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July 27, 2025

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

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Kent County Food Council Created

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Recognizing that food insecurity continues to be a major problem, the United Way of Kent County (UWKC)  has seized the opportunity to obtain a U.S Department of Agriculture grant of $10,000 to establish a local Food Council and distribute the funds to the KCMD Local Food Council Members.

The United Way of Kent County has convened the Millington/Crumpton Food Pantry, Minary’s Dream Alliance, Rock Hall 7th Day Adventist Blessing Bags Program, Community Food Pantry, Hope Community Alliance, Chestertown SDA Food Pantry, Mt Olive Food Pantry, Graves Chapel UAME Church, Land’s End Farm, the Department Social Services, Family Investment Assistance, the Health Department’s WIC Program, the SNAP Education Program and included the MD Food Bank and Chestertown Food Systems Committee and Washington College to create the Kent County, MD Local Food Council.

A Maryland Food Council Collaborative has been formed from a group of Maryland’s existing and emerging local food councils. This effort aims to ensure that resources and technical assistance are available. It already includes the Montgomery County Food Council, the Baltimore Food Policy Action Coalition, the Frederick County Food Council, the Montgomery County Food Council, the Prince George’s County Food Equity Council, the Western Maryland Food Council and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management.

The Kent County Council meets once a month at the different locations of the members to share resources and discuss ways to build food security in Kent County. You can follow activities and resources on their Facebook Page, Kent County MD Local Food Council. Special thanks to Harborview Farms for supplying fresh chicken to our Food Pantries.

 

From left to right – Hope Clark-UWKC, Vanessa Holloway Truxo-Minary’s Dream Alliance,Eric Fitch -SNAP Educator, Extension Office, Reece Johnson – Minary’s Dream Alliance, Deann Jones – Community Food Pantry, Vickie Anderson- Rock Hall Blessing Bags Program, Faye Everett- Millington/Crumpton Food Pantry

 

Diane Gatling and Vickie Anderson- Rock Hall Blessing Bags Program, CeCe Wilson – Baywood Food Pantry, Amy Brown- Lands End Farm, Mary Jordan – Minary’s Dream Alliance, Jesse and David Stant – Chestertown SDA Food Pantry, Julie Handzo – DSS Family Investment Assistance, Faye Everett- Millington/Crumpton Food Pantry

 

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

Lawrence DiRe, Chestertown new Town Manager Sworn In

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Monday’s Chestertown Town Council meeting saw Lawrence DiRe’s new town manager swearing-in. He succeeds Bill Ingersoll’s four decades in the role.

Previously, DiRe served as town manager for Federalsburg,

The new town manager spoke briefly after the ceremony to express his appreciation for the help he received during the transition. 

“Bill Ingersoll has spent a lot of time with me, and everyone on the staff has been kind and accommodated my questions. I look forward to moving ahead on the initiatives the Council has set forth, serving the community, meeting the boards and commissioners, being available as a responsible public servant,” he said.

DiRe says he plans to get involved with the grant process, having just been through that process in Federalsburg.

“I understand it can be a little bit daunting the first time you go through it so I can share some of my lessons learned, stubbed toes, and a little bit of success.”

 

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

Silver Linings Jewelry Launches New Business on High Street

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The yearly tradition of Talbot County graduating seniors being gifted a pearl necklace now includes graduating Kent students and the woman behind the custom has just opened a new store on High Street: Silver Linings.

Aida Leisure, owner of Silver Linings and DBS Fine Jewelers in St. Michaels, says that for years she has thought of Chestertown as a perfect community for another Silver Linings shop and an additional way to continue her pearl necklace initiative now in its twelfth year.

Leisure continues the yearly tradition as a way to give back to communities, both that support her and support its graduating youth.

“As a woman in business, I felt it was important to recognize young women high school graduates knowing that they’re going to have a lot of challenges ahead of them. I wanted to show support and encourage them as a way of saying things are going to be ok,” she says.

Leisure sees pearls as the perfect symbol to remind young women of resilience and beauty and to remember the support they have been given in life with the hope they will continue the tradition by giving to others. Silver Linings “Pearls of Promise” have been gifted to more than 2500 graduating seniors over the years, including Talbot and Kent County high school and Christian Academy graduating seniors this year.

“So, the thought is that these pearls, when you wear them, is to think of the people who have supported you in your life, family, teachers, and friends.”

The brightly lit store on High Street showcases a wide array of nautical and Chesapeake Bay themed jewelry, designer collections, and one-of-a-kind pieces in stores or online

Located at 200 High Street, across from Evergrain Bread Store, Silver Linings Sterling Silver and Gemstone Jewelry is now open and offers many of the nautically themed jewelry that has become part of its identity.

For more about Silver Linings, call 443-282-0011 see their website here or go to their Facebook page here.

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

What you Need to Know about Maryland’s Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program

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As prices for everyday necessities continue to rise, families with limited means are having to make tough choices on where to allocate their money. In response to this, the state of Maryland, in locations like Kent and Talbot Counties, has implemented the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program to help families with past due water and wastewater bills.

The program, which began in April of 2022, is available to any resident of Kent or Talbot County who has an average of $100 or more in their water or wastewater bill. It is a means-tested or income-based program, but many households are considered “categorically eligible” if they receive certain benefits such as Maryland Energy Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Applications for the program can be obtained through local municipalities, neighborhood services, or the Department of Social Services. Since its inception, the program has assisted Talbot households with over $6,500 in bill payments, and in 2023 alone, over $8,000 has been spent on helping families avoid eviction due to unpaid bills.

The benefit amount ranges from a minimum of $100 up to $2,000 and is paid directly to the utility company. However, it is important to note that this is a one-time benefit and cannot be received multiple times. As the program ends on September 30, households are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure all payments are made by the end of the month.

In these challenging economic times, the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program is a valuable resource for families struggling to make ends meet. Maryland residents who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply for the program to receive assistance with past due water and wastewater bills.

The Spy asked Linda Webb, director of the Talbot County Department of Social Services, and Juana Blue, assistant director of the Family Investment Administration, to come by the Spy Studio the other day to understand more.

This video is approximately three minutes in length. For more information about the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program and other energy assistance programs please go here. 

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

Spy Report: Soggy Dickens Weekend didn’t Dampen Spirits

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A few blown-out umbrellas and soggy costumes couldn’t stop Chestertown’s Dickens Weekend from returning after a pandemic hiatus.

After a pandemic hiatus, Dickens of a Christmas – Main Street Chestertown is welcomed back the 19th-century Victorian gala, transforming the historic district into a crowd of top-hatted and gothic black pleated dresses with a few Tiny Tims thrown in for good measure.

Fire jugglers, winged fairies on stilts, and Kent County High School Band and Garnet Elementary School Chorus and Bucket Band opened the festivities Friday evening. Along with International Strings and the American Rogues, who played Friday night and most of Saturday, music was the backdrop for the weekend despite Saturday morning’s rain.

Inside, the Bookplate bookstore hosted Lucy Maddox and Maureen Corrigan for book talks at Zelda’s Speakeasy while London Row packed in vendors selling their artisan wares. And, of course, carriage rides and Santa kept kids and adults entertained and in the spirit of the holidays.

A little rain can’t dampen this town’s holiday spirit, and the Spy was there to enjoy.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more about Mainstreet Chestertown, please go here.

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

A Republican Evening: The LWV Forum for Kent County Commissioner

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With the Democrats already set with their three candidates for Kent County Commissioner seats this November, it is left to the Republicans to decide who their top three will be starting in the upcoming primary election on July 19.

It turns out to be an exciting race from the Spy’s perspective as we watched the LWV forum from June 21st. That starts with the appearance of incumbent Ron Fithian on the Republican ballot. This is the first time the lifetime Democrat who switched parties a year ago, shares the same party affiliation as the two other incumbent colleagues, Tom Mason and Bob Jacobs.

The other thing that seemed clear that night is that all five candidates see the Route 301 corridor as the heart of the County’s future economic development plans.

This abridged video is approximately 90 minutes in length. To see the full debate, please go to the LWV’s website here.

County Commissioner
Ron Fithian
RepublicanJurisdiction Kent County
Status Active
Filed Regular -03/08/2022Email [email protected]
Phone (410) 708-7606		 Contact Information
6170 Anderson Ave
Rock Hall, MD 21661-
Bob Jacob
RepublicanJurisdiction Kent County
Status Active
Filed Regular -01/31/2022Email [email protected]		 Contact Information
23993 Cliff Dr Ext.
Worton, MD 21678-
“Tom” Mason
RepublicanJurisdiction Kent County
Status Active
Filed Regular -04/11/2022		 Contact Information
23991 Melitota Rd.
Chestertown, MD 21620-
Albert Nickerson
RepublicanJurisdiction Kent County
Status Active
Filed Regular -02/18/2022Email [email protected]		 Contact Information
13140 Goosedown Farm Lane
Worton, MD 21678-
John F. Price
RepublicanJurisdiction Kent County
Status Active
Filed Regular -02/04/2022Email [email protected]
Phone (410) 708-0607

 

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

Spy Reminder: Last Day to Register for Primary and LWV Board of Education Forum

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To vote in the 2022 Election, you must be registered to vote. To learn more about who can register to vote, click here.

The deadline to register to vote or update your voter registration information is June 28, 2022 for the Gubernatorial Primary Election; and October 18, 2022 for the Gubernatorial General Election. To register to vote or to check your registration status, click here. Your voter registration must be up to date with your current address. To update your voter registration, click here.

You may also register to vote or update your voter registration information in person during early voting or on election day. If you update your address on election day, you will be asked to complete a provisional ballot. An election judge will assist you with this process.

In other election news, the League of Women Voters of Kent County will host an election forum for the Board of Education primary election.  It will be held at Minary’s Dream in Chestertown. Please give the LWVKC website for more information.

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

Spy Report: Chestertown Artists at the American Craft Council Show

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Last weekend the Spy went across to bridge to visit the American Craft Council Show in Baltimore to find five Chestertown artists who were attending the weekend event.

Now in its 45th year, this ACC event, formerly known as the Baltimore American Craft Show, was a welcome return for artists after two pandemic closures.

The Baltimore Convention Center was awash with crafts from all over the country, from giant steel fabricated rabbits to sheer silk scarves and miniature gold-leaf fantasy creations, glazed pottery and glass bowls that looked like candy and cases upon cases of jewelry.

Even among the cavalcade of visitors that would eventually account for 20,000 shoppers, we found our Chestertown artists, and even though they had little time for conversation we captured a few images as they talked with customers. It was inspiring to see them among presenters in this prestigious council flagship show.

Seasoned veterans of the national craft and art show circuit, glass artists Patti and Dave Hegland, potter and sculptor Marilee Schumann, silk textile artist Yuh Okano, and floorcloth designer Faith Wilson displayed their new creations.

“After so many pandemic shutdowns, it was great to see old friends and see what they’re up to. We all had masks on, so sometimes it took a few seconds to recognize each other,” Wilson quips.

And it was a tough weekend to have a show in Baltimore. The Preakness was running, the Orioles were playing, universities and colleges were having graduations and Saturday was sweltering. Nevertheless, craft and art shoppers were happy to get out to discover what their favorite artists have been creating.

And besides, who can pass a seven-foot steel rabbit or prowling bear without having it sent directly to home? We know who did.

To see more of these gifted Chestertown artists go to:

Marilee Schumann here.

Hegland Glass here.

Yuh Okano here.

Faith Wilson here

This whirlwind 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.

Cross Street Leads Three Cheers for Two Generous WC Lacrosse Players

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The Spy noticed an heartwarming and novel event during a rather chilly First Friday in downtown Chestertown a few days ago. Cross Street Realtors celebrated two Washington College athletes by participating in the new NCAA ruling allowing amateur athletes to profit from their talent and personas.

A tectonic shift in how college athletes can profit from their images has been underway since last summer with the NCAA’s decision to allow the “NIL”(Names, Image, Likeness) rule. Now there are no restrictions on amateur athletes profiting from their success and receiving endorsements similar to professional athletes.
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Recently highlighted in the Baltimore Sun for befriending a Kent County man with autism who was having a hard time during the isolative months of the pandemic, Kain Domenech and Erik Parry, juniors on the Washington College lacrosse team, were selected for a NIL honor by Cross Street.

Both student-athletes have brothers with similar challenges and empathize with those facing the same issues. Each day, one of them would connect with their new friend to see how his day was going and plan to continue the connection after the academic year ends.

Stacy Kendall, owner and principal broker at Cross Street, sees their sponsorship as a way to recognize Domenech and Parry’s care and value for others.

Here, Sarah King, associate broke and new Executive Director of Kent County Chamber of Commerce, introduces and awards the town and College’s first NIL recipients.

This video is approximately two minutes long.

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

Compass Reflects on a Challenging Year: A Chat with Heather Guerieri & Kenda Leager

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Like many others, Compass’ CEO Heather Guerieri was cautiously optimistic last January that her hospice organization would have a much easier year than in 2020. With vaccines becoming more available, and many of her 90 employees planning on returning to work, Guerieri had good reason to believe that this critically important nonprofit health service provider, with its full range of services for those needing special care at the end of their lives,  support for their families, and help in  the grieving process.

2021 might be considered a better year than 2020 according to Heather and her colleague Kenda Leager, but the fundamental impact of COVID remained significant on Compass.  And yet, there was a great deal to celebrate as well.  In their Spy interview, Heather and Kenda talk about some of those highlights, including the expansion of their main facility in Centreville, the successful use of technology in connecting with their clients, and the continued support of donors to the Compass mission.  We also talk about other changes, including the closing of their in-patient facilities in Chestertown.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about Compass or to make a end-of-year donation please go here.

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