MENU

Sections

More

May 19, 2025

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

Health Health Lead

Qlarant Foundation Awards $440,500 to Charitable Organizations

by

Share

Qlarant Foundation held their annual award event and provided grants to 23 non-profit organizations during the 2023 Grant Awards Celebration. Representatives from each organization convened at the company’s corporate offices in Easton, Maryland. The grant recipients were selected from over 100 applications from across Maryland and the District of Columbia. In total, $440,500 in grants and gifts ranging from $3,500 to $35,000 were awarded. Since 2008, the Foundation has awarded over $6.6 Million to 122 organizations.

As the honored guest speaker, Ms. Elizabeth M. Hewlett, Esq. delivered a motivational and uplifting message of hope, friendship, and the power of working together to lift the spirits of others. Ms. Hewlett has practiced law and been a public servant for more than 40 years. She recently completed her second tenure as the Chair of the Prince George’s County Planning Board and The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), the first African American and the first woman to serve in this position. In attendance were representatives from each of the grantees, Qlarant Board members, leadership and staff. Ms. Hewlett received a standing ovation.

Also in attendance was special guest Mr. Michael Arntz, Constituent Liaison for 1st District of Maryland Congressman Andy Harris.

The in-person event provides an opportunity for each of the awardees to meet each other and connect. This enables dialogues to foster ideas for fundraising, program management, and avenues for growth. In some cases, the awardees actually end up working together. “One significant benefit of the Qlarant Foundation Grant Program is that it connects nonprofits with similar missions,” noted Bill Shrieves, President of Bay Hundred Community Volunteers. “For most of us, this connection becomes a force multiplier beyond the actual grant money, increasing the impact on the communities we serve. I met Genevieve Croker at the Qlarant Foundation grant ceremony last year and we talked about our modular aluminum ramp program,” he continued. “She was interested in starting a program in Kent County.” As a result, last September, two of the Rebuilding Together board members traveled to St. Michaels and worked with the Bay Hundred team on a ramp build to become familiar with the process. They have been collaborating ever since.

Each grantee, and their respective program, is profiled on www.qlarant.com/foundation with photos videos, and descriptions of the work the Foundation supports.

“This year, we have a fantastic grantee pool which will be providing a diverse array of services including health and mental health care, housing and addiction services, childhood development programs, and supports for people with developmental disabilities,” said Amanda M. Neal, Foundation Vice-Chair Qlarant Foundation Board Chair. “Our communities will benefit greatly from the diverse and creative solutions these organizations are able to provide to those in need.”

“I’m so proud to represent Qlarant employees and management in this ongoing effort to invest in the local community.  Qlarant Foundation is pleased to be able to continue to provide funding for these outstanding programs.” Ms. Neal continued “The supports and services outlined in this year’s group of grantees will have a direct impact on the health and quality of life of the communities we all serve.”

Foundation Board Vice Chair Amanda Neal and Qlarant CEO Dr. Ron Forsythe, Jr. present a check for $440,500 in this year’s Qlarant Foundation Grantee program.

About Qlarant: Qlarant is a not-for-profit, nationally respected leader in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse, improving program quality, and optimizing performance. The company uses subject matter experts and innovative data science and technology to help organizations see risks, solve problems, and seize opportunities. Qlarant provides customized solutions for state, federal and commercial industries across the nation. The Qlarant Foundation— the mission arm of the organization—has provided over $6 million in grants to charities throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Headquartered in Easton, Md. Qlarant employs nearly 500 people nationwide and has a 50-year record of accomplishment improving the performance of some of the Nation’s most important programs. Qlarant is a three-time winner of the Best Places to Work award. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact [email protected]

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

Daniel Harding Appointed as Principal of Kent Island High School

by

Share

Daniel Harding

Dr. Saelens and the Queen Anne’s County Board of Education are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Daniel Harding as the new principal of Kent Island High School.

Mr. Harding has served as the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Kent Island High School for the last 11 years. He is a graduate of Towson University, and received a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Salisbury University. His career in education began in 2006 at Stevensville Middle School as a Special Education teacher. Mr. Harding resides in Grasonville with his wife and four children.

Of this new appointment, Mr. Harding says, “I am looking forward to leading Kent Island High School into the future, as it is always a great day to be a Buccaneer!”

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

Adkins Arboretum Announces Fall Native Plant Sale—Online!

by

Share

Prepare for fall in the garden! Adkins Arboretum, offering the Chesapeake gardener the best selection of landscape-ready native plants for more than two decades, announces its Fall Native Plant Sale. All proceeds benefit the Arboretum’s rich catalog of education programs that teach about the Delmarva’s native plants and their connection to a healthy Chesapeake Bay.

To ensure the best-quality plants, sales will be conducted entirely online. Orders will be accepted Thurs., July 27 through Thurs., Aug. 17 at adkinsarboretum.org and will be fulfilled via timed, scheduled pickup in early September. There will be no in-person shopping at the Arboretum.

Native asters are the stars of the pollinator garden from late summer through fall. Photo by Kellen McCluskey.

Fall is the best season for planting, and the Arboretum offers the Chesapeake region’s largest selection of ornamental native trees, shrubs, perennials, ferns and grasses for the fall landscape. Many native plants produce seeds, flowers and fruit in fall that attract migratory birds and butterflies. Brilliant orange butterfly weed and stunning red cardinal flower attract pollinators to the garden, while native asters add subtle shades of purple and blue. Redbud and dogwood dot the early-spring landscape with color, and shrubs such as chokeberry and beautyberry provide critical habitat for wildlife.

As always, Arboretum members receive a generous discount on plants that varies according to membership level. To join, renew your membership or give an Arboretum membership as a gift, visit adkinsarboretum.org or contact Kellen McCluskey at [email protected].

For more information on plants, purchasing or pickup procedures, visit adkinsarboretum.org, send email to [email protected] or call 410-634-2847, ext. 100.

Adkins Arboretum, a 400-acre native garden and preserve at the headwaters of the Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline County, provides exceptional experiences in nature to promote environmental stewardship. For more information, visit adkinsarboretum.org.

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

Democratic Club Meets at Minary’s Dream Alliance

by

Share

The public is invited to the July 20 meeting of the Democratic Club of Kent County, for an interesting and informative presentation by staff members of Minary’s Dream Alliance, describing the programs offered by the organization, and detailing ways that members of the public can support these programs.

Established in 2020, Minary’s Dream Alliance (https://minarysdreamalliance.org/) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of transforming the lives of youth, families and communities through education, resource development and community engagement. Minary’s Dream Alliance (MDA) offers families and youth a safe, welcoming environment where they feel comfortable and accepted for who they are. Key to the success of MDA are the founders, Doncella Wilson and Paul Tue, dedicated community advocates who have worked on the Mid-Shore for 15 years developing relationships and building trust within the community. In populations that have long been underserved by our society, there can be a justified distrust of many public institutions. Because of their tireless work and devotion, Doncella and Paul are trusted by the community. Under this leadership, MDA offers programming that meets community needs at every level:

  • Minary’s Dream Academy;
  • Feed the Elderly Program;
  • Club FEAR (Adolescent Clubhouse);
  • CommUnity Mentoring Program.

The meeting will take place at Minary’s Dream Alliance, 9155 American Legion Road, Chestertown, on Thursday, July 20; doors will open at 6:00 pm for refreshments, social time and a brief business meeting.  The presentation will start at approximately 7:00 pm.  Please consider attending the meeting to learn about this important community organization and its programs, and how you can become involved.

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

Special Events at the Garfield Funded by The Hedgelawn Foundation

by

Share

During three of its Playmakers camp days next week, the Garfield Center will host special performances by Maryland arts educators/performers for the Playmakers camp kids to enjoy. The events are also open to the public for a small $5.00 admission fee. All proceeds from ticket sales goes back into the Garfield Center’s youth education programs, including Playmakers.

The Hedgelawn Foundation is the underwriter for the events, covering artists’ fees and travel costs to appear on the Garfield Stage. The Hedgelawn Foundation has long been a partner in funding youth education and other programming with the Garfield Center over the years.

While attendance for the Playmakers camp kids is free, each presentation will cost the general public only $5.00 per person. No advance ticket sales are available. To attend, just show up at the Garfield Center within 15 minutes prior to start time for any event of interest.

Appearing on Monday, July 17 at 11:00 AM is Beech Tree Puppet Theater. The group’s founders, Ole and Ingrid Hass, are critically acclaimed classical singers and actors and have performed together for almost 30 years. As vocal soloists and puppeteers, they have performed at the National Theater in DC, Atlas Performing Arts Center, Kennedy Center, National Cathedral, and Strathmore Hall and given hundreds of shows in schools, libraries and public spaces in the Washington-Baltimore area. They both hold graduate degrees in opera performance and are active as teachers and artists in residence. They are presenting their puppet theater play “The Hollow Stump.”

Performing on Tuesday, July 18 at 10:30 AM is music and spoken word artist Baba Bomani. For 20 years, Bomani has used his experience as a producer and MC to teach arts-integrated workshops, residencies, assemblies, and professional development with his curriculum, BARS. He uses his life experiences, mixed with musical and poetic skills, to paint lyrical pictures of life as he sees it and the future as he envisions it. His videos have been featured on BET and MTV2, and he has hosted and performed everywhere from the Washington National Cathedral to the Fillmore in New York City. Bomani is a Kennedy Center for the Arts teaching artist and a roster artist with Young Audiences of Maryland, Young Audiences of New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania,  United Arts Council of Raleigh & Wake County North Carolina, and Arlington County Virginia. He is presenting his piece, “The Frederick Douglass Writing Club Assembly”

Performing on Friday, July 21 at 10 AM is Kalanidhi Dance and their “Dancing Stories.” Founded in 1991 as a dance school, Kalanidhi Dance’s commitment to sharing dance with young people is at the forefront of everything they do. They say, “the impact our education program makes on our students is quite deep and lasts many years. Our hope is for these programs to spark curiosity and inspire children to approach the world with open minds and open hearts.”  Join Kalanidhi Dance on an exciting journey to India through the South Indian classical dance form of Kuchipudi. Discover how dancers use rhythms, hand gestures, and facial expressions to tell stories, and watch an Indian fable come to life through dance in this fun and interactive assembly!

There are no advance tickets sold for these presentations. Interested attendees should plan to arrive at the Garfield Center, at 210 High Street around 15 minutes prior to the start of the presentation. Admission for the general public is $5.00 per person.

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

AAM Summer Series: Exchange: A Pop-up Art Show

by

Share

The Academy Art Museum, in collaboration with Brea Soul, presents Exchange: A Pop-up Art Show. In its second year, Exchange will host ten artisans and creative entrepreneurs from around the region at the museum on Saturday, August 5 from 12-5 pm. The pop-up will include a variety of artworks, industry experts, a food truck, a community photo booth, youth giveaways, and adult beverages. From paintings and photography to fashion design and ceramics, there is plenty of art for the community to browse through and take home. Exchange celebrates artists, and takes on many characteristics associated with the idea of “community” – exchange of ideas, craft, and support!

RSVP for Exchange here.

Gentry Pack

Featured Artists

Returning as a Fan Favorite, Gentry Pack, (a.k.a G. Pack) is an artist, illustrator, animator, graphic designer and clothing designer for his company, For Glory. From Baltimore, MD, Pack received his BA in Studio Art & Design from the University of Maryland. With a strong influence from the early Venetian, Baroque, and Renaissance periods, G.Pack focuses on combines classical compositions and techniques with modern-day figures, and symbolism deriving from contemporary Black culture.

K.JEAN is a visual artist based in southern Maryland that specializes in drawing, painting, murals, fashion design, and accessories. Her painting style combines multiple art movements, such as abstract, surrealism, mixed-media, and expressionism. She uses unconventional materials and embraces non-binary identities in fashion, extending beyond traditional boundaries. She hopes to inspire others to do the same through her unique vision.

Yusuf Kazmi is a multi-medium artist specializing in cinematography, photography, and visual arts. Yusuf’s passion for visual arts is delivered through CCKASE, the artist’s brand approach to visual storytelling in producing captivating videos and designing unique clothing pieces.

Kait McNeil is an abstract painter from Canada and is now based in Maryland. Her creative process flows strongly through worship music and is inspired by nature, timeless designs, and architecture. McNeil desires to evoke inspiring and uplifting emotions and joy through her artistry with earthy tones, textures, and unique color palettes with soft, moody undertones.

Originally finding his voice through music, Kassim is a Nigerian-American self-taught digital artist from the DMV. Although known for his rap style and performances in the community, he began to teach himself digital art-making techniques using A.I. and code in 2023. Instead of fearing change and the unknown, he embraces it with the goal of pioneering the intersection of tech and hip-hop.

Black Squirrel Company

Featured Makers

Black Squirrel Company – Returns as a Fan Favorite! Based out of Washington, DC, Renata Philippe opened the doors of Black Squirrel Company as a creative outlet in 2014. Philippe creates improvisational sewn quilts and functional art (personal & home accessories). After earning a BS in Apparel Design from the University of Delaware, she worked as a commercial retail merchandiser/store planner and communications engineer for organizations including IKEA, Restoration Hardware, and the U.S. FDA.

Hilary Bruns is a ceramist and began taking pottery lessons in New York City in 1979. Her career as a TV news producer became all-consuming, so she returned to clay as a creative medium once retiring in Easton, MD, and discovering the Academy Art Museum in 2004. Burns has received awards and continues to showcase her artwork at local shows and from her home studio.

Nomen (which means “NAME”) –  Was founded in 2016 out of Tomisin’s (also known as “Tomiboxers”) profound desire to share and explore stories about culture and identity. The brand is a medium to express himself and create art centered on African culture, drawing inspiration from his Nigerian heritage. Being interested in fashion from a young age, Tomisin recognized a streetwear brand as the perfect outlet to amplify his artistic voice. Each Nomen piece and collection is grounded in shedding light on the past as we continue to live and create stories for the future.

Khadija Brand – Pulling from her South Asian roots, Khadija creates wearable, hand-painted art using traditional textile techniques.Giving a classic yet modern twist to textile arts, she started her brand to revive and introduce people to an ancient art form in the U.S. Khadija often collaborates with women artists from her native home country to continue passing this art form on to future generations.  Based in Northern Virginia, her work varies from different textures to different color schemes.

CreTAYtive Customs – Based in Easton, MD, Taylor Wheatly started CreaTAYtive Customs to provide creative solutions for her local community. Specializing in realism and expressionism, Taylor Wheatly’s mission is to grow the brand into an all-purpose creative service.

Brea Soul

About Organizer/Event Curator, Brea Soul

Brea Soul is a digital native who has been bringing visibility to arts and culture for over a decade. She received a B.A. in Fine Arts and an M.S. in Strategic Communications from the University of Maryland, College Park. Originally, from Trappe, MD, and now residing in Miami, FL, Brea serves as Perez Art Museum – Miami’s Marketing Manager. Through Soul Studios Gallery, Brea curates artful experiences dedicated to creating opportunities for emerging creatives and among communities with opportunity disparities.

About AAM Summer Series

The Academy Art Museum enlisted local creatives to design and execute summer programs at the museum from June through September. AAM’s Community Programmers include Kerry Folan, Francisco Salazar and Brea Soul.

Programs and Dates:
June 22, July 13, & August 10: Summer Book Club with Shore Lit
August 5: Exchange: A Pop-Up Art Show
September 22: 48-Hour Video Race

About the Academy Art Museum

As the premier art museum on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the Academy Art Museum presents high-quality exhibitions and a full range of art classes for visitors of all ages. Past exhibitions have featured artists such as James Turrell, Robert Rauschenberg, Mark Rothko, Pat Steir and Richard Diebenkorn. The permanent collection focuses on works on paper by American and European artists from four centuries including recent acquisitions by Graciela Iturbide and Zanele Muholi. Arts educational programs range from life drawing lessons to digital art instruction, and include lunchtime and cocktail hour concerts, lectures and special art events, as well as a Fall Craft Show celebrating 26 years. AAM also provides arts education to school children from the region and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. To continue the institutional movement of offering free public programming and to give barrier-free access to art, AAM eliminated admission fees in 2023.

Location: 106 South Street, Easton, Maryland
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Thursday-Friday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday-Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Closed Mondays and Federal holidays.
Admission: Free

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

Choptank Health Announces New Behavioral Medicine Practitioner

by

Share

Laurence J. Pezor, MD, CHE

Choptank Community Health System’s Easton Health Center and Denton Health Center recently welcomed behavioral medicine practitioner Laurence J. Pezor, MD, CHE to the medical practice.

Dr. Pezor will provide psychiatric medication assessments and medication management for children, adolescents, and young adult patients of Choptank Community Health System’s medical and dental providers. He will see patients in Choptank Health’s Easton Health Center on Wednesdays and at the Denton Health Center on Fridays. Pezor will also consult with Choptank Health’s pediatric providers on an as-needed basis.

Dr. Pezorspecializes in child and adolescent psychiatry and psychopharmacology, with more than 40 years of clinical practice and administrative experience, including managing intensive outpatient programs and inpatient services. Pezor most recently served as the medical director of University of Maryland Shore Behavioral Health and led a provider team assisting patients with mental health and recovery services. He has been serving the youth and families of the Mid-Shore for the last 10 years.

Dr. Pezor received his Doctorate of Medicine from the Ohio State University College of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences, cum laude, from the University of Southern California. He received fellowship training from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and completed his internship in pediatrics and residency in psychiatry at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, Calif.

Pezor is Board-Certified in Children and Adolescent Psychiatry from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is a Certified Healthcare Executive Diplomat with the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Diplomat with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Choptank Community Health System provides medical and dental services in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties to more than 30,000 adults and children, with a mission to provide access to exceptional, comprehensive, and integrated healthcare for all.

Choptank Community Health’s medical services include primary health care, women’s health, pediatrics, behavioral health, chronic health management, and care navigation, with new medical patients now being welcomed. New and existing Choptank Health medical patients can call the Denton Health Center at 410-479-2650 or the Easton Health Center at 410-770-8910 to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment, with more information at www.choptankhealth.org.

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

Mid-Shore Pro Bono Announces Summer Interns

by

Share

Mid-Shore Pro Bono has named Clay Benedict of Baltimore, Maryland, James Parkinson of Oxford, Maryland, and Gabrielle Shlikas of Wye Mills, Maryland as the nonprofit’s summer 2023 interns.

Benedict is a legal intern through the University of Baltimore School of Law’s EXPLOR program. The program ensures that all law students obtain a legal internship during the summer after their first year, with participating employers accepting one law student or more selected by the program.

Parkinson is an intern and Shlikas is a legal intern through MSPB’s Sandy Brown Public Interest internship program. The paid internship program was established to honor MSPB’s previous executive director Sandy Brown and is supported by individual donors and the Campbell Foundation. The donor-funded program provides undergraduate and law school students with a stipend while learning in the areas of public interest law, non-profit management, community service, and basic work experience.

Clay Benedict is a 2025 J.D. candidate at the University of Baltimore School of Law. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Louisiana State University, where he served as Secretary for the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. Benedict served in the U.S. Army Infantry out of Fort Polk, Louisiana, working as a Battalion Property Manager and directly with the Commander.

“Working as an MSPB legal intern has been a humbling experience that has allowed me to interact with real people facing prevalent yet overlooked legal issues,” said Benedict. “Statistics, articles, and just basic common knowledge about the disparity in legal aid and legal knowledge between those with resources and those without, is one thing; but here, I get to see those statistics unfold before my eyes, both inside and outside the courtroom.

“I decided to intern at MSPB because I was offered the opportunity to observe and learn firsthand the inner working procedures and processes, consequences, and defenses involved in a vast array of legal issues that affect everyday people,” Benedict says. “Whether it be representing tenants in rent court, helping draft wills, helping people overcome their debt, or helping people with internal family matters, there was something here for me to learn.”

James Parkinson is pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics with a minor in History from the University of Maryland, College Park, where his academic honors have earned him membership in the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society. His academics earned him a Fall 2022 University Honors College Citation and acceptance into the Government and Politics Honors Program.

Parkinson currently is serving as a Maryland General Assembly Intern and Legislative Assistant with Delegate Steven J. Arentz, and previously served as a District Office Intern and Legislative Assistant with Delegate Johnny Mautz. He is the captain and goalkeeper of the University of Maryland Club Soccer Team’s red squad.

“Interning with Mid-Shore Pro Bono this summer has allowed me to work alongside dedicated legal professionals and attorneys, whose common goal of serving the Eastern Shore community has been a source of constant inspiration,” says Parkinson. “Through learning about our client intake process and helping with in-person clinics, I have gained a better understanding of the intricacies of legal work outside the courtroom. I have also been able to attend court proceedings with a dynamic team focused on housing justice on the Lower Shore.”

Gabrielle Shlikas is a 2025 J.D. candidate and a Christine A. Edwards Dean’s Scholar at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. Her time at the Carey School of Law includes serving as a student member of the Administrative Committee, as an event moderator with the Business Association, as a student representative of the Admissions Office, and as a member of the Women’s Bar Association.

Shlikas graduated cum laude from Wellesley College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and English, where she was a Tanner Conference speaker and graduated from the She Should Run Program. She is an Alumnae Member of The Wellesley Fund, having served as a Philanthropy Team Supervisor, Candidacy Exploration Researcher, and Residential Assistant.

Shlikas received a diploma from the International Baccalaureate Program and additionally has served as a Senate Page with the Maryland General Assembly and as an Executive Board Member of the Maryland Youth Advisory Council.

“Working at MSPB has been an amazing experience—I’ve learned so much not only about the law itself but how to conduct myself as a legal professional,” says Shlikas. “With MSPB, I’ve had the privilege of helping those in my community through a variety of problems, questions, and situations. I wanted to be an MSPB Intern because I wanted to do work that directly impacted the area I call home, and doing so this summer has been extremely rewarding.”

Clay Benedict, James Parkinson, and Gabrielle Shlikas

“We’re honored to have Clay, James, and Gabrielle continuing their educations with us,” said Mid-Shore Pro Bono Executive Director Meredith Lathbury Girard. “We’re also grateful for the University of Baltimore School of Law’s EXPLOR program and especially for the donors to our Sandy Brown Public Interest Internship fund that help underwrite stipends for our interns.”

Girard says the nonprofit is uniquely positioned to expose students who are interested in the practice of law, social work, and public interest work through hands-on experiences working with rural populations lacking the same resources as urban areas.

“This program engages students in a wide range of legal-related experiences in a high quality and well-supervised professional setting,” she says. “And undergraduate students interested in law, justice, and criminal justice as well as other civic-minded careers will be exposed to hands-on experience in these areas as well.”

Intern applications for the fall semester are due by August 1, with the application and instructions at www.midshoreprobono.org/internships.

Mid-Shore Pro Bono connects Eastern Shore individuals and families in need of legal representation with volunteer attorneys to ensure that justice truly is for all, with offices in Easton and Salisbury. Donations to the Sandy Brown Public Interest Internship Fund can be made online using the donate button at www.midshoreprobono.org.

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

Classic Rock and Roll at The Mainstay

by

Share

On Sunday, July 30 at 6:30 pm, The Mainstay is excited to present the classic rock sounds of the Blake Thompson Band. Please note, this is a new showtime other than that which was originally planned and circulated. The show is scheduled for the Mainstay’s outdoor stage to the rear of the building, weather permitting.

Blake Thompson’s music ranges from classic rock and pop to blues, soul, and Rhythm & Blues. He hails from Kent County, MD and has toured and or performed with Macy Gray, Steve Miller Band, the Dave Matthews Band, David Crosby, and Little Feat, among others.

Kent County’s own Blake Thompson and his band on the Mainstay’s backyard stage.

He is best known for his powerful electric guitar rock leads and tasty blues chops. He credits his influences as The Beatles, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Alvin Lee. Blake will share the Mainstay stage with singer/songwriter/rock violinist Kate Russo (his wife) and the rest of his band. The group’s repertoire includes selections by Janis Joplin and The Doors.

Tickets are $15 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 $20 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.

Cast Announced for Harvey at Church Hill Theatre

by

Share

Bonnie Hill, director of the upcoming production of Harvey at Church Hill Theatre, has assembled an outstanding cast for this iconic American play.  Harvey premiered on Broadway in late 1944, in the middle of World War II, bringing the nation a welcome dose of comedy and whimsy. Mary Chase’s play won the 1945 Pulitzer Prize and has been delighting audiences ever since.  Who knew that a six-foot-plus tall rabbit would become such a memorable presence in world culture?

Harvey is (mostly) visible only to Elwood P. Dowd, a carefree charmer who takes Harvey everywhere and introduces him to everyone.  This is so distressful to Dowd’s family and friends that they decide to institutionalize him. The sanitarium copes no better than the real world with an imaginary rabbit, but medical science does have methods to deal with Dowd.  Mary Chase’s solution of course allows Harvey to live on forever.

The ever-amiable Elwood P. Dowd is played by Frank St. Armour.  His frustrated sister Veta (Debra McGuire), niece Myrtle Mae (Karenna Foley) and Aunt Mrs. Chauvenet (Sheila Austrian) work with their lawyer, Judge Gaffney (John Kamp), to have him committed. The sanitarium staff then manage to botch things thoroughly by locking up Veta instead of Elwood. The psychiatrists Dr. Chumley (Brian McGunigle) and Dr. Sanderson (James Diggs), along with a clever nurse (Sharon Herz) and tough orderly (Michael Moore) do not bring order out of chaos.  Mrs. Chumley (Mary Ann McGunigle) and an irascible cab driver (Bob Chauncey) do help sort things out. And because Harvey is a pooka, he plays himself.

Harvey opens at Church Hill Theatre on Friday, September 8 and will run until September 24. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and on Sundays at 2 pm.  Tickets are available on the CHT website: churchhilltheatre.org or through the box-office at 410-556-6003.

Cast of Harvey at a read through of the script and discussion of the set. In clockwise order: Brian McGunigle (Dr. Chumley), Frank St. Amour (Elwood P. Dowd), Debra McGuire (Veta Louise), Karenna Foley (Myrtle Mae), Sharon Herz (the Nurse), James Diggs (Dr. Sanderson), Michael Moore (Wilson), Sheila Austrian (Mrs. Chauvenet), Mary Ann McGunigle (Mrs. Chumley). Not pictured: Bob Chauncey (EJ Lofgren)

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