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December 5, 2022

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

News News Notes

Talbot Watermen Association Partners with Mid-Shore Community Foundation

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Pictured (left to right): Jeff Harrison, Talbot Watermen Association President; Pat Jones, Talbot Watermen Association Treasurer; and Buck Duncan, Mid-Shore Community Foundation President.

Mid-Shore Community Foundation is pleased to announce its recent partnership with Talbot Watermen Association to establish a charitable fund.

Talbot Watermen Association, Inc., a non-profit organization, was formed in 2015. Comprised primarily of watermen, their families, and related industry businesses such as processors, shipping companies and drivers, restaurant workers, and other marine related activities, the Association acts as a resource for the public, sharing factual, first-hand observations about our watershed, harvest, and the local seafood industry.

The organizational goal of Talbot Watermen Association is to advocate for the public fishery and watermen, to bring about environmental and economic change. They do this by staying well-informed of the ever-changing legislative proposals and testifying at those legislative hearings; attending meetings with DNR and other advisory boards concerning management of natural resources; promoting the watermen heritage; and supporting the local communities.

The fund will be administered as a fiscal sponsorship to support the charitable activities of Talbot Watermen Association.  Charitable contributions to the fund are encouraged and may be directed to the Talbot Watermen Association Fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation.

Mid-Shore Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life throughout the Mid-Shore Region of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties. Since its founding in 1992, the Foundation has received over $112.3 million in contributions and has awarded more than $45.7 million in grants and scholarships. For additional information about the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, visit: https://www.mscf.org.

Mid-Shore Community Foundation Announces New Board Members

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Buck Duncan, Foundation President, with the Board of Directors at the Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s Annual Meeting on June 17 that the Tidewater Inn.

Mid-Shore Community Foundation appointed seven members to its Board of Directors – Stephanie Folarin, Aaron Gabrielian, Ruth Ann Jones, Bryan Matthews, Nancy Mugele, Brett Summers, and Moorhead Vermilye.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome these new members who bring diverse expertise to our Board,” said Buck Duncan, Foundation President. “We also thank Ed Allen, Joe Anthony, David DeLuca, Sandy McAllister, and Arraminta Ware who are completing their terms. We are fortunate to have such talented and supportive volunteers.”

Stephanie Folarin serves as the Head of Wye River Upper School in Queen Anne’s County. Stephanie received her B.A. in Africana Studies from Bates College and her M.S. in Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities from Johns Hopkins University. She is currently completing her Certificate in School Management and Leadership at Harvard University. Stephanie has worked extensively with students, teachers, administrators, parents, and clinicians on various educational matters, including differentiated and inclusive education; equity and justice work; curriculum design and implementation; psycho-educational evaluations; teacher evaluations and professional growth; education policy; and education reform in both the public and private sectors of academia.

Aaron Gabrielian is the Senior Vice President – Branch Director at RBC Wealth Management in Easton. He graduated from Towson University with a bachelor’s degree in finance and did his graduate work in financial planning through New York University. While earning his degree, Aaron played four years of Division-1 Baseball and was the recipient of the Towson University “Tiger Leadership Award” for his efforts on and off the baseball field. Aaron lives in Easton with his wife, Meggie, and their two children, Poppie and Peter. He volunteers for many local organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul, Talbot Mentors, and ShoreRivers. In 2020, he accepted active positions on the Easton Memorial Hospital Planned Gifts Committee and the Sultana Educational Foundation Board of Directors.

Ruth Ann Jones recently retired from a career in nursing, having served as the former Senior Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Shore Regional Health.  Ruth Ann is active in the community and has served on advisory boards for Chesapeake College School of Nursing, Salisbury University School of Nursing, the Maryland Organization of Nurse Executives, the American Organization of Nurse Executives, the Health Information and Management System Society, and the Health Care Education Association. She has presented and lectured widely at nursing conferences and other events.

Bryan Matthews is the Vice President of KRM Development Corporation in Kent County. His previous experience includes coaching and administration at Washington College and the United States Naval Academy. He has served on advisory boards for US Lacrosse, Horizons, Kent School, Character Counts, Rebuilding Together Kent County, Easterseals, Mainstreet Chestertown, Washington College Hall of Fame Committee, and the Kent County Chamber of Commerce.

Nancy Mugeleis in her sixth year as the Head of Kent School in Chestertown. She is the Secretary of the Board for the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools, and she serves on advisory boards for Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s, the Head Mistresses Association of the East, and the Sultana Education Foundation. Nancy is enthusiastic about the written word and has appeared in several publications of the National Association of Independent Schools.

Brett Summers is a Managing Partner and Founder at NOVO Properties, an asset development and property management organization with portfolios in Washington, DC, Chicago, Charleston, and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.  Brett is currently focused on NOVO’s efforts to revitalize downtown Cambridge through the acquisition and restoration of mixed-use commercial buildings. In addition to his real estate investment activities, Brett and his wife, Jamie, are the owners of Black Water Bakery in Cambridge. Brett is a returning Director, having previously served as Secretary to the Board.

W. Moorhead Vermilye, long-time volunteer and Founder of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation will serve as the Board Chair. Moorhead is the Senior Business Development Officer at Shore United Bank, and the former President and CEO of Shore Bancshares, Inc. He is active in the community and serves on numerous local boards.

The new members began their three-year terms on July 1st and may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.  The Foundation’s Board of Directors consists of thirty-one individuals from throughout the Mid-Shore Region of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties. For additional information, visit https://www.mscf.org.

Community Center Receives $35K in Mid-Shore Community Foundation Grant Funding

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Pictured in the SMCC food pantry are from left, SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe, SMCC Food Distribution Director and Youth Programs Coordinator Amy DeWitt, SMCC Volunteer Brian Griffiths, and Mid-Shore Community Foundation President Buck Duncan.

The St. Michaels Community Center recently received three grants from the Mid-Shore Community Foundation to expand the nonprofit’s food support program with $10k in funding and to help fund the Community Center’s recently announced capital campaign for an adaptive redesign of the Center’s building with an additional $25k in grants.

The Community Center’s Food Support Program was named an emergency food hub for Talbot County’s Bay Hundred area by the Talbot County Emergency Task Force in 2019 and continues to provide shelf-stable pantry items and hot meals to anyone in need in St. Michaels and the outlying villages on the peninsula.

“Every week, SMCC provides as many as 250 pantry bags and 300 hot meals to our community,” said SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “As we slowly emerge from the pandemic, the need in our community has remained high and this grant will help SMCC strengthen and expand the program to satisfy this need.”

The St. Michaels Community Center announced its first-ever $4 million capital campaign earlier this month to support an adaptive renovation of its aged building in the Town’s Historic District. The planned renovations include a fully equipped modern commercial kitchen, well-equipped and lit classrooms, and a multipurpose room for community gatherings, with an anticipated 2022 groundbreaking.

Rofe says the grant funding is being matched by other generous donors.

SMCC’s food distribution program also includes a community food pantry; a weekend backpack program; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Women, Infants, and Children nutrition outreach and services; after-school and childcare meals and snacks; summer program participant meals; and more. The Community Center also participates in the Talbot County Hunger Coalition to help eliminate food insecurity for low-income individuals and families in Talbot County.

“This is a great example of how our foundation connects private resources with public needs to enhance the quality of life for people of the Mid-Shore,” said Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s Chief Program Officer Robbin Hill. “Supporting the food support programs and future building improvements of the St. Michaels Community Center is an investment in helping to ensure no one goes hungry in our communities.”

The Mid-Shore Community Foundation works with donors to establish funds for the region – funds that are distributed as grants and scholarships, provides training programs and endowment management services to area nonprofits, and supports start‐up charities and local charitable projects through fiscal sponsorship.

SMCC’sCommunity Café and pantry are currently open three days a week to provide meals and groceries for anyone in need, with limited local delivery provided by a group of dedicated volunteers. The St. Michaels Community Center also hosts food drives and holiday meals for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, along with year-round engaging programs and activities for children and adults.

Proceeds from the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop in St. Michaels, Md. also help the nonprofit provide year-round community programs and services that serve, empower, and connect people from throughout the Bay Hundred area, with more at www.stmichaelscc.org.

The Caroline Foundation Accepting Grant Requests

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The Caroline Foundation, in partnership with the Mid-ShoreCommunity Foundation, invites organizations that provide medical and/or health-related services to residents of Caroline County, Maryland to apply for FY2023 grant funding.

Applicants must be nonprofit corporations with IRS tax-exempt status, or government-related entities.  Applications are online at http://www.mscf.org/caroline-foundation. The deadline for submission of FY2023 grant applications is midnight, July 1, 2022.

Grant decisions and distributions will be made in October, 2022.  The Caroline Foundation retains the right to accept or reject applications, suggest changes, and support grant requests in full, in part, or not at all.

Organizations that would like additional information about The Caroline Foundation’s grants process should contact Buck Duncan or Robbin Hill at the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, 410-820-8175  or info@mscf.org.

Cyber Security 101, Online via Zoom, March 24

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Mid-Shore Community Foundation is hosting CYBER SECURITY 101 for the Community. There is no cost to attend. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

CYBER SECURITY 101, Thursday, March 24, 2022, 9:00AM – 10:30AM, Online via Zoom

Led by Fred Christie, Chief Information Officer at Easton Utilities, the presentation will touch on specific policies, procedures, and systems that you can utilize to put your organization in the safest possible position to ward off cyberthreats. We will touch on the different attack vectors and techniques that the cyber criminals use to do their dirty work. We will discuss the effects that your cyber defenses have on your ability to acquire and afford cyber insurance, and we will discuss personal cyber security and everyone’s most common concern, identity theft.

REGISTER ONLINE:  https://m-scf.networkforgood.com/events/40404-cyber-security-101

Mid-Shore Community Foundation Presents Awards

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The Mid-Shore Community Foundation (MSCF) recently honored individuals and organizations, for their contributions to enhance the quality of life on the Mid-Shore.

Buck Duncan, MSCF President, and Moorhead Vermilye, MSCF Founder, presented the awards at a luncheon at the Tidewater Inn.  Due to concerns of Covid, the luncheon was limited in size and the presentations were filmed for the public.

Forrest Daniels, Judy Slaughter and Buck Duncan.

“This year’s award recipients have made a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” said Duncan. “We are honored to recognize and support their important work.”

The Town Watch Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and service in the Mid-Shore Community, was presented to Judy Slaughter and Mike Starling.  Judy serves as the Director of Volunteer Services at Eastern Shore Hospital Center, where she is actively engaged in raising awareness and support for patients.  Mike serves as the Station Manager and Chief Promoter at WHCP Community Radio, where he has been invaluable in the promotion of local events and culture.

Buck Duncan, Mike Starling and Moorhead Vermilye.

The J. McKenny Willis, Jr. Award recognizes nonprofit organizations for providing outstanding service to the community and is presented to a volunteer who has been instrumental in the success of the organization. The Willis Award was presented to Charles Thornton, Chairman and Founder of the ACE Mentor Program, a nonprofit organization that provides career mentoring and scholarships to students who are interested in architecture, construction management, and engineering.

Five Special Recognition Awards were also presented.  Lani Seikaly of Kent Attainable Housing and Vic Pfeiffer of Rebuilding Together Kent County were recognized for their work to address housing insecurity in Kent County.  Leslie Bishop of MidShore Meals til Monday, and John Phillips and Steven Covey of Food For Learning were recognized for their work in combating childhood hunger on the Mid-Shore.  The final award was presented in memory of Kelley Phillips Cox for her lifelong commitment to the Mid-Shore Region.  Jerry Cox and Missy Cannon Helgason accepted the award on behalf of the Kelley Phillips Cox Legacy Fund.

“The work of the Community Foundation is truly a collaborative effort,” said Duncan. “Fiscal Year 2021 was a strong year – the Foundation experienced phenomenal growth. Total assets increased to $125 million, and through its 491 charitable funds, the Foundation was able to distribute $6.3 million in grants and scholarships.  Through its COVID-19 Response Fund, the Foundation was able to rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations at the frontline of the pandemic and thanks to all who donated, the Foundation was able to provide $1,573,883.00 to 99 local nonprofit organizations.”

For additional information, or to view the video of the presentations, visit www.mscf.org/annual-awards.

Mid-Shore Community Foundation Launches the Blue & Red Fund

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The Mid-Shore Community Foundation is pleased to announce the fiscal sponsorship of the Talbot County Blue & Red Fund.   This new fund’s primary objective is to provide a source of funds for law enforcement, first responders (Fire and Rescue), and EMS servants of Talbot County who encounter injury, loss of life, or other causality loss in the line of duty.  The Fund will be made available to those who experience significant hardships, including assistance for individuals as well as their families.  The intent is to fundraise across Talbot County year-round in order to grow the fund and make a significant resource available to those who incur unexpected loss and hardships.  Fundraising will include an annual “Honor the Blue & Red” banquet similar to this year’s event on May 20 at the Tidewater Inn.

A secondary objective is to make available funds for training and education of future and existing law enforcement, first responders, and EMS public servants.  The Advisory Committee may propose to make a portion of the funds available for funding scholarships for law enforcement degrees or certificate training and Fire/EMS specialized degrees or training.

Robbin Hill, of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, and Sheriff Joe Gamble (left) are shown receiving the initial funding of $5000 from the Blue & Red Advisory Committee, consisting of Ashley Sard, Shari Ochse, Ed Forte, and Richard Holman.The initial funding resulted from a group of citizens and sponsors who successfully launched “Honor the Blue & Red” week in Talbot County on May 20, 2021.  This event to honor all law enforcement, first responders (Fire), and EMS organizations of Talbot County focused on honoring the service, dignity and professionalism of the dedicated leaders and individuals of these organizations.   Talbot County and the Town of Easton issued Proclamations that the week of May 15-May 22 be proclaimed the “Honor the Blue & Red” week. Successful events of the week included an honor banquet for 70 of the leading servants in our community, a significant donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and raising of $5000 to initiate the “Blue & Red Fund.”  The Blue & Red Fund Advisory Committee will plan annual Honor the Blue & Red Week events each year beginning on National Peace Officer Memorial Day, which occurs each May 15.

To make a donation to the Blue & Red Fund, please contact the Mid-Shore Community Foundation at www.mscf.org  to donate online or call 410-820-8175.  For information on future fundraising events, contact the Chairperson of the Blue & Red Advisory Committee, Ashley Sard at sardashley32@gmail.com.

Mid-Shore Community Foundation Appoints New Members

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L-R: Heather Guerieri, Harriette Lowery, Greg Meekins, Stephen Rideout, Tolbert Rowe, and Charles Taylor.

The Mid-Shore Community Foundation announces the appointment of six new members to its Board of Directors – Heather Guerieri, Harriette Lowery, Greg Meekins, Steve Rideout, Tolbert Rowe, and Charles Taylor.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors consists of twenty-nine individuals from throughout the Mid-Shore Region of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties.  All members are volunteers and together they represent a diverse range of knowledge and experience.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome these new members,” said Buck Duncan, Foundation President. “We also thank Susan Chaffinch, Ken Kozel, Rick Scobey, Brett Summers, and Moorhead Vermilye who are completing their terms.  We are fortunate to have such talented and supportive volunteers.”

Heather Guerieri (Queen Anne’s County) has dedicated her career to caring for individuals at the end-of-life. Heather serves as CEO of Compass and as President of the Board of Directors for the Hospice and Palliative Care Network of Maryland. She previously served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors from 2014–2020.

Harriette Lowery (Talbot County), born and raised in Talbot County, works at Chesapeake College encouraging and supporting the academic and social growth of the student population. Harriette is a member of the Frederick Douglass Honor Society, a member of St. Stephen’s A.M.E. Church in Unionville, and a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Baltimore.  Her labor of love is working with organizations on the Eastern Shore to educate, promote, and preserve the history and the contributions of African American citizens on the Eastern Shore.

Greg Meekins (Dorchester County) retired from a long career with the Dorchester County School System where he served as Administrator for Alternative Learning, Supervisor of Pupil Services, and Principal of North Dorchester High School. Greg is a long-time member of the Dorchester Elks Lodge and he previously served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors from 2013–2019.

Steve Rideout (Dorchester County) retired as the Chief Judge of the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.  Steve was a member of the Board of Directors for Foster Care Alumni of America and one of his proudest recognitions was being named as National CASA Judge of the year. More recently, he served as a Commissioner for the City of Cambridge and served on the Legislative Committee of the Maryland Municipal League.  Judge Rideout now serves as an advocate and consultant for child welfare and juvenile justice issues.

Tolbert Rowe (Caroline County), a lifelong Eastern Shoreman, is the Vice President at Bay Capital Mortgage in Easton, Maryland and is very active in the community.  Tolbert served on the Caroline County Board of Education for 18 years, 4 years as President.  He serves as Executive Director of Channel Marker Foundation and as Treasurer/Coach for Mid Shore Challengers.

Charles Taylor (Kent County) retired from a long career in writing, editing, and media relations. During his career, Charles served as a Senior Communications Representative and Manager of major companies, including Dominion Virginia Power and Pepco.  In retirement, Charles has committed himself and his passion for the arts to the betterment of Kent County, serving as Vice Chair of the National Music Festival, Vice President of Kent Cultural Alliance, and as a Director for Sultana Education Foundation.

Established in 1992, the Mid-Shore Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life throughout the Mid-Shore Region of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties. Since its founding, the Foundation has received over $90.7 million in contributions and has awarded more than $45.7 million in grants and scholarships. For additional information about the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, including a complete list of Board Members, visit: www.mscf.org/board.

Talbot County Empty Bowls Fundraising Continues

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Talbot County Empty Bowls is a local grassroots organization that, over 12 years, has distributed more than $230,000 to local organizations that feed the hungry.

“In January our committee volunteers are usually selling tickets for the annual community dinner,” says Anna Harding, founder and co-chair for Talbot County Empty Bowls. “The dinner, which is usually held annually in February, has been a mainstay of our fundraising efforts.”

Other activities related to the fundraising have included bowl painting at Kiln Born Creations, where community members added their creative flair to bowls that were donated for the community dinner. The committee also relied on a collection of donors and sponsors who have contributed funds every year.

After the February 2020 dinner, the Talbot County Empty Bowls committee decided that they would take a break from hosting the annual dinner. The group continued its commitment to eliminating food insecurity and to raising awareness about hunger in Talbot County.

Even though the Talbot County Empty Bowls community dinner will not be held this year, supporters are invited to purchase a virtual ticket by making donations to the Mid Shore Community Foundation’s Talbot Empty Bowls fund.

“The Mid-Shore Community Foundation maintains the Talbot County Empty Bowls fund that we established with them in 2009,” says Harding. “Even after we announced that we would no longer host an annual dinner, many of our supporters made donations to our MSCF account so that we can carry on the tradition of making donations to local food pantries in the spring.”

Susan duPont, co-chair of the Talbot County Empty Bowls committee, says, “Not long after our 2020 dinner COVID-19 hit our community. Now, more than ever, our local food pantries need our support.”

Instead of purchasing an actual ticket to the soup dinner, the Talbot County Empty Bowls committee is asking friends of the cause to buy a virtual ticket. “Your $20 donation will boost the Talbot County Empty Bowls fund and ensure that we have money to pass on to the non-profit organizations that feed the hungry all year long,” duPont explains. “We welcome donations from past dinner guests and any of our neighbors who want to join us in helping our local food pantries in their essential work.

“The successes of Talbot County Empty Bowls have depended on the generosity of so many people in our community,” duPont says. “Even though we won’t be enjoying a meal together this year, we hope that you will serve yourself a bowl of soup on Sunday, February 28. Use one of the bowls you acquired from an Empty Bowls dinner if you attended one with us. Together we will savor the food and the progress we have made to eliminate hungry in Talbot County.”

To purchase a $20 virtual ticket and to make donations of any size, visit mscf.org/donate; designate Talbot Empty Bowls as the fund name. You can also donate by mailing a check payable to Talbot Empty Bowls to Mid Shore Community Foundation, 102 E. Dover Street, Easton, MD 21601.

MSCF Announces Annual Event

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Due to COVID-19, the Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s 2020 Annual Awards and Report to the Community will be held via a virtual format.

The annual event will highlight recent activities and will recognize individuals and organizations whose contributions have made a positive and substantial impact on the community.

Bullitt House

This year’s honorees include: JoAnn Asparagus-Murray, Childlene Brooks, Anne Clucas and Debbie Molchan of St. Vincent de Paul, Jeff Horstman of ShoreRivers, Sandy Brown of Mid-Shore Pro Bono, Megan Cook and Emily Moody of CarePacks, Clay Washington of Kennard African American Cultural Heritage Center, Larry Wilson of Sumner Hall, Ruth Clendaniel of Dorchester Retired Educators Association, Cesar Gonzalez of Cambridge Community Radio, and Sara Rich of Choptank Community Health System.

The pre-recorded video will premiere on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 9AM.  Those who register, will be sent a link to the viewing and afterwards, the video will be posted publicly for all to share!

Additional information, including registration, is available on the Foundation’s website (https://www.mscf.org/annual-awards).