Kent & Queen Anne's Counties Living Here

Kent & Queen Anne’s Counties

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Photo By Mackenzie Brady

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2024 KENT & QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTIES LIVING HERE GUIDE

Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce

OUT NOW Directory & Resource Guide

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2024 KENT & QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTIES LIVING HERE GUIDE

PHOTO BY DAVID SITES

The William Preston Lane, Jr. Memorial Bridge, familiarly known as the Bay Bridge, spans the waters of the Chesapeake HANNAH COMBS from Sandy Point to Stevensville. From shore-to-shore the Produce turned art showcases some of the county’s finest structure covers 4.3 miles and is one of the longest bridges in vegetables and flowers. The Queen Anne’s County 4-H in the country.

Fair held each August is a week-long event with an up close look at livestock, rides, lots of good food and entertainment, exhibits and a rodeo. It’s also one of the largest attended events of it’s kind on the Shore.

Welcome home Whether you are looking for a great place to live, work, play or stay the counties of Kent and Queen Anne’s are ready to welcome you!

“Where Shore memories begin,” you’ll find much to begin crafting those memories on Kent Island, the

gateway to Queen Anne’s County and the Eastern Shore. Kent Island begins at the eastern terminus of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and is recognized for its waterfront villages/subdivisions, sizable concentration of international businesses, Stevensville Arts

& Entertainment District, public golf course, bike trails, hotels, restaurants, wedding venues, shopping, wineries, breweries and distilleries! Year-round you’ll find there are a plethora of venues, festivals and activities to suit everyone.

BETH MALASKY

Fireworks light up the sky over the Kent Narrows on July 4th.

As the sun set groups of visitors and locals alike gather on both sides of the narrows to catch a glimpse of the nearly hour long annual display.

A class of their own — QA schools among highest rated in State Queen Anne’s County Public Schools are among the highest rated in the state of Maryland for academic excellence! Home to over 7,000 students, the mission of Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, a high-performing public school system, is to ensure that every student demonstrates a commitment to high achievement and everyday excellence, possessing the skills and knowledge to empower them to thrive and continue to grow intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially in a rapidly changing, globally competitive society QACPS has eight elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools, and one alternative education program. These schools rank in the top 15% of all county systems statewide.

The school system is led by Superintendent Dr. Patricia Saelens. Saelens is joined by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Marcia Sprankle. The members of the PHOTO BY DOUG BISHOP Smiling students are greeted by Queen Anne’s Sheriff Gary Board of Education of Queen Anne’s Hofmann, “Cubby” the school mascot, and Principal Theresa County are publicly elected. Policies set by the Board are administered by Farnell at Centreville Elementary School.

BILL HAUFE

The unbeaten Lions’s field hockey team clinches North title in the fall 2023 season.

the Superintendent of Schools, who serves as the Executive Officer of the Board. The public is invited to attend all open meetings. Citizens may attend meetings in person or view meetings online. Live streams are available on the QACTV Facebook page and qac.

org/live. Recordings of past meetings are also available on the QACPS YouTube channel. The QACPS Board of Education Building and Central Office is located at 202 Chesterfield Avenue in Centreville and can be reached by phone at 410-758-2403 or at qacps.org.

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2024 KENT & QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTIES LIVING HERE GUIDE

KEN HUDDLESTON

Ospreys guard their nest from atop an evergreen tree near the Corsica River in Centreville.

Living outdoors Queen Anne’s County Parks and Recreation encompasses parks, public landings, Blue Heron Golf Course and Bay Bridge Airport. It works with both the public and private sectors to plan, develop, maintain, preserve and enhance the county’s natural resources, open spaces and waterfront

properties. These amenities serve to stimulate economic development by spurring development of hotels, restaurants, fishing charters, water activities, adventure tours and other ancillary uses of the county’s natural resources.

Queen Anne’s is home to eight bicycle routes ranging

PHOTO BY JOHN HARPER/

The July race series sponsored by Chester River Yacht and Country Club and Corsica River Yacht Club drew a fleet of seven log canoes.

from five to 59 miles. A favorite of visitors and locals alike is the Cross Island Trail for biking and walking! Ferry

Point Nature Park and Terrapin Nature Park are two of the county’s most popular nature areas. Over the course of time, the use of these parks has evolved.

A multitude of water trails have been mapped by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Queen Anne’s County to guide paddlers along six separate water trail routes in the Kent Island area of Queen Anne’s County. Available from the Chesapeake Heritage & Visitors Center, the colorful guide, printed on waterproof, tear-proof paper, was designed primarily for those touring by small, non-motorized boats, such as kayaks and canoes, but also provides information on motorized recreational boating access sites in the area.

Matapeake Beach is the county’s only regulated PHOTO BY HANNAH COMBS beach. It is monitored by The play structure at the Centreville Wharf is a popular with families of young children. The Maryland Health Beaches, nearby pier is also a great fishing spot.

a program that is monitored

by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). If you are looking for a place to sunbathe, enjoy a little sand and water, Matapeake Beach is the place to go! All county piers, nature parks and beach are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Neither alcohol or tobacco is permitted on any county properties including parks and beaches.

Centreville Wharf located on Watson Road, is operated by the Town of Centreville.

The wharf complex includes: a soft launch, for non-motorized vessels like kayaks and canoes, boat slips, fishing area, playground equipment, picnic tables and a parking lot for cars only.

All of the Corsica River water trails start from the soft launch at Centreville Wharf. These trails provide water recreation opportunities for paddlers of all abilities. Novice paddlers or those

seeking a leisurely experience will enjoy exploring the Mill Stream and Yellow Bank Stream trails. These routes follow slowly meandering waterways which pass through low marshes and are sheltered from extreme winds and currents. More experienced paddlers can take on the challenge of open water and longer distance offered by the Corsica River and Alder Branch Trail.

For more information, and to view route maps visit Queen Annes County Parks & Recreation at visitqueenannes.com/beachesparks-and-trails/trails/ To find more things to do in while you are in Queen Anne’s County, visit www. visitqueenannes.com Queen Anne’s County Parks and Recreation headquarters is at 1945 4-H Park Road, Centreville, reach them by phone 410-758-0835 or online at parksnrec.org

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2024 KENT & QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTIES LIVING HERE GUIDE

Queen Anne’s County government Queen Anne’s County was named for Queen Anne (1665-1714), who ruled Great Britain and Ireland from 1702 to 1714.

During Queen Anne’s reign, Maryland was governed as a royal colony rather than as a proprietary province. Queen Anne’s County has been governed

by Code Home Rule since 1990.

Commissioners serving the county are: President Jim Moran, Vice President Christopher M. Corchiarino, Philip L. Dumenil, Patrick McLaughlin, and Jack N. Wilson Jr. Queen Anne’s County Commissioners Office 107 N. Liberty St. Centreville, MD 21617 410-758-4098 Additional elected offices in the county government are: Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Register of Wills. All also carry four-year terms, with elections held the first Tuesday in November.

Eight incorporated towns are found in Queen Anne’s County. They are Barclay, Centreville, Church Hill, Millington, Queen Anne, Queenstown, Sudlersville, and Templeville. The oldest of these is Centreville, the county seat, incorporated in 1794.

BARCLAY Barclay was founded in 1873 as Merrikton, and re-named Barclay in 1890.

The community was incorporated as the “Town of Barclay” in February 1931.

Home to REEB Millwork, The town is comprised mostly of single family homes sheltering approximately 150 people. Town Commissioners: Brian DeMoss, Norman “Joey” Clough and Bill Ward.

CENTREVILLE The Town of Centreville is the county seat and the county’s largest incorporated municipality. The town hosts state, county and municipal government services as well as many historic sites, shops, service businesses and unique restaurants, serving local residents as well as transient and a rural regional clien- tele.

The town is located at the head of navigation of the Corsica River, a tributary of the Chester River and is now governed by five members.

Town Council: Ashley Kaiser, Eric Johnson, Dan Worth, Jim Beauchamp and Jeff Kiel. Town Manager: Carolyn Brinkley. Meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays at the Liberty Building, 107 North Liberty Street, Centreville, second floor, Commissioners Meeting Room.

CHURCH HILL The town of Church Hill was incorporated in 1876 and named after the “church on the hill,” St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (erected 1732), near town center.

Commissioners are: President Charles M. Rhodes Jr., John P. “Jack” Griffin Sr. and Edward C. Raffietto Jr. Town Administrator and Clerk: Nancy J. Lindyberg, 410-758-3740.

Meetings are the first and third Mondays, 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

MILLINGTON Situated at the head of the Chester River, Millington sits on the county line, part in Kent and part in Queen Anne’s County to the south.

A small town of about 600, Millington is a walkable, self-contained town with a clear rural character and atmosphere. The town has two public parks within town limits. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month starting at 6:30 p.m.

All meetings are open to the public. Mayor Kevin Hemstock and council members: Michelle Holland, Mark Linton, Zita Seals and Wayne Starkey, The Millington Ballfield Association, in conjunction with the Millington Lions Club, has a facility on the Kent County Board

Chester River Yacht & Country Club 10 Reasons to Join Us

Year ‘round social events Beautiful facility for dining & special occasions Highly qualified golf, sailing & swimming instruction Private boat launch and slips Large swimming pool and cabana Best 18-hole golf course on the Eastern Shore Driving range, putting green & no tee times Bocce courts for casual gatherings Reasonably priced membership options And… Your friends are already here!

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of Education property close to the town limits. The Millington Swim Club facility, with a swimming pool and tennis court, is located partially in the Town limits and is owned and operated by the Kent County Parks and Recreation for public use.

QUEEN ANNE Queen Anne is a town in Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties. The likely birthplace of Frederick Douglass is two to three miles south, near the banks of the Tuckahoe. The border between Talbot County and Queen Anne’s County runs through the middle of town.

Town Commissioners: Mayor Phil Starkey, Vice President Mark L. Turner and Martin M. Eichelman.

Clerk/Treasurer: Dawn R. Starkey, 410-364-9229.

Meetings are the first

The courthouse square in Centreville and Queen Anne are dressed in garlands and greenery ready for the holiday season.

Monday at 7 p.m. every other month starting in February.

QUEENSTOWN Queenstown was the home of the first county seat in 1707, the county seat remained here from 17071782, at which time it was moved to Centreville. The first and only town in Queen

Anne’s County to be attacked by the British during the War of 1812, In the early to mid1850’s, Queenstown was a stop for many steamboats, which would bring goods to the town and carry passengers up and down the Chester River and to Baltimore.

Commissioners: Thomas B. Willis, Jr, Bryon Callahan, and Alton Hardee, Jr.

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2024 KENT & QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTIES LIVING HERE GUIDE

PAMELA COWART-RICKMAN

Through the Maryland Historical Trust grant six paid internships will be made available and employ students as field crew members, lab assistants, and research assistants, allowing them to gain valuable professional experience.

Higher education CHESAPEAKE COLLEGE Chesapeake College, with campuses in Wye Mills and Cambridge, is a comprehensive public two-year regional community college serving the educational needs of the residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The college offers a large selection of credit

and workforce training classes designed to help students prepare for transfer to four-year colleges, immediate entry into a career, or enhancement of career skills.

Based at the Wye Mills campus is the Eastern Shore Higher Education Center, offering baccalaureate and graduate degrees from four-year institutions such as Salisbury University

PHOTO BY MEGAN LOOCK

The all-immersive agricultural fields located in the rear-end of Chesapeake College’s campus provide students with extensive training that allows students to grow produce like cabbage, parsley and herbs to sell. A tractor is provided to teach students how to operate the vehicle.

and University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

WASHINGTON COLLEGE Washington College, Maryland’s premier small college, offers a rigorous academic program taught by remarkable faculty. With more than 50 academic

programs and nationally recognized centers of excellence, Washington’s unique campus is nestled just north of downtown Chestertown.

Washington students take advantage of an array of opportunities that broaden their education and lead to successful careers. They engage in graduate-level research, participate in service learning, and choose from among thousands of internship opportunities and

MAGGIE TROVATO/STAR DEMOCRAT

Singer, songwriter and author Ty Bolden performs CHESAPEAKE COLLEGE her song, “Free Woman” at Chesapeake College students and faculty recently spent a day of service at Chesapeake the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Bay Environmental Center in Grasonville. The group, organized by the Chesapeake College Luther King Jr. Banquet at Honors Program and Sustainability Academic Group, spent the day clearing trails, remov- Decker Theatre at Washington College on Jan. 15. ing brush and cleaning a pond at the center.

a range of study abroad programs.

The Washington College experience empowers and motivates students within a community committed to diversity and inclusion. The expansive opportunities in and out of the classroom prepare Washington College graduates for the start of their career or entry into graduate school.

Experiential learning is always top-of-mind for Washington College students and faculty, and for many, the beyond-the-classroom education happens at the intersection of the campus community and the Chestertown community.

One of the current projects bringing students and community members together is the Chesapeake Heartland Project.

The mission of Chesapeake Heartland: An African American Humanities Project is to preserve, digitize, interpret, and make accessible materials related to African American history and culture in Kent County, Maryland and beyond. In collaboration

with the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Washington College Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience, and a diverse array of local organizations, Chesapeake Heartland seeks to build a model of grassroots preservation, curation, and interpretation for communities across the region.

Chesapeake Heartland provides access to the African American Humanities Truck serving Kent County and the Eastern Shore as a mobile digitization station, oral history studio, exhibit space, and pop-up-festival-maker. It is designed to be a community resource for programming, exhibiting, and interacting with the community. Spotted around Kent County and beyond, the truck hosts partners and participants as they conduct interviews, digitize materials, and create exhibits and events.

With a focus on political and civic engagement, Washington students develop robust relationships and authentic connections with community members.

2024 KENT & QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTIES LIVING HERE GUIDE

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PHOTO BY TRISH MCGEE

The beach at Betterton, which is known for its nettle-free waters, is a popular spot for Kent County residents and visitors.

Step into the ‘Land of Pleasant Living’ Kent County is conveniently located less than two hours from Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC, while offering unrestricted views of open space. Here, there is a perfect blend of historic and rural preservation combined with quality higher education which has resulted in a strong and thriving culture and quality of life. With over 130,000 acres of agricultural land, 265 miles of shoreline, and located in close proximity to major highways, Kent County’s location has been a strategic asset for many industries, including seafood, agribusiness, manufacturing, marinas and hospitality, and more. You’ll also find

a host of festivals unique to the area.

Kent County is the smallest county in Maryland, both in terms of geography and population. The population of the entire county at the time of the 2020 U.S. Census was 19,198.

There are three elected Kent County Commissioners:President Ron Fithian, John Price and Albert Nickerson.

Additional elected offices in the county government are: Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Register of Wills. All carry four-year terms, with elections held the first Tuesday in November.

JUDY E. MELVIN EDELHEIT/

Agriculture is a winter wheat is planted in the fall as a no-till cover crop, lives through the winter and is harvested in the summer. In 2020, the highest yields in Maryland were produced in Kent County (84.6 bushels per acre). According to the Maryland Department of Planning, approximately 57% of the County is defined as prime farmland as compared with 23% of Maryland as a whole. The County has some of the best farmland in the United States and this combined with the proximity to a variety of markets makes Kent County an ideal location for agribusinesses to thrive.

There are five incorporated municipalities in Kent County: Chestertown, the county seat; Betterton; Galena; Millington; and

Rock Hall. In addition there are numerous unincorporated villages, including Kennedyville, Edesville and Massey.

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2024 KENT & QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTIES LIVING HERE GUIDE

Can’t miss festivals!

DOGWOOD FESTIVAL OF GALENA May 11 The annual Galena Dogwood Festival is a fun, family-friendly event bringing together craft and food vendors from around the region to celebrate the start of the Upper Eastern Shore’s gorgeous spring weather and the beauty of charming Galena, Maryland, and its dogwood lined streets.

The festival kicks off with a parade down Main Street, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Activities will open from 10 a.m.

— 3 p.m. in the community park. Admission to the festival and parking will be free.

There will be live music, vendors, children’s activities, dog contest, food and beer trucks, and more!

year to cheer the passing of colonial militia, marching bands, costume-garbed children, and more in the Colonial Parade. A Walking Tour of the historic district is offered to visitors and local residents. The tour is conducted by trained docents who are residents of Kent County. Not only can you purchase many handcrafted Colonial goods at the Festival, but you can also see a live demonstration of how those items are made. On Sunday, we are celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Chestertown Resolves and Tea Toss.

Challenge yourself and your engineering skills by competing in this year’s Annual Raft Race. You’ll be amazed at the sights and sounds of the Chestertown Tea Party Festival!

CHESTERTOWN TEA PARTY Tea Toss Reenactment, FESTIVAL Colonial Parade, Street Party, Raft Race, Street PerMay 24-26 formances, Colonial Crafts, In response to the BritStrolling Musicians, Local ish Parliament’s closing of Fare, 5k & 10-mile run, and the port of Boston, the citizens of Chestertown, Mary- more including a Wine and land met in May of 1774 and Craft Beer Tasting held on Sunday at Wilmer Park from set forth “Resolves” forbidnoon to 4 p.m. The event will ding importing, selling, or feature local Maryland winconsuming tea in Chestertown. According to local leg- eries and craft brewers. end, residents then gathered FOURTH OF JULY IN at the town center, marched KENT COUNTY down High Street to the July 2024 brigantine Geddes, which Celebrate Independence was anchored in the ChesDay in Kent County. Join ter River, and tossed her us for parades and celebracargo of tea overboard. The tory fireworks in Rock Hall. annual reenactment of that Fireworks display at Rock event is the centerpiece of Hall Harbor. Annual Waterthe Chestertown Tea Party man’s Day, held at the Rock Festival. The re-enactment Hall Bulkhead, is a day full is scheduled for Saturday at 2:00 p.m. All Festival events of family-friendly fun, food, take place along the Chester vendors, and the “beloved” River and in the historic dis- boat docking contest. Parade, midway games, talent show, trict of 18th-century Chestertown, Maryland. There is and other family-friendly activities. no admission charge to the Festival.

PIRATES AND WENCHES Start training now for this WEEKEND year’s Classic Distance 10 August 9-11 Mile Run and 5k Run/Walk.

Come by land, or Or join the festival-goers come by sea, and enjoy a that line High Street each

MACKENZIE BRADY

Residents and visitors alike — some donning themed attire — wandered the streets here for the annual Pirates and Wenches Weekend. The festivities kick off Friday night and lasted until Sunday afternoon, with events taking place downtown, Ferry Park Beach and the harbor.

two-and-a-half-day townwide theme party you will not soon forget! This is a wonderful opportunity to bring your boat and anchor out on the Chesapeake Bay or raft up with your mates.

There is plenty of anchorages, dockage, and raft-up space available — as well as plenty of parking for those arriving by land. Rock Hall’s Pirates and Wenches Weekend is a town-wide theme party. The weekend-long event features live entertainment and pirate performers, costume contests, treasure hunts, kids’ activities, merchants, and more fun for the whole family.

ROCK HALL FALLFEST October 2024 Rock Hall FallFest pays homage to the almighty oyster by inviting guests to savor oyster stew and fried oysters while browsing dozens of artisan and

craft booths. While the oyster is the star of the show, this festival features all the highlights of Kent County, including a variety of live music performances, children’s activities, and the opportunity to explore beautiful Rock Hall, Maryland.

Come enjoy the fall beauty of Kent County when you attend Rock Hall’s annual Fallfest celebration. Enjoy free family fun with music, craft vendors, a totally free Kids Kourt, food, and of course oysters! Join us for this annual celebration of community. Originally developed as a “thank you” to Rock Hall for being awesome, this festival has morphed into a full day of music, food, and fun for everyone.

With the addition of oysters in the past few years, we’ve taken the event over the top.

Raw oysters being shucked

by local watermen and fried oysters piled high make for a full belly and a smile on your face!

SULTANA DOWNRIGGING November 1-3 Chestertown’s Sultana’s Downrigging Weekend Tall Ship and Wooden Boat Festival has evolved into one of the largest annual Tall Ship gatherings in North America. Sultana Downrigging Weekend fills Chestertown’s gorgeous waterfront with equally gorgeous schooners, ships, and beautiful wooden boats. Now one of the largest Tall Ship and Wooden Boat Festivals in North America, this event welcomes participating vessels from throughout the region and provides festival attendees with the opportunity not only to see and explore these ships but to venture out on the water during scheduled sails. In addition to the ships, the

festival also includes worldclass musical performances, lectures by nationally recognized authors and filmmakers, dynamite food from local restaurants, and the chance to try local spirits.

A DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS WEEKEND First weekend in December Kent County’s favorite holiday event. Step back into 1840’s London and experience the holiday season as Charles Dickens imagined it.

This two day event includes carriage rides, entertainment, home tour, food, book talks, merchandise, and more. And don’t forget to come dressed like the dickens!

Other events include the National Music Festival in June, Legacy Day and Betterton Appreciation Day in August and the Chestertown Jazz Festival in September.

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2024 KENT & QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTIES LIVING HERE GUIDE

BARBARA VANN

Chestertown RiverArts Holiday Show and Sale offers handmade gifts at affordable prices created by local artists and artisans. Located in downtown Chestertown RiverArts is a nonprofit comprised of a gallery, gift shop, KidSpot, clay studio, and arts education center.

Bringing the arts alive Kent County has been recognized by the Maryland State Arts Council as one of the significant arts communities in the state. There are several theatres/performing arts centers offering shows, education, and cultural events.

Church Hill Theatre, located at 103 Walnut Street in Church Hill, holds four to six community theatre-produced shows annually and welcomes special acts and shows that bring the arts in all forms to the Eastern Shore.

The Garfield Center is a multi-function community center for the performing arts offering theater, music, film and children’s programming throughout the year.

Located at 210 High Street in Chestertown, offers plays, open mic nights and a monthly gathering of playwrights, actors and critics.

The Mainstay in Rock Hall is a nonprofit live music venue with an indoor and outdoors stage and welcomes an impressive year-round, weekly calendar of accomplished local, regional, national, and

international performing artists.

Located on the campus of Washington College, you’ll find three performance spaces of human scale and functional design—a 200seat music recital hall, an experimental theatre seating 150 and a 420-seat main stage proscenium theatre.

Performances, exhibits, lectures and concert series are open at various times of the year to the community.

Starting in the fall of 2023, the Washington College Center for Environment & Society (CES) opened MuSE: A Community Museum space in downtown Chestertown to feature collaborations between students, faculty, staff and the Eastern Shore community. For the first exhibit, CES and the Digital Scholarship in Museum Partnerships (DSMP) project partnered to displayed interactive exhibit banners from the DSMP’s collaborations with Kent County museums over the last six years, including Betterton Heritage Museum, the Worton Point Schoolhouse,

the Waterman’s Museum, the Kent Museum, and Sumner Hall. College and community members were invited to learn about the unique cultural heritage of the Eastern Shore.

The exhibit space is located at 210 South Cross Street and will open again to the public in March 2024 with a new exhibit on the First Fridays of each month, as well as every Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. during the Farmers’ Market.

The Kent Cultural Alliance is a center for cultural expression and artistic interpretation for all Kent County residents. At the Vincent and Leslie Prince Raimond Cultural Center at 101 Spring Avenue, Chestertown, you’ll find workshops, poetry readings, and a newly created residency program designed to use the arts to create active engagement with community on the local, regional, and national level.

For more information, call the Kent County Tourism Development Office at 410-778-0416 or email tourism@kentcounty.com.

ADRIENNE WRONA

The Garfield Theatre presents The Addams Family during the 2023 season.

BAY PADDLE

PHOTO BY CONNIE CONNOLLY

Athletes and adventurers welcome! The grueling 45-mile Bay Paddle from Rock Hall to Cambridge attracts paddlers on boards and in kayaks under the Kent Narrows bridge. An epic day of paddle races and a post paddle festival to celebrate and help protect the Chesapeake Bay, the only OC6 change race on the East Coast will be held this year on July 20.

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2024 KENT & QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTIES LIVING HERE GUIDE

Kent County Public Schools — a small district with big heart Kent County Public Schools is an anchor organization that creates an environment of academic excellence through a collaborative, equitable and rigorous learning community. The smallest school system in Maryland, KCPS serves approximately 1,800 students in five schools; three elementary, one middle and one high school.

Free full day universal pre-kindergarten is offered to all four yearold children who reside in Kent County. Although small, the size of the school system affords many opportunities to personalize student learning. Raising a Reader is a program that is fostered in every Kent County elementary school in the three-year-olds program, preK, the Judy Center, and local daycare partners. Teachers periodically share and model strategies for families to use at home with the books.

As the Raising a Reader website states, “Raising a reader helps families develop, practice, and maintain home literacy routines. Three

to four high quality multicultural books are rotated home weekly to help families create home-based literacy routines.”

High school students are encouraged to enroll in dual credit college classes at Washington College and Chesapeake College where they are awarded college and high school credit upon completing the coursework. Advanced Placement courses are offered and vary based on interest. As part of the well rounded comprehensive high school experience, students have many opportunities to participate in a variety of sports and clubs. Learn more at www.kent.k12.md.us.

The Kent County Board of Education has five elected members and one student member. Elected members serve four year terms.

Elections are held the first Tuesday in November on even years.

Kent County Public Schools Central Office is located at 5608 Boundary Ave., Rock Hall, 410Kent County High School 778-1595.

Get to Know Kent School

2024 KENT & QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTIES LIVING HERE GUIDE

SHORE: Active Aging

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2024 KENT & QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTIES LIVING HERE GUIDE FAT AND HAPPY FARMS

Cottage pies, microgreens, fermented veggies, sourdough and much more can be found at the Kent Island Farmers’ Market. Stop

by Cult Classic Brewery in Stevensville, Thursday afternoons from 3:30-5:30 year round.

Four seasons of fresh, local food and more!

CENTREVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET

Above: The Centreville Farmers’ Market on Lawyers Row is open through the season on Sunday mornings. Special seasonal markets are also offered. Here you’ll find live music, baked goods, in season produce, eggs, dairy and artisans.

LAURA TAYMAN

Jeff Ferguson, president of the Chestertown Lions Club, and Lions Club member Sandy Waugh are two of the many Lions Club members who assisted with the Health & Wellness Expo at Chestertown’s YMCA.

PHOTO BY TRISH MCGEE

Right: The Chestertown Farmers & Artisans’ Market is located in the heart of downtown Chestertown. Open year-round on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. till noon, you’ll find an abundance of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, freshly baked goods, handmade soaps and more.

Above: Pictured at the Chesterfield Cemetery in Centreville, American Legion Vice Commander Ken Huddleston gives opening remarks during the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony there. To his far left, Legion Riders Chaplain Andy “Wizard” Cowley prepares to give the blessing for the event. More than 200 people turned out to help lay wreaths.

Civic groups vital to success of Kent and QA Civic organizations play an integral part of the community in both Kent and Queen Anne’s County. From Scouts to

Elks, veterans organizations and volunteer fire departments — there’s no shortage of groups to join to volunteer. These

organizations not only aid the less fortunate and those in need, but offer scholarships and host a multitude of events.

COURTESY OF QACSO