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June 13, 2025

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

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2 News Homepage

Community and Law Enforcement Hold Meeting About Crime Uptick

June 9, 2025 by James Dissette 2 Comments

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During last Thursday’s public safety meeting at town hall, Chestertown Police Chief Ron Dixon addressed a concerned community about a noticeable rise in crime, including a string of recent robberies, gun violence, and thefts that have shaken the town’s long-held sense of security.

Councilmembers Tom Herz (Ward 2), Sheila Austrian (Ward 1), Meghan Efland (Ward 4) and Mayor David Foster along with County Sheriff Dennis Hickman were also present. The town hall room was packed with standing room only.

Chief Dixon outlined how incidents have escalated over the past 18 months from vandalized flowerpots to vehicle thefts, and most recently, a spate of violent crimes, including three robberies in a 90-minute window on April 17, one involving a firearm.

On Tea Party weekend, there was another gun-related assault, and during the evening before the Wednesday forum, a knife-point robbery occurred at the 7-Eleven.

Despite the uptick in crimes, Dixon promised that “things we will be better.” He praised the collaboration among the Chestertown Police Department, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, and the State’s Attorney’s Office, noting a recent arrest made within hours of the 7-Eleven incident.

“We’re not the biggest (department), but we’re pretty good,” Dixon said. “We’re increasing foot patrols, trying to be seen, and doing everything we can to build trust with this community.”

When questioned about juvenile crimes, Dixon said the challenges law enforcement faces under Maryland’s 2022 juvenile justice reforms, which restrict police interviews with minors, even with parental consent, and raise the threshold for prosecution. He expressed frustration that many juveniles now feel untouchable: “We’ve had kids say, ‘You can’t talk to me—I’m 12.’”

Several arrests tied to recent crimes span a wide age range, from a 16-year-old charged as an adult to a 32-year-old man found associating with minors and possessing illegal firearms. Four guns—three of them realistic airsoft replicas—were recovered in the past three months.

Residents raised questions about the town’s non-operational security cameras, urging the town to fast-track solutions using any available ARPA funds and push Delmarva Power for permissions for expedited installations on their poles. Chief Dixon said one possible workaround would be to use local buildings to mount the cameras rather than suffer delays with approvals from Delmarva Power.

Others, like Mayor David Foster, acknowledged the cameras exist but were delayed due to infrastructure and permitting issues. Questions remain about the lack of the council’s focus on activation of the cameras.

Several attendees emphasized the need to address the root causes of crime—poverty, housing insecurity, lack of youth engagement, and inadequate mental health resources. “We need more human support,” one resident said. “More cameras and arrests won’t fix what happens when young people are hungry, angry, and ignored.”

Others criticized the absence of recreational options and mentorship for local teens. “They’re not just bored—they’re desperate to be seen,” said another speaker. “And right now, the only people showing up for them are the wrong ones.”

Sheriff Dennis Hickman and State’s Attorney Bryan DiGregory echoed support for continued inter-agency coordination. DiGregory acknowledged the burden of addressing mental health through the justice system and shared that a local mental health task force was forming to improve response and resources.

Community members also pressed for data transparency. Chief Dixon noted a spike from the typical 350–400 monthly service calls to over 530 in May alone. Criminal cases, normally around 30 per month, also increased.

The discussion also turned to safety at the town’s waterfront, where non-working lights and limited patrols have made residents uneasy, particularly at night. Officials promised to review lighting and patrol patterns.

One of the more emotionally charged moments came as residents described being intimidated and threatened by an individual conducting unauthorized metal detecting in the historic district. Chief Dixon and Mayor Foster acknowledged legal gaps and pledged to address the matter through ordinance and enforcement.

Here are Chief Dixon’s opening remarks.

This video is approximately fourteen minutes in length.

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Filed Under: 2 News Homepage

Publisher Note: Just Once for the Chestertown Spy in 2025

June 8, 2025 by James Dissette 2 Comments

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Dear Readers,

Thanks to your thoughtful feedback from our recent reader survey, we heard you loud and clear: most of you prefer a single fundraising request each year.

So today, June 6, we’re launching our one and only campaign of 2025 to support The Chestertown Spy. If you’ve found value in our daily reporting—from coverage of local government to features that celebrate our vibrant cultural life—we hope you’ll consider making an annual contribution.

Every afternoon at 3 p.m., we publish stories that matter to Kent County. Since 2011, we’ve remained committed to our mission: to inform, engage, and occasionally delight this community. We do it with a small, dedicated team whose work costs about $65,000 a year. While local advertisers play an essential role, we rely on readers like you to keep the Spy free and accessible to all.

This year, that funding gap is about $28,000. With your support, we can close it.

If The Chestertown Spy has become a meaningful part of your day, your gift today will help ensure it remains a trusted voice for Kent County tomorrow.

On behalf of all of us at The Chestertown Spy, thank you for your readership and your generosity.

Please donate online here, or send a check to:

CSM – Chestertown Spy Fund
Mid-Shore Community Foundation
102 East Dover Street
Easton, MD 21601

With gratitude,
Jim Dissette
Publisher | The Chestertown Spy

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Filed Under: Archives, Spy Highlights

Town Manager Outlines Progress and Delays for Town Security Cameras

June 4, 2025 by James Dissette 1 Comment

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At Monday’s town council meeting, Chestertown Town Manager Larry DiRe provided  a detailed timeline of renewed efforts to complete the town’s long-stalled security camera program, reaffirming a commitment to finish key installations within 60 days.

DiRe noted that recent vandalism, a downtown assault, and ongoing concerns about public safety have pushed the issue back into focus this spring. “Several years of delay is not acceptable,” he said.

Timeline of Key Activity

  • April 4, 2025: A Public Information Act request was filed regarding surveillance or body-worn footage related to a traffic incident.
  • April 16: Town staff discussed recent vandalism downtown—including graffiti, sticker defacement of public art, and damage in Wilmer Park—and assessed the camera system’s effectiveness.
  • April 18: Chestertown Police released a statement following a series of robberies and an assault in the downtown area.
  • April 20: DiRe met with Ricoh, the town’s camera vendor, to discuss existing infrastructure, including an uninstalled doorbell-style camera for the Visitors Center already paid for but not yet operational.
  • April 23: Main Street Chestertown shared the 2022 Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) grant application, which secured $99,800 for the security initiative.
  • May 8, 2023: Atlantic Security issued an invoice for $65,950 in completed installations, leaving roughly $33,000 in grant funds.
  • April 24: DiRe and a security vendor assessed the public bathroom and Cannon Street area for new placements. The same day, DiRe, the Police Chief, and Main Street reviewed the original 2022 camera plan.
  • April 30: Expanded discussions considered how to cover Ajax Park, the 300 block of Cannon Street, and parking areas behind Sultana.
  • May 15: A second PIA request was completed, supplying documentation related to the DHCD grant.
  • May 22: DiRe announced publicly that the town would move ahead using available funds to finalize locations, utilities, and internet connections for the camera system.
  • May 27: DiRe held a video conference with Delmarva Power’s liaison, Renee Sheehy, to address concerns over pole-mounted cameras.

Sheehy indicated Delmarva had no record of formal requests from Chestertown to mount cameras on their poles—a concern, DiRe said, that could result in needing after-the-fact agreements or relocation. “If it’s on Delmarva’s pole, they want a signed agreement. Otherwise, it’s trespassing.”

To that end, DiRe submitted photos and pole numbers to Delmarva for review. As a contingency, the town is considering relocating cameras to municipally owned sites like the marina or Public Works building, avoiding delays caused by utility negotiations.

“We’re looking at a better approach that avoids unnecessary bureaucracy,” DiRe said. “But we may end up paying for the same thing twice.”

Despite complications, DiRe affirmed that oversight of public safety infrastructure must remain under town control. “This responsibility belongs in Town Hall—not with outsourced marketing or development groups.”

The town expects to deliver further updates on installation progress in the coming weeks.

Note: A Community Meeting to discuss the uptick in criminal behavior will be held at the town hall, 6 pm, Thursday, May 5,

The May 2nd town council meeting may be viewed in its entirety here. The update on video about security cameras begins is 1:13:00

 

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Filed Under: 2 News Homepage, Archives

The We Are One Alliance; A Talk with Heather Mizeur

June 3, 2025 by James Dissette Leave a Comment

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This is a long form interview with Heather Mizeur

Is it possible in a polarized society for two people at opposite ends of the political spectrum to breach the chasm and recognize each other’s humanness?

That’s the question Heather Mizeur has been asking for a decade. For the former Maryland legislator, Democratic congressional candidate, and longtime civic leader, a question she is approaching again with her newly relaunched nonprofit: The We Are One Alliance.

The multi-faceted We Are One Alliance was born from Mizeur’s belief that the way we engage in politics must change if we are to heal as a nation—and as individuals.

The journey began in 2017 with the founding of Soul Force Politics, a nonprofit created in the aftermath of the 2016 election. At a time when political polarization was reaching new extremes, Mizeur sought to build a space for compassion, dialogue, and common ground. “I wanted to show people ways that we can bridge the divides and come together in a common-sense way to solve problems in our communities,” she says.

During her 2022 run for Congress in Maryland’s First District, Mizeur temporarily paused her nonprofit work—but carried its philosophy into every aspect of her campaign. Her motto, “We Are One,” became a call to remember our shared humanity, even in the face of fierce ideological differences.

“We’re humans, often with similar dreams and shared struggles,” she reflects. “Politics has turned into what divides us when our democracy calls us to come forward and work together in ways that allow civil discourse again.”

With the guidance of her board of directors, she expanded the organization under a new name—the We Are One Alliance—to reflect a broader mission encompassing a family of initiatives, each rooted in healing, community, and soulful resistance.

One of the flagship programs is Operation Thriving Acres, a therapeutic horticulture and farm therapy project hosted on Mizeur’s farm outside of Chestertown. Inspired by conversations with veterans during her campaign Mizeur developed a nature-based retreat program that is now drawing interest from across the state.

“When they nurtured something that was living, it helped lower their trauma,” she says. “They were giving their attention to something life-giving instead of life-taking. Politics divides us, but the land heals us.”

Through partnerships with the Maryland chapters of Disabled American Veterans and VFW chaplains, the program has already begun hosting small retreats and gatherings.

Another program, Inward Expeditions, offers immersive group retreats to destinations like Costa Rica, where participants engage in deep reflection, self-care, and leadership training. “Some of this work is done best in community,” she explains, “but there’s also a need for solo journeys of the soul.”

The Sacred Dreams Project extends the Alliance’s reach internationally, through a partnership with Zimbabwean educator and humanitarian Dr. Tererai Trent. Together, they are building water wells, gardens, and sustainable infrastructure for rural schools.

Another cornerstone of the Alliance is the revival of Soul Force Politics as a learning platform. Through online courses, monthly community challenges, and writings published on her Substack (“The Honorable Heather Mizeur”), Mizeur is helping others cultivate inner resilience, clarity, and grounded presence.

Mizeur reimagines the idea of resistance. “Resistance, energetically, doesn’t work,” she says. “When you push against something, it pushes back.” Instead, she offers a path of soulful defiance—one that allows kindness to meet cruelty, calm to meet chaos, and joy to meet despair.

“Our power resides in the pause between stimulus and response,” she explains. “And that’s the army I’m looking to build—people who are ready to respond in non-reactive but fiercely loving ways.”

The We Are One Alliance is, in Mizeur’s words, “a living ecosystem” of hope, restoration, and vision, connecting land, politics, humanity, and the soul.

“At its core,” she says, “our mission is to restore faith in the heart of humanity, one connection at a time.”

The We Are One Alliance has launched weareonealliance.org, a comprehensive portal showcasing its diverse programs, including Soul Force Politics, Inward Expeditions, Operation Thriving Acres, Sacred Dreams Project, and personalized coaching and mentoring. At the heart of the initiative is the “Community” page—an ad-free, algorithm-free, and troll-free private social platform designed to foster meaningful, heart-centered engagement. Beginning in June, the Alliance will introduce “Soulful Challenges” and launch “Soul Force Sundays,” a weekly live video gathering for reflection and support amid challenging times. Supporters can also follow the Alliance’s ongoing work on Substack under T(he Honorable Heather Mizeur). All contributions are tax-deductible, supporting the mission of the We Are One Alliance, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

This video is approximately fifteen minutes in length.

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

Filed Under: 1 Homepage Slider, Archives

Seeds and All: Sophie Kerr Prize Winner Sky Abruzzo

May 28, 2025 by James Dissette Leave a Comment

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Each spring, Washington College awards the Sophie Kerr Prize—the nation’s largest literary award for undergraduates—to a student whose writing exemplifies both excellence and promise. This year, the 2025 prize ($74,000) was awarded to Sky Abruzzo, a writer whose voice is rooted in curiosity, observation, and a deep relationship with the natural world.

In her introduction to her Sophie Kerr portfolio Seeds and All, Abruzzo wrote:

“I began to form an undeniable connection between myself and the environment. The inseparability blinked into existence: humans (the shapes of their hands) and the natural world (roots curled around rocks) are intrinsically linked and impossibly interesting. With this inseparability came an aching desire to understand the intentionality of poetry and paintings, and trees (poetry while it is still written in wood grain) and river beds (paint while it is still rocks and shells).”

It’s a perfect summation of her deep interest in environmental writing.

Sky grew up in Manassas, Virginia, where her storytelling began early—in a second-grade spiral notebook filled with spy adventures starring her and her friends. “I thought I was going to be a spy, actually,” she laughs. “But I’ve been writing for as long as I could read.” That same love of words led her to a performing arts high school, and ultimately to Washington College, where she found a home as an English major with minors in creative writing and journalism in the Writing Program and the Literary House community.

During her time at Washington College, Sky honed her craft not only as a writer but also as a thoughtful observer of the world around her. Her work in environmental writing, especially under the guidance of professors like Elizabeth O’Connor and Sean Meehan, became central to her portfolio. “A lot of my writing stems from personal experiences, especially with nature,” she says. “And I have no idea what kind of writer—or if I’d even be a writer at all—if I hadn’t had those opportunities.”

Still, Sky approaches this moment with humility. “I feel a little bit like an imposter,” she admits. “I’ve worked alongside so many incredible writers… and then I was the one that got announced.” But the prize, she adds, is not just an ending—it’s a beginning. “If I could somehow offer those same opportunities to young writers,” she says, “that would be everything.”

The Spy caught up with Sky Abruzzo several days after the award ceremony to talk about her craft.

This video is approximately seven minutes in length.

 

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Filed Under: Archives, 3 Top Story, Health Homepage Highlights

Kent County Chapter of Delmarva Pride Center Thanks Kent County Commissioners for Pride Month Proclamation

May 23, 2025 by James Dissette 1 Comment

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Francoise Sullivan with County Commissioners Ron Fithian and John Price

The Kent County Chapter of the Delmarva Pride Center extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Kent County Commissioners and Town of Chestertown for officially recognizing June as Pride Month with signed proclamations. The Kent County Pride Month proclamation was presented at the May 13, 2025 Kent County Commissioners Meeting. Mayor David Foster read the Chestertown LGBTQIA+ Pride Month proclamation into the record at the May 20, 2025 Chestertown Mayor and Town Council meeting.

These gestures of support send a powerful message of inclusion, respect, and unity to LGBTQIA+ residents and allies across the county. By acknowledging Pride Month, Kent County and Chestertown affirm their commitment to fostering a welcoming community where all individuals – regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression – are seen, valued, and celebrated.

Sullivan read a statement at both meetings regarding statistics and support for LGBTQIA+ youth in rural areas.

“According to the Maryland Health Survey, 25% of Kent County High School students self- identify as queer or questioning. Out of 580 students that’s approximately 145 kids. A study by The Trevor Project shows that only 34% of trans and nonbinary youth in rural areas feel supported where they live – compared to 67% in non-rural communities. And rural LGBTQIA+ youth are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts while facing barriers to mental health. Proclaiming June to be Pride Month in Kent County will show our LGBTQIA+ community that you acknowledge and support them as valued members of our community.”

The Delmarva Pride Center and its Kent County Chapter work to provide advocacy, support, and programming for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families throughout the region. The recognition of Pride Month underscores the importance of this work and the continued need for visibility and dialogue.

“We thank the County Commissioners and Chestertown Mayor and Town Council for standing with us and recognizing the importance of Pride Month,” said Francoise Sullivan, chair of the Kent County Chapter. “Signing these proclamations reflects a commitment to equality and acceptance that we are proud to see in our local leadership.”

To learn more about upcoming events or to get involved, visit www.dpckentcounty.org.

To learn more about the Maryland Health Survey visit https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/ccdpc/Reports/Pages/YRBS-2022-2023.aspx.

To learn more about The Trevor Project visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research- briefs/lgbtq-youth-in-small-towns-and-rural-areas/

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Filed Under: 2 News Homepage, Archives

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

May 21, 2025 by James Dissette 4 Comments

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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 cuts that could severely impact staffing and operations.

Bill Burton, President of the Friends of Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, spoke to the town council on Monday May 19, warning that while no closure is imminent, the threat of significant budget reductions to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could curtail access, compromise conservation efforts, and place the island’s delicate ecosystem at risk.

Situated at the southern tip of Kent County, the 2,285-acre refuge is a sanctuary for migratory birds and a hub for outdoor recreation including kayaking, birdwatching, fishing, hunting, and photography. The island also draws steady year-round tourism, benefiting local businesses in Rock Hall and beyond.

But behind the refuge’s serene façade is a growing strain on infrastructure and staffing. “We used to have five on-site federal employees,” said Burton. “Now there are none.”

With Fish and Wildlife operations consolidated under the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Complex, staff now make a four-hour round-trip from Cambridge to Eastern Neck for maintenance, habitat restoration, and oversight. “Blackwater had 23 full-time staff in 2007,” Burton noted. “Now they have 11, stretched across multiple refuges.”

Volunteers from Friends of Eastern Neck have stepped in to maintain critical features like the popular butterfly garden, visitor center, and even building repairs—most recently raising $25,000 in matching funds to restore rotting windows in a 100-year-old hunting lodge. Still, Burton cautioned: “We can’t replace Fish and Wildlife biologists, rangers, or maintenance crews.”

The island’s significance extends beyond aesthetics. About 350 acres are managed through a cooperative farming agreement where 25% of crops are left standing to support wintering waterfowl. Managed ponds serve migratory birds by optimizing water levels for food availability. Programs like deer and turkey hunts, shoreline protection, invasive species control, and pollinator habitat restoration rely on consistent federal oversight.

The implications of defunding are stark. Without on-site staff, Burton warned, Eastern Neck could face temporary closure or worse—be sold, fall into disrepair, or become overrun by invasive species. “Chronic flooding, litter, and vandalism would devastate the refuge’s ecological and cultural value,” he said.

In response, Friends of Eastern Neck is mobilizing a preemptive advocacy campaign. “We’re not waiting for a crisis,” Burton said. “We’re asking Kent County leaders and residents to help now, before it’s too late.”

So far, the Friends have spoken with many local organizations and officials and met with the Greater Rock Hall Business Association, the Kent County Board of Commissioners, the Rock Hall Town Council, Delegate Jay Jacobs and the Kent County Department of Economic and Tourism Development.

“We’re asking that letters of support be sent, at a minimum, to Rep. Andy Harris, Senator Chris Van Hollen, and Senator Angela Alsobrooks. These letters can make a real difference in showing that Eastern Neck matters to the people it serves.”

For more about Eastern Neck Wildlife refuge go here, or see their Facebook page.

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Filed Under: Archives, Eco Homepage, Eco Lead

Chesapeake Scenes With Andy McCown

May 14, 2025 by James Dissette 1 Comment

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For nearly three decades, the music-and-poetry project Chesapeake Scenes: Words and Music has carried the rhythms and reflections of the Chesapeake Bay into community halls, schools, and concert venues across the region. Now, with a remastered archive and a new generation of artists on board, local educator and storyteller Andy McCown is ensuring that this living tradition endures.

A recent open-air concert, presented by Echo Hill Outdoor School and hosted by Washington College’s Center for the Environment and Society, showcased songs and poetry from the group’s repertoire.

The origins of Chesapeake Scenes trace back to a serendipitous conversation  between McCown and the late Tom McHugh, an English professor and musician. McCown, who has spent much of his life on the Chester River with Echo Hill Outdoor School, shared stories of reading Gilbert Byron’s The Lord’s Oysters aloud to students aboard skipjacks and that conversation sparked a creative partnership: McHugh on bay-inspired music, McCown on poetry and prose.

Over the years, their performances—joined by regional talents like Sue Matthews, Karen Somerville, and Tom Anthony—ranged from humble bar gigs to a black-tie show at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. Regardless of the venue, the mission remained the same: to bring the voices of the Chesapeake to life through storytelling and song.

The legacy continues today. After McHugh’s passing, McCown assembled a new group of Kent County artists to carry the torch. With support from the Hedgelawn Foundation, matching funds from community members, and production work by Benji Price, a two-volume digital recording of Chesapeake Scenes was created. The remastered archive is now accessible on most streaming platforms, allowing teachers, students, and the public to explore the heart of the region through poems by Gilbert Byron, Meredith Hadaway, Joel Barber, and music by James Stankewicz, Zack Kelleher,  Warren “Pres” Harding, Sue Mathews and others.

More than nostalgia, McCown sees the project as a form of preservation—capturing not just the physical beauty of the bay but the social fabric of the watermen, their families, and the evolving culture of the region. “It’s an archive of emotion,” McCown said. “It tells a lot about the inner feelings of the watermen, the landscape, and the life along the bay.”

This fall, McCown and his collaborators will bring Chesapeake Scenes across the bay with a performance at the Annapolis Maritime Museum on October 9. The event will feature a rotating cast of Eastern Shore artists including Sue Matthews, Bob and Pam Ortiz, Meredith Hadaway, and Rebeka Hock.

Listeners can find both volumes (35 tracks) of Chesapeake Scenes by searching the title on their preferred digital music platform (Spotify, etc). All are free.

This video is approximately five minutes in length.

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

Filed Under: 1 Homepage Slider, Archives

Letter to the Editor: When we have lost our democracy, how will we know?

May 13, 2025 by James Dissette 3 Comments

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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 — having incited an assault on the Capitol, interfered in elections, consorted with thugs, pilfered classified materials, repeated lies upon lies, and failed his first term — entered his second term as president?

Is it vanishing heretofore as he stresses the national economy? As he’s advised by toadies and quacks crowd his Cabinet? As he pardons criminals? Commutes sentences? Raids places of worship? Abrogates treaties? Alienates historic allies? Boots generals? Fakes emergencies? Terminates lifesaving research? Slashes healthcare? Jails innocents? Deports children? Ships citizens to foreign prisons? Menaces political opponents? Favors cronies? Fires librarians? Bullies universities? Investigates prosecutors? Arrests judges? Defies the Supreme Court? Threatens habeas corpus? Bends the law toward retribution?

Indeed, how will we know?

Gren Whitman

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Filed Under: 8 Letters to Editor

Investing in You: A talk with Chesapeake Bank and Trust CEO Bob Altieri

May 8, 2025 by James Dissette Leave a Comment

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As Chesapeake Bank and Trust approaches its 40th year, CEO Bob Altieri emphasizes the importance of community banks in a conversation about local economics, global uncertainties, and the evolving real estate market.

“Community banks, like churches and small businesses, are part of the fabric of a town,” Altieri said. “We’re soon to be the only bank headquartered in Kent County. that means decisions are made right here, not in Massachusetts or New York.”

Altieri addressed national economic trends, noting that while headlines report a slight shrink in the U.S. economy, deeper analysis reveals a more complex story: increased imports, rising wages, and higher consumer savings. “You can’t just read the headlines,” he said. “We’re seeing business investment up over 20%. That’s a big number.”

Locally, Altieri observed that Chestertown’s economy remains steady. While real estate inventory is slowly picking up, many homeowners are reluctant to sell because of the low mortgage rates they locked in years ago. “People are married to their interest rate,” he said. “They’re not moving from 3% to 7%.”

Altieri also highlighted the bank’s deep roots in the region. “Over 90% of our lending stays in Kent County,” he said. “Whether it’s farmers, small businesses, or homebuyers—we’re here to support them.” As the only locally headquartered bank, Chesapeake Bank and Trust aims to continue fostering direct, face-to-face relationships with customers.

Reflecting on his five years in Chestertown, Altieri called the community “welcoming” and said he’s formed friendships he expects to last a lifetime. “This bank is unique,” he said. “And so is this town.”

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

Filed Under: Archives, 1C Commerce, Commerce Homepage

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