Kent Association of Riding Therapy (KART) has provided therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities since 1984. Over 200 participants benefit from the program evidenced in physical, cognitive, and social improvements.

To support this program, KART is hosting its annual fundraiser Chestertown Challenge Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, starting at 9 a.m. in Wilmer Park.  Advanced registration is $50 for the Half Marathon and $25 for the 5K Run/Walk.  Race day registration is available.  Visit https://runsignup.com/chestertownchallenge or www.kentridingtherapy.org to register or become a sponsor. Tech shirts, awards, and medals will be presented after the race. Packet pickup and race day registration will be available at 8 a.m.

“This fundraiser will not only raise awareness but will also generate funding necessary to support the organization providing an invaluable service to the community members living with a disability: PATH certified therapeutic riding instructors, horse care and equipment, special lifts and ramps for those in wheelchairs, helmets, harnesses, and safety gear for all riders. KART relies on fundraising events like this and generous contributions from our community to support programs for the special needs community,” said Marti Hawkins, KART President. 

The Half Marathon is the perfect training run for those planning to participate in a full marathon later this fall. The 5K Run/Walk are always popular races.  The event starts and finishes at Wilmer Park and will be run entirely on police-controlled, paved country roads with mile markers and directional arrows.  Water stops will be located throughout the course and at the start/finish.  Refreshments will be provided at the finish line.  Both courses are USA Track and Field certified.

KART has been able to expand their programs, thanks to the generous donations from the community, to include participants from Kent Center, Horizons, Heron Point, and Camp Fairlee.

For more information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities and have your logo or name on the race tech shirts, please contact Renee Bench at [email protected].  If you can’t make this event but would like to show your support, register as a Silent Hero to support the cause or visit the KART website and click the DONATE button.

 

The Roberta B. Holt Scholarship Fund at Mid-Shore Community Foundation (MSCF) celebrated its 10^th anniversary this year by awarding $560,000 in scholarships to deserving Caroline County students. Over the last 10 years, the fund has awarded $2.8 million. The story behind the fund is about a successful woman from Caroline County who wanted her assets to be used toward bettering her fellow man – specifically supporting the educational endeavors of students in need of financial support to achieve their goals.

Roberta “Bobbie” Baxter Holt was a native of Federalsburg. She graduated from Federalsburg High School and then received her bachelor’s degree in sociology at the University of Delaware, a master’s degree in social work at the University of Minnesota, and a doctorate in social work from the Catholic University of America. She was a research associate in the Laboratory of Brain Evolution and Behavior at the National Institutes of Mental Health and had a long successful career as a psychotherapist with a family-oriented practice in Chevy Chase, Maryland. She also served on the faculty of Georgetown University in what is now the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family. She lived in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

“She remained connected to her Federalsburg roots. She exemplified her personal philosophy of doing something productive every day to further yourself or humankind. She was determined to use her success and the assets of her estate to encourage others to do the same. Her brother, Haines Holt, established this extraordinary scholarship program to fulfill her commitment to education,” comments Buck Duncan, President of MSCF.

Education was something Bobbie valued.  Haines states, “As the executor of her estate, I knew she wanted the funds to help people in Caroline County further their education.”

Although Bobbie never had children of her own, she influenced many children, including the life of one of her closest friends who shared her memories of Bobbie, stating, “She came from a small provincial town, went far, and yet remained humble . . . She was a supportive friend to young people. My daughter asked, ‘Did she have a glimmer of the impact she had on people?’”

Bobbie was exposed to the needs of the Caroline County community while working as a volunteer toward the end of her life with the Caroline County Department of Social Services. In setting up the scholarship fund at MSCF in honor of his sister, Haines engaged friends Clay Railey from Chesapeake College and Dale Brown, a principal in Caroline County, to help him find students who needed educational support. During the early years when the scholarship was awarded, students received funding toward one year of their college programs. Since then, students receive support for all four years if they are attending a four-year college. An additional change since the scholarship’s early days is that it supports students attending trade schools and provides scholarships for non-traditional students furthering their education.

“Trade schools and adults returning to get their education are growing numbers in the scholarships we award,” Haines adds.

“I know a lot of people think about the legacy they want to leave in their communities. Bobbie certainly did — this fund is changing lives generationally,” he concludes.

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties.  In FY23, MSCF awarded 221 scholarships, totaling $1.7 Million. The majority of the Foundation’s scholarships, including the Roberta B. Holt Scholarship, are awarded through a Pooled Scholarship Application – students complete one online application and the Foundation matches them to all scholarships for which they meet eligibility.  The 2023/24 Pooled Scholarship Application will open on December 1, 2023.  To apply visit www.mscf.org.

Sudlersville Park, is set to undergo a transformative renovation starting Monday, August 21. The basketball and tennis courts will be closed until further notice as the park undergoes an exciting revitalization to enhance the sports offerings and facilities available to the community.

The renovation plans include converting the existing basketball courts into a combination of one futsal court and one basketball court. This innovative approach is set to cater to a broader range of sports enthusiasts, providing them with new and exciting opportunities for physical activity and enjoyment.

In response to the growing popularity of pickleball, the park will be expanding its offerings to include two new pickleball courts. The existing two tennis courts will be transformed into one tennis court and two dedicated pickleball courts, allowing players to engage in this rapidly growing and highly engaging sport.

The renovation project doesn’t stop at the new pickleball and futsal courts. The remaining basketball court and tennis court will also receive updates to ensure a top-tier recreational experience for all park visitors.

A highlight of the revitalization effort is the introduction of the first futsal court in Queen Anne’s County. Complete with lighting, fencing, and goals, this court will provide a dedicated space for futsal enthusiasts to partake in this exciting soccer-based sport played on a hard court surface reminiscent of a basketball court.

Sudlersville Park spans over 36.5 acres and is located at 200 East Main Street in Sudlersville. Along with the enhanced sports facilities, the park features multipurpose fields for soccer and lacrosse, baseball/softball diamonds, horseshoe pits, and volleyball courts. Patrons can also enjoy the park’s amenities, including a one-mile paved walking trail, a playground, a picnic area equipped with grills, and a reservable pavilion for special occasions.

For more information about the renovations, schedule updates, or general inquiries, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 410-758-0835. We appre

The Mid Shore Departments of Social Services recently sponsored a trip to a Shorebirds game in Salisbury in appreciation of foster and adoptive parents on the Mid-Shore. Families were provided with a parking pass, tickets to general seating and each person received $20 in “Bird Bucks” for food, drinks, games and souvenirs.

“Our families love this tradition of going to a Shorebirds game in the summer. This is just one of the many ways we thank our families each year for the work they do for our children in foster care,” comments Paris Quillet, Special Projects Coordinator for the Talbot County Department of Social Services.

For further information on becoming a foster or adoptive parent, call the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-820-7371 or visit midshoreresourceparents.com

The annual “QAC Goes Purple” campaign is set to return this September, with an impactful kick-off event scheduled for Saturday, September 9, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm in front of the historic courthouse in Centreville. (Rain date- September 16) This event marks the beginning of a month-long opioid awareness initiative aimed at educating and mobilizing the community against substance abuse.

The Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff and the Queen Anne’s County Drug-Free Coalition, in collaboration with The Opioid Intervention Team/QAC Department of Health, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, the Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce, and the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners, are proud to present the “QAC Goes Purple” campaign. This joint effort empowers both the youth and the community to stand together in the fight against substance abuse.

Event Highlights:

Attendees can look forward to giveaways, valuable resources, and entertainment provided by Kent Island High School Cheerleaders, Student bands Bile Slide and Soundproof, “High on Life” student Drug Prevention Program and music by Live Fire, the renowned US Army Rock Band.

The event aims to foster awareness and understanding about opioid misuse, providing an opportunity for community members to connect and learn. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

Community Engagement Opportunities: There are numerous ways for individuals to actively participate and promote awareness within the community:

Display a FREE car adhesive to show support for the campaign.
Illuminate homes or businesses with purple lights throughout the month of September.
Decorate doors with purple accents, showcasing commitment to the cause.
Share photos of decorated houses or businesses with the Chamber of Commerce.
Showcase support by wearing “QAC Goes Purple” gear, available through the Chamber of Commerce—t-shirts, wristbands, book bags, and purple lights, among other items.
Initiate conversations with children about the risks associated with misusing prescription painkillers.
Educate children about the Good Samaritan Law and its significance.
Obtain Narcan training, equipping individuals to respond effectively in case of opioid-related emergencies.
Join the Movement: “QAC Goes Purple” signifies a collaborative effort that transcends organizational boundaries and unites the community against substance abuse. By participating in this initiative, individuals can make a meaningful impact and contribute to a safer, more informed community.

Get Involved: Stay updated and engage with “QAC Goes Purple” on social media by following @QACGoesPurple or visit the official website at www.QACGoesPurple.org for more information and to find out how you can get involved.

Queen Anne’s County is reaching out to its residents and stakeholders to gather essential feedback for the development of the Queen Anne’s County Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan. This plan aims to improve the pedestrian and bicycle network throughout the county, making it safer, more accessible, and enjoyable for all residents and visitors.

The county invites all community members to actively participate by providing their valuable input through an interactive map and survey, accessible at Public Coordinate – a public engagement platform | Kimley-Horn 

The survey consists of 17 questions, designed to gain insights into how residents currently rely on bicycles and walking for transportation and recreation. It seeks to identify opportunities for enhancing the pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to promote active and sustainable modes of transportation.

How to Provide Feedback:

1. Survey: To complete the survey form, simply click the orange “Take Survey” button located on the right side of the page. Your responses will aid in understanding community preferences and needs regarding the pedestrian and bicycle network.
2. Interactive Map: Share your thoughts on the design by clicking “Add Comment” and selecting the relevant comment category from the options provided. You can then place comments on specific locations on the map, suggesting improvements or highlighting areas that require attention. Your feedback will play a pivotal role in shaping the Master Plan.
3. There is also a survey that requires less bandwidth here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QAC_ped_bike_plan for those having trouble accessing the mapping feature.

The interactive feedback map and survey form will be accessible until September 29, 2023. We encourage all residents, commuters, and visitors to actively participate and contribute to the betterment of the Queen Anne’s County pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.

Queen Anne’s County officials emphasize that public engagement is critical in shaping a comprehensive and inclusive Master Plan. By participating in this effort, residents and stakeholders can actively influence the future of the county’s pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.

About the Queen Anne’s County Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan:

The Queen Anne’s County Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan is a strategic initiative that aims to foster a safe, connected, and accessible pedestrian and bicycle network. This plan will lay the foundation for future projects and funding opportunities to enhance active transportation options in the county. For more information contact the Department of Parks and Recreation 410-758-0835

 

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will host its annual Charity Boat Auction on Saturday, Sept. 2, inviting guests to its waterfront campus to bid on donated vessels of all shapes and sizes in support of its mission.

Starting at 11am, dozens of boats and watercraft, ranging in size and performance from cabin cruisers to sailing dinghies and everything in between, will be auctioned off to the highest bidders with no minimums or reserves. The gates open at 8am for this rain-or-shine event.

“We look forward to this weekend every year,” said CBMM’s Charity Boat Donation Program Director Wes Williams. “We have a wide variety of boats ready to be sold via absolute auction, and we’re excited to be able to set up our buyers with great deals on these vessels.”

The Charity Boat Auction is the flagship event of CBMM’s Charity Boat Donation Program, which accepts and sells gently used boats year-round.

This program makes offering tax-deductible donations simple and straightforward and streamlines the sales process with competitive pricing on quality vessels. Every sale directly supports CBMM’s mission of preserving the history, environment, and culture of the Chesapeake Bay region and making this resource available to all.

In addition to the Charity Boat Auction, the festivities include a flea market-style tag sale, beginning at 8am, that features a variety of used boating gear, including ground tackle, electrical equipment, hardware, rope, chain, oars, life jackets, motors, and more. Food and beverages, including BBQ and beer, will be available for purchase starting at 10:30am.

Prospective buyers have several different ways to check out the inventory, starting with a preview exclusively for CBMM members on the evening Thursday, Aug. 31.

The auction boats will be listed online and available for public view at CBMM on Friday, Sept. 1, from 10am–6pm. Regular admission rates will apply until 3pm that day, and gates will open for free from 3–6pm. On auction day, guests can check out the vessels during the three hours before the bidding begins at 11am.

CBMM members and children ages 5 and under receive free admission into the Charity Boat Auction. Otherwise, general admission is $5 per person until 11am, with a $5 paddle fee for registered bidders. After 11am, regular two-day admission rates apply.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs are prohibited during CBMM festivals and special events, including the Charity Boat Auction.

For the official rules, auction details, and inventory updates, visit cbmm.org/CharityBoatAuction, or contact the CBMM Charity Boat Donation team at [email protected] or 410-745-4992.

Queen Anne’s County is thrilled to announce the reopening of the front nine holes at Blue Heron Golf Course on July 27, 2023. After months of renovations, golf enthusiasts can now experience an enhanced and revitalized golfing experience at this public course.

The major highlight of the renovation project was the replacement of the greens with state-of-the-art USGA Spec. greens. Moreover, the new greens have been enlarged to twice the original size, ensuring better playability and enhanced drainage, particularly under the summer heat and humidity. These improvements are expected to elevate the overall golfing experience for players of all skill levels.

As part of the renovation initiative, some of the tee boxes have been strategically relocated and leveled, adding a fresh perspective to the course layout and creating exciting new challenges for golfers.

The front nine hole of Blue Heron Golf Course had been temporarily closed for renovations since March 1, 2023, to execute these upgrades. The County recognizes the significance of this historic course, which originally opened as a 9-hole course in 1959 and was later expanded to an 18-hole par 63 course in 2002. Alongside the golfing facilities, the course also features a driving range and pro shop.

Blue Heron Golf Course operates on a convenient first come, first serve basis and does not require tee time reservations. For further details about the course, including pricing information, please visit the official website at blueherongolf.org.

The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners are actively seeking individuals to fill a vacancy on the Animal Control Commission. The Animal Control Commission plays a crucial role in advising the County Commissioners and Department of Animal Services on matters related to animal control and services. The deadline for applications is set for August 11, 2023, at noon.

The Animal Control Commission is responsible for conducting public hearings on complaints or charges of Code violations by citizens. Additionally, the Animal Control Commission has the authority to conduct hearings to determine whether an animal should be deemed a vicious or dangerous animal under the provisions of this chapter.

The Animal Control Commission holds regular meetings on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 10:00 AM. Additionally, the Commission may convene on an emergency basis as required.

For individuals interested in serving on the Animal Control Commission, the application process is accessible online at https://onboard.qac.org/. Alternatively, applicants may navigate to the official county website at qac.org and search for the specific Board or Commission to find the relevant application page.

To be considered for the vacancies, interested candidates are requested to submit their resume and a detailed letter of interest through the online application software.

The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners encourage qualified individuals with a passion for animal welfare and community service to apply for this important position on the Animal Control Commission.