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January 13, 2026

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

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Cruisin’ with Christine: A Group Chat with Duval Mills, Jennifer Hughes, and Ericka Taylor

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Over the last ten years, the Spy and Londonderry on the Tred Avon have collaborated on stories about this unique retirement community, which educates its residents and the broader community. With Christine Harrington’s appointment as Londonderry’s CEO, we decided to follow her as she learns about the nooks and crannies of this beautiful campus. In this edition, it’s all about the Londonderry.
Christine sits down with long-tenured and beloved team members Duval Mills, Jennifer Hughes, and Ericka Taylor to discuss their personal histories with the community and how the word “family” continues to appear in their descriptions of their experiences working there.

This video is approximately seven minutes in length. For more information about Londonderry, please go here.

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

Cruisin’ with Christine: A Chat with Londonderry’s Susan Andrews

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Over the last ten years, the Spy and Londonderry on the Tred Avon have collaborated on stories about this unique retirement community, which educates its residents and the broader community. With Christine Harrington’s new addition as Londonderry’s CEO, we decided to follow Christine as she learns about the nooks and crannies of this beautiful campus.

Last month, Londonderry on the Tred Avon named Susan Andrews the 2025 recipient of the Ingerson Award, its highest honor, which recognizes exceptional service, leadership, and community spirit. Established in memory of Tom and Ruth Ingerson—two of Londonderry’s founding leaders—the award celebrates residents who reflect the community’s values of respect, integrity, and shared purpose.

Christine sat down with her a few weeks ago to learn more.

This video is approximately seven minutes in length. For more information about Londonderry, please go here.

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

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Welcomes Chef, Brendan Keegan, Jr.

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 Londonderry on the Tred Avon is proud to announce that Brendan Keegan, Jr. has joined the community as its new Chef. With more than 30 years of restaurant experience and two decades on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Keegan brings a passion for excellence and a hands-on approach to Londonderry’s signature dining program.

“Enjoying great meals together is a cherished part of life at Londonderry,” said Christine Harrington, CEO. “Brendan’s fine dining background, attention to detail, and creativity make him a perfect fit for our community. We’re thrilled to have him leading our talented kitchen team and continuing to elevate the dining experience for our residents.”

Keegan’s culinary journey began after graduating from L’Academie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg, Md., and includes time at some of the most respected kitchens in the region — including 1789 and Kinkead’s American Brasserie in Washington, D.C. — before taking his talents to New York City, where he worked at Prune under Chef Gabrielle Hamilton, a James Beard Award–winning chef and author.

Keegan started at Prune the day before September 11, 2001, and spent three years there under Hamilton’s mentorship. “When I met Gabrielle, I knew how to cook,” said Keegan. “She helped me become more. Her influence continues to shape how I think about food and how I lead a kitchen.” The two remain in touch to this day — Keegan even attended the James Beard Awards as Hamilton’s guest.

Following his time in New York, Keegan returned to the Eastern Shore, where he owned and operated two beloved Easton restaurants — 208 Talbot and Brasserie Brightwell — both known for their creativity, refinement, and commitment to local ingredients. Most recently, he led the retail operations at Captain’s Ketch Seafood in Easton, improving methods, procedures, and prepared foods while mentoring a small team.

Returning to Easton and joining Londonderry marks a new chapter for Keegan, one that blends his love of cooking with a focus on balance and community.

“At this point in my career, I was looking for a position that would let me do what I love while also being more present for my family,” said Keegan. “At Londonderry, I get to create healthful, balanced, and flavorful meals for 187 residents every day — it’s an exciting challenge and a wonderful opportunity to be part of something special.”

Unlike restaurant service, Londonderry’s kitchen operates on a larger scale, serving multiple seatings each day in a banquet-style format. Keegan sees this as an opportunity to combine precision and efficiency with the creativity and care of a fine dining experience.

Known for his hands-on leadership, Keegan is deeply committed to using the highest quality ingredients and methods, with a keen eye for presentation and consistency. His approach emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and well-balanced menus that reflect both resident preferences and modern culinary trends.

“Every meal is a chance to make someone’s day a little better,” said Keegan. “That’s what drives me in the kitchen — exceeding expectations with every plate.” 

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults ages 62+ that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

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

Senior Nation: Embrace Your Age, Live Your Best Life by Susan Covey

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According to Leading Age, “Active Aging is a worldwide initiative that honors the spirit and contributions of older adults while encouraging active lifestyles and changing perceptions of aging.” The theme for 2025, as stated in the title of this article, aims to celebrate the positive aspects of aging, encourage healthy habits and promote the idea that aging can be an active and fulfilling experience. This year, Active Aging Week will be celebrated from October 6th through the 10th.

So, as Autumn closes in, I’d like to especially encourage everyone to reap the benefits of nature every chance you get. Scientific studies have proven that not only walking, but just being in nature has a profound positive impact on our health. Of course, we know that if we walk at least 15 minutes a day, we will have fewer diseases and are less likely to get cancer, have a lower risk of heart attack and stroke and have better bone density.  But recent researchers are now demonstrating a reduction in stress, blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as an upswing in mood and general outlook on life just because of being outside.  They have also shown a link to longevity and decreased risk of mental illness and depression. (Kuo and Taylor 2004, DeVries et al. 2003) The health benefits of nature may also be relevant to injury prevention and control, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, musculoskeletal conditions, and other maladies, including cancer (Li, 2009).

Drawing attention to these benefits of outdoor leisure and recreation for improved health helps shift attention from the downstream costs of health care to the upstream efforts to prevent ill health from occurring.  An upstream focus is always empowering and enables individuals to take a more prominent role in their own wellness.

Ok folks, time to get out there! We are so very fortunate to have such lovely, well-maintained nature trails in our area: Tuckahoe State Park, Adkins Arboretum, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Martinak State Park, Pickering Creek, and more!

Enjoy everything around you and take the time to PLAY. After all, you’re never too old to jump in the leaves!

Susan S. Covey is Director of Fitness at Acts Bayleigh Chase in Easton. 

 

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

Cruisin’ with Christine: A Chat with Londonderry’s Jennifer Hughes

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Over the last ten years, the Spy and Londonderry on the Tred Avon have collaborated on stories about this unique retirement community, which educates its residents and the broader community. With Christine Harrington’s new addition as Londonderry’s CEO, we decided to follow Christine as she learns about the nooks and crannies of this beautiful campus.

This month, Christine visits with Jennifer Hughes, Londonderry’s Controller.  Jennifer has spent 21 years with the community, moving from dining staff to finance leadership. She describes the co-op’s unique, resident-driven budget process and stock structure, which fosters transparency and involvement. Beyond finance, she’s dedicated nearly 20 years to volunteer fire and EMS service, bringing CPR training and community-minded experience back to Londonderry.

This video is approximately seven minutes in length. For more information about Londonderry, 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 Difference Between Try And Triumph Is A Little Umph! By Susan Covey

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September is Healthy Aging Month which is designed to focus attention on the positive aspects of growing older. The mission being to encourage all of us to take personal responsibility for our own health and well-being by aging with a healthy body, mind and spirit.

So, let’s get motivated, reinvent ourselves and use these simple strategies to keep our good intentions to begin an exercise program or to just keep you on track and CELEBRATE HEALTHY AGING MONTH!

  1. Find something you enjoy. Remember “exercise” can include brain games, outdoor games, playing with the grandchildren, walking around the Zoo, hiking in the woods or taking a meditation walk around the block.
  2. Set goals but make them short term goals that you can easily track. One workout at a time.
  3. Find the best time and make part of your everyday schedule. This will keep you more accountable than just thinking about doing and never doing.
  4. Start slowly. Even just 10 minutes 3 or 4 times a week. The goal being 150 minutes per week.
  5. Plan to do things with a buddy, or a group.
  6. Reward yourself with anything that makes you feel good as long as it doesn’t interfere with your goals.
  7. Mix it up, try a new class, challenge yourself.
  8. But also go easy on yourself if you fall off the wagon. Just get back in your routine as soon as possible. Don’t make it a source of stress. Just enjoy a bit of a break and move on!

Put some umph in your good intentions and reap the benefits!!!  You’ll be glad you did!

Susan Covey is the Acts Bayleigh Chase Fitness Director based in Easton.

 

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

Cruisin’ with Christine: A Chat with Londonderry’s Ken Sadler

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Over the last ten years, the Spy and Londonderry on the Tred Avon have collaborated on stories about this unique retirement community, which educates its residents and the broader community. With Christine Harrington’s new addition as Londonderry’s CEO, we decided to follow Christine as she learns about the nooks and crannies of this beautiful campus.

This month, Christine visits with Londonderry resident Ken Sadler. With a background as a successful former businessman, world-class sailor, artist, potter, and sometimes professional clown, Ken discusses his life in Easton and how he has found a special place at Londonderry for his widely diverse interests and hobbies, while also having a lot of fun along the way.

This video is approximately eight minutes in length. For more information about Londonderry, please go here.

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

State Officials Launch 10-Year Plan to Boost Supports for Growing Senior Population

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Across the United States, health officials are bracing for the rising population of senior citizens expected in the next couple years, as “Baby Boomers” approach retirement age and will likely need additional supports to secure affordable housing options, health care and other resources.

In what it calls the “Graying of America,” the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 2034, the number of people aged 65+ and older will outnumber children aged 18 and younger for the first time in the United State’s history.

Maryland officials are trying to get ahead of the problem, announcing a 10-year plan called the Longevity Ready Maryland initiative to boost supports for older residents in the state in coming years.

In a briefing about the plan Wednesday, Secretary Carmel Roques with the Maryland Department of Aging said that Longevity Ready Maryland is “designed to ensure that Marylanders can age with dignity, purpose and independence” by promoting collaboration between government agencies,  philanthropic efforts and the private sector.

“This is the only way we can truly begin to meet the challenges and also to really be able to realize the potential and benefits of an older and aging population,” Roques said, noting that there are over 1.4 million people over the age of 60 in Maryland as of now.

According to state estimates, about 1 in 4 Marylanders will be 60-years-old or older by 2030. By 2045, an estimated 315,000 people in the state will be age 85 or older.

“We must strengthen supports for people who are aging now and for people who are already older and their care givers,” Roques said.

 Gov. Wes Moore (D). (Photo by Bryan P. Sears / Maryland Matters.)

In a written statement, Gov. Wes Moore (D) said that the launch of Longevity Ready Maryland will work to support older Marylanders at a time when the Trump Administration has been cutting back on spending for programs that they rely on, such as Medicaid and food assistance.

“Maryland is stepping forward with urgency and a clear plan to put the well-being of older Marylanders front and center,” Moore said in the statement. “By coordinating action across state agencies, community organizations, and the private sector, Longevity Ready Maryland takes a resilient approach to aging and makes efficient use of every resource as federal support becomes less certain.”

The Longevity Ready Maryland roadmap has been under development for almost two years, following Moore’s executive order issued on Jan. 3, 2024, to create the initiative.

The roadmap outlines four overarching goals, each with short-term and long-term policy suggestions to achieve those initiatives:

  • Build inclusive communities that are friendly to senior residents and their needs,
  • Strengthen the caregiver workforce,
  • Invest in health programs so that older people can stay healthier longer,
  • Create more affordable housing opportunities and promote financial planning so seniors can have stable housing option.

“Maryland is at a demographic crossroads,” the executive summary of the plan says. “Longer lives and declining birth rates have introduced a significant shift in how our current systems will need to function as the growing number of older adults continues to expand.”

With the multi-agency, multi-sector collaboration, the Moore administration hopes to aid aging residents with the many challenges that come with old age, such as housing needs, financial challenges and health care services.

Danielle Meister, assistant secretary of homeless solutions with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, said that the need for affordable housing options that are suitable for older people is “one of the big needs” for the senior population.

“We’re facing a severe shortage of affordable housing in our state,” she said,” but this need is more acute and significant for older adults.”

She said that department data estimates that 130,000 Marylanders 65-years-old and older face a housing cost burden, meaning they pay more than 30% of their income on rent or a mortgage.

“It makes it really difficult, especially for older adults who are often on restricted incomes, to meet their basic needs,” Meister said.

The state also needs additional accessible housing so more Marylanders can “age in place independently” and not have to move into a new living situation when more health needs or disabilities arise.

Allison Roenigk Ciborowski, President and CEO of LeadingAge Maryland, said in a written statement Wednesday that said that the “important — and hardest — work lies ahead.”

“A plan is only as good as how it is implemented and resourced,” she said in the statement. “We are thrilled to see the full support of LRM by the Governor, and we are eager to continue to work closely with MDOA, state agencies, and legislators to ensure that the goals for coordination and collaboration truly come to life.”

by Danielle J. Brown, Maryland Matters
July 31, 2025

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: [email protected].

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

Cruisin’ with Christine: A Chat with Londonderry’s La’Cree Brown

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Over the last ten years, the Spy and Londonderry on the Tred Avon have collaborated on stories about this unique retirement community, which educates its residents and the broader community. With Christine Harrington’s new addition as Londonderry’s CEO, we decided to follow Christine as she learns about the nooks and crannies of this beautiful campus.

This month, Christine visits with La’Cree Brown, Director of Housekeeping Services at Londonderry, who has been with the community for nearly 15 years. La’Cree shares how her dedicated six-person team maintains all 126 cottages, the Manor House, and common areas—providing personalized housekeeping twice a month, seasonal deep cleanings, and thoughtful touches, such as service cards and candy. With a warm heart for residents she sees as extended family, La’Cree offers a glimpse into the care and commitment that define life at Londonderry.

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

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

Strive for Independence, Not Just on the 4Th Of July! by Susan Covey

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Like most people, you’ve probably heard that activity and exercise are good for you. The frailty and decreased energy often associated with aging is largely due to muscle loss.  (Here’s where I can’t resist adding the adage “Use it or lose it”.)  So true.  

Being physically active on a daily basis is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself.  As a matter of fact, exercise is THE key to maintaining your mobility and prolonging your INDEPENDENCE!  It is central to daily functioning…think about it.  Your daily activities like getting out of bed, rising out of a chair, standing in the shower, carrying groceries, walking down the hall.  They all require strength and energy, and one of the best ways to keep muscles healthy and strong and to increase the body’s vigor is with mobility-enhancing exercises.  Also called strength training or resistance training, these exercises are among the best ways to fight weakness and frailty that can come with age.  If done regularly they will build bone and muscle and help preserve your INDEPENDENCE.

So, let’s make our founding fathers proud, take back our freedom of movement and refuse to surrender to the tyranny of aging!  We may be born into a life of liberty, but we must not ever remain idle. After all, the key to INDEPENDENCE (and therefore happiness) lies in the pursuit!

Susan S. Covey, Director of Fitness Acts Bayleigh Chase

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