Dorchester Chamber of Commerce eNews & Events
November 18, 2021 - December 2, 2021
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eNews Sections
- What's Happening at the Chamber
- New Members
- Suggested Reading/Quote of the Week
- Members in the News
- Legislative Update
- Chamber Events
- Community Events
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What's Happening at the Chamber |
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Time to sign up to be a
2022 Chamber Corporate Sponsor
Your support as a Corporate Sponsor provides a known income source that allows the Chamber to plan out activities in advance to support its mission to advance Dorchester County through educating, promoting & growing a strong business community. All while saving you money on Chamber activities.
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Small Business Saturday
November 27, 2021
November 27th is Small Business Saturday®, which means it's almost time to celebrate and support our small businesses. Save the date to #ShopSmall, #ShopLocal and #EatLocal because when you do, you make a big difference to our business community which then benefits our community as a whole.
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Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Webinar
December 1, 2021 - 8:30 -10:00 a.m.
In December of 2020 changes were made to the Employee Retention Credit Program. This webinar will help you understand the changes and help you determine if you are eligible for the tax credits.
There were four major changes made to program
Join us for to learn more about this program and how you can qualify for these funds. Experts from Frost Law (https://askfrost.com/about) will present details on the program and answer questions about qualifying for these funds.
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Business After Hours & Ribbon Cutting
Rescue Fire Company Train Garden
December 1, 2021 - 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Join us at Rescue Fire Company's 87th Annual Train Garden on Opening Night at the Old Firehouse at 307 Gay Street in Cambridge. This year's themes and dedications include a tribute to Train Gardens of the Past, dedicated to longtime Rescue Fire Company member John Thomas, the "Harvesters at the Holidays" display honoring Dorchester County's heritage of bountiful seafood and farming production, and the central display.
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Have your company noticed in the
Dorchester Chamber of Commerce's
2022 Business & Community Resource Directory
All our members are listed in the Directory, but will yours stand out? Display advertising is available in both color and black and white from one sixth page all the way up to a full page, even covers. These publications are not only available here in our office, but in locations throughout Dorchester County. They are full of great information.
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What Members are saying about the Chamber |
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The Arc of the Central Chesapeake Bay Region |
The Arc of the Central Chesapeake Bay Region is an organization that provides services for Anne Arundel, Queen Ann, Dorchester, Talbot and Caroline Counties for children and adults with development disabilities.
You can click here to view many other customer testimonials about the Chamber. If you would like to add a testimonial please contact us at info@dorchesterchamber.org or call the office at 410-228-3575 and ask for Kinley.
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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:
"Good Thinks Come to Those That Shop Local"
--Melina LeMay
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Chesapeake Program Offers Fast Track to Health Care Career |
CAMBRIDGE — Prospective students interested in the Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Program at Chesapeake College are invited to an information session at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Chesapeake College Cambridge Center on Race Street.
The program director, instructors and representatives from the Workforce Scholarship Office will be on hand to provide information about the program requirements and funding opportunities. In addition, Choptank Community Health and University of Maryland Medical System representatives will discuss regional employment opportunities for CMAs.
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Ribbon Cut for Intergenerational Center |
CAMBRIDGE — The opening of a new facility to serve kids and seniors opened with a ribbon cutting and speeches from the Lt. Governor and others on Saturday, Nov. 6, in Cambridge.
Delmarva Community Services President and CEO Dr. Santo Grande used the giant shears to cut the ribbon at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Intergenerational Center at Chesapeake Grove located at 108 Chesapeake Street behind the current Delmarva Community Services building on Route 16 in Cambridge.
The center will provide child care to about 60 children ages birth to 5, operate as a senior center, and offer a program for individuals with disabilities. The center brings several services under one roof, including Delmarva Community Services and Delmarva Works, and will be open to the community.
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Choptank Elementary PE Teacher Wins Award |
CAMBRIDGE — Choptank Elementary School Physical Education and Health teacher Holly Edwards has been recognized by the Maryland Chapter of the Society of Health and Education (SHAPE) with a 2021 Simon A. McNeely Award.
Edwards will be honored at a virtual SHAPE Maryland event to be held on Saturday, Nov. 13.
This is the second year in a row that a Dorchester County Public Schools teacher has received the award.
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County Approves First Phase of School Facilities Plan |
Cambridge, MD – The Dorchester County Council approved the first phase of a plan from Dorchester County Public Schools at its meeting Tuesday, Nov. 2, in Cambridge.
DCPS officials presented the 10-year capital improvement plan, including immediate requests and possibilities for addressing aging schools in the county.
The council voted on the immediate needs, including new roofs for Choptank Elementary School and Maple Elementary School and new HVAC systems for South.
A post from the Secretary, Maryland Facebook page relating to the second and third phases generated strong reactions from community members and hundreds of shares.
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Four Local Agencies Granted $10K Each |
BALTIMORE - Maryland Humanities announced a total of $910,000 in funding for 91 Maryland nonprofit organizations ($10,000 per organization) through its Sustaining Humanities through the American Rescue Plan (SHARP) Recovery Grants Fund. Recipients of the general operating grants include museums, historic sites, preservation and historical societies, and community and cultural organizations.
The grants were given to 19 counties, as well as Baltimore City. Combined with the 2020 CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act Emergency Relief Grants Fund, Maryland Humanities has now awarded $1.425 million in COVID-19 relief funding to organizations in every Maryland county and Baltimore City.
In Dorchester County, Alpha Genesis Community Development Corporation, Dorchester County Historical Society, Groove City Black Heritage and Culture Group Inc. and Richardson Maritime Museum Inc. all received grants.
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Keeping Cambridge Safe: A Chat with Fraternal Order of Police President Tom Hurley |
The first thing that Tom Hurley wanted to make clear in his interview with the Cambridge Spy last week was how pleased he was with the City Council in their recent efforts to improve the recruitment, retention, and retirement plan for its police officers.
The president of the Fraternal Order of Police, Cambridge-Dorchester Lodge, who retired two years ago after serving 30 years with the Cambridge Police, is relieved that after years of negligence, the city's elected officials have finally gotten the message that to have a safer community, Cambridge must be competitive and diligent in keeping their law enforcement professionals on the job.
This video is approximately seven minutes in length. For more information about the Fraternal Order of Police, Cambridge - Dorchester Lodge please go here.
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Friends of Blackwater Sponsor 2021 Photo Contest |
CAMBRIDGE — The Friends of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge near Cambridge are hosting a digital photo contest through November 2021 to showcase Blackwater NWR and raise funds for Refuge projects. Adult and youth participants are invited to submit photos taken between Jan. 1, 2019 and Nov. 30, 2021, in refuge areas open to the public, which includes the Wildlife Drive, land trails, paddling trails, the Visitor Center butterfly garden, and refuge property along Maple Dam Road. The submission deadline is Nov. 30.
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Spy Report: Checking Out the New UM Shore Cambridge Medical Pavilion |
There are a couple of reasons to love to new UM Regional Shore Health Pavilion in Cambridge, according to managing nurse AnnMarie Hernandez. The first is that this 82,000 square feet facility and emergency room is a vast improvement to Cambridge’s aging hospital.
While AnnMarie, a Cambridge native herself, feels a great sense of nostalgia for the old building and memories of babies being born and patients getting well, her lifetime career as a health provider had known for years that her community needed a much more modern center.
This video is approximately two minutes in length
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Trapping Areas Open for bids at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge |
CAMBRIDGE — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge will offer furbearer trapping rights on a sealed bid basis for the 2022 season.
Fifteen trapping units will be available, and an individual may bid on one or more units, but only two units will be awarded to any bidder. The successful bidder must personally trap the unit as subleasing is prohibited.
Bid invitations, maps and other details are available by calling wildlife biologist Matt Whitbeck at 410-221-2034. Inspection of the units will be allowed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nov. 30 through Dec. 2, and Dec. 6 through Dec. 9, with a scouting permit.
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Links to upcoming local meeting agendas
Here is link to Town Hall Streams where you can watch 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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Friday, November 19, 2021
Membership/Ambassador Committee Meeting
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Dorchester Chamber Conference Room or Zoom
306 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Webinar
8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Webinar
Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Business After Hours and Ribbon Cutting Rescue Fire Company Train Garden
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
307 Gay Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
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Ongoing
Eastern Region MD SBDC Webinars
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Ongoing
Maryland ROTA 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:
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November 18 2021
3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Cambridge Farmers' Market 2021
Cambridge Farmers' Market, held weekly on Thursday afternoons from 3-6 p.m. at Long Wharf in Cambridge with fresh produce, meats, crafts, and more. For weather updates, watch their Facebook page.
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November 20, 21, 2021
Old Fashioned Christmas Market
20+ Vendors, "Stock Up for the Holidays" Wine Sale & Food Truck
Our biggest wine sale of the year is 2 days:
November 20th & 21st!
BIG savings on select wines in store or online
Additional Quantity Discounts for All Wines*
5% off of 6 bottles
10% off of 12 bottles
15% off of 24 or more bottles
*Please note: Gold Leaf Members discount already includes quantity discount
Online shopping can be picked up in the tasting room at a later date or have it shipped to your home for $25 flat rate fee/case or portion thereof. Wine tastings of sale wines only.
Food available from That Kitchen
No fee, no reservation.
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November 20, 2021
8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Great Chesapeake Wellness Race
Join in for the 18th Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Wellness Race – now a LIVE Race with a Virtual Component, Thanksgiving Week event, organized by Eastern Shore Hospital Center. Last year’s CoVid-19 environment had them holding our race in the safest way possible – virtually! This allowed people from all over the country and even Canada to be part of the event.
In 2021, they bring you the best of both! A live, timed 10K & 5K, and a 3-Fun Run event on Saturday, November 20 and a virtual 10K, 5K & 3K event with results submissions available from November 20-26. It’s Thanksgiving Week, so be thankful for your mental health! Participate in person on the grounds of the beautiful Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort in Cambridge, Maryland, or from wherever in the world you may be, with your family and friends.
Participation fees for the race for adults are $25 pre-registration for the 10K run, 5K 100th Anniversary Run/Walk and 3K Family Walk. There is no fee for youth under 12. The fee includes a commemorative tee shirt and race bib, and a chance to win prizes. The price has been reduced in 2021 as we are not providing the indoor hot breakfast. Pre-packaged snacks and water will be available.
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November 20, 2021
9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Holiday Bazaar at Immanuel UCC
There will be food (Chicken Salad, Soups, Hot Dogs), baked goods, country store and crafts (YES! The HANDMADE snowmen and crochet items will be available!) For more information, contact Diane Murphy @410-228-5167 or murphy2a@comcast.net or the church office at 410-228-4640 or info@immanuelucc.faith with your pre-orders.
Face masks and social spacing are required!
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November 20, 2021
8:00 p.m. -11:00 p.m.
Lime Green at Fat Ricky's
Their BACK!!!
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November 21, 22, 23, 2021
Mini Christmas Sessions at River Lane
Two studio sets plus a basic backdrop for a classic family photo. $175/10 Digital Images/15 Minute Session. The studio is located in downtown Cambridge, MD. Spots will be limited. Email audrey@riverlanephotography.com for yours now.
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November 21, 2021
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Guided Birding at Blackwater NWR
Join a guided birding tour with a veteran birder at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. The tours are usually led by either Harry Armistead or Terry Allen. The tours meet at 8am at the Blackwater Visitor Center, 2145 Key Wallace Drive, Cambridge, MD, 21613. Tours may last 3-4 hours. Bring your binoculars and field guides, and dress appropriately for the weather. The birding party will caravan via car to birding hotspots around the Wildlife Drive. Covid protocols must be observed: Masks are required inside federal buildings, and outside on federal land when social distancing cannot be maintained. Free; no registration needed.
The Blackwater Visitor Center is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm; closed Mondays and federal holidays. There are some port-a-pots available.
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November 22, 2021
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, masks will be required. The meeting can also be viewed via Town Hall Streams.
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November 23, 2021
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Online Q&A Seminar for Patients with Diabetes
In celebration of November as Diabetes Awareness Month, University of Maryland Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology physician Medha Satyarengga, MD, will host a free online seminar, “Ask the Doctor,” on Tuesday, November 16th at 5 p.m.
“While COVID-19 pandemic restrictions prevent the Center from offering an open house event, we want to give patients the opportunity to get the latest information about diabetes and pre-diabetes, as well as to ask questions about issues of concern to them, such as medication and diabetes care devices, and diet and lifestyle strategies,” said Karen Hollis, Lead Diabetes Educator for the Center. “Even those who don’t have their own questions are encouraged to join the seminar and listen in.”
Click here for more details
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November 23, 2021
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) - Contractors' and Subcontractors' Rights and Responsibilities
Do you want a better understanding of the rules governing the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program? Competition is tough in the public sector, and a critical key to success lies within understanding these rules. This is particularly important when performing as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). Join us for an in-depth look at your rights as well as your responsibilities.
Who should attend? Small businesses and certified MBEs who are ready and able to perform as a prime contractor or a subcontractor on state-funded procurements.
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November 23, 2021
7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Harry Potter Trivia Night & Karaoke
Put on your Sorting Hat on to win a gift card with your Harry Potter knowledge! Karaoke follows at 9 p.m.
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November 25, 2021
Thanksgiving Day
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November 27, 2021
#ShopSmallSaturday
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November 27, 2021
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
2nd Annual Vienna Christmas Parade
Join us for a good old fashioned Christmas parade. Prior to the parade there will be a few exciting things happening as well.
5pm-pictures with Santa ! Social distancing will be implemented and we are asking you to bring your own camera for your photo. This will be located at the entry park as you come into town, you can’t miss it.
5:30pm-Tree lighting and a few special, surprise guests during the lighting ceremony. Also at the entry park.
From 5-7 we will also have a table where children may enjoy a candy cane and write their wish lists that will be dropped in a magic mailbox and delivered directly to the North Pole.
6:30pm-parade line up, starting at the road in front of Vienna Elementary School.
7pm-Parade led by grand marshal, Liz Tyler!
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November 27, 2021
8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Twisted Fate at Fat Ricky's
Don't want to miss their Rock & Roll!
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November 28, 2021
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
American Cruise Lines Cruise Ship Docking
The American Cruise Line Cruise Ship will be docking in Cambridge.
There will be a shuttle running from the ship to downtown Cambridge throughout the day. The passengers will also be going on other tours arranged by the Cruise Line.
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November 28, 2021
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
What is a Marketing Audit & And why does your Business Need One?
Want to improve the efficiency and performance of your company’s marketing initiatives?
Maybe it’s time to do a marketing audit.
A marketing audit is a thorough review of your marketing plan, objectives, strategies, and the current activities being executed in your small business.
The goal is to see what’s working and what isn’t so you can identify areas for improvement.
Join the D3 marketing team for insights on why looking back at your marketing strategies can help you move your business forward in today’s digital world!
Webinar brought to you by MCE's Women's Business Center. Register Here
Funded in part by US Small Business Center
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December 1, 2021
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Webinar
In December of 2020 changes were made to the Employee Retention Credit Program. This webinar will help you understand the changes and help you determine if you are eligible for the tax credits.
There were four major changes made to program:
- The program was extended to include the first three quarters of 2021 – January 2021 through September 2021. (The program already included a credit of up to $5,000 per employee for 2020)
- The maximum ERC amount available was changed to $7,000 per employee per calendar quarter, for a total of $21,000 in 2021.
- The eligibility criteria were changed to meeting one of the following criteria:
- A full or partial suspension of the operation of their trade or business during this period because of governmental orders limiting commerce, travel or group meetings due to COVID-19, or
- A decline in gross receipts in a calendar quarter in 2021 where the gross receipts of that calendar quarter are less than 80% of the gross receipts in the same calendar quarter in 2019 (to be eligible based on a decline in gross receipts in 2020 the gross receipts were required to be less than 50%).
- The law now allows employers who received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to claim the ERC for qualified wages that are not treated as payroll costs in obtaining forgiveness of the PPP loan.
Join us for a webinar at 8:30 am on December 1, 2021, to learn more about this program and how you can qualify for these funds. Experts from Frost Law (https://askfrost.com/about) will present details on the program and answer questions about qualifying for these funds.
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December 1, 2, 2021
The Dorchester Santa Toy Drive Lego Master Builder Brick-Off
Anyone love Lego’s as much as we do?
Join the Dorchester Santa’s Toy Drive Lego Brick-off.
For all ages, we welcome all to join the fun and enter your favorite Lego Holiday Themed Creation to be on display at the Cambridge RFC Train Garden the entire month of December. All entries will be voted on by the public and three winners age ranging from 0-6 years, 7-11 years and 12-101 years will be chosen to win a cool plaque and $50 gift card to buy a Lego set at Hubbert Hardware sponsored by Mid Shore Graphics.
Here’s the rules:
Your display cannot exceeded 15”
Creativity counts…. Your display can be a purchased set but must be modified to be a holiday themed display with a Santa included.
Entrees must be dropped off on the evening of Monday, November 22nd from 5:30-7:30pm at the Train Garden.
Get your brick on!
Any questions please give Renee a call or text at 443-521-4495.
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December 1, 22021
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
87th Annual Rescue Fire Company Train Garden
Gaze in wonder at 87th running of our train garden housed in the "old firehouse" at Cambridge's Rescue Fire Company in Downtown Cambridge. A tradition for people of all ages, the Train Garden returns to Rescue Fire Company's longtime engine bay for 2021! Visit the City of Light, Harvesters at the Holidays, the North Pole, and our Maryland-themed main layout, complete with local buildings, animated displays, and trains wearing B&O, Western Maryland, and Pennsylvania Railroad liveries. This year, a new "Train Garden through the years" section will be operating, honoring the history of the Train Garden and memorializing those who made the display a success over the past decades.
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December 2, 2021
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Stop DOING THAT!! Outsource NOW!
How to Scale And Grow Your Business FASTER AND EASIER THAN YOU EVER COULD YOURSELF Even During COVID Times!
Stop Asking Yourself “Can I afford a Virtual Assistant?”, “What Can a Virtual Assistant DO?”, “Can I really let go of Control over that?”, “Isn’t it just faster to do it myself?”
Don’t let your competitors Sail past you with their success!!! They are growing and thriving while sitting on the BEACH!! How are they doing it!!! The answer is they have a TEAM!!! YOU CAN TOO…. Find out how in this class~
In this Class You will learn:
- Types of Virtual Assistants/Freelancers/Independent Contractors
- What to do to Prepare to hire a Virtual Assistant
- HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
- Where to Find a good Virtual Assistant
- How to Write a Good Job Posting
- Best Practices to Consider for Interviewing a Virtual Assistant
- How to Properly Onboard a Virtual Assistant
- How to Track Hours
- Paying Options
- Managing Projects
- What Can they DO???
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December 2, 2021
11:00 a.m.
Chorus of Dorchester Holiday Concert 2021
The all-volunteer, 60-voice Chorus of Dorchester will be performing three FREE holiday concerts with the music of Bach, Handel, Dvorak, Mozart and more.
The Chorus, under the direction of its founder, Cookie Brohawn, is accompanied by piano accompanist Laura Todd and is funded by The Nathan Foundation. Pianists Barbara Hubbard and Maris Wicker often accompany when needed. For more information or to become a member of the Chorus, contact Ms. Brohawn at cookiebrohawn@comcast.net or call 410-463-1778 or Dr. Betty Malkus at bettymalkus@gmail.com or 410-463-3306 The Dorchester Center for the Arts can be reached at 410-228-7782
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December 2, 2021
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Winter Magic
With frost on the grass and a chill in the air, winter is here! While many of our feathered and furry friends are bundled up and hunkered down for the winter there is still magic to be found outside. Join Pickering Creek naturalist for a fun outdoor adventure filled with winter magic.
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December 2, 2021
Festival of Wreaths - Virtual Raffle
For the 2021 holiday season, Pleasant Day Medical Adult Day Care will be doing a donation drive to raise money for Pleasant Day participants. Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pleasant Day will not be having the traditional Festival of Wreaths, but will be seeking donations online and by mail to purchase gifts for their participants. These gifts include needed clothing, living supplies, necessary items during the winter season, also included are home made holiday dinners for the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years holidays.
DONATION INCENTIVES
Again this year, for every $25 donated, you will be entered in a raffle to win a beautiful hand-crafted wreath designed by Mike Bramble at Florals Unique. Please be sure to include your contact information! Watch for the date of the drawing.
More information, call 410-228-0190 / 410-476-3100
Pleasant Day Medical Adult Day Care provides an environment to allow people to remain as independent as they can for as long as possible. Nursing care, under physician’s direction, increases the quality of life for participants by allowing them to remain at home or with family members longer. With over 30 years of experience with persons with chronic medical conditions, and including Alzheimer’s, Pleasant Day is the natural step between healthy living and a 24 hour care facility. Pleasant Day is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization.
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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:
OR... Now events can be submitted on our
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306 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
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