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December 6, 2025

Cambridge Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Cambridge

7 Ed Notes

FUNdamentals of Sign Language

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Judith Cornette, M.Ed, SLP/CCC

There’s evidence that babies and pre-verbal toddlers can understand and use simple sign language to signal their needs. Researchers say that can help reduce the frustration and number of tantrums as babies begin to develop communication skills, but that’s not all.

Learning basic sign language can improve spatial reasoning as where and how you sign determines meaning.  It also helps to create better reaction times and peripheral vision, and allows the ability to communicate with a wider variety of individuals.  Plus, learning a new language has cognitive benefits.

Join Chesapeake Forum instructor Judith Cornette, M.Ed, SLP/CCC, on June 2nd for the “FUNdamentals of Sign Language”. You’ll be introduced to the sign language alphabet as well as basic phrases to help improve communication skills.  Following the course, you’ll have enough information to practice and use simple signs and phrases, along with the knowledge to keep improving your skills over time.

Judith Cornette is a speech and language pathologist specializing in non-verbal autistic language learners.  FUNdamentals of Sign Language is one (1) course, Friday, June 2nd from 1-2:30 PM in person at the Easton Family YMCA. $20.  To register, visit https://chesapeakeforum.org.

Chesapeake Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong learning opportunities to residents of the Eastern Shore.  To receive Chesapeake Forum’s newsletter, please send your name and contact information to [email protected]

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

Commencement Speaker Building Success on His Chesapeake College Foundation

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Robby Sheehan

Business leader and Chesapeake College graduate Robby Sheehan will deliver the address to graduates at Chesapeake College’s Commencement on Wednesday, May 24 at 2 pm in the Todd Performing Arts Center.

At just 33, Mr. Sheehan has already had a varied career building success as a business leader, a policy advisor, a pastor, and an advocate. His is a story of success through academic excellence, and an appreciation for both opportunities and mentorship.

A 2009 graduate of Chesapeake College, Mr. Sheehan was co-recipient of the John T. Harrison Award. Mr. Sheehan began his Chesapeake years as a dual enrollment student at Kent Island High School.

Mr. Sheehan was an outstanding student at Chesapeake earning a perfect 4.0 grade point average and receiving the college’s top student honor. He was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and the All-Maryland Academic Team.

With his achievements at Chesapeake, Mr. Sheehan earned a full Board of Regents academic scholarship to the University System of Maryland.

His success continued at Salisbury University where he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in applied political science. That academic success led to employment with the university. At 22, he was appointed director of government and community relations. As the university’s advocate to the federal, state, and local governments, he secured funding for key projects including: $106 million for the construction of a new academic library, $900,000 for a public radio project, $425,000 for a turf field replacement, and $300,000 for the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art

Fulfilling his dream to attend an Ivy League institution, Mr. Sheehan earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

A member of the Chesapeake College Foundation Board since 2019, Mr. Sheehan has been president of the organization since 2022. Serving on the Foundation Board, Mr. Sheehan said, is one way of giving back to the institution that he says has been foundational in his life.

“Chesapeake College, its faculty, staff, and administrators, have done more for me than I can ever imagine,” he said. “Truly, I would not be where I am today without Chesapeake. From the people who inspired me in the classroom to those who helped me identify scholarship opportunities to those who have mentored me over the years, I have benefited in so many ways from my time at Chesapeake.”

Mr. Sheehan, currently an area manager, has been employed with BBSI since 2018.  He was recently tasked with overseeing a significant expansion of the company’s territory on the East Coast. In his role at BBSI, Mr. Sheehan received the CEO’s inaugural ‘Branch of the Year Award’ in 2020.

In addition to his volunteer work for Chesapeake College, Mr. Sheehan has served numerous community organizations on Delmarva. He currently serves on the executive board for the Kent Sussex Leadership Alliance.

He lives in Camden Wyoming, DE, with his wife, Erin, and their two sons.

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

Nuclear Fusion and the Future of Clean Energy

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Rich Wagner

Recently,  the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory in California announced an enormous step forward in the race to provide clean energy.  For the first time since the 1950s, scientists have been able to create a nuclear fusion reaction that resulted in a net energy gain – the so called “holy grail” of a carbon-free future.

What does this mean for the future of clean energy?  The long-awaited milestone is a critical step towards developing technology that provides unlimited, cheap, clean power but it could be still be a decade or more away from commercial use.

Join Rich Wagner and the Chesapeake Forum on June 1st for look at recent, headline-making experiments in nuclear fusion and their implications for the future of plentiful, clean power.  Don’t worry if you aren’t particularly “technical”.   A previous student commented that Rich “has a wonderful understanding of the subject that he easily transfers to the listener”.

Laser Fusion Experiments and the Implications for Fusion Power is one (1) session, Thursday, June 1st from 10-11:30 am.  HYBRID (in person at the Easton Family YMCA, ZOOM or recording).  $20.  To register, visit https://chesapeakeforum.og

Rich Wagner is a physicist who worked on the beginnings of the fusion program at Livermore 1963-1981, and has been a member of government review panels on topics related to the science behind fusion since leaving Livermore in 1981 to become an Assistant Secretary of Defense, with responsibility for oversight of the US nuclear weapon program and of all Department of Defense matters related to chemical and biological weapons.

Chesapeake Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong learning to residents of the Eastern Shore.  To receive Chesapeake Forum’s newsletter, please send your address and contact information to [email protected]

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

Wye River Upper School Seeks to Hire New Staff

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Wye River Upper School, in the heart of Queen Anne’s County in Centreville, is a college preparatory high school that offers a high quality education to students who face learning challenges including dyslexia, dysgraphia and discalculia, ADHD, and high functioning students on the spectrum. Wye River is excited to add an 8th grade for the 2023-2024 school year. The school enrolls approximately 60 students per year allowing for a 5:1 faculty/student ratio and a close, connected environment for staff. With growing numbers and the expansion of an 8th grade, Wye River hopes to add a few team members to their team.

Current positions include a Director of Development who oversees the operating and fundraising and contributes to the advancement of related processes.  The candidate should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (although a master’s degree is preferred) and 3-5 years’ experience in non-profit development experience; especially in a school setting. Strong leadership skills are a must. This position is available immediately.

Wye River also seeks a science teacher for grades 8-12. The position would begin in the Fall of 2023. The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in an area of science, secondary teaching certification and/or demonstrated teaching skills and ability. Special education certification/experience is a plus but not required. Candidates who can teach science and another content area are strongly encouraged to apply.

Wye River seeks a school counselor to join the team. Candidates would be responsible for providing support and guidance to students, parents, faculty, and staff and addressing social and emotional issues that arise in the community. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a background in counseling is required.

Finally, Wye River Upper School is accepting resumes for qualified teachers in the areas of English, History and Music. Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter to Nicole Sophocles, Assistant Head of School, [email protected].

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Golfing Fore Gunston IV Welcomes Golfers, Pickleball & Tennis Players

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The Golfing “fore” Gunston IV fundraiser on Monday, May 1 at the Prospect Bay Country Club in Grasonville welcomed 101 golfers including Gunston alumni, parents, past parents, and community supporters. A 9 a.m. shotgun start began the day, with teams competing for prizes while enjoying food, drinks and fun give-aways.

The day’s winners include: Men’s First Place with a score of -19, Creg Fleetwood, Casey Grieves, Barton Shaw and Brian Bowser, and Women’s First Place/Mixed with a score of -10, Dane and Mary Ways, P’18 and Chuck and Jen Batchelder received prizes of Yeti Carryall totes and gift certificates to Prospect Bay’s pro shop. 

The Fleetwood Insurance Group, (l-r) Brian Bowser, Barton Shaw, Creg Fleetwood, and Casey Grieves earned Men’s First Place. Creg Fleetwood also won Men’s Longest Drive.

The winner of the Men’s Longest Drive was Creg Fleetwood, and for Women’s Longest Drive, the winner was Vicki Dean with a prize of a MV2 Golf bag. Men’s Closest to the Pin winner was George Subioni, with a prize of a Prospect Bay Foursome and Women’s Closest to the Pin winner was Chesley Nonemaker, P’27 with a prize of a brand new Bat-Caddy X3R electric cart. Last Place Winners were Sean Matthews, Tyler King, and Michelle and Chip Compton, with a prize of brand new pickleball racquets and ball and Dick’s Sporting Goods gift certificates.

While golfers enjoyed their day on the links, other guests enjoyed both tennis and a lively pickleball match, “Dinking for Gunston,” organized by the Hallmark Family, P’24. “Not everyone golfs so we wanted to make sure we included other options for people to show their support. Pickleball was very successful this year and we can’t wait to incorporate it into next year’s event as well,” said Gunston’s Director of Events Lynda Scull. 

Additionally, a concurrently running online silent auction, the Gunston Biddersnest, offered items such as golf packages, a weekend getaway, photography sessions and more. Together, the golf tournament and the auction raised close to $30,000 toward Gunston’s annual giving program, which allows the school the ability to offer more than 60% of its students financial aid, provide additional enrichment and hands-on opportunities that extend beyond the classroom for both students and faculty, and more. 

“This is an amazing event,” said Gray Shannahan ’05, one of the event’s tournament sponsors and Gunston Alum. “You know, it wasn’t until I got out of college that I realized how special a place Gunston really is. Who else gets to go to a high school that’s on the water? […] It’s just really an amazing school and community and we’re excited to see the wonderful stuff you have planned for the future.”

“I really want to thank our volunteers who help us put on these wonderful events,” shared Gunston’s Head of School John Lewis. “They offer their time, their support, and it just means the world to both myself and the entire community.”

Mary Ways, P’18, Jen Batchelder, Dane Ways, P’18 and Chuck Batchelder were the Women’s First Place/Mixed winners with a score of -10 pictured here with Head of School John Lewis (center).

Event Sponsors included Tournament Sponsors Atlantic Cruising Yachts (Dawn & Christian Bent, P’25 ’27), Fred Frederick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Easton (Janell & Jeffrey Frederick, P ’23 ’25), Dani & Rick de los Reyes, P’23, Palmieri & Shannahan Financial Planning (Gray Shannahan ’05) and What’s Up? Media Company. The Crush Station was sponsored by Easton Dermatology Associates, LLC (Brigitte & Dr. Donald Stanahan, P’25 ’27) and the Grilling Station was sponsored by “Friends of Gunston.” Ceremony sponsors include Gillespie & Son, Inc. (The Gillespie Family, P’07 ’09 ’20 ’22 ’24) and Molly’s Place Sporting Goods (Nick & Katie Shajwani, P’26). Refreshment sponsors include Mirando Chiropractic Center (Kristy & Dominick Mirando, P’25), Dr. Laurie Lewis and John Lewis, Shore United Bank, Kent School, Callahan’s Gas & Appliance (Dana & Mark Callahan, P’22), Dogwood Acres (Audrey & Kurt Reichardt, P’21), and The Country School.

Contest sponsors include Ms. Alice Ryan ’75, the Shifrin Family, P’21 and the Radcliffe Creek School. 

Hole sponsors include RBC Wealth Management, Hoyas ’94, McCrone Hartwell Engineering, R&D Electric, Queenstown Bank, the Algier Family, P’23 ’26, the Sanderson Family, P’22 ’23, Gunther McClary Real Estate, Moorhouse Electrical Services and Long & Foster Real Estate (Dane Ways, P’18).

A special thanks to Premium Distributors of Maryland, Centreville, for providing drinks and refreshments.

Gunston Biddersnest Auction Donors: Links at Perry Cabin, Prospect Bay Country Club, Serino Orthodontics, New York Vacation (Karen Pupke, P’25), Gunston School Experiences, ReFocus Studios, and Chester River Country Club (Dan Philippon, P’25).

Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

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

Buckets of Warm Spit: Vice Presidents of the United States

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Vice Presidents are like losing football teams.  No one remembers their names for long.  Out of 49 administrations, nine vice presidents have ascended to the presidency after the death, resignation or impeachment of the President.  And while 18 have run for the office outright, only 6 have been elected President.

Apparently, they can’t get no respect.

Join Chesapeake Forum and instructor Dr. Raymond Vergne for Buckets of Warm Spit: Vice Presidents of the United States starting May 10th.  Learn how the office of Vice-President of the United States came about.  Understand why the methods of electing the Vice-President (and President) may have been updated and amended several times, but the powers of the office remain virtually unchanged.

Buckets of Warm Spit: Vice Presidents of the United States is three (3) sessions May 10th, 17th, and 24th from 1-2:30.  HYBRID (in person at the Easton Family YMCA, ZOOM or recording).  $40.  To register, visit https://chesapeakeforum.org

Chesapeake Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong learning opportunities to residents of the Eastern Shore.  To receive Chesapeake Forum’s newsletter, please send your contact information and address to [email protected]

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

What Makes an American, American?

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What does it mean to be an American?  Philosophers, writers, statesman, artists and others have wrestled with that question over time.  Now you can share your thoughts on the subject during Chesapeake Forum’s “What is an American?  A Personal Inquiry,” led by Charles Yonkers, J.D., Ph.D., starting May 9th.

The intention of the class is to reflect on the difficulties and complexities imposed by the question, “what is an American?”, without trying to get to an answer.   Bring an open mind and a willingness to ask questions.   The first reading will be “What is an American” from Hector D Crevecouer’s 1782 book, “Letters from an American Farmer”.   The second session uses Mark Twain as mid-point in the development of the American Nation and culture. The third session draws from a reading list of contemporary writings.

Charles Edward Yonkers is a former Peace Corps County Director, lawyer (Harvard, J.D., Yale, B. A.) and adjunct professor in Georgetown’s Graduate Liberal Studies Program (M.A.L.S.).  His thesis was on “The Creative of a Sense of Place: History, Culture, and Henderson, KY”. He has taught courses on A Sense of Place since 2011.  His current place is Pot Pie Farm in Wittman., MD

What is an American?  A Personal Inquiry is three (3), Wednesday, May 9th, 16th and 23rd from 10 – 11:30 a.m., in-person at the Easton Family YMCA, ZOOM or recording. $40.  To register, visit https://chesapeakeforum.org.

Chesapeake Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong learning opportunities to residents of the Eastern Shore. To receive Chesapeake Forum’s newsletter, please send your name and contact information to [email protected].

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

Downsizing Tricks and Tips

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Has your stuff gotten the better of you?  Does the idea of moving overwhelm you?  Do you want to downsize but have no idea where to start?

Whether you plan on moving now or in the future, or you want to simplify your home and life, Chesapeake Forum’s new course, Downsizing Your Home, will teach you effective, stress-free methods for tackling what can often be an overwhelming task.

Learn from two professional organizers how to approach the process of clearing out your possessions, carefully and systematically. Discover some great tips to make the process go smoothly, along with ideas of what to do with discarded items.

Downsizing Your Home is one (1) session, Tuesday, May 9th from 1-2:30 PM.  $20. HYBRID (In person at the Easton Family YMCA, via ZOOM or recording). To register, visit https://chesapeakeforum.org.

Instructors Nadine Sachs, owner of Shorely Organized, and Jenna Blake, a Feng Shui specialist, and senior level organizer, help transform spaces into organized, peaceful and functional settings for clients on the Eastern Shore.

Chesapeake Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong learning opportunities to residents of the Eastern Shore. To receive Chesapeake Forum’s newsletter, please send your name and contact information to [email protected]

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

Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller Visits Benedictine

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Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller toured the Benedictine campus as part of the new administrations first 100 days in office. The tour was conducted by Benedictine Executive Director Scott Evans and Assistant Principal Stephanie Franklin. Benedictine leadership team and board members, local officials, supported adults, students, and parents also had the opportunity to meet with the Lieutenant Governor.

“Benedictine is critical to providing quality and enriching support to Marylanders with moderate to severe developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism,” commented Lieutenant Governor Miller. “The driving mission behind the Moore-Miller administration is to leave no Marylander behind, which is why it was an honor to spend the 100th day of this administration at Benedictine, celebrating its important work to serve supported individuals from early childhood through adulthood.”

The Lieutenant Governor’s tour was conducted on Benedictine’s school campus in Ridgely, Maryland. The campus includes student classrooms, residential suites, vocational training spaces, and recreational facilities. Adults that are supported by Benedictine also utilize many of the campus amenities. The original school and residential suites were built in the early 1960’s and a master plan – Transforming a Campus to Transform Lives – has been developed to address obsolescence, safety, and health issues of the current and future student population that attend school and reside on campus. The first phase of the project is to renovate and construct new residential suites for the school-age population, a new nursing and kitchen facility, and new traffic access improvements.

Photo: Lieutenant Governor Miller Tours Benedictine on 100th day in office. Pictured (left to right): Claudia Cunningham, Benedictine Chief Advancement Officer; Anthony Casey, Ridgely Town Commissioner; Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director; Stephanie Franklin; Benedictine Assistant Principal; Larry Porter, Caroline County Commissioner; Aruna Miller, Maryland Lieutenant Governor; Rebecca, Benedictine supported adult; Sr. Mary Agnes, Benedictine Board of Directors; Greg Hviding, Benedictine Board of Directors and supported adult; April Frankton, Benedictine Chief Financial Officer; Jenn Kerwin, Benedictine Board of Directors and parent; Charley Mills, President, Benedictine Board of Trustees and parent; Ade Laditan, Benedictine Senior Director, Adult Services. Photo credit: Chris Dorr 

“I would like to thank Lieutenant Governor Miller for visiting Benedictine and meeting with the students, staff and the adults we support,” commented Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director. “I also want to thank the Moore-Miller administration for adding capital funds to this year’s budget for Benedictine’s new student residential facility.  This shows their commitment to Maryland students with moderate to severe disabilities and we are very grateful for their support.”

The visit concluded with a special delivery by supported adult, Greg, who presented the Lieutenant Governor with a gift.

For more information on Benedictine and how you can support its mission in serving the developmentally disabled, please contact Chief Advancement Officer, Claudia Cunningham, at 410 634 2292 or [email protected].

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization supporting close to 200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties. Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the collaborates with the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. Benedictine is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest employers with over 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

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

Library to Host 8th Annual Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival

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Preparations are underway for the Talbot County Free Library’s 8th Annual Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival (CCBF) on Saturday, June 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Easton Library, 100 West Dover Street.

The festival is a one-day, rain or shine, free event that celebrates children, community, diversity, and the joy of reading. The CCBF will also serve as the kick-off event for the Talbot County Free Library’s annual Summer Reading Program.

Children who sign up for the Summer Reading Program, and attend the festival, will receive a voucher good for one free book (while supplies last) from the attending author of their choice. It’s always fun to see the pride children take in asking the author of their choice to sign their very own book. The theme of this year’s Summer Reading Program is “All together now!”

“The day of the Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival is always one of my favorite days of the year,” said Dana Newman, Talbot County Free Library director. “All the happy children, the wonderful storytelling and art, the authors sharing their thoughts with little ones—it just can’t be beat.”

This year’s festival will feature twenty-four of the country’s finest children’s book authors and illustrators, including writers whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, and Vogue.  Among the authors attending will be a writer/designer for Sesame Street, a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter, and a former member of the faculty of the Corcoran Museum’s acclaimed School of Art and Design.

Many of this year’s writers have won prestigious awards for their work; and all of them went through a rigorous vetting process before being selected to participate in this year’s festival. And of course, like all children’s book authors, they love to interact with their young fans.

Throughout the day of the festival, authors and illustrators will be available to discuss their books, and several of the authors will be giving readings. There will also be a wide-range of crafts, displays, entertainment and giveaways.

It will be a fun-filled day for all ages come rain or shine. Please join us for this celebration of Summer Reading!

Funding for the festival has been provided in part by grants from the Friends of the Talbot County Free Library, the Talbot County Free Library Foundation, Stories of the Chesapeake*, Bay Imprint, Talbot Arts (with revenues provided by Maryland State Arts Council, and the governments of Talbot County, Easton, Oxford, and St. Michaels), and Talbot County Council.  Maryland Public Television (MPT) will be a media partner for the festival.

Partner organizations at the festival will include: Imagination Library of Talbot County (which will also be celebrating its 10th Anniversary), Maryland Public Television, Judy Center, Flying Cloud Booksellers, Talbot 4H, University of Maryland Extension – Master Gardeners, the Friends of the Talbot County Free Library, Talbot Humane, Choptank Health, ShoreRivers, Pickering Creek Audubon Center, and Talbot County Public Schools.

For more information about the 8th Annual Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival, including a biography of each participating author and illustrator and a schedule of the day’s events, please visit https://chesapeakechildrensbookfestival.com/ or call 410-822-1626.

*Disclaimer: “This project has been financed in part with State Funds from the Maryland Heritage Area Authority, an instrument of the State of Maryland.  However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Heritage Area Authority.”

About Talbot County Free Library

It is the mission of the Talbot County Free Library to enrich and renew the lives of the people it serves. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St., and the St. Michael branch is at 106 Fremont St. The Maryland Room in the Easton branch holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services at both locations include the circulation of books, DVDs, digital devices, free Wi-Fi, public computers, exhibits, and programs for both children and adults. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community. For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

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