My wife, Jo, is a jigsaw puzzle aficionado. Every Christmas she receives at least one. Some contain a formidable number of pieces, 2000 in one instance. She appears to begin working puzzles from the ... [Continue Story]
Public Affairs
Easton Has a Plastic Bag Problem
Before you even start reading this article, it’s important that you know I’m GUILTY. I did not admit my culpability when I interviewed Marion Arnold, ... [Continue Story]
- Maryland’s Environmental Chief put on Defense in Hearing on Enforcement Lapses
- Bay Ecosystem: Looking Ahead on State Agendas
- COVID on the Shore: An Update with Shore Regional Health’s Dr. William Huffner
- Cambridge Mayor Andrew Bradshaw Resigns
- In Remembrance: WC First Lady Libby Anderson Cater Halaby
- Talbot County Responds to Winter Storm
Spy Highlights
COVID-19 Jan. 24 Report
The Spy obtains information for the above chart between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Statewide data are updated about 10 a.m. each day. Johns Hopkins updates its data throughout the day. Key points for today • Community transmission of COVID-19 remains high. Wear a mask indoors in public spaces. • Talbot County’s 7-day average positivity […]
The Arts
Spy Review: From the Shadows, One Last Le Carré by Len Bracken
“Today, all I know is that I have learned to interpret the whole of life in terms of conspiracy,” George Smiley, in a letter to his wife at the ... [Continue Story]
- At the Main Street Gallery: Artist Lisa Krentel
- Mid-Shore Arts: A New Director at the Helm at Mainstay
- Spy Report: The Avalon Holiday Show is Back in the Avalon with White Christmas
- AAM Members Show Awards Announced
- Spy Review: Mid-Atlantic Symphony Takes On Bach, Vivaldi and Tchaikovsky
- The TAP’s Great Gatsby Comeback: A Chat with Director John Perkinson
Health
COVID Answers with Choptank Community Health #5
As Covid Rates across the region continue to skyrocket the Choptank Community Health, and their partner, the Avalon Foundation have jointly produced ... [Continue Story]
Brevities
Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: Taking it to the Bank
The Liberty Bank was on the North East corner of Aurora and Dover Streets in Easton, Maryland when professional photographer H. Robins Hollyday took ... [Continue Story]
- Friends of Hospice Donate Almost $100,000 to Talbot Hospice
- February 2022 Sky-Watch
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: Modern Technology in Use
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: Shoveling Out
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge Reminder: Be Careful Out There
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: Talbottown Now Open for Business
Community Notes
Driver Tip: Infrastructure Upgrade on Goldsborough Street Planned for January 24
Easton Utilities will be performing a comprehensive project along Goldsborough Street to replace and upgrade the water and wastewater infrastructure. ... [Continue Story]
- St. Michaels Community Garden Sprouts for 10th Season
- Talisman Therapeutic Announces New Executive Director
- Easton’s Public Works Continue Redevelopment of Hill Community
- Talbot DSS Receives Significant Donation from Oasis Church of Easton for Foster Youth
- Talbot Family Network Announces New Equity Grant Program
- Community Members Invited to Dismantling Racism Seminar
Ecosystem
Headed for Hurlock: The Rhythm of Chesapeake Migrations by Tom Horton
Because I hail from nearby Federalsburg, I can confidently describe the little village of Hurlock on the Eastern Shore of Maryland as unprepossessing, ... [Continue Story]
- After Two Years, Consensus on Oyster Policy Still Elusive in Maryland
- Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center Reboots Mission
- From Agnes to Now: Perspectives from 50 years of Reporting by Tom Horton
- Regulators Ease Shutdown Order on Troubled Md. Poultry Rendering Plant
- Bay Ecosystem: Lawrence Wetlands Preserve Is Becoming a Reality
Mid-Shore Science by Al Hammond
Mid-Shore Science: Wetlands and Climate Resilience with Dr. Ariana Sutton-Grier
Ariana Sutton-Grier is a distinguished scientist with expertise in coastal ecosystems. In particular her research has focused on the role these ... [Continue Story]
- The Coming Medical and Agricultural Revolution—Genetic Editing
- The Future of Finance…and much Else by Al Hammond
- Next Generation Wireless Networks—A Word of Caution for Rural Maryland
- By the Way, How Do You Predict the Behavior of Rockfish or Crabs? By Al Hammond
- Why Farming Data, Not Soybeans, Might Be the Future by Al Hammond
- Minding a Big Gap: Digital Divide Leaving Students Behind by Al Hammond
Maryland News
Mosby Asserts Her Innocence, Calls Federal Indictment ‘A Political Ploy’
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby (D) spoke in defense of her innocence Friday in light of false statement and perjury charges levied ... [Continue Story]
- Feds: Baltimore City State’s Attorney Mosby Claimed COVID Financial Hardship While Earning Full Salary
- Citing Public Safety “Crisis,” Hogan Proposes Increase in Police Funding
- Legislative Redistricting Advisory Commission Sends State Legislative Map to General Assembly
- Md. Health Secretary Slammed Over Mishandled Vaccines, Lack of Universal Masking
- Hogan Issues State of Emergency, Calls on Feds For More Decisive Action on Vaccines, Treatments
Education
Md. Department of Education Encourages In-Person Learning as COVID Rates Climb; One School System Has Gone Virtual
In response to coronavirus case surges and fears of the omicron variant across the state, one Maryland public school veered back to virtual learning ... [Continue Story]
- Talbot Mentors Announce Resignation of Director Gerson Martinez
- Talbot County Superintendent Kelly Griffith to Retire Next Year
- Dr. Kelly L. Griffith Named 2022 Maryland Superintendent of the Year
- Mid-Shore Education: A Chat with Gunston School’s John Lewis
- WC Launches American Renewal Program with Help from Easton’s Barbara Denton
Food & Garden
Adkins Mystery Monday: What Keeps Green Leaves in the Winter?
Happy Mystery Monday! Do you know what herbaceous perennial has kept its green leaves despite the winter weather? Hint: this picture was taken in the ... [Continue Story]
Commerce
Paul Prager to Lead TeraWulf Foundation for Social Health Sustainability Programs
TeraWulf today announced the formation of the TeraWulf Charitable Foundation, a private, philanthropic organization focused on funding and ... [Continue Story]
- Mid-Shore’s Ross Benincasa and Sam Shoge to Present at Main Street Conference
- Meredith Girard Named Mid-Shore Pro Bono Executive Director
- Judy Diaz named new WHCP Manager; Mike Starling, Station Founder, Steps Down
- Severn Bank Merges into Shore United Bank
- Talbot County’s 2021 Most Beautiful People Volunteer Award Deadline October 7
Habitat
House of the Week: Corner Colonial Revival
I always enjoy featuring the houses in Easton’s Historic District and this charming house on a corner lot has features of the Colonial Revival ... [Continue Story]
Senior Nation
Senior Nation: Start The New Year Off On The Right Foot! By Susan Covey
Just a few things to make sure the New Year starts off on the right foot. 1) Make it a habit to be grateful and help others. Every day, write down ... [Continue Story]
- Ask Irma: Londonderry at 30 Years Old
- Senior Nation: Thanksgiving Quotes by Susan Covey
- Senior Nation: Balance and Fall Prevention by Susan Covey
- Mr. Chuck’s Garden: Londonderry on the Tred Avon Resident Tends Community Garden
- Senior Nation: Barefoot in the Sand by Susan Covey
- Senior Nation: The Beauty of Water Workouts
Arts Notes
February at the Mainstay
The Mainstay, the Eastern Shore’s 25-year-old nonprofit live music venue located in Rock Hall, Maryland, is ready to usher in its 2022 performance ... [Continue Story]
Ecosystem Notes
NRCS in Maryland Accepting Applications from Producers, Landowners for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from agricultural producers and forest landowners in STATE for the Agricultural ... [Continue Story]
Education Notes
Donors Drive Workforce Development through Chesapeake College Programs
Students preparing for careers in agriculture and the trades are benefiting from recent donations to workforce training programs at Chesapeake ... [Continue Story]
- Ed Patrick Named Washington College’s New V.P. for Finance and Administration
- Benedictine Awards Service Milestones
- “The Misadventures of Romeo & Juliet” at Church Hill Theatre
- Nominations are Being Accepted for TCPS Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year
- Milton, Blake, and Wordsworth on Being Human with John Miller, Ph.D., & Michael Valliant
- Wye River Upper School Celebrates 20 Years of Changing Lives
Health Notes
Shore Rehab at Queenstown Welcomes New Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist Kelley Bohlman, DPT, recently joined the outpatient rehabilitation team at University of Maryland Shore Regional Medical Pavilion ... [Continue Story]
- Cathie Weishaar Appointed to Regional Director of Pharmacy at UM SRH
- Regional Health Officials Request Public’s Help to Reduce Strain on System
- UM Shore Regional Health Weather-Related Information
- Sukhdeo-Singh Named Medical Director of UM SRH Primary Stroke Center
- F. Graham Lee Retires from University of Maryland Memorial Hospital Foundation
- U.S. News & World Report Names UM SMC As A High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care
Senior Nation Notes
Edna Parks Celebrates 107th Birthday at Dixon House
Edna Parks of Trappe, MD, recently celebrated her 107th birthday at Dixon House, where she is a resident. Parks, who lived her life in Talbot County, ... [Continue Story]
- Londonderry on the Tred Avon Reopens Tred Avon Tavern and Resumes Limited Activities
- Londonderry on the Tred Avon Celebrates 30 Years
- Londonderry on the Tred Avon Residents and Staff Receive First COVID-19 Vaccine
- Londonderry on the Tred Avon Named “Best Retirement Community” and “Best Place to Work”
- New Dixon House Residents are Neighbors Once Again
Commerce Notes
The Arc Selects RAUCH Inc. as Lead Architect for Port Street Commons
The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) announces the selection of RAUCH inc. as the architectural firm for Port Street Commons, a planned ... [Continue Story]
- Shore United Bank Thanks Laura Sonberg for 20 Years of Service!
- Rural Maryland Council Honors Rural Community Advocates
- Easton’s Crab Drop Chesapeake 2022 Celebration
- Easton’s Public Works Light Up the Town for the Holidays
- Brian Cleary Graduates from Leadership Maryland
- Hugh Grunden Wins Icon Honors Award
J.E. Dean
Congressman Raskin Promises “Historic” Hearing on January 6 Insurrection by J.E. Dean
“What is going on with the January 6 committee?” I’ve been impatiently wondering about that for months. Why is the House Select Committee on the ... [Continue Story]
- Canadians Are Worried about America’s Future by J.E. Dean
- The First Anniversary of a Day That Will Live in Infamy by J.E. Dean
- Predictions for 2022: Hope and Fear by J.E. Dean
- The Talbot Boys Are Moving: Everyone Won by J.E. Dean
- All I want for Christmas by J.E. Dean
- The New Wing on My Rogues Gallery by J.E. Dean
Columnist Howard Freedlander
Out and About (Sort of): Dollar Day by Howard Freedlander
Tomorrow will be a big day for unapologetic Annapolis watchers as Gov. Larry Hogan unveils Maryland’s fiscal year 2023 budget. While that might seem ho-hum to most residents of the Old Line State, trade, interest and constituent groups will be anxiously awaiting the budget figures, particularly the divvying up of a $4.6 billion surplus. As […]
- Out and About (Sort of): Retain The Local Touch by Howard Freedlander
- Out and About (Sort of): Mourning by Howard Freedlander
- Out and About (Sort of): Shortages by Howard Freedlander
- Out and About (Sort of): Course Correction by Howard Freedlander
- Out and About (Sort of): Partisan But Prudent Politician by Howard Freedlander
- Out and About (Sort of): Historic Trove by Howard Freedlander
Columnist Craig Fuller
A World on Two Paths by Craig Fuller
Suddenly, things are different. It's not just that life is being lived for many without the mask. People are increasingly enjoying social ... [Continue Story]
- A Beginning, Not an Ending by Craig Fuller
- Consider an Air Safety Approach to Better Policing by Craig Fuller
- Road Recognition Well-Earned for Chesapeake Country by Craig Fuller
- COVID Vaccination: Are We Making This Too Difficult by Craig Fuller
- A Strategy, Not Resolutions by Craig Fuller
- Signs of (Governance) Hope by Craig Fuller
Jamie Kirkpatrick
Such a Gift by Jamie Kirkpatrick
A friend recently introduced me to the work of Phyllis Theroux. I was only a few pages into her memoir The Journal Keeper when this line jumped out at me: “It is such a gift to coincide with where you live.” And there you have it: that’s exactly how I feel about the place where […]
Columnist George Merrill
Enough by George Merrill
My wife, Jo, is a jigsaw puzzle aficionado. Every Christmas she receives at least one. Some contain a formidable number of pieces, 2000 in one ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Angela Rieck
Wisdom vs. Intelligence by Angela Rieck
When I was in graduate school, it was considered unscientific to believe that animals had feelings, could develop a language, or even communicate. As ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Al Sikes
White House Edicts by Al Sikes
What national goals should be converted to mandates and pursued relentlessly through Executive Branch executive orders and its regulatory agency rules? In other words, which goals should bypass Congressional scrutiny and therefore representative democracy? Relatedly, are there subjects that should be given oxygen and ultimately better understanding through Congressional hearings? Which is to say hearings […]
Op-Ed
Focus On Talbot: MDE Fails to Act by Dan Watson
Right now—today--The Maryland Department of the Environment (“MDE”) is choosing to ignore its responsibility to you and me to enforce the law, ... [Continue Story]
- Biden’s Press Conference by Ross Jones
- Letter from Annapolis by Laura Price
- Setting The Story Straight With Facts, Not Opinions by Rob Newberry
- Thanks to Trump – Cheney, Bush, Romney, and Nixon Are Starting to Look Not Half Bad
- Duck Blinds and Abortions by Ross Jones
- Lakeside—Do The Right Thing by Dan Watson
Letters to the Editor
Letter to Editor: Clarification Needed on Lakeside Debate
Regarding the letter to the editor Jan 4 2022 by Calvin Yowell. I have to say needs clarification, and Boy do I disagree with the good faith comments ... [Continue Story]
- Letter to Editor: Resolution 313 on Lakeside Not the Answer
- Letter to Editor: George Will is Using the 1619 Project for Fear Mongering
- Letter to Editor: Observations on the Talbot County Council and Lakeside Foe Dan Watson
- Letter to Editor: The Side Effects of the Trappe Lakeside Development
- Letter to Editor: Lakeside Hearings set for Tonight and Tomorrow
- Letter to Editor: La Trappe Creek-Decades of Misfeasance
