Almost exactly four years ago, virtually every segment of American life was placed on indefinite hold as our nation and the world fell into a public health crisis.  As we navigated those uncertain times, our government leaders repeated the following phrases:

Trust the science. Listen to the experts.

Indeed, following that advice is surely a sensible way to approach any situation, certainly one for which data is still being collected and analyzed. However, you don’t always get the best results if you only subscribe to one statement and not the other. 

The Maryland General Assembly is facing one of those very situations as it considers the fate of Senate Bill 546 and its House version, House Bill 655. Currently, any tidal waterfront landowner looking to stabilize their shoreline, protecting their investment in their property, must either construct a living shoreline or qualify for a waiver from the government.  To put it bluntly, that waiver process completely ignores the practicalities associated with private residential properties, most notably the cost.  

In most cases, living shoreline construction is significantly more expensive, both up front and over the long-term, than structural alternatives like bulkheads and revetments.  For now at least, homeowners that have structures in need of being replaced may do so with the same measures.  SB 546 and HB 655 will largely remove that possibility for applicants, and it will greatly alter licensed marine contractors’ ability to go do the very work the State is asking its residents to fund.

It must be said that the Maryland Marine Contractors Association (M.M.C.A.) is supportive of living shorelines. In most cases, they are the most environmentally sustainable way to counter the effects of shoreline erosion while also protecting local marine habitat.  As a practical matter, living shoreline projects tend to be more financially lucrative for our members than alternatives, because they need to be maintained over time, sometimes substantially modified, re-planted, or even reconstructed. These concerns are exacerbated when site conditions like a high or heavily vegetated bank significantly reduce the chances of success, or make the project cost prohibitive from the start. For projects that often reach six figures, it becomes a sizable gamble the government is asking homeowners to make.

These projects also often equate to a zero-sum game, where one vital natural resource – such as submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) – is disrupted simply for the prospect of new marshland.  For many properties, the secondary aspects of the earthwork needed landward of the shoreline just to make it all work is effectively a second project entirely, sometimes even on par with the cost of the shoreline construction. 

Furthermore, because of the more extensive project footprint associated with living shorelines, we are typically subject to “time of year” restrictions that cut our yearly working days on these projects in half.

The M.M.C.A. is a tireless advocate for the protection and promotion of the marine construction industry in Maryland.  It was our organization that championed the marine contractor licensure legislation back in 2010 with the goal of raising the professional bar within the industry and establishing a mutually beneficial working relationship with Federal, State, and Local regulators.  Our members build more of these living shorelines in the state than anyone, and we are professionally trained to respond when homeowners need a solution for shoreline erosion.  

This legislation would take that responsibility away from the professionals and give it to those who have the best of intentions, but not the training or experiential knowledge to make decisions of that magnitude. Experience has shown that an impractical approach to shoreline restoration will motivate many homeowners to skip the permitting process altogether and turn to uncredentialed contractors for the sake of affordability. Results in those instances are painfully predictable.

The M.M.C.A. fully supports the use of living shorelines to combat erosion in a way that contributes to cleaner and healthier waterways. Unlike the bill sponsors, our members recognize there are instances when they simply are not practical, and we have the professional experience to know the difference. For the sake of Maryland’s homeowners, small business owners and ecologically sensitive bodies of water, our legislative leaders should, once again, trust the science but also listen to the experts.

Brandon Weems
President, Maryland Marine Contractors Association
Easton

I write this history of my family’s escape from the horror of life under the Russians during the early 1940s because I feel deeply that Ukraine under the Russians would be tragic. My story begins when I was a little girl in Latvia.

It must have been a traumatic experience in 1944 for my parents, Janis (John) Zeltins, 38, and Alma Asaris Zeltins, 36, to pack what they could carry and with four children, Zigrida Emilija, 12, Rita Olga, 9, Eriks, 5, and Benita Lidija, 1, in tow, to start a journey with destination unknown from their native country, Latvia.  It is truly said that the fear of the unknown is really great, but in this case, the fear of the known was greater than the fear of the unknown. To fully understand what might seem like a “foolhardy” decision, some background is in order.

At that time, Latvia suffered under communist dictator Stalin’s ruthless domination. Our father, being a Baptist minister, was scrutinized for his activities and reported to the Russian government during their occupation. Many people during this time mysteriously vanished, especially people with influence, such as teachers, clergy, and other community leaders. Some were killed outright but many were deported to Siberia for hard labor. Families were sometimes separated; children were taken from their parents for indoctrination into the Russian dogma. Our family had been on the list to be deported but fortunately we were able to escape this fate.  As a matter of fact, knowing what occupation under the Russian regime was like, one million (half of Latvia’s inhabitants) left the country.  To this day, you can find Latvians in every part of the world as a result of WW II and the Russian occupation.

My family was very fortunate to be able to board a train heading toward Germany. Since we were not Jews, Germany was relatively safe for us, although trains were a risky form of transportation during a war. They were used to transport supplies and troops to the fighting armies, so we were in danger of being bombed by both the Russian and American air forces. When airplanes were detected, the train was stopped, all got off and laid in ditches or fields, in case the train was bombed. If we happened to be near or in a potato field, we’d be assured of dinner. So we continued until we reached Germany. Germany was inundated with refugees from every country bordering Russia. It was a mass exodus. 

We traveled, by whatever means possible, further and further west. At one point, we were put up at a large well-to-do farm that needed farm hands since all the able bodied German men were serving in their army. Now our father had steady work and ample food for the family. Our mother was able to work in the garden as well. We had a small apartment on top of the animal barn. The heat generated by the animals and feather down blankets kept us warm. 

The end of the war came suddenly. One day, the American army arrived at the edge of the village, and before entering, they discharged some tank artillery down the street to see if anyone would shoot back. None did! The American troops peacefully occupied the village by slowly passing through the street in their tanks. People cautiously came out of their houses and greeted the Americans. We were happy and finally felt safe.

The hope was that we’d be able to go back home soon. That hope was short-lived. It seemed that Germany was to be divided among the Allies and whatever else was occupied by Russians would become status quo! That meant that Latvia would remain under Russian domination and the area where we were in Germany would become part of the Russian zone. Our journey, once again, had to continue toward the unknown, as far away from the Russians as possible.

This turned into a trek by foot on the German autobahn, dragging our belongings in a small farm wagon, with Benita and Eriks perched atop our “riches”. While our parents pulled the wagon, Rita and Zigrida trailed behind. We shared the autobahn with the American troops as they moved west toward what was to be the American zone of Germany. So, if we were going in the same direction as the Americans, we should end up in the same place. When the American troops saw the sight of us walking, some of them generously threw some oranges and chocolate bars to us. I remember that sometimes we also got rides in American army trucks or jeeps. So we continued until we arrived in Hanau, a city near Frankfurt, which was definitely in the American zone of Germany. So we sighed a sigh of relief that we had arrived at a safe place. 

Housing for displaced people in Germany was the next step in our lives, and from there my family was fortunate to be welcomed into a small town in Pennsylvania where my parents found work and eventually were able to send my sisters, brother and me to college.  How different our lives were in America than had we lived under communist rule.

As I think about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, I am reminded of the reason my parents chose to endure a very risky journey to the unknown in order to escape Communism.  Should Ukraine fall to the Russians will Latvia again in the future suffer its cruel repression?  What about Poland and other neighboring countries?  The Ukrainians are fighting valiantly to remain free of the evil Russian control.  The United States must fund its effort.

Rita Zeltins Heacock
Easton

Please share with your readers that the Colonel Tench Tilghman Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will meet on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Chester River Yacht & Country Club in Chestertown, Maryland. Anyone interested in joining should email Warren Tewes at [email protected] by February 28, 2024.

We’ll also talk about the Children of the American Revolution’s 2024 project, “Play It Loud,” which uses music therapy to help veterans.

Wes Hagood, Publicity Director
Colonel Tench Tilghman Chapter of the SAR

The year 2023 marked a post-covid new beginning for CBEC. With its focus on ‘hands-on, feet-wet’ educational and recreational experiences on and near the Chesapeake Bay, CBEC hosted over 30,000 visitors, including over 4,500 students, teachers, college interns, and adult learners. As one science teacher commented, “CBEC offered a perspective most students had never experienced. It’s a very special place.”

 With over 500 acres of wetlands, natural shoreline, lowland forest, and meadows, CBEC has become a popular spot for area – even international – visitors to explore and engage in environmental education, hands-on restoration, and just-plain enjoying the beauty and bounty that is the Chesapeake Bay. “It’s all about connections,” commented Executive Director, Vicki Paulas. “This reflects our recent efforts to engage our visitors to develop a higher sense of the value and importance of the conservation of the Bay.”

 One of the best examples of CBEC’s success in this area is the fact that over 100 volunteers contributed in excess of 10,000 volunteer hours in 2023. As Executive Director Paulas noted, “With almost 500 species of flora and fauna, including over 250 identified species of birds – making it the #1 birding location in Queen Anne’s County – CBEC’s 5 miles of hiking trails, boardwalks, and easy access to the Bay by kayak, our location has become a premier spot for visitors to come and enjoy nature.”

 In conjunction with the University of Maryland, CBEC has hosted a number of undergraduate and graduate students who are studying wetland ecosystems. According to Andrew Baldwin, professor of Environmental Science & Technology at Maryland, “CBEC has played a key role in enabling my students to carry out immersive, hands-on field research exercises on the soil, vegetation, and hydrology of the tidal marshes at the Center.”

As CBEC reflects on the events of 2023, the Center remains dedicated to its mission of environmental conservation, education, and community engagement. The successes of the past year have set a solid foundation for continued growth and impact. By fostering a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, CBEC is poised to play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable and harmonious future for the region.

The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization that depends on membership, contributions, gifts, and grants to operate in a viable and sustainable manner. Donation and membership information can be found at www.bayrestoration.org   

Matt LaMotte
Easton

Ten years ago, I was discussing strategies for marketing events with another business owner, and she said,”Our biggest competition is people’s couches.” This struck me as true back then, but more so now. The convenience of online shopping from the comfort of your couch is tempting. Streaming services offer easy entertainment. As an artist, I understand enjoying leisure time at home and creative hobbies that keep you busy. But as a business person, I need to encourage everyone to consider that when you consider shopping, it is better to leave the house!  Have you considered  the impact that effort  has on your community? Let’s dive into why getting off that couch and hitting up local businesses matter!

Boosting the Local Economy:

Small businesses are truly job creating dynamos. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses create two out of every three new jobs in the United States. So, by supporting your local mom-and-pop shops, you’re supporting job creation in your community.

And here’s a mind-blowing stat: for every buck you spend at a local business, a whopping 67 cents stays in the local economy! Compare that to chain stores where only 43 cents sticks around. Your money packs a bigger punch when you keep it local, helping your community thrive and keeping the economic mojo alive.

Local businesses are the heart and soul of our community. Each small business brings character and diversity. Vibrant downtowns fueled by the creativity of business owners contribute to the mosaic of our community and fights  the dull sameness of big box stores. Small businesses are alive and provide energy and customer service that cannot be replicated online.

Building Community Vibes:

Shopping locally isn’t just about consuming products; it’s about people. An active downtown helps us maintain relationships with the people who share the world around us. When you choose local, you’re not just buying a product; you’re building relationships. You get to know the faces behind the counter, folks shopping around town, and learn about upcoming events and initiatives.  There’s an eco-friendly result as shopping at small businesses often mean shorter trips for products, and that equals a smaller carbon footprint. Plus, they’re more likely to source locally, sharing the fiscal benefits with other business members of the community.

Why Art Matters:

Art galleries and art events play an important role in our society; holding social, culture, economic innovation to our downtown. Galleries draw visitors which generates jobs and stimulates local economies through consumer spending and tourism. Advertising, graphic arts and supporting local arts initiatives are all part of the industry.

Get off the Couch:

This holiday season, go downtown and enjoy the holiday markets, pictures with Santa, and horse drawn carriage rides. Peruse local businesses to find something that is “just right.” Consider gift certificates for services and classes. And bump into the neighbor you haven’t seen in a while. Cheer for your friends and family in the local parade. Share a hot chocolate and walk around town to soak up the festive decorations. We have the idyllic small town of Easton right outside of our doors, step outside and enjoy the wonders of this season in our community in real time.

Jennifer Wagner
Talbot County

Congratulations, Maryland! We now hold the title for longest ER wait times in the U.S.! Whoo-hoo!

When are the State, Talbot County and its towns going to put the new Maryland University Regional Hospital Center at the top of their priority list?

Attention to this essential infrastructure is long overdue.

We’ve reached a critical point regarding our lack of health care and health care professionals — and now hold the title of having the longest ER wait times in the nation. Sadly, and unfortunately, no surprise to many in our community. And having listened to testimony at many County Council and Town of Easton Planning Commission and Council meetings regarding the Matthewstown, Lakeside, Poplar Hill, MHC and other land developments during the past few years, the breaking-point strain on our current health care providers and community is obvious, unbearable — for our first responder medical and emergency professionals, in particular.

When are our Talbot County Council and the mayors and town councils of Easton, St. Michaels, Oxford, Trappe, etc. going to emphasize and take action on these critical community services? When are they going to consolidate their efforts to address our health care needs?

When are Governor Moore, Congressman Andy Harris, Senator Chris Van Hollen, and Senator Ben Cardin going to make this a front-and-center issue?

https://news.yahoo.com/maryland-hospital-emergency-room-wait-160051413.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall

https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2023-10-31/maryland-er-wait-times-continue-to-disappoint-in-new-data-drop

https://hscrc.maryland.gov/Documents/October%202023%20HSCRC%20Post-Meeting%20Materials%20-%20FINAL.pdf

Clara Kelly
Easton

I am writing in response to David Reel’s opinion piece in the September 25th Spy.  I understand that appropriately the Spy leaves the content of the writer’s byline to the writer. It would be helpful if David Reel would not be so shy about his Republican Party bona fides as the past Chairman of the Talbot County Republican Central Committee.

This OpEd is characteristic of what I call the post 2016 American Enterprise sandwich.  The American Enterprise Institute is the longtime conservative redoubt that has employed the likes of Newt Gingrich and Dinesh D’Souza. 

In off year elections, the party not in the White House characteristically does very, very well.  In 2016, the Republican Party let their extreme Donald Trump flag fly with disappointing results including the continuing speaker of the house fiasco and legislative stalemate because of the Republican Party’s slimmest of majorities. 

The American Enterprise sandwich is a way for the conservative fringe to further itself with the veneer of non-combative moderation.  The sandwich opens with a seemingly nonpartisan theme, in this case challenges and opportunities for Democrats and Republicans in addressing the African American electorate.  

The meat follows with opinion and statistics which are negative for the Democratic Party. The final section contains platitudes about listening to the electorate.

Any piece dealing with how the Republican Party relates to the African American electorate that does not include the nationwide voter suppression efforts targeting that community cannot be taken seriously.

In the case of David Reel’s OpEd, it is not only in the style of the American Enterprise sandwich, but all the opinion is from American Enterprise staff and all the data is from American Enterprise surveys.

Be on the look out for this type of opinion piece and remember that Donald Trump is overwhelmingly favored to be the presidential candidate for the Republican Party in 2024.  Donald Trump is an existential threat to our democracy and any attempts to distract from that reality should be ignored.

Holly Wright
Talbot County

Watching the Baltimore Orioles play in the 1960s and 1970s was a pure athletic delight. One person stood out despite the presence of other stars.

Brooks Robinson, who died yesterday at 86, played third base like no other. Though slow afoot, he displayed incredible agility and reflexes that enabled him to scoop up ground balls and throw runners out in incomparable fashion.

His unparalleled magnificence filled Memorial Stadium with shrieks of glee and gasps of disbelief. His universal acclaim constantly drew modest “aw shucks”reactions from the Little Rock, Ark. native.

Surrounded by Orioles stars like Frank Robinson, Jim Palmer and Dave McNally, “Brooksie,” as he was affectionately called, provided spectators with their own highlight reels. Could anyone else perform the miracles he did at third base?

No. He was an All-Star for 18 years and first-round entry in the baseball Hall of Fame.

Like the Baltimore Colts’ great quarterback, Johnny Unitas, Robinson became a beloved figure in his adopted city of Baltimore. Both were friendly and approachable.

Today’s version of Major League Baseball lacks a genuine player and gentleman like Brooks Robinson. His fielding acrobatics had few peers.

Howard Freedlander
Annapolis
…