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February 14, 2026

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

6 Arts Notes

Visionary Museum Founder and New Urbanism Pioneer to Discuss Future of Easton’s Hospital Site

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The Spy Nights series returns to the Avalon Theatre on March 3 at 6:00 PM with two nationally recognized leaders in creative placemaking: Rebecca Hoffberger, founder of Baltimore’s American Visionary Art Museum, and Peter Katz, a pioneering voice in the New Urbanism movement.

Rebecca Hoffberger

The “high concept” conversation centers on the future use of Easton’s downtown hospital site at 219 S. Washington Street — a 14-acre parcel in the heart of the city that will become available when the University of Maryland Shore Regional Medical Center relocates to a new 200-acre campus on Longwoods Road in 2028. The relocation of the replacement hospital, currently under construction with completion expected in fall 2027, presents Easton with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reimagine a significant downtown footprint.

Hoffberger transformed an unconventional idea into an international cultural landmark, building the award-winning American Visionary Art Museum from the ground up. Known for seeing possibilities where others see limits, she has become a leading creative voice in efforts to reimagine Baltimore’s Harborplace.

Peter Katz

Katz played a catalytic role in launching the New Urbanism movement, writing the seminal book The New Urbanism: Toward an Architecture of Community and serving as founding executive director of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU). There, he helped establish the organization’s charter, secure early funding, and build partnerships with agencies including HUD. He now works as a strategic consultant advancing walkable, sustainable, community-focused design nationwide.

In this conversation, moderated by Spy publisher Dave Wheelan, Hoffberger and Katz will examine the hospital site opportunity from a broader perspective.

Proceeds from tickets will benefit the Talbot Spy and Avalon Foundation partnership to support public affairs programming.

WHAT: Spy Nights: Reimagining Easton’s Hospital Site
WHO: Rebecca Hoffberger and Peter Katz, moderated by Dave Wheelan
WHEN: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 6:00 PM
WHERE: Avalon Theatre, Easton, MD
TICKETS: Purchase online here

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Important Dates Set for 2026 St. Michaels Commissioner Election

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The Town of St. Michaels has announced key dates for the 2026 Commissioners election. Residents planning to run for office or to vote in the upcoming election should note the following deadlines.

The deadline to file a Certificate of Candidacy and to register to vote is Friday, April 3, 2026. Absentee voting begins on Monday, April 6, 2026. Requests for absentee ballots must be submitted by Friday, April 24, 2026, and completed absentee ballots must be returned by Friday, May 1, 2026.

Election Day will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Voters are encouraged to plan ahead and meet all deadlines to ensure their participation in the electio

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St. Michaels Sets May 4 Election for Town Commissioners

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The Town of St. Michaels will hold an election on Monday, May 4, 2026, to fill two seats on the five-member Board of Commissioners. The two candidates receiving the most votes will serve four-year terms, ending in June 2030. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Edgar M. Bosley, Jr. Municipal Building, 300 Mill Street.

Residents interested in running for commissioner must file a Certificate of Candidacy by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026. Certificates may be submitted in person at the St. Michaels Administrative Office or by mail to 201 Boundary Lane, P.O. Box 206, St. Michaels.

Voter registration is open through the Talbot County Board of Elections at 215 Bay Street, Suite 7, in Easton, during regular business hours, or online. The deadline to register to vote is also Friday, January 30, 2026.

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Special Free Screen of Film by Ken Burns on American Revolution January 14th

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The Talbot250 Commission invites the public to the Avalon Theatre for The American Revolution: The Spirit of Service, a special program celebrating the start of Talbot County’s 365th anniversary and the nation’s Semiquincentennial year. The event will take place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., and will feature a 31-minute screening and a live panel discussion exploring what it means to serve: 250 fifty years ago and now.

The evening will include selected moments from The American Revolution, the new Ken Burns documentary series directed by Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, and written by Geoffrey Ward. The six-part PBS series chronicles how thirteen American colonies united in rebellion, fought for independence, and established a new form of self-government that would inspire democratic movements around the world.

Following the screening, the Talbot Spy’s Craig Fuller will moderate a discussion on the theme “The Spirit of Service”—the courage, sacrifice, and civic commitment that shaped America’s founding and continues to define community life in Talbot County today.

The panel will feature:

  • Kathryn De Shields-Moon, Senior Public Relations Manager at Schell Games and Director of Programming for the Bellevue Passage Museum
  • Pete Lesher, Chief Curator at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and Vice President of the Talbot County Council
  • Tim Boyle, Proprietor of Vintage Books

“This event embodies what Talbot250 is all about. Connecting our national story to our local one,” said Sarah Kilmon, Talbot250 Administrator. “The spirit of service that helped build a nation is the same spirit that continues to drive the people of Talbot County today.”

The American Revolution: The Spirit of Service marks the first in a series of Talbot250 programs leading up to 2026, when the County will celebrate 365 years as well as the nation’s 250th commemoration.

To learn more about the full documentary series, visit pbs.org/americanrevolution.

Event Details:
DATE: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
TIME: 6:00–7:00 p.m.

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The Bay Country Chorus Makes a  Difference in the Lives of the Vulnerable Through Song

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The Bay Country Chorus (BCC) is a mixed (men and women) choir whose motto is to keep the whole world singing.  Our primary mission is to bring four-part harmony music to the elderly and underserved audiences in our community. Most notably, we often perform at senior living facilities, farmer’s markets, and community events.
 Our music brings musical entertainment to citizens who might not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy live music.  It is particularly gratifying for members of BCC to see the extremely positive reactions and joy our music brings its audiences.  Yes, we make a difference in many lives, and you can be part of it!
We are recruiting new singers!  Beginning Monday, January 8th, we are learning 3-4 songs that will be performed for our Singing Valentines program on February 14.  You do not have to audition.  Please join us, and our artistic director will determine which part fits your range.  There are online learning tracks and a very helpful director who is happy to work with you one on one if you like.
The BCC meets at the Senior Center at 400 Brookletts in Easton every Monday from 6 PM to 8PM.  Our Singing Valentines program rehearsal will take place from 6PM – 7PM from Monday, January 8th until Monday, February 12th.  An hour of your time to check us out is the only commitment we ask for our trial program.
If you have any questions, please call Lesley Aaron, Artistic Director at 305-395-9895 or email [email protected]
Our choir is a group of fun-loving, friendly, and caring folks!
If you would like to make a difference in the lives of underserved communities,  please consider joining us!

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Robbie & Jen Gill to Receive Distinguished Citizen Award from Delmarva Council

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The Delmarva Council, Scouting America, is proud to announce that Robbie and Jen Gill will be honored with the prestigious Midshore Distinguished Citizen Award at a ceremony to be held on December 4, 2025, at The Tred Avon Yacht Club in Oxford, Maryland.

This annual award recognizes individuals who exemplify exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and impactful service to their communities and organizations. Robbie and Jen Gill’s contributions to the YMCA of the Chesapeake and the broader Eastern Shore region have made them standout figures in civic engagement and nonprofit excellence.

Robbie Gill, a native of South Carolina, has devoted more than 30 years to the YMCA movement. Growing up just south of Charlotte, his early experiences at the Y shaped a lifelong commitment to community service. For the past 20 years, Robbie has served as Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of the Chesapeake, overseeing its transformation from a single location with 5,000 members to a thriving network of 11 branches (soon to be 12) serving nearly 50,000 members.

Under his leadership, the organization’s operating budget has expanded from $1.4 million to $18.5 million, while annual financial assistance now reaches over 15,000 participants, totaling nearly $2 million. Since 2005, the YMCA has raised more than $85 million in capital giving, supporting communities across the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland.

Robbie resides in Easton, Maryland, with his wife Jen. They are proud parents to four children—Hannah, Jack, Carly, and Ella—and grandparents to River, age 20 months.

Jennifer Gill, Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of the Chesapeake, is a native of Texas who began her YMCA journey as a youth basketball player in the suburbs of Houston. While attending the University of Houston, she joined the Y as a staffer and spent 15 years with the YMCA of Greater Houston before relocating to the Eastern Shore.

Jen has been instrumental in the day-to-day operations of the YMCA of the Chesapeake, helping guide its growth to 11 locations with over 900 staff members. Her leadership has ensured that the Y continues to provide robust financial assistance and inclusive programming to tens of thousands of individuals annually.

Jen and Robbie live in Easton with their youngest daughter and four dogs, and share a deep commitment to family and community.

Delmarva Council, Scouting America, is honored to recognize Robbie and Jen Gill for their visionary leadership and enduring impact. Their work reflects the values of Scouting—service, integrity, and community—and serves as an inspiration to future generations.

The Delmarva Council, Scouting America, is committed to preparing young people for life through Scouting programs. They serve communities across the Eastern Shore and beyond, fostering leadership, community engagement, and character development.

 

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Oxford’s Dan Weiss Becomes New Director of Philadelphia Museum of Art

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Oxford resident Daniel Weiss has just been appointed the new director of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mr. Wise had recently retired from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York after a distinguished tenure.

Read the full story here.

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CWDI Announces Hire of Tracy Ward as Chief Administrative Officer

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Cambridge Waterfront Development, Inc. (CWDI) has engaged Tracy Ward, a seasoned economic and community development leader, as its new Chief Administrative Officer, strengthening coordination, communications, and strategic implementation across the multi-phase Cambridge Harbor development project.

Ward brings more than 20 years of experience in community and economic development, strategic planning, and multi-stakeholder project management across Maryland. Most recently the founder and principal of Bluebird Enterprises, LLC, she has guided numerous complex, multi-partner initiatives spanning master planning, workforce development, green infrastructure, and local food systems.

Her career includes leadership as an Executive Director for several nonprofit and community organizations, where she earned a reputation for building organizational capacity, advancing public-private partnerships, and leading high-impact strategic communications efforts. Known for her ability to synthesize complex information and align diverse partners, Ward has worked closely with state agencies, municipal governments, private-sector partners, philanthropic investors, and community-based organizations throughout the region.

“I’m honored to join CWDI at such an exciting time,” said Ward. “The Cambridge Harbor waterfront project has immense potential to strengthen the local economy, enhance community amenities, and honor Cambridge’s heritage. I look forward to supporting the board, our partners, and the community as we move this important vision forward.”

Ward’s hire reinforces CWDI’s commitment to effective governance, transparent communication, and professional coordination as the organization advances the design, pre-development, financing, and partner engagement needed to deliver Cambridge Harbor.

Ward is a resident of Talbot County.

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Scammers Reel in $90,000 of Chesapeake Catfish in Elaborate Hoax

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A catfishing scheme involving actual catfish is now under investigation on Tilghman Island, after scammers walked away with nearly $100,000 worth of local seafood, according to reporting by the Baltimore Banner.

Katie Olson, account manager at Tilghman Island Seafood, told the Banner she’s always cautious with large orders. She checks phone numbers, websites, and names before approving a sale. 

When a request came last year for 20,000 pounds of blue catfish fillets, worth about $90,000, everything appeared legitimate. The emails appeared to come from McCain Foods, and the name on the paperwork matched that of a company executive.  Only later did she learn the executive had recently retired.  

Food-industry fraud is hardly rare. Two months before the catfish scheme, a London cheese shop revealed it had been tricked into shipping away nearly $400,000 in rare cheddar to scammers posing as a French company. A recent report from the World Trade Organization estimated global food-fraud losses at $30 to $50 billion annually.

Blue catfish have been in the Chesapeake Bay since 1974, when Virginia wildlife officials introduced them to boost sport fishing.  The invasive species has since exploded across the watershed, devouring native fish and crabs and making up as much as 70 percent of the biomass in some tributaries. Maryland officials hope a regional market for the fish can help curb their spread.

Tilghman Island Seafood owner Nick Hargrove has tried to build such a market. His processing operation is one of only two on the Eastern Shore and, he believes, the biggest in Maryland. “I thought we could help the cause,” he said, but the seafood black market makes the work harder.

The fraudulent order was supposed to be delivered to a warehouse district in the Bronx, near the Fulton Fish Market.  But when the truck arrived, the driver encountered an unexpected scene: FBI agents in the street conducting a raid. It’s unclear which warehouse was the target. The FBI declined to comment, citing policy that neither confirms nor denies investigations.

According to a Talbot County sheriff’s report, agents redirected the Chesapeake catfish to cold storage. The purported buyer later had the shipment moved to another nearby warehouse.  When Olson attempted to collect payment, the phone numbers went dead, and emails stopped.  Tilghman Island Seafood had been swindled.

The case is still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and surfaced publicly because of an insurance lawsuit the company filed to recover its losses.  The case is pending in federal court in Baltimore.

Hargrove doubts the scammers will ever be caught. He suspects the catfish was packed into a container and shipped overseas. It was a major hit to his business, but he doesn’t expect federal agents to spend much time on the case. “I don’t know what their priorities are,” he told the Banner, “but I’m sure it’s a small fish.”

 

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A Horse Show Exhibition at the Trippe to Benefit Therapeutic Riding

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The Trippe Gallery proudly presents “A Horse Show”, the featured exhibition for November, celebrating the beauty and power of horses through oil paintings and sculpture. A portion of exhibition sales will be donated to Positive Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, which promotes healing, hope, and growth through equine-assisted services. Now in its 40th year, Positive Strides was previously known as Talbot Special Riders and served a small group of riders with special needs in the Talbot County area. As the need for equine-assisted activities and therapies grew, the organization grew to serve adults and children in Caroline, Dorchester, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties.

Tethys by Georganna Lenssen

Positive Strides offers equine-assisted therapy to Eastern Shore residents with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges, helping individuals of all ages build confidence, self-esteem, and independence. The benefits of horseback riding are as numerous as the types of people and conditions served. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical limitations often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength. For individuals with cognitive or emotional challenges, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem.

While much has changed in the last 40+ years, Positive Strides continues to work hard to create a pathway to healing for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. That will never change.

Participating artists in “A Horse Show” include Beth Bathe, Georganna Lenssen, and Elise Phillips. Their collective works share a distinctive approach to painting  that capture equine subjects with emotion, energy, and elegance. Their works are complemented by bronze sculptures by Joan Bennett and Paula Waterman.

  • Beth Bathe (Lancaster, PA) brings a nostalgic, almost watercolor-like quality to her oil paintings, using Cobra Water Mixable Oils and unconventional tools to create images reminiscent of sepia-toned photographs.
  • Georganna Lenssen explores nature and movement through bold, layered compositions in a process she describes as a “trialogue” between artist, subject, and canvas—where chaos gives way to unexpected harmony.
  • Elise Phillips, a fifth-generation artist with deep roots in Pennsylvania’s art scene, paints the local countryside with classical training and a timeless, impressionistic eye.

    Come experience the spirit, grace, and strength of the horse, interpreted through the eyes of these exceptional artists. Opening reception on Friday November 7 from 5-7 during First Friday Gallery Walk.

    For more information about Positive Strides, please visit their website positivestridescenter.org and join their FaceBook page Positive Strides Therapeutic Riding Center.

    The gallery also features works from Waterfowl Festival favorites: Eric Tardif, Jill Basham, Nancy Tankersley, Mary Veiga, and Paula Waterman. Extended hours during Waterfowl Festival Weekend: November 14–16

The Trippe Gallery is located at 23 N Harrison Street in the heart of Historic Easton. For more information please call 410-310-8727. thetrippegallery.com

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.