ON-GOING EVENTS                       

    Now through July 11  Advance tickets are now available for the Crab Cook-Off, part of the Taste of Cambridge, downtown’s biggest event of the year.  This 5th annual event happens 5 to 10 pm  Taste of Cambridge brings out the thousands to celebrate the culture of the Maryland blue crab and the tradition of our local watermen and crab houses.Entry to the festival is free.  Tickets for the crab cook-off cost $20.  For credit card purchases, call the Chamber at 410-228-3575.

Now through August 21  The Visions America organization is now accepting staff positions for its summer camp program as well as accepting applications for youth aged 6 to 14 years.  The 10-week program boasts of field trips, free meals and lots of fun and activities.  Call Sharon Wilson for a schedule, registration and fees information at 410-901-9131.

Now through August 27  It’s Blackwater Paddle and Pedal Adventure Kayaking Adventures time for ages 6 to adult.  Explore the rivers of Dorchester County and learn flat water kayaking and local wildlife and history.  The adventure begins Monday, June 15 from 9 am to 12 noon and runs until Thursday, August 27th.  For details call 410-901-9255.

Now through September 2  “Ridin’ to the Rhythm” picture contest to benefit the Cambridge-South Dorchester High School students’ foreign trip is now going on with entry deadline on September 2nd.  If you are between the ages of 3 to 17, you are eligible.  Send your best picture to Ridin’ to the Rhythm, 3408 Choptank Drive, East New Market, MD 21631.  For complete details, call 443-205-2938.

Now thru October 15  The Main Street Farmers’ Market, features fresh local produce, meats, cheese, bread, herbs, plants, and more. Look for Butter Pot Farm, Harris Farm, S.B. Farms, Well’s Berry Farm, and others. The market runs every Thursday, 3:30–6:30pm, near the corner of Academy and Muir Streets.

On going  Local optometrist Dr. Carey Willey is offering a no-cost eye assessment to infants under the new Infant See Program launched by former President Carter and the American Optometric Association.  Dr. Willey will provide a one-time eye assessment at Cambridge Family Eyecare on 401 Race Street.  To schedule an exam, call 410-228-0500.

On going  Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death.  Over 50?  See your doctor about screening tests for colon cancer and contact the Dorchester County Health Department, 3 Cedar Street in Cambridge, about the possibility of no-cost screening.  Call 410-228-3223

On going  The Hospice of Queen Anne’s is offering the “Memory Bear” to families that the hospice has served as a meaningful keepsake of a special loved one.  The bear is 10 inches in size and will include a pocket on the back that can be used to hold a photo or other keepsake.  For more information, call Deb Gilmer at 443-262-4112.

On going  The Dorchester County Historical Society is in need of volunteers to organize and set up a small museum library.  If you’re interested but have no experience, DCHS will gladly train you.  If you’d like to volunteer in another capacity, call Ann at 410-228-7953.

On going  You can sponsor a dog run or cat cage for 6 months or a year and help the Dorchester Humane Society,  Sponsorship levels range from $50 to $300.  Your sponsorship information will be displayed in the front lobby of the Society.  Call Sharon Keutmann (Cute-man)at the shelter at 443-521-9340…or visit her at 4930 Bucktown Road in Cambridge

                                           CURRENT EVENTS     

Saturday

July 4  Celebrate Cambridge’s 325th anniversary and the birth of our nation on the grounds of Governors Hall at Sailwinds Park, 200 Byrn Street in Cambridge.  Live music by Golden Touch and DJ Ben Parks.  There’s also a tailgating party, great food, specialty vendors and a Kids Zone.  Gates open at 2 pm and admission is free. Don't forget to stay for the fireworks at dusk

July 4  There’s an old fashioned July 4th parade and picnic in Allen, MD.  Parade lineup is at 1:30pm on Upper Ferry Road.  The parade will begin at 2pm followed by a picnic at the Allen Community Hall.  Pick-up softball and volleyball games will be open to all ages and there will be a bounce house for the children.  Sponsored by the Allen Lions Club.  For more information, call 410-742-2357.

Sunday

July 5  The 2009 Kennedy Fitzgerald Pick Up or Shut Up event will be held all day and is dedicated to cleaning up the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.  It’s organized by the Chesapeake Ecoproject.  Teams of at least 2 are encouraged to sign up, clean up, and then join everyone else at Foxy’s Marina Bar in St Michaels from 5 to 7 pm.  Submit entries to kfpickupgmail.com.

Monday-Friday

July 6-10  The Bethlehem Wesleyan Church, 5330 Bethlehem Road in Preston will have its Vacation Bible School (VBS) with the theme “Crocodile Dock”.  Dinner will be served at 5:30pm and VBS will begin at 6:30pm and run until 8:30 pm.  Children ages 4 through 5th grade may pre-register by calling 410-673-1379.

Tuesday

July 7  Feed the Children, an international hunger relief organization, will distribute a tractor-trailer full of food items to 10 Washington Street in Cambridge.  This food distribution will be held in conjunction with the Happy Family Prayer Ministry event which will take place on Sunday, July 12th and continue throughout the month of July.

Wednesday

July 8  The Activities Singles Klub (ASK) will hold its general membership meeting beginning at 6 pm at Denny’s Restaurant in Easton.  As always, the meetings are open to the public.  The meeting’s theme is “Something Will Be Fishy”.  For reservations and/or information, call 410-673-1481.

Friday

July 10  The Dorchester County Historical Society will present a workshop “Herbs—Back To the Future” from 9:30 to 11:30 am on its LaGrange campus.  The Helen C. Barber Herb Garden will be the featured example of a traditional herb garden.  The cost is $5 per person.  Call DCHS at 410-228-7953 to reserve your spot.

July 10  The 13th annual Rich Colburn Choptank River Dinner Cruise will leave Suicide Bridge Restaurant on the paddlewheel boat “The Dorothy Megan” near Secretary at 6 pm sharp.  The featured entertainer will be Shelley Abbott and Suicide Bridge Restaurant will provide a special dinner.  Tickets for this year’s cruise will be $75 per person and can be obtained in advance by calling 410-924-0098.

Sunday

July 12  Come and enjoy great Southern Gospel Music with the Skyline Boys Quartet, sponsored by Faith Baptist Fellowship in Cambridge.  The place is the Pleasant Day Adult Daycare Center beginning at 6:30pm.  A love offering will be taken.  For information, call 410-221-8510.

Monday-Thursday

July 13-16  Shore Kids Camp for children ages 7 through 12 who have diabetes and asthma is accepting reservations for the summer session.  The day camp will be held at the MEBA Engineering School in Easton and meets daily from 8:45 am to 4 pm.  Cost is $75; some scholarships are available.  To register, contact the Shore Health System at 410-822-1000.

Thursday

July 16   The Center for Integrative Medicine, an affiliate of Shore Health System, will offer a free lecture by Richard Gibson entitled “Overcoming Your Fear of Flying”.  The lecture begins at 6:30 pm at 607-B Dutchman’s Lane in Easton.  To register, call 410-770-9400.

Saturday

July 18  The Atlantic UM Church, 4th & Baltimore Streets in Ocean City, will present a free outdoor concert on the lawn beginning at 6 PM.  Worship with the Waves of Worship Praise Team.  Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the concert.  For more information, call 410-289-7430.

July 18  The New Revived United Methodist Church in Smithville will hold a gospel concert featuring the Rev. James Flowers and Family from Fort Washington, MD at 4 pm at Cambridge-South Dorchester High School.  Advanced tickets $12…at the door $15; children ages 4 through 10 are $5.  For tickets or more information, call 410-228-2843.

Sunday

July 19   Save the date!  It’s time to break ground for the New Dimensions Church Groundbreaking Ceremony on Jersey Road just before the overpass in Salisbury.  Festivities begin at 5 pm.  Questions or need directions, call 410-749-7732.

Monday-Thursday

July 20-23   Once again, it’s time for the annual UCA Summer Cheer Camp at the Sandy Hill Elementary School gym from 8:30 am to 4:30 om.  This 4-day camp is for the older cheerleader, ages 11 to 15.  Any questions, call Wendy Hughes at 410-463-0709.

Saturday

July 25  There’s a crab feast and dance from 3 to 8 pm at the American Legion in Hurlock.  It’s an all you can eat and drink affair.  There will also be a live band “Divided Highway” from 4 to 8 pm.  Delicious Maryland crabs, crab soup, BBQ chicken, hot dogs, steamed corn and more!

July 25  The Dorchester County Historical Society will present a workshop entitled ”Telling Your Story: A Gift to Those You Love.” The class will be ed by Joan Katz.  You will draw on your memories as well as photos, keepsakes, private and public data to assist you in the process of writing your legacy.  The class runs from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and the cost is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers.  Call 410-228-7953 to register or for more information.

Friday-Sunday

July 31-August 2  P.J. Campbell, owner of PJ’s Shoes and Sports, donated over $2,000 to the Shore Health System Child Development Center following the store’s Spring shoe sale.  The next shoe sale is scheduled for Friday, July 31st and Saturday, August 1st from 9:30 am to 9 pm and Sunday, August 2nd from noon to 5 pm.  PJ’s is located at 8223 Elliott Road next to Giant in Easton.