The Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services is excited to launch Citizen Connect, a new online tool from Tyler Technologies that helps improve communication, build trust, and keep the public informed.

Citizen Connect makes it easier for residents to see important emergency services information, follow public safety trends, and learn about county-wide efforts—all in real time. This new platform is part of the county’s goal to provide better service, strengthen safety, and keep government open and transparent.

“We’re proud to bring Citizen Connect to Queen Anne’s County,” said Scott Haas, Director of Emergency Services. “This gives residents quick access to useful information, like emergency response times and incident data. It helps us stay connected with the community and be more accountable.”

With Citizen Connect, residents can:

• View real-time data, including response times and types of emergencies
• Explore interactive maps and dashboards made for Queen Anne’s County
• Get updates about local public safety programs
• Stay involved with a more open and connected local government

This new tool is a big step forward in modernizing emergency services and helping the community stay informed and engaged.

To check out the platform, visit qaccitizenconnect.org.

Stevensville – It has been more than five years since Charmtree Jewelry Studio opened its doors. Since the onset it has been the goal of owner, Melissa Kay-Steves to bring the best of the best to her Kent Island studio to teach and this year’s guest instructor line-up doesn’t disappoint.  CJS is getting ready to host its third Master Instructor of the year. Bette Barnett, a celebrated steel-smith from California whose unique process in jewelry-making landed her a book deal, is teaching three classes on Kent Island April 30^th-May 4^th. Bette combines the unique process of using steel, gold and silver to create jewelry, a unique process that has created quite a buzz in the jewelry world.

On Tuesday, April 10^th CJS will host a book signing and wine and cheese reception from 4-6 PM to celebrate Bette’s new book Creating Steel Jewelry: Etching, Fusing, Keum Boo, Enameling, Stainless and More.  Her book is an incredible resource for all metalsmiths, including jewelers, blacksmiths and bladesmiths who wish to venture into new areas for their talents. During the reception, Barnett will also offer a demo of Keum Boo, the ancient Korean art form of applying gold to metal through heat and pressure, on steel.

CJS has hosted three award-winning, guest instructors this year with more master classes in cue including, Julie Sanford, Melissa Muir, Michael Marx and Helen Driggs. Each instructor will be welcomed with a Meet the Maker reception and trunk show that is open to the public.  For more information about classes and guest instructors, please visit our website www.charmtreejewelry.com.

For more info or to schedule a space in one of the workshops, go to www.charmtreejewelry.com

  Or email CJS charmtree@verizon.net

Car and boat enthusiasts will gather on Maryland’s Eastern Shore this summer and fall as two premier motoring events take place at the waterfront Kent Island Yacht Club.

The 9th annual Chesapeake Bay Motoring Festival returns on June 7–8, 2025, followed by the 18th annual St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance on the Chesapeake Bay, scheduled for September 26–28, 2025. St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance Inc. and the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society are presenting both events in partnership with Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina.

The yacht club’s expansive waterfront lawn will transform into an open-air museum, featuring a dazzling lineup of antique, classic, hot rod, and sports cars, along with a curated collection of classic boats and grand motor yachts.

Free online applications for vehicle and boat entries are now open and can be for one or two days. Event sponsors include Red Horse Motoring Club, Fred Frederick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Easton, Prestige Auto Vault, Preston Automotive Group, Shore United Bank, and Treasured Motorcar Services. Advance discounted tickets are good for both days and can be purchased online at  www.chesapeakebaymotoringfestival.org.

Start your Engines in June

The Chesapeake Bay Motoring Festival kicks off Saturday, June 7, with a lively Cars & Coffee gathering featuring car clubs, hot rods, muscle cars, and elegant vintage vehicles. All types of vehicles are welcome to participate. The weekend concludes Sunday afternoon with a whimsical awards ceremony along the waterfront. Categories include “Best Car to Take Your Momma to Church” and “Car Most Inclined to Stop for Gas.”

The festival’s People’s Choice Award winner will earn a featured spot in September’s Concours d’Elegance.

Spotlight on Elegance in September

The September 26–28 Concours d’Elegance on Chesapeake Bay will showcase Rolls-Royce as the Grand Marque, highlighting a grand celebration of the 100^th Anniversary of the Phantom. An invitational class of racing Corvettes will be on display, along with a Winner’s Circle featuring previous best of show winners from other Concours d’Elegance events, including Greenwich, Radnor Hunt, and Amelia Island.

The weekend will also include a spotlight on Chesapeake Bay yachting, along with classic motor yachts and wooden speedboats on display. Sponsored by the Dwight Schaubach Collection, a unique grouping of fabulous examples from Suffolk, Virginia, will be showcased.

Entries for the Concours d’Elegance are now open and available online through a brief application process.

Concours Chair Luke L. Phipps says the Kent Island Yacht Club offers the ideal setting for both events, bringing together fine motoring, local flavors, scenic waterfront views, and the unique charm of the Eastern Shore.

“Each weekend is a celebration of craftsmanship and community,” Phipps said. “With locally sourced food, craft beverages, live music, vendors, and a festive atmosphere, it’s a complete experience for both car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.”

Arrive by Land—or Water

Both events are ticketed and open to the public, with dockage available for guests arriving by boat at the Kent Island Yacht Club or Hyatt Place Marina. Slip space is limited, and advance reservations are recommended by contacting info@smcde.org.

Entrant applications, early-bird tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and more information can be found at www.chesapeakebaymotoringfestival.org or www.smcde.org.

Gentlemen and ladies from Maryland and beyond will come together on May 3, 2025 to celebrate the fastest two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby. The Kentuckians for the day will enjoy mint juleps and Cult Classic beer, and wine while they peruse more than 50 items on the silent auction, pose for a picture in the photo booth, or try their luck at the money wheel. A southern style dinner and live auction will follow the live broadcast of the 151^st Derby in Kentucky.

Talisman Therapeutic Riding is a unique organization that provides adaptive horseback  riding to veterans suffering from PTSD and children and adults with significant mental, emotional, and physical challenges.

The organization’s Heroes on Horses program supports veterans and assists in the reduction of the suicide rate in Maryland by providing equine-assisted therapeutic activities in retreat-based sessions. Professionally trained staff recognize the challenges faced by veterans and work to affirm each participant’s individuality and value. In a one-day retreat, the group participates in a scheduled program of exercises centered on strengthening mental and physical well-being.

In the adaptive rider program, after an individual assessment, participants work with a certified therapeutic riding instructor to implement his or her own individual lesson plan, designed to address the goals of each rider. The rider performs mounted and unmounted work on or around the horse to build skills that support independence and life outside of the arena.

The Talisman Derby event will be held on May 3^rd from 4:30 until 8:00 at the farm at 172 Blue Ribbon Lane in Grasonville. Tickets are $175 per person with all proceeds going to Talisman Therapeutic Riding. For additional information and to purchase tickets go to www.talismantherapeuticriding.org

Shore Legal Access, a legal aid nonprofit organization connecting limited-income households with free civil legal assistance on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, recently promoted Geoffrey Cooke, Esq. to Litigation Director. Cooke will oversee the organization’s’ Housing and Consumer Debt programs.

Cooke joined SLA’s staff in 2022, first as a staff attorney and then as its Supervising Attorney, after nearly ten years volunteering for the organization. During his time at SLA, Cooke has handled many challenging custody and family law cases and during the pandemic was an important part of SLA’s groundbreaking work to ensure that tenants facing eviction were provided access to legal representation, which has now expanded statewide as part of the Access to Counsel in Evictions program.

For his years providing legal assistance to people who otherwise could not afford an attorney, Cooke in 2024 was awarded SLA’s Outstanding Staff Award. He is known within the organization for his strong commitment to pro bono service and for the mentorship he provides SLA’s staff attorneys and the many attorneys who volunteer their services to the organization. Cooke ran his own law firm in Easton for nine years and had previously been an Assistant State’s Attorney in Talbot County.

“Geoffrey Cooke provides vital leadership and expertise to our growing housing and consumer debt work,” said Shore Legal Access’ Executive Director Meredith Girard, Esq. “His many years of courtroom experience and commitment to increasing access to the justice system have strengthened our services. We are delighted to have the opportunity to recognize his dedication and expertise. We look forward to his continued success.”  

Shore Legal Access connects individuals and families with volunteer attorneys to ensure justice is for all. Focus areas include criminal record expungement, economic stability, family law, housing, and life planning. For more information or to support Shore Legal Access, call 410-690-8128 or visit shorelegal.org.

The 7th-grade students of Queen Anne’s County Public Schools were invited to participate in a once in a lifetime educational experience to learn about Maryland’s number one industry, agriculture. As our population continues to grow, agriculture is crucial for our survival; therefore, a coalition of agricultural educators, professionals, and youth involved in 4-H and FFA joined together to host an educational experience for all 7th-grade students across our county.

This coalition hosted the 8th annual “Agriculture Awareness Day” on Wednesday, April 9th, attended by Stevensville and Matapeake Middle schools. They were followed by Centreville and Sudlersville Middle schools on Thursday, April 10th. The program utilizes the Next Generation Science Standards and Maryland Environmental Literacy Standards to educate students about agriculture. With the use of educational stations throughout the day, students are fully involved in activities covering a variety of industries within agriculture while being introduced to the career opportunities within.

Recognition for sponsors and volunteers:

• Horizon Farm Credit
• Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation
• Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board
• Maryland Soybean Board
• Mid-Atlantic 4 R Alliance
• Queen Anne’s County Board of Education
• Queen Anne’s County Farm Bureau
• Queen Anne’s Soil Conservation District
• University of Maryland Extension
• University of Maryland Wye Research and Education Center
• Upper Shore Regional Council
• A Sure Bet Farm
• Atlantic Tractor
• Black Dog Farms
• BR Poultry
• Bright Star Farm
• Chicken Creek Farm
• Choptank Electric Coopertive
• Clover Seeds 4-H Club
• Cockspur Farm Highland Cattle
• Cohey Farms
• Crow Insurance Agency, Inc.
• Delmarva Chicken Association
• Farm to Market 4-H Club
• Goat Club 4-H Club
• Go-Getters 4-H Club
• Growmark FS
• Hoober, Inc.
• Humble Hearts Catering & Events
• King Show Lambs
• Kreider Dairy Farms
• Maryland Dairy Princess Association
• Maryland Department of Agriculture
• Maryland Sea Grant
• Mountaire Farms
• Maltby Veterinarian Services
• Nagel Crop Insurance
• National Chicken Council
• Patterson Dairy Farm
• PepUp, Inc.
• Pony Express 4-H Club
• QACTV – Queen Anne’s County Television
• Queen Anne’s County 4-Her’s
• Queen Anne’s County 4-H All Stars
• Queen Anne’s County Commissioners
• Queen Anne’s County Economic Development
• Queen Anne’s County Government
• Queen Anne’s County High School FFA members
• Queen Anne’s County Master Gardeners
• Queen Anne’s County Volunteer Fire & EMS
• Queenstown Lions Club
• Scout Applicators, LLC
• Shear Joy Acres
• Sheubrooks Family Farms
• Stony Knoll Farm
• Sudlersville Ruritan
• Tidewater Seed
• Tomahawk Farms Land Services & Tomahawk Drones
• University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Horn Point
• USDA Farm Service Agency
• WintAcres Dairy Farm
• Wheaton Show Pigs

This educational experience was held at the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park during school hours. Local educators facilitated these stations and interacted with students to provide awareness on the diversity of agriculture on the Delmarva Peninsula. Stations covered agriculture’s ever-changing technology, food safety, pollinators, aquaculture, animal production, career opportunities and grains grown in the county and their uses.

Our team is here to serve the public and provide awareness, so we encourage anyone to contact our agriculture organizations for more information. Learn more about our team below.

Contributors:

Jenny Rhodes

Principal Agent, Agriculture & Food Systems, University of Maryland Extension, Queen Anne’s County

2025 Quote: “The long-term success of the agriculture industry depends on engaging and educating the next generation. Agriculture Awareness Day in Queen Anne’s County directly addresses this by introducing 7th graders to the wide world of agriculture and its career possibilities. We are dedicated to providing an increasingly interactive and hands-on educational experience each year. The support of University of Maryland Extension educators statewide highlights the collective commitment to this program, and it’s inspiring to see our community unite for this vital goal.”

Jessica Clarke, Crop Insurance Agent, Horizon Farm Credit

2025 Quote: “The Agriculture Awareness Day is an event that really connects our kids in the county with our strong agriculture community. They see so much agriculture around them every day and it is exciting to be able to have this event to connect them to that diverse agriculture right in their backyards. The agriculture industry has shaped me into the person I am today, which is why I enjoy being able to give back and advocate for the industry. With hopes to spark students’ interest in future college or career pathways in agriculture. It amazes me at the 100 plus volunteers we get each day from throughout the community that are willing to do the same. This event wouldn’t be possible without all of them!”

Michael Page

QACPS, Supervisor of Instruction

Environmental Literacy / Health / Physical Education / Science

2025 Quote: “This has been another outstanding Agricultural Awareness Day. The Maryland Extension office and the Queen Anne’s County farm community continue to provide an engaging and exciting day for our students!”

Connie Dean

Workforce Development Administrator at

QAC Economic & Tourism Development

2025 Quote: “As the career station coordinator,  I had the pleasure of hearing numerous students say they never knew about many of these careers represented, or how to know what job skills they are good at – or not. It is hands-on experiences like these,  as well as this direct connection between students and our workforce/businesses that make such an impact on career awareness of our youth. and their career decision making journey.”

Dr. Patty Saelens

QAC Public Schools 

Superintendent of Schools

2025 Quote:  “The University of Maryland Extension continues to be a valuable partner in building agricultural awareness for our students in QACPS.  Their thoughtful approach and design of Ag Day provides invaluable learning opportunities.  We appreciate all the volunteers that work hard to make this a successful event.”  

Kent Island, MD – Julia Stevens, a distinguished real estate professional at Realty Navigator, has earned the prestigious Graduate, REALTORS® Institute (GRI) designation awarded by the REALTORS® Institute of Maryland. Julia completed an extensive 90-hour educational program, meeting the rigorous standards set by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Organized by the Maryland Association of REALTORS®, the REALTORS® Institute delivers an in-depth curriculum designed to enhance the knowledge and success of real estate professionals. Participants gain a competitive edge through advanced training, expanding their capacity for service and elevating industry standards. Having successfully completed the comprehensive three-part series of the program, Julia has demonstrated her dedication to her profession and commitment to high-quality service. Julia’s work at Realty Navigator consistently showcases her expertise and commitment across the Eastern Shore and particularly in Queen Anne’s County. Though her primary focus is this region, Julia’s professional reach extends across the entire state of Maryland, where she has effectively covered and sold properties in numerous communities. This GRI designation is a testament to her ongoing commitment to providing her clients with superior real estate services. Julia’s next step is to pursue an associate broker’s license, aiming to further elevate her expertise and service in the real estate industry.

The training session is scheduled for 9am to 5pm on the Thursdays of May 8th and 15th. The training will be held at our Barnette Center’s Conference room located at 255 Comet Dr. Centrevile, MD 21617. Volunteers provide company for patients, relieve the primary caregiver for a short period of time, assist with administration duties, and/or grief services. We are always looking for Veterans to assist with our We Honor Veterans program.

“Most often, patient volunteers give companionship to patients by reading, playing cards, or just watching television with them. They also give caregivers a chance to have a much-
needed break to tend to other responsibilities.” said Jessica Sheubrooks, Volunteer Manager
at Compass. Volunteers provide the added support that our patients and families need during what can be an overwhelming time.

Topics taught during the training will include an overview of hospice, the process of dying, spiritual care and its place in hospice care, the stages of grief, effective communication techniques, family dynamics, stress management and self-care for caregivers.

Compass relies on more than 200 volunteers of al ages to support its mission, and these individuals volunteer their time in a variety of ways. In addition to patient care volunteers, Compass is currently seeking volunteers for Compass Closet (formerly Estate Treasures), their upscale retail shop whose proceeds help cover uncompensated patient care. Whatever your motivation to volunteer, there is a place for you at Compass.

To register or find out more information about becoming a volunteer for Compass, contact Jessica Sheubrooks at 443-262-4112 or jsheubrooks@compassregionalhospice.org. Please
register no later than May 1st.
Compass

Since 1985, Compass has empowered patients to spend their final months as they choose, guiding loved ones through life-limiting diagnoses and teaching healthy ways to manage grief.
Today, Compass is a regional provider of hospice care, supportive care, and grief services in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Whether serving patients in private residences,
skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential center in Centreville, our staff and volunteers are dedicated to ensuring that individuals facing the end of life can live their days fully and
meaningfully. Compass is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the state of Maryland and accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP). We are also affiliated with the Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice &Palliative Care Network of Maryland.

Wye Mills, MD – On April 5, 2025, Chesapeake College hosted a community-focused event designed to educate and empower individuals—of all ages and abilities—on how to safely and calmly navigate a traffic stop. The event was proudly sponsored by Pathfinders for Autism, the Special Education Citizen Advisory Committees (SECAC) of Queen Anne’s, Caroline, and Talbot County Public Schools, and the Family Support Centers of Queen Anne’s, Caroline, and Talbot Counties.

A traffic stop can be a stressful experience for anyone. That moment when the red and blue lights flash in your rearview mirror often leads to a flood of questions: “Am I in trouble?” “What did I do wrong?” “What should I do next?” This can be especially overwhelming for individuals with disabilities, who may process sensory input or communication differently in high-pressure situations.

To help prepare drivers and passengers for these moments, the event featured mock traffic stop demonstrations led by local law enforcement officers. These simulations offered a hands-on, low-stress opportunity for participants to learn what to expect during a traffic stop and how to respond in a way that promotes safety and understanding for everyone involved.

“We want individuals with and without disabilities to feel empowered and prepared,” said a representative from Pathfinders for Autism. “The goal is to reduce fear and uncertainty, and to build stronger, more trusting relationships between the community and law enforcement.”

Participants had the chance to interact with officers, sit in patrol cars, and practice the step-by-step actions to take during a stop—all in a supportive, educational environment.

Special Thanks

This important event would not have been possible without the collaboration and dedication of our local law enforcement partners. Special thanks to the:

• Maryland State Police
• Centreville Police Department
• Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office
• Denton Police Department
• Caroline County Sheriff’s Office
• Talbot County Sheriff’s Office

Their participation and sensitivity in engaging with the community helped make the event not only informative but also welcoming and inclusive.

For more information about future training opportunities or family support services, please contact your local SECAC or Family Support Center.

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Office of Public Information
Queen Anne’s County Public Schools
202 Chesterfield Avenue
Centreville, MD  21617
410-758-2403

NOTICE: Pursuant to Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) policy and administrative procedures, the intended use of this e-mail system is for QACPS business. All users are cautioned that all messages sent and received through this system are subject to the Freedom of Information Act and Maryland public disclosure laws, and may be reviewed at any time by QACPS. There should be no expectation of privacy.

The contents of this email and any attachments are intended solely for the use of the named addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information. Any unauthorized use, copying, disclosure, forwarding, or distribution of the contents of this e-mail is strictly prohibited by the sender and may be unlawful.

If you’ve driven past the front lawn of Queen Anne’s County Animal Services lately, you may have noticed something unusual—lots of pink and blue cat cutouts covering the grass. It’s not just for decoration. Animal Services has “Littered the Lawn” as a visual campaign to highlight the critical importance of spaying and neutering cats in our community.

Did you know a cat can go into heat as early as four months old? Outdoor cats can have up to three litters per year, meaning one cat can easily turn into dozens in a very short amount of time.

To combat this, Queen Anne’s County Animal Services began implementing a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program in the spring of 2022. Since then, over 550 catshave been humanely trapped, sterilized, and returned—at no cost to county residents.

“This campaign is about more than just population control,” said Kelly Baker, Chief of Queen Anne’s County Animal Services. “Spaying and neutering also provides health and quality of life benefits for cats. Through our TNR program, we’re not just preventing unwanted litters—we’re helping create a safer and healthier environment for both animals and people.”

Queen Anne’s County Animal Services is committed to enhancing the relationship between residents and the animals in our community. The TNR program is just one of the many ways they’re making a difference.

For more information about the TNR program, contact Queen Anne’s County Animal Services at (410) 827-7178.