Featured News

US 50/301 Ramp Management Pilot Program Town Hall

Queen Anne’s County Commissioners invite you to participate in a Town Hall meeting regarding the US 50/301 Ramp Management Pilot Program on Kent Island. This event will be an opportunity for residents to listen, learn and discuss the program that was implemented this fall, the results of the study and the county’s proposal for the 2024 summer season.

Event Details:

Date & Time:
Thursday, April 10, 2024, at 6:30 PM
Venue:
Bayside Elementary School
301 Church Street, Stevensville
The Town Hall will begin at 6:30 PM with a self-guided presentation regarding the program including results of the study and next steps. A formal presentation will begin at 7:00 PM followed by an opportunity for residents to provide feedback.

There will be representatives from Queen Anne’s County Commissioners, Office of the Sheriff, Emergency Services, Public Works, Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration and the Maryland Transportation Authority.

To review the results from the pilot program and see the proposed plan for the 2024 Summer, please visit https://mdot-sha-us50-kent-iss-traffic-mgmt-study-qa50kitms-maryland.hub.arcgis.com/.

To gain further insights, Queen Anne’s County Commissioners worked with QACTV to address commonly asked questions. The playlist can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoVMDUC4qSM&list=PL9KU_Pam3GcdeDudC09RCW_Qs1tWCRda5.

For those unable to attend the town hall meeting, public comments are encouraged via email at publiccomment@qac.org. Please include “Pilot Program Town Hall” in the subject line. We also welcome public comment during every County Commissioner meeting, held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. See www.qac.org for more information.

Queen Anne’s County Takes Action to Reduce Plastic Waste in Marine Industry

As the weather warms up in Queen Anne’s County, the annual practice of winterizing boats with single-use shrinkwrap contributes to a significant amount of plastic waste ending up in landfills. With approximately 5,000 recreational boats in the county, and an estimated half using single-use shrinkwrap, this results in 30 tons of waste each year.

In response to this environmental concern, Queen Anne’s County Government has joined forces with Plastic Free QAC and the Marine Trades Association of Maryland (MTAM) to tackle the issue and minimize the ecological impact of single-use shrinkwrap.

Last year, the initiative began by targeting local marinas and businesses, successfully recycling over 1.62 tons of plastic and diverting it from landfills. This year, the focus shifts to residents, urging them to actively participate in reducing plastic waste.

The MTAM recycle bags, sponsored by the County Commissioners, are now available at West Marine in Chester, and Rommel’s Ace Hardware in Stevensville, Refill Goodness in Stevensville, and Town Hall in Centreville for individual boat owners.

County Commissioner, Phil Dumenil said, our county, blessed with natural beauty, is also entrusted with the responsibility of stewardship. By sponsoring the MTAM recycle bags, we want to empower our residents to take an active role in safeguarding our waterways and minimizing the footprint of recreational boating. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our environment and set a precedent for communities across Maryland.

The only shrinkwrap accepted for recycling must be cleaned of any zippers, windows, or ties and packaged in the provided MTAM recycle bags. Residents can drop off their cleaned shrinkwrap at no cost.

A dedicated dumpster for MTAM bagged shrinkwrap is available at the Grasonville Transfer Station, located at 401 Gravel Run Road. The MTAM dumpster will be accessible until late May, providing a convenient and eco-friendly disposal option for boat owners.

For more information, including locations to pick up the MTAM Recycle bags, where to bring them once they are ready to be recycled and the organizations involved, visit https://lnk.bio/RecycleBoatShrinkwrap

Journey through Time: A Celebration of ‘Rivers of the Eastern Shore’ by Hulbert Footner

Oxford, MD – The Oxford Community Center (OCC) is pleased to announce a special event celebrating the enduring legacy of author Hulbert Footner’s 1944 classic “Rivers of the Eastern Shore.” This beloved narrative offers readers an immersive look at life along Maryland’s rivers in the early 1940s.

To commemorate the recent release of the book’s second edition, the Oxford Community Center will host a tribute on March 19th at 5:30 PM. Granddaughter of the author Karen Footner will provide a personal touch to the event, offering insight into Footner’s life and writing. Dennis Forney, publisher emeritus of the Cape Gazette in Lewes, Delaware, will also be on hand to read excerpts from the book and discuss its lasting impact.

Born in 1879 in Ontario, Canada, Footner built an acclaimed literary career as both a mystery novelist and travel writer before releasing “Rivers of the Eastern Shore” in 1944. The book was an instant regional bestseller, offering readers an insight into the rivers, towns, and people along the Chesapeake Bay’s Eastern Shore. First published by Farrar & Rinehart, the book’s recent second edition was released by Footner’s granddaughter Karen, keeping this beloved title alive for modern audiences.

“We are thrilled to host this event in honor of such an iconic regional book,” said Liza Ledford, Executive Director of the OCC. “‘Rivers of the Eastern Shore’ has transported generations of readers through its rich depiction of local history and culture. We look forward to celebrating the continued significance of Footner’s literary masterpiece.”


The event is free and open to the public. It is presented in partnership with the Oxford Library who celebrates local authors and Mystery Loves Company who will be selling the books onsite.

Doors will open at 5:30 pm. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Donations to support the Oxford Community Center’s ongoing programs and events will be gratefully accepted.

2024 Juried Art Show, Discovering the Native Landscapes of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, on View through April 26

With a tiny painting of a pair of buzzards comically perched on a dead tree, a ceramic pitcher encrusted with honey bees, and a serene photo of winter trees and a farmhouse silhouetted against the blush of a dawn sky, Adkins Arboretum’s 24th annual Juried Art Show, Discovering the Native Landscapes of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is lively, varied and full of surprises. On view through April 26, the show was juried by Mehves Lelic, who will speak about her choices at a reception on Saturday, March 9, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Lelic is the Director of Mosely Gallery at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore and was formerly the Curator at the Academy Art Museum in Easton. From the 171 entries that were submitted, she chose 31 works by artists from Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Washington, DC. It’s an energetic and fascinatingly diverse show in a variety of mediums, including watercolor, oils, acrylics, pastel, watercolor, sumi ink drawings, photographs, found object sculpture, ceramics, and even pyrography (drawing with a wood burning tool).

Lelic explained, “I was looking for artists who interpreted what is essentially a shared experience of space through their unique visual languages, took risks, and alluded to not just the commonly depicted, calming associations with nature but its more complex, cyclical facets.”

While the show includes many beautiful and inspiring landscapes and waterscapes created at different seasons of the year, several of the works are quite unusual. Lelic chose two of these to receive the annual Leon Andrus Awards.

First prize went to a large sumi ink and colored pencil drawing by Irene Pantelis, of Bethesda, called “Of Water Too Are the Grasses” in which ink and color flow in swift, watery brushstrokes that describe grasses with roots reaching deep into water-saturated earth. A close look reveals a myriad of tiny concentric rings that bloom within the brushstrokes where Pantelis added pigment to the still wet ink.

“I love how the ink is traveling on the paper and telling us about the intentions of the artist,” Lelic said, “but there are parts of it that are so controlled. I also like the undercurrents of decay, which to me is such an important part of our relationship with nature. I think this piece touches on that while carrying a sense of exuberance.”

She awarded second prize to Alexandria artist Ceci Cole McInturff’s “Animalis” a sculptural installation with two pale, curving branches, one dangling long strands of white horsehair, the other sporting a bird’s wing, as if it is flying.

“I selected this as the second-place award winner because the piece displays a consideration of how living cells can take all these different forms from feather to hair to branch,” she explained. “I also loved that it was suspended as if you were actually experiencing it out in its natural environment. From found object to contemporary sculpture is a really winding path and I felt the artist navigated that path very successfully.”

Lelic also gave Honorable Mention awards to “Dunes of Maryland,” a bold oil painting by Michael Dean of Fredericksburg, VA, “Creek with Trees,” a whimsical and colorful painting by Easton artist Sheryl Southwick, and an exquisite toned cyanotype print hand-colored with watercolor and gold ground called “Persimmon” by Paige Billin-Frye of Washington, DC.

“The Arboretum holds such an important place in our community,” Lelic said, “and it was exciting to see artistic responses to the natural respite and inspiration it provides. It was a privilege to spend time with all the incredibly strong pieces everyone submitted as we slowly but surely leave winter behind and see the first signs of spring reawakening.”

This show is part of Adkins Arboretum’s ongoing exhibition series of work on natural themes by regional artists. It is on view through April 26 at the Arboretum Visitor’s Center located at 12610 Eveland Road near Tuckahoe State Park in Ridgely. Contact the Arboretum at 410-634-2847, ext. 100 or info@adkinsarboretum.org for gallery hours.

Practically Organized – Voted Best Professional Organizer

Practically Organized Voted Best Professional Organizer Every year the Shore Update hears from locals as to who their favorite local businesses and organizations are, and we’re highlighting some of the locals you voted the best! This month we’re featuring Practically Organized, who you voted “Best Professional Organizer.” We had the chance to talk to the owner of Professionally Organized, Nicole Holtman, to learn more about why she started such a unique business, organizing tips for your home and work space, and more!

Nicole has always been an organized person. “Even when I was young, before I started homework I wanted my area to be tidy; I could concentrate better,” she explained to me. While Nicole was working as a government contractor in DC, a new contract needed help organizing some paperwork that was “piled up like a waterfall” in a cubicle. After organizing all the documents, her manager told her that someone she knew worked as a professional organizer and if it’s something she enjoyed, it could be a career for her. Nicole thought “that’s amazing; I’d rather do that,” and within a few months she created Practically Organized.

Nicole makes life simpler for businesses and for people in their own homes. “I think that our homes are our oasis, our haven, our place to get ready to tackle the world, and I think that a space that supports us is usually a space that doesn’t have a lot of clutter. Clutter makes us feel uncomfortable; it makes us see unfinished projects. If we are in a space that feels a little bit simpler and a little less chaotic, we can relax more,” Nicole explained. For business owners Nicole believes that organized spaces can help them save time and money, as well as giving them an edge.

If you’re trying to keep your space more organized, Nicole offered some helpful tips that you can easily apply to your own life. One of them is to label everything; Nicole says this is especially important in spaces shared with a lot of people because it cuts down on time spent looking for objects. Another is to use consistent containers. On top of being more aesthetically pleasing, using the same types of containers makes it easier to sort and stack as opposed to using containers of different shapes and sizes.

In helping people get organized, Nicole saw a need to help people maximize productivity. She explained to me that “you can help someone organize their life and space, but there’s a whole other side. That is creating those habits and routines to maintain being organized on an ongoing basis. While the organizational side is more about managing their space, productivity is about managing their time.” Nicole offers coaching packages, working directly with individuals and business owners for a few months. “I start by learning more about how they live their lives, how they want to change, and then we figure out a goal. It’s a lot like organizing someone’s life,” Nicole explained.

If you would like to learn more about Practically Organized or about organizing in general, you can go to their website at https://www.itspracticallyorganized.com/. Stay tuned because later this year voting for the Best of the Best will be back at the Shore Update.

QACHS Students Excel in Outdoor Adventure Course, Achieve 100% Boating Safety Certification

CENTREVILLE – Queen Anne’s County High School is proud to announce a groundbreaking achievement by its students in the newly introduced Outdoor Adventure course. With the overwhelming support of their teacher, Mrs. Holly Woodward, and our community partners, the students have not only embraced the challenges of outdoor activities but have also excelled in achieving their Maryland boating safety certification.

In an exceptional display of achievement, 100% of the students enrolled in the Outdoor Adventure course have earned an impressive overall class average of 92%. This remarkable accomplishment highlights their successful completion of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating safety course, resulting in each student obtaining their Maryland Boating Safety Education certificate.

Unlike traditional physical education courses, the Outdoor Adventure curriculum immerses students in a diverse array of outdoor experiences, ranging from fishing and archery to camping and survival skills. The course emphasizes safety as a paramount concern and was designed to equip students with essential knowledge and skills for safe outdoor exploration. This is the first year QACPS is offering the course as a physical education elective that integrates the Maryland Environmental Literacy Standards.

“We are immensely proud of our students’ outstanding achievements in the Outdoor Adventure course,” remarked Michael Page, the QACPS Supervisor of Physical Education. “We are very excited that QACPS can provide students this opportunity and believe that this program not only fosters enjoyment for the outdoors but also equips our students with essential skills.”

Under the guidance of Mrs. Woodward, students were provided invaluable opportunities to collaborate with local agencies and explore various aspects of outdoor safety. From understanding severe weather gear, reading and interpreting a nautical chart, reviewing various types of personal floatation devices, looking at boating safety equipment, what to do in an emergency, and having the opportunity to tie various boating knots on stationary practice cleats, each student was equipped with practical skills and knowledge essential for navigating outdoor environments safely.

The success of the Outdoor Adventure course owes much to the dedication and expertise of its collaborative instructors, including professionals from the Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Police Reserve Officer, United States Coast Guard Auxiliarists, and a Past Commander and current member of the United States Power Squadron, Kent Narrows Squadron. Their invaluable contributions and real-life examples have not only enriched the curriculum but have also left a lasting impact on the students.

“Queen Anne’s County High School extends its gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the Outdoor Adventure course and the student’s certification,” stated Dr. Billie Brice, the Academic Dean at QACHS. “Through their collective efforts, our student’s lives have been enriched, paving the way for responsible and adventurous outdoor enthusiasts.”

Looking ahead, QACPS is excited to continue offering dynamic opportunities for students to explore the great outdoors. QACPS remains committed to nurturing the adventurous spirit and educational growth of its students and providing them with opportunities to further experience the outdoors safely and responsibly.

QAC Animal Services Excels in 2023 and Announces Exciting Plans for 2024

Queen Anne’s County Animal Services (QACAS) recently presented an update to the County Commissioners, highlighting their significant achievements throughout 2023 and outlining exciting programs and updates planned for the upcoming year.

In 2023, QACAS saw a notable increase in animal intakes, with 1,324 animals entering the shelter, marking a 29% rise from 2022. These intakes encompassed various categories, including 583 strays, 299 owner/guardian surrenders, 49 return adoptions, 60 seized custody cases, 322 service-ins, and 11 transfers. Cats comprised 842 of these animals, dogs 371, while 111 were other pets such as guinea pigs, rats, birds, turtles, and more.

QACAS operates a comprehensive stray hold policy, providing a seven-day window for owners to claim their pets. All animals undergo mandatory rabies vaccination before release. Following the hold period, animals become spayed/neutered and prepared for adoption.

In 2023, 166 animals were successfully reunited with their owners, representing a 39% increase from the previous year, partly attributed to enhanced social media utilization. Moreover, QACAS performed 669 routine spay/neuter surgeries, 206 trap-neuter-release procedures, and 14 specialty surgeries, including a heartwarming success story involving Umbrella, a kitten receiving critical eye surgery.
The year 2023 witnessed 679 animals finding forever homes, a testament to QACAS’s commitment to animal welfare. Volunteer engagement surged by 78%, with volunteers contributing over 2,878 hours, while 389 animals received foster care support. Additionally, initiatives like “Doggie Day Trips” and “Slumber Party” offered 52 dogs’ temporary respite from shelter life.

QACAS hosted several community events, including the inaugural “Pawing in Love” Fun Run and Puppy Yoga, alongside fostering partnerships with local organizations for impactful initiatives like the Holiday Pet Donation Drive.

With a live release rate of 94.6% in 2023, surpassing the national standard for “No Kill” status, QACAS remains dedicated to achieving excellence in animal care.

Noteworthy improvements in 2023 included the introduction of new cat condos, lobby renovations, dental equipment enhancements, upgraded kennel amenities, and revamped dog play yards.
Looking ahead to 2024, QACAS anticipates further enhancements, including phone system upgrades, laundry room remodeling, expanded enrichment programs, updated kennels, and the launch of behavior and obedience programs, both on-site and virtually.

For more information about Queen Anne’s County Animal Services and their initiatives, visit https://qac.org/1425/Animal-Services.

Ferry Point Nature Park Open to the Public March 1

After undergoing site improvements to the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center, Ferry Point Nature Park is set to reopen its gates to the public on March 1, 2024. Closed since last May, the park which is one of the County’s scenic nature preserves has undergone close monitoring to ensure its continued preservation and accessibility to visitors.

We are thrilled to invite the community back to enjoy the natural beauty of Ferry Point Nature Park. As stewards of this resource, we appeal to the public for their assistance in preserving the park for future generations.

Visitors to the park will notice signage indicating activities that are not permitted, such as coolers, grills, shade structures, and fishing. To aid in the preservation efforts, we urge patrons to utilize the park as intended – by exploring its trails and relaxing on designated benches. It is imperative to refrain from disturbing the grasses and native plants that have been strategically placed to protect the shoreline. Even seemingly “brown” grasses play a crucial role in preservation. A limited number of access points to beach itself may be used, but visitors should take care not to disturb cobble and rocks which have been placed to armor or protect the shoreline and to take note of unstable walking conditions along the shore.

In 2014, Ferry Point Nature Park underwent an adaptive management shoreline intervention with funding and technical support from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This initiative included the construction of breakwaters, beach replenishment, and habitat restoration, all aimed at safeguarding the park against environmental threats such as marsh sinking, sea level rise, wind erosion, and wave energy.

Looking ahead, the Parks and Recreation Department is actively seeking adaptive solutions to stabilize the eastern arm of Ferry Point. Plans include shoreline armoring, additional marsh grass planting, invasive species management, and enhanced interpretive signage and natural trail systems. This next phase of preservation is subject to state funding and slated to commence Fall 2024/Winter 2025, potentially resulting in temporary closures of the park for safety reasons.

By working together, we can ensure that Ferry Point Nature Park remains a cherished gem for generations to come. Let us all do our part in safeguarding this invaluable natural asset.
For further information, please contact The Department of Parks and Recreation at 410-758-0835

ArtScene | the Podcast Presents: Exclusive One-Hour Video Episode Featuring ‘The Voice’ of QACPS Arts

CENTREVILLE — QACPS is thrilled to announce the premiere of an exclusive one-hour video episode on March 1st, showcasing Michael Bell, the driving force behind the arts in Queen Anne’s County and ‘the Voice’ of ArtScene | the Podcast. As Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts and Media for QACPS, Bell draws back the curtain to offer viewers an unprecedented glimpse into his world in this episode.

Watch it on Spotify here at:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4R3nO5PLDPHKhIrqfGAUXO?si=nJ3coyf8RWC5-qPh4pNZsw

Filmed at TV Delmarva Studios, delve into Michael Bell’s journey from a young artist in New York City to working with celebrity clientele and recent national recognitions in education. Hosted by local DMV TV personality and former gallery owner, Michael Sprouse, this engaging conversation explores the experiences that have shaped Bell’s artistic vision, leadership style, and mission to empower teachers to ‘stay artists.’

“My primary goal is to help everyone be known, feel loved, and stay inspired,” says Bell. He firmly believes that inspiring teachers to believe in themselves and develop their skills leads to greater student success stories.

Bell’s recent accolades include the QACPS 2024 Outstanding Leadership Award, and the prestigious NAEA 2024 National Administration and Supervision Art Educator Award, a distinction bestowed upon just one Art Supervisor in the entire nation.

Don’t miss this rare glimpse into Bell’s creative life as an artist and entrepreneur.

Tune in to the one-hour video episode on March 1, 2024, on Spotify and https://anchor.fm/artscene.

Choptank Health marks 25 years of school-based health during National School-Based Health Care Awareness Month

Choptank Community Health System is celebrating 25 years of providing school-based health services to Mid-Shore students. The milestone is being recognized in February as part of the National School-Based Health Care Awareness Month. Choptank Health is celebrating its successes and raising awareness about how school-based health centers improve access to healthcare services for children and adolescents and how they make a difference in their lives today and in the future.

Rooted in Caroline County: A Legacy of Care
Choptank Health’s school-based care journey began in 1999 with the opening of four School-Based Health Centers in Caroline County Public Schools, igniting a legacy of healthcare excellence and helping to enhance students’ well-being during the academic year.

Choptank Health was awarded a Project Healthy Schools’ Healthy Communities Grant to establish school-based primary care services in Caroline County. A partnership with Caroline County Public Schools, the Caroline County Health Department, and the University of Maryland School of Nursing helped establish the School-Based Health Center sites at Greensboro Elementary and Federalsburg Elementary Schools, and Colonel Richardson Middle and Lockerman Middle Schools.

Over the years, Choptank Health’s commitment to the community has flourished, with School-Based Health Centers and programs now spanning Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties. Eighteen school-based health centers and a mobile health unit reach more than 8,000 students each year, providing dental services in Dorchester County; medical, dental, dietetic, and behavioral health services in Caroline and Talbot Counties; and medical and dental services in Queen Anne’s and Kent Counties.

President and CEO Sara Rich reflects on the organization’s growth, stating, “We are incredibly proud of our Caroline County roots in school-based health. Our dedicated team, now extending beyond medical providers to include dental hygienists, therapists, and dietitians, continues to make a positive impact on the lives of Mid-Shore students.”

The school-based health centers provide in-person, virtual, curbside, well and urgent care during the school year and over the summer months, with student enrollment required. Services include diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, behavioral health services, dietitian services, and educational services.

Choptank Health’s School-Based dental programs include dental screenings and sealants, polishing/cleanings, oral health education, fluoride treatments, and dental emergency referrals.

“We are excited to celebrate 25 years of providing services in our school-based programs,” said Choptank Health Director of Community-Based Programs Chrissy Bartz. “I am proud of our team and the tremendous work being done in our schools.”

About Choptank Community Health System’s School-Based Health Centers

Choptank Health’s School-Based Health & Dental Centers are a partnership between Choptank Community Health System, County Health Departments, and the County Public Schools. This program allows students to receive medical, dental, dietetic, and behavioral health care at school, with care coordinated with the student’s primary care provider and/or primary dentist.

Choptank Community Health System provides medical and dental services to over 30,000 adults and children across Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties. Committed to providing access to exceptional, comprehensive, and integrated healthcare for all, services include primary healthcare, women’s health, pediatrics, behavioral health, chronic health management, lab services, and care navigation.

For more information, visit www.choptankhealth.org/schoolbased.