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July 12, 2025

Centreville Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Centreville

2 News Homepage Uncategorized

Kennard Hosts “Junteenth Parade and Festval”

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On Saturday, June 14, 2025, the Kennard Alumni Association will be hosting QAC’s annual “Juneteenth” Celebration with free “Father’s Day” haircuts and a buffet breakfast starting at 8 AM. The parade will start at 10 AM from QAC High School and continue with the Festival at Kennard until 4PM. The “Karen Sommerville Music” group will lead a slate of African American artists who will perform at the “Kennard African American Cultural Heritage Center and Museum” at 410 Little Kidwell Ave. in Centreville. This will be a free community festival where artist will display their crafts and exhibits and vendors will provide information and offer their wares for sale. Food Trucks and drinks will be available. We are asking the community to bring donations for our “African American History Resource Library”. This is a “Smoke Free” event. For additional information, contact Clay Washington at 443-239-2110 or [email protected].

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

Queen Anne’s County Government Statement Regarding Inaccurate Sanctuary Jurisdiction Designation

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Queen Anne’s County Government is aware of a recent designation published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and referenced by outside organizations incorrectly identifying Queen Anne’s County as a “Sanctuary Jurisdiction Defying Federal Immigration Law.”

This characterization is wholly inaccurate and misrepresents the policies and actions of Queen Anne’s County Government. Queen Anne’s County has never adopted or endorsed sanctuary policies, nor have we enacted any ordinances or resolutions that would shield individuals in violation of federal immigration law. At no time has the County directed, encouraged, or permitted employees to contravene federal immigration laws.

In response to these erroneous claims, our County Attorney issued a formal letter on January 1, 2025, addressed to the America First Legal Foundation, which has echoed and amplified this misrepresentation. The letter clearly outlines that Queen Anne’s County has not violated any federal immigration law and demands the immediate removal of these false claims from all public platforms and publications. You can read the letter here https://www.qac.org/DocumentCenter/View/23346/America-First-Legal-Foundation-Response-to-Sanctuary-letter

We are again actively working with our Federal Delegation to correct this false accusation and ensure that Queen Anne’s County is portrayed accurately and fairly. Our government takes compliance with all applicable laws seriously and remains committed to transparency and accountability.

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Queen Anne’s at Home Honors Dedicated Volunteers at Annual Appreciation Dinner

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(L to R): Margan Glover, Charlie Brooks, Cindy Bach

Queen Anne’s at Home (QA@H), a local nonprofit helping seniors remain independent and connected in their own homes, hosted its annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner on April 22 at the Bay Country Moose Club in celebration of National Volunteer Appreciation Week.

This year’s highlight was the presentation of the Margan Glover Award of Excellence, QA@H’s highest honor for community service, to Charlie Brooks. A founding member, current board member, and Treasurer of the organization, Charlie has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of QA@H. From setting up financial systems, record keeping, and budget planning to developing and maintaining vital ties with the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Charlie’s commitment continues to strengthen the organization’s foundation.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without Charlie’s vision and follow-through,” said Cindy Bach, president of QA@H. “His dedication to our mission has been unwavering.”

The evening also honored the many volunteers who help plan community events, organize programs, and provide essential services—especially the Friendly Visits program, which brings companionship to members who are homebound. One member has received weekly visits for over three years from two devoted volunteers, a beautiful example of how meaningful connections are at the heart of QA@H.

“We’re more than just a service organization—we’re a community,” said QA@H member Jan Weeda. “I benefit the most from visiting members who can’t go out very much. It is truly an honor to meet these amazing people and become friends.”

To learn more about Queen Anne’s at Home or to inquire about membership and volunteer opportunities, visit www.queenannesathome.org or call 410-635-4045.

 The Queen Anne’s At Home Fund is a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, a public foundation designated as a 501(c)(3) charity. Donations to the Fund support Queen Anne’s At Home’s programs helping seniors stay safe, healthy, connected, and independent at home and are tax-deductible as allowed by law. A copy of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s financial statement is available at www.mscf.org or by calling 410-820-8175. Information about Mid-Shore submitted under the Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act can be obtained from the Office of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401.

 

 

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Avalon Spy Night Preview: Poet Meredith Davies Hadaway Reads “When Dreams Go Walking”

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Over the last few years, Meredith Davies Hadaway has increasingly been seen as the region’s foremost eco-poet as she draws on her time on the Eastern Shore and her love for the Chester River.

That is why Hadaway will be headlining the upcoming Spy Night at the Avalon on May 7th.  She will read from her new book, Among the Many Disappearing Things, a collection of poems that commemorate both the beauty and the fragility of Eastern Shore life and landscapes.

She will be joined by special guest, poet Deidra Greenleaf Allan.

Here is a sample of her work.

This video is approximately one minute in length. For tickets, please go here.

Spy Nights with Meredith Davies Hadaway
with Guest Deidra Greenleaf Allan
Stoltz Listening Room
Doors: 5:30pm / Event: 6:00pm
May 7, 2025

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Studio B Check in: Betty Huang with Artist Diz Hormel

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Studio B Art Gallery is thrilled to announce its participation in the return of the First Friday Gallery Walk for 2025, featuring a special exhibition by acclaimed artist Diz Hormel. Join us on April 4, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to meet the artist and view her stunning collection of still life oil paintings.

Diz Hormel is an Eastern Shore-based artist known for her evocative oil paintings that capture a sense of serenity and timeless beauty. Specializing in still life, her work reflects a deep appreciation for the quiet elegance of organic forms and man-made objects. Classically trained under renowned artist Juliette Aristides, Diz’s paintings offer a gentle escape from the busyness of modern life.

To understand more, the Spy had plans to interview gallery owner Betty Huang and Diz Hormel at Studio B. That plan pivoted at the last moment due to a missing key and moved over to Bonheur Pie & Ice Cream for some good ice cream and a makeshift venue for taping. Thanks Bonheur!

Diz honed her skills through formal training, first studying metalsmithing at the Revere Academy and later at the Corcoran School of Art. Her interest in mastering traditional techniques led her to the Aristides Atelier, where she refined her methodical, layered approach to studio painting. Diz’s work is influenced by chiaroscuro lighting, thoughtful composition, and a meditative painting process that invites stillness and contemplation.

Diz is a board member of the Academy Art Museum in Easton, Maryland. She served as chair for their annual Craft Show for 4 years and is now the chair of the Education Committee.

A member of the Oil Painters of America, Working Artists Forum, and St. Michaels Art League, Diz has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 Best in Show award at Local Color Easton.

Guests attending the First Friday Gallery Walk will have the opportunity to meet Diz, view her latest works, and learn more about her artistic process. Her exhibit at Studio B Art Gallery will showcase a collection of still life paintings that highlight her masterful use of light, form, and composition.

This video is approximately four minutes in length.

For more information about Studio B Art Gallery, visit us online at www.studiobartgallery.com, on Facebook and Instagram @studiobartgallery, or contact Betty Huang at [email protected].

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

Love Your Kidneys: A Chat with Shore Health’s Dr. Anish Hinduja

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About 35.5 million U.S. adults are estimated to have kidney disease—that’s more than 1 in 7 (14%) — but most people have no symptoms until the disease very advanced. March is National Kidney Disease Awareness Month, the perfect time to shed light on this significant health threat. In this insightful interview, Dr. Anish Hinduja, Medical Director of UM Shore Medical Group – Nephrology and Vice President of the Medical Staff at UM Shore Regional Health, discusses the vital role of the kidneys in maintaining overall health.

Dr. Hinduja explains how these remarkable organs act as the body’s natural filtration system, removing waste, balancing fluids, and regulating blood pressure. He delves into the most common causes of kidney disease—diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular conditions—while emphasizing the importance of early detection through routine blood and urine tests.

Dr. Hinduja also sheds light on dialysis as a treatment option for kidney failure, detailing both in-clinic hemodialysis and at-home peritoneal dialysis. He discusses the ultimate goal of kidney transplantation, recent medical advancements, and the importance of patient education in managing kidney health. Throughout the conversation, he underscores the need for lifestyle changes, proper medication use, and dietary awareness to prevent kidney disease and improve long-term health outcomes.

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Bob Huntington to direct the 2025 All American Community Chorus in Normandy, France

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Bob Huntington Copyright (c) 2018 Karena Dixon www.karenadixon.com

We are thrilled to announce that Bob Huntington will be directing the 2025 All American Community Chorus in Normandy, France this June. This prestigious event will also include members of Queen Anne’s Chorale, including Marla Mooney, our talented accompanist, who will be joining the Chorus for this special occasion. The Chorus will be performing at The American Cemeteries as well as on stage in Sainte-Mère-Église as part of the Concert De Liberation. Sainte-Mère-Église commemorates D-Day every year as one of the first towns to be liberated in France.

You can see Bob, Marla, and the entire Queen Anne’s Chorale perform “Spring Fling!” on April 27th at 3:00pm at Chesapeake College. Tickets are available now on the Queen Anne’s Chorale and TPAC websites:

https://qachorale.org

TPAC tickets

Stay tuned for more updates and join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement!

Queen Anne’s Chorale is supported in part through grants from the United Way of Queen Anne’s County, the Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts, and the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.

There are also always opportunities to support to QAC with donations, program ads or sponsorships. For more information visit www.qachorale.org.

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

Gunston celebrates Class of 2025 college-bound athletes 

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The Gunston School is pleased to announce that four members of the class of 2025 have signed their letters of intent to play sports at the college level. (l-r) Alex Bent of Queenstown will be rowing for La Salle University, Aidan Watson of Centreville will be playing lacrosse for SCAD, Riley Walker of Chestertown will be playing lacrosse for Lebanon Valley College, and Grace Shepherd of Church Hill will be playing field hockey for the University of Central Michigan.

The Gunston School is pleased to announce that four members of the class of 2025 have signed their letters of intent to play sports at the college level. At a recent signing ceremony this past Thursday, January 23, students and their families along with coaches and faculty gathered in the Alice R. Ryan Family Library to celebrate their accomplishments. Nationwide, a little over 7% of high school athletes (about 1 in 13) go on to play a varsity sport in college and less than 2% of high school athletes (1 in 57) go on to play at NCAA Division I schools.

Riley Walker of Chestertown, Md. will be playing lacrosse for Lebanon Valley College. While playing lacrosse for Gunston, the team earned back-to-back second place finishes in the ESIAC (Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference) Championships in 2023 and 2024. Coach Millicent Sheets spoke of Walker’s versatility on the field, “We asked a great deal of him—playing midfield, jumping in the goal on EMO [extra man offense], sometimes playing on the field for EMO and running plays on attack. He never balked at anything we asked him to do and he gives 100% all the time at any position.” Walker played in numerous leagues outside of Gunston and even helped to organize a winter indoor league for the school. “By the end of the season, we were depending on him more and more in the goal. Goalie is the hardest position to play and it is very difficult to just jump in the goal at any given moment. In that position, Riley was focused, commanded the defense, and came up with key saves for his team. He finished the season with almost 50 saves which is extremely impressive for only playing about a quarter every game.” Walker plans to study business at Lebanon Valley.

Aidan Watson of Centreville, Md. will be playing lacrosse for Savannah College of Art and Design. Picking up lacrosse in his sophomore year at Gunston, Watson proved to be a quick study. Coach Millicent Sheets recalls, “In ninth grade, Aidan was in my honors geometry class. He was smart, witty, and an impressive artist. Art I knew was in his future, but I did not expect him to turn out to be an aggressive, fierce, and strong long pole defender. Fall of his tenth grade year, Aidan told me he was going to come out for the team. I was thrilled and a little surprised. Aidan turned out to be a quick study of the game, he worked hard to learn how to sub through the box effectively, he learned both man and zone defense, and even played long pole middie on face offs. Playing alongside very seasoned defenders, Aidan had to learn to take direction from his peers and put up with some fierce competition. Over the two years I coached Aidan, he was committed to getting stronger and faster and it really showed by the end of his second season.” Watson will be studying art at SCAD.

Grace Shepherd of Church Hill, Md. will be playing field hockey for the University of Central Michigan. Shepherd played for Gunston all four years, earning ESIAC All-Conference honors in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. She served as one of the captains this year and the team again made it to the ESIAC Championship, earning second place for the third year in a row. In addition to playing for Gunston, Shepherd also plays for Team Chesapeake Shore year-round and has earned multiple awards from the Field Hockey Coaches Association of Maryland (FHCAMD) including All Mid-Shore Team Field Hockey in 2022, 2023 and 2024, All Eastern Shore Team Field Hockey in 2022 and an All State Honorable Mention in 2023. Recently, Shepherd represented Gunston at the 2024-2025 Susan Pusey FHCAMD Senior All-Star Game this past fall. “From her first preseason practice, we could see that Grace was a special player,” said Coach Yvonne Gazelle. “She has had a remarkable career, scoring 29 goals and notching 16 assists. She’s been a dependable player, playing nearly every minute of every game throughout her four years. She’s been a leader, serving as Captain for the 2024 season. She served as an outstanding role model and example to her teammates, arriving early to every practice, being the first to pick up balls and cones after a drill, and the first to offer assistance to players in need.” Shepherd is currently undecided in her course of study at Central Michigan but is leaning toward studying biology.

Alex Bent of Queenstown, Md. will be rowing for La Salle University. Bent rowed for Gunston’s varsity team in 2022 and 2023 before joining the Annapolis Junior Rowing organization. He also competed in the Crash B indoor world championships in 2023, placing third in the Mens U17 2K row. He also was the first Gunston student to compete in the Mid Atlantic Youth Rowing Championships in 2023, placing seventh. Bent’s former rowing coach, Carter Law commented, “Alex has given his all, balancing academics, training, and some serious personal growth, all while demonstrating leadership and perseverance.” Bent has dreams of competing in the Olympics one day. At La Salle, he’ll be studying business administration.

Visit gunston.org for more information.

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“Ready or Not” Program Gets Rave Reviews from Queen Anne’s at Home Members

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Queen Anne’s at Home (QA@H) recently completed the 4th quarter session of its proprietary Ready or Not workshop. The program is an extremely valuable benefit for members of the nonprofit organization which is a community of seniors in Queen Anne’s County who help each other thrive as they age in their own homes.

QA@H’s Ready or Not program, designed by and for QA@H members, is a planning tool comprised of 4 workshop sessions that build on the group’s quality of life pillars: Connection, Purpose and Empowerment. The scope of the Ready or Not activity is to provide:

  • A tool to help members organize and plan for aging in place
  • An educational program to provide members with knowledge they’ll need to thrive
  • An opportunity to collaborate and develop practical strategies for staying healthy, safe, connected and independent at home

Participating households (e.g., spouses or partners, singles or families) use the Ready or Not workbook as structured “homework” to spark conversations about visions and fears, challenges and opportunities that may impact their ability to age in place. After tackling each section individually, households come together along with the facilitator, a QA@H member who is trained in mediation and problem-solving techniques.

At these joint meetings, participants share stories, learn to access helpful resources, and brainstorm practical solutions to common problems. The facilitator encourages the group to explore and address issues – as well as creative solutions – that participants may not have imagined on their own, all while ensuring that privacy and appropriate boundaries are maintained. Although each household ends up with its own plan, this group effort encourages participants to dig a bit deeper and think more broadly.

Participants in the Ready or Not program consider these questions:

  • What is important to us? What might happen to us in the future?
  • What are our options (e.g., stay home, move somewhere)?
  • What can we do to prepare?
  • What resources will we need (e.g., short-term home health, long-term financial management, family support)?

Links to useful resources are included to help participants make informed decisions.

QA@H President Cindy Bach shared survey responses from members who participated in current and past Ready or Not sessions. She said, “The overwhelmingly positive response we received illustrates that there is a definite need to help people plan ahead so they can age in their own homes. That’s what our Ready or Not workshop does. One couple said that the experience was life-changing. Every person who returned a survey indicated that they would highly recommend this workshop to others. That’s a very strong endorsement! We are so pleased to offer this important benefit to all of our members.”

Survey responses included these comments:

  • “Ready or Not seriously changed how we look at our future. Turns out proactive preparation takes a whole lot more than just insurance and a financial plan!”
  • “What I liked best was the discussion about what we need to plan for – not only at the end but between now and then.”
  • “I now feel I have the resilience I’ll need to cope with what may be an uncertain future.”
  • “We knew we needed to have these discussions about our future, but it felt overwhelming, and frankly, something we didn’t want to think about. The workshop helped us get on the same page and feeling good about being proactive. We think of this as a gift not only to us but to our families.”

The Ready or Not program is just one of many benefits of membership. For more than 6 years, QA@H has been serving seniors in Queen Anne’s County with more than 100 members and growing. In addition to offering educational seminars on topics such as the very popular brain health workshops, the organization offers a wide variety of social events from coffee meet ups to canasta, Mah Jongg and book club to a walking club and pickleball. This gives members myriad opportunities to make new friends while helping to prevent the isolation that many seniors experience.

For more information about Queen Anne’s at Home and to inquire about membership, visit www.queenannesathome.org or call 410-635-4045.

 

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Queen Anne’s Chorale at Chesapeake College December 7

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Queen Anne’s Chorale is excited to announce their return to the Todd Performing Arts Center located at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills on December 7th at 7pm. The campus, at the intersection of Routes 50 and 213, provides easy access from all directions.

For many years, Queen Anne’s Chorale performed at TPAC, but the pandemic changed that. They have since been using the Centreville Methodist Church for practice and concert but have grown in members enough that they needed more space. Also, the Holiday Concert draws big crowds that will appreciate the ample seating and parking on the campus of Chesapeake College.

With a theme of Holiday Spirit, the concert promises to deliver holiday spirit to both young and old.  Robert Huntington, Artistic Director since 2003, has carefully chosen repertoire of sacred and secular selections. The full Chorale will perform, among others, Lo How a Rose, It’s the Holiday Season, Let It Snow and Calypso Lullaby.  Also, the Select Ensemble, auditioned from within the Chorale, will perform Celebrate Hannukah Tonight and Walking in the Air with video enhancement.   And it wouldn’t be a concert, without the audience being invited to a sing-along with the Chorale.  A reception after the concert is always a perfect ending to an uplifting evening of music that promises to fill your heart with the Holiday Spirit.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting qachorale.org and clicking on a link that will send you to the TPAC ticket office. Cost is $25 for adults over 18, $15 for students 13-18 and FREE for children under 13.

Queen Anne’s Chorale is supported in part through grants from the United Way of Queen Anne’s County, the Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts, and the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.

Presenting Sponsors The Ed Beres Group at REMAX Executive and Soistman Family Dentistry and Associates along with Corporate Sponsors David Harrison with Long and Foster, Chesapeake Hearing Centers, Heron Point of Chestertown, Koons Easton Toyota, Mid-Atlantic Cat Hospital and Shore United Bank also enable QAC to present Holiday Spirit.

There are also always opportunities to support to QAC with donations, program ads or sponsorships. For more information visit www.qachorale.org.

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