The A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation is helping to support the people served by the St. Michaels Community Center with an investment of $250,000 for the nonprofit’s building renovation capital campaign.

The funding supports the Community Center’s total renovation of its aged building to expand community food distribution and education services, including a modern commercial kitchen for a new Culinary Arts & Hospitality Workforce Development Program. The building renovation is on schedule to be completed by the end of 2023. Additional charitable donations and grants are needed to close a $900,000 fundraising gap to reach the project’s $4.5 Million goal.

“The Clark Foundation supports the work of organizations with strong leadership and values that reflect those of our founder and my father, A. James Clark,” said Foundation Board Chair Courtney Clark Pastrick. “This investment is aligned with our mission of ensuring organizations like the St. Michaels Community Center have the resources they need to grow and support their communities today and in the future.”

During the year-long renovation, the St. Michaels Community Center is operating from temporary office space generously donated by Christ Church, St. Michaels, and leased space where the former Key Lime Café and Crab ‘N’ Que restaurants used to be on Talbot Street.

The new facility will include amenities once lacking in the original World War II-era structure that was built to be a crude lumber warehouse. There will be a second-floor clerestory for offices, operating windows, proper insulation, a functional HVAC system, handicap accessibility, and more.

Future programming and functionality of the renovated community center followed opinions and suggestions by residents of St. Michaels and the surrounding areas.

“We conducted a community needs assessment survey in 2020 of people from Royal Oak to Tilghman Island,” said Langley Shook, the Community Center’s Board Chair. “Respondents were clear in detailing the community’s needs for a technology center, workforce development programs, arts and culture, and much more.”

The renovated Center also will include equipped classrooms for after-school programs, summer camps, and adult education, along with a Technology Center to provide online classes offered by Chesapeake College and a home for a retail entrepreneurship training program.

“This investment will help us have the improved facilities needed to support our food distribution program and a new culinary arts workforce training program, for example, which will benefit the participants and local restaurants in need of well-trained employees,” said SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “We’d like to start a Farm-to-Table program related to nutrition and health and growing fruits and vegetables in our 40 community garden plots.”

SMCC anticipates doubling the number of people served after programming in the new building is operational.“SMCC’s priority commitment is to the needs of the region’s population who lack the resources to lift themselves from poverty,” said Rofe. “We will continue our long-time commitment to the food insecure and will add to that workforce development programming to enable individuals to transition to self-sufficiency.”

About the St. Michaels Community Center

The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to serve, empower, and connect the community with year-round 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 residents of St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred area.

Architectural renderings of the St. Michaels Community Center’s renovated building and planned capital improvements, including information about how to support the campaign, can be found at www.stmichaelscc.org/future.

About the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation

The A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation partners with organizations to strengthen their ability to meet the needs of the individuals, families, and communities they serve. In keeping with Mr. Clark’s desire to spend down within a decade and maximize the impact of this funding, the Clark Foundation established its current philanthropic model in 2016. The Foundation focuses its philanthropy in three strategic areas: educating future engineering leaders, improving the lives of veterans and their families, and providing members of the DC community the best opportunity to thrive.

To learn more, visit: www.clarkfoundationdc.org.

The St. Michaels Community Center’s Concerts in the Park Series will now begin at 6 p.m. on Thursdays starting June 8 and continuing through Aug. 31 at the waterfront Muskrat Park.

“We’re grateful to the Commissioners of St. Michaels for supporting this later start time in their permit approval,” said SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe. Rofe says the concerts were originally set to start at 5:30 p.m., with the start time change made in response to community feedback.

Eastern Shore-based Rosewood kicks off the series on June 8, with the dynamic and lush vocals of Sandy Ryder performing great standards from the ‘60s to today, including country, blues, and contemporary rock.

All 13 performances are listed on the St. Michaels Community Center’s website, with earlier performances including JCT 33, Sarah Campbell, New & Used Bluegrass, Ampersand, Down the Road, and more.

Muskrat Park features an expansive lawn overlooking St. Michaels Harbor and the Miles River, with limited picnic tables and a covered gazebo for performances. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or their own seating, along with friends, family, neighbors, your leashed dog, or just yourself to enjoy the concerts. Picnics are encouraged, with alcohol prohibited.

Treats and drinks will be available for cash purchase, with proceeds benefiting the children and adults served by the St. Michaels Community Center. Plenty of locally-owned restaurants, places to shop, and parking are also nearby.

The free concert series is made possible through the generous sponsorship of local businesses acknowledged at each concert. Concert series sponsors include Ava’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar, The Blue Crab, Blue Heron Coffee, Bridges Land Management, Carpenter Street Saloon, The Crab Claw Restaurant, Diana’s Tilton Hilton, Eastern Shore Ship | Print | Connect, Foxy’s Harbor Grille, The Galley St. Michaels, Gina’s Café, Guilford & Company, The Harmon Family, Higgins & Spencer, Higgins Yacht Yard, Hopkins Sales Company, Justine’s Ice Cream, Kevertin Pet Resorts, Kleppinger Electric, Log Canoe Inn, Love & Dreams Bay Cruises, Marasun Roofing, Mid-Atlantic Waste System, ​​​​​​​​Olde Town Candy Company, Ophiuroidea “The O”, Pemberton Pharmacy & Gifts, The Preppy Redneck, Rebecca Thomas Events, Ruse Restaurant, Shore Orthopedics, Shore United Bank, Simpatico Italy’s Finest, St. Michaels Running Company, Talbot Watermen Association, Tickler’s Crab Shack, Theo’s Steaks, Sides & Spirits, Total Home Performance, Town & Country Wine, Liquor, Etc., Wades Point Inn on the Bay, The Wildset Hotel, and Wylder Hotels.

Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels help the nonprofit ensure children and adults from the Newcomb Bridge to Tilghman Island have the resources they need. More is at www.stmichaelscc.org.

The St. Michaels Community Center recently announced five new members have joined its Board of Directors, with this year’s officers also named.

Board officers are Chair Langley Shook, Vice Chair Lori Morris, Secretary Karen Footner, and Treasurer Parker Spurry. Newly elected to a two-year Board term are Directors Pam Bernstein, Chris Moyer, Lisa Sweetney-Swint, Susan Thomas, and Joan Wetmore.

Remaining on the Board are Shauna Beulah, Cheri Bruce-Phipps, Joe Brummell, Christian Chute, Travis Johnson, Hon. Edward Kasemeyer, Connie Pullen, Jeffrey L. Quartner, MD, and St. Michaels Chief of Police Anthony Smith.

“We count our Board of Directors among the volunteers who serve at the core of everything we do,” said St. Michaels Community Center Executive Director Patrick Rofe.“We’re grateful for our Board’s leadership, direction, and fundraising to help ensure local children and families have the resources they need.”

“This is an exciting time for the St. Michaels Community Center,” said SMCC Board Chair Langley Shook. “Our total building renovation project is well underway, and we expect everything to be finished with a ribbon cutting ceremony next winter.

“Then, we’ll roll out new programs and activities like our new Culinary Arts and Hospitality Workforce Training Program,” says Shook. “Programs that were not possible in our unimproved warehouse building.”

Photo: St. Michaels Community Center has recently announced five new members have joined its Board of Directors, with this year’s officers also named. SMCC’s Board of Directors include from left, SMCC Board Chair Langley Shook; Board members Lisa Sweetney-Swint, Shauna Beulah, and Christian Chute, Treasurer Parker Spurry, new Board member Susan Thomas, Secretary Karen Footner, Board member Joe Brummell, and SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe. Not shown include Vice Chair Lori Morris, new Board members Pam Bernstein, Chris Moyer, CED, and Joan Wetmore, and Board members Cheri Bruce-Phipps, Travis Johnson, Hon. Edward Kasemeyer, Connie Pullen, Jeffrey L. Quartner, MD, and St. Michaels Police Chief Anthony Smith.

Pam Bernstein of St. Michaels has earned Master’s Degrees in Finance from Georgetown University and Business Administration from the University of Bridgeport. She served for 40 years in executive finance and administrative positions with several prominent national and international law firms with offices in Washington, D.C. Now retired, Bernstein lives in the St. Michaels community of Martingham with her husband Dave. She brings financial expertise, rich board experience, and a deep commitment to the community to the position, with her volunteer experience including work with the SPCA of Annapolis, Talbot Humane, Pickering Creek Audubon Society, and more.

Chris Moyer, CEC, CRC, of St. Michaelsis the Corporate Executive Chef for Perdue Foods, LLC. He has 31 years of professional food service experience. Moyer graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and later joined the Ashley Hotel group at the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels and Llangoed Hall, a four-star luxury hotel in Wales, United Kingdom. Moyer additionally held chef positions in Beaufort, N.C., and Key West, Fla. Moyer stepped into the food service equipment arena in 2000 and worked for equipment brands including Market Forge, Amana, Bakers Pride, and Imperial. Moyer also served as Regional Executive Chef for Alto Shaam covering the Mid-Atlantic Region – Maryland, D.C., Delaware, and Virginia. He continues his 18 years of service with Perdue Farms, working with some of the largest food brands in the world.

Lisa Sweetney-Swint of St Michaels is a leader who is passionate about diversity, inclusion, and equity.  She received a Women in Leadership certification from Cornell University and has participated and collaborated with various organizations as a champion for women’s rights. She has considerable experience on nonprofit boards and a background in project management and architecture. Sweetney-Swint is a resourceful and dedicated leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, devoting several years as a volunteer with the Lake Forest, Ill. and the Solon, Ohio school districts as a parent-teacher liaison.  She also served on the Board of the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Forest, Ill.  Her volunteer experience includes serving as a hospice liaison and fundraiser coordinator. She is currently an active member of the National Organization of Professional Women, International Professional Women, and Women of Color. She is the recipient of various accolades and awards and is a graduate of the Academy of Art University and Carlow University.

Susan Thomas of St. Michaels began her career as an elementary school teacher, but after earning an LCSW-C at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, she became an individual, marital, and family therapist in Baltimore, retiring after 35 years. She was also an adjunct at Goucher College teaching courses in self-esteem and family of origin. Thomas has extensive development experience as the Chair of the United Way of Central Maryland Women’s Leadership Council. She served as president of the Roland Park Garden Club and was a volunteer with the Adult Literacy Program in Baltimore City, St. Michaels Elementary School aftercare program, and Christmas in St. Michaels.

Joan Wetmore of Neavitt has extensive nonprofit experience derived from her professional work at the Smithsonian Institution’s Freer and Sackler Galleries, and in establishing the first development department and numerous programs at Washington D.C.’s Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens. Her past Board memberships include Talbot Preservation Alliance and Talbot County Historical Society. Wetmore is currently a realtor with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in printmaking from American University and Howard University, graduating magna cum laude. She holds a Master of Arts degree in visual arts from Goddard College.

The St. Michaels Community Center is currently campaigning for donations supporting the renovations of its building at 103 Railroad Ave., with expanded programs and services to include its new culinary arts and hospitality workforce training program. The renovations support SMCC’s mission to serve, empower, and connect the community, with year-round programs and activities. Architectural renderings of the new building and more about SMCC’s capital improvements are at www.stmichaelscc.org/future.

Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels help the nonprofit ensure children and adults from the Newcomb bridge to Tilghman Island have the resources they need. More is at www.stmichaelscc.org.

The St. Michaels Community Center has recently partnered with Chesapeake College to offer culinary and hospitality classes this spring.

“Spark a Flame Making Crème Brûlée” takes place on Tuesday, April 25 from 6-9 p.m. at SMCC, with participants learning the art of the most perfect custard topped with a flamed, most decadent crackly sugar top. In this 3-hour course, SMCC Executive Chef Kerri Clear and Chef Jordan Lloyd from Hambleton House Events and Catering will lead you through the process of mastering the tricks of preparing Crème Brûlée as only trained chefs know.

Topics include proper techniques, ingredients, and temperatures for preparing and finishing off this decadent dessert. Participants will leave this class with recipes and skills to impress your next dinner guests.

“The Art of Gracious Hospitality” takes place on Tuesday, May 23 from 6-9 p.m. at SMCC with participants learning the art of exceptional guest and customer service from the legendary Inn at Perry Cabin luxury resort.

Topics include the differences between service and gracious hospitality, what it takes to make it happen every day, how to master the finer points of “Presence & Presentation,” and how to turn your guest or customer into a passionate admirer of your brand.

Course fees are $90 per participant, per class. Class sizes are limited, with links for advanced registration with Chesapeake College at www.stmichaelscc.org/culinary.

The St. Michaels Community Center is currently campaigning for donations supporting the renovations of its building at 103 Railroad Ave., with expanded programs and services to include a new culinary and hospitality workforce training program. The renovations support SMCC’s mission to serve, empower, and connect the community, with year-round programs and activities. Architectural renderings of the new building and more about SMCC’s capital improvements are at www.stmichaelscc.org/future.

Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels help the nonprofit ensure children and adults from the Newcomb bridge to Tilghman Island have the resources they need. More is at www.stmichaelscc.org.

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.”

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, and donors to SMCC.

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.

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 [email protected].

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.

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.