The Spy continues our special series on Mid-Shore mental health this month with For All Seasons CEO Beth Anne Dorman discussing the unique challenge of helping Mid-Shore military veterans and their families with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

As young men and women return from war zones to assume civilian life again, a growing number of those individuals suffer daily from the consequences of PTSD. Mostly undiagnosed, this condition results far too often in depression, drug and alcohol addiction, domestic abuse, and severe and lasting mental health impacts on an entire family.

In our interview, Beth Anne talks about this major health crisis and what For All Seasons is doing to reach these families for treatment and ongoing support.

This video is approximately six minutes in length. For more information about For All Seasons please go here.

Two weeks ago, the Spy took note of Easton Town Council President Frank Gunsallus’s proposal to forbid the use of town funds to support organizations or causes he considered ideological.

Last night, there was a significant follow-up to the Gunsallus proposal and his intentions regarding such a legislative act.  With a packed meeting chamber, the Town Council heard from many residents who took issue with the council president’s comments from the May meeting and his example of the use of town banners displaying the LGBTQ pride flag. Other community members supported the measure. In addition, council members took turns expressing their responses to those who spoke.

Community Voices

Easton Town Councilmembers response

These video segments are 24 minutes and 13 minutes in length

Last night, Ordinance 24-03 was introduced at the Queen Anne’s County Commission, which aims to tighten the review and approval process for pier extensions beyond the standard 150 feet to prevent negative impacts on public waterway use and the environment. It transitions from requiring a conditional use to a variance for constructing piers over 150 feet.

As noted in our Spy clip from QACTV, supporters argue the ordinance will control the proliferation of excessively long piers, which pose navigational hazards, disrupt habitats, and detract from scenic views.

Critics suggest that the ordinance might unfairly impact ongoing projects and advocate for a grandfathering provision or a more nuanced approach to pier length regulations based on actual.

The Council will continue its deliberation on the proposal at its next meeting.

This video segment is approximately nine minutes in length.

The Queen Anne’s County Housing Authority, under the leadership of President Steve Wilson, has announced a new partnership with the QAC government. This collaboration aims to address long-standing issues in housing management and financial stability, with the goal of enhancing local housing conditions. The board has also accepted Katya Lindsay’s resignation with gratitude for her service, marking a pivotal shift in the authority’s direction.

Under the new partnership, Queen Anne’s County will share management and financial responsibilities with the housing authority. This transition is welcomed amid challenges such as rising operational costs and the need for substantial rent increases. Mike Clark will step in as the new director.

The initiative’s key highlights include maintaining affordable rent for tenants and reforming maintenance operations to ensure timely and effective responses to residents’ needs. This move comes in response to concerns over delayed maintenance and the deteriorating condition of housing units, particularly in senior living facilities.

In a video segment from QACTV, Steve Wilson summarizes the board’s action and includes the public comments of resident Richard Green and board member Richard Cira’s response.

This video is approximately minutes in length.

Should there be cannabis dispensaries in downtown Centreville?  That was the question Council member Dan Worth raised in his remarks last night at the Centreville Town Council meeting.

The current regulation permits medical cannabis dispensaries only in the business park, but Worth suggested expanding this to other commercial areas.

Council member Jim Beauchamp offered some historical context, noting the state law’s initial limitation on the number of dispensaries per county, and the need for careful zoning similar to liquor stores, but also acknowledged the need to revise regulations if more dispensaries are to be accommodated.

Not surprising, the discussion turned to concerns about the possible odor from dispensaries and their impact on nearby businesses, such as the Food Lion strip center, were raised.

No action was taken.