CAMBRIDGE — As the situation regarding COVID-19 continues to develop, local groups are reaching out to spread the word about changes to 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:

Cooling station
Throughout the next several days, the heat index in the Cambridge area is going to be very high. Because of this, the Salvation Army Cambridge will be opening as a cooling station for the community from noon-6 p.m. Come in, cool down, get some water so you can go about the rest of your day.
Food service will not be provided. Masks are required. Social distancing will be enforced.
Hand sanitizer is available. Restrooms are available. We will be sanitizing each evening. If you have questions, call 410-228-2442. The church is located at 200 Washington St.

Hurlock cancels Fall Festival
It was decided on July 14 to cancel the 2020 Fall Festival set for Oct. 3. The Mayor and Council looked at the issue through the eyes of the Covid-19 virus.
Rational and common sense was used, and strong guidance from the Dorchester County Health Department. It would be literally impossible to social distance oneself in public, but even harder to maintain on the train car and then to have someone available to thoroughly sanitize the cars for the next ride.
Food vendors and areas to eat would need to be kept to a minimum and sanitized as well. There were just too many problems foreseen and some we would like to avoid.
But at the end of the day, it’s the public’s safety we felt is most important. So we’re shooting for an even greater festival for 2021. Please understand these are hard times and someone has to make that hard choice.

Job fair
There will be a Statewide Virtual Career and Resource Fair on Aug. 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and/or 4-6 p.m.
Employers may register at mwejobs.maryland.gov. For any questions, email alicia.dennis@maryland.gov or sharon.egerson@maryland.gov.

Md. Department of Health
Young people should continue to avoid crowded bars, house parties, and large gatherings of any kind. You are not only putting yourselves at risk, you are risking the lives of your parents, your grandparents, and other vulnerable people in the community. Any Marylander who has been engaged in any type of risky behavior should immediately get tested for COVID-19.
We are also advising that Marylanders refrain from traveling to areas that are experiencing rapidly escalating numbers. Any Marylander who has traveled to or is returning from travel out of state should immediately get tested. Plan your test today by visiting covidtest.maryland.gov.

Md. Board of Elections
Do you want to receive a mail-in (absentee) ballot for the Nov. 3 general election? It’s not too early to apply! You can apply online at elections.maryland.gov. You can also do so by texting “VBM” or “VOTE” to 777-88, and you will receive a link to request your ballot.
Do this early to ensure the timely receipt of your ballot.

Baywater Animal Rescue
We are currently in need of guinea pig cages, food and bedding. If you have any extras laying around, please consider donating to Baywater. The facility is located at 4930 Bucktown Road. Call 410-228-3090, or visit baywateranimalrescue.org.

Bay 101
Horn Point Laboratory offers Bay 101, a virtual lecture series for non-scientists.
Every Wednesday through Aug. 5 from 5-5:30 p.m., you can join Horn Point Laboratory researchers and participate in a free, virtual seminar series about the science of the Chesapeake Bay. The 30-minute programs will shed light on the mysteries of the Bay and highlight Horn Point programs working to improve the health of the Bay and its aquatic life. Questions and participation by all will be encouraged.

Draft Reopening Plan
The draft plan regarding the reopening of Dorchester County Public Schools for the new school year is now available at website dcps.k12.md.us.

Hurlock Library
Who doesn’t love summer treats? Check out these sweet kids books from the Hurlock Library. Request them today through Library to Go by calling (410) 943-4331 or visiting the online catalog at dorchesterlibrary.org.
Ice-Cream Dreams - Nancy E. Krulik
Ice Cream Summer - Megan Atwood
Cake & I Scream! - Michael Genhart
Big Billy and the Ice Cream Truck That Wouldn’t Stop! - Joe Consiglo
My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich - Ibi Zoboi
Stick Dog Dreams of Ice Cream - Tom Watson
A Cake to Bake - Apple Jordan
Roll with It - Jamie Sumner
Who Put the Cookies in the Cookie Jar - George Shannon
The Duckling Gets a Cookie?! - Mo Willems
The Boxcar Children: The Ice Cream Mystery - Gertrude Chandler Warner
Rude Cakes - Rowboat Watkins
Sharptown FD Auxiliary
Due to the complexity of COVID-19 regulations, the Sharptown Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary has made the decision to cancel the sandwich drive thru scheduled for August 15 and 29. We will reevaluate how to accomplish our mission in the fall.
Thank you for your support.

Give blood
Donating blood is always important, but due to shortages from coronavirus, people are in need of blood more than ever before. Learn everything you need to know about giving blood during the coronavirus pandemic.
Visit donate.bbd.org/donor/schedules/geo to find a donation location nearest you!