The Rev. Chris J. Antal, who became minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Easton on Aug. 1, will lead the first Sunday service and deliver the first sermon of his new ministry on Sept. 14.

Rev. Chris J. Antal

Antal and his wife XingQin Feng moved into what he calls a “small ranchhouse” located a few miles east of Oxford, west of Easton, and north of Trappe. He is the father of five adult children – Justin, Eliot, Yuna, Sulhee and Makoto – by a previous marriage. Chris and XingQin visited the Eastern Shore for the first time while he was interviewing for the UUFE opening.

“We both felt immediately drawn to the natural beauty and historic significance of the region,” he said, adding that he was impressed with the UUFE leadership in sharing how the fellowship acted with what he gathered is “a fierce commitment to spiritual values and meaningful engagement with the surrounding community.”

Joy Gaddy, a member of the leadership team who interviewed Antal and traveled to Philadelphia with another member to witness his ministry as a Veterans Administration chaplain, shared her impressions: “Throughout our search process for a new minister, what impressed us most was Rev. Chris’ depth of knowledge and the way he spoke about Unitarian Universalism and issues of interest to our congregants. We felt that his manner and approach would be an excellent fit for our fellowship.”

After he signed a two-year contract as minister, the empty-nesters moved into their new home. XingQin’s son, Yang, a teenager when she and Antal married in 2023, is now in college. The couple has another home in Narberth, a suburb of Philadelphia, where since 2015 he has served at the VA hospital – now a part-time job as chaplain since starting his new ministry. XingQin, a native of China, is studying for a certified public accountant exam after a 22-year career as a financial adviser. Immigrating to the U.S., she and her son were both granted permanent U.S. residency last year.

In his time off between jobs, Antal says he enjoys cycling, hiking, paddling, yoga, beekeeping and sampling craft beers. Among his chief goals in ministry is, he says, “a passion about creating a sanctuary space that fosters spiritual health, moral engagement, and prophetic witness,” adding that he “strives to embody the values of honesty, respect, fairness, responsibility and compassion.” Among his major concerns, he says, is finding the right balance between human activity and preserving the planet.

Antal was born in 1972 near Niagara Falls, but spent most of his early years on the coast of Maine, later working as dishwasher/housekeeper in a family-run B&B. He recalls being “unaffiliated with any religion” while growing up. Antal attended college at Rhode Island School of Design and Cooper Union and earned a Master’s of Arts degree from South Korea’s Yonsei University in 2003, and a Masters of Divinity from the Unification Theological Seminary the following year.

By that time, Antal says he felt a calling to ordained ministry. He joined the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, New York and then interned at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany. He was ordained in March 2011 and hired as a contract minister by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern, a Hudson Valley community.

Taking a leave of absence in 2012 to deploy in Afghanistan as a U.S. Army battalion chaplain, Antal established the Kandahar Crossroad Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, where he delivered a controversial sermon on Veterans Day and was reprimanded by a general for “politically inflammatory” speech. After his release from active duty for “retraining,” Antal, who had been promoted to captain, made national headlines when he resigned his commission in a 2016 letter to President Barack Obama, who released it in redacted form. The letter read, in part, “I resign because I refuse to support the U.S. armed drone policy . . . of unaccountable killing.” He left with an honorable discharge.

The Rev. Dr. Chris J. Antal earned his doctorate at Hartford (Connecticut) International University for Religion & Peace during his return to the UU Congregation at Rock Tavern, where he had served since 2011. In 2018, he became a fulltime staff chaplain at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia.

Antal succeeds the Rev. Sue Browning, who moved on in late June after 12 years as UUFE’s minister. Established in 1960, the UU Fellowship at Easton is a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association, which Antal describes as “a liberal religion that is welcoming to all people who covenant to live well in right relationship with people and the planet.” According to UUA’s “What We Believe” statement of faith: “We create spirituality and community beyond boundaries, working for more justice in our own lives and in the world.”

Sunday services begin at 10 a.m. at the Fellowship, 7401 Ocean Gateway (U.S. 50), Easton; uufeaston.org, 410-822-8103

Evergreen Cyano-phtogram, Diptych 2024

Adkins Arboretum is pleased to present Actinic Traces, an exhibition of chlorophyll prints and phytograms by artist Laurie Beck Peterson, on view in the Arboretum’s Visitor’s Center Art Gallery from September 2 through October 31. A public reception will be held on Saturday, September 13, from 2 to 4 pm. 

Laurie Beck Peterson works in close collaboration with plants, sunlight, and time to create images that seem to levitate off their surfaces. Using the natural chemistry of leaves and the UV rays of the sun, her chlorophyll prints and phytograms capture fragile impressions of the plant 

world. Chlorophyll printing is a sustainable photographic process that replaces traditional darkroom chemicals with living leaves and sunlight. Phytograms are made by pressing plants onto light-sensitive paper or film, where their oils and moisture leave behind delicate, abstract patterns. 

The making of these works is often invisible to the eye. Exposures take place over long periods, shaped by weather and light. Development depends on the plant’s own cellular structure, and in the case of chlorophyll prints, the images continue to shift even after they are first revealed. Each work becomes a record of time and change, holding onto the subtle traces of natural processes. 

“I create images that resist permanence and precision, favoring instead ephemerality, decay, and organic authorship,” Peterson explains. “These works are not static artifacts; they are temporal surfaces, slowly fading, reminding us of our shared fragility and deep entwinement with the ecologies we often overlook.” 

For this exhibition, Peterson also explores new ways of presenting her work. Some phytograms are mounted inside clear acrylic boxes, while the chlorophyll leaf prints are displayed atop pedestals that evoke both scientific specimens and fragile jewelry. Other prints are illuminated from behind, their glowing exteriors recalling the experience of looking through a microscope into the hidden cross-sections of plants. These varied presentations highlight the dual identity of the images as both specimen and artwork, encouraging viewers to reflect on the interconnections between humans and the natural world. 

Actinic Traces highlights Peterson’s ongoing interest in impermanence, ecological awareness, and the role of natural systems in shaping images. Her work asks viewers to slow down, notice subtle changes, and see photography not as control over materials but as a partnership with the forces that sustain life. 

Laurie Beck Peterson (b. 1962) is recognized for her innovative use of 19th-century photographic processes in contemporary contexts. Her work explores themes of impermanence, ephemerality, and the natural cycles of growth and decay. Currently a faculty member at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture in Philadelphia, she has exhibited nationally and internationally, with recent highlights including her selection for the Royal Photographic Society’s International Photography Exhibition 164 at the Fox Talbot Museum, Lacock Abbey, UK. She is represented by UpStart Modern Gallery in Sausalito, California.

This exhibition is part of Adkins Arboretum’s ongoing series highlighting regional artists whose work engages with natural themes. The Arboretum is located at 12610 Eveland Road in Ridgely, Maryland. 

For gallery hours or more information, contact Adkins Arboretum at 410-634-2847, or visit adkinsarboretum.org. 

A 400-acre native garden and preserve, Adkins Arboretum provides exceptional experiences in nature to promote environmental stewardship. 

The Neighborhood Service Center invites community members, businesses, faith groups, and organizations to make a difference by contributing much-needed personal and household items for the upcoming 2025 Talbot Resource Expo, taking place Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Easton Elementary School.

The Talbot Resource Expo is more than a single day of services — it is a bridge to self-sufficiency for individuals and families in need. Each year, the Expo connects residents with vital resources such as energy assistance, health screenings, veteran services, educational programs, food distribution, and more. These services help people stabilize their immediate situations and take the next steps toward independence and long-term well-being.

The need in Talbot County is growing, particularly among seniors. Rising costs for housing, utilities, food, and healthcare mean many older adults are struggling to make ends meet — often for the first time in their lives. Families with children, single adults, and seniors alike turn to the Expo to access essentials they might otherwise go without.

How You Can Help
The Expo is seeking donations of new, unopened cleaning products, hygiene items, paper goods, and socks, including:

• Cleaning Products: Laundry detergent, bleach, all-purpose cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, trash bags, dish detergent, dish cloths, scrubbers/sponges
• Hygiene Products: Toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, body wash, bar soap, lotion, deodorant, wash cloths, towels, baby and adult diapers, wipes
• Paper Goods: Paper towels, toilet paper
• Miscellaneous: Socks

The Talbot Resource Expo is powered by community generosity — your contribution helps create a stronger, more resilient Talbot County.

Donation Drop-off & Pick-up Options

• Drop Talbot Resource Expo donations at Neighborhood Service Center, 126 Port Street, Easton, MD
• Leave donations at one of these drop-off sites during September 2025:
  • Brookletts Place, 400 Brookletts Avenue, Easton
  • St. Michaels Community Center, 103 Railroad Avenue, St. Michaels
  • Talbot County Free Library, 100 W. Dover Street, Easton

“By donating essential items, you’re not only helping meet immediate needs, you’re empowering our neighbors to work toward stability and self-reliance,” said Cardeaner Robinson, Maryland Energy Assistance Program Director for Neighborhood Service Center. “Your support can make all the difference for a family, a senior, or an individual who just needs a helping hand to move forward.”

For more information, call Cardeaner Robinson at 410-763-6746.

A rare collection of Corvettes will grace the waterfront lawn of the Kent Island Yacht Club as an invitational class of the 18th annual St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance on Chesapeake Bay. The public event is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 28, as a ticketed event, with entrant‑only dates set for Sept. 26–28.

Featured cars include the 1957 Corvette “Sebring Racer” No. 3; 1960 Corvette “Briggs Cunningham Le Mans Racer” No. 1; 1962 Corvette “Sebring Racer” No. 5; 1968 Corvette factory L‑88 “Band‑Aid Racer” No. 12; 1968 L‑88 Corvette Sunray Oil DX‑2 Racer; and the 1969 Greenwood factory L‑88 Corvette Racer No. 49.

The Concours will also spotlight Rolls-Royce as the Grand Marque in honor of the Phantom’s centennial. A special class of De Tomaso supercars and an invitational lineup of racing Corvettes enhance the excitement. Rounding out the automotive showcase is the Winners’ Circle, featuring past best-of-show winners from other prestigious events such as Cincinnati, Greenwich, Radnor Hunt, Amelia Island, and more.

The weekend will also shine a light on Chesapeake Bay yachting, with classic motor yachts and wooden speedboats on display. Entries for the Concours d’Elegance are available online through a brief application process.

This year’s St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance on Chesapeake Bay is presented by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Washington, with major sponsors including Bentley Motors, Aston Martin, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and McLaren Washington. Additional sponsors include the Schaubach Collection; Red Horse Motoring Club; Fred Frederick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Easton; Prestige Auto Vault; Preston Automotive Group; Treasured Motorcar Services; and others.

Concours Chair Luke L. Phipps says the Kent Island Yacht Club offers the ideal setting for the event, bringing together fine motoring, local flavors, scenic waterfront views, and the unique charm of the Eastern Shore.

“These cars represent not just engineering excellence but living history,” Phipps said. “Their presence elevates our entire showcase.”

“Each weekend is a celebration of craftsmanship and community,” Phipps said. “With locally sourced food, craft beverages, live music, vendors, and a festive atmosphere, it’s a complete experience for both car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.”

For entrant applications, sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and more, visit www.smcde.org.

About St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance on Chesapeake Bay

The St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance on Chesapeake Bay is a prestigious automotive event taking place at the Kent Island Yacht Club. Now in its 18th year, the Concours showcases a curated collection of classic boats and elegant motorcars, providing a memorable experience for both participants and spectators. More is at www.smcde.org.

A small group of citizens gathered on July 31 for a community  update with the Cambridge Waterfront Development, Inc. (CWDI) board, where  details of the long-term vision for Cambridge Harbor were presented. 

Tim Crosby, chair of the CWDI Planning Committee, outlined the development’s  framework, which will feature four distinct zones: 

• Town Center – a hub for activity and commerce
• Walkable Neighborhoods – designed for vibrant, livable communities
• Maritime Trade – honoring Cambridge’s working waterfront traditions
• Community Recreation – providing space for leisure and family enjoyment

The first major project will be the construction of a boutique hotel, described by  CWDI as an essential anchor for Cambridge Harbor. Discussions are underway with  a prospective hotelier, with hopes of finalizing an agreement by the end of this year.  If design work begins in January, the hotel could open in early 2029. 

As development progresses, CWDI aims to attract partners for additional  development along Watermen’s Way, envisioned as the commercial core of  Cambridge Harbor. Plans include commercial spaces on the ground floor with  residential units above. In addition, single-family townhomes will be built along  Byrn Street to complement the existing neighborhood. 

A 1,000-foot family fishing pier will serve as a centerpiece of the waterfront. The  Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recognized the need to replace  the now-condemned Bill Burton fishing pier with a new one. DNR expressed interest  in having the new pier located somewhere off the CWDI property, and so CWDI has incorporated the pier into the design plans. CWDI will work with DNR throughout  the design process, but DNR would be the builders and owners of the pier. It will  provide a signature recreational feature for residents and visitors alike. 

The CWDI board also addressed community concerns regarding a potential new  YMCA facility at Cambridge Harbor. Board members clarified that no such  discussions are taking place, though the YMCA—like any developer—would be  welcome to respond to the upcoming offering memorandum (to be issue via a  commercial broker) in the first quarter of 2026 .

While progress may feel gradual, CWDI President Angie Hengst reminded attendees  that the board is composed of volunteers and asked the public for patience as the  vision for Cambridge Harbor takes shape. 

The board consists of several committees that meet regularly. The planning  committee, in particular, has established a great working relationship with the City’s  Planning Department and is meeting to review the proposed design guidelines and  regulating plan. 

Once the design guidelines and regulating plan are finalized, they will be presented to the City’s Planning and Zoning Board for review and then finally to City Council  for approval. CWDI encourages those interested to take part in this public process.  

Cambridge Harbor will be for everyone, and everyone has the opportunity to be  involved. 

About CWDI 

CWDI is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit development corporation and public-private  partnership made up the State of Maryland, Dorchester County and the City of Cambridge. Each partner appoints members to CWDI’s seven-member all volunteer  Board of Directors. CWDI is charged with developing the Cambridge waterfront  through a community-first approach consistent with the community’s long-term  vision. 

For more information about CWDI or Cambridge Harbor, use the QR code to link to  www.cambridgeharbor.org

When two Regal Rexnord volunteers arrived at One Mission Cambridge for their first shift stocking shelves and helping patrons at the local food pantry, they surprised staff with a $1,000 donation and hundreds of custom reusable grocery bags branded with the company’s logo.

Beth Hancock, senior human resources business partner at Regal Rexnord and community advocate, helped launch the company’s partnership after meeting Krista Pettit, director of One Mission Cambridge, through the Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce, where Hancock serves on the board of directors.

“Our associates receive 16 hours of paid volunteer time each year, and we’re always looking for meaningful ways to give back,” said Hancock. “One Mission stood out because it’s local, hands-on, and so deeply rooted in care. Everyone deserves to eat. Everyone is part of this community.”

On her first shift unpacking boxes at the pantry, Hancock had an idea to help the process and returned the following week with retractable box cutters and cut-resistant safety gloves—standard equipment at the Regal Rexnord’s manufacturing plant.

The value of community service for an organization doesn’t stop with skills, industry perspective, or time. New volunteers often identify unmet needs and find ways to meet them.

“It’s incredible how much more is needed, especially in cold months,” Hancock said.

Last winter, after witnessing shoppers arrive at the pantry without coats, Hancock asked Pettit what the greatest needs were and promptly organized a coat drive at the plant.

She placed a wardrobe rack in the Regal Rexnord atrium and announced to staff that they could hang coats there for donation to One Mission Cambridge. Staff collected and donated about 30 jackets.

“Good partners show up, notice, and solve problems,” said Krista Pettit, Executive Director of One Mission Cambridge. “Financial gifts are needed, and so are the volunteer hours.

“That hands-on connection makes a difference for everyone involved. Regal Rexnord staff saw what was needed and acted on it. That’s the kind of partnership that makes a difference.”

Regal Rexnord has a long history in Cambridge, where its facility manufactures architectural mesh (used in for stadiums, for one) and metal conveyor belts (used in the production process for Pop-Tarts and Ritz Crackers, for example).

Community service is core to Regal Rexnord’s culture, Hancock said. The company, with more than 140 employees locally, grounds that ideal with practical parameters:

• Staff members may use 16 hours annually of work time for community service.
• The company partners with nonprofit organizations serving various needs throughout the community. These include education, animal welfare, and community accessibility, among others.
• Each volunteer outing for One Mission is scheduled, and two staff members attend. This makes scheduling workflow simple.

“We always say—everyone has a little bit to give,” Hancock said. “You never know where life will take you, and it matters that we show up for each other.”

One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 5 p.m. for services at 614 Race Street. For additional information, visit onemissioncambridge.org, Facebook, or Instagram. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 1495, Cambridge, MD 21613.