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:

Cambridge Conversations
Sponsored by WHCP Community Radio, The Dorchester Banner and Cambridge Association of Neighborhoods (CAN).
The above organizations have banded together to produce an on-going conversation of topics of interest to the citizens of Cambridge. Since we are limited to meetings with groups of 10 or less, we thought it might be informative to have virtual meetings with speakers who will stay at home and talk and take questions from you.

We will be using a streaming system where you can join in without any downloads or passwords on your computer, laptop or mobile phone from your home by using the simple link below. We have contacted several organizations to sponsor different topics and we will get an agenda out by the end of the month for bi-monthly virtual meetings.
To get the ball rolling, we have invited Roger Harrell and Dr. Casey Scott, the Dorchester Co. Health Officer and Deputy Health Office to talk about the Corona Virus in our hometown. The meeting is scheduled for May 20 at 7 p.m. Attached is the agenda for the meeting and instructions on how to get in.
To get into the meeting go to this link: https://youtube/_8Ik9SNsAF0
Agenda
Moderator: Mike Starling, General Manager, WHCP
7 p.m. start with a brief introduction by Mike Starling, including instructions on how to ask questions
Mr. Roger Harrell and Dr. Casey Scott to provide the latest information on the status of the Coronavirus and State 1 reopening in Dorchester Co.
7:15 to 7:30 questions from the sponsoring groups
7:30 to 8:00 questions from the general public
8:00 the Moderator will close the meeting.
To get into the meeting, go to: https://youtube/_8Ik9SNsAF0

Nause-Waiwash
In spite of the global pandemic, the Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians are moving forward in the planning of our 28th Annual Native American Festival. We realize no one can predict what will be happening in September, however, it is easier to cancel the event at the last minute than it is to plan it at the last minute; as it takes a lot of planning to host an event such as this. We are praying we will not be canceling.
The NWBI is in search of quality vendors. However, there is a certain criteria we are looking for. We are looking for vendors who have quality wares, and vendors who are honest and have good retail ethics.
We are looking for items that are related to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Delmarva, Eastern Woodland Indians, Native American, Nature, Natural, Earthy or Indigenous. We are also looking for demonstrators and exhibitors that meet the same criteria.
However, space is limited and we are looking for a variety of people so we will not be allowing multiple vendors to sell the same merchandise. If you are a vendor, demonstrator or exhibitor and you think you would be a good fit for our event, please reach out.
I would love to chat with you. My email is: wkdwrknmom@aol.com. As always, our festival is scheduled for the second weekend after Labor Day. This year is our 28th year and is Sept. 19th and 20th. email wkdwrknmom@aol.com, call 410-228-0216.

United Way of the Lower E.S.
Deadline is fast approaching! Calling all middle and high school artists in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester Counties! The Lower Shore Visual Art Addiction Awareness Competition has gone virtual and entries are being submitted now! For information and to submit your entry, go to www.uwles.org/art.
An emphasis on hope for maintaining recovery is encouraged as the theme. We cannot wait to see the entries and award our first-, second-, and third-place middle and high school winners from each of the Lower Shore counties.

Make sure you submit your masterpiece by 5 p.m. on May 22. This competition is made possible by support from the Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center, Wicomico County Health Department, Worcester County Health Department, Somerset County Health Department, Dorchester County Health Department-Emergency Preparedness and in partnership with the Wicomico Sheriff and State’s Attorney offices, Somerset County Public Schools, Wicomico County Public Schools, Worcester County Public Schools, Dorchester County Public Schools, Salisbury Art Space, Somerset County Arts Council, Art League of Ocean City, Dorchester Center for the Arts.

Mental health resources
The Maryland Department of Health is proactively supporting frontline workers during the COVID-19 outbreak by sharing mental health resources, joining forces with experts throughout the state, offering discussion groups and webinars for behavioral health providers, and providing virtual training and recovery resources.
“This crisis has the potential to have a long-term impact on all of us,” said Dr. Aliya Jones, Deputy Secretary for the Behavioral Health Administration.
“Disasters are known to be followed by increases in PTSD, depression, substance use, suicidal thoughts, domestic violence and child abuse. However, that doesn’t have to be the case. We can minimize increases in these after effects by taking advantage of available emotional support and treatment resources.”

For more information, visit health.maryland.gov.
Caring for virus patient
Are you caring for someone who has or might have COVID-19? Lower the chance of others getting sick:
• The person who is sick should stay in a separate area of the home, if possible.
• Only clean the area around the person who is sick when needed, such as when the area is soiled. This will help limit your contact with the sick person.
•️ In other areas of the home, clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and items like tables, doorknobs, and cabinet handles each day.
• Clean surfaces with soap and water first, then disinfect.
• Put on gloves and use a household disinfectant. Follow product instructions for contact time, rinsing, and putting chemicals away where children cannot reach them.
Census 2020
If you find yourself in need of something to do while at home, take a few minutes to fill out the 2020 Census. You can complete on paper, or your mobile devices. The information you share will impact hospitals, law enforcement, schools, and grants coming to the State of Maryland.

Maple Elementary School
Please join us for our first ever virtual career day. Let the video serve as a reminder that you can be whatever you want to be in life. The possibilities are endless!
Many of these successful adults are Maple alumni and/or residents of Dorchester County. If they can do it, you can do it!
Thank you to all who participated! Comment what you want to be when you grow up in order to be entered in this week’s drawing.

Chamber keeping businesses current
To help Dorchester’s business community and organizations stay connected during the coronavirus pandemic, the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce is now sending the Currents e-newsletter bi-weekly. Each issue will: Highlight how businesses are adjusting operations; update who is opening or offering different products or services; share resources and insight; and spotlight hometown heroes and community needs.
If you have information or insight you’d like to share, email editor Andrea Vernot. And, if you need any economic or employment assistance – or just want to touch base - please contact me directly. Our space, hearts and doors are always open to you. Susan Banks
In the latest issue:
• Mid-Shore Graphics Delivers Covid Communication Solution
• Delco Adopts Protocols to Keep Team & Customers Safe
• Executive Forms Network to Support Small Business
• Honor Front-Line Workers, Keep Restaurants in Business
• Local Realtor Taps Technology for Real Time Tours
• Downtown Goes Out of the Box for Spring Fling
• Tourism Produces Carry Out Guide
• Dorchester Teacher Profiled in Education Week
• Governor Outlines Roadmap to Recovery