Cambridge MD Rotary Club

10/05/2026

Alessandro Nardi, President of the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce, and fellow Rotarian, recently addressed members of the Rotary Club of Cambridge on Chamber events, engagement and recent updates. As a leading voice for businesses, Nardi explained the Chamber not only represents Dorchester County businesses but also nonprofits, civic entities including city and county officials, and the Board of Education. In additional to local activity, the Dorchester Chamber is also involved with legislators in Annapolis on decisions impacting Dorchester County.

With businesses and organizations working together, their voice is stronger than any one individual. The Chamber holds and assists in events and promotions throughout the Dorchester County community.

Nardi, a graduate of Harvard University with a master's degree in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, has 23 years in diplomatic experience with the U.S. Department of State. In his role, Nardi was involved in negotiations, coordinated policy and helped build coalitions to help solve problems and improve economic development.

Since moving to Dorchester in 2020, Nardi has become involved in the community through civic organizations like Rotary, his Church as well as tourism and hospitality which has helped with his position with the Chamber.

From L-R: Rotary President Elect Lou Hyman; Alessandro Nardi, Rotary Vice President Dan Dunlap.

09/14/2026

09/03/2026

Recently the Rotary Club of Cambridge inducted David Wallace as the newest member of the Club.

The owner of several businesses throughout his career, Mr. Wallace remains active by advising states and federal agencies on marine habitat conservation and fishery management issues. Dave is also active in various civil non-profits.

Welcome to our Rotary Club Dave!

Picture l-r: President George Fox; David Wallace inducted as new member of the Rotary Club of Cambridge

08/24/2026

Recently, members of the Rotary Club of Cambridge visited Patriot Point at Taylors Island.

Allen and Robin Richmond, Co-General Managers, said, “Patriot Point is the Military Bowl Foundation’s 294 acre retreat facility for wounded, ill and injured active duty service members, veterans and the families and caregivers who face daily struggles related to their time spent defending our great nation.”

Guests come to hunt, fish and enjoy the area. Located between Madison and Taylors Island in Dorchester County, Maryland, Patriot Point, LLC was formed in 2016 after the property was purchased from the previous owner, Jim Buggs.

While at Patriot Point, President George Fox presented Allen and Robin with a check. The donation came from money raised by the Club through our annual Flags for Heroes fundraiser. Allen and Robin each served in the U.S. Navy for 33 and 24 years, respectively. The each said, at Patriot Point, they found their next duty station.

Originally from Williston, North Dakota, Allen enlisted in the Navy where he rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer before commissioning as a Navy Mustang. He holds a BS in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Assigned to multiple aircraft carriers and installations around the world, he retired as a Commander.

From Michigan City, Indiana, Robin holds a psychology from the University of Maryland Global Campus and education degree from the University of Central Texas, while stationed in Italy. During her career, she was assigned to the personal staff of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. She served under leaders such as General Colin Powell and General Richard B. Myers. Her time at the Pentagon saw the unforgettable attack on September 11, 2001.

Both Robin and Allen shared, their greatest enjoyment comes from seeing the guests have a chance to spend time to veg and mentally heal. The said, “We say at Patriot Point that healing starts at the gate and it’s not a slogan -it really is true.”

Thank you for all you do Allen & Robin. To learn more about Patriot Point visit: https://www.patriotpoint.org/

Picture 1: Rotary President George Fox presents a check to Patriot Point Co-General Managers Robin and Allen Richmond. The donation was made possible through the Club's Flags for Heros Project
Picture 2: Brick engraved with the Rotary Club Cambridge from a previous donation
Picture 3: Rotarians share lunch at Patriot Point and hear some of the property and organization history

08/03/2026

Recently, the Cambridge MD Rotary Club welcomed Dr. Clifford Rossi, Executive-in-Residence at the Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School, to speak about the impact of extreme weather events on homeowners.

In Dorchester County and Maryland, citizens face environmental threats that pose significant risk to homeowners and businesses. As this happens, premiums are rising due to several factors making it difficult to maintain affordable coverage. Because of this, policy solutions for containing premiums are limited.

Rossi recently retired from the Robert H Smith School of Business, University of Maryland as a Professor-of-the-Practice, Executive-in-Residence and Director of the Smithe Enterprise Risk Consortium. The past 25 years, he has held several executive risk management positions at some of the largest financial service companies.

Thank you for being our guest speaker Dr. Rossi!

Picture l-r: Rotarian Jeff Cornwell; Dr. Clifford Rossi; President George Fox

07/27/2026

Choptank Riverkeeper and Director of Riverkeeper Programs, Matt Pluta, recently spoke to members of the Rotary Club of Cambridge providing them with the Choptank River Report Card for 2025.

Matt, along with his other three Choptank RiverKeeper staff, are responsible for checking water quality, identifying pollution challenges and habitat impact and advocating for the health of the rivers locally, and at the state and federal levels.

Matt highlighted a variety of points on the Choptank river and among its tributaries and showed the club areas where water quality is a problem. "Although there are still problem areas, in 2025 water quality improved for all Choptank tributaries", he shared. "Overall, 2025 results showed strong nitrogen and algae improvements, but phosphorus and clarity remain concerns.”

Matt is dedicated to safeguarding the long-term health of the river, guarding against illegal and harmful pollution. The goal of the Choptank Riverkeepers is to restore the river so it can be swimmable and fishable. Matt shared that bacteria levels are the highest in the 24 hours after it rains.

Matt holds a degree in Biology and Environmental Studies from Penn State University as well as an advanced degree in Environmental Policy. Originally from the Great Lakes Region, Matt brings his passion for clean water and outdoor recreation to the Eastern Shore.

In 2015, Matt joined the ShoreRivers team and is a representative on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Oyster Advisory Committee, among other Committees.

You can download this app: https://www.theswimguide.org/get-the-app/, driven by waterkeepers from all over, which demonstrates water quality information for beaches and waterways.

Thank you, Matt, for joining us and sharing!

07/20/2026

The Cambridge Rotary Club of Maryland recently welcomed Anne Marie Izzi, Family Partner Supervisor of The Eastern Shore branch of The Parents’ Place of Maryland. (PPMD)

Izzi spoke to the club about the work Parents' Place of MD provides. PPMD offers support to families caring for children and youth with disabilities and special healthcare needs. They also have one-on-one peer support for those affected with mental health, substance abuse, behavioral issues, gambling problems, and other needs.

While PPMD is a state-wide organization, they are very active on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Iizzi said that there is a particularly pressing need in Dorchester and surrounding counties to help people dealing with substance abuse.

The best way to contact an expert for support at The Parent’s Place of Maryland is through their website, where you can also find helpful information and resources: https://www.ppmd.org.

During this meeting, the Cambridge MD Rotary Club was also pleased to present a donation to the Cold Weather Shelter in Cambridge, MD., which was accepted by Courtney Thomas.

Picture 1: Anne Marie Izzi, of the Parents Place of Maryland speaking at the Rotary Club of Cambridge, Maryland.

Picture 2: Angie Hengst, Past President of the Cambridge MD Rotary club, presents a check to Courtney Thomas, accepting on behalf of the Cold Weather Shelter.

07/13/2026

Recently, the Cambridge MD Rotary Club welcomed Lt. James McDaniel of the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Department to speak at a club meeting. Assigned to the Criminal Investigation Unit, Lt. McDaniel shared important information regarding a number of recent community scams which can affect people of all ages.

Lt. McDaniel shared six potential red flags in scam messages or calls, which should alert the receiver to stop and pay attention. Those red flags can include being asked to pay by gift card for any services. The caller may create a sense of urgency and instruct the recipient of the call to stay on the phone while purchasing gift cards or direct them to buy gift cards at convenience stores or pharmacies, while saying that buying gift cards will protect your banking account information. Or the caller may ask the recipient of the call to cash a check then place the cash at a secret location. Lt. McDaniel stated that during these calls, the caller can make the information seem very real to the recipient.

Some of the scams Lt. McDaniel highlighted were Virus/Government Agency Scams, Bond Scams, Debt Scams, Fine/Impersonation Scams and Romance Scams. He encouraged people, before doing anything when you get a call, contact the police and your bank. Lt. McDaniel said, “the problem is, by the time the police are called, it is too late and the money is lost.” If you believe you are or might be getting scammed, Lt. McDaniel said to immediately hang up the phone.

Lt. McDaniel has been with the Sheriff’s Department for 14 years and was with the Cambridge Police Department for 6 ½ years prior. He, also. Served in the United State Marine Corps for 8 years. Thank you to Lt. McDaniel for sharing valuable information with us and our community.

Picture l-r: Lt. James McDaniel, Dorchester County Sheriff's Dept; Angie Hengst, Rotary Immediate Past President.

07/06/2026

The Rotary Club of Cambridge MD recently held their 2026-2027 Installation of Officers Dinner at the Cambridge Yacht Club.

Following fellowship and dinner, Past President Amanda Hailey swore in George Fox as the Club President for Rotary year 2026-27. Serving as president of the Club for the 2nd time, George will be in office as the Rotary Club of Cambridge celebrates its 100th Anniversary in April 2027, where we will be hosting a community celebration.

President George Fox then inducted into office: Lou Hyman, President Elect; Dan Dunlap, Vice President; Robin Sexton, Treasurer; Ed Forrest, Secretary and Board Directors Michael Wheatley, Phil Reed, Kathy Forrest, Amanda Hailey, Jeff Cornwell and Shane Hatfield. Absent from the dinner was Immediate Past President Angie Hengst.

Picture 1: Past President Amanda Hailey swears in George Fox as Rotary 2026-27 President.

Picture 2 l-r: President George Fox, in back, inducts the officers and board members for the Rotary 2026-27 year. Michael Wheatley, Phil Reed and Kathy Forrest board members; Robin Sexton, treasurer; George Fox, President; Ed Forrest, Secretary; Dan Dunlap, Vice-President; Lou Hyman, President-Elect; Amanda Hailey, Jeff Cornwell and Shane Hatfield board members.

06/29/2026

Pam Allen, Executive Director of MidShore Meals til Monday, recently spoke to members of the Rotary Club of Cambridge sharing some of the organization’s history. Originally founded in 2017 by Leslie and Will Bishop in their kitchen, the project has expanded and is now serving all Dorchester County Public Schools.

“The Organization’s Mission is working to end childhood hunger by supplying our neighbors in need in Dorchester County and beyond, "said Allen. Their Vision is, “Working with community partners to provide adequate nutrition for children and families, promoting healthy choices and give assistance to anyone needing food resources with empathy and respect”.

A 501(c)3, they operate primarily through volunteer help, grants, the Maryland Food Bank and corporate and individual sponsorships. Along with the Friday meal bags for students, Meals til Monday has expanded to provide food for families, as well as a summer food program. The organization realizes hunger problems do not take off during the summertime.

Being a rural, agricultural community, Allen shared they have been able to get some help from farmers and produce stand owners in the area. They are trying to expand the number of agriculture sponsors. This allows them to provide fresh fruit and vegetables when available.

The Summer Meals Program will be every Tuesday in Dorchester County from June 23 – August 11. For more information visit www.midshoremealstilmonday.org 443-225-6789. Thank you for coming in to speak with our club!

Picture l-r: Pam Allen, Executive Director Mid Shore Meals til Monday; Angie Hengst, Rotary President