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March 7, 2026

Centreville Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Centreville

00 Post to Chestertown Spy Spy Highlights Spy Journal

Those Winter Sundays by Robert Hayden Read by Sue Ellen Thompson

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Those Winter Sundays

Sundays too my father got up early
and put his clothes on in the blueblack cold,
then with cracked hands that ached
from labor in the weekday weather made
banked fires blaze. No one ever thanked him.

I’d wake and hear the cold splintering, breaking.
When the rooms were warm, he’d call,
and slowly I would rise and dress,
fearing the chronic angers of that house,

Speaking indifferently to him,
who had driven out the cold
and polished my good shoes as well.
What did I know, what did I know
of love’s austere and lonely offices?

—Robert Hayden
Robert Hayden was an American poet born in Detroit in 1913 and known for his clear, thoughtful poems about Black history, family, and moral struggle; he died on February 25, 1980. His best-known books include A Ballad of Remembrance, Words in the Mourning Time, and Angle of Ascent. He was the first African American Poet Laureate of the United States, appointed in 1976.
Sue Ellen Thompson is the author of six books of poetry—most recently SEA NETTLES: NEW & SELECTED POEMS. She has taught at Middlebury College, Binghamton University, Wesleyan University, Central Connecticut State University, and the University of Delaware. A resident of Oxford, MD for the past 18 years, she mentors adult poets and teaches workshops for The Writer’s Center in Bethesda. In 2010, the Maryland Library Association awarded her its prestigious Maryland Author Award.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

“Fail First” is a Failure Always Ali Asghar Kassamali

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Imagine walking into a health care clinic only to find that our loved one cannot receive the medication their doctor recommends, not because it is unsafe or unproven, but because their insurance requires them to “fail first.” This practice, known as step therapy, forces patients to try cheaper medications before gaining access to the treatments their physicians know are most effective. In theory, it is meant to control costs. In reality, it delays care, worsens disease outcomes, and undermines medical judgment. 

Step therapy places bureaucracy above medicine. It compels patients to take medications that may be ineffective or even harmful, prolonging suffering and increasing the risk of irreversible complications. Worse still, protections against this practice are inconsistent across states and insurance types. As a result, many of us face uncertainty each time we switch jobs, plans, or providers, never knowing whether we will be forced to “fail first” again. 

The solution lies in passing the Safe Step Act, a bipartisan bill currently pending in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. The act would create a standardized process for step therapy exceptions nationwide, allowing physicians to override fail-first requirements when medically appropriate. Through this reform, patients would gain faster access to the treatments they need, doctors would face fewer administrative burdens, and insurers would ultimately save money by treating illnesses correctly the first time. 

This reform is not just practical; it is urgent. According to the Patient Access Network Foundation (2024), one in six adults in the United States reports being forced by insurance to try and fail on a cheaper medication before obtaining an effective one. Even more troubling, one in five of these patients ends up in the emergency room or hospitalized as a direct result. The American Medical Association (2024) has found that prior authorization and step therapy delay necessary care 94 percent of the time, lead to hospitalization in 19 percent of cases, cause serious adverse events in 13 percent, and even result in permanent disability, birth defects, or death in 7 percent. These are not abstract statistics. They represent real people whose lives are endangered by policies that prioritize savings over safety. 

Consider Sofia, a woman living with severe psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and a rare form of blood cancer. After years of pain, her doctors found a medication that controlled her skin and joint disease without worsening her cancer. She finally returned to work and regained her quality of life. 

But when she changed insurance plans, her new insurer refused to cover the medication that had restored her health. Instead, they forced her to retry a drug that had already failed. For six months, Sofia endured excruciating pain, sleepless nights, and social isolation. The damage she experienced could have been entirely prevented. Her story is one of many that show why reform cannot wait. 

If we do nothing, the consequences will deepen. More patients will suffer unnecessary harm, healthcare costs will continue to rise due to preventable hospitalizations, and trust in our healthcare system will erode further. Patients should never be collateral damage in a cost-saving experiment. 

But if we act now and pass the Safe Step Act, the outcome will be transformative. Patients will gain consistent protections across all states and insurance plans, ensuring they receive the treatments their doctors prescribe without unnecessary obstacles. Physicians will regain autonomy to make decisions in the best interests of their patients, reducing moral distress and burnout. Employers and insurers will benefit as well. When patients receive effective treatment early, they stay healthier, miss fewer workdays, and require fewer hospital visits. Preventing disease progression is not only humane; it is economically wise. 

The path forward requires unity. We, as physicians, patients, advocates, and citizens, must raise our voices together and send a clear message that every patient deserves timely, effective care, free from arbitrary barriers. This is more than a policy debate; it is a moral imperative. Passing the Safe Step Act will protect people like Sofia, ensure that future generations receive the care they need, and reaffirm that compassion, not cost-cutting, belongs at the heart of American medicine. 

We cannot allow suffering to continue when the solution is already within reach. It is time for us to act, to speak, and to demand that Congress pass the Safe Step Act so that no one has to endure preventable pain while waiting to “fail first.”

Ali Asghar Kassamali is a senior at Johns Hopkins University, where he majors in Natural Sciences. His research has been featured in scientific and medical publications across the United States. He writes from Baltimore. 

 

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Spies In Search of a Proper Breakfast: Three Mid-Shore Favorites

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For the serious breakfast crowd—those who see the first meal as a bit of a sacred ritual—there’s nothing quite like a café that opens its doors promptly at 7 am, or even earlier, to earn street cred. You’ll find these faithful in rural Vermont and coastal Maine, where the natives line up for pancakes and eggs even in the dark mornings of winter. And they endure in the summer months as tourists disrupt their morning routine with long lines and children.

The country is also living in a time when the breakfast sandwich can give any old coffee shop the right to call itself a breakfast spot, but in the Spy’s rule book, that’s deceptive. The breakfast sandwich has always been the compromise breakfast created for college students and commuters, not for those who understand that offering egg platters is a sign of actual devotion.

For the record, the Mid-Shore has had in the past those kinds of legendary venues, with perhaps Holly’s on Kent Island the best known of the lot on Route 50/300. However, over the last few decades, the American breakfast has become increasingly rare, even as it finds increasing culinary significance in Maryland.

That doesn’t mean there are still no options, and the Spy asked two of its agents to conduct a quick assessment of where one can get a proper breakfast off Route 50. As they continue their research in the upcoming months, we hope our readers will suggest their own favorites, and we’ll add them to the list for surveillance.

But for the moment, these are the Spy favorites:

1. Blackwater Bakery — Cambridge

Address: 429 Race St, Cambridge, MD 21613
Website: blackwaterbakerycambridge.com

If there were a Hall of Fame for breakfast on the Mid-Shore, Blackwater Bakery would be an early inductee. It hits every note just right: consistent food, friendly service, early opening hours, and a menu that treats breakfast like the main event—not an afterthought.

From the three-egg trio platter and bacon to creative daily specials, Blackwater makes it clear they take the first meal seriously, and that certainly shows on their menu, where their lunch offerings make up less than a 1/4 of the page.

It was also the only place we’ve tried where scrapple is proudly served and, just as importantly, prepared the right way. One doesn’t want to fool around with how to cook the Delmarva’s favorite breakfast meat, and Blackwater does it crispy and thin.

The most crucial advantage that Blackwater has is that it’s an authentic bakery. Every day, fresh muffins, croissants, biscuits, and cinnamon rolls are on display, providing almost aromatic therapy to diners.

The other thing to know about Blackwater is that it’s popular. So popular in fact that it added a new wing to handle the morning crowd. They gratefully take reservations, or you can be the first in the door at 7 am, and join the pros.

2. Breakfast in Easton – Easton

Address: 317 N Washington St, Easton, MD 21601
Website: bineaston.com

Breakfast in Easton

Stephen Mangasarian, the owner and chef of Breakfast in Easton, is a breakfast hero in the area. A one-man band, Stephen has upheld his New England heritage by offering a classic, delicious breakfast spot that takes its role seriously.

Opening the door at 6:45 am most mornings, Stephen assumes his position in the open kitchen to welcome guests and log orders in a space that comfortably seats less than 20 during the winter and twice that in good weather with the patio open.

Like many places in New England, the menu is short and simple. Eggs, solid pancakes, and good coffee.  Nothing more, nothing less. If you’re in the mood for granola or a double cappuccino, you’ll be out of luck. And that, in keeping with those small diners up north, it’s cash only.

Open from 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, it’s the kind of joint where the coffee is always fresh and refilled without asking.

3. Bonheur – Easton

Address: 5 Goldsborough St, Easton, MD 21601
Website: eatbonheur.com

Now for something a bit different. There is a new kid on the block.

Bonheur doesn’t open early (doors open at 8:00 a.m.), and it doesn’t have the breakfast-in-a-hurry vibe of the other two spots. It’s more like a place you’d find on the Upper East Side of New York. Quiet, comfortable, and with an understated elegance, it feels surprisingly welcoming.

Some of that has to do with the fact that BonJour began on Goldsbrough Street as an ice cream and pie enterprise, which has proved to be successful in its own right. However, decision-makers at Bluepoint Hospitality must have recognized the need in Easton for a reliable downtown breakfast option, and they have recently added morning hours and a new menu.

The results are exceptional.  The menu includes a full range of traditional breakfast favorites, as well as a wide variety of crepes and, of course, avocado toast. But sometimes you can tell a lot about a place by how serious it takes even the plainest of choices, like oatmeal, for example. It can safely be said that Bonheur’s steel-cut oaks are some of the best our spies have had properly served with the freshest of fruit berries and real maple syrup.

The one notable omission from the menu was the absence of Bluepoint’s renowned bakery items, which are available at the nearby Weather Gage coffee shop. Considering that those croissants are some of the very best in the Mid-Atlantic, it’s a bit odd and disappointing that one only has the option of toast.  The agents hope that this policy will change soon.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

‘With Valor and Honor’ Commemorates Talbot’s Black Civil War Troops by Eric Mills

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Maryland has long been touted as “America in Miniature,” and while that venerable tourism-boosting label refers to geographical diversity, the Maryland-as-microcosm description perfectly encapsulates the Old Line State during the Civil War. Perched on the faultline of a nation ripped in two, Maryland was home to North America’s largest free Black population, but it also was home to a vociferous secessionist element and had a slaveholding governor (pro-Union but pro-slavery Thomas Holliday Hicks of Dorchester County) at the war’s outset.

Jacob Johns of the 19th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, Company B—a rare photograph of one of Talbot County’s African American Civil War soldiers in uniform. COURTESY TALBOT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Maryland’s schizophrenic duality manifested on the local level as well. In Easton, rival pro-Union and pro-secessionist newspapers put their opposing spins on every development from the front. Cousins from Trappe fought against each other at Culp’s Hill during the Battle of Gettysburg. Few, if any, other chapters in Talbot County’s history are as rich with such fascinating complexities.

And now, a new exhibit at the Talbot Historical Society is shedding light on a compelling aspect of that story—the role of Black troops in the war. “With Valor and Honor: Talbot County’s United States Colored Troops (USCT) During the Civil War” recently opened at the Society’s museum at 25 South Washington Street in Easton and will be on view through next April.

The product of six months’ worth of exhaustive research by Historical Society staffers and volunteers, the exhibit has begun to enjoy a turnout that’s “been incredible,” said Operations Manager Kayla Weber. “A lot of people from Talbot County are coming out, which is great to see. I think word-of-mouth is definitely helping it.”

Through exhibit panels, video clips, maps, touch-screens, artifacts, family memorabilia, and historical documents, “With Valor and Honor” captures the inspiring story of how African American troops from Talbot joined the cause in impressive numbers and donned the Union blue during the latter phase of the war.

By 1863, a profound war weariness was settling in for both North and South. Food riots broke out in the Confederate capital of Richmond, and an unpopular draft that exempted wealthy plantationers based on how much human chattel they owned (the “Twenty Negro Law”) was leading to outcries that the whole bloody tragedy was “a Rich Man’s War and a Poor Man’s Fight.” In the North, the New York City Draft Riots in the summer of 1863 raged for days in a roiling outburst of class and racial tensions. For both the Union and the Confederacy, as the war dragged on and enthusiasm faded, voluntary enlistments had fallen sharply, and conscription was merely adding to the general discontent.

But President Abraham Lincoln had a powerful resource to tap into that the Confederacy lacked—a resource for whom this war had more profound significance and relevance than it possibly could have for any other group of potential enlistees. And so was born War Department General Order 143, establishing the United States Colored Troops (USCT) in May 1863.

Secretary of War Edwin Stanton appointed Colonel William Birney, son of the abolitionist James G. Birney, as Maryland’s mustering officer for the USCT. Ostensibly, Birney was to recruit only from Maryland’s sizable free Black population; since Maryland was in the Union, it was exempt from the Confederacy-targeting, slavery-eradicating dictates of the Emancipation Proclamation, putting the state’s enslaved populace in an ironic and paradoxical limbo.

But in the practical realities of the moment, the abolitionist’s son found it was better to be blissfully indiscriminate in his recruitment efforts, whether the enlistee was free or enslaved. Throughout the summer and fall of 1863, Birney’s recruitment steamboats, often replete with a rousing Black marching band and smartly turned-out Black troops, plied the rivers of the Eastern Shore, and hundreds of enslaved men left the plantations to fight. Two hundred left Easton that September on the steamer Champion, and more soon followed on the steamer Cecil. Elsewhere on the Shore, the Chestertown News reported that, when a steamer hove to in Kent County that September, it appeared that “the negroes had previous notice of the coming of the boat and flocked to the shores in such crowds that many had to be left behind. The number carried off is estimated at from 150 to 200, including nearly every able-bodied slave in Eastern Neck.”

Down on the Lower Shore, hundreds more were flocking to the steamers John Tracy and Meigs, while the Balloon and Cecil culled some 130 additional recruits from the Chesapeake oyster fleet working from the mouth of the Patuxent to Tangier Sound. Among Maryland’s slaveholders who were loyal to the Union, indignation was rising.

Then, that October, with the War Department’s issuing of General Order 329, the regulations for USCT recruitment were more specifically delineated: Men bound in slavery could enlist if the slaveholder consented—and by so doing, he would get up to $300 as manumission compensation. Further, if a county’s recruitment quota was not filled within 30 days, the Bureau of Colored Troops had the power to recruit from the enslaved population without the slaveholder’s consent. (Even then, the slaveholder would be compensated—if he avowed his loyalty to the Union.)

By late October of 1863, there were Bureau of Colored Troops recruitment stations from Havre de Grace to Princess Anne, at Oxford, Queenstown, Chestertown, and other locations throughout the state. Ultimately, more than 8,700 Maryland Blacks rallied to the flag.

And more than 600 of those troops hailed from Talbot. They ranged in age from 16 to 46. About 56 percent of them had left slavery behind to enlist, while about 44 percent of them were free men already when they put their lives on the line to fight for the Union.

Forty-eight of them would be killed in battle. One hundred of them died from disease. Seven of the 17 who ended up as prisoners of war died in captivity in hellish prison camps. Fifty-four were wounded but survived and were discharged. A fortunate 180 of them completed full terms of enlistment. And there were 168 of them whose fates remain unknown.

As the “With Honor and Valor” exhibit elucidates, their numbers were spread out across five infantry regiments. Some saw action during General Ulysses S. Grant’s May 1864 Bermuda Hundred Campaign, or at the horrific July 1864 Battle of the Crater (described by Grant as “the saddest affair I have witnessed in this war”), or at the September 1864 Battle of Chaffin’s Farm. (Talbot Countian Gilbert Adams of the 7th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, Company D, was captured at Chaffin’s Farm. After enduring seven months as a prisoner of war, he escaped and reported back for duty.)

After the war, they came home to a different world, one where slavery no longer existed alongside freedom, and they founded new Talbot County communities such as Unionville, Copperville, and Eastfield. “With Valor and Honor” does a consummate job of chronicling this postwar phase of the story, and such legendary local-historical figures as Nathaniel “Nace” Hopkins, John Copper, and the Unionville 18 are now presented together in the broader historical context, many of the displays augmented by relics preserved by the families of these men. In viewing all this, one feels a growing awareness of continuity, of the past as prologue, of individual family histories and a region’s larger history all bound together as a collective whole. 

“Being able to provide this information to the community” has been rewarding, observed Weber, “because we have so many descendants of these troops who still live in the area. And when some of these descendants visit the exhibit, it’s very special.”

“With Valor and Honor” is open to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 410/822-0773.

Eric Mills is the author of Chesapeake Bay in the Civil War 

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Listen to the Music by Roger Vaughan

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“Music is a mistress of order and good manners [who] makes the people milder and gentler, more moral and more reasonable.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

There seems to be a controversy over the suspicion that Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Some say it was propaganda released by his enemies. Others say it’s true, representing Nero’s cruel disregard for his people. 

That catchphrase about fiddling while Rome burned might be the earliest one I remember. In either case, lie or truth, it has a nice ring to it. Whoever came up with it deserves an Oscar or whatever it is they award to advertising copywriters for catchy slogans like “you’ll wonder where the yellow went when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent.” Or “Brylcreem, a little dab will do ya, Brylcreem, the girls will all pursue ya.” Or “Just Do It.” Fiddling while Rome burns is right up there.

That phrase came ringing into my ears recently when a person who was very disturbed by the Constitutional crisis being perpetrated by the current Administration’s apparent blatant disregard for the rule of law called asking for help. She was very disturbed, not always successfully fighting off tears, and said she was dealing with serious depression. 

After reminding her it only raises havoc with one’s sensibilities to become frantic over things one can’t control — a logical but not very useful suggestion to a disturbed person — I had to think about how I was dealing with the daily shovels full of manure that were being carelessly heaved into the giant fan that has been installed in the White House garden where roses once bloomed. And there it was: fiddling.  

Music has been a vital part of my life since I started taking piano lessons at age 8. I remember liking a song on the radio called Tonight We Love, and asking my father if he could find the record. He knew the fellow who ran the music store. Dad came home with a recording of a piece by some Russian guy with the unpronounceable name of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It was called the 1st Piano Concerto in B-flat minor, Opus 23, whatever that meant. I figured my father had blown it. Fathers aren’t cool when you are ten years old. 

I decided to play it anyway, what the heck and it changed my life. I still believe it’s one of the greatest pieces ever written. I must have listened to it 50 times since then, and it never gets old, never ceases to be emotionally stirring. And sure enough, Tonight We Love is in there, the songwriter having borrowed one of the 1st Piano’s most powerful themes and written lyrics to it. Some nerve. But that’s how I found it.

Tchaikovsky’s 1st Piano led me to his Swan Lake masterpiece and all the rest. It also generated a more intense application to the piano. I never got very good, but it is still marginally satisfying. I took music courses in college, developing a great affection for Brahms, Wagner, Chopin, Beethoven, Rachmaninov, Bruch, and Richard Stauss, among others. That helped when I interviewed the late conductors Seiji Ozawa (Boston Symphony) and Herbert von Karajan (Berlin Philharmonic). It was on the Ozawa project when I sat before the Boston Symphony’s powerful Director of Artistic Planning, a man with exhaustive knowledge of the repertoire who had a lot to say about the programs the orchestra played. His question of who my favorite composer was hung in the air while I summoned my courage to say Tchaikovsky. I hesitated, then apologized for my “top 40” response. This learned gentleman just produced a thin smile and said that Tchaikovsky is top 40 for good reason.

But I digress. Back to my friend asking for help. I shared with her how I was planning to get through this dark period in our history. I read a certain amount of news each day, keeping up with the depredation of the government – the unmitigated dismantling of departments and agencies created by Congress — because it feels like a responsible thing to do. But in this time when I find the new music unhummable, more like digitized noise accompanied by a sweaty presentation that looks more like an athletic workout than dancing, my pleasure – my life, my attitude – are gratefully enriched by revisiting the great music of the past. 

It’s a very deep well, widely varied for all tastes. It’s not just classical. 

Little Richard, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddly, and a few others got rock ‘n roll started. Elvis made it personal. The Beatles and the Stones took it mass market, and The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Harry Nilsson, Leon Russell, Creedence Clearwater, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Bob Dylan, The Band, Mick Jagger, Elton John, Joe Cocker, Jimmy Hendrix, Count Basie, Jackson Browne, Randy Newman are just part of a very long list of incredibly talented musicians and their bands who elegantly hybridized it. And there’s Gospel, R&B, Country and Western, musicals, etc. Not to mention the array of inspired composers and artists from the 1940s, when romance – “Falling in love with love” — was a popular theme. Take your pick. 

Just browsing Facebook one can encounter a bursting cornucopia of accomplished players (like Tuba Skinny), and a score of stunning, very young prodigies. And singers Kelli O’Hara and Lady Gaga. MacCartney 3-2-1 is an uplifting video series. On the beyond-brilliant side, we’re lucky to have rare videos (YouTube) available of the late pianist Erroll Garner and brand new ones of Joscho Stephan from the Gypsy Guitar Academy, both of them playing music at a level that’s hard to believe is possible. 

Fiddling. Maybe Nero just needed a break. 

Music from the past provides a welcome distraction from the dissonance currently coming out of our nation’s capital. While it won’t quite override the racket, the great music is a reminder that our species can be impressively and beautifully creative as well as mean-spirited and greedy. 

That’s a useful thing to remember. 

Roger Vaughan, a Massachusetts native, began writing, photographing, playing music, and sailing at a young age, pursuits that shaped his lifelong career. After earning a BA in English from Brown University, he worked as an editor and writer for Saturday Evening Post and Life magazines, covering major cultural events of the 1960s and 70s. His first book, The Grand Gesture (1973), launched a prolific freelance writing career. He’s written more than 20 books, including numerous biographies, films, and many videos. Since 1980, Vaughan has lived on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where he continues his work documenting remarkable individuals and events.

   

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

A Work of Heart: How Museums Can Strengthen Your Relationship by Daedelus Hoffman

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It’s a Tuesday night in February. The dinner plates have been cleared, the glow of the TV remote feels uninspiring, and the winter chill outside makes staying in seem like the easy choice. You and your partner sit on the couch, scrolling through your phones, each lost in your own little world. Another quiet evening, another missed opportunity to connect.

Now, imagine this instead: The two of you wander into a softly lit gallery at the Academy Art Museum. A striking painting catches your eye—bold, unfamiliar, something about it stirs you. You turn to your partner and ask, “What do you see?” They hesitate, then offer an answer that surprises you. You hadn’t thought of it that way. The conversation unfolds, ideas are exchanged, and suddenly, you’re learning something new—not just about the art, but about each other.

The idea that museums can strengthen relationships isn’t just anecdotal—it’s backed by science. Engaging with art in a shared space has been shown to increase intimacy, communication, and even attraction between partners. A study published in Museum Management and Curatorship found that couples who participated in cultural activities together, such as visiting a museum, reported a greater sense of closeness and relationship satisfaction than those who did not. Another report in The Journal of Positive Psychology revealed that engaging in novel and intellectually stimulating experiences with a partner enhances overall relationship quality by promoting shared meaning and increasing emotional bonds.

There’s a well-documented psychological phenomenon known as the “novelty effect”—when couples engage in new and stimulating activities, their brains release dopamine, the same neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of love and attraction. Studies have found that couples who experience novelty together—whether through travel, trying new activities, or engaging in cultural events—report higher levels of relationship satisfaction than those who fall into predictable routines.

Research from the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that shared aesthetic experiences, such as looking at art together, enhance emotional synchrony. This means that when couples observe and discuss artwork, their emotional responses align, deepening their sense of connection. Another study, published in Social and Personality Psychology Compass, found that mutual engagement with artistic and cultural activities fosters a sense of unity, reducing stress and promoting feelings of well-being.

Moreover, art has been shown to activate areas of the brain linked to pleasure and reward. A 2011 study in Brain and Cognition demonstrated that viewing art stimulates the same neural pathways as love and desire, making a museum visit a surprisingly potent tool for rekindling passion.

If you’re looking for a way to break free from the monotony of daily life and bring fresh energy into your relationship, here are a few ways to make the Academy Art Museum part of your next date night:

Walk Through an Exhibition Together

Museums provide a perfect environment for slow, thoughtful conversation—an antidote to the digital distractions that often interrupt our daily interactions. Unlike watching a film, where the experience is passive, engaging with an art exhibition encourages discussion. A study in Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts found that sharing interpretations of artwork fosters intellectual intimacy and helps couples appreciate each other’s perspectives. Next time you visit an exhibition, challenge yourselves to find a piece you both love—or one you completely disagree on—and talk about why.

Experience Live Music at the Museum

Live music is uniquely powerful in creating emotional bonds. A 2017 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that shared musical experiences enhance empathy and social bonding. The recent Roaring Rhythms jazz concert at the museum was a perfect example—couples swayed to the music, exchanged knowing smiles, and found themselves caught up in the shared experience of melody and rhythm. Attending a live performance together creates lasting sensory memories that become part of a couple’s shared history.

Catch a Film at the Museum’s New Film Series

Film screenings at the museum offer more than just a night out—they provide a structured yet intimate way to engage with storytelling together. A study in The Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that couples who watch and discuss films that explore relationship dynamics report better conflict resolution skills and deeper emotional understanding of their partners. Whether it’s an art-house film, a classic, or a contemporary drama, watching and discussing a movie together allows couples to reflect on themes that resonate with their own experiences.

Share a Love for Literature at a ShoreLit Book Talk

Books open up entire worlds, and discussing them with a partner can reveal surprising insights about each other. The Journal of Applied Social Psychology reports that engaging in literary discussions strengthens cognitive empathy—the ability to understand and share another’s emotions. The museum’s ShoreLit book talks introduce fresh voices in literature, giving you the chance to discover new ideas together. Whether you agree or disagree on an author’s perspective, the conversation will bring depth to your interactions

Get Creative Together in a Studio Class

Creative collaboration is one of the most effective ways to strengthen a relationship. A landmark study in The Creativity Research Journal found that couples who engage in artistic activities together report higher levels of relationship satisfaction, largely due to the cooperative problem-solving and emotional expression required in creative tasks. Taking an art class at the museum—whether it’s painting, pottery, or printmaking—provides a fun, low-pressure environment to experiment, make mistakes, and support each other. It’s about the process, not the product—and about creating something together, both literally and metaphorically.

Flowers wilt, chocolates disappear, but a shared experience at the Academy Art Museum? That’s something you’ll carry with you. This February, instead of the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine, consider a date night that deepens your connection in ways both scientifically proven and emotionally felt. Whether it’s standing side by side in front of a breathtaking painting, hearing live music together, or getting your hands messy in a ceramics class, museums provide an unparalleled setting for meaningful interaction.

After all, love is an art. And like any masterpiece, it needs time, attention, and the right environment to flourish.

Daedelus Hoffman is the director of education and interpretation at the Academy Art Museum. 

Looking for a creative way to spend time with your partner this month? Visit the Academy Art Museum and explore our exhibitions, events, and studio classes at academyartmuseum.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Home-grown Entrepreneurs: Eat Sprout Grows Up! By Mary Beth Durkin

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Eat Sprout, the farm-to-table, grab-and-go food retail store that fuses health with deliciousness, has lots of big news for 2025!!!  Sprout is opening a new café in the heart of Easton at 22 North Harrison St. The new location will have indoor and outdoor seating. Co-owner Emily Groll says the new café will have a “warm, inviting coffee shop vibe” and offer the popular Sprout grab-and-go entrees, baked goods, and more.  The husband and wife duo plan to open the new cafe sometime in the early Spring of this year.

Watch the video above, titled, Eat Sprout Grows Up and take a touthrough Sprout’s kitchen, meet the owners, Emily and Ryan Groll, along with the chefs who make all that delicious food and learn about Sprout’s back story.  

Sprout is also upping its game and venturing far beyond the eastern shore. This summer Sprout plans to open a new café in downtown Bethesda, Maryland. Since 2019, the amount of product coming out of Sprout’s kitchen has multiplied exponentially. The addition of 3 new cafes in St. Michaels and two in Annapolis since 2019 has meant big growth for Sprout.

In addition to more cafes, the Meals on Wheels program, which serves three counties, has awarded Sprout a contract to supply 2,000 meals a week to seniors on the eastern shore. Ryan Groll says, “When we opened our kitchen in 2018, we were excited to be producing 1,000 items a week, now fast forward to today and we’re producing over 15,000 items a week.” 

This video is approximately seven minutes in length.

Mary Beth Durkin is a documentary filmmaker and award-winning journalist who focuses on food reporting for the PBS NewsHour. For more information about Sprout please go here. 

 

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Have another? By Roger Vaughan 

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The surgeon general cautioned the public that even light or moderate drinking is harmful.
New York Times 1-3-25

There have been a lot of scary headlines recently. The US has resigned from the Paris Agreements, a coalition of countries that promotes cohesive efforts to suppress climate chaos. Sixteen hundred convicted January 6 insurrectionists have been pardoned. Birthright citizenship has been challenged. A slew of seemingly unqualified people have been given cabinet positions in the new administration. It’s a long, ongoing list. But none of them struck quite so comprehensively at the heart of our cultural habitat as the series of articles reporting that consuming any amount of alcohol is bad for us. Verboten! First, tobacco. Now, booze? 

It started the middle of last year with the headline, HOW BAD IS DRINKING FOR YOU, REALLY? It went on, with the research increasingly convincing: ALCOHOL IS RISKIER THAN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT; MODERATE DRINKING RAISES HEATH RISKS; ALCOHOL CARRIES NEW RISKS IN MIDDLE AGE; WHAT, EXACTLY, IS MODERATE DRINKING?, until the Surgeon General laid it on the line, suggesting a cancer warning should be printed on all alcoholic beverages. 

This is a shocking development. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in America is right up there with motherhood and apple pie as a commonality. Alongside sex, drinking is perhaps the primary indulgence of our culture that knows not religion, race, sexuality, or (unfortunately) age. There are teetotalers who don’t drink any alcohol. The Pew Research Center reports they represent 38% of the population, leaving nearly twice that many drinkers among us. 

World-wide – “Skàl! Salud! Prost! Salute!” — the alcoholic beverage business is valued at nearly $2 trillion. In the US – “Cheers!” — the business reached $2,313 billion in 2023. That’s a lot of drinks served by some 63,000 bars and clubs in our 19,500 incorporated towns and cities, in addition to what is purchased from 46,000 liquor stores and consumed at home. 

Drinking is nearly as integral a part of our culture as cell phones and guns. When is the last time you watched a movie or TV series that didn’t show some character having a drink? We toast engagements, marriages, job promotions, and we enjoy meals with wine. Watching sports we dutifully consume beer. We drink spirits to celebrate or forget, or to bury relatives and friends. 

Overindulgence is common. For way too many people the use of alcohol is a disease. There are a reported 30 million alcoholics (ages 12 and older) in the United States; roughly 10% of our population. And now the surgeon general has reported any alcohol is bad for us. That’s almost like finding out toothpaste is toxic in the long run. 

This development, the flurry of scary headlines, caused me to review my own history of drinking, which peaked in college (a long time ago). I drank too much despite the thoughtful approach to alcohol that had been practiced by my parents. They were of a generation that was thoroughly engaged in drinking. My father was probably an alcoholic, but a small-town family doctor of his stature would not have been considered so. In those days, alcoholism, which was then not yet understood to be a disease, and the lower classes were mistakenly, yet firmly linked. Middle class professionals were simply not considered alcoholics. But two drinks and my father was a goner. A struggling golfer, he always birdied the 19th hole. He had given me a miniature, two-ounce mug when I was seven years old. When my father opened a beer, he would pour a dollop into my mug. 

My parents suggested I sample liquor at home so I would know what effect it had on me. Despite undergoing such a proper orientation, I drank excessively and irresponsibly in college. I joined a fraternity of lushes and went enthusiastically along with their frequent, three-day-weekend blow outs. I was focused on skiing and drinking, sailing and drinking, and just drinking to the point my grades suffered. A dean ordered me to take a semester off. That got my attention. I returned to college with new purpose. 

Working for a big magazine in Manhattan, I was often lured into my bosses’ two-martini lunches, which caused afternoons to blur. Then I just stopped drinking for many years. Blame it on my introduction to marijuana, a more benign way (we thought, and as it turns out) to achieve an enhanced perspective. 

Over the last ten years, I started having a couple ounces of rum with a dash of orange juice before dinner. I find this habit relaxing, and I savor the taste of rum. Exploring brands from different countries has become an engaging study. The one drink has little more than a calming effect on me, and there is no morning head at all. I do this four or five evenings a week. I don’t “need” it. I don’t miss it on the days I pass.

The current Surgeon General’s report on the danger of alcohol prompted me to consider quitting altogether, but I have decided to continue my one drink program for several reasons. First of all, as a senior citizen, long term effects of anything are no longer taken as seriously. And having a rum is one of the few pleasures left. Second, the older I get the more regard I have for moderation as a useful life guide. In younger days we teased each other for being moderate. Use it up, get more! Point those skis downhill! But moderation has repeatedly proved its worth. It has outlasted the competition. Having one drink is definitely moderate behavior. For me. 

Finally, there is consistency. That involves one’s awareness of self. One two-ounce drink that proves right for me might not suit someone else. Despite what our various catalogs and manufacturing processes now frequently promise, one size does not often fit all. I just published a biography of a woman who rarely has fewer than three drinks every evening. Enthusiastic drinking has been lifelong for her. She’s 81 now and still going strong. 

Cheers! 

Roger Vaughan, a Massachusetts native, began writing, photographing, playing music, and sailing at a young age, pursuits that shaped his lifelong career. After earning a BA in English from Brown University, he worked as an editor and writer for Saturday Evening Post and Life magazines, covering major cultural events of the 1960s and 70s. His first book, The Grand Gesture (1973), launched a prolific freelance writing career. He’s written more than 20 books, including numerous biographies, films, and many videos. Since 1980, Vaughan has lived on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where he continues his work documenting remarkable individuals and events.

 

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Ten new things at the Academy Art Museum to kick off the new year by Daedelus Hoffman

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The turning of the calendar to January feels like stepping into a freshly stretched canvas—open, bright, and waiting for something meaningful to happen. As the holiday decorations come down and resolutions take shape, there’s a collective sense of ambition in the air. Whether it’s learning a new skill, meeting new people, or finding inspiration, the new year calls us to action. At the Academy Art Museum, we’re here to help you channel that energy into something creative, fulfilling, and, most importantly, fun. Here are ten ways to make your new year a masterpiece.

1. Check Out a New Exhibition in Our Galleries

Nothing says “fresh start” like stepping into a gallery and seeing the world through an artist’s eyes. Our current and upcoming exhibitions are carefully curated to introduce you to thought-provoking works by both renowned and emerging artists. Each piece tells a story, invites reflection, or sparks a conversation that might stay with you long after you leave. Make it a goal to visit at least one exhibition this year—you never know which piece might inspire your next big idea.

2. Learn About a New Artist Through Our Amazing Collection

Art is more than what you see; it’s what you discover. Take a closer look at the treasures within our permanent collection and uncover the histories and ideas behind them. You might find yourself captivated by a painter you’ve never heard of or see connections between their work and your own life. Exploring our collection is an invitation to learn, to reflect, and to see art—and the world—through a different lens.

3. Take a New Class from One of Our Incredible Teaching Artists

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to throw clay on a potter’s wheel, wield a paintbrush with confidence, or capture the perfect photograph? Our teaching artists are experts in their crafts and passionate about sharing their knowledge. Classes are designed for everyone, from absolute beginners to those looking to hone their skills. This is your chance to turn “I’ve always wanted to…” into “I can’t believe I made this!”

4. Learn About a New Book at One of Our Shore Lit Book Talks

If the thought of curling up with a good book appeals to you, our Shore Lit series is the perfect fit. These events dive into books that connect art, literature, and culture, sparking meaningful conversations in an intimate setting. Meet other book lovers, exchange ideas, and leave with fresh insights that will linger long after the last page. It’s a book club, a community gathering, and an intellectual treat all in one.

5. Meet Somebody New by Attending One of Our Engaging Public Programs

Art has a magical way of breaking the ice and creating connections. Whether you’re attending a lecture, a workshop, or a family-friendly event, you’re bound to meet people who share your curiosity and enthusiasm. Conversations that start with “What do you think of this piece?” can quickly turn into friendships or even collaborations. Step outside your comfort zone, and see how art can bring people together in unexpected ways.

6. Check Out a New Movie at Our New Film Series

Lights, camera, action—our new film series brings the magic of cinema to the museum. Featuring carefully selected films that highlight the beauty, challenges, and humor of the human experience, this series is a feast for the senses. Each screening is an opportunity to see the world through a director’s lens and discuss it with fellow moviegoers. Bring a friend, grab some popcorn, and let the storytelling begin.

7. Share a New Experience with Someone Close to You at One of Our Exhibitions

Art is even better when shared. Bring a friend, a family member, or someone special to explore our galleries and spark a new kind of conversation. Exhibitions have a way of revealing things about ourselves and each other, deepening connections and creating lasting memories. Whether you’re marveling at a painting together or debating its meaning, it’s an experience that goes beyond words.

8. See Something Familiar in a New Way Through One of Our Tour Experiences

Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective to see something familiar in a new light. Our guided tours are designed to do just that, offering behind-the-scenes insights and stories that enrich your understanding of the art on display. Even if you’ve visited before, a tour can reveal nuances and details you might have missed. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your sense of wonder—you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the art and the museum.

9. Travel to a New Museum Through One of Our Day Trips

Art lovers, adventurers, and curious minds—our day trips are tailor-made for you. Join us as we explore other museums and cultural institutions, expanding our horizons and building connections between the Eastern Shore and the wider world. These trips are more than just visits; they’re opportunities to learn, bond, and be inspired alongside fellow travelers. Leave the logistics to us and focus on the joy of discovery.

10. Discover Your New Favorite Piece of Art at the Academy Art Museum Gift Shop

Art doesn’t have to stay in the galleries. Visit our gift shop and find a treasure to take home, whether it’s a locally made craft, a beautiful print, or a book that sparks your imagination. Every purchase supports the museum’s mission, so you’re not just shopping—you’re contributing to the community. Start your year with a piece of art that makes your everyday life a little more beautiful.

Start Your Year With Creativity and Connection

The new year is a blank slate, and at the Academy Art Museum, we’re here to help you fill it with inspiration, connection, and discovery. Whether you join us for an exhibition, a class, or a conversation, we can’t wait to welcome you. Let’s make 2025 a year filled with creativity, community, and meaningful experiences—together.

Daedelus Hoffman is the Director of Education at the Academy Art Museum. For more information about the AAM please go here.

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A lifelong canvas: How museums enrich the lives of lifelong learners by Daedelus Hoffman

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What if the first person to live to 150 years old has already been born? According to David Sinclair, a leading researcher at Harvard Medical School, advancements in science and medicine are rapidly extending the boundaries of human longevity, making this once-unimaginable milestone more plausible than ever before. Americans are not only living longer but are also redefining what it means to age. Here in Talbot County, where nearly 40% of residents are over the age of 60, this longevity revolution is already reshaping our community. The question isn’t just about how long we’ll live, but how well. And in the pursuit of a meaningful, high-quality life, museums like the Academy Art Museum play a pivotal role.

In this era of increased lifespans, the concept of lifelong learning is more essential than ever. As our years expand, so too must the opportunities to remain mentally, socially, and creatively engaged. Research increasingly reveals that lifelong learning is critical to aging well. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology underscores how engaging with cultural institutions like museums enhances cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social connections for older adults. Similarly, the American Alliance of Museums highlights how museums can serve as vital resources for elder communities, providing spaces for discovery, creativity, and intergenerational connection.

These findings aren’t abstract—they’re a blueprint for how museums like the Academy Art Museum can shape a vibrant, inclusive future for aging adults on the Eastern Shore. The evidence is clear: fostering connections, learning new skills, and engaging in creative practices are not just beneficial but necessary for maintaining a high quality of life as we age. Museums, with their unique ability to combine education, art, and community, are perfectly positioned to address this need.

At the Academy Art Museum, lifelong learning isn’t just a buzzword—it’s embedded in everything we do. From art classes that spark creativity in seasoned hands to gallery tours that invite reflection and dialogue, the museum fosters spaces where older adults can thrive. Programs like our intergenerational workshops pair seniors with younger participants, creating not only art but shared stories and connections that span decades. Whether it’s a painting class or a lecture on art history, these activities are about more than learning—they’re about belonging.

Imagine a retired teacher discovering a new passion for sculpture or a former engineer exploring the intricacies of watercolor painting. These are not just hobbies; they’re lifelines that keep minds sharp and spirits high. The Academy Art Museum provides these pathways, offering opportunities to try something new or deepen an existing interest. And in doing so, it builds a community of learners where everyone’s voice and creativity are valued.

But museums don’t just offer senior citizens a place to learn—they provide a stage for them to teach. Older adults bring with them lifetimes of experiences, perspectives, and skills that enrich every corner of the Academy Art Museum. Programs that encourage older participants to share their insights not only empower them but also enhance the learning experience for everyone involved. Whether mentoring younger artists, sharing historical perspectives, or leading discussions, these contributions transform the museum into a true community hub—a place where generations meet, stories are exchanged, and the past informs the future.

In Talbot County, where the population of seniors is among the highest in Maryland, these initiatives are not just relevant—they’re essential. As our community evolves, the Academy Art Museum is committed to evolving with it, creating programs and opportunities that meet the needs of all its members. This commitment includes ensuring that our spaces are welcoming and accessible, our programs are inclusive, and our mission resonates with individuals of all ages.

Consider the ripple effects of this work. A senior citizen who finds joy and purpose in a museum class goes on to inspire their family and friends. A grandparent and grandchild who collaborate on an art project deepen their bond. A retired professional who leads a workshop shares their knowledge with a new generation. The benefits extend far beyond the museum walls, enriching lives and strengthening our community.

As we navigate this era of longer lifespans, institutions like the Academy Art Museum have an opportunity, even an obligation, to respond. We aren’t just curators of art; we’re curators of connection, learning, and quality of life. For Talbot County’s older residents, the museum isn’t merely a destination; it’s a partner in living fully, deeply, and creatively. And as we imagine a future where some of us may live to see 150 years, there’s no better time to build the intergenerational bridges that make life worth living.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a curious learner, or simply someone seeking community, the Academy Art Museum welcomes you to join us in the lifelong pursuit of discovery.

Daedelus Hoffman is the director of education and interpretation at the Academy Art Museum.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.