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December 11, 2023

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

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A New Leader at Chesapeake College’s Cambridge Center: A Chat with Lorelly Solano

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The last time the Spy chatted with Lorelly Solano a few years ago, she had just begun her work at the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center. And her focus in 2019 was to help the organization train interpreters to help offer bilingual services on the Mid-Shore to various businesses and nonprofit institutions. 

One of the schools that Lorelly worked closely with at the time was Chesapeake College, so it was not a surprise to find her almost five years later working with that institution as the new director of its Cambridge Center. As the Mid-Shore continues to grow with a diversity of cultures and languages, Dr. Solano was immediately attracted to the challenge and opportunity of making the Cambridge campus a regional leader in adult education for high school equivalency, English language acquisition for immigrants, and non-credit courses like skilled trades.

In her new role, Solano has made it a goal to mirror the community’s diversity within the Center, ensuring that when people visit, they see themselves represented.  

Last month the Spy came by the Cambridge Center to learn more about Dr. Lorelly’s plans.

This video is approximately six minutes in length. For more information about Chesapeake College and its Cambridge Center, please go here.

 

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

Centreville Town Council Candidate Profiles

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For many years now, the Spy has been interviewing candidates for local elections using the long-form format to discuss their motivation for running and their priorities without an artificial time limit for their answers. Giving those running for office quality time to explain a position or advocate a cause is the most effective way for citizens to fully understand the most critical issues at stake.

And we are pleased to keep this tradition alive and well at the Centerville Spy.

On October 2, Centreville will go to the polls to elect two Town Council members. Those running for those seats are incumbents Ashley Kaiser and Steve Kline, and Jeff Kiel, a former member of the council.

The Spy interviewed each over the last two weeks to share their thoughts about Centreville and its future.

These videos range in length from eight to twelve minutes.

Ashley Kaiser

Steve Kline

Jeff Kiel

 

 

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

Poet to Poet: Meredith Davies Hadaway Chats with Sue Ellen Thompson

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Editor”s Note. Next week, the Spy will launch an experiment with our partner the Avalon Foundation to use their brilliant Stoltz Listening Room for poetry readings called Spy Nights. On Wednesday, the 27th at 6 pm sharp, the Eastern Shore’s most distinguished poet, Sue Ellen Thompson, will take the stage for a reading from her new book, Sea Nettles.

There are a few notable things to be said about this event. The first time, to my knowledge, the Avalon has ever made a poet a “headliner” in the most complimentary sense of the word. It will also be the Spy’s first effort to move beyond its internet comfort zone to co-sponsor public readings by some of our most remarkable contributors. And finally, this kind of celebration is way overdue to pay tribute to the extraordinary work of Sue Ellen Thompson.

While it’s understandable that the Mid-Shore community, like the United States itself, doesn’t track the poetry world as closely as it does music, Thompson is considered a rock star of sorts. It is almost the equivalent of having someone like jazz pianist Brad Mehldau living in the hood. In this case, that hood happens to be Oxford, Maryland.

Given the breadth of Sue Ellen’s work over a lifetime and her observations of the dramatic change in poetry since she began her journey at Middlebury College in the 1960s, the Spy thought it best to ask Chestertown’s Meredith Davies Hadaway, her friend, and fellow poet, to spend a few minutes talking to Sue Ellen, poet-to-poet, for the community to get a better sense of her work and times.

This video is approximately nine minutes in length. For Tickets please go here. 

Meredith Davies Hadaway will also be taking to the Avalon stage with fellow poets Erin Murphy and Amanda Newell as Word Girls on November 15. For tickets and more information please go here. 

SPY NIGHTS: A WRITERS SERIES
SUE ELLEN THOMPSON
Stoltz Listening Room
Doors: 5:30pm / Talk: 6:00pm
WED 9/27 6:00PM

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

Spy Exit Interview: Londonderry’s Irma Toce is Leaving the Building

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Having a title like chief executive officer is an appropriate one for the individual tasked with running a multi-million dollar budget as well as overseeing a vast physical campus but Irma Toce never sees her job through the lens of a traditional business leader. Her decades of experience in leading residential retirement communities had told her well before she took on the CEO role at Londonderry at Tred Avon in 2014 that her job was building a unique sense of place there.

For Irma, that rebuilding started with the staff. With morale suffering from the impact of the 2008 recession and high occupancy rates, that sense of place (and purpose) was the missing ingredient. In fact, she still recalls visiting Londonderry during the interview process and was bewildered that such a beautiful place with such wonder residents was having any problems at all.

And that personal mission has been very much in evidence at Londonderry for almost ten years. With full occupancy, healthy financials, and a culture of authentic community, Irma not only helped steady the ship but clearly had a great time doing it.

The Spy continues with our ongoing series of exit interviews with some of the Mid-Shore’s most talented individuals as they come to the close of long-term impactful leaders of our leading community organizations and businesses, of which Irma is at the top of the list.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about Londonderry on the Tred Avon please go here.

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

Preparing for 16th Chesapeake Film Festival with Sandy Cannon-Brown

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Over the course of her career, Sandy Cannon-Brown has been known for a quite a few achievements. Perhaps the most notable locally is her ongoing collaboration with conservation writer Tom Horton and photographer David Harp in the production of a number of award-winning environmental documentaries on the Chesapeake Bay as well as her work ase associate director for the Center for Environmental Filmmaking at American University.

But Sandy has also played a leadership role with the Chesapeake Film Festival for many years as its long-serving Vice President and in that capacity, the Spy sat down with her via Zoom to hear about the CFF schedule this year, including her latest documentary with David Harp entitled A Passion for Oysters.

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.

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

Spy Nights at the Stoltz Opens with Writer Sue Ellen Thompson

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In an exciting arts partnership this fall, the Avalon Foundation will be collaborating with the Talbot Spy to present three evocative evenings spotlighting some of the very best regional poets and writers at the Stoltz Listening Room in downtown Easton.

Sue Ellen Thompson

Set to debut on September 27 with the nationally recognized and locally admired poet, Sue Ellen Thompson, whose work has been featured on National Public Radio and has won the praise of such luminaries as Poet Laureate Ted Kooser, will be reading from her sixth collection of work, SEA NETTLES: NEW & SELECTED POEMS, which will be released next month.

The series continues on November 1 with Neil King Jr., formerly of Wall Street Journal. In his latest book, “American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal”, King, who lives part-time in Claiborne, chronicles his introspective 330-mile journey from Washington, D.C. to New York City, serving as a reflective lens into America’s tapestry.

Neil King Jr.

Rounding out the program on November 15 is the collective brilliance of the “Word Girls”. Three gifted poets Meredith Davies Hadaway, Erin Murphy, and Amanda Newell,with strong local ties to Chestertown, Gunston School, and Washington College, are set to captivate audiences with verses that span environmental, societal, and deeply personal themes.

Al Bond, president of the Avalon Foundation, remarked, “This collaboration with Spy is great for our mission. We’re delighted to help put the spotlight on poetry and writing in the same way we’ve done with  music, theater, and film.”

Word Girls Meredith Davies Hadaway, Erin Murphy, and Amanda Newell

Echoing this sentiment, Dave Wheelan, executive editor of the Spy, said, “Our partnership with Avalon gives us a wonderful opportunity to share with our community some of the very best writers the Spy has come to know and admire over the years. And we’re so pleased to have this take place in the Stoltz Room. What a perfect place to hear beautiful voices in such a comfortable venue.”

Tickets are priced at $25 per person, with readings commencing at 6 pm. Every dollar raised supports the Avalon Foundation and the Talbot Spy’s mission to promote art programming and coverage.
Date & Time: September 27, November 1, and November 15; All readings begin at 6 pm.
Venue: Stoltz Listening Room
Organized by: The Avalon Foundation & Talbot Spy
Ticket Price: $25/person
Cash bar

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

County Council Considers “Time Out” for Cannabis Processing

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The Talbot County Council discussed a temporary pause on processing cannabis-related applications last night to ensure public safety during the implementation of the Maryland Cannabis Reform Act. The pause would allow the county to create proper zoning requirements and regulations to protect public health.

The Maryland Cannabis Reform Act, effective July 1, gives local governments the power to regulate adult-use cannabis. However, the county currently lacks specific regulations for non-medical cannabis. To address this, the proposed pause would provide time to establish appropriate rules that align with the state’s legislation.

The council believes that a coordinated effort is necessary among counties to implement cannabis legalization safely. Some municipalities within the county are also considering similar pauses, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach.

However, some council members question the need for a nine-month pause, suggesting that previous legislative and zoning issues were resolved more quickly. They argue that there is sufficient time to establish regulations without a pause, as licenses for consumption facilities won’t be issued until the following year.

The resolution, if approved, would temporarily halt the processing of cannabis-related applications. This would give the county an opportunity to develop proper zoning and regulations to ensure public health and safety.

As the council continues its discussions, the community awaits the decision. The proposed pause demonstrates the council’s commitment to responsible governance and a careful approach to cannabis legalization.

In the coming weeks, the council will finalize its decision, shaping the county’s approach to the cannabis industry and ensuring a safe and responsible framework.

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

38 Years and Counting: Chesapeake Music Director Don Buxton Sets the Stage for 2023 Season

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In the Spy’s recent interview with Chesapeake Music’s long-tenured executive director, Don Buxton, the veteran mastermind behind one the most prestigious  classical music events in the Mid-Atlantic region revealed exciting details about the upcoming 2023 season, promising a feast for the senses and a celebration of musical artistry.

With an infectious enthusiasm, Buxton shared his appreciation for the exceptional talents of the performers,  marveling at their ability to captivate audiences through their appearances on public television broadcasts, live performances at prestigious venues like Lincoln Center, and their extensive discographies. These musicians, according to Buxton, transcend the label of “world class” and embody something more profound — a level of artistry that makes them household names.

Chesapeake Music’s 2023 season is set to kick off in grand style during the first two weeks of June. Buxton has invited the public to witness the behind-the-scenes magic during free open rehearsals on June 8th and the following Wednesday. These unique opportunities offer an inside look at how these remarkable performances are meticulously crafted, showcasing the power of subtle adjustments that transform musical pieces.

This year’s festival also welcomes rising stars such as violinist Randall Goosby, whose performance earlier this year left audiences spellbound. The festival is further invigorated by the presence of the vibrant Terrorist String Quartet, finalists of a prestigious competition, who infuse the event with their infectious energy.

Buxton spoke about Chesapeake Music’s commitment to cultivating a new generation of classical music enthusiasts. The organization offers free student tickets, extending the invitation to accompanying parents and teachers. Additionally, new patron deals entice first-time attendees to experience the transformative power of live performances, creating lasting connections and cultivating an ever-growing audience.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information and ticket sales please go here.

Chesapeake Music holds its 38th annual Chesapeake Chamber Music Festival for two weekends, June 9-11 and June 15-17, at the Ebenezer Theater in downtown Easton. The program of six remarkable and diverse concerts promises to delight, surprise, and engage you. The festival opening extravaganza features works by Mozart, Wiancko, and Brahms, followed by a light reception following the concert.

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

Meet Easton’s New Mayor: Megan Cook Has Plurality of Votes

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In a historic election for the Town of Easton, Megan Cook has been elected as the town’s first woman mayor. Cook’s victory was a decisive one, as she earned 1,068 votes in person, beating out incumbent Mayor Robert Willey and current Ward 1 Councilman Al Silverstein.

As the current Easton Town Council President, Cook brings years of experience and leadership to the position of mayor. Her victory is a testament to the town’s desire for change and progress.

Cook’s election is a significant milestone for women in politics, especially in a town where women have historically been underrepresented in elected positions. With her victory, Cook has shattered the glass ceiling and paved the way for future generations of women to follow in her footsteps.

But Cook’s victory is not just about gender representation. It is also a testament to her vision for the town and her ability to rally support behind her campaign. Throughout her campaign, Cook emphasized the need for greater community involvement, economic growth, and infrastructure development.

By engaging with voters and making her vision clear, Cook was able to inspire voters to turn out in record numbers on election day. A steady stream of voters kept the polls busy throughout the day, with more than 2,200 town residents stopping by the Easton Volunteer Fire Department to cast their ballots.

Despite Cook’s decisive victory, the election was not without its share of drama. As of Wednesday afternoon, 226 absentee ballots remained to be counted, making the Ward 1 and Ward 3 seats too close to call.

In Ward 1, Frank Gunsallus holds a narrow 11-vote lead over Maureen Curry, while in Ward 3, David Montgomery has a larger lead over incumbent Ward 3 Councilman Ron Engle.

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

St. Michaels Library Expansion a Community Affair: A Chat with Dana Newman

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Talbot County Free Library Director Dana Newman recently shared plans to expand and renovate the St. Michaels branch, emphasizing the importance of community input in the design process.

The expansion plan was initially conceived 10 years ago, but factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, delayed the project. Now, with funding from the state and county, the design process is beginning. Local architecture firm, Davis, Bowen and Friedel, has been selected to oversee the project.

Newman invites the St. Michaels and Bay Hundred communities to attend a community input session on May 4th at the library. The architects will present initial designs and gather feedback from residents on their preferences for the library’s future.

The library’s limited lot size allows for a 3,700 square feet addition, necessitating renovations to the interior as well. Planned improvements include quiet study spaces, expanded teen and children’s areas, a small cafe, and increased reading areas.

Newman hopes that the community will come out in force on May 4th at 6 pm to share their ideas and ensure that the library’s expansion will cater to the community’s evolving needs.

This video is approximately four minutes in length.For more information about the Talbot County Free Library please go here.

 

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