Tred Avon Players opens 44th season with PLAZA SUITE

January 14, 2025 by The Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Tred Avon Players is thrilled to kick off its 2025 season with Neil Simon’s classic comedy, PLAZA SUITE. Directed by Ed Langrell, Angel Perez and Maureen Curtin, the production runs from February 13-23, 2025 at the Oxford Community Center. Season passes and individual show tickets are available at www.tredavonplayers.org.

Set in the luxurious Suite 719 of New York City’s iconic Plaza Hotel, PLAZA SUITE unfolds across three acts, each featuring a different couple navigating the complexities of love, life, and relationships.

In the first act, Karen and Sam, a long-married couple, revisit the suite where they spent their honeymoon, only to find their relationship may be on the rocks. Act two follows Muriel and Jesse, former high school sweethearts who reconnect in Suite 719, seemingly rekindling old flames. The final act introduces Norma and Roy, frazzled parents of the bride, desperately trying to coax their daughter out of the bathroom on her wedding day. Each story delivers its own unique blend of humor, heartache, and surprising revelations about love, reminding audiences of the unpredictable nature of relationships.

The talented cast includes new and returning actors to the TAP stage: Melissa Barcomb-Doyle (Karen Nash), Dean Goodwin (Sam Nash), Joseph Spain IV (Bellhop/Borden Eisler), Michelle Spain (Waiter), Leigh Marquess (Jean McCormack), Charles Ulveling (Jessie Kiplinger), Mary Ann Emerson (Muriel Tate), Susan Patterson (Norma Hubley), Brian McGunigle (Roy Hubley) and Jackie Royer (Mimsey Hubley).

PLAZA SUITE opens on Thursday, February 13 and runs for seven performances through Sunday, February 23. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoons are at 2:00 p.m. at the Oxford Community Center, 200 Oxford Rd in Oxford. Tickets are adults $25 / students $15 (fees included). Preview Night (February 13) and Sunday matinees sell out quickly!

Stay out of the cold and enjoy this warm-hearted comedy that promises to captivate and entertain with its sharp dialogue, relatable characters, and timeless themes! Seating is limited—buy your tickets now! www.tredavonplayers.org

About Tred Avon Players

Founded in 1982, the Tred Avon Players is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to enrich, educate and entertain its community by providing a high-quality theater experience. Hundreds of local performers, stagehands, audience members and donors have been the backbone of its success throughout the decades. To learn how you can get involved and to purchase tickets for upcoming shows, visit www.tredavonplayers.org and follow Facebook and Instagram.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Anthony P. Kern selected as Qlarant Board Chair

January 11, 2025 by The Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Qlarant Inc., a health care data science and technology firm headquartered in Easton Md., has selected Anthony “Tony” P. Kern as its new Board Chair. Mr. Kern joined Qlarant as a Board Member in January of 2019 and became Vice Chair in May of 2021. He also has served Qlarant as the Chair of the finance committee and served on the governance committee.

Mr. Kern begins his tenure following the retirement of John H. Murray, Esq. who was Board Chair for the last three years. “I am honored to be named the next Chair of Qlarant,” said Kern. “I want to thank John Murray for his good advice and steady hand over these last several years. I look forward to continuing work to safeguard and improve the country’s health care system and expand Qlarant’s offerings across a broad range of clients and industries.”

Tony Kern retired as Senior Managing Partner with the global accounting and consulting firm Deloitte & Touche. His experience encompasses a broad range of industries with a concentration in technology, media, telecommunications, energy, and financial services. Throughout his career, Mr. Kern has provided counsel on a wide range of topics including management advice, business strategy, planning, business development, innovation and disruption strategies, corporate finance and re-structuring, and customer experience and retention. He also provides insight into operational optimization, corporate governance and ethics, board of directors’ guidance, and merger and acquisition planning and integration.

Tony Kern also served as U.S. Deputy Managing Partner of the firm’s Technology, Media, and Telecoms practice. He was the Global Managing Partner of Innovation and the Managing Partner of Deloitte’s Fast 50 program (recognizing the fastest growing companies in America). Prior to joining Deloitte & Touche, Kern was an Industry Global Managing Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, and before that, a Regional Managing Partner at Arthur Andersen.

“I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to manage consulting practices from $20 million to $1.45 billion in revenue,” Kern continued. “I hope that experience will continue to be useful as Qlarant grows. At the end of the day, I maintain a consultative approach to growing companies which can mean a lot of things—but primarily it means LISTEN MORE. It’s critically important to listen to our people, our clients, and the marketplace in order to meet the goals we have set for ourselves over the next few years.”

Kern has lectured on various topics at leading business schools and taught advanced industry seminars on the future of consumer interactions with new technology, customer experience, technology media and telecommunications. He has made legacy predictions and forecasts regarding wireless networks, internet-speed and security, as well as the impact of social media on society, news, and the entertainment industry. Tony is recognized as an expert by U.S. Federal Courts in matters of business management, transactions, and corporate finance. He’s been a frequent speaker at industry gatherings and has been interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio, CNBC, MSNBC, The

New York Times, Dow Jones News-Wire, Fortune Magazine, and other media outlets.

Kern has mentored and counseled entrepreneurs, senior executives, and managers in a wide range of mature businesses and start-ups. He has successfully started and sold several companies in the communications, technology, and energy industries. He serves on several boards, including Qlarant, Inc., the Easton Economic Development Corporation, as President of the Board at the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center, Vice President of the Board for Waterfowl Festival, Inc., and Chair of the Talbot County Ethics Commission.

“I see Qlarant as a highly intelligent, dynamic and agile company made possible by the people who make up our team,” added Kern. “It’s this kind of thinking that will keep us growing and keep us innovative. All these attributes are necessary to remain competitive and to provide the types of leading-edge products and services we have become known for in the marketplace.”

About Qlarant

Qlarant is a not-for-profit, nationally respected leader in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse, improving program quality, and optimizing performance. The company uses subject matter experts and innovative data science and technology to help organizations see risks, solve problems, and seize opportunities. Qlarant provides customized solutions for state, federal and commercial industries across the nation.

The Qlarant Foundation— the mission arm of the organization—has provided over $7 million in grants to charities throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Qlarant has a 50-year record of accomplishment improving the performance of some of the Nation’s most important programs. Headquartered in Easton, MD, Qlarant has offices throughout the country and employs over 550 people. Qlarant is a five-time winner of the Best Places to Work award. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact [email protected]

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Tuesday, Jan 14, kick-off of Jan-May lunchtime concerts at Brookletts Place

January 9, 2025 by The Spy Desk Leave a Comment

CARPE DIEM! ARTS ALIVE!

SECOND TUESDAYS: FREE LUNCH-TIME PERFORMANCE SERIES

Talbot County Senior Center at Brookletts Place

400 Brookletts Ave., Easton, MD

Kicking Off the Arts Alive Series: January to May 2025

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

12:15-1:00pm

Glenn Pearson and Jeff Cooper:

Favorites from the American Songbook!

Glenn Pearson (piano and vocals) and Jeff Cooper (bass) will present popular swing and jazz standards, and favorite show tunes. The two have been friends and professional musicians for over 40 years. After meeting in high school they formed a band and later attended Peabody Conservatory. Jeff focused on musical theater while Glenn concentrated on piano performance. Their true passion is engaging audiences with their talent, wit, and style, and sharing their love for iconic American music. Performance highlights include the Kennedy Center, National and Ford’s theaters, Wolf Trap, the Smithsonian, and on Broadway. Glenn has also performed at the White House for many Presidents over the past four decades, as well as countless embassies, galleries and museums.

Carpe Diem Arts is pleased to join forces again with the Talbot County Senior Center to present the popular free lunch-time concert series at Brookletts Place in Easton (400 Brookletts Ave.)

Performances are scheduled on the Second Tuesdays of the month–through May 2025. Mark your calendars for a stellar winter and spring line-up. Check out the flyer and list below.

The lunchtime concerts take place at Brookletts Place, 400 Brookletts Ave., Easton, Maryland and are free and open to the public. The program is welcoming of all ages: seniors and families, home-schoolers, community groups, retirees. It’s also the perfect lunchtime break for local office workers. A lovely venue for a memorable 45-minute mid-day concert.

NOTE: Lunch is available at 12 noon for $2.75 with reservations two weeks in advance.

RSVP: Makayla Cisco– 410-822-2869 / [email protected]

Winter/Spring 2025 Concert Schedule

Jan 14–Glenn Pearson and Jeff Cooper: From the American Songbook

Feb 11–Karen Somerville Trio: Tribute to Billie Holiday

Mar 11– Song Riot: Gabe Hutter, Paul Oorts, Christopher Brown

Apr 8–Veronneau: Lynn Veronneau and Ken Avis

May 13–Janie Meneely and Rob Van Sante with Chris Noyes

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

TAP casting call: The Man From Earth

January 2, 2025 by The Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Tred Avon Players (TAP) invites actors of all experience levels to audition for THE MAN FROM EARTH, a thought-provoking drama by Richard Schenkman. Based on the book by Jerome Bixby and directed by Cecile Storm, the production will run for seven performances from April 17–27, 2025, at the Oxford Community Center.

AUDITION DATES AND TIMES

Tue, Jan 14 at 6:30 pm
Wed, Jan 15 at 6:30 pm

AUDITION LOCATION
Avalon Theater
40 E. Dover Street, Easton, MD

PLAY SUMMARY
After history professor John Oldman unexpectedly resigns from the University, his startled colleagues impulsively invite themselves to his home, pressing him for an explanation. But they’re shocked to hear his reason for premature retirement: John claims he must move on because he is immortal, and cannot stay in one place for more than ten years without his secret being discovered. Tempers rise and emotions flow as John’s fellow professors attempt to poke holes in his story, but it soon becomes clear that his tale is as impossible to disprove as it is to verify. What starts out as a friendly gathering soon builds to an unexpected and shattering climax. Acclaimed science fiction writer Jerome Bixby, writer of the original ‘Star Trek’ and ‘The Twilight Zone’, originally conceived this story back in the early 1960’s. It would become his last great work.

CASTING

TAP will be casting 10 roles. All ages, genders, ethnicities, body types, abilities, and skill levels are welcome to audition and will be considered for roles.

John: A history professor who resigns from his job to move to a new home. He claims to be immortal and must move every ten years to avoid being discovered.
Harry: A biology professor.
Edith: An art history professor.
Dan: An anthropologist.
Sandy: A historian who is in love with John.
Art: An archaeology professor.
Linda: A young student.
Will: A psychiatrist and physician.
Two Movers that will double as our orchestra.

Readings will be selected scenes from the script provided during the audition. You can reach director Cecile Storm by emailing [email protected] for any special accommodations.

PRODUCTION CREW

TAP also needs a production crew – sets, lights, sound, costumes, and stage crew. If you are interested, come to any audition to find out more information or send an email to [email protected].

ABOUT TRED AVON PLAYERS

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Qlarant earns Top Workplaces Award for 5th time

December 9, 2024 by The Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Easton, Maryland December 9, 2024: Qlarant Inc., a national Program Integrity and Data Analytics Company, has once again been awarded a Top Workplaces honor by The Baltimore Sun. The annual award program is a highly sought competition among a variety of small, medium and large companies, and is ranked solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by Energage, LLC. The confidential survey measures work/life balance, pay scale, culture, opportunity for advancement, and community support, as seen through the values of company employees.

“Each year I am eager to hear if we won.” said Pat Boos, Marketing Director for Qlarant. “Like they say, it’s an honor just to be nominated, but it’s a thrill to win! It’s a badge of honor for Qlarant, especially since it reflects how our employees think about the company”.

Qlarant has won Top Workplaces while also navigating a period of marked growth. Now in its 51^st year of operation, Qlarant has grown its workforce to over 550 employees and has 5 offices throughout the country. “This type of award is extremely gratifying,” said Dr. Ron Forsythe, Qlarant CEO. “Earning a Top Workplaces award just once is an honor many companies never receive. To have this recognition awarded five times is a testament to the dedication Qlarant has shown to building an environment and culture where people know they are valued.”

In fact, employees gave Qlarant a 95% satisfaction rating when asked if they felt respected and supported; and a 98% score regarding job satisfaction / alignment of goals.

About Qlarant: Qlarant is a not-for-profit, nationally respected leader in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse, improving program quality, and optimizing performance. The company uses subject matter experts and innovative data science and technology to help organizations see risks, solve problems, and seize opportunities. Qlarant provides customized solutions for state, federal and commercial industries across the nation. The Qlarant Foundation— the mission arm of the organization—has provided over $7 million in grants to charities throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Qlarant employs over 550 people and has a 50-year record of accomplishment improving the performance of some of the Nation’s most important programs. Headquartered in Easton, MD, Qlarant has offices throughout the country. Qlarant is a five-time winner of the Top Workplaces award. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact [email protected]

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Bookplate author event with Josh Pons: “Adolph Pons, Man o’War, and the Founding of Maryland’s Oldest Thoroughbred Farm

December 7, 2024 by The Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Josh Pons

The Bookplate is concluding their 2024 season of author events with Maryland author Josh Pons on Wednesday, December 18th. Guests are welcome to join Josh and the Bookplate staff for a reading and book signing at 6pm at The Kitchen at the Imperial Hotel.

In 2016, Josh Pons discovered thousands of letters from his grandfather Adolphe Pons’ life in the Thoroughbred horse business. The son of a French cook in the Gilded Age mansions of banker August Belmont II, Pons immigrated to New York City at the age of five in 1888. In time, he became Belmont’s personal secretary and played a major role in Belmont’s breeding and sale of the most famous horse in history: Man o’ War. During the Great Depression, Adolphe left New York and bought a hundred-acre horse farm in Maryland, naming it Country Life. 

  In expanded form, Josh Pons draws upon the popular column he wrote for three years for BloodHorse magazine, inviting readers along as he unearths long-lost voices of Gilded Age tycoons, their voices speaking out of century-old letters, telegrams, their images in never-before-seen photos. What results is an epic story set against the backdrop of World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II.  This is a fascinating chronicle and fresh look at the Golden Age of Horse Racing and how the past influences our present.

“Letters from Country Life is an essential read for anyone who enjoys Thoroughbred racing, farm life, horses, and fascinating American history.” – Brien Bouyea

“A horseman and writer with the soul of a poet.” – Edward L. Bowen

Josh Pons won two Eclipse Awards for his journalism in BloodHorse, presented for best stories of the year in the sport of Thoroughbred racing. He is the author of three books published by Eclipse Press: Country Life Diary: Three Years in the Life of a Maryland Horse Farm, which sold 10,000 copies; Merryland: Two Years in the Life of a Thoroughbred Training Farm (available now in its second printing) and the just-released Letters from Country Life: Adolphe Pons, Man o’ War, and the Founding of Maryland’s Oldest Thoroughbred Farm.

Pons joined BloodHorse upon graduation from the University of Virginia, where he majored in English. After three years as a journalist, he entered the University of Kentucky Law School, graduating in 1982, then he returned to his family’s Country Life Farm. Professionally, he is president of the Maryland Horse Library and Education Center and Vice President of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association. He along with his brother Mike operate Country Life Farm, a full-service Thoroughbred farm specializing in breeding and racing partnerships. He and his wife, Ellen, live in Fallston, Maryland, on Country Life, together with an extended Pons family of all ages.

For more event details, or to reserve your seats, contact The Bookplate at 410-778-4167 or [email protected]. These events are free and open to the public, but reservations are recommended. The Kitchen at The Imperial is located at 208 High Street in Chestertown. The Bookplate will continue their author event series in 2025.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Delmarva Community Services Needs cold weather shelter monitors & funds for winter months

November 29, 2024 by The Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Delmarva Community Services (DCS) in Cambridge seeks compassionate people to serve as paid shelter monitors for the Dorchester County Cold Weather Shelter from December 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025, at the Salvation Army Site at 200 Washington Street in Cambridge. Weeknight and weekend evenings and overnight shifts are available.

To support the Cold Weather Shelter in Cambridge, the Cold Weather Shelter Committee is holding a 50/50 raffle fundraiser. Tickets are $5 each and are being sold at the Delmarva Community Action Center at 2450 Cambridge Beltway in Cambridge, the Chesapeake Grove Intergenerational Center at 108 Chesapeake Street in Cambridge, and the DCS Hurlock site at 6210 Shiloh/Church Hurlock Road in Hurlock. A drawing for the raffle winner will be held on Sunday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army Shelter Site at 200 Washington Street in Cambridge.

“DCS is partnering with the Salvation Army, the City of Cambridge, and Dorchester County community volunteers to provide this critical service during the winter months. Many of our neighbors in Dorchester County require the shelter’s support. We hope the community will help us make this happen by serving as a shelter monitor or buying a raffle ticket,” comments Michelle L. Nichols, Community Action Program Director, Delmarva Community Services, Inc.

For further information contact Michelle Nichols at 410-901-2991 or [email protected].

Delmarva Community Services Inc. (DCS) is a multi-service organization founded in 1974 that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, seniors, and individuals living in poverty, as well as provides childcare and transportation services. Donations can be made at www.dcs.org by clicking the Give to DCS link. For services, please call 410-221-1900.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Jonathon Rondeau wins Anthem Award for Nonprofit Leader of the Year

November 21, 2024 by The Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is proud to announce that Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, has been awarded a prestigious Silver 2024 Anthem Award for Nonprofit Leader of the Year. This recognition highlights Rondeau’s exceptional leadership and vision in advancing The Arc’s enterprise throughout the community.

The Anthem Awards celebrate the power of social good and innovation and recognize individuals, organizations, and companies that are leading impactful initiatives nationally and globally. Rondeau’s award was announced during the Anthem Awards’ annual event in New York City, which honors those making significant contributions to their communities and industries. The Nonprofit Leader of the Year category celebrates visionary leaders who drive change and elevate their organizations’ impact.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive the Nonprofit Leader of the Year award,” said Rondeau. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible work being done by The Arc’s dedicated employees, board members, partners, and supporters. Together, we are working tirelessly to create a more inclusive world where people with disabilities can lead self-determined lives and thrive within their communities.”

Anthem Awards has a global panel of esteemed judges who review hundreds of nominations across all categories, and there is also a Community Voice component that allows community members to vote for the most compelling nominees. Rondeau was awarded a Silver Award for Nonprofit Leadership.

Rondeau’s leadership at The Arc has been marked by significant milestones, including expanding inclusive housing opportunities, launching employee wellness programs, and advocating for people with disabilities in policy and community spaces. His selection reflects his outstanding work in leading The Arc’s regional initiatives, including innovative community development projects like Port Street Commons and doubling the starting wage for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to $20/hour over the last seven years. Under his guidance, The Arc has become a leading force in creating sustainable, inclusive communities in the region, ultimately improving the lives of thousands of people with disabilities throughout Maryland.

The Anthem Awards, presented by the Webby Awards, are among the most prestigious honors in the world of social good, celebrating leaders in various fields of public service, nonprofit work, and corporate social responsibility. The awards showcase initiatives that have made a lasting positive impact on communities, and this award is a testament to Rondeau’s exceptional contributions to both The Arc and the broader community.

About The Arc Central Chesapeake Region

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is a dynamic, regional organization providing person-centered supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and connect with their communities. We advocate for equity and access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live self-determined lives and foster opportunities towards self-sufficiency. To learn more, visit www.thearcccr.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Delmarva Community Services Community Action Center aids clients experiencing poverty and unexpected crises

November 4, 2024 by The Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Pictured left to right are Michelle Nichols, Community Action Center Program Manager at Delmarva Community Services, Inc. with Mr. Davis, a community member receiving services at the agency.

Mr. Davis, a 69-year-old resident of Cambridge, walked almost three miles on one of the hottest days in July to seek assistance with a utility bill. Seeing his obvious discomfort from the walk due to severe arthritis in his feet, an outreach worker from Delmarva Community Services (DCS) introduced herself and offered Mr. Davis a ride back home. It was during the ride to his house that the worker learned he was struggling because the landlord had increased his rent from $750 to $910 a month soon after his life partner had passed. With his income at only $1029 per month, he could no longer meet his other monthly bills of utilities, food, and household items.

DCS’s Community Action Center team has been working to connect Mr. Davis with resources to relieve some of his financial burden, including more affordable subsidized housing options, food items from its food pantry, Maryland Energy Assistance through Dorchester Social Services, Electric Assistance, Water and Gas Assistance through DCS Homelessness Solutions Program, participation in its Senior Day Program which includes breakfast and a hot lunch two days a week, and medical transportation.

“We conduct a comprehensive intake with each new client and do a yearly income verification for each household. We don’t impose ourselves on people, but we allow them to understand what we have to offer that may benefit them and their families to help empower them to be more independent,” comments Michelle Nichols, Community Action Center Program Manager at DCS.

DCS takes a 2GEN approach to service delivery. The goal of 2GEN is to serve the entire family and assist them in navigating roadblocks to permanent economic security.

“We don’t just work with a grandmother who is coming in for food, but also make sure that the grandchild is meeting their developmental milestones and their educational goals with the school system and that the mom has the supports that she needs to thrive and be able to be self-sufficient on her own with her child,” Nichols adds.

Needing help with food or housing are the most frequent entry points for clients at DCS. The DCS Food Pantry helps individuals and families once a month with a grocery-style shopping experience which allows them to pick up food items that meet their individual preferences and needs. The Food Pantry is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. The Food Pantry also has a volunteer nutritionist who prepares recipe cards based on the items that are available to assist families in coming up with different ideas and strategies for the food items they get.

In the area of housing, DCS offers short-term rental assistance, home foreclosure assistance, and help for first-time homebuyers – all while guiding clients with budgeting and financial literacy tools. For those individuals experiencing homelessness, the agency offers two shelters in Dorchester County – one for men and one for families. Residents usually stay from six to 12 months in the shelters while working toward permanent housing.

Free income tax preparation is also offered to low-income citizens who make less than $60,000 a year. Tax preparers are trained by the IRS and offer their services without fees.

Maryland is up against barriers in fighting poverty and homelessness. As of 2022, 39% of households in Maryland were below the ALICE threshold (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), and there remain over 23,000 homeless individuals in the state. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, in 2022 there were 116 homeless people on any given night in the Mid-Shore region and 237 in the Lower Shore counties — the second-highest rate in the state.

While DCS’s Community Action Center programs combat poverty and homelessness in Dorchester County through a range of services, many of these services require emergency response funding. Emergency client costs related to hunger, eviction prevention, medical bills, and other needs are critical for helping families regain stability after a crisis. These costs can include transportation to jobs and medical appointments, a cell phone, and work clothing – all gap needs that occur when people are in crisis.

“With the growing needs we are seeing in the community, we have to greatly increase donations for an emergency fund for Community Action Center clients experiencing poverty and unexpected crises like eviction, job loss, and medical emergencies,” comments Andy Hollis, President/CEO of DCS.

“We’re seeing increases across the board, in particular with housing needs, and in particular with homelessness and with rapid rehousing. In these areas, we have probably seen a 25 to 30 percent increase in our numbers due to the current affordable housing shortage in our area,” shares Nichols.

Having been with DCS for 19 years, Nichols is well-versed in the challenges of doing this kind of work. She comments, “So often we take so much for granted. And when someone comes in, and there are sweet pastries in the food pantry for that day from Bay Country Bakery and you see their gratitude – that’s what’s rewarding. This work is challenging because of all the various obstacles that we face. We genuinely care about our clients’ well-being. This team cares about the people we serve and is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that they get what they need and in some instances, what they deserve. Knowing the difference that it makes in their lives, it’s gratifying.”

She adds, “Because of the work of the DCS Community Action Center team, Mr. Davis is making the necessary connections to resources that will allow him to continue to live an independent and happy life and maintain his dignity.”

Delmarva Community Services Inc. (DCS) is a multi-service organization founded in 1974 that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, seniors, and individuals living in poverty, as well as provides childcare and transportation services. Donations can be made at www.dcs.org by clicking on the Give to DCS link. For services, please call 410-221-1900.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Allegra! Women’s Chorus in concert

October 30, 2024 by The Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Allegra! Women’s Chorus, a prestigious 16-voice ensemble, will be presenting two concert performances this November. The first at Trinity Cathedral, 315 Goldsborough St, Easton on November 16 at 7pm and the second at St. Paul’s, 225 S Morris St, Oxford on November 17 at 3pm. Allegra! Women’s Chorus fall concert program will feature compositions and arrangements of songs old and new. Poetry from William Wordsworth to Langston Hughes to Bob Dylan alongside the contemporary sounds of composers Elaine Hagenburg, Sarah Quartel and Susan LaBarr will highlight the archetype of the mother’s journey. Tickets can be purchased for $15 at the door or by visiting www.allegroacademyeaston.com.

The women’s chorus is conducted by Amy Morgan, an accomplished musician whose education includes a Bachelors degree in Piano Performance from Salisbury University and Masters Degree in Choral Conducting from Messiah University. Amy has extensive experience as a choral, operetta, and musical theatre director, is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, and is an active musician the Easton community. The program will be accompanied by Ellen Grunden on piano and Carey Miller on cello.

Allegra! was formed in the spring of 2019 and is a program of Allegro Academy, a non-profit music conservatory located downtown Easton, MD. Other programs of the Academy include the Allegro Children’s Chorus, Summer Sing choir festival, group classes and private lessons. Allegro Academy’s mission is to offer exceptional music education and performance experiences to the greater Talbot County Area and to make these offerings affordable to all. Programs of the Academy are supported by the generosity of the Talbot County community, Talbot Arts, and the Maryland State Arts Council. For more information please visit www.allegroacademyeaston.com.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Sections

More

CARPE DIEM! ARTS ALIVE!

Winter/Spring 2025 Concert Schedule