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September 17, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

7 Ed Notes

Annual DC/Baltimore Area Charity Golf Tournament Benefits Benedictine

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The DC/Baltimore Area Charity Golf Tournament to benefit Benedictine raised over $52,000. Pictured left to right: Thad Fletcher, Benedictine Trustee; Charley Mills, President, Benedictine Board of Trustees; Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director; Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer

A group of supportive golfers gathered at the Country Club at Woodmore in Mitchellville to participate in the Annual DC/Baltimore Area Charity Golf Tournament to benefit Benedictine. Graciously hosted by Benedictine parents, trustees, and lead sponsors Thad Fletcher and his wife Donna Rochelle, over $52,000 was raised to support programs and services that support the developmentally disabled and autistic children and adults that Benedictine serves.

“It was a great day to gather at Woodmore to share in camaraderie and raise important funds to support Benedictine,” commented Thad Fletcher, Benedictine Trustee Board Member. “Our daughter Gabby has had a wonderful experience at Benedictine and it so important to ensure that Benedictine can continue to do the important work in serving children and adults with developmental disabilities. Their quality of care is exceptional.”

The tournament introduces players to Benedictine’s mission and the generosity and commitment of the Fletcher family. Participants from as far away as Texas, Illinois and Oklahoma joined the Fletchers for this fun day of golf and philanthropy.

“We are so grateful to Thad and is family, along with his incredible network of supporters that join him each year in Mitchellville to participate in this golf tournament,” stated Charley Mills, Benedictine Board of Trustees President. “Benedictine’s mission to provide a welcoming atmosphere, dignity for the individuals they serve, and to provide a compassionate caring environment has been the backbone of this organization since its founding in 1959. Now more than ever we need to make sure that Benedictine can continue to provide the critical support and life enhancement for the many individuals it serves.”

The DC/Baltimore Area Charity Golf Tournament winning team was (pictured from left to right) JT Trevino, JD Davis, Danny Fotuna and Jim Kottage.

The day finished off with recognition of long-time participants and several new faces and an awards ceremony where the winning team was announced – JT Trevino, JD Davis, Danny Fotuna and Jim Kottage. Before the day ended, golfers were challenged to a long shot across the pond for more fundraising opportunities.

During the awards ceremony, Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director, echoed his appreciation for the generous support. “These funds are truly appreciated in support of Benedictine’s mission and its programs. Thank you for coming out each year to support us!”

Benedictine, a nonprofit organization, offers community-based learning opportunities for adults ages 22 to 70+ including those that live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot and Anne Arundel counties, as well as special education and home-like living options for children ages 5 to 21 on Benedictine’s Ridgely campus. Their Easton Office prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and also collaborates with the local public schools to provide services to their students.

For more information on Benedictine’s services and ways to support, please contact Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer at [email protected] or call 410 634 2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization helping more than 200 children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot and Anne Arundel counties. The Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

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

Women & Girls Fund Hosts Successful Golf Tournament

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After a year off due to Covid-19, the Women & Girls Fund Golf Clinic & 9-Hole Tournament returned on September 21 at Talbot Country Club in full swing! Christine Dayton, Diana Lach, Kelly McDonald, and Liz Shields claimed Low Gross honors while Meggie Gabrielian, Sandy Johnson, Dianne Miller, and Allie Prelltook the Low Net honors.

The Women & Girls Fund 10th Annual Clinic & 9-Hole Tournament returned this year with amazing support from participants and sponsors. The event was a great day for golf and a good cause! Photo credit: Karena Dixon Photography

“There isn’t a tournament out there like this one, it is just a day of women getting together to have fun and share a lot of laughter.  It isn’t about competing or winning, though that was a really fun surprise!” said Allie Prell, Women & Girls Fund board member and avid golfer. The contests saw a lot of action with Alice Ryan making the Longest Drive on #7, Janet Larson with Closest to the Pin on #4, and Kari Rider with Closest to the Pin on #8. “So close, yet so far,” said event marketing chair and former Women & Girls Fund board president, Talli Oxnam, about Kari Rider’s near-Hole in One hit from the 8th tee that stopped on the edge of the hole, one of the Closest to the Pin contest holes.“We all jumped for joy but even that didn’t knock the ball in – – it was a fantastic nonetheless!”

The biggest win of the day, however, goes to the Women & Girls Fund.  With a record-breaking number of participants and sponsors, net proceeds reached a new high of $15,700.  Special thanks to Station SponsorsBlue Point Hospitality, BSC Group, LLC, Christine Dayton Architect, P.A., Dock Street Foundation, Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A., Miss Alice and Crew, Shore United Bank, Sullivan Surgery & Spa, The Gunston School, Tred Avon Family Wealth, Sandi Vince, and Wye Financial Partners for their support.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Women & Girls Fund’s special programs and annual grants. For information about the Fund, visit www.womenandgirlsfund.org.

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

Women & Girls Fund 9-Hole Golf Tournament

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Women golfers—from beginners to veterans—are invited to enjoy lunch and play in a 9-Hole Tournament at the Women & Girls Fund’s Annual Golf Day at the Talbot Country Club on Tuesday, September 21. If you’ve been wanting to try the game of golf but don’t know where to begin or if you’re a frequent golfer looking for another opportunity to get out there, this is the event for you!

“We are thrilled to bring back our annual tournament this September after a year off during the pandemic. The tournament will proceed rain or shine and in accordance with Talbot Country Club’s Covid-19 protocols,” said Allie Prell, Women & Girls Fund board member and avid golfer.

Proceeds from the popular event will support the Women & Girls Fund’s annual grant program. Since 2003, the Fund’s grants have totaled more than $767,000 in support of programs at 102 local non-profit organizations. Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations whose programs serve women, girls, and families in the five Mid-Shore counties.

“Our Golf Day is a really fun way to support the Women & Girls Fund,” said Alice Ryan, Women & Girls Fund founder and event chair.  “Now in its tenth year, the tournament has become a wonderful event thanks to the generosity of Marc Kimminau, Head Golf Professional at Talbot Country Club, and his staff, the great field of women, and our great sponsors.  It’s exciting to see so many old and new faces every year!”

This year’s tournament is on its way to being a huge success with the popular morning Skills Clinic already sold out and thanks to a record-breaking number of business sponsors.  Special thanks to the Station Sponsors: Bluepoint Hospitality; BSC Group; Christine Dayton Architect; Dock Street Foundation; Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, Alice Ryan; Shore United Bank; Sullivan Spa and Surgery; The Gunston School; Tred Avon Family Wealth; Sandra Vince; and Wye Financial Group.

After the 11:30am lunch, players will break into foursomes for a 9-hole scramble tournament, which is fun for golfers of all levels because everyone has a chance to play and contribute to the team’s cumulative low score.  In a scramble, golfers hit a tee shot and continue playing from their foursome’s “best ball” position all the way to the green.

“Women love this event because it works as well for new golfers as it does for really good players,” said Beth Spurry, former Women & Girls Fund board president.  “And the best part is that the sponsors and players all know they’re helping us improve lives for the Mid-Shore’s women and girls, and that means we’re building stronger communities.  It’s the best win-win golf day I can imagine.”

The fee for lunch and 9 holes of golf, including golf cart, is $100.  Space is limited and registration closes on September 14th, so be sure to register soon!  For further information and to sign up, call 410-770-8347, e-mail [email protected], or go to www.womenandgirlsfund.org.

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

Big Brothers Big Sisters Hosts 12th Annual Eastern Shore Golf Classic

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Golfers Lining up for Shotgun Start

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore (BBBSES) is excited to announce the 12th Annual Eastern Shore Golf Classic (ESGC). It will be held on Monday August 9th, 2021 at the beautiful River Marsh Golf Course at the Hyatt Regency Bay Golf Resort in Cambridge, MD. Each golfer will receive entry to the event, a gift for participating, a golf cart for the day, 18 holes of golf, lunch, and entry to the awards reception that includes dinner. The event will also include prizes and awards for the winner of the Hole-in-One and Closest to the Pin Challenges. Additionally, volunteers are needed to help with this event.

Individual golfers may register for a fee of $200 and teams of four players may register for a fee of $800. Only 4 team slots are remaining! Valuable sponsorship opportunities are available.

Golfer check in will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a Shotgun Start at 1:00 p.m.

To register for the event, please visit www.shorebiglittle.org/events. If you would like more information, to become a sponsor, or to volunteer, please Contact BBBSES by phone at (410) 430-6969 or by e-mail at [email protected].

All proceeds from the 12th Annual Eastern Shore Golf Classic will directly impact children and families facing adversity within Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Big Brother Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore is a nonprofit organization, committed to create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth so that all youth achieve their full potential.  To become a mentor or to volunteer for BBBSES events please call (410) 543-2447 or visit www.shorebiglittle.org.

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

Chesapeake College Fundraiser to Benefit Student Athletes

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New format ready for 2020 conditions

Opportunities are available for golfers and sponsorships for Chesapeake College’s Annual Golf Fundraiser for Athletic Scholarships at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Resort in Cambridge.

“In the interest of safety for all golfers, student-athletes and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chesapeake College Foundation coordinated with the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay River Marsh Golf Club to re-imagine this year’s fundraiser,” said Chesapeake’s Director of Constituent Engagement Elizabeth Devlin, who is also executive director of the Chesapeake College Foundation.

Teams will be able to play between now and June 30, 2021. This gives teams the opportunity to play on a date that works best for them, and in a smaller group environment to help ensure everyone’s safety and comfort level. The cost for entry is $500 per foursome.

Each year the tournament raises money for the General Athletic Scholarships Fund. More than 60 student-athletes are currently receiving Chesapeake College scholarships. This financial assistance allows students to pursue higher education as they continue to excel in the sports that they love. In 2019, the tournament raised more than $30,000 for scholarships.

“Our student-athletes strive for excellence in both academics and athletic competition. We’re proud of how they represent Chesapeake and their work enhances student life. Supporting their endeavors is critically important,” said President Cliff Coppersmith. “This year brought many challenges for college students, and our student-athletes need our assistance now more than ever.”

Chesapeake’s Skipjacks earn accolades for both their athletic and academic accomplishments. Since 2010, 38 Skipjacks have been named to the NJCAA Academic All-Americans, which requires a minimum 3.6 GPA.

The fundraiser usually brings together supporters from across the five-county service area. Businesses, organizations and individuals are signing on as event sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Due to the extended fundraiser timeline this year, sponsors may sign on to support Chesapeake student-athletes through June 2021.

“Our sponsors are essential to ensuring that the event raises as much as possible to support our student-athletes directly through scholarships. We are thrilled to have their support,” said Ms. Devlin.

Hays Companies of Maryland is the Tournament Sponsor, with Shore United Bank as the Peake Sponsor. BBSI is Golf Ball Sponsor this year.

Current Eagle sponsors include: Parker Counts; PKS & Company, P.A.; Provident State Bank, and Phil & Irmy Webster. To date, Birdie sponsors include: Bay Imprint; Benson and Mangold; Davey Tree Service; Impressive Printing; Miles and Stockbridge, and Shore Orthopedics. For additional information and questions, please contact Michelle Hall at [email protected].  To register or sponsor online, please visit https://www.chesapeake.edu/golf

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