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April 10, 2021

The Chestertown Spy

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Health Health Notes

Choptank Health Receives Todd Fund Grant for HVAC Upgrades

April 9, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Choptank Community Health System has recently received a $50,000 grant from the Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s George B. Todd Fund to invest in the safety and health of patients and staff by helping to upgrade the community-based healthcare provider’s HVAC system to new COVID-19 requirements. The George B. Todd Fund awards grants to Dorchester County organizations and causes since its founding in 1988.

“The George B. Todd Fund has been a consistent supporter of our mission, and we remain grateful for their support of this critically important project,” said Choptank Community Health CEO Sara Rich.

The grant will help fund the installation of state-of-the-art HVAC systems at Choptank’s Fassett Magee and Cambridge Dental Center in Cambridge, capable of neutralizing COVID-19 and other contaminants. Choptank is upgrading HVAC systems at all of its locations in Easton, Cambridge, Denton, Federalsburg, Goldsboro, and St. Michaels, with a total project cost estimated to be over $1.2M.

Photo: L-R: George B. Todd Fund Advisor David DeLuca, Mid-Shore Community Foundation President Buck Duncan, Choptank Community Health System CEO Sara Rich, and Todd Fund Advisor Charles Capute.

“How we provide medical & dental care has changed since last March when this pandemic began,” said Rich. “We have always maintained high standards for safety and infection control, but COVID-19 has forced many organizations to evaluate air quality and environmental standards.

“Instead of relying on air purifiers in every exam room or dental operatory, CCHS will focus on improving whole building air purification and outdoor air exchanges to improve air quality in our health centers. This upgrade is critical with COVID-19, and will continue to be as other viruses and infections develop in the future.”

“This is a great example of how our foundation connects private resources with public needs to enhance the quality of life for people of the Mid-Shore,” said Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s Chief Program Officer Robbin Hill. “Supporting Choptank Community Health is an investment in providing access to high-quality health care for everyone in our communities.”

The Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s donor-supported funds make the Foundation one of the region’s largest grantmakers. Grants are annually distributed to registered nonprofits and government-related entities in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties through an open application process, and at the recommendation of fund advisors. More is at mscf.org.

Choptank Community Health System is a private, non-profit network of health centers serving the Mid-Shore for nearly 40 years. Choptank Health provides access to quality health care through the delivery of comprehensive medical, dental, pediatric, and behavioral health services to more than 28,000 patients in multiple school and community locations and 6 health centers in Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot Counties.

Choptank Health also serves as one of more than 1,300 community-based health care providers that receive funds from the U. S. Health Resources & Services Administration’s Health Center Program to provide primary care services in underserved areas as a Federally Qualified Health Center. Choptank Health’s uninsured patients are provided flat rates for medical services and percentage discounts for dental services.

Choptank Health’s mission to provide access to exceptional, comprehensive, and integrated health care for all, with more at choptankhealth.org.

Filed Under: Health Notes Tagged With: choptank community health, Health, local news

Laura Heikes Recognized for 35 Years of Service with Shore United Bank

April 9, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Laura Heikes

Shore United Bank is honored to recognize Laura Heikes for 35 years of service to the Company. Laura started her career with the Bank in April of 1986 as an assistant comptroller at our Dover Street, Easton, MD branch. Over her 35 years, she has held many positions with the Bank such as, manager of loan services, officer of compliance and security, branch administration, operations and conversion coordinator.  Mrs. Heikes currently serves as a Senior Vice President of Shore United Bank, and our Government and Community Relations Officer and will be retiring from the Company on April 28, 2021.

Laura lives her commitment to the community by currently serving with the following organizations: Chairperson and Founding Member for the Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation, Talbot County Fair Board,  Member of Talbot County Soroptimist Club,  Talbot County Chamber Ambassador, Vice Chair of the Talbot County Extension Board, Member of the Talbot County Hunger Coalition,  Member of the Talbot County Chamber Partners in Education Committee, Founding Board member of Junior Achievement in Talbot County.  She also volunteers for the following organizations: Talbot Goes Purple, Talbot County and Queen Ann County Fairs, Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Character Counts, 4-H, FFA, Talbot County Farm Bureau, His Hope Haven, Neighborhood Service Center and many more.

In addition to her work as a community partner, Laura is a 2015 graduate of Shore Leadership and was honored with the Maryland You Are Beautiful Award in 2015 and 2014 Business Woman of the Year by the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce.

“Being a community banker is by no means a nine to five job.  To be a true community banker you need to be active in the community and connect with your customers to help improve the communities we live in,” says Laura Heikes, Senior Vice President of Shore United Bank, and our Government and Community Relations Officer.

“We wish Laura well as she enters this new chapter in her life.  Laura has been dedicated to supporting the needs of her customers and our communities for over 35 years and she will be greatly missed. However, knowing her fondness and dedication to this community I have no doubt that she will continue to be a positive force in many local activities,” says Lloyd L. “Scott” Beatty, Jr.  President and CEO at Shore United Bank.

Laura resides in St. Michaels, MD with her husband, Ed. She has two children, Kate and Jed and two grandchildren Peyton Skye and Bailey Claire. When not volunteering in the community, Laura loves spending time entertaining family and friends and enjoys being a “Mimi” to many, especially her two grandchildren.

For more information about Shore United Bank, visit ShoreUnitedBank.com.

Filed Under: Commerce Notes Tagged With: commerce, local news, Shore United Bank

Kent Ag Center’s Annual Auction

April 8, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Come support the Kent Ag Center at their annual auction, happening this Saturday, April 10th at 10 am.  The Silent Auction begins at 10 am and the Live Auction will begin at 11 am, at the Kent County Fairgrounds, 21349 Tolchester Beach Rd. Chestertown. The auction will be held in the Dairy Barn and Auction Ring, rain or shine.  All local and state rules regarding COVID-19 will be followed, including social distancing and mask wearing.

Many exciting items have generously been donated by local businesses!  Some of the items include; farm to table meals kits, a variety of local foods; beef, cheese, wine, and seafood. Also plants, shrubs, bushes, mushroom compost, stone, mulch, a sunset cruise, a half day fishing charter, a goose hunt, use of a dumpster, a pet memorial stone, a truck bed Rhino liner, stainless steel sink, stainless table, commercial meat tenderizer, a photography session, a tablet,a tooth whitening kit and a great variety of gift items and certificates for business and restaurants.  Visit the Kent Ag Center Facebook page for photos of items.

There will also be home and farm hardware for sale including eye bolts, braces for corners, handles, gate latches, hinges, and turnbuckles, etc. Sales of the hardware and Auction benefit the Kent Ag Center, which directly supports the Kent County Fair and 4-H in Kent County. Coffee and lunch will be available for purchase. If you have any questions, you may contact the Ag Center at (410) 778-1661 or kentagcenter@gmail.com.

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news

‘Festival Forum’ Live-Stream to Spotlight 2021 National Music Festival

April 7, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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NMF Artistic Director Richard Rosenberg

The National Music Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary in Chestertown Aug. 1 – 14. To mark the occasion, NMF is launching Festival Forum, a monthly series of live Zoom discussions — previewing this year’s events and reflecting on its first decade.

Festival Forum will present six live-streamed sessions. In the first, April 14 at 7 – 8 p.m., veteran NPR host Liane Hansen will interview NMF Artistic Director Richard Rosenberg and Executive Director Caitlin Patton.

“Richard and I are excited about this year’s season,” Patton said. “It was heartbreaking to have to cancel the festival last year because of the pandemic. This year, with the widespread deployment of vaccines, we’ve planned a slightly smaller festival but one that’s no less musically rewarding for our musicians and audiences.”

You can register for Festival Forum events from the National Music Festival’s homepage, www.nationalmusic.us.

Founded in 2010, the National Music Festival is a two-week classical music festival in Chestertown, Md., an historic river town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Convenient to several East Coast population centers, Chestertown is roughly 90 minutes by car from Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., and an hour or less from Wilmington and Dover, Del.

NMF Executive Director Caitlin Patton

For two weeks each summer, aspiring young professional musicians – who attend tuition-free – live and work together presenting over 35 concerts — ranging from solo recitals to large symphony orchestra performances with chorus — and 200 free open rehearsals for music lovers from all over the world.

The Festival Forums will continue, with Patton as host, on the fourth Thursday of the month, 7 – 8 p.m., April through August. Each will feature one of the professional musicians who has mentored apprentices at the festival since its start in 2010 in Floyd County, Va. NMF moved to Chestertown the following year.

Viewers will get the inside scoop on how the festival has grown and evolved, learn more about the mentors and their instruments and get their take on musical highlights from NMF’s first decade. The series will continue with Jeff Keesecker, bassoon, April 22; Dana Goode, violin, May 27; Jared Hauser, oboe, June 24; Jennifer Parker-Harley, flute, July 22; and Tom Parchman, clarinet, Aug. 26.

The 2021 festival is being held later than usual to prioritize the health and safety of the audience and musicians. The 2022 festival will return to its usual schedule of the first two weeks of June.

About the musicians

Keesecker is currently professor of Bassoon at Florida State University and is principal bassoonist of the Tallahassee and Pensacola Symphonies. He received his master’s degree from The Juilliard School and bachelor of music from the Florida State University, College of Music. He has performed as soloist and chamber musician across North America, and in Europe, South America and Asia.

Goode, violin, began touring and performing at age 16 as a member of a chamber ensemble under the direction of acclaimed Latvian cellist Lev Aronson. She completed a bachelor of music degree while studying at the Peabody Conservatory with Berl Senofsky, and a master’s degree in Violin Performance in 1986 with Mitchell Stern of the American String Quartet.

Hauser, oboe, has been praised for his “subtle refined style” by Gramophone Magazine. He was appointed to the faculty of the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University in 2008 and maintains an international stature as performer and teacher. He has commissioned, premiered and recorded numerous works by many of today’s brightest composers.

Parker-Harley, flute, is associate professor of flute at the University of South Carolina and an experienced orchestral soloist. She was a member of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in Ohio for eight years before moving to South Carolina. She has a special interest in contemporary music and spent the spring semester of 2016 on sabbatical to study jazz improvisation.

Parchman is principal clarinetist with the Portland Symphony Orchestra in Maine, where he is also a professor at the University of Southern Maine. He holds a doctor of musical arts degree from the University of Southern California and a master of music from Northwestern University. His students are active performers and educators in their communities, ranging from teaching in Maine schools to performing as a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Filed Under: Arts Portal Lead Tagged With: Arts, Chestertown Spy

Chestertown Rotary Club Community Food Drive

April 6, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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The Chestertown Rotary Club has announced a Community Food Drive to benefit Minary’s Dream Alliance.  The drive will be held on Saturday, April 10, from 10 am to 2 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church on Greenwood Avenue in Chestertown.  Rotarians will be on hand to receive donations in the parking lot across from the church.

Rotarians follow the motto, “Service Above Self.”  Rotary Club President Alan Austen notes, “We are pleased to be partnering with Minary’s Dream Alliance on this project.  They are doing such important work delivering bags of groceries to over 200 seniors unable to get out to the grocery store.”

Paul Tue, with MInary’s Dream Alliance, recommends staples such as cereal, bread, peanut butter, and canned goods.  Those wishing to make a cash donation can drop off a check payable to Minary’s Dream Alliance, a 501 c 3 organization.

About the Chestertown Rotary Club

Members of the Chestertown Rotary Club are part of a diverse group of professional leaders working to address various community and international service needs and promote peace and understanding throughout the world. The Rotary Club of Chestertown is united with Rotarians worldwide in supporting the motto of “Service Above Self.”  To learn more about the Chestertown Rotary Club, chestertownmdrotary.wixsite.com or contact Larry Vetter at larryvetter@yahoo.com or 631-406-3155.

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news

Spring Art Exhibit Opening at Studio B Art Gallery

April 6, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Bernard Dellario “Red Boat”

Studio B Art Gallery is happy to announce the opening of their Spring Art Exhibit on Friday, April 9, 2021. New artwork by all of the gallery’s talented artists will be unveiled during the spring showing. The opening reception will include a meet and greet with gallery artist Bernard Dellario and gallery owner/artist Betty Huang.

“Gallery  artists have been working hard during the winter months to create amazing new pieces,” Studio B Art Gallery owner Betty Huang said. “So much of it pops with color and emotions and fits in perfectly with the changing of the seasons. We cannot wait for you to come see the fabulous art.”

Bernard Dellario will join Betty on April 9th to talk about his new works. Bernard has studied drawing and painting at the Art League School in Alexandria, Virginia and has taken several workshops with nationally recognized artists. He has been a member of the prestigious Washington Society of Landscape Painters since 2003 and currently serves as President. He exhibits and has won awards through several venues, teaches painting workshops, and has juried local art competitions.

Studio B Art Gallery recently announced that Master Jove Wang will be returning to Maryland’s Eastern Shore for a new spring workshop. The Plein Air Workshop with Master Jove Wang will be held Friday, May 14 – Tuesday, May 18 in Easton, Maryland.

“Master Jove Wang fell in love with Tilghman Island when we brought him there for the Plein Air Workshop last year,” Betty said. “We are honored and privileged to have the master join us again to teach us his techniques and tell us about his journeys.”

Betty will be answering questions about the spring workshop and offering advance registration during the gallery’s Spring Art Exhibit opening reception.

Studio B Art Gallery is located at 7 B Goldsborough Street in historic downtown Easton, Maryland. The gallery represents nationally and internationally known painters Hiu Lai Chong, Bernard Dellario, Ken DeWaard, Betty Huang, Qiang Huang, Master Jove Wang, and sculptor Rick Casali. Visit the gallery any time during open hours, browse online at www.studiobartgallery.com, or call 443-988-1818 to arrange a private viewing.

Filed Under: Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, local news, Studio B

Main Street Chestertown Seeks New Executive Director

April 6, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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After four successful years of service and playing a key role in revitalizing the Main Street Chestertown Program, Kay MacIntosh, MSC ED, is retiring this June. The Board of Directors of Main Street Historic Chestertown is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, self-starting individual for its full-time Executive Director position.

The Executive Director of MSC is responsible for the management, coordination, administration, documentation, and implementation of MSC’s revitalization program. The day-to-day operations include but are not limited to: managing the organization’s grant and fundraising program; coordinating the activity of all MSC committees, volunteers and work teams; working collaboratively with MSC District property and business owners, the network of Maryland Main Street programs, and local government and partner agencies; representing and advocating for MSC at public forums; handling or supervising the design of marketing campaigns; and planning and coordinating community and fundraising events.

The ideal candidate is a proven leader experienced in business development. Education and prior experience in economic development or non-profit administration are highly desirable. The Executive Director must be able to communicate and work well with others, including existing and new businesses, other local partner organizations, and elected officials, and have excellent technology and social media skills. For the complete job posting, please visit www.mainstreetchestertown.org/employment.

Candidates should express their interest no later than April 15, 2021 by submitting a cover letter, resume and references to employment@mainstreetchestertown.org

Main Street Historic Chestertown (MSC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, and a designated Main Street Maryland program, with a mission to foster an inviting, diverse and prosperous downtown Chestertown.

Filed Under: Commerce Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, commerce, local news

Rural Futurist Headlines 2021 Talbot County Business Appreciation Summit

April 6, 2021 by Spy Desk 1 Comment

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Connie Reimers-Hild, PhD, CPC. Photo courtesy of Dr. Reimers-Hild

Dr. Connie Reimers-Hild, certified futurist and owner of Wild Innovation Consulting, will be the featured speaker at the Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s VirtualBusiness Appreciation Summit, which will be presented via Zoom on April 30 at 8:30 a.m.

Reimers-Hild will focus on the bright future and tremendous economic opportunities available for those who live in rural America. She will also set the stage for the announcement of the Talbot County Community Impact Awards honoring businesses, non-profit organizations, projects, and individuals who have made a significant impact on Talbot County in the past year.

“The unique strengths of a place like Talbot County provide a strong foundation for a future characterized by innovation, growth, prosperity, and well-being,” says Reimers-Hild. “We create our future in the present moment, and I look forward to connecting with leaders in Talbot County who are committed to pursuing their desired futures.”

Reimers-Hild has been on a mission to help leaders and organizations create greater prosperity for themselves and their teams. Her career path has combined a 25-year career at the University of Nebraska with 20 years of entrepreneurship and family life.

In her final administrative position as the executive director (Interim) and chief futurist with the Rural Futures Institute (RFI) at the University of Nebraska, Reimers-Hild worked with leaders from a broad range of companies including Microsoft and Google, as well as numerous communities, universities, and small businesses to reimagine the future of rural people and places. She also developed methods to measure the exponential impact of rural areas to demonstrate their value in a global society.  Reimers-Hild predicted the Rise of Rural in 2015, a trend now being fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now in its 12th year, the Business Appreciation Summit has become a much-anticipated event for Talbot County’s business community. In 2019, five community impact awards were presented to businesses and community projects. Winners included Frederick Douglass 200 Committee, Out of the Fire Restaurant, RAUCH inc., Talbot Mentors, and Wylder Hotel. Kelley Phillips Cox of Phillips Wharf Environmental Center was awarded the Community Impact Award for an individual. The 2020 event was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We look forward to this event all year,” says Cassandra Vanhooser, director of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. “It’s powerful and uplifting when Talbot County’s business leaders come together to acknowledge the people and projects that have made a difference in the community.”

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism hosts the Business Appreciation Summit together with the Talbot County Economic Development Commission. This virtual event will be offered free of charge, though registration is required.

For more information and to register, visit talbotworks.org/business-appreciation-summit/or call 410-770-8000.

Filed Under: Commerce Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, commerce, local news

Old Wye Mill Opens 2021 Season

April 4, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Old Wye Mill invites you to its Opening Day on May 1, following a year of closure due to the public health crisis. OWM is one of Maryland’s most remarkable places: the historic grist mill is the oldest continuously operated water-powered mill in America, and Maryland’s oldest continuously operating business. In case of rain, the event is postponed to June 5.

On Opening Day, visitors will enter the Mill in small groups from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., receiving timed entry tickets. Please wear a mask and maintain social distancing during your visit. The interior features a new panel exhibition explaining the operation of the Mill and its history, while Docents and Millers will be on hand to demonstrate and interpret the Mill’s operation. Suggested contribution is $2/person.

Opening Day will feature a festive mix of outdoor demonstrations, sales, music, and hands-on activities. While awaiting their timed entry slot to visit the Mill’s grinding floor, guests may purchase organic and conventional flour and cornmeal produced onsite by the Mill; try their hand at grinding on a replica quern (hand-operated mill); and watch re-enactors demonstrating colonial cooking techniques. They will enjoy musical entertainment in traditional styles by Greg Remesch (banjo) and Rebekah Geller (fiddle). The Wheeler Family Deep Fried Seafood and YoJavaBowl food trucks will be selling their delectable specialties. Picnic tables are available.

Old Wye Mill is located at 900 Wye Mills Road (Route 662), in Wye Mills, Maryland 21679, near the intersection of Route 662 and Route 404. The Mill is open May 1 through October 31, Mon – Sat 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and by appointment at other times. Please visit https://www.oldwyemill.org for more information.

This program is made possible by a grant from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, with Maryland State funds, through the Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.

Filed Under: Garden Notes Tagged With: gardens, local news

Stop Trash Pollution: Join Bay-Wide Cleanup Events in April

March 30, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Volunteers removed over 200 pounds of trash from the Miles River watershedduring Project Clean Stream in 2019.

Trash is everywhere throughout our watersheds—floating in ditches and streams, littering roadways, dirtying parks, and fluttering through farm fields. In April, ShoreRivers and volunteers will host community trash cleanups to help rid our towns, streets, and parks of litter before it reaches our waterways.These events are part of the annual Project Clean Stream, a Bay-wide cleanup organized by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Thousands of people across the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed—six states and the District of Columbia—will work together to clean our shared water resource. This is a great way to get outside and make a tangible difference in for own rivers while being a part of the larger effort all across the Bay.

Join a Project Clean Stream cleanup near you:

  • Saturday, April 3 at 9:00am: Unionville Road on the Miles River
  • Saturday, April 10 at 8:30am: Fox Hole Landing on the Sassafras River
  • Saturday, April 10 at 9:30am: Turners Creekon the Sassafras River
  • Sunday, April 11 at 1:30pm: Wye Mills on the Wye River
  • Saturday, April 17 at 9:00am: Sassafras Natural Resource Management Area on the Sassafras River
  • Sunday, April 18 at 9:00am: Greensboro Community Park on the Choptank River
  • Sunday, April 18 at 1:00 pm: Chestertown rail trail on the Chester River
  • Saturday, April 24 at 9:00 am: Easton Point Marina on the Choptank River

If you are interested in volunteering to take part in any of these cleanups, please contact Laura Wood at lwood@shorerivers.org.Trash bags and gloves are provided; volunteers are encouraged to bring water, a mask, and wear appropriate attire. To plan your own Project Clean Stream event, visit www.allianceforthebay.org/project/project-clean-stream/

ShoreRivers protects and restores Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education.

shorerivers.org

Filed Under: Eco Notes Tagged With: Ecosystem, local news, Shore Rivers

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