The Gift from Mrs. Louisa d'A. Carpenter

Easter Seals Camp Fairlee , located about seven miles from Chestertown, is celebrating its 60^th year of operation in 2014.  The camp site was a gift in 1953 to the Easter Seals Society by duPont heiress and philanthropist Mrs. Louisa d’A. Carpenter.   The Camp offers children and adults with disabilities a fun and accessible camp experience. 

 “Fare Lee Manor”, which is today spelled “Fairlee” Manor, and which is where Easter Seals Camp Fairlee Manor is located,  is part of a 1900 acre tract of land laid out in 1674 for “James Brown, merchant, formerly of New England.”  “Fare Lee” or “Handy” are the historic names of the farm.  The Fairlee Manor House, now part of the Camp, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Michael Owen Bourne writes in HISTORIC HOUSES OF KENT COUNTY (1998) :  “Little is yet known of this part of the property for its first 125 years, but it was acquired by Philip and Jane Taylor in the late 18^th century.   The Taylors had only one daughter, Mary Ann, who married William Blackiston Wilmer in 1816.  Shortly thereafter, Philip bequeathed the farm to his daughter and on that 212 acre inheritance Mary Ann and William Blackiston Wilmer built the main house….William and Mary Anne’s daughter, Sarah Ann, married George D. S. Handy , Jr. in 1847.  Handy was brought up two miles north of Fairlee Creek on a farm called Green Hill or Handy Point, on part of Great Oak Manor.  The Handys lived in Baltimore, where he was a prominent physician.  Dr. Handy purchased the farm from his widowed mother-in-law in 1859…” In 1867 Handy transferred the farm to his wife.  Then in 1880, Sarah Handy sold it out of the family.  It passed through seven owners until 1936 when it was purchased by Frances B. Jackson, a woman from Elkhorn, Wisconsin…After Mrs. Jackson’s occupancy, the farm was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Heckscher for five years before being purchased by Mrs.. Carpenter in 1953.  Mrs. Carpenter owned the farm for seven years and then moved to Springfield Farm three miles south.  At that time she gave Fairlee Manor to the Easter Seals Society who created Easter Seals Camp Fairlee Manor. 

A cookbook called the Fairlee Manor Cookbook was published in 1976.  The proceeds were used to make improvements to the Camp.  It was dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Louisa d’A. Carpenter, who met her untimely death in an airplane crash in Easton, Maryland that same year.   The Dedication from the book reads:  “THE FAIRLEE MANOR COOKBOOK is dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Louisa d’A. Carpenter  who made a reality of Easter Seals Camp Fairlee Manor by her gift of the 263 acre campsite.  This dedication is in grateful acknowledgment of her generosity and her continued support of the improvement and expansion of camp facilities.” The Cookbook includes recipes from Mrs. Gerald  R. Ford, wife of the President of the United States;  Mrs. Marvin Mandel,  wife of the Governor of Maryland;  The Duchess of Windsor; Actresses Carol Burnett and Vivian Vance; and actors Bob Hope and Red Skelton. 

 “Camp Fairlee is the only camp in the region that provides a residential camp experience for children and adults with disabilities year-round. Camp Fairlee offers week-long camp sessions in the summer, Travel Trips throughout the year and weekend respite/retreat programs from August through May.” (From the Fairlee Manor Camp website).

 

Chestertown Parks

Every issue should have a ‘devil’s advocate’ because every issue usually has more than one side.   My comments do not necessarily reflect a personal opinion.  So for the sake of argument and in hopes of provoking more conversation ….let’s talk about parks in Chestertown.  How many parks/recreation areas does a town of 5000 (give or take) need?  The list:  Wilmer Park, Betty Anne Connolly Park, Rolling Road Park, and now Remembrance Park.  These parks add to the list of play areas at H. H. Garnett Elementary School and the Chestertown Middle School along with the soon to be available ‘rails to trails’ and Radcliffe Creek Park.  The two school play areas are maintained by the County school board;  the remaining parks are maintained by the town of Chestertown.  So the question is:  what is the cost to the Chestertown taxpayer for maintaining all of these parks?

Chestertown Elections 1975 - 1993

1975 Election

2nd Ward:
Paul Sipala - 22
Dr. Peter Tapka - 1

4th Ward:
L. Vernon Downey - 17
Unopposed

1977 Election

Mayor:
Elmer Horsey - 548
L. Vernon Downey - 206

1st Ward:
Peter D. Heller - 160
Henry G. Gruber - 113

3rd Ward
Jane B. Neal - 71
Robert McKee - 42

1979 Election

2nd Ward:
William M. Bailey - 86
Edith A. Sipala - 32

4th Ward:
Vito Tinelli, Jr. - 146
L. Vernon Downey - 121

1981 Election

Mayor:
Elmer Horsey - 226
Unopposed
Mark Mumford - 1 (write-in)

1st Ward:
Peter Heller - 73
Unopposed

3rd Ward:
Mabel Ruth Mumford - 53
Anne F. Briggs - 40

1983 Election

2nd Ward:
Patricia H. Mulligann - 24
Jean Crowding - 12

4th Ward:
Vito Tinelli, Jr. - 25
Unopposed

1985 Election

Mayor:
Elmer Horsey - 268
Unopposed

1st Ward:
Peter Heller - 150
John W. T. Diller, III - 115

1987 Election

2nd Ward:
Patricia Mulligan - 51
Margo G. Bailey - 50

4th Ward:
Vito Tinelli, Jr. - 35
William Pat Biddle - 1 (write-in)

1989 Election

Mayor:
Elmer Horsey - 114
Unopposed
Margo G. Bailey - 8 (write-in)
Lawrence Downey - 1 (write-in)
Mark Mumford - 1 (write-in)

1st Ward:
Peter Heller - 34
Unopposed

3rd Ward:
Mabel R. Mumford - 36
Unopposed

1991 Election

2nd Ward:
Margo G. Bailey - 75
J. Willis Wells - 61

4th Ward:
Vito Tinelli, Jr. - 10
Unopposed
Jake Downey- 1 (write-in)

1993 Election

Mayor:
Margo G. Bailey - 678
Vito Tinelli, Jr. - 542
Richard E. Proctor - 30

1st Ward:
Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr. - 276
Kirk Price Williamson - 179
Mary Jean Hudson - 53

3rd Ward:
Mabel Mumford-Pautz - 125
Thomas A. Gross, Sr. - 124
W. Whaland Clark, III - 40

**Results include absentee ballots

Above information obtained from the office of the Chestertown Mayor and Council.

The Woman's Literary Club of Chestertown, Maryland

The Woman’s Literary Club of Chestertown was formed in 1902 when eleven young Chestertown women got together for their ‘literary improvement’. The Club opened the Chestertown Library in 1907 and it continued to operate as a private small library for almost one hundred years. .

The Chestertown Library, Inc.was formed in 1943 in order for the Woman’s Literary Club of Chestertown to purchase a building at 127 High Street in Chestertown known as the Cahall Store in order to expand their library.

The Board of the Chestertown Library, Inc. operated the Chestertown Library along with the Woman’s Literary Club of Chestertown in this location until 2002 when the building was sold for a second time and the rent was increased. After the closing of the Library, the Woman’s Literary Club established a partnership with the Kent County Public Library and the Kent County Commissioners to renovate a historic building, 207 Calvert St., located behind the public library building in Chestertown in exchange for meeting rights twice a month.

In June, 2004, The Chestertown Library, Inc., with funds set aside for contingencies during the renovation of the Chestertown Library, Inc. Building at 207 Calvert Street, donated $2650.00 to the Kent County Commissioners for the construction of a brick memorial walk from the front of the Chestertown Library, Inc. Building around to the side entrance.

More than 100 bricks have been placed in the brick memorial walk. The Woman’s Literary Club manages the sale of the bricks and any profit is donated to the Library. The Woman’s Literary Clubs installed thirty eight bricks honoring all of the librarians of the Chestertown Library, Inc. along with the special people who nurtured the library for many years including Rafael J. Guastavino, who was the library’s financial advisor. Among other the names one will find George Rudolph Brown, former Acting Chief of Police of Chestertown; Sheriff Allan Blizzard, Judge Elroy G. Boyer; Jeanne K. Geibel, Loyal Librarian, 30 years; Elmer E. Horsey, Mayor; Celebrating pure sea glass – R. LaMotte; Joe Massey – In gratitude – the Friends; Sarah Meredith, Faithful Volunteer; in memory of ‘Hound Dog’ Brown; The Questers, Lambert Wickes Chapter; in memory of William “Shadow” Warren, Jr.; Carol Wilson, Historian; For Love of Books and Kids by Grandbarrows; Judith Reveal, Writer; Adel France, Founder, WLC, 1902; Hazel O. Walsh, Devoted Reader – Loving Mother; The McDonalds – Pat Reads Books – Paul Does Banjo; Good Books, Good Friend – Virginia Croker; Friend Teacher, Gail Jandy Livingstone; Movies Are Magic – Patricia Molloy; in memory of Governor W. Donald Schaefer; Husband – Father – Bruce A. Somers 1950-2011; Chris Roseberry – Queen Bee 1980-2010; in memory of Frank Perdue.

For information about purchasing a memorial brick, call Joan Horsey, 410-778-0340.

Chestertown's Fire Siren!

Chestertown's fire siren has been broken for a long time. Am wondering how residents would be warned in case of an emergency such as a tornado?

Chestertown Newsstands!

For almost a century, Chestertown's downtown newsstands have been important gathering places to learn local news, share rumors and gossip, greet friends, neighbors and visiting tourists, and buy items as disparate as snacks, musical instruments, shoes or antiques.

One of the first, opened in 1918, was Charles C. Schreiber’s Wholesale and Retail Confectionery store at 337 High Street in downtown Chestertown. Shoppers would not only find newspapers and magazines there but also paperback books, school supplies, ice cream, candy and fireworks. As one long-ago resident said, “All it was missing was Christmas trees in December”. Schreiber’s even employed two young Chestertown men to deliver newspapers to town residents. In the book IMAGES OF AMERICA – KENT COUNTY,* Page 102, there is a photo of Mr. Schreiber of Schreiber’s Wholesale and Retail Confectionery. * IMAGES OF AMERICA – KENT COUNTY is out of print but copies are available on Amazon.com.

Dorothy’s Card Shop opened next door to Schreiber’s a few years later at 335 High Street and carried not only cards, but also newspapers and magazines. Dorothy’s was often called Bartley’s, a bow to Dorothy’s husband Barber R. Bartley, who often helped out in the store. Barber and Dorothy bought the building in February of 1946. They closed their business sometime in the 1960s. Will Quigley, the son-in-law of Paul and Edith Sipala who owned Paul’s Shoe Store, owned Will’s Music Store at 229 High Street (now the White Swan Tavern). When Dorothy’s Card Shop closed, Will added newspapers to his inventory. Will closed his music store in the late 1960s, and Paul and Edith took over the location, continued with the newspapers and added magazines to become the P & E News Agency. The P & E News Agency operated until the late 1970s. The space is now part of the White Swan Tavern and Paul and Edith’s son, Mike, now owns Paul’s Shoe Store next door.

To fill the void when P & E News Agency closed, Elmer Horsey and his wife, Joan, opened the Chestertown Newsstand in 1979 at 302 Park Row in downtown Chestertown in a building owned by Park Row Ventures. Elmer Horsey was in his first term as Mayor of Chestertown at the time. The HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY published by Fred G. Usilton (1630-1916) and William B. Usilton, III (1628-1980) and now out of print on page 366 notes that the newsstand, managed for the Horseys by Harrison W. Vickers, III, was the “largest distributor of newspapers and magazines in downtown Chestertown”. Page 510 also shows Vickers standing in front of the newsstand at its Park Row location, but makes reference to its new home after the Horseys moved the business across the Fountain Park to 313 High Street, a building owned by Shirley Fox Goldstein and Ruth Fox Schreter. The women were the daughters of Baurice and Jeannette Fox who for many years operated Fox’s Five Cent to One Dollar Store also on High Street.

In 1982, with the permission of the owners, the Horseys sublet the 313 High Street building to Margo Bailey when she bought the newsstand business from them.

On December 20,1991, Mrs. Ruth Gsell, who worked for Mrs. Bailey at the Chestertown Newsstand, told the Horseys, since they were the lease holders for the building, of her concern about a dangerously unsafe condition to the floor at the front of the building. She was very concerned that someone might fall through it.

Elmer Horsey immediately contacted the owners of the building who asked that the building be immediately evaluated in the interest of public safety. When the structural condition was checked it was found that the foundation and joists underneath the first 25 feet of the building were close to collapsing because of extensive termite damage. It would require joist replacement and considerable treatment of the soil.

The building’s owners authorized Elmer Horsey to proceed with contracting for the repairs as quickly as possible. The contractor estimated that the structural work would take a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of one month to complete.

Elmer Horsey advised Margo Bailey she would have to vacate the building in order for the repairs to be made and suggested available alternative locations. Mrs. Bailey chose to relocate to 207 S. Cross Street (where Gabriel’s is today) and the Chestertown Newsstand remained at the Cross Street location until Margo Bailey closed it on August 14, 1992.

A spectacular fire on August 29, 1992, at McCrory’s, located next door to the former 313 High Street newsstand building (and owned by the same members of the Fox family) damaged both buildings beyond repair. 313 High Street sat vacant until it was sold to the Town of Chestertown in February of 1994, a month after Mrs. Bailey began her first term as Mayor when she won election against Councilman Vito Tinelli, Jr. Elmer Horsey had ended his 4th term as Mayor. The Town eventually demolished the newsstand building. The space is occupied today by Houston’s Dockside Emporium, Dunkin’ Donuts and offices.

Following the closure of the newsstand on Cross Street Joyce Huber Cafritz (now Smith) began carrying a few newspapers in the lobby of the Chester Theatre (formerly Chestertown’s only movie house called the Prince Theatre, now refurbished and updated and called the Garfield Center for the Arts and Kohl Lobby) located at 210 High Street. By the time Mrs. Smith decided to give up selling newspapers (in1992), Anna Scott, who owned Scottie’s Shoes at 307 High Street, had added newspapers, magazines and greeting cards to her shoe store business.

In fact, Anna brought Chestertown’s newsstand scene to full circle, making it much like Schreiber’s in 1918 with an interesting array of merchandise way beyond many out-of-town papers including locally-made doll clothes for 18- inch dolls, antiques on consignment, tickets to most cultural and entertainment events and always the latest up-to-date local news and answers to visitors’ questions.
Note: The above information was compiled by interviewing Carrie Schreiber, Marianna Sipala Quigley, Michele Sipala and by reviewing the personal correspondence of Elmer E. Horsey.

September, 1946
First National Bank, Chestertown, MD
Attached to each checkbook register of the First National Bank in Chestertown, MD was the following:
“YOU’LL BE WELCOME everywhere on the Del-Mar-Va Peninsula!
The fastest route for travel between New York and points north and Norfolk and points south. Enjoy its historic countryside and scenic beauty – its ocean, bay or river bathing, sailing, fishing, duck hunting in season and every vacation pleasure.”

Chestertown, Maryland

Top 5 Kent County, Maryland Questions of the Week!

1. Will Washington College have to pay real estate taxes on the former Kent County Board of Education building?
2. Where will the estimated 22 employees park their cars if the Town of Chestertown buys Roy Kirby’s marina and what additional parking would be available for patrons of the waterfront restaurant, and for folks with reasons to visit boats tied up at the piers?
3. Can the public rent the new Kent County Community Center for private events, including the pool?
4. Who is looking at the former Campbell Soup Company building on Rt. 291 and is the business compatible with the quality of life in Kent County?
5. How many Federal prisoners are being housed at the local Kent County Jail and how much is the County being paid to house them?

Chestertown, Maryland

The Washington College basketball team lost to Salisbury University 75 to 71 this evening.

Chestertown

The Kent County Board of Education met this evening in the auditorium at Kent County High School. The Board was reorganized and Brian Kirby was elected President and Bryan Williams was elected Vice-President. Future meetings of the Board will be held at the Board of Education office in Rock Hall.

Chestertown, Maryland

Four members of the press attended the meeting of the Kent County Library Trustees on Monday wearing interesting t-shirts!

Chestertown, Maryland

Chestertown taxpayers will be paying $4,200.00 for an appraisal fee to Mr. Bob Greenlee for the appraisal of the Chestertown Marina property.

Don’t miss the holiday light display at a home on the left side of the road as you enter Worton from Chestertown!

Chestertown has received a $30,000.00 Community Legacy Grant for WI-FI in the Fountain Park in downtown Chestertown. Are more benches on the way?

Andrew Bradley & Associates, LLC have proposed to donate a conservation easement on 116.59 acres on Pomona Road near Chestertown to the Maryland Environmental Trust and Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, Inc.

Chestertown, Maryland

Kent County Election Report – From the Maryland State Board of Elections
As of May 7, 2010

Delegate, 36th District

Arthur Sayers Hock
Total contributions: 209
Total contribution amount: $34,978.51
Total expenses $10,115.67
Maximum contribution: $1400.00
Minimum contribution: $25.00

Jay Asbury Jacobs
Total contributions: 106
Total contribution amount: $10,220.00
Total expenses $2,784.35
Maximum contribution: $500.00
Minimum contribution: $10.00

Others who have officially filed in Kent County for
the 2010 Gubernatorial Primary Election:

County Commissioner: William W. Pickrum, Walter T. Coryell and Timothy J. Lloyd, Jr.

Clerk of the Circuit Court: Mark L. Mumford

Register of Wills: Nancy Lee Jewell

Judge of the Orphans’ Court: William I. Blake, Elroy G. Boyer, Jr.

Sheriff: John F. Price

Republican Central Committee: Robert (Bob) Gibson

Chestertown, Maryland

KENT COUNTY SCHOOL STUFF

The Kent County Teachers Association MSEA and NEA have asked all candidates running for the Kent County Board of Education to answer the following questions:

1. What structural changes, if any, would you support that could connect the bargaining authority with the fiscal authority? (e.g. fiscal independence for the school board, bargaining with the fiscal authority directly, participation of the county commission in the board of education’s bargaining team).

2. Once a negotiated agreement has been reached between the Board of Education and the local association what do you feel is the obligation of the commission to fund it?

3. What ideas would you advocate for ensuring that the County attracts and retains a highly qualified education force?

4. Do you favor collective bargaining rights for public employees?

5. What are the two most serious problems facing the County? How will you deal with them? What specific solution would you offer?

6. What are two of the greatest problems affecting the school system? How do you see yourself playing a part in solving these problems?

7. Why are you running for the School Board?

8. What aspect(s) of the county’s public school system do you feel is/are the most positive?

9. What aspect(s) of the county’s public school system do you feel need(s) the most improvement?

10. In order to receive its full share of state funding, counties are required to fund the schools at a rate no lower than the last year’s per pupil cost. Because of the recession, some are advocating changing that requirement to allow counties to reduce local funding for schools. Would you support granting a waiver for local education funding?

11. The new federal department of Education is insisting on substantial reforms in an attempt to provide each child with an opportunity to learn. USDE is tying student progress to teacher evaluations and encouraging differentiated pay for hard to staff schools and for teachers teaching science, technology, English and mathematics. Do you agree with the reforms the USDE is using as criteria for additional federal aid?

12. General Issues - where do you stand on the following issues (oppose or support):
A. Public Aid to private schools (vouchers).
B. Increased funding for Special Education.
C. Background checks for current employees.
D. Merit pay schemes.
E. Full time Librarian/Media Specialist.
F. Fare share/representation fee.
G. Direct involvement of the County Commission in negotiations.
H. Censorship of materials for classroom and/or library use.
I. Full time nurse in each school.
J. Funding to extend the pre-K program.
K. Regular salary upgrades for classified employees.

Chestertown, Maryland

May 4, 2010

The Kent County Board of Education approved the negotiated agreement between the Kent County Board of Education and the Kent County Teachers Association at the Board of Education meeting on May 3, 2010. The one year negotiated Agreement included: 1) no salary increase for 2010-11; 2) no benefit changes for 2010-11; 3) change in contract days from up to 191 to up to 188; 4) one year salary and language contract. The Board also approved the negotiated two year agreement between it and the Kent County Educational Support Professionals Association which included: 1) no salary increase for 2010-11; 2) no benefit changes for 2010-11 and a one year salary and language contract. In other business the Board approved the relocation of the Alternative Program “IBALC” to the campus of Kent County High School (KCHS). It will be located in a four (4) classroom relocatable building on the KCHS campus. Those present at the Board meeting heard the Garnett Elementary School INSPIRE CHOIR sing two selections which were followed by a standing ovation from those present!

The Kent County Commissioners today announced they had received no bids for the School Board property at 213-215 Washington Avenue, Chestertown. Bid opening was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. today. According to the Maryland State Department of Taxation and Assessments, the 4.47 acre parcel is being used as ‘exempt commercial’. The ‘primary structure’ was built in 1915. The land is assessed for $560,200 and the ‘improvements (building)’ for $1,557,200.

A new group, “Task Force 4 Kids”, sent a letter to the Kent County Commissioners and the Kent County Board of Education advising of their intention to file an appeal regarding the recent decision by the Board of Education to consolidate schools.

Chestertown, Maryland

May 2, 2010

Local (Kent County, Maryland) election notes: Primary Election Day is September 14, 2010 with early voting on September 3, 4,6,7,8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. – the place will be announced at a later date but it will NOT be at the elections office in Chestertown. General Election Day is November 2, 2010 with early voting on October 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. – the place will be announced at a later date. DEADLINE for filing a Certificate of Candidacy is Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 9:00 p.m.

The May issue of THE CHESAPEAKE BAY MAGAZINE had a full page real estate ad on Drayton Manor in Kent County. “Come by land….come by water”.. “This exceptional bank owned waterfront property is being offered as a private residence or for development (IDA) as a retreat, spa or conference center.” Offered at $2,999,999…also in the same issue was an article about Gray’s Inn Creek off of the Chester River.

The Kent County Marching Band was pictured in a recent issue of THE STAR DEMOCRAT performing at Oxford Day.

The Chester 5 Theatre at Washington Square in Chestertown will soon be showing 3-D movies. The special screen arrived last week!

Kent County real estate report as of April 30, 2010: According to the Metropolitan Regional Information System there are 411 active residential listings in Kent County. Total residential listings sold between January 1, 2010 and April 30, 2010 - 29 (2 in Betterton, 8 in Chestertown, 2 in Galena, 1 in Georgetown, 3 in Kennedyville, 3 in Millington, 5 in Rock Hall and 5 in Worton). There are also 162 lots for sale (4 have sold between January 1, 2010 and April 30, 2010 – 3 in Rock Hall and 1 outside of the Chestertown limits), 43 commercial properties for sale (none have sold in 2010) and 5 multi-family properties for sale (none have sold in 2010).

Did you know that some newspapers are publishing pet obituaries? That Vice-President Joe Biden was the longest serving U. S. Senator (Delaware)? That the DuPont Highway, Route 13 in Delaware, was the first divided highway built in America? That Delaware is the only State in America with a curved boundary line?

Items of note from the minutes of the Chestertown Mayor and Council meeting on March 15, 2010: Kevin Walsh (of Chestertown) stated that the three (3) bridge tenders (Chester River Bridge) had been laid off and that people would have to call ahead if they needed to have the bridge raised… Town Manager William S. Ingersoll stated that there was an Appeal for Judicial Review filed by David Wright, who owns Brix Restaurant on High Street. He said that the appeal was over a decision made by the Historic District Commission. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the permit was for a new sign at Brix but the siding underneath it that was supposed to have been installed several years ago was not. And from the Chestertown Mayor and Council meeting on April 7, 2010: Town Manager Ingersoll stated there were sketch plans for the Rolling Road Park in Chestertown which was supposed to have at least three hundred (300) trees. He said that the eighty-five (85) trees that were being planted in Chestertown had been bid out in December and should be installed in about six (6) weeks. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the trees were guaranteed and watering was covered in the contract. He said that the plans were to plant in the winter but the snowfalls prohibited the planting…Councilwoman Mabel Mumford-Pautz stated that she had some complaints about the Farmer’s section (there is a Farmer’s Section and an Artist’s Section at Chestertown’s Farmer’s Market) where they were not selling approved items…Coming soon to Fountain Park in downtown Chestertown: a disposable dog waste bag site!

Chestertown, Maryland

Interesting 'insertion' in the KENT COUNTY NEWS today from the Kent County Teachers Association. They are issuing a "Call to All Interested Candidates" ... "In our Endorsement for Board of Education and County Commission. Individuals who are considering running for one of (these) offices and would like to seek our support must complete a campaign questionnaire and return it no later than May 1, 2010. Please contact Terri Mullikin, KCTA President..." May 1 is fast approaching ... According to the Maryland Board of Elections the following have filed for Kent County Commissioner: William W. Pickrum, Walter T. Coryell and Timothy J. Lloyd, Jr.; no one has filed to run for the Kent County Board of Education. Primary Election Date: September 14, 2010;
General Election Date: November 2, 2010.

Rebuilding Together Kent County, MD reported in a recent fundraising letter they had more than 80 volunteers who worked 2500 hours and completed 17 projects including wheel chair ramps, window replacements, roof repairs, insulation and new siding. Their efforts represented more than $77,000 of help to Kent County residents. All work is done at no cost to the homeowner. Their Board of Directors: Robert Haist, President; Michael Auth, Vice-President; Charles Ross, Secretary and George Burris, Treasurer;
other Board members: Linda Culp, Armond Fletcher, Angie Heinold, Courtney Sjostrom, Ronald Souders, Edwin Toole and Mary Walker. Advisory Board members: Rob Comfort, Mickey Elsberg, Tot Strong, Airlee Johnson, Alex P. Rasin, III and Sara A. Holben.

MTA Off Track and On Trail was the headline in the Editorial of the April 22, 2010 issue of the KENT COUNTY NEWS...The Editorial says "The idea of putting a trail on the old railway has been discussed since at least 1994." The following letter was dated June 10, 1994 and written by David H. Taylor, Director of Kent's Economic and Tourism Development Advisory Board to Charles D. MacLeod, County Manager, Kent County Commissioners: "The Economic and Tourism Development Advisory Board voted at their last meeting to go on record as opposed to any plans or developments that would interfere with the Rail Line in Kent County. The rail system passes through two industrial parks in Chestertown and it would be short-sided to deny rail service to these areas. In our search for desirable businesses to lcoate here the availability of rail is an important asset to have in our presentation to prospects. We all know that rail was one of the moving factors that prompted Cellulose Fulstoff Fabrik (CFF) to build in Kent County. The Board asks that you not entertain any ideas or plans that would cripple the rail system."

Chestertown, Maryland

More about the Kent County Board of Education Resolution No. 2010-1...There will be five (5) community elementary schools comprised of students in Pre-K through 5th grade: Garnett School (existing); Worton Elementary School (existing); Millington Elementary School (existing); Galena Elementary School (NEW - to be located in the current Galena Middle School building); Rock Hall Elementary School (existing - to be relocated to the current Rock Hall Middle School building). There will be one (1) middle school comprised of students in grades 6, 7 and 8 located at the current Chestertown Middle School building. The new consolidated middles school will be named Kent County Middle School. Rock Hall Middle School and Galena Middle School students in grades 6, 7 and 8 will be relocated to Kent County Middle School.

In-School Suspensions from Kent County Public Schools for the school year 2009-10 (as of 3/10/10): Class cutting - 38; Tardiness - 10; Tobacco - 3; Physical Attack-Teacher/Staff - 2; Physical Attack-Student - 10; Verbal Threat-Teacher/Staff - 1; Fighting - 34; Sexual Harassment - 2; Disrespect - 35; Insubordination - 28; Classroom Disruption - 44; Inciting/Participating in Disturbance 5;
Academic Dishonesty/Cheating - 1; Portable Communication Device - 1; Theft - 3; Refusal to Obey School Policies - 15. Total In-School Suspensions - 232. (Note: Total In-School Suspensions for 2008-2009was 292 and for 2007-08 it was 121.)

Out-of-School Suspensions from Kent County Public Schools for the school year 2009-10 (as of 3/10/10): Class Cutting - 14; Alcohol - 4; Tobacco - 7; Other Weapons - 1; Physical Attack-Teacher/Staff - 9; Physical Attack-Stuff - 21; Verbal Threat-Teacher/Staff - 7; Verbal Threat-Student - 8; Fighting - 39; Sexual Assault - 1; Sexual Harassment - 2; Sexual Activity - 1; Disrespect - 41; Insubordination - 27; Harassment - 1; Classroom Disruption - 24; Inciting/participating in Disturbance - 8; Portable Communication Device - 1; Theft - 2; Vandalism - 1; Refusal to Obey School Policites - 23. Total Out-of-School Suspensions - 242. (Note: Out-of-School Suspensions for 2008-09 was 455 and for 2007-08 it was 717.)

Chestertown, Maryland

Noticed a nice Farmer’s Market sign going south on Rt. 213 into Centreville. It is similar in style to the new Welcome signs that have appeared on the outskirts of many towns. Not sure if Chestertown has one of these but they should if they don’t!

The Kent County Board of Education meeting last night began about ten minutes late at 6:40 p.m. and lasted until close to 10:30 p.m. All members of the Board were present as were Assistant Superintendents Fay Miller and Mary Etta Reedy and Board attorney Chip MacLeod. Most of the seats were filled with concerned parents but also included some teachers and Board of Education staff as well as interested Kent County citizens. Among others attending were Trish McGee of The KENT COUNTY NEWS, Tim Lloyd, candidate for Kent County Commissioner and Rock Hall Mayor and Candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates Jay Jacobs. Kent County School Board President Dr. Michael Harvey read the nine page Resolution No. 2010-01 in its entirety. The ‘reading’ was followed by comments from Board members Al Hanifee, Sarah Brown and Dr. Harvey who presented a brief power point presentation showing Kent County’s place among what he referred to as the “Nimble Nine” or nine smallest school systems in the State. At least sixteen (16) citizens spoke – all against the proposed Resolution otherwise referred to as Option 2 – during the Public Participation period. A motion to accept Resolution No. 2010-01 amended with some minor spelling corrections was made, seconded and each Board member then stated their position during the discussion period before the vote. The final vote was 4 to 1 in favor of adopting the Resolution. Board member Sarah Brown cast the dissenting vote. Following the Resolution vote, a motion was made and seconded to move the Central Office to the Rock Hall Elementary School effective July 1 or as soon as possible thereafter. The final vote on this motion was also 4 to 1 with Board member Sarah Brown casting the dissenting vote. Approximately 37 employees will be moving from Chestertown to Rock Hall. Chestertown’s loss will be Rock Hall’s gain!

The BALTIMORE BUSINESS JOURNAL reported ‘largest layoffs in the Baltimore area’ in its March 5-11, 2010 issue. Among the largest layoffs were: M & T bank lost 521 jobs; Aramark Management Services lost 454 jobs; Black & Decker lost 250 jobs. The same issue also reported the ‘largest charitable foundations in the Baltimore area’. The largest foundation is the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Inc. with 2009 total assets of $2.5 billion; followed by the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation with $1.8 billion, the Abell Foundation, Inc. with $180 million and the France-Merrick Foundation with assets of $166.7 million. Kent Center in Chestertown was the recipient of funds from the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

Chestertown, Maryland

Rick Dempsey will be the graduation speaker at Kent County High School in June. Rick is a former catcher in Major League Baseball who layed from 1969 to 1992. He is best known for his years with the Baltimore Orioles. He also played for the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers. Dempsey served as first, third and bullpen coach for the Orioles and he is currently a game analyst for the MASN network.

Kent County real estate report as of April 14, 2010: According to the Metropolitan Regional Information System there are 388 active residential listings in Kent County. Subdivisions (areas) with homes for sale include 9 listings at Kinnairds Point; 7 in Chesapeake Landing; 3 in Chesmar just outside of Chestertown; 6 in College Heights, Chestertown; 9 in Coventry Farms, Chestertown; 4 in Crestview, just outside of Chestertown; 6 in Dogwood Village, Galena; 8 in the historic district of Chestertown; 5 in Kentmore Park; 8 in Knights Landing, Worton; 8 in Millington; 5 at Rigbie Bluff, Betterton; 3 at Scott’s Point, Chestertown; 5 in Shorewood Estates, just outside of Galena; 7 in the Village at Chestertown; 12 in Tolchester Estates and 8 in Waterman’s Estates, Rock Hall. There are also 166 lots for sale, 42 commercial properties for sale and 5 multi-family properties for sale.