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December 3, 2023

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

Education Ed Notes

Renowned Scholar Celeste-Marie Bernier visits The Country School to Illuminate Frederick Douglass’s Legacy

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This week, The Country School was honored to welcome a distinguished visitor to its campus, Professor Celeste-Marie Bernier, Chair of United States and Atlantic Studies at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. Professor Bernier, an esteemed authority on African American literature and culture, shared her groundbreaking research on the life of Frederick Douglass and his family. This two-day event provided a unique opportunity for all students, from Pre-K through 8th grade, and staff to engage with Professor Bernier’s wealth of knowledge on this pivotal figure in American history. Students of all ages were given the opportunity to ask questions of Professor Bernier during a Q&A session, providing an interactive platform to delve deeper into the complexities of Douglass’s life and legacy.

Frederick Douglass, a towering abolitionist, writer, and orator, played a transformative role in the fight against slavery in the United States during the 19th century. Professor Bernier’s research delves into Douglass’s life, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of his personal journey, as well as the experiences of his family members.

“We were thrilled and honored to welcome Professor Celeste-Marie Bernier to The Country School,” said Jean Brune, Interim Head of School. “Her expertise in United States and Atlantic Studies, combined with her in-depth research on Frederick Douglass and his family, aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering a deep understanding of historical and cultural narratives among our students. This occasion not only enriches the academic environment at The Country School but also serves as an opportunity for students and staff to appreciate the significance of Douglass’s contributions to American history.”

Professor Celeste-Marie Bernier is the author/editor/curator of over 85 books, essays, exhibitions, and educational guides. Her recent books include an eight-book series, Douglass Family Lives: The Anna Murray and Frederick Douglass Family Biography and Collected Works. She is the winner of a British Association for American Studies Book Prize and co-winner of a European Association for American Studies Book Prize and International African American History and Genealogical Society Maryland Book Award. Professor Bernier has held visiting appointments and fellowships at Memphis, Harvard, Yale, Oxford, King’s College London, University of California, Santa Barbara, National Center for the Humanities and Obama Institute. 

 

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KCMS Students Tour Great Blacks in Wax Museum

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Iconic figures like former President Barack Obama and civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are on display in the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore, where Kent County Middle School students took a field trip Thursday, Nov. 9.

Kent County Middle School students participating in mentoring program boarded a bus bound for Baltimore in early November for a special museum trip.

On Thursday, Nov. 9, participants in the Achieving Academic Excellence and Equity for Black Boys (AAEEBB) program visited the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum.

More than 30 students were joined on the field trip by the AAEEBB Program Coordinator Tyray Johnson and fellow middle school teachers and staff members Chanelle Copper, Desmond Hasty, Sara Moore and Delia Shoge.

The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum was the first of its kind when it opened its doors 40 years ago.

This exhibit at the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore offers visitors a glimpse into what it was like for enslaved people seeking freedom along the Underground Railroad.

Visitors learn about “the rich history of African Americans across the continents and time, from Ancient Africa, the Middle Passage and Slavery, through civil rights and today,” according to the museum’s website.

“Exposure to the Museum and its programs ensures that youth and adult patrons learn more about their American heritage and gain deeper insights into significant contributions to civilization by people of African descent,” the museum website states.

The middle school students’ journey through time at the museum gave them an opportunity to learn about figures from an antiquity like Hannibal to Civil Rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. to present day leaders such as former President Barack Obama.

They got to see visual representations of what it was like for freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad and they had the opportunity to tour a replica slave ship.

“Students got to experience the museum and learn about its African American history and culture,” Johnson said. “It was an all-around great day for our boys.”

The AAEEBB program launched several years ago at Kent County Middle School and Kent County High School with funding and guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education.

The AAEEBB program seeks to improve the outlook for adolescent Black boys who, reports show, tend to face more frequent and stringent disciplinary actions than their peers.

Through the program, students receive mentoring, participate in group activities at school and go on field trips to museums and colleges, all with the goal of ensuring their success in school and in life.

Johnson came on board at the program’s launch as a mentor. Last year, he was named the AAEEBB program coordinator for the middle school.

“The AAEEBB program gives our young men a place where they get to feel comfortable to build a bond amongst each other, to have a voice to feel heard and to connect with other like-minded individuals striving for academic excellence,” Johnson said.

Learn more about Kent County Middle School at www.kent.k12.md.us/KCMS.aspx.

 

 

 

 

Museum Trip1: This exhibit at the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore offers visitors a glimpse into what it was like for enslaved people seeking freedom along the Underground Railroad.

 

Museum Trip2: Iconic figures like former President Barack Obama and civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are on display in the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore, where Kent County Middle School students took a field trip Thursday, Nov. 9.

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Good Seeds Garden Growing Strong

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Community volunteers, students and staff have transformed H.H. Garnet Elementary School while learning about gardening and nature. Starting around four years ago, the school began collaborating with community members to launch the Good Seeds Garden.

The effort sought to enhance the elementary school in Chestertown by creating curb appeal through additional landscaping.Members of the Chestertown Garden Club and parents worked together to map out the garden project.

Community volunteers read to students in front of Ghanian artist Constance Swaniker’s “Butterfly” sculpture in the Good Seeds Garden at H.H. Garnet Elementary School in Chestertown.

South Fork Studio Landscape Architecture formally prepared a garden plan, with the Garden Club initially looking at a phased construction timeline.

The community raised money through grants and donations and received support from the Kent County Board of Education, the municipal and county government and local businesses.

Garden Club member Carolyn Grotsky said the fundraising and grant writing went so well they were able to plant the Good Seeds Garden around the entire school in one year.

“It’s beautiful,” Grotsky said of the garden. “I love seeing this here.”

And the community engagement continues to grow.

Grotsky spoke about donations of mulch and labor and how local business owners have given their time and expertise to the project on aspects like the garden’s irrigation system.

“It shows the community involvement in the project,” Grotsky said.

Garnet Elementary School is a state-designated Community School, providing families in need with access to resources.

Garnet Community School Coordinator Florence Terrill said that the partnerships formed through the Good Seeds Garden project fall in line with the Community School program and grant funding.

The Good Seeds Garden provides more than curb appeal to the historic school building.

It also features an outdoor learning space for students. The outdoor classroom annex includes tables and raised gardens in the back of the building.

“Many of the projects the Garden Club has done with our students are enrichment and extension activities to provide more hands-on learning for our children,” Terrill said. “Our partnership with the Garden Club has grown over the last couple years and the kids enjoy their time with the ‘Garden Ladies’ and the new outdoor classroom.”

Garden Club member Susan Flanigan spearheaded the outdoor classroom project in remembrance of her son Conor McDowell, a first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corp who died in a training accident in 2019.

Flanigan said the outdoor classroom space and raised gardens, in which students can plant their own seeds, adds a sense of ownership for the children.

“We want the students to feel this is their garden,” Flanigan said. “The students have just responded beautifully. They’re so excited any time they get an opportunity to be outdoors.”

And last spring, a metal sculpture of a butterfly by Ghanian artist Constance Swaniker was installed last spring in the garden from the collection of Eastern Shore residents Peter and Hanna Woike.

That outdoor classroom annex now features a mural of the school’s namesake, famed abolitionist Henry Highland Garnet.

The garden has served as the host for Community School events, such as the annual Arts in Garden showcase in each spring.

“We look forward to another successful Arts in the Garden in May, celebrating community partnerships and all the artwork of our kids and our wonderful art teacher, Mrs. Aimee Boumiea, and our amazing music teacher, Mrs. Jodi Bortz, who has worked so hard with our students,” Terrill said.

Flanigan credited Terrill with getting the grant that made the outdoor classroom space possible.

“She literally opened all the doors for us,” Flanigan said.

As club members continue meeting every Wednesday to prune, plant and rake, the garden has helped strengthen the connection between the school and the community.

The volunteers are also continuing to raise money to maintain the garden. They need help every year with larger projects like mulching.

“More and more Garden Club members are getting involved,” Grotsky said. “Our main goal is to continue supporting the space and the project through possibly more grants and in-kind donations.”

Garnet Principal Brenda Rose said having good partners, like the Garden Club, is an integral part of the success of a Community School.

“This has been a good experience for our students. They have enjoyed working with the Garden Club volunteers,” Rose said of the garden project.

Lead photo: Joanne Coveney, a retired H.H. Garnet Elementary Schools teacher, talks to students about pumpkins in Garnet’s outdoor classroom space.

Email [email protected] for more information.

Learn more about H.H. Garnet Elementary School in Chestertown at www.kent.k12.md.us/Garnet.aspx.

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Gunston Invited to Join Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association

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The Gunston School is pleased to announce they’ll be joining the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. MIAA is the state’s premier boys’ athletic conference and includes 29 private high schools across eight Maryland counties and Baltimore City. Divided into three tiers based on school size (A, B, & C), MIAA schools have a combined enrollment of 17,000, and it is recognized as one of the country’s most prestigious, competitive, and well-run independent school athletic conferences.

“Gunston first applied to the MIAA nearly 25 years ago,” explained Gunston Athletic Director Josh Breto, “and while our initial attempts to join were not fruitful, the recent combination of Gunston’s enrollment growth, expanded offerings, improved athletic performance, and facilities upgrades made our most recent application successful.”

Beginning in fall of 2024, Gunston’s boys’ teams which include soccer, cross country, swimming, basketball, lacrosse, tennis and golf will begin full-time MIAA competition in the “C” conference.

“Let me acknowledge the efforts of our current Athletic Director, Mr. Josh Breto, who coordinated this process, and I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the impact of former athletic directors Jon Mellinger and Anita Gruss, both of whom helped to nurture the steady enhancement of Heron Athletics over the years. I also want to thank our Board of Trustees, whose continued support of our school’s athletic program and leadership, helped make this possible,” said Head of School John Lewis.

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Citizen Advisory Committee Here to Help

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Kent County Public Schools families and staff, as well as members of the broader community, have an advocate in the Citizen Advisory Committee.

The committee serves a channel for public concerns, advice and communication for the Kent County Board of Education.

“The Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) is a structured group that meets about specific issues impacting educational policy, activities and programs,” the policy governing the committee states. “The CAC may also respond to requests from the Board for research and recommendations on specific educational issues.”

The committee’s membership comprises two representatives for each of the five public schools here, two at-large members and a student member.

The committee chair and vice chair are, respectively, Board of Education member Trish McGee and Vice President Francoise Sullivan.

The committee is required to meet four times a year, though it often meets more frequently.

Meeting discussions generally focus on informing members and the public about programs in Kent County Public Schools.

The committee may make recommendations, as requested, to the Board of Education on topics and issues impacting the education programs and activities of Kent County Public Schools, with the exception of personnel matters.

“All committee recommendations are advisory and nonbinding and the Board of Education has the right to accept or reject all recommendations,” as the CAC policy states.

The CAC and the Board of Education advise families that any concerns should first be brought up with teachers and administrators at the school level.

The Citizens Advisory Committee in its current incarnation was enshrined in policy by the Board of Education in fall 2021.

Committee members are appointed to two-year terms. The application period for new members opens Feb. 1, with terms officially beginning July 1.

The student member is appointed for a one-year term.

Board of Education members are selected for one year and begin their terms Jan. 1.

Families and community members can reach out to CAC members by submitting an online Community Feedback Form.

The form and additional information about the CAC is available online at www.kent.k12.md.us/CitizensAdvisoryCommittee.aspx.

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Benedictine Easton Community Services & Training Center Turns 10 Years Old

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Pictured left to right: Michael, supported adult; Greg supported adult and serves on Benedictine Board of Trustees; Mike Arntz, from Congressman Harris’ office; Alyssa Hastings, Senator Van Hollen’s office; Kimberly Kratovil, Senator Cardin’s office; Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director; Rebecca, supported adult; Suzanne Hoback, trainer and job coach; Zach, supported adult; Robin McDuffie, Meaningful Day Services Director; Ade Ladipan, Adult Services Director; Jessica Vaughn, Administrative Assistant.

The Benedictine Easton Community Services & Training Center marked its 10th anniversary with a gathering of over 40 people on Thursday, October 19th. Dedicated staff, community partners including The Tidewater Inn and Kent Island Best Western, donors, and supported adults who have utilized the services celebrated the Center’s wonderful accomplishments.

Amy Kreiner, President and CEO of the Talbot Chamber of Commerce, welcomed guests and introduced Robin McDuffie, Meaningful Day Services Director who shared the history of the Center, how the training impacts local area special education high school students who participate as well as the adults living with developmental disabilities and autism that Benedictine supports. The students and adults learn job skills and Benedictine works to place them with partner businesses in the community, provides transportation to the jobs, and job coaches.

“We are proud of the work that happens at our Easton Office.  Our students and adults gain valuable skills that enable them to enter the workforce and through this process they are able to demonstrate that their disabilities will not hold them back from living fulfilling lives. In these roles they contribute to their place of employment and the community – and they bring joy to the workplace, develop friendships, and confidence too!” commented Robin McDuffie, Benedictine Meaningful Day Services Director. “We could not do this important work without the community partners who hire our workforce-ready candidates and the dedicated staff that work side-by-side with our students.”

Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director, emphasized what Robin had shared and was given citations from Senator Ben Cardin and Senator Van Hollen’s Office. These were presented by Kimberly Kratovil and Alyssa Hastings respectively. Mike Arntz, from Congressman Harris’ office attended and Senator Johnny Mautz joined the festivities and presented a citation from the Maryland General Assembly. Frank Gunsallus, Easton Town Council President, and Sharon Pepukayi, superintendent of the Talbot County Public Schools were also in attendance.

“We were so excited to learn about the Easton Office’s job training program at the anniversary celebration,” stated Candace Chiaruttini, Benedictine supporter and co-chair for Benedictine’s upcoming Gala, “Bourbon Street Masquerade” on April 27, 2024. Our friend and Benedictine board member Gregory Hviding has been a student, employee, and a graduate of the program and thrives in one of the local, Benedictine managed group homes. Benedictine, and in particular, the Easton Office –  has so much to offer as far as job training and life skills which has such a positive impact on the local community,”

Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and also collaborates with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in area schools and adults living in the surrounding community.

For more information on how to become a Community Partner, or to donate, please call the Benedictine Foundation office at 410 634 2292.

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Gunston Welcomes 39 Students to the National Honor Society

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The Gunston School is pleased to welcome 39 students to the National Honor Society (NHS). Joined by their families, students assembled in Gunston’s Field House for the ceremony.

This year’s newly selected members include Alix Allison, Lily Brantner, Thomas Callahan, Allison Davis, Aiden Dunlap, Lennox Franks, Elena Fraser, Brayden Hamm, Grace Hanlon, Tyler Hanson, Trevor Janssen, Robert (R.P.) Johnson, Samantha (Sam) Keith, Phoebe Kelly, Logan Kille, Allison Lutz, Victoria MacGlashan, V McCluskey, Isla McCollum, Justin McCubbin, Robert (Ethan) McWilliams, Kazys Morris, Louise Mulock, Victoria (Tori) Nessly, Josh Nuessle, Benta Owino, Margaret Porciello, Margaret Randolph, Evelyn Russ, Alivia Runz, Katherine Sadler, Emma Sharp, Grace Shepherd, Jackson Showalter, Zachary Steinberg, Drew Tolley, Mia Walker, Aidan Watson, and Evan Zottarelli.

This year’s speaker was Mr. Jaelon Moaney, Senior Manager of Federal Relations at the American Institute of Architects (AIA). An Easton High School alum, Mr. Moaney earned his B.A. in Political Science, Leadership Studies, African Studies, and Environmental Studies from the prominent Williams College in Massachusetts. In addition to being a superb student, he was a 4-year letter winner as a member of their football team.

He is currently the Manager of Federal Relations at the American Institute of Architects, supporting their lobbying efforts before Congress and the Administration. Before joining them in 2021, he worked for almost three years in the U.S. Senate serving Marylanders both on Capitol Hill and across the state.

Statewide, he is an External Advisory Board member for the Maryland Sea Grant program and was recently appointed by Gov. Wes Moore to represent Talbot County on the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture. Locally and regionally, Mr. Moaney is the co-founder and director of an organization that partners with local schools and nonprofits to provide literacy opportunities. He is also an inaugural member of the Water’s Edge Museum Advisory Board in Oxford and on the board of the Talbot County Public Schools Educational Foundation.

Current NHS officers include the following seniors: President Allie Fitzgerald, Vice President Caitlin Myers, Secretary Bella Taylor, Service Coordinator Anna Szwaja, Parliamentarian Jan Serraviñals, and Communications Officer Ben Cook.

Each fall, membership in NHS is offered to those students who meet the required standards put forth by the national office in four areas of evaluation: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. For the scholarship criterion, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of 88 (B+) or higher.

Students who meet this criterion are invited to submit a comprehensive resume that outlines their activities, achievements, leadership, and service. To evaluate a candidate on the national criterion of character, a student’s school records are reviewed, and each candidate selects four members of the faculty to provide their professional reflections on the candidate’s citizenship, leadership, activities, and personal conduc

(Front Row, l-r) Keynote speaker Jaelon Moaney, Margaret Porciello ’25 (Denton), Logan Kille ’25 (Centreville), Emma Sharp ’25 (Denton), Jackson Showalter ’25 (Easton), Benta Owino ’25 (Grasonville), Allison Davis ’25 (Chestertown), Evelyn Russ ’25 (Cambridge), Elena Fraser ’25 (Annapolis), Grace Hanlon ’25 (Middletown, Del.) and Isla McCollum ’25 (Centreville).

(Second row, l-r) Head of School John Lewis, Trevor Janssen ’25 (Stevensville), Tori  Nessly ’25 (Earleville), Victoria MacGlashan ’25 (Centreville), Drew Tolly ’24 (Cambridge), Mia Walker ’25 (Easton), Alix Allison ’25 (Annapolis), Lennox Franks ’25 (Queenstown), Alivia Runz ’25 (Easton), Grace Shepherd ’25 (Church Hill), Gunston NHS Advisor Mike Kaylor.

(Third Row, l-r) RP Johnson ’25 (Ridgely), Zach Steinberg ’25 (St. Michaels), Kazys Morris ’25 (Centreville), Lily Brantner ’25 (Easton), Louise Mulock ’25 (Church Hill), Phoebe Kelly ’25 (Chestertown), Margaret Randolph ’25 (Millington), V McCluskey ’25 (Centreville), Katherine Sadler ’25 (Easton), Assistant Head of School Christie Grabis.

(Fourth Row, l-r) Ethan McWilliams ’25 (St. Michaels), Tyler Hanson ’24 (Upper Marlboro), Josh Nuessle ’24 (Centreville), Aiden Dunlap ’24 (Chestertown), Justin McCubbin ’25 (Severna Park), and Brayden Hamm ’25 (Smyrna, Del.).

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Birdies For Benedictine Golf Tournament Raises Critical Funds in Support of the Developmentally Disabled 

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One of two PNC teams pictured here playing at the Birdies For Benedictine Golf Tournament. Pictured left to right: Bob Schleigh, Tom Dolan, Kurt Engelhaupt, Ken Cody.

Benedictine’s annual Birdies For Benedictine Charity Golf Tournament was recently held at the Talbot Country Club in Easton, Maryland. The funds raised will be used for urgent needs including student and adult programming for those living with a developmental disability, facility repairs, and staff development.

Benedictine was thrilled to host Charley Mills, Benedictine Board of Trustees President and Paul Pantano, spouse of Board of Trustees member Cheryl Keamy. Also in attendance were several legislators – Steve Arentz, Maryland State Delegate; Frank Gunsallus, Easton Town Council President; Larry Porter and Frank Bartz, Caroline County Commissioners; Anthony Casey and John Hurley, Ridgely Commissioners. Players competed in a morning putting contest with Kurt Engelhaupt of PNC Bank taking the prize. After play, guests enjoyed a late afternoon gathering of food and awards and for the second year in the row the winning team title goes to John Patrick, Charlie Shiles, Dave Mummert and Wes Sims. 

Event sponsors included PNC Bank, Preston Automotive Group, BDK, Inc., Mullen, Sondberg, Wimbish & Stone P.A., VFW Post 7464, Town of Ridgely, Maryland, Barstow & Sons Heating and Cooling and First Maryland Disability Trust. Individual family support came from Alice Ryan, James Trumbauer, Rob Evans, the Mills Family and Bracewell, LLP. Participants also enjoyed tastings from Lyon Rum of St. Michaels.

“PNC is proud to be a sponsor of Birdies for Benedictine,” stated Kurt Engelhaupt, Commercial Banking Relationship Manager, VP at PNC Bank. “We believe that the services that Benedictine provides for children and adults living with developmental and intellectual disabilities is such a worthwhile cause.”

Next year’s event will be held on Monday, September 30th at the Talbot Country Club. For more information on all of Benedictine’s events, the services that they provide for children and adults living with a developmental disability, and ways to support, please contact Claudia Cunningham at Claudia.cunn[email protected] or call 410.634.2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org. 

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Bull & Oyster Roast Raises $120,000 for The Gunston School

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Gunston Bull Roast volunteer and parent of 2021 alumni Emily Shifrin, with Gunston Board of Trustees members Jim Shifrin and Jill Caron, P’17. Photo by Derrika Layne Photography.

The Gunston School welcomed nearly 200 parents, alumni and community supporters to their waterfront campus on Saturday, October 21 for their signature fundraising event, the Bull & Oyster Roast, raising a little over $120,000 for Gunston’s annual giving program, smashing their record from last year. Guests enjoyed delicious food provided by Phat Daddy’s BBQ (Chestertown) and Superior Oyster Shuckers (Baltimore) as well as sweet treats from Emily’s Produce.

“We’ve had volunteers working on this event since early August,” said Parent Association President Ildi Watkins, P’26 (Easton). “They’ve been pounding the pavement for auction items, procuring wine donations, and have spent countless hours on campus making name tags, rolling silverware, creating beautiful flower arrangements, and a lot more. The success of this event is truly a testament to our volunteers who came out of the woodwork to help!”

The online silent auction featured 50 items ranging from original artwork, specialty baskets filled with local gift certificates, professional photography session, fishing charters, luxury catered cruises, NFL tickets, spa packages, and a wide variety of experiences such as the opportunity to be a beekeeper for a day, almost all of which were procured by Gunston Parents’ Association volunteers.

The live auction featured six items including a Paul Reed Smith custom guitar, Ravens versus Dolphins tickets for six on New Year’s Eve, vacations to Jamaica and Mexico, a catered cruise for 10 with a private chef, and VIP tickets to the Gunston 2024 Commencement ceremony. The evening’s auctioneer was volunteer Woody Dunstan, P’24, who once served as the Director of Operations at Christie’s Auction House, where he trained as a charity auctioneer.

A very successful “Raise the Paddle” raised $42,100 for Health & Campus Safety initiatives including a comprehensive security audit with a professional security consultant that specializes in school safety, campus-wide upgrades including automated doors and locks, lighting, updated communications system, installation of tempered glass and faculty and student best-practices safety and security training.

Head of School John Lewis shared, “Each year, we gather together as a community to both have fun and raise funds to support our students and teachers. This year was especially inspiring as attendees were extraordinarily generous in their support!” Generous donations such as these allow Gunston to provide experiences above and beyond what tuition pays for as well as provide 60% of Gunston families with financial aid.

The event had 50 sponsors and included:

Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located on 75 waterfront acres in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

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ShoreRivers Seeks To Provide Community Partners with Restoration Grant Assistance

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Participants in ShoreRivers Social and Environmental Justice Convenings, including Kent Attainable Housing, Minary’s Dream Alliance, and Men for Change are among the first organizations to partner with the organization to explore technical grant assistance. Here, a group gathers at the third convening held at Minary’s Dream in Chestertown earlier this year.

ShoreRivers is actively seeking community organizations that would like assistance improving stormwater issues like flooding or soggy areas, beautifying properties, or improving the mental health of the people you serve through connection with nature.

ShoreRivers has put scores of projects in the ground that prevent pollution and restore our irreplaceable waterways, and we want to help new organizations with submitting successful resiliency and restoration grants. These projects might look like community gardens, rain gardens, tree plantings, or other ambitious efforts to help clean our waterways and connect more community members to river stewardship.

ShoreRivers is thrilled to serve as both a Connector and a Technical Assistance Provider for grants through the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Community-Based Organization Capacity-Building Initiative. Our staff team has decades of collective grant writing and management experience, and includes an environmental engineer, a landscape architect, environmental educators, and professionals in restoration and engagement. Through this initiative, we can share our staff expertise with community organizations, schools, and congregations to apply to grants from organizations like the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Trust, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and more.

With ShoreRivers’ free technical assistance, organizations will build their knowledge and capacity to submit grants and lead future restoration and engagement efforts. Helping more of our local nonprofits thrive means a more sustainable future for all of us. We cannot have clean water without healthy communities, and we cannot have healthy communities without clean water.

If you are interested in exploring grant assistance for your organization, please contact Darran White Tilghman, Director of Community Engagement, at [email protected] or 410.810.7556, ext. 278.

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