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May 29, 2023

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

News News Notes

From Chestertown to Zambia – Cultural Arts Support Sobriety

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In every community worldwide, there are people who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. Thankfully, there are also those inspired to help. The Chestertown Rotary Club has come together with Maryland nonprofit CoLaborers International to do just that.

Zambia is one of the African nations with the greatest alcohol consumption (WHO, 2015), particularly among youth (de la Torre-Luque et al., 2021). Marijuana, cigarettes, opiates, cocaine, and inhalants such as glues and petrol are also commonly abused. While local nonprofits and churches provide what helps they can, widespread drug and alcohol treatment has been historically inaccessible to the average Zambian. Where services exist, they are very expensive and typically were not fully integrated into the health-care system (Akiba et al., 2018; Smith, 2011, Mwape et al., 2012).

In 2015, CoLaborers International began field testing a drug and alcohol curriculum developed specifically using Zambian cultural art forms to engage young people. This is called “Literacy-Free 12 Step Expressive Arts Therapy” authored by Melissa Davis Stuebing, a Maryland drug and alcohol counselor formerly with A.F. Whitsitt Center. There are also U.S. English, Latin American Spanish, and Kenyan versions of this curriculum.

In this curriculum, drug and alcohol therapeutic concepts are explored in small groups using local cultural art forms – dancing, drumming, gourd art, storytelling and more.  “While participating in the art activities, people feel comfortable to share about their substance use and receive help. Sharing removes shame and healing begins”, says Stuebing.

After clinical studies of the effectiveness of this curriculum both in the US and Zambia from 2015-2017, Zambia’s Ministry of Health endorsed a large training in this curriculum in 2018. Over 40 organizations across the country were trained to bring it into their communities and a larger clinical study followed. This was funded through a Rotary grant between our own Chestertown Rotary Club and Rotary of Lusaka Central.

In 2022, a study was published in peer-reviewed journal “Addictive Behaviors Reports” by Hjordis Lorenz, Melissa Davis Stuebing, Chipego Nambeye, Gabriel Lungu (from Ministry of Health), and Lauren Littlefield of our own Washington College as they followed the trained organizations as they implemented the curriculum into their own communities. Research confirmed the curriculum’s efficacy to decrease substance use and increase verbal sharing among participants (Lorenz et.al, 2022).

With drug and alcohol treatment now more accessible in communities with the backing of the Ministry of Health, Chestertown Rotary wanted to turn its attention to make treatment available in schools. Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) was already doing prevention efforts. CoLaborers International coordinated with DEC to identify guidance counselors, nonprofits helping school children, and school anti-drug clubs to be trained in the curriculum as a deliverable treatment option to students already struggling with substance use.

CoLaborers Zambia trainers Nanyemba Hamahuwa Chirwa and Chipo Nambeye trained 74 professionals in this curriculum from October through March and it is now already being applied in school settings.  The motto of Rotary is “Service above Self” and the motto of CoLaborers Zambia is “Together we can do so much”.

To learn more about how you can get involved in Chestertown Rotary, please visit Facebook.com/ChestertownRotaryClub.

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July 1 is Deadline for Caroline Foundation Grant Applications

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The Caroline Foundation, in partnership with the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, invites organizations that provide medical and/or health-related services to residents of Caroline County, Maryland to apply for FY2024 grant funding.

Applicants must be nonprofit corporations with IRS tax-exempt status, or government-related entities. Applications are online at https://www.mscf.org/caroline-foundation. The deadline for submission is July 1, 2023.

Grant decisions and distributions will be made in October 2023. The Caroline Foundation retains the right to accept or reject applications, suggest changes, and support grant requests in full, in part, or not at all.

Organizations that would like additional information about The Caroline Foundation’s grants process should contact Robbin Hill at Mid-Shore Community Foundation, 410-820-8175 x103 or rhill@mscf.org.

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Earth Data Selected for Water Quality Data Collection Project in Dorchester County

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Earth Data, Inc. of Centreville was recently selected by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), Dorchester Citizens for Planned Growth, and ShoreRivers to implement a comprehensive data collection, reporting, and analysis project that focuses on a portion of the Transquaking River in Dorchester County, Maryland. The local and regional advocacy organizations seek to better understand pollution problems in the Transquaking River, which the Maryland Department of the Environmental lists as impaired by phosphorus and nitrogen pollution that harms aquatic life.

As part of the project Earth Data will install multiple flow and temperature monitoring stations that will continuously monitor, record and transmit data via a cellular network to a cloud-based server. The specialized equipment will include state-of-the-art ultrasonic area/velocity flow sensors that utilize continuous wave Doppler technology and advanced signal processing to provide high-accuracy readings. Additionally, Earth Data field geologists will regularly collect physical surface water samples from multiple locations for laboratory analysis of selected parameters. The work is expected to culminate in a comprehensive report that will summarize all flow, temperature, and water quality data, including publicly available climate and precipitation data.

Eric Flickinger, Director of Geospatial Services at Earth Data, and Jeff Chipman, Senior Geologist at Earth Data, collecting and transmitting water quality data in a tributary to the Chesapeake Bay.

“We are very excited to support this important water quality monitoring project,” states Earth Data president Mark Williams. “We’ll be furnishing and installing some state-of-the-art equipment that will enable both Earth Data and local water quality advocacy groups to monitor key parameters in near real-time using cloud-based technology.”

Earth Data project manager Jeff Chipman explains, “In addition to collecting physical samples for laboratory analysis, during all surface water sampling events Earth Data will use a sophisticated multi-parameter water quality meter to measure and record key data that will be incorporated into the data analysis and summary reports.”

“As part of the project Earth Data’s geospatial team will develop a custom cloud-based data tracking portal to facilitate timely data visualizations and accurate data storage and retrieval.”

Monitoring is expected to begin early summer 2023 and last at least 18 months.

For more than 48 years, Earth Data, Inc. has been providing field-oriented water resources and geospatial consulting services using high-tech tools to collect, analyze, manage, and distribute data in sophisticated ways. For further information, visit earthdatainc.com.

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For All Seasons Joins Maryland Regional Navigator Program for Human Trafficking

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For All Seasons, is proud to be a part of the Governor’s initiative – the Maryland Regional Navigator Program – serving human trafficking victims under the age of 24 on the Mid-Shore of Maryland. Although For All Seasons has been working with victims of human trafficking for years, this program connects our Regional Navigator with experts across the state to better support human trafficking victims on the Mid-Shore.

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or threats to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act against a person’s will, often for little or no pay, or for something of value such as food, shelter, clothes, or drugs. It is a crime whereby traffickers exploit and profit at the expense of adults or children. All persons under age 18 who exchange sex for something of value are human-trafficking victims regardless of the presence of force, lies, or threats. A child cannot legally consent to commercial sex.

“Our Open Your Eyes. Get Informed.  campaign provides the opportunity to raise awareness and start a conversation with your children, family, and friends about exploitation and Human Trafficking. Trafficking is happening here in our community, and the public needs to be informed about the signs, risk factors, and resources available for victims,” comments Kristy Mirando, Director of Victim Services at For All Seasons.

The Eastern Shore is an attractive place for trafficking because of its geographic location in proximity to transportation routes by land, air, and sea that offer opportunities for human traffickers to go undetected. Major highways like I-95, Routes 40, 50, 301, and 13 all make transporting victims and meeting buyers easy. In addition, three major international, inexpensive bus transportation, train service, and a high rate of seasonal work make Maryland attractive to human traffickers.

Susan Ahlstrom, For All Seasons’ new Human Trafficking Navigator comments, “I hope to help mitigate the upward trend in Human Trafficking by expanding For All Seasons Rape Crisis Center’s outreach and strengthening the medical, legal, social service, and mental health collaboration that has already been established to support survivors. I believe my counseling and education background, along with the strong communication and networking skills that I bring to the position of Human Trafficking Navigator, will help facilitate the most effective trauma-informed response to serve victims and their families in the Mid-shore region and beyond.”

Human trafficking does not discriminate based on age, class, gender, race, education, sexual orientation, or geographical location. It can occur in rural, suburban, and urban communities. Targeted victims may have an unstable home life, a history of sexual or physical abuse, nowhere to live, be runaway youth, a substance user, have a lack of employment opportunities, or simply be a person who needs belonging and acceptance. The most vulnerable individuals may have experienced sexual violence and trauma in the past, homelessness, involvement in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, experienced substance abuse themselves or within their families, or be immigrants, LGBTQ youth, or developmentally or intellectually delayed individuals.

On the Mid-Shore, For All Seasons Rape Crisis Center has seen an uptick in trafficking victims through online sexual exploitation. Greater amounts of time online during the Covid epidemic and beyond have put youth at greater risk of being lured by online predators.  These imposters often give the impression they are younger and romantically interested in the minor being targeted to earn their trust to gain illicit photographs or videos of the minor.  Youth sometimes end up meeting up in person with perpetrators they befriended online and this often leads to trafficking situations.

Parents and caregivers are highly encouraged to talk to their children about the risks of sharing personal information online and educate them on why they should not communicate with anyone they do not know, even if it appears to be another youth.

Parents must monitor their children’s use of all digital devices including laptops, tablets, desktop computers, gaming consoles, and smartphones.  Traffickers tend to target marginalized and vulnerable individuals who may have experienced trauma or abuse, but any child can be at risk of being groomed by a predator.

If you are a parent or a caregiver, know whom your child is talking to online.  Talk to them about the risks of predators, remind them not to friend someone they do not know, never send photos and other personal information, and never meet up with people they do not know. Parents and caregivers can learn more about keeping kids safe online at: bit.ly/tips_onlinesafety.

To learn about how to identify possible human trafficking victims, the industries where human trafficking most likely occurs, and how to help, visit WeSupportSurvivors.org. If you want to stay updated on anti-human trafficking community events or presentations, email Susan Ahlstrom at sahlstrom@forallseasonsinc.org.

For All Seasons provides the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Services are offered in both English and Spanish and include therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotlines, outreach, and community education. For further information, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit forallseasonsinc.org

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Rebuilding Together Volunteers Donate Over 500 Hours to Complete Repairs in Kent County

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Each year, Rebuilding Together affiliates across the country honor their commitment to safe and healthy housing by declaring April “National Rebuilding Month.”  While many activities occur before and after April to coordinate and complete the planned repairs, the official launch this year began with the organization’s inaugural “SheBuild” – a one day workshop to empower women to be comfortable using tools that are common in household repairs. Six local ladies spent Saturday, April 1st in Bob Ortiz’s workshop, constructing a step stool under the expert tutelage of Jenn Kuhn, Shipyard Education Programs Manager for the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

RTKC Board Chair, Vic Pfeiffer, works on the third aluminum ramp installed over the last 6 weeks with a Health Disparities Grant from the Kent County Health Department.

In January, Rebuilding Together Kent County (RTKC) declared 2023 their “Year of the Volunteer” to celebrate things opening back up after COVID. As a result, this Spring’s Rebuilding Month effort engaged 59 community members who donated over 500 hours to complete repairs at seven homes in Chestertown, Rock Hall and Worton. Beginning in mid-March and finishing May 17th, these dedicated volunteers constructed four wheelchair ramps, repaired unsafe steps and walkways, replaced gutters, installed grab bars, cleared debris and performed many other tasks to ensure that the 13 residents in these homes have a safer, healthier place to live.

Volunteers who generously donated their time, several for multiple days, to ensure that these projects were successful include: Gregory Ayers, John Barkin, George Barnett, Meredith Beach, Dudley Bostic, Joanne Boyle, Jack Brosius, Jamey Brown, Darren Davis, Logan Dean, Michal Dickinson, Larry Dinoff, Rich Faulkner, Bill Flook, Ellen Gale, Rita Gillis, Glen Turner, Terry Goldzier, Ginny Gorman, Trams Hollingsworth, Chuck Hulse, Germaine Lanaux, John Leek, Chip Lieber, Jennifer Lieber, Scott Loveless, Donna Lynd, Lou Malzone, Bernie Miller, Michael Morris, Ronald Muller, Bobby Nickerson, Ken Noble, Vic Pfeiffer, Brian Rankin, Linda Reed, Max Ruehrmund, Zack Schmitt, Deborah Scott, Bill Shrieves, Amy Sine, Kenny Smith, Charles Sommers, Karen Speakman, Todd Steffes, Lucy Taylor, Meg Taylor, Paul Taylor, Will Taylor, Jim Thompson, Brian Toth, Debbie Toth, Jim Trumbauer, Bruce Turner, Candy Tyrell, John Vogel, Pam Vogel, Andrew Wright, and Bill Yoder. If you volunteered and do not see your name listed, please contact RTKC at info@rtkc.org so they can update their records.

Local Lady Carol Dobson masters the chop saw under the expert tutelage of Bob Ortiz during the SheBuild.

In addition to donations of time and talent, this work would not be possible without generous business sponsors! This year’s “SheBuild” Sponsors were Rock Hall Dental and Bob Ortiz Studios. Rebuilding Month sponsors at the “Celebration” level were Benson & Mangold Real Estate, The Dixon Group and Valliant Wealth Strategies. At the “Rebuilder” level were Anthony, Judge & Ware, Chestertown Lumber, David A. Bramble, Duke Law and Dukes-Moore Insurance Agency. Restaurants that donated lunches for project days include Figg’s Ordinary, Happy Chicken Bakery, Karma Cleanse Cafe, Modern Stone Age Kitchen, Play It Again Sam, Rock City Cafe and Stam’s Luncheonette. Finally, Rebuilding Together truly appreciates Pastor Davis of Mt. Olive AME Church in Butlertown and Brother Troy Somerville – who did all the event setup – for graciously allowing them to hold their appreciation event in the congregation’s Life Center. Rebuilding Together Kent County is grateful to those local and regional individuals and businesses that ensured they could have their most impactful Rebuilding Month to date!

Rebuilding Together Kent County’s mission is repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives. They leverage gifts of time, money, skill and labor to repair and rehabilitate homes for income-eligible seniors, veterans, those living with disabilities, and families with children in Kent County. They are dedicated to ending substandard housing. All work is done at no cost to homeowners who meet the eligibility criteria. This is an equal opportunity program. Learn more at RebuildingTogetherKCMD.org.

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CBMM to Feature Lighthouse Lampist in June 8 Speaker Event

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In conjunction with exhibit installation in its new Welcome Center, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is offering a unique look inside the world of lighthouse maintenance and preservation.

U.S. Coast Guard certified lampist Kurt Fosburg will detail his work with Fresnel lenses in lighthouses around the globe in a CBMM Speaker Event, “The Loyal Lampist: Adventures from the Top of a Lighthouse,” on Thursday, June 8, at 3pm in the Van Lennep Auditorium.

One of just a handful of certified professional lampists, Fosburg is visiting CBMM to move one of the Fresnel lenses currently on display in the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse and install it in the new Welcome Center.

In this public talk, Fosburg will share his journey to become an expert in this specialized field and offer stories from a fascinating career working on some of the nation’s most iconic lights. The suggested ticket cost is $8 per person, with both in-person and virtual options available. Registration is open now at bit.ly/LoyalLampist.

The event and the relocation of the third-order Fresnel lens are generously supported by Choptank Electric Cooperative.

“We are happy to support this event and relocation of a historic Fresnel lens at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum,” said Mike Malandro, President and CEO of Choptank Electric Cooperative. “Our co-op has served the campus for many years and is proud to continue lighting up the Miles River through this partnership.”

The Fresnel lens, designed by French physicist Anthony Fresnel in 1822, revolutionized maritime navigation around the world in the 19th century by offering the ability to cast lighthouse beacons miles farther than was ever possible before thanks to the refraction from hundreds of pieces of specially cut glass.

These lenses were vital for generations on the Chesapeake Bay, lighting the way for boats passing through its shallow, dangerous shoals. The Hooper Strait Lighthouse relied on a smaller, fourth-order Fresnel lens to guide vessels on the Bay in its original location, and since moving to CBMM’s Navy Point in1966, the historic screwpile lighthouse has illuminated the Miles River at the entrance to St. Michaels harbor nightly.

CBMM currently has three Fresnel lenses on display in the Hooper Strait Lighthouse. With Fosburg’s assistance, the largest of these lenses, a third-order revolving lens on loan from the U.S. Coast Guard, will be moved from the second floor of the lighthouse to greet guests upon their entrance to CBMM’s new Welcome Center, which is slated to open this fall.

Situated at the mouth of an expansive floor map of the Bay in its new home near the Welcome Center reception desk, the lens will be part of an orientation exhibition, introducing guests to the stories and artifacts they will find across campus. The fully ADA-accessible building will also house two additional new exhibition spaces and the museum store, plus a terrace overlooking Fogg’s Cove.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a non-profit educational organization that preserves and explores the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and makes this resource available to all.

Every aspect of fulfilling this mission is driven by CBMM’s values of relevance, authenticity, and stewardship, along with a commitment to providing engaging guest experiences and transformative educational programming, all while serving as a vital community partner. For more information, visit cbmm.org or call 410-745-2916.

Choptank Electric is a non-profit, member-owned electric distribution co-op on Maryland’s Eastern Shore serving over 56,000 members. Choptank Electric Cooperative exists to provide reliable and cost-effective electricity that improves the quality of life for our member-owners.

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KCHS Grad Nellie Rhodes Receives Roger D. Brown History Award

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Nellie Rhodes, Roger D. Brown History Award recipient, with Phyllis Brown at May 21 award ceremony.  Photo by Historical Society of County.

The Historical Society of Kent County presented its annual Roger D. Brown History Award to Nellie Rhodes on Sunday, May 21, during a Society event at a historic home near Rock Hall.

The award is made annually by the Society to a graduating senior from Kent County High School in recognition of outstanding achievement in history. The award includes a plaque and a $500 scholarship.  It is named for the Society longtime treasurer Roger D. Brown.  Phyllis Brown, wife of the late Roger Brown, presented the award to Nellie.

Nellie, daughter of Susan Newton-Rhodes and Frank Rhodes, has spent her entire high school career at Kent County High School, where she completed an AP Course in International History with a score leading to college credit.  She is bound for the University of Kansas, where she will be a fifth-generation legacy student following in the footsteps of her mother and other relatives.

The award was made during a special Society event held at the historic home of Dennis and Betty Martin at Reese’s Corner near Rock Hall.  The event raised funds to support the Society’s programs, exhibits, speakers, brochures, and archives, most of which are offered without charge to members and the public.

In other HSKC news:

New Board Members and Officers

Sunday’s event followed the recent 87th Annual Meeting of the Society held at St. Paul’s Church on April 30, at which new directors and officers were elected.

Joining the board for the first time was Ashley Files Flory, who always lived in historic districts during her 30-year tenure with the federal government, retiring  as Deputy Executive Secretary to the Department of Health and Human Services focused on budgeting issues and policies.  Flory is a member of the Board of Historic Takoma, Inc., a historical society and advocacy organization in the Takoma Park Historic District, which covers portions of Montgomery County, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. She is currently restoring an 18th century home in Chestertown, which she saw on a snowy January day in 2022 and purchased several months later.  Her other interests include furniture restoration and kinetic sculpture racing.

The Society also welcomed Michelle Pilliod Carroll, who joined the Board for the first time earlier this year. Trained as an art therapist and after a successful career as a meeting planner for large corporations, Carroll turned her talents to history when she retired in 2013, researching and writing coffee table books on historic homes in the D.C. Capitol Hill neighborhood where she then resided. She is a former vice president of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society. Carroll and her husband purchased a home in Chestertown in April 2021.

Re-elected to second terms as directors were LaMonte Cooke and Nivek Johnson.

New officers were Victoria W. Smith as vice president and George Corey as treasurer.  Re-elected were Barbara Jorgenson as president and Erik T. Gulbrandsen as secretary.

The Historical Society, founded in 1936, collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Kent County to foster a knowledge and understanding of the shared heritage of our community.  Its archives and library house scores of local genealogies, books on local history, and original documents.  It is the only library decided solely to Kent County history.

The Society’s museum and gift shop, located in the Bordley History Center at 301 High Street, are open Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Museum admission is free, and exhibits change periodically. The Society’s library is open by appointment only.  Contact director@kentcountyhistory.org; 410-778-3499.

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Food for Good Causes

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For the first time in Chestertown Tea Party history, the Chestertown Lions Club will host a food booth there to raise funds for their various community projects.  On Sunday, May 28th, from noon to 4 pm, the Lions’ fundraising food booth will be located near the Tea Party events in Wilmer park, overlooking the river in Chestertown.

By enjoying some delicious food as you take in the Sunday Tea Party events, you’ll be giving back to our community and the world. The Lion’s food booth offerings include hot dogs, bratwurst with sauerkraut, French fries, fried chicken sandwiches, funnel cakes, and cold drinks to go along with the Beer Fest theme providing by other vendors.

By purchasing their food, you’ll be supporting many Lions’ vision support projects:  leader dogs, eye research, eyeglasses and transport to eye doctors, as well as school vision exams.  In addition, you’ll be supporting other Lions Club services such as coordinating and hosting the Chestertown Halloween parade, bestowing high school internships and college scholarships, funding for One School One Book program, Kent Association of Riding Therapy and Homeports senior assistance; road clean ups, youth sports leagues and much more.

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One Mission Cambridge Sponsors Fund a Flat Challenge Food Drive

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Krista Pettit, Director of One Mission Cambridge with a flat of food.

One Mission Cambridge is sponsoring a “Fund a Flat” challenge in May. During the month, citizens can donate a case of a product to help One Mission Cambridge keep its shelves stocked. The nonprofit has seen a large increase in demand for food items – having more than 100 people needing food over the last two months.

Although One Mission Cambridge’s Food Pantry is supported by churches and individuals, as well as Aldi as a Retail Recovery Partner, the demand is exceeding the supply.

“We continue to see new people coming to our Food Pantry. When the supplemental funding from COVID was discontinued in March, the demand increased significantly. It now takes $2500 every three weeks to adequately serve the community with food,” comments Krista Pettit, Director of One Mission Cambridge.

“Citizens, churches, businesses, and community organizations can participate in this challenge. Help us keep the shelves stocked by funding a flat. For less than $10, you can purchase a flat of canned goods from a local store, such as our community partner Aldi. Participants can create a fun video on social media to challenge three friends to do the same,” she adds.

Throughout the month of May, One Mission Cambridge is collecting flats on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 1 to 6 p.m. and on Mondays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Visit Facebook and Instagram @onemissioncambridge @onemissioncam for additional times.

For further information about donating, contact Krista Pettit at 443-521-6825. One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 6 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 noon for services. Visit onemissioncambridge.org or call 410-901-3959. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 815, Cambridge, MD 21613.

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Mark Your Calendar for CBMM’s Upcoming Guided Paddles

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With the weather warming up, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s paddling programming is back with a variety of on-the-water experiences scheduled over the coming months.

Led by ACA-certified instructors, these registration-required, guided paddles are designed to appeal to both experienced and new participants. Find the full list of upcoming opportunities at cbmm.org/paddlingprograms and registration links at bit.ly/CBMMPaddling2023.

The first paddling event of the season is on campus next Friday, May 19, with Paddling Gear & Beer Demo Day from 5:30-8pm.

This is an opportunity to meet CBMM’s instructors and ask them questions as they demonstrate paddling techniques and share their preferred gear. Participants will have the opportunity to test out various vessel styles and gear within Fogg’s Cove.

The cost is $15, with a 20% discount for CBMM members. Register now at bit.ly/PaddlingGearBeerDemo.

On Saturday, June 3, at 9am, CBMM will launch a Paddle & Tasting from Skipton Landing in Cordova, Md. This is a leisurely paddle for beginner and intermediate paddlers exploring a classic Chesapeake landscape along Skipton and Mill Creeks. After returning to the launch site, the fun continues with a wine tasting at nearby Triple Creek Winery.

The cost is $55 for those bringing their own kayak and $75 with kayak rental, with the tasting included. Both options offer a 20% discount for CBMM members. Register at bit.ly/PaddleTasting2023.

There are also a pair of Full Moon Paddles on the horizon. These are excellent opportunities for beginner and intermediate paddlers to enjoy the evening sunset and the full moon from the stillness of the water.

On Monday, July 31, the paddle leaves from Oak Creek Landing in Newcomb, Md., at 6:30pm and traverses Oak Creek and the Miles River.

The Aug. 30 paddle launches from CBMM’s campus at 6pm and heads from the Miles River into Long Haul Creek.

The cost for either of these paddles is $30 for those bringing their own kayak and $50 with kayak rental, with a 20% discount for CBMM members.

Registration is limited for all paddling programs, and anyone age 16 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Participants are asked to provide their own PFDs if they are not renting one of CBMM’s kayaks and encouraged to dress accordingly for being outdoors, wear sunscreen, and bring water and any snacks they will need for the duration of the paddle. Contact Shipyard Education Programs Manager Jenn Kuhn at jkuhn@cbmm.org with additional questions.

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