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May 17, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

Health Health Notes

Festival of Trees kicks off the holiday season

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Presented by Friends of Hospice, the 39th annual Festival of Trees is set to bedazzle this holiday season. The fundraiser raises critical funds for Talbot Hospice.

Preview Gala
The Preview Gala will again be a formal affair on Friday, November 29 with the kickoff of the Festival of Trees. From 6 to 8 p.m., guests will have the first opportunity to view 100 exquisitely trimmed trees of varying sizes. Tickets to the Preview Gala are available in advance only for $125 per person or $200 per couple. While the larger trees are sponsored in advance, Preview Gala guests get the first opportunity to purchase the smaller trees, from 12 inches to three feet, in varying price ranges. Guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails in the Gold Ballroom at The Tidewater Inn while listening to piano tunes from the talented Joan Dent. An on-time arrival to the Gala is essential so guests won’t miss out on a beautiful surprise.

Festival of Trees
The Gold Ballroom opens to the public from Saturday, November 30 through December 3. A big highlight for many in the community are the beautifully decorated trees at the Tidewater Inn. As always, local performers will be cycling throughout the event to provide beautiful music and singing.

Keepsake Luminaries
New this year is the debut of one-of-a-kind, keepsake luminaries in honor of a loved one. Designed and created by Pat and Eric Harvey, a limited number of the metal luminaries will be sold online, then displayed in the Gold Ballroom. At the conclusion of the Festival of Trees, the luminaries will be available for pickup in time to enjoy for the holiday season.

Carols by Candlelight
Returning for the fifth year, Carols by Candlelight is a magical holiday event, free for all families on Saturday, November 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. Sing along with choral groups, bell ringers, and musicians while enjoying hot cocoa and holiday treats. Santa will be located on the grounds of The Bullitt House at the corner of Washington and Dover streets in downtown Easton. Other visitors include The Grinch, Elsa, and Buddy the Elf.

Fine Jewelry Raffle
This year, the Festival of Trees introduces a Fine Jewelry Raffle, courtesy of Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry, of Easton. Thanks to this generosity, a beautiful pair of satin ball earrings and a 14k yellow gold, ¼ carat diamond bezel necklace will be offered in the raffle to benefit Talbot Hospice. One raffle ticket costs $25 and is available online at www.festival-of-trees.org. and at Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry, located at 27 South Harrison Street. The raffle will be drawn at 5:30 p.m. on December 3 at the conclusion of Festival of Trees.

Santa’s Workshop
Santa’s Workshop returns on Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Tidewater Inn’s Ballroom Garden. Children will rotate through stations after being greeted by Santa and posing for a photograph. Children will enjoy writing a letter to Santa, craft stations, entertaining games, lively music, and a SELFie Station with fun props for photo opportunities. Santa’s workshop is free with admittance to the Festival of Trees.

Santa 5K Fun Run/Walk
Encouraged to dress with the holiday spirit in mind, participants will hit the pavement on Saturday, November 30 at 9 a.m. at the Santa 5K Fun Run/Walk. There will be on-site registration starting at 8 a.m. at Idlewild Park in Easton and advance sign-ups will be available at festival-of-trees.org.

Poinsettia Tree
As Christmas is a season for remembering, friends and family remember their loved ones in a very special way by purchasing a poinsettia. The name of someone dear is placed on a Memory Scroll next to a stunning 12-foot poinsettia “tree” during the Festival of Trees in the Gold Ballroom at The Tidewater Inn from November 30 through December 3.

Friends of Hospice was formed in 1984 and began hosting the Festival of Trees in 1986 to raise money for the Talbot Hospice Foundation. To date, close to $4 million has been raised by the Festival of Trees to assist with Talbot Hospice’s operating budget.

As a celebration of life for those who have received Hospice care during the past year, the continued success of Festival of Trees is made possible by the generous financial contributions from local individuals and various businesses. To get involved in any capacity, or to inquire about a sponsorship, contact Festival of Trees Co-Chairmen Karla Wieland-Cherry at [email protected] or 410-310-8421 and Denise Haddaway at 443-995-4431 or [email protected].

Talbot Hospice provides compassionate care, comfort and support for patients and their families and caregivers wherever they call home. Talbot Hospice serves patients facing life-limiting illnesses through hospice and palliative care, as well as its pathways and bereavement programs. Services are available to patients and caregivers regardless of ability to pay. Learn more at www.talbothospice.org.

Events
Festival of Trees is comprised of the following events in Easton:
Preview Gala • November 29 • Tidewater Inn’s Gold Room • 6 p.m.
Festival of Trees • November 30-December 3 • Tidewater Inn’s Gold Room • Hours vary
Carols by Candlelight • November 30 • Harrison Street • 5-7 p.m.
Santa’s 5K Fun Run • November 30 • Idlewild Park • 9 a.m.
Santa’s Workshop • November 30-December 1 • Tidewater Inn’s Ballroom Garden • 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

Talbot Hospice Receives 2024 Hospice CAHPS Honors Award

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Talbot Hospice has been named a 2024 Hospice CAHPS (Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) Honors Award recipient by HEALTHCAREfirst, a leading provider of CAHPS and bereavement survey programs for home health and hospice agencies. This prestigious annual review recognizes agencies that continuously go above and beyond in providing high-quality care for patients and compassionate caregiver experiences. It acknowledges the highest performing agencies by analyzing the performance of the Hospice CAHPS survey satisfaction and quality, as measured from the caregiver’s point of view. 

“We are incredibly grateful to receive the Hospice Honors Award, which is a testament to the exceptional care and compassion our team provides daily,” said Executive Director Molly Kirsch. “This recognition, based on the satisfaction of the families we serve, underscores our commitment to delivering the highest quality of care.  Our dedicated staff’s unwavering support and care make this achievement possible.”

Under the CAHPS program, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality AHRQ funds, under the US Department of Health and Human Services, oversees and works closely with a consortium of research organizations to conduct research on patient experience and develop surveys that ask consumers and patients to report on and evaluate their experiences with health plans, providers, and healthcare facilities. The CAHPS program also investigates and shares strategies for improving the reliability and validity of survey results, reporting survey results to interested audiences, and using the results to improve patients’ experiences with care.

About Talbot Hospice

Talbot Hospice provides compassionate care, comfort, and support for patients, their families, and their caregivers wherever they call home. It serves patients facing life-limiting illnesses through hospice and palliative care services and grief support programs. Services are available to patients and caregivers regardless of their ability to pay. Learn more at www.talbothospice.org. 

 

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Molly Kirsch Named New Talbot Hospice Executive Director

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Talbot Hospice proudly announces Molly Kirsch, BSN, RN as its new Executive Director. While this is a new role for Kirsch, she has more than a decade of leadership experience at Talbot Hospice, most recently serving as the organization’s Clinical & Operations Director where she helped shape a values-centric organizational culture built on compassion, accountability, respect and teamwork.

Kirsch assumes the top leadership position following the retirement of Chris Chekouras, who served in the role from 2020 – 2023. Over the past several months, Kirsch and Chekouras have worked closely together to ensure a seamless transition.

“It has been a privilege to serve Talbot Hospice and our community these last three years, and I cannot think of a better and more capable leader than Molly Kirsch to lead and shepherd our organization well into the future,” said outgoing Executive Director, Chris Chekouras.

“I am honored to continue my service to Talbot Hospice,” said Kirsch. “I was blessed to have Chris as a mentor, and I look forward to building on our mission and developing the talent we have to expand our reach in the community. We are fortunate to be supported by an active and engaged Board of Directors, dedicated volunteers and a philanthropic community that appreciates the need to make our services available to everyone wherever they call home, regardless of their financial circumstances.”

When asked about her goals, Kirsch pointed to increasing awareness of the full range of programs and services offered by Talbot Hospice – programs which would not be possible without the dedicated volunteers and generous donors that are paramount to implementing every aspect of Talbot Hospice’s mission.

“I want to learn from the community what they need from us and ensure that we are known not just for hospice care, but for the other care we provide, especially palliative care and our grief support programs.  Talbot Hospice isn’t about dying, it’s about living the life you want to live.”

Kirsch joined Talbot Hospice in 2010, first serving as the Director of the Eleanor A. Koons Hospice House where she was responsible for operational oversight and was then promoted to the Clinical & Operations Director overseeing hospice, palliative care, bereavement and volunteer services for in-home and residential patients. Before relocating to the Eastern Shore from upstate New York, she was the Lead Admissions RN and Liaison for Hospice Buffalo and a RN in the Intensive Care Unit at South Buffalo Mercy Hospital. Kirsch received her Bachelor of Nursing in 2022 from the University of Rochester and has continued her professional development.

Kirsch is active in the local professional community and is a member of the Shore Health System Hospice Consortium, Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland and Alliance Kids.  Kirsch is also a graduate of Shore Leadership. She lives in Easton with her husband, Sean, and two sons, Finn and Logan.

 

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

Talbot Hospice Fall Gala Returns this September

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After a five-year hiatus, the Talbot Hospice Fall Gala will return on Saturday, September 23rd at the Historic Wye House in Easton. The 2023 event is chaired by Robert and Maureen Fogarty.

“All of us at Talbot Hospice are excited to bring back the Fall Gala,” said Mia Cranford, Director of Development. “Our gala brings together local leaders, dedicated supporters, and compassionate individuals who are committed to making hospice, palliative care, and grief support services available to our community.”

“We are so grateful to Richard and Beverly Tilghman for opening the doors of Wye House to Talbot Hospice,” Cranford continued. “With its rich history and breathtaking architecture, Wye House is the perfect backdrop for an evening dedicated to raising awareness and funds.  These services include support for anyone in our community with a serious illness, regardless of anyone’s ability to pay.  We walk alongside our community members, supporting care on their terms, whether palliative care, hospice care, or grief support.  We are here to help.

The Fall Gala will be a memorable night featuring an elegant cocktail reception, a sumptuous dinner prepared by Blue Heron Catering, live music by Bird Dog Wheeler and the Road Kings, and an array of exclusive live auction items. Every dollar raised will be dedicated to expanding and enriching Talbot Hospice’s essential services. These services including medical care, spiritual and emotional support, and grief counseling, are offered to patients and families regardless of their financial circumstances.

Fall Gala sponsors are welcome, and interested individuals and businesses should contact Jennifer McPeake at [email protected] or 410-822-6681 x136.

Tickets are $125/person for young professionals, and $200 for adults 36 and older. Tickets may be purchased online at talbothospice.org.

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

FOH Makes Record-Breaking Donation to Talbot Hospice

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The Friends of Hospice recently donated $169,000 to Talbot Hospice from Winter Festival, its series of fall fundraisers that included Pump It Up for Hospice, Santa 5K Fun Run, 37th Annual Festival of Trees, Carols by Candlelight, and Holiday House Tour. Since its creation in 1986, Friends of Hospice has raised more than $3 million for Talbot Hospice.

The donation, the largest ever raised by the annual events, was made possible by the passionate group of volunteers, said Friends of Hospice (FOH) chairman John Horner. As committee members gathered for a group photo, John wanted “to enjoy this wonderful moment of support for Talbot Hospice as a group. This wonderful donation happened because of you.”

John Horner (left), board vice president of the Friends of Hospice, Brenda Forbes-Butler, board president of FOH, Mia Cranford, Talbot Hospice Director of Development, and Christopher A. Chekouras, Executive Director of Talbot Hospice.

John took a moment to thank the volunteers attending the check presentation ceremony and exclaimed how it was “an amazing journey to work on five special events with the group who made it all possible.”

Work is already under way to organize for the events in 2023. Anyone interested in working on a committee or serving as a chairman may contact Karla Wieland-Cherry, Festival of Trees chairman, at [email protected]. For more information about Talbot Hospice, visit www.talbothospice.org.

Talbot Hospice provides compassionate care, comfort and support for patients and their families and caregivers wherever they call home. Talbot Hospice serves patients facing life-limiting illnesses through hospice and palliative care, as well as its Pathways and bereavement programs. Services are available to patients and caregivers regardless of ability to pay. The mission of the Friends of Hospice, a nonprofit volunteer organization, is to raise funds for the Talbot Hospice Foundation through the annual Festival of Trees and related events.

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

Talbot Hospice Memorial Walk Returns to Oxford Day

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The Talbot Hospice Memorial Walk will return to Oxford this Spring as part of the annual Oxford Day tradition on Saturday, April 22nd, at 1:00pm.

“We are so excited that the Memorial Walk is returning to Oxford Day,” said Mia Cranford, Director of Development. “The entire community is invited to join us to celebrate the lasting memories of their loved ones while raising funds to ensure that our programs and services are readily available to everyone in Talbot County.”

Participants may register as individuals or as part of a team, and everyone will have the option of launching their own crowd-funding campaign to reach their fundraising goals for Talbot Hospice.

The Talbot Hospice Memorial Walk will return to Oxford this Spring as part of the annual Oxford Day tradition on Saturday, April 22nd, at 1:00pm.

In addition to the group walk in Oxford, a virtual walk will also be available. Originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the virtual walk has continued by popular demand to allow out-of-town family and friends to participate. It also provides another way to enjoy the walk for those who would prefer solitude or their favorite reflecting space.

Check-in for the in-person walk will begin at 12:30pm. Participants are encouraged to park at the Oxford Community Center and then walk or ride the shuttle to Bachelor’sPoint for the start of the walk, which will begin promptly at 1:00pm with opening ceremonies and the beloved dove release.

Participants may either walk with the group from Bachelor’s point back to the Oxford Community Center, or continue on to enjoy the Oxford Community Park before returning to the Community Center for music, food and celebration.

2023 Talbot Hospice Memorial Walk sponsors include: Blue Point Hospitality, Spurry Tire and Auto and Bay Imprint.

Additional sponsors are welcome, and interested individuals and businesses should contact Mia Cranford, Development Director, at [email protected].

Registration is $45/adults and Children 12 and free. To register for the walk, please visit www.talbotshopice.org.

About Talbot Hospice

Talbot Hospice provides compassionate care, comfort and support for patients and their families and caregivers wherever they call home. Talbot Hospice serves patients facing life-limiting illnesses through Hospice and Palliative Care as well as its Pathways and Bereavement programs. Services are available to patients and caregivers regardless of ability to pay. Learn more at www.talbothospice.org.

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

Winter Festival Makes a Record-Breaking Donation to Talbot Hospice

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Winter Festival’s series of fundraising events, through a collaboration of Friends of Hospice and Talbot Hospice, raised a record-breaking amount in support of patients and families.

Winter Festival, with its marquee event 37th annual Festival of Trees, also included Pump It Up for Hospice, Santa 5K Fun Run, Carols by Candlelight, and Holiday House Tours that raised a collective amount of $169,000. Since its creation in 1986, Friends of Hospice has raised more than $3 million for Talbot Hospice.

The donation, the largest ever raised by the annual events, was made possible by this passionate group of volunteers, said Winter Festival co-chairman and Friends of Hospice Board member John Horner. As committee members gathered for a group photo, John wanted “to enjoy this wonderful moment of support for Talbot Hospice as a group. This wonderful donation happened because of you.”

John Horner (left), Winter Festival co-chairman and Friends of Hospice Board member, Brenda Forbes-Butler, board president of Friends of Hospice, Mia Cranford, festival co-chairman and Talbot Hospice Director of Development, and Christopher A. Chekouras, Executive Director of Talbot Hospice, are thrilled with the fundraising efforts of Winter Festival.

John took a moment to thank the volunteers attending the check presentation ceremony and exclaimed how it was “an amazing journey to work on five special events with the group who made it all possible.”

Work is already underway to organize for the events in 2023. Anyone interested in working on a committee or serving as a chairman may contact Karla Wieland-Cherry, Festival of Trees chairman, at [email protected]. For more information about Talbot Hospice, visit www.talbothospice.org.

Talbot Hospice provides compassionate care, comfort and support for patients and their families and caregivers wherever they call home. Talbot Hospice serves patients facing life-limiting illnesses through hospice and palliative care, as well as its Pathways and bereavement programs. Services are available to patients and caregivers regardless of ability to pay. The mission of the Friends of Hospice, a nonprofit volunteer organization, is to raise funds for the Talbot Hospice Foundation through the annual Festival of Trees and related events.

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

Talbot Hospice to Host Best Girlfriends Weekend

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Talbot Hospice will host its first-ever Best Girlfriend’s Weekend at the Wylder Hotel on Tilghman Island over the weekend of March 17 – 19, 2023.

“We are excited to offer women in our community a weekend to relax and recharge with friends new and old,” said Mia Cranford, Talbot Hospice Director of Development. “The waterfront Wylder Hotel is the perfect setting to take a break from the day-to-day hustle and embrace opportunities for self-care and fun all while supporting the work of Talbot Hospice.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from personal and professional coaches, participate in meditation and relaxation classes, treat themselves to massage and spa treatments, experience cooking and cocktail classes, enjoy meals prepared by the Wylder Hotel’s culinary team, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery with friends.

Talbot Hospice will host its first-ever Best Girlfriend’s Weekend at the Wylder Hotel on Tilghman Island over the weekend of March 17 – 19, 2023. Photo courtesy of the Wylder Hotel.

Confirmed presenters to date include Carrie-Ann Barrow, professional coach and author of The Queen’s Decree, Sarah Danenmann, Relaxation and Meditation Leader, Chris Mitchell, Wylder Hotel’s Executive Chef, and Allison Prell, author of Good Night and Good Luck. More experiences will be added to the schedule. For the most up-to-date information, visit https://talbothospice.org/events/best-girlfriends-weekend/.

Proceeds from the event will support Talbot Hospice’s hospice, palliative care and bereavement programs on the Mid-Shore and ensure that these services are available to all, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Sponsors of the Best Girlfriends Weekend include O’Donnell Vein & Laser, Construction Services and Supply, Inc. and Scaling Strategies, LLC.

To register and learn more about the event or becoming a sponsor, visit https://talbothospice.org/events/best-girlfriends-weekend/, or contact Mia Cranford, Director of Development at [email protected].

About Talbot Hospice

Talbot Hospice provides compassionate care, comfort and support for patients and their families and caregivers wherever they call home. Talbot Hospice serves patients facing life-limiting illnesses through hospice and palliative care, as well as its pathways and bereavement programs. Services are available to patients and caregivers regardless of ability to pay. Learn more at www.talbothospice.org.

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

Talbot Kids Grief Camp Returns in August

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Talbot Hospice is pleased to announce the return of its Talbot Kids Grief Camp on Saturday, August 14th at Evergreen Cove.

Talbot Hospice is pleased to announce the return of its Talbot Kids Grief Camp in August after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

“Grief Camp is an important component of our bereavement support for children,” said Chris Chekouras, Talbot Hospice Executive Director. “Children grieve differently than adults. At Grief Camp, we create a safe and supportive environment where children can express themselves through play and peer support, build self-esteem and learn practical, life-long skills to handle difficult experiences.”

Grief Camp will be hosted at Evergreen Cove in Easton and will begin with a orientation for parents and campers on Friday evening, August 12th and a kids-only day camp on Saturday, August 13th. The camp is led by Talbot Hospice’s Bereavement Team of professional grief counselors and specially-trained volunteers.

Talbot Kids Grief Camp is open to any youth ages 6-17 on the Mid-Shore who has experienced the death of a loved one, regardless of whether they received services from Talbot Hospice. The Grief Camp program is designed to meet the unique needs of grieiving children and includes team oriented games and activities, participation in small groups, therapeutic arts and crafts, opportunities to meet other kids who know what its like to lose someone special, and connections with professional grief counselors.

The program is offered free of charge through Talbot Hospice and its generous donors.

To learn more and to register, please visit www.talbothospice.org/events or contact Talbot Hospice’s bereavement team at410-822-668.

About Talbot Hospice

Talbot Hospice provides compassionate care, comfort and support for patients and their families and caregivers wherever they call home. Talbot Hospice serves patients facing life-limiting illnesses through Hospice and Palliative Care as well as its Pathways and Bereavement programs. Services are available to patients and caregivers regardless of ability to pay. Learn more at www.talbothospice.org.

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

Talbot Hospice CNA, Ernest Beasley, Named CNA of the Year

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Talbot Hospice is proud to share that long-time Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Ernest Beasley, was named CNA of the Year by the Mid-Shore Nursing Assistant Advisory Council last month. Beasley was one of six Talbot Hospice CNAs who were nominated. Pictured are Mercy Pinder, Tammy Jones, Ernest Beasley, Virginia Wittington, Heather Bickling and Gidget Ross. Ky Jenkins not pictured.

Talbot Hospice is proud to share that long-time Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Ernest Beasley, was named CNA of the Year by the Mid-Shore Nursing Assistant Advisory Council last month. Beasley was one of seven Talbot Hospice CNAs who were nominated.

“We are thrilled for Ernest and our other nominees,” said Talbot Hospice Executive Director, Chris Chekouras. “Ernest is a tremendous asset to our team and this recognition is so well deserved. Patients light up when Ernest enters the room. His kindness, compassion and professionalism represent the very best of the CNA role at Talbot Hospice and across the profession. He is beloved by our patients, their families and his colleagues.”

Beasley is an Eastern Shore native and has worked in healthcare as a CNA for two decades and has been with Talbot Hospice for the past six years.

When asked what he enjoys most about his work at Talbot Hospice, Ernest shares, “working at Talbot Hospice allows me to discover amazing things about our patients and families, and they become like family to me. I am inspired by the strength of our patients and their loved ones.”

Certified Nursing Assistants, or CNAs, play a critical role in patient care at Talbot Hospice, in both Hospice House and In-Home hospice services. CNAs assist with the everyday tasks that patients may find too difficult to perform, and also provide emotional support to patients and their families. They keep patients comfortable, their environment clean and safe, and are usually the caregiver that patients and families interact with the most.

Other Talbot Hospice nominees included, Mercy Pinder, Tammy Jones, Virginia Whittington, Heather Bickling, Gidget Ross and Ky Jenkins

About Talbot Hospice

Talbot Hospice provides compassionate care, comfort and support for patients and their families and caregivers wherever they call home. Talbot Hospice serves patients facing life-limiting illnesses through hospice and palliative care, as well as its pathways and bereavement programs. Services are available to patients and caregivers regardless of ability to pay. Learn more at www.talbothospice.org.

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