News Notes — Page 3

Restoration of Log Canoe Flying Cloud Wraps Up

July 15, 2020 by Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Leave a Comment

The 1932 sailing log canoe Flying Cloud’s restoration is nearing a close, despite the COVID-19 pandemic halting work at Campbell’s Boatyards in Oxford, Md. over the spring months.

The completion comes after the new Flying Cloud Log Canoe Preservation Trust met a $75,000 challenge grant from the Paul B. Prager family of St. Michaels, Md. this past December by raising more than $95,000 from others towards the restoration of the historic sailing log canoe. Trust are members Ned Hennighausen, Allan Noble, Hon. John C. North II, Capt. Kenneth Reightler, Alexa Seip, and Langley Shook.

The hull of the log canoe Flying Cloud, currently under restoration at Campbell’s Boatyards in Oxford, Md.

Retired astronaut, U.S. Naval Academy’s Distinguished Chair in Space Science, and log canoe sailor Capt. Kenneth Reightler, Jr. was named skipper of the log canoe this past October.

Flying Cloud was built on Tilghman Island, Md. by the legendary boat builder John B. Harrison—who is also Reightler’s great grandfather—and is now recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Flying Cloud races under the No. 22, and is the second-largest racing log canoe in existence today. Cloud measures less than a foot smaller than her sister ship Jay Dee—which was built by Harrison in 1931—and requires as many as 18 crew to campaign her.

“The log canoe sailing season has been indefinitely postponed due to COVID,” said Trust President Ned Hennighausen. “Close to half of the fleet has entirely withdrawn from the 2020 season. The combination of the cost and complexity to get a canoe ready to race and an anticipated need for social distancing beyond the conclusion of the season can be disheartening.”

Hennighausen says Flying Cloud’s Trust is committed to assuring the safety of all participants and will not competitively sail in 2020 unless the Governor of Maryland eases restrictions and permits the activity. He says the Trust will complete the restoration of Flying Cloud this summer and intends to sea trial her with a reduced crew to ensure social distancing guidelines are met.

Hennighausen says the Trust will have a celebration when Cloud is relaunched, with the format of the event to be determined by the state of the pandemic.

The last time Flying Cloud raced was in 2016. During that racing season, she experienced multiple failures of key components. Additionally—and as with all log canoes—time and the stresses of competition have deteriorated the logs of the hull, despite ongoing maintenance.

Flying Cloud Log Canoe Preservation Trust members Langley Shook, left, and the Hon. John C. North II hold the Trust-sponsored Prager Family Trophy.

“We’re also pleased to sponsor the new Prager Family Trophy, which will be awarded to the log canoe winning the most sanctioned races on the Miles River at the end of each sailing season,”says Hennighausen. “The Prager Family Trophy includes a unique sculpture of Flying Cloud, with the annual winners receiving a keeper trophy to commemorate their victories.”

During all races, Hennighausen says Cloud will fly a distinctive pennant of Navy blue and gold with a “Blue Peter” inset in honor of Paul Prager, a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. The pennant is based on an original design by Marc Castelli.

The Trust continues to accept donations in support of Flying Cloud’s endowment. Donations to the Flying Cloud Log Canoe Preservation Trust can be mailed to P.O. Box 130, Oxford, Md. 21654. For more information, please follow the Flying Cloud Log Canoe on Facebook and Instagram, or contact Ken Reightler at kreightler@gmail.com or Ned Hennighausen at ned.henn@gmail.com.

The Flying Cloud Log Canoe Preservation Trust has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with charitable donations tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

Democratic Club Hosts Social Action Committee for Racial Justice

July 15, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The public is invited (via Zoom) on Thursday, July 16 to learn about the important work of this great grassroots organization. The speakers will be Paul Tue and Arlene Lee, co-chairs of the Social Action Committee for Racial Justice, who will provide a brief overview of SACRJ and its work over the past 3 years. They will focus specifically on their recent projects – The Feed the Children and Elderly Initiative, policing reforms, and the proposed street murals in Chestertown. Their remarks will be brief to provide plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion.

The meeting will convene around 6:30 pm on July 16 with a brief opportunity for social re-connections, followed by a club business meeting, and the main program starting around 7:00 pm. The meeting will take place via Zoom, and members will receive the link;others please contact Bill Flook (wmflook@gmail.com) for information about how to participate.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

LWV Maryland Will Help Voters Navigate the Elections Safely

July 11, 2020 by League of Women Voters Leave a Comment

The League of Women Voters of Maryland is springing into action, in response to the Governor’s July 8th order to the State Board of Elections to carry out a traditional election process this November, while also mailing every active registered voter an absentee ballot request form. This decision runs contrary to the advice of local election officials who reported that many election judges have already declined to serve due to concerns about COVID-19. Election officials also noted the additional administrative costs and potential delays caused by the processing of absentee ballot request forms, and recommended that ballots be mailed to voters to ensure a safer and more seamless process. This will unfortunately create challenges for voters and poll workers — chief among them the risk of exposure to COVID-19 at in-person polling places.

Regardless of our views about this policy choice, our highest priority now is to support voters with the information they need to successfully and safely obtain and cast their ballots.

Here is our 2020 Election Protection Plan:

Voter Empowerment — As we have done for the past 100 years, we will continue to empower voters by providing them with unbiased nonpartisan candidate and ballot issue information via our trusted Voters’ Guides, Vote411.org, and candidate forums.

Advocacy — LWVMD will continue to advocate for the safety of poll workers and voters in coordination with a broad coalition of voting rights groups – Everyone Votes Maryland.

Accountability — We will continue to monitor and communicate with the State Board of Elections to ensure every voter’s needs are considered as this election plan progresses.

Grassroots Coordination — 15 local LWVs throughout the state will continue to collaborate on the ground in their communities and provide critical election resources and information.

While we are ready to provide Marylanders with the tools they need to participate in our democracy in November, we remain concerned that this decision leaves us open to the possibility of another emergency shift in the election process should there be a second wave of widespread COVID-19 cases in Maryland in the fall.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

Join CBMM Monthly for Coffee & Wood Chips

July 10, 2020 by Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Leave a Comment

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Md., is inviting the public for a monthly tour of its working Shipyard in a new virtual program titled Coffee & Wood Chips.

Scheduled for 10–11am on Mondays July 13, Aug. 17, and Sept. 14, Coffee & Wood Chips participants are invited to join CBMM’s Shipyard Programs Manager Jennifer Kuhn via Zoom for a live look at work being done by CBMM’s shipwrights and apprentices. Topics may cover CBMM’s annual haul out program, what railway season entails for each member of CBMM’s floating fleet of historic vessels, and updates on progress being made in the construction of Maryland Dove and the restoration of log canoe Glide.

The cost to attend Coffee & Wood Chips is $5 for the general public, and free for CBMM members. For a list of dates and to register, visit cbmm.org/shipyardprograms.

CBMM members play a critical role in supporting CBMM’s rich legacy of educational programs, fascinating and ever-changing exhibitions, and maintenance of the largest collection of Chesapeake watercraft in the world, including access to exclusive discounts, perks, and programming. To learn more about becoming a CBMM member, visit cbmm.org/membership.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

For All Seasons Grows Next Generation of Social Workers through Internship Program

July 9, 2020 by For All Seasons, Inc. Leave a Comment

L-R: For All Seasons interns Amy Bennett and Brooke Christensen. Absent from the photo are interns Edwin Hernandez-Martinez, Jen Friedman, Hayley Hornfeck, Sandra Kidd, Lisa Petroske, and Kim Hurlock.

For All Seasons has expanded its intern program to include a variety of high schools, colleges and universities. Undergraduate and graduate schools utilize For All Seasons for students who need clinical experiences in social work to meet the requirements of their programs. These hands-on experiences are preparing the next generation of social workers. This spring the agency has had eight interns: Amy Bennett, Brooke Christensen, Edwin Hernandez-Martinez, Jen Friedman, Hayley Hornfeck, Sandra Kidd, Lisa Petroske, and Kim Hurlock.

Beth Anne Langrell, CEO of For All Seasons, comments, “Being able to create a space for learning for our local high school, undergraduate or graduate students is such an important part of our role in the community. Not only do we get to be a part shaping a young professional’s experience, we also have created a pathway to hiring our graduate student interns at the agency once their degrees are complete. Of our graduate interns, 85 percent remain with us as full-time employees, which is so exciting for our team and the clients who we serve.”

Edwin Hernandez-Martinez, who is working on a bachelor’s degree in social work and psychology at Salisbury University, comments, “I have had a great experience working on the records management side of the agency and on the intake process. This has allowed me to deal with all ages at their most vulnerable times. Hearing different people’s stories has helped me interconnect with my textbook work from school. I have also learned a lot about listening skills. By listening on bilingual calls for the Spanish-speaking population, I have been able to learn about the issues they are facing in their community.”

Two of the interns, Amy Bennett and Brooke Christensen, are working on their graduate degrees and found that the agency offered a unique learning perspective for their programs. Bennett, who is finishing her master’s degree in social work at Liberty University, states, “My internship has been formative, enlightening, and invaluable as I grow into an identity as a clinical mental health counselor. I have also been privileged to see firsthand how the different threads at For All Seasons blend to create a beautiful tapestry of services. This is a group of people who collectively and individually have incredible hearts for the community.”

Brooke Christensen, A Master’s of Divinity Degree student at Wesley Theological Seminary, adds, “I have been able to get a wide lens look at large nonprofit serving different populations on the Mid Shore – form learning about human trafficking, to running the Latina Support Group, to writing grants – my experiences have been fascinating. I have been especially impressed by the culture of gratitude at For All Seasons, which is so important in an agency that has multiple offices serving five counties on the Mid Shore. Everyone is valued and included here.”

For All Seasons provides therapy, advocacy, psychiatry, and education to Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne, and Talbot counties. The agency accepts all private insurances, medical assistance, and supports English and Spanish speaking individuals regardless of one’s ability to pay. For All Seasons 24-Hour, confidential crisis hotlines are 410.820.5600 for English Hotline and 410.829.6143 for Spanish Hotline. Text available in English or Spanish at 410.829.6143.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

Virtual Boater Safety Course Offered in July

July 9, 2020 by Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Leave a Comment

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is offering a three-day virtual Maryland DNR-approved boater safety course on July 27–29, 2020, from 1–4pm.

Led by CBMM’s Shipyard Manager and USCG licensed captain Christian Cabral, the boater’s safety course will be a live virtual offering, giving participants the opportunity to interact and engage with the course instructor and fellow participants.

Participants completing the course and passing the test will receive a Maryland Boating Safety Education Certificate, valid for life. The certificate is required for anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, who operates a numbered or documented vessel on Maryland waters. The course is also recommended for anyone looking to become a safer, more experienced boater or personal watercraft operator.

The cost is $25 per person, with space limited and registration required. A 20% discount (of $5) is available for CBMM members. Details and links for the online learning classroom will be sent to registrants in advance of the program.

To register, go to cbmm.org/boatersafety. For information on Maryland DNR’s boating safety program, visit dnr.maryland.gov/boating.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

Harris Opens 2020 Academy Nomination Process Online

July 3, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Military Service Academies nomination application is now available for students wishing to join the class of 2025. Congressman Harris will nominate some of the finest students from Maryland’s First Congressional District for appointments to the U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies. The Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination, though Congressman Harris will recommend interested applicants on a case-by-case basis.

Admission to the service academies is based on SAT/ACT scores, class rank, physical aptitude scores, extracurricular activities, athletic abilities, medical examinations, and a panel interview. Academies accept applications on a rolling basis beginning in September. Final acceptance is also contingent upon receiving a nomination from an authorized source such as one’s Congressman or Senator.

The deadline to apply for a nomination from Congressman Harris is October 23, 2020. All qualified residents of Maryland’s First District are encouraged to apply. Interviews will be conducted in the fall by Congressman Harris’ Military Academy Review Board, which is made up of veterans and reservists of the United States military. The Service Academies will be notified of Congressman Harris’ nominations by December 31, 2020.

Congressman Harris made the following statement:

“As a veteran, year after year I remain awed at the dozens of talented young students seeking to attend our service academies, and it is my privilege to nominate the best candidates to these historic institutions. My staff ad I stand ready to assist them, and I eagerly look forward to evaluating each candidate’s qualifications and commitment in detail.”

Students can complete the nomination application at https://harris.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations. For questions, please contact the Military Academy Nomination Coordinator, Rachel Rosebrock, at MD01academy@mail.house.gov.

For media inquiries, please contact Congressman Harris’ Washington, DC office at 202-225-5311, or contact John Dutton at John.Dutton@mail.house.gov or Walter Smoloski at Walter.Smoloski@mail.house.gov.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

Downtown Chestertown Celebrates Independence Day Weekend

July 2, 2020 by Downtown Chestertown Association Leave a Comment

Chestertown is providing a festive start to your holiday weekend with extended hours for evening browsing in your favorite downtown shops and outside dining this Friday, July 3.

Got a pampered pooch? Don’t miss the town’s newest addition, Coco’s, at 335 High Street.Just up the street, Tish Fine Art Plus will be featuring live music. And psst, Zelda’s on Cross Street should be opening up at 5pm, serving frozen concoctions. Look for the green light.

The popular “Chestertown al Fresco Dining” moves to Casa Carmen on Friday. The wine bar is located at 312 Cannon Street. 443 203 8023. Reservations are strongly encouraged; tapas, small plates and paella.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Crazy Days, downtown Chestertown’s annual midsummer sidewalk sale, July 23 through 25. Safe shopping outside – plan ahead and come early for best selections!

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

Sultana Announces Revised Public Paddles Schedule

July 1, 2020 by Sultana Education Foundation Leave a Comment

As the state of Maryland enters Phase 2 of its COVID-19 recovery plan and as cases trend downward state-wide, the Sultana Education Foundation (SEF) is announcing a revised schedule of kayak trips to be enjoyed by the general public this summer on some of Kent County’s most scenic waterways. These programs, known as Public Paddles, feature guided tours of remote tributaries that are lightly developed and contain pristine wetlands full of plant and animal life. Each Public Paddle follows a specific theme highlighting habitats and organisms found at that particular launch site.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide in-person, water-based programming to the general public this summer,” said SEF’s Director of Paddling Programs, Brad Hirsh. “We’ve scheduled these paddles on Tuesday and Thursday mornings to avoid crowds, and we’ve also limited the number of participants to eight paddlers to make social distancing as easy as possible. Otherwise, once we’re on the water, these trips will be just like any other Public Paddles the Foundation has conducted in previous years.”

Between July 7th and August 20th, SEF is conducting fourteen separate paddles that are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will have an opportunity to visit a blue heron rookery on the upper Sassafras River, observe bald eagle nests at Turner’s Creek, explore the salt marshes of Eastern Neck Island, investigate remnants of Native American communities at Still Pond Creek, view the blooming American lotus flowers of the lower Sassafras, and navigate the headwaters of the mighty Chester River. Each paddle takes place from 9:00 – 11:30 am. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lifejackets, and SEF provides the kayaks, paddles, and guides. The cost is $30 per person, with a minimum age requirement of twelve years old.

“We’re extremely excited to get people back on the water to explore some of the special places that make this area so unique,” stated SEF’s Vice President Chris Cerino. “After being cooped up inside for much of the spring, these paddles are a welcome addition to SEF’s summer itinerary!”

To see the complete schedule of 2020 Summer Public Paddles, or to register for a trip, visit www.sultanaeducation.org.

« Previous Page

Sections

More