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June 12, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

1A Arts Lead

Avalon Spy Night Preview: Poet Meredith Davies Hadaway Reads “When Dreams Go Walking”

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Over the last few years, Meredith Davies Hadaway has increasingly been seen as the region’s foremost eco-poet as she draws on her time on the Eastern Shore and her love for the Chester River.

That is why Hadaway will be headlining the upcoming Spy Night at the Avalon on May 7th.  She will read from her new book, Among the Many Disappearing Things, a collection of poems that commemorate both the beauty and the fragility of Eastern Shore life and landscapes.

She will be joined by special guest, poet Deidra Greenleaf Allan.

Here is a sample of her work.

This video is approximately one minute in length. For tickets, please go here.

Spy Nights with Meredith Davies Hadaway
with Guest Deidra Greenleaf Allan
Stoltz Listening Room
Doors: 5:30pm / Event: 6:00pm
May 7, 2025

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

Studio B Check in: Betty Huang with Artist Diz Hormel

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Studio B Art Gallery is thrilled to announce its participation in the return of the First Friday Gallery Walk for 2025, featuring a special exhibition by acclaimed artist Diz Hormel. Join us on April 4, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to meet the artist and view her stunning collection of still life oil paintings.

Diz Hormel is an Eastern Shore-based artist known for her evocative oil paintings that capture a sense of serenity and timeless beauty. Specializing in still life, her work reflects a deep appreciation for the quiet elegance of organic forms and man-made objects. Classically trained under renowned artist Juliette Aristides, Diz’s paintings offer a gentle escape from the busyness of modern life.

To understand more, the Spy had plans to interview gallery owner Betty Huang and Diz Hormel at Studio B. That plan pivoted at the last moment due to a missing key and moved over to Bonheur Pie & Ice Cream for some good ice cream and a makeshift venue for taping. Thanks Bonheur!

Diz honed her skills through formal training, first studying metalsmithing at the Revere Academy and later at the Corcoran School of Art. Her interest in mastering traditional techniques led her to the Aristides Atelier, where she refined her methodical, layered approach to studio painting. Diz’s work is influenced by chiaroscuro lighting, thoughtful composition, and a meditative painting process that invites stillness and contemplation.

Diz is a board member of the Academy Art Museum in Easton, Maryland. She served as chair for their annual Craft Show for 4 years and is now the chair of the Education Committee.

A member of the Oil Painters of America, Working Artists Forum, and St. Michaels Art League, Diz has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 Best in Show award at Local Color Easton.

Guests attending the First Friday Gallery Walk will have the opportunity to meet Diz, view her latest works, and learn more about her artistic process. Her exhibit at Studio B Art Gallery will showcase a collection of still life paintings that highlight her masterful use of light, form, and composition.

This video is approximately four minutes in length.

For more information about Studio B Art Gallery, visit us online at www.studiobartgallery.com, on Facebook and Instagram @studiobartgallery, or contact Betty Huang at [email protected].

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

Love Your Kidneys: A Chat with Shore Health’s Dr. Anish Hinduja

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About 35.5 million U.S. adults are estimated to have kidney disease—that’s more than 1 in 7 (14%) — but most people have no symptoms until the disease very advanced. March is National Kidney Disease Awareness Month, the perfect time to shed light on this significant health threat. In this insightful interview, Dr. Anish Hinduja, Medical Director of UM Shore Medical Group – Nephrology and Vice President of the Medical Staff at UM Shore Regional Health, discusses the vital role of the kidneys in maintaining overall health.

Dr. Hinduja explains how these remarkable organs act as the body’s natural filtration system, removing waste, balancing fluids, and regulating blood pressure. He delves into the most common causes of kidney disease—diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular conditions—while emphasizing the importance of early detection through routine blood and urine tests.

Dr. Hinduja also sheds light on dialysis as a treatment option for kidney failure, detailing both in-clinic hemodialysis and at-home peritoneal dialysis. He discusses the ultimate goal of kidney transplantation, recent medical advancements, and the importance of patient education in managing kidney health. Throughout the conversation, he underscores the need for lifestyle changes, proper medication use, and dietary awareness to prevent kidney disease and improve long-term health outcomes.

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

Reporting the weather on the Eastern Shore for 75 years: Swaine family honored by National Weather Service

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The Spy was thrilled to note in the Delmarva Farmer the other day that the National Weather Service awarded the Sawaine family the prestigious Thomas Jefferson award for their remarkable reporting of Eastern Shore weather for the last 75 years.

Please read the full story here.

 

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

From & Fuller on voting

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It turns out our weekly commentators created their own newsletter recently based on popular demand.  Our online discussions in The Spy have been traveling well outside the Eastern Shore.  So, with encouragement from The Spy, the political whisperers now reach out in periodic podcasts and written commentary individually and together.  Of course, our weekly visits will continue.
On occasion, The Spy will share some of their comments. And this week, both wrote about voting and what was running through their minds. In the spirit of encouraging everyone to vote, here is what they had to say:
As election day approaches on Tuesday, November 5th, please take time to vote!

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

Seven Years Talking Purple: A Chat with Sheriff Joe Gamble on Talbot Goes Purple in 2024

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In 2017, Talbot County Sheriff Joe Gamble (left) and Tidewater Rotarian Lucie Hughes founded an untested substance abuse awareness campaign to engage the Talbot County community, particularly families, to be more informed about the danger of drugs.

​As Talbot Goes Purple enters its seventh year, the Spy spent some time last week talking to Sheriff Gamble about this important partnership with Talbot County Public Schools, Saints Peter & Paul School, and Mid-Shore Community Foundation. 

In our conversation, Joe makes a strong case that Talbot Goes Purple is making progress but also notes that our local battle to fight drug abuse will be a long one.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about Talbot Goes Purple, please click here. 

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

Having a Baby in the 21st Century with Shore Health’s Jessica Genrich and Stephanie Blades

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Like almost everything else in healthcare these days, the use of technology has dramatically changed the way in which one gives birth in 2024.  While the steadfast commitment to patient care has not altered since those good old days, the way in which hospitals like UM Shore Health System approach the birthing process is radically different.
From personalized labor and delivery care to advanced tools like remote fetal monitoring, Shore Health has built a unique team of doctors and nurses fully trained to handle even the most challenging deliveries.
Two members of that team, Shore Health’s Jess Genrich, director of Women and Children’s Services, and Stephanie Blades, the program’s clinical educator, have seen the transformation firsthand. With their combined 45 years of experience, they talked about those positive developments in childbirth for all in this special miracle of life in their interview with Spy last month.
This video is approximately eight minutes in length. For more information about UM Shore Regional Health’s women and children’s services please go here.

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

Town Manager Don Richardson and Town of Easton Part Ways

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Earlier this afternoon, the Mayor of Easton, Megan Cook, released a statement that long-serving Town Manager Don Richardson and the Town of Easton have mutually agreed to end Richardson’s employment with the municipality.

Her statement reads:

“After careful consideration and ongoing discussions, the Town of Easton and Town Manager Donald “Don” Richardson have come to the mutual agreement to part ways effective August 5, 2024.

Richardson began his career with the Town of Easton in 2007, serving as a Code Official where he was instrumental in the Town of Easton Building Department becoming the first accredited building department in the State of Maryland through the IAS (International Accreditation Service). Richardson was then appointed to Town Manager by Mayor Bob Willey in September of 2016 and was instrumental in overseeing the administration, operations, and budget of multiple departments to best serve the Town of Easton.

During his tenure, Richardson was involved as a leader on numerous major projects, including Mistletoe Hall Commerce and Business Park, Housing on the Hill, Rails to Trails, Easton Point Park, and Stream Restorations. Terms regarding the separation are still being considered by both parties.

This difficult decision was made with the best interest and long-term health of the Town of Easton in mind and the continued success and well-being of our employees and community as our top priority. Personally, I appreciate the work and support Don provided when I served on the Council and again during my transition to the role of Mayor.

Easton Police Chief Alan Lowery has agreed to step in and take on the role of Interim Town Manager until we are able to hire for that position. I want to thank him for taking on this additional responsibility. Our focus is to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the excellent services we provide to our community.

I’m so proud of our team and all the work we do on behalf of our citizens. I want to continue to build on the great services and offerings for this community — making our town a leader on the Shore, and in the State. As we navigate this transition, I ask for your ongoing patience and understanding. This is a challenging time for all of us, and your support is crucial in moving forward effectively.”

Megan Cook
Mayor of Easton

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

Let’s Talk About It: Helping Our Vets and their Families with PTSD with Beth Anne Dorman

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The Spy continues our special series on Mid-Shore mental health this month with For All Seasons CEO Beth Anne Dorman discussing the unique challenge of helping Mid-Shore military veterans and their families with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

As young men and women return from war zones to assume civilian life again, a growing number of those individuals suffer daily from the consequences of PTSD. Mostly undiagnosed, this condition results far too often in depression, drug and alcohol addiction, domestic abuse, and severe and lasting mental health impacts on an entire family.

In our interview, Beth Anne talks about this major health crisis and what For All Seasons is doing to reach these families for treatment and ongoing support.

This video is approximately six minutes in length. For more information about For All Seasons please go here.

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

The American Male Health Crisis: A Chat with UM Shore Health’s Dr. Chris Runz

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Dr. Chris Runz, a urologic surgeon at the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, recently spoke with the Spy about the alarming decline in American men’s health. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Runz emphasized that men’s health is a broad term covering various issues, including blood vessel health, access to primary care, and the impact of metabolic syndrome on their quality of life and longevity.

Dr. Runz highlighted the importance of early screening and prevention, noting that many men delay primary care visits until their 30s or later. He stressed the significance of maintaining healthy blood vessels to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and erectile dysfunction, which can be early indicators of cardiovascular issues.

In our interview, he also covered metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes, which significantly affect men’s health. Dr. Runz emphasized the need for awareness and proactive healthcare, urging men to get regular check-ups and address health issues early. He concluded by advocating for increased awareness during Men’s Health Month in June, encouraging men to prioritize their health and well-being.

This video is approximately 12 minutes in length. For more information about UM Shore Health’s men’s health programs, please click here.

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