Blackwater deer hunt permits

Beginning July 9, at 10 a.m., Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) hunting permits will be available online at recreation.gov or by phone at (877) 444-6777. Regulations and dates for the 2024-25 deer hunt are now available on the refuge website at fws.gov/refuge/blackwater.

Only one hunter per permit is allowed. This allows hunters to present their valid hunting permit either electronically or on paper.

Stands and blinds must be removed daily from the refuge. Hunters are reminded that deer drives are allowed during the January shotgun hunts only. Lastly, a state-issued sika deer stamp is required to hunt sika deer during any of the deer hunting seasons.

Firecracker Kids' Triathlon

There’s still time to register kids for a day of fun, fitness, and fireworks in the Gerry Boyle Firecracker Kids’ Triathlon.

The race will take place July 4 at the Robbins Family YMCA in Cambridge. Register at trisignup.com/.../FirecrackerKidsTriathlon.

Jousting

Eastern Shore Jousting Association will hold a joust at the Annual Talbot County Fair on July 13 starting at noon at Talbot Agricultural & Education Center, 10659 Hiners Lane, Easton.

Jousting is Maryland's Official State Sport. Open to the public to watch.

Gate Admission benefits Talbot County Fair.  Please bring your own chairs. For more information, contact Karen A. Callahan at 410-310-8934.

Chamber golf tournament

Dorchester Chamber of Commerce will host its 34th Annual Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament on Sept. 27. The golf tournament offers an opportunity to network with business owners and leaders from across the region, while enjoying 18 holes of golf at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort and Spa. 

Registration will begin at 11 a.m. Register in advance at dorchesterchamber.org.

Shotgun start at 12 noon Box lunch provided to eat before teeing off or on the course.

Award reception immediately following.

Recreation and Parks

The Dorchester County Recreation and Parks will offer the following activities:

• Open gym

At 515 Leonards Lane in Cambridge for youth in grades 1-8 to play pick-up basketball or other activities and sports. This begins July 8 and continues until Aug. 7 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m.

The cost is $25 per person, must pay for all five weeks. The gym will be supervised by Dr. Charles Pinkett. To register, visit parksrec.egov.basgov.com/dorchestermd. For information, call 410-228-5578.

• Co-Ed Adult Softball League

Organizers are looking for players/teams to play in a co-ed softball league that begins July 8.  Player fee is $25. League and umpire fee to be determined. All fees due by June 28. Maximum of 12 teams.

If you or someone you know is interested in playing, have them contact Bobby Robinson at 443-521-0579.

• Pool Memberships

Family and Individual membership are available at Recreation & Parks for the 2024 Pool Season. The cost for a family membership will be $120 (up to four immediate family members) $30 each additional member. Individual memberships $65.

County Pool

Admission – Children (9 and younger) $2, Ages 10 and older $3. Pool Phone is 410-221-8535. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Concessions available at the pool. The pool will be open until Aug. 18.

• Pool Parties

Dates for private family/organizations pool parties during the summer will be accepted by contacting Dorchester County Recreation and Parks at 410-228-5578. Booking a party requires a $50 deposit.

• Swim lessons – taught by Coastline lifeguards

Ages 5 and older (Must be 5 by June 17, 2024).  Fee is $25 per person/per session

Lessons are from 11-11:30 a.m.

Session II – July 29-31 and Aug. 5–7

• Family Swim Lessons – taught by Coastline lifeguards

Ages 5 and older (Must be 5 by June 22, 2024).

Fee is $10 per person/per session / Limit four people per family/Maximum of seven families. Lessons are from 10:15-11 a.m.

Session II: July 13, 20 and 27

• Summer Soccer Clinic

This program is designed to introduce children ages 5 to 13 as of June 10, 2024 to the sport of soccer. Basic skills, fun abilities and drills taught by accredited and knowledgeable instructors.

There is a limit of 30 participants per group

Ages 5–7 - 5:45-6:30 p.m.

Ages 8-13 - 6:45-7:30 p.m.

Remaining clinic dates at Christ Rock Ball Park: June 26; July 1, 3, 8 and 10

The cost of this clinic will be $30 per child.

Online Registration

Dorchester County Recreation & Parks’ online registration website is operational. Residents are asked to review the upcoming spring youth and adult programs. To register online, visit parksrec.egov.basgov.com/dorchestermd.

Taylors Island Boat Docking Challenge

The 2024 Taylors Island Boat Docking Challenge is set for Aug. 25 at the Slaughter Creek Marina. All proceeds go to Taylors Island Volunteer Fire Company.