I attended a lecture about native plants by Mikaela Boley, Principal Agent Associate—Home Horticulture & Master Gardener Coordinator for the University of Maryland—Talbot County. I learned that ... [Continue Story]
Public Affairs
Thousands of Maryland Seniors Notified of the End of their Medicare Advantage Plans
Walkersville resident Marlene Eyler, 74, works as a host at a restaurant and cares for her 20-year-old grandson who lives with her. And now she has to ... [Continue Story]
- Easton Council Highlights: Town Approves Election Finance Ordinance
- Maryland Unveils ‘Historic’ $340 Million Settlement with Conowingo Dam Owner
- Talbot Goes Purple Again: A Chat with Sheriff Joe Gamble
- Why the Easton Comprehensive Plan is Important to Citizens? A Chat with Town Planner Lynn Thomas
- Easton Mayor Condemns Hate-Related Graffiti Incidents
- A New School Year Begins: A Chat with Talbot County Public School Superintendent Dr. Sharon Pepukayi
The Arts and Local Design
The Bay to Ocean Journal 2025: A Mirror to the Shore’s Creative Heart
Emily Rich still gets a thrill when the newest Bay to Ocean Journal lands in her hands. “It’s always exciting to see the finished book,” she said. ... [Continue Story]
- Tred Avon Players Goes Hot n’ Cole in Oxford: A Chat with Director Marcia Gilliam and TAP’s Sammie Adams-Mercer
- Academy Art Museum Appoints Brian J. Lang as Director of Curatorial Affairs
- “Elephant Man” on Course to Be A Powerful Garfield Production Opens Friday
- The Spy-Chesapeake Film Festival Podcast: A Chat with Filmmaker Lance Kramer
- Spy Review: A Rousing Chesapeake Season Opener by Steve Parks
- Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman: Journey to Nature’s Underworld
Chesapeake Film Festival Podcast
The Spy-Chesapeake Film Festival Podcast: A Chat with Filmmaker Lance Kramer
This year, the Spy is expanding its commitment to the Chesapeake Film Festival by co-producing a monthly podcast with CFF Executive Director Cid ... [Continue Story]
- The Spy-Chesapeake Film Festival Podcast: A Chat with Filmmaker and CFF Artistic Director Cid Collins Walker
- The Spy-Chesapeake Film Festival Podcast: A Chat with Filmmaker Monda Raquel Webb
- The Spy-Chesapeake Film Festival Podcast: A Chat with Casting Director Kimberly Skyrme
- The Spy-Chesapeake Film Festival Podcast: A Chat with Director/Producer Ted Adams
- The Spy-Chesapeake Film Festival Podcast: A Chat with Rebekah Louisa Smith
Chesapeake Ecosystem
ShoreRivers Director to Step Down, Search for Successor Begins
ShoreRivers, a leading environmental organization dedicated to protecting the Eastern Shore waterways, announced that Executive Director Isabel ... [Continue Story]
- FEMA Cancels $1 Billion for Flood Prevention Projects in Chesapeake Bay Region
- Intense Maryland Energy Debates in Annapolis Fill a Single Afternoon
- Md. leads in carbon emissions reductions – Maryland Matters
- Maryland Levies Fines on Perdue, Valley Proteins for Environmental Violations
- Bay Climate Adaptation: The TNC Guide in Finding the Money for Major Infrastructure Change
- Mid-Shore Arts Plein Air Easton and ESLC Pair Up to Promote Land Conservation
Maryland News
Maryland, 14 Other Democratic States Launch Public Health Alliance to Counter Trump, Rfk Jr.
In a clear rebuke of recent federal health policy, 15 Democratic governors announced Wednesday that they have formed a public health alliance that ... [Continue Story]
- Undocumented Residents’ Access to State Health Insurance Marketplace Delayed From 2026 to 2028
- Maryland Officials Work To Set Up Supports For Federal Workers During ‘Scary Time”
- A Pilgrimage to Crisfield Serves Up Crabs with a Smattering of Primary Politics
- Maryland Democratic Leaders Tout Electricity Refund, Keep Grid Operator in the Hot Seat
- Baltimore Sun Puts Some Shade on Cambridge Harbor
Health
Lets Talk about It with Beth Anne Dorman: The Riddle and Some Answers for ADHD
In our latest Spy conversation with For All Seasons CEO Beth Anne Dorman, we turn to the challenges of having a child or adult loved one dealing with ... [Continue Story]
- Mobile Integrated Health is a Lifeline for Talbot County Elders
- A Bad Diagnosis, Remarkable Recovery, and Giving Back: A Chat with Andrew Dorbin
- Let’s Talk About It with Beth Anne Dorman: Keeping your Mental Health During Tough Times
- Let’s Talk About It: Human Trafficking with For All Seasons’ Susan Ahlstrom
- A New Era in Women’s Health: A Chat with Shore Health’s Dr. Audrey Bowes Drummey
Brevities
Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: Time to Catch the Ferry
This time of year, there are lots of beautiful days for a bike ride to Oxford to catch the Oxford Ferry! This undated picture is a Found in Collection ... [Continue Story]
- Late-Night Calls with Mom By Katherine Emery General
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: What’s Going Up at Idlewild and Hanson?
- Finding Faith in Stillness By Katherine Emery General
- Agent 86 Reconnaissance Footage: Rock Hall and Eastern Neck Island by Air
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: Let the Fall Harvest Begin
- Fall Planets October 2025 Sky-Watch By Dennis Herrmann
Education
John Lewis: Guiding Gunston’s Next Generation
http:// When John Lewis arrived at The Gunston School sixteen years ago, he wasn’t yet the seasoned Head of School he is today; he was a young ... [Continue Story]
- Getting to Know The Country School’s New Head Jay Parker by India Smith
- Dr. Bryan Matthews Appointed as Interim President of Washington College
- Baltimore Sun Cites Washington College Woes
- Washington College President Michael Sosulski Steps Down
- 7Sage and Talbot Mentors Team Up to Help Navigate the Journey to College
Food & Garden Highlights
Wine of the Week: Barbera d’Alba DOC from the Barale Fratelli Winery
Ciao Tutti! This weekend at Piazza Italian Market, we will taste the Barbera d’Alba DOC ($24.25, 14.5 ABV) from the Barale Fratelli winery in ... [Continue Story]
- Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the Photo!
- Wine of the Week: Vignarco Orvieto DOC Classico from the Azienda Agricola Palazzone Winery
- Talbot Co. GC to Focus on “Magic Hour Gardening” at October 28 Lecture
- Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the Photo!
- Wine of the Week: Anthos Vino Rosso from Azienda Agricola Matteo Correggia Winery
Commerce
Shore Legal Access Adds Three New Members to Board of Directors
Shore Legal Access (SLA) recently welcomed Tom Deliberto, Esq.; Candace Henry; and Kathleen Smith, Esq. to its Board of Directors. Each brings ... [Continue Story]
- Simpatico, Italy’s Finest 21st Birthday Celebration: Celebrating 21 Years of “All Things Italian”: Wine, Food, Gifts & More
- Free Online AI Training for Eastern Shore Businesses this October
- Easton Utilities Encourages Customers to Round Up to Make Change!
- Waterfowl Festival and 1623 Brewing Co. Unite in Support of Conservation
- Qlarant Foundation Hosts Annual Awards, Celebrates $450,000 Granted to Charitable Organizations
Community Notes
Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore (BBBSES) is shining a spotlight on the power of mentoring during Bullying Prevention Month and Beyond.
Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore (BBBSES) is shining a spotlight on the power of mentoring during Bullying Prevention Month and Beyond. Standing ... [Continue Story]
- Uncle Nace: The Day Freedom Came A Celebration of the Man, His Legacy and Our History
- Town of Easton launches “Engage Easton”
- St. Michaels Museum Launches War of 1812 in the Chesapeake Speaker Series Featuring Guest Ralph Eshelman
- Martin’s House & Barn Welcomes Four New Members to Board of Directors
- Talbot County Democratic Forum Hosts Inspiring Kennedy-King Unity Dinner Featuring Congressman Jamie Raskin
- Easton Residents Invited to Shape the Future of Public Art with Creative Placemaking Workshop
Senior Life Highlights
Senior Nation: Embrace Your Age, Live Your Best Life by Susan Covey
According to Leading Age, “Active Aging is a worldwide initiative that honors the spirit and contributions of older adults while encouraging active ... [Continue Story]
- Cruisin’ with Christine: A Chat with Londonderry’s Jennifer Hughes
- The Difference Between Try And Triumph Is A Little Umph! By Susan Covey
- Cruisin’ with Christine: A Chat with Londonderry’s Ken Sadler
- State Officials Launch 10-Year Plan to Boost Supports for Growing Senior Population
- Cruisin’ with Christine: A Chat with Londonderry’s La’Cree Brown
- Strive for Independence, Not Just on the 4Th Of July! by Susan Covey
Arts Notes
Legendary Environmental Journalist Tom Horton To Moderate Author Panel on the Art and Science of Conservation
The Mid-Shore community is invited to join legendary Chesapeake Bay writer Tom Horton as he moderates a panel exploring the art and science of ... [Continue Story]
- Vital Structures By Artist Lynn Goldstein Opens With Reception at The Zebra Gallery
- Academy Art Museum Celebrates Robert Rauschenberg’s 100th Birthday with Landmark Exhibition “Rauschenberg 100: New Connections” – Opening December 11, 2025
- Working Artist Forum Members to Exhibit at Waterfowl Festival in Easton, MD
- Carpe Diem! Arts Alive! Second Tuesdays: Free Lunch-Time Performance Series, Furia Flamenca
- SMAL Announces Winners of 2025 “Capturing Autumn” Exhibit
- Learn, Play, Jam!: Old-Time Music Workshop at Allegro Academy
Ecosystem Notes
Environmental Concern Honors Retiring Leaders and Welcomes New Officers
Environmental Concern (EC), a leading non-profit dedicated to all aspects of wetlands, is honoring the retirement of longtime leaders President ... [Continue Story]
- Where Have all the Osprey Gone? Join Chesapeake Forum for Lectures on the Shore: Our Disappearing Osprey
- The Earnest Family, ESLC, and Partners Permanently Conserve 399 Acres on the Choptank River
- Support Local Birds This Winter: Pickering Creek Annual Birdseed Sale
- ESLC & Tall Timbers Receive Cornell Grant, Bolstering Eastern Shore Bird Conservation with Prescribed Fire
Education Notes
TCPS Appoints Student Representatives to Board of Education
Easton High Senior, Elmer Pineda, and St. Michaels High Senior, Tyler Murphy, will represent their schools as student members of the Talbot County ... [Continue Story]
- TCPS Education Foundation Celebrates Distinguished Alumni
- Easton High Student Receives National Merit Commendation
- Four Gunston Students Honored with National Merit Commended Recognition
- Stop the Never-Ending Cycle of Buying New Clothes with Early Head Start’s First FREE Fall Closet Swap
- Celebrate OysterFest with CBMM on Oct. 25
- Chrome City Fundraiser Raises Nearly $50K for Benedictine
Health Notes
Helping Workplaces Support Mental Health
Creating workplaces that support workers’ mental health is important as rising concerns about safety and mental health continue to appear in the news. ... [Continue Story]
- Forty Years of Heartfelt Service: Honoring Dr. Jeffrey H. Etherton on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
- “Dining in the Dark” Offers an Enlightening Evening to Support Vision Research
- Choptank Health Welcomes New Providers
- Shore Community Outreach Team Offers Free Health Screenings Around Dorchester County
- Students Bring Hope to For All Seasons
- UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown Offers New State-of-the-Art MRI
Commerce Notes
Shore Legal Access Adds Three New Members to Board of Directors
Shore Legal Access (SLA) recently welcomed Tom Deliberto, Esq.; Candace Henry; and Kathleen Smith, Esq. to its Board of Directors. Each brings ... [Continue Story]
- Simpatico, Italy’s Finest 21st Birthday Celebration: Celebrating 21 Years of “All Things Italian”: Wine, Food, Gifts & More
- Free Online AI Training for Eastern Shore Businesses this October
- Easton Utilities Encourages Customers to Round Up to Make Change!
- Waterfowl Festival and 1623 Brewing Co. Unite in Support of Conservation
- Qlarant Foundation Hosts Annual Awards, Celebrates $450,000 Granted to Charitable Organizations
- An Outstanding October — Shopping, Exhibits and Events at The Market at Dover Station
Food Friday
Food Friday: Easy Bake
Now that the threat of the nor-easter has swept past us, and there are cooler, clearer days ahead, we seem able to prepare for autumn. I have a new copse of trees out my ... [Continue Story]
Looking at the Masters with Beverly Smith
Looking at the Masters: Judy Baca
Preeminent Chicana artist of today, Judy Baca began her mural career by gathering a team of twenty gang members from four rival gangs. The unexpected ... [Continue Story]
Spy Poetry
Spy Poetry: Week One by Sally Bliumis-Dunn
Editor’s Note: The poet, through many fine and surprising images, describes the miniature miracle of her newborn grandchild. Week One She sleeps and eats, and all the while stays curled as though still inside my daughter’s body, in that thick calm of muffled sound that held her, must be soothing her still here in the […]
- Spy Poetry: Bus Stop by Laure-Anne Bosselaar
- Spy Poetry: Helping My Daughter Move into Her First Apartment by Sue Ellen Thompson
- Spy Poetry: In Green Ink by Meredith Davies-Hadaway
- Spy Poetry: Love Poem for an Apocalypse By Dave Lucas
- Spy Poetry: LOGJAM By Amorak Huey
- Spy Poetry: Binsey Poplars by Gerard Manley Hopkins
Food and Garden Notes
Wine of the Week: Barbera d’Alba DOC from the Barale Fratelli Winery
Ciao Tutti! This weekend at Piazza Italian Market, we will taste the Barbera d’Alba DOC ($24.25, 14.5 ABV) from the Barale Fratelli winery in ... [Continue Story]
- Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the Photo!
- Wine of the Week: Vignarco Orvieto DOC Classico from the Azienda Agricola Palazzone Winery
- Talbot Co. GC to Focus on “Magic Hour Gardening” at October 28 Lecture
- Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the Photo!
- Wine of the Week: Anthos Vino Rosso from Azienda Agricola Matteo Correggia Winery
- Upper Shore Master Gardener Programs to Hold Basic Training
Design with Jenn Martella
Design with Jenn Martella: Oxford Victorian, circa 1875
I always look forward to visiting Oxford and I arrived via the ferry. After treating myself to ice cream at the Scottish Highland Creamery, I was ready for my tour. Walking along the Town’s brick sidewalk, I soon crossed a street to this corner property. I admired the charming white picket fence that surrounded the […]
- Design with Jenn Martella: “Duvall Lodge”
- Design with Jenn Martella: Tilghman Island Treasure
- Design with Jenn Martella: Cottage & Garage/Guest Suite
- Design with Jenn Martella: “Leggacy”, circa 1880
- Design With Jenn Martella: “Lexon”, circa Third Quarter, 18th Century
- Design with Jenn Martella: Adaptive Re-Use in Chestertown
From and Fuller Podcast
From and Fuller: A Rough Week for Trump in Court, with Russia and China, as Epstein Returns as the Front Page Story
Every Thursday, the Spy hosts a conversation with Al From and Craig Fuller on the most topical political news of the moment. This week, From and ... [Continue Story]
- From and Fuller: Is Trump Winning the News Cycle and Governor Newsom Pulls the Trigger on Redistricting for 2026
- From and Fuller: The Political Impact of RFK Jr.s MAHA Agenda and Texas Redistricting Part 2
- From and Fuller: Ending ICE Madness and an Epstein Tipping Point?
- From and Fuller: Elon Musk’s 3rd Party and the Epstein Files MAGA Civil War
- From and Fuller: Is the Iran Bombing a Win for Trump and NYC Politics
- From and Fuller: Trump’s Big Iran Problem, Military Parades and No Kings
Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell
Maryland Caucus Podcast with Foxwell and Corchiarino: Maryland’s Emerging Financial Perfect Storm
Every Wednesday, Maryland political analysts Len Foxwell and Clayton Mitchell discuss the politics and personalities of the State and region. This ... [Continue Story]
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: Can Maryland Democrats Redistrict Out Andy Harris?
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: A Pastor Espinal Update, Andy Harris MIA, and Van Hollen Shoutout
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: The ICE Detention of Talbot County’s Pastor Daniel Espinal
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: Route 50 Traffic and 3rd Span for the Bridge
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: Moore Budget Cuts and LA Protests Impact on MD Politics
- Maryland Caucus: Mid-Shore “Sanctuary” FUBAR and Wes Moore’s Trip to South Carolina
Columnist J.E. Dean
Which Is It? President Trump or King Donald? By J.E. Dean
Judge me by what I do, not what I say. We’ve all heard that maxim, but have you used it recently in looking at President Trump’s first eight months in ... [Continue Story]
- Mental Illness and Civic Responsibility By J.E. Dean
- To Achieve the Highest Standards, Hegseth Must Go by J.E. Dean
- Should Trump Prosecute the Person Who Posted the Spaghetti Picture? By J.E. Dean
- Tiptoeing Through the News By J.E. Dean
- The 2026 Mid-Term Elections and Stopping Trumpism by J.E. Dean
- Trump Fatigue is Real and It Shows By J.E. Dean
Columnist Hugh Panero
ICE Trauma and Drama on the Shore by Hugh Panero
Daily images of hooded, heavily armed ICE agents snatching people on US soil are traumatizing. As reported in the Spy in July, this hit home in ... [Continue Story]
- Homeland Security Threatens Canada Goose Migration by Hugh Panero
- Balancing the Maryland Budget in Extraordinary Times by Hugh Panero
- The Death of TikTok by Hugh Panero
- The Awkward Gentrification of Bellevue by Hugh Panero
- Mr. Biden, It’s Time to Hand Over the Keys by Hugh Panero
- The Mess in Oxford Gets More Messy by Hugh Panero
Columnist Craig Fuller
Conversations with Craig Fuller: Ambassador and Author Frank Lavin
My friend and former White House colleague Ambassador Frank Lavin has a book coming out in March about his experience in the White House and ... [Continue Story]
- Midair collision over the Potomac: Week two update by Craig Fuller
- A midair tragedy last night in Washington by Craig Fuller
- The Classic Motor Museum starts a new trip in St. Michaels: Craig Fuller talks to Mike Iandolo
- A Community Town Hall focuses on education in Talbot County by Craig Fuller
- MPT, the Chesapeake Bay and Viewers Like You: A Chat with Station Manager Steven Schupak
- So Much Money, So Little Time by Craig Fuller
Columnist Jamie Kirkpatrick
Meeting Tom By Jamie Kirkpatrick
I’ll try to keep this long story reasonably short: a few days ago, my wife and I found ourselves soaking in a pool of warm mineral water with ten ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Laura Oliver
Near-Miss Miracles By Laura J. Oliver
It is October, the month in which both my daughters were born. I guess back in March of the year in which each was conceived, I thought that to have ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Angela Rieck
Going Native By Angela Rieck
I attended a lecture about native plants by Mikaela Boley, Principal Agent Associate—Home Horticulture & Master Gardener Coordinator for the ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Al Sikes
Is There Room For The Long Game? By Al Sikes
Yes, day-by-day the minutes cancel the hours. The days the months and the months the years. The setting might be a restaurant or a dog park or just walking. Or sitting around a table with friends as each check their phones every minute or so. My introduction was in Helsinki, Finland, “back in the day” […]
Opinion
Character Is Policy by Johnny O’Brien
Perhaps you—like me and most of my friends—have a grave difficulty discussing politics in our hyper-partisan nation. We often report that civil ... [Continue Story]
- Trump Policies Disrupt the Eastern Shore Soybean Market by Wilson Dean
- As the Supreme Court Term Begins… Some Reflections by Margaret Andersen
- Opinion: Marylanders Need Pro-Business Policies by Jamie McNealy
- Spy Daybook: Just Because You Can; Does Not Mean You Should by Calvin Yowell
- Reflections on the YMCA Legacy of Ellen Rajacich by Robbie Gill
- The Imprisonment of Judge Carmichael and the Suspension of Habeas Corpus by Paul Callahan
- Character Rot: Sounding the Alarm by Johnny O’Brien
- A Conservative Look at the Trump Tariff Policy by David Montgomery
- The Need to Call Out Gunsallus Falsehoods by Megan Cook
- I Support Don Abbatiello for Easton Council President by David Montgomery
- Maryland’s Budget Crossroads Demands Unity, Not Division by Patrick Firth
- The Political is Personal: Reflections on DEI by Margaret Andersen
- New report reveals value of resource conservation for Shore businesses by John Horner
- Presidential pasts and an impending future by Steve Parks
- Gov. Wes Moore: Now’s the time to fix our fiscal crisis
Letters to the Editor
Letter to Editor : No Kings, Again…
Almost 250 years ago, the American colonists rejected the rule of King George III by listing their grievances against him with the Declaration of ... [Continue Story]
- Letter to Editor: Is this Just a Plea from the Wilderness to Talk to Each Other?
- Letter to the Editor: Please Stay Safe while Biking and Walking
- Letter to Editor: Let Talbot County Celebrate Freedom to Read
- Letter to Editor: Why Resist?
- Letter to Editor: A Train Wreck At Midterms!?
- Letter to Editor: The IRS Deserves Good Leadership
