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December 26, 2024

Cambridge Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Cambridge

5 News Notes

TCFL & Habitat for Humanity Choptank Prepare to Break Through the Holidays

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Are you looking to take a break from your holiday shopping and learn how to make improvements around your home?

Make plans for the upcoming Habitat for Humanity Choptank’s Holiday Demo Day at the Talbot County Free Library! The demo day will be taking place on Saturday, Dec. 18 from 10-noon at the Main Branch’s Meeting Room.

With the help of their new Tool Library, Habitat for Humanity Choptank will be providing a live demo that will teach guests how to install laminate flooring, and how to patch drywall and prime it for painting. Kids will also have the opportunity to join in the action with arts and crafts, as well as games.

“The Tool Library provides access to resources both in terms of tools and information to help community organizations and neighborhoods tackle projects that perhaps couldn’t be done efficiently or effectively without these supports,” said Habitat for Humanity Choptank Executive Director, JoAnn Hansen. “And it is simply a wonderful way for Habitat Choptank to build lasting friendships that result in additional volunteers and support our mission of building homes, communities, and hope in neighborhoods in which we are operating.”

For the Talbot County Free Library, it is an opportunity to bring in a unique kind of library for everyone to check out topics that can save homeowners money. It is also a great time to unwind from Holiday stress and learn something new about how to improve your current or future home.

“A library is more than just books. The Talbot County Free Library is also a skill center that offers resources on many topics,” said Christina Acosta, Talbot County Free Library Communications Manager. “That includes our e-resources that will show you how to also help beautify and personalize your home. We’re happy to support Habitat for Humanity Choptank and its mission in the community.”

For more information, visit www.tcfl.org

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, and digital devices, as well as free Wi-Fi, public computers, exhibits, and programs for both children and adults. . For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 94 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 263 qualifying homeowners. At present, seven homes are under construction in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. Income qualifying homebuyers are offered access to affordable mortgage financing in order to purchase a new construction or rehabbed home from the nonprofit’s project inventory.  After completing “sweat equity” hours, attending pre-homeownership classes, and meeting debt reduction and savings goals, these individuals and families will purchase homes that they helped construct and assume the full responsibilities of homeownership including maintaining their home, paying property taxes and repaying their mortgage over 30 to 33 years. Habitat accepts applications for its homeownership and repair programs throughout the year. For more information about our programs, to donate, or volunteer, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

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

TCFL Joins Forces with Talbot County Garden Club to Create Tree Ornaments for Talbot Hospice

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The Young Gardeners Club participated in “Ornament Making for the Annual Festival of Trees”.

The holidays are right around the corner and the Talbot County Garden Club’s Young Gardeners Club is kicking off the Christmas spirit with creativity for a cause.

The Young Gardeners Club participated in “Ornament Making for the Annual Festival of Trees” on Thursday, November 4 which raises funds for Talbot Hospice. The young gardeners made ornaments from natural materials to decorate a five-foot tree that will be purchased by a generous supporter.

“We have been doing this since 2016 as a community service program. This year, we got a five-foot tree for the kids to create natural materials,” said Cordelia Tucker, chair of the Young Gardeners Club for Talbot County Garden Club. “The committee will put the tree together before Thanksgiving, and it comes together on display at the Tidewater Inn on Thanksgiving day weekend. When we see people enjoy it, we are pleased with the outcome.”

The event was sponsored by the Talbot County Garden Club. The club’s goal for its Young Gardener’s Club is conservation of natural resources, ecology, and knowledge of plants, gardening, and participating in community service.

Participant Sylvie Shemer shows off one of her many creations at the event on Thursday.

Talbot Hospice has played a central role in the provision of hospice services in Talbot County for the past four decades. Their mission is to promote a high quality hospice program, and to educate the community of the hospice concept.

Talbot Hospice Development Associate Laura Richeson expressed that it means a great deal for young children to grasp their mission using their creative minds.

“We appreciate that the (Young Gardeners Club) have been doing this event every year. To see that they are taking the time to decorate the trees means a lot because they come out beautiful and the people in the community enjoy seeing it,” said Richeson. “It means a lot to us because the trees, which are sold when they are finished, support Talbot Hospice.”

The Talbot County Free Library enjoys hosting these programs for children, to foster the importance of giving back to the community at a young age. Talbot County Free Library Youth Librarian Laura Powell said this is the perfect way to bring the community together.

“(This event) opens their eyes to something that is present in the community such as Talbot Hospice, and the kindness they offer to people who are passing away, in a way that is normal,” said Powell. “It is associated with making Christmas tree ornaments. The project itself is enjoyable because it is fun to be together, making ornaments together. It is artistic and decorative and it allows children to access their creative mode.”

One of the attendees was nine year-old Avery Drayton, who said that it was not only a fun event, but also one that was important for her to attend because she enjoys helping others.

“I think it is fun to come here and to do this for others because there are some people that are currently going through a lot in life and it is nice to do something for them,” said Drayton. “I hope they are happy to see the ornaments that we have created.”

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, and digital devices, as well as free Wi-Fi, public computers, exhibits, and programs for both children and adults. . 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.

Troika Gallery Owner Donates Anna Murray Douglass Portrait to TCFL

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Troika Gallery Owner/Portrait Artist Laura Era stopped by the Talbot County Free Library on Wednesday to unveil her new Anna Murray Douglass portrait that she has given to the Easton branch.

Anna Murray Douglass was the first wife of Frederick Douglass, helped him escape slavery, and supported his work as an abolitionist for over 44 years. Era also painted and donated a portrait of Frederick Douglass to the library as a part of last year’s Frederick Douglass Day.

Troika Gallery Owner/Portrait Artist Laura Era (Left) stopped by the Talbot County Free Library on Wednesday to unveil her new Anna Murray Douglass portrait that she has given to the Easton branch.

For her newest portrait, Era discovered inspiration from a black and white photograph of Anna Murray Douglass, which she described as being a perfect complement to her portrait of Frederick Douglass. Although the photograph was in black and white, Era found this to be an opportunity to create a unique portrait using colors like teal, blue and gray.

“I was truly honored to paint both of these extremely notable Americans, and we thought it was so appropriate that he needed his first wife to join him in the Frederick Douglass room,” said Era. “I found out when reading about Anna, that she was extremely important to him and his success. She represents a foundation and backbone to Frederick.”

Laura Era discovered inspiration from a black and white photograph of Anna Murray Douglass, and found this to be an opportunity to create a unique portrait using colors like teal, blue and gray.

Era knew she wanted to create a portrait that truly represents history tying into the roots of the Tri-county area. She started the portrait in April and managed to complete it by early September, in time for Frederick Douglass Day, which will take place on Saturday, September 25.

The Frederick Douglass Honor Society, in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library, The Town of Easton, Talbot County Government, and other partners will hold a virtual celebration on that day to honor Frederick Douglass. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Era unveiling the Anna Murray Douglass portrait at 11 a.m.

“I would like to thank Laura Era for this wonderful portrait that serves as a reminder to all that will see it at the Easton library of everything Anna Murray Douglass did, from helping Frederick Douglass to escape from slavery to the support she gave his abolitionist work throughout her life,” said Talbot County Free Library Director Dana Newman.

About Talbot County Free Library

The Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) has been a fundamental center for knowledge through books and digital devices that is offered to locals and visitors alike. 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. You can find the Maryland Room in the Easton location. It holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services both locations offer include free Wi-Fi, special talks, exhibits, and programs for adults and children. For more information, visit ww.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

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

Cabin Fever Film Festival Presents This Beautiful Fantastic

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The Chesapeake Film Festival and the Talbot County Free Library are cosponsoring the Cabin Fever Film Festival again this Wednesday, January 13 with This Beautiful Fantastic. When you’re stuck at home due to the pandemic and you have the winter doldrums, take a break and enjoy a rare cinematic gem and Zoom after the show.

Zoom discussion on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 7 pm: This Beautiful Fantastic

Set against the backdrop of a beautiful London garden, this contemporary fairy tale centers on the unlikely friendship between a reclusive young woman who dreams of writing children’s books and a cranky widower. Facing eviction over her neglected garden, Bella (Jessica Brown Findlay) meets her grumpy, loveless, next-door neighbor (Tom Wilkinson), who happens to be an amazing horticulturalist.

THE FILM CAN BE ACCESSED FOR FREE ON YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8yhL0lcQ5g&t=479s

THE FILM CAN ALSO BE ACCESSED FOR FREE ON HOOPLA FOR ANYONE WHO HAS A LIBRARY CARD FROM ANY OF THE EASTERN SHORE LIBRARIES.

THIS IS THE WEBSITE GUIDE TO USING HOOPLA:  https://www.tcfl.org/eresources/Hoopla_QuickStart.pdf

CARDHOLDERS ARE LIMITED TO 8 CHECKOUTS A MONTH.  THE FILMS NEED TO BE WATCHED WITHIN 3 DAYS (72 HOURS) OF CHECKOUT.

NOTE: Use this Zoom Link to join the discussion on Wednesday, January 13 at 7 pm:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83913806633

The Zoom discussions will be led by the Chesapeake Film Festival Director, Cid Collins Walker and Executive Director, Nancy Tabor. Come prepared to have a fun and insightful time!

The Chesapeake Film Festival is generously supported by the Shared Earth Foundation, Maryland Film Office, Maryland State Arts Council, Talbot County Arts Council, Talbot County Department of Tourism, Artistic Insights Fund, Richard and Beverly Tilghman, Karen and Langley Shook, U.S. Small Business Administration, Talbot CARES Small Business Grant and The Ravenal Foundation. Funding has also been provided to the Chesapeake Film Festival from Maryland Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020.

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

Library Guy Interviews Donald Hall Prize for Poetry Winner Joy Priest

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The Library Guy, Bill Peak, has just recorded an interview for The Talbot Spy with Joy Priest, a young poet with a complicated past.  Priest won the prestigious Donald Hall Prize for Poetry in 2019 with her very first book of poems, Horsepower.  This year she won the equally prestigious Stanley Kunitz Poetry Prize for her poem A Personal History of Breathing.

Joy Priest

Priest’s poetry has appeared in The Atlantic, Poetry Northwest, Poets & Writers, ESPN, The Louisville Anthology, Best New Poets 2014, 2016, & 2019, and A Measure of Belonging: Writers of Color on the New American South, among other publications.  She has received support from the Fine Arts Work Center, The Frost Place, the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, and the Hurston/Wright Foundation.  Priest is currently a doctoral student in Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Houston.

Peak’s interview with the poet can be watched at: https://talbotspy.org/the-library-guy-donald-hall-award-winning-poet-joy-priest/

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

Cabin Fever Film Festival

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The Chesapeake Film Festival and the Talbot County Free Library are co-sponsoring the Cabin Fever Film Festival starting in December 2020. When you’re stuck at home due to the pandemic and you have the winter blahs, take a break and enjoy a rare cinematic gem and Zoom discussion afterward.

All films are free and can be found on YouTube. You can watch the film whenever is convenient and then join us in a Zoom discussion about the movie. 

  • Zoom discussion on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 7 pm: The Magic of Belle Isle

Rob Reiner’s The Magic of Belle Isle is a warmly funny drama that the whole family can enjoy. Morgan Freeman plays an author whose drinking has sapped his will to write. Beaten down, he moves to a remote village in an effort to regain his strength and rediscover his passion for words. There, he meets a single mother with three children who becomes his muse, inspiring him to rejuvenate his life and his work.

You can watch the film for FREE on:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlflQmjlRxQ&t=10s

Use this Zoom Link to join the discussion:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87025982448 

  • Zoom discussion on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 7 pm: This Beautiful Fantastic

Set against the backdrop of a beautiful London garden, this contemporary fairy tale centers on the unlikely friendship between a reclusive young woman who dreams of writing children’s books and a cranky widower. Facing eviction over her neglected garden, Bella (Jessica Brown Findlay) meets her grumpy, loveless, next-door neighbor (Tom Wilkinson), who happens to be an amazing horticulturalist.

You can watch the film for FREE on:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8yhL0lcQ5g&t=479s

Use this Zoom Link to join the discussion:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83913806633

  • Zoom discussion on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 7 pm: Mr. Church

Mr. Church, starring Eddie Murphy, tells the story of a unique friendship that develops when a little girl and her dying mother retain the services of a talented cook – Henry Joseph Church. What begins as a six-month arrangement instead spans fifteen years and creates a family bond that lasts forever.

You can watch the film for FREE on:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7H4uz2Fq24Y

Use this Zoom Link to join the discussion:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82881364829

The Zoom discussions will be led by the Chesapeake Film Festival Director, Cid Collins Walker and Executive Director, Nancy Tabor. Come prepared to have a fun and insightful time!

For more information about the Cabin Fever Film Festival, contact Executive Director of the CFF, Nancy Tabor, at [email protected].

The Chesapeake Film Festival is generously supported by the Shared Earth Foundation, Maryland Film Office, Maryland State Arts Council, Talbot County Arts Council, Talbot County Department of Tourism, Artistic Insights Fund, Richard and Beverly Tilghman, Karen and Langley Shook, U.S. Small Business Administration, Talbot CARES Small Business Grant and The Ravenal Foundation. Funding has also been provided to the Chesapeake Film Festival from Maryland Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020.

Celebrating its 95th anniversary, Talbot County Free Library’s mission is to inspire the community to discover ideas and information to enrich and renew lives. To learn more, visit tcfl.org, email [email protected], or call 410-822-1626.

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