Visitors to the Historic Stevensville Arts & Entertainment District will notice a new addition as 18 decorative banners now line key corridors throughout the district, helping to identify and celebrate one of Maryland’s designated Arts & Entertainment Districts. The banners extend from the Queen Anne’s County Library’s Kent Island Branch through Historic Downtown Stevensville and along Love Point Road.
Originally established in 2013, the Historic Stevensville Arts & Entertainment District has become a destination for local art, history, culture, and community events. The district previously featured six banners following its creation and has now expanded to 18, providing greater visibility throughout the area while reinforcing the district’s unique identity.
“The new banners create a stronger sense of place and help showcase the Historic Stevensville Arts & Entertainment District to everyone traveling through the community,” said Heather Tinelli, Director of Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development. “They serve as both a welcoming feature and a reminder of the rich history, thriving arts community, and unique experiences that make Stevensville such a special destination.”
Stevensville is one of nine Arts & Entertainment Districts located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Designated by the Maryland State Arts Council, Arts & Entertainment Districts are intended to attract artists, creative businesses, residents, and visitors while celebrating the unique culture and history of each community.
The new banners were installed in time for Kent Island Day this spring and also complemented the patriotic decorations displayed throughout the area for America’s 250th celebration.
The Historic Stevensville Arts & Entertainment District continues to host popular community events throughout the year, including First Saturdays and Artoberfest, offering opportunities to explore local businesses, public art, historic sites, and cultural attractions.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to take a stroll through Historic Stevensville, admire the new banners, and experience all the district has to offer. Learn more here https://www.stevensvilleartsandentertainment.org/
Queen Anne’s County is moving forward with plans to modernize several County facilities after the County Commissioners approved grant agreements totaling up to $2.4 million through the Maryland Energy Administration’s (MEA) Local Government Energy Modernization (L-GEM) Program. The funding will support energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy planning, and building modernization projects designed to reduce long-term operating costs and improve the sustainability of County facilities.
The funding is divided into six grant awards across two program areas. One portion provides funding for future energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, while the other focuses on evaluating and implementing electrification upgrades at several County-owned facilities. Planned projects include improvements at the Department of Public Works, Grasonville Senior Center, Queen Anne’s County Health Department, Liberty Building, and Foxxtown Senior Center.
During the discussion, Commissioner Patrick McLaughlin raised questions about the long-term cost of electricity and the effectiveness of heat pump technology during periods of colder weather. He noted concerns about heat pump efficiency when temperatures drop below approximately 35 degrees and whether the proposed systems would provide the best long-term value for taxpayers.
Lee Edgar, Chief of Engineering, explained that the projects are currently in the planning phase and that the County is not committed to installing a specific technology simply by accepting the grant funding. As each project moves forward, engineers and staff will evaluate the most appropriate solution for each facility, considering life-cycle costs, energy efficiency, reliability, and overall operational performance.
Edgar also noted that many of the HVAC and boiler systems identified in the grant applications are nearing the end of their useful service life and will need to be replaced regardless. The grant funding provides an opportunity to evaluate modern, energy-efficient alternatives while offsetting a significant portion of the replacement costs.
By approving the grant agreements, the Commissioners have positioned the County to further evaluate opportunities to modernize public facilities while saving taxpayer dollars.
For All Seasons will host its annual School Supplies Giveaway and Resource Fair on Wednesday, August 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Easton Elks Lodge #1622. The free community event will provide hundreds of local students with backpacks filled with school supplies, helping students and families begin the school year feeling prepared, confident, and ready to learn.
The Talbot County Department of Social Services is supporting the event with the purchase of hundreds of backpacks pre-stuffed with essential school supplies for children in the community. Families can also enjoy games, snow cones, ice cream, raffles, and more while connecting with local organizations offering additional school supplies, health and wellness resources, educational information, and family services.
“Our goal is to help every child head back to school feeling prepared, confident, and excited for the year ahead,” said Katie Theeke, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at For All Seasons. “A successful school year starts with more than school supplies. It starts with students and families feeling supported. By bringing our community together and connecting families with valuable local resources, including our mental health services, we’re helping students begin the school year with the confidence and care they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.”
Organizations participating in this year’s event include the Talbot County Department of Social Services, Discover Easton, Talbot County Health Department, YMCA of the Chesapeake, The Village Maternal Holistic Wellness Center, Talbot Interfaith Shelter, Mid Shore Community Mediation Center, Talbot Humane, Talbot Family Network, Eastpoint Church, Easton Elementary School, The Santé Group, Shore Regional Health Cancer Center, Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, Talbot County Parks and Recreation, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Chesapeake Voyagers, Inc., State of Maryland Office of Oral Health, Talbot County Free Library, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, and Shore Legal Access.
Additional sponsors for the event include Discover Easton, the Easton Lions Club, and the Easton Elks Lodge #1622. Those interested in supporting the event as a sponsor can contact Sidney Trond at strond@forallseasonsinc.org.
For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education & outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures anyone can receive the highest-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, contact 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.
As thousands of visitors prepare to attend the annual Queen Anne’s County 4-H Fair, a collaborative effort between the Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services and the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Fair Board is helping ensure the event remains safe, enjoyable, and everyone is prepared for the unexpected.
Over the past year, fair leadership, volunteers, and the Department of Emergency Services, Special Operations Division, have worked together to enhance emergency planning throughout the fairgrounds. While visitors experience the rides, exhibits, livestock, entertainment, and food, preparation is taking place behind the scenes to help protect everyone attending the fair.
As part of this initiative, the Fair Board established a Volunteer Safety Team that received training in medical emergencies, Stop the Bleed, communications, evacuations, and emergency procedures. These volunteers will be additional eyes and ears throughout the fairgrounds, helping identify concerns early and supporting operations until emergency personnel arrive.
The partnership also resulted in the development of a formal Emergency Operations Plan that strengthens coordination between fair leadership, volunteers, Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services, law enforcement, EMS, fire departments, and other public safety partners during emergencies.
Through a grant from the American Trauma Society, the partnership also secured additional safety resources, including publicly accessible Stop the Bleed kits that will remain available at the fairgrounds throughout the year.
One of the newest safety enhancements for this year’s fair is the implementation of an emergency notification system. Fair attendees are encouraged to register before or during the event to receive important updates directly on their mobile devices.
Subscribers may receive:
Schedule changes
Weather alerts
Important fair announcements
Emergency notifications and instructions if needed
If severe weather or another unexpected situation occurs, our emergency alerts allow officials to quickly communicate clear, real-time information to attendees, helping everyone make informed decisions and respond safely.
Residents and visitors can sign up by texting QACFAIR26 to 888777 or by registering online at:
“Preparedness is not about expecting something to happen, it’s about making sure that if something does happen, everyone involved is ready to respond,” said Assistant Chief of Special Operations, Lori Morris. “The partnership we’ve built with the Fair Board and its volunteers demonstrates the dedication our community has to keep this tradition safe for many years to come.”
The Queen Anne’s County 4-H Fair continues to be one of the county’s longest-standing traditions, bringing together families, agricultural exhibitors, volunteers, and community organizations each year. Through continued collaboration and planning, fair organizers and public safety partners are working together to ensure visitors can focus on creating memories while knowing safety remains a top priority.
For more information about emergency notifications during the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Fair or to register for emergency alerts, text QACFAIR26 to 888777 or visit the registration link above.
Queen Anne’s County, in partnership with Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, invites local business leaders, employers, and community partners to attend a special presentation by nationally recognized workforce and education expert Mark Perna on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
The presentation, “Unleashing Passion, Purpose and Performance in Younger Generations,” is part of Queen Anne’s County Public Schools’ Back-to-School Professional Development program and is being made available to the local business community through the generous sponsorship of the Upper Shore Regional Council (USRC).
As employers and educators work toward the shared goal of preparing the next generation for success, this presentation offers valuable insights into attracting, motivating, developing, and retaining young talent in today’s evolving workforce.
Mark Perna is one of the nation’s leading voices on workforce development, generational engagement, and education. Through his engaging, research-based approach, he helps organizations better understand what motivates today’s young people while providing practical strategies to build stronger workplaces and career pathways.
Attendees will gain insights into:
Understanding the expectations and motivations of today’s workforce.
Attracting and engaging young talent in meaningful ways.
Developing employees through effective mentoring and a positive workplace culture.
Strengthening partnerships between local employers and schools to build a stronger workforce pipeline for Queen Anne’s County.
Unleashing Passion, Purpose and Performance in Younger Generations
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Location: Queen Anne’s County High School Auditorium 425 Ruthsburg Road Centreville, MD 21617
Local employers, business owners, managers, human resource professionals, and community leaders are encouraged to attend.
For more than 115 years, the Queen Anne’s County Library (QACL) has served as a trusted source of knowledge, connection, and community for residents across the county. As Queen Anne’s County continues to grow, the Library is taking an important step to ensure it can meet the evolving needs of current and future generations.
The Queen Anne’s County Library is proud to announce the launch of the Queen Anne’s County Library Foundation, a nonprofit organization established to support the Library’s long-term growth through fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement.
The Foundation will help make transformational library projects possible, including the development of a future North County library branch and enhancements to the Centreville Branch. By securing private support and building community partnerships, the Foundation will complement public funding and help expand access to library services throughout Queen Anne’s County.
“The Queen Anne’s County Library is where our community comes together to learn, connect, and grow,” said Barry Deemer, a member of the Queen Anne’s County Library Foundation Board. “The Foundation allows all of us to invest in the Library’s future, ensuring that generations to come have access to welcoming spaces, innovative programs, and the resources they need. We’re excited to partner with our community to help make that vision a reality.”
Community members are invited to learn more about the Foundation and explore opportunities to become involved, including serving on the Foundation’s Board of Advisors. Foundation members will be available at the Queen Anne’s County Library booth during the Queen Anne’s County Fair, August 10–15, to answer questions and discuss the Foundation’s mission.
For more information about the Queen Anne’s County Library Foundation or to learn how to get involved, visit www.qaclibrary.org/foundation or stop by the QACL booth at the Queen Anne’s County Fair.
The QACL Foundation is a component fund of Chesapeake Charities, and as such, donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is proud to highlight the Eastern Shore’s unique culture and community at Watermen’s Appreciation Day on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 10am-4pm.
Held in partnership with the Talbot Watermen Association (TWA) since 2010, this beloved summer tradition honors the hardworking men and women who bring the Bay’s bounty to our tables. The festivities include a thrilling workboat docking competition with the Chesapeake Cowboys, steamed crabs by the dozen and more local delicacies, live music, a silent auction, children’s activities, and more fun for the whole family.
Tickets are on sale now at cbmm.org/WatermensDay, with discounted pricing for CBMM members. All guests save $2 per ticket by purchasing in advance online.
“Watermen’s Appreciation Day is one of our favorite days of the year,” TWA President Jeff Harrison said. “It’s a chance to share who we are and what we do, thank everyone who supports us, and celebrate together.”
The Watermen’s Rodeo is a must-see highlight of Watermen’s Appreciation Day. Beginning at noon, guests are invited to line CBMM’s Miles River waterfront to cheer on the Chesapeake Cowboys as they put their skills to the test, expertly maneuvering deadrise workboats into assigned slips during a thrilling timed competition.
Spectators can catch the action from bleacher seating or the deck of the iconic Hooper Strait Lighthouse or watch a livestream from the air-conditioned comfort of the Van Lennep Auditorium.
Beginning at 11am, guests can enjoy hot, fresh steamed crabs served by local watermen, available for $25 per dozen with an ear of corn included. The TWA will also offer additional fare, including hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream, and local food trucks will be on site serving a variety of Eastern Shore specialties.
To complement the crab feast, guests can enjoy a selection of beverages, with beer trucks serving domestic brews and local craft favorites and the Cocktails by the Bay beverage cart offering refreshing crushes throughout the day.
Eastern Shore legends Bird Dog and the Road Kings will provide the celebration’s soundtrack from the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand. Guests can also browse local arts and crafts vendors throughout campus and bid on items in a silent auction benefiting the TWA in the Small Boat Shed.
Children can experience what it’s like to work the water through a variety of hands-on activities, including a junior watermen crab race, baiting contest, jigger throw, and more. Families can also enjoy additional fun with inflatables on Fogg’s Landing, sponsored by Signature Lawn & Landscape, along with balloon art, sand art, and face painting from Clownin’ Around KI.
Beyond the festivities, guests are encouraged to explore CBMM’s 18-acre waterfront campus, including the Waterman’s Wharf exhibition, where they can pull up a crab pot, tong for oysters, and try other tools used by Chesapeake watermen. Don’t miss the just-opened Stories from the Shoreline exhibition, which explores the Chesapeake through the voices, traditions, and experiences of the people who call it home.
Guests looking to get out on the Miles River can join Patriot Cruises for Narrated Historical Cruises at 12:30pm and 2:30pm. Combo tickets that include festival admission and a PATRIOT cruise are available through the ticketing portal at visit.cbmm.org.
Watermen’s Appreciation Day tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door.
For online sales, festival admission is set at $22 for adults, $19 for seniors (65+) and students (17+), $10 for active and retired military members, and $9 for children ages 6-to-17, with all children 5-and-younger admitted free. The cost is $2 more for all tickets for in-person sales.
CBMM members receive discounted pricing for this annual festival and others throughout the year. Adult member tickets purchased online are $10, and all children of members (17-and-younger) receive free admission. To support CBMM’s mission as a member and discover all the terrific benefits of membership, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or druzicka@cbmm.org.
All licensed watermen and their immediate families receivefreefestival admission by showing an active license at the door.
All food and beverages are an additional charge for all guests.
During the festival, additional free event parking will be available at St. Michaels Middle/High School, with a complimentary shuttle service to and from CBMM.
For safety reasons, non-service dogs must be kept at home during CBMM festivals, including Watermen’s Appreciation Day. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is also prohibited. Spectator boats wishing to view the boat docking competition from the water must remain outside the buoyed channel.
Learn more about CBMM’s full slate of upcoming events, including the final Chesapeake Celebration of the summer (Saturday, Aug. 15) and the annual Charity Boat Auction (Saturday, Sept. 5), at cbmm.org.
On June 29, For All Seasons hosted its fourth annual Hoopers Island Resource Fair at the Volunteer Fire House in Fishing Creek, Maryland. More than 130 seasonal workers attended the event, where they received information about mental health and rape crisis services, as well as healthcare, food assistance, health insurance, financial services, and other community programs available throughout the region.
“This event is something we look forward to every year because it gives us the chance to support the seasonal workers who help our community,” said Ivy Garcia, Director of Latino Outreach and Education at For All Seasons. “Each person has their own story, and it’s rewarding to connect them with resources that can make a difference in their lives. We want everyone who attends to know we are here to support them.”
Seasonal workers employed by Simmons Chesapeake Bay Seafood, G.W. Hall & Son Seafood, The J. M. Clayton Company, Russell Hall Seafood, Lindy’s Seafood, Rippons Brothers Seafood, and Boats & Hose were encouraged to attend the event. Transportation was provided through the support of community members and local bus contractors coordinated by For All Seasons.
Thirteen community organizations participated in this year’s resource fair, including Dorchester County Health Department, Choptank Community Health, Maryland Food Bank, Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, Dorchester County Public Library, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence, the Maryland Office of Oral Health, St. Mary’s Refuge of Sinners Catholic Church, Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Santé, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health – Dorchester, and the Maryland Comptroller’s Office.
In addition to sharing information about their services, participating organizations donated practical items for attendees, including toiletries, sunscreen, first aid kits, clothing, water bottles, and other everyday necessities, to help support seasonal workers during the busy summer months.
“One of the most meaningful parts of this event is seeing our community come together in support of our hardworking seasonal workers,” said Carly Palmer, Assistant Director of Marketing & Outreach at For All Seasons. “Every organization that joins us not only shares information about its services but also brings thoughtful donations to distribute directly to attendees. It’s a wonderful reminder that even small acts of generosity can make someone feel welcomed and valued. We are grateful to our resource partners, volunteers, board members, and staff whose continued support has helped make this event a success year after year.”
For more information about For All Seasons’ outreach efforts, contact Katie Theeke at ktheeke@forallseasonsinc.org.
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 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.
As temperatures rise and the days grow longer, some people experience a form of depression known as summer-pattern Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). While Seasonal Affective Disorder is most commonly associated with the shorter, darker days of winter, a smaller number of people experience depressive symptoms during the spring and summer months. Although less common than winter-pattern SAD, summer-pattern SAD is a recognized condition that can significantly affect a person’s mood, energy, and daily functioning.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people experiencing summer-pattern depression may notice increased irritability and frustration, along with symptoms such as insomnia, low energy, and a lack of motivation. Summertime SAD can be caused by both physiological and environmental changes. Weather is one major factor, as high temperatures and humidity can drain people’s energy and disrupt neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which govern mood. Another major factor includes changes in sleep patterns in the summer. Longer days can push bedtime later, disrupting routine – making people feel tired, overwhelmed, and out of rhythm.
Summer is also a time when there is more social pressure, and people may experience a “Fear of Missing Out,” which causes anxiety. Other factors include body image concerns with summer wardrobe changes, as well as seasonal allergies, leading to inflammation, which has been linked to depression.
Scientific American reported in a recent NIH Study that those experiencing summer SAD were more “irritable” and “restless” and reported higher incidences of insomnia, reduced appetite, and more frequent weight loss. Other symptoms include headaches or migraines, low energy or fatigue, lack of motivation, and social isolation.
The staff at For All Seasons recommends that small, steady changes can help you shake off the summer blues. Sticking to a routine, tracking mood changes, staying cool and setting limits, staying hydrated and nourished, and setting realistic summer expectations can also be helpful.
“It’s not always easy to tell the difference between temporary summertime sadness and something more serious, so if your mood affects your daily life, including work, relationships, or your ability to get through your daily routine, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider or mental health professional,” shares Lesa Mulcahy, Chief Clinical Officer at For All Seasons.
Persons who experience thoughts of taking their life or harming others should seek emergency care by calling 911 or emergency services or contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) for confidential emotional support, available 24/7. The staff at For All Seasons is also available to help you manage the summertime sadness and other challenges. Reach out to us at 410-822-1018.
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 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.
Caucasian sad woman sitting at the floor and looking throw window at home
Earlier this year, the Board of Directors of the Veteran and Military Support Alliance (VAMSA) made the difficult decision to close the organization after carefully considering its long-term sustainability. While VAMSA concluded its independent operations on June 30, 2026, the Board was committed to ensuring its mission would continue. To preserve the services and support that veterans, service members, and military families depend on, the Board approached For All Seasons Behavioral Health and Rape Crisis Center to carry the mission forward.
Beginning July 1, 2026, For All Seasons launched its Center for Veterans & Military Families, ensuring continuity of care while expanding services for veterans and military families throughout Maryland’s Mid-Shore and beyond.
VAMSA was created to respond to the needs of veterans and military families in Queen Anne’s County and the surrounding region. In a short period of time, the organization raised awareness, built strong community partnerships, and connected veterans and their families with critical resources and support. Its work was made possible through the dedication of local leaders, veterans’ organizations, community partners, and the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners, who recognized the importance of serving those who have served our country.
Recognizing that VAMSA’s mission was too important to end with the organization, the Board sought a trusted partner with the experience, clinical expertise, and regional presence to continue the work. Having partnered with VAMSA since its early days, For All Seasons was selected to build upon that foundation. Over the years, For All Seasons has provided rapid access to mental health care with no waitlist, crisis response, victim support, psychoeducational support groups, and other behavioral health services for veterans and military-connected families across the Mid-Shore. Additionally, For All Seasons delivered on-site clinical consultation and support during crisis and emergent situations.
Building on this longstanding partnership, the Center for Veterans & Military Families will expand available services to include Veterans Administration disability benefits navigation, care coordination, education and training, and connections to additional community resources.
“This mission has always been about making sure veterans and military families have trusted support close to home,” said Walt Petrie, VAMSA Co-founder and Vice Chair.
VAMSA Board Chair Kathy Deoudes added, “This decision was made with veterans and their families at the center. We wanted to make sure the mission would continue in a way that was stable, trusted, and close to home. When the Board considered the future of VAMSA, we knew For All Seasons shared our commitment and had the experience to strengthen and expand these services for years to come.”
Beth Anne Dorman, President and CEO of For All Seasons, said the organization is honored to continue the work VAMSA began.
“VAMSA built something incredibly meaningful for veterans and military families on Maryland’s Mid-Shore,” Dorman said. “When the Board approached us about continuing that work, we were honored to say yes. We have proudly partnered with VAMSA for years, providing many of the mental health and support services veterans and families rely on. In the past year alone, For All Seasons provided more than 8,000 direct services to over 500 veterans, service members, and their families. As VAMSA concludes its operations, we are committed to honoring its legacy by ensuring this mission not only continues but grows.”
The Center for Veterans & Military Families will provide continuity, stability, and expanded access to behavioral health and supportive services for veterans and military families across the region. Veteran community leaders say that continuity is essential.
“Some veterans are hesitant to ask for help, so trust matters,” said Kenley Timms, Commander of the VFW in Easton. “For All Seasons has shown up for our veterans and their families in a real way, and I am grateful they will continue this work as VAMSA closes its doors.”
The goal is simple: to ensure that those who have served our country—and the families who have served alongside them—continue to receive the care, support, and resources they deserve. For All Seasons will share additional information in the coming weeks about available services, referrals, and opportunities to connect with the Center for Veterans & Military Families.
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 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.
