Hurricane Earl Precautions

The Coast Guard operating within the Chesapeake Bay is warning boat owners of a potentially significant storm surge as the results of Hurricane Earl.  Owners are urged to double all lines.  In addition, boat owners are requested to secure all lifejackets since the Coast Guard is required to treat all found lifejackets as a  search and rescue case.

Kent County Library Board Members Recruitment

Kent County Public Library Board President Jack Stenger, President, Kent County Public Library announced that the Kent County Public Library is seeking potential nominees for its Board of Trustees to replace the current Trustees effective January 1, 2010.

By Maryland Law, the Board of Trustees consists of seven members appointed by the county governing body (the Kent County Commissioners) from nominees submitted by the Library Board of Trustees. Members are chosen on the basis of character, ability, and demonstrated interest in library matters. Members of the board must be representative of the area the library serves and residents of Kent County.

Trustees are appointed for an initial term of five years.“We are seeking interested Kent County residents to take the reins beginning in January”said Board President, Jack Stenger, “and we are beginning our search immediately in order to provide the Commissioners with a list from which to choose.” Those interested are asked to complete a prospective trustee profile which is available on the Library’s website.The profile must be submitted by October 1, 2010.

Comptroller Releases Annual Revenue Report

Maryland pulled in less revenue than almost any time in four decades — but outperformed its bleak financial forecast, state Comptroller Peter Franchot reported this morning.

The state’s revenue collections, which include sales and property taxes and various fees, amounted to $12.6 billion in the fiscal year that ended June 30, representing a year-over-year decline of 3.7 percent, Franchot said.

But because financial analysts had predicted an even more dramatic decline, the state actually ended the year with $183.7 million more than projected. The state ended the year with a fund balance of $344 million (the unexpected money plus planned transfers), which, by law, goes into the state’s rainy day fund.

Franchot summarized the report this morning at the Board of Public Works, a three-member panel of Democrats that also includes Gov. Martin O’Malley and Treasurer Nancy Kopp.

It was a striking contrast from last year, when lower-than-anticipated revenues prompted the board to slash spending to bring the state budget into balance.

Chestertown Film has Outdoor Screening Saturday Evening

On September 4, there will be a special outdoor showing of the 1998  film, Chestertown, Maryland: An American Home Town for more than 350 Years, at 7:30 PM at Fountain Park in downtown Chestertown.  The film, based on the 1940 film showing life in Chestertown just before World War II and the 1990s, will be preceded by a concert of 1940s swing music by Sam Scalzo’s jazz band. There will be no charge for the evening events. There will also be a raffle to benefit the Kent County Arts Council, and the Historical Society of Kent County will include copies of the new DVD of the film and other treasures.

Ehrlich Tailors Appeal to Montgomery Voters

In an appeal to Montgomery County residents Tuesday, former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) pointed to two tax measures passed by the Democrat-led General Assembly that he said were “the worst” for the jurisdiction: the “tech tax” and the “millionaires’ tax.”

The “tech tax” — a levy on computer services — was among those adopted during a special session in 2007 called by Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) to help balance the state budget. After an outcry from the industry, it was repealed in 2008 before taking effect.

The “millionaires’ tax” — a three-year surcharge on the state’s high-ended earners — was adopted in 2008, largely to offset some of the revenue lost by repealing the computer services tax.

“That hurt this county more than any other because of your flight of wealth,” Ehrlich said at a roundtable campaign event in his Montgomery County headquarters on Rockville Pike.

For the full story, go to:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2010/09/ehrlich_tailors_appeal_to_mong.html

Chester River Association Grant Award Ceremony Today

Rep. Frank Kratovil will join representatives from the USDA and EPA today, September 1st, in awarding a grant to the Chester River Association to help bolster conservation practices in the Chester River Watershed.

The Shellman Farm in Millington, MD will be the site of the award ceremony; the farm consists of fields of corn, wheat and soybean crops and has participated in multiple Federal cost sharing programs to implement conservation practices that protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.  The location demonstrates the type of innovative work that the Chester River Association (CRA) will be doing to reduce nitrogen loads from cropland to the Chesapeake Bay.

There is a short ride down the farm lane to parking, then a short walk to the tent area. A gator will be at the parking area for people who need assistance. The tent will be situated on a slight hill overlooking a pond, with corn and soybean fields, and grassed waterways behind. The tent will have a stage and podium for the speakers, and PA system.

The Award ceremony will be followed by a hay-wagon guided tour of the farm’s conservation practices in use.

Who: Rep. Frank Kratovil,

Jon Hall, State Conservationist, USDA Natural Resources

Ann Mills, USDA Deputy Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment

Robert Parks, Executive Director, Chester River Association (CRA)Invited

Earl F. “Buddy” Hance, Secretary, Maryland Department of Agriculture

What: USDA EPA Conservation Grant Announcement

Where: Shellman Farm

10635 Cherry Lane (farm entrance and parking are across the street)

Millington, MD 21651

When: 10AM – 11:45AM

Kevin W. Lawlor

Communications Director

Congressman Frank Kratovil, MD’s 1st Congressional District

(202) 225-5311 (o)

(202) 579-7298 (c)

Fed Funds to Rehab Three Eastern Shore Airports

Today, Rep. Frank Kratovil announced $566,718 in federal funding to help assist in the rehabilitation of three airports in Maryland’s First Congressional District.  The funds will improve the safety and efficiency of local airports in Stevensville, Crisfield and Cambridge, MD.

“Here on the Eastern Shore we have unique transportation needs given our geography,” said Rep. Frank Kratovil.  “These funds will help airports improve both safety and efficiency, while improving local infrastructure to promote and support economic growth.”

$120,000.00 will be provided for phase II of runway obstruction clearance at Crisfield Municipal Airport, Crisfield, Maryland, $401,973.00 will be provided to rehabilitate and remark runways at Bay Bridge Airport, Stevensville, MD, and $44, 745 will be used for runway extensions at Cambridge-Dorchester Airport, Cambridge, MD.

Absentee Ballot Deadline September 7

To apply for an absentee ballot for the September 14 primary, you must get your request in by September 7. Absentee ballots can be requested by mail, fax or email. Requests can be printed from the State Board of Elections website at  http://www.elections.state.md.us, or requested by telephone, in writing, or in person at the voter’s local board of elections. After September 7, all requests for an absentee ballot must be made in person at a local board of elections.

Starting the second Friday before the election (Sept. 3) through the Thursday before the election (Sept. 9), voters can vote in person at the designated early voting center or centers in their county of residence. Early voting locations and hours and additional election-related information and dates are available at http://www.elections.state.md.us. For more information, contact the State Board of Elections at 1-800-222-VOTE (8683).

Plan Ahead for Hurricanes

The current projected path of Hurricane Earl has the National Weather Service concerned that even if it doesn’t make landfall here on our coast, the winds and storm surge could be significant from Hatteras to Cape Cod. The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) reminds mariners to make plans to protect their boats from hurricanes and tropical storms.

Planning is the key to minimizing injury and loss of life. Boaters should make plans well in advance of the storm so that docking, mooring or hauling out their boat can be performed quickly and without delay. When deciding on storm preparation plans, mariners should consider size, type of boat and location.  Current locations may not offer protection from high winds or tides.  Boaters should consider the following when making arrangements for their boats.

1.      Remove valuable equipment from the boat to protect it from damage.

2.      Consider removing the boat from the water to reduce damage from storm surge. Boats on land should be properly stored or tied down to prevent being damaged by winds. Small open boats can be filled with water to lessen the effect of the wind.

3.      Boats that remain in the water should be moored in safe areas or berths. Lines should be doubled and high on pilings. Remember storm surges can cause tides over the pilings. Install fenders to protect boats from pilings, piers or other vessels.

4.      Ensure that bilge pumps work properly and that the batteries that run them are fully charged. Seal all openings to make the vessel watertight.

5.      Collect all documents, including insurance policies. Take photographs of the boat and equipment for insurance

6.      Do not stay aboard boats during storms. Safeguard human life.

NRP reminds boaters that advance planning can save property and lives. These actions should take place at least 48 to 72 hours prior to the storm to accommodate unforeseen problems. During the storm, people should stay away from waterways and reside in safe shelters. Remember, storm conditions may delay or prevent response from emergency personnel.

Downrigging Weekend Call for Volunteers

Sultana Projects’ “Downrigging Weekend” is fast approaching.   This beloved annual event draws a fleet of tall ships and schooners – as well as thousands of people – to Chestertown each fall for a weekend of sailing, concerts, art, film, lectures and more.   For 2010 Downrigging Weekend is scheduled for October 28-31.

Downrigging Weekend is only a success because of the enormous level of volunteer involvement we are fortunate to have.  Almost every aspect of Downrigging is overseen or in some way aided by volunteers.

If you would like to help out for Downrigging Weekend 2010, there are plenty of opportunities.   To learn more, please email your name, email address and phone number to sburritt@sultanaprojects.org.  Once we have your contact information, you will receive emails this fall describing how you can help and get involved.

Volunteers should be reasonably physically fit and be able to work for at least 1/2 day on either Friday, October 29, Saturday, October 30 or Sunday, October 31.

Special Board of Ed Meeting Planned Tonight

There will be a Special Meeting of the Board of Education, Kent County Public Schools on August 30, 2010, 5:30 pm in the Board Conference Room, 215 Washington Avenue, Chestertown. The Board will move immediately to closed session to discuss personnel matters, specifically the Chief Operating Officer Position vacancy.  The Board will also vote for Ratification of the Kent County Public Schools Administration Building bid.

WC Starts Fall Sports Season this Weekend

Four Washington College teams open the fall 2010 season this weekend, with a men’s soccer home night game headlining the action. The volleyball, women’s soccer, and field hockey teams each open on the road.

The volleyball team gets things started Friday afternoon at the Gettysburg Battlefield Classic in Gettysburg, PA.  The Shorewomen will take on three-time defending Capital Athletic Conference Champion Salisbury University, the alma mater of WC head coach Lacey Lister, at 3:00 p.m. in their first match of the year. Then, at 7:00 p.m., the Shorewomen face Messiah College out of the Commonwealth Conference.  Saturday’s matches at the two-day event include the a 10:00 a.m. “brunch special” against Division II Lincoln University, followed by a 12:00 p.m. match the University of Scranton from the Landmark Conference.

Head coach Julika Blankenship takes her women’s soccer team across the Chesapeake Bay Saturday to Goucher College in Towson, MD, for a 12:00 p.m. contest. The Shorewomen defeated the Gophers, another Landmark Conference team, 2-0, last season. That win kicked off a three-game winning streak for the Shorewomen.

Are you ready for some Saturday night soccer? Head coach Drew Hoffman will have his team ready as men’s soccer opens against Penn State-Brandywine, a United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) school, inside Roy Kirby, Jr. Stadium.  Kick-off on Kibler Field is set for 7:00 p.m. and, as always, admission is free. The Shoremen have won three of their last four season openers.

The longest trip of the weekend belongs to the field hockey team, which will head to Massachusetts to challenge Mount Holyoke College Sunday in South Hadley.  Head coach Rachel Boyle’s Shorewomen get their season underway against the Lyons, who compete in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference, at 3:30 p.m.

Artworks Celebrates Clay and Mosaic Next Week

In September Artworks celebrates the beauty of both traditional and contemporary clay and mosaic work represented by several of Artworks’ skilled and talented Clay Studio instructors. Artworks Gallery is located at 306 Park Row in Chestertown, Maryland.

This show features an eclectic selection of functional and decorative pieces demonstrating the diversity and artistic creativity that can be coaxed from mosaics and ceramics. New work from noted local and regional artists will be shown, including Jen Wagner, Susan Stockman, Kay Jones, and Megan Van Wagoner, all of whom will be giving workshops at Artworks Clay Studio in the near future.

In addition, Artworks is pleased to show paintings by international award-winning painter, Lydia Schut. Schut was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and, following completion of medical school there, moved to the U.S. Schut has contributed her abstracts and portraits to many institutions, and has donated several pieces for this show to raise money for Shared Opportunity Services in Chestertown and The Arts at Still Pond Station in Worton where Artworks operates the only public clay studio on the Upper Eastern Shore. The studio hosts classes for adults and children as well as open studio time for independent ceramics work.

The gallery show opens on First Friday, September 3, with a reception from 5-8 p.m. with an informal discussion at 6 p.m. on the inspirations for design. Everyone is also invited to participate in a free drawing for a dish made by local potter Linda Henselman. The gift shop features an array of one-of-a-kind gifts for all ages, with proceeds going to support local art activities for children and adults.

Regular hours for Artworks’ gift shop, office, and gallery are Wednesday through Friday, 12-3 and Saturday, 9-3. For more information on classes, membership, or shows, call 410-778-6300 or visit www.artworkschestertown.org.

Letter to Editor: What We Need for County Commissioners

Editor:

Thanks to the League of Women Voters’ forum on Tuesday night, it’s crystal clear that of the eight candidates for Kent County commissioner, three clearly outclass the others. With experience and institutional memories, they grasp details, understand the broader issues, and can explain them all—in plain English.

Two are Democrats.

In this Age of Austerity, our county’s big problem is how to achieve equitable formulae for channeling state funds back to Kent County, particularly dollars per public school pupil.

We need three county commissioners who can develop a credible case for changes in state funding and have sufficient political persuasiveness and savvy to make the case in Annapolis.

We also need a state senator and three delegates who speak Democrat and who can back our commissioners in pleading Kent’s case to the legislature and administration. If memory is the mother of wisdom, four more years with a tag team of obstreperous, conservative Republican clowns representing us in Annapolis would be a mistake. A big one.

Grenville B. Whitman

WC Men’s Soccer Team Comes to Season with Experience

After fielding extremely young squads each of the past two seasons, the 2010 Washington College men’s soccer team is comprised of a more experienced group ready for the challenge of climbing up the Centennial Conference standings.

This year’s roster features a total of 10 juniors and seniors, up from six last season. More than half of the 2008 team was made up of freshmen, 13 of 24, and 2009′s edition of the Shoremen nearly matched that number with 12 first-year players on a 26-man roster. Six freshmen dot this year’s 26-man roster, a ratio more in line with the norm.  In all, nine players who started at least nine games last season return for 2010, the most returning starters fifth-year head coach Drew Hoffman has been able to call upon thus far during his tenure.

Heading the Shoremen’s list of upperclassmen are captains Chris Phipps (Newark, DE/St. Mark’s) and Danny Wood (Lancaster, PA/Lampeter-Strasburg).  Phipps, a junior goalkeeper, earned team Most Valuable Player and All-Centennial Conference second-team honors in 2009, leading the conference in saves per game (8.06) and making 15 starts in 16 games. Wood, a senior defender, has been a stalwart in the back for the Shoremen since his freshman season, making 40 starts in 42 games, and registering a career-best five shots last year.

Wood is one member of the Shoremen’s four-man senior class.  Midfielder Gavin Rayburn (Bel Air, MD/John Carroll) leads all active Shoremen in career games (49) and career starts (45) and tallied one goal and one assist on 13 shots in 16 starts last season. James Bedrock (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) has split time as both a goalkeeper and field player during his collegiate career and is expected to primarily play midfield and defense this season.  He scored his first collegiate goal last season while playing in a toal of 14 games. Defender Duncan Leech (Silver Run, MD/Winters Mill) played in a career-best seven games in 2009 and was the male winner of Washington College’s Elizabeth “Bo” Blanchard Memorial Sportsmanship Award.

Phipps is joined in the junior class by forwards Michael Vanaskie (Lancaster, PA/Cocalico) and Jordan Haas (Wyomissing, PA/Wilson), defenders Colin Kidwell (Potomac, MD/Winston Churchill) and Cody Abbott (West Chester, PA/Westtown School), and midfielder Nick Anderson(Lincroft, NJ/Middletown South). Vanaskie and Haas each played in all 17 games a year ago with Vanaskie registering one goal, two assists, and six shots while making seven starts and Haas tallying one goal on eight shots while making four starts.  Kidwell played and started in 14 games while recording five shots, while Abbott played in 10 games, double the total from his freshman year.  Anderson, who played in seven games as a freshman in 2008, is returning to the team following a one-year absence.

With ten members, the Shoremen’s sophomore class is by far their largest and, in terms of experience, is not the typical group of sophomores.  Of the eight current  sophomores who got on the field for WC as freshmen last season, seven played in at least 12 games and made at least eight starts.

Midfielder/defender Ryan Duffy (Philadelphia, PA/Chestnut Hill Academy) and midfielder Justin Geho (Westminster, MD/Cardinal Gibbons) were the only two Shoremen to start all 17 games last season. Duffy scored one goal on seven shots as a freshman, while Geho led the team in shots with 26.  Midfielder/defender Tim Marcin (Wilmington, DE/Concord), defender Robert Gavora (Falls Church, VA/Flint Hill School), and forward Matt Sedney (Ridgefield, CT/Ridgefield) each played in all 17 games. Marcin scored two goals, tallied one assist, and registered 17 shots while making 16 starts, Gavora notched three shots and made nine starts, and Sendey scored one goal, recorded one assist, tallied 15 shots, and made eight starts.

Midfielder/defender Brandon George (Baltimore, MD/Calvert Hall) was named the Shoremen’s Most Improved Player as a freshman after scoring one goal on four shots in 15 games, 10 of them starts. George’s college and high school classmate, midfielder/defender Trevor Wittman (Baltimore, MD/Calvert Hall) had one assist and three shots while making 11 starts in 12 games. Goalkeeper Tyler Cabot (Hightstown, NJ/Peddie School) made eight saves in six reserve appearances last season. Defenders Matt Streeter (Huntingtown, MD/Huntingtown), who was sidelined with an injury his entire freshman season, and Bradford Boyer (Lutherville, MD/Boys’ Latin) played club soccer as a freshman last year at Miami (OH) University.

This year’s half-dozen freshmen are heavy on the offense as five of the six first-year students are listed on the roster as forwards or forward/midfielders – Chris Nardo (Middlesex, NJ/Middlesex), Sam Wild (Chalfont, PA/Central Bucks West), Josh Goheen (Bel Air, MD/John Carroll), and twins Trevor Francis (Bel Air, MD/Calvert Hall) and Tyler Francis (Bel Air, MD/Calvert Hall). Sal Melillo (Nutley, NJ/Don Bosco Prep) is the lone freshman defender.

On the sidelines, Hoffman welcomes back second-year assistant coach Brian Schultz and fifth-year assistant Briggs Cunningham. The only Washington College fall-season team to open at home this year, the Shoremen will kick off the 2010 season under the Roy Kirby, Jr. Stadium lights Saturday, September 4th, with a 7:00 p.m. game against Penn-State Brandywine.  The Shoremen’s first road game will be at Eastern Shore rival Salisbury University four days later. Games against the host team and Bridgewater College at the Randolph-Macon Select Tournament, a road game at Catholic, and home games against Goucher, Widener, and Wesley complete the Shoremen’s non-conference schedule.  WC begins Centennial Conference play Saturday, September 18th, with a 3:30 p.m. game at Dickinson.

Community Mediation Upper Shore Helps Resolve All Kinds of Disputes

“We haven’t lived together since April, but he still doesn’t seem to understand.  If he wants to see our son, he has to talk to me beforehand. He can’t just show up whenever.”

“Of course I’m not paying the rent.  He hasn’t fixed the broken electric box.  He keeps saying he will, but he doesn’t.  Let him try and evict me. Once an inspector comes in here, he’ll be the one in trouble.”

“Everyone on our street was nice and quiet until they moved in.  At 3:00 a.m., they’re out front yelling.  I had to hit him to shut him up.”

These are the kinds of stories that start mediations at Community Mediation Upper Shore (CMUS).  Trained by Community Mediation Maryland, CMUS mediators — all volunteers — listen carefully to each participant.  The frustrated father responds that his wife will never agree to a date and time when he can see his son.  The landlord says his renter damaged the electric box.  And the noisy neighbors complain that their neighbors are throwing trash on their front lawn.

Serving Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne’s counties, CMUS provides free mediation services to anyone who is seeking to resolve a dispute, no matter what the origins of the argument may be.  Although about half of CMUS cases are referred by a State’s Attorney’s Office, other cases come by word-of-mouth.

Once both people agree to talk, CMUS staff find a convenient time and place for mediators and participants to meet.  Mediators listen until everyone has finished saying everything on their minds; then they guide participants through a careful process designed to let participants find their own resolution.  Mediators remain impartial; they do not judge or suggest ways the conflict should be resolved.  If participants reach an agreement, mediators write it down and have each participant sign it.

Over 79% of CMUS mediation participants reach an agreement.  In the case of court-ordered mediations, the written agreement is submitted directly to the court and generally forms the basis for the court’s decision. But even without reaching a written agreement, mediation can offer a breakthrough for some.

“Even if they don’t come up with an agreement, they often will turn to you and say: “Wow this is the first time we’ve had a conversation without stomping off or belting each other!” says Penni Doyle, Executive Director of CMUS.

Tucked away in a small office across from the Courthouse in Chestertown, CMUS offers mediation sessions throughout the three- county area.  Local businesses and community centers donate space close to where participants live.  About 45% of mediations take place outside of regular working hours to accommodate participants’ schedules. Mediators, who are required to take a minimum of 50 hours of basic mediation training, can come from all age groups and all walks of life.

“We’ve got some kids in college, who have been trained, through retired people, who have been professionals, to people who have a GED,”  says Doyle.

The service offers mediators personal satisfaction, too.

“It is exhilarating,”  says Doyle, to see you’re helping people make positive change.

Although primarily funded by Maryland Alternative Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO), monetary or in-kind donations are gratefully accepted. Currently, CMUS is looking for donated storage space.

CMUS can be reached at info@cmusmediation.org or by phone 410-810-9188.

Penni W. Doyle, Executive Director

Community Mediation Upper Shore, Inc.

410.810.9188

United Way member; CFC #66901

Roseberry Tapped As Interim Library Director

The Board of Trustees of the Kent County Public Library has appointed Christina Roseberry as Interim Library Administrator effective August 23, 2010. Ms. Roseberry will serve in this capacity until a new executive director takes office.

Christina Roseberry is a graduate of Roanoke College and has lived on the Eastern Shore since 1980. Her mother’s family has its roots in Queen Anne’s County.

Ms. Roseberry has been employed by the Library for thirty years. In March 2009 she was appointed Assistant Director. The Board of Trustees believes that Ms. Roseberry’s knowledge of the Library and its administration well qualifies her to serve as the interim library administrator.

Open Letter from Jack Stenger, President of Kent County Public Library

The Kent County Public Library Board of Trustees is keenly aware of the adverse publicity we have received since late June and the extensive coverage of the Library management and finances. We deeply regret the financial situation we are experiencing. We take responsibility for this and we extend sincere apologies to our patrons and the Kent County Community for our failures.

It is time now for the Library Board to comment directly on the situation and actions it has taken since late June.

All of us who use the Library and its branches know that the Library has considerable strengths on the operational side which serve the community well:

• Chestertown’s refurbished, pleasant facility.

• Strong, dedicated staff.

• Good technology for client services and web usage.

• High usage.

• Community programs.

• Very good marks on service.

These strengths do not offset the problems which face the Library today. The Trustees acknowledge that the Board has been deficient in two extremely important areas over an extended period which have brought us into the current situation:

• Financial oversight

• Internal board processes

We want to share with you the actions we have taken or are undertaking to address the problems.

1. The following corrective actions have been taken at the Board and Library management levels:

• The Library Executive Director’s resignation has been accepted.

• All members of the current Library Board have agreed to present letters of resignation to the Kent County Commissioners, effective December 31, 2010. The delay in replacement of the current Board is intended to allow continuity of operations during an orderly recruitment of new Board members.

2. The following actions have been taken to improve financial controls and decision-making at the Library:

• The Kent County Finance Office has taken over bookkeeping and check-writing functions for the Library. They will also prepare regular financial reports for the Board.

• Future financial reporting will clearly distinguish between restricted grants or capital project

funds and general operating funds. This was the central failure which led to the current crisis.

• A consultant will review the KCPL Board bylaws and general Board processes for adequate management controls.

3. The following actions have been or will be taken to restore current and future financial health to the Library:

• The current year’s budget is being reviewed for areas of immediate potential savings. Near term cost reductions are painful, but necessary. No reduction in full time staff is contemplated at this point, although the Library Executive Director will not be replaced immediately.

• Beyond the current year’s budget, it is clear that the Library operates at a deficit. It has historically and will continue to do so in the future. Additional community support for the Library is urgently needed. The immediate need is as high as $187,000. This sum is necessary to provide on-going budget relief and pay off accumulated obligations. The Board will organize a campaign to increase community support for the Library to a sustainable level.

There has been much conversation about the Library and many would like to know more. To further communicate with the Kent County community, the Board will host a public meeting at the Library on Wednesday, September 1 at 7:00 PM to answer questions.

The Library is part of what makes our community special. It is a resource, a community meeting place, and an institution for all ages and economic levels. The Trustees understand that we have a duty to protect the resources and to provide sound management of the Library. We pledge to do our very best to reestablish trust in the management and future of the Kent County Public Library.

W. Jackson Stenger
President of the KCPL Board

Project Outreach Calls for Talent Auditions

Project Outreach, an educational program available for any community organization working with high school or middle school-aged  youth, is sponsoring “We’ve Got Talent!”  In the time-honored, Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland mold ‘Let’s put on a show!” it’s a fundraiser. Sponsors are looking for musical, improv, dance, magic,or other talent, either solo or group.  Auditions will be helpd Friday September 10 at Kent County Community Center in Worton 4-7p.m.  Celebrity judges include: Tom McHugh, Owen McCoy, Sue Matthews, the Rev. Bobby Brown, Ron Demby, Nancy Dick and Connie Watkins.  Prizes include: cash, an opportunity to perform at your own private party at the Mainstay in Rock Hall, an opportunity to open at Music in the Park, gift cards, and more. Final show will be held at the Mainstay on October 3rd.

You can pick up an application at the Kent County Library in Chestertown or Galena, The Compleat Bookseller, Prince Theater, Play It Again Sam’s, Otwell’s in Galena, Kent Community Center in Worton, Church Hill Theater, The Mainstay or Java Rock in Rock Hall.

Registration for an audition is required. Participants must be over thirteen years of age. Pre-registration costs $5, at-the-time fee is $10. For more information, contact Cindy Stafford 267-222-2205 or ydnic@gmail.com

Washington College Welcomes Largest, Most Diverse Class in School’s History

Washington College and its new president are welcoming the largest, most diverse freshman class in the school’s 228-year history. If test scores are any indication, it’s also one of the smartest: the class of 2014 has the highest high school GPA and the most impressive SAT/ACT profile in a decade. Forty percent were members of the National Honor Society, and 25 percent of the in-state students were recognized as Maryland Distinguished scholars. Many are benefiting from the College’s largest ever amount of scholarship and financial aid funding—more than $18 million.

The record-setting 420 freshmen will be moving onto campus Thursday morning, August 26, and starting several days of orientation activities. Statistics paint a portrait of a class that is 57 percent female and hails from 21 states and the territory of Guam, plus Argentina, China, Ethiopia, Korea, and New Zealand. Fifty-four percent are Marylanders, with 51 students representing the Eastern Shore.

Students of color make up 13 percent of the new class—the largest percentage of minorities to date. Washington College legacies account for 8 percent of the freshmen, and some 35 percent were recruited for athletic teams. The prestigious Presidential Fellows program, which offers a select group of high-achieving students additional opportunities for intellectual and cultural growth, will welcome 11 percent of the freshmen to its ranks.

President Mitchell Reiss, who took office July 1, is looking forward to the start of the academic year and to meeting both new and returning students. “The freshmen and I are starting out together on this new adventure,” he says. “I’m very excited about the diverse talents and experiences they are bringing to campus, and I look forward to getting to know them over the next few months at meals and events.”

College administrators and staff have been busy all summer preparing residence halls for the influx of new students. Mela Dutka, vice president and dean of student affairs, says Gibson Hall has been refurbished to house 21 men. For the past two years, dining services used the Gibson building as office space while Hodson Commons was under construction. In addition, says Dutka, “we have increased occupancy in some other dorms, making a double into a triple where space allows, and we’ve selectively converted some residence-hall lounges into student rooms.”

The orientation schedule includes a welcoming ceremony for new students and their families on the Campus Green, a tour of Chestertown, and a series of information sessions mixed with social events such as an outdoor movie and a dance. On Sunday evening, when all students have returned to campus, a traditional campus-wide picnic will end with a fireworks display. Classes start Monday morning, August 30.

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