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March 11, 2026

Centreville Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Centreville

Spy Highlights

Chasing the Silver with Marc Castelli

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MassoniArt in Chestertown will be offering a unique gallery experience this month in that it will be more of a museum exhibition than a typical showing of an artist’s work. Part of the reason for that is that quite a few of the 40 pieces of art are not even for sale, but more importantly, it was its gallery owner, Carla Massoni, who envisioned a retrospective exhibition that spanned over 40 years of Mid-Shore artist Marc Castelli’s breathtaking documentation of competitive sailing and those who sail them entitled Chasing the Silver.

The Castelli exhibition presents an opportunity to widen the lens on subjects Marc has painted during his long career. Chasing the Silver is the first time such a collection has been gathered from Marc’s personal portfolio for exhibition. This retrospective features watercolors of major world yachting events over the last 40 years.

Showcased will be paintings, pen and inks, posters, cartoons, and prints featuring America’s Cup challenges and defenses from 1987 to the last traditional monohull America’s Cup in 2006, as well as the Whitbread races in 1997-98, the sea trials and starts for the Global Challenges 2004-05, the 2006 Soling World Championship, the Star Boat World Championship 2016, and the USNA’s Kennedy Cup Regatta and the J-Class Yachts Regatta 2015.

The Spy sat down with Marc a few weeks ago to talk about his approach to painting racing boats, but it was also fitting to include his personal memories of growing up along the shores of Lake Michigan and falling in love with these extraordinary vessels and who he developed as an artist to paint them.

This video is approximately three minutes in length.

June 7 – August 7, 2024
Massoniart – Cross Street Gallery
Chestertown

June First Friday Reception – June 7, 5-8 pm

Artist Talks
Saturday, June 8, 12 noon
Sunday, June 9, 12 noon

July First Friday Reception– July 5, 5-8 pm

For additional information please visit www.massoniart.com. A portion of all sales will be donated to support sailing scholarships. 

Chasing the Silver for Forty Or So Years by Marc Castelli can be read here.

 

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

A Pier too Far? QAC Considers Tightening the Approval Process for Pier Extensions

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

QAC Spy Report: Housing Authority’s New Partnership with County; Director Katya Lindsay Resigns

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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.

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

Town Council Highlights: Cannabis Dispensaries in Downtown Centreville Discussed

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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.

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

Books Café in Queenstown Starts 5-Weekend Sale

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The 2024 Wye Parish Books Café, opening earlier in the year than ever, begins a five-weekend run on Friday January 12 and Saturday January 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., for its 21st year at St. Luke’s Chapel, Queenstown.  The popular sale of heavily discounted books and homemade food items will re-open on the next four Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., concluding on February 9 and 10.

As in the past, many thousands of carefully sorted books will be offered at 90% off cover or market price. The Café section of Books Café will again provide good food and snacks for on-premises consumption in the cheerful Lunchroom, plus take-out and baked goods for home consumption, all at bargain prices.

The largest sections at Books Café are the alphabetized displays of Fiction, current and classic, hardcover and paperback, with special sections on Mysteries and Historical Fiction.  Running a close second in popularity to the Fiction sections is History, covering all periods, with expanded offerings in Military History.

For younger readers, there is a large collection for all ages in the Young People’s Room at the rear of the Main Hall.  Next door is the recently introduced Keepers’ Corner, with its highly browsable assortment of “collectibles, old favorites, and oddballs”.

Over a dozen other collections, ranging from Animals to Art, Cooking to Religion, are spaced out around the Hall and in adjoining rooms.  This year’s featured special collection is a huge variety of books about Birds of the World.

Sale proceeds support local community outreach organized by the Parish’s Episcopal Church Women.  Books Café accepts cash, checks, and the occasional IOU; no credit card sales.  Sales to approved dealers are by advance authorization only; any use of barcode scanners inside the premises is strictly prohibited.

For further information on Books Café, call the Wye Parish Office at 410-827-8484.

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

Spy Minute: Is the Millstream Trail One of the Best on the Mid-Shore?

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A few weeks ago, one of our many spies was having coffee in Chestertown and overheard a conversation between two dog owners. The one pet owner confessed that they drove to Centreville to walk on the Millstream Trail with her dogs  because she considered it one of the best walking paths on the entire Mid-Shore.

Needless to say, curiosity took over, and we asked one of our special agents to check out the walking trail in person. They filed this special report.

This video is approximately two minutes in length. For more information about the Millstream Trail please go here.

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

A New Leader at Chesapeake College’s Cambridge Center: A Chat with Lorelly Solano

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The last time the Spy chatted with Lorelly Solano a few years ago, she had just begun her work at the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center. And her focus in 2019 was to help the organization train interpreters to help offer bilingual services on the Mid-Shore to various businesses and nonprofit institutions. 

One of the schools that Lorelly worked closely with at the time was Chesapeake College, so it was not a surprise to find her almost five years later working with that institution as the new director of its Cambridge Center. As the Mid-Shore continues to grow with a diversity of cultures and languages, Dr. Solano was immediately attracted to the challenge and opportunity of making the Cambridge campus a regional leader in adult education for high school equivalency, English language acquisition for immigrants, and non-credit courses like skilled trades.

In her new role, Solano has made it a goal to mirror the community’s diversity within the Center, ensuring that when people visit, they see themselves represented.  

Last month the Spy came by the Cambridge Center to learn more about Dr. Lorelly’s plans.

This video is approximately six minutes in length. For more information about Chesapeake College and its Cambridge Center, please go here.

 

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

Town Council Members Provide Wastewater Treatment Plant Update to QAC Commissioners

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Centreville Town Council members Eric Johnson and Dan Worth, joined by town manager Chip Koogle, presented the latest update on the town’s major campaign to raise $30 million for a much-needed new wastewater treatment plant to the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners last night.

Their report came with some good news and not good news for the community.

Johnson shared his significant concerns about the state of the current wastewater treatment facility, which has surpassed its intended lifespan and operational capacity. The facility is so outdated that staff have resorted to sourcing parts from online platforms like eBay and Amazon to keep it running. Johnson emphasized that the situation is critical and requires immediate attention to prevent future infrastructure failures.

On the positive side, council members noted that the town has already raised significant money towards replacing the wastewater treatment facility and is eager to collaborate with the county on a joint comprehensive plan and other guidance. The town has raised approximately just over $20 million in commitments.

The council members requested an amendment to the County Water and Sewer Plan, primarily involving text changes that better describe the proposed wastewater treatment plant. No map changes or expansion of the sewer service area are being requested, as it has already been approved for municipal boundaries.

The Spy captured their presentation via QACTV.

This video is approximately 11 minutes in length.

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

Election Results: Kaiser and Kiel Win Seats on Town Council

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The results of the October 2 election are in and Ashley Kaiser and Jeff Kiel have won the two open seats of the Centreville Town Council. The official results are:

• Ashley H. Kaiser – 255 Votes
• Jeffrey D. Kiel – 281 Votes
• Steven K. Kline – 192 Votes

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

What’s that Smell? Centreville Tackles Commercial Cannabis Odor Problems

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Very few towns on the Eastern Shore have been more welcoming to Maryland’s new era of legal cannabis use than Centreville. As one of the first on the Shore to welcome a dispensary and growing facility after cannabis was approved for medical use, it is now the home of one of the largest cannabis processing companies on the Shore, Green Thumb Industries, with over one hundred local employees and a large facility in the town’s industrial park.

Centreville’s early embrace of the cannabis industry has paid off in many ways, including the extraordinary tax revenue it generates for the town.

But as demand has grown for cannabis-related products, Green Thumb has stepped up production, which has led to a noticeable problem for residents; its starting to stink to high heaven.

From Symphony Village, on one side of town, which is near the industrial park, to the Northbrook community on the North end, the smell of cannabis is increasingly in the air. While some residents see this as a minor inconvenience, a growing number are demanding town government action to control this new form of air pollution.

Many of those residents were out in force this week at the Centreville Town Council meeting to voice their opinions on this modern-day problem. It’s safe to say that community tolerance was reaching the breaking point.

The Spy was able to capture some of those sentiments, as well as Green Thumb executives vowing to fix the problem, in an atmosphere suggesting that a solution could be quickly deployed.

And after hearing public comments, the Town Council members agreed to give Green Thumb 90 days to resolve the issue before a legislative action is taken against the company. The issue will be reviewed on the council’s agenda on January 4, 2024.

Green Thumb Comments

Public Comments

 

 

 

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