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June 24, 2025

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

5 News Notes

Watermen’s Appreciation Day Set for Aug. 13

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The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will host Watermen’s Appreciation Day on Sunday, Aug. 13, from 10am-5pm on its waterfront campus.

This annual celebration of the men and women who make their living on the Chesapeake Bay and their heritage features a boat docking contest, steamed crabs by the dozen, live music, family activities, and more. Tickets are on sale now at cbmm.org/watermensday.

At Watermen’s Appreciation Day, guests can meet locals who work the water, while enjoying the day’s catch of crabs as well as beer and other regional food and beverages. There will also be a silent auction in the Small Boat Shed, in support of the Talbot Watermen Association (TWA).

Photo by George Sass

This is a fundraising event organized by CBMM in partnership with TWA, with proceeds benefiting both organizations.

“Watermen’s Appreciation Day is our way of giving thanks to all the hard-working watermen and women,” TWA President Jeff Harrison said. “It is an honor to provide Maryland’s Best seafood to all the seafood lovers in Maryland and beyond. Thank you to CBMM for partnering with us these last 12 years.”

The always-spirited watermen’s rodeo is a boat docking contest along the Miles River near CBMM’s 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse. Bleacher seating will be provided for spectators to enjoy all the action, which begins at noon.

Also starting at noon, steamed crabs, served by TWA members, will be available for purchase, in addition to hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and more. Crabs will be sold at $35 per dozen and come with two ears of corn.

The Tolchester Beach Bandstand will showcase the music of Bird Dog and the Road Kings. The Eastern Shore favorites start playing at 11am and will provide the soundtrack for the fun throughout the afternoon.

There will be a variety of children’s activities offered throughout the day, including a junior watermen crab race, baiting contest, jigger throw, lawn games, and more. The Phillips Wharf Environmental Center will also be on site with its Fishmobile traveling aquarium.

Photo by George Sass

In addition to the special festivities, guests are encouraged to explore all the exhibitions and historic structures across CBMM’s 18-acre campus, including its working Shipyard that is currently home to several projects spotlighting the construction, care, and preservation of traditional Chesapeake Bay workboats.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. Admission is set at $19 for adults ages 18 to 64, $16 for seniors (65+), college students (with ID), and retired military members; $10 for active military members, and $8 for children 6 to 17, with all children 5 years of age and under admitted free.

CBMM members, along with licensed watermen and their immediate families, get discounted admission at $10 per adult and $6 per child ages 6 to 17. All food and beverages are an additional charge.

Free event parking will be available at St. Michaels Middle/High School, with a complimentary shuttle service to and from CBMM running throughout the day.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to be kept home during CBMM festivals, including Watermen’s Appreciation Day. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is also prohibited. Spectator boats wishing to view the competition from the water must remain outside the buoyed channel.

For more information, visit cbmm.org or call 410-745-2916.

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

A Conversation with Plein Air Easton 2022 Grand Prize Winner Charlie Hunter

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Charlie Hunter has had a remarkable run at Plein Air Easton – debuting in 2012 as “Best New Artist,” in 2022 he won the Timothy Dills Grand Prize. Charlie will stop by the gallery for a conversation about storytelling – why we paint what we paint; what moves us about a particular scene, why we feel a need to share it with others. He will also talk about the important role composition, values and edges play in his work, and why he chooses to predominately paint monochromatically from life. For serious painters, aspiring artists, and those who just enjoy viewing art, this will be a fascinating glimpse into the thought process and decision making that goes into the work of one of the most respected representationalists working today.

Charlie Hunter is a nationally recognized painter of the post-pastoral American landscape. His distinctive, low-chroma work, heavily reliant on a mastery of values, edges and composition, utilizes a variety of moderately unorthodox techniques. His work has been featured in numerous art and lifestyle publications, is in multiple collections and museums, and was the recent subject of a one-man show, SEMAPHORE, curated by fellow artist Eric Aho. In 2022 Hunter scored a trifecta of sorts, winning the Grand Prize at Plein Air Easton, First Place at Door County Plein Air, and Best Body of Work (Artists’ Choice Award) at Smoky Mountains Plein Air. With painter and designer Larry Moore, Hunter created the En Train Air painting train, and Hunter’s weekly live stream, REASONABLY FINE ART TALKS, has a fervent following.

Growing up in rural New England, the son of a small-town printer, Charlie Hunter’s work examines the pressures of modern urban and suburban culture upon small-town and agricultural community. Initially a graphic designer of tour posters for musicians such as the Jerry Garcia Band, Bob Dylan, The Clash, Eurythmics and REM, Hunter became a music manager and event producer, before turning to painting full time in the 2000’s.

Please join Charlie at The Trippe Gallery Friday July 21 at 11am. The Trippe Gallery is located at 23 N Harrison St. in Easton. For mroe information, please call 410-310-8727.

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Allegro Academy Choral Festival Performance

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Allegro Academy invites the public to attend its 5th Summer Sing Choir Festival performance to take place July 29 at Temple B’Nai Israel, 7199 Tristan Drive, Easton.  The free performance will begin at 7pm and follow a pre-concert talk at 6:30pm.

This season’s program will feature music from Alice Parker’s Melodious Accord, a collection of early American Hymns accompanied by brass quartet and harp.  The program also includes selections from Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs and The Promise of Living, both with piano accompaniment.

The Summer Sing is an intergenerational community choral festival that invites area singers to perform a major work with professional soloists and instrumentalists. Previous seasons have attracted standing-room-only audiences and singers from Annapolis to Delaware and points in between. There are no required auditions as experienced singers, both professional and amateur, gather for the sheer joy of singing and creating a glorious community celebration of choral harmony.

Thanks to generous gifts from members of our community, Talbot Arts, and Maryland State Arts Council the Summer Sing Choral Festival is offered to participants and audiences without charge.  For more information about the performance, participation, or supporting this program, please contact Artistic Director Amy Morgan at 410-603-8361 or [email protected].

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Sylvia Frazier Brings Soul Music to Joe Holt’s First Friday Series

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On Friday, August 4th, Joe Holt, host and piano accompanist for the Mainstay’s First Friday concert series has carefully curated a program of soul music classics in collaboration with his special guest for the evening, vocalist Sylvia Frazier. Sylvia is best known for her work over the years leading the locally-based 100 Voice Choir. Their program will include selections by Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Mahalia Jackson, and other female icons of soul music. They will be joined onstage by Vaughn Bratcher on the 5-string bass and Daryl Reid on drums who will round out the program with their smooth instrumental grooves.

Tickets are $20 in advance of the show and can be purchased online at mainstayrockhall.org. Phone reservations are accepted by calling (410) 639-9133 (tickets reserved by phone are $25 when paid at the door). The Mainstay is located at 5753 N Main Street in Rock Hall.

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

Chesapeake Film Festival Events at Academy Art Museum

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Chesapeake Film Festival (CFF) and Academy Art Museum (AAM) join forces to bring you a thrilling collaboration at this year’s CFF. Marking the 16th year of this beloved regional film festival, CFF will offer free and VIP special events at AAM in Easton from September 30 to October 1. Festival director Cid Collins Walker expresses excitement about this partnership, stating, “The CFF is overjoyed to be collaborating once again with the prestigious Academy Art Museum and their staff on an event that we expect will be well-attended and well-received by the community.”

With Peter Bradley

Don’t miss the free preview event at AAM on August 17 at 5:30 pm. Join us for a screening of the film With Peter Bradley, featuring intimate conversations with the renowned 80-year-old abstract painter, Peter Bradley. Director Alex Rappoport takes you on a journey through Bradley’s artistic development, fame, and unique approach to creating artwork. The evening will include a guest speaker, AAM Director Sarah Jesse, and a Zoom chat with director Alex Rappoport, moderated by CFF board member Kimberly Skyrme. Limited space is available for this free event.

A Passion for Oysters

Experience the grandeur of the VIP Opening Night Reception on September 30 at 5:30 pm at AAM. As part of the celebration, indulge in freshly-shucked oysters while watching the world premiere of A Passion for Oysters, a captivating documentary that explores the enduring legacy of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. Renowned local contributors Tom Horton, Dave Harp, Sandy Cannon-Brown, and Richard Tilghman generously provide the shucked oysters. Celebrity chef Jordan Lloyd of Hambleton House will cater the event. Access to this exclusive experience is available for $125 per ticket, covering the VIP reception and all films and events during the LIVE Festival. Tickets can be purchased online at chesapeakefilmfestival.com starting September 1.

Join us for the 2023 Chesapeake Film Festival, which has transformed downtown Easton into a film lover’s mecca for over 16 years. The LIVE Festival kicks off on September 30 at the historic Avalon Theatre, followed by a second day at the Ebeneezer Theatre on October 1. The festival will also feature a 7-day Virtual Festival from October 2 to October 8, showcasing over 50 outstanding documentaries, narrative films, animations, and engaging conversations with filmmakers. The Live Festival starts with the Maryland Premiere of Karen Carpenter: Starving for Perfection, a captivating documentary about the singer’s life and musical legacy. Don’t miss the chance to engage with the film team, including Executive Producer Andy Streitfeld and Associate Producer Jon Gann, who will be present for audience questions. The opening day includes blocks of documentary and narrative shorts, as well as the World Premiere of ICEMAN: Book One, directed by Harold Jackson, an award-winning director and CFF Board Member.

For more information on CFF’s film lineup and events, and to purchase tickets, please visit chesapeakefilmfestival.com. Advertising and sponsorship opportunities for the festival are still available. For more information, please contact [email protected].

About Academy Art Museum: Located at 106 South Street in Easton, Maryland, the Academy Art Museum is the premier art museum on the Eastern Shore. Offering high-quality exhibitions and art classes for all ages, the museum features works by renowned artists such as James Turrell, Robert Rauschenberg, Mark Rothko, Pat Steir, Richard Diebenkorn, and many more. With a focus on American and European artists, the permanent collection spans four centuries and includes recent acquisitions by Graciela Iturbide and Zanele Muholi. AAM also provides arts education to school children in the region and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Admission to the museum is now free, allowing barrier-free access to art for all. Visit the museum Tuesday through Sunday during the specified hours for a remarkable art experience.

Currently on view at the Academy Art Museum:

  • Mary Cassatt: Labor and Leisure
  • Labor and Leisure in the Permanent Collection
  • Earth Abides: Selections from the Permanent Collection
  • Fractured Modernities: Contemporary Art from Turkey
  • Hoesy Corona: Terrestrial Caravan

Tickets to attend the festival go on sale at on September 1 at chesapeakefilmfestival.com and can also be purchased at the door.

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

Buildings & Grounds Team Creates Safe & Superior Lifestyle at Londonderry on the Tred Avon

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon’s values include a commitment to excellence, which can be seen in every aspect of the community, with each department playing a role in helping residents feel comfortable and safe. The Buildings and Grounds team plays a vital role in this, providing the community with accessible and superior living that meets the team’s renowned high-quality standards.

James Brooks, Londonderry’s Director of Buildings and Grounds, describes his Buildings & Grounds team as “always looking for ways to improve the community. With team members that are on call 7 days a week, 365 days a year, who have special backgrounds in electrical, HVAC, appliance repair, painting, etc., there is always someone available who knows how to fix it!”

The team takes pride in the work they put into the community and are always looking for ways to improve the campus’s attractiveness as well as its safety. For example, the salt the team uses in the wintertime is pet, concrete and interior floor-friendly, instead of using a less expensive and harsher variety.

Residents appreciate the lengths that the Buildings & Grounds team goes to, with their goal of fulfilling work orders within 24 hours and performing preventative maintenance to make sure everything is in the best condition it can be.

The Londonderry on the Tred Avon Buildings and Grounds Team is committed to making the Londonderry campus accessible, safe and beautiful for all residents and visitors. Pictured from left are John Riccio, Dane Brinsfield, Tory Sherwood, James Brooks and Chris Andrews.

“From sidewalks to speed bumps to patios to siding, my team is consistently staying on top of the preventative work that needs to be done,” says Brooks. “We want to make sure everything is taken care of for our Londonderry residents. We like to tell our residents we are just a phone call away.”

Londonderry’s campus displays scenic views, with river birches lining the front of the Community Center and multiple ponds that contain fountains and local wildlife, with benches and walking paths surrounding the space. The Buildings & Grounds team strives to nurture these areas so that residents can enjoy the outdoors as much as the indoors.

Keeping the cottages and apartments in the best possible shape is also a top priority. The team aims to create unique and beautiful homes for their residents. “My favorite part of my job is when I get the opportunity to refurbish a cottage. I get to see the residents’ faces when they view their personalized selections for the first time,” shared Chris Andrews, Buildings & Grounds team member.

“Excellence means providing the best of myself to my team and the Londonderry residents every day,” said Brooks. “It means stopping to ask how someone’s day is going or to say hello and tell or listen to a joke. Excellence means contributing to enriching the lives of everyone around me.”

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is an intimate residential cooperative community for adults ages 62+, offering a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

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

Field of Dreams: A Very Special Summer Wildflower Garden

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Jonathan Shaw

You wouldn’t know it was the hottest, driest part of the summer in the abundant wildflower meadow Jonathan Shaw and his wife, Anne Habberton started at their Queenstown farm two years ago. Life springs from every bright green blade of grass. Flower stalks sway with colorful heads atop grassy leaves. Most of all, the birds and the bees are very, very happy (no! not like that!). So, grab your walking shoes, sunscreen and a good hat and join Chesapeake Forum on August 2nd for a rare field trip to this spectacular wildflower meadow (https://chesapeakeforum.org).

Ever since Shaw and his wife turned 32 acres of their working farm into native wildflowers, they have seen an ever-increasing stream of insects and birds including yellow-headed bobolinks, and indigo buntings. In late summer, countless species of butterflies come to enjoy purple cosmos, yellow goldenrods, bee balm and tufts of grass seeds that were planted with the help of Washington College’s Natural Lands Project Director, Dan Small.

Shaw is a renowned wildlife artist and instructor. Born in England, he is an expert Falconer and accomplished horseman. He has a passion for raising, breeding, and training Pasa Fino horses. He and his wife Ann Habberton Shaw are long time Queen Anne’s County residents and reside on a farm in Queenstown.

Join Chesapeake Forum for a rare Field Trip to Jonathan and Anne’s Queenstown farm on August 2 from 8:30 AM – 11 AM. In person. $20. Carpool from vacant bank lot in front of Target. To register, visit https://chesapeakeforum.org. Be sure to bring a good shade hat, sunscreen and binoculars.

Chesapeake Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong learning opportunities to residents of the eastern shore. To receive Chesapeake Forum’s newsletter, please send your name and contact information, including address and email, to [email protected].

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Wye River Upper School Honors Outgoing Board Chair Alexa Seip

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Wye River Upper School is proud to announce and celebrate the remarkable contributions and unwavering dedication of Alexa Seip as she concludes her tenure of eight years as the esteemed Board Chair. Throughout her remarkable leadership, Mrs. Seip has played a pivotal role in shaping the school’s growth, guiding it toward new heights of excellence in education.

Under Mrs. Seip’s visionary guidance, Wye River Upper School has achieved remarkable milestones and established itself as a leading institution, providing an exceptional educational experience for students who learn differently. Throughout her tenure, she has championed the school’s mission to empower students with diverse learning profiles to reach their full potential and succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

During her eight-year term as Board Chair, Mrs. Seip has shaped the school’s strategic vision and has played a key role in developing critical partnerships with local businesses and organizations. She has fostered a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, enabling the school to adapt and evolve in an ever-changing educational landscape. Her strategic vision and commitment to excellence have paved the way for transformative initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of countless students.

Alexa Seip

Under Mrs. Seip’s leadership, the school has experienced significant financial growth and academic advancements. In concert with the other dedicated board members and staff, Mrs. Seip has positioned Wye River Upper School as a beacon of excellence and a model for other educational institutions through her intentional finance, education, and community engagement initiatives.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Seip has inspired and guided staff and fellow board members alike. Her commitment to the mission and values of Wye River Upper School has been truly remarkable, setting the standard for others to follow.

After eight years of dedicated service, Mrs. Seip passes the torch to Nicole “Nikki” Williams. The legacy Mrs. Seip leaves behind will continue to shape the future of Wye River Upper School, serving as a testament to her outstanding leadership, dedication, and unwavering belief in the potential of every student.

Wye River Upper School extends its deepest gratitude to Alexa Seip for her phenomenal service, commitment, and passion throughout her tenure as Board Chair. Her contributions have had a profound and lasting impact on the school and the lives of its students, and her legacy will forever be cherished.

If you would like to donate to our Annual Fund to honor Mrs. Seip’s profound leadership, please do not hesitate.

About Wye River Upper School: Wye River Upper School, located in Centerville, MD, is a premier independent preparatory 8th – 12th-grade school dedicated to serving bright students who learn differently. Through individualized instruction, comprehensive support, and a nurturing community, the school empowers students with learning differences to achieve their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. Wye River Upper School is recognized for its commitment to providing an inclusive environment fostering growth, resilience, and success.

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Mid-Shore Community Foundation Announces New Directors for FY24

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Mid-Shore Community Foundation announced the election of five new members to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2023.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Joe Anthony, JoAnn Asparagus-Murray, Linda Friday, Kirk Helfenbein, and Otis Sampson” said Buck Duncan, Mid-Shore Community Foundation President. “We also thank Kathy Deoudes, Clem Hathaway, and Fil Morrison, who are completing their terms. We are extremely fortunate to have talented and supportive volunteers.”

Officers and directors for FY24 are Moorhead Vermilye, Chair; Alice Ryan, Vice Chair; David Nagel, Treasurer; Andy Meehan, Secretary; Joe Anthony, JoAnn Asparagus-Murray, Heather Bacher, Kevin Cashen, Bill Christopher, Stephanie Folarin, George Fox, Linda Friday, Aaron Gabrielian, Heather Guerieri, Kirk Helfenbein, Joe Holt, Ruth Ann Jones, Charles Lerner, John Lewis, Becky Loukides, Harriette Lowery, Bryan Matthews, Greg Meekins, Nancy Mugele, Peggy Rennels, Jenny Rhodes, Steve Rideout, Tolbert Rowe, Otis Sampson, Brett Summers, and Tracy Tyler.

Photo by Cal Jackson Photography; Pictured: Directors, Staff, and Guests who attended the Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s Annual Meeting on June 23, 2023, at the Tidewater Inn in Easton, Maryland.

Joe Anthony (Talbot County) – Anthony is an experienced CPA; he recently retired from Anthony, Walter & Duncan in Easton, Maryland. He is actively involved in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for the United Fund of Talbot County, serving as Treasurer for CASA of Talbot County, and serving as Chair for the Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s Investment Committee. Joe is a returning Director, having served 2009-2015 and 2016-2022.

JoAnn Asparagus-Murray (Talbot County) – Asparagus-Murray attended Robert R. Moton High School and graduated from William Penn High School for Girls in Philadelphia. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Lincoln University, a Master’s Degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Jurist Doctorate from Duquesne University. Early in her legal career she worked at the Legal Aide Bureau, and at the Office of the Public Defender for Caroline County, before practicing privately. She retired as the Family Law Magistrate for Caroline County, a position she held for 20 years. JoAnn is actively involved in the community; she volunteers for Talbot Interfaith Shelter, is a member of the Executive Board of the NAACP, and serves as Vice President of the Talbot County Education Foundation. In 2020, she was recognized with the Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s Town Watch Award.

Linda Friday (Queen Anne’s County)–Friday, who has lived and worked on the Eastern Shore for almost 48 years, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from both the financial and business worlds. Linda worked in the banking industry for more than 25 years before joining the Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce in 2001, where she currently serves as President. Linda is actively involved in the community; she served as a member of the Governor’s Task Force on CTE and Workforce Development and serves as President of the Chesapeake College Foundation Board. Linda lives in Denton with her husband Bob, they have two adult children, and four grandchildren. In 2022, she received the Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s Special Recognition Award.

Kirk Helfenbein (Kent County) – Helfenbein is President and CEO of Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home. He received his Bachelor of Science in business from Towson University and his Mortuary Science Degree from the Community College of Baltimore County. Kirk serves on the Board of Directors for Compass Regional Hospice and is a member of the Rock Hall Lions Club, Chestertown Elks Lodge, Chestertown Rotary Club, Ducks Unlimited, Chester River Yacht and Country Club, and the Kent County Chamber of Commerce. Kirk is a returning Director, having served 2014-2017.

Otis Sampson (Talbot County) – Sampson, a Talbot County native and graduate of Robert R. Moton High School, attended the Radio School of Announcing and Speech in New York City and the Radio Engineering Institute of Virginia. Early in his career he worked in radio broadcasting, as well as the newspaper business. He also worked for Black & Decker and Lowe’s Home Improvement Store. Throughout his life he has served the community, including serving as a special advocate for CASA of Talbot County, as a member of the Town of Easton’s Affordable Housing Board, as President of the Talbot County NAACP, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Neighborhood Service Center and Talbot County Commission on Aging. He currently serves as a member of the Talbot County Board of Education.

About Mid-Shore Community Foundation

Established in 1992, Mid-Shore Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity with a mission to enhance the quality of life throughout the Mid-Shore Region of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties. A trusted partner to both donors and nonprofit organizations, the Foundation manages 525 charitable funds and $115 million in charitable assets for the local community. Since its founding, the Foundation has received over $130 million in contributions and has awarded more than $60.2 million in grants and scholarships. For more information, visit https://www.mscf.org.

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

$15,000 Donation Received from the Friends of the Kent County Public Library

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The Friends of the Kent County Public Library describe themselves as a group of people who “donate hearts, hands, and more to the library we love.” This week, the Friends demonstrated the “and more” when they presented Kent County Public Library with a check for $15,000 in unrestricted funds to contribute to the library’s 2024 fiscal year budget.

Since 1973, the Friends have supported the Kent County Public Library with gifts of materials, technology, educational programs, and budgetary support. Their unwavering support and generosity have enabled the library to offer the community special events, to enhance and update book and audiovisual collections, to offer staff development opportunities, and more. Kent County Public Library is grateful beyond measure for the continued support of such amazing Friends!

Peggy Christie, FOL Board Member, Cynthia Saunders, FOL President, Arnessa Dowell, KCPL Executive Director, Nina Newlin, FOL Treasurer, Elise, Nina’s granddaughter and (hopefully) next generation of FOL!

If you would like to be a part of providing support to KCPL, please consider becoming a Friend. An annual Friends of the Library membership is $10 for individuals, $20 for families, $50 to receive a lovely tote bag, and $500 to become a lifetime member.

The Friends also welcome volunteers to assist with book sales, serve on the Board of the Friends of the Library, support membership drives, and plan social and special events.

Membership forms are available at all three KCPL locations. More information about the Friends of the Kent County Public Library can be found at friendsofthekcpl.org

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