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July 6, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

Senior Nation Senior Highlights

The Talbot County Senior Supply Drive is About Dignity

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In Talbot County, many seniors, particularly those living on fixed incomes, face challenges in affording essential healthcare supplies. While the area is home to some affluent retirees, a significant portion of the population consists of lifelong residents who worked in farming or factory jobs and now rely on Social Security.

One critical but often overlooked necessity is incontinence supplies. These products—such as adult diapers, bladder pads, and disposable bed pads—are essential for hygiene and health, yet they are costly and not covered by assistance programs. A single pack of incontinence briefs can cost over $20, potentially adding up to $50 per week for those who need them daily.

To address this issue, the Talbot County Health Department, in collaboration with local organizations, is running a supply drive. Donation bins are available year-round at Brookletts Place Senior Center, the Health Department, and Home Instead Senior Care. Additionally, an Amazon wish list allows donors to contribute online, with supplies shipped directly to those in need.

The program prioritizes low-income seniors but aims to assist anyone in need, including those who are homebound. By providing these essential supplies, the initiative promotes health, dignity, and social well-being for the county’s aging population.

The Spy asked Carrie Ottey and Lee Newcomb from the Talbot County Commission on Aging to explain the need and where to donate. 

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information or to make a donation please go here. 

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

It’s American Heart Month by Susan Covey

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.  Every year, one in four deaths are caused by heart disease.  The good news?  Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions, even for people who already have heart disease lower your risk try following the “Life’s Simple 7”:

  1.  GET ACTIVE – Daily physical activity increases your length and quality of life.  If you get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity each day, five days a week, you can almost guarantee yourself a healthier and more satisfying life while lowering your risks for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
  2. CONTROL CHOLESTEROL – By controlling your cholesterol, you give your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages.  Our bodies need some cholesterol to make cell membranes and some hormones, but when you have too much bad cholesterol, it combines with white blood cells and forms plaque in our veins and arteries which lead to stroke and heart disease.
  3. EAT BETTER – Healthy foods are the fuel our bodies use to make new cells and create the energy we need to thrive and fight diseases, in other words, the basic building blocks for a healthy life.

Try tracking your daily food intake, eat plenty of fruits and veggies, unrefined whole-grain foods, fish twice a week and cut back on added sugars and saturated fats.

  1.  MANAGE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE – Keeping your b.p in the healthy range, reduces the strain on your heart, arteries and kidneys which keeps you healthier longer.  Hypertension means that the blood running through your arteries flows with too much force and puts pressure on your arteries which stretches them past the healthy limit causing tears.  This then kicks your body into injury-healing mode to repair the tears with scar tissue.  Unfortunately, the scar tissue traps plaque which can form blockages, clots and hardened, weakened arteries.  So, eat a heart healthy diet and reduce your sodium perhaps by using spices to flavor food instead of salt.
  2. LOSE WEIGHT – Too much fat, especially around your waist, puts you at a higher risk for high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes.  If you’re overweight, you can actually reduce your risk for heart disease by losing as few as five or ten pounds!
  3. REDUCE BLOOD SUGAR – Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose that our bodies use for energy.  The body makes insulin, a hormone acting as a carrier to take food energy into its cells.  Fasting blood sugar should be below 100; if not, you could be headed for pre-diabetes.  This, then, increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.  In fact, most people with diabetes die from some form of heart or blood vessel disease.  So, cut back on simple sugars found in sodas, candies and desserts AND get regular exercise as this will help your body respond to insulin.
  4. STOP SMOKING – Smoking damages your entire circulatory system and increases your risk for coronary heart disease, hardened arteries, aneurysm and blood clots.  Like the domino effect, one risk creates another.  Blood clots and hardened arteries, for instance, increase your risks for heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease.  Smoking can also reduce your good cholesterol and your lung capacity, thus making it harder to get the physical activity you need for better health.

Only you can change your lifestyle…it’s time to take action and get moving!

Susan Covey is the Fitness Director 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.

Londonderry’s Satellite Rotary Club continues support for senior supply drive

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For the second year, Londonderry’s Satellite Rotary Club, a branch of the Rotary Club of Easton, is partnering with the Talbot County Commission on Aging to support the Senior Supply Drive during February. This annual initiative provides essential incontinence products to low-income seniors in the community.

“At Londonderry, giving back is a core part of who we are,” said Christina Harrington, CEO of Londonderry on the Tred Avon. “Our Rotary Club members are dedicated to service, and we are proud to be part of this effort to assist seniors in our area who need these essential supplies.”

Founded last year, Londonderry’s Satellite Rotary Club is composed of passionate members committed to serving their community. Like all Rotary clubs, it meets regularly—on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at Londonderry—and actively participates in community initiatives such as the Senior Supply Drive.

With nearly 30% of Talbot County’s population aged 65 or older, the county has the highest senior population percentage in Maryland. Many seniors struggle with incontinence, affecting over 60% of women and 25% of men, yet essential products can be costly. The Senior Supply Drive helps bridge this gap by ensuring those in need have access to necessary items.

Requested donations include:

  • Disposable gloves
  • Disposable flat underpads
  • Female incontinence pads
  • Pull-up incontinence briefs
  • Wipes

Donations can be dropped off at Londonderry, as well as the Talbot County Health Department, Brookletts Place – Talbot County Senior Center, and Home Instead. Members of the community can also go online and make their donations via Amazon at https://a.co/cBZJWSR.

For more information, contact Carrie Ottey at the Talbot County Senior Center at 410-819-5678 or [email protected].

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.

Londonderry celebrates Team Service Awards

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During Londonderry on the Tred Avon’s annual Stockholders Meeting, stockholders, residents, and team members gathered to recognize the dedicated individuals who reached significant service milestones to the community. This year, a record-breaking 19 team members were honored for their anniversaries, which ranged from one year to an impressive twenty years of service.

“Londonderry is a family, and the deep connections between our residents and team members are the reason why,” said Christine Harrington, CEO of Londonderry on the Tred Avon. “Our community takes great pride in making Londonderry a wonderful place to work. This is reflected not only in our ability to retain team members but also in welcoming them back after life events like going to college or starting a family.”

 Celebrating 20 Years of Service
Jennifer Hughes, Controller, began her journey at Londonderry as a server in the Tred Avon Tavern while still in high school. Over the years, she pursued her advanced education and grew within the organization. Today, as Londonderry’s Controller, Jennifer’s deep knowledge of the community provides invaluable insights to the Board of Directors and operational team, helping Londonderry honor its past while preparing for the future.

 Brenda Brown, known affectionately as “Ms. Brenda,” is a beloved member of Londonderry’s housekeeping team. Brenda has witnessed Londonderry’s evolution over the past two decades, and exemplifies the dedication and heart that makes Londonderry a special place.

Recognizing 10 Years of Service: Rachel Smith, Robert Smith, and Elizabeth Whitby

Recognizing 5 Years of Service: Everett Freeman,  Chelsea Harris,  James Brooks,  Theresa Murray, Erica Hardeo and Emma Ross.

An additional eight team members were also celebrated for reaching one-year service anniversaries.

“Congratulations to all our award recipients,” added Harrington. “As a community, we value one another and deeply appreciate each person’s unique contributions to our team. Together, we make Londonderry a remarkable place to live and work.”

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.

December Fitness Feature: Leg Strength

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Our legs make up the largest of our muscle groups which include the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Low body strengthening is a vital part of senior fitness. It is the most effective and efficient method of preventing sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) and preserving independence. By maintaining both mobility and stability we are improving our lean muscle mass. This reduces blood pressure, improves bone health, lessens low back pain, and reduces falls.

One incredibly significant advantage for you is that this leg-strengthening can be accomplished using a leg press machine, which is like seated squats, a leg curl machine and leg extension. There are exercise techniques you need to know when using these machines like adjusting the load, determining movement speed, range of motion (ROM) and your breathing pattern. Using these machines properly as little as twice a week can help prevent many chronic conditions. (Be sure to ask for help with proper technique if you are unfamiliar.) The following are general guidelines:

  • Begin with a weight you can correctly push or correctly lift 8 times.
  • Ideally at a speed of 6 seconds, 2 second push or lift and 4 seconds to return.
  • Full ROM is the goal, but only if pain-free.
  • Always EXhale on EXertion.
  • Use proper body mechanics and appropriate settings for your body.

An alternative to machine work is of course using your own body weight such as sit-to-stands, squats, lunges, even standing or seated marches. If you have stairs in your home, climbing them is a great leg exercise right there!

Susan Covey is the Fitness Director at 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: Protecting the Londonderry Community with Rich Williams

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Over the last ten years, the Spy and Londonderry on the Tred Avon have worked together on stories about this unique retirement community that educates its residents and the 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’s Rich Williams, its security and transportation director.

One would need to look far and wide to find a safer community than Easton, and this applies to Londonderry on the Tred Avon, its flagship retirement community off of Port Street. Nonetheless, every neighborhood needs to think about public safety and provide for its residents, and that’s where Rich Williams is making a real difference as ndonderry’s director of security and transportation.

After spending 23 years with the Baltimore Fire Department and retiring as a captain, Rich and his family came to the Eastern Shore for his next chapter. With his emergency management background from the Fire Department and his recent work assisting the Talbot County Emergency Operations Center with Response and Recovery during the pandemic, Londonderry found the perfect leader for this important mission.

As Christine finds out in her interview, Rich not only has the best preparation to support Londonderry residents, but he also comes with a bit of Hollywood on the side with his unique role in the movie Ladder 49.

This video is approximately nine 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 honors its Veterans

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon proudly honors the veterans in their community on Veterans Day and throughout the year. Thirty-two veterans live and work on campus, the majority of them having served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

“Our veterans bring richness to our community and connect us to the service and sacrifice of our nation’s military,” said Christine Harrington, Londonderry on the Tred Avon CEO. “We are always looking for ways to show our appreciation and learn from their experiences.”

On Veterans Day, Londonderry’s veterans will gather for a special lunch in their honor. At the event, each veteran shares their branch of service and many also tell stories from their military experience. The Armed Forces Medley is also played to recognize each branch of the military.

Also on Veterans Day, a Missing Man Table is placed in the Tred Avon Tavern in the Londonderry Community Center to honor the ultimate sacrifice of those who served and never came home.

Finally, Londonderry recently launched a new addition to its website that honors the veterans in the community. A page now features a photo of each veteran as well as a summary of and anecdotes from their time in the military. Each profile was written by Londonderry residents who were honored to tell the stories of their neighbors.

All are welcome to meet Londonderry’s veterans at https://londonderrytredavon.com/honoring-our-veterans/.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is an intimate residential cooperative community for adults ages 62+, offering 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.

Enjoy the health benefits of Thanksgiving Day by Susan Covey

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Have you always thought the traditional Thanksgiving meal was full of empty calories?

Not so! One ounce of turkey, for instance, provides 8 grams of protein as well as B vitamins, zinc, and selenium. We all know that it is also a source of tryptophan, an essential amino acid for making proteins and serotonin and a neurotransmitter that impacts mood.

Potatoes, which often get a bad rap, are a major source of carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamin C. Sweet potatoes are full of antioxidants and provide vitamins A, C, and manganese.

Bread Stuffing can give you protein, vitamin A, vitamin K, and 21% of your daily fiber.

Cranberries, though 90% water with the rest being fiber and carbs, also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting properties.

Pumpkin is packed with nutrients that support your immune system, especially important during the winter months. One cup of cooked pumpkin has just 50 calories yet provides 245% of the RDA for vitamin A, plus vitamin C, E, iron, and folate.

Pumpkin Pie is synonymous with Thanksgiving and, in addition to providing the aforementioned array of vitamins and minerals, gives us protein, calcium and best of all, JOY!

Eat until your heart’s content…but please follow your meal with a brisk outdoor walk or the following workout!

TURKEY DAY WORKOUT

Triceps kickbacks

Upright rows

Reverse lunges

Knee lifts

External knee rotations

Y-arm raises

Deadlifts

Arm circles

Yawn stretches (interlocked fingers, palms out, reach out and up, taking a deep breath, arms down as you exhale.

Happy November!

Susan Covey is the fitness director at Acts Bayleigh Chase in Easton, Maryland.

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

Cruisin’ with Christine: Serving the Londonderry Community with Pat Bradley

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

This month, Christine visits with Londonderry resident Pat Bradley, who recently won the Ruth and Thomas Ingerson Award for community service.

One unique way Londonderry has grown to be one of the most successful retirement communities on the Eastern Shore is the scope and range of its special events and activities. As Christine finds out from Pat, one of its greatest assets is its residents’ exceptional level of engagement.

This video is approximately nine 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.

Upper Shore Aging Hosts the Re-Dedication of the Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center

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Upper Shore Aging (USA) recently hosted a re-dedication of the Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center in Chestertown. Pictured left to right are Herb Cain, Executive Director of Upper Shore Aging, artist Evie Baskin, who painted the portrait; and Kay Brodie, President of the Upper Shore Aging Board of Directors, in front of the new portrait of Amy Lynn Ferris, for whom the Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center is named.

Upper Shore Aging (USA) recently hosted a re-dedication of the Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center in Chestertown. The Constance and Carl Ferris Foundation recently donated $35,000 to update the Center’s kitchen, including purchasing new appliances and repainting the Center. A special addition to the re-dedication included unveiling a new painting of Amy Lynn Ferris, the couple’s daughter, which now hangs in the lobby of the Center.

“I am proud to be a part of this organization and the wonderful work that we do. Every morning during the week, I look out the window and this parking lot is full. The senior population in Maryland is growing. People are living longer and healthier lives. Recent statistics show that 27% of the population of Kent County is over 60 years of age. This center is providing a wonderful resource to help this growing demographic of our population. It makes me proud as the new executive director of Upper Shore Aging, to be a part of this,” shared Herb Cain, Executive Director of Upper Shore Aging.

Rosemarie Curlett, Manager of the Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center, shared, “I was here when the building was built 21 years ago. I want to thank all the staff for bringing so much activity to this building in the past year.”

Kay Brodie, President of the Upper Shore Aging Board of Directors, shared some history about the Ferris family, sharing that they moved to Rock Hall from the Philadelphia area in 1986. She added, “They have done so many things for Kent County as a whole, in addition to supporting this building for Upper Shore Aging. After they both passed away, the Constance and Carl Ferris Charitable Operating Foundation, Inc.  was set up, benefiting several organizations in Kent County.”

According to Upper Shore Aging, Amy Lynn Ferris was active in helping various charities, in particular Habitat for Humanity of Chester County. She cared deeply about helping those less fortunate and Rock Hall, where her parents retired, and where she visited, held a special place in her heart. Because there was never a picture of Amy Lynn Ferris, for whom the Center was named, Upper Shore Aging decided to have a portrait of Amy Lynn painted by local artist Evie Baskin, a partner with the Artists Gallery in Chestertown since 2015 who enjoys doing portrait commissions and landscapes.

“I never had a chance to meet Amy Lynn Ferris as she died in 2002 at the age of 48. The only photograph available of Amy at that time was a bit of a challenge. I never met her, so I didn’t know much about her personality. I have learned a lot since then. She was the daughter of Carl and Constance Ferris. She lived outside of Philadelphia at the end of her life.”

“My goals in doing her portrait were to try to capture her spirit, along with her likeness. I decided to include the background of the family estate – Kimbolton – in Rock Hall. So, I hope you will see Amy as a happy, loving, and kind young woman filled with gentle spirit and the love of water and life,” Baskin commented.

According to Upper Shore Aging, Connie and Cal Ferris met and married at Cornell University in New York. Mr. Ferris worked for the DuPont Company in Wilmington, Delaware for 17 years before becoming a franchise of Burger King restaurants in Pennsylvania in 1963. Mr. and Mrs. Ferris owned and operated all of the Burger Kings in Bucks and Montgomery counties for 23 years. After his retirement in 1986, Carl Ferris and his wife divided their time between Naples, Florida, and Lankford Creek in Rock Hall.

The Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center is located at 200 Schauber Road in Chestertown and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. For further information on program offerings, visit uppershoreaging.org or call 410-778-2564.

Upper Shore Aging, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is the designated Area Agency on Aging for Talbot, Caroline, and Kent counties, Maryland, serving a potential market of nearly 31,000 persons over the age of sixty years. Our organization develops and manages a coordinated program of services that work together to help elders to remain, and live well, in the community as long as possible. Upper Shore Aging, Inc. works closely with the Maryland Department of Aging to serve the needs of its clients.

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