University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System, will host “Breathe Again: A Journey to a Smoke-Free and Healthier YOU,” designed to help smokers who wish to quit, on Wednesday, February 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, 100 Brown Street. 

There are so many reasons to love Kent School’s rural, riverside campus and recently they added another one to the list. On a cool evening in February, the new moon and resulting dark night sky provided the perfect backdrop for the inaugural STARFEST. STARFEST was born from the discovery that  First Grade students, led by Lower School Science Teacher Meghan Ferster and Eighth Grade students, led by Middle School Science Teacher Heidi Usilton were both studying space and the solar system.

For the past four years, For All Seasons has been active in the Red Sand Project, a participatory art project created by artist and activist Molly Gochman that invites community members to question, connect, and act against vulnerabilities that can lead to human trafficking and exploitation. In 2024, the agency is expanding the project to engage the business community to be a part of the solution, specifically, to know what to look for and how to report suspected incidents of trafficking.

Kent County Public Schools is accepting applications for anyone interested in serving on the Citizen Advisory Committee. The Citizen Advisory Committee is a channel for public concerns, advice and communication and, as requested, will make recommendations on topics and issues impacting Kent County Public Schools' educational programs and activities.

Chesapeake Bank & Trust Company is pleased to announce that Jackie Forrest has joined its staff as Assistant Branch Manager. She will replace Sue St. Amour, who is retiring in April after serving the Bank for over 7 years.

The UM Chester River Hospital Center Auxiliary held its annual meeting and luncheon at Uncle Charlie’s Bistro in Chestertown on January 15 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and in celebration of volunteerism. The event marked the Auxiliary’s 89th year of service in support of UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. The hospital is part of the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH), which is a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System.

For All Seasons is hosting a Valentine's Day Silent Auction online until February 14, featuring one-of-a-kind experiences and unique getaways to benefit the agency's mental health and victim services.

Kent School is pleased to welcome Phyllis Fagell back to Kent School. She will join us on February 29 for student workshops followed by an employee and parent session at 4:00 p.m. that is also open to the public. There is no charge to attend. On this, her third visit to Kent School, Ms. Fagell will discuss her latest book Middle School Superpowers: Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times. Through this book parents and educators can “discover how to bolster any middle schooler’s resilience by leveraging the 12 Middle School Superpowers they need to manage disappointment, self-regulate emotions, take healthy risks, and recover from any setback.”

Empowering women in business, Maryland Capital Enterprises’ Women’s Business Center  announces its 9th Annual “Aspire to Succeed & Lead” Women’s Business Conference. This popular event continues to provide a platform for businesswomen to connect, learn, and grow. Scheduled for March 15, 2024,  the conference promises a day filled with insightful speakers, networking opportunities, and practical strategies  for success. 

Michael Carlson, MD, an Emergency Department physician at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center (UM SMC) at Chestertown, was recently honored as an “Everyday Hero.” The award was presented by former UM Chester River Health Foundation board member Sue Speakman, who nominated Dr. Carlson due to the exceptional care he provided to her husband during a recent visit to the Emergency Department.