Editor’s Desk

For All Seasons’ Give With Your Heart Campaign Speaks from the Heart 

For All Seasons’ Give with Your Heart campaign recently wrapped up with its 2022 Give With Your Heart video featuring the song, “Lean on Me.” In addition to the inspiring song, this year’s campaign featured the reflections of community members and friends who have had experiences with the agency and wanted to share their stories.

“We were thrilled this year to have community members who know our services step forward to share their stories ‘from the heart.’ These are people who understand the importance of the work our staff does day in and day out. Their courage in sharing their personal stories has touched the community in significant ways – we couldn’t be more grateful for their support,” comments Beth Anne Langrell, CEO of For All Seasons.

The following are highlights from the messages from community members which were posted throughout the Give With Your Heart campaign:

Ivy Garcia, Director of Latino Services, For All Seasons:  

“I work with many clients who suffer many traumas – from crossing the borders and suffering rape, sexual assault, and being human trafficked – as well as clients with little to no knowledge of mental health. Throughout our education and support groups, our clients learn a new style of life after suffering many victimizations. I love what I do . . .We provide them with new skills and they become better members of society.”

Amy Steward, Local Writer and Community Member:

“About 25 years ago, I faced a really difficult divorce and decided that I needed support services for myself and my family. . .  There are lots of bumps along the way in life, and we never can predict when these things are going to happen in our lives. When they happen, you really need to know that you have someone there to catch you. . . I look at For All Seasons as that safety net in our community.”

Nick, For All Seasons Client:

“I lost one of my really good friends to suicide as a result of depression and narcolepsy. As I was struggling myself, I got to a point where what I like to call my, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ moment where I started feeling like maybe the world would be better if I just wasn’t a part of it. . .  Because of the experiences that I had with For All Seasons, not only was I able to address the immediate issues that I was dealing with, but I liked myself more. . . For the first time, I feel like not only can I be myself, but I feel proud of who I am.”

Dave, For All Seasons Client:

“I actually got sober six and a half years ago. I was drinking myself to death. I’d had several events happen in my life that I had not addressed. . .  I reached out for help and I got it. . . and I continue to come to therapy at For All Seasons. It’s been one of the most wonderful things in my life. If it wasn’t for this program, I would not be alive.”

Susan Truitt, Director of Clinical Operations, For All Seasons:

“I believe that we all want to do well in our lives. That people are born with the intention of being happy, healthy, productive people. And sometimes, there are things that get in the way . . .  When those things happen, we want there to be a place that we can land and know that we will be supported and get help to get back on our feet. And, for me, For All Seasons is that place and has been that place for so many people.”

For All Seasons wishes to thank everyone who donated to the 2022 Give With Your Heart Campaign. Presenting Sponsors included Paul B. and Joanne Prager, and the Warren L. Allen Family Fund. This year’s Wellness Sponsor was Peter and Hanna Woicke. Healing Sponsors included E.E. Street Memorial VFW Post 5118, and What’s Up Media. Hope Sponsors included Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, PA, Intown Management, LLC, Marasun Roofing, Patriot Cruises, Provident State Bank, and Wye Financial Partners. Help Sponsors included BSC Group, LLC, Charles T. Capute LLC, Julyan Management Group, LLC, McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC, Orion Safety Products, Piazza of Easton, Richard C. Graves, CPA, LLC, Rise Up Coffee Roasters, Zuleika M. Ghodsi, MD, PC / Delmarva Eye Center. Comfort Sponsors included Bay Star Trading Company, Inc., Channel Marker, Diane Flagler / La De Da, Karen Davis, State Farm Agent, Kevertin Pet Resort, Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Palmer’s Plumbing, Rheumatology Associates of Delmarva, Schauber Van Schaik Insurance and ERIE Insurance, Schuman Cleaning Services, Spy Newspapers, and Sump & Associates, PC.

Compass Press Release: Virtual Volunteer Training

 Compass will be offering their three-day training session virtually for any individuals interested in becoming a patient care volunteer.
The training session is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. February 11, 18, and 25. Due to COVID restrictions, the training will take place virtually through Zoom. Volunteers provide company for patients, relieve the primary caregiver for a short period of time, assist with administration duties, or grief services. We are always looking for Veterans to assist with our We Honor Veterans program.
“Most often, patient volunteers give companionship to patients by reading, playing cards, or just watching television with them. They also give caregivers a chance to have a much needed break to tend to other responsibilities.” said Robyn Affron, volunteer manager at Compass. “Occasionally our patients need some gardening or laundry done, or a quick errand run. Our volunteers provide the added support that our patients and families need during what can be an overwhelming time.”
Topics taught during the training will include an overview of hospice, the process of dying, spiritual care and its place in hospice care, the stages of grief, effective communications techniques, family dynamics, stress management and self-care for caregivers.
Compass relies on more than 300 volunteers of all ages to support its mission, and these individuals volunteer their time in a variety of ways. In addition to patient care volunteers, Compass is currently seeking volunteers for Compass Closet (formerly Estate Treasures), their upscale retail shop whose proceeds help cover uncompensated patient care. Whatever your motivation to volunteer, there is a place for you at Compass.
To register or find out more information about becoming a volunteer for Compass, contact Robyn Affron at 443-262-4112 or raffron@compassregionalhospice.org. Please register no later than January 31st.

 ShoreRivers Activates Tree Steward Volunteers and Community Greening Projects with Federal Funding Award

ShoreRivers will activate volunteers to increase tree canopy and implement restoration projects in their communities through two recent federal funding awards. The Envision the Choptank partnership, including ShoreRivers, will work with three underrepresented communities in the watershed to create green stormwater infrastructure projects. These projects will reduce nutrient pollution and make backyards and community spaces livable and beautiful. And in partnership with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, ShoreRivers will train Tree Stewards to plant hundreds of native trees in public spaces across our watersheds. These projects are funded by two collaborative National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grants that support clean water and strong communities on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

 

Activating Restoration in Three Underrepresented Communities in the Choptank Watershed

Building on Envision the Choptank’s existing engagement with three underrepresented communities in the Choptank watershed, this grant will support implementation of restoration projects prioritized by each community through a community restoration fund. Projects will improve water quality, address resource concerns such as stormwater flooding, increase equitable distribution of resources from restoration efforts, and enhance private lands and shared spaces.

 

An innovative “ambassador fund” will pay residents for their work, support community leaders, and engage community members in training and volunteer opportunities. Planning, outreach, and implementation for these projects will continue through 2023.

 

To learn more about Envision the Choptank, contact Whitley Gray at wgray@shorerivers.org or 443.385.0511 ext. 202.

 

Urban Tree Plantings with Chesapeake Tree Stewards

ShoreRivers, in support of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s Tree Stewards program, will use National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds to implement native tree planting projects identified by volunteers and initiated by their communities. Well-established tree canopies are essential in urban and suburban areas, where they slow stormwater, filter nutrient and sediment pollution, provide habitat for birds and insects, beautify towns, absorb carbon and air pollutants, and mitigate the extreme heat produced by large expanses of impervious surface.

 

For many communities on the Eastern Shore that are low-lying and vulnerable to extreme weather events, planting trees can be an impactful and cost-effective solution. Trees are a critical component to ShoreRivers’ strategy to achieve healthier rivers and communities.

 

With a goal of 300 new trees planted across urban and suburban neighborhoods by the end of 2022, certified Tree Stewards will work with ShoreRivers’ Riverkeepers to engage volunteers, strengthen partnerships with local organizations and committees, and motivate local government to adopt beneficial practices that establish and protect urban tree canopies across the Eastern Shore.

 

To become a ShoreRivers Tree Steward or identify an area in need of increased tree canopy, please contact Amy Narimatsu at anarimatsu@shorerivers.org or 410.810.7556 ext. 253.

Chesapeake Whalertowne announces the acquisition of Lippincott Marina

Grasonville, Md / November 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – Chesapeake Whalertowne, a leader among Boston Whaler boat dealers nationwide; has announced the acquisition Lippincott Marine in Grasonville, Maryland. The acquisition is in line with the company’s strategy to diversify revenue streams and increase the company’s footprint amid the Chesapeake Bay’s growing boating community.

The marina is a full-service facility offering slips and yacht sales. Situated on 12 acres on the lee side of Kent Narrows in a protected harbor the marina features a swimming pool, picnic area, and grills which compliment the 200 slips that can accommodate vessels up to 70’. “This is an exciting milestone for our business, employees, and family” said Rick Boulay Jr, General Manager of Chesapeake Whalertowne “The acquisition of Lippincott Marine is the logical next step in growing our business and supporting our customer base which represents one of the strongest here on the Chesapeake Bay.”

Chesapeake Whalertowne has plans for several capital improvements and will be renaming the facility Cedar Point Marina in November 2021

For more information visit: www.whalertowne.com

 

Family Fun Event at Kent Center

September 27, 2019, Chestertown- Don’t put away those swim trucks yet, the GooseBump Jump still needs your support! The Kent Center will be hosting the 13th annual family fun event on Saturday, November 9 at Betterton Beach. This fundraiser is aiming to allow Kent Center to purchase two new vehicles to support adults with developmental disabilities.

All are invited to take the plunge and feel the “thrill of the chill” in support of the Kent Center. “This event is a community tradition, and something our individuals look forward to all year long” said Karine Ireland, Executive Director. Both persons served by Kent Center and the community are encouraged to form a team and come in costume. “The costume parade before the jump can get very competitive!” Ireland noted.

In addition to the costume parade, the Jump will also include a Puddle Jump (baby pool) and Jump Practice (bounce house) to allow competitors time to get ready for the big plunge. Activities for the whole family will include face painting, kids crafts and fire truck tours.

Prizes are awarded at the Meltdown Party following the jump at the Betterton Firehall. Some of the awards include “Most Experienced Jumper” and the “Gosling Award” for the youngest. Other recognition is given to sponsors, and teams that raised the most money.

A BBQ lunch will be provided for all participants, provided by Happy Chicken Bakery and Catering. Dell Foxx Company is also scheduled to take the stage at 12:00 p.m. For those that can’t take the plunge, Meltdown tickets are available for $10.

Philanthropic support and volunteerism have a tremendous impact on the daily lives of these local friends and families. With the addition of vehicles there will be new opportunities for Kent Center community members to build skills, develop relationships and secure employment.

Since 1970, Kent Center has ensured the safety and well-being of people with diverse abilities through personalized supports, essential training, open communication and community partnerships. As one of the largest employers in Kent County with more than 120 Direct Support Professionals providing enriching opportunities, this organization only continues to grow. Kent Center currently operates fourteen residential homes throughout the community and is expected to add two more over the next twelve months.

# more #

Registration is now open for individuals and teams to participate. To learn more, or form a team visit www.kentcenter.org or call Courtney Williams at 410-778-7303.

A New Year… An Old Story

Published December 27, 2017

Nothing is ever “by the books” in the Hoffman household. If you read last week’s Cheri 411, you know that for the first time in 16 years, Samuel did not snoop for Christmas gifts from me. He was playing the snooping game with his best friend Sara. I should have known then that I wouldn’t get off that easily.

As I wrote last week, I upgraded Samuel’s iPhone to the new iPhoneX that just came out. The Verizon store accidentally called him to tell him the phone was in and ready to be picked up way before Christmas. The surprise was ruined… but the story doesn’t end there.

Part of the iPhone gift was that we would exchange phones; I would get his old phone, replacing mine which is terribly cracked and annoyingly glitchy. Well…the week before Christmas, I was in a heightened state of frustration with my phone and just couldn’t take it any longer. I had a plan and yelled for Samuel to come down to the office.

“Samuel… you know you’re getting the new iPhoneX for Christmas and mine is getting worse and worse. Why don’t you just take the gift now, give me your old phone and then we’ll both be happy?”

He blankly stared at me, a key indicator that something was awry. Under normal circumstances, he would have been under the Christmas tree, ripping the paper off the gift before I could have said “Merry Christmas.” I wouldn’t even have to find it for him since he had already snooped and knew which box was his.

Instead, he blurted out, “Mom, I’m not sure that will work. Your backup might be the problem, which would just transfer to my old phone and leave you with your same problems.” Preoccupied with my annoying phone issues, I didn’t immediately pick up on what was really going on. I tried to convince him it was worth a try, coming at him from every angle until he finally reached into his pocket and set the new iPhoneX on my desk and simply said, “Let me explain.”

I was dumbfounded and speechless, which gave him plenty of opportunity to explain himself… and so he did. He proceeded to tell me he had opened the gift-phone the previous night, “formatted” it and was thoroughly enjoying his new Christmas gift. He then had taken his old phone, put it in the new box and rewrapped it to place it back under the tree, thinking to play a Christmas joke on ME.

You see, every year, I royally mess up some Christmas gift and then get teased about it until the next Christmas when I mess up again. He intended to open the rewrapped gift Christmas morning and then “loudly exclaim” that I had bought the wrong phone for him. I would have been devastated and disappointed for creating such a large mess up. He then would jubilantly announce the joke, and we would have yet one more story to add to the battle of Christmas surprises.

In the end, we weren’t sure who had won this round of Christmas spying. He had masterminded the ultimate holiday prank, but I unknowingly foiled it. One thing we were certain about, we were totally enjoying our annual Christmas spy-game and creating new memories and moments to last a lifetime.

Here’s to 2018… and to all of you, our readers,… hoping that your year is full of wonderful memories and moments that last a lifetime.

Until next time,
Cheri Hoffman

Centreville Resident Dee Masters Shares Her Inspirational Journey

CLICK HERE to email the editor

I was so honored when my friend Dee Masters said we could share her blog about her journey through breast cancer with our Health Update readers. From diagnosis to almost two years post surgery and still cancer free, Dee has handled the cards dealt to her and her family with such grace and inspiration. Her positive attitude and desire to use her diagnosis to help others never ceases to amaze me.

Let’s face it, we all probably know someone who has breast cancer… whether it’s a family member, friend or neighbor. I believe Dee’s honesty and openness will be a gift to our readers… a gift they can use to face breast cancer however it touches their lives.

Dee shows us that attitude and faith are the best weapons we can have when facing such a huge struggle. I know you too will be inspired after reading her story. Whether you use this inspiration to face your own struggle or use it to help someone else, remember to stay positive and keep the faith.

Here’s to your health, Cheri Hoffman, Editor

2016 Golden Anchor Winners Readers’ Choice Awards

CLICK HERE to email the editor

2016 Golden Anchor Winners Readers’ Choice Awards

A pirate theme was a no brainer for this year’s Good, Better, Best contest. When thinking about this year’s theme, I immediately went to what treasures our locals are… residents, business owners, volunteers and community groups. All of these people work and live together to make our area the gem that it is. Treasure + gem quickly led me to pirate; plus a pirate-themed issue and party would be a blast to plan and if you know me, you know I’m in my glory planning a party.

This issue is all about celebrating the best of our community with a focus on local businesses, organizations and volunteers. The thing is these very people are also the ones who live and play in our community. This interwoven lifestyle and deep-seated care for where we live is what makes this community great… it’s what makes us one.

Stop and think for a minute about someone you’ve run into at the grocery store, on a bike trail or at a local restaurant. I bet most of them can be traced back to being involved in our community in one way or another.

For instance, I noticed Tricia Cammerzell, who works at the Kent School, was in charge of the big invitational for Samuel’s swim team. She is devoting countless hours to this large, local organization to help our youth.

On another day, I was unloading for Shore Kids Connection when Phil Dumenil passed by me. He stopped to ask for help getting the word out about the Kent Island Athletic Boosters fundraiser. He has a passion for helping our community and acts on it.

During my daily press release sort, I came across one from Compass Regional Hospice sharing the news that Zeke Warner, an owner of J.C. Warner Co., was now on their board. These same press releases are filled with local businesses that sponsor and give for events. One recent release for Claws for a Cause was supported by such local businesses as DiDonato Property Management, Queenstown Bank, Tri Gas & Oil Co., Inc., J.C. Warner Co., Bay Porches, Inc., and KRM Construction.

If that doesn’t convince you of our active, caring community, take a look at our calendar pages. Ninety-nine percent of the events you see are local fundraisers or community outreach events. And guess what? Ninety-nine percent of them happen because of the outstanding volunteer community we have in our area.

So what’s all this mean? It’s just a gentle nudge (okay, maybe it’s a little more than gentle… it’s an in-your-face, biggest issue of the year followed by the biggest party of the year nudge) to stop and appreciate the businesses, organizations and volunteers who make up our wonderful community.

Land ho! Which translates to “Gotta run! The Jetty and their awesome staff are in sight and ‘me party is waiting!”

My sincere thanks, Cheri
Owner, Shore Update

What is it with the Hoffmans and traveling?

CLICK HERE to email the editor

What is it with the Hoffmans and traveling? Our curse used to follow us only when we left the state of Maryland. Or, let me clarify, it’s not really a curse… just seems something “unexpected” happens every time we go somewhere. I’ve written about our many travel mishaps, and that “something unexpected” always ends up making a travel memory. These mishaps used to rear their ugly heads on big adventures… seems now they follow us anytime and everywhere.

Samuel had a concert scheduled right after the big snow storm. We watched the web site diligently for updates. Other concerts at this venue were cancelled and postponed… communication seemed to be at an all time high. Wanting to get there early so he could stand in line for a good position, we packed up and grabbed the keys at 3 in the afternoon (it was an 8 o’clock concert). “Check the web site,” I bellowed from upstairs, “Let’s just make sure before we leave.” All was good, concert was a go.

We left, picked up his friend and spent two hours in the car. We arrived at the venue after passing what seemed like a million “CAUTION: BLACK ICE” signs and another million turnarounds on streets that didn’t seem safe to pass. No red flags were waving… the city was bustling and the venue had lights on and a huge poster for the concert in the window.

Samuel and his friend were the first to arrive, which meant the best seats possible, or so we thought. I dropped them off and headed 20 minutes out of the city to do some shopping (really just wasting time) and was reassured by the 7-Eleven next door to the concert that they could go inside to warm up if needed.

Have I mentioned how I hate city driving? Whenever I use the word “hate,” Mike always says that’s a “mighty strong word.” WHATEVER! I hate city driving.

I wasted an hour or so browsing. I had nothing left to do and decided just to head back, find a place to park and fumble through some paperwork I had brought. It was 7:30 and the doors were about to open for the concert. Feeling better now that I thought they were about to go inside, I grabbed my phone to text him. Just as I entered my code to unlock it, Samuel called. My heart sank, he never calls… only texts.

“Hello,” I said very tentatively. “Um, Mom. We just found out the concert was canceled.” This wasn’t completely resonating with me… “How? Are other people waiting? What?”

So they found out on Twitter that the concert was canceled. A line of ticket holders was right behind them. The lights of the venue were still on… poster still hanging… no employee showed to tell any of these people waiting since 5pm that the concert was canceled because of the roads.

Frustrated to no end, having wasted an entire FIVE HOURS in the car… in the CITY, I headed back to pick them up. All I kept thinking was, “Now I’m going to have to do this again when they reschedule the concert… why? … why? … why? I had paid my dues.” Then the two got in the car… all smiles. They were having the best time ever.

My blood pressure finally settled, and I remembered the Hoffman travel curse and what it was really all about it… making memories. These two would talk forever about the concert mishap and the great time they had. I grinned… turned up the radio a bit… and smiled to have shared in this memory with my beautiful teen.

Until the next mishap,

Cheri

As Mike and I shoveled through 3-1/2 ft. snow drifts in our driveway, my head traveled to other places

CLICK HERE to email the editor

As Mike and I shoveled through 3-1/2 ft. snow drifts in our driveway, my head traveled to other places. No, not warm, tropical locales to help me forget the pain in my back, but rather to marketing opportunities. As I tried to forget the throbbing that had taken over my back and the thought that we still had to clear the driveway at the office, I thought, “People market all wrong during a snow storm.” As we shoveled our double-wide driveway that had totally engulfed my sedan with snow drifts, I thought about the missed opportunities of businesses during a blizzard.

Sure, we all need shovels and salt, but why does the advertising stop there? As we shoveled, I thought to myself, why aren’t these items presented front and center next to the snow shovels:

-Painkillers

-Wine

-Sleep aids

I’d grab all four of those when throwing a new snow shovel in my cart. After four hours of shoveling, the throbbing in my back was screaming for a painkiller and my tired spirit was screaming for me to wash it down with a glass of wine. As I tried to type this column at the computer after soaking through a down coat and three layers with sweat, the tingling and twitching in my hands told me I’d need help sleeping. Luckily my blizzard preparations included all of the items above, but I had to travel all over Centreville to get them. Wouldn’t it have been nice to walk by the shovel display and find all of these items right with it?

I even have the slogan for the display… “Blizzard’s coming! Shoveling will consume four hours of your weekend… but what will you need to get through the rest?! Look no further, we have it here… painkillers, wine and sleep aids! Grab them all right here!”

Well, I’ll leave you with that thought as I have to go… my back is throbbing. Painkillers and wine are calling my name.

Shop local,

Cheri