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June 7, 2023

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News Maryland News

CAN Notes: YMCA considers Move to Cambridge Harbor

April 26, 2023 by Spy Desk

The future of the Dorchester County YMCA is up for discussion, as the Board of Directors considers relocating the facility to Cambridge Harbor. The proposal has met with mixed reactions from the community, with some calling for the existing facility to be upgraded, while others believe the move is necessary to accommodate the changing needs of the community.

At a recent CAN meeting, YMCA officials presented plans for a new 70,000 square foot facility at Cambridge Harbor, which would include a six-lane heated pool, an indoor walking track, double the gym space, and additional space for programs. The proposed facility would be located on the waterfront and is projected to serve 7,800 individuals, citing similarities to the new Kent County facility that has grown its membership to 6,200. The cost of the new facility is estimated to be between $22-25 million.

However, concerns have been raised about the proposed move. Some members of the African American community have indicated they are not comfortable utilizing the current site because of the past use of the school as a segregated white high school. While staff members have acknowledged that there have been African American individuals who voiced this discomfort to them privately, members of the audience indicated substantial African American participation in many programs and the overall use of the YMCA. Staff members also noted that the existing site lacks space for the walking track, warm water pool, and larger enhanced multi-purpose spaces.

Additionally, questions were raised about the loss of tax revenue at Cambridge Harbor if non-profits locate at the site, as well as the impact on traffic and bike access. YMCA officials indicated that the move is necessary to accommodate the changing needs of the community and that the proposed location at Cambridge Harbor is a neutral area for folks to come together, away from the segregated past of the old high school location and provide more equitable access to the waterfront.

The YMCA of the Chesapeake serves 45,000 members, with ten facilities on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, as well as one location in Chincoteague, Virginia. Prior to the pandemic, the YMCA was looking at options to upgrade and improve the existing Talbot Avenue facility, which would likely have cost $6 million. However, the pandemic highlighted the need to better understand the needs of the community, particularly in the area of swimming/water safety for kids and adults.

The Dorchester YMCA would like to add capacity for other programs for kids and teens, but are constrained by the current space, which limits the ability to add certain programs. The YMCA would also like to focus on other chronic disease prevention and memory assistance programs for adults. While the current YMCA location (40,000 sq ft) serves 3,100 members, the proposed new facility would be located at Cambridge Harbor and would likely serve 7,800 individuals.

Next steps for the YMCA are to determine if the funding required for the project can be raised. The footprint of a new YMCA would be approximately 1.4 acres and CWDI is supportive of the move to Cambridge Harbor. YMCA officials have stated that the current location would remain open during the construction period of a new facility, and that they would work collectively with the City and local residents to determine what might happen with the existing property.

While the proposal is still in the exploratory phase, it has generated significant interest and discussion in the community. Some have voiced support for upgrading the existing facility on the existing site, while others believe that the move is necessary to accommodate the changing needs of the community. As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the Dorchester County YMCA.

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

Filed Under: Maryland News

Help Talbot Interfaith Shelter Win in Lip Sync Battle

April 26, 2023 by Spy Desk

After taking the Talbot Interfaith Shelter funtime fundraiser online for two years – thanks to COVID restrictions – Lip Sync Battle 2023, presented by Sun Management Rising Technologies, returns to its roots with a full live show on Saturday, April 29 at the Waterfowl Building (former Armory) in Easton.  Doors open at 6 p.m. for light fare, cocktails, mixing, mingling, and photo booth snapshots.  Showtime is at 7 p.m.

There are three competition categories in this year’s competition: Live Performance, Videos Presented at the Live Show, and Online-Only Videos.  Every team is competing to raise the most money in support of Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s mission to provide shelter, stability, support, and a path to success for local families and individuals in need.  The winners in each group will be announced at the end of the show, as will the “People’s Choice” award, which is decided by audience applause.

“We are so excited to bring everyone back together once again this year,” says TIS executive director Julie Lowe.  “There is absolutely nothing like the energy in the room during Lip Sync Battle.  To look out and see a beautiful cross-section of our community and watch them share laughter and joy together is truly magical, and we just can’t wait.”

Early voting in the competition has already begun, and the community can visit talbotinterfaithshelter.org/lsb to buy tickets and/or vote for their favorite team(s) from now through the end of the show on April 29.

Those interested in becoming a Lip Sync Battle sponsor or volunteering during the event should contact TIS development director Laura Richeson at 443-786-6962 or lauraricheson@talbotinterfaithshelter.org.

Talbot Interfaith Shelter is a homeless shelter and transitional housing program based in Easton, MD and serving the five counties of the Mid-Shore (Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Annes).  They have developed the comprehensive S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success) designed to guide local families and individuals from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

Guests begin at one of TIS’ neighboring shelter homes – Easton’s Promise for families and Evelyn’s Place for single men and women – where they receive case management and attend life skills training while they work to attain financial stability. Once they are ready, guests move into one of TIS’ 15 off-site transitional apartments, where they continue to receive case management while their portion of rent gradually increases until they are able to sustain their expenses.

To learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and how to help, visit https://talbotinterfaithshelter.org or contact Julie Lowe at 410-310-2316 or julielowe@talbotinterfaithshelter.org.

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

Filed Under: Archives

Mid-Shore Commerce: Author Mark Perna Workforce Development at Business Summit

April 21, 2023 by Spy Desk

Bestselling author Mark Perna will address one of the hottest topics in workforce development today at the May 3 Business Appreciation Summit beginning at 3 p.m. at the historic Avalon Theatre in Easton. Tickets for the afternoon session are now offered free through the support of the event’s generous sponsors, with advanced registration required.

“Unleashing Passion, Purpose, and Performance in Younger Generations” is the focus of this year’s Summit, with business, nonprofit, and educational leaders invited to discover the game-changing strategies that can shift the education and employment paradigms in our local communities and nationwide.

The Talbot County Business Appreciation Summit is hosted annually by the Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism in partnership with the Talbot County Economic Development Commission.

Perna’s keynote address is presented in partnership with the Mid-Shore Regional Council, Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board, Caroline County Economic Development and Tourism, and Dorchester County Economic Development.

This Summit begins earlier in the day with Talbot County’s Business Appreciation Breakfast and Awards Banquet at the Tidewater Inn’s Gold Ballroom when Perna will speak briefly and give a glimpse of the afternoon program.

“I heard Mark speak at the International Economic Development Council meeting in Oklahoma City last September and immediately booked him to speak on the Eastern Shore,” said Cassandra Vanhooser, director of economic development and tourism for Talbot County. “He is a dynamic speaker who will help businesses understand how to attract tomorrow’s workforce.”

Summit attendees will have the opportunity to meet the speaker at a reception immediately following the keynote address.

Summit sponsors include Platinum Sponsor APG Chesapeake, Gold Sponsor BSC Group, and Silver Sponsors Easton Utilities, Frost Law, Provident State Bank, Shore United Bank, and the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce.

Perna is a weekly contributor at Forbes.com and has published many articles in national publications as a recognized voice in student engagement and success. He hosts the daily 90-second Perna Syndicate podcast with listeners in more than 60 countries.

His multi-award-winning bestseller, Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose, and Performance in Younger Generations, was written to help educators, employers, and parents understand the millennial and Z generations and inspire them to greater performance in all areas of life.

Tickets to Perna’s keynote address are available free of charge with advanced registration. Business Appreciation Breakfast and Awards Banquet tickets are $45 and include a complimentary ticket to the afternoon session. Purchases can be made at www.talbotworks.org.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.

Business owners and managers can subscribe to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s monthly newsletter and breaking news at www.talbotworks.org.

 

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

Filed Under: Commerce

Compass to host Hospice Volunteer Training

April 21, 2023 by Spy Desk

 Compass will be offering their three-day training session for any individuals interested in becoming a patient care volunteer.

The training session is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 5, 12, and 19th. The training will be held at our Barnette Center’s Hope & Healing Conference room located at 255 Comet Dr. Centreville, MD 21617. Volunteers provide company for patients, relieve the primary caregiver for a short period of time, assist with administration duties, or grief services. We are always looking for Veterans to assist with our We Honor Veterans program.

“Most often, patient volunteers give companionship to patients by reading, playing cards, or just watching television with them. They also give caregivers a chance to have a much-needed break to tend to other responsibilities.” said Robyn Affron, volunteer manager at Compass. “Occasionally our patients need some gardening or laundry done, or a quick errand run. Our volunteers provide the added support that our patients and families need during what can be an overwhelming time.”

Topics taught during the training will include an overview of hospice, the process of dying, spiritual care and its place in hospice care, the stages of grief, effective communications techniques, family dynamics, stress management and self-care for caregivers.

Compass relies on more than 200 volunteers of all ages to support its mission, and these individuals volunteer their time in a variety of ways. In addition to patient care volunteers, Compass is currently seeking volunteers for Compass Closet (formerly Estate Treasures), their upscale retail shop whose proceeds help cover uncompensated patient care. Whatever your motivation to volunteer, there is a place for you at Compass.

To register or find out more information about becoming a volunteer for Compass, contact Robyn Affron at 443-262-4112 or raffron@compassregionalhospice.org. Please register no later than April 24th.

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

Filed Under: Health Notes

Getting to Know Easton’s Spring Hill Cemetery By Frances Haley Duncan

April 20, 2023 by Spy Desk

Talbot County, steeped in a rich history dating back to the early 1600s, is a treasure trove of stories and memories, many of which can be traced to the resting place of numerous notable Marylanders and distinguished Eastonians – the Spring Hill Cemetery in Easton.

As one strolls through the tranquil and picturesque cemetery, they can find gravesites of prominent families such as the Hamiltons, Shannahans, Wrightsons, Hughletts, Goldsboroughs, Adkins, Bartletts, and Tilghmans, among others, some of whom still reside in Talbot County today.

The cemetery, a final resting place for three former Maryland governors, Maryland State Delegates, US Supreme Court Justices, Maryland State Senators, and a Maryland Secretary of State, is a testament to the political legacy of Talbot County. Easton’s colonial title as the “Capital of the Eastern Shore” likely attracted these figures to choose this serene location as their eternal home.

Among the notable burials, one can find the grave of Samuel Barrott (1761-1851), “The Little Drummer Boy,” one of the youngest soldiers in the American Revolution and the last surviving member of the Maryland Line. Baseball Hall-of-Famer John Franklin “Homerun” Baker also rests in the cemetery, with a memorial featuring an engraved baseball bat and glove.

The 20-acre cemetery, with 12,000 gravesites, honors veterans from every major war in American history, beginning with the Revolution. An old cannon, pointed towards a row of veterans’ tombstones, solemnly pays tribute to those who fought for our freedom. Recently, the American Legion Post 70 prepared a reference book listing the veterans buried in the cemetery, aiding families in locating their loved ones.

The touching inscriptions on the tombstones evoke a sense of connection with the past, as visitors immerse themselves in the tranquility of the surroundings, often accompanied by rabbits and brown squirrels. Family members have installed garden benches, providing a space for quiet contemplation. A map and index of burials are available in the Maryland Room at the Talbot County Free Library.


As residents of Talbot County, it is our responsibility to preserve these beautiful memorials that honor individuals and pay tribute to worthy lives. Future generations deserve the opportunity to appreciate the rich history that lies within Spring Hill Cemetery. We encourage you to consider making a fully tax-deductible donation to help meet the expenses associated with the care of the cemetery. Donations can be made payable to: Spring Hill Cemetery Fund, A Fund of Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Inc., 102 East Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601.

By Frances Haley Duncan, a Spring Hill Cemetery board member and resident of Easton.

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

Filed Under: Archives, Brevities

The Brassy Aero Quartet Returns to Easton

April 13, 2023 by Spy Desk

The Aero Quartet enjoyed their stay during last year’s Chesapeake Music’s 10th International Chamber Music Competition and promised a return visit to Easton’s elegant Ebenezer Theatre.

The four University of Michigan alums – all saxophonists: Salvador Flores (soprano), Walt Puyear (alto), Mathew Koester (tenor), and Brian Kachur (baritone) – will perform traditional as well as new music by such composers as Paquito D’Rivera, Carlos Simon, Alexander Glazunov, and Arturo Marquez. This music and more are on the quartet’s soon-to-be-released album. The recording has been in the works amid extensive concert touring ever since Aero’s performance as finalists in the Chesapeake competition, which came on the heels of winning the 2021 gold medal in the Senior Wind Division of the prestigious Fischoff National Chamber Music Competitions.

The quartet has been praised by Pulitzer finalist and Grammy-winning composer Augusta Read Thomas for their “nuanced, colorful, and artfully sculpted interpretations.” Co-artistic director of the Chesapeake Chamber Music Festival, which returns in June, says, “Had we been able to offer another prize in our competition, it definitely would have gone to Aero.” The top award for both the juried and people’s choice prizes went to the Swiss-based percussion ensemble Trio Colores. Both ensembles were stunning in their originality during the Chesapeake competition. Chesapeake Music fans saw and heard Trio Colores again in last year’s chamber festival. Here’s your chance to catch the brassy Aero Quartet at the Ebenezer.

Interlude Concert Series presents the Aero Quartet, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22, Ebenezer Theatre, Easton. chesapeakemusic.org

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

Filed Under: Arts Notes

County Council Report: Talbot Day Proclaimed and Infrastructure Priorities Discussed

April 12, 2023 by Spy Desk

Talbot County Council convened to issue proclamations, review resolutions and amendments, and address various community matters.

A proclamation were issued for “Talbot Day” on April 25, which aims to bring unity to Talbot County and encourages community members from various sectors to recognize and commemorate the County’s birthday.

Other proclamations included “Maryland Flood Awareness Month,” and “Sexual Assault Awareness Month.” Council members encouraged community leaders and citizens to participate in commemorating these events, raising awareness, and educating others about prevention measures.

The Council also presented a revised priority listing to the Maryland Department of Transportation for their Consolidated Transportation Program, which includes various road, intersection, and airport improvements. The listing was approved pending additions.

Two numbered resolutions were introduced. Resolution No. 341 aims to amend the 911 fee for Talbot County from $0.75 to $1.50 per month. A public hearing will be held on April 25. Resolution No. 342 concerns the proposed annexation of certain real properties on Easton Point by the Town of Easton. A public hearing is scheduled for May 9.

Public hearings were held on Resolutions No. 338, 339, and 340, as well as Bill No. 1528. The Council left the record open on Resolutions No. 338 and 339 until their May 9 meeting. Resolution No. 340, regarding the formal acceptance of Jennings Road as a public county road, was approved with a 5-0 vote. Bill No. 1528, which amends various sections of the Talbot County Code, will be eligible for a vote on April 25.

County Manager Andy Stamp announced board and committee vacancies, urging interested citizens to apply. The Council approved a request from the Department of Economic Development & Tourism for a letter of support for a Maryland Heritage Areas Authority Capital Grant application for the Frederick Douglass Audio Driving Tour. Additionally, the Council approved a second amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding for regional public transit services and designated April 18 as a Special Legislative Day for introducing the FY24 annual budget and appropriation ordinance.

The next legislative meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 18, starting at 6:00 p.m.

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

Filed Under: News Notes

WC’s Kappa Sigmas Mark 17th Year of Supporting Vet Programs

April 10, 2023 by Spy Desk

The Kappa Sigma Fraternity at Washington College, Chestertown MD, has a long and proud tradition of supporting veterans’ charities, primarily through its semi-annual charity pancake breakfast.  Now it its 17th year, this event has raised nearly $75,000 for the Kappa Sigma Military Heroes Campaign – a composite charity serving the medical, psychological, physical, and housing needs of America’s veterans – one pancake at a time.    

This semester’s pancake breakfast will be held on Saturday 22 April 8am-12pm at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 N Cross St, Chestertown, MD 21620. A donation of $5.00 – 100% of which goes to charity – gets you all-you-can eat pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, juices, and coffee.  Tickets are available at the door.        

The Kappa Sigma Military Heroes Campaign supports a suite of veterans’ charities, including  Homes for Our Troops, a charity fighting the plight of homelessness among our nation’s veterans, Veterans Moving Forward, which  provides service dogs, facility dogs, and emotional support dogs to veterans with physical and/or mental health challenges at no cost to the veteran or their family, and  Veterans Success Resources Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating access to  professional and personal resources and networking for Veterans and their families. To learn more about the Kappa Sigma Military Heroes Campaign, and to see the many other groups supported by it, it click here.    

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

Filed Under: Brevities

April at The Trippe: Stephen Haynes Modern Impressionist Returns

April 8, 2023 by Spy Desk

The Trippe Gallery is pleased to feature artist Stephen Haynes: Modern Impressionist for the month of April. There will be an opening reception on Friday April 14 from 5-7 with the artist as well as a demonstration of his painting techniques on Saturday April 15 art 11am at the gallery.
Stephen Haynes is a self-taught painter currently living in the greater Pittsburgh area. A lifelong artist, Stephen spent his formative school years among the beaches of southern California, and summers in the mountains of West Virginia. This divided time gave him a diverse outlook and an immense love of the outdoors. Showing his work publicly for over 20 years, Haynes has tried his hand at most art forms at one time or another. In his current work, the artist uses vibrant oil colors, mixed on the canvas, to convey light, shadow and form through thick impasto brushwork, evoking movement and abstract qualities. His painting influences are as plentiful as they are diverse. From well known impressionist masters like Van Gogh, Monet and Cassatt, to landscape painters Edgar Payne, Isaac Levitan and Tom Thompson along with many others, too numerous to count.
Haynes has participated in Plein Air Easton in 2021 and 2022. He received an Honorable Mention for “Morning Joe” in The Quick Draw competition in 2022. His paintings reside in numerous private collections.
The Trippe Gallery is located at 23 N Harrison Street in Easton, Md. For more information please call 410-310-8727 or visit the website thetrippegallery.com

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

Filed Under: Arts Notes

Ben Ford Named New Miles-Wye Riverkeeper

April 6, 2023 by Spy Desk

Ben Ford

“The Chesapeake and the Miles River both hold a special place in my heart—they’ve helped shape who I am and the way I see the world. I even met my wife while waist deep in the Miles! I feel as though I am most at home in the outdoors, whether I’m leading an experiential learning program, running our 13-foot Whaler up Southeast Creek, or heading out with my wife and son for our weekly Sunday hike. Personally, and professionally, I see the power the Chesapeake environment has to connect us, to awaken us, to energize us, and to help us look toward the future,” said Ford.

Ford joins ShoreRivers after more than a decade at Washington College’s Center for Environment & Society, where he led the Chesapeake Semester, an experiential program studying Bay issues including ecosystem health, pollution, habitat, policy and advocacy, community engagement, and fisheries. An Easton native who learned to sail on the Miles River and taught sailing camps through the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, he now lives with his family in Chestertown.

“The mission of ShoreRivers inspires me, as does the chance to use my creative skills and network to help ShoreRivers fulfill its mission on a river that feels like home. The rivers of the Eastern Shore are so special to me—I want to help others see them the same way,” said Ford.

As Miles-Wye Riverkeeper, Ford will serve as the primary voice for the Miles and Wye rivers, and Eastern Bay on the Eastern Shore, working through the core strategies of advocacy, enforcement, outreach, and scientific water quality monitoring to achieve ShoreRivers’ vision of clean waterways. 

The public is invited to meet Ford and learn about his plans for the watershed during its upcoming State of the Rivers—a series of free presentations held each spring to inform the public about the current state of our Eastern Shore waterways and what we can all do to protect and restore them. He will be a featured presenter at events at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels on April 26 (alongside the Choptank Riverkeeper) and at Cult Classic Brewing in Stevensville on May 3 (alongside the Chester Riverkeeper). For a full list of program dates and additional details, visit shorerivers.org/events. 

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

Filed Under: Eco Portal Lead, News Homepage

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