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June 5, 2025

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

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1 Homepage Slider Archives

Spy Highlights

Maryland Caucus: Mid-Shore “Sanctuary” FUBAR and Wes Moore’s Trip to South Carolina

Every Wednesday, Maryland political analysts Len Foxwell and Clayton Mitchell discuss the politics and personalities of the state and region. This ... [Continue Story]

  • From and Fuller: Trump’s Beautiful Bill in the Senate and Presidential Pardons
  • The Maryland Caucus: Moore Vetos, Harris Present, and RIP for Twinny’s Place
  • From and Fuller: The House Passes a Controversial Budget and the Biden Age Redux
  • The Maryland Caucus: Moody’s Rating Blues and Reparations on Hold
  • From and Fuller: Trump’s Big Beautiful 747 and Spotting Democratic Early Birds
  • The Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: The Maryland Energy Crisis

Public Affairs

Town Manager Outlines Progress and Delays for Town Security Cameras

At Monday's town council meeting, Chestertown Town Manager Larry DiRe provided  a detailed timeline of renewed efforts to complete the town’s ... [Continue Story]

  • Oh Never Mind: Homeland Security Removes Talbot and QAC from Sanctuary List
  • “Community Conversation” with Chestertown Police Chief to Address Crime June 5
  • Talbot County Named a “Sanctuary Jurisdiction” by Trump Administration
  • Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties named as Sanctuary Jurisdictions by Trump Administration
  • Celebrate the Summer Solstice with ShoreRivers
  • Modular Homes Set on Prospect Street: Kent Attainable Housing Marks Major Milestone in Affordable Housing Project

The Arts

Spy Concert Review: National Music Festival Opening Night by Steve Parks

The National Music Festival opened its 13th annual season with a rousing full-house concert that may prove 13 is a fortunate number for the festival ... [Continue Story]

  • The Spy’s Laura Oliver Returns to the Avalon June 4th with More Stories
  • Marc Castelli exhibition “The Brutal Elegance of Log Canoes” at MassoniArt June 3 – 30
  • Just in Time: The Juilliard String Quartet Comes to the Mid-Shore in June
  • Chesapeake Music Celebrates its 40th Year Anniversary—A Time for Reflection and Celebration By Maria Grant
  • Chestertown’s 2025 National Music Festival Includes Something for Everyone
  • Spy Concert Review: MSO Season Finale by Steve Parks

Chesapeake Ecosystem

Federal Cuts Could Threaten Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge, a Kent County Treasure

The Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, one of Kent County’s most prized natural and recreational resources, is facing an uncertain future due to potential federal funding ... [Continue Story]

  • FEMA Cancels $1 Billion for Flood Prevention Projects in Chesapeake Bay Region
  • Bay Journal: USDA shuts down ‘climate smart’ program
  • The Solar Land Rush—A farmer’s perspective with Judy Gifford
  • New polling finds strong Eastern Shore support for offshore wind
  • Bay Journal: Nonprofits, states scramble as Trump administration pauses funding for many Chesapeake restoration programs
  • Invasive catfish, west coast oyster shells fueling Chesapeake renaissance

On the Hill at Washington College

$4.5 Million Gift to Washington College to Create Two Endowed Chairs, Support Athletics

Richard and Tara Wood, parents of a recent Washington College graduate, have made a substantial gift to the small liberal arts college on Maryland's ... [Continue Story]

  • Washington College’s Lifelong Learning Academy Opens Call for New Courses 
  • Washington College Commencement Recap
  • Manassas Native Wins $74k Sophie Kerr Prize from Washington College
  • ABC News’ Jonathan Karl to Deliver Washington College Commencement Address
  • Six Students Vie For Washington College’s $74k Sophie Kerr Prize
  • Community invited to Washington College PoliTalks with Hon. Heather Mizeur
  • Upper Shore STRT1UP Roadshow Open to the Public at Washington College
  • Chesapeake Changemakers and Natural Maryland Exhibits Coming to Washington College’s MuSE

Health

Choptank Health Hosts New Patient Welcome Sessions in Chestertown June 10-12

Mid-Shore families and individuals in need of a primary care provider are invited to attend a New Patient Welcome Session at Choptank Community ... [Continue Story]

  • Let’s Talk About It with Beth Anne Dorman: Mental Health, Parents and Adolescence
  • Let’s Talk About It with Beth Anne Dorman: For All Seasons in All Seasons
  • HomePorts: A talk with John Murphy and Karen Carr
  • Keys to Treating Stress By Lisa J. Gotto
  • Let’s Talk about It: Dare to Lead Training Shapes Mid-Shore Leaders with For All Seasons Beth Anne Dorman
  • Mid-Shore Health: Getting to the Heart of Heart Disease with Dr. Ian Davis

Education

‘Life is a Highway’ for KCHS Class of 2025

Every chair and bleacher was filled in Trojan Arena at Kent County High School on Friday, May 30 to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2025. The rainy days leading up ... [Continue Story]

  • WC launches updated Diversity website pages By Heather Fabritz
  • MD Senate Panel’s vote on Blueprint bill straddles House, Administration Versions
  • Wood Foundation awards $100K grant to Radcliffe Creek School
  • KCPS Substitute Job Fair Saturday, Feb. 1
  • Walls retires after 51 years
  • Morgan State professor fined for presenting himself as licensed architect

Maryland News

Potential 2028 Presidential Hopefuls Moore, Walz Steal Show at South Carolina Democratic Weekend

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Minutes before 10 p.m. Friday, after Democratic speakers led the audience in jeers to Republicans’ efforts to slash jobs and health ... [Continue Story]

  • Some Good News: Second Bond Rating Agency Reaffirms MD Credit Rating
  • Andy Harris stands alone as “Present” for vote on Budget Reconciliation Bill
  • Moore Signs Two Energy Bills as June Rate Hikes Loom
  • Banker, Blast Owner Ed Hale Preparing a 2026 Challenge to Wes Moore
  • Jake Day Eyes Challenge on Eastern Shore to GOP Rep. Andy Harris
  • Board of Public Works Reaffirms State Property Tax Rate at Current Rate

Brevities

Chestertown Flashback: Captain Lillie Mae Flowers

In this week’s Flashback Photo, we look forward to summer days on the Chester and the Bay, following the lead set by Captain Lillie Mae Flowers, pictured here circa 1939 ... [Continue Story]

  • Rocky Mountain High by Katherine Emery General
  • June 2025 Sky-Watch Neptune May Be Seen by Dennis Herrmann
  • Horse Summer Camps for Kids at Airy Hill Stables
  • Agent 86 Reconnaissance Footage: Spying Over Annapolis
  • Chestertown Flashback: Turtle Race!
  • Mom Style by Katherine Emery General

Food Friday

Food Friday: Blueberry Harvest

Suddenly they are everywhere — blueberries. June is about to be busting out all over, summer is almost here, and if you listen carefully you’ll hear the blueberries ripening. ... [Continue Story]

  • Food Friday: Getting Back to Grilling
  • Food Friday: Deelish Sammies
  • Food Friday: Rhubarb Spring
  • Food Friday: Fiesta
  • Food Friday:Tender Spring Veggies
  • Food Friday: Easter eggs

Looking at the Masters with Beverly Smith

Looking at the Masters: Patricia Tobacco Forrester

Patricia Tobacco Forrester was born in 1940 in North Hampton, Massachusetts, and she died in 2011 in Washington, DC. When her grandfather, bearing the ... [Continue Story]

  • Looking at the Masters: Poppies
  • Looking at the Masters: Imogene Cunningham
  • Looking at the Masters: Ruth Asawa
  • Looking at the Masters: Renoir
  • Looking at the Masters: Mizue Sawano
  • Looking at the Masters: Tree of Life

Design with Jenn Martella

Design with Jenn Martella: Landscaping at The Miracle House

Since one of my criteria for selection of a House of the Week is Landscape Design, I always look forward to featuring the work of Landscape Designer ... [Continue Story]

  • Design with Jenn Martella: The William Smith House, c. 1794
  • Design with Jenn Martella: The Tilley House Redux
  • House of the Week: Go Dutch Colonial!
  • House of the Week: Captivating Craftsman Bungalow
  • Design with Jenn Martella: The Dover, a Sears, Roebuck & Company Design
  • Design with Jenn Martella: The (second) empire strikes back

Food and Garden

Adkins Arboretum’s Mystery Monday: Guess the Photo!

Happy Mystery Monday!  Can you guess what is pictured in photo below? The answer to last week's mystery is Copes gray treefrog, Hyla ... [Continue Story]

  • Wine of the Week: Langhe Nas-Cetta del Commune di Novello 2021
  • Wine of the Week: 2021 Cannonau Capo Ferrato DOC
  • Wine of the Week: Rosato Toscano IGT
  • Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the photo
  • Wine of the Week: Fiordiligi Grillo DOC
  • Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the photo

Delmarva Review

Taking flight? Will Delmarva Review come in for a landing?

... [Continue Story]

  • Delmarva Review: The “Best of” Anthology
  • Delmarva Review: Leitmotif by Rita Plush
  • Delmarva Review: Arrogance by Katherine J. Williams
  • Delmarva Review: A System of Seeing by Colin Jeffrey Morris
  • Delmarva Review: The End of the Story by Patty Somlo
  • Delmarva Review: Something More Than Winter Weighs (Upon Me) by John Muro

Chesapeake Lens

Chesapeake Lens: “Dippin’ for Crabs” by Tracey Johns

It’s sunrise near St. Michael’s and the late Turk Cannon, Sr. is out on the water. ... [Continue Story]

  • Chesapeake Lens: “On the Prowl” by Richard Bodorff
  • Chesapeake Lens: “Jack Meets the Morning” By James Dissette
  • Chesapeake Lens: “Magothy Sunrise” By Louise Zeitlin
  • Chesapeake Lens: “The C&O Canal” By Lee Goodwin
  • Chesapeake Lens: “Stillness” By Sherri Baton
  • Chesapeake Lens: “To Go” By Jay Fleming

Commerce

Memorial Day Event to Feature Parade, Entertainment and a Remembrance of Vets Who Died in Combat

Long after the Tea Party tourists have left town, the Memorial Day parade and remembrance on May 26 – long a locals’ favorite – will honor veterans ... [Continue Story]

  • Investing in You: A talk with Chesapeake Bank and Trust CEO Bob Altieri
  • Kent Attainable Housing Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Homeowners, the Duncan Family
  • Kent County and Main Street Chestertown Awarded Grants to Support America’s 250th Semiquincentennial Planning
  • Kent County Local Management Board Seeks New Board Members
  • Chamber Hosts Post-Legislative Session Discussion with 36th District Lawmakers
  • 2025‐2026 Rock Hall Lions Marine Trades offers $1500 Scholarship

Community Notes

Sumner Hall Now Part of the National Park Service’s Reconstruction Era National Historic Network

The National Park Service has added Sumner Hall, located at 206 S. Queen St., to its Reconstruction Era National Historic Network. This network, ... [Continue Story]

  • Maryland Municipal Government 101—Your Guide to Government Closest to the People
  • Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties named as Sanctuary Jurisdictions by Trump Administration
  • Commercial Composting Drop off in Chestertown
  • Helping Our Neighbors in Need with The Chester Valley Ministers Association
  • Rock Hall PorchFest May 25
  • Celebrating 13 Years of Leadership, Theresa Snyder Retires as KART Executive Director

Arts Notes

Kent County Chapter of Delmarva Pride Center Hosts “Authentic Selves” Exhibit at Garfield Center

  The Kent County chapter of the Delmarva Pride Center is proud to announce that it will host the powerful photo exhibit Authentic Selves: ... [Continue Story]

  • Kent County Chapter of Delmarva Pride Center Hosts “Authentic Selves” Exhibit at Garfield Center in Celebration of Pride Month
  • All Singers Invited to Join Community Choir Festival
  • Bluegrass Favorites, “The High and Wides” Return to The Mainstay
  • Bookplate Author Chris Filstrup to Speak June 11
  • Announcing Chesapeake Film Festival – The Podcast! 
  • Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Announces 2025–2026 Season: Bold Voices, Eternal Resonance

Education Notes

Blueprint Gets a Road Map: Two Agencies That Oversee School Reform Agree to Clarify Roles

Local school systems straining to comply with the state’s sweeping Blueprint for Maryland’s Future have had to report to both the Maryland Department ... [Continue Story]

  • CBMM’s Shipyard Set for Busy Summer of Programming
  • CBMM to Celebrate Educators with Gratitude Day on June 20
  • Gunston Inducts 2000 Varsity Field Hockey Team into Hall of Fame
  • Joe Holt and Mainstay’s own Matt Meilnick June 6
  • CTE Students Honored at Senior Showcase
  • Golfing Fore Gunston VI Raises $40,000

Health Notes

Choptank Health Promotes Bill Baxendale to Facilities Director

Choptank Community Health System’s leadership team recently welcomed Bill Baxendale as Facilities Director. In this role, Baxendale will lead the ... [Continue Story]

  • For All Seasons Event Debuts Heart to Heart: Coloring Together
  • Choptank Health Hosts New Patient Welcome Sessions in Chestertown June 10-12
  • Swimmable ShoreRivers Program bacteria testing program returns!
  • Rock Hall PorchFest May 25
  • Celebrating 13 Years of Leadership, Theresa Snyder Retires as KART Executive Director
  • Memorial Day Event to Feature Parade, Entertainment and a Remembrance of Vets Who Died in Combat

Opinion

Character Rot: Sounding the Alarm by Johnny O’Brien

Most of us are aware of the damage Donald Trump is doing to government service, freedom of expression, our universities, and democracy. And the moral ... [Continue Story]

  • Op-Ed: Anything Goes, but Pete Hegseth May Go First By Aubrey Sarvis
  • OP-ED: Mayor and Council: Trust in you has evaporated By Robert Miller
  • Kent County and a serious healthcare hit? By Tom Timberman
  • Op-Ed: Making American Great Again?
  • The Political is Personal: Reflections on DEI by Margaret Andersen
  • New report reveals value of resource conservation for Shore businesses by John Horner

Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Respecting Arlington National Cemetery

I don’t think about Arlington National Cemetery that often.  Living on the east coast much of my life, I have visited it several times, often with ... [Continue Story]

  • Letter to the Editor: Praise for the Tea Party
  • Letter to Editor: Beware of Homeowner Service Scams
  • Letter to the Editor: Let Maryland Voters Decide on Local Control
  • Letter to the Editor: When we have lost our democracy, how will we know?
  • Letter to the Editor: The Buck Stops Here
  • Letter to the Editor: A new gospel

Columnist J.E. Dean

Pardon Me, Mr. President, But Are You Corrupt? By J. E. Dean

Last week, I read a few articles about how Vladimir Putin is turning Trump into a monkey. The “great negotiator” apparently misread his mark and has ... [Continue Story]

  • Our President and Bruce Springsteen by J.E. Dean
  • Springtime’s Blessings by J.E. Dean
  • The Answer, My Friend, Is Blowing in the Wind by J.E. Dean
  • Trump is Making Us Question Again (Well, at Least Some of Us) by J.E. Dean
  • Burn a Tesla? Don’t even Think about It! By J.E. Dean
  • Trump 2.0: A House of Cards? By J.E. Dean

Columnist Craig Fuller

Conversations with Craig Fuller: Ambassador and Author Frank Lavin

My friend and former White House colleague Ambassador Frank Lavin has a book coming out in March about his experience in the White House and ... [Continue Story]

  • Midair collision over the Potomac: Week two update by Craig Fuller
  • A midair tragedy last night in Washington by Craig Fuller
  • The Classic Motor Museum starts a new trip in St. Michaels: Craig Fuller talks to Mike Iandolo
  • MPT, the Chesapeake Bay and Viewers Like You: A Chat with Station Manager Steven Schupak
  • So Much Money, So Little Time by Craig Fuller
  • One Amazing Story by One Amazing Individual by Craig Fuller

Columnist Lisa J. Gotto

Columnist Laura Oliver

Shelter by Laura J. Oliver

Editor's note: Join us for Spy Night with Laura Oliver, who will be reading her work in the Stoltz Listening Room at the historic Avalon Theater in ... [Continue Story]

  • All the Love You Cannot See By Laura J. Oliver
  • When Your Life is the Story By Laura J. Oliver  
  •  Tenants of the Heart By Laura J. Oliver
  • Sleepless in Annapolis By Laura J. Oliver
  • When the Thing that You Long for is Not What You Want By Laura J. Oliver
  • In the beginning was the word By Laura J. Oliver

Columnist Al Sikes

Ukraine and the 21st Century by Al Sikes

Churchill, Jan. 20, 1940: “Only Finland—superb, nay, sublime in the jaws of peril—Finland shows what free men can do....Everyone can see how Communism ... [Continue Story]

  • Better a Patriot than A Fool by Al Sikes
  • “Through the Looking Glass” by Al Sikes
  • The Question Is Not How Trump Is Doing But How We Are Doing by Al Sikes
  • Letter From the Grave by Al Sikes
  • What Does the Bond Market Say? By Al Sikes
  • Jazz: 2014-2025 by Al Sikes

Columnist Angela Rieck

Messy By Angela Rieck

I am a bit of a clean freak. I keep my home relatively pristine. Nevertheless, I recognize that the best things in life are messy. Families are ... [Continue Story]

  • Surprise, Your Home is for Sale! By Angela Rieck
  • Life Lessons: Perseverance By Angela Rieck
  • Gus is Grieving By Angela Rieck
  • Asteroid 2024 YR4 Redux by Angela Rieck
  • Saying Goodbye to Annie by Angela Rieck
  • It’s all in the mindset by Angela Rieck

Senior Life

Senior Nation: Gardening a Great Boost for Body and Soul by Susan Covey

  The calming benefits of being in the natural world are endless and include fresh air, improved mood and concentration, mental clarity, lower ... [Continue Story]

  • Senior Nation: April Is Parkinson’s Awareness Month by Susan Covey
  • It’s American Heart Month by Susan Covey
  • Enjoy the health benefits of Thanksgiving Day by Susan Covey
  • Upper Shore Aging Hosts the Re-Dedication of the Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center
  • Herb Cain Appointed Executive Director of Upper Shore Aging
  • Water, Water Everywhere…For Drinking, Playing And Exercising!

Messy By Angela Rieck

I am a bit of a clean freak. I keep my home relatively pristine. Nevertheless, I recognize that the best things in life are messy. Families are ... [Continue Story]

Pardon Me, Mr. President, But Are You Corrupt? By J. E. Dean

Last week, I read a few articles about how Vladimir Putin is turning Trump into a monkey. The “great negotiator” apparently misread his mark and has ... [Continue Story]

The View By Jamie Kirkpatrick

We were in Annapolis last week to celebrate a family milestone. A year ago, my wife’s son and his beloved headed out to Colorado, ostensibly to attend ... [Continue Story]

Want to Stem Outrage? Simply Flood the Zone by Maria Grant

This Administration has committed so many outrageous acts that Americans have become numb to the onslaught and simply fail to process their ... [Continue Story]

Ukraine and the 21st Century by Al Sikes

Churchill, Jan. 20, 1940: “Only Finland—superb, nay, sublime in the jaws of peril—Finland shows what free men can do....Everyone can see how Communism ... [Continue Story]

Spy Chats

A new president and immigration policies changes: A chat with ChesMRC’s Matthew Peters

As the new Trump Administration begins to roll out its approach to border control and immigration policies, one group on the Mid-Shore is watching ... [Continue Story]

Profiles in Spirtuality: A Chat with The Easton Group’s Stephanie Saunders

If somone had to guess where one of the Mid-Shore's top financial services executives goes on vacation, there is a good chance they would be wrong ... [Continue Story]

Mid-Shore Profiles: A chat with Andy Hollis on future of Delmarva Community Services

One of the most notable nonprofit leadership appointments made on the Mid-Shore in 2024 was the Delmarva Community Center's (DCC) board of directors ... [Continue Story]

Publisher Notes: Reader survey results on how to better spy in 2025 and holiday best wishes

As we approach the close of 2024, we extend our warmest holiday greetings to you! To allow our hardworking Spy team some well-deserved rest after ... [Continue Story]

Frankie Girl comes back to Chestertown: A chat with author Kae Wagner

  http:// With two years and four popular books under her belt, author Kae Wagner returned to her childhood stomping grounds last week to ... [Continue Story]

Food Fridays with Jean Sanders

Food Friday: Blueberry Harvest

Suddenly they are everywhere — blueberries. June is about to be busting out all over, summer is almost here, and if you listen carefully you’ll hear ... [Continue Story]

Food Friday: Getting Back to Grilling

Here we are again—on the cusp of summer, on the eve of grilling season, keeping watch for fireflies, swatting early mosquitoes, and planning the ... [Continue Story]

Food Friday: Deelish Sammies

Ah, late spring. It is a beautiful time of the year. The fireflies are beginning to sparkle in the blue twilight of the back yard. A bunny is enjoying ... [Continue Story]

Food Friday: Rhubarb Spring

There are many issues that can drive us nuts here in the Spy Test Kitchens. We are only human, after all, except for Luke the wonder dog, who is ... [Continue Story]

Food Friday: Fiesta

Cinco de Mayo is coming already. There will be tacos, and maybe some good Mexican beer. I have to confess that I came to the taco party late. When I ... [Continue Story]

Food Friday:Tender Spring Veggies

May Day is upon us— that should put a spring in your step. I want to retire the crockpot, stash the Dutch oven, put the lasagna pan out to pasture and ... [Continue Story]

Food Friday: Easter eggs

Food Friday is on the road this weekend, so you Gentle Readers will have to put up with a re-run of my favorite Easter lemon cheesecake. Mr. Sanders ... [Continue Story]

Food Friday: Spring Quiches

It is quite definitely spring. Our trees are leafing out, the dogwood is starting to flower, and tulips are bouncing in the cool April breeze. ... [Continue Story]

Food Friday: Radishes

Early spring brings us delicious young vegetables: peas, asparagus, garlic, and radishes. Radishes are the pink darlings of early spring. Cherry red, ... [Continue Story]

Food Friday: Spring Greetings

Hello, spring! The snow has melted, the flowers are blooming and the sun is rising earlier every morning. Birds are singing show tunes. Here we have ... [Continue Story]

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