Brevities

The Great Slow Down List: Susan Baldwin

March 30, 2020 by The Spy Leave a Comment

As the Spy has pointed out in a recent editorial, the country and our region will be facing an unprecedented moment in history when many meetings, performances, schools and other gatherings will temporarily come to an halt. To help with this unexpected slow down, each day for the next thirty days The Spy will share with our readers suggestions from our long list of writers and friends on how to pass the time as the country and the Mid-Shore endure social isolation.

Today is Spy reader Susan Baldwin:

Read: Still Life by Louise Penny
Listen: The Sea by Anita Kerr with San Sebastian Strings
Watch: Bohemian Rhapsody
Cook: Sauerbraten
Outing: A walk around the neighborhood with dog Rosie greeting folks out in their yards

Please send your suggestions to editor@chestertownspy.org

Chestertown Spy Questionnaire: Take the Pulse Results and New Poll

March 29, 2020 by The Chestertown Spy 1 Comment

We asked you two questions about life as we find it today and many of you shared your views.

Good news for all who are fighting this pandemic – The Spy readers take the threat very seriously with over 95% of those responding that they see COVID-19 as a serious threat.

We all wonder just when social distancing might be less important. Not surprisingly, most just don’t know. Hopefully this means that we will rely upon experts and facts to make that determination. Of those who shared a view, the majority clearly think this remains a necessity through the month of May and possibly beyond.

The Spy’s Take the Pulse Survey allows readers to share their views. We published the results for readers to consider, acknowledging we do not have a random sample of citizens in the community.

Now it’s time for the next poll. Please share your opinion here.

Covid-19 and Small Acts of Kindness: Fans of Anna Burgess

March 28, 2020 by Val Cavalheri Leave a Comment

Today’s Kindness is actually a little different. This is about someone who is on the receiving end of unexpected kindness.

She came to our attention through a text from a Spy reader, Dan Van Skiver: “My friend Anna is a musician by trade. She doesn’t have a “day job,” she plays music for a living in bars, at events, etc. With everything shut down and canceled, she has no income. The feel-good part comes from a live-stream concert she did from her living room. A whole bunch of people watched and donated money to her while she played.

Like so many others, Anna Burgess found herself out of a job during the crisis. If you look on her promotion page, you’ll notice she had a full schedule of booked jobs throughout the region in the upcoming months. That’s because Burgess is really, really good at what she does. As an alternative/acoustic rock musician, Burgess’ repertoire includes both covers and original songs.

All of it came to a screeching halt when the severity of the coronavirus crisis hit.

Unable to work meant that Burgess had to come up with creative ways to support herself. So, on St. Patrick’s Day, she posted on her FB page: Alright, so I’m thinking of doing a live broadcast tonight around 8:15/8:30. I’m thinking Irish musician themed. Cranberries, anyone??

Sitting in her living room, guitar in hand Burgess put on a one and half-hour concert, because, as she said, “I missed playing.” She also added a Venmo and PayPal link in case anyone wanted to tip her. It wasn’t something she was comfortable with. “I had a little battle with myself before I did that. I was ashamed because I didn’t have much put away. It’s hard to ask for help because I have no work at all. But, I never expected this, maybe because, I think people can relate… It’s affecting everyone, not just musicians. It’s been crazy and amazing.”

The crazy and amazing part was the generosity of her viewers. First one, then many, and then hundreds of people tipped her. “I had some great friends who were very generous. But for the most part, it was $5 here and $10 there.” At last count, the video has had over 4,000 views and the best part is that Burgess was able to pay the rent and get groceries. “I had no idea, I didn’t expect this. It’s great to think that and I, and other musicians, can use other resources at this time. We’re good to hunker down now if we have to for a while,” she says.

But hunkering down is not what Burgess is doing. She’s made additional video concerts and is grateful for the opportunity to continue to entertain and do what she loves. She’s also teaming up with other artists and putting on live virtual concerts, like the one that she’ll be performing this Saturday, March 28, from 7-9 pm on FM 101.5 (WHCP Cambridge Community Radio). Dubbed CAMOCON 2020 (Cambridge Area Musicians Onward Concert), the concert is free, and tips are appreciated.

For more information on CAMOCON 2020 go to WHCP. To listen to the artistry of Anna Burgess go here.

Val Cavalheri is a recent transplant to the Eastern Shore, having lived in Northern Virginia for the past 20 years. She’s been a writer, editor and professional photographer for various publications, including the Washington Post.

Covid-19: A Pear Tree Point Self-Help Strategy

March 22, 2020 by Agent 4 (00 Unit) Leave a Comment

As the health and economic implications of “the worst is yet to come” for the coronavirus pandemic sink in, many people are stocking up on food and other necessities and staying home.

Social distancing is the new normal. Layoffs are rising. Elderly people and those with underlying health issues feel frightened, vulnerable, and isolated. Is there anything we can do both to restore a sense of community and to help those who are most in need?

One small neighborhood on the Eastern Shore is attempting exactly that. The members of the Pear Tree Point Citizens Association–most of some 24 households on the banks of the Chester River in Queen Anne’s County across from Chestertown—jointly own a boat landing, where members can launch or retrieve a boat. Minimal dues cover the liability insurance and taxes. The Association holds an annual meeting to elect officers and discuss any neighborhood issues, but also to share food and catch up with each other.

Reflecting on the pandemic and knowing that some members are vulnerable and likely self-isolating in place, the current president sent a query to the Association email list, asking whether members would volunteer to help any neighbor in need by delivering medicines or food or in other ways—and suggesting that anyone who found themselves in need use the email list or call him to ask for help. Quite a few people responded to say they would be glad to help, and moreover that they liked the idea of the neighborhood taking care of itself—it felt like a tangible and positive thing to be doing, a way to push back against the isolation and fear.

It’s likely that many neighborhoods among the Spy’s readership could do the same thing.

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge Lodge to Close Temporarily

March 21, 2020 by Spy Desk 1 Comment

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced the suspension of operations at the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Lodge, effective March 20, 2020. The suspension of operations is supported by the State of Maryland. All trails will remain open to provide opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

The health and safety of our visitors, volunteers, and employees is our number one priority. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is working with the federal, state and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. A reopening date has not been determined at this time. We will notify the public when we reopen these sites and provide updates on our website and social media channels.

We urge our visitors to do their part when visiting and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.

Updates about Service’s response to coronavirus will be posted at https://www.fws.gov/home/public-health-update.html. For information and updates, visit www.fws.gov/refuge/Eastern_Neck/, or call 410-639-7056.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center to Close Temporarily

March 21, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced the suspension of operations at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Visitor Center, effective March 20, 2020. The suspension of operations is supported by the State of Maryland. All trails will remain open to provide opportunities for recreation and relaxation. The Wildlife Drive will remain open and entrance fees are temporarily waived.

The health and safety of our visitors, volunteers, and employees at Blackwater NWR is our number one priority. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is working with the federal, state and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. A reopening date has not been determined at this time. We will notify the public when we reopen these sites and provide updates on our website and social media channels.

We urge our visitors to do their part when visiting and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.

Updates about the service’s response to coronavirus will be posted at https://www.fws.gov/home/public-health-update.html.

For information and updates, visit www.fws.gov/refuge/Blackwater, or call 410-228-2677.

Nice! Redesign Project at Kent County Public Library’s Chestertown Branch

March 4, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Over the next couple months, when you visit Kent County Public Library’s Chestertown Branch, you’ll see exciting changes taking place as part of an ongoing project to update the library space in order to meet the evolving needs of library users and keep up with current trends of library use. This phase of the project focuses on bringing modern furniture, increased access to electricity and device chargers, updated shelving, and more to the adult area of KCPL’s Chestertown branch.

The redesign process will begin in mid-March and is anticipated to be completed by May.

Our goal is to keep disruptions to a minimum, but there will be moving pieces and MANY moving books! While part of the Chestertown Branch’s adult collection will temporarily be in storage, you will continue to be able to browse the full DVD collection, as well as all new materials. Materials for children and teens will also remain fully available.

Throughout the redesign process, we will continue to provide regular services. To help facilitate a smooth transition, we strongly encourage library patrons to do the following:

Place requests for books. Beginning March 9th, in preparation for books being temporarily moved to storage, you won’t be able to borrow most books for adults that are on the shelves in Chestertown. However, you will still be able to place requests for books via the catalog or by asking any staff member for assistance.

Borrow new books, check out DVDs, and use our collections for kids and teens. While the regular adult collection will be in storage, new books and the entire DVD collection will remain accessible. Magazines, newspapers, and items for kids and teens will also be available.

Use KCPL’s Digital Library. Use your library card to borrow ebooks and audiobooks, access thousands of articles from magazines and newspapers, take an online class, and more. If you need help getting started, set up a 30 minute technology appointment to learn more.

Ask questions. Change can be confusing, so please let us know if you have questions or need help finding materials during this process.

KCPL is committed to providing you with a positive library experience throughout the renovation process. We appreciate your support and patience as we improve our space.

This project is made possible through the continued and generous support of the Friends of Kent County Public Library and the Foundation for the Kent County Public Library.

If you have questions about the redesign process, please contact KCPL’s executive director, Jackie Adams, at 410-778-3636.

Commerce: High Street Vintage

February 27, 2020 by Jennifer Martella Leave a Comment

Earlier this year, one of my architectural clients, Susan Collings, was my guide to the Dixon Auction House at Crumpton near Chestertown and I wrote an article for the Spy about my fantastic experience there. At that time, Susan had a vintage clothing and jewelry store in DC. She regularly attended the Wednesday jewelry auction at Crumpton seeking items for her store. Now that her Kent County house renovations are nearing completion, Susan closed her DC store and she and four other partners opened High Street Vintage at 335 High Street in June of this year.

The partners have different but complementary specialties which contribute to the unique collection of items found in the store. Susan’s focus is vintage clothing and jewelry. Antiques are the specialty of her partners Allan and Pat, who have been antique dealers since the 1990’s and they search Crumpton, area flea markets and estate sales for furnishings. They also have a particular interest in Mid-Century Modern furniture and accessories. After running the popular store “Fishbones” in Rock Hall, antique dealers Carol and Ray joined the group and their search for household items. Partner Sevilla came to the group from the Georgetown, DC Flea Market and her primary interest is fine art.

High Street Vintage’s collection includes antiques, art, curiosities, period housewares, lighting, pottery, stained glass accent windows, vintage clothing, vintage objects, vintage jewelry and mid-century modern furniture, accessories and lighting. High Street Vintage also selects items on consignment from estate sales and welcome inquiries from area interior designers. The partners are constantly seeking new items and rotating the store’s displays.

I love interior design and am always on the look-out for accessories, lighting, etc. for my home and for pieces to add to my collections of pitchers and Oaxacan animal wood carvings. On the day I visited, I saw an antique 4-piece bamboo set that would enhance any sunroom, a Regency style hall table, vintage housewares, glassware, accent rugs, Shaker style ladder back chairs and many other items. If you are seeking an item in a particular style, the partners will be glad to help you.

High Street Vintage participates in Chestertown events such as First Friday and the recent “A Dickens of a Christmas” weekend. Their display that weekend included a Victorian settee perfect for a bedroom or study.

For more information about High Street Vintage, visit www.facebook.com, call 443-282-0166 or stop by Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Jennifer Martella has pursued her dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. Her award winning work has ranged from revitalization projects to a collaboration with the Maya Lin Studio for the Children’s Defense Fund’s corporate retreat in her home state of Tennessee.

Chestertown Lions Club Presents 2nd Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser

February 24, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The Chestertown Lions Club will hold its 2nd Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser at the Chester River Yacht & Country Club on March 28, 2020. The funds raised from this event support Lions Club programs particularly in Kent County, including the Leader Dog program for the blind, preschool eye screening, the purchase of eyeglasses for individuals who cannot afford them, collection and distribution of eyeglasses for the needy, and many other activities such as scholarships for Kent and Queen Anne’s County high school students and the “One School, One Book” program at H.H. Garnet Elementary school.

Ticket Cost $20. Ballroom doors open at 6:30 pm. Show starts at 7:30 pm. Cash bar available all afternoon and during show the show. 50/50 drawing and snacks at the show.

Email Dave Dunham at dbdunham@aol.com how many tickets you would like for you, family and your friends. Make checks payable to the “Chestertown Lions Club”and send to Dave Dunham, 10165 John Carvill Rd., Chestertown.

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