It’s time for my annual pilgrimage.Not the sort a friend just made, walking blisters onto her feet and renewal into her soul on the Camino de ... [Continue Story]
Spy Highlights

From and Fuller: Special Guest Author Joe Klein
Every Thursday, the Spy hosts a conversation with Al From and Craig Fuller on the most topical political news of the moment. This week, From and ... [Continue Story]
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: Route 50 Traffic and 3rd Span for the Bridge
- From and Fuller: Elon Musk’s 3rd Party and the Epstein Files MAGA Civil War
- A Baltimore Banner Tribute to Darren Foxwell
- Publisher Notes: Heartfelt Thanks, Welcome Zack Taylor, Foxwell/Mitchell Back July 9th
- Publisher Note: Just Once for the Chestertown Spy 2025!
- From and Fuller: Is the Iran Bombing a Win for Trump and NYC Politics
Public Affairs

Town Surveillance Cameras Repositioned for Activation
At the July 7 meeting of the Chestertown Town Council, Town Manager Larry DiRe reported that the long-delayed activation of the town’s surveillance ... [Continue Story]
- Rock Hall Looks to Start “Welcome Back Ospreys” Event
- Governor Moore Launches “Just Communities” on Juneteenth to Address Racial Wealth Gap
- How Did the Mid-Shore Community Foundation Donate almost $4 Million for the new Regional Hospital?
- Town of Millington Proclaims June as Pride Month
- Community and Law Enforcement Hold Meeting About Crime Uptick
- Town Manager Outlines Progress and Delays for Town Security Cameras
The Arts

The Garfield Center Announces Their 2026 Season
At a volunteer appreciation event held at the Garfield Center for the Arts on Wednesday, July 16th, the GCA’s Executive Director, Steven Arnold, ... [Continue Story]
- From One Generation to the Next: A Community Mural Reimagined by Val Cavalheri
- Plein Air Easton Hall of Fame 2025: Al Bond
- Avalon Donates New Gallery to AAM for Plein Air (Sort of): A Chat with Al Bond and Charlotte Potter Kasic
- Easton Art Galleries Welcome Plein Air by Steve Parks
- Plein Air Easton Hall of Fame 2025: David Grafton As Remembered by Stephen Griffin
- Plein Air Easton Hall of Fame 2025: Working Artist Forum
Chesapeake Ecosystem

Washington College Earns High Flyer Status for Bird Conservation
Washington College has successfully renewed its Bird Campus recognition from the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership, reaching the prestigious High Flyer level. The Bird ... [Continue Story]
- McCown Presented with Shorerivers Award for Environmental Stewardship
- Update: Friends of Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
- Federal Cuts Could Threaten Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge, a Kent County Treasure
- FEMA Cancels $1 Billion for Flood Prevention Projects in Chesapeake Bay Region
- Bay Journal: USDA shuts down ‘climate smart’ program
- The Solar Land Rush—A farmer’s perspective with Judy Gifford
On the Hill at Washington College

Washington College President Michael Sosulski Steps Down
Washington College announced Monday that President Michael J. Sosulski will step down later this summer to become president of Lake Forest College in ... [Continue Story]
- Undergraduates Reveal a MD House’s Underground Railroad History
- $4.5 Million Gift to Washington College to Create Two Endowed Chairs, Support Athletics
- Washington College’s Lifelong Learning Academy Opens Call for New Courses
- Washington College Commencement Recap
- Manassas Native Wins $74k Sophie Kerr Prize from Washington College
- ABC News’ Jonathan Karl to Deliver Washington College Commencement Address
- Six Students Vie For Washington College’s $74k Sophie Kerr Prize
- Community invited to Washington College PoliTalks with Hon. Heather Mizeur
Health

Let’s Talk About It with Beth Anne Dorman: Adolescence on Film and About Parents
As part of our ongoing monthly series on mental health, The Spy welcomes back Beth Anne Dorman, CEO of For All Seasons, to help us navigate one of the ... [Continue Story]
- Erectile Dysfunction on the Shore: A Chat with Dr. Robert McDonough
- The Urgent Call to Expand the PACT Act to Cover VOC-Exposed Veterans in Kent County
- Choptank Health Hosts New Patient Welcome Sessions in Chestertown June 10-12
- Let’s Talk About It with Beth Anne Dorman: Mental Health, Parents and Adolescence
- Let’s Talk About It with Beth Anne Dorman: For All Seasons in All Seasons
- HomePorts: A talk with John Murphy and Karen Carr
Education

Lifelong Learning: A Key Pillar of Active Aging
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers lifelong learning as one of the critical pillars to achieve active aging, together with health, participation, and security. This ... [Continue Story]
- Hemstetter Recognized at State Board Meeting
- Wetlands 101: Sultana Education Foundation Presents an Evening of Interactive Science
- KCHS Messages to Seniors
- ‘Life is a Highway’ for KCHS Class of 2025
- WC launches updated Diversity website pages By Heather Fabritz
- MD Senate Panel’s vote on Blueprint bill straddles House, Administration Versions
Maryland News

State Employees offered $20,000 Buyout
Thousands of state employees were notified by email Thursday of a buyout program, part of a plan by Gov. Wes Moore (D) to reduce the size of state ... [Continue Story]
- Labor Secretary Raises Concerns About Solvency Of State Unemployment Fund
- US House Passes Massive Tax Break and Spending Cut Bill, Sending it to Trump – Maryland Matters
- Buyout Offers, Hiring Freeze Coming for State Government Amid Budget Crunch
- State Officials Urge People to Stay Vigilant, Use Caution Amid ‘Hazardous Heat Wave’
- Amid High Energy Bills, Moore Touts $19 Million in Ratepayer Relief From Exelon
- Talbot County Repeals DEI Language to Ensure Airport Work Continues
Brevities

Chestertown Flashback: Early Chestertown Fair
In honor of the 2025 Kent County Fair currently underway, a Flashback Photo of a much earlier fair. Although the digital image of this photo has been adjusted to make it ... [Continue Story]
Food Friday

Food Friday: Zucchini Time 2025!
It has been the hottest summer on record - but we are saying that every year now, aren’t we? As we try to walk our 10,000 steps every day, lingering under the shady trees as ... [Continue Story]
Looking at the Masters with Beverly Smith

Looking at the Masters: Gustave Caillebotte
Impressionist artist Gustave Caillebotte (1848-1894) was from a wealthy Parisienne family. He grew up near the area of the St. Lazarre train station. ... [Continue Story]
Design with Jenn Martella

Design with Jenn Martella: St. Andrews Wayside Chapel, c. 1874, Redux
When I began my search for this week’s feature, I happily ended it in Galena in upper Kent County with this unique house whose original use was a ... [Continue Story]
Food and Garden

Wine(s) of the Week: Piazza New Additions
Ciao Tutti! This weekend at Piazza Italian Market, our weekly wine tasting is postponed until next weekend since tomorrow morning I will be on my ... [Continue Story]
- Coping with Heat and Drought by Nancy Taylor Robson
- Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday
- Wine of the Week: Marangona Chiaretto Riviera del Garda Classico
- Exploring Garden Solutions with Stephanie Wooton: Chesapeake Bay Herb Society Hosts July 10 Clinic
- Wine of the Week: Rouge de Vallee
- Wine of the Week: Dardinello Sicilia DOC Zibibbo 2023
Delmarva Review
- Delmarva Review: The “Best of” Anthology
- Delmarva Review: Leitmotif by Rita Plush
- Delmarva Review: Arrogance by Katherine J. Williams
- Delmarva Review: A System of Seeing by Colin Jeffrey Morris
- Delmarva Review: The End of the Story by Patty Somlo
- Delmarva Review: Something More Than Winter Weighs (Upon Me) by John Muro
Chesapeake Lens

Chesapeake Lens: “Fawn and Friend” by Tricia Volkman
It’s easy to make friends at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. “Fawn and Friend” by Tricia ... [Continue Story]
Commerce

Memorial Day Event to Feature Parade, Entertainment and a Remembrance of Vets Who Died in Combat
Long after the Tea Party tourists have left town, the Memorial Day parade and remembrance on May 26 – long a locals’ favorite – will honor veterans ... [Continue Story]
- Investing in You: A talk with Chesapeake Bank and Trust CEO Bob Altieri
- Kent Attainable Housing Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Homeowners, the Duncan Family
- Kent County and Main Street Chestertown Awarded Grants to Support America’s 250th Semiquincentennial Planning
- Kent County Local Management Board Seeks New Board Members
- Chamber Hosts Post-Legislative Session Discussion with 36th District Lawmakers
- 2025‐2026 Rock Hall Lions Marine Trades offers $1500 Scholarship
Community Notes

Celebrate Bay Heritage at Watermen’s Appreciation Day Hosted by CBMM on Aug. 10
Watermen’s Appreciation Day is back at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum on Sunday, Aug. 10 from 10am-4pm, inviting guests to experience the unique ... [Continue Story]
- Women & Girls Fund 9-Hole Golf Tournament Set for September 8, 2025
- The Historical Society to Present “Kent County: Recovered Histories”
- Compass’Camp New Dawn 2025 Season Slots Still Open
- Small Scale Cider Making: Discussion & Sampling
- From Hunger to Hope: Community Responses to Food Insecurity July 17
- The Reverend Sue Browning Retires From Unitarian Fellowship
Arts Notes

MassoniArt Show Summer 2025 Gallery Artist Exhibition July 15 – August 15
Featuring Heidi Fowler, Katherine Cox, Joe Karlik, Zemma Mastin White, Julia Clift, Blake Conroy, Jacqui Crocetta, Simma Liebman, Grace Mitchell, and ... [Continue Story]
- Academy Art Museum Welcomes Matthew Moore as New Director of Education
- Joe Holt, Sharon Sable, Shawn Qaissaunee – The Greatest Songwriters of the 20th Century
- All Aboard for Murder on the Orient Express at Church Hill Theatre
- The Elephant Man auditions to be held August 3, 4, 5
- CHT Green Room Gang to Present Annie Kids and The Sound of Music Youth Edition
- Church Hill Theatre Announces New Season and Elects New Board Members
Education Notes

Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) to Host Fall 2025 Course Showcase on August 6, 2025
Interested in the economics of land development or the state of our rivers? Curious to explore new hobbies, enrich your knowledge, or stay active in a ... [Continue Story]
- MSDE Celebrates Teachers of the Year
- KCMS celebrates eighth-grade promotion
- Commissioners Honor Dr. McComas
- 114th Gunston School Commencement Celebrates The Class of 2025
- Blueprint Gets a Road Map: Two Agencies That Oversee School Reform Agree to Clarify Roles
- CBMM’s Shipyard Set for Busy Summer of Programming
Health Notes

Cultivating Growth: UM Shore Regional Health Nurses Graduate from Statewide Leadership Institute
Three nurse managers at University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH), a member organization of University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), ... [Continue Story]
- For All Seasons Hosts Hoopers Island Migrant Resource Fair
- From Hunger to Hope: Community Responses to Food Insecurity July 17
- Rowan Michael, MD, Joins the Orthopedic Center
- Hope Floats: Area Residents Juliet Taylor and Tim Abeska Partner with Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating to Host Benefit for Hop On A Cure
- For All Seasons Prioritizes Community Needs with Renovation Amid Federal Cutbacks
- Choptank Health Welcomes Bridget Allison, CRNP, to Federalsburg Health Center
Opinion

The Year of Wishful Thinking and Broken Promises By Aubrey Sarvis
The jubilant House of Representatives leadership claimed their narrow win, 218-214, on the President’s reckless and cruel tax bill was a “wonderful ... [Continue Story]
- Not Normal: Where Are We Going? By Aubrey Sarvis
- Character Rot: Sounding the Alarm by Johnny O’Brien
- Op-Ed: Anything Goes, but Pete Hegseth May Go First By Aubrey Sarvis
- OP-ED: Mayor and Council: Trust in you has evaporated By Robert Miller
- Kent County and a serious healthcare hit? By Tom Timberman
- Op-Ed: Making American Great Again?
Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Democracy on Ice
On July 3 2025, 218 blind mice in the House of Representatives passed the Big Beautiful Bodacious Bill, the most amazing bill ever, at least since the ... [Continue Story]
- Letter to Editor: A Vanishing Way of Life
- Letter to the Editor: Truth and Consequences
- Letter to Editor: How the Big Beautiful Bill Would Affect the Mid-Shore
- Letter to the Editor: Getting the Bang for the Buck
- Letter to the Editor: Surprise! I Liked The Parade
- Letter to the Editor: Respecting Arlington National Cemetery
Columnist J.E. Dean

The Sad Case of Senator Thom Tillis by J.E. Dean
In Washington, D.C., a city used to surprises, North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis delivered a big one on Sunday. After joining Senator Rand Paul ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Craig Fuller

Conversations with Craig Fuller: Ambassador and Author Frank Lavin
My friend and former White House colleague Ambassador Frank Lavin has a book coming out in March about his experience in the White House and ... [Continue Story]
- Midair collision over the Potomac: Week two update by Craig Fuller
- A midair tragedy last night in Washington by Craig Fuller
- The Classic Motor Museum starts a new trip in St. Michaels: Craig Fuller talks to Mike Iandolo
- MPT, the Chesapeake Bay and Viewers Like You: A Chat with Station Manager Steven Schupak
- So Much Money, So Little Time by Craig Fuller
- One Amazing Story by One Amazing Individual by Craig Fuller
Columnist Lisa J. Gotto
Columnist Laura Oliver

Love by Proxy: Bit by Bit By Laura J. Oliver
My friend and I, both writer-editors, have just been served our blackened salmon salads when he reveals something unexpected. “I’ve been using CHAT ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Al Sikes

What is the Game Today? By Al Sikes
The much-honored sportswriter, Roger Angel, writing in 1972 about baseball, while reflecting on sports, said, “Sports are too much with us. Late and ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Angela Rieck

Summer Soundtrack by Angela Rieck
Each season has its own scent and soundtrack. I can close my eyes, ignore the temperature and know what season it is by these sounds and the ... [Continue Story]
Senior Life

Strive for Independence, Not Just on the 4Th Of July! by Susan Covey
Like most people, you’ve probably heard that activity and exercise are good for you. The frailty and decreased energy often associated with aging is ... [Continue Story]
- Senior Nation: Gardening a Great Boost for Body and Soul by Susan Covey
- Senior Nation: April Is Parkinson’s Awareness Month by Susan Covey
- It’s American Heart Month by Susan Covey
- Enjoy the health benefits of Thanksgiving Day by Susan Covey
- Upper Shore Aging Hosts the Re-Dedication of the Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center
- Herb Cain Appointed Executive Director of Upper Shore Aging