Upper Shore Community Development Partners (USCDP) is proud to announce new collaborations and projects aimed at collaborating with Chestertown area nonprofit organizations, the Queen Anne’s County Office of Economic Development, and the Town of Chestertown.

Registration for 2024 YMCA of the Chesapeake youth summer camps is open. YMCA of the Chesapeake day camps are centered around improving the well-being of children, with the programs focusing on three areas of development: friendship, accomplishment and belonging. Participating youth will have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships along the way with the opportunities the Y provides. 

More and more school systems are adopting an approach already entrenched in Kent County Public Schools to build strong literacy foundations in students. In January, the Maryland State Board of Education issued a resolution calling for a comprehensive literacy policy aligned with the Science of Reading.

The Garfield Center for the Arts regrets to announce the postponement of their planned 2024 Gala from its March 9 date to Saturday, July 13th. The postponement has been caused by Covid affecting the availability of the presentation scheduled for the event.

The Kent County Board of Education has approved the calendar for the 2024-25 school year. As required by the State of Maryland, the approved calendar includes 180 instruction days for students. Two inclement weather days are built into the calendar. The 2024-25 school year will begin with a staggered start. 

Gwinn Derricott, an 18-year member of the Chester River Hospital Center Auxiliary, was honored with her 10th Gold Star Award at the auxiliary’s recent annual meeting and luncheon. Gold stars are awarded for every 500 hours volunteered for the benefit of University of Maryland Shore Medical Center (UM SMC) at Chestertown.

On December 16, 2023 Vickie and Jake Sizemore, owners of Belly Bustin Grill food trailer, brought together family, friends, and members of the community for an unforgettable night of giving at their annual event, Holiday for Hospice. With their warm hospitality and commitment to Compass’s mission, the Sizemore's set the stage for a memorable event. 

Are you ready for the ultimate mountain retreat? Imagine spending 6 nights and 7 days in the picturesque town of Vail, Colorado, surrounded by breathtaking views and enjoying the luxury of The Wren condo! Thanks to our incredible vacation raffle, you could be the lucky winner of this unforgettable getaway, all for a great cause. Each raffle ticket buys you a chance to win and supports Echo Hill Outdoor School’s environmental education programs.

University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System, will host the next in-person “Don’t Worry, Be Healthy” session on Thursday, February 29, 2024.  Designed to teach participants how to stay healthy by making healthier and safer choices, the class meets once per month at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, 100 Brown Street, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There is no charge for the course, but advance registration is required.

Maryland Capital Enterprises (MCE) is excited to announce a lineup of free  educational webinars and training sessions for March 2024, offered through the MCE Women’s  Business Center. These training classes are designed to support aspiring and established entrepreneurs in  Maryland. The sessions will cover a wide range of essential topics, from starting your own business to  understanding government contracting opportunities for women-owned businesses.