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May 8, 2025

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

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Kent Attainable Housing Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Homeowners, the Duncan Family

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Kent Attainable Housing, Inc. (KAH) proudly welcomed the Duncan family to their new home at a joyful ribbon cutting ceremony held on Sunday, April 27th at 204 N. College Avenue, Chestertown, MD.

The event marked a major milestone for both KAH’s Future Homeowners Program and the Duncan family, who are now first-time homeowners thanks to the organization’s mission to make affordable homeownership a reality for working families. Volunteers, partners, and supporters attended the celebration to honor the hard work and dedication that made this dream possible.

In an emotional moment, a member of the Duncan family shared:

“I would have never become a homeowner if it weren’t for Kent Attainable Housing. My mother and I are so happy now.”

The ribbon cutting highlighted the life-changing impact of affordable homeownership and the incredible collaboration between community members, donors, and KAH’s team.

“The Duncan Family turned this house into a home”, mentioned Terwana Brown, Director of Programs at Kent Attainable Housing. “Heather worked very hard to achieve this goal. Their warm welcome and invitation to tour the house were filled with gratitude. Their story of life hurdles is speckled with tough times, but they hung in there and never gave up.”

In addition to celebrating this milestone, Kent Attainable Housing is excited to announce that site preparations have begun for two future homes on Prospect Street. These modular homes are expected to be delivered and set within the month. More details will be shared soon on KAH’s social media channels and through the organization’s newsletter. To stay updated on these upcoming projects and other news, sign up for the Kent Attainable Housing newsletter at kentattainablehousing.org.

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Kent County and Main Street Chestertown Awarded Grants to Support America’s 250th Semiquincentennial Planning

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The Kent County Department of Economic and Tourism Development and Main Street Chestertown are proud to announce that they have been selected as recipients of two planning grants and one staffing grant from MDTwoFifty, Maryland’s State agency commissioned to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

These grants will enable Kent County and Chestertown to begin early-stage planning, community engagement, and program development for the Semiquincentennial — a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reflect on the nation’s founding.

Two grant awards are strategically directed to community engagement activities and will be administered by the Kent County Department of Economic and Tourism Development. The third will support personnel at Main Street Chestertown to help coordinate and plan a year-long local celebration of the roles Kent County and Chestertown played in our nation’s history.

“Receiving these grants marks an exciting step toward building inclusive, meaningful programs that highlight our community’s unique contributions to the American story,” said Jamie Williams, Director of Kent County Economic and Tourism Development. “We’re thrilled to work in collaboration with Main Street Chestertown and partners across the County to celebrate this significant milestone in America’s story.

Sonia Huntzinger, Executive Director of Main Street Chestertown added, “The 250th offers a powerful moment to celebrate our historic downtown and share the stories that define our local identity. With this grant, we can start planning events, exhibits, and placemaking efforts that will bring residents and visitors together.”

The Semiquincentennial, also known as America 250, will be celebrated nationwide in 2026. The initiative encourages communities to reflect on the nation’s past, honor diverse histories, and imagine a vibrant future for generations to come.

The Kent County Department of Economic and Tourism Development and Main Street Chestertown encourage community members, historians, artists, educators, and local leaders to get involved as planning moves forward.

Stay connected to America’s 250th Celebration by visiting www.KentMD250.org often.

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Kent County Local Management Board Seeks New Board Members

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The Kent County Local Management Board brings public agencies, non-profits, and residents together to create goals for supporting children and families and to decide on funding priorities in our county.

Invest in Kids

KCLMB’s work prioritizes student mental health, family economic mobility, and school attendance. To address our priorities, the Board funds Minary’s Dream Academy after school program at KCMS, the Beyond Your Mental peer mentoring program at KCHS, Healthy Families, a home visiting program for new parents, and Hip-Hop Time Capsule, a paid summer internship with Washington College. The next five-year plan will be tied to specific neighborhoods and communities and is currently under development. Also new in 2025, KCLMB will be seeking proposals and awarding funds from the County’s share of Maryland’s adult-use cannabis tax revenue.

Serving on the Board

Simply fill out the on-line form (www.kentcounty.com/committees/interestform) or call 410-810-2673 to apply. Board members serve three-year terms for two total terms. All applications are reviewed by the Board and approved by the Kent County Commissioners.

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Remembering Tom Timberman

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Thomas Maxwell Fiske Timberman of Chestertown, MD died on March 18, 2025, at Inova Fairfax Medical Center in Virginia.  He was 84.

He was born in Georgia on October 6, 1940, the son of the late Thomas and Virginia Fiske Timberman.

He attended Georgetown University where he earned his Bachelors and J.D. Degree. After finishing law school, he began his career with the Foreign Service.

Tom’s first assignment was in Switzerland, then he went to Vietnam and the Philippines. He continued his service in Norway and Vienna where he worked on the S.A.L.T. negotiations. Later in his career Tom attended the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. He married Judith Lang in 1988.

He was soon off again to take a post in India, spending two years as Consul General in Chennai before retiring. After retirement Tom served as temporary Charge’ d’ affaires in Equatorial Guinea before returning to Washington D.C. Tom and Judy moved to Rock Hall, MD in 1996 and later to Chestertown, MD. In 2005 he worked as a contractor with Deloitte in Afghanistan and Iraq, embedded as a civilian contractor working with the government. He also worked with the OSCE (Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe) in Croatia and Bosnia.

He was a member of Madras Rotary Club in India, Metropolitan Club of Washington D.C., Chevy Chase Club, DACOR Bacon House, Kent County Democratic Central Committee, and ran for Kent County Commissioner. He enjoyed writing and was a longtime contributor to The Chestertown Spy.

In addition to his wife, Judith Lang, he is survived by a sister, Virginia Timberman Callaghan, along with two nieces and a nephew.

A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Animal Care Shelter for Kent County 10168 Worton Rd. Worton, MD 21678 or https://acskc.org/support/general-donation/

www.fhnfuneralhome.com

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The Shelter Alliance seeks an Executive Director

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The mission of the Shelter Alliance is to provide a year-round shelter for community members experiencing homelessness.
As we work toward our long-range goal, we continue to provide short-term solutions to those currently in need who seek our help.  We bear in mind, too, the needs and interests of our greater community and the people who live here.

We are excited to announce that we have secured a generous grant to fund a paid Executive Director for The Alliance who will be responsible for overseeing both short term and long term goals. The primary responsibilities of this position are Program Management, Resource Allocation, Community Outreach, Policy Development, and Personnel Management. In carrying out these responsibilities, efforts should be made to reach out to other local organizations and churches to coordinate services to those in need.

In the short term several grants have allowed us to provide emergency shelter. To date we have provided 62 bed nights at two local motels for men, women, and families.

The Shelter Closet opened in January 2025 in the Kent Plaza Shopping Center as a clothing distribution center for those in need during the winter months. Clothing is free to the needy while the public may also shop for a monetary donation.  Our original months of operation were to be January, February and March, but these have been extended through the end of June.  The hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00-2:00 with donations of clothes accepted during hours of operation.

The Shelter Alliance is a component fund of The Mid-shore Community Foundation. For further information about the Executive Director’s  responsibilities and qualifications go to www.mscf.org/shelter. For consideration, prospective candidates are encouraged to submit their credentials by April 18.

 

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KC Democratic Central Committee seeks membership applicants

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The Kent County Democratic Central Committee will appoint two members to reach its full membership of five men and five women, pursuant to articles III and X of the Maryland Democratic Party by-laws. To achieve gender balance, one of the appointees will be female and one will be male. Qualified applicants will be residents of Kent County Maryland, registered Democrats, and willing to volunteer considerable time to support the Party and its candidates. Appointed members are afforded equal status to elected members.

The Kent County Democratic Central Committee meets on the first Tuesday of each month at our headquarters, 357 High Street, Chestertown. In addition to regular meeting attendance, members are expected to participate in campaign, outreach, and fundraising activities, and attend quarterly meetings of the Maryland Democratic Party. Members serve a four-year term ending November 2, 2026 and are periodically required to fill vacancies in elected and appointed offices.

Interested applicants should submit their resume and a brief statement of why they are interested in joining the Central Committee to Mel Rapelyea, Chair, at [email protected], no later than March 31, 2025. The Committee will review all applications and vote on nominees on April 1, 2025.

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Chestertown Earth Day Festival April 26

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This year Chestertown Environmental Club (CEC) on April 26 will be hosting its15th Anniversary of Chestertown Earth Day!  This event has grown in popularity each year and this year we expect the largest attendance ever.

Events planned for this year include live entertainment, a volunteer trashwalk, children’s activities, along with a large EV vehicle and EV bike section.

The festival will be held from 9am to 1pm at park Row,  downt0wn Chestertown.

Last year we had 26 vendor booths setup and we expect more this year. Many of the vendors are local restaurants and shops. Chestertown Natural Food Store, Modern Stone Age Kitchen, Unity Nursery and Twigs & Teacups, just to name a few will be displaying their environmental merchandise and discussing best practices.

DNR Forest Service, Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge, Center for the Environment & Society, ShoreRivers, Sultana Foundation and Shore Soils (local composting collection) will be there to educate the public on what they are doing to help the environment.

There will also be a number of solar, geothermal, and energy companies in attendance.

Last year Capital Electric gave away hundreds of LED light bulbs.  Bartlett Trees and DNR also gave away hundreds of tree starters (I have 15 of their river birch trees growing in my backyard).  The Master Gardeners will be giving away seeds and Ford Schumann (previously head of Infinity Recycling) will be teaching people how to compost and giving away a backyard composter.

One of the WC fraternities is hosting a pancake breakfast at nearby at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, so there will be food available to purchase.  Donations go to WC.

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The Upper Shore STRT1UP Roadshow Pitch Competition Returns April 15, 2025

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Attention entrepreneurs and innovators in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties—the Upper Shore STRT1UP Roadshow is back! This exciting event, hosted by Washington College and StartUp Maryland in partnership with Cecil County Economic Development, Kent County Economic Development, Queen Anne’s Economic Development, and the Upper Shore Regional Council, is a must-attend opportunity for startups, students, and business leaders.

This pitch competition is more than just a contest—it’s a chance to introduce your business, connect with potential investors, and gain valuable feedback from industry experts. Selected applicants will deliver a 4–5-minute pitch outlining their business idea, value proposition, and growth potential to a panel of judges. One first-place winner will receive a $4,000 prize, and one runner-up will be awarded $1,500. The deadline to apply to pitch is March 19th at midnight, and finalists will be notified by March 28th if they are selected to compete.

Speed Connections – Breaking the Ice with Lenders, a speed lending segment open to any Maryland business and offered by the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Maryland Small Business Administration (SBA), is a low-pressure, high-impact opportunity to deliver a quick pitch to multiple lenders. It’s designed to build your confidence, provide real-time feedback, and help establish valuable financial partnerships.

Attendees will gain valuable insights from two dynamic panel discussions. “Where Are They Now?” will showcase past pitch competition participants, sharing their journeys, lessons learned, and the impact of the competition on their businesses. “Social Entrepreneurship – Innovation with Impact” will explore how mission-driven businesses are creating meaningful change while remaining financially sustainable. These discussions offer inspiration, practical advice, and a chance to learn from real-world success stories.

You also won’t want to miss the opportunity to connect with key resource partners offering invaluable support for businesses and startups. Organizations such as Maryland Capital Enterprises / Women’s Business Center, the Upper Shore Regional Council Business Mentor Program, TEDCO, and more will have tables showcasing their programs, funding opportunities, and expert guidance. Whether you’re looking for business mentorship, financial assistance, or strategic resources to take your venture to the next level, these partners will be on hand to provide information and connect you with the tools you need to succeed.

This event is FREE to attend! Again, the deadline to apply to pitch is March 19th at midnight. To apply to pitch, register to attend, or learn more, please check out the links below.

Whether you’re competing, cheering on local innovators, or looking to engage with regional business leaders, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Apply to Pitch or Register to Attend:

2025 Upper Shore STRT1UP Roadshow Pitch Competition Event Registration

Speed Connections – “Breaking the Ice with Lenders” Registration“


Guidelines & Eligibility
Check out last year’s video pitches!

Click Here to View the 2024 Uppershore STRT1UP Roadshow Playlist!

 

 

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Vietnam Veteran’s Commemoration March 29

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In Centreville, a group of veterans gathers weekly for coffee, donuts, and a social hour focused on camaraderie and shared experiences from their time in service. Known as The Veterans Café, the group provides a welcoming space for connection and conversation. Fred McNeil—a U.S. Army veteran, retired teacher and coach, and longtime advocate for the Centreville community—serves as the group’s moderator. He often encourages potential new members to join by inviting them to “come have a cup of joe with G.I. Joe.”

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The group first began meeting at Dunkin’ Donuts and gradually grew, prompting a move to the YMCA and eventually to the American Legion in Centreville. They now gather every Monday morning to enjoy coffee and donuts, share personal stories, and participate in a book club that explores everything from classic war literature to contemporary accounts of post-war struggles. The group also hosts guest speakers who discuss various events and opportunities. Last week, they welcomed Dr. Clifford Coppersmith from Chesapeake College, a former commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard with 45 years of experience in scouting with the Boy Scouts of America. After attending a Veteran’s Café meeting, Hayley Greenwood, Compass Marketing specialist, stated, “It was heartwarming to see Dr. Coppersmith connect with the veterans, who were very engaged and asked insightful questions about opportunities within the college.”

On Saturday, March 29, members of the Veteran’s Café will host the National Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration at Queen Anne’s County High School, honoring those who served during the Vietnam Era. The event will feature guest speaker John J. Farley III, a retired judge from the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. “The main purpose of this commemoration is to pay attention and educate people about the Vietnam Era and honor those who served,” Bob Nilsson, a Vietman-era Marine, says. “It’s to recognize those who served during the Vietnam Era or lost loved ones during the time – to recognize families.” During the commemoration, attendees receive a commemorative pin, with members of the Sea Scouts and Boy Scouts leading the presentation and honors. “The Sea Scouts and Boy Scouts will perform the honors and readings of the Missing Man Table,” explains Joe Sikes, a retired Navy captain. The Missing Man Table Formation, also known as the Fallen Comrade Table, is a solemn military tradition that honors fallen, missing, or imprisoned service members. It is commonly displayed at military dining events, veterans’ gatherings, and memorial ceremonies to remind attendees of those who cannot be present. “I think it’s amazing how these veterans are involving the youth in such an emotional and powerful event,” says Hayley Greenwood. Joe Sikes continues, explaining how challenging it was for him to talk about his service. He hopes this commemoration honors those who served and helps others who may have lost loved ones during this time. “I got back from serving and couldn’t talk about it. For 15 years, I couldn’t talk about it,” he shares. “We wanted to recognize Vietnam vets because it’s not widely acknowledged. So, we thought, let’s organize one for ourselves. It’s interesting because it’s on my birthday!”

Join Compass and members of the Veterans Café on Saturday, March 29 from 2:00-4:00pm at Queen Anne’s County High School to honor those who served on active duty anytime during the Vietnam Era. For more information, contact Dave Peterson at [email protected]. Join the nation, thank a Vietnam Veteran!

For more about compass, go here.

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Adkins Mystery Monday: Who Did We Find Enjoying the Summer Morning Dew

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Happy Mystery Monday! Who did we find enjoying the summer morning dew by Emily’s Play Garden?

Last week, we asked you about lespedeza or silky bush clover (Lespedeza cuneata). Lespedeza is considered invasive because it is non-native and forms dense patches in meadows and forest edges outcompeting native plants. This invasive lespedeza tends to have white blooms with purple centers. There is a native species (Lespedeza virginica) with pink flowers that is helpful in providing cover and food for birds in the winter. Lespedeza is a nitrogen fixing legume (Fabaceae), so it is very effective at growing in nutrient-deficient or disturbed soils.
#adkinsarboretum #lespedeza #mysterymonday #mysteryplant #mysteryfrog #fabaceae #knowyourplantfamilies

Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.

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