Val Cavalheri - Chestertown Spy

Oxford’s Top Cop Brings Experience and Empathy to His New Beat

October 11, 2023 by Val Cavalheri Leave a Comment

Typically, this article might have started with the sentence: ‘Meet Erick Kellner, the new chief of Police in Oxford, MD.’ However, this would be inaccurate. Though new to the title of Chief, Kellner is no rookie when it comes to law enforcement or even Talbot County.

Interestingly, his chosen career was not part of a family legacy. “None of my relatives are in the police force,” he said, “but I remember, even at a very young age, being interested in law enforcement and emergency services in general.” The source of this fascination, whether it was TV, movies, or perhaps some early interactions with police officers, remains a mystery to him. What is clear, however, is that there was never a thought of any other profession, and Kellner was determined to follow his chosen path.

That early calling set him on a path leading to over two decades of police work across Maryland’s Talbot County. From patrolman to SWAT team leader, narcotics investigator supervisor, and first sergeant, Kellner climbed through the ranks of the Easton Police Department. “It’s hard to pick just one career to highlight. I was fortunate to take on a variety of roles and help the department in different ways,” he said.

With each promotion, he also gained a deeper understanding of the administrative side of law enforcement. “As a younger officer, you’re always seeing what needs to be done,” Kellner said. “But you don’t always have the capacity to make the change. However, as you get up in the ranks, you can make the changes and try to move things in the direction you want to see it go.” For Kellner, that direction was the success of his police department, a goal he brings to his new beat.

The role of Chief of Police was a position that he said never crossed his mind. Retirement had been on the horizon, and in a serendipitous turn, the Oxford job became available. Kellner recognized the uniqueness of the situation. “It was kind of the perfect place to be if I was going to be the chief of police somewhere,” he said. Not only was it in a town he had always admired, but staying in Talbot County also allowed him to maintain crucial contacts with other law enforcement agencies.

To the Oxford Police Department, Kellner brings a leadership style rooted in his values. “There’s a few principles that I live by,” he said. “One of them is, don’t ever ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.” So, unlike the traditional image of a desk-bound police chief, being a leader meant being present both in the office and on the streets.

Kellner’s approach has resonated with the community. Liza Ledford, Oxford Community Center Director, said, “Chief Kellner came to Oxford with an outstretched hand welcoming the community to get to know him. He’s worked hard to bring fresh ideas to address ever-changing challenges to our safety. He’s done a nice job in a tough situation.”

Tim Kearns, President of the Oxford Volunteer Fire Company, also praised Chief Kellner’s responsiveness and ingenuity. “He’s very attentive and creative in solving what may be needed. People here have always trusted the police chief and leaned on him for many things. Chief Kellner seems to be accepting that responsibility quite well.”

The job, of course, is not a one-person operation but a collaborative effort, just the way Kellner prefers. He is joined by Lt. Chris Phillips, a former Cambridge Police Officer who has served Oxford for the past three years, and Patrolman First Class Brandon Bobbick. Bobbick, who retired from the Easton Police in 2020, had been Kellner’s boss at one time, and his hire meant a change and role reversal for the two.

A much more significant adjustment for Kellner has been the contrast of moving from the much larger population of Easton. “It was a unique challenge, getting acquainted with everyone and remembering their names and faces,” he said. “You can only get it in a small town and close-knit community such as Oxford.” Even six months after being sworn into the job, Kellner still appreciates the genuine interest people have in their police force and in their willingness to engage with him on a personal level.

This type of participation also fits right into one of his key initiatives–making the police force more visible and approachable. Under his leadership, when not managing the department, you’ll find Kellner (and his team) doing foot and bike patrols, traffic enforcement, speaking with citizens, or providing security at Oxford’s many events.

He also prioritizes community outreach, recently launching Oxford’s first Citizen’s Police Academy to provide residents with an inside look at law enforcement. Kellner believes that it all comes down to building understanding between police and citizens, especially with so much misleading info out there today. “Law enforcement is no different than any other job,” he said, “whether working in a restaurant or another trade. Some employees are good, and some employees aren’t so good. Law enforcement generally does a great job of picking the best candidates. We have to undergo a very extensive hiring process, but some will fall through the cracks. Nobody hates a bad cop more than a good cop. It just makes our life so much more difficult.”

Chances are difficulty is not something he’s apt to find in Oxford as Kellner and residents find ways to work together. “This whole year has been a big learning experience for me,” he said. “What surprised me the most was the summer’s tourist traffic. The town population probably triples on weekends. My job was to make sure our tourists felt safe and welcomed.”

He praises the town employees who make up the team he is now part of. “Oxford is extremely blessed to have some great employees–from the town manager through the public works. They are some of the greatest guys I’ve had the pleasure of working with.” He emphasized teamwork to get things done. “Sometimes we have to go outside our comfort zone. The job of law enforcement is customer service. We work for the citizens; they are our customers. So we must make them happy and be helpful in any way we can.”

In all of this transition, Kellner is lucky to have a built-in sounding board – his wife, Jennifer, who also serves on the police force in Easton. “She offers invaluable insights from an officer’s perspective. But we try not to let the job consume our home life,” he said. He calls his kids the real rock stars who keep them grounded when work calls come at odd hours.

When asked what he sees for the future, Kellner said: “I’ve had to work for everything that I’ve gotten in life, so I’m not afraid of hard work. I value and understand the significance of the position and the responsibilities. I’m committed to being an integral and accessible part of the community and a leader for the guys here. And every day I come to work, I will always give 100%.”

As we wrapped up, he added, “I love being a cop.” Yep, it shows.

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

Mid-Shore Arts: Trumpeter Dominick Farinacci Reunites with Friends

August 31, 2023 by Val Cavalheri Leave a Comment

Dominick Farinacci

Close your eyes at Saturday’s concert by trumpeter Dominick Farinacci and his band at the Avalon Theatre, and you might think you’re at a late-night jazz club in New Orleans, a smoky tango hall in Buenos Aires, or a Spanish venue with a flamenco dancer’s swirling skirts keeping time with the music.

That’s because Farinacci, while rooted in jazz, draws from diverse influences across the world to create his signature sound. As he describes it, “When you spend time with international musicians, you start to see the similarities in the music and fall in love with the unique things about these musical cultures. I then try to bring that into my own music in my own way.”

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Farinacci recalls falling in love with the trumpet and jazz icon Louis Armstrong’s music shortly after he had begun to play the trumpet. “I heard a recording of Louis Armstrong, and for whatever reason, I said, ‘I want to sound like that.’ And that was the beginning of my journey,” he said.

Though he first tried the drums in sixth grade, fate (and a competitive middle school band audition) steered him to the trumpet. Now, at 40, he’s never looked back. After honing his craft at Juilliard (where he received a scholarship to its first Jazz Program) and launching his career, Farinacci has played stages worldwide alongside greats like Wynton Marsalis, Monty Alexander, and John Clayton.

But he’s always eager to discover new inspirations, crediting the time he’s spent immersed in musical hotspots from Paris to the Middle East with shaping his style, assimilating what speaks to him – whether it’s the rhythm of flamenco or soulful sounds of blues – into his contemporary jazz alchemy. “I’ve always been drawn to beautiful melodies and lyrics,” he said. “If you have a great song, you can do anything with it.”

For this weekend’s upcoming show, he’s assembled a world-class band that can adeptly navigate his diverse influences. “When I think about who I want to play music with,” he said, “I always go to people who I feel are some of the greatest musicians I know. I surround myself with people who make me better as a musician and who put on a great show.”

The ensemble for Saturday’s performance includes Juilliard-trained pianist Jonathan Thomas and bassist Yasushi Nakamura, who also has been recently became a member of the 2023 Monterey Jazz Festival On, and drummer Jerome Jennings has played with jazz greats like Hank Jones and Sonny Rollins. Rounding out the group is a talented 24-year-old vocalist, Ekep Nkwelle, a recent Juilliard grad, and incredible flamenco dancer Alice Blumenfeld.

“I think people will come away with many joyful moments from some great songs and performances,” he said, describing the balance of talents he handpicked for this tour. It will be the first time they will all be playing together.

But his show is more than just music, as Farinacci brings you into his world with engaging stories and anecdotes. And the intimate setting of the Avalon allows a special connection between the artist and the audience, something that has kept him coming back year after year. “I love the community of people who have such varied and interesting backgrounds along with the commonality of their love for great music and love for jazz,” Farinacci said of the Easton crowd. Then, of course, there’s Amy’s restaurant, he added (Amy being Amy Haines, owner of Out of the Fire).

This two-way relationship between audience and performer is something Farinacci works hard at. “I used to be bad at public speaking; I was nervous and shy, and that was something that I was committed to improving because music is very important, and your interaction with the audience is equally as important.”

Some of that interaction often involves an association between his music and personal experiences. Farinacci recalled that road to maturity. “When I was 14, I was playing these old songs that had such profound significance, and I look back and think, ‘What the hell did I know about life at 14 years of age?’ But I loved playing it, and when I revisit those songs, they have a whole deeper meaning.”

Case in point – Tony Bennett and Bill Evans’ song “A Child is Born” has been one of his favorites for many years. However, it’s taken on a new depth since the birth of his son, Alex, eight months ago. “We have a ritual,” Farinacci said. “I play that song every morning, and we listen to it together.”

Channeling these types of personal emotions into his playing comes instinctively now. “The more life experiences I have, the deeper it gets for me as a performer, and as a result, hopefully, that translates to the audience,” he said.

Ultimately, for him, music is about service. Farinacci was named the very first Global Ambassador to Jazz at Lincoln Center by Wynton Marsalis. He spent time in Qatar and credits that experience with impacting his creativity and humanity. “As artists,” he said, “we have a responsibility to do our part to help connect people of different walks of life through our art. It’s not going to solve the world’s problems, but it certainly can play a small and important role in just helping to bring people together in a meaningful way,”

But affecting change starts locally, one heart or mind at a time. So when Farinacci and his ensemble take the Avalon stage this Saturday, he aims to unite people through the universal language of music. “Music helps keep me grounded,” he said. “As you go through things in life, that just deepens.”

So come ready to be transported by lyrical melodies and percussive rhythms from across continents and cultures. Let your mind wander, follow the flamenco dancer’s clicking heels, and lose yourself in Farinacci’s trumpet. At the heart of it all is the hope that his “just lovely music” resonates deep in your soul, bringing a little more beauty into the world.

For tickets to Dominick Farinacci and Friends at the Avalon, go to: https://www.avalonfoundation.org/book-now/?EventInstanceId=7001 Showtime is at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 2.

Val Cavalheri is a writer and photographer. She has written for various publications, including The Washington Post. Previously she served as the editor of several magazines, including Bliss and Virginia Woman. Although her camera is never far from her reach, Val retired her photography studio when she moved from Northern Virginia to the Eastern Shore a few years ago.. She and her husband, Wayne Gaiteri, have two children and one grandchild.

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

The Sunflower Man by Val Cavalheri

August 23, 2023 by Val Cavalheri Leave a Comment

Here’s the thing I learned today: You can’t be sad standing in a field of sunflowers. No, seriously. There must be some sort of karmic law that makes you smile when surrounded by these happy plants. I experienced it when I went to visit the sunflower farm on Oxford Rd in Oxford. For our interview, owner Bill Eason, aka Mr. Sunflower, had set up a table outside his home where a vase of sunflowers and zinnias took center stage. How could you not smile?

86-year-old Eason has been a lifetime Eastern Shore resident living in the house on Oxford Road since 1959. With farming in his blood (his dad and brother were farmers), he and his wife, Rose, started a produce stand at the site, first selling corn and then including tomatoes, beets, and other vegetables. They were so successful that they expanded to a new building and stand also on the property. Besides the produce, the Easons had also been growing sunflowers because they seemed to attract people to the stand. That, too, expanded when Rose got him interested in zinnias.

And then, in 2012, Rose passed away, and Eason stopped growing vegetables and closed the stand. He didn’t want to do it without her, he said.

Bill Eason

But he continued to cultivate sunflowers because he loved watching them grow. So much so that they began to encompass most of his 3.5-acre property as years went by. The zinnias also began to take on a life of their own and took up some space on his field. They became a way to honor Rose’s memory. “I’m really proud of them,” he said. “I’m sorry my wife is not here to see them, but maybe she’s looking down on them because they’re doing great this year.”

Anyone traveling to and from Oxford is used to seeing Eason’s sunflowers in various stages of bloom throughout the entire summer and deep into fall. That’s because he has a staggered planting strategy that takes him past what most people think is too late to sow. “It’s about 65 days for the shoots to come up, and I plant them about the middle of September,” he said. “And they’ll come up in late November or early December if the weather doesn’t get too cold because they can even handle a frost. But I’ll take a chance on the late ones every year.”

That’s not to say there aren’t challenges, including hungry deer, which have sometimes ruined a plot or two. But not all wildlife is destructive, and watching his sunflowers sustain the bumble, honeybees, and birds brings him enormous joy. He also never tires of taking pictures, estimating he’s amassed around 5,000 on his phone, he told me, flipping through photos of customers holding his sunflowers, bees with their legs heavy with pollen, and birds landing on the flower head picking out seeds.

There’s no typical day for Eason, who, for obvious reasons, is enormously proud of his plants. As we spoke, he walked among them, pulling up a weed, cutting off dead bent-over flower heads, or selecting blooms for his stand. Today, like many others, he’s trailed by his calico cat Ava. It’s all in preparation for the steady stream of customers who usually drive through his lot.

At the self-serve stand, you can buy either a $5 or a $10 vase of flowers (vase included, which you can bring back or keep) and the dead flower heads, which he called ‘nature’s bird feeders.’ Eason enjoys being able to provide this service, and the only complaint he ever gets, he said, is the mess made by the pollen released from the massive sunflower heads, although he’s heard there may be a solution—hairspray.

I asked if there was a secret on why his fields were so prolific, especially since I learned he doesn’t use fertilizers. Does he sell his super seeds so we can recreate these beauties? Actually, Eason buys his seeds yearly from Talbot AG Supply in Queen Anne. “It’s a hybrid small seed that grows well and is treated so insects don’t eat them.” Probably the best secret is hiring Eason to plant them for you, something he does as a side business.

Despite everything I was learning, I was anxious to share what I thought I knew about the flowers. He set me straight: Sunflowers don’t follow the sun. No matter how you plant them, they always face east. And if, like me, you’ve aww-ed over how sunflowers turn toward each other when it’s cloudy, prepare to be disappointed, “I’ve never seen that happening,” he said.

The one thing I was right about is that his flowers bring others joy. Said Eason, “I take sunflowers around and donate to the hospital, doctor’s offices, restaurants, churches, and homebound folks,” he said. He reminisced about bringing sunflowers to a friend’s wife battling cancer. It deeply touched him how his simple gift brightened her final days. Recently he brought a couple of dozen flowers to a church and told people to take them home. “That was my pay–to see happy faces. I probably donate as many or more than I sell.”

Beyond bouquets, Eason extends his generosity and community spirit through parades, festivals, fundraisers, and more. His decorated trailer is a familiar sight, whether for Waterfowl Festival, strawberry festival, Christmas parade, or a cancer benefit. On October 21, he’ll help Oxford Community Center’s (OCC) Harvest Moon Dance fall gala. OCC’s Director, Liza Ledford, said, “Bill has a smile like no other. His generous nature can be seen in all of his flourishing sunflowers! We are so lucky he shares his flowers to support many Oxford organizations, including this fundraiser where his beautiful flowers and tractors will be the main decorations.”

Before I left, Mr. Sunflower handed me an armful of sunshine and zinnias. Pollen or not, many days later, they still make me smile.

Bill Eason’s Sunflower Farm is on Oxford Rd, approximately 4 miles from the town of Oxford. 410-924-3486

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The Building of Mr. Dickie: Reviving a Chesapeake Tradition

July 26, 2023 by Val Cavalheri Leave a Comment

Construction of Mr. Dickie

Step back in time at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) this summer, where history is coming to life through the construction of Mr. Dickie a remake of a traditional Chesapeake Bay “buyboat.” In the early 20th century, buyboats like Mr. Dickie, were a common sight in the waters of the Chesapeake as they transported oysters, crabs, and fish from local independent watermen to market. During the offseason, these versatile boats could be found hauling freight, lumber, livestock, etc. Today, fewer than 40 original buyboats remain.

The project, started in October last year, draws considerable interest from visitors who have watched CBMM shipwrights employ traditional techniques to construct the 36-foot wooden boat. Reclaimed timbers repurposed from commercial buildings and powerline poles provide the boat’s bottom and side planking. Leftover white oak from previous museum projects adds a touch of Chesapeake shipyard tradition.

Honoring the bay’s maritime past is a huge part of why Mr. Dickie is being built, and it’s all thanks to the vision of Grigg Mullen, a retired engineering professor currently living in Lexington, VA. The inspiration for the boat goes back to time spent on the Chesapeake’s Eastern Shore in the late 1950s and fond memories that include neighbors Sue and Dickie Whaley and their two children. Mullen recalls Mr. Dickie taking him crabbing and fishing during what he describes as “the best two years of my childhood.”

Mullen in Mr. Dickie

Within a few short years, the Mullen family moved from the area. Grigg became interested in woodworking, raised his own children, and pursued a career as a college professor. Yet nostalgia for the Chesapeake stayed with him. “Eventually,” he said, “I reached the point where I thought I had the time, skills, and resources to build a boat.” In 2012, he successfully completed his first vessel, a 25-foot Draketail—Miss Sue—named after former neighbor Sue Whaley.

Having caught the boat-building bug, Mullen considered building a large enough boat to sleep on. After research Mullen acquired plans for a 60-foot buyboat. He scaled it down to a more manageable 36 feet, sought advice from experts, and began the process of building the boat named Mr. Dickie at his home in Lexington, VA.

It was around that time that Mullen was teaching a workshop on timber framing at CBMM, something he had done over the years. CBMM happened to be promoting the opportunity for individuals to have their boats built by the museum. Recognizing the educational value of the project, Mullen knew what to do. He explains, “I taught engineering for 20 years. I’m a retired educator, and the idea that we could make the project educational for apprentices, shipwrights, and the public was perfect.”

Christian Cabral, VP of Shipyard Operations, couldn’t agree more. CBMM offers a range of programs that focus on education and skill development, including formal apprenticeships, apprentice-for-a-day experiences, skill demonstrations, and project participation. “If it’s built here, it serves a greater purpose. The vessels we work on might be historical artifacts, but the shipwrights themselves are not, and building a new vessel with traditional means is contributing to something that is not dead nor declining.”

By bringing this project to CBMM, Cabral believes Mullen provides invaluable experience to the shipwrights involved, shaping their careers and ensuring the continuation of the time-honored craft. “We’ve been given the opportunity to produce something that is the continuation of a very long lineage,” he says, “and that is quite meaningful both for an operation like ours and for the industry as a whole.”

It helps that Mullen is entirely on board with perspective. For example, he intervened when a launch date was set for the end of June. “The conversation was either we divert all the experienced boatwrights to the boat and finish at some scheduled time,” said Mullen, “or we keep going like we were and use that time to educate. There was no question to me which way we should go.” He takes great satisfaction in witnessing the apprentices learn—as he has—from the experience, knowing that the educational goals he set out to accomplish are being achieved.

Now that the construction is being handled at CBMM, the day-to-day operations are in the hands of Jeff Reid, shipyard foreman. “We’re building it like they would have in the 1940s,” says Reid. For him, the most intriguing aspect of the project lies in the engineering and custom-building process. “Each piece,” he says, “must be meticulously shaped and crafted, including the custom-built engine.” But the best thing, he says, is that “this whole thing is a story about Grigg, and we get to be part of the story.”

As the production of Mr. Dickie progresses, Mullen frequently visits the Eastern Shore, sourcing material, taking part in the building process, and ensuring not to miss any milestones. So far, they have completed the bottom planking, flipped the boat right side up (a nod to traditional boat-building), and built the hull and deck. The installation of the engine and the addition of the full-length plank are the eagerly anticipated upcoming milestones. Reid explains that boatbuilders often have a tradition called the “whiskey plank,” which refers to the last plank installed on the boat. Reid adds, “So we might have a round of whiskey to celebrate.”

Grigg Mullen and Jeff Reid

Included in that celebration, most probably, will be the Whaley family. Although both boat namesakes, Miss Sue and Mr. Dickie, have passed away, their daughters, Susan and Anne, continue to visit the museum, observe the progress, and join the 5-6 people involved in the construction. There is agreement that things are coming together. “In the last month of work, Mullen said, “it’s been kind of like magic happened. The boat’s starting to take shape, it looks like a boat, and it’s going to be a very pretty boat.”

By the end of October, plans are to have Mr. Dickie gliding on the water, heading to the Sultana Downrigging Festival in Chestertown. After that, Mr. Dickie will probably return to CBMM, and Mullen imagines he’ll come back to ‘play occasionally.’

But everyone associated with this project knows that the purpose of Mr. Dickie will extend beyond recreational use. It will also be significant to CBMM’s goals for the community. Cabral believes that offering historically contextualized tools, such as Mr. Dickie, not only allows for pleasure and recreation but also opens up avenues for education and various other experiences. He describes it as a “home run.”

In the meantime, don’t miss the opportunity to visit CBMM, explore the construction site, witness the boat’s transformation, and speak to Mullen, Reid, and all involved in the craftsmanship of Mr. Dickie. You may even want to pick up a hammer, some nails, or a drill and lend a hand. Whatever the reason for being there, take a moment to appreciate that you are stepping back in time and experiencing the legacy of a bygone era while engaging with a living testament to Chesapeake Bay’s rich maritime heritage.

For more information about CBMM, visit: https://cbmm.org

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

Street Art Comes to BAAM in Easton

July 5, 2023 by Val Cavalheri Leave a Comment

Easton recently witnessed a prolific collaboration between two acclaimed street artists: George F. Baker III (aka GFB3) and Easton’s Shelton Hawkins. Commissioned by Building African American Minds (BAAM), the duo teamed up to create a vibrant street art mural on the on-site shipping containers at the BAAM campus on Jewitt St.

BAAM, the non-profit organization that provides educational and enrichment programs for African American youth in Easton, is about to tear down its existing facility to build a new three-story, 25,000-square-foot academic center. Said board president Bill Ryan, “When we realized that storage would be a problem, we were able to get two containers onto the property, but since they are going to be there for more than a year, we figured we had to make them more attractive.”

That’s where street art came in.

Street art is an artistic expression that challenges traditional spaces, such as galleries and museums. Instead, it uses public areas (buildings, sidewalks, walls, etc.) as a canvas to convey messages, express creativity, or engage with the community. Little by little, what once was an act of rebellion, has gained recognition and has been embraced as a way to enhance the aesthetic of urban areas. The idea of utilizing street art to beautify the unsightly containers made a lot of sense.

And this is where the two artists come in.

Hawkins, an Easton native, is known for having found inspiration at the unused Easton Idlewild basketball courts. He teamed up with local officials to create a public art project, Play in Color, using the court surface as canvas. The project earned him local awards and national recognition. Hawkins also became part of Project Backboard, renovating other public basketball courts. The group, which describes its mission as: ‘strengthening communities, improving park safety, encouraging multi-generational play, and inspiring people to think more critically and creatively about their environment,’ uses street artists and underutilized courts worldwide.

Ryan, who had followed Hawkins’ career for several years, figured that the metal storage boxes would be a perfect background for the street artist. “When BAAM asked me to paint the shipping container, I reached out to [GFB3],” said Hawkins, “I knew his style would translate really well to the playfulness and the color. He was the first person I thought of.”

For a good reason–GFB3, who describes himself as a ‘Nebraska-born, Detroit grown, and Atlanta-raised creator,’ is internationally known with an impressive list of clients, including everyone from Adidas to the NFL to Verizon. Besides murals, he is also a graphic designer and illustrator. But like most street artists, he puts community engagement at the top of his list of why he does what he does. Both artists had previously worked together on one of the Project Backboard courts and knew each other’s style. “I’m a traveling muralist and was invited to come up by the legend Shelton Hawkins,” said GFB2. “He wanted to do a nice little mural for BAAM, and we came up with designs that would celebrate soccer and basketball.”

Despite both artists being involved with other work, they found time to dedicate a few days to this project. And so, at the end of June, on a dreary and rainy weekend, without much fanfare and without the crowds they usually attract, the duo created magic.

But watching them work was in itself magical. “It needs stars,” said GFB3 at one point, stepping back, inspecting the canvas, then adding them throughout the piece. And suddenly, an already colorful and bold mural took on a new dimension. It was the perfect addition to the primarily spray-painted mural, which features whimsical cartoon-like characters of children playing futebol (soccer) and basketball.

The impact of the artists’ work on Easton’s community will be interesting to see. For the moment, the mural not only enhances the area but also serves as a testament to the importance of sports in the lives of the residents, beyond just the young girls and boys of BAAM. But in the future, will it encourage aspiring artists to explore their own artistic abilities? Can it play a part in storytelling and expression, enabling both athletes and art enthusiasts to engage with it on a personal level? Then there is also this: by going beyond aesthetics, can street art serve as a platform for encouraging community dialogue?

Whatever the outcome, one of the positive things is you don’t have to plan to visit a gallery or a museum to admire a remarkable piece of art. Stop by BAAM and experience the celebration of art, sports, and community that began as a beautification project created by two street art giants.

For more about Shelton Hawkins: https://www.playincolor.org For more about GFB3: https://www.gfbthree.com For more about BAAM: https://www.baaminc.org

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Mid-Shore Food: Fool’s Lantern Illuminating St. Michaels with Self-Serve Wine and Tapas

June 7, 2023 by Val Cavalheri Leave a Comment

Left to right—Kristin Hannon, Mike Hannon, Michele Conti

Nestled in the heart of St. Michaels, The Fool’s Lantern stands as the town’s first and only self-serve wine and taproom. Named in homage to the town’s historical commemoration of the resilience and ingenuity of its residents during the War of 1812, it is a vibrant and welcoming new addition for locals and visitors looking for a unique experience of exploration and discovery.

The concept was inspired when husband and wife Mike and Kristin Hannon and their close friend Michele Conti visited a wine bar in Italy. Captivated by the lively atmosphere and the camaraderie it fostered, the trio saw an opportunity to create a similar concept of that magic in their own community. “At first, we decided to offer just wine,” said Mike, then a simple menu, then we agreed on beer. It eventually grew into what it is today—a full-service restaurant.”

They formed a partnership based on their diverse backgrounds and shared entrepreneurial spirit. Mike understood restaurants. He had started in a large corporate environment in Baltimore and then went to work for a startup business. “Then I got the startup bug,” he said, “and worked in various other startup businesses in various industries. One was food tech, and the other was fast casual dining.”

Lexi Gordon savoring one of the desserts

Kristin also had her own success story–as a veterinarian. She was so successful that for several years Baltimore Magazine voted her clinic ‘Best Veterinary Practice in Baltimore.’ Said Kristin, “Although you may think starting a restaurant is a different business than the one I was used to, it’s actually kind of similar. You’re starting from scratch, building a client base, managing inventory and employees, and trying to create a good product. So pretty much the same thing, just a different industry. Veterinary work is a physically and emotionally taxing profession, and I enjoy it, but I was ready to do something new.”

Meanwhile, Conti brought her business savvy, which both Hannons found irreplaceable. “Michele is very resourceful and always willing to pitch in, and we approached the idea with her about being a partner with us. She agreed,” said Mike.

The final component was adding Gretchen Gordon, as General Manager, to the team. Gordon, who had been part owner of the much-loved Latitude 38 in Oxford, knew the restaurant business very well. Said Mike, “Having someone who is truly experienced like Gretchen, who knows what they’re doing in the kitchen, was important. She is somebody that I can hand the keys over to and say, ‘Okay, I built it, now you go and run it.’”

For her part, Gordon was willing to take on the challenge. “When I met them, their concepts were amazing. They had every detail worked out. I came in on their great ideas and threw out some of my own, and we just worked out a great menu.”

On April 1, Fool’s Lantern opened its doors on Talbot Street, unveiling an impressive selection of 24 wines and 12 beers.

The centerpiece of the establishment is the ‘Drink Wall,’ which dispenses wine or beer beverages of choice through the push of a button. The system allows patrons to buy a drink card (linked to their credit card) and then explore the extensive assortment of wines and beers at their leisure. Guests can choose between a sip (2 ounces), a taste (4 ounces), or a glass (6 ounces) of wine, while beer is dispensed by the ounce. For those who may want to try various options before committing, Fool’s Lantern even offers a pour-your-own flight option, allowing people to sample and compare a selection of four wines or beers. The available variety provided by the restaurant is curated and rotated with meticulous care by the owners.

So does an ever-changing Drink Wall mean you may not find your favorite wine next time you visit Fool’s Lantern? Not necessarily, said Mike: “If we find a popular wine or a popular beer, we’re going to have it stick around for a bit. One of the things I’m looking to do, especially with our wine program, is to feature certain wines for some time and then hold back a couple of bottles and make them only available for purchase by the full bottle. We can then expand our portfolio beyond the 24 on the wine machines.”

Besides the wide assortment of beverages, a carefully crafted menu is designed for sharing and savoring, including charcuterie, tapas, breadboards, sandwiches, dips, and desserts (think house-made chocolate fondue!). Like the wines and beer, the restaurant’s commitment is to produce an experience that will be shared and talked about.

Perhaps one of the talking points will be how technology is used to streamline the ordering process. Through QR codes available at each table, guests can effortlessly place their food orders, eliminating the need for interaction with the wait staff. Prefer the more traditional method? Servers are also available, as is a beverage wall person, to guide patrons through the self-serve experience, providing recommendations and answering any inquiries.

Technology is also in use to ensure conscientious consumption (and prevent underage drinking). Fool’s Lantern has implemented a “responsibility meter” connected to the self-serve system. This feature regulates the number of servings a card can access. After reaching the meter’s limit, patrons will undergo a sobriety analysis if they wish to continue pouring beverages. This thoughtful approach enhances safety and reduces the risk of overindulgence. “I think it’s better than a traditional bartender,” says Mike, “because the software is systematized and keeps track of what’s being poured, vs. relying on someone’s memory.”

As Fool’s Lantern continues to evolve, the team remains willing to try new and innovative ideas. They recently added a breakfast menu, complete with a build-your-own Bloody Mary/Maria bar. Guests can select a vodka or tequila option from the wall and add it to the tomato blend, which according to Conti, is a secret recipe created by Gordon. It can be finished with one of over 20 toppings, including pickled green beans, celery, pickles, and cucumbers, and then various hot sauces and spices.

Response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Fool’s Lantern is positioning itself as an alternative to the places people can visit in St. Michaels. “Come to our place,” said Mike, “have a drink, have an appetizer, and then go and enjoy the Bistro, Theos, or the music at Carpenter Street Saloon. Or visit us after you enjoy them and hang out in our informal environment that is more conducive to conversations. Or spend the evening with us. We think we’re filling the void in the marketplace.”

For more information please go here.

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

Empowering Youth Through Teamwork and Skill-Building: Rising Tide and CBMM Shipyard Apprentice Program Join Forces

May 26, 2023 by Val Cavalheri Leave a Comment

A crowd of proud parents, family members, and friends gathered earlier this week at the front deck of the Van Lennep Auditorium on the campus of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) to launch the latest completed project for the Rising Tide after-school program, a 12-foot St. Michaels scow nicknamed ‘Pickle.

PICTURED ON THE DOCK l to r: Jack Perry, Kendall Wallace. In the boat, l to r. James Heinz and Ilijah Jenkins. Photo by George Sass

The nineteen local 6-9th graders have been meeting three times a week since January putting in a combined total of 630 hours on tasks typically meant for trained adults. The teens collected the material, created the frame, added the planks, assembled, sanded, painted, and prepared the boat for the water.

Congratulations and fun awards were handed out to the students and volunteers by Workshop Education Manager Kendall Wallace, who, together with Youth Program Coordinator Sophie Stuart, oversees the Rising Tide projects. A ceremonial (and mostly unwilling) drinking of pickle juice preceded the boat’s launching (minus the sails).

It was a landmark day for Rising Tide, constructing from a design developed and built in St Michaels in the 1930s and 40s. The scow was associated with the Miles River Yacht Club and was initially created for budding sailors learning to sail.

The project was also a first for the CBMM Shipyard Apprentice program, which partnered with Rising Tide by selecting Megan Mitchell, an apprentice, to lead the students in building the boat. Mitchell, finishing up her four-year State of Maryland certified apprenticeship, sees this appointment as the final step in connecting everything she’s learned. “Part of this is building a portfolio of capstone projects that I can present to a possible employer showing my capability in building a small boat from start to finish and managing a team of individuals of various skill levels.”

“The skills Meghan is bringing to this program,” says Jill Ferris, CBMM’s Senior Director of Engagement, Learning, and Interpretation, “are all aspects that shipwrights can integrate into their work profession. So giving her a chance to bring it all together has been a great opportunity. And combining both programs makes it a laboratory for learning in so many different regards.”

But the ‘laboratory’ extends beyond the maritime. Previous Rising Tide projects for CBMM have included a hydroponic garden and much-needed picnic tables. Last fall, Rising Tide built a couple of stand-up paddleboards, one of which was auctioned off to help support the program. However, with the expanded number of students interested in the program in the last couple of years, building a boat became a possibility.

The idea for constructing the scow began several years ago at CBMM’s annual fundraiser when the museum auctioned off the design plans and the opportunity to have a scow built. The winner symbolically returned that opportunity to the museum with the condition that it be made sometime in the future. Due to its simple design, the boat was seen as a good teaching tool, and this has been the first opportunity, after COVID, that CBMM has been able to make good on that promise. The idea is to, once again, auction the St, Michaels scow, but this time the boat rather than the design.

Both the teens involved in this endeavor and their adult supervisors are enthusiastic about the outcome that goes beyond the boat. Wallace looks back on their discussions about the contrast between the historic and modern building methods, the teamwork they experienced, and the workshop safety abilities they acquired.

Stuart pointed out that they may not even realize some skills they learned. “Like a lot of the kids in this age group, math is the last thing they want to be doing,” she said. “But when it’s shown in a practical application and why it’s important, they don’t mind, and they retain those skills.”

Besides math, the teens also use creative thinking and engineering applications and relate them to real-life situations where mistakes are permissible and knowledge is acquired through hands-on experience. If you ask the teens, they may not always appreciate the extent of this knowledge, but they all agree on the value received.

Lila McDermott, who wants to be a graphic designer, is grateful for the experience. “Learning how to read, design, and plan things is a good skill to have,” she said.

Jack Perry, a rising 10th grader, who has been with the program for a few years, says, “[The program] has given me a knowledge and understanding of carpentry and woodworking. It’s also a good way to sink some time after school into a worthwhile community project.” His ‘takeaways’–Teamwork, social skills, and cooperation.

Ilijah Jenkins also has been involved with the program long-term, but this is his first time building a boat. “One thing I learned,” he said, “was to have good communication and trust because you got to trust your partner when we’re using dangerous tools. And you also have to use communication to know that you’re using it correctly.”

Ella Eckholm is new to the program and signed up because her mom and Stuart are friends. “I went, and I just fell in love with it. I liked doing it; it was really fun.”

What is next for the Rising Tide, which starts again in September, is still being considered. “Our projects are very student-driven,” said Wallace, “because they engage with it. I don’t have to convince them it will be a good project if they come into it wanting and willing.”

At this point, the plan is to continue to expand on the skills they learned this semester. Said Wallace, “We have a pretty good group of students who are going to stick by us for a few years. So maybe we can do something similar that can use some of the steps we already know and then learn some new skills together.”

Ferris sees the scope of Rising Tide as one in rhythm with CBMM’s philosophy, “To have a sixth grader who envisions a career in engineering, and who is getting a chance to actually put some of the principles into practice and try on different skills is our goal. My hope, for this project and for every project we do, is that the people we’re connecting with get what they need out of it. That’s the ultimate success.”

Rising Tide is free, funded through CBMM, and made possible by donations and volunteer support. Rising Tide meets after school from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at CBMM. Transportation is offered from the Easton YMCA and St. Michaels Middle/High School.

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

At the Y: 92-Year-Old Water Fitness Dynamo Inspires Generations

May 8, 2023 by Val Cavalheri Leave a Comment

There is a reason why the Peachblossom YMCA family pool is named in honor of Ellen S. Rajacich. At 92 years young, Rajacich has a spirit and energy that puts most people half her age to shame. Despite being a great-grandmother, she still teaches water fitness classes three days a week at the Y, motivating her students to stay active and healthy. Her dedication to health and commitment to helping others achieve their goals has earned her a reputation as a local legend and a true inspiration.

There is another reason Rajacich is so unique, and it started in 1969 when she volunteered to teach a women’s exercise class. She had recently moved to Easton, was raising her children, and wanted something to do. Her husband, Nick, then the Chief Administrator at the Memorial Hospital, encouraged his wife to volunteer at the newly built Y. Rajacich had a nursing degree from John Hopkins and, even though she never practiced nursing, wanted to use her education. “I’ve always been very interested in how the human body works and what you can do to make it work better.” Teaching an exercise class seemed to be a perfect fit. Half a century later, she is still an avid instructor. She is also still a volunteer and has never wanted to be paid for her services. “I was fortunate not to need the money,” she said.

Ellen Rajacich

Easton Y’s Executive Director, Wendy Palmer, is grateful for the many years Rajacich has been a part of the organization. “The YMCA has a long tradition of volunteerism dating back to 1861, and the YMCA will be here long after we are all gone. Ellen continues to lead others in water aerobics, but we all know she leads with love in her heart. I hope her story will inspire others.”

Her story and career as a fitness instructor include over 15 certifications, attendance at multiple conferences and training programs on behalf of the Y, and teaching over 30 different formats of land and water exercises. But it is her expertise in aqua dynamics and deep-water exercise that has kept her attention, and those of her students, since 1986.

Even today, you won’t find Rajacich at the poolside, shouting instructions. She is in the water, illustrating what to do and working out with the class. She uses water barbells to strengthen and encourages her students to continue attending class. “Working out in the water is a really great form of exercise because you have to overcome water resistance,” she says. Rajacich also sticks by the exercise program that has worked for her classes for over 20 years. It involves raising their heart rate, followed by a workout focusing on the legs, arms, and core.

Gale Shehan, who has been taking Rajacich’s classes for over ten years, said that the message students take away from her classes is that it’s never too late to start and always to keep working on it. “She’s very concerned about our fitness and helping us maintain that. At the end of the class, she will often tell us to ‘fight gravity’ because gravity is what kills us all in the end. We’re all quite devoted to her, and she to us.”

Rajacich’s point of being stronger and healthier extends beyond her class. Sandi Whitehurst, who teaches Deep Water HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) at the Y, said, “As a fellow water fitness instructor, I continue to be impressed with Ellen. She is a picture of health and a motivator and mentor.”

Even at 92, Rajacich enjoys being self-sufficient. “I’m capable of anything. I’m capable of taking care of myself,” she said. Despite that determination, her children decided she should stop driving six months ago. Nevertheless, she keeps busy seeing family, sewing, caring for her house, and sailing and racing with her son.

When asked about secrets to her longevity, Rajacich is quick to respond. “My diet consists of meat and potatoes and vegetables. My bedroom is on the second floor of my house, and the only way to get there is to climb the stairs, so I climb. That’s something I also encourage my students: always keep climbing.”

Anything else, we asked, besides a good diet, fighting gravity, and climbing? Yes, she said, keep smiling.

Now that’s a piece of advice we can all follow.

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

So You Want to Be an Oyster Farmer? A Chat with Jason Wilford

April 12, 2023 by Val Cavalheri Leave a Comment

From selling ad space to shucking oysters, the career change of one man proves that life’s greatest pearls often lie outside of the comfort zone.

Jason Wilford, Kristi DeMartino and daughter Robin

It is 2016, and Jason Wilford’s success in the print advertising business has allowed him to buy a home and lead a comfortable life. It’s what everybody wants, right? Well, sort of. The problem is Wilford is also feeling stuck and unfulfilled. So he plays hooky one day with a friend who has a boat. It just so happens that the friend, Matt Pluta, is a Choptank Riverkeeper (and their program director), plants a seed in Wilford’s thoughts. “You know, he told him, “aquaculture is a thing you should consider. Ever think about oyster farming?”

Although it was Wilford’s first exposure to that idea, over the next few months, he kept bumping into people who voiced similar sentiments. By January 2017, Wilford yielded to the hints the universe was sending. Two years of permits, loans, and planning later, he was ready. He even took ‘So You Want to Be an Oyster Farmer?’’ classes from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “I learned valuable lessons that have stuck with me,’ said Wilford, “such as ‘more flow, more grow, more dough.’ It’s about how much water flow can get to the oysters.” So he looked for places with good flow, and bought 125,000 seeds the first year, then 250,000 the second year. He wrote a sustainable business plan.

And then COVID hit and laughed at everyone’s plans.

As the world waited to see what was coming next, Wilford reached out to Kristi DeMartino, a close friend since high school. They’d kept in touch. She understood some of what he was going through and had experience on the water, having worked on an airboat in the Everglades and, most recently, on charters from South Beach. But her life, too, was on pause. “Come check out the oyster farm,” he asked.

And in August 2020, she did. “I came up to see his operation. And I thought this was the exact opposite of yachting in Miami: Getting on this oyster boat wasn’t like boozing and cruising. It was hard physical labor. I liked it.”

She liked it so much that she stayed, and the two became more than just business partners. Less than a year ago, the couple welcomed their daughter, Robin.

DeMartino’s involvement also added a softer component to the business known as Pirate’s Cove Oysters. She created a graphical logo of an oyster mermaid sitting on top of the world and a brand: Cosmic Mermaid Oysters Out of This World. It fits well with their philosophy of a dissatisfied pirate seeking adventure, finding his muse, and being brought together by oysters, a fun and healthy indulgence to be shared among friends. “Oysters brought us together,” says DeMartino, “and we believe they should do the same for others.”

Together, the couple’s energy is now focused on their five-acre farm where a half-million oysters are planted. Located on the Dorchester County side of the Choptank River, between Horn Point and Jenkins Creek, within the Sandy Hill Sanctuary, it is leased from the Department of Natural Resources. It’s a location, they say, conducive to growing tasty oysters.

Of course, once grown, making sure they get to the table can be expensive, but Wilford is up to the challenge, especially when he can count on a little bit of help. “From the crane to the tumbler, a lot of equipment on Pigg (their boat) is built by Jason and his friends,” says DeMartino. Wilford adds, “Outfitting it would cost well over $20,000, and that’s one good aspect of doing something kind of outlandish is that people want to help. And they think it’s really cool when they lend their expertise.”

Wilford also had the opportunity to put his construction skills to use when he added refrigeration to a trailer for one of the first events they did with their newly harvested oysters–the Cordova Balloon Festival. “We had $4 in our bank account at that time,” DeMartino said. “We did the three-day event and went through probably 10 bushels. We both learned how to become really good shuckers!”

It led to an unexpected niche as they found themselves in demand at private events such as parties, weddings, etc. “We’ve joked about our carnival lifestyle, traveling with a refrigerated trailer to beer festivals and things. We hadn’t planned on that originally, and it’s been worth it,” said DeMartino.

But Pirate’s Cove Oysters is also known much closer to home. Chances are, if you shop at the Easton Farmer’s Market, you’ve sampled their oysters and hung out while they grilled or shucked their harvest. They’ll be there again with a strong focus on the future when the Farmer’s Market opens for the season this weekend. “In the grand scheme of things,” said DeMartino, “we plant a small amount. There are other farms that plant millions. We try to keep it small because we see our oysters as a boutique experience to be enjoyed with your friends.” “Plus, we just have fun doing it,” added Wilford.

So for now, the business checks all the boxes, says DeMartino: “We both like being on the water; there’s a certain romance to it. We enjoy problem-solving. We love talking to people at the farmers market and establishing relationships that way.”

More important, though, is what this company means to the family legacy now that they have a daughter. “We want to have Robin grow up with parents who love what they do and teach her to do what she loves,” said Wilford. Everything changed with Robin’s arrival, he admits. “It’s hard to look back on what I thought it would be versus what it is now. I mean, it’s a million times better, but I can’t remember what I thought at the time.”

We started this story by mentioning that life’s greatest pearls often lie outside the comfort zone. For Wilford and DeMartino, oyster farming is not just a job. But in case they forget, Robin will be there to remind them. After all, her middle name is Pearl.

You can reach Pirates Cove here.

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

Mid-Shore Food: Scottish Highland Creamery Reachs New Heights

March 30, 2023 by Val Cavalheri Leave a Comment

Not mentioning Scottish Highland Creamery when discussing where to go on the Eastern Shore is similar to not mentioning putting Old Bay on seafood. Of course, you’ve got to– it’s a tradition! Now, there is one more reason why. The shop voted as the 5th best ice cream parlor to visit in the country by TripAdvisor, is now expanding to the Oxford Mews on Morris St.

This historic building, built in the late 1870s, had been vacant for 14 years. It happened to be across the street from another popular spot in Oxford, the Oxford Social Café, owned by Richard Leggett, who also owns the Creamery. The Mews has a covered porch, he noted; it overlooks the park, and it’s centrally located. Perfect for an ice cream shop, he thought and reached out to the Town.

As it turned out, Oxford already had a blueprint for how they envisioned the building to be put to use. It included three retail spaces and two one-story residential or executive office additions in the back. But Leggett came up with a different renovation plan. Besides the three retail spaces, the rear of the building would contain two stories, an elevator, four residential apartments, and a rain garden (helping to reduce water runoff). In April 2021, a deal was signed.

“Originally,” Leggett said, “we decided to take two of the spaces and rent the other one. Then we started laying out what we needed. Since we make the ice cream on-site, we needed a production area. Then we wanted a serving and a seating area. We also could use a walk-in freezer… It became clear that we needed all the space for ourselves.” Leggett said construction was started during COVID when everything took longer and cost more. But here they are at the finish line, with the grand opening on Friday, March 31st, at noon.

Victor Barlow, Kendall Gant, Kate Fritzinger, and Rich Leggett

It’s a big moment both for Oxford and for the Creamery. “This building is such an iconic historic part of the Town,” said Leggett. “It’s nice to bring it to life in a way that I think is consistent with Oxford’s Interests and the core values of what they really would like to see.”

Now that it’s completed, there is no doubt when you walk through the doors that you’re entering an ice cream parlor. Notice the display cases, round-top seating areas, ice cream being scooped into cones or cups, and the sound of machines blending milkshakes. There is also Scottish Highland Creamery merch for sale. “We wanted to make sure that it’s a family-friendly atmosphere because that’s what we want our business to be–inclusive, approachable, comfortable, and affordable. But we also wanted to stay in tune with our Town, making it feel slightly nautical, so our merchandise is presented on an upright boat. We were even able to keep some of the original wood from the Mews and made our benches and counters out of them.”

There will, of course, continue to be the full range of everything that has made them so successful. This includes producing handcrafted ice cream on-site and their popular shakes and sundaes. But the new place is allowing new options. There will be more selections as they expand the menu from 16 flavors to 20. They will also sell customizable ice cream cakes that can be ordered in advance. In the future, look for possible ‘flights of ice cream’ that will allow people tastings of various combinations of flavors.

The good news continues. Their other location, on Tilghman street (also known as ‘the window’), will remain open during the summer. “We didn’t want to give that up,” said Leggett. “That building is older and floods a fair amount, but it is such a popular location we didn’t want to close it.”

Plus, it too will have a new feature–soft serve ice cream! “If you taste our ice cream when it comes off the machine, it’s both soft and delicious. And we just want to replicate that into soft serve products. It’s not going to be some cheap mixture. It’s still going to be our recipe, made by us. And it’s going to be really amazing.”

Having two places also means they’re expanding their staff. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be seeing familiar faces. Former Scottish Highland Creamery owner Victor Barlow (and the guy pictured on their logo) continues to provide experience and expertise to the business. General Manager Kendall Gant, who started working summers at the Creamery while in high school, will celebrate her 12th season this summer. Returning as Production Manager is Kate Fritzinger, who oversees adding some combination of fruits, nuts, caramel, etc., to create something interesting and different.

Said Leggett, “We’re constantly challenging ourselves to innovate, improve and come up with new things. We like to create holiday flavors, such as the Fourth of July ice cream, which we make three times a year. In fact, we went to ice cream school in January to learn some new things, including more dairy-free options. There will be more selections for just about everyone.”

As to favorites, it’s still the standard chocolate and vanilla, and strawberry. But Leggett gets a kick out of seeing customers trying new flavors. “The one that always shocks people when they have it is the Italian Lemon Cookie. People don’t naturally order it because most people aren’t thinking: ‘I want lemon ice cream.’ But when they taste it, they fall in love.”

So, go check out the new Scottish Highland Creamery location. Try the new flavors or stick by your favorites, sit on the porch, or enjoy the sunset across the street. Continue or start a new tradition. And as the sign and the Scottish greeting on the exit door says —Haste ye back! Come back soon.

Friday, March 31st at noon will be the opening day at the new location on 103 S. Morris Street. To help kick off the new season, musician Sam Pugh will be playing live music on Saturday, April 1st from 1-3pm! For additional info, check out their website (https://scottishhighlandcreamery.com) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheScottishHighlandCreamery?paipv=0&eav=AfaY62Wqp_JffOuGBTOtzRmi4HrMgXwhjeNYVejdzzS_E5XjCsIThpAxza1eLNpdi1c)

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

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