CAMBRIDGE — As the situation regarding COVID-19 continues to develop, local groups are reaching out to spread the word about their events and schedules. It remains a good idea to check on the status of goods and services before leaving home.
The Banner compiled a list of announcements over the previous week, which follows:

In distress
A gentleman was perched on the Bay Bridge for 14 hours, with first responders trying to talk him away from the edge. Two people jumped from the bridge earlier last week — a husband and wife. The wife didn’t survive.
I’m certain not many know that jumpers have been reported almost weekly since the COVID19 lockdowns, layoffs, and furloughs began. People are going through very tough times…stress, anxiety, hopelessness, depression — these feelings don’t discriminate based on race, gender, religion, etc.
Talk to people. Stop arguing constantly. Stop demeaning people because their opinions differ from yours. Stop yelling. Listen. Be respectful. Be kind. It’s really not that difficult.
We are all going through something. We all face our own demons — our own Goliaths — daily. How you treat someone could push them over the edge, or it could bring them back from it. Understand that and act accordingly.

If anyone needs help, it’s closer than you think. No matter what, you’re not alone.
• Maryland Youth Crisis Hotline 1-800-422-0009 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• National Suicide Prevention Hotlines 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
The sun still shines behind the darkest clouds…go out today and make people see that.
County Office
Dorchester County Offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day. All offices will reopen Sept. 8.

Dorchester Public Library
The Hurlock Library will be closed until Aug. 31 for the installation of additional protection and deep cleaning to ensure the continued safety of our staff and patrons. We appreciate your patience and support while we endeavor to provide services in the safest way possible.
The Cambridge Library will remain open during this time. If you would like to pick up items or have any questions, please contact us at (410) 228-7331 or infodesk@dorchesterlibrary.org

Gov. Larry Hogan
The State of Maryland has gained 156,200 jobs during the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, as of Friday. Maryland added 53,900 jobs in July, and the unemployment rate decreased to 7.6% — more than 25% better than the national unemployment rate. Maryland’s unemployment rate is the best in the region, including Virginia at 8.0% and the District of Columbia at 8.4%.
We are doing much better on our health metrics than most of the country, and we are doing much better on our economic recovery than most of the country, and we want to do what it takes to keep it that way. I want to thank the many businesses that have been taking the health and safety precautions so seriously, and those that have been taking the ‘Maryland Strong: Back to Business Pledge’ and displaying it on their storefronts and places of business. Your actions are helping us get more Marylanders back to work, and keep Maryland open for business.
Talbot Sheriff’s Office
We are receiving an increasing number of calls about IRS & Social Security scams. The following are some red flags:

1. “Obtain a gift card to pay your fees now.” No Local, State or Federal Government agency will require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, or wire transfer, nor will they ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash.
2. “This must be handled right now.” A lot of scammers will try to rush payment so you don’t have time to think about it. Nothing has to be paid immediately. Tell them you want to call your local Sheriff’s Office first. This may make the scammers become increasingly angry and start threatening you. Some have even resorted to foul language to try and pressure people. Please know most scammers are located outside of the United States.
3. “The sheriff is coming to arrest you.” In the U.S., no one goes to jail for owing taxes. You can go to jail for cheating on your taxes, but not because you owe some money and can’t pay.
4. “Your Social Security number has been suspended.” This can not and does not happen. Social Security may call you in some situations but will never: threaten you, suspend your Social Security number, demand an immediate payment from you, require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, or wire transfer, or ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash.
   Never send anyone you do not know money via cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, or wire transfer, or gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash. If you ever think something is a scam, please feel free to call law enforcement. who will assist you in figuring it out.
   Please never give any personal or banking information over the phone. Here are some links to assist you with more information. The links also include how to report these scammers to the Federal Government.
   ssa.gov/scam/
   irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayers-should-be-on-the-lookout-for-new-version-of-ssn-scam
   Mental health and lockdown
   The relapse and overdose rate has increased by 30% since March 2020. Mental health issues related to our lockdown and the pandemic are especially hard for people with depression.
   NAMI, The National Alliance on Mental Illness have a 24 hour helpline: 800-950-6264.
   Md. Board of Elections
   If you have requested a ballot, when will you receive it? We’ll begin sending ballots out in late September through October to those who request them. If you want a mail-in ballot, your request must be received by Oct. 20. Request your ballot at voterservices.elections.maryland.gov.
   Robbins Family YMCA
   Thank you for following along with our first ever, virtual Annual Campaign kickoff week. This is an unprecedented time for our community, and we could not be more proud of our members and donors who help make the Eastern Shore a wonderful place to call home.
   Although this concludes our kickoff week, our Annual Campaign does not stop here!
   When you give to the Robbins Family YMCA, you are:
   • Responding to frontline needs, as a result of COVID-19
   • Providing access and opportunity for all; ensuring no one is turned away due to the inability to pay
   • Teaching the skills and knowledge to be safe in and around water; preventing drowning incidence in our community
   • Building the next generation of leaders through sports and enrichment programing that help children in our community to learn, grow, and thrive
   • Maintain critical, evidenced based programming, supporting cancer survivors, those managing arthritis or at risk of falling, and those diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease through LiveSTRONG at the YMCA, Enhance Fitness, and Rock Steady Boxing in modified formats
   We hope you will consider supporting the Y; for a better us. You can make your gift online at ymcachesapeake.org/give.