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Dorchester Chamber of Commerce eNews & Events

January 2, 2025 - January 16, 2025

Cambridge Ice & Oyster Festival

Friday, January 17 - Kick-off 5 - 8 pm

Saturday, January 18 - Festival 11 am - 7 pm

Sunday, January 19 - Ice Viewing until 4 pm

DIAMOND SPONSORS

Dorchester Chamber Foundation Scholarship Applications

Application Process Opened as of November 1

 

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

Cambridge Ice & Oyster Festival

January 17, 2025 - 5 - 8 pm

January 18, 2025 - 11 am - 7 pm

Cambridge, MD


The 2025 Cambridge Ice and Oyster Festival will 

kick-off Friday with activities at three locations.


At the Packing House there will be live music, ice carving demonstrations, interactive ice sculptures, drinks for adults and children, oysters, fire pits, s'mores, and food from local caterers.


At the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort and Spa there will be a Synthetic Ice Skating Rink and Winter Village featuring refreshment stations including a hot chocolate station and cocktail bar, along with fire pit stations for s’mores roasting and shopping from local vendors.


The Downtown Cambridge location will feature ice sculptures for viewing and interaction, including, back by popular demand, the Ice Slide sponsored by the Hyatt.


There will be a shuttle running between all three locations, so you can park once and enjoy all three.

Saturday will be the all-day Ice and Oyster Festival Downtown and Skating at the Hyatt.


https://iceoysterfest.com/

Join in the Fun by Volunteering

GOLD SPONSORS
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

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.

SILVER SPONSORS
SUGGESTED READING

Suggested Reading:



Give to Grow: Invest in Relationships to

Build Your Business and Your Career





Quote of the Week:


Learn from yesterday, live for today,

hope for tomorrow.


--Albert Einstein



Bronze Sponsors - Part 1

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Creating healthcare career opportunities on the Eastern Shore with Chris Wheedleton

It is no secret that the Eastern Shore, like all of Maryland and the rest of the United States, faces an acute shortage of healthcare professionals, and demand from an increasingly aging population of residents is only growing. The question is what to do about it.


One way to help solve the program is to make a very special appeal to young adults, like teenagers, eager to find a way forward for their future, who might find free tuition and the ability to remain in the communities they love an attractive opportunity.


A community event hosted by Londonderry on the Tred Avon on January 7, 2024, aims to address the Eastern Shore’s healthcare workforce shortage by introducing students and families to educational and career pathways at the University of Maryland at Baltimore Health Care Schools.


The event, scheduled from 4:00 which will take place from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.ston campus, will feature admissions deans from UMB’s Schools of Graduate Studies, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Social Work. They will discuss scholarships, mentorships, and other resources to support aspiring for professionals.

Chris Wheedleton of River and Roads Consulting, who is the point person for the day’s program, sat down with us (in his car) for a short overview of the program.


This video is approximately eight minutes in length. For more information about this event, please contact Erica Hardeo, Director of Community Engagement at Londonderry on the Tred Avon 410-820-8732, ext. 204


Read more on the Cambridge Spy

Historians Celebrate Rare 100-Year-Old Record Player at Dorchester Historical Society

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CAMBRIDGE, MD - A more than century-old record player is earning praise for its pristine condition at the Dorchester County Historical Society, offering a glimpse into a time when listening to music was both a process and a privilege.


Today, most people stream their favorite songs with the tap of a screen, but a century ago, music enthusiasts had to put in effort and investment.


"1917, we’re at the height of World War One, the draft is in full effect, grain prices are at an all-time high, and if you wanted to listen to music, you either had to listen to something live or you had to listen to this," said Erick Windsor, a trustee with the Dorchester County Historical Society, gesturing toward the antique record player.

Unlike modern devices, operating the record player was an involved process.


"It was a little bit of a process; it was almost like a little ritual to set everything up. Each side of the record was only three minutes, so it wasn’t something like you could hit play and shuffle. It was something that would have to be constantly tended to over the course of the night if it was played," Windsor explained.

Owning such a device was also a significant financial commitment.


Read more on WBOC


Sara Visintainer receives Rural Community Volunteer Award

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Choptank Community Health System board member Sara Visintainer was recognized as an Outstanding Rural Community Volunteer by the Rural Maryland Council at their December 4 Annual Dinner and 2024 Rural Impact Award Ceremony, where she was one of eight award winners. 


The award recognizes Visintainer for her leadership, dedication, and noteworthy volunteer achievement beyond the call of one’s professional duties to help improve their community. The award is part of the Maryland Rural Impact Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that have performed extraordinary acts of service to communities throughout rural Maryland.


“This is a moment to celebrate not only Sara’s achievements but also the impact she’s had on the rural communities of Maryland’s Eastern Shore,” said Choptank Health CEO and President Sara Rich. “This is an incredible achievement, and a true reflection of Sara’s hard work, dedication, and exceptional contributions to the patients served by Choptank Community Health System.”


The criteria for the awards include distinctive volunteer efforts, an understanding of community needs, positive contributions impacting the economic, health, or well-being of their community, dedication to the community, and overall community leadership.  


Read more HERE

UM Shore Medical Center at Easton Recognized as High Performing in Maternity Care for Fourth Consecutive Year

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EASTON, Md. (December 30, 2024) – UM Shore Medical Center at Easton, a University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) hospital, has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year as High Performing in Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study. U.S. News & World Report has also named UM Shore Medical Center at Easton as a 2025 Maternity Care Access Hospital.


U.S. News began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021. Best Hospitals for Maternity Care assist expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care team, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity services that best meets their family’s needs. Hospitals from across the nation that provide labor and delivery services submitted detailed data to the publication for analysis; 817 hospitals participated in this year’s U.S. News survey and only half of all hospitals evaluated for U.S. News’ 2025 ratings edition have been recognized as a Best Hospital for Maternity Care. 


UM Shore Regional Health is a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System. University of Maryland Medical Center also was recognized as High Performing in Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) for 2025.


Read more HERE

Q&A with Cambridge Mayor-Elect Lajan Cephas

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In the December 3rd runoff to succeed Steve Rideout as Cambridge’s next mayor, City Council President Lajan Cephas beat former mayor Andrew Bradshaw with 53% of the vote. Cephas will become the city’s second Black woman mayor when she is sworn in at the new city council’s first session in January.


The race was a contentious one. The Maryland Democratic Party took the unusual step of publicly supporting Cephas, claiming the Republicans backed Bradshaw, who had resigned as mayor in 2022 after a year in office due to criminal charges that later led to conviction. Mayor Rideout came out for Cephas, while two of her colleagues on the city council endorsed Bradshaw.

With the election over, Cambridge native Cephas, a former business owner and correctional officer who now sells insurance, is already taking on the duties of mayor since Rideout’s early retirement. She spared a few minutes to speak with the Spy about her future in office.


Visit the Cambridge Spy for the interview

Eastern Shore Political Icon Rich Colburn Passes Away at 74

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Richard Colburn, a longtime Maryland lawmaker known for his dedication to the Eastern Shore and his service to the community, passed away Friday at the age of 74.


An Oxford native, Colburn served in the U.S. Army before returning to his roots. He worked as a produce manager at the Easton A&P and later served as the town manager of Federalsburg for 24 years.


"I mean, he knew people from when he worked at the A&P, bagging groceries. And he knew those people then and he knew them when he was elected," said Joe Bartenfelder, former Maryland Secretary of Agriculture.


Colburn was best known for his work as an elected official, serving eight years in the Maryland House of Delegates followed by 20 years as a Maryland state senator. He represented District 37 Talbot, Dorchester, Caroline, and Wicomico counties.


Read more and watch the segment on WBOC

Tidal Health in the News

TidalHealth Announces First Babies of 2025- Read HERE


Hales promoted to Vice President, Chief Philanthropy Officer at TidalHealth- Read HERE


LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
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Corporate Transparency Act Update

The injunction has been put back in place and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), who is charged with enforcing this, issued formal notice that businesses do not have to file until the court case is settled. 


Guidance can be found here


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.

BRONZE SPONSORS - PART 2
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

January 17 & 18, 2025

Cambridge Ice & Oyster Festival

Friday 5-8 pm: Packing House, Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort & Spa, Downtown Cambridge

Saturday 11 am - 7 pm: Downtown Cambridge & Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort & Spa

Sunday, January 19, 2025: Downtown Cambridge - viewing of Ice sculptures until 4 p.m.


January 28, 2025

Ribbon Cutting: Miles River Primary Care

618 Sunburst Highway, Cambridge, MD

Save the date

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Ongoing

Eastern Region SBDC Training Events


https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events

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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/calendar/

Ongoing

Maryland Capital Enterprises, Inc., Women's Business Center offers Business Education


Click Here to see the latest classes being offered:

https://womensbusinesscenteratmarylandcapitalenterprises.org/services/womens-business-education/

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January 7, 2025

5:00 p.m. - 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

January 7, 2025

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Open Mic Pop-Up at DCA


Join host Colby Sard at the Dorchester Center for the Arts for Open Mic night. Bring your talent or just come enjoy. Free admission. Cash bar. 

www.dorchesterarts.org

January 7, 2025

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Dorchester County Council Meeting 2025


The County Council of Dorchester County meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month for a Regular Open Session. Meeting Info: dorchestercountymd.com/newsroom/ |  https://dorchestercountymd.com/  

Streaming live and recorded at:  https://www.townhallstreams.com/towns/dorchestercountymd

January 9, 2025

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

TidalHealth's Free Bariatric Seminar


Start your weight-loss journey today

Are you looking to lose weight and kickstart your journey to a healthier, happier life? If so, consider attending a free bariatric seminar hosted by TidalHealth.


These informative sessions, focusing primarily on surgical interventions, also present a pathway to the medical weight loss program for those who find surgery isn’t the right fit for them.


TidalHealth’s free bariatric seminars occur twice a month, with sessions scheduled on the second Thursday at 6 pm and the last Saturday at 9 am.


Led by experienced surgeons, these seminars provide attendees with the chance to meet and engage with a surgeon before leaving the facility.


The duration of the seminars varies, typically lasting between one to two hours, contingent on the number of questions raised by participants. Patients may attend alone or bring a support person.


Attending the seminar serves as a prerequisite for entering the surgical weight-loss program. Patients cannot proceed to consultations with a surgeon without first participating in this informative session.


To register, call 302-297-2412.

Click Here to Schedule An Appointment

Click Here for more information

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January 11, 2025

8:00 a.m. - 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

January 11, 2025

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.

January 11, 2025

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Game Day Charcuterie Class


Step Your Game Up! Charcuterie Class

Join us for a fun afternoon as the Modern Graze provides you with charcuterie tips and guidance to step up your football party this season! All charcuterie supplies and your own football shaped charcuterie board are included. Relax and enjoy a glass of our wine as you create the perfect addition to your next game time gathering. Cheese and wine is always a grape decision! *All supplies for your charcuterie board, a football shaped charcuterie board and 1 glass of wine are included with your ticket. $55/person

Register here with Layton's Chance

January 11, 2025

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

All that Glitters 2025


This third annual holiday show of fine jewelry and art glass will extend its run into January and February at the Main Street Gallery in Cambridge. The gallery says it is delighted to have the group of 7 jewelry and glass artists, all of whom live and create their art around the Bay, showing into the new year. "Our customers have responded so positively to this show," says director Linda Starling, who is also a member of the metalsmith collective. "They appreciate the artistry that has gone into the handcrafted silver jewelry and hand formed art glass. This show has been a big hit and It will be especially nice to have these works available in February for Valentine's day giving". ALL THAT GLITTERS will continue at the Gallery at 518 Poplar St. in Cambridge through Saturday, March 1.  

Exhibiting artists, who will show alongside the gallery's member artists are: Cindy Ayd, Wanda Jester, Alexa Matthai, Charles McMillin, Robin Morgan, Linda Starling and Barbara Trower. 

The gallery, at 518 Poplar St., will host two artist receptions on Second Saturdays January 11 and February 8 from 5-8 pm. There will be a brief artist talk at each reception. The receptions are free and all are invited. Light refreshments will be served. For the winter months Main Street Gallery will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 11-5 and by appointment. Online shopping is always available at mainstgallery.net. The gallery is located in Cambridge’s thriving arts and entertainment district and is the city’s only artist owned and run cooperative. It has been operating continuously downtown for over 13 years.

 The gallery is currently reviewing work by prospective members and guest artists. Please contact the gallery through its website or by calling 410-330-4659 if you are interested in being part of this vibrant artist community. 

January 11, 2025

6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Oyster Ball at Portside


Join in the fun at the Annual Oyster Ball to be held at Portside Seafood Restaurant to benefit Dorchester Seafood Heritage Association. Dance the night away to the tunes of Bird Dog and the Road Kings and don't forget to get raffle tickets! Tickets are $20 each, and available now, no need to be present to win! Drawing will be held at the Oyster Ball. Great prizes - Click Here to see more.

January 12, 2025

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Designer Purse Bingo Benefit


Join in the fun at the Cambridge Elks Lodge #1272 for Designer bingo to include Michael Kors, Kate Spade and Coach bags. We will also have pull tabs for cash, 50/50, raffles and special games. The last special game will be a cash prize.

Food will be available on site.

Doors open at Noon, Games starting at 2PM

Tickets reserved prior to the day of bingo will be $30.

Tickets sold at the door will be $35

Please contact Megan Pike at 443-262-2083 or Meghan Thompson via messenger to reserve tickets

facebook.com/events/2547271078799090/

January 13, 2025

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Cambridge City Council Meeting 2025


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.

January 13, 2025

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 

January 14, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

ICD Support Group at TidalHealth


Please join us to learn from experts and share your firsthand knowledge with others!

The goal of the support group is to allow you and others with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) devices to become more knowledgeable and comfortable with having an ICD.

The group is open to patients, family, friends, and caregivers, and will allow you to meet and share with others who have been through similar experiences. Confidential group discussions, education and peer support will be facilitated. Please bring one guest if you wish.


Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month from 9 to 10 am at the TidalHealth Adult Fitness Building located at 800 S. Salisbury Blvd, Ste. D, Salisbury, MD 21801.

For more information, please contact Sue Colliton, RN, at 410-543-7026 or susan.colliton@tidalhealth.org, or Trish Laun, RN, at 410-334-2227 or patricia.laun@tidalhealth.org.

www.tidalhealth.org

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January 14, 2025

5:00 p.m. - 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

January 14, 2025

6:00 p.m. - 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.

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.

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

306 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
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