Spy Desk

The Davis Arts Center 2019 Summer Open Studios

May 18, 2019 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Join the Resident Artists of The Davis Arts Center for the Summer 2019 Open Studios. Enjoy an afternoon touring the studios and talking to the resident artists. This year, for the first time ever, six award-winning regional artists will also display their works at The Davis Arts Center. Take the opportunity to get to know these accomplished artists and their work in person. Music and light fare. Fun for the entire family!!

June 1 & 2 from 2 to 6 PM, at 516 Davis Avenue, one block east of Aurora between Melfield and Maryland Aves. in Easton, MD.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

New Initiative Offers Tips and Incentives for a Safe and Sober Prom

May 16, 2019 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Community coalition partners with florists for student incentives and parent tips

The Adolescent Substance Abuse Coalition (ASAC) has provided parents and students with tips and tools for a safe and sober prom this year in Kent County.

Prom is set for May 18 at the Chester River Yacht and Country Club, with a new alcohol-free initiative from ASAC in place of the traditional post-prom party.

ASAC has mailed packets that include tips for keeping kids alcohol-free this prom, along with a contract that parents can sign with teenagers. The contract, from Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, lists items for both a teenager and parent to agree upon, including teens staying sober and parents keeping an open mind. The contract not only helps establish basic ground rules and expectations, it also helps keep communication open about the risks of underage drinking.

The packets also include a $5 off coupon for one flower purchase, like a corsage or boutonniere, at three local florists: Inspired Designs and Bloomin’ Wild Florist in Chestertown, and Sara’s Garden in Rock Hall. The coupons include four tips for teens attending PROM:

Plan ahead. Tell your parents your plan.
Remember most kids don’t drink. Practice saying, ‘No Thanks.’
Open communication with your parents. Have a code word in case you need to call for a ride home.
Make Memories, look out for each other and have fun.

According to the latest youth survey, about 69 percent of Kent County high school students have had at least one drink. And, about 10 percent of our high schoolers have driven after drinking.

Parents are a powerful source of positive and reliable information. In fact, research has shown that kids who have conversations with their parents and learn about the dangers of alcohol and drug use are 50 percent less likely to use these substances than those who don’t have such
conversations.

The longer children can delay drinking and drug use, the less likely they are to develop problems. Parents can make a difference – that’s why it is so important to help your child connect the dots and make smart decisions.

The coupons are supported by the Kent County Behavioral Health (KCBH) Prevention Office, through a grant from Maryland Department of Health and SAMHSA. The prevention office is part of ASAC, which is community partnership working to reduce alcohol, tobacco and other
drug use among our youth. Partners include KCBH; Kent County Public Schools; Kent County Sheriff’s Office; Kent County Parks and Recreation and others.

For more information on preventing the use of alcohol and other drugs, contact Annette Duckery, Alcohol and Other Drugs Prevention Coordinator for KCBH, at 410-778-7918. For more information on ASAC, contact Steven G. Atkinson, ASAC Chair at 410 708-3653.

The Kent County Behavioral Health Prevention Office helps community groups, agencies and individuals in providing programs and activities to prevent alcohol and other drug abuse, and to build a healthier community.

Filed Under: Health, Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Congressman Harris Announces Military Academy Resource Forums for Maryland’s First District

May 16, 2019 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) has announced three military academy resource forums for young constituents seeking information on applying to the U.S. Service Academies or joining ROTC detachments at civilian colleges and universities.

All interested eighth grade and high school students in Maryland’s First Congressional District are encouraged to attend along with their parents. Representatives from the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, as well as ROTC representatives, have been invited to attend and share their perspectives on the application process. This year, Congressman Harris will be hosting three resource forums to serve the district. Details can be found below:

May 21, 2019; 6—8:00 pm

McFaul Senior Center Activity Room

525 W. MacPhail Road, Bel Air, MD 21014

RSVP at 410-588-5670

May 22, 2019; 6—8:00 pm

Black Diamond Lodge

219 South Fruitland Boulevard (Rt 13 North) Fruitland, MD 21826

RSVP at 443-944-8624

May 23, 2019; 6—8:00 pm

Chesapeake College — Caroline Center

1000 College Cir, Wye Mills, MD 21679, Wye Mills, MD 21679

RSVP at 410-643-5425

Congressman Harris issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to announce that my office will again be hosting military academy resource forums for young constituents to learn more about the multiple ways one can receive a college education and serve in our military. These forums are a great chance for our future leaders and their parents to ask questions and learn more about these incredible opportunities. As a veteran, I am always excited to host these events and look forward to reviewing the applications of these young men and women when it is time for nominating to the academies.”

Each year, Members of Congress have the opportunity to nominate constituents for appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. A nomination is not required to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy or ROTC programs.

For media inquiries, please contact Congressman Harris’ Washington, DC office at 202-225-5311, or contact Victoria Cesaro at Victoria.cesaro@mail.house.gov.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Maryland Politics & Policy

“Broadway Jukebox” Comes to Chestertown May 30

May 16, 2019 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Boston-based Brown Box Theatre Project will bring its popular musical cabaret Broadway Jukebox Revolution to downtown Chestertown on Thursday evening, May 30, starting at 7:00 p.m. Hosted by the Chestertown Arts & Entertainment District and Main Street Chestertown, the FREE concert will be held outdoors in the 200 block of High Street, weather permitting. (In case of rain, the show moves inside the Garfield Center for the Arts.) Upon arriving, audience members can vote for the songs they want to hear. The show begins at 7:30. Some seating will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own comfortable chairs. Beer, wine, sodas and snacks will be offered for sale.

With a list of 30 songs to choose from, each Broadway Jukebox performance is unique based on the choices made by that night’s audience. People can vote for their top choices based on five categories: “Classics,” “Contemporary Musicals,” “Animation,” “Diva,” and “Written by Rockers.” Brown Box then curates that night’s show on the spot in this interactive, family-friendly evening.

Cast member Carly Grayson of Brown Box Theatre Project.

A Delmarva native, Brown Box Artistic Director Kyler Taustin is dedicated to making theatrical experiences more accessible for residents of the Eastern Shore. The Broadway Jukebox: Revolution will visit locations throughout New England and Delmarva as part of a four-week tour from May 11-June 2, 2019. This is Brown Box Theatre’s first appearance in Chestertown.

The Broadway Jukebox: Revolution is directed by Taustin, with musical director and pianist Liz Kantor and choreographer Scott Caron. It features singing performances by Xavier Alexander Durden, Lovuyo Neo Gcabo, Carly Grayson, Lisa Joyce, and Cam Torres. In addition to Kantor, band members are Tre Espinoza on guitar, and Daniel Santiago on percussion.

Funding for this free event is provided in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and locally by Main Street Chestertown and the Chestertown Arts & Entertainment District. For more information, please visit brownboxtheater.org or mainstreetchestertown.org.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Youth Choir to Perform “I Hear America Singing” This Friday

May 15, 2019 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The Chester River Youth Choir invites you to a celebration of American music on May 17th, with a concert at the Garfield Center for the Arts at 7:30pm. Under the direction Julie Lawrence, and accompanied on piano by Michelle Sensenig, the group will perform for FREE, with donations to the Chester River Youth Choir strongly encouraged.

Now in it’s 6th year, the Chester River Youth Choir is open to treble-voice singers ages 7-17, and meets Mondays 4:15-5:45pm at the Garfield Center for the Arts. No auditions required, and all are encouraged to sign up for the fall session, which will begin in September. For more information contact youthchoir@garfieldcenter.org

The Garfield Center for the Arts is also accepting applications for a director for the Chester River Youth Choir. Qualified applicants should be prepared to run weekly rehearsals, communicate with parents, choose appropriate repertoire for children’s treble voices ages 7-17, and be able to play piano along to 3-part voicing and some accompaniments. The fall session of the Chester River Youth Choir is scheduled to
start on September 23rd, 2019. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of intent with a resume AND observe current rehearsals held on Mondays 4:15-5:45 at the Garfield. Please send application materials to Executive Director Tess Hogans at thogans@garfieldcenter.org. Be prepared to talk about children’s choral music at your interview.

The Chester River Youth Choir is also supported by the Kent County Arts Council, The Clifton Foundation, and the Chester River Chorale. For more information about Friday’s concert please contact the theater at 410-810-2060. The Garfield Center for the Arts is located at 210 High Street in Chestertown.

Filed Under: Arts, Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Federal REAL ID Implementation will Prompt Recall of Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards

May 10, 2019 by Spy Desk 1 Comment

A group of Marylanders are at risk of having their driver’s licenses or identification cards recalled in June if they don’t satisfy document requirements that are part of the federally-mandated REAL ID process.

The overall deadline for obtaining a REAL ID is October 1, 2020, but more than 66,300 Marylanders with a new REAL ID star license or identification card have not yet filed the required documents. These people have been contacted by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) multiple times since December and need to bring those documents to the MDOT MVA by June to complete the process. Without those documents, MDOT MVA will start flagging the affected driver’s licenses and identification cards in June as “recalled.”

The recall of a driver’s license will make the physical card invalid. Customers would still be licensed drivers, but if pulled over by law enforcement, they would have their driver’s licenses confiscated. To avoid this, customers who are part of this group MUST come to a MDOT MVA branch with the required documents as soon as possible and are urged to make an appointment. Affected customers have received three notices via email since December that warn of the June 2019 deadline. They will receive three additional notices in the coming weeks via email and the U.S. Postal Service.

“It’s very important that MDOT MVA customers who have received REAL ID notifications pay attention to the deadlines and provide documents to their nearest branch as soon as possible,” said MDOT MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer.

Some Marylanders who have the new REAL ID license or identification card still must bring in certain documentation to comply with the federal REAL ID requirement.

REAL ID was passed by Congress after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and creates standards for secure driver’s licenses and identification cards nationwide. As of October 1, 2020, all Marylanders must have documents on file and be REAL ID compliant to use a state-issued driver’s license or identification card to board an airplane or enter federal government facilities.

Maryland began issuing REAL ID licenses and identification cards in 2009 under a process that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) deemed compliant. However, in October 2017, DHS informed Maryland that all customers with a driver’s license or identification card containing the REAL ID star must have documents on file with MDOT MVA.

As a result, some people have the newly-designed driver’s license or identification card, but still need to bring in documents to become REAL ID compliant. The documents can include: a birth certificate or passport, proof of social security and two documents proving a Maryland home address. For those in this group, including those facing the June deadline, there’s no charge for this process since these customers already paid to get their new license.

Administrator Nizer said that for those unsure whether they are part of the group facing the June recall, “we have developed tools to make checking your REAL ID status as simple as possible.”

People can go to the MVA’s REAL ID Look Up Tool, at www.mva.maryland.gov/realidlookup. When customers enter their driver’s license or identification card number, the tool provides details on their REAL ID status. For those facing the June deadline, the Look Up Tool will indicate:

“You are required to present documents in order to meet federal REAL ID Act requirements. Please bring your documents to a MDOT MVA branch office by MM/DD/YYYY. Failure to respond may result in action against your Maryland Driver’s License or ID card.”

The message asks customers to collect the required documents and make an appointment. Appointments aren’t required, but those who make one are guaranteed to be seen within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. Appointments can be made at www.mva.maryland.gov/realid.

The MVA has added more than 1,900 weekly appointment slots across the state, and now has more than 3,000 appointments available every day. Branch offices in Baltimore City, Essex, Easton, Frederick, Gaithersburg and Westminster have extended hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays, continuing through July 2 to assist in handling high volumes of REAL ID transactions. The Loveville branch in St. Mary’s County is offering Saturday hours of 8 a.m. to noon, also through July 2.

After the June deadline, there will still be nearly a million customers in the same situation – they received the new REAL ID license or identification card but need to file documents with the MVA to satisfy federal requirements. Those affected are being notified over a period of time, to ensure staff could meet standards for outstanding service for these customers, other REAL ID applicants and those conducting other business with the MVA. In May, the MVA will start another six-month notification process for people who will face a November 2019 deadline, then other notifications will go out monthly for those facing later deadlines. The timing allows all of these customers six months in order to comply.

There are 5 million Marylanders with a driver’s license or identification card. Of these, 2.3 million to date have the required federal REAL ID documents on file with MDOT MVA.

Note: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about federal REAL ID.

Filed Under: Maryland Politics & Policy

Marcy Dunn Ramsey Exhibition at Carla Massoni Gallery

May 9, 2019 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Marcy Dunn Ramsey

Marcy Dunn Ramsey’s one-person exhibition – Turning – opens at the Carla Massoni Gallery on Friday, May 17 and remains on exhibit through June 23.

Opening Cocktail Reception – Friday, May 17, 6-7:30 pm
Open House – Saturday, May 18, 11-3
Artist Talk – Saturday, May 18, 12 noon
June First Friday Reception – Friday, June 7, 5-7:30 pm

Ramsey has been captivating art lovers and collectors at MassoniArt for over twenty-five years. She paints the river. And as those of us who live near water understand, there is always a new experience to be mined. The rivers of the Eastern Shore are the true treasures of the Chesapeake Bay and Marcy is their fierce advocate.

For this year’s body of work, Ramsey has turned her gaze in a new direction. For many years she has been inspecting the small worlds of river flotsam and jetsam and these familiar subjects are also part of the exhibition but the idea of literally “turning” came to her last fall. Her focus shifted to the riverbank and the walls of color in the stands of trees, where the color mutates, or turns, from one hue to another in subtle and not so subtle ways. Her use of paint also evolved. She used flicking and skipping brush motions, and utilized luscious paint sticks, for a looser, more crayon-y graphic effect in several of the new works.

Her masterful paintings demand a response. Although her large-scale oil paintings are almost pure abstraction, Ramsey’s trees beckon the viewer to a new vantage point on the riverbank. One senses the wind and can almost hear the rustle of leaves dancing in the river’s reflected light. The viewer is invited into a world of sky, water, grasses, and trees. Fortunately for collectors both old and new, with Ramsey you never leave the river, you simply experience it anew.

Also featured in the gallery will be Claire McArdle’s new collection of sculpture – Natura. The rich patinaed figures are right at home in Ramsey’s river world. “Torso Sol”, a bronze cast from one of McArdle’s travertine works, has the soft mossy exterior one would expect from a forest creature. Woodturnings by Joe Dickey round out the exhibition. His sycamore vessel “Nude in a Red Dress” celebrates the magical world Ramsey has created with this year’s exhibition – Turning.

Gallery hours during Turning are Thursday-Friday, 11am-4pm, Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday, 11-2 pm. The Gallery is always available to be open by private appointment or by chance. For additional information please contact Carla Massoni. MASSONIART, 203 High Street, Chestertown, Maryland. 410-778- 7330 or visit our website for directions and links to other activities in Chestertown’s Arts & Entertainment District. www.massoniart.com

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Mid-Shore Pro Bono’s “Global Embrace” Event Raises $9,000

May 9, 2019 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

On Sunday, April 28^th, Mid-Shore Pro Bono welcomed more than 150 guests to its “Global Embrace” event hosted by Ms. Leslie Raimond at the historic Toad Hall on Still Pond Creek in Worton, Md. The event raised $9,000 in support of the organization’s Vulnerable Populations Assistance Project that provides critical legal services to the Eastern Shore’s immigrant community.

“It is a pleasure to be part of a community that is willing to enthusiastically participate in efforts to show compassion for those in need and support social justice,” said event host, Leslie Raimond. “This event brought funds and awareness to the issues faced by the Eastern Shore’s immigrant population. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to such a successful event.”

The event theme, a “Global Embrace,” reflected the warm welcome and compassionate care Mid-Shore Pro Bono gives to all of its clients, especially those served by the Vulnerable Populations Assistance Project. The event featured international sparkling wines from France, Italy, Spain and California paired with oysters and hors d’oeuvres. International music by several local performers created a festive atmosphere as attendees sampled the food and wine and learned more about the clients Mid-Shore Pro Bono serves.

“Mid-Shore Pro Bono serves clients from all parts of the Eastern Shore, and this event allowed us to connect with the Kent County community,” said Mid-Shore Pro Bono Executive Director, Sandy Brown. “We are raising awareness across the Shore about the civil legal needs and challenges in our region by sharing our clients’ stories and the services we provide to help them. Thank you to the Kent County Community who came together to make this event an amazing success.”

Nearly 100% of the ticket sales will go directly to the program thanks to the support of many donors and volunteers. The appetizers were graciously donated by Magnolia Caterers, oysters were provided by Orchard Point Oysters, and music was offered by Pam and Bob Ortiz with Fred Schumann, Fredy Granillo and Tia Raimond Jones with Chad Jones. Guest Bartenders were local bar stars, Paul Sonberg with Judge Gale Rasin, Neyah White, Jeff Maguire and Jesse Hammock. The beautiful floral displays were courtesy of Marilee Schumann. Other volunteers important to the success of the event were Kim Kohl, who assisted with promotion, parking attendants, Ian Mulligan and Brendan Cooper, Alosa Communications, that created the event logo, and Price Rentals and Events. The event was spearheaded by Ivette Salarich, Mid-Shore Pro Bono’s Vulnerable Populations Assistance Project Manager, Arlene Lee, Mid-Shore Pro Bono Board Member and Volunteer, and Clarice Gardner, Mid-Shore Pro Bono Intern.

About Mid-Shore Pro Bono
Mid-Shore Pro Bono connects low-income individuals and families who need civil legal services with volunteer attorneys and community resources. The organization serves citizens of the Eastern Shore. For more information or to make a donation, call Mid-Shore Pro Bono at 410-690-8128 or visit www.midshoreprobono.org.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

ShoreRivers Presents the State of the Sassafras River May 17

May 8, 2019 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Sassafras Riverkeeper Zack Kelleher

ShoreRivers will host the annual State of the Sassafras River on Friday, May 17, 2019 in the “Jewel of the Chesapeake,” Betterton, Maryland. The event takes place at the Betterton Volunteer Firehall located at 2 Howell Point Road. Doors open at 5:00pm for the Sassafras Riverkeeper’s casual monthly Sassafras Sips happy hour, featuring beer from Chesapeake City’s Bayheads Brewing Company, wine, and delicious light fare from local restaurants. Admission is free and open to the public.

The presentation begins at 6pm and will report on the current state of the Sassafras River and major new water-quality projects in Betterton. Also presented will be ShoreRivers’ plans for expanded coverage to four creeks in northern Kent County flowing directly into the Bay: Fairlee Creek, Worton Creek, Churn Creek, and Still Pond Creek.

Refreshments for the State of the Rivers program will be provided by favorite Betterton restaurants Barbara’s on the Bay, Marzella’s by the Bay, the recently re-opened Fish Whistle at the Granary, and the Kitty Knight. Thank you to supporting sponsors John and Ellyn Vail, Dock Street Foundation and The Easton Group and the Easton Branch at Morgan Stanley.

ShoreRivers welcomes and encourages the community to join this evening of conversation and informative discussion as it releases its 2018 River Report Card. The report card reflects data collected at nearly 200 sites by ShoreRivers’ scientists, Riverkeepers, and more than 100 volunteers in ShoreRivers’ water quality monitoring program. This is an opportunity for the community to learn about the health and challenges of our local waterways and how the most recent grades compare to previous years.The State of the Sassafras River will feature ShoreRivers’ Sassafras Riverkeeper, Zack Kelleher, who will give interpretations of 2018 water quality results.

“The Sassafras was under siege from both ends this year,” Kelleher states.“Record-setting levels of nutrients and sediment washed into the river from throughout the watershed, as well as trash and pollution that entered the mouth of the river from the Conowingo Dam. The good news,” he adds,“is that the data shows resiliency, thanks in part to our restoration and outreach efforts. I look forward to discussing our beautiful river, as well as how each and every one of you can play a part in protecting and restoring it.”

The Betterton event will be the fifth and final event in a series of ShoreRivers presentations that began in April and continued through May, unveiling the results of extensive water quality monitoring in the region. For more information, visit ShoreRivers.org/events or contact Julia Erbe at jerbe@shorerivers.org or 443.385.0511 ext. 210.

ShoreRivers protects and restores Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education. We work collaboratively with our community yet maintain an uncompromising and independent voice for clean rivers and the living resources they support.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

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