore Community Foundation has established a COVID-19 Response Fund to rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations at the frontline of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Foundation made a leadership gift of $100,000. Avon-Dixon Insurance Agency, Choptank Transport, Preston Automotive Group and Shore Bancshares quickly joined the response effort with generous donations.

Businesses, individuals and fund advisors are encouraged to join the initiative by making a charitable contribution. The Foundation is waiving all administrative fees; one hundred percent of all donations will be used for this effort. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated and qualify for maximum tax advantages.

Immediate grant funding is available for nonprofit organizations serving community members who have been impacted by the Coronavirus and the economic consequences of the pandemic in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties. In order to move resources quickly, qualifying entities must be previous grantees of the Foundation.

Qualifying nonprofits are eligible to apply for grants up to $5,000. The grant awards will be administered through a simplified online grant application. Information about grant funding is available on the Foundation’s website at MSCF.org/covid19.

Donations can be made online at MSCF.org/donate-online or checks can be mailed to Mid-Shore Community Foundation, 102 East Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601. Please indicate that your gift should be directed to the COVID-19 Response Fund.

For additional information, contact Buck Duncan, President of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, wduncan@mscf.org or (410) 820-8175, Ext. 100.

COVID 19 Response Fund FAQ

Why is MSCF starting this fund?

We have a long history of working efficiently and effectively to direct the philanthropy of our donors to impactful community-based organizations working to strengthen our region. We are committed to ensuring that our donors, grantees and partners can work together to care for our most vulnerable neighbors.

How can my organization apply for funds?

Eligible organizations may fill out the online application.

Who can apply to this fund?

I have not received a grant from MSCF before. Can I apply to this fund?

Unfortunately, no. This fund is responsive and moves funds as quickly as possible. In order to facilitate this, we require applicants to have a past grantee history with the Foundation.

I’m an individual who’s been affected by COVID-19. Can this fund help me?

We understand many individuals have been affected. On behalf of our community, we are working to move resources to community-based organizations that are directly supporting local residents and families who are most affected. While the Fund is not able to provide grants to individuals, we will fund community-based organizations that have experience and history of providing people and families with services and support.

My organization has been impacted negatively can we be considered for a grant to offset lost revenue.

We understand the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting nonprofits in many ways, including increased demand for their services, lost revenue due to closures and cancellations, as well as other challenges. Please describe the impact on your services and programs due to lost revenue.

I want to donate. Can I restrict my funding to a prioritized grantee?

To ensure we move resources as efficiently as possible and respond to needs of communities most impacted, we are not considering restricted donations. This fund was created in the spirit of providing a way to coordinate as many resources as possible.

How can I support this Fund?

We ask that donors contribute online if possible, to ensure that funds can be made available as quickly as possible.

Should I give to this fund instead of making other donations?

This fund will facilitate resources to the community where they are needed most. Please continue to give to organizations you regularly support and those that need your help at this crucial time. They will need your help more than ever.

Will the fund address shifting priorities?

Priorities may evolve as our region adapts to the COVID-19 outbreak. We will continue to prioritize communities most impacted.

Where can I find updates or new information about the COVID-19 Response Fund and its grantmaking?

Please check our website (MSCF.org) for updates.

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Haven Ministries Responding with HOPE to COVID-19

April 1, 2020 by Amy Blades Steward 1 Comment

Haven Ministries continues to provide critical essential services for those in need in Queen Anne’s County. The organization just launched a new resource for Queen Anne’s County called “QAC Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” This new Facebook Group will help support the most vulnerable people in the community amidst the Coronavirus pandemic and is being coordinated through county service agencies, especially for those who are homebound.

“In this unprecedented time, we are committed to assisting the changing needs of families across the county and want to ensure that resources are readily available and known. Many want to help others by sharing urgent supplies, grocery shopping, phone calls, donating to specific needs or sharing their talents with others,” says Krista Pettit, Executive Director of Haven Ministries.

How you can help:

• Join the Facebook Group and watch for opportunities to support the needs of individuals in our community

• Share the site with your friends, family, and others who you think could benefit.

• Post resources or abilities that may help people who are shut-in.

• If you have neighbors who are not online, let them know that resources are available and be the conduit to helping with their needs.

In addition to this new service, Haven Ministries continues to operate essential services, including an Emergency Homeless Shelter, Food Pantries and Resource Centers. Haven Ministries Shelter is planning to extend its operations into the summer months. Anyone in need of shelter should call 410-739-7859. Its two Food Pantries are located at Centreville United Methodist Church at 608 Church Hill Road in Centreville and Safe Harbor Presbyterian Church at 931 Love Point Road in Stevensville. Two Resource Centers, at Fisher Manor Housing Development in Grasonville and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 301 South Liberty Street in Centreville, remain open. The location in Centreville is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Grasonville location is open the second Saturday from 9-12. Currently, the Resource Centers assist those facing financial crises. An average of 33 people per month is receiving $4,340 in financial assistance.

Haven Ministries Food Pantries, open once a month on Fridays from 5:30 to 7 p.m., are a drive-thru format with extra health and safety protocols in place. The next Haven Ministries Food Pantries will occur on Friday, April 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Pettit adds, “We had 273 people attend our food pantries last Friday, feeding 857 people total in households. Of this total, there were 315 children, 438 adults, and 104 seniors. This total included about 100 new people using our services.”

“We are also available for emergency food by calling 410-739-4363 or the Haven Ministries Resource Center at 410-758-0129.”

To meet the growing demands, Haven Ministries is looking for volunteers who are comfortable showing up and assisting with the Food Pantries. Extra health and safety protocols are in place. The sign up is online: haven-minsitries.org under the tab: Get Help.

Pettit states, “During this public health crisis, many have been impacted. We too are navigating uncommon challenges. We have called upon our staff to work shifts that volunteers could not cover and to help slow the spread of the virus, we have temporarily closed our Thrift Store and Warehouse and have postponed some of our fundraisers losing our major sources of revenue for the year.”

“Now more than ever the essential services we provide are critical and we are asking for your support to make sure anyone who needs food, shelter or resources can receive immediate assistance.”

Many more families are beginning to feel impacted as hourly wages are scaled back, businesses in the community are shutting down and the schools have closed. The requests of our residents are overwhelming as they are experiencing the impact of this crisis.

To meet this growing need, Haven Ministries has launched an emergency fund on Facebook in response to this extraordinary situation. People can also donate on the Haven Ministries website: haven-ministries.com. All proceeds raised will help the organization respond with HOPE to support those in crisis. For further information visit haven-ministries.org.

Love shapes the ministry, love transforms people, and hope prevails at Haven Ministries. Haven Ministries operates a seasonal Homeless Shelter, a Resource Center at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Centreville and at Fisher Manor in Grasonville, the Haven Ministries Food Pantries at Safe Harbor Presbyterian Church in Stevensville and Centreville United Methodist Church in Centreville, Our Daily Thread Thrift Store in Stevensville and Hope Warehouse in Queenstown.

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Leadership Maryland Class of 2020 Postponed Until 2021 Due to COVID-19

March 31, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Leadership Maryland officially announced today that the Class of 2020 will become the Class of 2021, as it has postponed its eight-month professional development program one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

All 52 members of the Class of 2020, announced in February, will have the opportunity to join the Class of 2021. Anyone who is not able to participate will be replaced by alternates selected from this year’s applicant pool. There will not be an application or selection process in 2021.

The Class of 2020 was scheduled to host its annual new class reception this week in Annapolis and had monthly educational sessions scheduled throughout the state from April through November. This will be the first time in the organization’s 27-year history that Leadership Maryland has not hosted its annual program.

“This has been a heartbreaking decision for us to make, but our Board of Directors agrees that we want everyone to be able to experience the full impact of the Leadership Maryland program, from orientation to closing retreat, and the regional programs in between,” said Renée M. Winsky ‘05, president and Chief Executive Officer, Leadership Maryland. “We feel this is the best decision when we consider our class members’ health, financial positions and professional concerns. We want to thank our membership for their generosity over the years in supporting our legacy fund, which is allowing us to preserve this experience for what is now the Class of 2021.”

Leadership Maryland is currently exploring options to provide virtual programming to its members in 2020. For more information, please call 410-841-2101 or email Info@LeadershipMD.org.

About Leadership Maryland

Leadership Maryland is a professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders. Each year, as many as 52 diverse and accomplished executives from Maryland’s public and private sectors are selected to come together as a class for an eight-month hands-on learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic and environmental issues. The first Leadership Maryland class graduated in 1993, and the organization’s alumni network now consists of more than 1,100 leaders from all industries and regions of the state. To learn more, please call Leadership Maryland at 410-841-2101 or visit www.LeadershipMD.org.

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