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October 1, 2023

Cambridge Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Cambridge

Arts Arts Notes

2nd Annual Easton Fall Craft Fair Set for Oct. 7

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The second annual Easton Fall Craft Fair will take place Saturday, October 7 on the grounds of Trinity Cathedral in downtown Easton. The event is free and open to the public. There will be 35 vendors selling handmade crafts, plus a raffle with unique prizes, a bake sale and hot dog stand.

“This year’s fair will be bigger and better this year,” said Leslie Walker, the event coordinator. “Vendors will be showing a wide variety of handmade work from all across Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania. It should be a great place to get a head start on your holiday shopping.”

The fair supports two good causes — promoting handmade regional artwork and a new community outreach program called the Easton English School at Trinity. The English School launched last October, offering free classes to English language learners every Wednesday at Miller Hall, the building behind the cathedral.

The Oct. 7 craft fair will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 315 Goldsborough St. in Easton. Many of the vendors are local, based on the Eastern Shore. They will be selling jewelry, woodwork, basketry, glassware, 3D art, soaps, ceramics, needlepoint, quilts, toys, custom-painted LP art, stained glass and much more. Booths will be located both inside Miller Hall and outside throughout the cathedral grounds. 

Fairgoers will be able to buy raffle tickets for a chance at two prizes — a beautiful handmade quilt and a large, unique Charcuterie board, custom made from the historic Maryland Wye Oak Tree by McMartin & Beggins of Wittman. Whoever wins the board also will receive a free class in how to arrange and present charcuterie food, donated and led by Vines & Vibes Restaurant in Easton.

In the event of rain, the fair will be rescheduled for Saturday, October 14.

For more information, send email to [email protected].

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Project Restart and Grace Street Offer Free Peer Certification Program

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 Project Restart and Grace Street announced this week a free peer recovery support specialist certification program starting soon in Easton.

Certified Peer Recovery Specialists are people with lived experience in recovery from substance use disorder and/or mental illness, who receive credentials that standardize work in recovery support environments. This credential is governed by the Maryland Behavioral-health Professional Certification Board. Certification includes 46 hours of documented courses, along with 500 service hours and 25 supervision hours.

Grace Street, a new recovery community organization in Easton, is offering the full certification program for eight people in this first cohort. Project Restart, a program of Not My Child, a non-profit dedicated to helping people affected by the opioid crisis through channels of education, awareness, burial costs, memorials, and/or co-pays for treatment, is sponsoring the cost of training. Project Restart focuses on job supports by linking potential employees and employers.

“The goal of Not My Child and our Project Restart program is to eliminate the heartbreak surrounding the opioid crisis and aid in creating success stories and fulfilling futures instead,” said Laura Reno, Executive Director of Not My Child. “We are thrilled for this opportunity to partner with Grace Street to fund the peer recovery support specialist certification program training to qualified individuals. Not only is this program a rewarding career path that helps with healing, it is also a much needed profession that is highly in demand. We look forward to supporting and encouraging the individuals that are selected for this program.”

The first cohort includes two weeks of instruction, Monday through Friday during the day, on site at Grace Street. Participants must have six months of recovery from a substance use disorder, a GED or equivalent, and submit two letters of recommendation. Anyone interested should contact Kelley Callaghan at [email protected].

Grace Street is the area’s first recovery community organization (RCO). RCOs are a nationally recognized model that help bridge the gap between professional treatment and a successful life in long-term recovery through enhanced supports and services. Chesapeake Charities received a one-year grant from Maryland’s Opioid Operational Command Center to establish the Grace Street RCO.

Easton’s center delivers an assortment of non-clinical, community-centered, peer recovery support services and care coordination, along with harm reduction resources including the region’s first Narcan vending machine; workforce training and development; youth programming; overdose prevention activities and resources; and support groups. The center helps people establish healthy lifestyles and reacclimate into society, while building recovery capital and working to reduce stigma often associated with addiction.

Grace Street serves people in Easton and Talbot County, and in neighboring counties across the Mid-Shore. Referrals are not necessary and services are free. The center is open weekdays, 4 – 9 pm. and weekends 2 – 7 p.m. Daytime hours vary. Anyone interested in volunteering, partnering or supporting this project can contact Kate Dulin, program director, at 410-690-7353 or visit GraceStreetRecovery.org.

This project is supported by the Opioid Operational Command Center. The views presented here are those of the grantee organization and not necessarily those of the OOCC, its Executive Director, or its staff. 

Located in Stevensville, Chesapeake Charities is a community foundation that supports more than 135 nonprofit funds that impact a range of charitable causes including animal welfare, arts, education, health and human services, and the environment. To date they have generated more than $32 million in investment and grant funding for charitable projects in ten counties: Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s and Talbot. For more information, contact Chesapeake Charities at (410) 643-4020 or [email protected], or visit www.chesapeakecharities.org. Chesapeake Charities is accredited by the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.

 

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Stage Fright: 1964 Set for October 25

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President Lyndon B. Johnson will give remarks during a live, nation wide television broadcast right here in Easton! The Distinguished Ladies of the Hellfire Club invite you to this gala event. With host Twig Hammerstein of Doris Radio Program fame and musical guests The Teddy Bears & The Cardigans. Don’t miss this opportunity to show your support for LBJ! Sponsored by L.L. Baker Foundations & Basements.

In the year 1964, TV was king and Lou Baker, owner of the Avalon Hotel, was sure to capitalize on it. A television crew was set to live broadcast what was to be the Country’s premier presidential campaign gala for Lyndon B. Johnson. As a series of unfortunate events unfurl, will pop star Jenny Chambers survive the night?

The Acid Test in the Basement sponsored by Other Half Brewing. Many thanks to our generous patrons: Other Half Brewing, Lyons Rum, Piazza Italian Market.

ATTENDEES SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR EXTENSIVE WALKING, MATURE THEMES, AND A NIGHT THEY WON’T SOON FORGET.

From the author: I came up with the concept of Stage Fright after a firsthand encounter with Marguerite, ghost of the Avalon. The story was originally written in 2015 as a feature length screen play. This was way more than could be fit into a 90-minute stage play and so much storyline was left on the cutting room floor. Following the success of Stage Fright 1 in 2022, there was a resounding request for more. More questions, more answers, more clowns! How does the story of Marguerite end? Written as a sequel to last year’s hit show, Stage Fright: 1964 picks up right where we left you hanging last Halloween. – Casey Rauch

From the director: Like so many Eastern Shore natives, I left our little peninsula to see what the rest of the world had to offer. What I found out there was a deep and passionate love of theatre and filmmaking. I worked professionally and lived the big city life, but in my heart my hometown kept calling to me.

So I moved back, like so many, started my family and built a life here. I thought my days of avant guard theatre were over… Until Stage Fright.

There is a need in our community for projects like this and not just for the audiences we serve but for those participating as well. We’re craving human connection, live entertainment and meaningful storytelling. Not to mention it’s TONS of fun. The sheer amount of talent in our cast and crew is worth supporting, but more than that it’s the art. Stage Fright is a piece of art, created by many hands. Created by a community. -Cecile Storm

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Content Warnings: This experience is based on the ghost stories of the Avalon and deals with themes of civil rights, racism, murder, and revenge which some may find triggering. There will be dark spaces, loud noises, strobe, haze, as well as dark areas and spaces that are small and confined. The choice of where to go and what to see is yours. If you feel uncomfortable you will be able to move to a new area, to talk to one of our stewards, or to take a breather in the Stoltz Listening Room. The bar itself can be noisy, so if you need a quiet space, please let a member of staff know. For more details email [email protected]

Age Restrictions: This production is recommended for ages 16+. Guests must show ID at the box office. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible guardian.

What to wear: This is a promenade production and footwear you can walk and climb stairs comfortably in, is strongly recommended. There is no dress code for the Standard shows; however, it is Halloween, and

we’d love to see you in costume. We recommend leaving handbags and coats at home, as you’ll be moving around and need your hands free.

Dress code for Sunday’s Directors Cut: modern day cocktail, black tie, period 1960s costume and/or Halloween costume required. To rent a period costume please contact [email protected]

Masks: We ask all audiences to wear a signature Stage Fright theatrical mask. This will give you anonymity throughout the performance to help you feel empowered to explore, and also to make you distinguishable from the performers. These masks can be taken off in the Stoltz Listening Room. It will fit over most glasses; however, if you have the option, wearing contact lenses is recommended.

ADA: This experience is wheelchair accessible. It takes place across three levels with some areas only accessible by elevator for wheelchair users. Some areas of the show will be restricted due to the existing architecture.

Groups: You will be on your feet and it can be difficult to remain with your companions. You may be invited to take a path exclusively open to you. To get the most out of the performance we recommend you go it alone, although it will always be your choice.

For behind the scenes exclusives and up to date information follow @perfectstormstagecraft on Instagram.

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Save the Date: Nanticoke River Jamboree Set for October 14 at Handsell

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The Nanticoke River Jamboree, the main fall event for the Nanticoke Historic Preservation Alliance and Handsell Historic site, is now set for October 14.

The Jamboree is an annual event held at Handsell to celebrate the natural and historic resources of the Nanticoke River watershed area and three cultures who have occupied this land. Each year the Jamboree features exhibits and demonstration by regional environmental and historic groups, a variety of living history performers and demonstrations by spinners, sheep-shearers, wood turners, open hearth cooks and more! In addition you will find music, food and activities for the whole family.
For more information about the day’s activities please go here.

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Sky-Watch for October: Meteors and Planets

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A nice meteor shower graces October skies as the ORIONIDS peak on the overnight of October 20/21.  The debris field we pass through for the Orionids  originated with the historic passes of the famous Halley’s Comet  through the inner Solar System. (most recently in 1986).
The meteors appear to come from the sky where we see the large hunter constellation, ORION, which rises from east/southeastern sky after midnight.  The best time to look is between 2 am and dawn when the leading edge of the Earth is turning directly into the meteor stream.  Twenty to 30 meteors per hour are often counted from the Orionids.

The great planet show of September continues into October with Jupiter, just one month from opposition, rising by 8 pm and being well up in the eastern sky by 10 pm.  Jupiter is the brightest object there, and will brighten further all month as we draw closer to the giant planet.  On October 1st an even brighter object, the waning gibbous Moon will be seen just above Jupiter around 11 pm.  On October 29th the Full Moon will appear just above Jupiter.  Jupiter is packed with surface details revealed when seen through backyard telescopes; and these will become more prominent through the month.
Saturn is well set for viewing as soon as the sky fully darkens in the south/southwest.  Its surface and its beautiful rings also come to light in telescopes.  Look for the waxing gibbous Moon just below Saturn on the October 24th.
Venus is the brilliant “morning star” this month in the East.  On October 10th Venus will be seen just below Regulus, the brightest star in Leo the lion, while the waning crescent Moon passes just above this pair.
Prominent fall constellation, Pegasus, the winged horse is seen as a “Great Square”, high up in the East.  Summer constellations may still be seen this month, but shifted over to the western sky.  And by the end of the month by 10 pm we will start to see a glimpse of winter constellations “poking” up above the eastern horizon.  These winter stars are among the brightest of any season of the year, and are something to look forward to seeing later.

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Upper Shore Master Gardener Programs to hold Basic Training

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As we patiently await crisp fall days, the Upper Shore Master Gardener Programs are preparing for their annual basic training course, which starts on Wednesday, February 07, 2024. 

This program is intended to train volunteer representatives as Master Gardeners for the University of Maryland Extension to extend our services and programs to the public. Classes will be held virtually on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. and will run through May 8, 2024. In-person classes will be held in person every other Friday at Eastern Shore Higher Education Center on the Chesapeake College Campus in Queenstown, MD and are held in conjunction with the University of Maryland Extension in Dorchester, Talbot, and Queen Anne’s Counties. 

This well-rounded 40+ hour course includes classes on: ecology, botany, soils, plant diseases, insects – both pests and beneficial, weeds, and much more. This program emphasizes community involvement and outreach as well as environmental stewardship. A $185 fee is charged to cover all costs including the Maryland Master Gardener Handbook. All Master Gardener interns are required to undergo a University of Maryland background check (+$15) prior to taking the class. The deadline for registration is December 1, 2023. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact your local University of Maryland Extension Office by November 17, 2023.

The University of Maryland Master Gardener vision is a healthier world through environmental stewardship.  In keeping with this vision, University of Maryland Extension Master Gardeners volunteers work on a variety of projects in cooperation with local schools, help maintain various public gardens, volunteer at local Senior Centers and Assisted Living facilities working with therapeutic gardens and hands-on gardening programs, provide community education through free workshops and classes open to local residents, visit home and public gardens as part of our Bay-Wise certification program…and much more.  

For more information about the program, please visit https://www.facebook.com/talbotcountymastergardeners
We are looking forward to working with a new, energetic class of horticulture enthusiasts! 

For Talbot County: Mikaela Boley, Master Gardener Coordinator (410) 822-1244 or by email at [email protected]

For Queen Anne’s County contact: Rachel J. Rhodes, Master Gardener Coordinator at (410) 758-0166 or by email at [email protected].

For Dorchester County: Emily Zobel, Master Gardener Coordinator (410) 228-8800 or by email at [email protected] 

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

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Important Updates on Frederick Douglass Day

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Due to unforeseen circumstances, there have been some changes to the Frederick Douglass Day celebrations.

Unfortunately, the Frederick Douglass Day Parade and the Outdoor Marketplace have been cancelled. However, the spirit of the event remains undeterred. The Welcome Ceremony has been relocated and will now take place at the Talbot County Free Library’s Meeting Room at 10:30 a.m.

For families attending, the Children’s Village activities have been moved indoors to the Talbot County Free Library’s children’s areas. Additionally, the Frederick Douglass Day Entertainment Stage performances will now be showcased at the Avalon Theatre, kicking off with the Easton Middle and Easton High School Bands at 12 Noon. They will be followed by performances from the Covenant Gospel Choir, Randall Butler, and Hip Hop Artist Baba Bomani.

Those looking forward to the lecture with Dr. Spires, it will proceed as planned at the Library at 1 p.m. Book enthusiasts can still catch Jeff McGuiness at Vintage Books and Fine Arts from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Dr. Robert Levine will be signing at Flying Cloud Booksellers at 11:30 a.m.

This marks the first time we’ve encountered unfavorable weather on Frederick Douglass Day. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dana Newman, Jessica Bellis, and Vickie Wilson for their generosity and swift action. Their efforts have ensured that only two activities were cancelled, and all other outdoor events could be moved indoors. We’re proud to say that Easton truly is a remarkable town.

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New Regional Hospital Takes Big Step Forward: Certificate of Need Now on the Books

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University of Maryland Shore Regional Health’s plans for construction of a new Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Easton have moved a step forward as hospital officials have received notice that the Maryland Health Care Commission has docketed the application for the project’s Certificate of Need (CON). 

MHCC provided public notice of the docketing in the Maryland Register on August 11th, which initiated a 30-day window for public comment. As of today, no comments have been posted, and the CON application is now ready for MHCC’s review and anticipated approval in the coming months. 

Docketing of the application not only keeps the project moving forward as is required by MHCC’s procedural regulations, but also allows MHCC to gather any supplemental information needed to render a decision. 

The total projected cost of the new Shore Regional Medical Center is $550 million. 

The schematic design phase of the project, which has been completed, involved the participation of multiple departments in refining layout plans and creating new external renderings. The design development phase is now in progress, focusing on the design of individual rooms for optimal workflow.

Plans to build the new Shore Regional Medical Center in Easton are critical to the comprehensive health care delivery plan for Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties. The new location on Route 50 at Longwoods Road will promote better access to care, the new design will accommodate advances in high-quality care and improve patient satisfaction, and the new facility will enhance UM Shore Regional Health’s ability to recruit and retain health care providers and staff.  

 

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Shore Leadership Class of 2023 is Underway

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The Shore Leadership Class of 2023 kicked off in April, bringing together 25 of the region’s top business and community leaders. The program is dedicated to building leadership, coaching, and management skills that will benefit corporations and non-profit organizations across Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Running through December, this group meets each month in a different geographic area of the Eastern Shore where they learn about one aspect of leadership in the morning and then meet with local business and industry leaders from that area in the afternoon. 

“Shore Leadership doesn’t only help develop leaders but also finds a way to incorporate local economy, businesses and tourism,” stated Jess Kilby, VA Military Compliance Specialist at Chesapeake College and a member of the Shore Leadership Class of 2023. The current class has finished Orientation and four sessions which highlighted:  Tourism, Energy and Renewable Resources, and Agriculture. Leadership topics that have been covered thus far include Transformational Leadership, Leading with Strengths, Personal Mission Statements and Coaching, and Creativity.

Halfway through the program, Dr. Tia Bell shared, “Every session broadens your knowledge of different aspects of the Eastern Shore.”  Dr. Bell is the Youth Services Director at Channel Marker, Inc. in Easton, MD. 

Leadership sessions are led by Carol Graser, President of the Annapolis Leadership Group, and Joe Thomas, PhD, Director of the James B. Stockdale Center on Ethical Leadership.  Carol and Joe bring leadership topics and make them relevant to today’s world and to the members of each class.  In August, following their leadership session on Creativity, the class had the opportunity to visit the Blackwater National Refuge and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Dorchester County.

With only three sessions left before graduation in December, the class will focus on Leading Change and Environmental Education in September, Building Strong Teams during a two-day program with NASA Wallops in October, and the group will finish with Climate Change and Technology and a leadership session on Adaptive Leadership in November. 

Sarah Lyons, Marketing Specialist at Shore United Bank, summed up what Shore Leadership has meant to her by explaining that “Shore Leadership builds a strong foundation for what it means to be a great leader.  It doesn’t just teach the dos and don’ts of how to lead but it uncovers truths about ourselves that enhance personal growth.”

The twenty-five members of the Shore Leadership Class of 2023 will graduate on December 6th.   They have been enthusiastic learners and have absorbed not only the leadership skill development but all that the Shore has to offer!  “Shore Leadership is about building relationships, professional development and discovering many of the gems of the Eastern Shore,” said Amber Rash, Senior Relationship Manager at Horizon Farm Credit. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Shore Leadership Program, please contact Ms. Chris Caulk at [email protected]. Applications are now being accepted for the Class of 2024 and scholarships are available. 

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Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage to Host Annual Magnificent Monarchs Workshop

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Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage will host its annual Magnificent Monarchs workshop on Sat., Sept. 30 at 10:30 a.m. at Barnstable Hill Farm in Chester. The public is invited to join CWH staff to tag and learn about the migrating habits of Monarch butterflies. Participants will also learn about the Monarch’s life cycle and will help scientists from around the continent track its astounding generational migration.

The workshop is free to the public, but space is limited. Due to continuing COVID concerns, all participants must be fully vaccinated. CWH reserves the right to cancel the workshop if staff feel that conditions are not safe to hold it.

To register, email [email protected] or call 410-822-5100. Directions will be provided.

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