The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra welcomed 120 guests to a sold-out Legacy Award Dinner on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Talbot Country Club, honoring internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves and celebrating the future of the Orchestra through a landmark fundraising effort.

The evening began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a special performance by the MSO String Quartet. In tribute to Ms. Graves’ extraordinary career, the quartet performed selections from the operas Carmen and Porgy and Bess, two works closely associated with some of her most celebrated roles.

Following a four-course dinner, guests participated in a live auction led by auctioneer Max Wolf of the Wolf Auction Group. Featuring exclusive travel, culinary, and cultural experiences, the auction generated more than $22,000 in support of the Orchestra. 

Music Director Michael Repper then presented the Orchestra’s ambitious 30th Anniversary Recording Project, “Imagine Utopia.” The recording will feature Grammy-nominated composers David T. Little, Clarice Assad, and Robert Paterson, along with the Grammy-nominated Neave Trio. The project will include three world premiere recordings and serve as a lasting artistic statement celebrating the Orchestra’s 30th anniversary season.

Inspired by Repper’s vision, guests enthusiastically participated in a paddle raise to support the recording project. The effort raised an extraordinary $250,000, significantly funding the initiative and ensuring that the recording can move forward as planned. The paddle raise was launched with the announcement of a generous $100,000 gift, inspiring additional contributions from attendees and generating tremendous momentum for the project. 

MSO Board President Jeffrey Parker reflected on Denyce Graves’ extraordinary career and lasting impact on the arts before presenting her with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra’s 2026 Legacy Award plaque and introducing her to the audience. Graves then reflected on her remarkable career spanning more than four decades on the world’s leading opera stages. She spoke movingly about the privilege of carrying forward the great operatic traditions through the iconic roles she has performed and the responsibility artists have to inspire future generations. 

She also discussed the importance of education in her life and career, describing it as one of the most meaningful and rewarding aspects of her professional journey. Graves shared her commitment to nurturing young artists through The Denyce Graves Foundation and her belief that education remains one of the most powerful tools for expanding access to the arts.

The evening concluded with closing remarks from MSO Vice President and event emcee Philip Davis, who thanked supporters for their generosity and commitment to the Orchestra’s future.

“This evening celebrated both a remarkable artist and the future of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra,” said Davis. “The overwhelming support demonstrated by our patrons ensures that the MSO will continue to present world-class performances, educational initiatives, and innovative artistic projects throughout the Delmarva region and beyond.”

The Legacy Award Dinner serves as one of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra’s premier annual fundraising events, supporting the Orchestra’s artistic, educational, and community engagement initiatives.

The Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services Special Operations Division has been recognized by the Maryland Emergency Management Association (MEMA) with the Preparedness Project of the Year Award for its innovative Multi-Agency Shelter Exercise and Capability Enhancement Initiative.

The award was presented during the recent Maryland Emergency Management Association Conference and recognizes outstanding projects that strengthen emergency preparedness, response capabilities, and community resilience.

The initiative centered around a two-day full-scale emergency sheltering exercise conducted at Centreville Middle School in July 2025. Designed and coordinated by the Department of Emergency Services, the exercise brought together county agencies, regional partners, nonprofit organizations, and more than 100 community volunteers to simulate the opening and operation of an emergency shelter during a large-scale disaster.

The exercise tested the County’s ability to provide sheltering services for residents and their pets while evaluating coordination among agencies responsible for public health, social services, emergency management, public information, transportation, law enforcement, and animal care.

“This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team and our many community partners,” said Scott Haas, Director of Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services. “Preparedness is an ongoing effort that requires planning, collaboration, training, and a willingness to identify areas for improvement before a real emergency occurs. This exercise demonstrated the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to protecting the residents of Queen Anne’s County.”

The exercise was led by Emergency Planner Debra Hopkins and involved extensive collaboration among the Queen Anne’s County Department of Social Services, Department of Health, Animal Services, Public Schools, Community Affairs, Aging and Transportation, the American Red Cross, the Maryland Animal Response Team, and numerous local, regional, and state partners.

Beyond testing plans and procedures, the exercise produced measurable improvements to the County’s emergency sheltering capabilities. Participants identified facility, logistical, and operational challenges that informed updates to emergency plans and preparedness strategies. Several lessons learned during the exercise were later validated and applied during an actual shelter activation in January 2026 during a winter weather emergency.

The project was also recognized for its innovative inclusion of companion animal sheltering, access and functional needs scenarios, and realistic operational challenges that required agencies to work together in real time to solve problems and support shelter residents.

This initiative serves as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to strengthen preparedness through scalable, cost-effective exercises that rely on collaboration and community engagement.

Queen Anne’s County extends its appreciation to all participating agencies, evaluators, volunteers, and community partners whose contributions helped make the exercise a success.

Good news for waterfront property owners and river health alike: a new Maryland law supported by ShoreRivers will make it easier and more affordable to install living shorelines! During this year’s legislative session, I testified in support of the Supporting Inclusive Community Adaptation Act, legislation introduced by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources that helps reduce upfront costs for living shoreline projects and creates a framework for partial loan forgiveness. By lowering financial barriers, the law is expected to encourage more property owners to choose living shorelines over traditional hardened approaches.

That matters for the Choptank. With more than 450 miles of shoreline, the river faces ongoing erosion challenges that contribute mud and sediment to our waterways, often smothering underwater grasses and oyster habitat. Living shorelines help stabilize eroding banks while also improving water quality, creating wildlife habitat, and increasing resilience to sea level rise and climate change. Simply put, they protect property while providing benefits for the river that bulkheads and riprap cannot.

The law also recognizes the importance of meaningful community involvement in restoration projects by allowing support for compensated community ambassadors. This approach, pioneered locally through ShoreRivers and Envision the Choptank, acknowledges that residents’ time, knowledge, and lived experience are valuable to successful restoration efforts. The passage of this legislation is a great example of how Riverkeeper advocacy can advance practical solutions that benefit both local communities and the health of our rivers.

The Queen Anne’s County Treasury Office will undergo renovations beginning June 29, 2026. Renovation work is expected to take up to three weeks, although the timeline may be adjusted as work progresses.

During the renovation period, Treasury Office staff will continue serving the public from the Human Resources Conference Room located on the first floor of the Liberty Building. Residents will still be able to conduct most Treasury Office business during normal operating hours.

Please note that the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Satellite Office located within the Treasury Office will be closed for the duration of the renovation project. As a result, vehicle registration renewal services, including tag sticker renewals, will not be available at this location until renovations are complete.

Residents needing MVA services during this time may:

• Renew vehicle registrations online through the Maryland MVA website.
• Visit a full-service MVA branch office.
• Utilize a licensed title and tag service provider.

We understand this temporary closure may cause inconvenience and appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we complete these improvements. The renovations will help enhance the office space and improve the overall customer experience.

Updates regarding the reopening of the MVA Satellite Office will be shared through the County’s website and social media channels. For more information about the Treasury Division, visit https://qac.org/616/Treasury-Division

The Neighborhood Service Center of Talbot County has announced that Emergency Services/Outreach Director Akima Copper has been recognized by the Maryland Community Action Partnership during the organization’s recent Community Action Celebration and Awards Luncheon at the Gaylord National Resort in Oxon Hill.

Copper joins a select group of honorees from across Maryland being recognized during this year’s summit, “Built for this Moment: Honoring Essential Work. Inspiring What’s Next.” The annual event celebrated individuals and organizations whose leadership and service strengthen communities and expand opportunities for families facing economic hardship.

The recognition highlights Copper’s dedication to serving Talbot County residents with compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to helping neighbors achieve stability and self-sufficiency.

“Akima represents the very best of community action,” said Andy Hollis, executive director of the Neighborhood Service Center. “Every day, she demonstrates what it means to serve with empathy, dignity, and determination. 

“Her work directly impacts families who are navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” he says. “We are incredibly proud to see her recognized at the state level for the difference she makes in our community.”

The Maryland Community Action Partnership serves as a statewide network supporting Community Action Agencies across Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., working to address poverty and strengthen economic mobility. 

“Akima exemplifies the heart of Community Action,” said Angela Martin, executive director of the Maryland Community Action Partnership. “This year’s theme recognizes individuals who continue showing up for their communities with resilience, innovation, and compassion. Her commitment to serving Talbot County residents reflects the essential work happening every day across our Community Action network.”

Hollis said the recognition also shines a light on the broader mission of the Neighborhood Service Center and the growing need for community support throughout the Mid-Shore region.

“At a time when more working families, seniors, and individuals are struggling with housing costs, food insecurity, transportation challenges, and access to basic needs, dedicated employees like Akima are often the first point of hope,” Hollis said. “This award is a reminder that investing in organizations like the Neighborhood Service Center means investing directly in the strength and resilience of our community.”

The Community Action Celebration and Awards Luncheon is part of the Maryland Community Action Partnership’s annual summit, which convenes nonprofit leaders, advocates, policymakers, and service organizations committed to advancing economic opportunity and community well-being across the region. 

The Neighborhood Service Center, Inc. has served Talbot County residents for more than 50 years with a mission to eliminate poverty by empowering individuals and families to become self-sufficient. As Talbot County’s designated Community Action Agency, NSC provides food assistance, housing support, energy assistance, homeless prevention services, and other critical programs for residents in need. More is at www.nsctalbotmd.org.

Shore United Bank today announced a partnership with Greenlight® Financial Technology, Inc. (“Greenlight”) to better serve families and help the next generation build healthy financial futures. Starting today, Shore United Bank customers will have free† access to Greenlight’s award-winning family finance app, available through the Greenlight for Banks / Greenlight for Credit Unions program.

91% of kids and teens believe they need financial knowledge and skills to achieve their life goals, and 94% of parents agree.* Still, only 35 states require a personal finance course for students, and teens score an average of 64% on the National Financial Literacy Test, showing a clear gap in financial education that is accessible and effective. Parents also rank personal finance as the #1 most difficult life skill to teach their children with 81% saying they wish they had more financial education tools and resources.**

Greenlight offers a debit card and app that teaches kids and teens how to earn, save, give and spend wisely – all with parental supervision. Using the Greenlight app, parents can quickly send money, automate allowance payments, manage chores, set flexible spending controls, get real-time notifications of all transactions, and more. Kids get hands-on money management experience, along with access to Greenlight Level Up™, an in-app financial literacy game with a best-in-class curriculum, educational challenges, and rewards.

Shore United Bank customers can receive a free† Greenlight subscription by registering through Greenlight | Teach your kids to earn, save, and spend wisely. and adding their Shore United Bank account as a funding source. Or visit https://www.shoreunitedbank.com/greenlight.

†Shore United Bank customers are eligible for the Greenlight SELECT plan at no cost when they connect their Shore United Bank account as the Greenlight funding source for the entirety of the promotion. Subject to minimum balance requirements and identity verification. Upgrades will result in additional fees. Upon termination of promotion, members will be responsible for associated monthly fees. See terms for details. Offer ends September 19, 2030.  Offer subject to change and partner participation.

*Survey insights were collected by Greenlight through a Researchscape survey fielded between March 22 and March 24, 2024, among 2,310 respondents in the U.S., split between kids and teens ages 10-19 and parents of 10-19 year olds.

**Survey insights were collected by Greenlight through a Researchscape survey fielded between February 9-12, 2023, among 1,034 U.S. respondents, all of whom were working parents of 8-18 year olds.

About Greenlight

Greenlight is the fintech company on a mission to help families navigate money and life together. Its award-winning app offers a debit card, money management platform, and safety features for the whole family. Kids and teens learn to earn, save, and invest, aging loved ones are protected against financial and digital threats, and caregivers and parents can check in by app and set flexible controls. The app also helps families, from kids to grandparents, stay safe and connected with real-time alerts, location sharing, emergency services, and driving reports.

Greenlight partners with more than 200 leading banks, credit unions, and employers to bring its family finance solution to more families through the Greenlight for Banks and Greenlight for Credit Unions programs.

On May 8th, 2026, the Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. (MSBH) team participated in its annual Volunteer Day at Queenstown Landing Assisted Living in Queenstown, MD. The event brought team members together to engage directly with residents through a variety of recreational, wellness, and social activities designed to foster connection and community engagement.

Queenstown Landing Assisted Living provided a welcoming environment for the MSBH team and residents to spend the day together. The community offers a full spectrum of senior living options, including assisted living, memory care, and respite care, within a supportive, person-centered environment designed to promote comfort, connection, and peace of mind. Rooted in a commitment to whole-person wellness, Queenstown Landing emphasizes individualized support, meaningful engagement, and a strong culture of care that enhances the quality of life for residents and their families.

The MSBH team participated in a wide range of activities throughout the day, including assisting with a hydration cart, providing nail care services, visiting and engaging in one-on-one conversations with residents Additional activities included bingo with assisted living residents, crafts with memory care residents, and a veterans group activity led by MSBH volunteers. The day concluded with karaoke and an ice cream social, which were enjoyed simultaneously by residents and MSBH team.

Queenstown Landing staff expressed appreciation for the MSBH team’s engagement, energy, and willingness to support residents across a variety of activities throughout the day. Their partnership helped create a lively and inclusive environment, culminating in a joyful afternoon of music and shared celebration.

Kirstie Thomas, LifeStages Director of Queenstown Landing shared: “We are so grateful to MSBH for spending the day at Queenstown Landing and filling our community with compassion, energy, laughter, and light. From helping our Memory Care residents feel comfortable and engaged during crafts and nail painting, to bringing incredible enthusiasm to an unforgettable karaoke session with our assisted living residents, they truly made a lasting impact on everyone they met.” 

To learn more about the Queenstown Landing Assisted Living & Memory Care visit: https://www.integracare.com/queenstown-landing/

Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. (MSBH) is the region’s Core Service Agency charged with continually improving the provision of behavioral health services for residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties through effective coordination of care in collaboration with consumers, their natural support systems, providers, and the community at large.

For more information about MSBH and its work in the mid-shore, visit www.midshorebehavioralhealth.org or call 410-770-4801.

The 53rd Annual White Marlin Open, the world’s largest and richest billfish tournament, presented by Pure Lure, is set to return to Ocean City, Maryland, with an exciting lineup of new formats, expanded divisions, and enhanced opportunities for anglers and fans alike. Building on more than five decades of history, thousands of boats, and over $113 million awarded, this year’s tournament introduces several highly anticipated updates designed in response to participant feedback. 

New “Fish 3 of 6” Format
For 2026, teams will compete under a new “Fish 3 of 6” format, allowing boats to choose any three of the six tournament days to fish. This added flexibility gives anglers the ability to strategize around weather and fishing conditions, enhancing both safety and competitiveness while maintaining the integrity of the event.

Introduction of Non-Sonar Division
In response to growing demand, the tournament is proud to introduce a Non-Sonar Division, designed specifically for boats that do not utilize omnidirectional sonar technology. This division creates a level playing field for traditional anglers and offers an exciting new competitive category within the tournament.

New Daily Big Fish Charity Added Entry
A new Daily Big Fish Charity Added Entry Level will debut this year, giving participants the chance to compete for daily prizes while supporting meaningful causes. Proceeds from this category will benefit Coastal Hospice, Seaside Athletic Center, and Believe In Tomorrow, further strengthening the White Marlin Open’s commitment to giving back to the community.

Updated Small Boat Division
The Small Boat Division has been redefined for 2026 and will now include boats 40 feet and under, broadening access and encouraging participation from a wider range of vessels.

Tournament registration is now open and continues through August 2, 2026. 

Marlin Fest Expands to Six Days
In tandem with the tournament, Marlin Fest, presented by the Maryland Army National Guard, will also expand to a full six-day schedule, transforming the Ocean City Inlet into a vibrant destination for families, fans, and visitors. Attendees can enjoy free admission, live entertainment, food and drink, vendors, and interactive exhibits, along with a true front-row seat to watch the fleet return each day after searching for a million-dollar marlin. The world-famous weigh-ins will be streamed live on a large screen directly on the beach, ensuring every visitor can experience the excitement.

A Legacy of Excellence Continues
Each August, the White Marlin Open draws hundreds of boats and thousands of anglers from around the world, all competing for life-changing prize money and a place in tournament history. With these new enhancements, the 53rd Annual White Marlin Open promises to deliver even more excitement both on the water and at the scales.

“We’re always listening to our participants and looking for ways to evolve while staying true to what makes this tournament so special,” said Madelyne Motsko, Tournament Director of the White Marlin Open. “From the flexibility of the new format to the addition of new divisions and community-focused initiatives, this year is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic yet.”

Sponsors for this year’s event include Pure Lure, Pohanka of Salisbury, Pelagic, PNC Bank, Jarrett Bay Boatworks, Park Place Jewelers, Rick Bogert, Duffie Boatworks, Hook Optics, Okiaya, SORD Products, PYY Marine, Pleasure Cove Marina, The Stoke, Life Med, Non-Typical, Contender Boats, Yamaha, 92-7 & 98-5 WGMD Radio, Miller Lite, Mid Shore Electronics, Old Town Wind Bells, Viking Yachts, Residence Inn By Marriott, Capital Electric, Bank of Ocean City, Seakeeper, Guy Harvey, Chesapeake Urology, Airmar Technology, Strike Footware, Polar, Party Central- Rental Equipment, Bayliss Boatworks, Big Game Fishing Journal, Catch-n-Carry, Garmin International, Johnson & Towers, Phenom Yachts, Rice Law, SeaMark, Sun Cruiser, Hook’em Right Coffee, OluKai, South Jersey Yacht Sales, Legacy Search Advisors, Mack Boring, Boujee Marlin, Cummins, RagLady, Lighthouse Bay, Reel Inn, Bulovas Restorations, Shore Point Cottages, Bad Monkey, Baitmasters of South Florida, Carter Cat Machinery, Maryland Diesel and Fuel Injection, Delaware Business Systems, Vivamee Hospitality with local resorts Kent Island Resort and Queenstown Harbor, Spencer Yachts/Spencer Brokerage, Brown & Brown, My Five, Direct Mortgage Loans, and WMDT. 

The 53rd Annual White Marlin Open will take place August 3-8, 2026 in Ocean City, Maryland. Registration details and full tournament rules are available at www.whitemarlinopen.com.

The Queen Anne’s County Local Management Board has launched an interactive Community Resource Map designed to help residents easily find services available throughout Queen Anne’s County and the surrounding region.

Whether you’re searching for youth programs, health services, housing assistance, food resources, senior services, County Ride stops or other community support programs, this online tool provides a convenient way to connect with organizations that can help.

Explore the map here:
https://qac.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=e32b237874924a0591c3b07026f09705

Community organizations are also encouraged to help keep the map current. If you know of a resource that should be added or if existing information needs updating, please contact the Queen Anne’s County Local Management Board by emailing QACLMB@qac.org

The YMCA of the Chesapeake reached more than 600 children and families through water safety education and hands-on learning during National Water Safety Month in May. Branches across the Eastern Shore partnered with schools, youth programs, and families to teach critical skills that can help prevent drowning and build confidence around water.

“The end of the school year brings a lot of excitement, but it also marks the beginning of a season when children spend more time around water,” said Robbie Gill, CEO of the YMCA of the Chesapeake. “Learning how to be safe around water isn’t just a summer activity, it’s a life skill. We’re proud to help families build important safety habits and make sure more kids have the opportunity to enjoy the water safely.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14. Research shows that participation in formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by as much as 88 percent among children ages 1 to 4.

Branch Highlights

Participating branches included the Pauline F. & W. David Robbins Family YMCA, Queen Anne’s County Family YMCA and Active Aging Center, Richard A. Henson Family YMCA, Cecil County Family YMCA, Kent County Family YMCA, and Lower Shore Family YMCA.

• The Queen Anne’s County Family YMCA provided Safety Around Water programming to approximately 560 children during the school year.
• The Cecil County Family YMCA engaged 118 youth through water safety activities at seven before- and after-school sites.
• The Pauline F. & W. David Robbins Family YMCA in Cambridge reached approximately 50 children through six participating schools, with both classroom and pool-based activities covering sun protection, open water safety, safe rescue techniques, life jacket use, boating skills, and basic swimming skills.
• The Richard A. Henson Family YMCA in Salisbury reached 22 youth through water safety programming.
• The Lower Shore Family YMCA in Pocomoke served 20 children through dedicated water safety programs.

Throughout May, YMCA branches also hosted water safety resource tables featuring safety tips, Water Watcher pledges for parents and caregivers, and information about swim lessons and CPR/AED training opportunities.

Water Safety Tips for Families

As summer begins, the YMCA encourages families to keep these key practices in mind:

• Always ask permission before entering the water.
• Designate a distraction-free “Water Watcher.”
• Never swim alone — use the buddy system.
• Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when appropriate.
• Avoid breath-holding games and contests.

For more than 100 years, the YMCA has helped children and families develop swimming skills and confidence in a safe, welcoming environment. Swim lessons are available for children and adults at YMCA of the Chesapeake locations throughout the region. To learn more or register, visit: www.ymcachesapeake.org/programs/swimming/swim-lessons

About the YMCA of the Chesapeake

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits and one of the largest Human Service organizations on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Virginia and Southern Maryland; strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the Shore and Southern Maryland, Ys engage 50,000 members and their families–regardless of age, income or background–to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve community health and wellbeing, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of the Chesapeake operates facilities in Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Wicomico and Worcester Counties in Maryland and on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. The Y is bringing a new YMCA to Lexington Park, Maryland in St. Mary’s County in June of 2026. Last year, the YMCA of the Chesapeake provided over $2,000,000 in assistance to over 16,000 community members, turning no one away due to inability to pay. Additionally, the Y spent $543,000 on outreach efforts and programming in the communities it serves.