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.

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

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.

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’ 13^th 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’ 12^th 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.

…

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