The Reverend Sue Browning, Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Easton (UUFE), will be leaving the pulpit at the end of June. After 12 years of providing leadership and spiritual guidance to this community, she is ready to begin a new journey. Rev. Browning’s departure from the local fellowship will give her more free time to spend with her family, including husband Bill and three grown children.

Rev. Browning will be missed by the many people she has touched, from her congregation in Easton to the many people she worked with in the community and region. Her values and commitment have enriched the congregations of both the UUFE and the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River in Chestertown, which she also served on a half-time basis until recently.

Rev. Browning has been involved in work with the Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS), Talbot Association of Clergy and Laity (TACL), the Chester Valley Ministers Association, the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Maryland (UULM-MD), the advisory board of the Talbot County Department of Social Services (DSS), and many other organizations supporting advocacy, interfaith cooperation, and justice.

There was record-breaking attendance for Rev. Browning’s last service on June 8, which included several testimonials from Board Members, past Presidents of the Board, and a special song with lyrics slightly changed to reflect her personality, followed by a picnic under a huge tent. Rev. Browning began her ministry at UUFE in September 2013 and became the Called Minister in 2018. The UUFE is a spiritual community bringing together open minds and various religious ideas and backgrounds. Our faith is characterized by its commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and theological diversity.

For more than a decade, state lawmakers passed laws to protect and uplift Maryland’s LGBTQ+ community – from marriage equality for same-sex couples to boosting health care access for transgender individuals. The second Trump administration is likely to put those protections to the test.

President Donald Trump (R) has signaled from day one of his administration that it was going to be an adversary to transgender people, signing an executive order on the first day of his second term that prohibited gender ideology in federal policy, defined sex according to biological factors at conception and rescinded 15 federal policies and guidelines on transgender equality.

In the days and weeks that followed, Trump signed orders banning transgender individuals from girl’s and women’s sports and from military service, prohibiting federal funding or support for gender-affirming care for youth, and more. Congress is also looking to prohibit federal dollars going towards transgender health care.

As they begin Pride month, a time when the LGBTQ+ community comes together to celebrate progress and reflect on setbacks for the gay and transgender community, some Maryland transgender advocates fear current state protections may not be enough to counter federal efforts.

“Maryland is in a better position than most,” said Ruth Carlock with Trans Rights Advocacy Coalition. “Now that we’re in the Trump administration, a lot of those things might not be as strong as we’d hope, and we might need more legislation in the future.

“One thing I’ve been saying a lot over the past six months,” Carlock said, “I’m feeling very proud to be a Marylander, while feeling less proud of being an American in this current state of politics.”

Lee Blinder, a nonbinary official who chairs the Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs in the Governor’s Office and works with advocacy group Trans Maryland, has mixed feelings about the state’s progress this year.

“We really are in an excellent place compared to so many of our sibling in other states like Florida and Texas,” they said. “However, we have not seen the kind of movement that we would want to see from Maryland that we’ve been able to accomplish previously.”

Blinder is particularly disappointed that the Birth Certificate Modernization Act, did not pass. The bill would have made it easier for transgender people to make changes to their birth certificates, among other measures, relieving administrative headaches that can occur when gender markers do not align on various documents. Transgender advocates have been pushing that bill for the last few years.

Blinder feels transgender people were not prioritized this past session, and publicly brought those concerns to Gov. Wes Moore (D) during an event at the State House recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility. Blinder criticized what they called the administration’s lack of support to protect the community amid federal measures to diminish the presence of transgender people in day-to-day life.

“We know who you, Governor Moore, can be for us, and I am here begging you to do it,” Blinder said, while standing next to Moore.

“It will not get easier to support trans people. It will not get easier to commit to this community, it will only get harder in the days that come,” Blinder said at the time.

They hold those concerns to this day.

“We’re facing a state of emergency for the trans community — the same message I had before on Trans Day of Visibility. That still applies,” Blinder said in a recent interview.

There were some successes for gay and transgender people this legislative session. In May, Moore signed House Bill 1045 into law, which tweaks the state’s shield laws on legally protected health care that prohibits physicians from turning over patient information regarding “sensitive health services.” In Maryland, that includes gender-affirming care as well as abortions.

Del. Kris Fair (D-Frederick), who chairs the Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus, noted some other wins for the LGBTQ+ community. House Bill 39 and Senate Bill 356 were signed into law, removing a criminal penalty for intentionally transferring HIV to another person, which advocates say was antiquated and discriminatory.

But Fair noted that the state budget was a major hurdle to progress across issues this session, as the state grappled with a $3 billion deficit, resulting in widespread program cuts and limited dollars available for new initiatives in general.

Del. Kris Fair (D-Frederick) said budget woes this session made it difficult for many bills to move, including some on transgender issues. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters).

 “We had an overarching deficit budget that we were dealing with, that was unavoidable and sucked all of the oxygen out of the room,” Fair said. “Every conversation was buried under this question of the budget.”

Despite the slowed progress this session, Fair believes that Maryland is “light years ahead” of other states when it comes to LGBTQ+ protections.

“It is the incredible wisdom of the legislature over the last 13 years that has truly saved us, starting with the Maryland (Marriage) Equality vote in 2012 and moving forward from there,” he said.

During his term, Moore has approved a handful of bills creating transgender protections that advocates say will be crucial in the coming years.

One of those is the Trans Health Equity Act signed in 2023, which requires Maryland Medicaid to cover medically-necessary gender-affirming care.

Congress is debating whether to prohibit federal Medicaid dollars from funding gender-affirming care. If that prohibition becomes law, the state may have to backfill any federal matching dollars currently supporting gender-affirming care under Maryland Medicaid to align with the Trans Health Equity Act, if funds are available.

Advocates are also thankful that the state’s shield law for legally protected health care was expanded in 2024 to include gender-affirming care. The intent is to protect the medical information of persons who seek gender-affirming care in Maryland from being shared across state lines, and potentially into the hands of law enforcement in states that are more hostile to transgender people.

“The Moore-Miller Administration will continue to protect the civil rights and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ Marylanders by working with the state legislature, local leaders, and community advocates to deliver results for this community uniquely targeted by the Trump Administration,” a Moore spokesperson said in a written statement.

Due to these and other policies, Maryland is largely recognized a “safe haven” for gay and transgender people. The Movement Advancement Project, which assesses states based on laws that protect or harm transgender residents, ranks Maryland as seventh in protections on gender identity, and sixth for LGBTQ+ protections overall.

Blinder and Carlock say that Pride month is important, now more than ever, for building community supports to take care of one another even if state protections don’t stand up to anti-transgender federal policies.

“It’s so easy for the practical needs that are so urgent to take over and to overshadow the very real need for us to be able to find joy and to celebrate,” Blinder said. “Because it’s not possible to survive these kinds of attacks without experiencing joy and experiencing the community connections and bonds that we have with one another.”

Carlock said that some advocates have even been more active in the community since Trump took office.

“That’s been one of the nice things about the last few months is this sense of community that has slowly been – you know, it’s always there, but it’s nice seeing that expand in the face of danger,” she said. “But also recognizing that that positive turn is coming from an existential threat and big fear of legislation to come.”

by Danielle J. Brown, Maryland Matters
June 6, 2025

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: [email protected].

Queen Anne’s County, in partnership with the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), will continue the US 50/301 (Blue Star Memorial Highway) Ramp Management Program on Kent Island this summer. The initiative aims to encourage westbound travelers to stay on US 50/301 and help relieve congestion on MD 18 (Main Street) for local residents and emergency responders.

Beginning Sunday, May 18, ramp access onto westbound US 50/301 will be restricted each Saturday, Sunday, and holiday Monday (Memorial Day and Labor Day) at the following locations:

• Duke Street (Exit 38A)
• MD 8 (Business Parkway/Romancoke Road, Exit 37)

Restrictions will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on these days. Drivers will still be able to exit westbound US 50/301 onto MD 8 and MD 18 but will not be able to enter westbound US 50/301 from these two points during the restriction window.

Detour signs will direct motorists to use MD 18 eastbound to Castle Marina Road south, where access to westbound US 50 will be available.

Overhead and portable message signs will alert motorists of these changes. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead by checking live traffic conditions at chart.maryland.gov.

Impact in 2024

The pilot project showed promising results:

• MD 18 Westbound from Castle Marina Road to MD 8 saw a 55% decrease in traffic travel time compared to summer 2023.
• Delays from Piney Narrows Road to Castle Marina Road were reduced by 20%.
• Detour travel time averaged 13 minutes during summer weekends, with minimal delay when Bay Bridge traffic was flowing.
• Despite an increase in westbound traffic volume (46,500 in 2023 vs. 47,400 in 2024), maximum travel time on US 50 westbound decreased from 52.4 to 43.9 minutes.

Community members are encouraged to share feedback. Public comment is welcomed at any County Commissioners meeting, held on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 5:30 PM, with in-person and virtual options available. Comments can also be emailed to [email protected].

For more information on the Ramp Management Program, visit www.qac.org and click “Bay Bridge Traffic Info,” or explore the project website:
https://mdot-sha-us50-kent-iss-traffic-mgmt-study-qa50kitms-maryland.hub.arcgis.com

Maryland Public Television is looking for collectors across the region who want to share stories of their prized possessions at a two-day taping event for its popular weekly series Chesapeake Collectibles. The event takes place on October 4 and 5 at the statewide public TV network’s Owings Mills, Maryland studios.

Chesapeake Collectibles has entertained, surprised, and enlightened MPT viewers for more than a decade. Each season, taping event guests meet with expert appraisers to learn more about their family heirlooms, flea market finds, and cherished collectibles. The most interesting items and stories are selected for evaluation in front of the MPT cameras, resulting in priceless moments as guests share their tales, discover the histories of their items, and receive an answer to the all-consuming question: How much is it worth?

The recording of segments featuring appraisers and collectors discussing their treasured items will provide Chesapeake Collectibles producers and editors with the content needed to develop 13 episodes for the series’ 13^th season, which will premiere in 2026.

Paid registration is required to attend. The cost is $135 and includes verbal evaluations of up to three items by a team of experienced appraisers and a chance to be selected to appear on the show. It also includes a one-year membership to MPT.  Registration information and attendance details are available at chesapeakecollectibles.com. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated because of occupancy limits.

“Whether they collect vintage sneakers, movie memorabilia, abstract art, or commemorative teacups, we want to give everyone an opportunity to possibly share the stories of their treasures with our viewers,” said Patrick Keegan, Chesapeake Collectibles executive producer.

In October 2024, nearly 1,000 people from across the Chesapeake Bay region brought their cherished collectibles to MPT to have them evaluated during the two-day taping of the series’ 12^th season, which premieres Monday, June 2, at 7:30 p.m. on MPT-HD, the MPT livestream, and the free PBS app.

 Past series episodes can also be viewed online at video.mpt.tv/show/chesapeake-collectibles/ and pbs.org/show/chesapeake-collectibles/.

Fans of the series can read the latest posts from the popular series’ Talkin’ Collectibles blog, available at mpt.org/blogs/chesapeake-collectibles/.  It’s an insider’s look at the world of collecting and collectibles.

Major funding for season 13 of Chesapeake Collectibles is provided by Alex Cooper Auctioneers,  Second Story Books, and the generous members of Maryland Public Television.

More information is available at mpt.org.

…

Car and boat enthusiasts will gather on Maryland’s Eastern Shore this summer and fall as two premier motoring events take place at the waterfront Kent Island Yacht Club.

The 9th annual Chesapeake Bay Motoring Festival returns on June 7–8, 2025, followed by the 18th annual St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance on the Chesapeake Bay, scheduled for September 26–28, 2025. St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance Inc. and the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society are presenting both events in partnership with Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina.

The yacht club’s expansive waterfront lawn will transform into an open-air museum, featuring a dazzling lineup of antique, classic, hot rod, and sports cars, along with a curated collection of classic boats and grand motor yachts.

Free online applications for vehicle and boat entries are now open and can be for one or two days. Event sponsors include Red Horse Motoring Club, Fred Frederick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Easton, Prestige Auto Vault, Preston Automotive Group, Shore United Bank, and Treasured Motorcar Services. Advance discounted tickets are good for both days and can be purchased online at  www.chesapeakebaymotoringfestival.org.

Start your Engines in June

The Chesapeake Bay Motoring Festival kicks off Saturday, June 7, with a lively Cars & Coffee gathering featuring car clubs, hot rods, muscle cars, and elegant vintage vehicles. All types of vehicles are welcome to participate. The weekend concludes Sunday afternoon with a whimsical awards ceremony along the waterfront. Categories include “Best Car to Take Your Momma to Church” and “Car Most Inclined to Stop for Gas.”

The festival’s People’s Choice Award winner will earn a featured spot in September’s Concours d’Elegance.

Spotlight on Elegance in September

The September 26–28 Concours d’Elegance on Chesapeake Bay will showcase Rolls-Royce as the Grand Marque, highlighting a grand celebration of the 100^th Anniversary of the Phantom. An invitational class of racing Corvettes will be on display, along with a Winner’s Circle featuring previous best of show winners from other Concours d’Elegance events, including Greenwich, Radnor Hunt, and Amelia Island.

The weekend will also include a spotlight on Chesapeake Bay yachting, along with classic motor yachts and wooden speedboats on display. Sponsored by the Dwight Schaubach Collection, a unique grouping of fabulous examples from Suffolk, Virginia, will be showcased.

Entries for the Concours d’Elegance are now open and available online through a brief application process.

Concours Chair Luke L. Phipps says the Kent Island Yacht Club offers the ideal setting for both events, bringing together fine motoring, local flavors, scenic waterfront views, and the unique charm of the Eastern Shore.

“Each weekend is a celebration of craftsmanship and community,” Phipps said. “With locally sourced food, craft beverages, live music, vendors, and a festive atmosphere, it’s a complete experience for both car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.”

Arrive by Land—or Water

Both events are ticketed and open to the public, with dockage available for guests arriving by boat at the Kent Island Yacht Club or Hyatt Place Marina. Slip space is limited, and advance reservations are recommended by contacting [email protected].

Entrant applications, early-bird tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and more information can be found at www.chesapeakebaymotoringfestival.org or www.smcde.org.

About the Chesapeake Bay Motoring Festival

Held each June at the Kent Island Yacht Club, the Chesapeake Bay Motoring Festival is a two-day celebration of all types of automobiles, tractors and boats, offering a scenic, family-friendly experience for gearheads and maritime enthusiasts alike.

About the St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance on the Chesapeake Bay

Now in its 18th year, the St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance is one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most prestigious automotive events. Set along the Chesapeake Bay waterfront, the Concours features a curated collection of rare classic cars and vintage yachts, celebrating the art and elegance of motoring.

The family of former assistant keeper Harold Messick recently gathered at the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse on the campus of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to learn more about lighthouse life and remember their ancestor.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is thrilled to share its 60th-anniversary celebration with its expansive community in 2025.

Throughout the year, CBMM will look back on its six decades through a series of mission-focused videos to be released at cbmm.org/60thAnniversary and its YouTube channel. The anniversary festivities also include a “Celebrating 60 Years of CBMM” logo, social media highlights, an exclusive CBMM Member Night program, and more milestone moments woven into its annual festivals and programming.

The fun culminates with CBMM’s annual Boating Party Fundraising Gala on Saturday, Sept. 6, which will mark the diamond anniversary with a glamorous evening of celebration to benefit the organization’s mission.

“We are proud to celebrate 60 years with everyone who has helped make this milestone possible,” CBMM’s President & CEO Kristen Greenaway said. “With the help of our community, we are excited to use this occasion to spotlight the ways that we have fulfilled our mission through the years and continue to share the Chesapeake story with new audiences.”

Located on Navy Point along the Miles River in historic St. Michaels, CBMM officially opened its doors on May 22, 1965, as a project of the Historical Society of Talbot County amid a still-bustling complex of workboats, docks, and seafood packing houses.

Over the past six decades, CBMM has blossomed into a world-class maritime museum and vital community partner serving more than 80,000 guests per year on its 18-acre campus in fulfillment of its mission to preserve and explore the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and make this resource accessible to all.

Today, CBMM is the only museum devoted to interpreting the entire maritime region of the Chesapeake, sharing the stories of Chesapeake people across time through historic structures, purpose-built exhibition buildings, a floating fleet of traditional vessels, and a working Shipyard.

CBMM will share the journey through its video series highlighting key themes across the 60 years. The initial installment, available now, delves into CBMM’s collections and how it cares for more than 90,000 artifacts while spotlighting the storytelling about the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse through the eyes of the family of former assistant keeper Harold Messick.

Future chapters will celebrate 60 years of education, exploration, preservation, tradition, and community building. The monthly features will highlight CBMM’s historical archives and introduce community members to share their stories.

“It’s great to reflect on our progress in collecting and interpreting the culture of this place while some of our original supporters are still with us,” CBMM’s Chief Historian Pete Lesher said. “The museum itself, the number of lives we touch, and the tourism economy that we anchor have grown beyond anything they could have imagined 60 years ago.”

CBMM members become a part of the Chesapeake story, joining CBMM’s mission as stewards of the region’s rich cultural heritage. To discover all the terrific benefits of membership and join today, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or [email protected].

To learn more about CBMM’s 60th anniversary celebration, visit cbmm.org/60thAnniversary.