Dorchester Banner
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 Elks Lodge #1272
As of Thursday, the Board has decided it’s best not to open the inside facilities for daily usage due to the ever changing State Orders and restrictions imposed.
At this time we are slated to open Tuesday after the July 4th Holiday to inside usage.
There will be forthcoming guidelines as to what our members will be required to wear while inside, depending on current CDC and State indoor orders.
We will continue to offer our outdoor area on weekends as many members have been enjoying being outside plus being outside we aren’t as restricted as to the inside restrictions.
Bingo will begin again in September. We are trying to open the pool on June 2, stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
Effective Friday, indoor gyms and other studio fitness activities began to safely reopen at 50% capacity with strict health, distancing, and sanitization measures. Casinos, arcades, and malls also began resuming operations with strict safety protocols.
Local jurisdictions ultimately make their own decisions in regards to their county’s readiness to reopen. Please reference your local jurisdiction’s guidance to find out the current status of your county.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Beginning Thursday, the refuge once again began collecting fees for accessing the Wildlife Drive. Visitor Center operations remain suspended, however portable restroom facilities are located at the entrance to the Wildlife Drive and at the Woods Trail parking lot.

Dorchester County Public Schools
Important information for all Dorchester County Public Schools parents: the Maryland Department of Human Services and Maryland State Department of Education have partnered to issue a new benefit to help with family food costs. The Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) will give DCPS parents access to up to $370.50 per child to be used for the purchase of food. Those parents already holding EBT cards will have payment added to their card during June. Those without EBT cards will be receiving one card via mail before the end of June for each child registered as a student with DCPS on March 13, 2020. To find out more and how to use the card, go to dcps.k12.md.us.

Neck District 2nd Annual Block Party
Last year we decided to try something new ….. something to show our appreciation to you , our community for the support you continue to give us.
On Aug. 15 at 2 p.m., there will be food, drinks and music. Bring a chair and feel free to bring a cooler. Updates will follow as final arrangements are made.
American Legion Post 91
Yes! We’re back. Re-opened Friday at 50% capacity, per guidelines. Masks required at all times when not seated. Anyone sick or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms is not permitted.

WAF postpones exhibition
Working Artist Forum announces that the 2020 Local Color Exhibition is postponed until 2021. Local Color is an annual juried art show hosted by WAF and sponsored by Plein Air Easton.
WAF is grateful for the work of the Avalon Foundation and Plein Air Easton in their efforts to promote local artists and anticipate next Summers 2021 Local Color Exhibition to be a cause to celebrate. All artists juried into the 2020 show are invited to participate next year.

Launch Into Leadership
The Maryland 4-H State Council is working to organize a leadership event for junior, intermediate and senior-age 4-H members this fall.
The hope is to provide a one-day, in-person leadership development day on Oct. 10 on the UMD College Park Campus. There’s a virtual presentation contingency plan if needed.
This event is designed to provide a variety of leadership development workshops for youth to choose from. The State Council Executive Committee is seeking session proposals from fellow teens, adult volunteers, community leaders, and UME faculty and staff.
Please share this request for proposals with fellow volunteers and teens in your 4-H community to submit a presentation proposal. Proposals are due by June 30th and are accepted through an online submission portal.
Public Library
Summer is officially here, and that means it’s time for summer reading! This year’s theme is, “Imagine Your Story.” From myths to tall tales, dragons to pirates, we’re excited to embark on this virtual adventure with you.
Each week we’ll feature a new theme, with a reading challenge and lots of amazing virtual programming made just for you by our imaginative staff.
Show us how you’re joining in on the fun by using #ImagineDorchester or tagging us on Facebook or Instagram to be entered to win a grand prize at the end of the summer. We want to see your imagination bloom!
We have more great news to share! On Monday, the Hurlock Library began offering Library to Go pickup services. Patrons can place holds via phone, online catalog, or Google form and schedule a time to pick up items.
Only materials from the Cambridge Library will be available. When placing orders please be sure to provide a current phone number or update the contact information in your account.
Board of Ed closed meeting
The Board of Education of Dorchester County will hold a Closed Session on Thursday at 4 p.m. at 700 Glasgow St. The purpose of the Closed Session is to discuss personnel in accordance with Section 3-305 of the General Provisions of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Public notice
Dorchester County Offices will be closed on July 3 in observance of Independence Day. All offices will reopen Monday, July 6.

Boy Scouts of America, Del-Mar-Va Council
DMVC’s Virtual Summer Experience now has scouts registered from 10 different states and Washington D.C.
This week, additional offerings of classes that are completely or almost full will be added online. This includes CIT Nation, CIT World, Personal Management, and Communication.
Additionally, some new courses will be added to our offerings for the first time.
Register your scouts at: delmarvacouncil.org/