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September 22, 2025

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

7 Ed Notes

CBMM, Chesapeake College Offer Marine Welding Course

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This spring, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and Chesapeake College are partnering to offer the public a chance to learn more about marine welding. Scheduled for Tuesdays, March 29–May 10, from 6–8:30pm, advance registration for the program is required at bit.ly/MarineWelding.

In the seven-session course, participants will gain a deep understanding of marine welding processes, appreciating the environmental and process-based concerns associated with welding in a marine environment while learning the basics of GMAW (MIG) and GTAW (TIG)processes. Through these sessions, students will explore different ferrous and non-ferrous metals, with a focus on steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper-based alloy, while also gaining understanding of galvanic scale, different metals, and degradation above and below the waterline.

All except for the second session will be held at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, with session two on April 5 to be held in CBMM’s working Shipyard in St. Michaels, Md. No prior welding experience is necessary, and all tools and materials are included with the cost of registration. The cost to participate is $675 per person, with a 20% discount offered to CBMM Members.

CBMM members play a critical role in supporting CBMM’s rich legacy of educational programs, fascinating and ever-changing exhibitions, and maintenance of the largest collection of Chesapeake Bay watercraft in the world. Benefits of membership include access to exclusive discounts, perks, programming, and CBMM’s virtual portal. To learn more about becoming a CBMM member, visit cbmm.org/membership.

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Donors Drive Workforce Development through Chesapeake College Programs

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Instructor of Agriculture Nicole Barth is shown at Chesapeake’s agriculture lab, where a grant-funded small farm operation will be developed.

Students preparing for careers in agriculture and the trades are benefiting from recent donations to workforce training programs at Chesapeake College.

These contributions through the Chesapeake College Foundation include grant funds and equipment that will be used to bring new learning opportunities for students.

The gifts are all earmarked for projects or programs that are building workforce development for the service region.

“With these generous gifts, our donors are helping Chesapeake students learn innovative techniques and have broader experiences in the classroom,” said Interim Director of Constituent Engagement Michelle Hall. “Our donors are also contributing to the economic wellbeing of our community. Their donations are helping to better prepare the local workforce to meet industry needs.”

The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement recently announced that Chesapeake received a $10,000 Community Education Program grant.

The grant will be used for a structure to house a small farming operation. The project will provide a lab learning space for students interested in agribusiness, according to Instructor of Agriculture Nicole Barth. A variety of plants will be grown for sale to the local community. Students will grow the produce, manage the budget, prepare inventory for distribution and run the sales/marketing, according to Barth.

“The students will learn all aspects of a small-scale farming operation,” Barth said. “We have diverse students with a variety of career goals, but they will all benefit from hands-on learning experiences in agribusiness. They’re learning skills that they will use throughout their careers.”

Southwire Solutions recently donated a $33,000 apprentice training package to Chesapeake’s Electrician program. The package, which includes instructor training and equipment to be installed in Chesapeake’s electrical lab, will allow students to learn new techniques to boost work site safety and efficiency.

“Southwire’s electrical equipment donation brings innovative technology to our students,” said Director of Skilled Trades Jason Mullen. “Both aspiring and experienced electricians will learn from this safe and efficient method of pulling and installing wire on the job.”

Shore Distributors of Salisbury donated $15,000 in equipment for Chesapeake’s HVAC training program. The equipment includes several new Carrier and Trane air conditioning units, heat pumps, and multiple ductless AC/heating units.

“It became obvious over the past few years that Chesapeake College is committed and serious in building a credible HVAC program to serve our industry training needs,” said Paul Sichau, technical trainer with Shore Distributors. “Chesapeake College is positioned to make a difference in the economic success of our region. The lives of our HVAC dealers, their families and employees are directly impacted by the positive efforts of the college.”

To learn more about workforce training at Chesapeake, visit www.chesapeake.edu

For information about supporting Chesapeake through the Chesapeake College Foundation, please contact Michelle Hall at [email protected].

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Ed Patrick Named Washington College’s New V.P. for Finance and Administration

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Washington College has named Ed Patrick to the position of Vice President for Finance and Administration. Patrick, a successful finance executive with strong higher education experience comes to Washington College from St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC where he has served as VP of Finance & Operations since 2018.

In this role, Patrick will be a close partner to President Sosulski in advancing Washington College’s strategic priorities and objectives, working in unison with other College officers, and reflecting and extending the collaborative and supportive spirit of the entire College. The President and senior staff will look to him provide the leadership, vision and entrepreneurial financial thinking for prudent resource management and allocation in support of institutional planning and resource growth.

Serving as the chief business officer for Washington College, Patrick will provide strategic and operational leadership for the institution’s financial, information, and physical resources. He will be responsible for an institutional budget of approximately $55 million and will direct the College’s capital renewal program and land development opportunities, provide coordination and oversight of the management of the College’s endowment and its property and liability insurance and risk management portfolio, and provide functional oversight of non-financial business operations (information technology) and auxiliary enterprises (dining services, bookstore, and summer conferences).

Patrick’s accomplishments within the higher education space include leading strategic initiatives to retain SACSCOC (Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges) accreditation for two separate universities; investing nearly $2 million in technology infrastructure improvements by utilizing CARES Act funding; and collaborating with Academic and Student Affairs teams to develop and implement student retention initiatives that included investments in advising, tutors, technology, training and facilities that resulted in a 40% improvement in the retention rate.

Before joining St. Augustine’s University, Patrick spent five years as a SACSCOC Financial Consultant for Silver & Associates Universities & Colleges. Over the course of his career, he also held leadership roles in Finance & Management with South Carolina State University, Paine College, Clark Atlanta University and the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.

“As a focused and passionate strategist, I am excited to help advance the long-term goals and core mission of Washington College,” said Patrick, whose background includes budgeting and forecasting, business modeling, internal control structure, facilities management, technology and innovation, auxiliary management, cash and investment management, collaborative decision-making at the executive level, and change management.

Patrick is also the proud father of two children who are both currently attending different universities, adding an even deeper level of understanding around the challenges and sacrifices required to pursue a degree in higher education.

“Ed’s strong proven competencies in financial analysis and planning, process improvement, budgeting and cost control and team-building mesh incredibly well with what the College needs as we look ahead to the next chapter,” said Mike Sosulski, President. “But when we look beyond his successful career and list of accomplishments, it is his passion for adding value to our community and his collaborative approach that really gave him the nod as our candidate. He will undoubtedly become a strong and vocal advocate for advancing our mission with a student-first mindset.”

Patrick earned his Bachelor’s of Science in General Studies from Northwestern University, and went on to receive an MS in Accounting from DePaul University in Chicago. He also completed Chemical Officer Basic Course & Military Police Advance Training while with the Department of the Army out of Fort McClellan.

He will officially begin his tenure with Washington College on January 24. Patrick will be joined in the Office of Finance & Administration by another new staff member – Director of Facilities, Stan Yeakel. Yeakel was previously the Director of Physical Plant Services at Fairhaven, a continuing care retirement community in Sykesville, MD. He brings extensive experience in working with capital projects, maintenance, engineering, security, energy management and housekeeping services.

Story link: https://www.washcoll.edu/live/news/ed-patrick-release.php

About Washington College

Founded in 1782, Washington College is the tenth oldest college in the nation and the first chartered under the new Republic. It enrolls approximately 1,100 undergraduates from more than 35 states and a dozen nations. With an emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning in the arts and sciences, and more than 40 multidisciplinary areas of study, the College is home to nationally recognized academic centers in the environment, history, and writing. Learn more at washcoll.edu.

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Benedictine Awards Service Milestones

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Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director, presents Sister Mary Agnes with a 46 years milestone award at the Staff Milestone Services Awards luncheon in early December.

Benedictine celebrated milestones in service for 52 of its dedicated staff members in early December. The awards were presented to employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40 years of service with a special recognition for the 46 years Sister Mary Agnes has served Benedictine.

Each staff member was presented with special thank you gifts during a recognition luncheon. Staff celebrating 5,10 and 15 years of service were each given a certificate; 20 years received a framed, personal write-up award; 25,30 and 40 received a framed certificate noting years of service with number of months, weeks, days, hours, minutes and seconds plus a canvas picture of the iconic Benedictine mile lane with its original stone wall entrance. In addition, all staff received a monetary gift based on their years of service.

Sister Mary Agnes’s special 46-year recognition celebrates her extraordinary service as a role model, teacher, caregiver and vocational coordinator; she exemplifies the true spirit of Benedictine. She is loved and respected by all her colleagues and all those she has served at Benedictine.

“The Milestone Awards Ceremony is a favorite event of mine at Benedictine,” stated Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director. “It highlights the commitment our employees have to our mission and values, and the work they do to support the students and adults in our programs.”

Benedictine commends all its staff milestone awardees for their compassion, dedication, dependability and caring devotion for the children and adults they serve and for their commitment to Benedictine. These traits shine through in their daily interactions with the people they support and their families, as well as co-workers and staff at Benedictine.

Benedictine has close to 400 employees who serve children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism at its Ridgely Campus and in its 22 group homes in Caroline, Talbot and Anne Arundel Counties, as well as at the Community Services and Training Center in Easton. Guided by its core values of compassionate caring, dignity of work and hospitality, Benedictine’s mission is to help each individual reach their greatest potential and highest level of independence.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization helping more than 200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties. Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the Talbot County Public Schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. For more information, visit www.benschool.org

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“The Misadventures of Romeo & Juliet” at Church Hill Theatre

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The Gunston Players are pleased to announce that their upcoming production of “The Misadventures of Romeo & Juliet” by Stephen Frankenfield will take place on February 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. and February 27 at 2 p.m. at the Church Hill Theatre in Church Hill, Md. Tickets to this show are free, however space is limited to first come, first served.

A light hearted comedy, the plot follows the story of a dysfunctional rehearsal of Romeo and Juliet in which many familiar characters intrude on the production, creating complete chaos including (but not limited to) Shakespeare, “Datman” (Batman), Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, and many more. The show will be accompanied with music by Gunston musicians The Brookletts.

The Gunston Players in dress rehearsal, from left to right (Devin Merton ‘24, Annabelle Sinatra ‘24, Ezra Lillie ’25, Rowan Lutz ’24, YaXin (Angelina) Lin ’23, Nora FauntLeRoy ‘22, Harrison Dunstan ’24, and Nina Johnston ‘25.

The play is directed by Performing Arts Chair Dr. Ryan Asprion with fellow faculty member Katelyn Larrimore as assistant director. For those unable to attend, there will be a virtual live stream available on Gunston’s YouTube Page https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGunstonSchool.

“After such a tumultuous year of Covid restrictions, we are excited to bring this comedy to the stage. It’s great to see the students enjoying themselves and all enjoying a good laugh together. I think the audience will really appreciate the comic relief!” said Dr. Asprion.

For more information about Gunston’s performing arts program, contact [email protected] or call 410-758-0620.

Church Hill Theatre is located at 103 Walnut Street, Church Hill, Md., and requires proof of vaccination for all guests. Please visit churchhilltheatre.org for more information about this policy.

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Wye River Upper School Celebrates 20 Years of Changing Lives

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Wye River Upper School (WRUS) is pleased to announce the commemoration of its 20th anniversary. For over two decades, this small independent school located in the heart of Centreville, Maryland, has educated nearly 900 students with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, and executive function challenges. Wye River Upper School has become a leader in educating bright neurodiverse students.

The 20th Anniversary lands at the completion of Stephanie Borges Folarin’s first year as Head of School at Wye River Upper School.

Students of Wye River Upper School

“Wye River Upper School is building a legacy of excellence in education. We are unlike any other high school in our area. We tend to the academic needs of our twice-exceptional students, and we dedicate ourselves to supporting the growth of our parent body, building strong and supportive relationships with neighboring schools and businesses, and placing community service at the core of our programming. The culture at Wye River Upper School is rooted in inclusivity, acceptance, and the joy of learning. As we reflect on the first 20 years of our history and plan for the next 20, 40, 60 years, we want to say we appreciate everyone involved in the inception and growth of our school and invite them to continue supporting us in all ways.” – Stephanie Borges Folarin, Head of School

Wye River Upper School began when founding Head of School Chrissy Aull and Co-founding Administrator Patricia McGlannan realized there was no specialty high school on the Eastern Shore for their twice-exceptional 8th-grade children – so they decided to open a school of their own. These dynamic mothers rented classrooms at Chesapeake College, and with the aid of three teachers and a student body of nine, Wye River Upper School was born. This labor of love blossomed, and by 2014, WRUS opened its new home at the Centreville Historic National Guard Armory.

Head of Wye River Upper School, Stephanie Borges Folarin

Chrissy Aull and Patricia McGlannan were ahead of the curve when designing an educational environment that recognizes and responds to the way each student learns. The school currently serves students from eleven different Maryland and Delaware counties and is the only high school of its kind on the Eastern Shore and beyond. Wye River Upper School provides the opportunity for students to build confidence and reach new levels of academic and personal success.

The WRUS experience is incredibly unique because of its small class sizes, individualized student attention, and student-centered curriculum abundant with hands-on learning experiences and real-world problem-solving. The students describe their time at WRUS as both life-changing and transformative and parents regularly express their relief at finding a school that enables their child(ren) to be their true authentic selves.

Wye River Upper School’s home is located at the Historic National Guard Armory in Centreville, MD

“Wye River Upper School has provided my daughter with a safe and supportive learning environment that has enabled her to overcome challenges and has encouraged her to find her passion with a positive outlook towards the future. The entire staff truly cares about each student reaching their potential”. – Mike Lysinger, Current parent and WRUS Parent-Teacher Organization Secretary

Wye River Upper School has launched a robust campaign for the 20th Anniversary Endowment Fund to ensure the security and longevity of the school’s future.

Proud parents hug 2021 graduate

“Wye River’s mission fulfills a critical need within our community. For twenty years, this exceptional school has changed the trajectory of hundreds of student paths. As we reach this milestone as an institution, we recognize the importance of building our Endowment to continue improving and enhancing our unique experience for these deserving students. A stronger Endowment will offer the flexibility and financial stability needed to grow our program in ways such as providing more tuition assistance to those in need, adding courses that offer glimpses into different career options, and maintaining our qualified teaching staff.” – Lori Ramsey, WRUS Trustee and Finance Committee member

Wye River Upper School shares more about its vision for the future, stories from its past, and information on the year of celebration ahead at wyeriverupperschool.org/20th/

For more information on how to get involved, contact the Director of Development and Philanthropy, Emma Rose Mumma, at 443-262-8291 or [email protected].

Wye River Upper School is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is- students who learn differently, discover through innovation, develop with rigor, and celebrate their strengths while preparing for success in college, career, and life. For more information visit www.wyeriverupperschool.org or call 410.758.2922.

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Washington College Receives $2.3 Million From Hodson Trust for Student Scholarships

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The Hodson Trust has made a gift of $2,377,788 to Washington College to endow merit-based scholarships and support the College’s Washington Scholars program. Representatives of the Trust presented the gift to President Michael J. Sosulski in Baltimore on Dec. 8.

“The Hodson Trust has been such a generous supporter of Washington College and our students for, remarkably, over 85 years,” Sosulski said. “We are enormously grateful that the Hodson trustees continue to provide our students with the means to succeed and thrive at this college where the nation’s liberal arts education first took shape. Ours is a historic partnership whose story grows more vibrant with every decade, and we are sincerely thankful.”

This year’s donation provides $1,188,894 to The Hodson Trust Merit Scholarship endowment, and $1,888,894 to support the Washington Scholars program. Established in 2016 by former College President Sheila Bair and originally known as “George’s Brigade,” the Washington Scholars program provides full tuition, room, and board to high-achieving students who are passionate about and dedicated to their academic pursuits, but whose economic situations may otherwise preclude a higher education. About 10 students are selected for the program each year from a wide pool of nominated candidates from around the country. More than a financial support program, the Washington Scholars program provides its students with social, emotional, and academic support; leadership development activities; and career development and placement. To date, 62 Washington Scholars have enrolled at Washington College, with 27 having graduated in the past two years.

“The Washington Scholars program provides opportunity for exceptional students to seize the chance to steer their futures,” said Lorna Hunter, vice president for enrollment management. “Their achievements remind us that higher education can make all the difference for those who believe in themselves, and The Hodson Trust is helping to pave their way.”

The Hodson Trust is the College’s largest single benefactor. Starting with a grant of $18,191.12 in 1935, the Trust has given Washington College more than $80 million. The Trust that was established in 1920 by the family of Col. Clarence Hodson benefits four Maryland educational institutions:  Washington College, Hood College, St. John’s College of Annapolis, and The Johns Hopkins University. Hodson, who received the honorary degree Doctor of Laws from Washington College in 1922, served on the College’s Board of Visitors and Governors from 1920 until his death in 1928.

Hodson, who grew up in Somerset County, Maryland, founded the Beneficial Loan Society to make small loans available to working-class Americans at affordable interest rates. This groundbreaking business grew into the Beneficial Corporation, one of the largest consumer finance companies in the United States. An initial investment of $100 grew over the ensuing decades into a trust that has awarded more than $250 million to the four beneficiary institutions. For more information, visit www.hodsontrust.org.

See the story live here: https://www.washcoll.edu/live/news/hodson-gift-release.php

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Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning Spring Showcase Goes Virtual

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Another year, another variant… WC-ALL is back in action and starting off the New Year by moving our Spring Showcase event online for the health and well-being of our members and instructors. Registrations are rolling in; next week please tune in from the comfort of your own home and hear what the instructors for the spring 2022 semester have in store – as well as updates from the Council Chair, Special Events, and a few words from Washington College President Mike Sosulski. Join us Tuesday, January 11 at 4:00 PM! No RSVP required – the Zoom link will be sent to members on Monday and will also be available on our website.

No changes have been made to the in-person courses for the spring semester – they will go forward as planned at this time. However, please note the cancellation of “Exploring Symmetry” due to a conflict on the instructor’s calendar. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Plan to get comfortable, enjoy a snack and beverage of your choice, and welcome Spring 2022 virtually with WC-ALL! Hope to see you next week, and thanks for your support!

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WC’s Academy Of Lifelong Learning Announces January Learn-At-Lunch

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There are many avid bird watchers in Kent County, some of whom participate in the annual bird count at Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge. But even if you just enjoy watching birds at home or around town, you will be interested in the January 19 WC-All Learn at Lunch presentation at Washington College. Maren Gimpel, a Washington College Field ecologist, will be speaking about “What Bird Banding Can Tell Us.”

Bird banding is a powerful tool used in the study of many aspects of avian biology from determining such things as migratory routes, how old birds live and whether males or females are more attentive to their parents. She will also speak about how Washington College’s Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory has contributed to a wide variety of research projects since 1998 including research into the gut biome of Blackpoll Warblers, the presence of avian flu in migratory birds, how light pollution may affect bird migration, and how birds that have recovered from window collisions behave.

Maren Gimpel has been a bander since 2002 and a birder for over 25 years. Maren compiles the local Chesterville Christmas Bird Count. She has been certified as a Bird Bander and Bird Banding Trainer by the Eastern Bird Banding Association. She has a degree in zoology from Connecticut College, has authored a dozen scientific articles, given many presentations, mentored over 60 of the next generation of field biologists and banded over 75,000 birds.

A buffet lunch will be served at noon followed by the presentation at Washington College’s Hodson Hall. The fee for members is $25 and for non- members $30. The deadline for reservations is Thursday, January 13, 2022.

To make a reservation contact the WC-ALL office at 410-778-7221 or send a check made out to WC-ALL to 300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, MD 21620.

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WKHS Holds Successful Fall Fundraiser

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Kent County High School’s radio station held its annual fall radiothon last month to help raise money for its studios.

The WKHS fall fundraiser ran the week of Nov. 15-19, with special guests from the local community dropping in every day to talk with Kent County High School students on air.

Chris Singleton, a Kent County High School alum, has served as WKHS station manager for nearly 15years. Ken Collins joined him five years ago as the station’s fund manager.

Kent County High School students, from left, Maurya McKenzie, Anna Bitter and Aiden Dunlap work on an assignment, recording “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” in the studios at WKHS. The high school radio station recently held its annual fall radiothon fundraiser.

In that time, the two have worked to help raise money for studio renovations and upgrades, an ongoing process for the high school station that has a signal strength transmitting 60 miles out from Worton.

“To maintain our existing coverage, the radio station is in need of a new transmitter to replace the current model, which has reached its full life expectancy,” Singleton said. “We depend on community financial support to fund these types of projects that may not be possible otherwise.”

While serving as a springboard for students interested in learning broadcasting, WKHS also provides an opportunity for community members to volunteer as evening radio show hosts.

In addition, 90.5 also broadcasts WXPN radio out of the University of Pennsylvania when students and community volunteers are not on the air.

“We couldn’t ask for a better support partner than WXPN. For years they have provided on-air content that blends perfectly with WKHS,” Collins said.

Learn more about Kent County High School’s radio station — on the air since 1974 — at wkhsradio.org.

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