Author’s Note: A constant source of inspiration for my poems remains, unabashedly, the natural world. Nature so often provides for poetic inspiration, insight and restoration of the soul and the ... [Continue Story]
Public Affairs
Moore, GOP lawmakers and civil leaders celebrate groundbreaking on new hospital
Gov. Wes Moore (D) and the state’s top Republican leaders put partisanship aside Tuesday to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new medical facility ... [Continue Story]
- Cambridge election results: mayoral election heads to a runoff
- Alsobrooks, Hogan seek to frame the election narrative in snippy TV debate
- Easton Council Highlights: Neighborhood Service Center leaders warn of heating assistance crisis
- Spy Long Form Saturday: A Check-in with Eastern Shore Land Conservancy’s Steve Kline
- Watch Last Night’s Avalon-Spy Town Hall Meeting with School Board Candidates
- Avalon Spy Town Meeting Tonight with School Board Candidates and Guide to Voting
Spy Highlights
From and Fuller: Final predictions for Election Day and fatal flaws in Harris and Trump Campaigns
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 Fuller predict the winners in the presidential election next Tuesday and who will rule the House and Senate in the next term. Al and Craig also trade thoughts on […]
- From and Fuller: Early clues on election night of a Harris or Trump victory and Donald Trump’s Arnold Palmer moment
- Make Trappe Great Again: Tom Mitchell and the great Trappe recovery
- From and Fuller: F/F Live at the Avalon
- “CBMM’s ‘Sailing to Freedom’ explores maritime routes to liberty
- From and Fuller: The politics of natural disasters and will the Democrats lose the Senate?
- From and Fuller: The net-net of VP debates and did JD Vance really win?
The Arts and Local Design
Salon Talks at the Trippe Gallery with Jill Basham
Artist Jill Basham unveils a new chapter in her creative journey with “Another Side of Jill Basham,” exploring new mediums, techniques, and subject ... [Continue Story]
- Beyond black and white: Oerdy Hummel’s journey of art, freedom, and color
- Spy Theater Review: Ghosts haunt the Avalon by Steve Parks
- 2024 Craft Show Featured Artist: Laura Baring-Gould
- The Avalon Foundation announces future plans for acquired space and entertainment venues
- Tred Avon Players BLITHE SPIRIT with Alison Lynch and Christina Underwood
- Spy Review: Isidore String Quartet Interlude by Steve Parks
Chesapeake Ecosystem
Maryland Levies Fines on Perdue, Valley Proteins for Environmental Violations
Two major agricultural companies ramped up operations recently on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and the environment paid a price, according to the ... [Continue Story]
- 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
- Wild-Caught Chesapeake Blue Catfish Phenomenon Booming: Thank Goodness
- Blue Crab Populations are Down, But Experts are Not Worried
- First Baby Eagles Hatch on Reborn Chesapeake Island
- Report dolphin sightings with Chesapeake Dolphin Watch and help scientists with Chesapeake Bay research
Maryland News
State pays out $5.4 million following IRS audit
The taxman cometh for everyone. Even the state. For the first time in memory — perhaps ever — the Internal Revenue Service audited Maryland ... [Continue Story]
- Poll workers are in high demand in Maryland – especially Republicans
- Tens of millions pour into Maryland Senate race in past three months alone
- Advocates fear voter complacency amid broad support for abortion ballot measure
- Is ‘abortion’ actually on the November ballot? Breaking down Question 1
- The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services announces launch of commission on juvenile justice, reforms detention policies
Health
Mid-Shore Health: Domestic violence on the Mid-Shore with Angie Price and Jeanne Yeager
Domestic violence isn’t always evident; it’s more common than you think, and often those experiencing it suffer in silence. October is Domestic ... [Continue Story]
- Let’s Talk About It: The reality of intergenerational trauma with For All Seasons CEO Beth Anne Dorman
- Let’s Talk About It: Suicide on the Mid-Shore with For All Seasons CEO Beth Anne Dorman
- Having a Baby in the 21st Century with Shore Health’s Jessica Genrich and Stephanie Blades
- Six Marylanders hospitalized so far in listeria outbreak tied to deli meats
- Easier, Shorter Radiation Treatment for Early Stage Breast Cancer Now Offered at Shore Regional Health Cancer Center
Education
Prekindergarten Expansion For Private Providers Off To A Slow Start
One of the requirements for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future 10-year education reform plan was to expand prekindergarten, but it’s off to a slow ... [Continue Story]
- Spy Survey Summary on Learning for a Lifetime on the Mid-Shore
- Talbot County STEM Camp Completes Another Excellent Summer
- Talbot County Library Hosts Youth STEAM Program
- Spy and WHCP New Series: Checking in with Superintendent of Dorchester Schools Dr. Jymil Thompson
- The CBMM PATRIOT’s Dynamic Duo: A Chat with Joyce and Matt Gauthier
Food & Garden Highlights
Wine of the Week: Soave Tamellini DOC
This weekend at Piazza Italian Market, we will taste the Soave DOC ($16.99) from the Azienda Agricola Tamellini in Verona. Great winemakers are ... [Continue Story]
Brevities
Improving planet views: November 2024 sky-watch by Dennis Herrmann
Our views of several planets improve this month, most notably that of Jupiter, which approaches its closet approach to Earth in early December. ... [Continue Story]
- Politeness by Katherine Emery
- Reporting the weather on the Eastern Shore for 75 years: Swaine family honored by National Weather Service
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: We all scream for Quality ice cream
- Habits by Katherine Emery
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: How about those apples!
- The Tidewater Inn: History National Register of Historic Places Application
Commerce
Shore Legal Access honors volunteer attorneys for national celebration of Pro Bono Week
On Thursday, October 24, Shore Legal Access held its annual Volunteer Attorney Appreciation event at Legal Assets in Easton as part of the annual ... [Continue Story]
- Qlarant announces Christine Leister as new CFO
- University of Maryland Chester River Health Foundation welcomes Major Gifts Officer
- October 30 public meeting in Easton for Visitors Center feasibility study
- Community impact breakfast at Waterfowl Festival is Friday, November 8
- Easton Utilities seeks support from Town Council
Community Notes
Tidewater Rotary completes backyard clean-up and revitalization at Talbot Hospice
Members of the Tidewater Rotary Club, along with their families and friends, recently gathered to revitalize the backyard patio and garden areas at ... [Continue Story]
- Emily Gilmer promoted to Director; Ladarian Blake joins as Assistant Director at Talbot County Department of Parks and Recreation
- Bistro St. Michaels claims top spot in CBMM’s Oyster Stew Competition
- Holiday magic returns to Talbot Humane
- The Great Duck Hunt in Easton—Starting October 25th
- Talbot County Bird Club meeting presents Rapturous Raptors at the Chesapeake Forum
- Talbot County Council meeting highlights for October 22, 2024
Senior Life Highlights
Cruisin’ with Christine: Serving the Londonderry Community with Pat Bradley
Over the last ten years, the Spy and Londonderry on the Tred Avon have worked together on stories about this unique retirement community that educates ... [Continue Story]
- Upper Shore Aging Hosts the Re-Dedication of the Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center
- Cruisin’ with Christine: Erica Hardeo and the Art of Engagement at Londonderry
- Cruisin’ with Christine: New Londonderry Residents Barbara Pratt and Phillip Gibson
- Herb Cain Appointed Executive Director of Upper Shore Aging
- Water, Water Everywhere…For Drinking, Playing And Exercising!
- Londonderry on the Tred Avon Named “Best Retirement Community” by What’s Up Eastern Shore for Ninth Consecutive Year
Arts Notes
Plein Air voices of the natural landscape on view at Adkins Arboretum
Light, shadow and color are the language of the seven artists whose exhibit, Plein Air Voices of the Natural Landscape, is on view at Adkins ... [Continue Story]
- Yury Shadrin internationally acclaimed concert pianist November 3
- Allegra! Women’s Chorus in concert
- Troika Gallery presents nationally acclaimed still life, realist artist, Matt Zoll
- Zach Gallery Artist Talk, Paton Miller and Scott Bluedorn
- Studio B Art Gallery celebrates art and the holiday season with special events in November
- Easton Club East annual Autumn Artists & Crafters Show
Ecosystem Notes
New solar panels power Pickering Creek campus
Pickering Creek has installed a 45-kW solar system consisting of 89 solar panels in two separate arrays this fall. The panels were installed by Solar ... [Continue Story]
- ESLC leads Maryland land trust response to potential solar legislation
- Shorerivers’ monitoring season includes first-ever bacteria blitz
- Eastern Shore Land Conservancy hosts “Sustainable by Design: Urban3 land use analysis on the Eastern Shore”
- Izaak Walton League of America’s, Mid-shore chapter to celebrate 75 years
Education Notes
Radcliffe Creek School Announces New Head of School
Radcliffe Creek School’s (RCS) Board of Trustees has announced the selection of Dr. Jennifer Durham to serve as its next head of school, beginning ... [Continue Story]
- Tilghman Elementary School receives Judy Center Early Learning Hub grant award to support early childhood education
- Gunston’s 9th Bull & Oyster event sets record, raises $170,000
- TCPS announces Class of 2024 accomplishments
- The art of “The Short Story”
- The Country School kicks off its 90th anniversary and installs new Head of School, Jay Parker
- Americans are less engaged than ever, and that’s a problem
Health Notes
Talbot’s FiRST™ brings bold mental health solutions to county’s First Responders
The steering committee of Talbot FiRST™ First Responder Support Team recently presented its program to the Talbot County Council. Talbot FiRST™ brings ... [Continue Story]
- Kathryn Kelley, MD, joins University of Maryland Shore Regional Health’s Clark Comprehensive Breast Center team
- Anti-stigma lunch and learn highlights community role in recovery
- For All Seasons sponsors Maryland’s Child Trafficking Regional Navigator Program: A roundtable discussion
- Choptank Health welcomes three new dental providers
- Talbot County Health Department announces leadership transition: departing Health Officer and interim Health Officer welcomed
- Get ready for a SPOOKtacular night at Talbot County’s “BOOnanza” event!
Commerce Notes
Shore Legal Access honors volunteer attorneys for national celebration of Pro Bono Week
On Thursday, October 24, Shore Legal Access held its annual Volunteer Attorney Appreciation event at Legal Assets in Easton as part of the annual ... [Continue Story]
- Qlarant announces Christine Leister as new CFO
- University of Maryland Chester River Health Foundation welcomes Major Gifts Officer
- October 30 public meeting in Easton for Visitors Center feasibility study
- Community impact breakfast at Waterfowl Festival is Friday, November 8
- Easton Utilities seeks support from Town Council
- Easton Utilities announces career milestones
Food Friday
Food Friday: Soup season
I mind that it was 83°F yesterday. The Halloween Snickers bars got a little gooey, but at least the trick-or- treating children didn’t have to wear snow jackets over their ... [Continue Story]
Looking at the Masters with Beverly Smith
Looking at the Masters: George Caleb Bingham
George Caleb Bingham (1811-1879) is a well-known American painter of jolly boatmen who transported furs and other cargo on rafts along the Missouri ... [Continue Story]
Design with Jenn Martella
House of the Week: French country at Ratcliffe Farm
When I saw pictures of today’s featured house, I recognized the work of the Jack Arnold AIA, one of America’s leading architects of the French Country style. This house’s front elevation features elements of this style, from the brick exposed foundation that corbels into natural stone walls, slate roof with flared eaves, accents of wood […]
From and Fuller Podcast
From and Fuller: Final predictions for Election Day and fatal flaws in Harris and Trump Campaigns
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 & Fuller on voting
- From and Fuller: Early clues on election night of a Harris or Trump victory and Donald Trump’s Arnold Palmer moment
- From and Fuller: F/F Live at the Avalon
- From and Fuller: The Pennsylvania Challenge and is it the End of the Harris Honeymoon?
- From and Fuller: Politics and Rhetoric After 2nd Attempt on Donald Trump and Andy Harris’s Freedom Caucus
- From and Fuller: The Politics of Coattails and Endorsements in 2024
Columnist J.E. Dean
The chaos of the 2024 election has begun by J.E. Dean
What should we make of the Trump rally held at Madison Square Garden last Sunday? Tony Hinchcliffe, a comedian hired by the Trump campaign, opened ... [Continue Story]
- Is Elon Musk Trying to Buy the 2024 Election? by J.E. Dean
- I don’t take Trump’s proposals seriously – here’s why by J.E. Dean
- The utter shamelessness of the Trump agenda by J.E. Dean
- J.D. Vance Wins the Vice-Presidential Debate, With Help from Walz by J.E. Dean
- A Second Assassination Attempt on Trump by J.E. Dean
- Remembering September 11—and January 6 by J.E. Dean
Columnist Hugh Panero
The Awkward Gentrification of Bellevue by Hugh Panero
In 2022, Talbot County first heard about a new fourteen-home luxury housing development in the Village of Bellevue, one of twenty-two unincorporated ... [Continue Story]
- Mr. Biden, It’s Time to Hand Over the Keys by Hugh Panero
- The Mess in Oxford Gets More Messy by Hugh Panero
- Be Like a Cicada and the Catharsis of Dreams by Hugh Panero
- Let’s Retire the Word “Retired” by Hugh Panero
- Top 15 Indicators That You Are Too Old For Technology by Hugh Panero
- Dune Part 2 and My Son Got Me Back Into a Movie Theater by Hugh Panero
Columnist Craig Fuller
A Community Town Hall focuses on education in Talbot County by Craig Fuller
The Avalon Foundation and The Spy collaborated on another in a series of candidate Town Halls with the most recent this week bringing together a live ... [Continue Story]
- MPT, the Chesapeake Bay and Viewers Like You: A Chat with Station Manager Steven Schupak
- So Much Money, So Little Time by Craig Fuller
- One Amazing Story by One Amazing Individual by Craig Fuller
- A Presidential Debate: No Commission / No Audience / Perhaps, No Gloves by Craig Fuller
- An Enjoyable and Important White House Story by Craig Fuller
- Biden’s Two Biggest Problems: Perception and Trust by Craig Fuller
Columnist Jamie Kirkpatrick
Showing Off By Jamie Kirkpatrick
Two couples—long-standing (not old)—friends came to visit us last weekend. None had ever been to Chestertown before. They had heard all the stories ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Laura Oliver
The Vanishing Point: where you’ll find the ones you’ve lost By Laura J. Oliver
My mother once shared with me a moment of altered reality she had experienced. The context of the conversation is lost to time, but I have carried the ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Angela Rieck
Science on the shore—Horn Point Laboratory
In future columns, I am going to write about local scientists and how their research applies to our environment on the Eastern Shore. I begin this ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Al Sikes
Divide and Then? By Al Sikes
Divide and then inaugurate—Inaugurate: “A ceremony to mark the beginning of something.” We certainly know the first part, “divide”; every four years we argue over the “Something” which is the essence of our every four year election and then inauguration. Mostly, since the nation’s laws and its constitutional underpinnings stabilize us, the division is over […]
Opinion
The Real Debate We Need by Heather R. Mizeur
It matters that the leader of the Free World has the faculties and mental acuity to perform the functions of such a demanding job. While it’s ... [Continue Story]
- When Peace Visited War: A Christmas Story by Tom Timberman
- A Christmas Carol 2023 by Maria Wood
- The Carbon Darwin Award by Bob Moores
- America’s Civil War of Weaponized Words and the Middle East by Tom Timberman
- Here’s a Test: Can You Recognize a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing? By Maria Grant
- What Happens Next to Israel, Hamas, Palestinians and the US? By Tom Timberman
- Still No Planning? By Carol Voyles
- America is Losing Control of the Israel/Palestinian Global Narrative by Tom Timberman
- Things To Do In A Deer Stand by Rob Etgen
- Towards A National Directory Of Gun Violence by Stan Salett
- Wars, Political Chaos, Confusion and Anger: What to Do? By Tom Timberman
- Are We Judged by the Company We Keep? By Maria Grant
- October 7 Perspective by Bob Moores
- Rockfish Conservation by Rob Etgen
- Thoughts from the Mayor Of Crisfield on the Tawes Crab Feast and Clam Bake by Darlene Taylor
Letters to the Editor
Letter to Editor: Faith tells us its our duty to vote
I am a Democrat who—perhaps surprisingly these days—has (non-MAGA) Republican and Independent friends. Not so surprising is that some dislike both ... [Continue Story]
- Open Letter to Talbot County Council: Illegal sewer connection was Lakeside linchpin
- Letter to Editor: Silo Square concerns
- Letter to Editor: Lakeside’s final victory, Maryland law Be damned
- Letter to Editor: Vote YES on Question A to Support Public Safety
- Letter to Editor: Gobbledygook
- Letter to Editor: Can You Pronounce Her Name, Donald?