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December 6, 2023

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Archives Education Ed Notes Education

Good Seeds Garden Growing Strong

November 20, 2023 by Kent County Public Library Leave a Comment

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Community volunteers, students and staff have transformed H.H. Garnet Elementary School while learning about gardening and nature. Starting around four years ago, the school began collaborating with community members to launch the Good Seeds Garden.

The effort sought to enhance the elementary school in Chestertown by creating curb appeal through additional landscaping.Members of the Chestertown Garden Club and parents worked together to map out the garden project.

Community volunteers read to students in front of Ghanian artist Constance Swaniker’s “Butterfly” sculpture in the Good Seeds Garden at H.H. Garnet Elementary School in Chestertown.

South Fork Studio Landscape Architecture formally prepared a garden plan, with the Garden Club initially looking at a phased construction timeline.

The community raised money through grants and donations and received support from the Kent County Board of Education, the municipal and county government and local businesses.

Garden Club member Carolyn Grotsky said the fundraising and grant writing went so well they were able to plant the Good Seeds Garden around the entire school in one year.

“It’s beautiful,” Grotsky said of the garden. “I love seeing this here.”

And the community engagement continues to grow.

Grotsky spoke about donations of mulch and labor and how local business owners have given their time and expertise to the project on aspects like the garden’s irrigation system.

“It shows the community involvement in the project,” Grotsky said.

Garnet Elementary School is a state-designated Community School, providing families in need with access to resources.

Garnet Community School Coordinator Florence Terrill said that the partnerships formed through the Good Seeds Garden project fall in line with the Community School program and grant funding.

The Good Seeds Garden provides more than curb appeal to the historic school building.

It also features an outdoor learning space for students. The outdoor classroom annex includes tables and raised gardens in the back of the building.

“Many of the projects the Garden Club has done with our students are enrichment and extension activities to provide more hands-on learning for our children,” Terrill said. “Our partnership with the Garden Club has grown over the last couple years and the kids enjoy their time with the ‘Garden Ladies’ and the new outdoor classroom.”

Garden Club member Susan Flanigan spearheaded the outdoor classroom project in remembrance of her son Conor McDowell, a first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corp who died in a training accident in 2019.

Flanigan said the outdoor classroom space and raised gardens, in which students can plant their own seeds, adds a sense of ownership for the children.

“We want the students to feel this is their garden,” Flanigan said. “The students have just responded beautifully. They’re so excited any time they get an opportunity to be outdoors.”

And last spring, a metal sculpture of a butterfly by Ghanian artist Constance Swaniker was installed last spring in the garden from the collection of Eastern Shore residents Peter and Hanna Woike.

That outdoor classroom annex now features a mural of the school’s namesake, famed abolitionist Henry Highland Garnet.

The garden has served as the host for Community School events, such as the annual Arts in Garden showcase in each spring.

“We look forward to another successful Arts in the Garden in May, celebrating community partnerships and all the artwork of our kids and our wonderful art teacher, Mrs. Aimee Boumiea, and our amazing music teacher, Mrs. Jodi Bortz, who has worked so hard with our students,” Terrill said.

Flanigan credited Terrill with getting the grant that made the outdoor classroom space possible.

“She literally opened all the doors for us,” Flanigan said.

As club members continue meeting every Wednesday to prune, plant and rake, the garden has helped strengthen the connection between the school and the community.

The volunteers are also continuing to raise money to maintain the garden. They need help every year with larger projects like mulching.

“More and more Garden Club members are getting involved,” Grotsky said. “Our main goal is to continue supporting the space and the project through possibly more grants and in-kind donations.”

Garnet Principal Brenda Rose said having good partners, like the Garden Club, is an integral part of the success of a Community School.

“This has been a good experience for our students. They have enjoyed working with the Garden Club volunteers,” Rose said of the garden project.

Lead photo: Joanne Coveney, a retired H.H. Garnet Elementary Schools teacher, talks to students about pumpkins in Garnet’s outdoor classroom space.

Email [email protected] for more information.

Learn more about H.H. Garnet Elementary School in Chestertown at www.kent.k12.md.us/Garnet.aspx.

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Filed Under: Archives, Ed Notes, Education

Revealing the Commodore Collection at Kent County Public Library November 4

November 1, 2023 by Kent County Public Library Leave a Comment

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Several years ago, approximately 2,000 pages of family papers were discovered in the attic of a house near Chestertown before its scheduled demolition. Community members and several generous donors made it possible for these papers to be rescued and preserved. Approximately 100 of the papers document aspects of local African American life from the late 1600s to the early 1800s. These original manuscripts from the 18th and 19th centuries unlock a slice of local history that centers on people whose descendants still live in this area. This part of the collection was named the Commodore Collection in honor of Norris Commodore and his family, who have deep roots in Kent County. The Norris family was one of the key donors who enabled the collection to be saved. The Commodore Collection belongs to Sumner Hall and is being conserved and archived at Washington College’s Miller Library.

As part of the process of preserving the Commodore Collection, multiple organizations have collaborated to also make this piece of history accessible to the public through digitization and the creation of a variety of teaching and exploration tools.

On Saturday, November 4, please join us at Kent County Public Library for a revealing of history at its finest and its most tragic.

Author and Washington College professor Michelle Johnson will share the story of her new book, A Man’s Mark, illustrated by local artists, Samuel Moore and Stuart Gray, which was inspired by a document from the Commodore Collection.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to explore a customized Teacher Trunk, which is available for use in local classrooms, and learn about the companion exhibit that is being created to showcase the Commodore Collection and its importance to local history.

Revealing the Commodore Collection

Saturday, November 4  |  11am
Kent County Public Library
Chestertown Branch
408 High Street, Chestertown

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Filed Under: Local Life, Brevities

Kent County Public Library Foundation Announces Fund Raising Campaign to Replace Drop Boxes

October 30, 2023 by Kent County Public Library Leave a Comment

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The Foundation for the Kent County Public Library, a 501c3 charity, announced their support to help fund new drop box receptacles at all three branch libraries. Both the 2022 and 2023 Foundation fundraisers support a mission to ensure that the fullest use of one of the County’s greatest resources is open to the greatest number of citizens.

Due to a generous community response, the website redesign was completely funded with 2022 campaign donations.  This project, well underway, will be unveiled in 2024.  The current fundraiser supports Library service accessibility in a different way—funding new book drops at all branch libraries. Conveniently located, the well-used depositories no longer protect books and other media.  Age-related deterioration, allowing the invasion of moisture, has and will continue to ruin valued materials if the once substantial and very expensive structures are not replaced.

The following officers were elected in the Annual Meeting held on Friday, October 28: Chair Barb Macbeth, Vice Chair Alice Ritchie, Treasurer Dawson Hunter, Corresponding Secretary Sandy Durfee, and Administrative Secretary April Marshall. The members of the Board of Directors also include: John Murphy, Wendy Costa, Mackey Dutton, Ivette Furneisen, Marjo Rasin, Mary White,  and Jillian Starkey.

April Marshall, Mary White, Sandy Durfee, Ivette Furneisen, Mackey Dutton, Barb Macbeth, Marjo Rasin, Dawson Hunter, and Jillian Starkey.

 

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Filed Under: Archives, Brevities, Local Life

Harvest Festivals at Kent County Public Library

October 14, 2023 by Kent County Public Library Leave a Comment

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Kent County Public Library is celebrating the arrival of harvest time, cooler days, and colorful leaves with two autumnal extravaganzas with activities for all ages!

At Pumpkin Fest, you can enjoy pumpkin-themed mini-golf, harvest time tic-tac-toe, activity stations, crafts, and more. Enjoy sweet treats and pick up trick-or-treat swag.

At Apple Fest, there will be caramel apples, fall-themed crafts for all ages (including creating a scarecrow for the Downtown Chestertown Association’s scarecrow contest), lawn bowling, cider making, apple smoothies, goodie bags, and more.

These harvest festivals are supported by several fantastic community partners, including: Galena Elementary School Judy Center, Kent County 4-H, Lockbriar Farms, Master Gardeners of Kent County, and RiverArts.

 

Pumpkin Fest

North County Branch

Thursday, October 19 | 4-6pm

 

Apple Fest

Chestertown Branch

Friday, October 20 | 4-6pm

 

These events are free and all ages are invited to participate.

For more information about these events and other upcoming programs at Kent County Public Library, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410-778-3636.

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Filed Under: Archives, Brevities, Local Life

$15,000 Donation Received from the Friends of the Kent County Public Library

July 14, 2023 by Kent County Public Library Leave a Comment

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The Friends of the Kent County Public Library describe themselves as a group of people who “donate hearts, hands, and more to the library we love.” This week, the Friends demonstrated the “and more” when they presented Kent County Public Library with a check for $15,000 in unrestricted funds to contribute to the library’s 2024 fiscal year budget.

Since 1973, the Friends have supported the Kent County Public Library with gifts of materials, technology, educational programs, and budgetary support. Their unwavering support and generosity have enabled the library to offer the community special events, to enhance and update book and audiovisual collections, to offer staff development opportunities, and more. Kent County Public Library is grateful beyond measure for the continued support of such amazing Friends!

Peggy Christie, FOL Board Member, Cynthia Saunders, FOL President, Arnessa Dowell, KCPL Executive Director, Nina Newlin, FOL Treasurer, Elise, Nina’s granddaughter and (hopefully) next generation of FOL!

If you would like to be a part of providing support to KCPL, please consider becoming a Friend. An annual Friends of the Library membership is $10 for individuals, $20 for families, $50 to receive a lovely tote bag, and $500 to become a lifetime member.

The Friends also welcome volunteers to assist with book sales, serve on the Board of the Friends of the Library, support membership drives, and plan social and special events.

Membership forms are available at all three KCPL locations. More information about the Friends of the Kent County Public Library can be found at friendsofthekcpl.org

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Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Kent County Public Library, local news

All Together Now! Summer Reading for Babies Through Adults at KCPL

May 31, 2023 by Kent County Public Library Leave a Comment

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Kent County Public Library invites the whole community to join the 2023 All Together Now summer reading experience!

A Reading Challenge for Every Age

With a reading challenge for all ages – babies, kids, teens, and adults – as well as weekly programs and plenty of opportunities to win prizes, create connections, and celebrate reading, you don’t want to miss this experience!

When you join a reading challenge, you choose what you read. Books, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, graphic novels — as long as it has words, it counts! The more reading minutes you log, the more chances you have to win prizes, including the top reader prize for each age category.

Community Reading Goal

All of your reading minutes also count towards KCPL’s collaborative reading goal! In 2022, KCPL’s summer reading goal was 750,000 minutes and the response was fantastic – hundreds of readers of all ages participated and they logged 752,682 minutes!

This year we’re going bigger and have set the collective, collaborative goal that KPCL’s summer reading community will read and log 850,000 minutes. It’s a big, ambitious number and you can help us reach it by registering and logging your reading minutes this summer!

Early Registration

Starting June 1, register early at kentcountylibrary.beanstack.org and you will be entered into a raffle drawing for a Chromebook. Online early registration runs June 1-20. In-person general registration begins on June 21 at all KCPL locations.

All Together Now Summer Reading Kickoff: Animal Adventures

Kick off your summer reading adventure by visiting with friends from the animal kingdom! Wildlife Adventure’s rabbits, reptiles, and other creatures visit on June 21 & 24. Reptile Wonders’ snakes, lizards, tortoises, and turtles join us on June 23. Swag bags of summer goodies, including a free All Together Now t-shirt, will be available for all registered summer readers while supplies last.

Rock Hall Civic Center
Wednesday, June 21 • 11am • all ages

North County Branch
Friday, June 23 • 2pm • all ages

Chestertown Branch
Saturday, June 24 • 11am • all ages

More Information

For more details about KCPL’s 2023 All Together Now summer reading experience and to preview the entire summer calendar, visit kentcountylibrary.org Questions are welcome at 410.778.3636 or any KCPL location.

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Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Kent County Public Library, local news

KCPL Announces “Ready to Hatch” Program for Expectant Parents

April 25, 2023 by Kent County Public Library Leave a Comment

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If you are getting ready to welcome a new baby into your family, join Kent County Public Library for Ready to Hatch!

All expectant parents are welcome at this interactive early literacy program where you’ll learn about your baby-to-be through songs and fun, brain-building activities.

KCPL will host two sessions of Ready to Hatch in May, one in-person and one virtual. The same information will be presented at both sessions, so you can choose which one works best for you and your schedule. All attendees can enter raffle drawings for great prizes, provided in partnership by the Judy Center and KCPL, including a prenatal massage gift certificate, gift cards from local businesses, and more. Everyone who registers will receive a workshop kit that includes free books, a calendar, and song sheet. If you register for the virtual session, the workshop kit will be available for pick up from the library May 8-16 so that you will have the materials you need to participate in the session on May 16.

The in-person session includes a catered lunch and free childcare.

Space is limited for both sessions. Please register!
In-Person Session | Chestertown Branch
Saturday, May 13th | 1pm

Virtual Session
Tuesday, May 16th | 6pm

Ready to Hatch is presented in partnership with the Judy Center Early Learning Hub, Mother Goose on the Loose, the Maryland State Library Agency, and the Maryland State Department of Education.

For more information or to register, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410.778.3636.

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Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Kent County Public Library, local news

Celebrating Jeanne Geibel, Director of Branch Services: 45 Years of Service with KCPL

March 29, 2023 by Kent County Public Library Leave a Comment

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Kent County Public Library is preparing to mark a momentous transition. After 45 years of dedicated service to KCPL, Jeanne Geibel, Director of Branch Services, will be retiring in April 2023.

Jeanne started her career at Kent County Public Library on October 16, 1977. At that time, she went to work at 335 High Street, Chestertown, the small storefront that housed the library while the new building was being constructed. Six months later, she played a part in the community Book Walk that took place to move the library up the street and into its current Chestertown location.

At the start of her career, in 1977 Jeanne’s main jobs were focused on cataloging and inter-library loan services, although, given the very small staff size at the time, everyone filled multiple roles. Jeanne’s regular roles included checking and repairing audio visual materials, supervised the volunteers who ran the Rock Hall Branch, and answered reference questions. When needed, she also enthusiastically assisted with children’s programming, dressing up as an elf, a witch, the Easter bunny, the Cat in the Hat, and Mrs. Claus! When the North County Branch opened in 2006, Jeanne became the Branch Manager for both the Rock Hall and North County Branches, splitting her days between the two locations. As part of this transition, she also became a regular presenter of story time at both locations, creating strong connections with the youngest library users, along with their families and caregivers.

Throughout the decades, Jeanne worked for 7 different library directors and alongside dozens of coworkers. Her good humor, willingness to do what needs to be done, and kindness toward others will remain an enduring part of her KCPL legacy. In all her roles over the years, the library patrons have always been the heart of library work for Jeanne. In reflecting on her coming retirement, she says, “I’ve developed close relationships with many of my patrons and I’m going to miss them a lot.” She hastens to add, “I’ll still be visible in the library as a patron checking out my favorite author or enjoying a program.”

During the week leading up to Jeanne’s retirement, KCPL is pulling out all the stops and celebrating with three events (one at each KCPL location) to give the community opportunities to gather and celebrate her 45 years of service! Reminiscences, appreciations, and well wishes are welcome.

Monday, April 10  |  4-6pm  |  Chestertown

Drop in for snacks, sign the community card, and wish Jeanne well in her retirement.

Wednesday, April 12  |  4-6pm  |  Rock Hall

Drop in for snacks, sign the community card, and wish Jeanne well in her retirement.

Thursday, April 13  |  4-6pm  |  North County

Join us for a ceremony of celebration and recognition on Jeanne’s last day at KCPL!

Order of Events on April 13:

4-4:30 greetings & signing community card

4:30-5 ceremony of celebration & recognition

5-6pm reception & light hors d’oeuvres

For more information, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410-778-3636.

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Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Kent County Public Library, local news

Featured April Events at Kent County Public Library

March 28, 2023 by Kent County Public Library Leave a Comment

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April delivers a bouquet of programs at Kent County Public Library! All events are free and open to the public.

MOVIE MATINEES

Join us for a free afternoon at the movies! In April, KCPL’s Chestertown Branch is hosting four movie matinees – two for adults, one for teens, and one for families. Our public performance license limits how and where we can publicize which movies are being shown, but you can find out more details by visiting kentcountylibrary.org or calling 410.778.3636.

Monday, April 3  |  2pm  |  Adults

Thursday, April 6  |  12pm  |  Families

Thursday, April 6  |  3pm  |  Teens

Monday, April 17  |  2pm  |  Adults

EVENTS FOR ADULTS

Happiness Hour: Creative Time for Grown-Ups

Happiness Hour is a time for grown-ups to explore their powers of creativity.  Join us to try your hand at something new and leave a little happier than you arrived! All supplies are provided. Space is limited. Please register.

Origami Flowers

Saturday, April 1  |  1pm  |  Chestertown

Learn how to fold several different styles of origami flowers and create a gorgeous bouquet to take home.

Let’s Get Spicy!

Wednesday, April 19  |  6pm  |  Chestertown

Craft your own garam masala blend, as well as a surprise bonus blend, under the guidance of Mariam Satchell, owner of The Spicerie, at this evening full of delicious aromas inspired by the spice blends of the Indo-Pak subcontinent and the Middle East. In addition to the spice blends you create, take home a sweet treat as a souvenir from our culinary travels. Questions welcome and encouraged. Let’s get spicy!

Celebrating 45 Years of Service: Happy Retirement, Jeanne Geibel!

After 45 years of dedicated service to KCPL, Jeanne Geibel, Director of Branch Services, is retiring in April 2023. KCPL is pulling out all the stops with three events (one at each KCPL location) where the community can gather, reminisce, and offer retirement well wishes.

Monday, April 10  |  4-6pm  |  Chestertown

Wednesday, April 12  |  4-6pm  |  Rock Hall

Drop in for snacks, sign the community card, and wish Jeanne well in her retirement.

Thursday, April 13  |  4-6pm  |  North County

Join us for a ceremony of celebration and recognition on Jeanne’s last day at KCPL!

Organizing Your Health

Join the Mobile Wellness Team from University of Maryland Shore Regional Health for tips and tricks for staying organized when you’re managing your own health or the health of a loved one.

Thursday, April 20  |  1pm  |  Chestertown
Learn about health journaling, communicating with health providers, medication management, using healthcare technology, and more to make the process as easy as possible. Questions are welcome! Space is limited. Please register.

EVENTS FOR FAMILIES, KIDS, AND TEENS

Spend Spring Break at the Library

If you’re enjoying a staycation while Kent County Public Schools are on spring break, visit KCPL for a bunch of fun-filled family, kid, and teen events.

Craft Time: Perler Bead Creations

Wednesday, April 5  |  2:30pm  |  Rock Hall  |  Ages 5+

Space is limited. Please Register.

Make & Take Collage Picture Frames
Wednesday, April 5  |  3:30pm  |  Chestertown  |  Ages 5+

Space is limited. Please Register.

Movie Matinees

Thursday, April 6  |  12pm  |  Chestertown  |  Families

Thursday, April 6  |  3pm  |  Chestertown  |  Teens

Snack Around the World Club

Friday, April 7  |  3:30pm  |  Chestertown  |  Ages 5+

Space is limited. Please Register.

Pizza & Make a Thing: Floral Watercolor

Friday, April 7  |  4pm  |  North County  |  Teens

Saturday, April 8  |  1pm  |  Chestertown  |  Teens

Space is limited. Please Register.

Musical Fruits

Tuesday, April 11  |  10:30am  |  Musical Fruits  |  Ages 5+

Space is limited. Please Register.

LEGO Time

Wednesday, April 12  |  2pm  |  Chestertown  |  Ages 5+

For full details about these and other upcoming programs or to register, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410-778-3636.

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Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Kent County Public Library, local news

Delicious December Events at Kent County Public Library

December 8, 2022 by Kent County Public Library Leave a Comment

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Kent County Public Library is wrapping up 2022 with a series of truly delicious events!

Snack Around the World Club

Wed 12/7  |  3pm  |   Chestertown

Join us to try a variety of snacks from around the world! At this global snacking showdown we’ll explore treats, share fun facts, and bring the rest of the world closer to home one tasty bite at a time. Space is limited. Please register. Kids ages 5+

Pizza and Make a Thing: Holiday Cookies

Sat 12/10  |  1pm  |  Chestertown

Make and decorate different kinds of holiday cookies to enjoy or give away as gifts. All supplies provided. Space is limited. Please register. Teens ages 13-17. Pizza and Make a Thing is a program series for teens where we eat pizza and make a thing.

Create It: Gifts in a Jar!

Tuesday, December 13  |  all day  |  North County Branch

Create a soup jar filled with hearty ingredients or a sweet-filled jar of tasty treats! Drop in activity, available while supplies last. Adults.

Gingerbread Houses

Wed 12/14  |  4pm  |  Rock Hall

Wed 12/14  |  5pm  |  Chestertown

Thurs 12/15  |  4pm  |  North County

Gumdrops, candycanes, and frosting await as we build “gingerbread” houses at the library. This event is designed for creative builders of all ages and we will be using graham crackers rather than real gingerbread. Space is limited. Please register. All ages welcome.

For more information or to register for any upcoming programs, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410-778-3636.

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

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Kent County Public Library, local news

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