[EASTON, MD] — For many young adults, college is the first time they are in control of the majority of their finances. As freshmen across the country embark on their first semester, Shore United Bank has highlighted eight tips to help ease their transition to financial independence.

“Striking the balance between spending and saving can be particularly hard when you are focused on everything else that comes with college life, but it is important to keep a close watch on your spending habits from day one,” said Laura Heikes, SVP Community & Government Relations Officer. “There’s no better time than the first year of college to establish good money habits and take control of your financial future.”

Shore United Bank offers the following tips to help ease the transition to financial independence for college freshmen.

1. Create a budget. Take some time to figure out your income and set your goals, factoring in recurring expenses that must be paid (like tuition, books, and car insurance), some of your “wants” (like concert tickets and other recreational activities), and savings for emergencies. Shore United Bank offers services that will help you keep track of your money – and stay on track of your goals.
2. Track your spending. Create a spreadsheet or download an app to see where your money is going each month. Mapping out your spending habits can help you identify where you might want to make adjustments.
3. Save a little each month. Save your spare change and deposit it into your bank account at the end of each month. Increase the amount by $5 each month or quarter. This is an easy and manageable way to establish good financial habits that “Future You” will appreciate.
4. Open an interest-bearing account. Stash some of your high school graduation money in an account that earns interest for doing nothing. When you open a certificate of deposit (CD), for example, you will earn interest in exchange for agreeing to leave your money alone for a specific period of time. Plan it right, and you can have CDs mature right as you need them each semester to help pay for tuition and expenses.
5. Utilize campus resources. Universities today offer plenty of amenities to students for little-to-no cost. Take advantage of benefits such as free access to the campus rec center and shuttles that take you to off-campus locations.
6. Take advantage of student discounts. When you want to take a break from the campus dining halls, or feel the urge to treat yourself, try looking for places that offer student discounts. Most discounts typically range from 10 to 15 percent and will accept your campus ID as verification.
7. Build credit wisely. Look into applying for a student credit card that you can use for small purchases that you are able to pay off in full each month, like a music streaming subscription. If you don’t have your own source of income or are not comfortable handling the responsibility of credit alone, ask your parents to add you as an authorized user for one of their credit cards to establish a history of credit.
8. Ask questions. Just like in the classroom, this is a learning experience. If you need help or are curious about a financial issue, ask trusted resources like your parents or your bank.

Shore United Bank is a full-service community bank offering innovative banking solutions. From student checking accounts to mobile banking to many other convenience services, we have products and resources to help college students manage their finances. With over 20 branches serving Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, stop into a branch near you or call 877.758.1600. For more information, visit ShoreUnitedBank.com. Member FDIC

From 10am–4pm Thursday, Nov. 7–Sunday, Nov. 10, guests are invited to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum for a workshop on building a sailor’s sea chest.

In this four-day workshop, led by retired Virginia Military Institute professor Grigg Mullen, participants will have the opportunity to hone their woodworking skills while constructing their very own 19th century-style sea chest. The construction of the chest, which would have been used by merchant sailors to store their personal effects while out at sea, focuses heavily on using hand tools to create the beveled dovetail-joined ends and sides.

Held in CBMM’s Workshop Annex, the cost for this program is $650, with a 20% discount offered for CBMM members. Registration is required to cbmm.org/seachest.

CBMM’s Apprentice for a Day Shipyard Programs take place year-round, offering demonstrations, workshops, intensives with visiting master craftsmen, on-the-water experiences, and customized programming. Programs take place on weekends and select weekdays, and include a variety of programs for every interest and age. To find one that’s right for you, visit cbmm.org/shipyardprograms.

The 3rd Annual Beef, Bonfires & Cigars to benefit Haven Ministries will be held on November 2, 2019, from 6 to 9 p.m.  Once again, the event will be held at the beautiful Wye River Conference Center, 600 Aspen Drive in Queenstown.  It is an evening filled with food tastings and from local restaurants including The Narrows, Harris Crab House, Fisherman’s Inn, Chesapeake Chef Services, Range & Reef, Capriotti’s, Smoke Rattle and Roll, Bridges and Chef/ Author Vicky Mullaney, to name a few.  Beverage samples will be provided from The Winery, Lyons Distillery, and will include a cash bar with signature drinks.  Live music from John Frase and Forrest Anderson (formally of Hot Tub Limo), a Live and Silent Auction, a Prize Wheel, cars from Maserati and Alpha Romeo, boats from Annapolis Boat Sales, cigars from Port of Call and lit fireplaces throughout the venue will enhance the evening.  Various vendors will have items for purchase to jump-start holiday shopping.  The host sponsor of this year’s event is PNC Bank.

Plan on spending the night at this stunning Four-Star Resort.  There are limited rooms available and reservations are being accepted directly at the Wye Conference Center.  You can also find a direct link to the hotel on the Haven Ministries web site under the Events tab.

Haven Ministries Business Partners include Diamond Level Sponsors: Island Furniture Studio, Increte, and BAAR. Sapphire Level Sponsors: The Bay Times, The Wye River Conference Center, What’s Up Media, and PNC Bank. Platinum Level Sponsors: Construction Services and Supply, The Roof Center, Safe at Home Senior Care, and Prospect Bay Country Club. Gold Level Sponsors: Harris Crab House, Riley Custom Homes, Swan Cove Salon, The Narrows, Waterman Realty, Homeland Title & Escrow, Hemingway’s Restaurant, Rang & Reef, and The Shore Update. Silver Level Sponsors: Chesapeake Hearing Center, Holiday Inn Express, Island Dental Studio, Lundberg Builders, Island Flooring, McCrone, Realty Navigator, Shore United Bank, US Healthcare, Rotary Kent Island, Serr.Biz, LLC, Rodan & Fields (Ann Allen), and Shore Sign. Bronze Level Sponsors: Chesapeake Chef Services, Blue Heron Catering, Chesa Del Crier, Capriotti’s (Chester), Joseph W. McCartin Insurance, Computer Island, Island Athletic, Island Athletic, Legal Shield, Maid Healthy, Rodan & Fields (Debi Ensor), Cari Healy Hair, Linda Prochaska, Bob Gosselin Photography, Bella Rosa Medi Spa, Visiting Angels, Barbara Martin, KI Minuteman Press, Kentmorr Restaurant, First Home Mortgage, and The Winery.

Proceeds from the “Beef, Bonfires and Cigars” event will support Haven Ministries Housing Assistance Program. Haven Ministries, with the support of its executive board, church coalition, staff, business owners, community agencies, and dedicated volunteers, is currently planning a long-term housing program to be located in the Kent Island area.  This long-term program will be funded by private donations made directly to Haven Ministries and enable the organization to offer year-round services in a consistent stable environment for those experiencing housing insecurities. The program, structured similar to that of a landlord-tenant relationship, will include a process for individuals and families to apply for the program, pass a background check, and agree to work with a case manager to transition into permanent housing. The goal of the Housing Assistance Program is to offer comprehensive resources including education, job training, and employment opportunities to give individuals and families the opportunity to stabilize, build up their resources, and successfully move on to safe and affordable housing.

Tickets to the “Beef, Bonfires and Cigars” cost $60 per person and are available online at haven-ministries.org (https://whatsuptix.com/events/Beef-Bonfires-and-Cigars-11–2-2019). For further information, call 410-739-4363.

Oxford, MD – The Oxford Community Center welcomes local vocalist Jayme D. accompanied by keyboardist, Chris Dingler from Johnny Bling to play Friday, October 11^th from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Jayme’s voice is described as deeply soulful and powerful. She mixes singer/songwriter vibes with inspiration pulled from New Orleans or Chicago Blues scenes. She is mesmerizing and a delight to watch perform in person. Executive Director Liza Ledford sat down with the talented singer and shares the following interview:

LL: How did you get started? Or how did you first discover that your voice was amazing?

JD: I have been singing ever since I can remember.  Apparently, in elementary school, I wasn’t the greatest.  I vividly remember one of my classmates telling me I sounded like a dying cat!  I’m glad that didn’t let that deter me!  For our 6th grade talent show, I was supposed to sing a song with two friends, who got cold feet at the last minute.  I decided to push forward and do the song by myself.  I remember finishing the song, and hearing the applause, and thinking, “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”  I have yet to consider my own voice amazing, but it has been incredible to see how it has evolved over time.  As I have grown and changed, grown more confident, and experienced the ups and downs of life, it is really neat to hear how my voice has somehow absorbed all that and changed to reflect it.  I feel like now I have finally found my sound.

LL: What musicians inspire you most?

JD: That’s a great question, and the answer is ever-changing, although there are a few staples that will always be favorites.  I have always loved Indigo Girls – I love the sound of their voices together, but it’s their lyrics that really speak to me.  Every song is a beautiful poem.  Sting – I love his innovation and how he plays with genres and time signatures, but still manages to make music that has mainstream popularity.  Stevie Wonder – especially the songs with the intricate horn parts… so good.  I’m really into Chris Stapleton right now… his voice is so soulful, and combined with his wife’s pure voice on harmonies, the simplest songs just give me goose bumps .  Eva Cassidy – she had such soul and such control of her voice and could sing any genre and make it sound incredible.  There’s a musician I actually went to school with named Gabe Dixon.  He’s probably my favorite songwriter, and has become one of my all-time favorite musicians.  We were so fortunate that he was finishing up a tour in Baltimore the night before our wedding, and made a detour to come and perform at our reception.  He’s now touring with Tedeschi Trucks Band as their piano player.  I could keep naming people, but I wouldn’t get anything else done today!

LL: How would you describe the show coming to the OCC?

JD: It’s going to be a mix of original songs that I have written over the years and some of my favorite cover songs.  My husband (Chris Dingler from Johnny Bling) will be joining me on keys, and it will be a mix of different styles and genres.  I am really looking forward to it!

Join us Friday, October 11th at 7:00 p.m. for a $10 ticket price. Supporting local talent is part of OCC’s mission and we can’t do it without you and funds in part by the Talbot County Arts Council with funds from Talbot County Council and Maryland State Arts Council and concert sponsors Kelly Distributors.

For more information, registration and tickets please contact the Oxford Community Center at 410-226-5904, or email oxfordcc@verizon.net.  Sign up for OCC’s weekly e-newsletter for additional announcements and updates or like OCC’s Facebook page at Oxford Community Center, Inc. The OCC is always open online at www.oxfordcc.org.

Premier Volleyball Announces Expansion to the Queen Anne County, Maryland Area!

Is your daughter new to volleyball? Has she played recreational ball for a couple years but looking for a competitive league to join? Premier Volleyball is excited to announce the opening of a new Queen Anne’s County divisional volleyball club. Combining with the Easton/Talbot area, they will offer a program that includes top notch training & competitive tournaments on the Eastern Shore.

On Saturday, October 19 from 11-1pm there will be an informational meeting and open gym at Kent Island High School for girls ages 13-18 years old. Tryouts will be held on November 9^th from 6-9pm. Registration is required for both events and can be found at their website, premiervbde.com. Megan Loveless and Debbie Frew will both act as Queen Anne’s County club directors serving Kent Island, Queen Anne’s County and the Talbot County areas. Program details offering include, a uniform package, 2 dedicated coaches per team,10 tournament players and two practice players, 10-12 dedicated team practices per month at Stevensville Middle School or Easton Church of God, four single day Chesapeake Regional Volleyball Association tournaments and one two-day overnight tournament in Lancaster, PA. The club fee is $1200 for the season and $600 for practice players. Practices will begin in December with the season ending in March.

According to Executive Club Director Trina Leclerc Premier Volleyball is an youth sports organization that provides volleyball training through various avenues.  This includes both club (travel) teams (ages 12-18s) for girls and boys  that form in mid-November, practice and compete through June in regional and national tournaments which range from one to four day tournaments.  The organization also offers various fundamental skill training opportunities for age 5-18s throughout the year in the form of camps, clinics, open gyms and private sessions.  Premier Volleyball is primarily a USA Volleyball club but does participate in tournaments affiliated with some volleyball associations.

Leclerc said the organization was started in 2014 in New Castle County, DE to bring together a small group of people that shared a passion for volleyball but has grown by leaps and bounds. “The initial goal was to have four club teams but that quickly turned into 11 teams in the first year and by the fifth we had 33 teams,” said Leclerc. Last year, Premier Volleyball had two teams in Easton, MD and they are excited to expand their footprint on to the Kent Island Area that does not currently have a local league. “We are beyond excited to join Easton and Kent Island to create the Chesapeake Select Division,” Leclerc said adding that the club is planning at least five teams teams in this division area from ages 14-18s.

To learn more visit our premiervbde.com or email bradymegann@gmail.com or debbie.premiervbde@gmail.com To register visit www.premiervde.com/fallevents. Tryout Registration will open October 15^th.

I love recipes that can be served anytime. This week’s recipe for Apple Custard Squares  can be served for breakfast, snack or dessert.  

Apple Custard Squares

1/2 cup sugar (I use raw sugar)

1/2 cup all purpose flour or gluten free 1 to 1 flour works perfectly

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp. salt

1 1/4 cups milk

4 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

3 medium size apples, sliced very, very thin (use a softer apple like gala to ensure being thoroughly cooked)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line an 8×8 glass baking dish with parchment paper. Spray parchment paper with cooking spray and set aside. In a large bowl whisk together sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Next whisk in half of the milk until smooth then continue to whisk in remaining milk. Next whisk the 4 eggs into the mixture. Whisk thoroughly until completely mixed and smooth. With a large spoon or spatula mix in apple slices then pour into prepared dish. Bake for 35-45 minutes. Bake until middle is no longer jiggly. After removing from oven, pull out using parchment paper and place on a plate to completely cool. Cover and refrigerate. Serve cold.

*Can be served with whipped cream for dessert.

**I like to sprinkle with the cinnamon/sugar shaker before baking.

Talbot Community Connections recently honored longtime board member William Banks for his 17 years of service on the board. Banks, who is now an Emeritus Board Member, was involved with the years of the Board.  He was presented with a proclamation from the Maryland Senate.

“Bill Banks has been such a positive energy on our board. We wanted to honor him as an Emeritus Board Member as he played such a vital role in helping to establish our Children’s Advocacy Center and building awareness about our organization in the community,” notes Amy Steward, President, Talbot Community Connections.

Talbot Community Connections (TCC), an eleven-member volunteer board, was formed to raise funds to enhance the Talbot County Department of Social Services’ (TCDSS) capacity to respond directly to problems of safety and well-being of county citizens. The funds raised provide help to abused children through the Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center (TCCAC), families in crisis, the unemployed and working poor, and disabled and frail elderly. TCC awards provided funds for respite care, prevention of evictions and utility disconnects, therapeutic activities for children with disabilities in foster care, housing fuel, transportation, and a fatherhood program. TCC funds are able to help individuals stay in the community, families stay united and families stay in their homes. In 2018, TCC donated $29,400 to support the Talbot County Department of Social Services and the Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center.

For further information or to donate to Talbot Community Connections, visit talbotcommunityconnections.org.

Jessica Fluharty has been named director of Critical Care and Emergency Services at UM Shore Regional Health. In this new role, Fluharty leads the nursing team in emergency care at UM Shore Medical Centers at Easton and Dorchester, as well as Easton’s ICU and Telemetry unit, and coordinates other nursing areas, including the traveling nurse program.

Fluharty transitioned into this new role in September from her previous position as nurse manager of the Neurology unit, 2 East, Renal and supplemental staff at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton.

“I couldn’t imagine a better time to step into this role,” Fluharty said. “The ever-changing landscape of health care is exciting and I am thrilled to be a part of this change, working with an amazing team of nurses and bringing new ideas and solutions to the table.”

Fluharty began with UM Shore Regional Health as a collegiate nurse and her first official position with UM SRH was as an Emergency Department nurse in 2009, a position she held until 2016. During that time, she also became a neuroscience specialist and served as stroke coordinator for the hospital‘s Primary Stroke Center.

She is a member of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)/forensic nurse program at UM Shore Regional Health, which helps to ensure all sexual assault survivors are assisted 24/7 at all three UM SRH Emergency Departments — Chestertown, Dorchester and Easton.

Fluharty also served as the Emergency Department nurse manager for Anne Arundel Medical Center from 2016 to mid-2018.

Fluharty earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing and her master’s degree in nurse leadership and management from Wilmington University. She is a member of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honors Society. In July, she was recognized as a top nurse leader by the International Nurses Association. She also has teaching experience through nursing peer educational opportunities and has given presentations on varied topics, including stroke prevention, improving patient satisfaction in emergency departments and the neurobiology of trauma.

“Jessica brings knowledge and passion to this role,” said Jenny Bowie, chief nursing officer and vice president, Patient Care Services. “She has a true passion for the art and care of nursing. All it takes is one moment with her and her staff to see the impact and the difference her knowledge and positive leadership make amongst her team and her patients. She is a welcome and exciting addition to the nurse executive team.”

The following Academy Art Museum exhibitions are sponsored by the Talbot County Arts Council, the Maryland State Arts Council, and the Star Democrat. Open daily, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Annual Members’ Exhibition

The Small Originals Holiday Exhibition

November 15–December 4, 2019

Open daily from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Easton Armory (aka Waterfowl Building), 40 S. Harrison St., Easton, MD, across the street from the Academy Art Museum (during the Museum’s renovations)

Museum members are invited to get creative, imaginative and experimental around a Small Original theme in any medium. Participation in the Members’ Exhibition is not juried. Anyone with a current membership, valid through the end of the exhibition, may enter one artwork. 2D artwork may not exceed 13 x 13 inches (maximum dimensions, including frame), or 13 x 13 x 13 inches for 3D artwork. David Hawkins, Head of Education at The Kreeger Museum, will serve as judge for the 2019 exhibition.

Caption: Participant at the 2018 Academy Art Museum Members’ Exhibition.

GAMELATRON @ AAM: Bodyphones

Through April 2020

Open daily from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Museum Front Yard

Bodyphones is an immersive installation by Aaron Taylor Kuffner (1975), an American-born conceptual artist, based in New York. The artwork’s mission is to expand the legacy and creative cultural power of the traditional Indonesian instrument called the gamelan. Kuffner exhibits his Gamelatrons to create sanctuaries both in public and private spaces.

Caption: Pictured is Aaron Taylor Kuffner, Visionary Artist for the 2019 Academy Art Museum Craft Show, with his Gamelatron project in the Museum’s frontyard. The interactive sculpture marries Indonesian ritual and sonic tradition with robotics and modernist sculpture and will be on display through April 2020.

LECTURES

Kittredge-Wilson Speaker Series

Lecture: Patience and Process

Simon Jacobsen, Founding Partner Jacobsen Architecture, LLC

Saturday, November 16, 2019, 4 p.m.

Caption: Simon Jacobsen

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Open MIC

Second Wednesday Each Month

November 13 – Thanks A Lot!

FREE. Contact Ray Remesch at RayRemesch@gmail.com for additional information.

ARTS EXPRESS BUS TRIPS

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Judy Chicago The End: A Meditation on Death and Extinction

November 13, 2019

Cost: $58 Members $69 Non-members

Caption: National Museum of Women in the Arts

ADULT CLASSES

Drawing: Perspective for the Artist

Instructor: Katie Cassidy wkmcgarry@verizon.net

5 weeks: November 12 – December 10 Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cost: $185 Members, $220 Non-members

Painting the Still Life in Pastels

Instructor:  Nick Serratore serratoreart.com

2 Day Workshop: November 16 and 17 Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Cost: $175 Members, $210 Non-members

Caption: Nick Serratore

Pastel: Creating Strong and Vibrant Compositions in Still Life and Landscape

Instructor: Katie Cassidy wkmcgarry@verizon.net

2 sessions of 5 weeks: Session 1:  October 2 – 30 Session 2: November 6–December 11

(no class November 27)

Wednesdays: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Cost per Session: $195 Members, $234 Non-members

Watercolor Workshop: Fabulous Fall Landscapes on the Eastern Shore

Instructor: Steve Bleinberger bleinberger.com

2-Day Workshop: November 2 and 3 Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Cost: $120 Members, $150 Non-members           

Caption: Steve Bleinberger

Painting for Giving

Instructor: Diane DuBois Mullaly

2-Day Workshop: November 16 and 17 Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Cost:  $95 Members, $114 Non-members

CHILDREN’S CLASSES

Mini Masters 

An Early Enrichment Program for Children Ages 2 to 4

MSDE Childcare Development License # 255007, Exp. 11/30/20

Mini Masters is a fully licensed flexible program based on The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center’s approach. Contact Anne Hansen at AHansen@academyartmuseum.org

for program details.

PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES

Piano & Guitar Lessons

Instructor: Raymond Remesch

Contact Instructor for further information at (410) 829-0335 or rayremesch@gmail.com.

Voice Lessons

Instructor: Georgiann Gibson

Contact instructor for Information at (410) 829-2525 or georgiann@atlanticbb.net.

Ballroom and Latin Dance

Instructor: Amanda Showell

Contact instructor for information at (302) 377-3088 or visit dancingontheshore.com.

For additional information, visit academyartmuseum.org or call the Museum at 410-822-2787.