The University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH), a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System, is hosting upcoming Safe Sitter® courses at UM Shore Medical Center locations in Chestertown and Easton.

The course will be taught by UM SRH Women and Children’s Department nurses and is designed for children ages 11 to 13.  Dates and times for the courses are: Saturday, January 24, March 14, June 20 and October 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton, 219 South Washington St.; and Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, 100 Brown St.

The course is designed to prepare students to be safe when they are home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting other children. The instructor-led class is taught using games and role-playing exercises so that students can practice rescue skills. Participants in the program can also expect to learn safety skills, including how to prevent unsafe situations and what to do when faced with dangers such as power failures or weather emergencies; child care skills, such as tips to manage behavior that will help sitters stay in control of themselves and the children in their care; first aid and rescue skills, including CPR and choking rescue; and life and business skills to help sitters screen potential childcare jobs, discuss fees and greet employers.

“As parents and caregivers, we all want to know our children are prepared before we trust them with the responsibility of caring for someone younger,” said Stephanie Blades, MSN, RNC-OB, clinical nurse educator for Women and Children’s Services at UM SRH. “Safe Sitter is a nationally recognized, nurse-led program that empowers pre-teens with essential, real-life skills. Through interactive lessons, hands-on practice, and age-appropriate activities, students learn in a way that’s engaging and supportive. I’ve seen the long-term impact of this course firsthand — my own children completed Safe Sitter more than a decade ago, and now I have the privilege of teaching it to a new generation.”

The cost of the program is $50, and a Safe Sitter kit will be provided to all student participants. Students should bring a lunch on the day of the program.

To register for the course, email Gladys Peeples at [email protected]. Early registration is encouraged, as class size is limited. For questions, call Stephanie Blades at 410-822-1000, ext. 5234. 

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About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health 

A member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of five counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot. UM SRH consists of approximately 2,000 team members, including more than 600 health care providers on the Medical Staff, who work with community partners to advance the values that are foundational to our mission: Compassion, Discovery, Excellence, Diversity and Integrity. For more information, visit https://www.umms.org/shore.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is an academic private health system, focused on delivering compassionate, high quality care and putting discovery and innovation into practice at the bedside. Partnering with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore who educate the state’s future health care professionals, UMMS is an integrated network of care, delivering 25 percent of all hospital care in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state of Maryland. UMMS puts academic medicine within reach through primary and specialty care delivered at 11 hospitals, including the flagship University of Maryland Medical Center, the System’s anchor institution in downtown Baltimore, as well as through a network of University of Maryland Urgent Care centers and more than 150 other locations in 13 counties. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

For All Seasons recently announced the appointment of Sidney Davenport-Trond as Director of Development and Hallie Pentheny as Director of Finance.

Sidney Davenport-Trond has been appointed as Director of Development at For All Seasons. She is co-owner of Five0Eight, LLC, a hospitality consulting agency, which she runs with her husband. Before founding the company, she was the creator and co-owner for over 20 years of Gourmet by the Bay, LLC, in St. Michaels, Maryland—a gourmet food retailer, caterer, and event planning company. She also has experience in advertising and market research. She attended The French Culinary Institute in New York, New York, and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and speech communications at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Trond has been active with local nonprofits, including serving on the Boards of Directors for CASA of the Mid-Shore and The Country School.

“The mission of For All Seasons is what drew me to apply for the position. Access to mental health services for everyone is deeply personal to me. Mental health impacts every family in some way, and I’m honored to help sustain an organization that provides hope, healing, and education across our community,” Trond states.

“I’ve been looking for a role that combines my marketing/business, event planning, and nonprofit experience. I’ve wanted to focus on development and planning for a mission-driven organization, and For All Seasons was the perfect fit,” she adds.

“The unique part about fundraising for For All Seasons is that I get to educate people about the breadth and depth of services we offer, and every single time, I see a lightbulb go off. It’s a rare occasion that someone says, ‘Well, that organization doesn’t touch my life.’ This agency touches so many because everyone knows someone who needs mental health support, education, or training. When people realize what For All Seasons does, they are genuinely more inclined to financially support our efforts,” Trond shares.

Trond lives in St. Michaels with her husband, 14-year-old daughter, and her dog. She is a horseback rider, water-skier, and beach lover, and enjoys traveling to experience great food, music, theatre, and culture.

Hallie Pentheny recently relocated from New Hampshire, where she was Controller at New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire. In that position, Pentheny led the finance team and operations, supported senior leadership in strategic planning and financial management, and participated actively in the school community. Prior to that role, she served as Accounting Manager at the college. She also has experience working in state government as an administrator and was Director of Finance and Operations at the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs. Pentheny completed a master’s degree in accounting at Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor of Arts degree at Louisiana State University.

“I have seven years of nonprofit experience and wanted a position that would be very meaningful and important. The people here are so pleasant and sensitive—it’s a really nice place to work. The agency is also mission-focused on a community need and serving a diverse audience,” Pentheny comments.

“The teamwork, collaboration, and information sharing at For All Seasons is unique—it’s just not like that everywhere. My goal is to work with the team to streamline processes to improve grant reporting and to make financial processes here faster and more efficient,” she shares.

Pentheny is in the process of moving to Easton permanently, where she will live with her husband and her dog. She has three grown children. She enjoys walking and hopes to get involved in sailing, pickleball, and art after getting settled.

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For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education and outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures that anyone can receive high-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it – regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons’ walk-in hours, call 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

The Cancer Center at University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) announces the appointment of Ashraf Youssef, MD as Medical Director of the Requard Radiation Oncology Center. UM SRH is a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS).

A board-certified general radiation oncologist with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Youssef also serves as Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He brings extensive expertise in advanced technologies including stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) and brachytherapy. Most recently, he served as Chief Radiation Oncologist at Guthrie Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, New York. His academic work includes multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national scientific meetings.

In his new role, Dr. Youssef promotes access to the full spectrum of advanced radiation therapy services and technologies available to Eastern Shore patients. He also collaborates with UMMS clinical trials research teams to further expand research and clinical trials protocol programs.

Dr. Youssef earned his medical degree from the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt, and holds a Master of Science degree in Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Surgery from Cairo University. He completed a preliminary internship in internal medicine, a residency in radiation oncology and a fellowship in brachytherapy New York Presbyterian-Methodist Hospital at Brooklyn, New York.

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About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health 

A member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of five counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot. UM SRH consists of approximately 2,000 team members, including more than 600 health care providers on the Medical Staff, who work with community partners to advance the values that are foundational to our mission: Compassion, Discovery, Excellence, Diversity and Integrity. For more information, visit https://www.umms.org/shore.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is an academic private health system, focused on delivering compassionate, high quality care and putting discovery and innovation into practice at the bedside. Partnering with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore who educate the state’s future health care professionals, UMMS is an integrated network of care, delivering 25 percent of all hospital care in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state of Maryland. UMMS puts academic medicine within reach through primary and specialty care delivered at 11 hospitals, including the flagship University of Maryland Medical Center, the System’s anchor institution in downtown Baltimore, as well as through a network of University of Maryland Urgent Care centers and more than 150 other locations in 13 counties. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

This year’s Frosty’s Holiday Village event, presented by For All Seasons and taking place at Anchor Church in Easton, featured over 50 inflatables and a larger resource tent featuring 12 resource partners who provided fun games and important resources for local families.

All activities were free and included favorites such as professional photos with Frosty and friends, holiday crafts, Letters to Santa, Cascading Carlos the Juggler, face painting, complimentary cocoa and sweet winter treats, and a continuous showing of “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” on the big screen. Participants got their photos with Frosty as well.

“It was another great year at Frosty’s Holiday Village.  After cancelling on December 5 due to weather, over a thousand people came from across the state on December 12th to experience a winter wonderland of sweet treats, fun games, nostalgic movies, arts and crafts, and holiday celebrities like Frosty, Bumble, and even Santa Claus.  Repeat visitors and newcomers alike filled the event with laughter and community.  It was a magical evening for everyone, young and old,” said Sidney Trond, Director of Development at For All Seasons.

For All Seasons is grateful to this year’s sponsors, the largest number of sponsors to date for the event. Sponsors included: St. John Foundation (Presenting Sponsor); Eastern Shore Tents and Events, Pep Up, Easton Utilities, Willow Construction, Mid-South Audio, Anchor Church, Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, and Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen & Cocktails (Frosty’s Village Sponsors); Chuck Mangold – Benson & Mangold, Choptank Electric Trust, Bridget & John Horner, Kevertin Pet Resort, RPS, Parker Counts, Talbot County Health Department, and Delmarva Laser Eye Center (Merrymaker Sponsors); Carl Pergler and Mary Lou Butler, Beth Anne & Matt Dorman, Shore Projects, LLC, Draper Media, Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A., What’s Up? Media, Stacia Skinner/Creative Training Solutions, Alexa & Tom Seip, Diane L Rohman, WCEI, Schauber & Van Schaik Insurance, Temple B’nai Israel, The Country School, Linda & Dyke Booze, Hinckley Yachts, BSC Group, Hearthstone, PKS, Len Wolf, Bill Flook, Leslie Briggs, Allie Prell, Channel Marker, Gunther’s Electric, Sidney & Jim Trond, La De Da!, Sharon Pepukayi, Olde School Builders, M.R. Hurst Contracting, Chesapeake Voyagers, James T. Worm Attorney at Law, Talbot Mentors, Melissa Kelly, Kelsey Spiker, Palmer’s Plumbing, Sally Heckman, Chesapeake College, Patti & David Cannon, Talbot Hospice, Finber, LLC (Adam & Katie Theeke), Teresa Snyder, and Lauren and Josh Weber (Inflatable Sponsors).

The agency wishes to thank our sponsors and volunteers who helped make this year’s event not only possible, but such a great success!

 For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education and outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures that anyone can receive high-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it – regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons’ walk-in hours, call 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

For All Seasons has rescheduled Frosty’s Holiday Village event for Friday, December 12, 2025, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Anchor Church at 620 Goldsborough Street in Easton, with parking available at The Country School. This year’s event will feature over 50 inflatables and a larger resource tent featuring 12 resource partners who will provide fun games and important resources for families.

All activities will be free and include favorites such as professional photos with Frosty and friends, holiday crafts, Letters to Santa, Cascading Carlos the Juggler, face painting, complimentary cocoa and sweet winter treats, and a continuous showing of “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” on the big screen. Participants are encouraged to pre-register for their photos with Frosty to avoid long wait times.

Preregistration for professional photos with Frosty is encouraged at forallseasonsfrosty.org.

For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education and outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures that anyone can receive high-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it – regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons’ walk-in hours, call 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

In honor of National Rural Health Day on November 20, 2025, For All Seasons participated in the Rural Maryland Council’s 2025 Rural Summit Health-Focused Bus Tour, showcasing innovative approaches to improving health and wellness in rural communities. Participants also visited Choptank Community Health System’s new Federalsburg Health Center and the new University of Maryland Shore Regional Health’s building site in Easton. Site visits highlighted the critical role that accessible, community-based health care and behavioral health services play in supporting rural Marylanders. The tour also offered valuable insight into successful collaborations, infrastructure investments, and innovative models advancing rural health across the state.

Participants who visited For All Seasons’ offices at 300 Talbot Street in Easton met with Beth Anne Dorman, President and CEO, to learn about the progress of the agency’s renovations at this location. The group then traveled to For All Seasons’ new administrative office at 111 E. Dover Street in Easton, where they toured the agency’s Center for Learning – a dedicated training space that will host community workshops, professional development opportunities, and prevention-focused education for the Eastern Shore.

“We are grateful for partners like the Rural Maryland Council who are committed to advancing behavioral health, access to care, and well-being for rural communities across our state,” commented Beth Anne Dorman, President and CEO of For All Seasons.

For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education & outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures anyone can receive the highest-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it, regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsinc.org.

For All Seasons will host the fifth annual Frosty’s Holiday Village event on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Anchor Church at 620 Goldsborough Street in Easton, with parking available at The Country School. This year’s event will feature over 50 inflatables and a larger resource tent featuring 12 resource partners who will provide fun games and important resources for families.

All activities will be free and include favorites such as professional photos with Frosty and friends, holiday crafts, Letters to Santa, Cascading Carlos the Juggler, face painting, complimentary cocoa and sweet winter treats, and a continuous showing of “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” on the big screen. Participants are encouraged to pre-register for their photos with Frosty to avoid long wait times.

Resource partners to be featured at the event to date include Talbot County Health Department, Talbot County Parks & Recreation, Sante Group, Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, Talbot County Free Library, Talbot County Department of Social Services, Anchor Church, CareFirst BlueCross and BlueShield. Presenting sponsors include The St. John Foundation, Willow Construction, Eastern Shore Tents and Events, and Easton Utilities. Additional sponsors include PepUp, A Tri Gas Family Company; Talbot County Health Department, La De Da!, Mid-South Audio, Anchor Church, Christ Church Easton, Carl Pergler and  Mary Lou Butler, Beth Anne and Matt Dorman, Tom and Alexa Seip, Diane L. Rohman, Leslie Briggs, Bill Flook, Len and Ann Wolf, Diane Flagler, Sally Heckman, Melissa Kelly and family, Sharon Pepukayi, Teresa Snyder, Sidney and Jim Trond, and Lauren and Josh Weber.

“Through the generous support of our sponsors, we can continue to provide a free event for hundreds of families to celebrate the holiday season. It has become a community tradition that brings joy to those who attend each year,” comments Sidney Trond, Director of Development, For All Seasons.

Preregistration for professional photos with Frosty is encouraged at forallseasonsfrosty.org.

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For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education and outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures that anyone can receive high-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it – regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons’ walk-in hours, call 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

Stephen Carter-Hicks, a musical performer with a rich history on Broadway, national tours, and with Cirque du Soleil, will join the guests at the Talisman Therapeutic Riding Sleigh Celebration on December 5th from 5:00 to 8:00 at the Hyatt Kent Island. 

Known for his powerful vocal performances and engaging stage presence, Carter-Hicks performed in Cats as Old Deuteronomy, played key roles in Beauty and the Beast

and served seven years as wig master, vocal coach, and performer with Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity.  He is an accomplished cabaret artist with three recorded albums, including Step Into My Parlor, available on Apple Music and other streaming platforms.

Beyond the spotlight, Carter-Hicks carries an important message of resilience. Diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), he is a dedicated advocate and long-time volunteer for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA). He frequently leverages his performances to raise awareness and funds for the incurable disease.

Tickets are $150 per person and $1,500 for reserved table of eight. For further information, go to www.talismantherapeuticriding.org or call 443-239-9400.

Choptank Community Health System is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Rural Health Day on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

The observance was created in 2011 by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health. It is held each year to spotlight the unique challenges facing rural communities and to honor the resilience of the nearly 61 million people who call rural America home.

“Rural communities are the backbone of our state, and their health is vital to our collective future,” said Choptank Health President and CEO Sara Rich. “We’re proud to celebrate National Rural Health Day and honor the unwavering commitment of rural healthcare providers, organizations, and community leaders who work every day to improve the lives of others.”

This year, Choptank Health marked the occasion by participating in the Rural Maryland Council’s Health-Focused Bus Tour, which highlighted Choptank Health’s new Federalsburg Health Center. The tour highlighted the innovative approaches Choptank Health is using to improve health and wellness for the Mid-Shore’s rural communities.

“Our Federalsburg Health Center is a great example of the critical role that accessible, community-based medical, dental and behavioral health services play in supporting our communities,” said Rich. “Each of our seven health centers is strategically located to address the needs of each community we serve.”

Founded in 1978 as Caroline Health Services, Inc., Choptank Health began as a private, nonprofit organization with a clear mission to provide comprehensive primary health care to the residents of Caroline County.

In 1980, the organization opened its first health center in Goldsboro, staffed by two providers. Choptank continues to serve patients in Goldsboro, a testament to Choptank Health’s longstanding dedication to community health.

Over time, Choptank Health expanded its services and regional footprint. The organization began establishing school-based health centers in 1999, and dental services were added in 2001.

“Today, Choptank Health provides medical, dental, behavioral, and school-based health services to more than 30,000 children and adults in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties,” said Rich.

Rich noted that programs such as telehealth, mobile health, and school-based health help Choptank Health reach more people in the most rural regions.

Choptank Health’s Mobile Health Unit travels weekly to communities such as Marydel and Millington, offering same-day and walk-up medical, behavioral, and dental services. The unit also takes part in community health fairs and other regional events.

In partnership with local public schools, Choptank Health operates School-Based Health Centers in Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties. These centers offer coordinated medical, dental, nutrition, and behavioral health care for enrolled students and school staff.

Rich said that by bringing care directly into neighborhoods, schools, and underserved areas, Choptank Health continues to reduce barriers and make services more accessible to Mid-Shore residents.

Choptank Community Health System provides medical and dental care to more than 30,000 adults and children, fulfilling its mission to deliver exceptional, comprehensive, and integrated health care for all. New medical patients are welcome at all Choptank locations. More information is available at www.choptankhealth.org.

Details about National Rural Health Day are at www.powerofrural.org.