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June 10, 2023

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

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News News Notes

St. Michaels Concerts in the Park to Start at 6 p.m.

June 3, 2023 by St. Michaels Community Center Leave a Comment

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 Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: local news, st. michaels community center, The Talbot Spy

Concerts in the Park Series Begins June 8 in St. Michaels

May 11, 2023 by St. Michaels Community Center

The St. Michaels Community Center’s Concerts in the Park Series is returning to the waterfront Muskrat Park on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. beginning June 8 and continuing through Aug. 31.

The sounds of summer begin with Rosewood performing on June 8. The Eastern Shore-based band features the dynamic and lush vocals of Sandy Ryder performing great standards from the ‘60s to today, including country, blues, and contemporary rock.

The sounds of summer begin with Rosewood performing at the waterfront Muskrat Park in St. Michaels, Md. on June 8 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

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.

Ice cream, popcorn, snow cones, bottled water, and other treats will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the children and adults served by the St. Michaels Community Center. Plenty of locally-owned restaurants 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, Built on Love and Dreams, The Crab Claw Restaurant, Eastern Shore Ship | Print | Connect, Foxy’s Harbor Grille, The Galley Restaurant, Gina’s Café, Guilford & Company, The Harmon Family, Higgins & Spencer, Higgins Yacht Yard, Justine’s Ice Cream, Log Canoe Inn, Marasun Roofing, Mid-Atlantic Waste System, ​​​​​​​​Ophiuroidea “The O”, Pemberton Pharmacy & Gifts, The Preppy Redneck, Rebecca Thomas Events, Ruse, Shore Orthopedics, Shore United Bank, Simpatico, St. Michaels Running Company, Talbot Watermen Association, Tickler’s Crab Shack, Theo’s Steaks, Sides & Spirits, Total Home Performance, Wades Point Inn on the Bay, and The Wildset Hotel.

The St. Michaels Community Center is currently campaigning for donations supporting the renovations now underway of its building at 103 Railroad Ave., with expanded programs and services to include its new culinary arts and hospitality workforce training program.

JCT 33 returns to perform at the waterfront Muskrat Park in St. Michaels on Thurs., June 15 as part of the St. Michaels Community Center’s Concerts in the Park series.

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 Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, local news, st. michaels community center

St. Michaels Community Center Welcomes New Board Members and Officers

April 7, 2023 by St. Michaels Community Center

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 Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: local news, st. michaels community center, The Talbot Spy

St. Michaels Community Center Hosts New Culinary and Hospitality Courses

March 30, 2023 by St. Michaels Community Center

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: local news, st. michaels community center, The Talbot Spy

Healthy Living Classes Begins March 2 in St. Michaels

February 26, 2023 by St. Michaels Community Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Health Notes Tagged With: Health, local news, st. michaels community center

Kerri Clear Joins St. Michaels Community Center as Executive Chef

February 15, 2023 by St. Michaels Community Center

Kerri Clear

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: local news, st. michaels community center, The Talbot Spy

Program for Dads Begins Feb. 28 in St. Michaels

February 10, 2023 by St. Michaels Community Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: local news, st. michaels community center, The Talbot Spy

St. Michaels Community Center Names Culinary & Hospitality Advisory Team

February 3, 2023 by St. Michaels Community Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to serve, empower, and connect the community, with year-round essential human services programs and activities for children, families, and adults. Tax-deductible donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for people in St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred’s communities, with more at www.stmichaelscc.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: local news, st. michaels community center, The Talbot Spy

St. Michaels Community Center Gutted, Renovation Begins

December 8, 2022 by St. Michaels Community Center

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

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: local news, st. michaels community center, The Talbot Spy

St. Michaels Community Center Renovations Begin

November 23, 2022 by St. Michaels Community Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The new 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. Rofe says the Center is working with Chesapeake College and other partners to provide high-level instruction right in the middle of town.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Brevities Tagged With: local news, st. michaels community center, The Talbot Spy

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