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January 16, 2026

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

3 Top Story

Chesapeake Culture: Believe in Ferry Tales by Heather Hall

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One of the surest indicators of spring on the Eastern Shore is seeing the road signs announcing that the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry is open. Yet, so far, due to the pandemic, this iconic event is still on hold. With both locals and visitors asking when it will start running, Captain Judy Bixler replies, “No one wants to be on the water more than we do!”

Unfortunately, the Governor’s executive orders haven’t included much guidance for ferries. Operating with a limit of 10 people, including captain and crew, would leave a lot of people waiting at the dock.

Even before Phase One of Maryland’s reopening went into effect, Captain Judy and Captain Tom Bixler had submitted a plan to the US Coast Guard. However, federal authorities deferred to state and local officials. So, at the time of this writing, the Bixlers have a plan pending review by the State. If approved, they anticipate a June 13th opening.

Their proposal will allow them to begin operating before Phase 2 while still supporting pedestrians, cyclists, and auto passengers through social distancing and the wearing of masks. Auto passengers unable to comply will remain in their cars. Since wi-fi isn’t reliable on the river, payment will be made with cash or check, and to minimize risks, they plan to segregate incoming bills and make change using fresh bills. The Bixlers are leaving nothing to chance regarding the safety of both crew and customers.

This attention to detail is nothing new for the Bixlers, who have owned and operated the nation’s longest-running, privately owned Ferry for over 18 years. Despite the pandemic, they’re not about to lose sight of their dream and all of their hard work, which started many years ago.

Judy and Tom Bixler

Captain Tom grew up on the water, in a small town similar to Oxford. Raised on Shelter Island, a small community off of Long Island, he spent his summers on a houseboat and worked on the Shelter Island Ferry during his teens and college years. With the encouragement of Captain Gilbert “Gib” Clark (who would later own the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry), Bixler earned his captain’s license when he was just 18 years old. He recalls, “Captain Gib gave me the wheel the first day I had my license!”

Shortly after, he met Judy while both were attending St Lawrence University. He introduced her to sailing, and it wasn’t long before they were living aboard a sailboat. Eventually, the couple owned and operated two successful car dealerships in Upstate NY, before moving to NJ to run a real estate and insurance firm Captain Tom’s grandfather established.

It was during this time that Judy earned her captain’s license while also working on the Shelter Island Ferry, and the couple, who had been dreaming about owning their ship, began to look for their own ‘ferry tale.’

It didn’t take long. Three years after the search started, they got a call. It was 2001. Captain Valerie Clark Bittner (daughter of Captain Gib Clark) and her husband Captain Dave Bittner decided to retire and sell the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, which they had owned since 1974. Would they be interested?

The Bixlers now take alternating shifts as Ferry Captains. As the majority owner, Captain Judy coordinates the schedules for their 20+ part-time crew members. But she also maintains a busy life away from the water. In addition to leading the Oxford Business Association and the Talbot County Tourism Board, she is Chairperson for Maryland’s Tourism Development Board. Her service has been recognized by Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise Awards in Maryland, Virginia, and DC (2006, 2008 and 2010) and by Top 100 Women in Maryland (2007, 2009 and 2011). This year, she was also chosen as influential Leader in the Year of the Woman. Their business also received recognition this year, as the US Senate acknowledged the Oxford Bellevue Ferry as Small Business of the Week.

The couple gives a lot of credit to their crew and their outstanding safety record. Captain Tom notes that “We have happy customers, so being a deckhand on the Ferry is a great adventure for our young staff.” It has such an appeal that many of the crew are retired senior citizens who look forward to their shift on the water.

Captain Judy shares that three of their crew have gone on to get their captain’s license. “It’s wonderful to watch a young, shy person blossom into a leader, train new crew, and then go on to become a captain.” As an example, she mentioned one former teen, Martha Effinger, who “started with us when she was just 14 years old. She attends law school, now, and still fills in as captain when she’s home on breaks.”

To keep things interesting, the Bixlers have held fun ‘experiments,’ such as the Mini Cooper Event, which confirmed that you could fit 18 of the Minis on the 9-car Ferry. They have also held full moon cruises and charity events at least twice a year as a way to support the community. Previously they’ve hosted the Great Ferry Boat Race, which raised over $40K for charity.

Soon the Oxford Bellevue Ferry will be able to get back on the water. Teens and retirees can return to satisfying jobs. The community and visitors will hear the familiar horn blowing over the water and watch the Ferry approach the Oxford or the Bellevue shore. And the Bixlers can look down from their captain’s perch and see new and old friends and reflect on a dream well lived.

For more information on the Ferry and opening date, go here or check their Facebook page.

Heather Hall is a Leadership Coach, Spiritual Director, and Storyteller through arts and crafts. Born and raised in Maryland, she spent 22 years in Alaska, working in environmental service. She recently returned to the Shore and resides in Oxford. Photos courtesy of Judy and Tom Bixler.

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

Happiness – One Scoop at a Time By Heather Hall

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You know summer’s arrived when people start lining up at the Scottish Highland Creamery – even if this year it means social distancing, wearing masks, and paying by credit, debit, or Apple Pay.

Located in Oxford, at the end of Tilghman Street, the Creamery is opening for the 2020 season this weekend. Despite all the new changes brought on by the pandemic, one thing that will probably remain the same is that people will be coming by foot, bike, car, ferry, and boat to indulge in their “flavorite” ice cream.

Voted fan favorite in What’s Up magazine, the Creamery was founded in 2005 by Victor and Susan Barlow. Although the Barlows are (mostly) retired, they have partnered with Richard and Christine Leggett to keep the dream alive and growing.

Longtime fans, the Leggetts have had a home in Easton for over a decade and regularly brought their children to the Creamery. Richard Leggett recalls the day his wife phoned from the Creamery a few years ago, to tell him there was a notice about new ownership. When that deal fell through, the Leggetts reached out to a mutual friend for an introduction to the Barlows. They became friends and shortly after partners, sharing their vision for quality products and community connections.

Richard admits that he’s always had a passion for ice cream. He worked in ice cream shops as a teenager, and during summers throughout his college years. More recently, he invested in a small gelato company – Dolcezza – which is now a national brand, carried by Whole Foods.

“Victor and Susan built an amazing business and brand, so the most important thing is to protect that,” says Richard, explaining that their ice cream is handcrafted on-site, one gallon at a time.

“For me, one of the most fun parts of the business has been getting to know people in the community and all our employees,” says Christine. “It feels like a bit of a family, and I really enjoy that.” That family feeling is mutual. “It’s been a real honor to be asked to serve at weddings, birthdays, and even funerals,” says Richard. “Some people have written in their will, or left instructions, because the Creamery something they enjoyed sharing with friends.”

Seeing an opportunity to serve the community year-round, the Leggetts purchased the property at 102 S Morris Street in Oxford and, in November 2018, opened the Oxford Social Café. This historic building, formerly part of the Maryland Military and Naval Academy, has housed many businesses over the years: a hotel, barbershop, salon, dental office, yacht sales, and convenience store – complete with a soda fountain.

In addition to serving Scottish Highland Creamery ice cream (sold by the pint and quart) year-round, the Cafe feature Rise Up Coffee and Turnbridge Point Bakery.

Over the winter, they hosted a few well-received evening occasions. The building is in the process of being restored so the Café can host larger events in the main part, while the smaller wing of the building will serve as an office.

The Leggetts are excited to have both venues. The Creamery, co-located with Capsize restaurant, is a great location for service by the scoop, with folks (naturally) “on the go” during the summer. The Café, Richard notes, is a place where people come to sit and chat, so you really get to know them.

The Governor’s stay at home order interrupted operations for the Café, canceling the Creamery’s spring festivities for Oxford Day and the 15th-anniversary celebration. However, in response to overwhelming customer requests, the Leggetts quickly pivoted and began temporarily delivering quarts – along with meals by Blue Heron Catering – throughout the region.

Despite it being a logistical challenge, the Leggetts credit their General Manager, Kendall Gant, and Production Manager, Max Maiolini, who made frequent trips back to Oxford to restock. The Leggett’s boys, Henry & Harrison, served as navigators, plotting the best routes through St Michaels, Easton, Trappe, and Oxford.

Staff and fans alike look forward to the reopening of the Creamery this Memorial Day weekend. Gant, who started working at the Creamery 8 years ago, while she was still in high school, thinks she knows why this is such a popular establishment. “We have an amazing product, great staff and customers, and a mission that I can stand behind with 100% confidence. I love seeing the look on someone’s face when they’ve tried our ice cream for the first time or when they’ve just found their new favorite flavor.”

As for favorite flavors, Italian Lemon Cookie still tops the list. Biscotto, Coffee Heath Bar, and Butter Pecan are also in high demand. Of course, chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry are staples, but most customers split their order, getting 2 or 3 favorites together.

You can still get your scoops in person at the Scottish Highland Creamery, but expect some minor changes. The Creamery is taking a measured approach to ensure the safety of staff and customers. Orders will be taken at the menu board (rather than the window), and all orders will be filled in disposable cups (though you may ask for a cone on top). To minimize risks, samples won’t be available, and the seating area will also be closed. Feel free to walk around and enjoy the view while maintaining a distance of 6 feet, of course.

After the holiday weekend, the Creamery anticipates opening the last weekend in May and the first weekend of June, then hope to resume daily service after that.

For more information, check their web page or Facebook or or call 410-924-6298.

Heather Hall is a Leadership Coach, Spiritual Director, and Storyteller through arts and crafts. Born and raised in Maryland, she spent 22 years in Alaska, working in environmental service. She recently returned to the Shore and resides in Oxford.

Photos courtesy of Richard Leggett

 

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

Talbot Council, Congressmen Join Opposition to Coast Guard Closure

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The county council voted unanimously Tuesday evening to send a letter opposing the proposed closure of the U.S. Coast Guard station in Oxford. Maryland’s two U.S. senators and First District Congressman Andy Harris also are opposing the closure.

The letters from the county council and the congressmen were among 102 comments received by the Coast Guard, with many of those writing in opposition to the closure of the Oxford station.

The station is among five being considered for closure, according to a notice in the Federal Register seeking comment. The notice was published in mid-February, but only recently came to the public’s attention, just days before a midnight Tuesday deadline for comments.

A 2017 GAO report said the Coast Guard, in 2013, had identified 18 stations that could be permanently closed without negatively affecting the agency’s 2-hour response standard for search and rescue missions. In its Federal Register notice, the Coast Guard said it was planning to close five stations.

According to the report, the FY2015 operating cost for the Oxford station was a little more than $1 million. Crews there responded to 117 search and rescue missions between 2010 and 2016, about 17 annually. Of those 117 missions, eight were during winter months.

The Talbot County Council, in its submitted comment, said, “Station Oxford is necessary to provide security of the public health and safety and emergency assistance.”

The council, in a letter signed by Council President Corey Pack, wrote, in part:

“.. (T)he closing of Station Oxford would be detrimental to the safety of boaters on the Eastern Shore. Station Oxford plays a pivotal role in the safety of boaters along the waterways from northern Tilghman Island to the Little Choptank River on the eastern side of the Chesapeake Bay, and also over to Chesapeake Beach and south to Calvert Cliffs on the western side.

“Station Oxford provides timely response to any emergency on the water and plays a critical role in educating the public on boater safety. If Station Oxford is closed, the next closest station to most of the areas Station Oxford serves is Station Annapolis. This is a major concern.

Map Data © 2020 Google

“Station Annapolis is 32 nautical miles from Oxford, 25 nautical miles from St. Michaels, 45 nautical miles from Solomons, 80 nautical miles from Crisfield, and 48 nautical miles from Cambridge. In addition to the distance, Station Annapolis requires the responding crew to travel across the entire Chesapeake Bay, which can be treacherous at times and require slower boat speeds, resulting in an increased response time.

“A response time of greater than an hour is concerning. It is even more concerning when you consider that hypothermia can set in within 45 minutes. Talbot County has more licensed watermen than any other jurisdiction in Maryland, many of whom work in one fishery or another nearly year round, and the loss of a nearby USCG station in Oxford will mean that their lives will be in greater peril.

“The Eastern Shore is also known for waterfowl hunting during the winter months. Hunters routinely take out large groups on guided boat hunts during the winter. If a guided tour experienced an emergency on the water, the response time would be crucial to the group’s survival. Relying on a boat from Annapolis, in poor winter weather, could easily result in tragedy.”

Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, both Democrats, and Rep. Andy Harris, a Republican, also urged the Coast Guard to take the Oxford station off the chopping block.

They wrote, in part:

“Station Oxford is the only U.S. Coast Guard site in the Eastern Shore of Maryland, a region that consists of nine counties and makes up more than a third of the total land area of the State. We fear that the loss of the facility in Oxford would drastically increase emergency response times with the effect of undermining the region’s safety and security.

“The Eastern Shore is a vast geographic region that includes the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay, Choptank River, and Little Choptank River. Economically, the area and its waterways form one of the most critical seafood harvesting grounds in the state. In its large geographic jurisdiction are the active Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant as well as the Cove Point Liquefied Natural Gas export facility, two key national security assets. Moreover, these waters are part of the Intracoastal Waterway that vessels use for transit along the length of the East Coast of the continental United States. Thousands of watermen work and travel along the waterways, even in cold water and inclement weather. The individuals who work in this and other industries on the water will at times require assistance in a time of emergency.

“Station Oxford is all the more essential for meeting the unique security and safety needs of the Eastern Shore given that it is the only U.S. Coast Guard facility in this extensive region. Manned by approximately 20 U.S. Coast Guard personnel, Station Oxford provides critical emergency response in a timely manner that is not likely to be maintained if it were to close. Indeed, many of the public safety agencies in the area simply do not have the boats and other resources necessary for responding to emergencies on the waterways. There is no alternative facility that can meet the needs of the Eastern Shore. …

“Two other government agencies share the site with the U.S. Coast Guard: (1) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Coastal Ocean Service’s (NCCOS) Cooperative Oxford Laboratory and (2) Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This cohabitation of three agencies on one site has created longstanding partnerships while also allowing for greater utilization of the unique resources of the U.S. Coast Guard by state and local entities. Yet while both NOAA and DNR also provide important functions, they cannot be a substitute for Station Oxford, whose public servants stand ready to respond to emergencies 24/7 all year round. Their commitment to serving the needs of the Eastern Shore was only underscored when, during the 35-day federal government shutdown of 2018-2019, the men and women of Station Oxford continued to work even as they went unpaid and the NOAA and DNR facilities were vacant.”

The other stations being considered for closure and consolidation with neighboring stations are Fishers Island, N.Y., Salem, N.J., Shark River, N.J., and Roosevelt Inlet, Lewes, Del.

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

Coast Guard Proposes Closing Oxford Station

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The U.S. Coast Guard station in Oxford is one of five being considered for closure and consolidation with other sites.

The potential closure was listed earlier this year in a Federal Register notice, where comments may be submitted online until midnight Tuesday, April 14.

The proposal has drawn opposition from Oxford officials and business owners and area boaters.

The Commissioners of Oxford, in a comment submitted by Town Administrator Cheryl Lewis, wrote “the closing of Station Oxford would be detrimental to the safety of Oxford residents and visitors. Station Oxford plays a pivotal role in the safety of boaters along the waterways from northern Tilghman Island to the Little Choptank River on the eastern side of the Chesapeake Bay, and also over to Chesapeake Beach and south to Calvert Cliffs on the western side.

“Many jurisdictions within this area do not have fire or police departments with boats capable of responding to an emergency on the water, leaving Station Oxford and the Department of Natural Resources, which is oftentimes otherwise occupied with enforcement activities. The jurisdictions with fire departments that do have boats capable of responding to emergencies lack the manpower to operate the boats 24 hours a day and also lack the qualified personnel to make water rescues.

“Station Oxford provides timely response to any emergency on the water. If Station Oxford is closed, the next closest station is Station Annapolis. This is a major concern. Not only is Station Annapolis 32 nautical miles from Oxford, it also requires the travel across the entire Chesapeake Bay, which can be treacherous at times and require slower boat speeds, increasing the response time.

“Even more alarming is the distance from Station Annapolis to other local jurisdictions that Station Oxford covers, including Tilghman Island, Cambridge, Solomons Island, Poplar Island, and Dorchester County. Some of these locations are close to two hours away from Station Annapolis in response time.

“A nearly two-hour response time is concerning when you consider that hypothermia can set in within 45 minutes. While boating during the winter on cold water does not occur everywhere, the Eastern Shore is known for waterfowl hunting during the winter months. Hunters routinely take out large groups on guided boat hunts during the winter. If a guided tour experienced an emergency on the water, the response time would be crucial to the group’s survival. Relying on a boat from Annapolis, in poor winter weather, could easily result in tragedy.

“During peak boating season, 518 commercial boat slips in Oxford, and 35 boat slips that Town owns, are rented. Oxford is a waterman’s town with numerous water dependent marine and recreational boating businesses, including harbor or maritime facilities, marinas, boatyards, waterman operations, fishing charters, yacht charters, paddle boarding, tour boat operators, and aquaculture operations. Station Oxford is also essential in ensuring the safety of commercial crabbers and fishers, through educating them and enforcing the laws and regulations that protect them.

“In addition to the marine and recreational businesses, the Tred Avon Yacht Club, located in Oxford, sponsors regattas throughout the year that bring visitors to the area. These events include occasional regional events such as the annual US Sailing Junior Olympics Sailing Festival and the club’s largest annual regatta, the Oxford Regatta, that includes racing for PHRF, Log Canoes, Stars, Comets, Snipes, Penguins, Optis, Lasers and Club 420’s. In addition to the numerous boats that participate in these events, they also draw large crowds of spectator boats to the Tred Avon River. During these events, and events in neighboring jurisdictions, such as the Ironman events in Cambridge, Station Oxford monitors boat traffic, educates spectators, and provides emergency response.

“Although emergency response is the largest benefit Station Oxford brings to the community, it contributes much more. Station Oxford plays a significant role in educating the public on boater safety. We strongly feel that without the education aspect that Station Oxford offers, the risk to our marine community will greatly increase. The crew at Station Oxford focuses on maritime safety and protecting the local communities. The crew spends a lot of time during prime boating season educating boaters by boarding their boat to accomplish that mission.

“As an example, over Memorial Day weekend in 2019, Station Oxford conducted 44 recreational boater safety boardings to promote the message of boating safety. The Coast Guard is the only agency that provides the necessary boater education. The Department of Natural Resources does not have the time to board boats for the sole purpose of providing boater safety education. We believe that the education Station Oxford provides directly correlates to the limited number of emergencies on the water. Without the education, the number of accidents and emergencies on the water will likely increase and there will not be a local Coast Guard to respond.

“Ultimately, the closure of Station Oxford will cause an increase of emergencies and decreased response time, which is detrimental to the public health and safety.

“Aside from the safety Station Oxford provides on the water, it also provides security to the area where it is located. Station Oxford shares a campus with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (“DNR”) at the end of South Morris Street called the “Cooperative Oxford Laboratory.” Unlike NOAA and DNR, Station Oxford is manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. During major weather events and similar emergencies, Station Oxford monitors the NOAA lab and DNR site and provides updates to the employees that work at both locations so that they may respond to the location if an emergency arises.

“During the 35-day government shutdown that started in December 2018, the crew at Station Oxford continued to operate their Station and kept a watch over the NOAA lab and DNR, which were both vacant during the shutdown. The loss of 24-hour security to NOAA or DNR would be detrimental.

“In addition to the safety aspects that Station Oxford provides, the 17 crew members at Station Oxford have become a part of the community. During the 35-day government shutdown, members of the local community banded together to provide the Station Oxford crew with food, gas cards, diapers, baby essentials, and funds to help them stay afloat financially. The crew has become a part of the community and the community members rely on the support they provide.

“The Town appreciates your consideration of this opposition to the consolidation of Station Oxford. The Town hopes that the very serious issue of boater safety will cause you to reconsider the consolidation of Station Oxford. We feel that a closure of Station Oxford would be extremely detrimental to the health and safety of the marine community on the Eastern Shore and strongly believe the closure of Station Oxford will have a negative impact to many jurisdictions but particularly to Oxford.”

Captain Tom Bixler, owner and operator of the Oxford Bellevue Ferry, the nation’s oldest privately operated ferry, had similar concerns. He wrote:

“The news of the Oxford Station being on the list for closure would be a terrible mistake and a hazard to the mid bay safety to the many recreational and commercial mariners who ply the waters daily. The current central location in this heavily utilized section of the bay lends great support to the overall safety of our area.

“While there are other assets available thru the Maryland DNR and local volunteer fire departments, they are not manned full time and of course it is well noted the volunteer departments are suffering from severe manpower shortages.

“All the well-known short comings contribute to the delayed response times, which may have catastrophic consequences. The distance to the Annapolis Boat Station is over 25 miles and the response times due to weather and crew availability can quickly become extended.”

Bixler has been a USCG 100 Ton Master for 48 years.

Sewell L. “Toby” Frey, a retired U.S. Air Force major who has been on active boater on the Choptank River for more than 65 years, said closing the Oxford station is not a viable option due to its location and the distance from other Coast Guard stations.

Frey noted the Choptank River is the largest river solely in Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay and Cambridge is Maryland’s second deep water port. The Choptank also is one of the major areas for oyster harvesting in the winter months, when emergencies require short response times.

The response times from the two closest Coast Guard stations to the Choptank River could range from 1.5 to 4 hours from Solomons and from 1 to 3 hours from Annapolis, depending on wind and weather conditions, Frey estimated.

Captain Brett M. Sause, an active yachtsman and a USCG Master Licensed Captain on the Chesapeake Bay, has been boating the Chesapeake for over 46 years.

“This news is both shocking and what I believe to be a hazard to the marine community of the Chesapeake Bay. The town of Oxford, first and foremost, love the Oxford USCG Station. Next, the Tred Avon River, as well as its immediate surrounding tributaries, are some of the most highly traveled and worked waters on the Bay and in North America.

“The need for emergency resources on the Bay is critical. The Maryland Dept of Natural Resources Police has limited crews and duty stations. There is often no crew on duty in the area you need them when an emergency may arise, due to the vast size of the Bay. This, of course, slows the response time to any emergency.

“So then the public must rely on the Volunteer Fire companies and the USCG. If we take away the Oxford Station, this makes a significant impact on the mariners of our Bay, which will include imports and exports on the Bay, the shipping industry, and also Maryland Watermen. An estimated 3,000 men and women brave the elements daily to catch their respective limits and sell to the markets. …

“The next closest station to Oxford would be Annapolis. The response time would be tremendous. A decision to remove the Oxford Station in great tragedy.”

“This news is deeply shocking,” Jan Greer, a retired U.S. Marine Corps captain and a member of the Tred Avon Yacht Club, wrote. “Proposing the USCG Station Annapolis as an alternative for mariners in distress on the Eastern Bay, of which there are many thousands every day during the boating season, and virtually year-round for our watermen, is tantamount to having no Coast Guard assistance within reach at all in anything resembling adequate timeliness.

“As a member of Tred Avon Yacht Club, I hope to speak for the entirety of our membership when I mention the many hundreds of yachtsmen who are routinely involved in the regattas we host annually. I mention, as one example, the Star World Championship Regatta hosted by our club in October 2018, when we drew 72 boats and crews from all over the United States, many teams from South America, and more than quite a few from Europe.

“The conditions during several days of this championship regatta were less than favorable (read, “pretty nasty”), and the assistance in maintaining an orderly spectator presence, not to mention the availability of safety rescue from boats that capsized notwithstanding the efforts of their world-class sailors, by USCG Oxford Station personnel were to say the least invaluable. We are dependent upon these fine service members for our safety. I and my fellow townspeople sincerely hope you will appreciate the number of Eastern Shore citizens, far, far beyond th0se of us who live here in Oxford, who agree with this sentiment, and will seriously reconsider the closure of this valuable, lifesaving resource.”

Frederick Miller wrote:
“There is too much traffic on the Middle Eastern Bay and its tributaries and too distant to be serviced by the Annapolis station. With the volume of commercial fishing, crabbing and oystering and the recreational boating on the bay, rivers and creeks, the response time from the Annapolis station will not be adequate and could cost lives of those on the water.
“The recent canoeing accident involving Bobby Kennedy’s granddaughter is an example of the type of dangers the people on the water face. The USCG needs to have the resources to respond to these emergencies in a timely fashion.”
Angie Hengst, race director for the IRONMAN 70.3 Eagleman and IRONMAN Maryland, said those events rely on resources and support from Oxford Coast Guard personnel during the swim portion of both events.
“Our Eagleman event has upwards of 2500 participants and IRONMAN Maryland has close to 2300 participants. As you can imagine, having that many people in the water and keeping them safe requires many resources. While we have rescue boats, lifeguards and other swim safety personnel to monitor the swimmers, the Oxford Coast Guard monitor boat traffic and keep our swim course secure during the event. They will also provide any backup emergency response, if needed.
“The Station personnel report to our swim course and are in place by 6 am for each of our races. If this station was closed, personnel from stations over an hour to two hours away would need to arrive at this time to support our events. Additionally, the Oxford station is very familiar with our waters and courses and are able to provide the exact support needed to keep our event and participants safe. While I understand these events only happen twice a year, the number of participants is significant. … I believe that closing the Oxford Station could negatively impact our event and on behalf of IRONMAN would urge that its consolidation be reconsidered.”

In the notice, the Coast Guard wrote:

Many stations were established at a time when boats lacked engines and were powered by oars and paddles. With modern boat operating speeds and improved direction finding technology, many calls for Coast Guard assistance can be responded to by multiple units significantly faster than when these boat stations were first established.

The combination of significantly improved response times, along with an overall reduction in rescue calls due to boating safety improvements throughout the nation, has resulted in a number of boat stations becoming redundant.

This consolidation will result in a more robust response system by increasing staffing levels and capacity at select nearby boat stations. Such a consolidation creates synergy and more opportunities for boat operators to properly train instead of missing training opportunities while standing ready to respond to calls that do not come.

In October of 2017, the Government Accountability Office issued report GAO-18-9, titled “Actions Needed to Close Stations Identified as Overlapping and Unnecessarily Duplicative.” This GAO report recommended the consolidation of eighteen boat stations.

Due to environmental and operational factors, the Coast Guard is not considering all eighteen boat stations identified in the GAO report for consolidation. Instead, we anticipate consolidating five stations, with implementation notionally scheduled for fiscal year 2021.

These stations have been identified because there are other units nearby capable of responding to cases in these areas, and because these five stations respond to a low number of cases.

We do not anticipate any adverse effect on Coast Guard response capability. We expect an improvement to the proficiency of boat operators as well as a less complicated response system.

Station Oxford and Stations-Small Fishers Island, Shark River, Roosevelt Inlet, and Salem have been identified for consolidation with neighboring stations.

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

Jay Fleming: A Visual Storyteller for a Changing Chesapeake by Heather Hall

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Exploring the photography of Jay Fleming is an evocative experience.

The eyes of a waterman invite you to sit awhile and listen to his story. Reflections of a lighthouse dance on the water, and you instinctively put out your hands for balance, as if you are in the boat, too. Above and below the waterline, Fleming brings a fresh perspective to the Chesapeake Bay.

Born and raised in Annapolis, Fleming credits his father – professional nature photographer, Kevin Fleming – with inspiring his passion from an early age. With the Nikon 90s his father gave him, the young Fleming won his first national photography competition at the age of 14.

Perhaps Fleming inherited his father’s eye for detail, but his love of the Bay and passion for the people, their culture, and environment are uniquely his own.

Fleming describes himself as a visual storyteller. He curates his images with text for exhibits and publications, noting, “You can’t have one without the other.” To be sure the stories of the Chesapeake’s watermen and seafood industry were preserved accurately, he self-published his first book, Working the Water.

He describes his second book, Island Life (due to be released in 2021), as “a visual narrative of life on Smith Island and Tangier Island and their future amidst environmental and cultural changes.”

At the March 6 preview for the Oxford Museum, the audience was appreciative of Fleming’s presentation and passion for the culture and environment he documents. Sarah Morgan Watters shared, “Jay really connects with his people. He’s like an anthropologist, but he does it in a modern way.”

Jack Turner, a friend from Annapolis, said, “Jay is a man of the people. He has access to these unseen communities because he respects them and understands the challenges they face. He’s a spokesperson for them, sharing his platform as an audience to help them tell their story.”

Turner describes his own photographic endeavors as a hobbyist, blessed to “be along for the ride” during some of Fleming’s photoshoots. He recalls: “Last summer, Jay called me one night – all excited – and asked, ‘Want to meet me at 4:30 tomorrow morning to document all the submerged grasses?’” Turner describes their field trip – complete with a drone, GoPro, underwater housing for cameras, and snorkeling gear – as if they were kids out for an adventure in their backyard. They spent two days documenting the abundance and clarity of the Severn River.

If you follow Fleming on social media, you’ll note that even “social distancing” doesn’t dampen his enthusiasm for the world around him. While unable to venture far, he treks through streams and turns over rocks to share the sights and sounds of springtime, reminding us what we too can find in our backyards. From croaking frogs to sprouting seedlings, his appreciation for the environment is infectious.

Another way Fleming engages others with the Chesapeake Bay is by leading photography workshops. His first was five years ago, and he recalls, “I hadn’t really planned it, but a waterman I know on Kent Narrows met two DC photographers and referred them to me, so I took them to Smith Island for a couple of days. It’s so close, as the crow flies, but something they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.” The following summer, he led three workshops, then four in 2017. He now offers 15-20 workshops each year. Open to photographers of all skill levels, groups are limited to six, and they spend their days on the water in a boat Fleming custom-built for this purpose.

On the job or during his free time, Fleming can usually be found in his kayak or his small craft, as he prefers to be low to the water for the best angles and reflections. But you’ll also find him walking through the marsh and making new friends wherever he goes. Turner reflected on an adventure last winter, where they came upon two muskrat trappers. Fleming’s newly made friends let them tag along and document their work.

Fleming notes, “My work as a visual storyteller would not be possible without the trust and generosity of my subjects. Subjects giving me access to document elements of their daily routines or their businesses allows me to bring that story to my work and to educate the people viewing my work. For example, with the seafood industry, by having access to the people who harvest the seafood and the process by which it is harvested, I can create a view of the supply chain that most viewers of my work would never be able to see.”

When asked about future projects, Fleming says that he’d like to continue documenting the seafood industry up and down the Atlantic Coast. For now, he hopes the spring projects resume after the COVID-19 emergency passes.

Fleming is still scheduled to have two exhibits in Talbot County this summer.

Images from Working the Water will be featured at the Oxford Museum. Stuart Parnes, President of the Oxford Museum, reached out to Fleming because his work is the perfect follow up to last summer’s WaterWays exhibit from the Smithsonian.

Images from Island Life will be featured at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Jenifer Dolde, Associate Curator of Collections, shared that Mary McCarthy, who had put together an exhibit last year as part of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass Festival, mentioned Fleming would be their keynote speaker for this year’s festival.

Although both openings have been delayed due to COVID-19, they are anticipated later this spring. CBMM is working with Fleming on a virtual exhibit and planning to host him for an artist’s talk in a few weeks.

To learn more about Jay Fleming, sign up for workshops or purchase prints, visit his website.  Photos courtesy of Jay Fleming Photography.

Heather Hall is a Leadership Coach, Spiritual Director and Storyteller through arts and crafts. Born and raised in Maryland, she spent 22 years in Alaska, working in environmental service. She recently returned to the Shore and resides in Oxford.

 

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

Covid-19 & Small Acts of Kindness: Latitude 38 in Oxford

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This was the post:

We want to thank everyone for your support during this difficult time. We want you all to stay healthy and safe. Thanks to Sysco, Latitude 38 can offer a FREE farmers market to you on Tuesday from 10am-12pm or until our produce is gone. We will have FREE potatoes, oranges, green leaf lettuce, green cabbage, romaine lettuce, lemons, limes and avocados. We hope this saves our seniors a trip to the grocery store!

Many appreciative people came by on foot, on bikes, or in cars. By 11:30 am, they had given away over 300 lbs. of potatoes, almost 400 heads of lettuce and cabbage, over 300 oranges, 200 avocados, and 300 lemons and limes.

 

 

Thank YOU, Latitude 38!

 

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Talbot County Prepares for Coronavirus Closures

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The Talbot County community is now turning its attention to serving the needs of area residents during the current State of Emergency and emerging COVID-19 health crisis.

“We still just have one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Talbot County,” County Health Officer Dr. Fredia Wadley said. “We are forbidden by law to release specific information about this patient, but we have every reason to believe that this person will recover completely.”

Gov. Larry Hogan announced further restrictions Monday as part of Maryland’s State of Emergency. Restaurants, bars, movie theatres, and gyms join the list of places closed to the public, and gatherings of 50 or more people are banned.

“These precautions are designed to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” Wadley said. “Now we are committed to providing sheltering for the children of essential workers and continuing services to our most vulnerable residents.”

Talbot County Public Schools are providing breakfasts and lunches to students for pickup. Senior centers across the state are closed, but Brookletts Place is providing meal delivery to area seniors in need. University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is planning to launch a call-in line staffed by medical professionals.

The Talbot County Emergency Operations Center continues to support stakeholders working to address a myriad of issues through working groups as well as to gather information daily for release to the public.

Clay Stamp, Talbot’s emergency services director and assistant county manager, said, “We recognize the importance of gathering and rapidly disseminating information to the public to both allay fears and to support informed decision making.”

He expressed appreciation to the private sector and nonprofit organizations in the community who are stepping up to address challenges.

“It is refreshing to see our community coming together to support each other for what may be a prolonged period of time,” Stamp said.

Following is a summary of measures Talbot County’s community partners are taking in response to this developing situation.

Easton Utilities

Easton Utilities understands the importance of supporting our community efforts during this unprecedented time. While we  continue to provide the essential services our customers rely on every day, we want to follow the recommendations of our state and local agencies to protect the health of the public and our employees.

In addition to the recommended precautions we are currently following, Easton Utilities is instituting the following changes as of Monday, March 16:

• The Customer Service Center and Lobby are CLOSED to all customers and visitors
• The drive-thru will remain open
• Customers are encouraged to utilize online bill pay, phone or mail for transactions
• We are limiting visits to customer homes and have implemented a screening protocol to determine the
potential health risk of the residence
• As always, we remain flexible and willing to work with customers facing financial hardships during this
time

We will continuously monitor and update our policies to ensure we are providing the best possible service to our customers. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Customer Service at 410-822-6110.

Neighborhood Service Center

According to Marilyn M. Neal, executive director of the Neighborhood Service Center, Inc., located at 126 Port
Street in Easton, “As Talbot County’s designated Community Action Agency, NSC works with crisis situations
on a daily basis. Moreover, we will give our utmost attention to our seniors during this State of Emergency.”

• The Dorothy W. Black After-School Program will follow the system put in place by the Talbot County
Public Schools and is closed through March 27.

• NSC will disseminate up-to-date safety information from its partners.

• The daily food giveaway will provide packages Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Note: This does not
affect the Food Pantry program.

• The daily clothing giveaway will be cancelled during this period. Should clothing be needed in the event of an emergency, please call NSC at (410) 822-5015.

• Senior Mobile Food Service will offer “drops to the door,” no deliveries. Any senior without food should contact NSC at (410) 822-5015.

• Applications for Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) will be mailed. Return applications can be mailed back to MSC. To protect our seniors, all home visits will be cancelled.

Talbot County District Court

The District Court is open on Monday, March 16, 2020. Pursuant to Chief Judge Barbera’s Administrative Order of March 13, 2020, closing state courthouses to the public on an emergency basis, the following information is provided:

• In accord with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this court seeks to limit the level, duration and quality of contact among persons who frequent this Court. To that end, all persons who enter this Courthouse are encouraged to practice good hygiene, by frequently washing their hands, keeping an appropriate distance from others and — in the case of employees — keeping workstations, keyboards and phones clean. Commonly used surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis.
• The concept of “social distancing” in the Courthouse is encouraged, but normal human interaction is inevitable. Thus all courthouse users should be prudent and exercise good judgment during those interactions.
• Only the following case types will be heard, either in-person or remotely, beginning March 16, 2020:

  1. bail reviews
  2. emergency evaluation petitions
  3. emergency risk protective order petitions
  4. domestic violence protective petitions
  5. peace order petitions
  6. quarantine and isolation violations
  7. initial appearances
  8. search warrants
  9. applications for statement of charges
  10. acceptance of bail bonds
  11. bench warrant satisfactions
  12. body attachments
  13. contempt

Only the parties, attorneys, and testifying witnesses are permitted to attend these proceedings, with no exceptions, unless permission is expressly granted by the Administrative Judge to do so. Members of the news media shall be admitted to the Courthouse upon display of proper credentials.

• All other trials, motions or hearings scheduled between March 16, 2020 through April 3, 2020 are continued. You will receive notice of any new dates by mail.

• The Clerks’ office will not be interacting with members of the public or attorneys, except by telephone. All court filings shall be mailed or placed in the court’s dropbox, located inside the Courthouse during the court’s hours of operation. The clerks’ office telephone number is 410-819-5850.

• Other than judges and employees of the courthouse, and those entities having office space in the courthouse, the only persons who may access the District Court are litigants, attorneys or testifying witnesses in a case scheduled for hearing on that day; state’s attorneys, public defenders; probation agents; the Office of Child Support; pretrial services employees; and Department of Health employees. Any other user of the courthouse who frequently appears on behalf of a government agency who is not on the list above should contact the Administrative Judge.
• Please check back frequently for updates or revisions. For additional information, call 410-819-5850.

Talbot County Free Library

• To help protect against the spread of the Coronavirus, all Talbot County Free Library branches will be closed effective Monday, March 16 – Saturday, March 28. The library plans to reopen on Monday, March 30.
• The health and well-being of our community is the library’s top priority. We understand the uncertainty surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the concern about how it will affect our community. We have been closely monitoring the situation and adhering to the recommendations of experts from the Talbot County Health Department, local and state government officials, and the CDC.
• In addition, the library is cancelling all story times at both branches through Wednesday, April 15. The Library Board of Trustees has made this decision as a precautionary measure to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, with the health and safety of Talbot County residents as our primary goal.
• Any materials currently checked out from the library may be returned after we reopen. No overdue fees will accrue for library materials between March 16 and 28.
• Library meeting rooms will not be available during this period. AARP Tax Aide appointments are cancelled for Saturday, March 21, and Saturday, March 28. Electronic library services will continue to be available, including access to eBooks, audiobooks, streaming movies, TV shows, and music.
• Please check the library’s website, or Facebook page for updates. You can also find updated information about the library and other county organizations on the Talbot County EMS Facebook page.
• Once again, during this enforced interruption in many of the library’s regular services, patrons are encouraged to take advantage of the library’s eLearning opportunities and downloadable and streaming eBooks, audiobooks, music, magazines, and movies — all of which are available free of charge, 24/7. For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org.

Talbot County Public Schools

• Talbot County Public Schools will provide breakfast and lunch for children ages 2 through 18 during the two-week school shutdown beginning Monday, March 16.

Drive-by or walk-up meal pickup will be at Easton Middle (at the side cafeteria entrance) and St. Michaels Middle High from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Each child will be provided breakfast and lunch free of charge each day. Children must be between the ages of 2 and 18, but do not have to be eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Adults cannot accept meals on behalf of children.

CarePacks will be at St. Michaels Middle High and Easton Middle on Fridays to provide weekend meals. If families are unable to get to one of the schools to pick up CarePacks, please email Ms. Emily Moody at [email protected] to set up a CarePacks delivery for Friday March 20.

• All 12-month staff will be working or telecommuting during the shutdown until further notice.

• All school buildings are closed to the public. The Talbot County Education Center will remain open with limited staffing until further notice.

• At this point the impact on the school calendar has not been determined pending further guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education.

Talbot County Government Offices

• Talbot County Government offices will be closed to the public as of Tuesday, March 17, 2020 until further notice. County staff are accessible by phone and/or e-mail.

Talbot County Department of Social Services

Talbot County Department of Social Services is currently providing all services.
• Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
• Those with questions that could be answered by phone are encouraged to call 410-770-4848. Child support customers should start with the DHS Call Center at 1-800-332-6347

• Customers are encouraged to use the DHS online portal (MyDHR) when possible to apply for SNAP (Food Stamps) and all emergency cash assistance programs (https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/)

• Customers are encouraged to use the Maryland Health Connection to apply for Medical Assistance or health insurance. The Maryland Health Connection has opened an emergency enrollment period. Information and online application access can be found on the Maryland Health Connection website (https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/).

• Child support payments should be made by mail, phone or online if possible. If making payment by mail, include your name and child support case number on the payment and mail to: Maryland Child Support Account, P.O. Box 17396, Baltimore, MD 21297-1396

To make a one-time credit card child support payment over the phone, call 1-844-324-3855.

Child Support payments may be made online at https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-support- services/paying-support/. At this link, you can establish a one-time or recurring automatic draft from your savings account or pay using Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express.

Town of Easton

• Public access to buildings will be closed effective Monday, March 16, 2020, at 12 p.m.

• Monday’s town council meeting will be closed to public access. The meeting is televised for live viewing on MCTV Channel 98 local access. Public comments can be submitted to the Town until the close of business on Friday.
• Operations and services will continue to be provided, including building permit issuance and certain inspections.

• Telephone payment options are available at 410-822-2525.

• Parks and Recreational activities have been cancelled with the cooperation of each organization.

• Certain Public Assembly and Park Permits may be altered or cancelled to comply with size of gatherings limits.

Town of Oxford

Normal services will continue, but staff are reducing direct interaction with public to reduce exposure to the COVID-19 virus. For more information, call the Town Office at 410-226-5152.

Where to Find More Information
CDC COVID-2019 Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Talbot County COVID-19 Information www.talbotdes.org/covid19.asp
Maryland Department of Health Website: https://health.maryland.gov/pages/home.aspx
Talbot County Health Department Website: https://health.maryland.gov/talbotcounty/Pages/home.aspx
Talbot County Health Department Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalbotHealthMaryland/
Talbot County Department of Emergency Services Website: https://www.talbotdes.org/default.asp
Talbot County Department of Emergency Services Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talbotdes

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

Oxford March Calendar

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March 4 – Shamrock Painting Class; 11 am; $25, includes supplies. The Treasure Chest, 111 S. Morris St. More info and RSVP 410-924-8817 or facebook.com/thetreasurechestinoxford/events.

March 6 – Shamrock Painting Class; 6 pm; $25, includes supplies. The Treasure Chest, 111 S. Morris St. More info and RSVP 410-924-8817 or facebook.com/thetreasurechestinoxford/events.

March 7 – Cookery Demo & Lunch with Mark Salter – ‘Winter Desserts’; 2 hr. demo followed by 2 course lunch with wine; Robert Morris Inn; 10 am; $75; RSVP robertmorrisinn.com/cook-school, 410.226.5111

March 8 – Oxford Firehouse Breakfast, 8 – 11 am; $10/pp, $5/children

March 11 – Beginner Chalk Mineral Painting Class. Learn how to use Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint and sealers to paint furniture, picture frames, Home decor items too! 10am; $45, includes supplies. The Treasure Chest, 111 S. Morris St. More info and RSVP 410-924-8817 or facebook.com/thetreasurechestinoxford/events.

March 12 –Chalk Mineral Painting Demonstration. Drop into the Treasure Chest in Oxford anytime between 11 AM and 12:30 PM to see a paint demo by store owner, Joan Nubie – Miscall. Live demo of Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint, waxes, sealers, glazes and more! FREE. The Treasure Chest, 111 S. Morris St. More info 410-924-8817 or facebook.com/thetreasurechestinoxford/events.

March 13 – Card Party; Oxford Firehouse Hall; 11:30 am – 4 pm; 202-320-1110 or [email protected] for more info.

March 13 – St. Patrick’s Day Dinner with the Free N’ Eazy Band; Oxford Community Center, 6 pm; $25, cash bar.

March 18 – Bring Your Own Piece Furniture Painting Class. Bring your own piece of furniture to this painting class, learn how to use chalk mineral paint to paint and seal it! The class price includes an 8-oz. jar of paint and an 8-oz. jar of sealer for you to keep and take home after the class. Furniture piece should be on the small side, such as a plant stand, stool, bread box, medium size mirror or picture frame. The Treasure Chest, 111 S. Morris St; 10 am; $65; More info and RSVP 410-924-8817 or facebook.com/thetreasurechestinoxford/events.

March 19 – Movie Classics Series: ‘Sorry Wrong Number’ with Barbara Stanwick and Burt Lancaster; 7 pm at Oxford Community Center. Free, or come for dinner before the movie. Dinner is $10 and requires reservation, limited seating. 410-226-5904 or oxfordcc.org.

March 20 – Beginner Chalk Mineral Painting Class. Learn how to use Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint and sealers to paint furniture, picture frames, Home decor items too! 5:30pm; $45, includes supplies. The Treasure Chest, 111 S. Morris St. More info and RSVP 410-924-8817 or facebook.com/thetreasurechestinoxford/events.

March 21 – Cookery Demo & Lunch with Mark Salter – ‘Authentic Curries From Around The World’; 2 hr. demo followed by 2 course lunch with wine; Robert Morris Inn; 10 am; $75; RSVP robertmorrisinn.com/cook-school, 410.226.5111

March 23 – Oxford Book Club. Meets the 4 th Monday of the month, 10:30 am – noon; Oxford Community Center.

March 24 & 25 – Songwriting Workshop with Paul Lewis. Come learn how to write a song, set it to a melody, and learn to perform. Bring an instrument is you have one. Oxford Community Center, 1 – 3 pm each day; $60 includes both days.

March 25 – Painting and Transfers Class. Learn about using Dixie Belle chalk mineral paints by painting a plaque and applying an inspirational word transfer. 11am; $36; The Treasure Chest, 111 S. Morris St. More info and RSVP 410-924-8817 or facebook.com/thetreasurechestinoxford/events.

March 27 – Painting and Transfers Class. Learn about using Dixie Belle chalk mineral paints by painting a plaque and applying an inspirational word transfer. 6 pm; $36; The Treasure Chest, 111 S. Morris St. More info and RSVP 410-924-8817 or facebook.com/thetreasurechestinoxford/events.

March 28 – Dinner Theater at Oxford Community Center. “A Reading Theatre Celebration of Lucille Fletcher”. Lucille Fletcher was a local Oxfordian, prolific writer with many works produced in Hollywood, and wife of legendary writer of “Damn Yankees”, Douglass Wallop. Enjoy the staged reading of two of Fletcher’s one-act plays, “Sorry Wrong Number” and “The Hitchhiker” while enjoying dinner. An evening not to be missed. Dinner by Robert Morris Inn, entertainment by Tred Avon Players; 7 pm, $60/pp cash bar; oxfordcc.org for more info.

March 28 – Cookery Demo & Lunch ‘Mark Salter’s Signature Dishes; 2 hr. demo followed by 2 course lunch with wine; Robert Morris Inn; 10 am; $75; RSVP robertmorrisinn.com/cook-school, 410.226.5111

March 29 – Theater matinee at Oxford Community Center. “A Reading Theatre Celebration of Lucille Fletcher” by The Tred Avon Players. Lucille Fletcher was a local Oxfordian, prolific writer with many works produced in Hollywood, and wife of legendary writer of “Damn Yankees”, Douglass Wallop. Enjoy the staged reading of two of Fletcher’s one-act plays, “Sorry Wrong Number” and “The Hitchhiker”; 2 pm, $10/pp, cash bar; oxfordcc.org for more info.

Check www.portofoxford.org calendar for event updates

ONGOING… at OCC:

Community Café – Mon., Wed. & Fri; 9:30 – 11:30 am

Core & More Fitness Rx with Mark Cuviello – Mon & Wed, 10:30 am; $12/class
Beginner Tai Chi w/Nathan Spivey – Tues. & Thurs; 9 am; $75/mo; $10 drop-in.
Steady & Strong Exercise w/Janet Pfeffer – Tues. & Thurs; 10:15 am; $60/10 classes; $8 drop-in

Book Club – 4 th Monday; 10:30 am – noon

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Talbot Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

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

Charley’s Aunt Comes to Oxford

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It surely is a testament to playwright Brandon Thomas that his “Charley’s Aunt” is as beloved in 2020 as it was when it first appeared on the London stage in 1892.  Considered to be one of the great Edwardian romps of all time, the British farce tells the hilarious tale of assumed identities, including one of the main male characters donning a dress rather than a suit.

That is one of the many reasons that Tred Avon Players is presenting the classic comedy on February 13 through February 23 at the Oxford Community Center. Alison Lynch is the director.

Jack loves Kitty Verdun and Charley loves Miss Amy Spettigue. They invite the ladies to meet Charley’s wealthy aunt from Brazil, “where the nuts come from.” Cancelling her visit at the last minute, the millionaire aunt sends the boys into cataclysmic confusion. What do they do now? The problem is solved by drafting their feckless Oxford undergrad pal into a black satin skirt, bloomers and wig. As “Charley’s Aunt”, this charming frump is introduced to the ladies, to Jack’s father and to Stephen Spettigue, Amy’s guardian. When the real aunt turns up, classic comic confusion ensues!

Nick Voshell plays Jack; Jackie Royer is Kitty; Seth Wagner is Charley; Ashley Chroniger is Amy; Francesca Rendell is Donna Lucia d’Alvadorez; Troy Strootman is Lord Fancourt Babberley; Bob O’Boyle is Colonel Sir Francis Chesney; Craig Brittingham is Stephen Spettigue; Madalyn Hill is Ela Delahay; and Archi Tinelli is Brassett.

Performances dates are Thursday through Saturday on February 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees on February 16 & 23 at 2:00 p.m. For tickets go to TredAvonPlayers.org or call 410-226-0061. The Oxford Community Center is located at 200 Oxford Rd. Oxford, MD 21654.

This video is approximately two minutes in length

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Spy Chat: Town of Oxford Winter Update with Gordon Graves

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After a career in higher education, Gordon Graves retired to Oxford some 30 years ago to once again experience small-town living after growing up in one. But the idea of holding public office was the farthest thing in his mind when a few fellow citizens asked him to run for a Town of Oxford Commissioner seat.

Almost ten years later, Gordon still sits on that seat and the Spy thought he would be the perfect person to talk to us about what is going on in one of Talbot County’s smallest municipalities. In our chat, Gordon talks about a new wastewater treatment plant, rising sea-level issues, and the current status of the Oxford Mews project.

This video is approximately nine minutes in length

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