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July 6, 2025

Chestertown Spy

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5 News Notes

Kent County Senior Receives Roger D. Brown History Scholarship 

May 9, 2025 by Historical Society of Kent County 1 Comment

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Cormac Hamlen received the annual Roger D. Brown Scholarship on April 27, 2025. Pictured from left to right, Chris Hamlen, Phyllis Brown, Cormac Hamlen, Pam Hamlen. Image courtesy of the Historical Society of Kent County.

The Historical Society of Kent County is pleased to announce that Cormac Hamlen has been awarded the 6th Annual Roger D. Brown Scholarship. Presented annually by the Historical Society, the award recognizes a Kent County High School graduating senior chosen by the school’s Social Studies department for outstanding achievement in history.

The scholarship honors the memory of Roger D. Brown, a longtime treasurer of the Historical Society and a former naval officer. The winner receives a $500 award, an engraved plaque, and inclusion on a permanent plaque on display at the Historical Society’s headquarters in downtown Chestertown.

Hamlen has a strong interest in World War II naval history, particularly the naval vessels of the era. He will attend Washington College this fall. He is currently considering a major in Business or Environmental Science and a minor in History.

Phyllis Brown, widow of Roger D. Brown, presented the award  before the Historical Society’s membership on April 27. She noted the meaningful connection between her husband’s naval service and Hamlen’s historical interests.. Hamlen delivered gracious thank-you remarks, impressing attendees with his thoughtfulness, academic curiosity, and poise as his parents, Chris and Pam Hamlen, looked on proudly.

The Historical Society of Kent County invite the public to get involved as members. Benefits include unlimited use of the Genealogy and Research Library (by appointment), a discount on books in the museum gift shop, and invitations to members-only events, among others. A donation of $25 is recommended for individual memberships, and $40 for families. Student memberships are always free. Visit www.kentcountyhistory.org or email [email protected] for more information.

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

Filed Under: 5 News Notes

Commissioners Pledge County Support to Help KCPS Shortfall

May 8, 2025 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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At the May 5th Special Board of Education Budget Meeting KCPS Superintendent Dr. Mary McComas offered two options to the board for the FY26 Budget. Option A would reduce 44 positions and request $800,000 over local share from the County Commissioners to balance the budget. Option B would be to reduce the remaining 16 positions in a year, use the entire $500,000 balance in unreserved contingency funds, and only request $300,000 from the County Commissioners. Kent County Public Schools has historically used unreserved contingency funds to balance the budget each year leaving a balance of $500,000 as required in the Fund Balance Policy. Both Option A and Option B would use close to a million dollars from the unreserved contingency funds to balance the FY26 budget.

Dr. McComas also brought forward the Fund Balance Review policy which states “The unassigned fund balance reserve shall not accumulate to exceed five (5%) percent of the current year operating budget’s unrestricted funds with a target minimum balance of $ 500,000.” Dr. McComas proposed a change to the policy which would allow for the board to “authorize the use of the unrestricted funds with the understanding the funds will be replenished in the next fiscal year.” The motion to change the policy passed in a 3-2 vote. The final item on the agenda was for the board to vote on which budget option to move forward. The motion for Option B passed with a vote of 3-2. Dr. McComas was scheduled to present the proposed budget to the County Commissioners at a budget workshop the next day.

During the May 6th County Commissioner meeting, KCPS Superintendent Dr. Mary McComas discussed significant budget challenges driven by declining enrollment and the expiration of federal COVID-related grants. She requested $300,000 from the County to mitigate the shortfall.

Over the past five years, the Kent County Public Schools have lost 224 students, which, in a small system, equates to the closure of nearly an entire elementary school.

Emergency grants provided during the pandemic helped stabilize school operations and retain teachers, however with those funds now exhausted, the school system is being forced to make tough decisions, including staff reductions.

In an effort to soften the impact, the Board of Education approved the use of contingency reserve funds to temporarily maintain sixteen staff positions. These positions will be held for the upcoming school year with the understanding that they may be eliminated after twelve months unless circumstances improve. The original planned cuts were 44 positions. Kent County Public Schools offered early retirement incentives to staff and, as of Monday, twenty-eight positions will be eliminated through attrition without the need to start the reduction in force (RIF) process for those positions. The remaining 16 staff positions will go through the RIF process.

The Commissioners shared that they had been watching the Special Budget meeting and both Fithian and Price stated that they had planned to reject the request for $800,000 above local share. After Dr. McComas’ presentation they agreed to allocate the requested $300,000 to help close the school system’s current budget deficit. This funding comes in addition to the school district’s drawing down all of the $500,000 in contingency reserves to retain approximately sixteen positions for another year.

Commissioners acknowledged the strain placed on all Maryland counties by the state’s Blueprint for Education mandates and commended Dr. McComas for her transparency and leadership. The allocation reflects what both parties described as a continuing partnership committed to serving Kent County’s students while navigating financial uncertainty.

As Kent County enters a more demanding phase of Blueprint compliance, both school and county leaders acknowledged the need for deeper collaboration and difficult decisions. While some of the pressure has been delayed in recent years, the next two budget cycles are expected to bring the full weight of Blueprint mandates to bear.

 

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

Filed Under: Archives, 5 News Notes, Health Portal Highlights

“Angels” Touch Audiences at the Chester River Chorale’s Spring Concerts

May 6, 2025 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Photo by Jimmy Maguire

Under the direction of Artistic Director Alexis Ward and Assistant Director Stephanie LaMotte, including the outstanding Pam Ortiz Band, “Angels” moved audiences from rapture, to tears, and back to whoops of joy during the Chester River Chorale’s sold-out spring concerts. The Chorale of nearly 100 voices including the Chester Chamber Singers and the River Voices ensemble, along with the Pam Ortiz band, touched our emotions and lifted our spirits. “Angels” invited us into paradise, walked among us with two-feet on the ground, tempted us, and ushered us into peace and hope.

The audience was particularly engaged with the spirited performance of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” featuring Nevin Dawson on fiddle and were also drawn in by medieval and Renaissance works by Hildegard von Bingen and Palestrina. Billy Joel’s “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)” entranced listeners while the epic “O, Fortuna” sent us back into the world with a renewed sense that, together, we can rise!

Thanks to our audiences for their support, engagement, energy and enthusiasm. The Chorale would not be here without you. To relive this, and previous, concerts, visit our YouTube Channel and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Video recordings from this concert will be available to enjoy over the summer. To get the latest information on our activities, subscribe to our newsletter by filling out our newsletter subscription form.

We are grateful for our presenting sponsor, Rosin Creek Collaborative, and the many advertisers in the 2025 Angels program. We urge you to patronize these wonderful community-minded businesses. The Chorale thanks all of the wonderful volunteers and the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown for making the concerts possible.

The Chorale will take a break from rehearsals for the summer. However, Ward and LaMotte are well into planning the 2025-26 season including holiday concerts, spring concerts and our March 2026 International Tour to Ireland!

Save the Date for the Chorale’s “A Celtic Christmas” holiday concerts, scheduled at the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown (PCC) for the evening of Friday, December 12th and the afternoon of Saturday, December 13th.

The Chester River Chorale is a vibrant all-volunteer community chorus in its third decade of performing in the Kent County community. All singers are invited to join the Chester River Chorale. No audition is required. Music and practice materials are provided.

To join the Chorale, online registration for the fall/holiday semester will open in July/August with weekly rehearsals beginning Monday, September 8 at PCC. When available, registration details will be posted on Facebook, Instagram, and in our Newsletter.

More information about the Chester River Chorale can be found at: www.chesterriverchorale.org. Go to the Contact page and fill in your contact information to receive Chester River Chorale updates.

 

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

Filed Under: 5 News Notes, Archives

US 50/301 Ramp Management Program Continues on Kent Island to Improve Local Access and Traffic Flow

May 6, 2025 by The Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Queen Anne’s County, in partnership with the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), will continue the US 50/301 (Blue Star Memorial Highway) Ramp Management Program on Kent Island this summer. The initiative aims to encourage westbound travelers to stay on US 50/301 and help relieve congestion on MD 18 (Main Street) for local residents and emergency responders.

Beginning Sunday, May 18, ramp access onto westbound US 50/301 will be restricted each Saturday, Sunday, and holiday Monday (Memorial Day and Labor Day) at the following locations:

  • Duke Street (Exit 38A)
  • MD 8 (Business Parkway/Romancoke Road, Exit 37)

Restrictions will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on these days. Drivers will still be able to exit westbound US 50/301 onto MD 8 and MD 18 but will not be able to enter westbound US 50/301 from these two points during the restriction window.

Detour signs will direct motorists to use MD 18 eastbound to Castle Marina Road south, where access to westbound US 50 will be available.

Overhead and portable message signs will alert motorists of these changes. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead by checking live traffic conditions at chart.maryland.gov.

Impact in 2024

The pilot project showed promising results:

  • MD 18 Westbound from Castle Marina Road to MD 8 saw a 55% decrease in traffic travel time compared to summer 2023.
  • Delays from Piney Narrows Road to Castle Marina Road were reduced by 20%.
  • Detour travel time averaged 13 minutes during summer weekends, with minimal delay when Bay Bridge traffic was flowing.
  • Despite an increase in westbound traffic volume (46,500 in 2023 vs. 47,400 in 2024), maximum travel time on US 50 westbound decreased from 52.4 to 43.9 minutes.

Community members are encouraged to share feedback. Public comment is welcomed at any County Commissioners meeting, held on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 5:30 PM, with in-person and virtual options available. Comments can also be emailed to [email protected].

For more information on the Ramp Management Program, visit www.qac.org and click “Bay Bridge Traffic Info,” or explore the project website:
https://mdot-sha-us50-kent-iss-traffic-mgmt-study-qa50kitms-maryland.hub.arcgis.com

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

Filed Under: 5 News Notes

Kent Attainable Housing Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Homeowners, the Duncan Family

May 3, 2025 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Kent Attainable Housing, Inc. (KAH) proudly welcomed the Duncan family to their new home at a joyful ribbon cutting ceremony held on Sunday, April 27th at 204 N. College Avenue, Chestertown, MD.

The event marked a major milestone for both KAH’s Future Homeowners Program and the Duncan family, who are now first-time homeowners thanks to the organization’s mission to make affordable homeownership a reality for working families. Volunteers, partners, and supporters attended the celebration to honor the hard work and dedication that made this dream possible.

In an emotional moment, a member of the Duncan family shared:

“I would have never become a homeowner if it weren’t for Kent Attainable Housing. My mother and I are so happy now.”

The ribbon cutting highlighted the life-changing impact of affordable homeownership and the incredible collaboration between community members, donors, and KAH’s team.

“The Duncan Family turned this house into a home”, mentioned Terwana Brown, Director of Programs at Kent Attainable Housing. “Heather worked very hard to achieve this goal. Their warm welcome and invitation to tour the house were filled with gratitude. Their story of life hurdles is speckled with tough times, but they hung in there and never gave up.”

In addition to celebrating this milestone, Kent Attainable Housing is excited to announce that site preparations have begun for two future homes on Prospect Street. These modular homes are expected to be delivered and set within the month. More details will be shared soon on KAH’s social media channels and through the organization’s newsletter. To stay updated on these upcoming projects and other news, sign up for the Kent Attainable Housing newsletter at kentattainablehousing.org.

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

Filed Under: 5 News Notes, Commerce Homepage, Commerce Notes, Food-Garden Homepage, Health Notes, Health Portal Highlights

Kent County and Main Street Chestertown Awarded Grants to Support America’s 250th Semiquincentennial Planning

May 1, 2025 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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The Kent County Department of Economic and Tourism Development and Main Street Chestertown are proud to announce that they have been selected as recipients of two planning grants and one staffing grant from MDTwoFifty, Maryland’s State agency commissioned to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

These grants will enable Kent County and Chestertown to begin early-stage planning, community engagement, and program development for the Semiquincentennial — a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reflect on the nation’s founding.

Two grant awards are strategically directed to community engagement activities and will be administered by the Kent County Department of Economic and Tourism Development. The third will support personnel at Main Street Chestertown to help coordinate and plan a year-long local celebration of the roles Kent County and Chestertown played in our nation’s history.

“Receiving these grants marks an exciting step toward building inclusive, meaningful programs that highlight our community’s unique contributions to the American story,” said Jamie Williams, Director of Kent County Economic and Tourism Development. “We’re thrilled to work in collaboration with Main Street Chestertown and partners across the County to celebrate this significant milestone in America’s story.

Sonia Huntzinger, Executive Director of Main Street Chestertown added, “The 250th offers a powerful moment to celebrate our historic downtown and share the stories that define our local identity. With this grant, we can start planning events, exhibits, and placemaking efforts that will bring residents and visitors together.”

The Semiquincentennial, also known as America 250, will be celebrated nationwide in 2026. The initiative encourages communities to reflect on the nation’s past, honor diverse histories, and imagine a vibrant future for generations to come.

The Kent County Department of Economic and Tourism Development and Main Street Chestertown encourage community members, historians, artists, educators, and local leaders to get involved as planning moves forward.

Stay connected to America’s 250th Celebration by visiting www.KentMD250.org often.

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

Filed Under: 5 News Notes, Commerce Homepage, Commerce Notes, Food-Garden Homepage, Health Notes, Health Portal Highlights

Kent County Local Management Board Seeks New Board Members

April 30, 2025 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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The Kent County Local Management Board brings public agencies, non-profits, and residents together to create goals for supporting children and families and to decide on funding priorities in our county.

Invest in Kids

KCLMB’s work prioritizes student mental health, family economic mobility, and school attendance. To address our priorities, the Board funds Minary’s Dream Academy after school program at KCMS, the Beyond Your Mental peer mentoring program at KCHS, Healthy Families, a home visiting program for new parents, and Hip-Hop Time Capsule, a paid summer internship with Washington College. The next five-year plan will be tied to specific neighborhoods and communities and is currently under development. Also new in 2025, KCLMB will be seeking proposals and awarding funds from the County’s share of Maryland’s adult-use cannabis tax revenue.

Serving on the Board

Simply fill out the on-line form (www.kentcounty.com/committees/interestform) or call 410-810-2673 to apply. Board members serve three-year terms for two total terms. All applications are reviewed by the Board and approved by the Kent County Commissioners.

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

Filed Under: 5 News Notes, Archives, Commerce Homepage, Commerce Notes, Food-Garden Homepage, Health Notes, Health Portal Highlights

4th Annual Saturday in the Park May 31

April 28, 2025 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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You guessed it: Chestertown’s fourth annual community party, Saturday in the Park, inspired by the song of the same name, is being held again on Saturday, May 31st (the weekend after the Tea Party Festival) in Wilmer Park. As always, the schedule includes a variety of activities designed to appeal to all ages and interests, including live music, arts, outdoor games for children and adults, kayaking, fitness demonstrations, wellness booths, pet adoption, craft vendors, and food.

At 10:00 am, a free guided kayak tour of Radcliffe Creek will depart from the kayak launch at Wilmer Park on the Chester River. Bring your own kayak or borrow one of many available onsite. Also, there is a Kayak Swap 11-4. Bring your kayak, canoe, SUP, wind surfer, sunfish or other non-motorized vessel to swap or sell.

From 11:00 am until 6:00 pm, local musicians and other entertainers will perform on a raised stage. To book a slot, send a message to [email protected]. The entertainment schedule will be posted on the Chestertown Recreation Commission’s Facebook page as the date gets close. WCTR Radio will broadcast the entertainment live from the festival. Come see your favorite radio hosts at work.

“People talking, really smiling. A man playing guitar and singing for us all.”

From 11:00 am until 4:00 pm, local volunteers and organizations will host a wide range of fun amusements and happenings, including:

  • Children’s art activities
  • Outdoor games for children
  • Games for teens and adults—volleyball, bocce, and cornhole
  • Yoga and martial arts demonstrations
  • Health, fitness, and wellness organization tables
  • Art and craft vendors
  • Free popcorn all day
  • Cotton candy and snow cones
  • Walker Family food truck

Volunteers, community organizations, and art/craft vendors are key to making it a success. To participate, email [email protected].

The Town of Chestertown and the Chestertown Recreation Commission heartily thank the Kent County Department of Public Health for their continued support for this annual event.

 

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

Filed Under: 5 News Notes

Registration is open for MPT’s Chesapeake Collectibles season 13  taping event in October

April 25, 2025 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Maryland Public Television is looking for collectors across the region who want to share stories of their prized possessions at a two-day taping event for its popular weekly series Chesapeake Collectibles. The event takes place on October 4 and 5 at the statewide public TV network’s Owings Mills, Maryland studios.

Chesapeake Collectibles has entertained, surprised, and enlightened MPT viewers for more than a decade. Each season, taping event guests meet with expert appraisers to learn more about their family heirlooms, flea market finds, and cherished collectibles. The most interesting items and stories are selected for evaluation in front of the MPT cameras, resulting in priceless moments as guests share their tales, discover the histories of their items, and receive an answer to the all-consuming question: How much is it worth?

The recording of segments featuring appraisers and collectors discussing their treasured items will provide Chesapeake Collectibles producers and editors with the content needed to develop 13 episodes for the series’ 13th season, which will premiere in 2026.

Paid registration is required to attend. The cost is $135 and includes verbal evaluations of up to three items by a team of experienced appraisers and a chance to be selected to appear on the show. It also includes a one-year membership to MPT.  Registration information and attendance details are available at chesapeakecollectibles.com. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated because of occupancy limits.

“Whether they collect vintage sneakers, movie memorabilia, abstract art, or commemorative teacups, we want to give everyone an opportunity to possibly share the stories of their treasures with our viewers,” said Patrick Keegan, Chesapeake Collectibles executive producer.

In October 2024, nearly 1,000 people from across the Chesapeake Bay region brought their cherished collectibles to MPT to have them evaluated during the two-day taping of the series’ 12th season, which premieres Monday, June 2, at 7:30 p.m. on MPT-HD, the MPT livestream, and the free PBS app.

 Past series episodes can also be viewed online at video.mpt.tv/show/chesapeake-collectibles/ and pbs.org/show/chesapeake-collectibles/.

Fans of the series can read the latest posts from the popular series’ Talkin’ Collectibles blog, available at mpt.org/blogs/chesapeake-collectibles/.  It’s an insider’s look at the world of collecting and collectibles.

Major funding for season 13 of Chesapeake Collectibles is provided by Alex Cooper Auctioneers,  Second Story Books, and the generous members of Maryland Public Television.

More information is available at mpt.org.

…

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

Filed Under: 5 News Notes

Lend a hand: help town street crews help you

April 22, 2025 by Spy Desk 2 Comments

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Chestertown is a Tree City, with many keen gardeners, backyard botanists, and ecological advocates. Some of us have large yards; others only tiny urban oases. All of us benefit from the work of town committees and commissions that protect the environment and promote sustainable development.  And all of us benefit from the dedicated services of the town employees who keep our streets and roads free of leaves and plant debris.  The hard-working Street Crew is eager to work with residents—but also asks for their cooperation as we all adapt to changing financial and climate realities.

Chestertown employs a crew of eight men who collect our yard waste twice a week, keep the drains open, sweep autumn leaves from the roads, repair potholes, maintain parks and open spaces, and paint curbs and crosswalks for pedestrian safety. They do this rain or shine, in freezing or tropical weather, working with the town’s antiquated and quirky equipment Some have been with the crew for more than 20 years, most of them working more for the job satisfaction and camaraderie than our basic level salary. They define the dignity of public service.

Some of us remember the days when we could just put out all our yard waste on the curb or street and expect it to be cleared away.  That is no longer efficient or affordable in the Chestertown budget. The town website has full instructions on yard waste policy at chestertown.gov/community. You also can call the Town Office at 410-778-0500 if you need more clarity—or your Council Member if you experience a real problem.

But here’s a brief outline of how the community can help the Street Crew provide the level of service they know is possible.

Put yard waste in 2 large degradable paper bags or 2 32-gallon containers for twice weekly pick-up on the days designated for your ward.  You probably can use the same container for trash/garbage or yard waste.

Consider a mowing regimen that leaves fine clippings and mulched leaves on the lawn. This is highly advised by the Chestertown Environmental Committee.

If you are doing a really big seasonal clean up, call to arrange for the Town’s modestly priced special collection service. Be assured that this cost goes toward the overtime it requires.

Follow the guidelines about fallen branches or tree pruning. Huge limbs can defeat our machinery or endanger both our crews and pedestrians.

Do your best to put autumn leaves, pine cones, etc. in the waste bags or bins rather than blowing them onto the roads.  The town does tackle this but our sweeper truck just can’t digest them all!

And easiest of all:  ask one of the town employees for advice on how to solve any questions. They have seen it all and really do want to be as helpful as possible. Most of them live in Chestertown themselves and take pride in our beautiful community.

From Ward 1 council member, Sheila Austrian

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

Filed Under: 5 News Notes

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