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August 11, 2022

Cambridge Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Cambridge Community

Food and Garden Garden Notes

Book Talk, Dorchester Farmers and Their Roots: August 24, 3 p.m.

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Meet local author Carlton Nabb and enjoy an entertaining afternoon as he shares stories from his new book Dorchester Farmers and their Early Roots. This event is free, however Mr. Nabb invites attendees to make financial donations at the door to benefit the Dorchester Senior Meals program and the DCS Community Food Pantry.  Copies of the book will also be available for sale.

The book talk will be held at the Chesapeake Grove Intergeneration Center, 108 Chesapeake St. Cambridge Md. 21613

For more information, Call Mary Handley at 443-521-3084

CAN Notes on the July 21 Board of Education Meeting

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1. Closed Session, 4:00 p.m.
2. Regular Session, 6:00 p.m.

2.01 Pledge of Allegiance
2.02 Approval of the Regular Agenda for July 21, 2022. Approved.
2.03 Calendar:
Monday, August 8, 2022: New Teachers Report to Work for School Year 2022-2023, NDMS
Thursday, August 18, 2022 4:00 pm: August Meeting of the Dorchester County Board of Education DCTC
Monday, August 22, 2022: All Teachers Report to Work for School Year 2022-2023
Monday, August 29, 2020: Grades 1-5, 6 and 9 Report for School. All SDS Grades Report for School.
Tuesday, August 30, 2022: Grades 1-12 Report to School
Wednesday, August 31, 2022: PreK and K Report for the First Day of School
Monday, September 5, 2022: Schools/Offices Closed for Labor Day

2.04 Comments from the Public:
Speaker #1 The Speaker, Vice Chair of Lower Eastern Shore Sierra Club, strongly endorsed taking advantage of the EPA grant opportunity to provide electric school buses and the supporting infrastructure to DCPS. The EPA has designated Dorchester as a priority a county and will provide up to 25 buses and the supporting infrastructure at no cost. The Speaker pointed out that DCPS will soon be faced with mandatory conversion to electric busses and will face fines for failure to comply. The Speaker noted that DCPS cannot, from a fiscal standpoint, afford to pass up this opportunity.
Speaker #2 The Speaker also endorsed taking advantage of the EPA grant opportunity which makes electric school buses and infrastructure available at no cost to Dorchester County as one of five priority counties. She also noted that DCPS will soon be faced with mandatory conversion to electric busses and will face fines for failure to comply. The Speaker noted that DCPS cannot, from a fiscal standpoint, afford to pass up this opportunity.
Speaker #3 The Speaker urged the Board to take advantage of the opportunity from EPA to acquire electric school buses and infrastructure at no cost to Dorchester County. The Speaker noted the importance of this opportunity as highlighted by the two previous speakers.
Speaker #4 The Speaker thanked the Board for its strong support of summer programs for children. The noted that representatives from the Latino community came to the Speaker expressing concern because there are no Spanish language versions of the DCPS website and robocall system. They are also concerned about the lack of interpreters in schools and noted that bilingual students are being called upon to interpret for other students with no oversight for accuracy.
Speaker #5 The Speaker echoed appreciation of the Board’s support for community programs for children. The Speaker noted that recent classroom observations have demonstrated that teachers are overwhelmed by large classroom sizes and uncooperative children. The Speaker urged the Board to consider reducing class sizes and/or evening out class sizes in schools across the county. The Speaker also asked the Board to consider providing students with options to attend public schools outside their assigned areas and to provide transportation to support these options.
2.05 Safe Schools Reopening Plan – Ms. Regina Teat, Director of Leaderships & School Improvement. Ms. Teat indicated that changes to the plan may be required if mandated by the State Health Department. *

3. Consent Agenda
3.01 Approval of Personnel Items for July 21, 2022
3.02 Approval of Personnel Items for July 14, 2022
3.03 Approval of the Minutes of the June 16, 2022, Regular Board of Education Meeting *
3.04 Second Read/Approval of BOE Policy 180.06 Board of Education: Meetings *
3.05 Second Read/Approval of BOE Policy 100.01 Board of Education: Board Policy; Board Policy *
3.06 Approval of BOE Policy 100.02 Board of Education: Board Policy; Boardmanship *
3.07 Additional Grants Acceptance: 1. Grant from MSDE for $6,768,076 to be used mainly for science curriculum and staff incentives. 2. Grant from the MD Center for Computing Education for $9,044 to be used for computer science education.
3.08 Lexia LETRS Professional Development, Materials, and Licenses – Emergency Approval: This program meets the requirements of the Science of Reading MD Leads Grant initiative.

4. Items for Board Action
4.01 Special Education Staffing Plan for SY 2022-2023. Approved. *
4.02 AMN HealthCare Contract -Teleservices: Speech Therapy. $102,000. Approved.
4.03 Soliant Contract-Teleservices – One School: Speech Therapy. $135,000. Approved.
4.04 Soliant Contract – Teleservices Three Schools Speech Therapy. $126,481. Approved.
4.05 Apex Learning: Comprehensive course for high school students for credit recovery opportunities during the 2022-2023 school year. $74,790. Approved.
4.06 Purchase of School Pace Subscription for SY 22-23 from American Reading Company: Web-based student achievement dashboard that allows educators to monitor growth and performance in real-time. $59,500. Approved.
4.07 Contract for Professional Development with American Reading Company for Blended Learning: The program works with teachers in their own classrooms as they learn to integrate ELA Standards into their daily practices. $30,600. Approved.
4.08 Textbook Adoption: Hole’s Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology, McGraw-Hill © 2021: Students will have access to the hardcopy textbook as well as the eBook. Students will also have access to the interactive cadaver dissection tool used to enhance lectures and labs. $11,344.62. Dr. Morgan noted that neither electronic nor hardcopy versions of this text were provided in time for Board Members to review the text adequately. Tabled pending examination of text by Board Members.
4.09 Textbook Adoption: Inspire Physics, McGraw-Hill © 2020: Students will not only have access to the hardcopy textbook but also to the eBook. The eBook has built-in accommodation tools for our special needs population. Videos are embedded in the eBook. $7,436.52. Dr. Morgan noted that neither electronic nor hardcopy versions of this text were provided in time for Board Members to review the text adequately. Tabled pending examination of text by Board Members.
4.10 Purchase of Textbook – Inspire Science for Biology; Chemistry; Physical Science; and Environmental Science: The Inspire Science curriculum already received Board of Education approval in June 2021. The teachers want to have the physical textbooks in addition to just the eBooks for this curriculum. $72,521.07. Approved.
4.11 Purchase of Fitness Equipment for C-SDHS from Wilder Fitness Equipment: Funding from the Maryland Leads Grant. $35,967. Approved.
4.12 Approval of Virtual Day Plan: The Maryland State Department of Education requires each local Board of Education to approve a 2022-2023 Virtual Day Plan. Once the DCPS plan is approved, it will go to the State Superintendent for final approval. Dr. Collins indicated that the plan was approved last month to be posted on the DCPS website for comment. Mr. Diaz noted that a number of questions were presented to him by teachers. Dr. Collins replied that staff are working to provide satisfactory answers to questions received from the public so any problems can be addressed before implementation is needed. Dr. Collins offered to add the comments received by Mr. Diaz to the list of questions to be addressed. * Approved.
4.13 Upgrade to New Video Camera System on all Dorchester County School Buses: This new system will allow every area of a bus to be viewed eliminating blind spots in the current system. There is also a dash camera looking to the front area of the bus. Mr. Diaz raised the issue of cars passing stopped busses illegally. Drivers are instructed to note violators and the system informs the police agencies. $241,152.65. Approved.
4.14 School Infrastructure Purchase E-Rate: The use of the E-Rate program funds to purchase new network switches to replace our existing switches, which are nearing their end of service date. $116,875.83. Approved.
4.15 FY 2023 Produce Bid: granted to Simmons Center Market; with four (4) additional one-year extension options. This is the initial one-year contract period. The Board is aware that there was only a single bid, and that the owner of Simmons Market (which submitted the bid) sits on the County Board. The Attorney advised that this does not involve a conflict of interest for the Board. $100,000. Approved.
4.16 Dish Machine Replacement at Vienna Elementary: The existing machine was installed in 1975. It is failing and parts can no longer be found. $41,578. Approved.
4.17 Tray line for South Dorchester K-8: The existing tray line is one unit. One of the hot wells stopped working and parts can’t be found so the entire tray line must be replaced. New units will be separated, and the cold unit will help to keep food cold which is important for food safety and palatability. $35,806. Approved.
4.18 Tray line for Maple Elementary: The existing tray line doesn’t include a refrigerated unit for cold food which is important for food safety and palatability, and the hot unit has been deemed unsafe. $29,734. Approved.
4.19 Annual License Renewal for Microsoft Office 365 and Defender for O365 Advanced Threat Protection, Windows Server Licenses, SQL Licenses, Visio Licenses, and Audio Conferencing: Required as a part of normal operating expenses each year. $57,420.36. Approved.
4.20 FY 22 Budget Amendment. Financial record closeout with reconciliation of categorical over/under spending. *
4.21 Annual Update Educational Facilities Master Plan (EFMP): Pre-requisite to be eligible for State funding of the Capital Improvement Plan. There are no substantive updates from the most recently approved document other than enrollment, inventory, programmatic, and future project priority updates. Approved *
4.22 Hurlock Elementary School (HES)-Chiller Replacement: The chiller at HES is in desperate need of replacement prior to terminal failure. The Chiller plant has been minimally functional, a maintenance challenge and in need of replacement for the last year. $366,425. Approved.
4.23 Emergency Replacement of Main Switchgear at Hurlock Elementary School (HES): This electrical infrastructure must be replaced immediately for safety reasons. $116,284. Approved.
4.24 First Read – Review of BOE Policy 430.00 – Student Attendance; Attendance Philosophy. Approved for second reading. *
4.25 First Read – Review of BOE Policy 430.02 – Student Attendance; Lawful Absences. Approved for second reading. *
4.26 First Read – Review of BOE Policy 430.05 – Student Attendance; Grade Reduction/Retention Consequences for Unlawful Absences. Approved for second reading. *

5. Items for Information
5.01 DCPS Maryland Blueprint Steering Committee Update. The Committee is beginning its work by organizing its
subcommittees and beginning to assign tasks. Dr. Morgan suggested that parents be added to the Steering Committee and subcommittees where possible.*
5.02 Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) Annual Report. The Committee is chaired by the parent of a special education student. Efforts are being made to involve additional members. *
5.03 Corsica River Mental Health Services, Inc. MOU: Provision of School- based mental health services by qualified staff of Corsica River Mental Health Services, Inc. to DCPS students. No costs involved.
5.04 Discovering Serenity Counseling Services, LLC. MOU: Provision of School- based mental health services by qualified staff of Discovering Serenity Counseling Services, LLC. to DCPS students. No costs involved.
5.05 Appropriations and Expenditures Report. Draft report pending completion of outstanding accounting tasks and adjustments per budget amendment above. External auditors begin their work in August with their final report due to the Board in October. *
5.06 Capital Projects and Quarterly Technology Reports. No major changes other than actions approved above. *
5.07 Quarterly Grant Report. Draft report pending completion of outstanding accounting tasks. In response to a question from Dr. Morgan, Mr. Brooke indicated that they make every effort to spend all grant funds received and request extensions if additional time is needed. Unspent funds must be returned to the State.*

6. Other Business
6.01 Board Comments
Dr. Morgan clarified that her motion to table two textbook approvals was due solely to the fact that Board Members were not provided access to these texts in time to review them adequately before the meeting. She noted that Board Members have been criticized in the past for approving texts that they have not reviewed. She thanked everyone who spoke during tonight’s meeting or prepared materials for the meeting.
Mr. Hull wished everyone a good evening and noted the many items approved tonight. He noted that there is strength in unity.
Mr. Diaz echoed Dr. Morgan’s comments about textbook review and thanked everyone for their participation at tonight’s meeting.
Ms. Hubbard thanked everyone for their participation at tonight’s meeting.
Ms. Layton thanked all those who made public comments and emphasized that the Board Members want to hear
community concerns and that they try their best to be responsive. She thanked all of the staff who contributed this evening and those who contributed to the recent Board retreat.
6.02 Announcements from the Superintendent. Summer academies are in full swing with 742 students participating at all levels. The Superintendent encourages parents to ask questions of candidates related to the school system. He noted that strategic planning review will be undertaken this year, and that a committee is working on redesign of the DCPS website. He reminded everyone that revised COVID guidance is pending from State and that the State guidance may affect DCPS operations. He noted that clear backpacks and water bottle will be provided to all students this year and that parents should communicate with their local schools as to supplies and logistics. He thanked all of the staff and members of the public who contributed this evening either virtually or in person.

7. Adjournment
7.01 Adjourned at 7:45 pm.

Note: * Supporting documents may be found on the CAN website at CambridgeCan.org and the DCPS Board Docs website at https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/dcps/Board.nsf/Public

Bike the UGRR: Volunteers Needed

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The historic town of Cambridge, located on Maryland’s beautiful Eastern Shore, is the birthplace of Harriet Tubman, the extraordinary woman who was a liberator, abolitionist, spy and nurse for the Union Army, advocate for women’s suffrage and national hero.

This unique bike ride will follow part of the Underground Railroad (UGRR) on two routes of 25 and 43 miles, respectively, through scenic marsh and farmlands, with rest stops at historic sites. More information can be found at biketheugrr.com.

TO MAKE THIS RIDE A SUCCESS, WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR
• Route setup and take down: 7:00 am – 8:00 am & 12:00 Noon – 1:30 pm
• Bike mechanics check: 7:30 am – 9:30 am
• SAG (Support And Gear) Cars, Drivers, Communications: 7:30 am – 1:00 pm
• Registration – Setup and Check-in: 7:30 am – 10:00 am
• Rest stop captains, set-up, hosting, and take down: 7:30 am – 1:00 pm
• Finish Line – Check-out and take down: 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
• Miscellaneous activities as needed: 7:30 am – 1:30 pm
NOTE: All times are tentative and approximate

TO VOLUNTEER, contact Tom Puglisi at tom.puglisi@comcast.net. Please indicate preferred activities and times available.

MDOT SHA to Begin Rehabilitation Work on MD 14 Bridge Over Marshyhope Creek in Dorchester County

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The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will begin a bridge rehabilitation project next month to improve safety and reliability on the 91-year-old MD 14/Brookview Bridge (Rhodesdale Eldorado Road) over Marshyhope Creek in Dorchester County.

The work will consist of deck patching, waterproofing, milling and paving the existing bridge, necessitating a closure of the bridge, with detours. To perform the work, crews will close MD 14 for 300 feet on both sides of the bridge, starting Monday, July 11.  Motorists will be directed to take the following posted detour routes:

  • From southbound MD 313 (Eldorado Road) – take westbound MD 392 (Harrison Ferry Road) to southbound MD 331 (Hurlock-Rhodesdale Road) to MD 14 (Rhodesdale-Eldorado Road).
  • From northbound MD 14 (Rhodesdale-Eldorado Road) – take northbound MD 331 (Hurlock-Rhodesdale Road) to MD eastbound 392 (Harrison Ferry Road) to MD 313 (Sharptown Road).

Traffic will be detoured beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, July 11, and the detour will remain in effect until 3 p.m. Monday August 8. MDOT SHA will make every attempt to minimize disruptions, however, area residents may notice some dust and noise during construction. MDOT SHA’s contractor, Covington Machine and Welding Inc., of Annapolis, will perform the work.

MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews, as well as our customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving, and look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes. Please driave like you work here and slow down in construction zones.

For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.

From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders.  MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recognizes Volunteers at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

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The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recently recognized volunteers of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) for the outstanding contributions they have made to the refuge during 2021.  The Friends of Blackwater sponsored the awards dinner held at the pavilion at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center. Volunteers assist in all aspects of the refuge, from staffing the Visitor Center, maintaining the butterfly garden, and conducting educational programs, to constructing accessible hunt blinds, maintaining refuge trails and facilities, and mentoring first-time hunters.  During 2021, 111 volunteers contributed 6,124 hours of their time to the refuge.

Refuge volunteer Harry Armistead receives the 2021 Volunteer of the Year Award at Blackwater NWR. Pictured left to right: Michele Whitbeck, Volunteer Coordinator, Blackwater NWR; Harry Armistead, and Marcia Pradines, Refuge Manager, Blackwater NWR.

Every year, Blackwater NWR honors and distinguishes a volunteer for their exemplary performance throughout the year.  This year, two volunteers were honored for their long-term commitment to the refuge and their willingness to share their expertise in refuge bird life with others.  Mr. Terry Allen of Easton, MD, and Mr. Harry Armistead of Philadelphia, PA, received the 2021 Volunteer of the Year Award for their dedicated service to the refuge.  Both Mr. Allen and Mr. Armistead have been leading bird walks on the refuge for 38 years, introducing the joy of birding to generations of refuge visitors.

Special recognition was also given to volunteers reaching key milestones in their service to Blackwater NWR.  Award pins and certificates were presented to the following volunteers for reaching milestones in the number of years they have volunteered at Blackwater NWR:  Ruth Jensen, Ron Ketter, Janet Mackey, Brian Mann, Maureen Rice and Kathy Slaughter for five years of service, June Middleton for 10 years of service, and Mary-Beth Goll for 20 years of service.

Award pins and certificates were also presented to volunteers reaching milestones in the total number of volunteer hours they have contributed to the refuge since they began volunteering.  Those recognized include:  Rhonda Franz-Floyd, John Morgan, Julie Schoch, and Jim Van Ness (50 hours), Herb Floyd and Doug Irvin (100 hours), Martha Foulon-Tonat (250 hours), Steve Funderburk and Merrill Schuetz (500 hours) and Ellie Ludvigsen and Art Smith (750 hours).  Those volunteers accumulating 1,000 hours or more are listed on the refuge’s “Volunteer Hall of Fame” plaque.  Volunteers reaching these milestones in 2021 include:  June Middleton (1000 hours), Ron Ketter (1500 hours), Harry Heckathorn and Lynda Hicken (2000 hours), and Beverly Middleton (2500 hours). Each volunteer received a special recognition gift for their volunteer efforts.

Refuge volunteer Terry Allen receives the 2021 Volunteer of the Year Award at Blackwater NWR. Pictured is Michele Whitbeck, Volunteer Coordinator at Blackwater NWR, and Terry Allen.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife.  To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws/gov. 

Connect with our Facebook page at facebook.com/usfwsnortheast/, follow our tweets at twitter.com/usfwsnortheast, watch our YouTube Channel at youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at flickr.com/usfwsnortheast. 

Save the Date: The Annual Crawfish Boil & Muskrat Stew Fest May 7

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The Annual Crawfish Boil & Muskrat Stew Fest brings muskrats, crawfish, blues music, and fun to Dorchester County on Saturday, May 7th from noon to 7 p.m. at Long Wharf Park at the end of High Street in Cambridge.

The event will also feature the fan-favorite Muskrat Leg Eating World Championship, which welcomes any aspiring or established competitive eaters confident enough to tackle this unique Eastern Shore specialty.“Muskrat legs are an interesting challenge, because the meat isn’t easy to get to like a chicken wing,” said defending world champion Chuckie “Love” Hayward. “To finish a muskrat leg, you’ve got to navigate a number of small bones. And it’s a pound of them, which is a lot of food in just a few minutes. If you want to be a champion, you have to beat the champion. And that’s me!”

The competition kicks off at 6 p.m.’ish with contestants competing to see who can eat the most muskrat legs. Registration is now open. Register to be part of the competition by going to the calendar of events at www.DorchesterChamber.org.

The musical entertainment kicks off at noon with the Uncle Ward Show. Fresh off a winter stint in Puerto Rico, Uncle Ward’s entertaining show will leave you in stitches and having you saying, “Wait, what did he say?”

Blues Legend Jimmy Cole will close the show with amazing musical entertainment with his band which
includes Ron Holloway (Dizzy Gillespie) on sax, Sam Paladino on the organ, Baltimore Jon on Fiddle and local legends The Road Kings rounding out the band.

Guiness Book of World record-holding juggler Carlos Mir, from Delmar, will also be on hand. Earlier this year, Mir set the world record in helicopter spins with devil sticks and also holds the record for the highest diabolo throw at more than 78 feet high.

Beer, orange crushes and other libations will be available, as well as non-alcoholic options. Palm Beach Willies will be preparing muskrat in multiple ways in addition to other choices for those not so adventurous. And, of course, Crawfish from Louisiana! Craft vendors will also be on hand again for the event this year. This is a family friendly event with plenty of children’s activities.

Admission is $5 and supports the Dorchester Chamber Foundation Scholarship Fund.

“We’ve crafted a unique event that still manages to be authentic to Eastern Shore living,” says event organizer Keith Graffius. “Cambridge has carved out a reputation as one of the most entertaining communities on the shore. This is a great opportunity to experience the best of it – food, drink, music and a family-friendly atmosphere.”

For more information about the 11th Crawfish Boil Muskrat Stew Fest on Saturday, May 7, visit www.dorchesterchamber.org or the Facebook Event page. Or call 410-228-3575 or email
info@dorchesterchamber.org. To purchase tickets, go to https:crawfishmuskratfest2022.eventbrite.com/

Public Meeting on Development Plans for Cambridge Waterfront

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Cambridge Waterfront Development, Inc. is presenting a branding event and public information / comment opportunity to the residents of Cambridge on April 7, 2022, from 6:30pm until 8:30pm. The presentation will take place at the South Dorchester High School cafeteria. Doors will open 6:15. No reservations are needed.

The program will present three potential brand names for the waterfront development that will be taking place at the old hospital site, Sailwinds, Governor’s Hall, and the Franklin Street boat ramp. The program will include a presentation by BCT Design Group, who will provide information on three development options for the site.

A slideshow depicting the current conceptual site design will be shown. At the end of the presentation, attendees will be provided the opportunity to make written comments on the development. All citizens of Cambridge will also have the opportunity to comment on the proposed design by going to bctdesigngroup.com/cambridge, beginning at 4:00pm, April 8, 2022, and ending at 4:00pm, May 8, 2022. All comments will be anonymous.

This presentation is a unique opportunity, and all Cambridge residents are urged to attend and to comment on the development plans.

Dorchester Chamber Announces 2022 Spedden Service Award Recipient

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C. Robert “Bob” Spedden Service Award

The Dorchester Chamber of Commerce presented the 2022 C. Robert “Bob” Spedden Service Award to Greg Whitten at the Annual Meeting on March 16, 2022.

Bob Spedden was a well-known and respected leader in the community.  He demonstrated a real passion for the revitalization of the County and Cambridge. He served for several years on the Board of Directors of the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce and was the President in 1980-1981.  He also served on the Cambridge Yacht Club Board of Governors, First National Bank Advisory Board, Dorchester Board of Realtors as President, and Director for the Maryland Association of Realtors.  Bob founded the Committee of 100 that spawned revitalization efforts including the Dorchester County Visitors Center, the adjacent children’s playground, Sailwind’s Park, Governor’s Hall, Richardson Maritime Museum, Choptank River Lighthouse, Downtown Harriett Tubman Museum, and the Dorchester Skipjack Committee – Nathan of Dorchester. He also served as the 1st President of Sailwinds Park Incorporated. His vision for economic development of Dorchester County also included the re-development of the former Eastern Shore State Hospital property into today’s Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina.

The objective of the award is to recognize those individuals that share a similar passion to Bob’s and are working to advance the economic wellbeing of our community.  Mr. Whitten is the 4th recipient of the prestigious award. Prior recipients include Frank Narr, Gerry Boyle and Philip Feldman.

Mr Whitten grew up in and spent his entire career in Dorchester County.  His love and respect for the community is obvious to anyone that spends any amount of time with him.  He was in the first class to graduate from the new Cambridge/South Dorchester High School in 1977.  He then went to Salisbury University and graduated with a bachelor’s in finance and marketing in 1981.  On February 14, 1983 he began his career with Nationwide Insurance by starting a scratch agency. An agency that witnessed much success under his leadership.  He was the 28th agent to be inducted into the Nationwide Hall of Fame in 2007 and was the 2nd youngest to do so.  He was named to the Nationwide All Star Team 14 out of 15 years.

Greg Whitten

He was a founding member of the First Choice Agency Alliance which is the 3rd largest insurance aggregator in the Country.  He is also a partner in Safehouse, a local security company.   He now partners in Whitten Retirement Solutions with his son Blake Whitten.

While his success in business should have been enough to occupy all his time, he was (and still is) very engaged in the community.  Here is a listing of some of the roles he has held:

  • President of Habitat for Humanity Choptank
  • President of Choptank River Lighthouse
  • Provident State Bank Board Member
  • Chair of Junior Achievement for Dorchester County
  • Vice Chair (and will be Chair in 2023) Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore
  • He was a Little League Coach
  • He was a member of the Athletic Boosters
  • Active member of the First United Methodist Church in Secretary
  • A number of charitable organizations too long to list have benefited from his time, talent and financial support.

Sharon Spedden, Chamber Board Chairman in 2021 and daughter of Bob Spedden, said “Greg’sengagement in his many roles was not for recognition or personal gain but simply to make the community a better place to live.  That is the embodiment of the Bob Spedden Service Award.  I know my dad would be very pleased with Greg receiving this recognition.”

Over 300 business and community leaders registered to attend the sold-out event held at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort and Spa.

For more information about the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce or the C. Robert “Bob” Spedden Service Award visit: www.dorchesterchamber.org.

UM SRH Grant Funding Through State Supports Cambridge Packing House Project

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A $1 million grant awarded to University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development will be dedicated to the “Four Eleven Kitchen” facility in the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy’s Packing House project now nearing completion in Cambridge. The initiative is a strong complement to UM SRH’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

The grant funds, which will be distributed over a two-year period, are designated to support the creation of the 9,000 square foot commercial kitchen that will support local small businesses, food entrepreneurs and farmers, and serve as a site for culinary and nutritional education programs. UM SRH also donated all of its commercial appliances that were formerly used in the kitchen at the UM Shore Medical Center at Dorchester hospital, which was closed in late September 2021 when the new freestanding medical facility, UM Shore Regional Health at Cambridge, opened for patient care.

Photo: Shown in front of the entrance to the Four Eleven Kitchen, now nearing completion in the Packing House project in Cambridge, are Arvin Singh, Vice President for Strategy and Communications at UM SRH; Amanda Kidd, founder and owner of the 411 Kitchen; and Michael White, Consultant, Cross Street Partners. 

“Four Eleven Kitchen is thrilled to be the recipient of both financial support and commercial appliances from Shore Regional Health, which will further our mission to break barriers that prevent consistent access to healthy foods, education and economic advancement, and also to add value back to the quality of life of this community,” said Amanda Kidd, Founder and Owner of Four Eleven Kitchen. “My dream to empower and elevate our food community appears to be coming true through the vision and continued support of the Packing House developers, funders, shared–use kitchen members, volunteers and community partnerships.”

“Food security, nutrition, job creation and community engagement are all key components in advancing population health, which is a major priority for Shore Regional Health,” said Ken Kozel, President and CEO of UM Shore Regional Health. “The Four Eleven Kitchen will lower the barriers to entry for food entrepreneurs and provide a venue for Dorchester-based producers to co-locate, share costs, test products, and conduct workforce development/training and nutritional education programs. It will also serve as to create jobs in food production, processing, distribution and marketing of locally sourced value-added food while enhancing access to fresh healthy food for consumers.”

About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore professional schools (Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry) in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s more than 29,500 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations, including 13 hospitals and 9 University of Maryland Urgent Care centers. The UMMS flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

Friends of the Library Deliver Donation Check

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The Friends of the Dorchester County Public Library handed over a donation to the Staff at the Cambridge Branch of the Dorchester County Library this past week.

The mission of the Friends, a volunteer, non-profit organization, is to help the Library achieve its operational goals, encourage giving for the benefit of the Library and to work to enhance the community through library programs.  Funds for this $5,000. donation were raised over the past year from member donations and through the Friends’ traditional Second Saturday Book Sales.

The next Second Saturday Sale will be held on March 12th from 9am to 1pm in the Book Cellar on the first floor of the Cambridge Library. Browsers may find thousands of titles, in both hardcover and paperback form, ranging from fiction, history, biography, gardening as well as a variety of books for younger readers!

For information on becoming a Friend of the Dorchester County Public Library, go to the Friends’ Facebook page,  stop by the Library and pick up a membership form or email the Friends at foldorchester@gmail.com.