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December 6, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

Senior Nation Senior Notes

Leaders of Londonderry on the Tred Avon named “Women to Watch” by Baltimore Magazine

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The female leaders at Londonderry on the Tred Avon were named “Women to Watch” by Baltimore Magazine in its February issue. Pictured from left are Chelsea Harris, Erica Hardeo, Rachel Smith, Christine Harrington, Jennifer Hughes and Lacree Brown.

The female leaders at Londonderry on the Tred Avon were named “Women to Watch” by Baltimore Magazine in its February issue.

Baltimore Magazine recognized the female members of Londonderry’sleadership team for their visionary leadership and commitment to creating a vibrant, hospitality-focused culture on campus where residents and team members thrive. Recognized leaders include: Christine Harrington, Chief Executive Officer; Chelsea Harris, Director of Dining Services; Jennifer Hughes, Controller; Rachel Smith, Director of Sales and Marketing; Lacree Brown, Director of Housekeeping Services and Erica Hardeo, Director of Community Engagement.

 “These are a few of the amazing women who I have the pleasure of working with every day,” said Christine Harrington, Londonderry on the Tred Avon CEO. “With the continued support of Londonderry’s Board of Directors and team, these women have positioned the community as a trusted leader in resort-style retirement living. This recognition from Baltimore Magazine is so well deserved of their inspiring hard work.”

Londonderry is always innovating and tailors its personalized services to meet the evolving needs of today’s retirees, setting the gold standard for senior living. Residents enjoy a dynamic, collaborative lifestyle where wellness is prioritized, independence is celebrated, and every day offers something new. From curating engaging social calendars and organizing fitness classes to coordinating outings, book clubs, winemaking, and card games, the community fosters meaningful connections and lifelong enrichment.

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.

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.

My wish for 2025 by Susan Covey

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The human body is such a wonder, and my wish for this new year, as a fitness trainer and general wellness enthusiast, is that all of us make the time to discover, or perhaps rediscover, our own awesome wonder, our own joy.  

Clear your mind of that four-letter word, “can’t”, because the only thing standing between you and your discovery is that bull—- story you keep telling yourself as to why it will never happen!   

I quote Nelson Mandela… “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Just keep moving and Cheers to new adventures!!

Susan Covey, Fitness Director-Acts Baleigh Chase

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

Londonderry’s Chelsea Harris Graduates from Shore Leadership

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to announce that its Director of Dining Services, Chelsea Harris, graduated from the Shore Leadership Program on December 4th at the Easton Elks Lodge #1622.

“Shore Leadership was an incredible experience,” said Harris. “Even as an Eastern Shore native, there was still so much to learn about my home – its people, places, opportunities, and challenges. I was able to meet professionals from so many career paths and industries and learn new skills that I have already implemented in my work at Londonderry.”

During the nine-month program, Shore Leadership participants learn through face-to-face discussions with community leaders and experts from organizations and institutions that shape the region’s economic structure and culture. The class develops an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships and complexities of the region. Participants meet one day each month at locations throughout the Eastern Shore, discussing topics such as aspects of legacy, technology, economic development, community and arts, environment, education, and government.

Harris is the third Shore Leadership Graduate on Londonderry’s Leadership Team, joining Rachel Smith (21) and Jennifer Hughes (23). 

Since 1997, the Shore Leadership program has facilitated positive change and enhanced the quality of life on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. To apply to the Shore Leadership Program and Shore Leadership 2.0., fill out an application and submit a letter of recommendation on their website, https://shoreleadership.org/apply/.


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 on the Tred Avon welcomes new Officers and Board members

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon’s Board of Directors recently elected Jean Rhian as its new Vice President, Beth Horner as its Treasurer, and welcomed new members, Graham Lee and Nancy Henry.

Londonderry’s Board is comprised of residents and community members who volunteer their time to provide guidance and strategic direction to the cooperative and its operations team

“At Londonderry, we are grateful for our board members who share their time and experience with our team,” said Christine Harrington, Londonderry on the Tred Avon CEO. “Their support is a critical piece of our success as we evolve our amenities and offerings to remain the region’s premier senior living community.”

Jean Rhian, Londonderry’s new Vice President, has lived at Londonderry since 2019. She has also served on the Finance Committee. Her professional expertise as a systems analyst for the Kmart Corporation and with Ford Motor Company’s Finance and Government Affairs departments have made Rhain an asset to the Londonderry Board and the other community organizations she supports. Rhain and her husband, Jerry, moved to Easton to be closer to family. She shares her time and talent with the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, as a mediator at MidShore Community Mediation, as a member of the Bayside Quilters, and volunteering with the Talbot Interfaith Shelter and Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center.

Beth Horner, CPA, Londonderry’s Treasurer, brings a wealth of experience in accounting and a dedication to community service. Since moving to Easton in 1987, Horner has built a distinguished career specializing in nonprofit and small business accounting. Her extensive experience includes auditing, tax preparation, consulting, and management roles at local, regional, and national CPA firms. Horner and her husband, Robb, are proud parents to their daughter, Kendall, and grandparents to Brantley and Mackenzie. Horner is deeply involved in community service, serving as Treasurer and Board Member for local organizations, including The Underground Ministry and Oasis Covenant Fellowship. She enjoys reading, crocheting, sewing, and mentoring women outside of work.

Graham Lee retired in 2022 as Vice President of Philanthropy for Shore Regional Health in Easton, capping off his 38-year career as a professional fundraiser. Throughout his career, Lee held a number of roles with Shore Regional Health, the Memorial Hospital Foundation and their predecessors where he grew the organizations’ assets, developed a planned giving program, and completed successful campaigns for the Clark Comprehensive Breast Center and the Diagnostic and Imaging Center. Lee also served as the Chief Development Officer at the YMCA of the Chesapeake, where he helped lead volunteers and donors to a successful $5 million capital campaign to build the Thomas E. Hill Center for Youth Development. Lee has served on many Boards and committees including Rotary Club of Easton, Friends of Easton Volunteer Fire Department Capital Campaign, Neighborhood Service Center, the Easton Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, Talbot County Free Library, and many more. Graham and his wife, Brenda, have three adult children and call Easton home.

Nancy Henry moved to Londonderry in 2023 and has lived in Talbot County for nearly 50 years. Nancy retired in 2007 following a 41-year career in public education that culminated in 17 years as head of the special education program for Queen Anne’s County that served more than 1,000 students with disabilities. For the next ten years, Henry served as the volunteer coordinator for pets on wheels recruiting, training and evaluating over 50 teams of handlers and their pets for planned visits to nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

For more information about Londonderry and its Board of Directors, please visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

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.