Suicide is a leading cause of death on the Eastern Shore, in Maryland, and the United States. Each year, For All Seasons, shines a light on suicide prevention with its No Matter What … You Matter campaign. This initiative's goal is to prevent suicide on Maryland's Eastern Shore through education and increased access to crisis resources.

The University of Maryland Medical System announced today that it is committing a portion of its investment portfolio to companies and funds focused on addressing economic development, food insecurity and other disparities in the communities the System serves. The first tranche of commitments includes $14 million in 11 equity and fixed income investments.

Fifth graders at Galena Elementary School enjoyed a special concert Monday, Sept. 12 by a quartet of classically trained guitarists.

In partnership with the Kent County Health Department, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, and the Kent County Family YMCA, HomePorts is hosting a free Health and Wellness Expo at on Thursday, October 20, from 8am to 1pm. The event will be held at the Kent County Family YMCA, 200 Scheeler Road in Chestertown.

The community is invited to Rock Hall Elementary School for a special party celebrating the unveiling of a new mural by artist Kayti Didriksen. The three-panel mural completed by Didriksen and local students is now on display outside the school's main entrance. An unveiling party will be held from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23 at the school to celebrate.

The original production of Neil Simon’s comedy "The Good Doctor" opened at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre on Broadway in 1973 and featured a stellar cast including Christopher Plummer, Marsha Mason, Frances Sternhagen, René Auberjonois, and Barnard Hughes.

Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. (MSBH) is collaborating with dozens of community partners to host the third annual “The Mid-Shore is Going Purple Together” on Saturday, September 24 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Long Wharf Park in Cambridge. This free event serves as a space for the community to unite against substance and work towards recovery for all. This year’s gathering will feature an interactive exhibit highlighting peer recovery stories across the mid-shore, a “Say Know to Drugs” poster contest, COVID vaccination mobile van, as well as a free barbeque lunch and Kona Ice for the first 250 attendees, live music featuring Arreal Tilghman Jr., DJ Infinite Sounds, a bounce house, and more. Several local behavioral health agencies will also be in attendance to provide substance use resources and information for the community.

As the beach bags get put away and an inventory gets done on the status of backpacks and shoes, parents may have other worries about their children's readiness to return to school related to their children's anxiety and mental health. The American Psychological Foundation (apa.org) says that parents play an important role in helping kids feel ready for the transition back to school by encouraging them to share and express their feelings about returning to school. Tips include restarting the family's school-year routine a few weeks before school starts, getting to know new neighborhood children if you have moved, talking to your children, empathizing with their worries or fears, and asking for help to manage and cope.

At the annual meeting of the Association of Independent Maryland and D.C. Schools, the membership elected Kent School’s Head of School Nancy Mugele to serve as the board president beginning Aug. 1.

This fall, swimmers and cyclists have two opportunities to support ShoreRivers while enjoying the beautiful Eastern Shore: the ShoreRivers Ride for Clean Rivers at Chesapeake College on September 18, and the Maryland Swim for Life at Rolph’s Wharf on the Chester River on September 24. Visit ShoreRivers.org/events for information and to register.