Patricia Thompson, DNP, RN, has joined the UM Shore Regional Health administrative team as director, Behavioral Health. In this capacity, Thompson is responsible for overseeing the inpatient behavioral health unit, IOP program, bridge clinic, BHRT (behavioral health response team) and the substance abuse disorder program.

“We are thrilled to have Pat join our team here at Shore Regional Health. Her passion and experience in behavioral health will make a difference for our team, our patients, and our community,” says Jenny Bowie, chief nursing officer. “Pat has over 20 years of behavioral health experience, and brings a wealth of knowledge to the table in both nursing and behavioral health leadership. We are honored to have her join us.”

Thompson assumed her role this month after serving at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health in multiple clinical, faculty and leadership roles over the past 35 years. Most recently, she served as Upper Chesapeake’s regional director for education and training for Behavioral Health and as director of nursing, Behavioral Health Services. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Loyola University New Orleans.

“I am very excited to be joining University of Maryland Shore Regional Health and look forward to meeting and working with the Behavioral Health and leadership teams,” Thompson says. “I am committed to promoting mental health as a critical part of overall wellness in the Eastern Shore communities.”

By R. Duane Cespedes, MD

Incontinence affects almost 18 million women, yet fewer than half of all people suffering from incontinence consult a health care provider. In particular, women often consider the problem an untreatable consequence of having children or aging. In fact, there are many causes of incontinence and all are highly treatable. Female stress urinary incontinence (SUI), overactive bladder (OAB) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse are the most common.

SUI occurs when pressure is exerted on the bladder, causing leakage. This can occur when you laugh, sneeze, cough, lift something heavy or exercise. Many women experience this after pregnancy and childbirth.

OAB is characterized by a sudden and unstoppable need to urinate, a condition that results from sudden, involuntary contraction of the bladder wall muscles. If you are urinating more than eight times per day, you may be suffering from OAB.

Pain and urinary leakage could be a sign of POP, a herniation of the pelvic organs that causes them to drop through the vaginal opening. The bladder, uterus and rectum are supported by a web of muscles, ligaments and fibers. When these are weakened, the organs drop, causing the pain and leakage.

There are many treatments available for urinary incontinence, including medication, physical therapy, bladder retraining, injection therapy, use of medical devices and surgery. The first step is to consult your doctor for an evaluation. Your doctor will conduct a thorough history and physical exam, followed by a urinalysis. You may also be asked to keep a “bladder diary” to help diagnosis.

The bottom line is that incontinence is highly treatable. If you are suffering, don’t delay treatment any longer. You have many options!

I’m always looking for fast meals to cook. Seems like everyone here is always on the go and let’s face it, sometimes I forget to take something out to cook. I can thaw shrimp quickly in a bowl of cold water or bring home fresh shrimp to be part of our meal. This week’s recipe is great as part of your meal or as an appetizer. Hope you enjoy!

Parmesan Garlic Shrimp

2 lbs. shrimp (peeled and deveined)

2 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

4 tsp. garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. onion powder

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. parsley flakes

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set aside. Mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder and parsley flakes in a large bowl. Next add the shrimp and Parmesan cheese; toss to coat. Bake on prepared baking sheet for 7-8 minutes or until the shrimp appear white and pink. Serve and Enjoy!

On Wednesday, January 15, 2020, Kent School will welcome author Suzanne Goldsmith to campus for an afternoon of book discussion with students in grades five through eight. Students in grades seven and eight will engage in writing workshops with Ms. Goldsmith. Ms. Goldsmith’s most recent novel Washashore was selected as the novel that all Middle School students read this past fall. She is a freelance magazine writer who lives in Ohio. Washashore is her first novel. Ms. Goldsmith has also published a non-fiction book entitled, A City Year, about an internationally known service program based in Boston.

Washashore tells the story of Clementine Harper, a 14 year old spending the summer on Martha’s Vineyard. “She’s what the locals call a Washashore — an outsider. Clem doesn’t fit in . . . here. Her parents aren’t getting along . . . here. Coco, her best friend from Boston, just plain isn’t . . . here. But then Clem finds a fallen bird – an osprey – on the beach, And she meets a lonely boy named Daniel. And everything changes.”

“Washashore is particularly meaningful to our Middle School students for several reasons,” said, Julia Gross, Language Arts Teacher and Kudner Leyon Visiting Author Program Coordinator. “First, an osprey is at the center of the story. The osprey is not only our school mascot but we also have a nesting pair right on our campus. Our school community looks forward to their return each March.” Gross continued, “Secondly, the theme of the story includes relevant Middle School topics like friendship and inclusion. Middle School students want to fit in. This story helps our students understand what it feels like when you don’t fit in.”

Nancy Mugele, Head of School at Kent School said, “We are intentional in teaching our students empathy strategies. It is part of our Middle School Advisory curriculum. Washashore is a perfect compliment to our curriculum. We are deeply grateful to the Kudner and Leyon families, and their friends, for establishing the endowment that brings professionals in the literary arts to our students several times each academic year.”

Ms. Goldsmith’s visit is made possible by the Kudner Leyon Memorial Endowment, established in 2000. This endowment allows Kent School to bring authors, illustrators and experts in child development to campus each year to work with students, teachers and parents. The Kudner Leyon Visiting Writers Program is named for Ariana Kudner and Amanda Leyon, members of Kent School’s Class of 1991, who shared a love of reading, books and creative writing. Sadly, Ariana and Amanda lost their lives in a tragic car accident. This program is a wonderful and lasting tribute to their legacy and touches every student at Kent School each academic year.

For more information about the Kudner Leyon Visiting Writers Program, Kent School or Suzanne Goldsmith visit www.kentschool.org or call 410-778-4100 ext. 110.

Kent School located on the bank of the Chester River in historic Chestertown, is an independent school that serves boys and girls from Preschool through Grade Eight. Kent School’s mission is to guide our students in realizing their potential for academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence. Our school’s family-oriented, supportive, student-centered environment fosters the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world.

Talisman Therapeutic Riding, Inc. is planning for a busy 2020 with many events and activities scheduled at its 30-acre location in Grasonville in Queen Anne’s County. Talisman serves wounded warriors and individuals of all ages living with emotional, physical or cognitive disabilities. In the upcoming year, Talisman expects to provide over 3200 lesson.

Talisman CEO and Founder Anne Joyner says: “Now that we own our own property and have been designated as the Queen Anne’s Horse Discovery Center, we have the capability to better serve our clients and county residents. Since 85 percent of our riders rely on scholarships, we will have events throughout the year to raise funds necessary to continue to provide scholarships.

The state-designated Horse Discovery Center opens the way for individuals who have an interest in riding to familiarize themselves with horses and to participate in beginner riding instruction. Discovery center programs will officially kick off in February.

Derby Day 2020 on May 2^nd will see over 200 guests become Southerners for the day at Talisman’s ninth annual Derby Live! They will again enjoy the signature mint juleps bourbon tasting and El Jefe’s restaurant will again treat the guests to margaritas and tequila tasting. The event is TTR’s major fundraising event and has become the mid and upper shore’s premier social event.

Once again Talisman will focus on 8 programs during the summer for young riders, some in conjunction with Camp Wright. Participants come from many Maryland counties and Baltimore City.

The “Rider Cup” golf tournament is scheduled for August 31^st and will be held at Queenstown Harbor Golf Course. Funds raised at the tournament primarily support the wounded warrior program.

The annual Harvest Moon Ball will be in early fall at the farm, with the Speak Out Paper Chase rider event to follow on October 27^th. In November Talisman will commorate Veterans Day and on December 2^nd will host the annual open house in the farm’s indoor arena.

Volunteer training, volunteer appreciation events and Earth Cleanup Day (April 22^nd) make for a busy year ahead.

“We love having visitors to the farm, so even if someone can’t attend one of the formal events, we invite them to stop by,” said Joyner.

For more information go to www.talismantherapeuticriding.org or like us on Facebook.

For All Seasons Behavioral Health and Rape Crisis Center presents the 10th Annual Heart & Music on Thursday, March 5th through Sunday, March 8th at the Oxford Community Center.  This year, Director Ed Langrell and Music Director Ellen Barry Grunden return with a special “10-Year Tribute,” showcasing the best of the songs featured over the past 10 years of the performance. This year’s show is produced by Beth Anne Langrell and Lisa Roth, with special guests from Crashbox Theatre Troupe.

Join the cast for a great show filled with talent and entertainment at the Opening Night Gala on Thursday, March 5 at 6 p.m. with tickets starting at $150 that includes cocktails and dinner.  Weekend performances are Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7 at 8 p.m. and a Sunday matinee on March 8 at 2 p.m. with tickets starting at $25 for adults and $10 for students.

To reserve seats, call 443-258-2130 or visit www.heartmusic.eventbrite.com.

Heart & Music benefits For All Seasons, the only non-profit Behavioral Health and Rape Crisis C

On Wednesday, January 15th at the Kent Island Library, the League of Women Voters of QAC will be hosting a public topic forum on the plastic footprint in Queen Anne’s County. Bente E. Cooney, Founder of the non-profit Plastic Free QAC, will describe their mission, history, and legislative initiatives. Information on effective recycling will also be provided by Rick Turnbell, Manager of Mid Shore Recycling Program. Doors will open at 5:45pm for participants to visit informational tables hosted by The League of Women Voters and Plastic Free QAC. The program will run from 6:00pm-7:30pm. This event is free and open to all citizens eager to learn more about the dangers of plastics in our environment and wish to learn actions that can help. In 2003, the League of Women Voters of Queen Anne’s County (LWVQAC) was formed to promote informed and active participation of citizens in their government. LWVQAC is interested in and concerned about environmental issues facing our county. For more information about the LWVQAC visit lwvqac.org. Questions? Email lwvqac@gmail.com.

CENTREVILLE — (January 6, 2019) — The All-State Senior Band list was just published and QACPS took top honors, becoming the only Eastern Shore county represented on this years’ All-State list. This is a huge accomplishment for two tremendous band programs at both ends of the district. Queen Anne’s County High are led by Director of Bands Mr. Eric Wright and Kent Island High is led by Director of Bands Ms. Kimberly Mogensen.

“The past five years, I’m fairly certain that only one student from the Eastern Shore earned a spot. In the last ten years, no students from KIHS have earned a spot,” says Ms. Mogensen, “so this is exciting!”

Inside KIHS Band All-State Honors

The hard work and dedication paid off for both schools this year, and for Ms. Mogensen, her KIHS senior Ryan Bachman not only earned a spot in the All-State Senior Band—he earned first chair! Sixty trumpets auditioned for the top spot that Ryan earned.

Ms. Mogensen says that Ryan has participated in every music ensemble available at KIHS, from Marching Band as a Drum Major to Pit Orchestra, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band. In addition, he has taken all but one music course offered at KIHS, including Percussion Ensemble, Piano Musicianship and Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory—even private instruction with a professional trumpet player of the USNA Band.

“We are BEAMING with pride here,” said Mogensen. “We’re ecstatic to send him for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Ryan is an exceptional example to his peers.”

Mr. Wright shared similar sentiments, “It is very exciting that Queen Anne’s County is going to be the county that will be representing the Eastern Shore in the All-State Band.”

Inside QACHS Band All-State Honors

Courtney Adams, a senior at QACHS, earned a second chair spot in the All-State ensemble. Courtney has been an active member of the QACHS Lions Band program for the past four years playing flute in Concert Band her freshman year, and in Symphonic Band the past three years. She was also a member of the Marching Lions Band her first two years, before devoting more of her time with the Annapolis Youth Symphony.

“Courtney has also been active in small ensembles and performing solo at our regional and state solo and ensemble festivals. For the past three years, Courtney has also successfully auditioned for and participated as a member of the Maryland Eastern Shore All-Shore Honors Band,” said Mr. Wright. “Courtney is the sixth student that I have had to make it into one of the Maryland All-State Bands during my eighteen years at QACHS. I am very proud of all that Courtney as accomplished and have enjoyed watching her grow as a musician.”

Courtney is also in Mr. Wright’s AP Music Theory class. This is the first Advanced Placement Music course ever offered at Queen Anne’s County High School.

“I applaud Mr. Wright and Ms. Mogensen and all the talented students for their tireless efforts. The Band programs are simply outstanding in Queen Anne’s County, and due to the hard work these two put in, their students and their programs are thriving! I hope everyone in Queen Anne’s County understands the powerful impact the arts have on a students’ overall education,” said Michael Bell, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts for QACPS.

In order to participate in the Maryland All-State Senior Band, students must attend an independent (private), parochial, or public school in Maryland, must be in grades 10, 11, or 12, and must be enrolled in a band class. In senior high schools in which an alternative scheduling program is operating, the student may participate in the year in which the student earns a credit.

Store bought Bisquick mix is something that is usually needed for just specific recipes, so it’s not always an ingredient we have on hand. This week’s recipe for Homemade Bisquick is great to whip up in a hurry, and I bet you already have these ingredients on hand!

Homemade Bisquick Mix

2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 tbsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

4 tbsp. unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Mix dry ingredients and cut in butter with a pastry cutter, fork or your fingers, until crumbly. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

*Use in recipes that call for Bisquick.

Talbot County Government employees participated in a number of events this year to make the holidays brighter for families in Talbot County. For the 11^th year, Talbot County employees participated in the Adopt-A-Family Program coordinated in partnership with the Talbot County Department of Social Services. County employees adopted three families through the program with Talbot County Department of Emergency Services – D Shift taking the lead on adopting one of the families and golfers at Hog Neck Golf Course donating approximately 70 toys to the collection effort.

According to Karen Roberts, Office of the Talbot County Council, “This has been a very successful event for the past eleven years due to the generosity of County employees. We are happy to be able to provide each family with everything from household items and personal care products, to clothing and toys for the children. Everything was wrapped and ready to go under the tree!”

Separately, Talbot County Government employees contributed $2,279.00 to the Brighter Christmas Fund through fundraising for casual days throughout the year and coordinated a food-drive during November to benefit the Neighborhood Service Center’s food pantry, collecting enough food to fill several large boxes.

Talbot County Department of Corrections continued its annual holiday gathering in December for inmates and their families at the Talbot County Detention Center. Area churches and volunteers from Saint Vincent de Paul in Easton make the event possible each year. Cindy Green, Inmate Program Coordinator at the Talbot County Department of Corrections, coordinates the donations and holiday event, which includes a meal, a visit from Santa Claus, as well as gifts for all of the children.  Terry Kokolis, Director of the Talbot County Department of Corrections, states, “This event creates a real sense of community for the inmates re-engaging with their families during the most festive time of the year. The Department really enjoys hosting this event which creates good trust and fellowship between the inmates and our staff.”

Councilman Frank Divilio who attended the event adds, “Winter can be a dark and depressing time for anyone, especially for those who are incarcerated.  This event certainly brings light to those who are turning their lives around.  I can’t thank the volunteers enough – both Saint Vincent De Paul and the Correction Officers who volunteered their time to run this event, along with Director Kokolis who supported the event.”