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District One in 2018: A Spy Goes to the Lower Shore with Salisbury Mayor Jake Day

September 24, 2018 by Leave a Comment

This Election 2018 profile is the fourth of a six-part series on the intricate makeup and character of the 1st Congressional District of Maryland. Each month, the Spy will be interviewing different 1st District residents from the Western Shore to the Lower Shore, both Democrats and Republicans, to discuss their unique sub-region of one of the largest congressional districts in the country, and the issues and political climate of those communities.

It only takes a few minutes with Salisbury Mayor Jake Day to realize how terms like “Democrat” and “Republican” lose meaning as he discusses the political landscape of Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. While Day is clearly a Democrat with a capital “D,” his views on increasingly the military budget and his deficit hawk tendencies could easily fit in with the GOP’s conventional platform.

This becomes even more of a gray area when the mayor suggests that Congressman Andy Harris has been soft on supporting turbine wind power off of Ocean City; a form of alternative energy that finds Harris and many environmentalists on the same side of this issue. In Day’s mind, wind power could bring up to 500 jobs to Salisbury, and as the city’s mayor, his number one job is to create an economically vibrant community.

But, as Day told the Spy a few weeks ago, the 2018 midterm election will not be focused on the issues of the day as much on a referendum on the moral direction of the country. Those whose political “brand,” like the one Harris has, is now intertwined with Trumpism, and will pay a high cost in the 1st District. The question is whether that cost will defeat an incumbent in one of most reliable GOP  congressional districts in the nation.

This video is approximately eight minutes in length.

Filed Under: 1st District 2018, Homepage Slider

Easton Businesses Support No Matter What. . . You Matter Suicide Prevention Campaign

September 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) every 13 minutes someone dies by suicide nationally. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that in Maryland, on average, one person dies by suicide every 15 hours, which results in more people dying by suicide in Maryland annually than by homicide. This fall, to help create awareness about this community mental health issue, For All Seasons is hosting its 2nd Annual NO MATTER WHAT . . . YOU MATTER Suicide Prevention Campaign with a kick-off event in Easton and a weeklong Shop & Dine event from October 5-13. The Campaign’s goals are to provide some of the warning signs of suicide and tips for how to help prevent suicide.

On Friday, October 5, 2018, from 5 to 8 p.m., For All Seasons will kick-off its second Suicide Prevention Campaign in Easton at the Bartlett Pear Inn at 28 South Harrison Street. The free event will include refreshments and live music – all are welcome.

Monika Mraz, Director of Development at For All Seasons, comments, “We are thrilled to have the support of Easton businesses to help us promote awareness about suicide prevention in Talbot County. This is a real issue in our communities on the Shore and we hope to enhance the community’s understanding of the issue, while providing some valuable tips in how to prevent suicide with our friends and family members.”

In 2017, the campaign raised $20,000 from 26 participating Easton businesses. This year, the following Easton businesses are participating in the weeklong event, donating a portion of sales on specific dates during the campaign week to benefit For All Seasons’ suicide prevention work. To date, these businesses include: Bon Mojo (October 6), Crackerjacks (October 10), Doc’s Downtown Grille (October 8, 5–10 p.m.), Dragonfly Boutique (October 12), Easton Acupuncture – Jen Coleman (October 10), Ebbtide Wellness (October 9), Frugalicious (October 7), Hill’s Café & Juice Bar (October 12), Krave (October 12), La De Da (October 6), Lizzy Dee (October 10), Marc|Randall (October 12), Out of the Fire, (October 10), Piazza Italian Market (October 12), Salisbury Gift & Garden (October 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13), Shearer the Jeweler (October 10), Sonny’s of NY Pizza (October 10), Trade Whims (October 12), and Vintage Books and Fine Art (October 12).

Sponsors of this year’s event include A Time to Heal Physical Therapy, Ashley Insurance, Baird Wealth Management, Bartlett Pear Inn, Bay Pilates, Berrier, Ltd, Chuck Mangold Jr. of  Benson & Mangold, Computers of Easton, Curlicue, Fitness Rx, Hair o’ the Dog, Hill’s Drug Store, Kevertin Pet Resort, Kiln Born Creations, Laser Letters, Massage Plus, Mid-Shore Community  Foundation, Near & Far Media, Rise Up Coffee Roasters, Shore United Bank, Studio 2 Salon, The Trippe Gallery, Troika Gallery, West Wing Salon, and YMCA of Chesapeake. Special thanks goes to Easton Business Alliance.

Suicide does not discriminate, affecting people of all genders, ages, and ethnicities. Many different factors may contribute to someone making a suicide attempt. For All Seasons hopes that by discussing the signs and symptoms associated with suicide that it can raise awareness about the issue in our community.  Because family and friends are often the first to recognize the warning signs of suicide, they can be critical to helping an individual find treatment with a provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), for every suicide, 25 suicide attempts are made. For All Seasons wants people to know that if they think a friend or family member is considering suicide, they should reach out and start a conversation. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life. The following are three steps to help people begin the conversation:

1)            Ask directly – “Are you having suicidal thoughts?” – Let them know you care.

2)            Stay and Listen – Let them share their thoughts and feelings.

3)            Get help – Connect them with a friend, family member or a therapist at For All Seasons.

Beth Anne Langrell, Executive Director of For All Seasons, comments, “For All Seasons hopes through this campaign to create an ongoing dialogue with agencies about this growing issue in our communities.  We want people to know that no matter what, they do matter.”

For All Seasons provides Trauma Certified Individual, Family, and Group Therapy; Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry; and Crisis and Advocacy Services for Child, Adolescent, and Adult Victims of Sexual Assault, Rape and Trauma. For a same-day crisis appointment, call 410-822-1018.

Throughout the year, For All Seasons brings awareness to the community about such issues as suicide, sexual assault, trauma, and mental health needs.

Follow For All Seasons on Facebook to find out how to get involved. For further information, call Monika Mraz at 410-822-1018, email mmraz@forallseasonsinc.org or visit forallseasonsinc.org/youmatter.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Healthcare Plans See Reductions of Premiums in Maryland for 2019

September 22, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on Friday announced a reduction in next year’s insurance premium rates for individual healthcare plans in the state.

The two health insurance providers in the state’s Maryland Health Benefit Exchange — which operates the marketplace consumers use to purchase healthcare under the Affordable Care Act — Kaiser Permanente and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, will offer an average of about a 13 percent reduction in premiums across the board, the governor said. The new rates will take effect on Jan. 1.

The announcement comes after the federal government in August approved the state’s request for a waiver to establish a reinsurance program to stabilize the insurance market and prevent rate spikes.

“Rather than huge increases in health insurance rates, we are instead delivering significantly and dramatically lower rates for Marylanders,” Hogan said. “For the first time since the Affordable Care Act went into effect, all individual insurance rates in Maryland will go down instead of up.”

Prior to the waiver’s approval, insurance premiums were expected to increase dramatically next year for both HMO and PPO healthcare plans. CareFirst’s PPO rate was expected to increase by more than 90 percent. It will now decrease by 11 percent, the governor said.

CareFirst’s HMO plan, which covers more than half of the nearly 200,000 Marylanders with health insurance plans purchased in the individual market as of June 30, will see a 17 percent decrease.

Kaiser had proposed a rate increase of almost 40 percent. Instead their rates will drop by about 7 percent.

“As a result of these rates, the health insurance market in Maryland will finally have the chance to become more competitive and dynamic,” Hogan said, adding the reinsurance program will make healthcare more affordable and increase competition by coaxing more insurers into the market.

The reinsurance program is a temporary fix, however. The waiver runs through 2020 but could last through 2023, according to the waiver application — and a more permanent solution must be enacted by the federal government to ensure rates do not increase down the line, said Maryland Health Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer.

“Most of the rules regarding the Affordable Care Act are embedded in federal law. Very little authority is given to the states,” Redmer said. “What we really need — and what we’ve been advocating for years — is for Congress to put aside those partisan differences and come up with common sense solutions or give us more authority to make changes here in the states.”

Redmer declined to speculate whether insurance rates would increase after the waiver expires without a long-term solution in place.

“Short term, our health insurance rates are (going to be) much more competitive than they were this year,” Redmer said, adding that the lower rates will add more consumers to the insurance market making it healthier overall.

By Brooks DuBose

Filed Under: Homepage Highlights, Portal Highlights, Portal Notes

Sukkot Celebration Matched with Concern for the Environment by Rabbi Peter Hyman

September 22, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Starting Sunday night, September 23rd, at sundown, the Jewish community in Easton will join Jewish communities around the world in celebrating the holiday of Sukkot. We will moving our meals outside, to a temporary dwelling called a Sukkah. Spending time in the Sukkah, with a roof of branches open to the sky, invites us to be more aware of the changing seasons, our environment and more mindful of our place in the natural world.

Like faith communities everywhere, congregants at Temple B’nai Israel, have become increasingly concerned about the impact we are having on our environment. We’re mindful that our burning fossil fuels for electricity is pouring heat-trapping climate pollution into the atmosphere, damaging our climate and hurting our neighbors, close to home and around the world.

As warmer temperatures at the poles melt land-based ice, our seas are rising. Our own Eastern Shore communities are among the most vulnerable to rising seas. The subsidence of the Delmarva Peninsula and the slowing of the Gulf Stream will only exacerbate the harm caused by rising waters. Right here in our region, farmers, fishermen, and other residents are contending with wetter springs, hotter summers, and chronic flooding from coastal storms.

As we conclude the Sukkot holiday, the holiday in the Jewish calendar that focuses us environmental stewardship and ecological responsibility, we will reinsert into our daily liturgy a few seasonal words. We will praise God “Who causes wind to blow and rain to fall.” Here on the Eastern Shore, we can particularly appreciate this blessing and promise of the wind blowing across our coastal waters.

Recently, I along with other faith leaders, signed a letter to Congressman Andy Harris, speaking out proudly that our communities have an opportunity to show national leadership by hosting the Skipjack and U.S. Wind offshore wind projects. We called on Rep. Harris to oppose any expansion of oil and gas development and exploration in the Atlantic.

To address these problems, here in Easton and beyond, we’ll need to come together. Sukkot is a holiday for warmly welcoming guests! So we invite the entire Easton community to join us at Temple B’nai Israel this Thursday evening, September 27th at 7 pm for a free screening of the film “Reinventing Power,” and to gather in the Sukkah afterwards for a conversation about the promise of clean energy for our region. It’s a joyous time of year, please join us.

Rabbi Peter Hyman is the rabbi of Congregation Temple B’nai Israel, The Satell Center for Jewish Life on the Eastern Shore in Easton. The film screening, hosted by Interfaith Power & Light and Temple B’nai Israel, will take place Thursday, September 27th at 7 pm at 7199 Tristan Drive in Easton.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Candidates for Talbot County Council to Discuss Environment Sept. 27

September 22, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Candidates running for Talbot County Council are scheduled to meet at a forum Sept. 27 to discuss their positions on environmental issues.

The public forum will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Free Library’s Easton Branch at 100 W. Dover Street in Easton.

The forum is being co-sponsored by Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the League of Women Voters Mid Shore.

John Griep, editor of The Star Democrat, will moderate the forum and ask questions on topics such as climate change, Chesapeake Bay restoration, and land use management and growth. At the forum, members of the public can submit questions they’d like the candidates to answer.

The event is one of a series of candidate forums Chesapeake Bay Foundation is helping to organize in Maryland that are scheduled to take place in September and October in advance of the state’s Nov. 6 General Election.

CBF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and does not endorse or oppose any candidates in an election.

Filed Under: Election 2018

Local Student Creates Apiary Garden at CBMM

September 21, 2018 by Leave a Comment

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s 18-acre waterfront campus now boasts an apiary garden, located next to the historic Mitchell House on CBMM’s Fogg’s Landing, thanks to the hard work of St. Michaels student and Boy Scout, Brandon Foy.

Foy’s project includes the apiary garden, along with an oyster shell pathway, two benches, and a kiosk, as part of his Eagle Scout Project. His project was funded through private donations and support from several local businesses.

Foy’s garden is meant to attract local bees and to raise awareness about the declining bee population.To attract bees and other pollinators, he planted perennial flowers, like Nanho Blue butterfly bush, Belleza Dark Pink gaura, and Autumn Joy sedum. These flowers can attract a diversity of wildlife for CBMM guests to see around the garden.

“This project is important to me because the problem that it addresses is not brought up often enough,” Foy said. “If youth like me take the initiative and try to make this problem known, maybe others will start to listen. Without honey bees, the world we know today would be completely different.”

Foy is a senior at St. Michaels High School, with plans to study nuclear engineering or cyber operations at the United States Naval Academy. He currently holds several leadership positions, as the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Leadership Council Representative for Maryland, an intern for Congressman Andy Harris, and as a recent senior patrol leader of his Eagle Scout troop.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to preserving and exploring the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and making this resource available to all.

Every aspect of fulfilling this mission is driven by CBMM’s values of relevancy, authenticity, and stewardship, along with a commitment to providing engaging guest experiences and transformative educational programming, all while serving as a vital community partner. For more information, visit cbmm.org or call 410-745-2916.

Filed Under: Garden Notes, Homepage Notes

Popular “Tastes of Tilghman” Returns for its 4th Year

September 21, 2018 by Leave a Comment

The Tilghman Watermen’s Museum will hold its 4th annual “Tastes of Tilghman” on Sunday, October 7 from 4 to 7 pm. This popular fundraising event will be held under tent on the grounds of the picturesque Black Walnut Point Inn.

Guests will enjoy a taste of the foods and culture of Tilghman Island, while awaiting a beautiful Tilghman sunset. Music will be provided by DJ Bobby Switzer, and local watermen will be on hand to share their colorful stories of working on the Chesapeake. Wine, beer, and light fare from area restaurants will be served. There will also be a raw bar.

“This is such a fun event,” says Mary Kellogg of the Tilghman Watermen’s Museum. “Tilghman’s pride and sense of community is felt by everyone attending.”

“Tastes of Tilghman” is presented with the support of Two if by Sea Restaurant, Black Walnut Point Inn, Tilghman Island Country Store, and Wylder Hotel. Tickets are $45 each, and are available at Two if by Sea Restaurant, Tilghman Island Country Store, or twm6031@gmail.com. The ticket price includes food, wine, beer, entertainment, and door prizes.

Tilghman Watermen’s Museum, a 501(c)3 organization,celebrates, documents,preserves, and shares the history, traditions, heritage, and culture of Tilghman Island.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Habitat for Humanity Choptank Breaks Ground in St. Michaels

September 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

On Saturday, September 8, Habitat for Humanity Choptank celebrated breaking ground on a seven-home neighborhood on Brooks Lane in St. Michaels.  The groundbreaking recognized the benefactors and partnerships that have helped to make this much-needed neighborhood a reality, and dedicated the ground on which seven affordable homes will be built and purchased by hardworking homebuyers.  Beyond this, the ceremony gave those with a vested interest in bringing affordable homeownership opportunities to St. Michaels a chance to come together in an effort to build new beginnings and brighter futures for seven local families.

Charlie Bohn, President of the Board of Directors of Habitat Choptank, addressed those in attendance with words of welcome and gratitude, and expressed that the Brooks Lane neighborhood would not have been possible without the generous donation of property by the Dodson Family; the additional support provided by the estate of Robert and Beverly Wolffe; and the collaboration between Habitat Choptank and Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development, Talbot County, and the Town of St. Michaels.

Guest speakers and Habitat home buyers were invited to grab a shovel to officially break ground on the soon to be Brooks Lane neighborhood. (Photo contributed by Tim Poly)

Rev. Steve Mosher— Rector of Christ Church of St. Michaels asked God for blessings for those who gathered for the groundbreaking, our sisters and brothers who will benefit from shelter, and asked that the spirit move every human heart and instill in us to be stewards in his creation.The blessing was followed by a rendition of “God Bless America” by the Trinity Singers of Trinity Cathedral in Easton.

Guest speaker, Mary Jane Dodson, then shared her remarks on leaving a legacy, emphatically stating that,“roots matter.”  She explained how the property on which the seven homes will be built had sustained her family for many years, and now new families will have land of their very own to plant their own roots and sustain their families.

Barb Pollard, the daughter of Robert and Beverly Wolffe, followed by invoking remembrance of her parents, saying that they would be “bursting with pride and joy” over the impact these homes will have on the community, homeowners, and those who will roll up their sleeves to help, as their civic-minded philosophies aligned well with those of her parents and Habitat’s guiding principles.

Guest speaker, Bridgette Lundfelt, Director of Community Outreach for the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, spoke on behalf of Governor Hogan to congratulate all parties involved and recognize the community effort it takes to change Maryland for the better.  Followed by the endorsement of William E. Boos, the President of the Commissioners of St. Michaels, who expressed that the work of Habitat is so much more than just building homes— it transforms communities and lives.

Amy Morgan from Trinity Cathedral in Easton sings Psalm 84. (Photo contributed by Tim Poly)

Finally, the event culminated with closing remarks from JoAnn Hansen, the Executive Director of Habitat Choptank, who read from Psalm 84 by stating her gratefulness for the dwelling place that St. Michaels will serve for new homebuyers but also for the dwelling place that exists within the hearts of those who have supported this project.In a closing prayer, she asked for God’s protection, provision and blessing on the project.

Construction of the Brooks Lane neighborhood is projected to begin in the fall of 2018 and will continue for two to three years, relying mostly on volunteer labor as well as the “sweat equity” of the prospective homeowner.  After completing “sweat equity” hours, attending pre-homeownership classes, and meeting debt reduction and savings goals, seven families will purchase their homes and assume the full responsibilities of homeownership, including maintaining their home, paying property taxes and repaying an affordable mortgage.

About Habitat for Humanity Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for 78 local Dorchester and Talbot county families.  Income qualifying home buyers are offered access to affordable mortgage financing in order to purchase a new construction or rehabbed home from the nonprofit.  After completing “sweat equity” hours, attending pre-homeownership classes, and meeting debt reduction and savings goals, these individuals and families will purchase homes that they helped construct and assume the full responsibilities of homeownership including maintaining their home, paying property taxes and repaying their mortgage. Habitat Choptank’s toolkit of services also includes Neighborhood Revitalization which helps existing homeowners with critical repairs. Currently 15 home buyers are working through the home ownership program. Eleven homes are under construction at this time with plans to start at least nine more over the coming year. For more information, to donate, volunteer or apply contact 410-476-3204 or visit habitatchoptank.org.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Benedictine’s Charity Golf Classic Set for Oct.19

September 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Benedictine’s charity golf tournament returns to the Eastern Shore on Friday, Oct. 19 for the 30th Annual Charity Golf Classic at Hog Neck Golf Course in Easton.

The tournament raises funds in support of Benedictine’s mission to help children and adults with developmental disabilities achieve their greatest potential. Funds raised directly support programs and services that provide community-based opportunities for over 200 adults as well as support academic programs for over 60 students.

Hog Neck Golf Course is both an active community partner with Benedictine’s Adult Services program and an employer of individuals with disabilities.

The tournament will feature a seafood and raw bar, live auction, as well as lunch and dinner buffet. Tournament entry fee is $175 per person or $700 for a team of four which includes: green fees, cart, refreshments, hole-in-one prize, and team prizes. Each golfer will take home a custom Maryland themed gift bag provided by presenting sponsors PNC Bank and the Mason Family. Register by Oct. 1 at www.benschool.org. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Providing opportunities to live meaningful, productive lives in communities of choice, Benedictine helps children and adults with developmental disabilities reach their greatest potential without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, or age.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Upcoming Programming at the Library October 2 to 5

September 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Easton Library to Host “A Pro’s Tips & Tricks for Microsoft Word”

On Tuesday, October 2, from 1:00 –2:30 p.m., in the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library, Computer Training Specialist Rita Hill will offer another of her popular introductory classes, this time in Microsoft Word.  Participants are asked to bring their own PC laptop (no Apple laptops, please) or just observe.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this class.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Contact: Scotti Oliver, telephone: 410-822-1626

Learn to Play Chess at Easton Library

On Tuesdays, October 2, 16, and November 6, at 4:30 p.m., the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library will once again offer its popular Afternoon Chess Academy for ages 6 – 16. Participants will learn and play chess, and snacks will be served.  All library programs are free and open to the public, but patrons do need to pre-register at www.tcfl.org to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Contact: Laura Powell, telephone: 410-822-1626

St. Michaels Library to offer Family Crafts

On October 2, at 3:30 p.m., the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library will offer a crafts program for all ages.  Children will learn how to create a their very own Treasure Box.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-745-5877, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Contact: Diana Hastings, telephone: 410-745-5877

St. Michaels Library to Offer Maker Program

On Wednesday, October 3, at 3:30 p.m., the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library invites children of all ages to come in to design and create using Legos and Zoobs.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-745-5877, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Contact: Diana Hastings, telephone: 410-745-5877

Easton Library to Offer Makers Program

On Wednesday, October 3, at 4:00 p.m., the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library will offer a MuzArt program by Jonathan Williams for ages 6 -12.  Children will sketch their impressions and create a “soundtrack” using an easy-to-play Celtic-tuned ukulele (which is provided).  All library programs are free and open to the public, but patrons do need to pre-register at www.tcfl.org to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Contact: Laura Powell, telephone: 410-822-1626

Kirk Bloodsworth

St. Michaels Library to Host Arts & Crafts Program

On Thursday, October 4, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library will host an arts and crafts program.  Free instruction will be available for knitting, beading, needlework and tatting.  Patrons are invited to bring their coloring books, Zentangle pens, or anything else that fuels their passion for being creative.  They may also bring their lunch.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-745-5877, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Contact: Shauna Beulah, telephone: 410-745-5877

Easton Library to Host Discussions of Books about the Chesapeake Bay and Environs

On Thursday, October 4, at 6:30 p.m., the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library, in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, will host the introductory get-together of “The Chesapeake Bay Book Club” with a discussion of William Warner’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “Beautiful Swimmers.”  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this discussion.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Contact: Scotti Oliver, telephone: 410-822-1626

Author of the One Maryland One Book, “Bloodsworth,” to Speak in Cambridge

On Thursday, October 4, at 7:00 p.m. The Talbot County Free Library, in partnership with the Caroline County Public Library, the Dorchester County Public Library, the Dorchester County Public Schools, and Maryland Humanities, will host a reading and talk in the Cambridge-South Dorchester High School (2475 Cambridge Beltway) by Tim Junkin, the author of this year’s One Maryland One Book, “Bloodsworth: The True Story of the First Death Row Inmate Exonerated by DNA Evidence.”  One Maryland One Book is the Maryland Humanities program in which people all across the state read the same book at the same time.  The program at Cambridge-South Dorchester High School will also feature a special appearance by the book’s subject, Cambridge waterman Kirk Bloodsworth, who spent 9 years in jail (including time on Death Row) for a murder DNA evidence would eventually prove he did not commit.

Tim Junkin

Tim Junkin is the author of two well-received novels, The Waterman and Good Counsel. All three of his books are centered in the Choptank River-Eastern Chesapeake Bay area.

Spending much of his youth in Talbot County, he is a graduate of Easton High School. He attended the University of Maryland and then completed his law studies at Georgetown University Law Center.

An attorney who worked for thirty years as a trial lawyer and advocate of civil rights, Junkin cofounded and for twenty years served as the managing partner of a private law firm in Washington, D.C.  He has also taught at American University, Georgetown University Law Center, Harvard University Law School, and the Bethesda Writer’s Center.  The founding director of Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy—which became ShoreRivers, a Maryland river protection nonprofit—Junkin is the recipient of several awards for his environmental work.

All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to attend this talk.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Contact: Bill Peak, telephone: 410-822-1626

Easton Library to Host Art Show Reception

On Friday, October 5, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library invites patrons to a reception in celebration of the opening of a special art show sponsored by the Talbot County Arts Council and the St. Michaels Art League in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Maryland State Arts Council and the 40th of the Talbot County Arts Council.  This show offers a great opportunity to see local talent in the disciplines of drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and various other visual art forms.  Many of the works will be offered for sale by directly contacting the artist.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to attend this reception and show.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Contact: Scotti Oliver, telephone: 410-822-1626

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes
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