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April 1, 2023

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

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Talbot Council Recognizes Vietnam War Veterans and Approves Transportation Plan

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Kenley Timms, Vietnam Veterans of America – Mid Shore, Chapter 648, Council Member Lynn Mielke, Ronnie Cheezum, Post Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5118
Back row: Council Member Dave Stepp, Vice President Pete Lesher, President Chuck Callahan, Council Member Keasha Haythe

The Talbot County Council held a meeting on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, to discuss various issues that affect the community. During the meeting, the council presented a proclamation to honor and recognize National Vietnam War Veterans Day and approved a priority listing for the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP).

The council presented a proclamation to recognize March 29 as “National Vietnam War Veterans Day” and urged all citizens to honor and recognize the service of those who served in the Vietnam War. The proclamation was presented to Ronnie Cheezum, Post Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5118, and Kenley Timms, Vietnam Veterans of America – Mid Shore, Chapter 648. The council invited all veterans to attend the ceremony honoring National Vietnam War Veterans Day at VFW Post 5118 on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.

The council also approved a priority listing for the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP). The list includes several road and intersection improvement projects and an airfield modernization program for Easton Airport. Ray Clarke, County Engineer, requested the council’s consideration to include the Airport Road improvement project as a separate project, and the priority listing was approved, pending additions.

Delmarva Community Transit’s FY2024 Annual Transportation Plan for Caroline, Kent, and Talbot counties was presented and approved. The plan provides nine fixed and deviated routes in the three counties, and funding is provided from the Federal Transit Administration, Maryland Transit Administration, and each of the three counties.

The council also discussed two General Assembly Legislations – HB0119 and SB0199, which require each county board of education to follow the policy and guidelines for the program instruction for public schools established by the State Board of Education. The council unanimously approved sending a letter of opposition for HB 119, as requested by the Talbot County Board of Education.

The council approved several requests, including a letter of support for The Trustees of Third Haven Meeting for a grant application to the Maryland Historical Trust, awarding a bid for ASPHALT PAVING – WYE PUBLIC LANDING, and approving right-of-way utility easements on Port Street for the Town of Easton’s plan to put all utilities underground. The council also unanimously approved the County Manager’s request to acquire unimproved real property located on Glebe Road in Easton in the sum of $675,000 for the runway protection zone project at Easton Airport.

The County Manager reported several board and committee vacancies that need to be filled and requested the reappointment of Joe Secrist to the Board of Electrical Examiners, and Jennifer Marchi, Rachael Smith, Veda Gibson, and Kate Stinton to the Commission on Aging. The council unanimously approved these requests.

The council’s next legislative meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11th, and they will hold budget deliberations on Thursday, March 30th, and Tuesday, April 4th. The council will also meet with the Easton Town Council on Monday, April 3rd, for two work sessions to discuss the Easton Point project and the request for supplemental growth allocation for Thomas Cohee and Lot 16, LLC located at 28580 Marys Court in Easton.

 

Profiles in Spirituality: A Local Perspective on a Kentucky Revival by Shannon Armbrust

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On February 8 at Asbury University, a small, Christian college in central Kentucky, the students filed out of their regular 10:00am chapel service. Well, all but a few students. That particular chapel service was on the topic of genuine love from the book of Romans, and several students stayed in the chapel to pray and worship. Word quickly spread around campus that something was going on in that space, called Hughes Auditorium, and it didn’t look like it was ending anytime soon. Worship continued, prayer continued, students began giving testimonies of how God was moving in their lives through this time. This chapel service continued on for 16 days straight, many of them lasting throughout the night. As word spread across news and social media platforms, it drew tens of thousands of people from all over the world to Wilmore, Kentucky, a 2-stoplight town of 6,000.

I live in Lexington, about 20 minutes from Asbury. I first heard about the “revival”, as many were calling it by then, on Friday, February 10 via a text from a friend. “If you have not been to Asbury University Chapel yet, I would go. You just feel warm, holy love. I don’t want anyone to miss. Spirit is tangibly present.” Although I was in the middle of preparing dinner, I felt a sense of urgency to go right then. I call it the urging of the Holy Spirit. My husband had heard about it also, and encouraged me to go. At this point, the word had really only spread to the immediate community surrounding Asbury. This first time I went, I walked into the building with some trepidation about what I would experience. The auditorium was less than half full with mostly community folks and lots of children. Surprisingly few college students. A man was playing the piano and leading worship. Some people were chatting around me. Some were worshipping, some praying. It just seemed like a worship service. I stayed for about an hour and left overall encouraged, but not feeling like I had a major encounter with God.

In the days that followed, the word spread across the country and world like wildfire. Many major news outlets picked it up. Social media platforms were abuzz with a revival at Asbury University. Busses arrived by the handfuls from other colleges as students in surrounding states wanted to be a part of what was going on. Some colleges even started their own multi-day worship services. When Fox News picked up the story and started making plans to be there in person to cover it, the university asked them not to come. They didn’t want any hint of political undertones to what God was doing on campus. Asbury started opening up overflow areas as the number of people increased from hundreds to thousands daily. The lines to get into the auditorium often lasted hours. The testimonies of students were powerful, full of miracles and healings.

The second time I went to Asbury was Thursday, February 16, 8 days into the revival. I arrived at 10:00pm. The campus was packed with people. The university had set up screens with speakers outside. Students were handing out snacks and water to guests. The security had a stronger presence. The line was about an hour to get in, so I opted to head to an overflow area where they were streaming in the main auditorium. Again, I entered into a room of worship, prayer, tears, joy. The worship team was still a group of students from Asbury – nothing flashy. This time, those present in the room were decidedly international. In fact, I have attended church services my whole life and have never been in a place so filled with the diversity I saw here. It was truly breathtaking and beautiful. At 11:00pm, I headed over to the main auditorium and stood in line for about 30 minutes. I struck up conversation with those around me. The girl in front of me, Gabby, had just flown in from London, England to come. She saw it on Tik Tok and wanted to see for herself. The two men behind me drove down from Detroit. Nearly everyone I talked to was in town from outside of Kentucky. More than mere curiosity, they wanted to experience the presence of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. There was a palpable longing, a desire for God among the visitors. Upon entering the main auditorium, I noticed the first 10 or so rows in the front were reserved for college students. The university made it clear that, while they were glad to welcome all those attending, they wanted to focus on the student population first and foremost. I stayed for about an hour among the throngs of worshippers and left once again encouraged.

On February 24, the 10:00am chapel service that began on February 8 concluded at Asbury University. The names for it have included revival, outpouring, awakening, re-awakening and more. However it’s called, something unique and sincere happened on that campus last month. When the news tells us that Gen Z is more depressed, more mentally unstable, more social media addicted and less religious than any other generation, my time at Asbury University gave me hope that God is at work in the lives of the generation coming up. That is, after all, the very definition of a revival: a group of individuals who are revived by God to live more faithfully for Him. Let it be so, in Wilmore, in Talbot County, and around the globe.

Shannon Armbrust, a former resident of a cute downtown home in Easton, now resides in Lexington with her husband and 4 young children.

Megan Cook, Candidate for Mayor, To Meet Dems March 3

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Megan Cook, candidate for Mayor in the upcoming election on May 2, believes Easton is a wonderful place to live. Also wanting residents to be aware of what is happening around town and what is being considered, she is offering an opportunity to learn more about her vision for the town and communicate concerns on Friday, March 3 from 5:30 -7:30 pm at Talbot County Democratic Headquarters, 316 E. Dover St. All are welcome.

A resident of Easton since 2003, her top priority has always been making Easton is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Having co-chaired Project Idlewild, a community effort to build a new playground, she was elected to represent the Fourth Ward in 2009. She became president in a special election in 2020, was reelected to a full term in 2021, and currently serves as President of Easton Town Council.

Parks remain one of her passions; and since becoming a member of the council she’s been proud to work on parks and environmental projects. Recent efforts include the extension of Rails to Trails, plans for the creation of a community waterfront park at Easton Point, and the implementation of curbside recycling and a plastic bag ban in town. Also appreciative of community events, she assists in planning the Martin Luther King Basketball Classic and annual National Night Out.

Believing Easton to be a progressive, forward-thinking town and that maintaining a strong downtown business community is fundamental to the health of our community, bringing jobs to town and attracting businesses are priorities. She also appreciates investments that support public health and safety. The Town has broken ground for Mistletoe Hall Business Park and is working with the University of Maryland Shore Health to build a new hospital at the edge of town and maintain a presence in the community.

Having also served on numerous community boards and committees in various capacities, she co-founded CarePacks and currently serves as finance chair for the Neighborhood Service Center, a coordinator for Meals on Wheels for the Rotary Club of Easton, secretary for the Board of Trustees for Gunston School, and assistant coach for the school’s tennis teams.

The Town of Easton has been named one of the best small towns in the country, and she wants to keep it that way. As President of Easton Town Council, Megan Cook is committed to leadership that is accountable, dependable, and accessible to the community; and as mayor she intends to continue her diligent service and oversight to keep Easton an exceptional place to call home.

Chesapeake Cycling Club Announces Major Spring Event for April 29

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Chesapeake Cycling Club (C3) the premiere regional, adult bike club located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore will be holding its major Spring 2023 cycling event, The Tri-County Classic, on April 29, 2023. The event will begin at the Talbot County Community Center, 10028 Ocean Gateway Easton, MD.  Riders can choose from the following distances: 100 or 65.7 or 39.2 or 23 miles. For more information and to sign up early please visit our website

According to Eric Griffieon, C3 Executive Director, “we encourage everyone to join us for our big Spring 2023 Tri-County Classic. Pick your distance, ride with friends and enjoy a beautiful day outdoors.”   

C3 develops its own major cycling events, like The Tri-County Classic, and enters a C3 team in other regional cycling events such as the Shore Rivers Ride for Clean Rivers, among others, and offers weekly, multiple cadence and distance ride options for people who just love road cycling. Riders usually are segmented into three categories: “A” (distances of 25+ miles at avg. 19+ mph), “B” (distances of 25+ miles at avg. 16-18 mph), and “C” (distances of 20+ miles at avg. 12-15 mph).  Cycling is a terrific, low-impact, sport, which will keep you fit and healthy. It is also a great way to learn about the community through cycling and meet new and active people with similar interests.  C3 is not all about pedaling and we regularly hold social events to get to know one another better.

Please sign up and become a C3 club member today by visiting https://www.ridec3.org/join-usC3 currently has approximately 100 members and the organization would not be possible without the support of its club members and 2022/2023 team sponsors, including: Lyons Distilling Co, Sprout, Preston Ford, Out of the Fire, Strom & Daughters Ice Cream, The Snifter, Bike Doctor Kent Island, The St. Michaels Running Company and Kelly Benefits Strategies.  For more information about our Tri-County Classic, club membership or sponsorship opportunities, please visit out website or contact Eric Griffioen at https://www.ridec3.org/contact-us 

Talbot County’s Dick Bodorff Becomes Chair of Maryland Public Television Foundation

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Richard “Dick” Bodorff joined the MPT Foundation board of directors in 2019. He is also the vice chair of MPT’s governing body, the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission. His nearly 50-year career as a communications attorney in private practice began in the General Counsel’s Office at the Federal Communications Commission following a clerkship with then Commissioner Richard Wiley. His current position with Wiley Rein LLP includes numerous public and commercial media clients.

Bodorff’s current nonprofit involvement includes the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the YMCA of the Chesapeake and the Broadcasters Foundation of America, where he has spent more than a decade on the organization’s board of directors. He has supported numerous organizations throughout his career, including stints as vice chairman of the board of America’s Public Television Stations, general counsel and secretary for the Broadcasters Foundation of America, and chairman of the boards of the Commonwealth Public Broadcasting Corporation and Academy Art Museum

Megan Cook Announces Candidacy for Mayor

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Megan JM Cook, Easton Town Council President has filed to run for Mayor in the upcoming election on May 2nd. She has been a member of the Easton Town Council since 2009 serving as both the representative for the Fourth Ward and as Council President.

One of her proudest accomplishments was co-chairing the community-built Project Idlewild that brought a cross-section of Easton together to build a new playground. This accomplishment led her to run for Ward 4 Council representative in 2009.

During her time on the Town Council, she’s honed her leadership skills in numerous organizations in the community. She’s currently Co-Founder of CarePacks of Talbot County, Finance Chair for the Neighborhood Service Center, Secretary for the Board of Trustees for The Gunston School, League Director for the YMCA and the Assistant Coach of The Gunston School’s Boys and Girls High School Tennis teams.

Her top priority has always been making Easton a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. She believes some of the most beautiful parts of Easton are the parks and public green spaces dotted throughout our community. During her tenure on the Council she’s been proud to work on many park and environmental projects such as the Rails to Trails extension from the current path to Waterside Village, the passing of the plastic bag ban in town, the creation of the new community waterfront park at Easton Point, the implementation of curbside recycling in town, Play In Color and refurbishing our community basketball courts, and stream restoration projects within town.

Cook also believes attracting new businesses and maintaining a strong downtown business community is important for the health of the community. As such, the Town has taken a major step forward with the new business park at Mistletoe Hall Farm, the creation of the Easton Economic Development Corporation, investment in infrastructure projects, and working with University of Maryland Shore Health to build a new hospital at the edge of town and maintain a presence in our community.

The Town of Easton has been named one of the best small towns in the Country thanks to investment in our community through public safety, our volunteer Fire Department, and community events. Her years of involvement in the planning of events such as the annual National Night Out celebration, the Martin Luther King Basketball Classic show her dedication to the betterment of our community.

As the Easton Town Council President, she has been committed to leadership that is accountable, dependable, and accessible to the community and will continue her diligent service as mayor to keep Easton an exceptional place to call home.

 Rep. Andy Harris to be Chairman of House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee

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Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement following his appointment as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee’s Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies subcommittee. Federal departments funded through this subcommittee’s annual appropriations bill include the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the Farm Credit Administration. Dr. Harris has served on the Appropriations Committee since 2013 and has served on this subcommittee since 2015.

Congressman Harris issued the following statement:

“It is an honor to be named Chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies subcommittee. Agriculture is both a critical sector in our country’s economy, and the economic backbone of Maryland’s First Congressional District. Additionally, as a physician, I am excited for the opportunity to work with the FDA to ensure the safety and efficacy of the latest developments in drug and medical device research, as well as food safety. I look forward to the important work we will do in the coming months as we address the many issues in this subcommittee’s jurisdiction.”

Additionally, full committee Chairwoman, Kay Granger issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Dr. Andy Harris to serve as chairman of the subcommittee that oversees the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, the Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies. Dr. Harris served this subcommittee as acting ranking member, and I am confident that his knowledge of the agriculture economy and his background as a physician will be important assets as he leads it forward in our new Congress.”

In Memoriam: Former Chestertown Mayor Elmer Horsey

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Chestertown received very sad news today that former mayor Elmer Horsey has passed away. Horsey served as mayor of Chestertown from 1978 to 1993 and had long ties with Peoples Bank and was also president of the Springfield Foundation which was created by du Pont heiress Louisa d’Andelot Carpenter. He died as the age of 90.

The Spy will have additional coverage soon on Elmer Horsey and his special role in Mid-Shore history.

MDOT Offering $20 Lyft Credits to Give Marylanders a Safe Ride Home

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The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MDOT MVA) Highway Safety Office announced today that it has once again increased the Lyft rideshare credit to encourage Marylanders to take advantage of the safe ride option this holiday season. The now $20 rideshare credits are available through a grant from the Governors Highway Safety Association, Responsibility.org and Lyft.

According to preliminary data, so far this month (December 1 – 26, 2022) 975 people have been arrested for driving under the influence. MDOT is encouraging Marylanders to take advantage of the free rideshare credits to put toward a safe alternative to driving impaired. Each Marylander is eligible to receive one $20 rideshare credit this weekend while supplies last. A select number of rideshare credits will be available between 4 p.m. and 4 a.m. on the following dates:

  • Thursday, December 29 through Monday, January 2, (CODE: NYEMAKEAPLAN2023)

To redeem the $20 credit, Marylanders should open the Lyft app, choose “Payment” from the menu on the top left corner, and scroll to the “Add Lyft Pass” section. After inputting the code found above or at ZeroDeathsMD.gov/Rideshare, $20 will be applied to the user’s account. Each rider is limited to one $20 credit each weekend through the entirety of the campaign.

In 2021, 173 people died and more than 2,800 were injured on Maryland roadways due to impaired driving. Additionally, more than 15,430 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs — 1,616 of those arrests occurring between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

In addition to the credits, the MDOT MVA’s Highway Safety Office will promote educational messaging through Be the Sober Driver and Be the Make A Plan Driver on advertising platforms.

Learn more about the MDOT MVA’s Highway Safety Office at ZeroDeathsMD.gov or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @ZeroDeathsMD.