Spy Desk

Meredith Foundation Awards Poetry Honor to Chestertown’s Robert Earl Price

January 14, 2021 by Spy Desk 1 Comment

The William Meredith Foundation has announced that their 2021 Award in Poetry will be given to Chestertown’s Robert Earl Price for his latest book entitled “BLOOD FLOW.”

In his poem remembering Robert Lowell, William Meredith writes,

“Your language moved slowly toward our language
until we saw that we were all immigrants –
had perhaps been shipped as convicts –
from the land of your reluctant indictment,
a land of our consent, if not our doing.”

– William Meredith

The language Meredith is describing here is the language of the tribe, and it is the same tribe Robert Earl Price describes in his introduction to “BLOOD FLOW”:

“Let our blood flow radiate warmth
From me to you
From you to yours
Until there arrises a single tribe of humans
Proud and pure as the blood flowing in their veins.”

– Robert Earl Price

Poem after poem in “BLOOD FLOW” trace the damage, the cruelty of this human tribe to each other from the murder of four little girls at the 16th Street Baptist church in Birmingham, to a disheartened Dr. King the week before his assassination: “I fear I am integrating my people into a burning house.” The poems are often more than dark. They take despair as a given: “The house is ablaze and we are trapped inside/ Hostages of suicidal arsonists.” We are asked to roll the dice again, but the election will not be fair, There is no need to vote. Still, the little martyrs lead us to the Civil Rights Act, we finally have achieved a black President. History provides us with hope.

Price opens “BLOOD FLOW” with a quote by Amiri Baraka: “The artist’s role is to raise the consciousness of the people. To make them understand life, the world and themselves more completely.” And while it is often said that a poem fails exactly to the extent it tries to preach to a reader, the redeeming quality of these poems is the extraordinary force of the images, the spot on dramatic monologue of 12 women artists, lines that show what it is like to be “the other” in society and approach philosophy: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

“If we can not share his blood, we have at least the poems. They help us understand how black lives matter, how to look into the eyes of a fellow human being and find our own humanity. This is the great gift Price has given us. The racist world we were all born into, the land of our consent, if not our doing, is ameliorated somewhat in these poems. We are able to transcend our ontology, escape the loneliness of being who we are a bit in Robert Earl Price’s ‘BLOOD FLOW.’ William Meredith would have been so glad the 2021 award in his name has gone to Robert Earl Price, brother in the art.”

Md. Lawmakers Will Map Congressional Districts Based on 2020 Census

January 12, 2021 by Spy Desk 3 Comments

Maryland lawmakers later this year will draw new maps for the state’s congressional districts based on the latest population statistics from the 2020 Census.

The U.S. Constitution requires the census to be conducted every 10 years. The population numbers are then used by states to draw new congressional districts, which typically is completed in time for the congressional election two years after the census.

Following the decennial census, federal law requires states to be notified by Jan. 25 by the clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives on the number of congressional seats that state will have for the next 10 years.

That notification will be delayed this year, however, as the U.S. Census Bureau continues processing and tabulating the population numbers.

According to The Washington Post, the census bureau currently believes it will finalize state population numbers by March 6, more than two months after the Dec. 31 deadline.

The deadline was missed as a result of delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic and changes made by the administration of President Donald Trump, which is being sued over some of its decisions concerning the census.

Although the count continues, population estimates suggest Maryland will retain its eight seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Once the state is told how many seats it will have, Maryland lawmakers will draw new boundaries for those congressional districts. After the congressional map is approved by the Maryland General Assembly, it is subject to veto by Gov. Larry Hogan.

Andy Harris Among GOP Lawmakers Likely to Object to Certification of Presidential Election Results

January 6, 2021 by Spy Desk 8 Comments

A joint session of Congress began meeting at 1 p.m. to certify results of the presidential election but a large number of Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Andy Harris, are expected to object to results in certain swing states that led to an Electoral College victory for Joe Biden over Donald Trump.

Certification is usually a routine process, but objections will make it a much lengthier one.

The first objection — which requires an objection in writing from at least one senator and congressman — to the Electoral College votes came when the results from Arizona were read. As a result of the objection, the Senate and the House of Representatives withdrew from the joint session and met separately to debate and vote on the objection.

A dozen Republican senators and more than 100 Republican congressmen have said they intend to object as the Electoral College votes are read state by state.

Maryland Rep. Andrew P. Harris (R) told WBAL-TV on Monday that he will likely object to several states “where I think the outcome is probably in doubt because inadequate investigation has been allowed to occur.”

“If there is no wrongdoing, there is nothing to hide, let’s go ahead, you know, throw open the windows, open the doors, let’s see all the materials,” Harris told the station. “…I would love to hear from the other side why investigations shouldn’t be done.”

Harris was one of two Republican congressmen who voted against seating the newly elected House members from Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, Forbes reported.

A Republican Texas congressman opposed to efforts to reject the presidential results had challenged the seating of those House members, arguing that any voter fraud in those states would also affect the congressional results. By challenging the results in those House races, he forced his GOP colleagues to acknowledge the legitimacy of the congressional results in those states.

To watch the debate, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKy84YmL-sU.

Sign Up and Be Counted for MLK, Jr. Birthday Commemoration

January 6, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

There’s still time to sign the White Allies Pledge before the Social Action Committee for Racial Justice (SACRJ) publishes the names of those who have made the commitment in commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 18. The Pledge, which is available on the SACRJ website, sacracialjustice.com, provides an opportunity for white people who are committed to racial equity and justice in our community to Sign Up and Be Counted.

There are two ways to sign the White Allies Pledge:

1. Click on this link https://forms.gle/T2a8VkWJiidbsSX87 and complete the consent form.

2. Send an email to SACRacialJustice@gmail.com and leave a message with your consent and contact
information. You will receive a confirmation email.

The Social Action Committee for Racial Justice, formed in 2017, is a community effort to learn, grow, and take action against racism in Kent County Maryland. The focus is on identifying systemic racism and taking concrete steps to address inequities. The White Allies Pledge is an initiative of the Social Action Committee for Racial Justice executed with the assistance of the Social Concerns Social Justice Committee of the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River.

17th Annual Garden Club of the Eastern Shore Scholarship Available

January 5, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Each year, the Garden Club of the Eastern Shore (GCES) awards a merit-based scholarship of up to $5,000.00 to a graduating senior who attends high school in Talbot County and expects to major in horticulture, landscape architecture or design, botany, environmental science, agriculture or a related field. Scholarship applications are available from guidance counselors in all Talbot County high schools and may also be obtained by calling Dorothy Whitcomb at 443-385-0486.

The GCES Scholarship is entirely merit based. Outstanding academic achievement along with volunteer or work experience, which shows a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence, will be considered when evaluating applications.

GCES President Kathy Gibson says: “The Garden Club of the Eastern Shore has awarded 18 scholarships to Talbot County students since 1999. The club is committed to supporting motivated students who have shown an interest in pursuing studies in ecology, horticulture, landscape design or related fields. Previous recipients have become successful teachers, landscape architects, designers, and environmental researchers, both here on the Eastern Shore and around the country.”

The GCES is focused on promoting environmentally sound landscape practices and providing educational programs for the community that explore conservation practices and environmental issues. In addition to awarding its scholarship for the past 17 years, the GCES spearheaded the restoration of Easton’s Thompson Park and continues to maintain it. The club also contributes to various community services projects in Talbot County.

For information about GCES programs or to make a contribution to the scholarship fund, please call Dorothy Whitcomb at 443-385-0486.

Initial COVID-19 Vaccinations in Md. Focus on Front-line Healthcare Workers, Nursing Homes, First Responders

January 4, 2021 by Spy Desk 3 Comments

With a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines, Maryland is focusing its initial vaccination efforts on front line healthcare workers, long-term care residents and staff, and first responders.

Maryland developed a four-tiered vaccination plan and the state remains in phase 1A.

Maryland’s COVID-19 vaccination plan has four phases. The state is now in phase 1A — vaccinating health care workers, first responders, and nursing home residents and staff.

An additional distribution of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines last week allowed local health departments to begin vaccination clinics for first responders and provided hospitals with enough doses to vaccinate all critical front line staff.

The additional doses also helped support CVS and Walgreens with the vaccination of nursing home residents and staff.

Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. (R) at a Nov. 5 press conference regarding COVID-19 cases in the state of Maryland. Photo by the Executive Office of the Governor.

These “COVID-19 vaccine allocations will allow our first responders to begin getting vaccinated and help keep them safe while they keep us safe,” Gov. Larry Hogan said. “This is another important step as we make our way through the initial phase of our statewide vaccination plan.”

Maryland’s total allotment from the federal government through last week included 273,875 doses of the vaccines (140,300 doses of Moderna and 133,575 doses of Pfizer). Marylanders are encouraged to visit covidlink.maryland.gov to learn more about the state’s vaccination plan, review safety information about the vaccines, and get answers to frequently asked questions.

First Responders

Local health departments got 33,100 doses of the Moderna vaccine last week in order to vaccinate first responders. Each local health department is guaranteed to receive a minimum of 600 doses, with the remainder allocated based on the size of the jurisdiction’s population.

State health officials have advised local health departments that these doses are to be prioritized for career, commercial, and volunteer first responders, including EMS, firefighters, and law enforcement personnel who are at increased risk of exposure to the virus.

Front Line Healthcare Workers

Maryland hospitals got an additional 29,700 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to vaccinate critical front line staff. With last week’s shipments completed, enough doses will have been distributed to vaccinate 100% of the state’s critical front line hospital staff.

In addition, 500 doses will be provided for front line staff at Kaiser Permanente, which is one of the state’s largest integrated delivery systems with facilities in Largo, Gaithersburg, and south Baltimore.

Vaccine administration is the responsibility of each hospital.

Long-Term Care Facilities

CVS and Walgreens got an additional 19,500 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to vaccinate nursing home residents and staff through the federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program.

Vaccination clinics at Maryland nursing homes began two weeks ago.

FarmersWagon.org Delivers Christmas and Surprises 60 Local Families With Over $3,000 in Food Benefits.

January 4, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Late in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, FarmersWagon.org delivered all of the ingredients for a traditional Christmas Dinner and $400 in gift cards to a family on Woodsedge Drive. The next afternoon, the nonprofit surprised an additional 60 households throughout the Eastern Shore with free food vouchers equaling $3,000 in total value. As the vouchers are redeemed, local food producers affiliated with the organization will also find themselves benefiting from FarmersWagon.org’s back-to-back surprises.

“Fortunately there are a lot of organizations and businesses that offer giving programs during the holiday season. So most of our Care Package members were able to receive support through one or more of those programs. That allowed us to focus on our members who weren’t eligible for other programs or may have missed deadlines to apply for help,” said Lyle Pinder, Executive Director of FarmersWagon.org. “Which was the case with the family we sponsored this Christmas.” The head of the household, who requested to remain anonymous, recently assumed custody of her four grandchildren and was unable to provide a meal and gifts for Christmas. “It was the week before Christmas and she missed other organizations’ deadlines to be paired with a sponsor family because she only assumed custody of her grandchildren a day or two earlier. Our amazing Board of Directors unanimously approved the funds to source ingredients for a full meal and suggested we reach out to top donors for additional support to fund the purchase of gift cards for the family,” Pinder explained. In less than 24 hours, funding reached $400. The money paid for gift cards to stores where the grandchildren could purchase winter coats, clothing, and items needed for virtual learning.

Sponsoring the family on Woodsedge Drive was an add-on to the nonprofit’s original plan to surprise 60 households on Christmas Day with free vouchers that could be redeemed for fresh foods from local food producers and farmers’ market vendors. Each household that received the early morning email notifying them of their benefits, is a current member of the nonprofit’s Care Package Program which provides regular food benefits to food-insecure households. The vouchers were paid for, in part, by a recent grant from Mid-Shore Community Foundation.

The vouchers will be redeemed through FarmersWagon.org’s online farmers’ market platform and delivered by Pinder and the other members of the nonprofit’s volunteer delivery team. All of the products listed on FarmersWagon.org are sourced from local food producers on the Eastern Shore. The online farmers’ market also provides its farm-to-door delivery services to retail customers with 70% of its proceeds going to support food-insecure households in FarmersWagon.org’s service area.

To learn more about FarmersWagon.org or its Care Package Program, contact support@farmerswagon.org or call (443)333-9336.

The Science of Waving on the Mid-Shore by Tom McHugh

January 3, 2021 by Spy Desk 14 Comments

Editor’s Note: Over ten years ago, Tom McHugh, the force behind the Rock Hall’s famed music venue, the Mainstay, but perhaps more noted as the retired Vassar College and Washington College education professor, who offered his advice to newcomers on the art, science, and protocol of waving to your neighbors on the Mid-Shore from your car.

From the Spy archives from 2010:

For those of you who want an education and a primer on what the “Rock Hall Wave” actually is and what it means, I have jotted down my thoughts as a means to open a discussion and lay some important groundwork.

I set forth my disclaimers. First disclaimer, I’m not talking about the nautical waves which surround us, or the waves we give as we see people depart on a trip, but rather, the ever-present waves which take place between drivers of cars, trucks, farm machinery, hay wagons, travel lifts, school buses and other vehicles here in the Rock Hall environs.

Second disclaimer, I was born and raised in Philadelphia. If someone waved to me from another car there, I assumed either they saw smoke coming from my engine or that they mistook my car for their Aunt Masie’s 1950 Ford coupe, the same of which I drove for a long time. This is to point out that I am not born into the rich Rock Hall culture. Forever, I will wear the tag: a move-in. So I set the tone of this article as not to define the wave culture, but to seek advice and clarification from others.

So, for a start, let’s try to define the different “waves”:

There is the full hand, off the wheel wave, sometimes almost frantic in its movement from side to side
There is the one finger wave, where the driver just lifts a finger (no, not that finger!) often to acknowledge an oncoming wave from another vehicle.

There is the late wave, a jerky late response to a wave from another car

Then there is the nod wave with a slight hand movement to include a pretty decisive nod of the head.

If it is warm weather, and the driver’s window is open and an arm is extended on the window sill, there is the quick hand up, wave up, wave down wave. Quickly is the key.

And finally, when you have definitely missed an oncoming wave, and you feel great guilt because it is from your minister, or the mayor, or someone you owe money to..there is the behind the car, backward hand motion wave.

OK, those are at least starting definitions.

Who waves? Well, this one is tougher. For a long time, when I first came from the city, I assumed that people waving at me knew me. Naturally, I’d squint to see a face. Sometimes, later in the day, I’d run into that stranger on the grocery store parking lot and say “HI! I saw you on 288 today!” ……And they would return these blank stares. So, you really don’t have to know the waver to get a wave, or give one.

Are there people who don’t wave? Well, here I have to get a rant in on the younger generation, for they seem too busy texting, or have their Ipods glued to an ear, or are deafening themselves with the sounds coming from the MegaBass system in the car. Youth!

So, waving seems to be something that has just become a part of Rock Hall culture. True, women don’t seem to wave as much, but many do. Thelma Shirley doesn’t wave, Robin Wood Kurowski does, Jane Hackett does, but I don’t think that Miss Edna Marie Hubbard Sutton does, not sure…I could be wrong. Miss Helen Durding does and doesn’t….and we are all just fine with the fact she can do whatever she wishes.

I say it is a Rock Hall thing, because I find that once past the Fairlee turn, waving declines rapidly as you head to Chestertown. Of course, lawyers don’t wave, with exception of Robert H. Strong, and it would help if they did. Maybe the Historical Society could sponsor a team of expert Rock Hall Wavers to do a seminar at the Chestertown Fire House for wave-learners.

But, you know, even if people don’t wave, I’ve never had anyone say they don’t like to be waved to. And that is nice. A few years ago two of my friends who are from Hungary visited me and toured around with me for two weeks. One of them said after trip that they realized that I know everyone in Rock Hall..why did they think that? Because of the Rock Hall Wave!

I’d hate to see the wave die. But these new model cars, now with cameras in back, and automatic parallel parking, and engines that can start when you are a half mile away, what next? Well, I hope they don’t invent an automatic wave device.

By the way, does anyone remember the Leo Hicks wave?

Tom McHugh has been a teacher all of his life…teenage camp counselor, boarding school house parent, middle and high school teacher, and college professor. With undergraduate and graduate degrees from Temple University and The University of Pennsylvania, he started his college teaching career at Washington College, Chestertown Maryland. From WC, he moved to Vassar College as Chair of The Department of Education and retired in the early nineties as a full professor. He moved back to Rock Hall, Kent County Maryland to raise his two girls in the Eastern Shore setting. In 1997, Tom founded The Mainstay in Rock Hall as a community center for the arts.

Quartet: New Poetry Journal for Woman 50+

December 26, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Quartet, new online journal for women poets over 50, will launch January 5, 2021.

The journal, founded by four Delaware women including Chestertown native Wendy Ingersoll Perry, is the culmination of a decade of weekend workshops held at Perry’s family farm on Quaker Neck Landing Road.

The other founding poets, Gail Comorat, Linda Blaskey, and Jane Miller collaborated with Perry in 2019 for the publication of their own poetry, Walking the Sunken Boardwalks (Pond Road Press). The four also gave a reading at the Bookplate in July 2019.

Collectively, the group has published seven books, received five Delaware for the Arts grants, five Pushcarts nominations, two “Best of the Net” nominations, and one best poet award.

“We want a journal specifically for women over 50 to highlight the creativity and accomplishments of women who’ve reached an age where they’ve come into their own, have attained experience and courage, and who are flourishing even in the midst of chaos, Perry says.”

The inaugural issue will showcase 16 poets including current and former state poet laureates as well as writers from all over the country from Seattle to New York City. Chestertown’s own Meredith Davies Hadaway will appear in the issue.

Perry, who writes under the name Wendy Ingersoll, sees Quartet as place for both experienced and new women poets over 50 to share poems in traditional and contemporary forms that take on difficult themes or describe everyday life with wonder and surprise.

“The Eastern Shore is so rich with writers and poets we wanted to reach out and make sure people are aware of our new presence,” Perry says.

The plan is to publish four times a year and the submission period of Issue 1 will be January 8 to February 8 of 2021.

All women writers over 50 are encouraged to read their Submissions Guideline in Issue 1.

On January 5, Quartet will be online at quartetjournal.com A previous Spy interview with Perry may be found here.

Appearing in this photograph: from left to right are Gail Comorat and LInda Blaskey, standing, and Wendy Ingersoll Perry and Jane Miller, sitting.

Report: Coronavirus Outbreak Unites Tangier Island Residents

December 22, 2020 by Spy Desk 2 Comments

The Washington Post reports today on the effect of a coronavirus outbreak on Tangier Island:

“Across the United States, the pandemic has divided people. Here it has united them. As Americans elsewhere argue over mask mandates, business closures and vaccines, Tangier has carried out a lockdown stricter than those in many large liberal cities. Face coverings are not only required in public spaces indoors; their use outdoors is widespread.

“Despite their support for a president who has flouted the guidance of public-health experts, Tangier residents have achieved what many communities have not: voluntary and near-universal adherence to social distancing guidelines. The island’s one school and two churches have closed, as have most businesses.”

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