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The Dorchester Chamber Connection
YOUR WEEKLY SOURCE FOR DORCHESTER COUNTY BUSINESS
AND COMMUNITY UPDATES
JULY 30, 2026
| | | Click on the logo of any of our Corporate Sponsors in the eNews to learn more about them and to thank them for their on going support of the community. | | |
Thought for today...
"I cannot express how important it is to believe that taking one tiny
- and possibly very uncomfortable -
step at a time can ultimately add up to a great distance."
-Tig Notaro
If you are interested in participating, organizing events, volunteering, networking, or just want to stay informed, send an email to president@dorchesterchamber.org.
| | Robin, Thornette, & Alessandro | | Snapshot on Chamber Services | | |
Calendar of Events -
Members' events are listed on the Chamber calendar that is visited thousands of times each month by individuals looking for activities in the county.
If you have an event coming up that you would like to have on our calendar, send it to us at info@dorchesterchamber.org. The sooner the event is added to our calendar the more visibility it gets. It's also a great place to look to see what else might be coming up when planning an event.
If you have anything you want to share with the Chamber community, email us at president@dorchesterchamber.org.
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Ribbon Cutting:
2026 Caroline-Dorchester County Fair
August 5, 2026 - 4:30 p.m. for 4:45 Ribbon Cutting
Caroline County 4-H Club and Youth Park
8230 Detour Road, Denton, MD
We hope to see you at the Caroline Dorchester County Fair!
The Dorchester and the Caroline County Chambers of Commerce will be joining together again this year to provide free entry on the first day of the Fair. There will be a Ribbon Cutting at 4:45 p.m.
Food, Entertainment, Animal Shows, 4-H exhibit, Barnyard exhibit, Train display, Children's Day Program, Video Game Trailer, Bounce-back inflatables, and much more - all the things you'd expect at a County Fair.
Entertainment each day
See the full fair schedule and more information, on the website and view the Facebook page:
Caroline Dorchester County Fair Facebook Page or
https://carolinedorchestercountyfair.com/ website
No registration required - Please join us and have FUN
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Business After Hours / Ribbon Cutting:
Harvesting Hope
August 11, 2026 - 5:30 p.m.
204 Cedar Street, Cambridge, MD
Join us as we help Harvesting Hope Youth and Family Wellness celebrate 10 years as a behavioral health agency.
HHYFW is a non-profit youth and family services program sowing seeds of hope in the community. They offer behavioral services, mentoring, mental health education and advocacy, and literacy support. Using a collaborative and holistic approach, they meet their clients where they are. They also provide community-based training opportunities to local youth and families in partnership with local community agencies. Their Mission is to uplift the community by working within it and with it. "The youth are our greatest asset."
We hope to see you at the celebration on Tuesday, August 11 at 5:30 pm at their office located at 204 Cedar Street, Cambridge, MD
Click Here to Register
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Ribbon Cutting: What the Fluff Pet Grooming
September 16, 2026 - 12:00 p.m.
1704 Race Street, Cambridge, MD
Join us for a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at What the Fluff Pet Grooming and congratulate Sean, his team and family on this terrific up and coming business that gets your furry loved ones looking their best. Brand new to the Dorchester business community, What the Fluff Pet Grooming is looking forward to meeting everyone and letting you see just what they have to offer. They are located at 1704 Race Street in Cambridge, MD.
Click Here to Register
| | 2026 Dorchester Chamber Board of Directors | | |
Danielle Johnson
Chairman
Johnson's Cleaning Service
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Dominic DeLuca
Vice Chair
DELCO Packaging Products
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Caitlin Cannon
Treasurer
Koski Enterprises
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Blake Whitten
Immediate Past Chair
Whitten Retirement Solutions
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Kevin Hill
Past Chairman
Hill-Kimmel Contracting
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Jennifer Layton
Vice and Past Chairman
Layton's Chance
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Camila (Cam) Lopez
Vice Chair
Cambridge Super Soda
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Pam Allen
MidShore Meals Til Monday
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Aliza Callahan
Shore United Bank
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Bayley Brown-Covey
Powell Legacy Group
of Coldwell Banker Realty
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Beth Hancock
Regal Rexnord Corporation/Cambridge Engineered Solutions
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Brandon Hesson
City of Cambridge
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Sherri Hobbs-Messick
University of Maryland Shore Regional Health
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Shane Nicolopoulos
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort & Spa
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Eleanor Siri
Siri Premier Eyecare
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Lisa Windsor
ZSTS Law Group
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Bayside Bistro
Ashley Blake
The Packing House
411 Dorchester Avenue
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (443) 521-7185
eMail: ashley@honeydewhomestead.com
Watch for website
If you are a member and you get a business listed in this section of the eNews you get a free admission to a Chamber Business Lunch or Breakfast.
| | Bronze Sponsors - Part 1 | |
Cambridge Time Machine: On the Waterfront | |
This aerial photograph shows Cambridge, Maryland, its waterfront, and the Choptank River around 1940. The image, created by an unknown photographer, was purchased from Thomas Holliday Hicks in June 1940 and is now part of the Maryland Department of Photography Collection at the Enoch Pratt Free Library and State Library Resource Center.
Read more on the Cambridge Spy
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Heartbeat of Delmarva: All4Love | |
A one million dollar grant will help the nonprofit, All4Love to expand their reach in local schools. Right now, All4Love provides programs for young people in Cambridge.
Read more and watch the segment on WBOC
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New cafe opening to give women human-trafficking survivors an opportunity to develop workforce skills | |
CAMBRIDGE, Md. - A non-profit in Cambridge is brewing up a way to help the women in their community.
“Harriet’s House” is introducing the “Freedom Cafe” at 900 Peachblossom Ave. There, women who are survivors of human-trafficking are given the opportunity to work to help build their skills for workforce development.
“Harriet’s House” is an anti human-trafficking non-profit that aims to spread awareness and provide resources for women to gain the abilities they need for the workforce and beyond.
It also offers a residential program that serves survivors for up to 24 months in a safe and supportive environment.
Read more and watch the segment on WBOC
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Public Notices for August 2026 for Dorchester County MD Council | |
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Dorchester County Traffic Safety
Committee will conduct a meeting on
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM in Room 110
of the County Office Building, Cambridge, Maryland
to discuss a request for speed limit signs and
speed bumps on Bonnie Brook Road & Mallard Lane
PUBLIC NOTICE
Members of the Dorchester County Council
will attend the Annual Maryland Association of Counties
(MACo) Summer Conference on August 12-15, 2026
at the Roland Powell Convention Center
in Ocean City, Maryland.
Read more HERE
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Kathryn Fiddler to take on expanded leadership role at TidalHealth | |
SEAFORD, Del. — Kathryn Fiddler, DNP, MBA, MSN, RN, FNAP, will soon assume an expanded leadership role as vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer of TidalHealth Nanticoke.
Fiddler has served as TidalHealth’s vice president of population health since early 2018. She will retain that system-level role, which includes responsibility for population health and case management, when she begins her new position Aug. 3.
“I am honored to take on this expanded role and excited about the opportunity to continue our mission-driven work to improve the health of the communities we serve,” Fiddler said. “By aligning patient care services and population health efforts, we can better coordinate care, respond more effectively to community needs and continue building a healthier future for Sussex County and the entire Lower Eastern Shore.”
Read more HERE
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Davis, Bowen & Friedel Selected for National Feature on Bloomberg Television's “The American Dream” | |
SALISBURY, MD - Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. (DBF), a full-service architecture, engineering, planning, surveying, and environmental consulting firm serving the Mid-Atlantic region, has been selected for a featured segment on The American Dream, a nationally televised series airing on Bloomberg Television and CNBC, with additional streaming distribution on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other major platforms.
The segment will highlight DBF's remarkable journey from a small engineering practice founded in a one-room office in downtown Salisbury, Maryland, in 1983, to one of the Delmarva Peninsula's most comprehensive professional consulting firms. Today, DBF employs more than 100 professionals across four offices and has provided services to nearly 4,000 public- and private-sector clients throughout Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and beyond.
Read more HERE
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2026 Maryland Tax Free Week features $1,000 cash prize video contest | |
Salisbury, Md. – Tax-Free Week is coming soon to Maryland.
Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman said the period is a perfect time to stock up on back-to-school essentials and clothes ahead of the fall season. She said from Sunday, Aug. 9 through Saturday, Aug. 15, shoppers in Maryland don’t have to pay the 6% sales tax on any clothes or shoes that are individually priced at under $100 or on the first $40 on backpacks.
Lierman also said that this year, there will also be a cash prize for the winner of a video contest.
“Our office of the Comptroller of Maryland is partnering with the Maryland Retailers Alliance to create a cash prize for people who are dedicated to showing others how to save a few bucks and how to shop small in Maryland,” she said. “Marylanders can win up to $1,000 by participating in the Maryland Tax Free Week video contest, which is sponsored and administered by the Maryland Retailers Alliance.”
See more on wmdt.com
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For All Seasons Offers Tips for Dealing with Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder | |
As temperatures rise and the days grow longer, some people experience a form of depression known as summer-pattern Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). While Seasonal Affective Disorder is most commonly associated with the shorter, darker days of winter, a smaller number of people experience depressive symptoms during the spring and summer months. Although less common than winter-pattern SAD, summer-pattern SAD is a recognized condition that can significantly affect a person's mood, energy, and daily functioning.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people experiencing summer-pattern depression may notice increased irritability and frustration, along with symptoms such as insomnia, low energy, and a lack of motivation. Summertime SAD can be caused by both physiological and environmental changes. Weather is one major factor, as high temperatures and humidity can drain people’s energy and disrupt neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which govern mood. Another major factor includes changes in sleep patterns in the summer. Longer days can push bedtime later, disrupting routine – making people feel tired, overwhelmed, and out of rhythm.
Read more HERE
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August 5, 2026
4:30 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting: Opening Day 2026 Caroline - Dorchester County Fair
8230 Detour Road, Denton, MD
Registration not necessary
August 11, 2026
5:30 p.m.
Business After Hours/Ribbon Cutting: Harvesting Hope
Harvesting Hope Youth & Family Wellness, 204 Cedar St., Ste 102, Cambridge, MD
Click Here to Register
August 20, 2026
5:30 p.m.
10th Annual Dorchester-Salisbury Area Chamber Mixer
Layton's Chance Vineyard & Winery
4225 New Bridge Road, Vienna, MD
Click Here to Register
August 29 & 30, 2026
Thunder on the Choptank
Kent Narrows Racing Association
Along with CPBRA and the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce
Hambrooks Bay / Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh
end of Somerset Avenue, Cambridge, MD
https://cpbra.com/
September
Dorchester Goes Purple
September 2, 2026
12:00 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting: Bilingual Little Free Library @ Shine Your Light Mural
Shine Your Light Mural, 118 Cedar St., Cambridge, MD
Click Here to Register
September 9, 2026
5:30 p.m.
Business After Hours/Ribbon Cutting: Foundation Fitness of Cambridge
702 Cambridge Marketplace Blvd, Cambridge, MD
Click Here to Register
September 16, 2026
12:00 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting: What the Fluff Pet Grooming
1704 Race Street, Cambridge, MD
Click Here to Register
September 25, 2026
11:00 a.m. Registration
Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament 2026
River Marsh Golf Club
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, 100 Heron Blvd, Cambridge, MD 21613
Click Here for Sponsorship & Registration information
October 1, 2026
5:30 p.m.
Business After Hours/Ribbon Cutting: Handsell
4837 Indiantown Road, Vienna, MD
Click Here to Register
October 15, 2026
5:30 p.m.
Business After Hours: Dorchester Co. Economic Devel. ESIC Turns 10
104 Tech Park Drive, Cambridge, MD
Save the Date
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Ongoing
Maryland ROPTA Classes
Workshops in Mental Health First Aid for Adults, Adults who work with Youth, Connection between problem gambling and substance related disorders. For the schedule and if virtual, webinar or in-person, go to:
https://marylandropta.org/
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Tuesday Mornings
Grief Support Group - Dorchester
Coastal Hospice invites you to become a part of our ongoing grief support groups that occur weekly. Our groups are offered at no cost and are open to all members who continue experiencing pain due to death, whether or not Coastal Hospice supported you. Our goals are grief education, emotional support, and expanding your circle of connection and support.
*You will be notified by the Facilitator, Nicole, if there are any group cancelations.
To register, please email Nicole Long, Coastal Hospice Bereavement Counselor and Community Educator at nlong@coastalhospice.org or call 410-742-8732 ext 621
If leaving a message, please state the grief support group you are interested in attending.
For more information about support we offer, please visit www.coastalhospice.org/grief-support
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Tuesdays
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Yoga with Patty
Embark on a journey of tranquility and strength with our gentle yoga class. Designed for all skill levels, this class offers a harmonious blend of postures and breathing techniques to rejuvenate both mind and body. As you flow through the sequences, you'll find a nurturing environment that encourages personal growth and inner peace. Concluding with a serene meditation, you'll leave feeling centered and refreshed, carrying the calmness of the class with you into the world.
Please Call/Text to Reserve Your Space: 410-463-8393 $15/session/person
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Thursdays
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
NA Meeting
Safe Harbor meets weekly on Thursday's except on state holiday's when the office is closed.
Dri-Dock Recovery & Wellness Center, 103 Maryland Avenue, Cambridge, MD
https://dorchesterhealth.org/behavioral-health/
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Fridays
9:30 a.m.
Vets Helping Vets
Meets Fridays at 9:30 am at American Legion Post 243, Hurlock, MD. Free coffee and Donuts. EVERYONE INVITED that cares about Veteran issues or cares about a Veteran. Young adults interested in the military should attend and ask questions.
American Legion Post #243, 57 Legion Drive, Hurlock, MD 21643 facebook.com/HurlockAmericanLegionPost243
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Saturdays - no class on August 1, 2026
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Yoga with Patty
Embark on a journey of tranquility and strength with our gentle yoga class. Designed for all skill levels, this class offers a harmonious blend of postures and breathing techniques to rejuvenate both mind and body. As you flow through the sequences, you'll find a nurturing environment that encourages personal growth and inner peace. Concluding with a serene meditation, you'll leave feeling centered and refreshed, carrying the calmness of the class with you into the world.
Please Call/Text to Reserve Your Space: 410-463-8393 $15/session/person
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Thursdays
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Blue Point Provision Deck Party
Come out to enjoy the panoramic views of the Choptank River from the Blue Point Provision Company at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay. Weekly deck parties are taking place each Thursday between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. throughout the season. Featuring rotating food and beverage specials and live local music, starting on June 18.
Blue Point Provision Company is open Thursday through Monday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the weekly deck parties taking place each Thursday between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. throughout the season. For more information on the restaurant or to book a stay at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, please visit hyattregencychesapeakebay.com, or call (410) 901-1234.
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July 31, 2026
12:00 - 4:00 p.m..
Fish Platter Friday
Batter Up ... It's Fish Fry Time at the Pine Street Community Market
Fresh, hot, and made with love.
12:00 p.m. - until sold out
2 piece & french fries - $13.99
1 piece & french fries - $9.50
2 piece fish only - $11.00
1 piece fish only - $6.50
711 Pine Street Cambridge, MD
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August 1, 8, 2026
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Women's Hall of History Tour
The Cambridge Woman’s Club has a new exhibit of Dorchester women through history – from colonial times to the 1970s. Join a one-hour tour at 1pm on Saturdays through September. $5 per person; kids under 10 free.
www.cambridgewomansclub.com
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August 1, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Children's Story Time & Craft Club
East New Market neighbors and friends: Please come out for a story time and crafting meet up for your kids! We will host you and your children at 10 am every 1st Saturday of the month. Our book selection and our crafts will be related to the holiday or timely events. See you then. (watch the East New Market Events Facebook page. Town of East New Market Maryland
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August 1, 8, 2026
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Skipjack Nathan Public Sail
Each sail is two hours long we tell stories and dredge for oysters. Sails are unique depending on wind, weather, captain, and crew.
Advance reservations are recommended and accepted ONLINE, until midnight of the day before the sail. We carry up to 20 passengers per trip and the boat leaves the dock promptly on schedule.
In May and June, we sail from 1:00 to 3:00.
July through October we sail from 11:00 to 1:00.
All sails will depart from Long Wharf except September 19th when the boat will depart from the Municipal Boat Basin behind the Dorchester County Office Building on Court Lane.
https://www.skipjack-nathan.org/
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August 2, 9, 2026
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
East New Market Farmer's Market
The Town of East New Market, in association with Triangle Acres Fresh Produce & Flowers, presents the East New Market Farmer's Market at Friendship Park on Railroad Avenue in East New Market, MD
**Support Local**
Fresh Fruits & Veggies - Farm Fresh Eggs - Selection of Herbs - gorgeous flowers
For more information, enmfarmers@gmail.com or 410-943-8112
Find us on Facebook and Instagram
https://www.facebook.com/enm.committee.md
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August 4, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
America's 250 Music Series
America's 250 Music Series, held at 447 Venue is in tribute to the Chitlin Circuit on Pine Street and American/Americana music over 250 years.
This special music series honors the rich heritage, community spirit, and live music traditions that continue to shape Dorchester County and the Heart of the Chesapeake. Join in most Tuesday nights through October for local and regional musicians performing Motown, rock and roll, jazz, bluegrass, blues, and Americana and soul. At 447 Venue in Cambridge, Maryland. Doors open 6pm; music starts at 6:30pm with featured artists at 7:30pm. Here's the schedule:
Aug. 4: Pop/Soul (Prince & Michael J) with "Elks" Axavier Spencer
Aug. 18: 1930s-40s Swing with Ron Kurtz & Jeremy St. Pierre
Sept. 1: Jazz with Gil Cephas & Les Rayne
Sept. 15: Bluegrass/Americana with the Woody Lambert Group
Sept. 22: Blues with David Cole & Linda Harris
Sept. 29: A Progression of Country Sound with Mike Sosler
Oct. 20: Woodstock Era with KC Stangl Group
Presented by Dorchester County Tourism and Grassroots Open Mic.
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August 8, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Second Saturday Book Sale '26
The Friends of the Dorchester County Public Library hold a used book sale on the Second Saturday of each month from 9 am to 1 pm. Lots and lots of books of many genres for all ages. Books are one dollar for paperbacks, two dollars for hardbacks. All proceeds support activities and collection building at our Libraries.
The Library is located at 303 Gay Street, and the Book Cellar is on the first floor.
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August 8, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Shine Your Light 1 Year Anniversary
Join us for a vibrant, all-day community celebration honoring the 1-year anniversary of the "Shine Your Light" mural. This is a special moment for Cambridge and we invite you to be part of it!
The day will feature food, music, a chance to connect with your neighbors, and a very special preview of an exciting new project. We are thrilled to share our upcoming initiative for a Home-Based Bilingual Little Free Library, a community resource that promotes literacy and connection for all.
Event Highlights:
Live music
Food & craft vendors
Community connections
Introduction to our Bilingual Little Free Library Initiative
Celebration of local art and culture
We are thrilled to bring the community together at this beautiful mural location. More details are coming soon, so mark your calendars!
http://www.myartistmiriammoran.com/
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August 8, 2026
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
COSPLAY Reading Social
Join us Saturday, August 8th for COSPLAY!! Come as your favorite Cosplay character; if you don't have a costume, you can make a mask at the event. Free books, vendors, etc. We look forward to seeing you all there.
FB Event
To be a vendor, please contact: jamece.molock@harvestinghopeinc.org
Reading Socials provide reading support to youth 12 and under with 1:1 reading, small groups and read alouds. We provide healthy snacks and free books at each reading social. Children and families are welcome to drop in or stay the whole time. Volunteers welcome with preregistration. You can support us by hosting a reading social. Contact us at info@harvestinghopeinc.org.
Supported by:
John & Janice Wyatt Foundation
Harvesting Hope Youth and Family Wellness, Inc.
Dorchester County Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
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August 8, 2026
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Second Saturday Reception at DCA
The Graham Slaughter Biannual Photography Exhibition was founded in 2005 by former DCA Board President, Dr. Graham Slaughter, and continues today to bring together community members and artists from the DMV region.
This is an open call exhibition with the theme of Unspoken.
What emotions can only be expressed through the lens of the camera? How does the art of photography reveal the depth and nuance of the human experience?
The subject matter can range from family, friends, love, loss, and more. The visual style of this exhibition is also open ended, and submissions can include portraiture, documentary, abstract, landscape or any other style that expresses the theme. Both analog and digital photos are accepted, as well as black and white and color.
Open call entry form and further exhibition details HERE
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August 9-15, 2026
Maryland Shop Free Week
The second Sunday of August through the following Saturday is designated as Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week each year. During this week, qualifying apparel and footwear priced at $100 or less per item are exempt from the state sales tax. The first $40 of a backpack or bookbag purchase is also tax-free. (Accessory items, except for backpacks, are not included.)
This year's Tax-Free Week theme focuses on savings, for families, for local businesses, and for communities across the state.
We encourage Marylanders to consider doing their Tax-Free Week shopping at Maryland businesses. Purchases made at local retailers help support neighborhood jobs and contribute to the strength of local economies.
https://www.marylandcomptroller.gov/about/comptroller/programs.html
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August 10, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Town of Hurlock Council Meeting
The Town of Hurlock Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 6 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.
The meeting can also be viewed via Town Hall Streams.
hurlock-md.gov/ | Council Minutes & Agendas
**Holiday Schedules may differ**
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August 10, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
City of Cambridge Council Meeting
The City Council meets in public forum at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month (unless otherwise noted on the agenda) in the Council Chambers at 305 Gay Street. Follow them on Facebook, view meetings via Town Hall Streams
Meeting Schedule | Agenda Center
If work sessions are needed, they will normally be held on the 3rd Monday of the month beginning at 6 pm
Closed sessions may be scheduled to start at 5:00 pm as needed.
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August 11, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Town of East New Market Council Meeting
The Town of East New Market Town Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at Town Hall; 101 Main Street, East New Market, MD 21631. The town members are welcomed to attend.
Working Sessions are the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month beginning at 5:30 pm at Town Hall. Town Citizens are encouraged to attend - questions and comments are held until the town meeting.
https://townofeastnewmarket.com enmtownhall@gmail.com
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Detailed Information for each event can be found on our website: www.dorchesterchamber.org/events/calendar/
Please always check with the organization holding the event to make sure the events are still being held.
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Please take the time to send your community events to us at:
robinmarie@dorchesterchamber.org
Events can be submitted on our Public Submission Event Page
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306 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
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