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June 4, 2023

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

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Arts Arts Portal Lead Spy Top Story

38 Years and Counting: Chesapeake Music Director Don Buxton Sets the Stage for 2023 Season

June 3, 2023 by The Spy Leave a Comment

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In the Spy’s recent interview with Chesapeake Music’s long-tenured executive director, Don Buxton, the veteran mastermind behind one the most prestigious  classical music events in the Mid-Atlantic region revealed exciting details about the upcoming 2023 season, promising a feast for the senses and a celebration of musical artistry.

With an infectious enthusiasm, Buxton shared his appreciation for the exceptional talents of the performers,  marveling at their ability to captivate audiences through their appearances on public television broadcasts, live performances at prestigious venues like Lincoln Center, and their extensive discographies. These musicians, according to Buxton, transcend the label of “world class” and embody something more profound — a level of artistry that makes them household names.

Chesapeake Music’s 2023 season is set to kick off in grand style during the first two weeks of June. Buxton has invited the public to witness the behind-the-scenes magic during free open rehearsals on June 8th and the following Wednesday. These unique opportunities offer an inside look at how these remarkable performances are meticulously crafted, showcasing the power of subtle adjustments that transform musical pieces.

This year’s festival also welcomes rising stars such as violinist Randall Goosby, whose performance earlier this year left audiences spellbound. The festival is further invigorated by the presence of the vibrant Terrorist String Quartet, finalists of a prestigious competition, who infuse the event with their infectious energy.

Buxton spoke about Chesapeake Music’s commitment to cultivating a new generation of classical music enthusiasts. The organization offers free student tickets, extending the invitation to accompanying parents and teachers. Additionally, new patron deals entice first-time attendees to experience the transformative power of live performances, creating lasting connections and cultivating an ever-growing audience.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information and ticket sales please go here.

Chesapeake Music holds its 38th annual Chesapeake Chamber Music Festival for two weekends, June 9-11 and June 15-17, at the Ebenezer Theater in downtown Easton. The program of six remarkable and diverse concerts promises to delight, surprise, and engage you. The festival opening extravaganza features works by Mozart, Wiancko, and Brahms, followed by a light reception following the concert.

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

Filed Under: Arts Portal Lead, Spy Top Story

Meet Easton’s New Mayor: Megan Cook Has Plurality of Votes

May 3, 2023 by The Spy Leave a Comment

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In a historic election for the Town of Easton, Megan Cook has been elected as the town’s first woman mayor. Cook’s victory was a decisive one, as she earned 1,068 votes in person, beating out incumbent Mayor Robert Willey and current Ward 1 Councilman Al Silverstein.

As the current Easton Town Council President, Cook brings years of experience and leadership to the position of mayor. Her victory is a testament to the town’s desire for change and progress.

Cook’s election is a significant milestone for women in politics, especially in a town where women have historically been underrepresented in elected positions. With her victory, Cook has shattered the glass ceiling and paved the way for future generations of women to follow in her footsteps.

But Cook’s victory is not just about gender representation. It is also a testament to her vision for the town and her ability to rally support behind her campaign. Throughout her campaign, Cook emphasized the need for greater community involvement, economic growth, and infrastructure development.

By engaging with voters and making her vision clear, Cook was able to inspire voters to turn out in record numbers on election day. A steady stream of voters kept the polls busy throughout the day, with more than 2,200 town residents stopping by the Easton Volunteer Fire Department to cast their ballots.

Despite Cook’s decisive victory, the election was not without its share of drama. As of Wednesday afternoon, 226 absentee ballots remained to be counted, making the Ward 1 and Ward 3 seats too close to call.

In Ward 1, Frank Gunsallus holds a narrow 11-vote lead over Maureen Curry, while in Ward 3, David Montgomery has a larger lead over incumbent Ward 3 Councilman Ron Engle.

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

Filed Under: News Homepage, News Portal Highlights

Mid-Shore Arts: Oxford Community Center Plans with Liza Ledford

February 8, 2023 by The Spy Leave a Comment

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With a fresh coat of paint, a new sound system, and the Covid pandemic finally behind them, the Oxford Community Center is back in the game this spring.

Beyond the OCC’s traditional events, Liza Ledford, the center’s CEO, says that 2023 will be an exceptional year for the highly beloved community center. The OCC will be firing on all cylinders, starting with a new travel excursion program, adding a spring lecture series, and preparations for their annual Fine Arts Fair.

The Spy sat down with Liza this week to learn more.

This video is approximately four minutes in length. For more information the Oxford Community Center please go here.

 

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

Filed Under: Arts Lead, Arts Portal Lead

LWV Harris-Mizeur Forum Highlights: Immigration

November 5, 2022 by The Spy Leave a Comment

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For the next few days, the Spy will share with our readers the video highlights of the recent League of Women Forum with MD-1 Congressman Andy Harris and his Democratic opponent Heather Mizeur. Last week, the event was held at Kent Island High School in Queen Anne’s County.

The video segments will include opening statements, LWV questions, s representative number of questions submitted by the audience, and closing statements.

We continue with their discussion of what each candidate would do to increase the orderly flow of immigrants to this country as workers and citizens.

This video is approximately four minutes in length.

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

Filed Under: News Homepage, News Portal Highlights

Celebrating Women & Girls Fund’s Two Decades of Action: Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence

October 19, 2022 by The Spy Leave a Comment

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For Jeanne Yeager, one of the original leaders of the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence, 40 years of service to women and their children suffering domestic violence seems like yesterday. The brainchild of a few brave women in Caroline County who were growing concerned about the increase of violence in area homes, the Mid-Shore began offering services to victims that no federal, state or local government could provide at the time.

Over the last four decades, the Mid-Shore’s portfolio grew from finding safe shelters for families in need but began to diversity by dramatically increasing its mental health care and support groups and, more recently, bringing in volunteer lawyers to help with divorce and child custody matters, the creation of food pantries in all five the counties, and improving internet-based programs to reach more families in need.

In the Spy’s ongoing series celebrating 20 years of grantmaking by the Women & Girls Fund, we talk to Jeanne about this unique program. We also ask WGF board member and attorney Karen Kaludis, one of those early pioneers in the field of domestic violence, to talk about her long-term relationship Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence.

This video is approximately 6 minutes in length. For information about the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence please go here.  For the Women & Girls Fund please go here.

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

Filed Under: Spy Highlights

Making the Case for Benedictine with Claudia Cunningham

September 28, 2022 by The Spy Leave a Comment

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Perhaps the most important tool an organization can have when entering a serious phase of fundraising is an document called the case for support. In as few words as possible, the school or museum will clearly articulate what the institution needs to carry on their public mission.

Sometimes these come in the form of a physical document, and more than often than not these days, they are starting to turn up as videos, podcasts, and other multimedia tools, but they all have the challenge of winning a sometimes skeptical audience on why the causes need significant philanthropic  investment.

The task of building that argument falls on staff to develop this narrative, and for Benedictine  in Ridgely, Claudia Cunningham, their new chief advancement officer, is on point for this $20 million plus service provider of non-sectarian caring for individuals with special needs.

The Spy sat down the Claudia to talk about making the case for Benedictine.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about Benedictine please go here.

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

Filed Under: Ed Homepage, Ed Portal Lead

At the Avalon: Hannah Gill Comes Home with The Hot Toddies Jazz Band

September 8, 2022 by The Spy Leave a Comment

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As many of our readers know, one of the Spy’s favorite vocalists has been Hannah Gill ever since we saw her at the Avalon in 2014. She was 16 years old back then, and one of our great pleasures is watching her grow over the years.

Hannah comes back to Easton This Thursday evening at the Avalon Stolz Room. And she comes back singing swing music with The Hot Toddies Jazz Band. The Spy talked to her and colleagues Gabe Terracciano and Patrick Soluri about what they are planning for the evening. 

A word of advice, bring your dancing shoes.

This video is approximately three minutes in length.

The Hot Toddies with Hannah Gill
Thursday, September 8, 2022
Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.
The Avalon Theatre 40 E. Dover Street Easton, MD
Tickets: $25

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

Filed Under: Archives

Izaak Walton on the Mid-Shore: A Chat with Chapter President Calvin Yowell

August 22, 2022 by The Spy Leave a Comment

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While the famous saying goes that success has many fathers, it’s a matter of record that the Izaak Walton League had precisely 50 of them when it was formed in Chicago in 1922. Created by a unique group of lawyers, doctors, and advertising executives, one of the country’s oldest conservation organizations grew from a small number of hunters and fishermen into a significant force in land and water protection.

And yet one prominent figure was not among the founders. Izaak Walton, whose name is honored as the organization’s masthead, had been dead for almost 250 years before its forming, but those 50 original members had good reasons to recognize and pay tribute to the man considered to be the father of flyfishing.

Walton, whose book The Compleat Angler gave birth to recreational fishing, was a unique visionary. As one writer noted, he was a man “‘knowing how’ before ‘knowing that'” in the unheard-of field of water protection. His legacy led his followers to protect fishing opportunities for future generations.

While the Izaak Walton League has intentionally been low profile since its founding, the impact of the organization’s work on the Mid-Shore has been impressive. With a Talbot County chapter created in 1949, the IWL has not only protected and maintained its 50-acre Bolingbroke Park in Trappe, where it holds its meetings and provides opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and fishing but took a leadership role in recycling in the region and now provides over $13,000 in scholarships, much of which is dedicated to students at UM’s Horn Point Lab.

The Spy sat down with Chapter president Calvin Yowell the other day to learn more.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about the Izaak Walton League please go here.

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

Filed Under: Spy Chats, Spy Top Story

Publisher Notes: The Spy Welcomes Laura J. Oliver

May 15, 2022 by The Spy

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One way the Spy thought it could best honor the late (and very great) George Merrill, our Sunday morning columnist for the past eight years, was to check in with Wilson Wyatt a few weeks ago to discuss a suitable successor. Wilson is the publisher and driving force behind one the region’s great literary gems, the Delmarva Review, and it was his kind recommendation that led us to George in 2014. 

Laura Oliver

Back then, I was looking for a unique voice to anchor our Sunday edition. Eager to depart from our weekday pieces on politics and local matters, George’s spiritual, almost transcendental, subject matter was a perfect way for the Sunday edition of the Spy to challenge its readers with the unexpected musings from a creative writer rather than an opinion maker.

The Spy’s goal after George’ passing, which was shared by Wilson, was not to find someone who could replicate his themes or voice but to use this slower Sunday morning space to explore and celebrate writing itself. And on the top of his list was the author and writing teacher, Laura Oliver.

With that as background, the Spy is delighted to announce that Laura Oliver will be our Sunday columnist starting today.

Laura is an award-winning book editor and writing coach who has taught writing at the University of Maryland and St. John’s College. She is the author of The Story Within (Penguin Random House), named by “Poets and Writers Magazine” as one of the best writing books ever published. Oliver’s own fiction and essays are published in national newspapers, magazines, and top-tier literary reviews such as The Washington Post, Country Living Magazine, The Writer Magazine, The Sun Magazine, Baltimore Review and Glimmer Train.

A graduate of Washington College and with an MFA from Bennington College’s highly regarded writing program, Laura has called Annapolis her home for most of her adult life. I hope that the Spy’s readers will join me in welcoming her to her new virtual home every Sunday and enjoy her deeply engaging essays for many years to come.

Dave Wheelan
Publisher and Executive Editor 

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

Filed Under: Spy Highlights

Spy Recall: Remembering George Merrill

May 1, 2022 by The Spy

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Editor’s note: Like many of our readers, The Spy is finding Sundays a lot less fulfilling and a lot less fun with the absence of George Merrill’s columns. George passed away on Easter Sunday at the age of 87, just hours after his last column for the Spy, in the loving care of his family. It will take time for the Spy newspapers to fill this huge gap in our publications and our lives. Still, in the meantime, we wanted to share again an interview with George we did in 2018 to remind ourselves and our readers what a real gift he was to all of us.

From November 6, 2018

The Spy Columnists: George Merrill

It seems somehow fitting that the Spy will be ending our series on our public affairs columnists with George Merrill on Election Day. Perhaps the most apolitical of the five writers that volunteer each week to offer their unique point of view with our readers, George, an ordained Episcopal minister, has been the most inclined to bring public debates down to questions of spirituality and the workings of the soul.

While George does not skirt the issues of the day, his Sunday essays have been more about his only reaction to the challenges of life than focusing on the foibles of a particular politician or policy. His intense interest in his own makeup encourages the reader to explore their own sense of soul as they work through the news of the day.

Now eighty-four years old, Merrill has also reached a point where he can, he laughingly notes, “say anything I want,” knowing full well that this sense of liberation has allowed him the freedom to explore and take delight in what he doesn’t know as much as the wisdom that comes with living over eight decades.

In his Spy interview, George talks about his writing style, spirituality and politics, and the pure enjoyment he has in taking pen to paper.

This video is approximately eight minutes in length

 

 

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

Filed Under: Spy Top Story, Top Story

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