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ShoreRivers and DCPG Present Cambridge Film Festival February 14

January 24, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

ShoreRivers and Dorchester Citizens for Planned Growth are pleased to host the fifth Cambridge Film Festival on February 14, 2020. This annual festival presents ten short environmental and adventure films that illustrate the beauty of the Earth and the work that communities are doing to protect our increasingly threatened planet.

The community is welcome to Gallery 447, a performance venue in the heart of downtown Cambridge, at 5:00 pm for an evening of light local fare, beverages including beer and wine, and an hour-long program of inspiring, award-winning films. After the event, guests are encouraged to enjoy dinner at nearby Jimmie & Sooks Restaurant with a special discount.

The event will include a showing of the most recent project by special guests Dave Harp and Sandy Cannon-Brown, a 30-minute film entitled A Voice for the Rivers, which features ShoreRivers’ four professional Riverkeepers.

The evening is also an opportunity to recognize citizens, community partners, and businesses that support a cleaner and healthier Choptank River and Chesapeake Bay. This year’s Marquee Sponsor is Dock Street Foundation. River Guardian sponsors are Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay and WAAI Radio 100.9 FM Classic Country. Sustaining Sponsor is UMCES Integration and Application Network. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available at shorerivers.org/events.

Photo: Still image from A Voice for the Rivers by Dave Harp and Sandy Cannon-Brown. ShoreRivers aims to instill a sense of stewardship for our waterways across all generations, best exemplified here by our Choptank Riverkeeper Matt Pluta with his wife Abby and their son Maxfield.

Proceeds from the film festival will benefit the #SwimmableShoreRivers campaign, a water quality testing program that monitors bacteria levels in our local waterways. This rigorous data collection allows ShoreRivers to keep the public informed of potential health threats, as well as pinpoint and address sources of pollution. Community members may also support the program by sponsoring new testing sites. For more information, contact ChoptankRiverkeeper Matt Pluta at mpluta@shorerivers.org or 443.385.0511 ext. 203.

Doors open at 5:00 pm for guests to enjoy a pre-show Oyster Social featuring local oysters donated by Stoney Cove Charters and Choptank Oyster Company.For further information, please visit shorerivers.org/events or contact Connor Liu at cliu@shorerivers.org or 443-385-0511 ext 210.

Tickets/info:

shorerivers.org/events
$35 pre-sale, $40 walk-in night of event

Tickets include 1 complimentary drink ticket and hors d’oeuvres

Cash bar after complimentary drink

Oyster Social: 5:00pm-6:00pm
Film program: 6:10pm-7:10pm

On Your Own: Dinner at Jimmie & Sooks Restaurant (527 Poplar Street) with special discount

Venue: Gallery 447, 447 Race Street, Cambridge, MD 21613

ShoreRivers protects and restores Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education. We work collaboratively with our community yet maintain an uncompromising and independent voice for clean rivers and the living resources they support.

shorerivers.org

Spy Review: Avalon Theater Presents Ziggy Stardust

January 23, 2020 by Steve Parks Leave a Comment

David Bowie, the late British singer-songwriter and actor, drew on both his musical and theatrical skills to launch him into rock superstardom with the 1972 release of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars and subsequent concert tour dates.

You can catch it live—although without Bowie, of course, as his androgynous alter ego, Ziggy—thanks to Classic Albums Live, which, as the name implies, performs classic albums note for note in order of appearance on the original vinyl LPs. The Toronto-based concert touring company, which last came to Easton’s Avalon Theater in November to play The Doors’ LA Woman, brings Ziggy Stardust to life on the main stage Saturday, Jan. 25.

A different group of musicians is assembled for each album to meet Classic Album Live’s commitment to achieving as close as possible the same sound, riff-for-riff, as the recording that first turned you into a fan of, say, The Beatles, the Stones, Led Zep or The Boss.

Bowie had his first major success on the pop/rock charts with “Space Oddity” in 1969. But it was Ziggy Stardust that rocketed him to the top in the “glam rock” era of the 1970s.

This is a concept album in that its songs comprise a loose storyline about the travails of Ziggy, a space alien. He’s come to Earth as a rock star to warn humanity to change habits that pose an existential threat to the planet as a habitable island in the universe. Sound familiar?

As Bowie himself described the concept, “The time is five years to go before the end of the Earth. It has been announced that the world will end because of a lack of natural resources.”Or maybe it’s just so hot that the seas will soon flood all the planet’s landmasses.

Whatever. Here’s Ziggy Stardust, in first-cut-to-last order as you’ll experience it at the Avalon Saturday night:

“Five Years,” the low-key percussion-driven opening number, seems to have been influenced by the Plastic Ono Band (Yoko Ono/John Lennon). Drummer Mick Woodmansey also figures prominently in the undertone of “Soul Love,” accented by Bowie’s unique vocal lyricism and Mick Ronson’s layered electric guitar riffs. “Moonage Daydream” suggests a deep space sonic invasion with Trevor Bolder’s steadily accelerating bass leading to a furious piano, backing vocals, and electric-guitar finish.

The album’s hit single, “Starman,” remains one of the greatest in Bowie’s career. As an acoustic ballad, it brings to mind his breakthrough single, “Space Oddity,” with eerie sound effects, orchestration, and deft Ronson riffs following each chorus. The song represents a turning point in Ziggy’s persona from a manipulative would-be savior to a delusional refugee from another world. Side one closes with, oddly enough for a concept album, a cover—”It Ain’t Easy” by the late American songwriter Ron Davies. It fits right in with the “Stardust” vibe accented by 12-string acoustics and a harpsichord.

“Lady Stardust” opens side two with a moody piano-driven ballad featuring bass virtuosity but almost no guitar. Next, “Star” could be a piano-led rocker from the ‘50s or early ‘60s, while “Hang on to Yourself,” a punkish interlude with glam accents starring Ronson on slide guitar, sets up the climactic final numbers.

The title song represents the beginning of the end with serial classic rock riffs by Ronson, plus Bowie’s vocals delivered in a way to distinguish each of the number’s two parts from each other. In the original recording, “Ziggy” segues into “Suffragette City,” which became the No. 2 hit from the album. It’s a tight rock highlighted by stellar performances by Bowie and Ronson, suggesting a Velvet Underground influence. After that electric romp, the album closes with the acoustic “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide,” which finds Ziggy as a washed-up stage presence, before the song and album conclude with subtle electric guitar effects building slowly to full orchestration and a fittingly dramatic coda to a truly classic album.

Bowie, who died of cancer in 2016, went on to play another space role, this time on the big screen—”The Man Who Fell to Earth” in 1976, playing an alien from a dying planet. Twenty years later, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Next up in the Classic Albums Live series at the Avalon: the late Tom Petty’s Damn the Torpedoes, Apr. 30.

CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust
8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, Avalon Theatre, 40 E. Dover St., Easton
Tickets: $40, 410-822-7299

Steve Parks is a retired journalist, arts writer and editor now living in Easton.

Rachel Franklin Opens February Lecture Series at Temple B’nai Israel

January 23, 2020 by Temple B'nai Israel Leave a Comment

Rabbi Peter Hyman has announced that Temple B’nai Israel’s Susan and Barry Koh February Lecture Series theme is “Jewish Composers: A Jewish Legacy.” The concerts are free and open to the community. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. each Thursday in February and will be held at the Temple, 7199 Tristan Drive (just off of Easton Parkway) in Easton, MD.

Dr. Rachel Franklin

Concert pianist and music historian Dr. Rachel Franklin returns to Temple B’nai Israel-The Satell Center for Jewish Life on the Eastern Shore on February 6. Joined by popular jazz bassist Jonathan Miles Brown, she will present a unique program of music and film that traces the journeys of immigrant and first-generation Jewish composers to Hollywood, exploring how so many of them became an integral part of cinematic history.

Dr. Franklin delves into the hidden magic of the greatest film music ever composed. With fascinating movie clips and musical selections, she will look at the history and craft behind the composer’s work, present Oscar-winning sounds and share great cinema trivia.

The Atlantic String Quartet ushers in week two of the Series on Thursday, February 13, featuring Holly Jenkins and Gregory Mulligan on violin, Karin Brown on viola and Bo Li on cello. Selections from contemporary Jewish composers Philip Glass (1937- ) and Jonathan Leshnoff (1973- ), as well as Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), are scheduled.

Kentavius Jones and Friends bring pop and rock favorites by influential Jewish composers and singers to Easton on February 20. Contemporary hits will be selected from music by The Cars, Leonard Cohen, PINK, Simon & Garfunkel, Mark Cohn, Bob Dylan and many others.

The Concert Series closes on February 27, with local favorites Leroy and Richard Potter and Friends. They will play music from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess (“Summertime” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So”) and Bernstein’s West Side Story (“Maria,” “Somewhere,” “America”).

The Susan and Barry Koh February Lecture Series is an annual production of Temple B’nai Israel- The Satell Center for Jewish Life on the Eastern Shore. For further information, please call 410-822-0553.

Upcoming Programming at the Library February 3 to 6

January 23, 2020 by Talbot County Free Library Leave a Comment

Easton Library Kicks Off Women’s Suffrage Celebration with Toni Morrison Film

On Monday, February 3, at 6:00 p.m., in honor of the 100^th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in America, the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library will kick off its celebration of the 100^th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in America with a free showing of “Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am” on the library’s big, professional screen. The 2-hour documentary examines the celebrated author’s life and the challenges she faced throughout her literary career. Released in 2018, this film is rated PG-13. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. All library programs are free and open to the public. Patrons do not need to pre-register to attend this screening. For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Easton Library to Offer Afternoon Chess for Youth 6 – 16 Years of Age

On Tuesdays, February 4 & 18, at 4:30 p.m., the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library invites youth 6 – 16 years of age to come in to learn and play chess. Light snacks will be served. All library programs are free and open to the public, but patrons are asked to pre-register at http://www.tcfl.org/child/programreg/ to participate in this program. For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Children to Read with a Pets on Wheels Therapy Dog at St. Michaels Library

On Tuesday, February 4, at 3:30 p.m., the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library invites children to bring a a book or choose one from the library’s shelves to read with Maggie Gowe and her dog, Wally. 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.

St. Michaels Library to Offer STEM Program

On Wednesday, February 5, at 3:30 p.m., the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library invites children 5 – 12 years of age to come in and enjoy the library’s “We Are Builders,” a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) program. Participants will build with Legos, Zoobs, and foam blocks. 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.

Plein Air Painters of the Chesapeake Bay Exhibit & Reception at Easton Library

On Thursday, February 6, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., the Plein Air Painters of the Chesapeake Bay will hold a reception in the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library in celebration of their new exhibit (open to the public February 4 – 27) in that branch. Patrons will find many interesting painting in this exhibit, all of them produced in the open air at one of the Shore’s many striking locations. Twenty-five percent of all sales from the exhibit will be donated to The Friends of the Talbot County Free Library. All library programs are free and open to the public. Patrons do not need to pre-register to attend this reception or to view the exhibit. For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Free Family Law Assistance Available at Easton Library

On Thursday, February 6, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., in the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library, a lawyer will be available to provide free consultation to patrons on how to represent themselves and complete forms for divorce, custody, visitation, child support, name change, guardianship, adoption, and juvenile expungement. All library programs are free and open to the public. Patrons do not need to pre-register to take advantage of this opportunity. For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Arts & Crafts

On Thursday, February 6, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library invites patrons to come in for an adult arts and crafts program. Free instruction will be available for knitting, beading, needlework, and tatting. Patrons may bring their coloring books, Zentangle pens, or anything else that fuels their passion for being creative. They may also bring a 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.

St. Michaels Library to Host Watercolor Workshop

On Thursdays, February 6 – 27, 2:00 p.m., the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library invites artists and would-be artists to who enjoy watercolor to watch and discuss six instructional DVDs by famous watercolorist Eric Wiegardt. Patrons my just sit and and listen or they can bring their own paints or sketch books and follow along. 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.

State Legislation Raises the Legal Age of Tobacco Sales

January 22, 2020 by Amy Blades Steward Leave a Comment

Following its 2019 legislative session, Maryland became the ninth state in the union to raise the legal minimum age for sales of tobacco and other nicotine products, such as vapor products and electronic cigarettes, from 18 to 21 years, excluding veterans with valid military identification.

Effective October 2019, HB 1169 underscores Talbot County’s efforts to protect vulnerable youth from tobacco initiation and addiction by reducing underage access to these harmful products and increasing retailer accountability. The bill not only raises the legal age for tobacco sales, it also expands penalties to the retail owner in addition to, or instead of the cashier at point of sale. Violation penalties include but are not limited to criminal/civil citations, fines, and suspension of tobacco sales licenses.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nine out of ten smokers had tried smoking by the age of 18 and 98% first tried by age 26^[1^]. The Truth Initiative, America’s largest nonprofit public health organization committed to making tobacco use a thing of the past, reaffirmed these findings referencing a 2015 National Academy of Medicine Report, which concluded that raising the legal age of tobacco sales could reduce the possibility of initiation for young adults between the ages of 19 and 21 by as much as 15 percent^[2].

Following the announcement of the legislation, Logan Harris, Talbot County Health Department (TCHD) Health Educator, conducted educational visits to Tobacco Vendors across Talbot County to provide education on the passage of the bill and its implementation in October 2019. Although the level of knowledge varied amongst tobacco retailers, the majority were receptive. Revised “We card” posters and materials provided by the State are prominently displayed by retailers to reflect the new age requirements for carding and sales.

All Tobacco Enforcement efforts in Talbot County are Funded by the Maryland Department of Health, Center for Tobacco Prevention and Control. The Center has spearheaded the transition and has worked closely with jurisdictions collectively and individually to ensure successful implementation of the new legislation at a local level. Together with its funders, statewide and local agencies, Talbot County Health Department is a strong voice in promoting awareness of the changing laws and call to action. Future activities of the TCHD related to this issue include:

– Implementing a wide-reaching campaign to educate retailers, parents, youth and the public regarding the increase in the age requirements for the sale of tobacco and nicotine products from 18 to 21 years.

– Enlisting agencies and stakeholders for collaborative planning.

Photo: L-R: Logan Harris, Community Health Educator with the Talbot County Health Department and Muhammad Faisal of U5 Foods, which displays new signage on its window to explain the new State legislation which raises the legal age of tobacco sales to age 21.

The Tobacco 21 initiative by the Maryland Department of Health was welcomed by the Talbot County Council, legislators and State agencies. Talbot County Council President, Corey Pack, comments, “Talbot County takes the health and safety of its citizens very seriously and always look for new opportunities to provide a safe and nurturing environment. The Talbot County Council understands how gateway substances, such as tobacco and alcohol, when introduced to a developing brain can lead to severe health problems. The Council supports the increase in the legal smoking age from 18 to 21, for each year that a young person is not inhaling tobacco products there are sufficient improvements to overall health outcomes. The County Council will work with the Talbot County Health Department and Sheriff’s Department to promote the new law, as well as assist in offering smoking cessation programs for those young people who need help with nicotine addiction.”

The Talbot County Sheriff’s Office has proactively and collaboratively addressed the new legislation with every effort to prepare for the transition, using decoys, both under 18 years of age and between 19 and 21 years of age, in approaching compliance checks. Sheriff Joe Gamble states, “All of the studies on addiction show that the earlier young people use substances (including tobacco products), the more likely they are to become addicted later in life. The Sheriff’s Office will continue our efforts to enforce the laws in an attempt to keep tobacco out of the hands of our young people.”

According to Jean Honey, Prevention Administrator with the Talbot County Health Department, “Tobacco retailers are reminded of their vital role in the protection of Talbot County’s youth and our shared commitment in keeping Talbot youth tobacco-free. If local retailers suspect anyone under the age of 27 attempting to purchase tobacco products or smokeless cigarette-like devices, they must insist on a photo identification before completing a sale.”

Honey encourages retailers to train employees on tobacco enforcement laws, including ways to:

– Identify and deny underage attempts to purchase tobacco and similar products.

– Insist that anyone under age 27 produce a government-issued photo identification as proof of age prior to purchasing a tobacco product.

– Access and use age calculation tools. A free age calculator APP can be downloaded from the FDA website at the following link https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/retail-sales-tobacco-products/selling-tobacco-products-retail-stores

Information on these requirements, helpful resources and materials are available at the Maryland Responsible Retailer Program website at https://health.maryland.gov/notobaccosalestominors/

According to Fredia Wadley, MD, Health Officer with the Talbot County Health Department, “The new law will strengthen agency efforts to curb early initiation and regular tobacco use amongst youth and young adults, increase the stewardship of local retailers, and overall have a positive impact of the health of the young residents of Talbot County.”

For any further information on the changing legislation, call Talbot County Health Department Prevention Office at 410-819-5639.

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Youth and Tobacco Use

[2] Truth Initiative, Where we Stand: Raising the Tobacco Age to 21, October 23, 2017

Snifter’s Having the Last Laugh in Easton

January 21, 2020 by Val Cavalheri Leave a Comment

Word is that if you’re looking for an evening of great comedy, you don’t have to cross the bridge or even leave Talbot County. Snifter’s Craft Beer and Wine Bistro in Easton wants to be the place you think of when deciding on an evening of laughter and entertainment. That certainly was the case last month, when headliner Mickey Cucchiella, former co-host of 98Rock out of Baltimore, Davine Ker from Northern VA, and Easton Shore’s own Macy Morris played to an appreciative standing room only crowd.

“There’s nothing happening like that here in Easton,” says Snifter’s (and adjoining Hair o’ the Dog Wine & Spirits) owner, Joe Petro. “We’ve got the Avalon, thank God, and the club above it, but there’s really no other entertainment. So, the idea of bringing in a comedy club, or comedy night, I thought was really a cool idea.” The idea appears to have caught on with most shows selling out days before the performance.

To assist in booking talent, Petro chose Big Timing Comedy, a production and promotion group from Baltimore after Big Timing co-owner, Eric Jolicoeur, approached Petro about doing shows at Snifter’s. “Wine and craft beer places are perfect for live entertainment,” said Jolicoeur. “They usually have a great customer base and together, make a strong partnership.”

But comedy is just one of the ways Petro is trying to keep Snifter’s relevant, not unlike what he has done with Hair O’ the Dog, which recently celebrated its 15th year. “We pride ourselves on being different than everybody else, says Petro. “Little odd-ballish little geeky. We have more of a broader range of products and we shy away so much from the big brand name commodity brands and try to find a more niche-y kind of products. So, we’ve always had that in our veins–being a little bit different and unique and offering customers different choices than the standard liquor store.”

That’s because Petro thinks he sees the writing on the wall. “The business model of liquor stores is changing,” he says. The future, as he envisions, are people belonging to wine clubs, getting their wines through the mail, or buying beer, wine, and alcohol at grocery stores or big box stores, such as Walmart.

Joe Petro

“You have to be good in more than one thing,” he says, and that one thing became Snifter’s, which opened in June of 2018.“We wanted a venue that not only offered products that would appeal to adults, but we wanted the atmosphere to be conducive to just chill out, have a nice bottle of wine, hear some nice music, have something to eat, and have a conversation.”

Petro prides himself on trying to find fun things that people want to do. So far, what people have wanted have included wine dinners, cider tastings, gin making classes, even Prosecco Yoga in the morning. There are also the standards, which are live music from local talent and OpinioNation, a trivia type, survey-based game, similar to the show Family Feud. Stop by any Wednesday, and you will see groups of people sitting around the table, eating dinner, sipping their drinks, and comparing answers in hopes of winning prizes. “And they can’t even Google it because there are no right answers,” says Petro.

Connecting to the community that supports them, is vital to Snifter’s, who believe in giving back. “We’re big on nonprofits coming in and taking over the restaurant for the night, says Petro. “We’ve done events with ARC, St. Peter and Paul School, Talbot Humane, Talbot Interfaith, and Neighborhood Service Center. One of the OpinioNation game nights each month, will be hosted by one of the nonprofits and 10% of everything we take in that night is donated to them.”

When asked about future plans, Petro is clear on his objectives. “The future is going to be two-fold. One is to improve what we’re already doing. So, there’s always areas that we can improve, whether it’s service, or food, or selections of wine or products. We’re looking at expanding our craft cocktails on the menu right now from 4 to either six or eight. The other is our food. Right now, it’s primarily small plates, flatbreads and cheese boards, along with two entrees a night. We’re looking to expand that because we’re hearing from our customers that they want a broader selection of options and more dinner entrees.”

Immediate plans, however, are preparing for the upcoming Comedy Night this Saturday, January 25th, when Snifter’s will host Headliner Tommy Highland and will feature Rose Vineshank, and Mila Simon. Doors open at 6:00 and show starts at 7:00. Tickets are $25.00 and they sell out fast. “We encourage folks to get here early, if they want to have dinner beforehand. Of course, we do food and drinks throughout the show, as well.” But the bottom line to Petro is this: “It’s just a great inexpensive night out of fun.” If past performance is any indication, he’s right and you just might be on the cusp of being part of the inaugural comedy club of Easton.

Upcoming shows (check Snifter’s FaceBook page for more complete details):
March 7th – Headliner Josh Kuderna
May 2nd – Headliner Tommy Sinbazo
June 13th – Headliner Mickey Cucchiella

Val Cavalheri is a recent transplant to the Eastern Shore, having lived in Northern Virginia for the past 20 years. She’s been a writer, editor and professional photographer for various publications, including the Washington Post.

Jim Duffy to Speak at St. Michaels Library February 3

January 21, 2020 by Talbot County Free Library Leave a Comment

Jim Duffy will present “Underground Railroad Journeys on Delmarva” at Lunch & Learn at St. Michaels Library on February 3, noon.

Award-winning writer and storyteller Jim Duffy of Cambridge will share keystone stories, surprising finds, and life lessons learned from his work on the book Tubman Travels: 32 Underground Railroad Journeys on Delmarva. The presentation will touch on heroes of the Underground Railroad on the Delmarva Peninsula, including Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman as well as some lesser known champions of freedom. Duffy will be signing copies of the books after the talk.

Jim Duffy

Duffy is the co-founder (with his wife, the photographer Jill Jasuta) of Secrets of the Eastern Shore, a local business that celebrates the heritage and beauty of the Delmarva Peninsula in words, pictures, and products. He is an award-winning magazine writer whose work has appeared in numerous regional publications. He is also the author of Eastern Shore Road Trips (Vol. 1): 27 One-Day Adventures on Delmarva and Eastern Shore Road Trips (Vol. 2): 26 MORE One-Day Adventures on Delmarva. The couple has lived in Cambridge since arriving on the Eastern Shore in 2004. The Lunch & Learn series is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, coffee and dessert are provided. For more information, visit www.tcfl.org or call 410-745-5877.

Museum’s Shipyard Programs Announced

January 21, 2020 by Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Leave a Comment

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Md.,has announced its next round of Apprentice for a Day Shipyard Programs,with workshops scheduled from January–May 2020.

Programs take place on weekends and select weekdays, and include a variety of programs for every interest and age. Topics include Electronic Navigation for Non-Technical People, Boating Essentials, Chart Navigation, Casting & Pouring Iron, Small Diesel Engine Maintenance & Repair, the Art of Spieling Planks, and more.

Open Boatshop programs will also return this year, with the public invited on Saturdays in March and April to spend the day in the Shipyard creating woodworking projects of their own design under the guidance of one of CBMM’s experienced shipwrights.

CBMM’s Apprentice for a Day Shipyard Programs take place year-round, and offer demonstrations, workshops, intensives with visiting master craftsmen, on-the-water experiences, and customized programming.

Participation in each program is limited, with advanced registration needed and dates and details available at cbmm.org/shipyardprograms. CBMM members receive a 20% discount on all registration fees. For more information, email afad@cbmm.org or call 410-745-4980.

Critical Conservation Work Planned by ShoreRivers Throughout the Eastern Shore

January 20, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Beginning this month, ShoreRivers will begin implementing a suite of conservation projects on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, including multiple installations on farmland to improve soil health, stormwater action plans to modernize outdated municipal systems, partnerships with congregations to put projects on four faith properties, and pollution reduction from a golf course community. This work is made possible through eight grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Chesapeake Bay Trust. Projects will begin in 2020 and culminate in 2022.

Farmland: Agriculture is the primary land use and a large economic driver of the Eastern Shore. In collaboration with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, ShoreRivers will work with local farmers to improve soil health through cover crops and conservation tillage practices. A series of innovative conservation drainage practices will also be implemented to increase crop productivity while reducing sediment loss and nutrient pollution. Two agricultural projects located in the Chester River watershed will be designed to filter runoff from over 500 acres of cropland and to restore wetland habitat for native species.

Saturated buffer installation

Stormwater: Wye Mills, located in a sub-watershed of the Wye River, has poor water quality and experiences frequent flooding. ShoreRivers will complete a thorough assessment to identify pollution sources, flood reduction opportunities, and potential restoration project sites. Similarly, Chestertown has an outdated stormwater system; ShoreRivers will develop a comprehensive stormwater action plan with stakeholder input to improve water quality. The ultimate goal is to create an innovative, modern stormwater system for this historic town.

Community: Environmental conservation efforts thrive thanks to partnerships with strong community organizations such as Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC). To reduce harmful runoff on church properties, ShoreRivers will host two workshops to engage and inform congregations on restoration strategies and develop a plan to implement at least four restoration projects on faith properties.

Homeowners: To improve the health of the Wye River, ShoreRivers’ River-Friendly Yards program staff will work with homeowners in Queenstown near Greenwood Creek to install rain gardens and plant trees. Additionally, ShoreRivers will partner with Prospect Bay Country Club on multiple efforts to reduce fertilizer and herbicide use on its golf course in order to minimize harmful runoff.

ShoreRivers is thrilled to bring significant state and national resources into the region to support integral work for healthy rivers on behalf of our communities. Follow the progress of these projects:@shorerivers on Facebook; @shoreriversorg on Instagram; or subscribe to the e-newsletter at shorerivers.org/subscribe.

ShoreRivers protects and restores Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education.

shorerivers.org

Upcoming Programming at the Talbot County Free Library in February

January 19, 2020 by Talbot County Free Library Leave a Comment

Youth Programs

Easton

Talbot Chess Tournament

Saturday, February 1, 10:00 a.m. For children in grades K-5. To be held at the Presbyterian Church, 617 N. Washington Street, Easton. In-person registration at the library required. For more information, please call 410-822-1626 or email Laura Powell at lpowell@tcfl.org.

Story Time

Tuesdays, February 4 – 25, 10:00 a.m., and program repeats at 11:00 a.m. For ages 5 and under accompanied by an adult.

Afternoon Chess

Tuesdays, February 4 & 18, 4:30 p.m. For children 6 – 16 years of age. Learn and play chess. Light snacks served. Please pre-register at http://www.tcfl.org/child/programreg/.

Milk & Cookies…and Chapter Books!

Thursdays, February 6 – 27, 1:30 p.m. For ages 6 and up. Chapter book read aloud … with milk and cookies!

Sparky and Rhonda Rucker

Sparky and Rhonda Rucker Show

Saturday, February 15, 11:00 a.m. As part of the 2020 Fire & Ice Festival, enjoy some old-time stories told by Sparky and Rhonda Rucker with humor and music. Fun for all ages!

Young Gardeners, For Children in Grades 1 – 4

Thursday, February 20, 3:45 p.m. Fun, hands-on learning program. Enjoy nature! For children in grades 1 – 4. Please pre-register at http://www.tcfl.org/child/programreg/.

Read with Tiger, a Pets-on-Wheels Therapy Dog

Monday, February 24, 4:00 p.m. For ages 5 and up. Bring a book or choose a library book and read with Janet Dickey and her dog, Tiger.

Teen Night: Peer Pilot Mentoring

Wednesday, February 26, 6:00 p.m. For Students in 8th grade. Fly into a day in the life of a high-schooler with student peer mentors from Easton High School and St. Michaels Middle High School! Games, food, and Q&A with mentors.

St. Michaels

Minecraft Mondays

Mondays, February 3 – 24, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Mine for diamonds and battle creepers. For ages 10-16. Light refreshments will be served.

Read with Wally, a Pets on Wheels Therapy Dog

Tuesday, February 4, 3:30 p.m. Bring a book or choose a library book and read with Maggie Gowe and her dog, Wally.

We are Builders

Wednesday, February 5, 3:30 p.m. Enjoy STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math). Build with Legos, Zoobs, or foam blocks! For children 5 – 12 years of age.

Family Crafts

Tuesday, February 11, 3:30 p.m. Valentine’s Day Crafts/Coloring

Story Time

Wednesday, February 12, 10:30 a.m. For children 5 and under accompanied by an adult.

STEM Story Time at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Wednesday, February 26, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) story time, and learn about how local animals survive in the winter! Pre-registration is required for free admission to the museum. For ages 5 and under accompanied by an adult. Please call the St Michaels Library at 410-745-5877 to pre-register for this event.

Adult Programs

Easton

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am

Monday, February 3, 6:00 p.m. This documentary examines the celebrated author’s life and the challenges she faced throughout her literary career. Released in 2018, rated PG-13, 120 minutes. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Plein Air Painters of the Chesapeake Bay Exhibit & Reception

Open to the Public: February 4 – 27

Opening Reception: February 6, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Enjoy an exhibit of plein air paintings in the Easton library’s main meeting room—all of them produced in the open air at interesting locations on the Shore. Twenty-five percent of all sales from the exhibit will be donated to The Friends of the Talbot County Free Library.

Free Family Law Assistance Available at Easton Library

Thursday, February 6, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. A lawyer will provide free consultation to patrons on how to represent themselves and complete forms for divorce, custody, visitation, child support, name change, guardianship, adoption, and juvenile expungement.

Intermediate Excel Class

Monday, February 10, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Already know a little about Microsoft’s Excel program? Computer Training Specialist Rita Hill will take you to the next level. Bring your own PC laptop or just sit and observe (no Macs please).

Amazing Grace

Monday, February 10, 6:00 p.m. A powerful musical documentary revolving around a 1972 Aretha Franklin concert. Rated G, 89 minutes. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Suzanne Sanders

Lunch & Learn: “Romance Is In The Cards”

Thursday, February 13, noon. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Tarot historian and collector Suzanne Sanders shows how the cards can shine a light on your questions of love and romance. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Meet Your Native Species Plants!

Thursday, February 13, 6:30 p.m. Native species plants are easy to grow and help the environment and the Bay! Native species plants are also the best for bird lovers, because birds love “going native.” Come to a cheerful discussion of how to choose the right plants for your gardening goals, whether it’s just pretty flowers or creating the greatest bird yard you’ve ever had. Discussion led by Maureen Rice, Master Gardener.

Sparky and Rhonda Rucker Show

Saturday, February 15, 11:00 a.m. As part of the 2020 Fire & Ice Festival, enjoy some old-time stories told by Sparky and Rhonda Rucker with humor and music. Fun for all ages!

Stitching Time

Monday, February 24, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Work on your favorite project (knitting, crochet, card making, what-have-you) with a group. Limited knitting and crochet instruction will be provided for beginners. All are welcome!

Book Discussion: Why They Marched: Untold Stories of the Women Who Fought for the Right to Vote by Susan Ware

Monday, February 24, 6:00 p.m. “Ware’s excellent compendium expertly shows there are new ways to tell the suffrage story. This is a must-read for those interested in women’s and American history.”―Publishers Weekly (starred review) Dr. Tom Goyens, Associate Professor of History, Salisbury University, will lead the discussion.

Potted – Gardening on the Edge

Tuesday, February 25, 1:30 p.m. For garden iconoclast Louis Raymond (a self-acknowledged “plant geek”), countless containers are not nearly enough. Presented in time to spur your own adventures in container gardening this season, Raymond will talk about expanding the limits of gardening in pots, pools, troughs, and even drinking glasses and forgotten vases. Hold onto your hat and dream of creating a one-of-a-kind patio pot!

St. Michaels

Arts & Crafts

Thursday, February 6, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Free instruction for knitting, beading, needlework and tatting. Bring your coloring books, Zentangle pens or anything else that fuels your passion for being creative. You may also bring a lunch.

Watercolor Workshop

St. Michaels Library

Thursdays, February 6 – 27, 2:00 p.m. Join others who enjoy watercolor to watch and discuss six instructional DVDs by famous watercolorist Eric Wiegardt. Come and listen or bring your own paints or sketch books and follow along.

Therapeutic Horticulture

Monday, February 10, 10:00 a.m. Master Gardener Coordinator Mikaela Boley shows you how to increase health and happiness through the art of horticulture. Will include hands-on activity. Please pre-register by calling 410-745-5877.

Bay Hundred Chess

Wednesdays, February 12 & 26, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Learn and play the strategic game of chess. Beginners welcome.

Memoir Writers

Thursdays, February 13 & 27, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Record and share your memories of life and family. Participants are invited to bring their lunch.

Book Discussion: Why They Marched: Untold Stories of the Women Who Fought for the Right to Vote by Susan Ware

Saturday, February 15, 10:00 a.m. “Ware’s excellent compendium expertly shows there are new ways to tell the suffrage story. This is a must-read for those interested in women’s and American history.”―Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Note: All library programs are free and open to the public. Unless otherwise noted below, patrons do not need to pre-register to attend a library program.

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