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December 20, 2024

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

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Who is president? By Al Sikes

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This is of course now old news (Tweets have a short life). Republicans and Democrats in the United States House of Representatives concluded negotiations on a massive appropriation bill to keep the government operational until March of next year.

But recall before going further: “to retain respect for sausages and laws avoid watching them in the making”. So please do not take this short take as respect for what is called a Congressional Resolution; shorthand: CR. But here we are. The law says to the Congress RESOLVE or shutdown. So the Committee to make Sausage resolved, Republican and Democrat alike.

Within a very short time Elon Musk, America’s richest man and buddy of the President-Elect, put his thumb down. It is said he posted his disapproval on his web site 70 times. Ten hours later so did Donald Trump. Not a good look.

But then when you assemble a bunch of titanic egos do not expect them to ask permission. Presidents since George Washington have used allies to quietly seed the news media with rumors of this or that. It is an honorable way to gain some sense of both insider and public reaction before emerging from the carefully protected trenches and announcing a decision.

Musk’s trench is his business, X, which used to be Twitter. He uses it as a bullhorn. He has impulses and he posts them. In the case of the CR he put his thumb down on the work of the Congressional committee at 4:15 am Wednesday.

Here is a take from the Wall Street Journal: “Over the course of Wednesday, Musk pressed for Congress to kill the bill. He encouraged his more than 200 million followers on X, the social-media platform that he owns, to call their representatives to vote against it, and he warned that Republicans who voted for it should lose their congressional seats in two years. He also said Congress shouldn’t pass any more legislation until President-elect Donald Trump takes office, which would ensure a partial government shutdown until Jan. 20.”

The obvious question is who is leading who? It is said that Musk gave the various Trump campaign subsidiaries over $200 million. And in the aftermath of the election, Musk became a constant presence with the President. Perhaps he should formally join the Trump family. Changing one’s name is not an expensive affair. Dutifully, I apologize for the snark.

What I don’t apologize for is my concern about the world’s richest man placing himself in a position of at least appearing to be not the President’s whisperer but the President’s voice. It is not only on the atmospherics a bad thing, it portends a clash of egos that cannot do other than undermine the Presidency. Regain control Mr. President-Elect.

Al Sikes is the former Chair of the Federal Communications Commission under George H.W. Bush. Al writes on themes from his book, Culture Leads Leaders Follow published by Koehler Books. 

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

Living in Paradise by Angela Rieck

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I have retreated to the warm sunshine of Key West. I know that the weather has been unpleasant at times up North, with cold temperatures and torrential rain. I am fortunate enough to live in Key West, where this time of year chilly days are in the high sixties; and most days are in the 70s. In Key West, the palm trees sway to the tune of the trade winds that gently surround the island. 

To many, Key West is paradise. I found 283 novels that were set in Key West on Amazon, and 516 nonfiction books about it. There are duplicates in this list, but it shows you how intriguing Key West can be. Writers have tried different devices to capture Key West. One used street names, another treated Key West as his companion; still another tried to use a traditional history. Each time they fell short. 

Key West is known for its sunsets. Mallory Square takes on a carnival atmosphere at sunset. But I prefer its sunrises. The contrasting colors of the aqua, turquoise and jadeite ocean against the changing colors in the sky of warm pink, yellow, and pale blue are portraits in pastels. At sunrise, pelicans occupy the piers and sea gulls commence flight. Great blue herons perch motionless on the shoreline and the ibis stalk insects in the grass. On the pier, the observers are silent, appreciating the artistry that nature has created. 

What makes Key West a place that people consider paradise? It can be many things:

  • The acceptance and quirkiness. There is no dress code.
  • Living outdoors. Eight months out of the year the weather is wonderful; the other four months it is tolerable only to locals (called Conchs).
  • Its raw beauty…The colors of the ocean and sky, sunrises, and sunsets have inspired many artists.
  • The lifestyle…two wheels (or some similar representation of them) are the best way to get around the island.
  • The sounds…the rustling of palm trees, roosters crowing; and at night, the bands and drunk patrons weaving through Duval Street.
  • The tastes…thanks to the tourists and guests, its restaurants rival any large city in their diversity and quality.
  • The animals…cats and chickens live on the streets in harmony, dogs have their own beach, gawky pelicans glide gracefully over the ocean, the ibis wanders through lawns, the eerie anhingas stretch out their wings to dry. 
  • The architecture… There are a few graceful Victorian and Queen Anne homes, but many homes are eyebrow or simple Conch houses, structures that can easily be rebuilt after the hurricane sweeps them away.
  • There is always something to do.

Key West has no clock; it recycles and reinvents itself. Boom and bust cycles, hurricanes, winds, fires & floods, full and part-time inhabitants, drugs, fishing. Somehow you get the impression that despite climate change, hurricanes, scoundrels, tourists, and politics, Key West will endure. 

But as magical as Key West can be, it is not paradise. 

The dictionary defines paradise as an ideal or idyllic place or state. To me, paradise is a what not a where. Paradise is a moment when I experience pure joy. 

Paradise is that moment that you snuggle with your child, the time you realize that you have met someone who completely understands you, and the holiday parties where you connect with close friends and family. So, while I am soaking up the warmth in Key West, those in the chilly weather have equal opportunity to experience paradise.

I wish that the holidays bring you paradise in the touch of a loved one, the beautiful holiday displays, the festive shops, and restaurants. And most of all, I hope that you can recognize your paradise when it appears. 

I want to thank all of my readers, knowing that you are reading my columns and getting feedback is my paradise. I wish for paradise-filled holidays to all.

Angela Rieck, a Caroline County native, received her PhD in Mathematical Psychology from the University of Maryland and worked as a scientist at Bell Labs, and other high-tech companies in New Jersey before retiring as a corporate executive. Angela and her dogs divide their time between St Michaels and Key West Florida. Her daughter lives and works in New York City.

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

Should the press worry about Trump’s threats? By J.E. Dean

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Donald Trump enjoyed what may be his second biggest win of the year last Friday when ABC settled Trump’s defamation lawsuit against the network and its best-known anchor. The suit related to George Stephanopoulos saying Trump was found “liable for rape.”  ABC, through its foundation, agreed to contribute $15 million to the future Trump Presidential Library, cover $1 million in Trump’s legal fees, and issue an apology. 

The settlement surprised many in the media. While Trump was not found guilty of rape in the E. Jean Carroll case, the judge in the case wrote, “The finding that Ms. Carroll failed to prove that she was ‘raped’ within the meaning of the New York Penal Law does not mean that she failed to prove that Mr. Trump ‘raped’ her as many people commonly understand the word rape. Indeed, as the evidence at trial recounted below makes clear, the jury found that Mr. Trump in fact did exactly that.”

Trump’s victory over ABC was followed yesterday with a lawsuit against The Des Moines Register and pollster J. Ann Selzer over a poll held shortly before election day that indicated Kamala Harris leading Trump by 3 percent in Iowa. Trump won Iowa by 14 percent. . 

Before the election and during his first term in office, Trump threatened “fake news” outlets such as ABC and NBC with revocation of their broadcast licenses. He has also routinely ridiculed media personalities who dare to criticize him.

Earlier in his “career,” in 2006, Trump sued Warner Books and the author of a book titled The Art of Being the Donald, who wrote that Trump was only a millionaire, not a billionaire. Trump’s suit was dismissed.

In October 2022, Trump sued CNN for $2.75 billion. In part, the complaint read: “CNN has sought to use its massive influence – purportedly as a ‘trusted’ news source – to defame the Plaintiff in the minds of its viewers and readers for the purpose of defeating him politically, culminating in CNN claiming credit for ‘[getting] Trump out’ in the 2020 presidential election.”

Trump alleged the term “The Big Lie,” was “uttered” more than 7,700 times on the network from January 2021 to the date of the lawsuit.

In May 2023, Trump sued The Washington Post for $3.78 billion for publishing news relating to the finances of Truth Social, the social media platform that has become the go-to news outlet for the Trump transition. Trump alleged the Post acted with malice to undermine him politically.

There have been other lawsuits filed by Trump or his campaign, including actions against a Wisconsin TV station for running an ad that suggested that Trump had called the coronavirus a hoax, Bob Woodward, and CBS.

After January 20, 2025, will Trump attempt to silence his critics with further attacks on the free press? That is a worry all of us should have. And it gets worse. As traditional news outlets have lost ground to social media sites, podcasts, blogs, and other non-traditional news-sharing, those previously unregulated sources of information (and misinformation) could find themselves subject to new regulations or lawsuits intended to intimidate them against speaking out against Trump and his policies.

Trump’s threats to the media and anyone else criticizing him should be taken seriously. In the case of the media, I wonder whether the nature of the threats will change from lawsuits to governmental action after Inauguration Day.  Will Trump or soon-to-be FBI Director Kash Patel develop an enemies list? 

I also wonder whether the threats themselves will suffice to hush many, or even most, critics, even those outside the media but who may be known in their communities as Trump-haters. If Trump fails to close the IRS, will some of these people find themselves subject to tax audits?

It is ironic that Donald Trump is pursuing “dishonest” media. The Washington Post has cataloged more than 30,573 of what it calls “lies” told during Trump’s first term in the White House.

Remember when Donald Trump said that Senator Ted Cruz’s father was with John F. Kennedy’s assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, right before Oswald was shot? The implication was that Cruz’s father was somehow involved in the assassination. To my knowledge, Senator Cruz, today one of President-Elect Trump’s strongest supporters in the U.S. Senate, never sued for defamation.

J.E. Dean writes on politics, government, and, too infrequently, other subjects. A former counsel on Capitol Hill and public affairs consultant, Dean also writes for Dean’s List on Medium and Dean’s Issues & Insights on Substack.

 

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

Two Movies By Jamie Kirkpatrick

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My wife and I took Annie, one of our grandkids, to the movies the other day to see “Wicked,” the film adaptation of the Broadway musical.  At two hours and forty minutes, it’s a long movie. It’s also dense—a complex psychological fable for our age. In case you haven’t seen it yet, I’m not going to spoil it by unraveling the plot for you. Let’s just say there’s a lot to unpack. Oh—and this rendition is only Part One; Part Two drops next year. Talk about delayed gratification!

After the movie, we returned home and ate supper in front of the TV.  At this time of year, there are a lot of Christmas movies on channels all over the map. Every year, we indulge ourselves and watch many—OK, most—of them: “White Christmas,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “ A Christmas Story” (my favorite), “Love Actually,” “The Grinch,” “Elf,” and, of course, “Miracle on 34th Street.” (There are some B listers, too, but we avoid those.) Anyway, the night Annie came to visit, we were scrolling through the channel list and came upon “The Sound of Music.” Maybe it’s not really a Christmas movie, but who doesn’t relish the love story of Postulate Maria (Julie Andrews) and retired Captain Gregor Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) and the widowed Captain’s seven singing moppets. And if the love story isn’t enough, there’s also the added intrigue of the Nazi Anschluss into Austria in 1938 and the last-minute escape of the Von Trapp singers over the mountains into neutral Switzerland.

If movies are a reflection of our time and culture, we ran the gamut that day with Annie. “The Sound of Music” was released in the spring of 1965, not exactly a benign time, but decidedly prior to many of the cultural wars of the late 1960s and beyond. It’s a charming and innocent film, full of sing-along tunes, and it has a happy ending.

“Wicked,” on the other hand, is dark, and the ending—at least of Part One—is neither happy nor resolved. The principle characters—Glinda and Elphaba—each have a significant childhood backstory that informs their adult characters. Moreover, woven into the subtext of the film like the false strands of an heirloom Persian rug, there are veiled references to human (and animal) rights, political repression, thought control, and an all-powerful ruler who seems benign enough on the surface, but who, along with his power-wielding minions, reveals a much more dangerous and nefarious side. On top of all that, the music and lyrics of the songs in “Wicked” are hardly light as Austria’s Alpine air. And as for the flying monkeys who seemed comical enough in “The Wizard of Oz,” in “Wicked,” they are the stuff of vivid nightmares for children and adults alike. I’m still shaking,

At the conclusion of “The Sound of Music,” goodness triumphs over evil, at least for the Von Trapp family. But now that we’re halfway through the “Wicked” narrative, I’m not sure that good will triumph over evil, or over anything else ever again. Maybe Part Two will prove me wrong—we will all just have to wait and see.

I’ll be right back.

Jamie Kirkpatrick is a writer and photographer who lives in Chestertown. His work has appeared in the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Washington College Alumni Magazine, and American Cowboy Magazine. His new novel, “The Tales of Bismuth; Dispatches from Palestine, 1945-1948” explores the origins of the Arab-Israeli conflict. It is available on Amazon.

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

Customer Service – Where Art Thou? My week From Hell By Maria Grant 

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Last week, I got an email that fraud had been detected on my credit card, and a new card had been sent to me. But wait, I thought, perhaps you should have informed me before you cancelled my card and mailed me a new one to an address where I don’t currently reside. 

I called the credit card company, a chatbot responded, asking me for my card number which had been cancelled so it no longer existed, my social security number, etc. About 15 minutes later, I got to a real person. I explained that I wasn’t at the address where the card had been sent. She told me I had to receive a link, send a copy of my driver’s license and my photo and a new card would be sent overnight. I did as she requested, she then said it didn’t come through, please send again, which I did. 

The card did not arrive. I called back. Got another chatbot. At least 10 minutes later, I got to a real person. I explained that my card never arrived. She checked and said they had tried to reroute it, and then were informed that it was too late to reroute. Something must have gotten lost in the shuffle. The company would overnight another card to my current address. I’m still waiting. It should arrive soon.

The next day, we received a gift sent from Amazon with no gift card. We had no idea who sent the gift. I started my search with Amazon chat, got nowhere, and then made a phone call, which required a call back. About 20 minutes later, a person called me back. I explained the situation. He told me that there is no way they could trace who sent the package and suggested that I call every person I know and ask if they sent us a gift. I said thank you, and no, that won’t be happening. 

The following day we went to dinner with another couple at an expensive restaurant. A waiter appeared and asked if we would like a glass of wine. About 15 minutes went by, and the wine appeared. Then about 20 more minutes went by and there was no waiter in sight. We asked a member of the waitstaff—many of whom were standing around chatting with each other–if he could locate our waiter. Finally, our waiter reappeared, we ordered and waited another half hour for our dinners. Two of the orders were not right, but we said that’s okay. When the bill came, a 20 percent tip had been added and there was another line for “extra gratuity.” 

The next day I went to a large department store. I had to walk through three departments to find a salesclerk to ask a question about whether an item was available in a different size. She said she didn’t think so.

The following day I went to a store, picked something off a shelf (talked to no clerks—asked for no advice). I simply picked up an item and took it to a cashier. When I put my credit card (a different one) into the machine as the cashier looked over me, the bill appeared and asked me if I wanted to add a tip to the transaction. 

What is going on? Please know that I appreciate the service industry and try to tip generously. I give holiday gifts to service workers and treat them with respect and dignity. I understand the frustrations of income inequality. (And trust me, with this new administration, this inequality will get worse—not better. Anyone who thinks the cute kid’s clothes at Target that are made in China are going to get cheaper under Trump and his tariffs is smoking something.)

So, what has happened to impressive customer service in this country? When we were in Europe this summer, there was a marked difference in the quality of service. Service was great. There was pride in doing a job well done. Waitstaff were solicitous and helpful. 

Just read some Yelp reviews about customers’ frustrations with stores, restaurants, mistaken orders, etc. I am not alone in my frustrations with poor customer service.

Experts say there are many reasons for this dissatisfaction with customer service. They include a labor shortage of service workers, higher customer expectations, lack of competition (think about how many choices you have for internet providers on the Eastern Shore), rising use of automation which often results in increased time and having to repeat the same information to a real person, and the fact that many companies are struggling to meet demands as opposed to looking for new customers.

Experts say that companies that want to improve customer service should do a better job of understanding customer needs, seek and promote customer feedback, set customer service standards, try to exceed customer expectations, and share examples of great service.

Yes please. I’m begging you, please do. I seriously can’t take another week like this one.

P.S. As I’m writing this column, I just got a message that my credit card is out for delivery. Hallelujah! Let’s hope it comes to the right address.

Maria Grant was principal-in-charge of the federal human capital practice of an international consulting firm. While on the Eastern Shore, she focuses on writing, reading, music, and nature. 

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

Chicken Scratch: All the Way In and Back Out Again by Elizabeth Beggins

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“I stand at the window looking out, trying to remember the truths that nature always brings home. That what lies before me is not all there is. That time is ever passing, and not only when I notice. That strife and pain are no more unexpected than pleasure and joy. That merely by breathing I belong to the eternal.”

― Margaret Renkl, The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year

 

This time, the weather gods mean business.

At least twice already, we harvested what we thought was the last of the fragrant and flavorful bounty of summer, only to find the host plants still upright and serviceable the next morning. But this time, the forecast leaves no room for doubt.

In anticipation, we dismantle the vegetable plots, cutting away strappy vines and woody sprigs, stacking wire cages, setting aside to save tomatoes of any appreciable size, in hopes of future ripening. Even plucked green, homegrown fruits have more potential than the road-weary options at the store. Or, we tell ourselves they do, which might be more important.

We snip incandescent marigold blossoms from weary stems, leaving some petals behind as an offering, bringing some inside to dry. Poor man’s saffron they call it, but it feels rich to me.

A fresh collection of marigold petals

After dodging a full blown freeze right up to the cusp of December, it finally arrives and unburdens itself all over everything. Begonia melts, colocasia slumps, trailing tradescantia flops in a flaccid mess. The fig, which only a day before clung resolutely to its frock, denudes itself in real time, leaves letting go like skydivers.

I’ve always been reluctant to transition my gardens from one season to the next, but it grew more noticeable when weekly market sales were no longer a driver. Professionals swap out plants proactively, knowing one is about to become less productive. The farmer can’t afford to wait until the current crop is completely spent before replacing it. She is an editor with a red pen and a looming deadline.

I’m fine with eliminating plants that have produced their last. But these days, and this day, as any day when I am in command of such life-reducing decisions, I feel twinges of guilt for ripping out these beating hearts. To compensate, I give thanks. For real. I say, “Thank you, tomatoes. Thank you, marigolds.” I follow with something truthful about how hard they’ve worked, how much they’ve provided, the elegance or ease they’ve added to my days. It is a gratitude practice that transports me from myopia to interconnection. I need it.

Creative inspiration from a few of the non-humans I coexist with

Once the space is clear, I’m able to embrace the full potential of this seasonal evolution. My husband fills the area with leaves, a father zipping up his child’s coat on a blustery day, to insulate the exposed earth from the ravages of wind and rain. Soil is the lifeblood of the garden, and we are determined to protect it.

Determination and protection are words I hear a lot right now, in the context of warding off political and cultural changes that feel threatening. The world is in turmoil and we, its human inhabitants, are both cause and cure. Resistance, we’re told, is imperative.

What we’re not told is the shape that resistance is meant to take or how we’re supposed to manifest it. How we do what we’re told we must do is entirely up to us, an opportunity for agency, and no great surprise that every process looks different. Some are leaving swords where they lie, some, while going it alone, are forging connection.

I’ve heard some people say, recently, that they’re practicing self-care as an act of resistance, as if they must maintain the pretense of fighting while they’re struggling to regroup. Friends, most of us don’t need permission to breathe all the way in and back out again. Please, practice self-care for its own sake. Dread is our constant companion, but so is delight. I can think of nothing more transformative than finding new ways to flourish, despite the times.

After the freeze, early December 2024

For me, the natural world offers guidance. Just look at it! Freed, for a time, from doing anything obvious, the garden is, nonetheless, engaged. It’s protecting an army of living creatures right where it is. It’s rebuilding from the long growing season, using the resources it has available. What it produced in its active phase continues to provide physical and emotional energy now.

The last few mornings, I’ve carried a kettle of boiling water outside to mix into the frozen bird baths I’ll maintain as best I can this winter. As I take in the garden, like the friend that it is, I don’t see resistance. What I see is resilience.

Bounty!

Elizabeth Beggins is a communications and outreach specialist focused on regional agriculture. She is a former farmer, recovering sailor, and committed over-thinker who appreciates opportunities to kindle conversation and invite connection. On “Chicken Scratch,” a reader-supported digital publication hosted by Substack, she writes non-fiction essays rooted in optimism. To receive her weekly posts and support her work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber here.

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

Addressing political polarization in our community and beyond by David Reel 

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For almost 250 years, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary has been a widely used resource for defining, interpreting, and properly using written and spoken words in our society.

In 1996, Merriam-Webster introduced Merriam-Webster Online, a subscription-based website with unlimited access to the complete text of Webster’s Third New International Dictionary.

This online dictionary has 470,000 words and regularly logs 100 million pageviews monthly. 

In doing so, it has become especially useful for those who follow American thinking and voting behavior. 

Peter Sokolowski, Merriam-Webster’s editor-at-large, has noted, “We’ve had dictionaries of English for 420 years, and it’s only been in the last 20 years or so that we’ve actually known which words people look up.”

In other words, now we can track, analyze, and prioritize the words of greatest interest to Americans and the words of their greatest concern.

Since 2020, the Merriam Webster website word tracking has shown the most frequently researched words in recent years were authentic, gaslighting, vaccine, and pandemic.

As 2024 winds down, the number one word for this year is … polarization. 

As Merriam-Webster editor Sokolowski observes, polarization always means division, but it is an extremely specific kind of division. It can and does extend beyond politics. For example, polarization can occur with opinions about music styles, tech trends, food, and sports teams.

I agree that polarization occurs in countless areas of life beyond politics, but the impact on our society in those other areas are trivial when compared to polarization in the political arena. 

Well before the 2024 presidential election was held, American voters had strongly held opinions that each of the candidates from both major political parties were flawed and even an existential threat to democracy. 

An Associated Press (AP) Vote Cast survey of more than 120,000 voters showed that about eighty percent of Kamala Harris supporters were very or somewhat concerned that Donald Trump’s positions on current and emerging public policy issues were too extreme. 

The survey results also showed that about seventy percent of Donald Trump voters were very or somewhat concerned that Kamala Harris’ positions on current and emerging public policy issues were too extreme. 

So far, the election results have done little to change those strongly held opinions. 

I suggest the election results have generated even more political polarization. 

With that in mind, and consistent with their mission, Chesapeake Forum, an Easton based not- for- profit academy for lifelong learning recently hosted a program to provide attendees more information about this timely and important topic. 

 Attendees learned about and discussed research done by Harvard professor Robert Putnam. That research led to Putnam’s essay — Bowling Alone: America’s Declining Social Capital followed his book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. 

As a program attendee, I found this program to be most enlightening but also somewhat depressing. 

The good news is we also learned about a more positive book by Putnam – Better Together. 

Better Together has been and continues to be a catalyst for the launch of initiatives in large and small communities across America. All share a common goal of developing and executing programs to help restore social capital, increase civil discourse, and reduce political polarization in our society. 

One reviewer of both books on Amazon’s website wrote – “Bowling Alone made people think, Better Together will make them act.” 

Chesapeake Forum has done both by continuing the synergy of their fall program with regular get togethers. The goals are to encourage more people in our community to think about the negative impact polarization has on our community as well as finding ways to help increase activities that rebuild social capital, increase civil discourse, and reduce political polarization. 

There is no shortage of ideas that have worked well elsewhere. That said, the Eastern Shore has a unique history and culture. Accordingly, some ideas from other places may work well here, some may not work at all here, and some will work well here but only with changes. 

The most important key to success going forward is involvement by a wide range of community leaders and citizens to collaborate on the evaluation of the most viable strategies to rebuild social capital, increase civil discourse and political polarization reduction strategies in our area. 

The adage is true that people will be most likely to support change efforts if they have an opportunity to be involved in the development and implementation of those strategies.

More details on such opportunities will be available beginning early next year. 

Starting right now, YOU can be involved in this endeavor by going to Chesapeake Forum‘s website — chesapeakeforum.org, clicking on the contact us tab at the top of the page and then complete leaving a message with your contact information so they can keep you informed. 

All questions, comments, and suggestions are also welcomed and appreciated.

David Reel is a public affairs and public relations consultant in Easton. 

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

Faith is Awe by Al Sikes

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Advent began on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Advent is, in the Christian faith, a period of preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ.

Biblical narratives are filled with heroic acts and transcendent moments. They informed and spurred the evolving church to create organizing principles and protocols in recognition. None are more important than Advent. But I expect that for most of the faithful awe is more important than obligation. The structure of denominational obligation is not unimportant but will not protect the faithful during inevitable moments of doubt as humanity pushes its own mastery.

I can recall the awe as a youth in the story of the Star of Bethlehem. The gospel writer Matthew wrote of a bright star that led the three wise men to the place where Mary gave birth. The celestial guide, The Star of Bethlehem. A miracle.

In more recent centuries the ingenuity of humankind and in particular astronomers and their equipment, have pushed and enabled us to become ever more familiar with the Celeste. Yet as hard as some try it is impossible to isolate the celestial as exclusively physical. Topically, as a symbol of otherworldliness, the Celeste is often on the finger of a superb athlete who strives to share his/her recognition with God as they point to the heavens.

Well last week it happened in a different profession—architecture. Notre Dame, the French Cathedral, was rededicated after a literal rebirth guided by the Cathedral’s architect Phillippe Villeneuve who in a video interview gave recognition to a heavenly assist. Villeneuve said, “You know I spent five years saying nothing about this because I am a civil servant in a secular republic and therefore I couldn’t say something like this, but now I have to reveal that yes I have a particular devotion to the Virgin Mary and at the risk of sounding totally crazy like Joan of Ark, I never stopped feeling support from Up There. I don’t think this project would have been possible otherwise and I think that is what gave me the strength and determination to move because I knew I was being supported from Up There.” Villeneuve was pointing skyward.

We, of course, know that over time the essence of Christianity “neighborly love” has been re-shaped beyond earlier acts of piety and biblical recognition. Humans are busy creatures. Giving today reflects an enormous commercial enterprise. It’s hard for the Star of Bethlehem to compete with advertising. Indeed as fewer and fewer attend worship services the Advent season retreats from our minds and culture. And as it retreats awe as a dimension of faith recedes.

Recognition of the rebirth of Notre Dame was the recognition of enormous accomplishment—awe-inspiring for sure. But what about the widow’s mite? The small coin that was said to represent about six minutes of work in Caesar’s time.  What about the thousands, no millions of small gifts of time and treasure each year? Many sacrificial. Where does that come from?

Or the contemporary version of a “babe in swaddling cloth”. I am reading Alexi Navalny’s book Patriot. You recall. Navalny, now deceased from Vladimir Putin’s obsession, had with his wife Yulia two children. Raised without belief in God he recounted his conversion after experiencing the awe of becoming a father for the first time.

Awe, again and again.

There are moments of transcendent glory that move many to point to the sky, to recognize that there is more to it than simply human striving.

Human striving can be reshaped and certainly has been as we pursue glory in day-to-day stuff. But then comes along those moments we can’t account for. Science doesn’t help. Earthly rewards materialize and then, poof, they are gone. So what about awe? Athletes find it in breaking records. Mothers and fathers in birth. Architects in the rebirth of a Cathedral. What about us?

The stories are there. But if you need to put your mind on today pay attention to your neighbor, his courage, her sacrifice. The reality, not just the stories are awe-inspiring and there is something behind them. What is that something? I can think of no greater inquiry.

Merry Christmas.

Al Sikes is the former Chair of the Federal Communications Commission under George H.W. Bush. Al writes on themes from his book, Culture Leads Leaders Follow published by Koehler Books. 

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A lifelong canvas: How museums enrich the lives of lifelong learners by Daedelus Hoffman

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What if the first person to live to 150 years old has already been born? According to David Sinclair, a leading researcher at Harvard Medical School, advancements in science and medicine are rapidly extending the boundaries of human longevity, making this once-unimaginable milestone more plausible than ever before. Americans are not only living longer but are also redefining what it means to age. Here in Talbot County, where nearly 40% of residents are over the age of 60, this longevity revolution is already reshaping our community. The question isn’t just about how long we’ll live, but how well. And in the pursuit of a meaningful, high-quality life, museums like the Academy Art Museum play a pivotal role.

In this era of increased lifespans, the concept of lifelong learning is more essential than ever. As our years expand, so too must the opportunities to remain mentally, socially, and creatively engaged. Research increasingly reveals that lifelong learning is critical to aging well. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology underscores how engaging with cultural institutions like museums enhances cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social connections for older adults. Similarly, the American Alliance of Museums highlights how museums can serve as vital resources for elder communities, providing spaces for discovery, creativity, and intergenerational connection.

These findings aren’t abstract—they’re a blueprint for how museums like the Academy Art Museum can shape a vibrant, inclusive future for aging adults on the Eastern Shore. The evidence is clear: fostering connections, learning new skills, and engaging in creative practices are not just beneficial but necessary for maintaining a high quality of life as we age. Museums, with their unique ability to combine education, art, and community, are perfectly positioned to address this need.

At the Academy Art Museum, lifelong learning isn’t just a buzzword—it’s embedded in everything we do. From art classes that spark creativity in seasoned hands to gallery tours that invite reflection and dialogue, the museum fosters spaces where older adults can thrive. Programs like our intergenerational workshops pair seniors with younger participants, creating not only art but shared stories and connections that span decades. Whether it’s a painting class or a lecture on art history, these activities are about more than learning—they’re about belonging.

Imagine a retired teacher discovering a new passion for sculpture or a former engineer exploring the intricacies of watercolor painting. These are not just hobbies; they’re lifelines that keep minds sharp and spirits high. The Academy Art Museum provides these pathways, offering opportunities to try something new or deepen an existing interest. And in doing so, it builds a community of learners where everyone’s voice and creativity are valued.

But museums don’t just offer senior citizens a place to learn—they provide a stage for them to teach. Older adults bring with them lifetimes of experiences, perspectives, and skills that enrich every corner of the Academy Art Museum. Programs that encourage older participants to share their insights not only empower them but also enhance the learning experience for everyone involved. Whether mentoring younger artists, sharing historical perspectives, or leading discussions, these contributions transform the museum into a true community hub—a place where generations meet, stories are exchanged, and the past informs the future.

In Talbot County, where the population of seniors is among the highest in Maryland, these initiatives are not just relevant—they’re essential. As our community evolves, the Academy Art Museum is committed to evolving with it, creating programs and opportunities that meet the needs of all its members. This commitment includes ensuring that our spaces are welcoming and accessible, our programs are inclusive, and our mission resonates with individuals of all ages.

Consider the ripple effects of this work. A senior citizen who finds joy and purpose in a museum class goes on to inspire their family and friends. A grandparent and grandchild who collaborate on an art project deepen their bond. A retired professional who leads a workshop shares their knowledge with a new generation. The benefits extend far beyond the museum walls, enriching lives and strengthening our community.

As we navigate this era of longer lifespans, institutions like the Academy Art Museum have an opportunity, even an obligation, to respond. We aren’t just curators of art; we’re curators of connection, learning, and quality of life. For Talbot County’s older residents, the museum isn’t merely a destination; it’s a partner in living fully, deeply, and creatively. And as we imagine a future where some of us may live to see 150 years, there’s no better time to build the intergenerational bridges that make life worth living.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a curious learner, or simply someone seeking community, the Academy Art Museum welcomes you to join us in the lifelong pursuit of discovery.

Daedelus Hoffman is the director of education and interpretation at the Academy Art Museum.

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Soup’s on by Angela Rieck

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It is hard to be positive about the cold weather that is gripping a large part of the nation. It is unpleasant at best and dangerous at worst. It even affects us in Florida, although there are few sympathizers in the northeast. Key West is not built for cold temperatures. Most of our transportation is on bicycles and some of our homes don’t have heat. Of course, the cold is felt most acutely in the north. 

But I can think of one benefit of this cold weather. Soups and stews become a welcome addition to the home. My mother prepared many soups and stews. I remember the aroma of vegetable, chicken soups, and beef stews wafting through our home. Our home was filled with the scent of these wonderful meals. And since the soups and stews take a while to cook, the whole day promised a warm and comfortable meal.

Like my siblings, I have taken on the tradition of making soups and stews. In many cases following my mother’s recipes, in others adding my own twist.  

Not only do soups and stews evoke fond memories, but they are also very healthy. They contain vitamins and minerals, which are important for fighting diseases and viruses. Soups are an easy way to meet the daily vegetable quota and cooking vegetables in soups, stews, or curries helps them retain many of their vitamins. 

Soups have the advantage of being low in calories and are a healthy option for those of us who are watching our weight. 

Soups are satisfying and good for weight conscious people because they are mostly water, but we perceive them as food. It was found that eating the same number of calories in soup as in pretzels increased weight loss by fifty percent.

Let’s face it, soups and stews are the ultimate comfort food. 

Lentil soup is regarded as the healthiest soup, but all vegetable soups are healthy. The only soups that do not fit in this category are cream based soups, such as New England clam chowder and Vichyssoise (sorry).

Not only western culture prizes these foods. Chinese medicine utilizes soups and cooked vegetables for healing.

So, soups and stews are the silver lining to this miserable weather. A warm memory and savory, healthy food. Time to get out the crock pot.

Angela Rieck, a Caroline County native, received her PhD in Mathematical Psychology from the University of Maryland and worked as a scientist at Bell Labs, and other high-tech companies in New Jersey before retiring as a corporate executive. Angela and her dogs divide their time between St Michaels and Key West Florida. Her daughter lives and works in New York City.

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