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Dorchester Chamber of Commerce eNews & Events
January 1, 2026 - January 15, 2026
| | | The Team at the Dorchester Chamber wishes you a very Safe and Happy New Year. | | 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. | | |
Cambridge Ice & Oyster Festival
January 16 & 17, 2026
5 - 8 pm Friday
11 am to 7 pm Saturday
Downtown Cambridge & Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
2026 Cambridge Ice and Oyster Festival For our 5th Annual Event we will be Celebrating America's 250th
In addition to many of the crowd favorites like the Ice Slide, Hunting Blind, and Graffiti Wall this year we are adding an Ice Maze. Come out to see how good you are navigating the frozen maze.
Black Water Adventures and the Hyatt will be hosting the synthetic ice rink again this year and there will be a free shuttle between the sites.
This is a great family friendly event that is fun for all ages.
https://iceoysterfest.com
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Ribbon Cutting: 7 Brew Coffee
January 21, 2026 - 12 p.m.
2733 Dorchester Square, Cambridge, MD
7 Brew is new to Cambridge and invites everyone to their Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday, January 21 at Noon. The team is excited to share the 7 Brew story of drive-thru coffee with Dorchester County. Join us to hear about the coffee and the many other types of drinks offered including custom created treats. Great to time to try a drink or two.
Click Here to Register
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Ribbon Cutting: My Daughters & Me
January 29, 2026 - 12 p.m.
421 Race Street, Ste 100, Cambridge, MD
My Daughters & Me is a brand-new women's boutique in Downtown Cambridge. After a soft opening just before the holidays, now they are having a Grand Opening to celebrate with everyone. Carefully curated, timeless clothing, accessories and home goods can be found here. Come join us to help celebrate this new opening and congratulate this mom with many daughters who has a vision for Cambridge.
Click Here to Register
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Dorchester Chamber Foundation Scholarship Applications
Application Process IS OPEN
Calling all Chamber Members that have employees that are age 16-21 or have employees with children or grandchildren that are age 16-21. The awards are not only for high school seniors but anyone looking to continue their education in a certified program.
We have awarded scholarships for a wide variety of programs in the past, including arts, agriculture, cosmetology, computer science, criminal justice, culinary, education, engineering, nursing, physical therapy, physician, marine trades, veterinary medicine, welding, and many more...
Awards range from $1,000 to $4,000. You can learn more and get an application at:
www.dorchesterchamber.org/scholarhips
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National Civics Bee
Do you have a 6th, 7th, or 8th Grade Student?
Any Student in the State of Maryland can participate.
Share your ideas and flex your civics knowledge in the National Civics Bee®.
ABOUT THE BEE
The Dorchester Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th and 8th graders will flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Finalists will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee National Championship in Fall 2026.
For more information: www.dorchesterchamber.org/civicsbee
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It Could Be YOU!
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.
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Suggested Reading:
Quote of the Week:
“Learn from yesterday,
live for today,
hope for tomorrow.”
-- Albert Einstein
| | Bronze Sponsors - Part 1 | |
Dorchester Chamber Foundation Opens Applications for Scholarship | |
(CAMBRIDGE, Md) – As the year comes to an end, opportunity is just starting in Dorchester County.
The Dorchester Chamber of Commerce is opening applications for the Dorchester Chamber Foundation Scholarship.
It’s open to families of chamber members ages 16 to 21 years old, to help with continuing their education.
Chamber President Bill Christopher says a scholarship like this helps to breathe new life in to the community’s work force.
Read more and watch the segment on WMDT
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Celebrating New Years Eve in Cambridge | |
(CAMBRIDGE, Md) – New Year’s Eve means plenty of businesses on the Eastern Shore are going to be celebrating, and that’s certainly no different in Cambridge Because there are quite a few businesses that are ringing in the new year in their own special way.
At the Hyatt Regency staff are getting ready to go all out.
They are nearly fully booked for New Year’s Eve Wednesday evening.
Hyatt Regency Director of Events and Marketing, Cari Ruppert tells WMDT, “…we sell out typically for New Years. I think we’re sitting around 50 rooms left. But we’re definitely still taking availability.”
In Downtown Cambridge, there’s no shortage of events…
From parties at local restaurants, to the second annual Crab Basket Drop.
Owner of Cambridge’s Cabin Fever Jess LaPerch says she’s preparing for a New Year’s tradition geared towards a younger crowd.
Read more and watch the segment on WMDT
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Portside's Oyster Ball Set for January 10th with Bird Dog & the Road Kings | |
CAMBRIDGE, MD-The 11th Annual Oyster Ball returns to Portside Seafood Restaurant on Saturday, Januarty 10th, at 6pm. The event is held every year to raise funds for Dorchester County Watermen (Dorchester Seafood Heritage Association) and is once again headlined by Eastern Shore Legends, Bird Dog & The Road Kings.
"We are so excited to host the Oyster Ball and show our support for the Watermen." Said Marcia Christopher, owner of Portside. Event Co-Founder, Keith Graffius, agrees, "What started out 11 years ago as a little party has turned into a major event raising tens of thousands of dollars for our watermen over the years."
There will also be a "Toast To Tracie" at the Ball in memory of Tracie Whiteley, who passed away earlier this year. She was Portside's "mom" and a lifetime supporter of our Watermen.
Read more HERE
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Mayor Presents Citations Honoring Community Groups | |
At last week’s special meeting of the Cambridge City Commissioners, Mayor Lajan Cephas-Bey presented citations and keys to the city to Cambridge – Dorchester County Christmas Parade Inc., Groove City Black Heritage and Culture Group Inc., and Alpha Genesis Community Development Corporation.
The mayor read each citation and invited representatives forward for photos with the commissioners.
In presenting the key to the city to the Christmas Parade organization, Cephas-Bey pointed to the group’s role in drawing visitors and supporting local economic activity. She also reflected on the event’s personal meaning for residents and families, describing it as a tradition people look forward to each year.
She highlighted Groove City Black Heritage and Culture Group’s role in elevating Cambridge’s cultural identity, noting the city’s association with the nickname Groove City and telling the group their work is seen and appreciated.
Read more on the Cambridge Spy
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91 Years of Rescue Fire Company Train Garden | |
The Rescue Fire Company Train Garden remains in the same home it has always occupied, the "Old Firehouse" at 307 Gay St., the gateway to Downtown Cambridge.
Watch the segment on WBOC
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Hurlock gets first ever Salvation Army red kettle | |
HURLOCK, Md - The town of Hurlock now has a Salvation Army red kettle to help raise funds for families in need this holiday season. The kettle is set up at Hurlock Gas and Deli on South Main Street, thanks to the efforts of an employee at the store.
T.J. Higgins, who works at Hurlock Gas and Deli, says the idea started when he approached Hurlock’s mayor, Earl Murphy, about bringing a kettle to the town.
“I reached out to our newly elected mayor,” Higgins said. “He said that he was open to any and all ideas. I knew the holiday season was coming up, and I just said to him, you know, what about the Salvation Army? They don't have a presence here. You see them in Cambridge. We see them in other areas. What about here in Hurlock?”
From there, coordination with the Salvation Army helped bring the iconic red kettle to town just in time for the holidays. Higgins added that the kettle is meant to encourage everyone to chip in, no matter the size of the donation.
Read more on WBOC
Watch the segment on WBOC
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Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Announces New Year’s Eve
Celebration Package 2025-26
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Cambridge, Md. (December 22, 2025) – Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, an award-winning waterfront destination nestled on 342 acres of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, announces a special New Year’s Eve celebration package. Guests who book the overnight celebration package receive exclusive access to a variety of family-friendly festivities for the holiday.
“We look forward to welcoming families and friends as they ring in the New Year with an unforgettable getaway or staycation,” said Brianna Guzman, Area Director of Marketing at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay. “With a delicious holiday buffet and lively festivities, this year’s celebration will provide a fun-filled experience the entire family will love.”
On New Year’s Eve, the resort will welcome overnight guests with a holiday dinner buffet at Water’s Edge Grill. The menu will feature a variety of holiday classics, Eastern Shore favorites, and extravagant desserts.
Read more HERE
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Crossroads Community & Corsica River Celebrate Clients and Staff at 2025 Annual Holiday & Awards Event | |
Centreville, MD – December 23rd, 2025: Crossroads Community and Corsica River Mental Health Services hosted their Annual Client Holiday & Awards Celebration on December 19, 2025, honoring the dedication, resilience, and accomplishments of clients and staff. This year’s celebration recognized 232 achievements across areas including personal resiliency, recovery milestones, and inspiring stories of transformation.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the John F. Plaskon Special Recognition Award to Gloria Bowen at Main Street Housing, honoring her leadership in reducing mental health stigma and providing life-changing housing opportunities. The award commemorates John F. Plaskon, former Executive Director of Crossroads Community, for his years of dedication to the organization.
Staff members Kaitlyn Carwell, Laura Christ, Mackenzie Gardner, Stephanie Younce, and Tracey Patrick were also recognized for their exceptional commitment to supporting clients and strengthening the community.
Read more HERE
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Kara Morris selected as Executive Director of Crossroads Community & Corsica River Mental Health Services | |
Centreville, MD – December 23rd, 2025: Crossroads Community, Inc. and Corsica River Mental Health Services, Inc. are pleased to announce that Kara Morris has been selected as Executive Director, effective December 17, 2025.
Following a comprehensive and competitive recruitment process led by the Boards of Directors, Kara was chosen from a broad applicant pool after multiple stages of screening, interviews, and board-led review. This thoughtful and equitable process ensured the selection of a leader well prepared to guide the organizations during a time of growth and transition.
Kara was selected based on her proven leadership, deep commitment to the mission, and dedication to expanding access to quality behavioral health services across Maryland’s Mid-Shore region. She brings a collaborative, compassionate approach to leadership and a strong focus on community-centered care. The Boards are confident in her vision and excited for the future under her guidance.
Read more HERE
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Plans Prescribed Fires for Winter and Spring 2025-26 | |
This winter and spring (December 2025-April 2026), Mid-Atlantic Zone firefighters with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be planning and implementing several prescribed fires across the Blackwater and Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuges in Dorchester, Kent, and Wicomico counties. Prescribed fires will aim to reduce hazardous fuel loads in the woods and marshlands, while also improving wildlife habitat. Firefighters take a proactive approach to impact the public as little as possible during prescribed fires. Be alert when smoke is in the air as firefighters use various pieces of equipment along the roads, as well as airboats and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), to ignite, hold, and observe fire operations. UAS is a new tool that firefighters use to ignite and observe during wildfire and prescribed fire operations. We depend on the Maryland Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy firefighters and equipment to implement and accomplish prescribed fire goals and objectives.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 33,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwoods and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife. To learn more, visit our website at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or follow us on Facebook @BlackwaterNWR.
Read more HERE
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Links to upcoming local meeting agendas
City of Cambridge
Town of Hurlock
Dorchester County Council
Here is link to Town Hall Streams where you can watch Dorchester County Council, City of Cambridge, Town of Hurlock, and Dorchester County School Board meetings live or recording of prior meetings: TOWN HALL STREAMS
This section of the weekly eNews is designed to provide updates to various legislative topics we think are of importance to our members. If there is any legislation we do not mention that you believe is important please reach out to us via email or call 410-228-3575.
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November 1, 2025 - February 13, 2026
Dorchester Chamber Foundation Scholarship Applications are being Accepted
Click Here for more information and to donate: www.dorchesterchamber.org/scholarships
January 16 & 17, 2026
5-8 p.m. on Friday
11 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday
Cambridge Ice & Oyster Festival
Downtown Cambridge & Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
https://iceoysterfest.com
Click Here for Sponsor Info
Click Here to Volunteer
January 21, 2026
12:00 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting: 7Brew
2733 Dorchester Square, Cambridge, MD 21613
Save the Date
January 29, 2026
12:00 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting: My Daughters & Me
421 Race Street, Ste 100, Cambridge, MD 21613
Click Here to Register
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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, 2025
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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Fridays, 2025
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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Fridays - 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays 2025 - 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sundays 2025 - 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Synthetic Ice-Skating Rink at Hyatt Chesapeake Bay
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina and Blackwater Adventures are celebrating the holiday season with an on-site synthetic ice-skating rink providing magical winter moments on the Eastern Shore. The synthetic ice-skating rink will be located next to the resort’s Regatta Pavilion. The adjoining Winter Village will provide skate rentals, a refreshment station serving hot chocolate and cozy cocktails, and fire pits for warming up and roasting marshmallows to make s’mores. New this year, the Winter Village will also provide a holiday-themed miniature golf course, lawn games, and pop-up shops from local area businesses ideal for unique gift opportunities. The synthetic ice-skating rink and Winter Village is open on Fridays between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., on Saturdays between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m., and on Sundays between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. The rink will have extended hours during Christmas week and post-holiday hours will be announced in the new year.
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December 31, 2025
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY for 2025
Then, watch for the Train Garden to be open during the
Cambridge Ice and Oyster Festival 1/16 & 1/17
91st Annual Rescue Fire Company Train Garden
The Rescue Fire Company Train Garden returns in 2025 for its ninety-first consecutive year! Housed in the Old Firehouse on Gay Street, the Train Garden is a Cambridge Christmas tradition like no other.
Gaze in wonder at the displays, seek out hidden fun on the layouts, and enjoy our locally famous popcorn. Then get some holiday shopping done in the many wonderful Downtown Cambridge shops and dine at the restaurants who support the Train Garden, too!
We're open every evening in December other than Christmas, with daytime openings on Saturdays and Sundays.
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December 31, 2025 4 p.m. - January 1, 2026
New Year's Eve Package at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay is offering a special New Year’s Eve celebration package. Guests who book the overnight celebration package receive exclusive access to a variety of family-friendly festivities for the holiday. On New Year’s Eve, the resort will welcome overnight guests with a holiday dinner buffet at Water’s Edge Grill. The menu will feature a variety of holiday classics, Eastern Shore favorites, and extravagant desserts. The overnight package also provides access to a holiday party complete with a live broadcast of the countdown from Times Square, a DJ, party favors family game rooms, and a teen lounge with several of the latest gaming consoles. The resort also provides waterfront skating at its on-site synthetic ice-skating rink and “dive in” movies at its Winter Garden pool complex. At midnight, the resort will feature a champagne or sparkling cider toast to officially welcome 2026. For more information or to book a New Year’s Eve stay at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, please visit hyattregencychesapeakebay.com, or call (410) 901-1234. An additional New Year’s Eve fee will be applied to the reservation.
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January 1, 2026
New Years Day
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January 2, 2026
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Role of Women in Community Volunteering: Education, Entertainment, Health & Religion
A panel of community leaders will present and engage in discussion with attendees regarding how women can effectively serve our community as volunteers!
Please join us at The Cambridge Woman's Club for this FREE presentation that is open to all.
cambridgewomansclub.com
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January 3, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
New Years Traditional Tea
Ring in the New Year as they would have at the turn of the century – with tea! Hosted by the Dorchester County Historical Society. Two seating times available: 11am and 1:30pm. $35 for a sampling of historic snacks and drinks. Well behaved children ages 12 and older are welcome (at adult cost). Reservations required. Space is limited. Reserve your space at dchs@verizon.net by Jan. 2.
https://www.dorchesterhistory.com/
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January 8, 2026
1:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Intro to SBA Programs & Services
This session will cover all key areas of small business assistance available through the SBA. Discussions will cover: Counseling & Training, Financing Programs, government contracting assistance, including program benefits, requirements and how to access these resources.
Hosted by the Baltimore Metropolitan & MD Capital Enterprises’ Women’s Business Centers, official SBA resource Partners. Presented by the SBA Baltimore District Office. This webinar is free and everyone is welcome!
Click Here to Register
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January 9, 2026
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
ServSafe Alcohol Training
Serv Safe Alcohol Training for bartenders, managers, cashiers, license holders, security, hostesses and servers of alcohol will be held at the Cambridge Yacht Club on January 9th.
This 3 hour class taught by Terry Ober is $60 per person for a 4 year certification.
Payment is due upon your arrival to class via cash, money order or busines check payable to: Terry Ober.
RESERVE your seat by going to www.servecertified.com
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January 10, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Second Saturday Book Sale
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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January 10, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
11th Annual Oyster Ball
Join Portside Seafood Restaurant for live music with Bird Dog & the Road Kings to help raise money for the Dorchester Waterman's Association.
Raffle tickets are being sold at the restaurant, & through the waterman.
Raffle includes the following. WINNER TAKES ALL !!
1/ Fagers Island Retreat- 1 Night Stay at a Fagers Island Hotel & $100 Gift Card to Fagers Island
2/ Hyatt Chesapeake Staycation- 2 Night Stay, Breakfast for 2, Dinner for 2, & a round of Golf for 2.
3/ Natural Light Beer Cooler- donated by Kelly Distributors
4/ $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
Portside
Carpenter Street Saloon
Sobo's Wine & Beerstro
Boats & Hose
Fishermans Inn
Cult Classic Brewing
Evolution Craft Brewing
5/ Eastern Shore Surf & Turf Picnic: 1 Bushel of Crabs, 5lbs Shrimp (both donated by Mason @ Choptank Crab & Oyster) 4 House cut NY Strips (donated by Simmons Center Market) & 1 Case of Nanticoke Nectar IPA (donated by RAR)
See Facebook Event
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January 12, 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
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January 12, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cambridge City 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.
View meetings via Town Hall Streams Meeting Schedule | Agenda Center
Executive sessions and special meetings are held as needed.
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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January 12, 2026
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Town of Vienna Council Meeting
The Town of Vienna Public Meeting of the Mayor and Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 7 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.
http://ViennaMD.org
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January 13, 2026
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Shrimp Night at the Moose
Enjoy a dinner of Steamed or Fried Shrimp and two sides plus camaraderie with the folks at the Cambridge Moose Lodge for just $12.00.
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January 13, 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.
Town of East New Market on Facebook
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January 14, 2026
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Virtual Job Fair & Info Session
The Holly Center, a Maryland Department of Health facility in Wicomico County is seeking applicants for the following positions:
- Development Disability Associate
- Direct Care Trainee
- Direct Care Assistant I & II
- Licensed Practical Nurse II
- Registered Nurse
- Registered Nurse Supervisor
- Therapeutic Recreator II
This virtual event is a great opportunity for job seekers to learn about Holly Center and get connected to current and future opportunities.
State of MD benefits package available.
To register, email jason.kemelman@maryland.gov
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Detailed Information for each event can be found on our website: www.dorchesterchamber.org/events/calendar/
With the current COVID conditions and CDC Guidelines, Please always check with the organization holding the event to make sure the events are still being held. Please be safe and take necessary precautions.
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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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