There seems to be a certain turning point one can detect in early August on the Mid-Shore. While we have seen some remarkable summer days in June and July, with light breezes and low humidity, there is a certain settling in early August to the more familiar hot scorcher weeks we all know is part of summer here, where the community retreats to the comforts of air conditioning as it waits out the rest of the season.
Nonetheless, from the Spy’s point of view, these past June and July months were memorable days for all who live in Talbot County. Beyond the heartwarming return to “normal” after two years of COVID life, there were countless days when it did indeed feel like perfect summer days as the community took to the water and our cultural festivals.
We also saw a record number of voters turnout for last month’s primary election, which can only make one feel so proud of one’s fellow citizens. The Spy had a front seat row for the Talbot County Council contests with both political parties, with our long-form interview profiles done in partnership with the Avalon Foundation. Those interviews provided remarkable insights into the personalities of the candidates, but it also reinforced my perception of who lives in this community. After interviewing thirteen of them, it was hard not to be impressed by their unique backgrounds and genuine interest in making Talbot County one of the best places to live in the United States.
The summer has also brought some wonderful things to the Talbot Spy beginning with the addition of Laura Oliver’s new column in our Sunday edition. After a few months to recover from the passing of the Spy’s first Sunday columnist George Merrill, the stars aligned to bring Laura on board, and the response to her unique take on things has been nothing less than amazing.
And I’m delighted to say that the Spy has had the same reaction with our weekly weather report on Thursdays by filmmaker Cece Storm. Each week, Cece uses images blessed with her brilliant visual eye and pairs them with quotations from our literary masters in what might be one of the most original weather forecasts in the county.
These are just two examples of how the Talbot Spy is fulfilling its educational mission to inform and entertain in public affairs, the arts, and regional culture. Through the help of some of the best writers on the Eastern Shore, the Spy continues to play a unique role as the Mid-Shore’s only nonprofit news source. Every day we publish fresh, insightful, and nonpartisan news leading with community education rather than traditional journalism as our top priority. With now 11 years of service of doing just that, with over 500,000 unique visitors a year, it is beyond satisfying for this editor and the dozens of volunteers that make it work.
This effort is not cost-free, however. Every month, we do need to find support for our modest writer fees, internet services, and the miscellaneous expenses of any small enterprise. And so, three times a year, we ask our readers to donate what they can to help keep the Spy spying on Talbot County. As we start our Summer 2022 campaign, I sincerely hope you might consider contributing to the Talbot Spy Fund at the Mid-Shore Community Foundation.
Electronic donations can be made here or personal checks can be sent to the Talbot Spy Fund, C/O Mid-Shore Community Foundation, 102 East Dover Street, Easton MD 21601.
With warm wishes and many thanks,
Dave Wheelan
Executive Editor
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