Spy Desk

Volunteers Build Ramp for Local Senior

July 24, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Born and raised in Kent County, Mrs. Scott and her husband raised eight daughters locally. Like many senior citizens in the area, she had worked at the Campbell’s Soup poultry processing plant for several years. She then spent 21 years as Cook at the Chestertown jail where she recalls the men would sometimes ask as she was leaving, “when will you make your delicious fried chicken again?”. Mrs. Scott is now a widow and, in addition to her daughters, she relies on her neighbors and local church as she nears 90 and her mobility decreases. One of her daughters worked at the Department of Social Services and knew Rebuilding Together Kent County might be able to help her mom live more safely in her home, avoiding the costly and often isolating transition to an assisted living facility.

Photo: From L to R: Volunteers Lisa Roemer, Scott Brewer (Rebuilding Together Kent County Construction Manager), Candy Tyrell, Rachel Carter, Amy SIne, and Richard Edwards put in an amazing morning of work for an aging neighbor.

In December of 2020, Rebuilding Together Kent County used funds from their US Department of Agriculture Housing Preservation Grant to contract Alex Reyes of Custom Home Services to perform critical repairs to Mrs. Scott’s bathroom. In the course of his work, it came to light that the tub was draining directly into the crawl space and threatening the home’s foundation. After drying out the area, replacing several joists under the floor, and fixing all the plumbing, Alex proceeded to create a beautiful bathroom for Mrs. Scott, complete with new tile, tub, toilet and fixtures.

With the inside hazards addressed, Rebuilding Together Kent County turned to an external challenge. Mrs. Scott’s daughter reported increased anxiety about her ability to get her mother safely in and out of the house for doctors’ appointments and trips to the store. According to the CDC, each year about $50 billion nationwide is spent on medical costs related to non-fatal fall injuries and $754 million is spent related to fatal falls. Statistics also suggest that more than 40% of those who are hospitalized for hip fractures are unable to return home and live independently.

On Saturday, July 17th, volunteers Rachel Carter, Richard Edwards, Lisa Roemer, Amy Sine, and Candy Tyrell worked alongside Rebuilding Together’s Construction Manager, Scott Brewer, from 8:00 am until noon to construct a wheelchair ramp for Mrs. Scott. Despite the high temperatures and humidity, everyone maintained a cheerful, can-do attitude and the crew ended up getting much further than anticipated. In addition to a generous donation of sandwiches, soup, chips and sweets from Germaine’s Uptown Carryout in Chestertown, Mrs. Scott surprised the group with some of her famous fried chicken and sweet tea! Rebuilding Together Kent County is grateful for the support of the community and also wishes to thank Lowe’s Foundation for donating store gift cards that covered all the materials for this ramp project. As Mrs. Scott’s daughter said to Rebuilding Together Kent County staff that morning, “This is more than just getting work done. This is a relationship.”

Rebuilding Together Kent County’s mission is repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives. They leverage gifts of time, money, skill and labor to repair and rehabilitate homes for vulnerable seniors, those living with disabilities, and families with limited resources in Kent County. They are dedicated to ending substandard housing. All work is done at no cost to homeowners who meet the income limits and other criteria. This is an equal opportunity program. Learn more at RebuildingTogetherKCMD.org.

Qlarant Hosts Virtual Grant Awards Event

July 24, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Qlarant Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Qlarant, the nationally recognized program integrity and quality improvement company, has awarded financial grants to twenty Maryland and District of Columbia organizations. Members of the Board of Directors for Qlarant Foundation held a virtual reception for the 2021 Grant Awards.

Qlarant Foundation presented $412,500 to twenty non-profit organizations: Qlarant CEO Dr. Ron Forsythe, Jr. (left) and Qlarant Foundation Chair Dominic Szwaja (right)

For the second consecutive year, hosting a virtual reception for the grantees was chosen in place of an in-person gathering.

“Our annual awards ceremony is the most important event on our calendar each year,” said Dominic Szwaja, Board Chair for Qlarant Foundation. “The networking opportunity that our annual event provides is mentioned by our grantees as being one of the most meaningful parts of our grant program. Last year’s virtual event was extremely well received so this year we wanted to ensure that it met those expectations and improved upon them. Each organization had the opportunity to present the amazing work they do and become more familiar with regional organizations with similar missions.”

The 2021 grant recipients include 13 returning organizations: Bay Hundred Community Volunteers, Breast Care for Washington, D.C., Camp Attaway, Critical Repairs Caroline County, Eastern Shore Wellness Solutions, Girls in the Game, Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health, Helping Up Mission, Miriam’s Kitchen, Talbot County Empty Bowls, Ulman Foundation, University Legal Services Jail and Prison Advocacy Project, and University of Maryland Medical Center’s Breathmobile. Seven first time grantees this year include Bright Beginnings, Community Free Clinic, International Rescue Committee, NAMI Maryland, Talbot Interfaith Shelter, The House DC, and There Goes My Hero. Each of the grantee organizations are dedicated to providing health and human services to underserved populations. Representatives from each organization as well as Qlarant board members and associates attended the 90-minute event.

During the event, each of the organizations were highlighted in video segments (to be featured on Qlarant’s website and YouTube channel) and given the opportunity answer one of four questions designed to share knowledge and strategies amongst the pool of non-profit leaders.

“Each of our grantees this year are so vital in their communities,” said Molly Burgoyne-Brian, Qlarant Foundation Vice Chair. “We encouraged our grantees to share some of their best practices in a variety of related areas for the benefit of the group. Part of our goals at Qlarant is to positively impact the community and this event was designed to further that goal. We’ve now been able to give over $6 million dollars to organizations like these since 2006.”

About Qlarant Foundation

Qlarant Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Qlarant, a not-for-profit nationally respected leader in fighting fraud, waste & abuse, improving program quality, and optimizing performance. The organization was founded more than 45 years ago to improve health care and human services for all. Qlarant Foundation is focused on reinvesting in our people and resources to better support our clients’ missions. www.qlarant.com/foundation

USRC Grants Kent County Local Management Board Funding for Transportation Marketing

July 22, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The Upper Shore Regional Council (USRC) continues to support solutions to impact areas of need in Kent County. In February of 2018, The United Way of Kent County (UWKC) released a comprehensive needs assessment of the county, uncovering the need for reliable and affordable transportation throughout Kent County. On the heels of the UWKC needs assessment, the USRC commissioned an in-depth Upper Shore Target Industry Analysis Report to evaluate the strengths and opportunities in the region, identifying transportation as a critical industry cluster for the Upper Shore region. In January of 2020, the Kent County Transportation Task Force released its key findings.

The top two recommendations from the task force were to hire a transit coordinator to advocate for and manage public transportation efforts, and to implement a comprehensive marketing plan to increase awareness and usage of the existing Delmarva Community Transit (DCT) services. As a result of these key findings, USRC granted the Kent County Local Management Board (LMB) $40,000 to fund a comprehensive marketing plan for transportation services in Kent County. This plan includes developing and executing a marketing plan, increasing awareness of existing public transportation and developing a plan to install additional bus stop signage as needed.

“As clearly demonstrated in multiple reports, bettering public transportation in Kent County is an opportunity to further connect the region and grow our workforce,” said Susan O’Neill, Executive Director of the USRC. “The USRC strives to make the Upper Shore Region more accessible for all, and through working with the Kent County Local Management Board, we believe transportation can be improved.”

“We learned a lot from Kent County people when executing surveys through the primary employers and direct to residents’ homes. The key takeaway is that Kent County people would use public transportation if it was affordable, reliable, and frequent,” said Bill Harr, board member of the United Way of Kent County.

“The Kent County Local Management Board is using the Upper Shore Regional Grant opportunity to advertise and raise awareness of the bus system that operates within Kent County and on the Eastern Shore,” said Dawson Hunter, Housing and Transportation Coordinator for the LMB. “The impact is to raise the awareness of the bus system, so [residents] know how to access and how to use the bus system. Our first step in this effort is the launch of www.KentCountyRides.com.”

USRC’s collaboration with the UWKC and the Kent County LMB will help increase the effectiveness of current transportation options; therefore, improving the quality of life for residents in the Upper Shore Region by enabling access to work, medical appointments, and food for all residents. Marketing materials are available, the new bus stop signs were installed last fall, and further information is expected to be added. Kent County LMB has been working hand-in-hand with Maryland Upper Shore Transit (MUST) and DCT throughout the marketing campaign to ensure their efforts align and community feedback is addressed.

For more information about the USRC, visit www.USRCMD.org. To learn more about the Kent County LMB, visit www.KentCounty.com. Learn more about the United Way of Kent County, visit www.UnitedWayofKentCounty.org. Visit www.KentCountyRides.com for more information.

About the Upper Shore Regional Council

Since 2003, the Upper Shore Regional Council (USRC) has fostered planning and development in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. USRC affords federal, state, county, and local governments a regional forum to identify issues and opportunities. USRC plans and implements programs to improve the quality of life in the Upper Shore Region of Maryland.

Scott Beatty, Jr – President & CEO of Shore United Bank, Recognized as Daily Record’s Power 30

July 22, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Scott Beatty, Jr – President & CEO of Shore United Bank

Shore United Bank is happy to congratulate President & CEO Scott Beatty, Jr on being named by the Daily Record’s Power 30 for the year 2020. Introduced on June 30, 2021, this list showcases the top 30 leaders in Maryland’s banking and financial services.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented the banking industry with the incredible challenge to do its part in safeguarding the nations economy. This includes businesses in need of financing to stay open and make payroll, as well as individual customers in need of assistance.

“Our execution of the federal Payroll Protection Program was our biggest success. Our staff literally worked every weekend, all day, and all night to make sure our customers got the support they so desperately needed. Through the two rounds of the program Shore United Bank processed 2,454 loans totaling $196 million. We know this saved many businesses from failure,” says Beatty on the topic of Shore United Bank’s biggest success during the pandemic.

Shore United Bank has recently announced it has entered a definitive agreement with Anne Arundel County’s Severn Bank, a merger demonstrating the bank’s growing potential.

Beatty is a local, Eastern Shore native, graduate of Salisbury University’s Perdue School of Business, and has been a senior executive at Shore United Bank since 2005, CEO since 2013. “I am both honored and humbled by the recognition as one of the top 30 leaders in Maryland’s banking and financial services in 2020 by the Daily Record, but the credit truly should go to the amazing staff I work with every day at Shore United Bank,” says Beatty.

To view The Daily Record’s Power 30 Article on Scott Beatty, visit Scott Beatty Jr. – Maryland Daily Record (thedailyrecord.com)

For more information on Shore United Bank, visit www.ShoreUnitedBank.com.

Kent County Health and Wellness Expo Set for October 14

July 22, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

HomePorts, Inc. in partnership with the Kent County Health Department, the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, and Kent County Parks and Recreation, will hold the annual Health and Wellness Expo on Thursday, October 14, 2021, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Kent County Community Center in Worton.

The Expo, which is free and open to the public, is the largest held in this area. The event will highlight over 75 community resources offering the latest health, wellness and safety information. It is a one-stop opportunity for busy individuals and families of all ages. Features include:

Free health screenings
Free Morning Refreshments
Flu Shots
Over 75 Exhibitors, both non-profit organizations and local businesses
Printed Program
Transportation Available

The center’s gym will be transformed into a large exhibit hall, with tables staffed by professionals offering a wide variety of information and guidance on local services. To request sponsorship or exhibitor information, contact Chrissy Nelson at 410-708-4938 or email chrissynelsonrn@yahoo.com. The deadline for exhibitor sign-up is September 15.

“People of all ages benefit from this event. It’s the perfect place to find answers to health questions and learn about local services. Everyone will come away with practical information, I guarantee, and will be better prepared to manage their own health and their family’s health,” said Courtney Sjostrom, HomePorts’ Board of Directors President.

HomePorts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization providing adults in greater Kent County, Maryland, age 55 and above, with a wide range of services they want and need to remain safe and confident living in their own homes. Founded in 2008, HomePorts is among a rapidly-growing number of member-driven “villages” developing around the country. HomePorts is supported by annual membership fees from more than 80 households and contributions. Financial assistance is available.

For more information, email karen@homeports.org or visit www.homeports.org.

Meditation Groups Meeting in Person

July 20, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The Insight Meditation Community of Chestertown is offering two meditation groups each week. The Tuesday evening group meets at 6:00 p.m. at the Unitarian/Universalist Fellowship on Gateway Drive, just North of Chestertown off Route 213. The Friday morning group meets at 9:00 a.m. at Sumner Hall on South Queen Street. Newcomers are welcome to attend either group. It’s a good time for those who are new to meditation, or need a refresher, to join either group. We will be offering guided meditation instructions, and the Friday group will be reading an introductory book: Seeking the Heart of Wisdom, by Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield. For further information, check our web site at imc-chestertown.org, or call Anne Briggs at 410-778-1746.

Chestertown Lions Club Holds Another Successful Bay to Bay Bike Ride

July 20, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Cyclist making his way back to Betterton Fire Hall Sunday afternoon after a hot June day on the road.

The Chestertown Lions Club held another successful Bike Ride fundraiser supporting Leader Dogs for the Blind on June 27, 2021. Approximately 400 cyclists rode their choice of one of four routes ranging from 26 to 102 miles in length.

This was the 35^thannual ride that takes place on the fourth Sunday in June raising funds supporting the Lions Leader Dogs for the Blind and many charities and organizations in Kent County. The ride draws cyclists from all over the region that enjoy riding through the scenic heartland of Maryland’s Upper Eastern Shore and Delaware. The shorter 26-mile ride traverses historic Chestertown for those seeking a less challenging ride.

For more information about other local projects the Lions Club supports reach out to Henry Hart, Club President, at henryashtonhart@gmail.com.

Eastern Shore Food Lab Transitions to Independent Non-Profit

July 16, 2021 by Spy Desk 1 Comment

The Eastern Shore Food Lab (ESFL) created in 2017 as a research and teaching laboratory at Washington College, has become an autonomous nonprofit. Dr. Bill Schindler, who was instrumental in creating ESFL, will continue to direct the food lab and expand its programs. Dr. Schindler, who recently left his position at Washington College, has conducted internationally recognized research focused on identifying and documenting ancestral dietary approaches that create the safest, most nourishing food systems possible. He will continue that research at ESFL and will offer hands-on, immersive classes on a range of topics including cheese making, sourdough bread, nose-to-tail butchering and cooking, fermenting, and foraging. ESFL will begin offering international tours that immerse participants in the history and science of transitional foodways around the world. It will become a destination for individuals and groups drawn to Chestertown by the prospect of learning from ESFL programs.

Wendy and Larry Culp, active participants in many local organizations, observed “Bill Schindler and the Eastern Shore Food Lab are important members of the Chestertown Community. We are long-time supporters of his work and are excited to see him realize the full potential of the ESFL.”

The ESFL will share its 236 Cannon Street location with the Modern Stone Age Kitchen (MSAK) which Dr. Schindler has established with his family to bring to Chestertown an array of nourishing food made entirely from scratch using ancestral techniques. Joining Schindler are his wife, Christina, and their three teenage children, Brianna, Billy and Alyssa. Brianna’s popular sourdough bakery, Rise, which she began out of the family home at the beginning of the pandemic, will continue to operate under the new entity.

MSAK, in coordination with ESFL, will offer themed, sit-down meals designed to nourish, educate and entertain. These dinners will feature world-renowned chefs and innovators, bringing cutting-edge culinary experiences to Chestertown. The dinners will provide the additional opportunity to experience locally-sourced ingredients prepared in healthy, creative ways, all while educating and entertaining participants.

“We are excited to be able to take this next step to make a larger-scale impact as we work to replace the foods people eat every day with the most nourishing versions possible,” says Schindler. His book, Eat Like a Human: Nourishing Foods and Ancient Ways of Cooking to Revolutionize Your Health, will be published in November by Little, Brown, Spark. “We are excited to add our unique approach to the already dynamic and growing food scene in Chestertown,” adds Schindler.

For more information, visit www.modernstoneagekitchen.com and contact Bill Schindler at bill@eatlikeahuman.com

KART Resumes Therapeutic Horseback Riding for Special Needs Community

July 16, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The Kent Association of Riding Therapy (KART) is pleased to announce the start up their therapeutic horseback riding program after a year of forced closure due to COVID. KART provides two services for the summer program for Camp Fairlee, an Easterseals respite camp: equine assisted activities at the camp and therapeutic horseback riding at Worthmore Equestrian Center. “It is so nice to be able to serve this community again with this important therapeutic horseback riding program. The benefits and joy it brings to the riders and campers are heartwarming,” said Renée Bench, President.

KART trailers special therapeutic horses once a week to the camp so that campers can visit, groom, pet and bond with the horses. The visits provide a positive and calming experience as the campers interact with the horses.

Twice a week for 6 weeks, campers attend riding sessions with Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) certified instructors. With the help of trained therapeutic horses and dedicated volunteers, the rewarding benefits to the riders can be seen through physical, emotional, cognitive and social improvements. Horseback riding rhythmically moves the riders in a manner similar to a human’s regular gait which provides improvements in flexibility, balance and muscle strength. To ensure a safe riding session, a camper is assisted by their one-on-one Camp Fairlee counselor and KART sidewalkers and horse leaders.

KART hopes to resume its services in the fall for the students with special needs in the Kent County Schools. They provide this service at no cost to the schools or families.

Since 1984, as a Premier Accredited Center by PATH, KART has helped children and adults with special needs enhance their developmental growth physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. KART uses a multi-faceted program involving therapeutic horseback riding, grooming and caring for the horse, and comprehensive classroom instruction.

To learn more about KART or to donate or volunteer, please visit their website at www.kentridingtherapy.org.

Scott and Tracy Wagner Announced as Presenting Sponsors of Easton Airport Day 2021

July 15, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Scott and Tracy Wagner pictured with Grandview Aviation pilots, Michael Crane and Shellie Fountain in front of one of Grandview Aviation’s Phenom 300’s

The Easton Airport Day event committee is pleased to announce Scott and Tracy Wagner as the presenting sponsors of the 12^th annual Easton Airport Day, a community event offering the entire family an opportunity to visit the local airfield and see what flying is all about on September 25, 2021.

Easton Airport Day features rare and unique aircraft, military jets, airport equipment, and classic cars on display. Photo-ops will be available with chances for families to sit inside select aircraft and meet the pilots that fly them.

Formation flyovers with rare “Warbirds” flying patterns over the skies of Easton highlights the festivities. The world-famous Rubber Chicken Drop Contest will delight the crowd as pilots skillfully attempt to hit the bed of a pickup truck while flying over the airport.

“Sponsoring this year’s event was an easy decision; we like to fly, we own a hangar at the airport, and we enjoy the people who work there,” Scott and Tracy Wagner said in a joint statement. “We have been flying in and out of the Easton Airport for almost fifteen years as it is one of the preferred airports for national and regional charter operators. Over that time, we have seen many positive changes and increased flight activity. A personal goal for us is that more people learn about the airport and the positive impact it has on the community.”

Food vendors will be onsite providing lunch, sweets, drinks, and tasty treats. Be prepared for a bit of walking, as displays and activities are located all over the airport grounds. Appropriate outerwear and apparel is suggested, family fun is expected.

“Easton Airport Day is the airport’s crown jewel event and we are thrilled to have Scott and Tracy Wagner’s support,” Easton Airport Manager Micah Risher said. “Their sponsorship will help us to grow the festivities, attract more pilots and planes, and ensure our community has a great day out on the airfield.”

A full schedule of activities and an event map will be available online in early September. The event is free to attend and there is no fee for parking. Parking attendants will be onsite to help attendees find appropriate parking spaces on airport property. Additional handicapped parking will be provided near the terminal.

For more information about Easton Airport Day, visit www.eastonairportday.com and follow Easton Airport on Facebook @EastonAirport for event updates.

About Easton Airport Day: Easton Airport Day is a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. Proceeds from donors and sponsors support the cost of the event with remaining funds supporting Aviation Career Education (ACE) programs – provide students the opportunity to explore careers in the aerospace industry, and provide resources and support to aid their vocational pursuit.

About Scott and Tracy Wagner: Scott and Tracy believe that it is critical to support the local community. Tracy is a licensed realtor with Meredith Fine Properties. Scott has spent thirty-five years in the waste and recycling business in South Central Pennsylvania and has developed industrial buildings for almost three decades. His most recent real estate project is the development and construction of industrial buildings in the Easton Technology Center directly across from Easton Airport.

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