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Home and Abroad Art Exhibit at Todd Performing Arts Center

October 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment

“Surf Bird, Oxford” 16×20, oil, by Meg Nottingham Walsh

“Home and Abroad,” an exhibit of 60 paintings by four award-winning artists, will have a closing reception open to the public at the Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College on Sunday, October 28, from 2-5 pm.

Exhibiting artists Meg Nottingham Walsh, Bernard Dellario, Gray Dodson, and Lynn Mehta are all juried members of the historic Washington Society of Landscape Painters. These kindred spirits have bonded over more than a decade of painting together, both at home and abroad. Though their individual styles are quite different, they share a passion for painting outdoors and a strong dedication to their art.

The landscapes in this exhibit include scenes from Europe and the United States.

You can see the artists work on their websites:

Meg Nottingham Walsh www.megwalsh.com

Bernard Dellario www.bjdellario.com

Gray S. Dodson www.graysdodson.com

Lynn Mehta www.lynnmehta.com

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Two Mid-Shore Women Awarded AAUW Grants

October 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Grant Recipient, Ashley Tyler and AAUW Mature Women’s Grant Chair, Pat Crane.

Sara Rissolo of Easton and Ashley Tyler of Church Creek received 2018 Mature Woman Grants from the Easton Branch of AAUW and were honored at the group’s September meeting. In 2004, the local AAUW inaugurated an annual mature woman grant program to help women complete college, pursue graduate studies, or be certified for a new career path. To be eligible, a woman must be 25 or older and reside in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s or Talbot County.

Rissolo is enrolled in the University of Wilmington Doctorate of Nursing Practice-Leadership Program.  She began Realslow Recovery, LLC and opened Gratitude House in Easton, MD for men recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. Tyler will be studying at the University of MD Eastern Shore, majoring in math and focusing her teaching towards English Language Learners.

Application for the 2019 grant will be available in April, 2019 at local libraries and colleges in the five counties, or electronically by request at aauwgrant@goeaston.net.

AAUW (the American Association of University Women) has been empowering women since 1881. They advance equal treatment through advocacy, education, and research. The Easton Branch is currently celebrating its 60th year on the MidShore. Currently the The group promises that when you join us you will belong to a community committed to breaking educational and economic barriers to offer all women and girls a fair chance. If you believe in this fundamental proposition and wish to help, call Connie Wolfe, 410-819-6789 for membership information or visit easton-md.aauw.net.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Work Begins on Mistletoe Hall Commerce-Business Park

October 22, 2018 by Leave a Comment

The Town of Easton announced today that it will begin work on a new commerce/business park at the Mistletoe Hall Farm property located on Goldsborough Neck Road north of town.

The 86.25-acre farm which is comprised of seven parcels offers a prime location to encourage entrepreneurial activity and support business expansion and attraction. The land was set aside many years ago for business and industrial use and has long been part of Easton’s plans for growth.

In addition to funding from the Town of Easton, the project received additional investment funds through a grant from the United States Department of Commerce – Economic Development Administration. The federal agency announced in early October that it had awarded Easton a grant for $2,282,750 to complete the infrastructure improvements necessary for the park’s development.

The funding will allow for the roads, storm water management, and utilities to be constructed resulting in a “pad” space available for short- or long-term lease. The project is expected to take approximately 24 to 36 months to complete.

This undertaking relies on intergovernmental cooperation and public/private sector partnerships. Various parties have been instrumental in collaborating to ensure Mistletoe Hall Commerce-Business Park will facilitate a successful economy.

“This investment will create jobs and help our businesses grow and prosper,” says Easton Mayor Robert Willey. “The Mistletoe Hall project will help ensure that Easton flourishes in coming years, and we are grateful to all who assisted in making this happen.”

In partnership with the Town of Easton, Talbot County applied for and received a $250,000 Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund infrastructure grant through the Rural Maryland Council to begin work on the first phase of improvements to Goldsborough Neck Road to support this project. The road from Glebe Road to the entrance of Mistletoe Hall will be widened and improved to allow for the traffic that will be generated by the property’s development.

Portions of both Goldsborough Neck and Airport roads have been slated for future improvements to accommodate the development of a new regional hospital site off Route 50 near the Talbot County Community Center.

“We are committed to helping our municipalities create vibrant business communities and to providing jobs for Talbot County residents,” says Talbot County Council President Jennifer Williams. “The Council is delighted to partner with the Town of Easton on the Mistletoe Hall project.”

The Mid-Shore Regional Council was instrumental in helping both Easton and Talbot County secure the grant funding for this project. “The Mistletoe Hall project has been listed for many years in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for this region,” says MSRC Chairman Walter Chase. “This project strengthens the Mid-Shore’s business environment and resources, and we are pleased to have played a role in securing the funding.”

Filed Under: Homepage Notes

Bountiful Interiors to Host Holiday Kick-Off Party to Benefit Talbot Hospice

October 21, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Bountiful Interiors has announced the date for its sixth annual Holiday Kickoff Party to benefit Talbot Hospice. The home décor and interior design firm will host its holiday celebration on November 1st from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at its store in downtown Easton. Bountiful Interiors will donate 20% of all retail sales during the party to Talbot Hospice. Over the past five years, Bountiful Interiors has donated more than $11,000 to Talbot Hospice.

“This is one of our favorite events,” said Jamie Merida, owner of Bountiful Interiors. “We try to outdo ourselves each year to make the party bigger and better than ever. This year’s theme is ‘Gingerbread Wonderland.’ We’re planning a beautiful Georgian, gingerbread style entryway into the store. It will be gingerbread as only Bountiful can do!”

Merida also said that the event is special to him because it supports such an important cause. “This party is a way to celebrate Talbot Hospice and celebrate the lives of the people they serve. It’s an honor to partner with them and support their work.”

The Holiday Kickoff Party is an open house and all are welcome. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served, and a cash bar will be available with all proceeds benefiting Talbot Hospice. Bountiful Interiors will also be raffling several high-end prizes donated by its vendors. Chef Steven Anthony of Turnbridge Point will be attending and will provide a fancifully decorated gingerbread house for the raffle.

Vivian Dodge, executive director of Talbot Hospice, said she has greatly enjoyed the partnership with Bountiful Interiors. “Jamie and his team are so creative and talented. We never know what we’ll see when we walk into the holiday party, but we know it will be fabulous.”

Dodge said the money donated by Bountiful Interiors is very important to help support the programs and patient care provided by Talbot Hospice. Dodge encourages the public to visit the Talbot Hospice website at talbothospice.org to see the full range of services offered to families of loved ones facing a life-limiting illness.

Bountiful Interiors is located in the Talbot Town Shopping Center on Washington Street in Easton. Please call the store at 410.763.8500 or visit our Facebook page @jamiemerida with any questions about the event.

About Bountiful Interiors: Bountiful Interiors the Eastern Shore’s premier home furnishings and interior design firm. Located in Easton, Maryland, the 10,000-square foot store carries furnishings, bedding, and home accents from leading national brands, as well as one-of-a-kind antiques and handcrafted items. The interior design studio serves clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. The studio’s work has been featured in leading publications, such as Southern Home, Romantic Homes, Home & Design, Chesapeake Views, and The Cottage Journal. Owner Jamie Merida recently designed a furniture and home accents collection under the brand Tidewater Collection for Chelsea House. For more information, please visit jamiemerida.com.

Filed Under: Home and Design

CCMS Welcomes High School Seniors as New Board Members

October 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

L-R: High school seniors Sunyata Courie, Seth Talley and Katie Allen

Character Counts Mid Shore (CCMS) welcomes high school seniors as new members of the Board of Trustees.  As CCMS celebrates 20 years of positive character development programs in the public schools in Talbot, Dorchester and Caroline counties, it is now time to have students in a more active role with the functions of the non-profit organization.  Joining the Board are Katie Allen of Easton High School who is a Character Coach at Easton Elementary.  Seth Talley of North Dorchester High School who was the overall high school winner of last year’s Laws of Life Essay Contest and Sunyata Courie of North Caroline High School, also a winner of Laws of Life Contest in 2015 being awarded the top honor of a $2500 scholarship.  “We are thrilled to have these outstanding young people as contributing members on our Board of Trustees” states Susan Luby, Executive Director.  “It is vital to have their input as Character Counts moves forward especially with addressing the challenges young people are facing in today’s world.”

For more information about CCMS, visit their website at www.charactercountsmidshore.com.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Allegro Academy First Year Birthday Celebration

October 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Allegro Academy Artistic Director, Amy Morgan, and the Academy’s Board of Directors cordially invites all those who enjoy music to the Academy’s First Year Birthday Celebration on November 3, 2018.  The celebration will take place at Trinity Cathedral, 315 Goldsborough Street Easton, and feature music from the Academy’s students, instructors, and artists.  The performance will begin at 6:00 pm following a 5:30 pm happy hour.  Attendance is free, along with refreshments, and open to the public.

The First Year Birthday Celebration promises to be an enjoyable event for people of all ages.  The performance will showcase a variety of music and reflections by local musicians, provide a preview of the coming season’s concerts, programs, and classes in voice, piano, and string — including plans for another Summer Sing, an event this summer that attracted a volunteer choir of over 50 singers to a standing room only free performance of Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria.

For more information, please visit www.allegroacademyeaston.com or call 410-603-8361.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Delmarva Power Brings Together Groups Essential to Connecting Customers With Energy Assistance

October 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment

As part of its ongoing efforts to help customers access affordable energy service, Delmarva Power hosted two energy assistance summits for local organizations that work with customers who may struggle with their energy bills. The annual summits are an opportunity for Delmarva Power to share key updates on available assistance and introduce new programs that may be of interest to organizations that work in local communities.

“We are committed to ensuring all our customers have the ability to heat and cool their homes,” said Felecia Greer, director & customer advocate for Pepco Holdings, which includes Delmarva Power. “To help our customers access the many energy assistance resources we provide, it’s important we collaborate with local partners that work with the most vulnerable customers across our service area. It’s one of the best ways to get the right resources and assistance into the hands of those who need it most.”

Non-profit organizations, along with state and governmental agencies that assist residents across Delmarva Power’s service area, attend the summits, which have been held annually in Delaware and Maryland since 2005. The events also include presentations from guest speakers, who offer unique insights on available resources and how to connect residents with available assistance.

“The work that Delmarva Power has done within the community to help its customers stay on top of their energy needs has been remarkable,” said Thomas Vanlandingham, director of the Office of Home Energy Programs for SHORE UP! Inc., a non-profit community action partnership focused on helping people reach economic self-sufficiency. “These summits empower local organizations like ours with the tools and information we need to connect our clients with the right energy assistance and resources that help them manage their energy bills through the winter months.”

Felecia Greer, director & customer advocate for Pepco Holdings

One important resource that is available to those who may have difficulty paying their winter energy bills is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This federally-funded program offers up to $1,000 in grant support per customer, depending on a household’s income, size, and type of fuel, with no pay back required. Eligibility guidelines change annually, and these summits provide an excellent opportunity to review the newest regulations.

Delmarva Power also offers helpful payment options for customers such as Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period to help customers manage their monthly energy bills. The company also provides customers with tools and resources to manage energy more efficiently through My Account. My Account contains tools and detailed energy usage information that allow customers to track energy use, compare usage trends, and discover the results of energy-saving practices. Visit delmarva.com/waystosave to learn about these helpful tools and resources.

To find more ways to save money and energy, visit The Source, Delmarva Power’s online news room. Find additional information by visiting delmarva.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/delmarvapower and on Twitter at twitter.com/delmarvaconnect. Delmarva Power’s mobile app is available at www.delmarva.com/mobileapp.

About Delmarva Power: Delmarva Power, a public utility owned by Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), provides safe and reliable energy to more than 520,000 electric delivery customers in Delaware and Maryland and approximately 132,000 natural gas delivery customers in northern Delaware.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes

The Eastport Oyster Boys for Sultana’s Downrigging Weekend

October 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Celebrate the tall ships coming to Chestertown with a concert at the Garfield Center for the Arts. The theatre has once again partnered with Rock Hall’s home for live music, The Mainstay, to bring concert performances to Chestertown. The Eastport Oyster Boys of Annapolis plan to pack the Garfield for an 8pm concert on Saturday, October 27.

A troupe of Chesapeake Bay troubadours, the Oyster Boys use song, story and mirth to celebrate life here in the “land of pleasant living”. They have been acclaimed as the Musical Goodwill Ambassadors from the City of Annapolis, the Maritime Republic of Eastport and the Chesapeake.

The Washington Post writes; “If you’ve lost sight of why you live here, it’s time you heard The Eastport Oyster Boys. With tongues planted firmly in their cheeks, they write and sing songs about laid-back life on the Bay. They mix droll wit and a veritable cornucopia of musical styles – from Cuban jazz to Dixie swing to rockabilly to waltzes to calypso to country weepers to tangos….and they do it all with a joie de vivre that fuels good times like high octane gasoline.”

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Garfield Center box office, online at www.garfieldcenter.org or by calling 410-810-2060. The Garfield Center for the Arts is located at 210 High Street in Chestertown.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church Welcomes Pastor Ed Kuhling

October 17, 2018 by Leave a Comment

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Easton recently welcomed new pastor, Ed Kuhling and his wife Linda. Most recently, Pastor Kuhling served for 10 years at Grace United Methodist Church in Millsboro, DE. Prior to that, he served at Wesley United Methodist Church in Seaford, DE, Woodside United Methodist Church in Woodside, DE, and Hartly United Methodist Church in Hartly, DE.

Pastor Kuhling, who was born in California, moved to Delaware where he attended school. He worked at Burris Logistic as a computer operator and later began a career in the landscaping business. While he heard God’s call in his twenties, he didn’t act on it until 1994 when he was assigned his first church.  God revealed his plan for Pastor Kuhling’s life after the miraculous recovery of his son from a broken neck in 1993. It was then that Pastor Kuhling acted on the call and entered the ministry. He graduated from Wesley College in Dover, DE, with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Religion and then earned his master’s degree in Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC and was ordained in 2008. He authored a book, “YOU CAN Face Tomorrow” which was published in 2011.

In 2001, Pastor Kuhling had a Seminary Immersion experience in Nigeria which would change the course of his ministry, giving him a “healing ministry,” which he enjoys to this day. While living with a colony of Christians in the jungle setting of Nigeria, he contracted a severe case of malaria, even though he was given the necessary immunizations against it. As his wife Linda prepared for his funeral, a fellow minister prayed for his recovery and he survived.

“I feel that I was called here to St. Mark’s and that I was prepared by God to come here,” Pastor Kuhling comments. He hopes to teach about healing and spiritual warfare while in Easton and to get younger people involved in the church.”

Pastor Kuhling enjoys counselling, especially pre-marriage counseling for couples. He and his wife Linda, a Delaware native, have three grown children and six grandchildren. An outdoorsman, he plays tennis, kayaks, gardens and does photography.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Marc Castelli’s “Minding the Dogvane” Exhibit

October 17, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Marc Castelli’s “Minding the Dogvane” 25th Anniversary Exhibition, on view October 26 to December 1. There will be a Collector’s Preview on October 20-25, by appointment. The opening of the exhibition and reception will be on October 26, 5-7:30 pm.

During the Reception the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s newest Chesapeake Bay Log Canoe – Bufflehead – displayed in front of Massoniart/Evergrain.

Join us during the Sultana Education Foundation’s Downrigging 2018 Weekend. The Gallery will host an Open House on Saturday, October 27, 10-7 pm & Sunday, October 28, 11-3 pm.

Sultana Education Foundation/Downrigging Weekend 2018 – October 26-28. Now in its 18th year, Sultana’s Tall Ship and Wooden Boat Festival has evolved into one of the largest Tall Ship gatherings on the East Coast. MASSONIART is proud to feature the annual Castelli exhibition as an official partner event with the Sultana Education Foundation. For a list of festival activities: www.sultanaeducation.org

Chestertown First Friday Celebration – MASSONIART Reception – November 2, 5 -7:30 pm

For a complete list of activities in the Chestertown Arts & Entertainment District and Kent County visit: www.townofchestertown.com, www.kentcounty.com, www.downtownchestertown.org

For twenty-five years, Marc Castelli has been exhibiting his stunning watercolors of the workboats, watermen, historic log canoes and sporting events of the Chesapeake at the Carla Massoni Gallery in Chestertown, Maryland.  Minding the Dog Vane, his annual one-man exhibition opens on October 26 and continues through December 1.  Collectors and friends will have the opportunity to visit with Castelli on Friday, October 26th from 5-7:30 pm.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s newest Chesapeake Bay Log Canoe – Bufflehead – will be on loan and displayed in front of Massoniart/Evergrain. Bufflehead built by CBMM shipwrights, apprentices and volunteers is the first log canoe to be built since 1979.  Bufflehead is the subject of the 16th print in Castelli’s log canoe series.

Massoniart is proud to have been an event sponsor of the Sultana Education Foundation’s premier tall ship and wooden boat festival since its inception.  During the Downrigging Weekend, we sponsor an Open House on Saturday from 10-7 pm and Sunday from 11-3 pm.  But wait – there’s still more – plan to stay in the party mood through Chestertown’s First Friday Celebration on November 2, 5-7:30 pm and join us for Marc’s always entertaining Gallery Talk to share the narrative of this year’s collection of watercolors on Saturday, November 3, 12 noon.

Castelli is considered a master of his genre.  He is on the water over 100 days a year gathering material to paint. Forty years of crewing on racing sailboats, and over twenty years actively participating on workboats has enabled him to get past the spectator view that represents the majority of marine and regional art.

The potential for abstraction, still life, figurative, atmospherics and sharp focus vignette, may exist in all the subject areas he explores but for Marc it is the strongest when on the water. It is the light, as it moves on and in water and is then reflected back on the watermen and their boats, that pulls at him.  Wherever he trains his focus, from the Sultana to the simplest of skiffs, he brings to the viewer a deeper understanding of the magic of the Chesapeake.

This year his 25th Anniversary exhibit.  Minding the Dogvane features over forty new watercolor paintings with a full range of subjects – including skipjacks, log canoes, racing sailboats, workboats of all descriptions, watermen plying their trade in wild weather, horses and riders in competition, all guaranteed to delight both collectors and those new to his work.

For additional information please contact Carla Massoni at 410-778-7330 or visit www.massoniart.com.  To learn more about Sultana Downrigging Weekend visit www.sultanaeducation.org

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes
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