MENU

Sections

More

September 23, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

Education Ed Homepage Education Ed Portal Lead

Talbot County STEM Camp Completes Another Excellent Summer

by

Like many communities throughout the country, the summer can be an essential time for young students to catch up on critical cognitive skills and be on equal footing with their peers by the fall. That is certainly true on the Mid-Shore, where children take advantage of a unique STEM Camp for 1st through 5th-grade youngsters in Talbot County.

This camp might be more unique because the instructors are all area high school students. That might be part of the special sauce that makes this summer school fun and successful for some 30 students yearly.

These older students not only can relate well to their young wards while studying tough subjects like math and science, but they run every aspect of the camp.

From developing the curriculum to planning field trips or deciding on meals, a core group of 30 staff members comes together to make the four-day program one of the most memorable experiences for their younger peers. But another part of this magical formula is that those older kids are learning as well.

Given the responsibility (and the risks associated with it) of running a full-scale program from soup to nuts, these teens find within themselves core leadership skills that are just as impactful life lessons as those they provide to the smaller children.

The Spy sat down with three of those young leaders last week to talk about the program.

This video is approximately four minutes in length. For more information about STEM Camp in Talbot County please go here.

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

Bay Climate Adaptation: The TNC Guide in Finding the Money for Major Infrastructure Change

by

A few months ago, The Nature Conservancy released a report that could solve one of the major obstacles facing climate adaptation: finding the money to do things.

Many towns, particularly on the Eastern Shore, are facing an increasingly long list of infrastructure projects, but funding those expensive undertakings has become harder. That’s where TNC’s report, SEAFARE, could make a huge difference to those municipalities.

Through workshops with various stakeholders, including local residents, environmental justice leaders, and government officials, the report identifies barriers like complicated funding processes. It provides a toolkit to help decision-makers improve access to those dollars.

The Spy’s Dave Wheelan spoke to Human Sharif, TNC’s climate adaptation manager, to understand more.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about this report please go here. 

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

Mid-Shore Arts: The Factory Takes on A Streetcar Named Desire for Plein Air

by

The Spy always keeps an eye out for what Cece Storm and her Factory are up on the Mid-Shore. And this summer, she is back working with her friends at the Avalon Foundation to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Plein Air Easton with a local production of Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
The Factory, known for producing original works and reimagining classic texts, has taken on this ambitious project under the direction of Lz Clemens, a talented young director who graduated from Washington College.

The play will be staged in the Talbot County Historical Society garden, providing an immersive experience with the garden transforming into the Kowalski’s apartment. Performances will be held in the evenings, with shows starting at 7 PM to avoid the heat of the day and programs printed on hand fans to keep the audience cool.

Storm is particularly excited about integrating this classic play into the Plein Air festival, enhancing the outdoor cultural offerings. Additionally, the Factory will present “The Ballad of Jesse Devereaux,” an original radio play at the plein air kickoff party, featuring live musical accompaniment and sound effects, creating a unique and engaging experience for attendees.

This video is approximately seven minutes in length.

Performances will be outside, light refreshments will be available. Tickets are available now and can be purchased here. 

Performance Dates:

July 12, 2024 at 8 PM
July 13, 2024 at 7 PM
July 14, 2024 at 7 PM
July 19, 2024 at 7 PM
July 20, 2024 at 7 PM
July 21, 2024 at 7 PM

Venue:

Talbot Historical Society Gardens at 30 S.Washington St, Easton MD 21601

Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.

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

Saving Lives in Talbot County: A Chat with Talbot Paramedic Foundation’s Wayne Dyott

by

Anyone who has been at Easton’s Clark Sports Complex in the north part of town lately will see four of them. With their red-colored signage and large size, these public access defibrillators (PAD) look like serious pieces of equipment, and they are.

Designed to save the lives of those experiencing cardiac emergencies, these stations allow anyone to assist the victim long before an EMS ambulance arrives on the scene, and in most cases, that is the time difference between living and dying after suffering a cardiac arrest.

What most people don’t know is that thanks to the Talbot Paramedic Foundation, over 240 PADs are now in operation in Talbot County. It is an extremely high level of coverage for a community of 35 o00. And in the last three years, at least 4 lives have been saved as a result.

This makes the Talbot Paramedic Foundation’s president, Wayne Dyott, very happy and proud that he and his fellow board members have had such a successful impact on their community, and they are not done yet.

The Spy visited with Wayne a few weeks ago to find out more.

This video is approximately four minutes in length. For more information about the Talbot Paramedic Foundation or make a donation please go here.

 

 

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

Using the New CBMM Welcome Center to Open Doors for the Unfamiliar: A Chat with Jen Dolde

by

While the function of a welcome center seems fairly clear from its title, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum wanted to use this generous new space to go beyond the simple task of visitor orientation. With the prospect of installing exhibitions at the very beginning of a new guest’s trip to the St. Micheals campus, the CBMM saw an extraordinary opportunity to tell stories and share artifacts that would immediately connect the Bay, specifically with those not familiar with its history or culture.

Leading that effort has been Jen Dolde, the director of curatorial affairs & exhibitions at CBMM. The Spy asked Jen to stop by the Spy Studio a few weeks ago to talk about this challenging but fun objective and how these stories help visitors see the Bay through the eyes of those who lived and worked there.

This video is approximately minutes in length. For more information about the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum please go here. 

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

Talbot  Humane Unleashed: A Chat with Patty Crankshaw-Quimby

by

While Talbot Humane’s mission is clearly to help protect animals of all kinds, during their “Uleash” program, it might be human beings that get the most help. That’s because this very innovative fundraiser actually encourages volunteers who have never done any significant running before, let alone a half marathon, are encouraged to sign up. 

That was the case with Talbot Humane’s own director, Patty Crankshaw-Quimby. While she was excited about the Unleash race as a fun way to raise funds for her organization, she didn’t necessarily feel she was a good candidate for actual participation. That all changed when she started slowly training with friends and colleagues. The purpose was to prepare for the 5-mile run or walk, but it was the social engagement that immediately started to make Patti feel more comfortable in her new role as an athlete. 

The Spy sat down with Patty last week to learn more. 

This video is approximately four minutes in length. For more information about Talbot Humane and Unleach, please go here.

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

CFF Spotlight: Karen Carpenter Starving for Perfection with Randy Schmidt

by

She was the first in a long line of celebrities to suffer from an eating disorder during an era when the vastly misunderstood phenomenon brought shame and public humiliation.

For the first time, we hear Karen Carpenter’s personal struggle in her own voice through never-before-released recordings—and through the legendary voices of those who knew her and were inspired by her music.

As the #1 American musical act of the 1970s, the Carpenters were on “Top of the World,” producing a string of pop masterpieces, including “Close to You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” and “Rainy Days and Mondays.” But behind closed doors, Karen’s quest for perfection resulted in low self-esteem, a disheartening love life, and a public battle with anorexia nervosa, which resulted in her untimely death at the age of only 32.

The Spy talked to producer Randy Schmidt about his film a few weeks ago.

The LIVE Festival kicks off on September 30 at the historic Avalon Theatre, followed by a second day at The Ebenezer Theater on October 1. The festival will also feature a 7-day Virtual Festival from October 2 to October 8, showcasing 37 outstanding documentaries, narrative films, and animations. Plan your visit and buy tickets today at www.chesapeakefilmfestival.com  

This video is approximately five minutes in length. To attend the world premiere please find tickets and more information here.

 

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

With a Little Help from the Avalon, Easton Elementary Turns into Living History Museum

by

Easton Elementary School in Easton has brought history to life with a remarkable living history museum in its cafeteria. Spearheaded by fourth-grade teacher Joanna Morris, with the assistance of the Avalon Foundation, students immerse themselves in their chosen historical figures, conducting their own research and biographies of their favorite GOAT.

The Spy spent a few moments with Joanna, her crew of dedicated volunteers, and a cast of famous heros.

This video is approximately three minutes in length. For more information about the Avalon Foundation please go here.

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

From Grief to Love: The Inspiring Story of a Foster Parent’s Journey

by

Jessica Lewis from Dorchester County is a great example of the unexpected joy that comes with fostering a child with love. Her journey began in 1996 when she and her husband got married and had their first child, who unfortunately passed away. Amidst their grief, they thought of how they could help other kids who were in need of parents. That’s when they enquired about foster care.

The first year of their journey was interesting, as they had to attend classes physically for nine weeks, a couple of times a week, to learn how to parent children from difficult backgrounds or who have had challenges or traumas. They received their certificate in February and got their first call in March about the first baby that needed to be placed.

Jessica recalls how excited she was when she got the call while at work. The call was basically to ask if they could take an infant boy at 4 o’clock that afternoon. She said yes without knowing the baby’s name, history or background. Looking back, she now knows that she should have asked more questions at the time. However, sometimes you just don’t have a lot of information, and all you know is that there’s a need, and you’re available to help.When the baby arrived, he was 16 weeks old, a beautiful baby whose outcome was uncertain. They were told that they didn’t know if the baby would be reunified with his parents or if a family member would step forward. There was no permanent plan at that time. But they ended up adopting the baby, and he is now their 14-year-old son.

She estimates that they’ve helped about two dozen children and encourages anyone who has an interest in fostering to contact the department and take the opportunity to learn about the classes.

Jessica’s story is a testament to the power of love and how it can transform the lives of children in need. It’s a call to action for anyone who has a heart for fostering to take that leap of faith and give children the love and care they deserve.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. To find out about becoming a foster parent please contact Dorchester County Dept of Social Services here, Kent County Social Services here, or Talbot County Department of Services here.

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

Cooking Through a Storm in Ukraine: A Chat with Scott Cohen

by

Since Scott Cohen moved to the Mid-Shore a few years ago, the Spy has taken a special interest in this artist, playwright, storyteller, and permanent dreamer. From the New York stage to public art projects at Burning Man and Las Vegas, Scott has demonstrated time and time again his unique, and sometimes very esoteric, creativity in all forms of work. But when Scott told us the other day that his latest adventure had nothing to do with art or the written word, it wasn’t hard to be integrated. And even more so when he said that he had just finished cooking warm meals in war-torn Ukraine earlier this fall. 

In fact, Scott’s story this time around is really about human spirituality. Moved by the tragic images of millions of refugees, Russian-bombed cities, and gutted villages with families without utilities, Cohen had planned to spend time in neighboring Poland to help the cause. But through a twist of fate that seems to happen to him often, he found himself on a train heading into a war zone within days of arriving in Warsaw. 

We asked Spy storyteller Henley Moore to pull together some of Scott’s reflections of cooking in a small Ukrainian hamlet and the powerful force of humanity in the midst of the country’s violent storms of war. 

This video is approximately four minutes in length.  Scott Cohen will be telling his story at the Talbot County Free Library in St. Michaels November 15 at 11 am. 

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