ST. MICHAELS, Md., Nov. 27, 2024 – The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is excited to welcome our local community and friends from across the region and beyond to experience Winter on the Chesapeake on our waterfront campus on Saturday, Dec. 14, starting at noon.

Held in conjunction with Christmas in St. Michaels, this festive celebration will feature live music, visiting food vendors, a bar serving holiday cocktails, horse-drawn carriage rides, a Holiday Floral Arrangement Workshop, and a special presentation of the “One-Man Christmas Carol.”

Guests are invited to embrace the spirit of the season with roaming carolers singing holiday favorites and hot cocoa and s’mores around our fire cauldrons. Learn more about all the fun planned at cbmm.org/WinterOnTheChesapeake.

Winter on the Chesapeake will follow general admission pricing, with free entry for CBMM members. Event tickets are on sale now at $20 for adults, $17 for seniors (ages 65 and up) and college students (with ID), $16 for retired military members, $8 for children ages 6–17, and free for children 5-and-younger as well as active military personnel.

From 1-5pm, guests can enjoy a carriage ride through our 18-acre waterfront campus. Tickets to ride can be purchased the day of the festival at a cost of $10 for adults, $5 for youth ages 6-17, and free for children 5-and-younger.

Registration is open now for the Holiday Floral Arrangement Workshop with expert florist Amy Wilkins of Monteray Farms. During this hands-on workshop from 1:30-2:30pm in the Van Lennep Auditorium, Wilkins will guide participants step-by-step to put together a festive centerpiece for their holiday table.

Admission to Winter on the Chesapeake, a drink ticket for the cocktail bar, and all the materials needed to make a one-of-a-kind holiday arrangement are included in the $75 registration fee, with a 20% discount for CBMM members. Learn more at cbmm.org/HolidayFloralWorkshop.

Local musician Sam Pugh will provide the soundtrack for the fun from 1pm-4pm before the Joyous Voices strolling quartet takes the spotlight to share their spirited playlist of holiday tunes.

Don’t miss actor Jimi Kinstle’s one-man rendition of the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol” from 4-5pm in the Van Lennep Auditorium.

After 5pm, there will be free admission to view the St. Michaels Lighted Boat Parade, which begins at 6pm and passes CBMM’s campus. The exhibitions will be closed, but CBMM’s Museum Store, plus the restrooms and cocktail bar, will be open until 7:30pm.

Stop by the Museum Store, located in the Welcome Center, before or after the parade to enjoy great deals and light refreshments. CBMM members receive 20% off storewide, and everyone else receives 10% off their purchases.

CBMM members become a part of the Chesapeake story, joining CBMM’s mission as stewards of the region’s rich cultural heritage. To get free admission to Winter on the Chesapeake and many more immersive experiences and exclusive opportunities throughout the year, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or druzicka@cbmm.org.

Winter on the Chesapeake guests are encouraged to enter campus through the Welcome Center throughout the day. Please note the carriage rides, floral arrangement workshop, and all food and drinks require an additional fee. Learn more about this and more CBMM events coming this winter at cbmm.org.

ShoreRivers is proud to announce that it has received the largest award in the organization’s history —more than $9 million in grant funding for six high-impact restoration projects across the Eastern Shore — through the State of Maryland’s Clean Water Commerce Account Program, administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Each of the projects selected was designed to add more best management practices to our landscape and to generate large reductions in the amount of nitrogen pollution entering our waterways every year. One of these clean water projects will restore 4,143 feet of stream and 9 acres of associated floodplain wetlands in Queen Anne’s County on an active farm that drains directly into the tidal waters of the Wye River/Eastern Bay. The other five projects focused on drainage water management — the process of managing and treating water discharges from subsurface agricultural drainage systems to achieve water quality and agronomic goals — across the Eastern Shore.

“ShoreRivers works hard to bring in grant funding that is then directly applied to the benefit of our communities,” said Tim Rosen, ShoreRivers’ Director of Agriculture & Restoration. “With projects like these we can help our local farmers achieve production and conservation goals while also accelerating our efforts to clean up our waterways.”

The process of securing this funding actually began two years ago, when ShoreRivers first applied for project funding made available by the passage of the Clean Water Commerce Act of 2021. This act was passed with the intention of accelerating the Chesapeake Bay cleanup effort by purchasing nitrogen outcomes — at the lowest possible price point — with a focus on projects from the agricultural sector and in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harm and risks. Two of ShoreRivers’ projects were the only ones that scored a perfect 100 when the applications were reviewed. However, a discrepancy in the act’s implementation at the agency level led to the need for additional legislation during the most recent session of the Maryland General Assembly. As one of the organization’s leadership bills earlier this year, ShoreRivers’ Riverkeepers worked collaboratively with members of its Agriculture & Restoration department, plus other environmental advocates and partners, to ensure the act — a critical funding mechanism to help the state achieve its clean water goals — is executed in ways that support its original intent.

“It was a true cross-departmental, cross-sector, and cross-industry effort to pass new legislation earlier this year,” said Matt Pluta, ShoreRivers’ Choptank Riverkeeper and the Director of its Riverkeeper Programs. “We’re proud of that success and the impacts that these projects can now have, and we’re grateful to have had bipartisan support from our local delegation to make it happen. When we all work together, it’s our land and waterways that win.”

ShoreRivers has an excellent track record of completing restoration projects, from wetlands and streams on agricultural land to smaller-scale projects for homeowners and neighborhoods. Clear, strong partnerships and dedicated staff help ensure that projects are completed with integrity and that the impact of these projects is communicated and amplified through programming. To learn more about our work to support thriving rivers cherished by all Eastern Shore communities, please visit shorerivers.org.

CHESTERTOWN, Md. (November 26, 2024) – The University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown’s Shore Community Outreach Team (SCOT) is being honored by the Maryland Rural Health Association (MRHA) as recipients of its 2024 Outstanding Rural Health Program Award.
SCOT team members Emily Welsh, MSN, RN, Nurse Coordinator, Social Worker Michelle Matthews, LCSW, and community health advocates Serenity Kelly, CCHW, and Amanda Webster, CCHW, received the award at MRHA’s annual awards ceremony.
Nominated by Lara Wilson, Director of Rural Health Care Transformation at University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH), the outreach team was selected for the award based on their outstanding work in providing effective, community-oriented rural health care delivery and excelling in their service to rural communities. UM SRH is a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS).
Focusing on the underserved and vulnerable populations in Kent and northern Queen Anne’s counties, the mission of SCOT is to improve the community’s health by collaborating with local partners to bring health care access and support services to residents in their homes and community settings. In Fiscal Year 2024, SCOT served 90 people through community case management, provided a total of 304 health blood pressure and diabetes (A1c) screenings at sites throughout Kent and northern Queen Anne’s counties, conducted 679 home visits and connected dozens of patients to primary care, mental health services and medication reconciliation support.
“I am continually blown away by the reach this team has achieved within our communities and the incredible impact they are making for our residents,” said Wilson, who was on hand to present the award. “They are an amazing resource for our vulnerable populations, and their ongoing collaboration with local government entities, nonprofit and civic groups promises to advance their reach even further.”
SCOT also developed a number of creative initiatives to assist local residents in need of support services. These include a raised gardens program, block parties at senior communities and the African-American Health Advisory Committee, which they helped launch to offer health education events geared to the concerns of the local Black community.
“I am very fortunate to have such a dedicated and passionate team,” Welsh said in accepting the award on behalf of the SCOT members. “This award motivates us to continue our vision to be a leader in excellent patient care and the transformation access to health care in rural communities. We will use this recognition to strengthen our program further, expand our reach and improve the health and well-being of even more people.”

CENTREVILLE — The transformative power of art and storytelling takes center stage in Episode 28 of ArtScene | The Podcast, recorded live during the 3rd annual ‘True Colors’ Mental Health Awareness Art Show. Held at the Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College on opening night in October 2024, this episode highlights community artists and outstanding student artists from Kent Island High School (KIHS), who share their personal stories, creative processes, and the impact of their work in raising awareness about mental health.

Listen starting December 1st on Spotify here or at https://anchor.fm/artscene.

True Colors, a collaboration between Crossroads Community, Inc. and Corsica River Mental Health Services, Inc., featured works from artists of all ages across various mediums—including paintings, photography, digital art, and poetry—all aimed at fostering understanding and dialogue about creativity and mental health.

Host Michael Bell, QACPS Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts, interviewed participating artists, educators, and special guests, including Holly Ireland, Executive Director of Crossroads Community, Inc., to explore the intersection of mental health and creativity. These candid conversations underscore the role of art as a powerful tool for creativity and healing.

BONUS CONTENT:

View a 6-minute video showcasing highlights from the awards presentation, photos of student artists alongside their creations, and candid moments with podcast guests.

LEARN MORE: https://www.ccinconline.com/art-show/

SPECIAL THANKS:
This event and podcast were made possible through the contributions of:

Holly Ireland, Executive Director of Crossroads Community
Deanna Lewis, Youth & Young Adult Community Recovery Program Coordinator
Kyle Willey, Executive Communications Specialist
Rob Thompson, Chesapeake College
Andrea Schulte, KIHS Art Department Chair, and the exceptional KIHS art teachers and participating student artists

Beginner-Intermediate – in this class students will learn how to machine appliqué their snowmen using Heat & Bond LITE to create a beautiful “Winter Fun – Happy Snowmen” 55” x 37” wall hanging. Instructor: Colette Metcalf

Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025
Time: 9:30am – 3:00pm
Cost: Members $40.00, Non Members $50.00
Call Kathleen McCulloch to sign up 443/448-4611 or email at info@fiberartscenter.com.

STEVENSVILLE—Kent Island High School (KIHS) proudly announces William Robbins as the QACPS Visual Arts ‘Teen of the Week’, nominated by Ms. Estelle Szczerba, Art teacher at KIHS.

Will is a talented 9th-grade artist who has demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship and creativity in 3D Studio Art 1. Guided by Ms. Szczerba, Will brings a unique vision and high standards to each of his projects, pouring meticulous care into planning, material selection, and problem-solving before even beginning his work. Will’s pieces, often inspired by his love of nature, reveal his dedication and thoughtful approach to art.

Ms. Szczerba, notes, “Watching him work is truly exciting—you can tell he’s thought it all out ahead of time and is really enthusiastic about bringing his ideas to life.”

Will’s creativity is evident in his recent classroom projects. He crafted a paper mache sculpture of his name, incorporating his love of nature with elements inspired by trees and plants. As a playful twist, he engineered the dot in the “i” of his name to float above the letters, showcasing his knack for complex designs. Another impressive work is a vase featuring a realistic octopus wrapped around it, rendered with striking detail.

In addition to his classroom projects, Will is a skilled woodturner with a passion for woodworking that he inherited from his father, who taught him about tools and building from a young age. Will recalls watching his father build an intricate play structure—shaped like a dragon with moving parts—an experience that fueled his own drive to create. At the age of twelve, after working on a horse farm to raise funds, Will purchased his own lathe and began turning wood on his own. Now, with three years of experience, he seeks out unique woods from around the world, bringing materials from places like Australia, Hawaii, and even an African seed pod to life in the form of finely crafted vases and even a family charcuterie board.

Ms. Szczerba admires Will’s dedication, noting, “He would probably stay in the art room all day if he could. He often spends lunch and even time after school working on his projects, always asking me about my day and sharing interesting facts about nature.” She’s inspired by Will’s passion for art and looks forward to seeing where his talents will take him in the future.

Kent Island High School is proud to celebrate Will’s achievements and artistry, anticipating even more exciting projects as he continues to hone his skills. His commitment to his craft and his creative spirit make him a young artist to look out for at ArtScene 2025 this spring!

Delmarva Peninsula – The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is spreading seasonal cheer with its Holiday Joy Concerts this December. The concerts will feature festive favorites and special guest soloist Jonathan Pierce Rhodes, the celebrated young tenor known for his resounding voice and captivating performances.

The Holiday Joy Concerts will take place on Thursday, December 5 at 7:30 PM at Todd Hall Performing Arts Center in Wye Mills, MD, Saturday, December 7 at 7:00 PM at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, DE and Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 PM at the Performing Arts Center in Salisbury, MD

Led by Grammy Award winning Music Director Michael Repper, the concert program will feature a blend of orchestral holiday favorites and stunning vocal solos by Jonathan Pierce Rhodes. Audiences can expect a festive mix of timeless classics such as It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Winter Wonderland, and Sleigh Ride, as well as beloved carols like Silent Night and O Holy Night, performed by Rhodes. Also included in the program are the popular White Christmas, In the Bleak Midwinter, and a special rendition of T’was the Night Before Christmas, with a narrator.

Rhodes, a recent graduate of the Washington National Opera’s prestigious Cafritz Young Artist Program, is quickly becoming one of the most exciting voices in opera today. Known for his powerful stage presence and rich tenor voice, he has performed with top-tier companies such as The Lyric Opera Chicago, Opera Parallele, and The Glimmerglass Festival. This season, Rhodes will also make his Carnegie Hall debut and appear in several high-profile opera productions, continuing to earn rave reviews for his expressive voice and artistry.

The Holiday Joy Concerts will be a perfect way to celebrate the season with loved ones. With a blend of orchestral warmth, spirited holiday music, and world-class solo performances, this concert is sure to create lasting memories for audiences of all ages.

For tickets and more information, visit the Mid-Atlantic Symphony’s website at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

Queen Anne’s County Commissioners have pledged $50,000 in funding for each of the next three years to Kennard African American Cultural Heritage Center and Museum (KAACHC), while building upon the $140,000 they received from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, to support the hiring of an Executive Director to manage their programs and operations. The first installment of the county’s pledge, a $50,000 check, was presented to Clay Washington, President of the Kennard Alumni Association Board of Directors, on Saturday, November 9, at the Kennard Gala Luncheon and Raffle event. The check was presented by County Commissioners Jim Moran and Chris Corchiarino.
“We are incredibly proud of the work the Kennard Alumni Association has done to preserve and celebrate African American heritage in Queen Anne’s County,” said Commissioner Jim Moran. “The Kennard Center has grown into a vital resource for our community, providing educational and cultural opportunities that truly make a difference. We are excited to continue supporting their mission and to see how this new funding will help expand their programs even further. The County Commissioners are committed to ensuring the success of the Kennard Center and look forward to partnering with them for many years to come.”
The county assisted the Kennard Alumni Association in applying for and securing a $140,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund.
The KAACHC is one of only 30 sites nationwide to receive funding from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, which awarded a total of $3 million to historic sites representing Black cultural heritage. KAACHC has become a hub for African American history programs, exhibits, and community events in Queen Anne’s County. With more than $140 million raised to date, the Action Fund is the largest U.S. resource dedicated to preserving African American historic places.
Since its establishment, KAACHC has played a vital role in providing educational and cultural learning opportunities, in Queen Anne’s County. The center offers a variety of programs, including after-school mentoring, exercise classes, and summer camps for youth with special needs. With the hiring of a dedicated Executive Director, the center plans to expand its offerings to include adult literacy, STEM education, cultural arts, and more.
The Kennard Center is poised to become an even greater asset to Queen Anne’s County, fostering connections within the community and preserving African American heritage for future generations. Queen Anne’s County Commissioners look forward to continuing their partnership with The Kennard Alumni Association and other stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of its mission.
For more information about the Kennard African American Cultural Heritage Center and how you can get involved, visit https://kennardheritage.com/

Discover Tidewater Rotary: An Evening of Networking, Community, and Service
Event Date: November 20, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Arrive between 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM)
Location: iFrog Building, 101 Bay Street, Suite A, Easton, MD
The Tidewater Rotary Club of Easton warmly invites community members and prospective new Rotarians to attend our “Discover Rotary” event, held at the vibrant iFrog building. Located at 101 Bay Street, Suite A in Easton, MD, this event promises an engaging evening of networking, insight into Tidewater Rotary’s impactful community work, and a look at one of the area’s most innovative workspaces.
Event Highlights:

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Arrive early for a pre-event networking session with light refreshments.

5:00 PM: Take a guided tour of the iFrog building, led by our hosts, beginning promptly after 5:00 PM.
After the Tour: Hear from Tidewater Rotary President, Joe Petro, and Membership Chair, John Horner, who will share the history of Rotary and discuss the positive impact of Tidewater Rotary’s service projects across Easton and Talbot County.
6:30 PM: Conclude with a brief Q&A and further networking opportunities.

The Tidewater Rotary Club is a dedicated and energetic group of local professionals who serve the Easton community and beyond, guided by our mission of “Service Above Self.” This event is a unique opportunity to connect with current members, learn about our various service initiatives, and discover how you, too, can make a difference.

RSVP Information:

To RSVP, please contact Membership Chair John Horner at jhorner@eucmail.com. If you’re unable to attend, we invite you to join one of our weekly meetings held Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Brookletts Place (400 Brookletts Ave, Easton, MD) or online via Zoom. Additionally, on the third Thursday of each month, we hold an evening social at 4 Dogs Brewing Co. & Pub (219 Marlboro Ave #52B, Easton, MD) in place of our morning meeting.
Learn more about our club at www.TidewaterRotary.org or follow us on Facebook @TidewaterRotary for updates on events and service opportunities.

For All Seasons will host the fourth annual free Frosty’s Holiday Village event on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Anchor Church at 620 Goldsborough Street in Easton. Participants can stroll through the event while enjoying free activities, including professional photos with Frosty and friends, holiday crafts, Cascading Carlos the Juggler, complimentary cocoa, cider, and winter treats, and a continuous showing of “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” on the big screen. This year, the event is adding 20 new inflatables and a second movie. Last year, several hundred families participated in this annual community event.

Presenting sponsors include The St. John Foundation and Willow Construction. Additional sponsors include Willow Construction, St. John’s Foundation, Jacob Sloan Foundation, Tri Gas and Oil/Pep, Parker Counts, Hearthstone, Talbot County Health Department, Construction Services & Supply, Inc., Chesapeake Building Components, La De Da!, Grauls Market, Julianne Rosela Foundation, Mid-South Audio, and Creative Training Solutions.

“We look forward to welcoming a diverse audience to celebrate the holiday season and share in this fun community event. With our generous sponsors each year we can reach more and more people. We hope this year will do the same as we return to Anchor Church, which is a wonderful host,” comments Lauren Weber, Vice President of Strategy & Development, For All Seasons.

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