Delmarva Public Media is excited to announce that Sandy Brown of Easton, Maryland, has joined their team as business development specialist. In this role, Sandy will help shape and manage a growing portfolio of digital sponsorship opportunities and will support the station’s strategic growth plan. 

Sandy brings a wealth of experience in business development, marketing, and sales. This includes serving as executive director of Mid-Shore Pro Bono (now Shore Legal Access) for 13 years, leading its growth into the Eastern Shore’s premier provider of free civil legal services for low-income residents. Under her leadership, MSPB expanded across the Mid-Shore and Lower Shore regions and earned Non-Profit of the Year honors from both the Talbot and Caroline County Chambers of Commerce.

Sandy has also held numerous sales and marketing positions including, national sales director at Access Group, regional sales director at EDFUND, and both a financial aid advisor and program administrator at Washington College. 

Originally from New York, Sandy moved to the Eastern Shore in 1993. A committed community volunteer, she serves on the advisory board of Talbot County Department of Social Services and the St. Michaels Farmers Market and is active with Talbot County Master Gardeners and Plein Air Easton. She lives in Easton with her husband Jesse, their two Labradors, Holly and Ivy.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sandy and look forward to the energy and expertise she brings to Delmarva Public Media,” said Judy Diaz, Delmarva Public Media general manager. 

On a quiet stretch of the Eastern Shore, nestled between the Chesapeake Bay and history-soaked fields, lies the town of Trappe, Maryland—a place where stories whisper through the walls of its homes and the spirit of community still thrives. On July 6, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, locals and visitors alike are invited to step into the charm of this small town for the “Experience the Heart of Trappe” Tour—a celebration of architecture, character, and the deeply personal narratives that make each home a treasure.

“A Journey Through Time and Design”

The tour is more than just an open house. It is a curated experience through a collection of distinctive properties, each reflecting the personality of its owners and the soul of the town. Whether it is a lovingly restored 1890 Victorian on Main Street, a quaint craftsman cottage with creaking floorboards and sunlit porches, or a contemporary hideaway with unexpected charm, every stop on the tour tells a story of transformation, legacy, and local pride. At the heart of this tour is 3860 Main Street—a showstopping Victorian masterpiece that has been thoughtfully renovated from foundation to finial. This historic gem sets the tone for the day: rich in history, yet alive with new life and purpose. 3860 Main Street, Trappe, MD 21673 3971 Main Street, Trappe, MD 21673 3868 Marvel Dr., Trappe, MD 21673

Why Trappe?

Trappe is a town in quiet bloom. With its mix of history, small-town values, and easy access to Easton, Cambridge, and the Bay, it’s becoming an increasingly popular place for both full-time residents and weekenders. But the true magic of Trappe isn’t just in location—it’s in the lives lived within its homes. Whether you’re a curious local, a homebuyer searching for that perfect place, or a history lover eager to peek behind century-old doors, the Experience the Heart of Trappe Tour invites you to slow down and savor what makes this place special.

The Tour Lineup: Four Homes, Four Stories: This self-guided tour will feature a curated selection of homes that reflect the character and diversity of Trappe:

 3860 Main Street – The crown jewel: a fully restored Victorian masterpiece. – $675,000
 3971 Main Street – A charming home nestled in the heart of Trappe’s historic core, filled with light and personality. – $399,000
 3868 Marvel Drive – A welcoming and beautifully maintained residence, where warmth and function meet. – $450,000

Each home will have hosts on-site ready to share its history, renovation journey, and distinctive features. Whether you’re a home enthusiast, prospective buyer, or lover of local history, there’s something on this tour for you.

More Than Just a Tour

The Experience the Heart of Trappe Tour is a celebration of community, architecture, and the enduring appeal of small-town life. You’ll leave not just inspired by the design and stories behind these homes, but with a deeper appreciation for Trappe itself—a town quietly shining with possibility. So come out on July 6, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM Bring a friend. Share a smile with a neighbor. And discover why, in Trappe, every home really does have a story.

Editor’s Note: For many on the Mid-Shore, particularly in Talbot Couty, Chuck Mangold is the go-to guy to turn to when real estate comes up. For over two decades. Chuck at Benson and Mangold, the multi-generational real estate giant on the Shore, has seen the local market in good and bad times, enjoying the remarkable highs and surviving the low moments. So, when the Spy was thinking of an ongoing series devoted to one of the region’s most important economic sectors, Mr. Mangold was our first choice. And we are particularly grateful Chuck has agreed to participate.

In our quarterly with check-in with Chuck last week, we were surprised (and delighted) to hear his upbeat summary of the real etate market, both commerical and residentail, in the Mid-Shore region. Even more interesting was Chuck’s overall forecast for 2025 despite the voloilitty found in other parts of the country.

This video is approximately nine minutes in length. For more information about Chuck Mangold please go to his website here. 

Edward H. Kaplan, since 2007 the chair of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission, will retire from that post effective June 30, 2025.  Governor Wes Moore has appointed Richard J. Bodorff, current vice chair of the commission, to succeed Mr. Kaplan as chair.  The commission is the governance board for Maryland Public Television.

Richard Bodorff

Kaplan, a Potomac, Maryland, resident, was first named to the commission in 1996.  The real estate developer and entrepreneur steered the commission through some of MPT’s most tumultuous times including the 2009 change from analog to digital broadcasting; the 2017 introduction of four distinct channels emanating from the network’s Owings Mills headquarters; the 2016 launch of MPT Passport video streaming; and the periodic challenges to federal funding for public television.

Together with his wife, Irene, Edward Kaplan became the single-largest individual donor to MPT.  The 8,500-square-foot Irene and Edward H. Kaplan Production Studio was named for the couple in 2019.

MPT’s next commission chair, Richard Bodorff – the ninth in commission history – was appointed to the commission in 2020.  A year earlier, he was elected as the chair of the MPT Foundation, Inc., the 501 (c)(3) fundraising arm of MPT.  A communications law practitioner in Washington, D.C., he has been associated with the law firm Wiley Rein, LLP, for more than 35 years, where he has served as counsel to broadcasters on matters pertaining to the Federal Communications Commission.

The Easton, Maryland, resident is a current or former board member for a number of national and local nonprofit and industry organizations, ranging from the New York City-based Broadcasters Foundation of America to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and the advocacy organization America’s Public Television Stations, based in Washington, D.C.  He is a graduate of Denison University and the Vanderbilt University School of Law.  Richard and his wife, Ellen, are also major donors to Maryland Public Television.

Commenting on the retirement of Chair Kaplan, Bodorff, chair-elect, said, “Eddie Kaplan’s 18-year tenure at the head of our commission is the longest and most distinguished service by any chair since this governing body was established in 1966.  His service spanned a remarkable period of growth for MPT, and his calm hand at the helm certainly contributed to the success of the network over nearly two decades.”

The commission chair change coincides with the June 30, 2025, retirement of Maryland Public Television President and CEO Larry D. Unger.  He will be succeeded by Steven J. Schupak, MPT’s current executive vice president and station manager, who was selected after a national search earlier this year.

Addressing the change in Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission leadership, Unger noted, “Maryland Public Television is fortunate indeed to have had the management expertise and insights of Eddie Kaplan during his remarkable 29 years of commission service, and I’m delighted that Dick Bodorff will take over the reins to keep our mission in the forefront and our service ethic strong.  I am deeply grateful for the legacy of Eddie and the vision of Dick.  The best years of MPT are, as they say, yet to come!”

Qlarant Chief Technology Officer Will Mapp, III joins the Leadership Maryland Executive Program class of 2025. As a member of the 32^nd class, Mapp joins 53 other executives from across the state to complete the eight-month, hands-on learning program.

Leadership Maryland’s flagship Executive Program is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in either their careers and/or their communities. Leadership Maryland members have a desire to learn more about Maryland’s most critical issues and a personal commitment to be a force for positive change in their organizations, their communities, and their state.

As Chief Technology Officer, Will Mapp keeps a constant eye on the future and ensures Qlarant is at the forefront of the latest and emerging technologies. He has an extensive background in software product development and building new, innovative technologies. His focus is on delivering high customer value by using the right mix of human technique and advanced technology.

I’m excited to spend time with the other people in my class examining challenging issues,” said Mapp. “This allows me the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and engage in interesting dialog.”

The program runs from April to December, and includes five, two-day sessions focused on Maryland’s five main geographic regions. Sessions consider the most vital issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and multi-culturalism across the state. More than 100 experts representing Maryland’s business, government, education, and non-profit communities will serve as panelists and guest speakers.

Mapp has been with Qlarant since 2020 in the role of Chief Technology Officer and focuses his efforts on the company’s RIViR® technology—a high-powered, artificially intelligent, data analytics platform designed to identify risk and guide users to meaningful resolutions. Prior to that, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Studio Code Works, a software development and technology solution company located in Silver Spring, Maryland. In that role, he built an IP portfolio spanning mobile, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and web technologies that included contracts with US Census Bureau (2 Patents Pending, Registered Trademarks, and Copyrights).

Mapp is a past Indus Entrepreneurs fellow of the RH Smith School of Business, has specializations in Gamification from the Wharton School of Business, and proven experience using machine learning and artificial intelligence in media.

“We are excited to announce our next class and welcome these accomplished and motivated individuals to the Executive Program,” said David Fike, President and CEO, Leadership Maryland (class of 2016). “After a careful review and interview process, I am confident that this class represents a powerful cross-section of leaders who have a strong desire to make a broader impact within our state.”

Several Qlarant leaders are graduates of the Maryland Leadership Executive Program including the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Technology Officer, and the former President of Qlarant Integrity Solutions. “We find the experience impactful for our senior leadership team,” said Qlarant Chief Executive Officer Ron Forsythe, Jr, PhD. “We are proud to continue our participation in this much respected 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 $7 million in grants to charities throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Qlarant has a 50-year record of accomplishment improving the performance of some of the Nation’s most important programs. Headquartered in Easton, MD, Qlarant has offices throughout the country and employs over 550 people. Qlarant is a five-time winner of the Best Places to Work award. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact [email protected]

The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), the only premier trade association representing the U.S. craft spirits industry, awarded LYON RUM gold and silver medals in the 11th Annual American Craft Spirits Competition. Founder Jaime Windon was honored in person at the recent ACSA Convention & Expo in Tucson, AZ. Windon also serves on the board of the association, and although LYON RUM does not generally enter spirits in competitions, she felt compelled to select three LYON RUM expressions for entry this round.

“We’ve always been more focused on collaboration than competition,” says Windon, “However, this year I was inspired to showcase our rums, not only for the judges, but for the reception where hundreds of distillers gather to sample each other’s spirits on the final night of the convention. Being in community with our fellow American craft distillers is paramount, and sharing our spirits with each other is simply the best.”

The ACSA Competition is based purely on numerical scoring rather than typical collaborative discussions. Spirits are scored on appearance, aroma intensity, aroma complexity, palate concentration, palate complexity, body, character and nature of alcohol, texture, and finish.

In addition to Best in Show and the Best of Class distinctions, the judging panel awarded 35 gold, 162 silver, and 114 bronze medals. Only one gold medal was awarded in the rum category, making LYON RUM a true standout among it’s peers. LYON White Rum and Overproof Pineapple both received excellent scores and were awarded silver medals.

The Best of Class Rum distinction, the highest honor, was awarded to LYON RUM for the Sailors Reserve, one of the distillery’s signature rums. Sailors Reserve is double distilled from Louisiana sugar cane and molasses, in traditional pot stills, and aged for 2-years in former bourbon barrels before being bottled at 100 proof. While most people are familiar with LYON Dark Rum, spirits aficionados have always revered the Sailors Reserve. LYON RUM currently offers a variety of expressions, including six year round rums, two seasonal rum liqueurs, and special holiday releases.

“We love rum — and are incredibly proud that a young American rum earned the top honor,” Windon remarked. “After 11 years of being fully committed to producing a true cane-to-glass rum, it’s a wonderful feeling to see this spirit fully appreciated; enjoyed not only by our loyal rum lovers and peers, but also recognized as excellent by a panel of experts.”

Dedicated to improving the reputation of American Rum, Windon and her team are relentless advocates for rum, championing the merits and delights of cane spirits from all over the world.

“Rum is a truly global spirit, and yet it is also uniquely American. As the oldest craft distillery in Maryland, now in our 12th year of making rum, we are proud to reignite an interest in, and passion for, distinctive and delicious American rum,” Windon said.

The distillery is open daily for complimentary samples in the Windon Distilling Spirit Shop & Tasting Room located at 605 S. Talbot Street, Unit #6 in Saint Michaels, Maryland.

For more info visit www.lyonrum.com

Maryland tech and consulting businesses would bear the brunt of a late-filed proposal to subject some business services to a 2.5% sales tax.

Nearly one dozen services would pay $944 million in sales taxes in fiscal 2026, according to an analysis released Tuesday by the Department of Legislative Services. In that first year, technology and consulting services would pay nearly $625 million.

Kelly Schulz, chief executive officer of the Maryland Tech Council, said the tax will force businesses in her industry to close or leave the state at a time when growing the private sector has become a focus of Gov. Wes Moore (D).

“Governor Moore has repeatedly spoken about making life science and IT strategic industry sectors for investment and the need to have a strategy to grow these sectors,” Schulz said in written testimony that will be delivered at a House hearing Wednesday. “We agree with the governor’s sentiment. However, the additional 2.5% B2B sales tax is in direct contrast to that goal and risks to undermine efforts to support these industries.”

Moore this year made diversifying the state economy and easing the state’s dependence on federal employment a top priority. He has not said whether he will support the service sales tax, which was introduced only last week as lawmakers scramble to close a $3 billion budget gap.

“We’re going through it and looking at it now, but I had three principles that I laid out when we first introduced our budget,” Moore told reporters last week. “And that was we had to be able to give middle class families a bit of relief, and we had to be able to make sure that we weren’t going to build the economy on their backs. The second was that we had to make it easier for businesses to be able to come here and grow and scale in Maryland. The third was that we have to invest in our people whatever proposals come out of this.

“If it meets those criteria, that’s a proposal that I will work with and I’m good with, but if it does not, that’s not a proposal that I am good with,” he said.

Ferguson warns of ‘Maryland recession’ as report says state has greatest risk from federal cuts

Schulz wrote that the General Assembly should “view its actions through a lens of economic competitiveness.”

The legislative analysis characterizes the effect on small business as “potentially meaningful.”

Schulz, in her testimony, is more blunt.

“This proposal will put Maryland at a disadvantage in growing, attracting, and retaining businesses, including those in the life sciences and technology sectors. Maryland is already a costly state to conduct business; this proposal would further exacerbate those operating costs,” she said.

Schulz is one of more than 400 businesses signed up to testify against the House version of the bill at a House Ways and Means Committee hearing Wednesday. The businesses, ranging from small companies such as Chick & Ruth’s Delly in Annapolis and Phillips Seafood, to Under Armour and Northrop Grumman, will be limited to 90 seconds of testimony each.

The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee will hold a hearing later on Wednesday afternoon on the identical Senate Bill 1045.

Analysts project that the tax, as currently drafted, could generate more than $1.4 billion by fiscal 2030.

House Majority Leader Del. David Moon (D-Montgomery), lead sponsor of the House bill, said “the starting point for this year’s discussion was a much narrower bill” than the sales tax on all services he unsuccessfully proposed last year.

“Whether every category in here stays, I can’t tell you, because the committee is going to have to take a look at and figure out what they what they want,” said Moon.

Moon said he didn’t draft this year’s bill with a revenue target in mind.

“I think the hope is, and whether it’s this tax proposal or more cuts or additional different revenues than what this one’s proposed, I think the hope is to, obviously, we have to deal with the current $3 billion (deficit), and to try and leave some cushion for additional hits from the federal government,” Moon said. “The Board of Revenue Estimates write-down of $280 million or so was a floor. I think many of us are looking at what’s going on and anticipating significant additional revenue drops to be announced in the coming months.”

On Monday, Moody’s Ratings released a report  that said Maryland was the most vulnerable state in the nation to ongoing federal budget cuts and employee layoffs. Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) warned of the potential for a “Maryland recession” because of the cuts.

Maryland Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mary D. Kane said the service tax proposal has united the business community.

“The overwhelming opposition from the business community isn’t about avoiding responsibility — it’s about preventing a policy that will do more harm than good,” Kane said in a statement. “A strong economy is the foundation for sustainable funding, and we remain committed to working on solutions that address the budget deficit without driving businesses, jobs, and investment out of Maryland.”

The proposal appears to have some support in both the House and Senate. Ferguson, speaking to reporters Tuesday, said the bill deserves serious consider

ation.

Both Ferguson and Moon said the legislature will likely reach a compromise on a budget with more than $2 billion in cuts.

“This is one of the tougher parts of this job is when you have a deficit like this and trying to figure out how to get out of it,” Moon said. “We said at the beginning of this session, not everyone was going to be happy. Someone was going to have to take a haircut on the policy decisions coming out of here.”

He warned that failing to find revenues would result in important services being cut.

“If they’re ready to line up for a billion in additional cuts — we’re talking about DDA [Development Disabilities Administration], health care, things like that, things that people currently don’t seem to have an appetite for cutting — certainly they’re welcome to put things back in that posture,” Moon said. “Alternatively, we had all sorts of other tax proposals, itemized deductions, combined reporting, I-gaming. Those are all in the same committee.

“That same committee has heard all of these proposals,” he said. “Every single one of them is going to bring out different people who really don’t want it. So, I just think that’s where we are.”

by Bryan P. Sears, Maryland Matters
March 11, 2025

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: [email protected].

Qlarant Foundation announced that they have selected Lamont Thompson, DPT as the 2025 Board Chair, replacing Amanda Neal who has joined Qlarant as Qlarant Foundation Executive Director. Dr. Thompson was most recently Vice Chair of the Foundation and has been on the Board since January 1, 2019.

“As I become Chair, I hope to facilitate a continued focus toward Qlarant’s mission of individuals and communities in each of the areas we serve,” said Thompson.

Dr. Thompson has been a Physical Therapist with Amedisys Home Health Care since January 2023 and is certified as an Orthopedic Manual Therapist. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association participating in home health section of the APTA, as well. He has treated patients in home health, outpatient, and acute-care inpatient rehabilitation environments under an extensive variety of diagnoses. From 2008 to 2023 he worked as a Physical Therapist for University of Maryland Shore Regional Medical Health. From 2007 to 2008 he worked at Chesapeake Physical and Aquatic Therapy in Laurel, Maryland as a Physical Therapist.

From October 2007 to March 2008, Dr. Thompson was with Chesapeake Physical and Aquatic Therapy in Laurel, Maryland as a Physical Therapist. He is a Licensed Physical Therapist by the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist by Maitland Australian Physiotherapy Seminars, and a Certified Sportsmetrics™ Trainer focusing on ACL injury prevention.

Dr. Thompson joined Qlarant Foundation after meeting with then Chair, Dr. Molly Burgoyne-Brian and retired Program Coordinator Glennda Moragne El. “They extended an invitation for me to be a part of this tremendous team,” added Thompson. “I was attracted to the organization by the amazing work that the Board supports throughout the region. I see so many opportunities for improvement and maintenance of healthy lifestyles in our region, especially with regard to exercise. I see the work that is already being done, and it’s exciting to be a part of the transformation.”

In 2025, Qlarant Foundation began accepting grants from Texas, Florida, and Georgia. “I’m hoping the expansion will drive growth within our organization celebrate and walk alongside all areas of the country that we serve,” he continued. “We want to let each of them know we see them and want to support their continued drive to have a long-standing impact in the community.”

“We are driven to identify organizations that are focused on improving the quality of life of their surrounding communities. We are passionate about supporting and propping up those members of our society who are looking to create an overall movement toward equitable access to healthy living.”

Dr. Thompson earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2007 from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

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 $7 million in grants to charities throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Qlarant has a 50-year record of accomplishment improving the performance of some of the Nation’s most important programs. Headquartered in Easton, MD, Qlarant has offices throughout the country and employs over 550 people. Qlarant is a five-time winner of the Best Places to Work award. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact [email protected]