ShoreRivers is proud to announce that it has been awarded over $3 million in funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Trust Fund) to continue its work of bringing vital restoration practices, wetlands and trees, and nutrient reductions to achieve real, significant impacts to the local water quality in our communities.
Located in southern Cecil County on a farm bordering Black Duck Creek on the headwaters of the Little Bohemia, the ShoreRivers’ project awarded was one of only three selected for funding on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in this grant cycle. It will include the restoration of three entrenched stream reaches (totaling 3,770 feet), downstream from existing in-field treatment wetlands, a 2018 ShoreRivers project also funded by the Trust Fund. Placing projects within the landscape that are able to store, treat, and then discharge water safely while providing ecological uplift is a win-win.
Expected outcomes include increased biodiversity, improved connectivity to allow fish passage and create spawning habitat, and a transition to wetland plant community within the floodplain. Annually, it is expected to reduce 4,138 lbs. of nitrogen, 2,357 lbs. of phosphorus, and 798 tons of sediment from reaching the surrounding waterways.
“Science has shown us that what we do on land has a huge impact on the quality of our rivers, creeks, and the communities that enjoy and depend on them,” said Tim Rosen, ShoreRivers’ Director of Agriculture & Restoration. “That’s why we work hand-in-hand with local farmers and landowners to find solutions and implement best practices that both help them achieve their goals and provide a benefit to our Eastern Shore waterways.”
The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund is dedicated to creating “cleaner, safer water in the Bay watershed through restored streams and floodplains, enhanced riparian buffers and forests, improved wetland ecosystems, and comprehensive stormwater management.” ShoreRivers is grateful for the ongoing support of the Department of Natural Resources and State of Maryland as it works to realize its vision of thriving rivers cherished by all Eastern Shore communities. To learn more, visit shorerivers.org.
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will celebrate Independence Day with its annual Big Band Night on Sunday, July 5, inviting the community to enjoy an evening of live music, family activities, and fireworks on its waterfront campus.
This star-spangled celebration in honor of America’s 250th anniversary runs from 7-10pm, with gates opening at 6pm. Tickets are available now at cbmm.org/BigBandNight and can also be purchased at the door. CBMM members save with discounted pricing.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets to enjoy Big Band Night, which is generously sponsored by Eastern Shore Tents & Events.
The Shades of Blue Orchestra returns to the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand, beginning at 7pm, to provide a high-energy soundtrack for the evening. The Baltimore-based, 18-piece ensemble combines brass, woodwind, and rhythm instruments, along with talented vocalists, to deliver a classic big band sound with a playlist from the 1930s to today.
At dusk, fireworks will light up the sky over the Miles River, continuing a long-standing St. Michaels tradition. CBMM is a proud sponsor of this year’s display.
Children can enjoy inflatables and more fun on Fogg’s Landing throughout the evening.
A variety of local vendors, including Cousins Maine Lobster, Hooked on Seafood, EZ Access Eats, Amy Cool’s Ice Cream, Kona Ice, and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, will offer food and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages.
Big Band Night offers a great opportunity to explore CBMM’s new Emblems of America special exhibition in the Van Lennep Auditorium. The display spotlights the use of patriotic imagery on trailboards, figureheads, and other marine carvings in CBMM’s collection, many of which are on long-term display on the auditorium’s walls.
Guests may enter CBMM’s campus through the Welcome Center or South Entrance. The Museum Store will have extended hours to allow Big Band Night guests to shop, including a special selection of red, white, and blue housewares and gifts curated for this festive summer season.
Big Band Night admission is $7 for CBMM members with member children 17-and-under admitted free. The cost for non-members is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors (65+) and college students with ID, $5 for children 6–17, and free for children 5-and-younger. All active and retired military members receive free admission to this event.
CBMM members receive discounted pricing to Big Band Night and more festivals celebrating the best of the Bay throughout the year. To support CBMM’s mission as a member of the community shaping the Chesapeake, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or druzicka@cbmm.org.
For safety reasons, non-service dogs must be kept home during CBMM special events, including Big Band Night.
The next festival on the schedule is Watermen’s Appreciation Day on Sunday, Aug. 9, which celebrates the men and women who work the Bay with steamed crabs by the dozen, a spirited workboat docking competition, live music, and more.
Check the calendar at cbmm.org/Events to learn more about these upcoming events and more opportunities to explore, learn, and celebrate at CBMM this summer.
The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners are actively seeking individuals to fill vacancies on The Police Accountability Board. Applications are being accepted through Friday, July 17, 2026
The Police Accountability Board holds quarterly meetings with heads of local law enforcement agencies and works to improve matters of policing. They receive complaints of police misconduct filed by members of the public and on a quarterly basis review outcomes of disciplinary matters considered by charging committees. They are also required to annually submit a report to the county that identifies any trends in the disciplinary process of police officers locally and makes recommendations on changes to policy that would improve police accountability.
For individuals interested in serving, the application process is accessible online at https://onboard.qac.org/. Alternatively, applicants may navigate to the official county website at qac.org and search for the specific Board or Commission to find the relevant application page.
To be considered for the vacancies, interested candidates are requested to submit their resume and a detailed letter of interest through the online application software.
Pay-what-you-wish performances bring the BSO to Harford and Queen Anne’s counties, with chamber music performances in Talbot and Worcester counties
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) today announced details for its 2026 Music for Maryland summer tour, continuing the Orchestra’s statewide commitment to bringing live symphonic and chamber music to communities across Maryland.
The 2026 summer tour will include full-orchestra performances on Thursday, August 6, at the Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College in Queen Anne’s County and Friday, August 7, at the new Chesapeake Theater at Harford Community College, a performance co-presented with the college. Admission to all Music for Maryland concerts will be pay-what-you-wish, with a recommended donation of $10 per registration. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged.
Both orchestra concerts will feature a 40-member BSO ensemble led by Nicholas Hersh, former BSO assistant/associate conductor and current principal conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Academy. The program includes Mozart’s Symphony No. 29 in A Major, Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte, and Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat Major, featuring BSO musicians Agnes Tse on violin and Colin Sorgi on viola.
Additional Chamber Music for Maryland performances are set for Tuesday, July 28, at the Mar-Va Theater Performing Arts Center in Pocomoke City and Tuesday, August 4, at the Oxford Community Center in downtown Oxford. Chamber Music for Maryland performances feature small ensembles of BSO musicians in programs well suited to each host venue.
The BSO’s Music for Maryland tour last visited Harford and Queen Anne’s counties in summer 2023, and Talbot and Worcester counties in summer 2024. This year’s performance at the Mar-Va Theater in Pocomoke City builds on a recent connection between the BSO and students from Pocomoke Middle/High School, who traveled more than 90 minutes each way on a school day to attend the Orchestra’s final open rehearsal of the season at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.
“Music for Maryland is one of the clearest expressions of the BSO’s statewide mission,” said Mark C. Hanson, president and CEO of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. “These concerts allow us to meet audiences where they are, return to communities that have welcomed the Orchestra before, and create new points of connection through live music.”
Launched in 2022, Music for Maryland was created to extend the reach of the BSO beyond its homes at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore and The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda. The summer 2026 tour is made possible in part by a new $750,000 operating grant from the state of Maryland to support the BSO’s year-round statewide service. Special thanks go to Governor Wes Moore and the Moore-Miller administration, Senate President William “Bill” Ferguson, House Speaker Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk, Senator Guy Guzzone, Delegate Benjamin Barnes, and members of the Maryland General Assembly for their continued support.
Special support for the 2026 Music for Maryland summer tour is provided by the PNC Foundation.
In honor of the leadership gifts of Robert E. Meyerhoff and Rheda Becker, all 2026 Music for Maryland concerts will once again be recognized as Robert E. Meyerhoff & Rheda Becker Community Performances.
For more details on the Music for Maryland Tour and to reserve tickets, please visit www.BSOmusic.org/community.
2026 Music for Maryland Schedule
Music for Maryland: Worcester County
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
7 pm Mar-Va Theater Performing Arts Center
103 Market Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851
Music for Maryland: Talbot County
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 7 pm Oxford Community Center 200 Oxford Road Oxford, MD 21654
Music for Maryland: Queen Anne’s County
Thursday, August 6, 2026 7 pm Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College 1000 College Circle Wye Mills, MD 21679
Music for Maryland: Harford County
Co-Presented with Harford Community College
Friday, August 7, 2026 7 pm Chesapeake Theater at Harford Community College 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD 21015
For over a century, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has been recognized as one of America’s leading orchestras and one of Maryland’s most significant cultural institutions. The orchestra is internationally renowned and locally admired for its innovation, performances, recordings, and educational outreach initiatives, including OrchKids.
The BSO performs annually for more than 300,000 people throughout the State of Maryland. Since 1982, the BSO has performed at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, and since 2005, with the opening of The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD, the BSO became the nation’s first orchestra performing its full season of classical and pops concerts in two metropolitan areas.
In July 2022, the BSO made history with the announcement that Jonathon Heyward would succeed Music Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder Marin Alsop as the Orchestra’s next Music Director. Maestro Heyward began his inaugural season in September 2023.
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.
More information about the BSO can be found at BSOmusic.org.
The Cancer Center at University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) recently welcomed Catalina Billings as coordinator of community outreach, a new position designed to provide up-to-date cancer information and resources by partnering with local organizations within the five-county region served by UM SRH. UM SRH is a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS).
As community outreach coordinator, Billings’ mission is to reach community members “where they are” with information that heightens their awareness of risks, symptoms and prevention strategies for many kinds of cancer. She is available to offer presentations at trusted community sites and events in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties, including health fairs, churches, temples, senior centers, nonprofit organizations, civic groups and residential communities.
Fluent in English and Spanish,, Billings first joined the UM SRH cancer program in June 2018 as medical interpreter serving Spanish-speaking patients; a few months later, her duties expanded to include outreach activities for the Wellness for Women program offered by the Clark Comprehensive Breast Center. In that capacity, she provided breast cancer education presentations at churches, schools, women’s group meetings and community centers around the Mid-Shore region and also participated in awareness walks, third-party fundraising and educational events throughout the year.
American Cancer Society statistics indicate that in the U.S., an estimated 40 out of 100 men and 39 out of 100 women will develop cancer during their lifetime. Incidence increases greatly with age; 88% of Americans diagnosed with cancer are 50 years or older. A member organization in the UMMS Cancer Network, the Cancer Center at UM SRH is the only comprehensive cancer care program serving residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties.
“I am very excited to expand my focus from breast cancer education to cancer more broadly,” Billings said. “In addition to breast cancer awareness in October, there are other awareness months; for example, prostate cancer in September and lung cancer in November. These observances and others provide the opportunity to highlight risk factors, symptoms, treatments and survivorship of different kinds of cancer. I look forward to helping people in our diverse communities become more informed about this important health issue and enabling them to make pro-active choices for better health.”
For more information or to schedule a presentation, contact 410-822-6800 or email SRH-CancerOutreach@umm.edu.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month is recognized each June to help bring awareness to PTSD and the treatments available to help with the disorder. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), PTSD is slightly more common among veterans than civilians. The agency reports that 7% of veterans will have PTSD versus 6% of civilians in their lifetime. PTSD is also more common among female veterans, with 13% of female veterans versus 6% of male veterans experiencing PTSD in their lifetime. SAMHSA reports that 30 percent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions, including, but not limited to, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
PTSD is a disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as combat, violence, a serious accident, or a natural disaster. People with PTSD may experience a range of symptoms that affect their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical well-being. Some individuals relive the traumatic event through memories, flashbacks, or nightmares, while others may avoid reminders of the trauma or feel constantly on guard. Symptoms may include anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, nightmares, disturbing thoughts, irritability, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance, and other changes in mood or functioning.
PTSD involves changes in the brain and nervous system that affect how a person responds to stress and the perceived event. It is common in certain professions, such as police, firefighters, paramedics, nurses, and even mental health workers. While PTSD is often associated with veterans, active service members, and first responders, it can also be the result of divorce, abrupt relocation, financial woes, or witnessing someone else going through a traumatic event. It is important to remember that people respond to stressful and traumatic experiences differently. A person’s experience of an event may be very different from another’s.
“People with PTSD need to know that effective treatments can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Healing from PTSD is possible, and every person’s recovery journey is unique. Some individuals may experience significant symptom relief in a relatively short period of time, while others may require longer-term support depending on their experiences, the nature of their trauma, and the resources available to them. Recognizing the signs of trauma and seeking help early can be an important step toward recovery. Rather than trying to manage PTSD alone, reaching out to a qualified professional can provide the support, tools, and treatment needed to promote healing and resilience,” shares Lesa Mulcahy, Chief Clinical Officer at For All Seasons.
The primary and most effective treatments for PTSD are trauma-focused psychotherapies, medications, or a combination of both.
Anyone who may think they are suffering from PTSD symptoms can call For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsinc.org. For Seasons’ clinicians are trauma-certified and can help.
For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education and outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures that anyone can receive high-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it – regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons’ walk-in hours, call 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.
to Fuel a Mission That’s Changing Cancer Patient’s Lives Nationwide
EBeauty Launches Inaugural Music Heals Fundraiser — and Prepares to Give Away 100,000 Wigs for Free
EBeauty Community for Cancer Support — the national nonprofit headquartered right here on Kent Island — has received an extraordinary donation of more than 100,000 wigs, mastectomy bras, breast forms, and head coverings, valued at $1.2 million. Every single item will be given to cancer patients completely free of charge. To power this massive undertaking and celebrate the community behind it, EBeauty is launching its very first Music Heals fundraiser on October 10, 2026 at Cult Classic in Stevensville, Maryland.
Since the mid-1990s, Stevensville has been home to Paul Reed Smith and the company that bears his name. This special evening shifts the spotlight from the guitars to Paul’s passion as a musician, bringing his band, Paul Reed Smith Eightlock, to the stage for a performance that celebrates another side of his creative legacy. Presented in partnership with Cult Classic and Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, the event reflects our community’s shared commitment to supporting and caring for the whole cancer patient and their family.
EBeauty is the only organization in the country with the national infrastructure to absorb this volume of donations and distribute them at scale. Right here from Stevensville, EBeauty’s team processes roughly 1,000 wigs a month, partnering with 90+ hospitals and cancer centers across all 50 states. Wigs aren’t covered by Medicare. They can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. EBeauty removes that barrier — entirely, for every patient, no matter where they live or what they earn. “Music Heals is how we fund the work”, says Carolyn Keller, founder, Ebeauty.
🤝 Sponsor Music Heals: Put your brand behind a mission that matters. Contact Jen@ebeauty.com
About EBeauty: EBeauty Community for Cancer Support is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2011 by two-time breast cancer survivor Carolyn Keller. In 14 years, EBeauty has served over 100,000 women nationwide — providing free wigs and supportive care resources through hospital partnerships and direct-to-patient programs. All services are free of charge, regardless of income, insurance, or location. ebeauty.com | 480 Main Street, Suite 104, Stevensville, MD 21666 | (410) 205-5870
About Paul Reed Smith Eightlock: The Paul Reed Smith Eightlock band is a high-energy funk, soul, and rock collective led by renowned guitar builder, musician, and entrepreneur Paul Reed Smith. Rooted in the traditions of Baltimore funk, Washington D.C. go-go, and New Orleans swing, the band creates a distinctive groove-driven sound powered by exceptional musicianship and an infectious live energy. The band features an all-star lineup of acclaimed musicians, including legendary drummers Dennis Chambers, Greg Grainger, and Ju Ju House; world-renowned bassist Gary Grainger; vocalist Mia Samone Davis; guitarists Mike Ault and Bill Nelson; and Paul Reed Smith on guitar. Together, these accomplished artists bring decades of experience performing and recording with some of music’s most respected names, creating a dynamic sound that blends funk, blues, soul, rock, and improvisational artistry.
Named for the eight musicians who “lock” together on stage and in the studio, Paul Reed Smith Eightlock has earned a reputation for powerful live performances and a unique three-drummer groove that sets the band apart. Their debut album, Lions Roaring in Quicksand, showcases both original compositions and inventive interpretations of classic songs, reflecting the band’s shared passion for musical exploration and collaboration.
Beyond the stage, Paul Reed Smith Eightlock band has become closely associated with charitable and community-focused initiatives, particularly in support of cancer patients and families through its ongoing relationship with Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Through music, service, and a commitment to bringing people together, the band continues to embody the spirit of creativity, connection, and groove that inspired its formation. (eightlockband.com)
The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins has been at the forefront of cancer research and patient care since its founding in 1973. It is one of only 53 NCI-designated Cancer Centers of Excellence
About Cult Classic Brewing – https://cultclassicbrewing.com/Cult Classic Brewing is Kent Island’s premier brewery, taproom, restaurant, and live music venue, located at 1169 Shopping Center Road, Stevensville, MD 21666. Brewer of 15+ craft beers made entirely in-house, Cult Classic has built a reputation as the Eastern Shore’s go-to destination for great food, handcrafted beer, and unforgettable live music.
Opening Wednesday, July 1, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s latest long-term exhibition, Stories from the Shoreline, invites guests on an immersive exploration of the Chesapeake Bay through the voices, traditions, and experiences of the people who call it home.
Located in the Bill Millar Pavilion within CBMM’s Welcome Center, Stories from the Shoreline draws on oral histories, memoirs, photographs, and artifacts to reveal how life along the Chesapeake is shaped by the dynamic relationship between land and water. The exhibition features dozens of personal stories illuminating pastimes and passions across generations, including shoreline fishing, waterfowling, plein air painting, eco-tourism, community conservation, and more.
Viewing Stories from the Shoreline is included with general admission, which is always free for CBMM members. CBMM invites the community to a grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 18, with opportunities to explore Stories from the Shoreline, meet featured storytellers and tradition bearers, and take part in hands-on activities inspired by the exhibition. Learn more and plan your visit at cbmm.org/StoriesFromTheShoreline.
“Stories from the Shoreline is the culmination of years of research, collaboration, and exhibition development, and we couldn’t be prouder to share it with our community,” CBMM’s Director of Curatorial Affairs & Exhibitions Jen Dolde said. “The stories featured in this long-term exhibition speak to the richness and diversity of Chesapeake life, and we’re excited to welcome guests into a space where those experiences can be explored and celebrated for years to come.”
Stories from the Shoreline connects past and present to create a human-centered portrait of life along the Bay, highlighting how Chesapeake communities on both shores adapt, preserve traditions, and engage with their environment.
The Chesapeake’s rich waterfowling culture is a major theme. The exhibition showcases CBMM’s world-class decoy collection while sharing the stories of hunters, craftspeople, and guides, tracing recreational hunting, decoy carving, market gunning, and the evolution of firearms.
Personal narratives are at the heart of Stories from the Shoreline. Guests will meet waterfowler Gus Plutschak and learn why he refused to sell his prized hunting dog despite a lucrative offer from a visitor to his Easton, Md., barbershop, as well as celebrated decoy maker Robert D. Lambdin, who started as a log canoe and small boat builder in St. Michaels, Md., before branching into decoys and sinkboxes to fit the needs of his customers. The exhibition also traces the decoy making process with the help of images featuring the famed Ward Brothers of Crisfield, Md., at work.
More broadly,Stories from the Shoreline examines Chesapeake history along both shores, bringing together familiar and lesser-known stories to weave a rich tapestry of Bay life. The exhibition highlights Indigenous fishing and trapping traditions, terrapin farming, riverside baptisms, waterfront nightclubs, shoreline gambling, beachcombing, and more snapshots from the water’s edge.
Stories from the Shoreline shares stories that have often been left out of traditional Chesapeake narratives, such as Sambo Anderson’s experience waterfowling as an enslaved person and the cultural legacy of Black chefs in Baltimore who promoted terrapin cuisine. Present-day voices, like Baltimore-based historian and explorer Evan Woodard and the conservationists of the Elizabeth River Project, demonstrate how new generations continue to reinterpret and protect the shoreline.
On Saturday, July 18, CBMM will celebrate this new addition and these quintessential Chesapeake stories with a Chesapeake Celebration that serves as the exhibition’s grand opening.
Guests are invited to meet people featured in the exhibition, including Nause-Waiwash Chief Donna Abbott, sea glass expert Mary McCarthy, and dive deeper into their stories through a series of talks and hands-on activities, plus more fun with CBMM’s staff, volunteers, and community partners. Learn more and buy general admission tickets at cbmm.org/StoriesCelebration.
Stories from the Shoreline is made possible thanks to philanthropic leadership from Maxine & Bill Millar, Judy & Henry Stansbury, and The Vitale Foundation, along with generous support from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority and CBMM’s Regional Folklife Center under the Maryland Traditions program of the Maryland State Arts Council.
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a non-profit educational organization that preserves and explores the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and makes this resource accessible to all.
Every aspect of fulfilling this mission is driven by CBMM’s values of relevance, authenticity, and stewardship, along with a commitment to providing engaging guest experiences and transformative educational programming, all while serving as a vital community partner. Learn more at cbmm.org.
Queen Anne’s County Independence Day Celebration is set for July 1, 2026. This annual local event provides a promising and unforgettable experience for families and friends in the heart of Kent Narrows at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 1, 2026, with a rain date scheduled for Thursday, July 2, 2026.
This year’s event will once again be hosted on the lawn next to the visitor’s center, offering the perfect setting for a celebration. Attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs or blankets and enjoy the complimentary family activities. The evening will conclude with the much-anticipated fireworks display.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, with a rain date of Thursday, July 2, 2026
Time:
Parking opens at 5:30 pm
Shuttle service starts at 6:00 pm
Family fun activities commence at 6:00 pm
Fireworks display at 9:15 pm
Location: 425 Piney Narrows Road, Chester MD
Food and Entertainment:
Food trucks will be on-site, offering food and snacks for purchase. (Note: Alcohol is not permitted on county property.) Food choices will include a variety of options from hotdogs to funnel cakes.
Free family activities include face painting, a photo booth, and bounce houses for children.
Musical performance by Southland
Parking and Shuttle Information:
Free parking is available at the “old outlets” located at 59 Piney Narrows Road in Chester, starting at 5:00 pm.
Handicap parking and a complimentary shuttle service will be provided for attendees’ convenience.
Important Notes:
The Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center parking lot as well as Ferry Point Park will be closed at sunset on Tuesday June 30th and will reopen on Thursday, July 2 unless the rain date is used.
The Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff will implement detours; visit queenannessheriff.org for more information.
Stay updated on the latest information about the Independence Day and Family Fun Celebration by visiting qac.org and searching for “Annual Fireworks” or following us on social media @QACGOV or @QACParksNRec. For traffic updates, follow @QACSO.
Queen Anne’s County Department of Corrections was well represented and highly recognized for their outstanding service during the recent Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA) Awards Ceremony and Banquet.
The event brought together correctional professionals from across Maryland and featured remarks from Governor Wes Moore, who attended to honor the dedication and sacrifices made by correctional employees throughout the state.
“I am incredibly proud of the team we have built at the Queen Anne’s County Department of Corrections and the way they represent our county. Their hard work often goes unseen by the public, but they play a vital role in serving our community and ensuring the safety and security of our facility,” said Warden LaMonte Cooke
Queen Anne’s County honored two correctional professionals as Officers of the Year. Corporal Andrew Minner and Correctional Officer Curtis Knierim were selected by their peers in recognition of their distinguished performance, professionalism, leadership, and commitment to excellence during the previous calendar year.
Each year, correctional agencies across Maryland select one or more individuals who consistently uphold the highest professional standards while maintaining a positive attitude and dedication to their agency’s mission. These officers are nominated and selected by fellow staff members who witness firsthand the exceptional work ethic and commitment they bring to the job every day.
In addition, Captain Cottman received the prestigious MCAA President’s Award for her outstanding behind-the-scenes efforts supporting the association and its annual conference. The award recognizes individuals whose dedication and service contribute significantly to the success of the organization and the advancement of the corrections profession.
“Recognition from one’s peers is among the highest honors a correctional professional can receive,” said Major-Chief of Security Milton “Bo” Greenwood. “These awards reflect the professionalism, integrity, and commitment that Corporal Minner, Officer Knierim, and Captain Cottman demonstrate every day in service to Queen Anne’s County.”
Join us in congratulating all three recipients on their well-deserved recognition and thank them for their continued dedication to public safety and community service.
Picture: Warden LaMonte Cooke, Captain Briana Cottman, County Administrator Todd Mohn, Correctional Officer Knierim, Corporal Minner, Lieutenant Heather Edwards, Major – Chief of Security Milton “Bo” Greenwood
