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September 14, 2024

Cambridge Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Cambridge

Point of View Opinion

The YMCA Has Us Talking by Chuck McFadden

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Well, the YMCA has the neighborhood talking about the “Move.” – First, they seemed to announce in their own newsletter that the YMCA is “building a new Robbins Family Y at Cambridge Harbor,” and then, they claimed there is no deal. Finally, they sent an invitation to a select group of Y members to RSVP to a meeting to clarify the situation and present the findings of their survey, which is now almost 2 years old.

What people need to keep in mind when considering Cambridge Harbor is that it’s not what is good for the YMCA that counts, but what is good for the City of Cambridge. Since everything regarding Cambridge Harbor is held in the strictest of secrecy, no one ever really knows what is true and what is rumor. Does the possible YMCA-Cambridge Waterfront Development Inc. (CWDI) deal mean the Y wants to swap its 6 acres
in Ward 1 for 1.2 acres in Cambridge Harbor, plus free parking for the estimated 900 Y members each day, plus use of the Sailwinds swimming area for YMCA programs and rental of kayaks and canoes?

Sounds like a good deal for the YMCA since they don’t have to pay market price for the land, ( they don’t have to demolish the old school building;  they get free use and maintenance of the Sailwinds parking lots: and they are not charged for their use of the swimming area. The City gets (i) a low price for the Cambridge Harbor land, (ii) an unused school building at the current Y property, (iii) a non-tax paying entity, and (iv) a big industrial-looking building on the prime lot in Cambridge Harbor.

There are a number of questions about the value of the land the Y wants to give up to CWDI compared to he best lot in Cambridge Harbor that they’d be getting. Since all the discussions between the Y and CWDI are secret, it is difficult to understand what is going on. Hopefully, the mediation process with the City and CWDI will clarify what CWDI can and cannot do. In the meantime, the citizens of Cambridge wait in ignorance as to what is really going on.

More to come.

Charles McFadden is the president of the Cambridge Association of Neighborhoods 

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Sons of Union Veterans to Honor African American Soldiers in Memorial Service in Unionville

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The Sons of Union Veterans invites the community to a memorial service honoring the legacy of eighteen African American soldiers from the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT), who are interred at St. Stephens Church cemetery in Unionville, MD. The service is scheduled for May 19th, 2024, at 12 PM.

These valiant men, some of whom were former slaves and others free, volunteered to fight for the Union during the Civil War. Their bravery and sacrifices are a vital part of our history, and we aim to honor their contributions through this event.

For additional details about the event or any media inquiries, please contact Dan Cowgill Phone: 302-545-6362 or George Balog at [email protected]

 

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Opinion: What I know and Don’t Know about Cambridge Waterfront Development Inc.

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I have been getting a lot of questions lately about the Cambridge Waterfront Development Inc. (CWDI) project. Here is what I know. These are simply the facts for you so you can make up your own mind.

The project covers almost 35 acres of the 6,734 acres of the City of Cambridge or one/half of one percent of the City. The project is centered at the old Hospital site with sides on the Choptank River and Cambridge Creek, which is projected by CWDI to be the premier retail site in the City. CWDI wants the City to put up a $30.3 million loan for the infrastructure. The loan will be over 29.5 years at a projected interest rate of 5.5%. This will pay for roads, sidewalks, sewers, water, electrical, cable, etc. CWDI wants to put in the infrastructure before any developers are identified, which may cause some difficulties. CWDI projects that there will be 543 people living at Cambridge Harbor when it is completed.

CWDI is planning on developing the land and maintaining it at least for the life of the loan. So, they will have their own management team, finance and maintenance groups, marina employees, and people to book and operate the amphitheater. The City will still provide police, fire, and clean water. CWDI plans to build:

1. A multi-storied hotel with 100 rooms to be opened by 2026. The hotel will employ 48 people and
have an average cost of $171 per room per night. It will also have a rooftop restaurant with a great
view of the River and Creek. Visitors to the harbor are projected to consume $121 in food and
beverages on average.

2. 30,000 sq ft of retail space, mainly on the first floor of the Condos. This might sound like a lot of space,
but it only amounts to about ten sites at 3,000 sq ft each. CWDI projects it will be for banks, clothing
stores, juice bars, coffee shops, Ice cream stores and other retail outlets.

3. 110 condos with an average of 1,250 sq feet and with an average assessed value of $311,355. CWDI
plans to start building some of these in 2026 and finish by 2028.

4. 116 townhouses with an average assessed value of $347,262. Construction will start in 2026.

5. Seven single-family homes with an assessed value of $402,378, all to be built in 2026

6. CWDI has projected that 2.3 persons will live in each of the above dwellings.

7. A non-profit fitness and recreational facility, which will be built in 2026. This sounds like the YMCA,
which spent $47,000 on-site plans for that very spot. CWDI spent $5,000 on drawings to develop the
current YMCA site, but CWDI insists that there is no agreement or contract with the YMCA in spite of
the fact that the YMCA was identified on a former map.

8. A second City marina of 125 slips at a cost of $8 to $10 million to construct. The marina would have 12
employees. The current City marina of about 200 slips needs several million dollars to replace old
docks E, F, and H. It has lots of vacancies and has 2.5 employees.

9. A second City amphitheater at a cost unknown to me.

10. An expansion of the swimming area next to the Visitors center at a cost unknown to me.

11. A brick walkway on the Riverside at a cost unknown to me.

CWDI has also purchased the Richardson Museum property. Plans for development are unclear to me. CWDI also wants to sell 2.6 acres to Yacht Maintenance for a price unknown to me. How they arrived at the price is also unclear to me. It is also unclear to me who approves the CWDI budget.

As you can see, there are a number of things I do not know, but I am sure some will be explained at the upcoming meeting on April 18th. Please keep in mind, however, when listening to CWDI’s presentation, whether this project is good just for CWDI or for the whole City of Cambridge.

Charles McFadden is the President of the Cambridge Association of Neighborhoods 

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New Locally Produced Programs on Delmarva Radio

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Salisbury University students Mike Greco and Rosalie Crosby
producing the 5-Minute Fly-by Newscast

Delmarva Public Media is introducing new locally-produced programs for its lunch hour, including the 5-Minute Fly-By newscast produced weekly by Salisbury University students. The Locally Produced Lunch airs Monday-Friday from noon-1:00 p.m. starting April 1st on WSDL 90.7.

Starting Monday, April 1st, Delmarva Public Media introduces the 5-Minute Fly-By local newscast followed by the MPT Radio Hour. The newscast is reported, written and produced by Salisbury University students in Delmarva Public Media’s new student newsroom. The MPT Radio Hour includes two regional programs from Maryland Public Television. Direct Connection is a local public affairs program focusing on personalities from all arenas. State Circle provides up-to-the-minute, in-depth analysis of major issues and pending bills at the Maryland State Legislature. Both are hosted by Jeff Salkin.

On Tuesdays it’s Fusion Fever with host Riley Smith. Smith, a recent Salisbury University graduate, focuses on the growing genre of jazz fusion and explores how jazz continues to evolve and excite listeners and musicians. Smith is a musician himself who discovered jazz one semester at Salisbury University by taking a jazz theory course and playing guitar in the Salisbury jazz band. That “snowballed from a curiosity to a passion,” said Smith. And that passion is evident in every show.

On Wednesday hear Back to the Roots hosted by Ralph Hickman. Back to the Roots is an eclectic mix of classic and modern roots music from new and legendary artists featuring deep cuts to fan favorites.

These programs join station-produced staples On the Download (Thursdays at noon) and the award-winning Delmarva Today (Fridays at noon).

“These exciting additions show our commitment to developing strong and interesting local programming and to working with students and helping to train the journalists, producers and media personalities of the future”, said Bryan Russo, Delmarva Public Media’s Director of Production and Operations. “The Locally Produced Lunch hour on WSDL is just a glimpse at where things are headed and what our listeners can expect for the future.”

All programs are available via broadcast, online at delmarvapublicmedia.org and streaming on your favorite device. For more information and schedules go to delmarvapublicmedia.org.

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

ShoreRivers will Plant a Free Tree Tree in Front of Your House, Place of Worship, or School

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Thanks to a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, ShoreRivers is funding the planting of new trees throughout the city of Cambridge. Trees will be planted in areas that benefit the greater community: in front yards, alongsidewalks, or in local parks or community open spaces. ShoreRivers is actively seeking partners to help identi opportunitieswithin their neighborhood for planting street trees.

Trees provide proven benefits to people, animals, and the Choptank river. They shade our homes, cool the summer air of our city, soak up rainwater that might otherwise flood our streets, provide food and shelter for songbirds, capture pollution from the air, and return the oxygen that we breathe. Unfortunately, many of our streets are currently lacking a healthy tree canopy.

Trees dramatically change the livability of our streets. We envision a future where residents all across the city of Cambridge enjoy the beauty, shade and life of a tree.

Don’t have a lot of room? No problem – we will plant a tree that stays relatively small! ShoreRivers has curated alist of trees that are proven to work well in urban environments! We want to set you up for success, and that means planting the right tree in the right place.

ShoreRivers is committed to working with all communities, especially historically underserved communi­ ties, to plant trees that will shade their homes and mitigate flooding.

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Skipjack Nathan to Hold Volunteer, Educational Sessions

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The Dorchester Skipjack Committee, which owns, preserves and operates the Nathan of Dorchester — the last authentic skipjack built on the Chesapeake Bay — will host in-person meetings for prospective volunteers and virtual educational sessions for the community in Cambridge during March.

Community members interested in the many volunteer opportunities on the Nathan can attend in-person meetings at 6 p.m. March 12 at the Dorchester County Historical Society, 1003 Greenway Drive; or 10 a.m. March 16 at Long Wharf  where the Nathan is docked. As an all-volunteer non-profit organization, the Dorchester Skipjack Committee offers volunteers unique opportunities to learn to sail this historic boat, assist with wooden boat repair and preservation, help schedule and greet passengers, educate passengers on board, or do administrative/computer projects.   

The committee will also hold one-hour virtual community education sessions in which attendees can learn about the history of skipjacks, oystering, and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay and estuaries.  Zoom meetings will be 6 p.m. March 19 (skipjacks) and 6 p.m. March 26 (oysters). 

Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Nathan of Dorchester provides a unique on-the-water experience for more than a thousand passengers per year. Visitors from all over the world have enjoyed sailing on the Nathan and hearing stories about local maritime history and the human legacy of our watermen, dredging for oysters, and learning about the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay.

Those interested in hearing more about volunteering on the Nathan or attending the educational sessions may register at [email protected] or call 410-228-7141.  

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

Maryland Society Tench Tilghman Chapter Seeks Funds for Vets’ Music Therapy

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Conway Gregory providing Andrew Parsley of CAR Biography of Andrew Jackson

On Saturday March 2, 2024, Andrew Parsley, age 16, President of the Maryland State Society of the Children of the American Revolution (MSSCAR) spoke about the work and contributions of the C.AR during a meeting of the Colonel Tench Tilghman Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) in Chestertown, Maryland.

Andrew gave a brief presentation about the C.A.R and his 2024 service project titled “Play It Loud” that supports the Warrior Music Foundation, and provides music therapy to veterans, active duty military and emergency service providers-and their families.  Research has shown that music theraphy helps veterans heal from post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) and reduces the likely hood of veteran suicide. Andrew raised $250 in donations during his visit with the Colonel Tench Tilghman Chapter of the SAR toward reaching his $10,000 goal which will be donated to the Warrior Music Foundation that provides 12 weeks of free music lessons to veterans.

During the meeting with the SAR, Andrew played the first notes of 10 patriotic tunes on his trumpet and the first meeting participant to guess each of the tunes won a prize. Andrew often plays his trumpet when requested by the VFW during veteran funerals, VFW events, and wreath laying ceremonies.

Afterwards, Colonel Tench Tilghman Chapter President, Conway Gregory, presented Andrew with checks totaling $250 and a copy of the biography of President Andrew Jackson.

If you would like to help Andrew reach his $10,000 goal of providing free music lessons to veterans, you can mail a check payable to MSSCAR to David Schenck, Maryland CAR Treasurer, 1502 Providence Road, Towson, Maryland, 21286.

The next meeting of the Colonel Tench Tilghman will occur on Saturday April 13, 2024 in Chestertown, Maryland.  Prospective members are welcome to attend.  The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR), founded in 1889, is a non-profit and non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American History, and promoting education to our future generations.

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One Mission Cambridge Hires Part-Time Fundraiser and Announces Upcoming Fundraisers

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One Mission Cambridge has hired Lauren Mikelson of Cambridge as its part-time fundraiser to aid the organization in raising the necessary funds to meet the growing needs of the Cambridge community. To date, One Mission Cambridge provides quality programs, including a food pantry, community navigation, community dinners, and counseling services to its neighbors in need.

Mikelson, a Colorado native, moved to Cambridge with her family three years ago to pursue new adventures and explore the beauty and history of the East Coast. A graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in Agricultural Business, she began her career as a production manager on a small farm in Fort Collins, Colorado. Since moving to Cambridge, she has pursued marketing and social media management at Blue Ruin. She is excited to work closely with her beloved local community to help those in need and spread the wonderful message of faith and friendship.

“We are thrilled to have Lauren helping us with raising the necessary funds to meet the growing needs in this community. Since opening in June of 2022, we have grown from serving an average of 209 individuals monthly during the first seven months to serving an average of 359 individuals monthly during the past seven months.

“Finding the resources to support this growing need among our most vulnerable populations can be challenging. We look forward to Lauren forging new partnerships with the churches, businesses, and nonprofit organizations as we move forward,” comments Krista Pettit, Director of One Mission Cambridge, who will continue to oversee all program operations, finances, and business operations for One Mission Cambridge.

“I am thrilled to begin my journey with One Mission! Krista and her coalition of churches have an amazing dream for our local community that will do wonders for people’s physical, mental, and spiritual health.  Being a part of improving people’s lives is so rewarding and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish in 2024,” states Mikelson.

“My husband and I settled in Cambridge for one primary reason – the tight-knit and welcoming community. I am excited to return the favor by creating positive change in the lives of our neighbors. I hope to align local businesses and organizations to assist One Mission’s goal of providing not just food and resources for those in need, but also counseling and shelter.”

Mikelson recently participated in the Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser sponsored by the Cambridge Wesleyan Church in February and looks forward to hosting a Purse Bingo fundraiser on Sunday, March 24. Doors open at noon and bingo starts at 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge at 5464 Elks Lodge Road in Cambridge. The cost is $30 a ticket and includes a chance to win designer purses. She is looking for sponsors for the event and to provide prize baskets. One Mission Cambridge is also selling hoodies. The cost of each hoodie is $29 each and they can be ordered online at onemissioncambridge.org.

One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 5 p.m. for services. For additional information visit onemissioncambridge.org, Facebook, and Instagram, or call 410-901-3959. For further information about donating to One Mission Cambridge, contact Lauren Mikelson at 443-205-9311 visit onemissioncambridge.org, or follow the organization on Facebook at onemissioncam. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 1495, Cambridge, MD 21613.

 

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

One Mission Cambridge Sponsors Purse Bingo Fundraiser

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One Mission Cambridge is sponsoring a Purse Bingo fundraiser on Sunday, March 24 at the Elks Lodge at 5464 Elks Lodge Road in Cambridge. Doors open at noon and bingo starts at 2 p.m. Proceeds from the event will support One Mission Cambridge’s programs, including a food pantry, community navigation, community dinners, and counseling services to help its neighbors in need.

According to Lauren Mikelson, fundraiser at One Mission Cambridge, “The event is a fun way to support One Mission Cambridge while getting a chance to win some fabulous designer purses. It’s a great way to get family or friends together to support a good cause. The need for our services is increasing daily. We hope people will buy tickets, come out, and support a good cause,” comments Mikelson.

Tickets for the Purse Bingo cost $30 each. Lunch will be provided by the Elks for an additional fee. For further information or to buy tickets visit http://weblink.donorperfect.com/Bingo2024 or call Lauren Mikelson at 443-205-9311.

One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 5 p.m. for services. For additional information visit onemissioncambridge.org, Facebook, and Instagram, or call 410-901-3959. For further information about donating to One Mission Cambridge, contact Lauren Mikelson at 443-205-9311 visit onemissioncambridge.org, or follow the organization on Facebook at onemissioncam. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 1495, Cambridge, MD 21613.

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

Studio B Art Gallery set to Unveil ‘Postcards from Italy’ with Bernie Dellario

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Angel Bridge by Bernard Dellario

Studio B Art Gallery is thrilled to announce its upcoming spring exhibition, “Postcards from Italy,” featuring the captivating works of acclaimed artist Bernie Dellario. The exhibition will run throughout the month of March, with an exclusive showcase during the First Friday Gallery Walk event on March 1, 5-8 p.m.

Dellario’s latest collection promises to transport viewers to the picturesque landscapes and charming towns of Italy, inspired by his travels. This exceptional showcase will feature 40 paintings created during Dellario’s immersive five-week journey through the Italian countryside in the fall of 2023.

Dellario’s artistic voyage began with two weeklong painting workshops, commencing in the scenic region of Umbria and culminating in the cultural hub of Florence. Along the way, he traversed a rich tapestry of Italian locales, from the historic streets of Rome to the enchanting hillside towns of Gubbio and Perugia. Each painting in the collection serves as a visual postcard, capturing the essence and allure of its respective setting.

“It was an extraordinary experience as I immersed myself into plein air painting and the Italian lifestyle,” reflects Dellario. “These paintings reveal my subject, process, and a short story about each location. Some were demonstrations during my painting workshops, and others created while on the road in between. It was an unforgettable experience, and I am very happy to share it with you.”

In a nod to Studio B Art Gallery’s longstanding support of artistic endeavors, the exhibition will also feature two paintings from each participant of the 2023 Tuscany workshop sponsored by the gallery. This inclusion adds a collaborative dimension to the showcase, celebrating the collective creativity fostered by Studio B Art Gallery’s initiatives.

“We are proud to present ‘Postcards from Italy,’ an exhibition that encapsulates the spirit of artistic exploration and cultural immersion,” said Studio B Art Gallery owner Betty Huang. “Bernie Dellario’s profound connection with Italy shines through in every brushstroke, inviting viewers on a visual odyssey through the heart of this timeless land.”

“Postcards from Italy” promises to be a highlight of the cultural calendar, offering art enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience the beauty of Italy through the eyes of a masterful artist. Don’t miss the chance to embark on this captivating journey at Studio B Art Gallery throughout the month of March.

Studio B Art Gallery is located at 7 B Goldsborough Street in historic downtown Easton, Maryland. The gallery represents nationally and internationally known painters Hiu Lai Chong, Bernard Dellario, Ken DeWaard, Betty Huang, Qiang Huang, Charles Newman, Daniel Robbins, Master Jove Wang, and sculptor Rick Casali.

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