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July 15, 2025

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

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Spy Highlights

From and Fuller: Elon Musk’s 3rd Party and the Epstein Files MAGA Civil War

Every Thursday, the Spy hosts a conversation with Al From and Craig Fuller on the most topical political news of the moment. This week, From and ... [Continue Story]

  • A Baltimore Banner Tribute to Darren Foxwell
  • Publisher Notes: Heartfelt Thanks, Welcome Zack Taylor, Foxwell/Mitchell Back July 9th
  • Publisher Note: Just Once for the Chestertown Spy 2025!
  • From and Fuller: Is the Iran Bombing a Win for Trump and NYC Politics
  • From and Fuller: Trump’s Big Iran Problem, Military Parades and No Kings
  • Publisher Note: Just Once for the Chestertown Spy in 2025

Public Affairs

Town Surveillance Cameras Repositioned for Activation

At the July 7 meeting of the Chestertown Town Council, Town Manager Larry DiRe reported that the long-delayed activation of the town’s surveillance ... [Continue Story]

  • Rock Hall Looks to Start “Welcome Back Ospreys” Event
  • Governor Moore Launches “Just Communities” on Juneteenth to Address Racial Wealth Gap
  • How Did the Mid-Shore Community Foundation Donate almost $4 Million for the new Regional Hospital?
  • Town of Millington Proclaims June as Pride Month
  • Community and Law Enforcement Hold Meeting About Crime Uptick
  • Town Manager Outlines Progress and Delays for Town Security Cameras

The Arts

From One Generation to the Next: A Community Mural Reimagined by Val Cavalheri

In 2011, more than thirty kids—participants in a summer camp run through the Academy Art Museum—came together to create a large mosaic mural on the ... [Continue Story]

  • Plein Air Easton Hall of Fame 2025: Al Bond
  • Avalon Donates New Gallery to AAM for Plein Air (Sort of): A Chat with Al Bond and Charlotte Potter Kasic
  • Easton Art Galleries Welcome Plein Air by Steve Parks
  • Plein Air Easton Hall of Fame 2025: David Grafton As Remembered by Stephen Griffin
  • Plein Air Easton Hall of Fame 2025: Working Artist Forum
  • Plein Air Easton Hall of Fame 2025: Hali and Scott Asplundh

Chesapeake Ecosystem

Washington College Earns High Flyer Status for Bird Conservation

Washington College has successfully renewed its Bird Campus recognition from the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership, reaching the prestigious High Flyer level. The Bird ... [Continue Story]

  • McCown Presented with Shorerivers Award for Environmental Stewardship
  • Update: Friends of Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
  • Federal Cuts Could Threaten Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge, a Kent County Treasure
  • 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

On the Hill at Washington College

Washington College President Michael Sosulski Steps Down

Washington College announced Monday that President Michael J. Sosulski will step down later this summer to become president of Lake Forest College in ... [Continue Story]

  • Undergraduates Reveal a MD House’s Underground Railroad History
  • $4.5 Million Gift to Washington College to Create Two Endowed Chairs, Support Athletics
  • 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

Health

Let’s Talk About It with Beth Anne Dorman: Adolescence on Film and About Parents

As part of our ongoing monthly series on mental health, The Spy welcomes back Beth Anne Dorman, CEO of For All Seasons, to help us navigate one of the ... [Continue Story]

  • Erectile Dysfunction on the Shore: A Chat with Dr. Robert McDonough
  • The Urgent Call to Expand the PACT Act to Cover VOC-Exposed Veterans in Kent County
  • Choptank Health Hosts New Patient Welcome Sessions in Chestertown June 10-12
  • 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

Education

Lifelong Learning: A Key Pillar of Active Aging

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers lifelong learning as one of the critical pillars to achieve active aging, together with health, participation, and security. This ... [Continue Story]

  • Hemstetter Recognized at State Board Meeting
  • Wetlands 101: Sultana Education Foundation Presents an Evening of Interactive Science
  • KCHS Messages to Seniors
  • ‘Life is a Highway’ for KCHS Class of 2025
  • WC launches updated Diversity website pages By Heather Fabritz
  • MD Senate Panel’s vote on Blueprint bill straddles House, Administration Versions

Maryland News

State Employees offered $20,000 Buyout

Thousands of state employees were notified by email Thursday of a buyout program, part of a plan by Gov. Wes Moore (D) to reduce the size of state ... [Continue Story]

  • Labor Secretary Raises Concerns About Solvency Of State Unemployment Fund
  • US House Passes Massive Tax Break and Spending Cut Bill, Sending it to Trump – Maryland Matters
  • Buyout Offers, Hiring Freeze Coming for State Government Amid Budget Crunch
  • State Officials Urge People to Stay Vigilant, Use Caution Amid ‘Hazardous Heat Wave’
  • Amid High Energy Bills, Moore Touts $19 Million in Ratepayer Relief From Exelon
  • Talbot County Repeals DEI Language to Ensure Airport Work Continues

Brevities

From Motels to the Mandarin by Katherine Emery

When we were first married, my husband (who flew First Class with his parents and stayed at The Hotel Del Coronado and The Royal Hawaiian as a child) professed his love for ... [Continue Story]

  • Chestertown Flashback: A Rock Hall Summer Day at The Beach
  • Planes, Trains, Buses, and Automobiles by Katherine Emery General
  • Agent 86 Reconnaissance Footage: Cambridge by Air
  • Chesapeake Flashback: Happy Fourth!
  • Spy Agent Report: A Morning of Log Canoe Races
  • The Rose Garden by Katherine Emery General

Food Friday

Food Friday: Vacation Dogs

Mr. Sanders, Luke the wonder dog and I are off for a little holiday respite in the mountains of North Carolina for the Fourth of July holidays this week. We are planning to ... [Continue Story]

  • Food Friday: Home Grown
  • Food Friday: Practicing Self-Care
  • Food Friday: Chicken on a Stick
  • Food Friday: Summer’s Here!
  • Food Friday: Blueberry Harvest
  • Food Friday: Getting Back to Grilling

Looking at the Masters with Beverly Smith

Looking at the Masters: Jacques-Joseph Tissot

Jacques-Joseph Tissot (1836-1902) was a successful painter and printmaker in the 19th Century. Born in Nantes, a port city in France, he would ... [Continue Story]

  • Looking at the Masters: Guiseppe De Nettis
  • Looking at the Masters: Tom Deininger
  • Looking at the Masters: Miriam Schapiro 
  • Looking at the Masters: Xu Zhen
  • Looking at the Masters: Patricia Tobacco Forrester
  • Design with Jenn Martella: Pin Oak House

Design with Jenn Martella

Design with Jenn Martella: Oxford Historic District Gem

Oxford’s Historic District has been a treasure trove for me whenever I begin seeking a house to be featured. This three bay house was probably two ... [Continue Story]

  • Design with Jenn Martella: “Grey Goose Pointe”
  • Design with Jenn Martella: Mt. Pleasant
  • Design with Jenn Martella: Dutch Colonial Gem
  • Design with Jenn Martella: Farmhouse Meets Modern 
  • Design with Jenn Martella: Landscaping at The Miracle House
  • Design with Jenn Martella: The William Smith House, c. 1794

Food and Garden

Coping with Heat and Drought by Nancy Taylor Robson

Despite the reprieve from the recent three-day scorcher, we are likely to have repeats throughout the summer with an added bonus of ... [Continue Story]

  • Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday
  • Wine of the Week: Marangona Chiaretto Riviera del Garda Classico
  • Exploring Garden Solutions with Stephanie Wooton: Chesapeake Bay Herb Society Hosts July 10 Clinic
  • Wine of the Week: Rouge de Vallee
  • Wine of the Week: Dardinello Sicilia DOC Zibibbo 2023
  • 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: “Companions” by Jay Fleming

Tangier Island mayor Ooker Eskridge and his crabbing companion Bella shoving out of Cod Harbor at ... [Continue Story]

  • Chesapeake Lens: “Companions” By Jay Fleming
  • Chesapeake Lens: “Dragon’s Lair” By John Maloney
  • Chesapeake Lens: “Crossings” By David Sites
  • Chesapeake Lens: “Gulp” By Sherri Baton
  • Chesapeake Lens: “Idle in Awe” By Paul Hanley, Jr
  • Chesapeake Lens: “Lady of the Bay” By David Sites

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

Compass’Camp New Dawn 2025 Season Slots Still Open

Camper spots and volunteer opportunities are still available for our 31st annual Camp New Dawn, a grief retreat summer camp.  Camp New Dawn is a ... [Continue Story]

  • Small Scale Cider Making: Discussion & Sampling
  • From Hunger to Hope: Community Responses to Food Insecurity July 17
  • The Reverend Sue Browning Retires From Unitarian Fellowship 
  • Historical Society Receives Preservation Grant from The Questers
  • Remembering Theodore “Ted” Holt Chase
  • Town Manager Submits Resignation

Arts Notes

Joe Holt, Sharon Sable, Shawn Qaissaunee – The Greatest Songwriters of the 20th Century

On Friday, August 1 Joe Holt, the Mainstay’s resident impresario and piano accompanist welcomes vocalist Sharon Sable and guitarist E. Shawn ... [Continue Story]

  • All Aboard for Murder on the Orient Express at Church Hill Theatre
  • The Elephant Man auditions to be held August 3, 4, 5
  • CHT Green Room Gang to Present Annie Kids and The Sound of Music Youth Edition
  • Church Hill Theatre Announces New Season and Elects New Board Members
  • Allegro Academy Performs “Jubilate Deo” at Summer Choir Festival
  • The Soul Music Sax-Man Comes to the Mainstay July 25

Education Notes

Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) to Host Fall 2025 Course Showcase on August 6, 2025

Interested in the economics of land development or the state of our rivers? Curious to explore new hobbies, enrich your knowledge, or stay active in a ... [Continue Story]

  • MSDE Celebrates Teachers of the Year
  • KCMS celebrates eighth-grade promotion
  • Commissioners Honor Dr. McComas
  • 114th Gunston School Commencement Celebrates The Class of 2025
  • Blueprint Gets a Road Map: Two Agencies That Oversee School Reform Agree to Clarify Roles
  • CBMM’s Shipyard Set for Busy Summer of Programming

Health Notes

For All Seasons Hosts Hoopers Island Migrant Resource Fair

On June 30, For All Seasons sponsored its third Hoopers Island Migrant Resource Fair at the Volunteer Fire House on Hoopers Island in Fishing Creek, ... [Continue Story]

  • From Hunger to Hope: Community Responses to Food Insecurity July 17
  • Rowan Michael, MD, Joins the Orthopedic Center
  • Hope Floats: Area Residents Juliet Taylor and Tim Abeska Partner with Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating to Host Benefit for Hop On A Cure
  • For All Seasons Prioritizes Community Needs with Renovation Amid Federal Cutbacks
  • Choptank Health Welcomes Bridget Allison, CRNP, to Federalsburg Health Center
  • Prioritizing Children’s Mental Health in the Summer

Opinion

The Year of Wishful Thinking and Broken Promises By Aubrey Sarvis

The jubilant House of Representatives leadership claimed their narrow win, 218-214, on the President’s reckless and cruel tax bill was a “wonderful ... [Continue Story]

  • Not Normal: Where Are We Going? By Aubrey Sarvis
  • Character Rot: Sounding the Alarm by Johnny O’Brien
  • 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?

Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Democracy on Ice

On July 3 2025, 218 blind mice in the House of Representatives passed the Big Beautiful Bodacious Bill, the most amazing bill ever, at least since the ... [Continue Story]

  • Letter to Editor: A Vanishing Way of Life
  • Letter to the Editor: Truth and Consequences
  • Letter to Editor: How the Big Beautiful Bill Would Affect the Mid-Shore
  • Letter to the Editor:  Getting the Bang for the Buck
  • Letter to the Editor: Surprise! I Liked The Parade
  • Letter to the Editor: Respecting Arlington National Cemetery

Columnist J.E. Dean

The Sad Case of Senator Thom Tillis by J.E. Dean

In Washington, D.C., a city used to surprises, North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis delivered a big one on Sunday. After joining Senator Rand Paul ... [Continue Story]

  • Was the Attack on Iran a War? By J.E. Dean
  • A Third Party? Divided We Fall by J.E. Dean
  • What the President is Doing for Us by J. E. Dean
  • Pardon Me, Mr. President, But Are You Corrupt? By J. E. Dean
  • Our President and Bruce Springsteen by J.E. Dean
  • Springtime’s Blessings 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

Love by Proxy: Bit by Bit By Laura J. Oliver

My friend and I, both writer-editors, have just been served our blackened salmon salads when he reveals something unexpected. “I’ve been using CHAT ... [Continue Story]

  • I Wish I May, I Wish I Might By Laura J. Oliver
  • With Liberty and Justice for All By Laura J. Oliver
  • Call My Name By Laura J. Oliver
  • Finding Home By Laura J. Oliver
  • Shelter by Laura J. Oliver
  • All the Love You Cannot See By Laura J. Oliver

Columnist Al Sikes

Third Party Apostasy by Al Sikes

Shabang! The world’s richest man declares that he is going to start a new political party—America. Thoughts, from a registered Independent. America’s ... [Continue Story]

  • Trump’s Fragrance by Al Sikes
  • Thinking Back, Thinking Forward by Al Sikes
  • Clashing Cross Currents by Al Sikes
  • GOAT vs. TOAD by Al Sikes
  • Ukraine and the 21st Century by Al Sikes
  • Better a Patriot than A Fool by Al Sikes

Columnist Angela Rieck

Bringing Joy Inside by Angela Rieck

It is that time of the year. The hydrangeas are blooming everywhere. Mostly pink, but some blue hydrangeas are brightening our gardens. In my garden, ... [Continue Story]

  • Rituals and Routines by Angela Rieck
  • We’re Having a Heat Dome by Angela Rieck
  • A Precious Right by Angela Rieck
  • Keeping Up Proteins by Angela Rieck
  • Messy By Angela Rieck
  • Surprise, Your Home is for Sale! By Angela Rieck

Senior Life

Strive for Independence, Not Just on the 4Th Of July! by Susan Covey

Like most people, you’ve probably heard that activity and exercise are good for you. The frailty and decreased energy often associated with aging is ... [Continue Story]

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

Governing By Absence: Governor Moore Lands in Sun Valley

“‘Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane Don't know when I'll be back again…” John Denver (“Leaving on a Jet Plane”) They call it Billionaires ... [Continue Story]

Camp By Jamie Kirkpatrick

Our lives—at least mine, anyway—are the product of our choices and/or of random events that, at the time, seem almost inconsequential. I spent a long ... [Continue Story]

From Motels to the Mandarin by Katherine Emery

When we were first married, my husband (who flew First Class with his parents and stayed at The Hotel Del Coronado and The Royal Hawaiian as a child) ... [Continue Story]

Thoughts on the Texas Flash Floods by David Reel

The recent flash flood tragedy in central Texas resulted in seeing the best and the worst of American society. The best has been an outpouring of ... [Continue Story]

Third Party Apostasy by Al Sikes

Shabang! The world’s richest man declares that he is going to start a new political party—America. Thoughts, from a registered Independent. America’s ... [Continue Story]

Spy Chats

In the Zone: A Talk with Bradley Moore

When Bradley Moore accepted the position of Chestertown’s Town Planner and Zoning Administrator ten months ago, it was a decision shaped by both ... [Continue Story]

From Backyard Oven to The Evergrain Bakery: A Chat With Doug Rae

http:// One of the great things about living in town is that my apartment sits just above Evergrain Bakery. And yes, you can smell the blueberries ... [Continue Story]

From Field to Feast: A Talk with Oksana Bocharova

http:// Just east of Chestertown on McGinnis Road, Oksana Bocharova walks through her seven-acre organic farm to assess the impact of recent rains. ... [Continue Story]

Does the Constitution Still Serve Us?: A Talk With Prof. Rich De Prospo

http:// In a moment when democratic institutions are under renewed scrutiny, Rich De Prospo offers an intense critique of America’s foundational ... [Continue Story]

Black Countryside Communities With Darius Johnson June 21

http:// On Saturday, June 21 at 1 p.m., at the Harwood Nature Center at Lawrence Wetlands Preserve, Darius Johnson will present “We’re Still Here,” a ... [Continue Story]

Food Fridays with Jean Sanders

Food Friday: Vacation Dogs

Mr. Sanders, Luke the wonder dog and I are off for a little holiday respite in the mountains of North Carolina for the Fourth of July holidays this ... [Continue Story]

Food Friday: Home Grown

What a stinker of a week! The heat dome has been pressing down on us all this week, with temperatures in the high 90s. Sometimes I miss our old house ... [Continue Story]

Food Friday: Practicing Self-Care

The past week has been alarmingly hot — there have been a few days where it felt like a 3-alarm furnace already, and summer has just begun today. ... [Continue Story]

Food Friday: Chicken on a Stick

Anthony Bourdain said: “Everyone should know how to roast a chicken. It’s a life skill that should be taught to small children at school.” Roasted ... [Continue Story]

Food Friday: Summer’s Here!

Happy June! Summer has kicked off already in our neighborhood. Last weekend Eleanor, who is ten-and-a-half and lives across the street from us, opened ... [Continue Story]

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]

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