The Baltimore Sun is reporting on the curious situation in Ridgely, where the town has suspended its entire police force.
Read the full story here (a paywall may exist)
Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community
by Spy Desk
The Baltimore Sun is reporting on the curious situation in Ridgely, where the town has suspended its entire police force.
Read the full story here (a paywall may exist)
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
by Spy Desk
The Talbot County Health Department is hosting a health fair for the LGBTQ+ population in partnership with the Delmarva Pride Center on Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 10am-2pm.
The event, scheduled to take place at the Unitarian Church on Rt. 50 in Easton, will provide health screenings, testing and resources. Services will include: Hepatitis C and HIV testing, blood pressure screening, colon cancer screening, vision and hearing screening, blood glucose testing and more.
Lunch will be provided and participants will receive a $25 gift card for their completion of screening services. Additional services will be offered which includes Narcan training and information on a free smoking cessation program for Talbot County residents through the Health Department.
The Talbot County Health Department is working with Delmarva Pride to offer a variety of healthcare services to the LGBTQ+ community in Talbot County. Due to a lack of cultural competency in the healthcare system and stress brought on by harassment and discrimination, the LGBTQ+ population often experiences hurdles in achieving positive health outcomes. According to Stephanie Latham, coordinator of special programs of the Talbot County Health Department, “We hope that this event will be a starting point to improve health outcomes for this population.” The event comes at the end of the 22nd National LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week.
Participants are encouraged to RSVP for the event by reaching out via email at [email protected]. Walk-ins are welcomed.
For more information, please contact the Talbot County Health Department at (410) 819-5689.
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by Spy Desk
Saturday, May 11 John Wesley Preservation Society Spring Soul Dance at Oxford Community Center from 7 – 10pm with live band, The Comfort Zone. Get tickets ASAP at johnwesleychurch.org. Tickets cost
$25 and include appetizers, desserts, iced tea and soda. Cash bar. Start the party early with the Oxford Museum’s Memories and Musings: Oxford Voices from the 1960s at St. Paul’s Church from 5 – 6:30 PM
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by Spy Desk
The Town of Oxford is accepting applications for the 2024 R. Gordon Graves Community Service Scholarship. This scholarship program is aimed at students passionate about volunteering and community service.
The scholarship is open to current high school seniors and undergraduate students from Talbot County and can be applied to college and university or trade school studies. The town will award one or more scholarships of $500 or more to students who demonstrate a history of community service and volunteerism.
Volunteerism has enormous potential to initiate change, and young people will play an important role in shaping the future. Through community service, students can help build a more generous and caring society.
Former Oxford Commissioner Gordon Graves was an iconic supporter of his community. His service to the Town of Oxford not only involved his nine-plus years as an elected official serving the citizens of Oxford, but it also encompassed his love of history, education, and people, as he spent the last 20 years of his life in daily community service. His entire professional career was in higher education. His love of learning and years of service make this scholarship in support of local student’s educational pursuits a fitting legacy.
Student can download the application at https://oxfordmd.net/r-gordon-graves-community-services-scholarship/.Applications must demonstrate the applicant’s efforts in the area of community service.
Funding of additional grants is open to any party or group interested in creating a donation in Gordon’s name and wishing to support the efforts of local students.
Those making contributions should address their check to the Town of Oxford and note in the Memo: Graves Scholarship Fund. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 339, Oxford, MD 21654 or dropped off at the town office, 101 Market St., Oxford, MD. 21654
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by Spy Desk
Qlarant is proud to announce the addition of Mr. Michael O. Cooke as Chief Strategy and Growth Officer (CGSO). This is a new position for the nationally-recognized leader in health care quality improvement, program integrity, and technology solutions.
“Michael brings extensive experience to Qlarant, and more importantly, is a great fit for what we want to accomplish over the next 10 years. We have found a CGSO that matches our vision for the future,” said Qlarant CEO, Dr. Ron Forsythe, Jr. “Michael will spearhead the growth and strategic direction for Qlarant, and identify areas of opportunity in new and existing markets.” Cooke will provide oversight of Qlarant’s, business development, marketing, technology, and new product development functions.
“I am excited to join Qlarant,” said Cooke. “The company’s reputation in the industry is formidable and I see an opportunity to make a difference right away.”
Prior to Qlarant, Cooke was Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Growth for Abt Associates, leading a team of senior business development executives and capture managers specializing in high value and strategic deals supporting domestic and international markets. Abt is a global consulting and research firm that “uses data and bold thinking to improve the quality of people’s lives and advance equity.” (abtglobal.com)
As an Associate Partner at IBM, Cooke led the business development executive team for the Federal Consulting Business. Before IBM, Cooke was Vice President, Corporate Development for Apprio, “a leading provider of smart automation solutions to health care and emergency management services.” (apprio.com) In that position, he led corporate mergers and acquisition activities and organic growth strategies for the health care focused management consulting and technology firm. Throughout his career Cooke has held a number of consulting roles, including delivery manager supporting client business transformations at Deloitte Consulting and account management at The Advisory Board Company.
“Qlarant’s combination of leading-edge technology and extensive subject-matter expertise are at the foundation of the company’s success,” said Cooke. “I am eager to start working with the team to build and expand our capabilities while developing new markets and opportunities.”
About Qlarant: For more than 50 years, Qlarant has grown from a regional physician’s group on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, to a national organization with 550 employees providing fraud, waste, and abuse, program integrity, quality improvement, and data sciences & technology solutions for major government and commercial programs.
Qlarant also provides approximately $400,000 each year to small non-profits through grants and gifts provided by the Qlarant Foundation. Through Qlarant Capital, the company provides expertise, a collaborative approach, and capital to fund and strengthen selected early stage start-ups who are poised to bring innovation and growth to the healthcare industry. It is headquartered in Easton, Md.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
by Spy Desk
Over 400 sophomore students from Kent Island High School and Queen Anne’s County High School recently participated in a new career and college exploration trip at Chesapeake College. This venture was born out of a vision and partnership among Queen Anne’s County Economic and Tourism Development, Chesapeake College, and Queen Anne’s County Public Schools.
The engaging experience, designed to expose students to diverse career and academic pathways, succeeded in sparking interest and strengthening future goals for many participants.
“The success of the career and college exploration trip underscores the importance of providing young people with early exposure to various career options,” said Adam Tolley, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. “By promoting awareness and understanding, these initiatives play a crucial role in influencing and shaping students’ academic and professional journeys.”
Faculty and staff at Chesapeake College worked with QAC Career and Technology Liaison Connie Dean to design tours and activities that gave students a clear view of how CTE programs in high school lead to post-secondary education and then into career paths.
Chesapeake College Dean of Workforce and Skilled Trades Jason Mullen said, “Chesapeake College is the perfect next step for CTE students on a variety of career pathways. Our programs build on what students have already learned and provide the learning experiences they need to begin their careers.”
Led by dedicated volunteers, local businesses, staff and industry professionals, the trip offered students a firsthand look at five key fields: Skilled Trades, Health, Agriculture, Computer Science, and Education.
Through interactive demonstrations, and engaging discussions, students gained valuable insights into the skills, education, and opportunities associated with each career path.
“I enjoyed the trip so much! I feel as though it was very informative and it gave myself and other students the opportunity to see some jobs that we may want to pursue in the future,” said sophomore Samone Hicks, “I highly recommend it!”
The trip also provided students with a glimpse into college life at Chesapeake College. They saw the campus, learned about academic programs, and had the chance to interact with faculty and members of the area’s business community.
“It was fascinating to see the interest the students had in their sessions and all the opportunities they uncovered at Chesapeake College,” said Heather Bacher Senior Vice President, Business Banking Market Executive of Shore United Bank. “We are lucky to have so many programs offered at Chesapeake and this was a great opportunity to inform our rising students in Queen Anne’s County to learn about career field options and related educational programs.”
Kathy Deoudes, Chair, of the University of Maryland Medical System/Shore Regional Health System Board of Directors added, “I want to thank Connie Dean, the QAC Economic Development team, Chesapeake College and Queen Anne’s County Public Schools for the opportunity to lead a tour of QACHS students through Chesapeake College’s Health Professions Center. This is an important and vital collaboration that provides a pipeline for students seeking careers in healthcare, and for UMMS/Shore Health and other medical facilities needing to fill positions.”
Several businesses and agencies provided tour guides and helped make the event possible, including the Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce, Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board (WIB), Circuit Court of Queen Anne’s County, PRS Guitars, University of Maryland Shore Health, Shore United Bank, New Vertical Technologies, DORS of Maryland, Centreville Rotary, Heron Point – Acts Life, Maryland Department of Labor, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, Chesapeake College and Queen Anne’s County Economic and Tourism Development.
“The value of the event to those who attended was evident, and as a professional in the workforce industry it was so refreshing. I absolutely enjoyed the experience and look forward to other events for the benefit of our students and future leaders,” said Jessie Ferrio, Business Services Representative, Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS).
For more information about career pathways and programs at Chesapeake College, please visit www.chesapeake.edu/pathways.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
by Spy Desk
Allegro Children’s Chorus, a program of Allegro Academy located in downtown Easton, is now enrolling members for a new session beginning April 3.
Singers ages 8 and up are invited to join the weekly rehearsals in which they will explore vocal production, rhythm skills, and musicianship through songs and activities. Rehearsals will take place on Wednesday evenings, 5:30-6:30 pm, with additional time from 6:30-6:45pm for grades 6 and up. The six-week session will end with several community community performances and events. The cost is $50 for the six weeks and need-based scholarships are offered to all participants. All voices are welcome; no audition required.
Allegro Academy is located at 114 N. Washington St. and is also home to a variety of choral groups and a vibrant private lesson program.
For more information about the Allegro Children’s Chorus and other programs please visit allegroacademyeaston.com or call 410-603-8361. The mission of Allegro Academy is to offer exceptional music education and performance experiences to the greater Talbot County Area and to make these offerings affordable to all. Its programs are funded by generous contributions from the community, Talbot Arts, and the Maryland State Arts Council.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
by Spy Desk
The Del-Mar-Va Council is pleased to announce the 2024 Gathering of Heroes will be located at The Oaks Waterfront Hotel in Royal Oak, MD in late April.
This invitation only event seeks to honor individuals from the community who are examples of the Scout Oath and Law in their everyday lives giving back to their communities. Hero Honorees include:
Character Hero Howard Freedlander, Retired as Deputy Treasurer for the State of Maryland. A forty-four year Resident of Easton, MD has been involved in countless non-profits in the area including leading the charge for The Del-Mar-Va Council’s Midshore Distinguished Citizen Award Committee for several years.
Community Hero Kentavius Jones, Executive Director for Talbot Mentors. A Washington College Graduate and longtime resident of Easton, MD, Kentavius is a musician, educator, mentor, with a mission for serving youth in the area, he is also a local advocate for art and music. He serves as a trustee at the Academy Art Museum and other countless coalitions in the region.
Leadership Heroes Mr. & Mrs. Robbie & Jennifer Gill, CEO & CFO of YMCA of the Chesapeake. Leading the YMCA of the Chesapeake The Gill’s having been moving mountains to change lives in the area since 2005. The YMCA of the Chesapeake has now grown to 11 branches across the shore with more than 50,000 members and provides support for seniors with Parkinsons, cancer survivors, and challenged youth.
Heritage Hero Ms. Kristen Greenaway, CEO of Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. A recipient of the National Maritime Historical Societies Distinguished Service Award and President of the International Congress of Maritime Museums (ICMM). Kristen has been a transformative CEO of the CBMM spreading awareness and education on conservation efforts necessary to save our waterways. Her global initiatives have enriched maritime museums internationally!
Scouting Hero Matthew Peters, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, a non profit in Easton dedicated to empowering people from different cultures to become successful and engaged community members since 2012. Matthew is also a Cubmaster of Pack 3 at the ChesMRC, actively working to spread the mission of Scouting and teaching youth to live by the Scout Oath and Law.
Special Remarks from Scout Executive, Robert Nakagawa, will also be included.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
by Spy Desk
The Tidewater Rotary Club hosted its annual Bowling Fundraiser event on Monday, March 11, at Easton Bowl. This year’s theme, the “World Cup of Bowling,” brought together community members and businesses with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center.
Participants enjoyed an evening filled with strikes, spares, and camaraderie as they bowled for a purpose. Attendees had the opportunity to represent various World Cup countries, donning outfits inspired by their favorite players and nations. The event also featured raffle prizes and awards for top teams, best dressed, and team spirit, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The fundraiser was successful in raising $5000 for the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center (ChesMRC), an organization dedicated to empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to become successful and engaged members of the community. Through lane sponsorships and donations, attendees contributed to ChesMRC’s mission of fostering a multi-culturally vibrant population on the Eastern Shore.
“The support from our community at events like the Bowling Fundraiser is instrumental in furthering ChesMRC’s initiatives,” said ChesMRC Executive Director Matthew Peters. “We are grateful to the Tidewater Rotary Club and all participants for their generosity and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.”
As part of the Tidewater Rotary Club’s ongoing efforts to uphold its motto of “Service Above Self,” the event exemplified the club’s dedication to supporting local organizations and fostering goodwill within the community.
“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s Bowling Fundraiser,” said Tidewater Rotary Club President Childlene Brooks. “The funds raised will make a meaningful difference in supporting the important work of the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center.”
The Tidewater Rotary Club extends its gratitude to all sponsors, donors, participants, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event. Together, they exemplified the spirit of giving back and making a positive impact on the community.
For more information about the Tidewater Rotary Club and upcoming events, please follow the club on Facebook @TidewaterRotary and visit www.tidewaterrotary.org.
About Tidewater Rotary Club:
Tidewater Rotary is composed of professional men and women committed to the Rotary Motto: Service Above Self. The club’s mission is to provide business, professional, and community leaders an opportunity for service to others in order to benefit our community and to promote high ethical standards, fellowship, and goodwill worldwide.
About Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center (ChesMRC):
The Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center (ChesMRC) empowers people from different cultures to become successful and engaged members of our community. Their vision is an Eastern Shore with a multi-culturally vibrant population that is economically productive, politically engaged, and socially committed to human dignity.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
by Spy Desk
An election will be held for three of the five offices of Commissioner of the Town of St. Michaels, Talbot County, Maryland. The term of office for the three top vote winners is four (4) years, expiring in June 2028. Said election will be held at Christ Church Etherton Hall, 103 Willow Street, St. Michaels, Maryland between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on:
MONDAY, MAY 6, 2024
All qualified persons wishing to be a candidate for the office of Commissioner of the Town of St. Michaels, Talbot County, Maryland are hereby notified to file a Certificate of Candidacy before 4:30 p.m., Friday, March 29, 2024, in the Edgar M. Bosley, Jr. Municipal Building, 300 Mill Street, St. Michaels, Maryland. Download Certificate of Candidacy form HERE
REGISTRATION OF VOTERS
Qualified voters may register to vote at the Talbot County Election Board, 215 Bay Street, Easton, Maryland 21601 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on regular business days. Qualified voters may also register online HERE
THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN THIS ELECTION IS 4:30 P.M. FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024
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