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May 21, 2025

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

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Spy Highlights

The Maryland Caucus: Moody’s Rating Blues and Reparations on Hold

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 Big Beautiful 747 and Spotting Democratic Early Birds
  • The Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: The Maryland Energy Crisis
  • From and Fuller: The GOP ‘Beautiful’ Megabill and Joe Biden’s Return
  • Publisher’s Note: Introducing the ‘Maryland Caucus’ Podcast with Len Foxwell and Clayton Mitchell
  • Publisher Notes: Spy Poetry and Deidra Greenleaf Allan
  • From and Fuller: The Garcia Case, Trump Blinking and Democratic Road to Recovery

Public Affairs

Chestertown Lions’ Spring Chicken Barbecue June 7

On Saturday, June 7th, the bi-annual Chestertown Lions’ Spring Chicken Barbecue will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church at the corner of Greenwood ... [Continue Story]

  • Moore to Veto Reparations Bill
  • Maryland Loses Coveted AAA Bond Rating
  • McDowell ends Historic District Commission term with statement
  • Watermen Closing Out Wild Oyster Season
  • Remembering Tom Timberman
  • Congressman Jamie Raskin Speaks at Cambridge Town Hall

The Arts

Chesapeake Music Celebrates its 40th Year Anniversary—A Time for Reflection and Celebration By Maria Grant

Chesapeake Music, a treasured gem for Eastern Shore music lovers, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year with one of the best series of concerts to ... [Continue Story]

  • The Spy’s Laura Oliver Returns to the Avalon June 4th with More Stories
  • Chestertown’s 2025 National Music Festival Includes Something for Everyone
  • Spy Concert Review: MSO Season Finale by Steve Parks
  • Spy Profile: John Waters Brings ‘The Naked Truth’ to the Avalon
  • Avalon Spy Night Preview: Poet Meredith Davies Hadaway Reads “When Dreams Go Walking”
  • Jazz Legend Don Vappie returns: A talk with Phil Dutton

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

Washington College Commencement Recap

"Under a bright spring sky, Washington College celebrated the 209 members of the graduating Class of 2025. The event was a vibrant culmination of ... [Continue Story]

  • 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
  • Rare first edition of Isaac Mason’s autobiography on Life as a Slave comes to Kent County
  • Top 10 birds migrating through MD’s Eastern Shore

Health

Let’s Talk About It with Beth Anne Dorman: Mental Health, Parents and Adolescence

This month, Beth Anne Dorman, CEO of For All Seasons, explores the profound challenges parents face as their children enter adolescence. While ... [Continue Story]

  • 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
  • Let’s Talk About It: A Different kind of Valentine with For All Seasons CEO Beth Anne Dorman

Education

WC launches updated Diversity website pages By Heather Fabritz

At The Chestertown Spy, we believe in the power of the written word to bear witness, to provoke thought, and to strengthen the bridge between generations. In this spirit, we ... [Continue Story]

  • 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
  • My year in books, 2024 edition by Nancy Mugele

Maryland News

Banker, Blast Owner Ed Hale Preparing a 2026 Challenge to Wes Moore

As far as Ed Hale is concerned, it’s all over but the paperwork. Hale, the current owner of the Baltimore Blast indoor soccer team and a longtime ... [Continue Story]

  • Jake Day Eyes Challenge on Eastern Shore to GOP Rep. Andy Harris
  • Board of Public Works Reaffirms State Property Tax Rate at Current Rate
  • Local farmers, food banks plan for potential ‘blow’ to food assistance output from Trump cut
  • House, Senate ratify budget compromise on final day
  • Sheriffs defend cooperation with federal officials on immigration enforcement
  • Tensions boil over in shouting match during final House vote on fiscal 2026 budget

Brevities

Horse Summer Camps for Kids at Airy Hill Stables

Airy Hill Stables has announced 2025 “Wisdom Through Horses” summer camp opportunities on their farm in Kent County, open to campers from ages 7-14.  The camps are led by ... [Continue Story]

  • Agent 86 Reconnaissance Footage: Spying Over Annapolis
  • Chestertown Flashback: Turtle Race!
  • Mom Style by Katherine Emery General
  • Chestertown Flashback: Recognize this Town Demolition?
  • Osprey Cam Returns With Surprise Guest
  • Drums on High Street?

Food Friday

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 chowing down on the new ... [Continue Story]

  • Food Friday: Rhubarb Spring
  • Food Friday: Fiesta
  • Food Friday:Tender Spring Veggies
  • Food Friday: Easter eggs
  • Food Friday: Spring Quiches
  • Food Friday: Radishes

Looking at the Masters with Beverly Smith

Looking at the Masters: Ruth Asawa

Ruth Asawa was born in 1926 in Norwalk, California, and she died in San Francisco in 2013. Her parents were immigrants from Japan. They worked on a ... [Continue Story]

  • Looking at the Masters: Renoir
  • Looking at the Masters: Mizue Sawano
  • Looking at the Masters: Tree of Life
  • Looking at the Masters: The Limbourg brothers illustrate the story of Easter
  • Looking at the Masters: Madonna and child in a garden
  • Looking at the Masters: Primavera 

Design with Jenn Martella

Design with Jenn Martella: The Tilley House Redux

This is the second opportunity for me to feature a project by Jones & Jones Properties. For the last four years, this talented brother and sister ... [Continue Story]

  • 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
  • Design with Jenn Martella: Highfield
  • Design with Jenn Martella : Thinking inside the box

Food and Garden

Wine of the Week: Rosato Toscano IGT

Ciao Tutti! This week at Piazza Italian Market, we will taste the Rosato Toscano IGT ( $19.95, 12% ABV)  from the Istine winery in Radda in ... [Continue Story]

  • Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the photo
  • Wine of the Week: Fiordiligi Grillo DOC
  • Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the photo
  • Wine of the Week: Lugana Mandolara DOC
  • Bayshore Iris Society Invitation to Enjoy 2025 Iris Show: “Iris Fiesta”
  • Adkins Arboretum’s 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: “Jack Meets the Morning” By James Dissette

  Sometime early birds just want to hang out. ... [Continue Story]

  • 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
  • Chesapeake Lens: “Watchful” By Wesley Finneyfrock
  • Chesapeake Lens: “In Flight” By Wayne Zussman

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

Helping Our Neighbors in Need with The Chester Valley Ministers Association

Terwana Brown, president of the Chester Valley Ministers Association (CVMA), began their May meeting with this story: “We received a donation from a ... [Continue Story]

  • Rock Hall PorchFest May 25
  • Celebrating 13 Years of Leadership, Theresa Snyder Retires as KART Executive Director
  • Baltimore Restaurateur Unveils Sassafras: An Intimate Modern Chesapeake Dining Experience
  • Main Street Chestertown Earns National Accreditation for Excellence in Downtown Revitalization
  • The Delmarva Pride Center Hosts “A Night in New Orleans” Fundraiser to Celebrate Pride and Community 
  • Join the Revolution Memorial Day Weekend

Arts Notes

“The Glories of the Shore” By Barbara Zuehlke at The Artists’ Gallery June 6

Living on Maryland’s Eastern Shore for 43 years has greatly inspired Barbara’s painting. "Everywhere around one is the beauty of the water, its colors ... [Continue Story]

  • Heron Point Art Gallery to feature two Rock Hall Artists
  • From Grief to Repair: Mixed Media Fiber Art and Watercolors by Heather Kerley on View at Adkins Arboretum
  • Don’t Miss the Antique & Classic Boat Festival & Coastal Arts Fair At CBMM on Father’s Day Weekend
  • Bookplate Author Event: Henry Corrigan, “Somewhere Quiet, Full of Light”
  • Crafting a Legacy: A talk with Bob Ortiz
  • Bummer: Spy Nights with Meredith Davies Hadaway Postponed

Education Notes

Gunston Inducts 2000 Varsity Field Hockey Team into Hall of Fame

The Gunston School is proud to announce the induction of the legendary 2000 Varsity Field Hockey Team into the Gunston’s Athletic Hall of Fame. This ... [Continue Story]

  • Joe Holt and Mainstay’s own Matt Meilnick June 6
  • CTE Students Honored at Senior Showcase
  • Golfing Fore Gunston VI Raises $40,000
  • Gunston Earns Second at 2025 Maryland State High School Rowing Championships
  • Fracassi is KCPS Teacher of the Year
  • Benedictine’s “A Celebration to Transform Lives” Gala Held at Easton’s Trident Aircraft Hangar.

Health Notes

Rock Hall PorchFest May 25

Rock Hall’s historic Main Street will come alive with sights and sounds on Sunday, May 25 as the town presents PorchFest 2025. Five “porch” stages, ... [Continue Story]

  • 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
  • For All Seasons Offers Suicide Bereavement Support Group Facilitator Training
  • 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

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: When we have lost our democracy, how will we know?

When we have lost our democracy, how will we know? Did it start to recede the moment a convicted felon swore he would defend the Constitution and — ... [Continue Story]

  • Letter to the Editor: The Buck Stops Here
  • Letter to the Editor: A new gospel
  • Letter to the Editor: Climate Simplified By Bob Moores
  • Letter to the Editor: And I shook my head…
  • Letter to the Editor: What did you do during the madness?
  • These Republicans Are Right – Don’t Blame Governor Wes Moore For Maryland’s Long-Projected Budget Deficit

Columnist J.E. Dean

Our President and Bruce Springsteen by J.E. Dean

Most of us, beyond the age of 40, have friends who have attended several Bruce Springsteen concerts. My wife has attended 15. I have a friend who ... [Continue Story]

  • 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
  • Worried About Flooding? Donald Trump Doesn’t Have Your Back 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

When Your Life is the Story By Laura J. Oliver  

Note: On June 4, Laura Oliver and Andrew Oliver will be reading stories as part of the Spy Night Series at the Avalon Theatre. Doors open at 5:30 ... [Continue Story]

  •  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
  • Magnified By Laura J. Oliver
  • And then there were three (For Sharon and Andrea) By Laura J. Oliver

Columnist Al Sikes

Better a Patriot than A Fool by Al Sikes

Who knew that the 21st Century would offer ambitious politicians a dull and inattentive version of the governed? Yes, you and me. Or, perhaps we are ... [Continue Story]

  • “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
  • The Great Promise by Al Sikes

Columnist Angela Rieck

Life Lessons: Perseverance By Angela Rieck

In business we talk about the four stages of a group’s development: Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing. The first stage, forming, is the ... [Continue Story]

  • 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
  • Scientific revolution by Angela Rieck
  • Missing Early Spring 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!

Better a Patriot than A Fool by Al Sikes

Who knew that the 21st Century would offer ambitious politicians a dull and inattentive version of the governed? Yes, you and me. Or, perhaps we are ... [Continue Story]

Our President and Bruce Springsteen by J.E. Dean

Most of us, beyond the age of 40, have friends who have attended several Bruce Springsteen concerts. My wife has attended 15. I have a friend who ... [Continue Story]

How Can You Mend a Broken Heart by Maria Grant

How can you stop the rain from falling down? I have heard so many sad stories in recent weeks that I find myself heartbroken and depressed. Here are ... [Continue Story]

Commencing By Jamie Kirkpatrick

’Tis the season of new beginnings. And so we celebrate the completion of one phase of our lives and the commencement of the next by donning all that ... [Continue Story]

Memorial Day Thoughts to Ponder from Abraham Lincoln by David Reel

Monday May 26th is Memorial Day in America.  The first version of an American Memorial Day occurred in May 1868, three years after the end of the ... [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: 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]

Food Friday: Egg substitutes

Eggs are the great equalizer: everyone needs them, and everyone has the same horrified reaction to their current sky-high prices. Yikes. I look ... [Continue Story]

Food Friday: Full Irish

"Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit!" They say that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, so you had best fortify yourself for the long, festive day ahead, ... [Continue Story]

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