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November 22, 2024

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

5 News Notes Archives

Lions Club to host Halloween Parade October 26

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The Chestertown Lions Club will host their annual Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 26th commencing at 1 pm in downtown Chestertown. This cherished annual event has delighted locals and visitors of all ages for over fifty years. The parade will proceed down High St beginning from Kent St. and ending at Queen St.

This year’s Halloween parade will feature live music, marching bands, numerous floats and performers, with candy dispensing from the floats along the parade route.

Costumed parade participants may win certificates and cash prizes awarded for best costume in a number of categories from pre-school to adult– and this year also for costumed PETS!

Costumed participants may register and queue up in front of Sacred Heart Church on High St (near Kent St.) up to 90 minutes prior to the 1 PM parade start, but must have registered before 12:45 pm.

The parade theme is Halloween and geared toward children, therefore floats should relate to that theme and avoid overtly commercial or social/political signage and presentation, such as political candidates or parties.

Float owners need not register, however they are expected to adhere to all safety precautions for their riders and the public; any signage should be minimal. Floats must line up across from Dixon Drive on High St. Floats may register at the starting area between 11 am and 12:45 at the latest.

Rain date is 3pm Sunday.     See www.chestertownlions.org for any updates regarding the parade.

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

Election Day Countdown: From and Fuller needs your opinion on Alsobrook vs. Hogan

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Spy readers are encouraged to participate in one of several unscientific survey questions as the Mid-Shore prepares for Election Day 2024 this November. First up, tell us who you would vote for in the highly competitive Senate race between former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and current County Executive of Prince George’s County Angela Alsobrook.

Click HERE to take the survey.

Our results will first be shared on the From and Fuller Live broadcast at the Avalon in Easton on October 16th and posted in the Spy the following day.

From and Fuller live tickets can be purchased here to help support the Spy and the Avalon’s public affairs programs or can be watched online at 6 p.m. The program will be repeated in From and Fuller’s regular program the following day.

 

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

Petition to fast-track safety signs for Maple Avenue and Kent Street given to SHA and MTS

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Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, SHA Administrator William Pine, with Robbi Behr and kids after delivering the petition to fast-track the safety signs.

On Tuesday, Michael McDowell arranged to meet with Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld and State Highway Agency Administrator William Pines to deliver a petition urging the fast-tracking of action on the placement of a Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon to be placed at N. Queen and Maple Streets,  and Kent Street and Washington Ave.

The officials were on a county-by-county inspection tour.

The petition was signed by eighty households on both sides of Queen Street and Maple Avenue.

“We’re facing a year before it is done, and we are petitioning for faster action,” McDowell says.

The intersections have been an ongoing concern due to their danger to children going to school and residents of the area crossing Maple Avenue (Rt. 213) and has been approved for a flashing beacon sign.

Secretary Wiedefeld and Administrator Pines advocated for the project last year and said they would contact McDowell when they had more information about speeding up the process.

McDowell, his wife Susan Flanigan, Robbi Behr and children, August and Jasper, delivered the petition.

To see a Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon (with buttons), go here.

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

Women & Girls Fund grant applications are due by November 1 for programs serving the needs of women and girls.

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The Women & Girls Fund of the Mid-Shore, a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, is now accepting grant proposals from IRS-designated non-profit organizations for programs addressing the needs of local women and girls.  Completed applications must be received by Friday, November 1, 2024. Grant recipients will be announced in April 2025. 

Since 2002, grants totaling $902,036 have been awarded to 112 non-profit organizations in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties.  In 2024, 18 grants totaling $62,513 were given for a wide variety of programs, including Community Mediation Upper Shore “Making Peace Possible for Women and Girls”, Haven Ministries “Homes of Hope Case Management and Client Education Program”, Partners in Care “Services to Empower Mid-Shore Older Women to Age in Place with Dignity and Respect”, and Cambridge Empowerment Center “Summer STEM for Girls”. 

“Our online grant application has made applying for grants easier than ever,” said Allie Prell, Grants Committee Chair.  “Grants can be awarded for a wide variety of issues, including education, literacy, mental health, food insecurity, and shelter. We encourage applications for innovative programs that target critical needs facing women and girls.  No organization should be reluctant to apply.”

Grant guidelines and applications are available at www.womenandgirlsfund.org.  For further information, call 410-770-8347 or e-mail [email protected].  

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

Heather Mizeur announces endorsement of Francoise Sullivan for KCPS Board of Education

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Today, former Maryland delegate Heather Mizeur proudly endorses incumbent Francoise Sullivan for Kent County Public Schools Board of Education in the upcoming 2024 election.

“I support incumbent Francoise Sullivan for the Board of Education because her proven leadership, dedication to student success, and commitment to fostering inclusive, innovative learning environments ensure that our schools continue to thrive. Her experience and vision make her the steady hand we need to navigate the challenges ahead.”

Sullivan is currently serving her 2nd year as the Vice President of the KCPS Board of Education. She also served as the co-chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee. She has appeared multiple times in Annapolis to give testimony on proposed bills that would benefit KCPS and the Kent County community.

“I am proud to have the endorsement of Heather Mizeur,” said Francoise Sullivan. “She is a strong believer in public education and understands the needs of our small, rural school district.”

The 2024 election will be held on November 5.

For more information on Francoise Sullivan’s campaign, please visit www.voteforsullivan.org.

About Heather Mizeur:

Mizeur is a former elected official, she served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2007-2015. Since that time she has lived full time on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and is currently the CEO of a non-profit organization she founded that addresses social justice issues. In 2022, she ran for the United States House of Representatives in Maryland’s 1st congressional district, challenging incumbent U.S. Representative Andy Harris.

About Francoise Sullivan:

Sullivan is completing her first term on the KCPS Board of Education, where she has been dedicated to advancing student success. A Worton resident since 2003, she runs a website design business and is active in the community previously volunteering on the KidSpot board, the Chestertown Tea Party Festival committee and the HP Festival committee. She also serves on the Marketing Committee for the Garfield Center for the Arts. She and her husband, Mark, have two children in Kent County Public Schools.

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Remembering David Alan Turner

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David Alan Turner

David Alan Turner’s life was defined by his passions-of which he had many.

Born on November 19, 1947 in Austin, Texas, David was the elder child of Claudene and Earl Turner. David’s father worked as a lobbyist for the Texas Independent Oil Producers (TIPRO). It was through his father’s vocation that David found his first passion, politics. He witnessed his father navigate the complex and fascinating world of our nation’s oil business, the good, bad, and the ugly. The intrigue of the who, what, when, where and how of politics stayed with him the remainder of his life.

David obtained his degree in history at the University of Texas at Austin (UT). While at UT he discovered another passion, the study of U.S. history, especially the continuing, complicated story of the North and the South. He was present when a gunman opened fire on the UT campus, killing fifteen people, one a life-long friend. On a lighter note, as a member of the UT student government David was tasked to find an aspiring singer, Janis Joplin, an escort for a campus event. David said Miss Joplin’s criteria for her date was simple, “cute and stupid.” David’s first horse was one his father got to entertain the kids. David found the care and riding of these magnificent beasts to be a lifelong and overriding passion. He appreciated their beauty and heart. In 1998, he won first place at the Devon Horse show in the carriage competition. He also feigned pride in the fact a national horse magazine asked him to write the obituary of fellow equestrian – Zsa Zsa Gabor. He worked tirelessly until his death to help make the enforcement of the 1971 Walking Horse Protection Act a reality. Although this is a law on the books, there is no ability for law enforcement officers to criminally charge abusers for their terrible abuse and mistreatment of Tennessee Walking Horses.

While in graduate school at the LBJ School of Public Affairs he had the opportunity to work in Washington D.C. He found Washington to be beautiful, vibrant, and challenging. He never again lived in his beloved Texas. While in D.C. he found yet another passion, speech writing. He worked as a speech writer in the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton White Houses. He was also tasked to write for others in these administrations, such as Secretary Elizabeth (Liddy) Dole and Attorney General Janet Reno. The pinnacle of his speech writing career was crafting a line in Reagan’s “Morning in America” ad campaign.

After his White House service, he went to work in the U.S. Marshals Service as their spokesperson. There he found a passion in explaining the complex, dangerous, and often misunderstood/maligned mission of the Marshals.

While living in Prince George’s County Maryland, David was appointed by the County Executive as the Chairman of the county’s Historic Preservation Commission. He was able to save several historic sites key in African-American history. These sites included slave cabins and cemeteries and a home frequented by Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. David was appointed by Governor Hogan as a member to the Maryland Historic Trust where again he championed preservation of Maryland’s historic places.

David and his partner of twenty-one years, Ran Crawford, moved to Chestertown in 2015. This idyllic Eastern Shore town instantly became home for them. David was active in WCALL, a volunteer at the local homeless shelter, and a member of Shrewsbury Parish.

David is survived by his partner, his sister, Carol Turner and her wife Theresa Scherwin of Asheville, NC and mother-in-law, Bettye Crawford, of Garland, TX. David’s family would also like to recognize the Water St. family that has been so generous in the years he has lived here, especially during his illness.

The services will be held at Shrewsbury Parish on October 19, 2024 at 11:00. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Children’s National Hospital, Washington D.C.

David’s final passion was sitting on his front porch of his 1910 home and calling out to total strangers-“Where are y’all from? Would your dog like a treat?“

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Don’t miss CBMM’s OysterFest on Oct. 26

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The Bay’s favorite bivalve takes the spotlight at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s OysterFest on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10am-4pm.

At OysterFest, you’re invited to enjoy oysters served a variety of ways, along with other local fare, craft beer, and spirits, plus fun for the whole family with live music on two stages, an oyster stew competition, a full schedule of demonstrations and presentations, children’s activities, and more.

Tickets are on sale now for this rain-or-shine event at cbmm.org/OysterFest, with discounted pricing for CBMM members.

Whether you prefer to sip, savor, or slurp Chesapeake Bay oysters, this annual celebration is for you. The delicious menu features oysters from the Talbot Watermen Association and several local oyster farms, with both raw and cooked options available.

Guests can also purchase a variety of Chesapeake delicacies and other food offerings via local vendors on campus, plus a beverage selection that includes specialty cocktails and an array of local craft beer options. All food and drinks are an additional charge.

Don’t miss your chance to buy an OysterFest mug and join the judging for the always-popular oyster stew competition. You’ll sample offerings from area restaurants and then vote for your favorite to decide which chefs claim the coveted title and local bragging rights.

The friendly competition continues with our annual oyster slurp-off contest. Interested participants can sign up on the day of the event.

All the oyster-themed fun will come with an upbeat soundtrack thanks to live music on both sides of campus all day long. Swamp Donkey Newgrass returns to play the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand, and there will be a stage on Fogg’s Landing, as well, to add to the festive atmosphere.

Throughout the day, the Van Lennep Auditorium will host a variety of guest speakers sponsored by the Upper Shore Regional Folklife Center through the Maryland Traditions Program of the Maryland State Arts Council.

Just a few of the highlights: Food historian Joyce White will discuss historical influences on Maryland’s cuisine and her recent book “Cooking Maryland’s Way: Voices of a Diverse Cuisine,” and historian Eric Cheezum will share the incredible true story of the mysterious sea creature who captured the hearts and imaginations of the Bay region told in his book, “Chessie: A Cultural History of the Chesapeake Bay Sea Monster.”

The American Chesapeake Club will be on hand to share demonstrations highlighting the retrieving abilities of its Chesapeake Bay retrievers, while Eric Jackson of Bay Fibers Studio will offer guests a free opportunity to create their own t-shirt designs.

Children can explore life on the Bay through a range of themed, hands-on activities, including lawn games, model boat building, and more. The Phillips Wharf Fishmobile traveling aquarium will be on site, too.

To close out the day, cruise boat PATRIOT is offering a special OysterFest cruise on the Miles River as part of its final weekend of the 2024 season. Starting at 3:30pm, this 75-minute cruise features appetizers provided by Garden and Garnish, including oysters on the half shell. The cost is $62, with a $4 discount for CBMM members. Learn more and buy tickets at patriotcruises.com.

OysterFest guests can get in the festive spirit by purchasing commemorative gear in the Museum Store, showcasing this year’s featured historic oyster tin from CBMM’s collection. The one-gallon tin, packed by Mears & Powell in Wachapreague, Va., and marketed as Wachapreague Oysters, is emblazoned on shirts and hats, as well as the mugs used for the oyster stew competition.

This year, OysterFest is generously sponsored by The Easton Group at Morgan Stanley, PNC Bank, RAUCH inc., and SafeTime by MAGI.

OysterFest tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. Admission is set at $22 for adults, $19 for seniors (65+) and students (17+), $10 for active and retired military members, and $9 for children ages 6-to-17, with all children 5-and-younger admitted free.

CBMM members receive discounted pricing to OysterFest and other annual festivals celebrating the best of the Bay throughout the year. Adult member tickets are $10, and all children of members (17-and-younger) receive free admission. CBMM members at the Family & Friends level and above can also receive the $10 discounted admission for two additional adult guests.

CBMM members become a part of the Chesapeake story, joining CBMM’s mission as stewards of the region’s rich cultural heritage. To discover all the terrific benefits of membership and join today, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or [email protected].

During the festival, additional free event parking will be available at St. Michaels Middle/High School, with a complimentary shuttle service running to and from CBMM.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs must be kept home during CBMM festivals, including OysterFest. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is also prohibited.

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

Smooth Jazz from the Bratcher Project at Church Hill Theatre October 19

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For one performance only, on Saturday, October 19, Church Hill Theatre will host an outstanding group of regional musicians for a night of smooth jazz with an R&B twist. The Bratcher Project is an ongoing musical journey founded by acclaimed bass guitarist and song writer Vaughn Bratcher. Other Project members are Karen Linette on vocals, Rodney Kelly Jr. on keyboard, “J. R.” on drums, and Tracey Cutler on sax.

Bratcher calls his group a project because they are a dynamic musical workshop in constant development, exploring new ways to achieve the “almighty Groove.” The musicians intertwine traditional and contemporary jazz in a format that is always fresh and engaging. The other members in the current “project” are all fine musicians at earlier stages in their own careers.

Vaughn Bratcher played with top R&B artists like Al Green, Betty Wright, Doris Duke and Z.Z. Hill early in his career. He moved on to work with gospel legends and “young lions” of the jazz scene like Cyrus Chestnut and George Culligan.  He has performed at the Rehoboth Jazz Festival, Artscapes in Baltimore, and many other important venues.  His CD, “The Pleasure’s Yours,” got substantial air play and his composition “Island Flow” received an award from the John Lennon Songwriting Competition.

Bratcher promises to lay down a funky groove and seduce listeners with a soft and sweet melody. Church Hill Theatre, known mostly for live dramas and musicals, is branching out to include other genres of artistic expression. The theatre’s new seating, decor, and lighting will make this a “date night” to remember.  Join the Bratcher Project on Saturday, October 19, at 7:30 pm.   CHT is located at 103 Walnut Street in Church Hill, MD. Tickets are available through the website: churchhilltheatre.org.  Or call (410) 556-6003 for additional information.

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

Agent 86 Reconnaissance Footage: Concours d’ Elegance 2024 on Kent Island

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Late last night, Agent 86 filed their report on the annual St. Michaels Concours d’ Elegance on Chesapeake Bay. Arriving under disguise, 86 found their way to the waterfront lawn of the Kent Island Yacht Club on Sunday for some raw intelligence images of some of the most beautiful cars ever built.  Their report included a special note that the Academy Art Museum will host a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of automotive, furniture, and paintings from the famous design family of Carlo Bugatti and his sons from December 6th through April 13th. More information about the show can be found here.

This video is approximately two minutes in length. 

 

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

Sultana to Host Harvest Picnic at Lawrence Preserve

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Lawrence Wetlands Preserve

The Sultana Education Foundation will host its first annual Harvest Party & Picnic at the Lawrence Wetlands Preserve on October 5, 2024, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. The event promises an afternoon of family fun with something for everyone, including:   

  • Live bluegrass with Flatland Drive
  • Food trucks & picnic lawn (picnicking welcome)
  • Buck-a-Shuck oysters with the Kent County Watermans’ Association
  • Regional beer on tap as well as non-alcoholic beverages
  • Face painting and pumpkin painting for children
  • Live petting zoo
  • Pumpkin Bocce 

The pollinator meadow at the Lawrence Preserve will be at its peak for the Harvest Party, providing a beautiful backdrop for the afternoon. Entry to the event is free and there will be food and beverages for sale.  Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic, blanket, and non-alcoholic beverages.  

“This October marks the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Lawrence Preserve,” commented Preserve Manager, John Mann.  “In that time the Preserve has welcomed over 20,000 guests and become an integral part of the Chestertown landscape.  The Harvest Party is our way of celebrating what the Preserve brings to the entire community.” 

The Lawrence Wetland Preserve is a walk-in facility (no onsite parking) located at 301 South Mill Street in Chestertown.  Visitors are encouraged to park in the public lots on the 300 block of Cannon Street or on the surrounding streets. 

Please check the Sultana Education Foundation’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates related to weather. 

Free event to feature live music, food, beverages and children’s activities

For more information about the Harvest Party or the Sultana Education Foundation, please visit www.sultanaeducation.org.

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