The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council hosted an art reception for the participants of their new initiative, STArt! (Students, Teachers, Artists). Thirty seven of the forty student participants arrived on Friday, May 18 with family, friends and school representatives for a chance to see their work framed and hung in the Centre for the Arts gallery space in Centreville. It was a packed auditorium with over one-hundred and thirty people at the reception. Program Chair Sharon Lipsius addressed the students, artists and educators, giving special praise to the sponsors and foundations that helped get the project launched saying, “Without funding, the STArt! Program would have only remained an idea. You stepped up to the plate and showed your willingness to support our youth and the arts.”

Program support was received from Choptank Electric Trust, Love Point Deli, Queenstown Bank, Susan K. Black Foundation, The Digital Architects, The Peoples Bank and Maryland State Arts Council.

Four artists, four schools, forty students and their art instructors took part in the one-on-one art mentoring program. Artists Ric Conn, Stephen Griffin, Jonathan Shaw and Rick Strittmater visited Centreville, Matapeake, Stevensville and Sudlersville middle schools respectively for a two hour art lesson in various media.

for cleanup, painting project at Phillips Landing on June 2

LAUREL
May 24, 2012

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife is looking for volunteers to help celebrate National Trails Day by participating in a project at Phillips Landing in the Nanticoke Wildlife Area near Laurel from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 2.

Thousands of volunteers across the country will celebrate National Trails Day with volunteer events geared toward maintenance and enjoyment of trails. The Phillips Landing project will include trail clearing/cleaning, painting gates and debris cleanup.

The event is open to volunteers of all ages and is a good family activity. Anyone volunteering under the age of 18 must provide a parental consent form, which can be printed from the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s volunteer website, www.fw.delaware.gov/volunteers. Youth under the age of 14 also must be accompanied by an adult.

Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Work gloves, hand saws, pruners, loppers, insect repellant and water will be provided, but volunteers may bring their own.

For more information or to sign up for this wildlife area project, please contact Lynne Staub at 302-735-3600 or email lynne.staub@state.de.us. Volunteers are strongly encouraged to pre-register with contact information in case of inclement weather leading to postponement.

For directions, maps showing the location of volunteer events, parental consent forms or more information on other volunteer opportunities with the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, visit www.fw.delaware.gov/volunteers.

Church Hill Theatre is proud to announce the opening of The Sound of Music, a musical by Richard Rodgers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein, III (lyrics) with Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse (book) on Friday, June 8th, 2011. With her classic style and insight, director/producer Sylvia Maloney breathes new life into the last musical by the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein in the classic retelling of this unforgettable true story of the Von Trapp Family Singers. Eastern Shore audiences have come to anticipate Maloney’s June musical at CHT with popular past productions of Brigadoon, Oliver!, Music Man, Guys and Dolls, and Hello Dolly. With a long and creative collaborative history of bringing beautifully-crafted musicals to life on the CHT stage, Maloney will continue to partner with musical director Faith Souders.

Premiering in 1959, The Sound of Music was the last musical written by Broadway’s most successful team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, II in the Golden Age of musical theatre. Filled with memorable songs such as “The Sound of Music,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Do-Re-Mi,” this warm and wonderful musical blends music, laughter, and drama into a nostalgic tribute to the triumph of family and love over seemingly-overwhelming adversity. Tying with Fiorello! for the 1960 Tony Award for Best Musical, the production earned Tony’s for Mary Martin (Best Actress), Patricia Neway (Best Featured Actress), Oliver Smith for scenic design, and Frederick Dvonch for musical direction. It featured Theodore Bikel as the Captain and Kurt Kaznur as Max and played for over 1,400 performances. The 1965 film starring Julie Andrews won the Academy Award for Best Film and has become an iconic and beloved American classic.

CHT’s production is filled with the joy and laughter, the conflict and fear that typifies this classic tale which opens within a community of nuns whose belief in God and charity are at odds with a country on the edge of political upheaval. When the young nun Maria proves too high-spirited for the religious order, she is dispatched to serve as governess to the seven children of widowed naval Captain George Von Trapp. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain. After a tender courtship, they marry. But as they return from their honeymoon, they discover an Austria invaded by the Nazis, who demand the Captain’s immediate service in their navy.

Photo by Faith Souders. Pictured standing left to right are the Von Trapp children with the governess: Elliott Morotti (Kurt), Catie Gast (Louisa),Brody Alderson (Friedrich), Shannon Whitaker (Liesl), and Caroline Hazuda (Brigitta). Seated left to right: Madeleine Biles (Gretl), Liz Clarke (Maria) and Delaney McCreary (Marta)

Adding texture, depth, and harmony to this production is Maloney’s seasoned crew comprised of Souders (Music Director); John Beck (Stage Manager and Props); Tammy Cain and Samantha Mathews (Back Stage Assistants); Michael Whitehill and Maloney (Set Design); Brian Whitaker and Jim Johnson (Set Construction); Brian Draper (Art Design, Set Painting, and Artwork); Carmen Grasso (Set painting and construction); Tina Johnson, Beverly Bowman, and Shelagh Grasso (Costumes); and Doug Kaufmann, and Nic Carter (Light Design and Crew).

A full, rich orchestra will accompany the production and will be led by Souders who will also act as pianist for the show. The musicians are James Wilson (bass), Ron Demby (clarinet and flute), Frank Gerber (percussion), Joe Diamond (trumpet), and Albert Briggs (violin).

Reservations are strongly recommended for this production. Don’t miss a few of your favorite things on the CHT stage! The show opens on Friday, June 8th, but Maria and the rest of the Von Trapps will disappears in to the mountains of Switzerland on Sunday, June 24th. Performances begin at 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, 2pm on Sundays. Call the CHT office at 410.758.1331 or make reservations online at www.churchhilltheatre.org

The Mainstay in Rock Hall, MD pays tribute to the music and activism of Pete Seeger with a concert with Betty and the Baby Boomers on Friday June 1 at 8:00 p.m. and a concert with legendary songwriter Tom Paxton on Saturday June 2 at 8:00 p.m. There will also be a discussion on Saturday afternoon June 1 led by Mainstay founder and director Tom McHugh and a sing-around on Sunday June 3 at the new pavilion in Rock Hall Village at the corner of Main Street and Route 20 in Rock Hall. Admission is $15 for Betty and the Baby Boomers and $20 for Tom Paxton. The discussion and the sing-around are free. The weekend is sponsored by Judy Kohl. For information and reservations call 410-639-9133. Information is also available at the Mainstay’s website www.mainstayrockhall.org.

On Friday June 1, Betty and the Baby Boomers return to the Mainstay from their home in the Hudson River Valley to help pay tribute to their long-time associate and collaborator Pete Seeger. The folk music magazine Sing-Out called them “a refreshing reminder of the halcyon days of American folk music.” Betty Boomer, Steve Stanne, Jean Valla McAvoy and Paul Rubeo met as singers on the sloop Clearwater in 1985. Bassist Robert Bard joined the group in 2009. The Clearwater organization was founded by Pete Seeger. It built the 106 foot Hudson River sloop Clearwater and is dedicated to environmental causes.
With a sound inspired by the enthusiastic harmonies of folk groups like Peter, Paul & Mary and the Weavers, the Boomers draw material from traditional folk music, from contemporary songwriters and classic folk writers like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Phil Ochs. Their distinctive arrangements feature rich three and four part harmonies, strong instrumentals and occasional a capella voices. David Malachowski in the Kingston (NY) Daily Freeman said they “sing and play old-school folk like it was brand spanking new.” Admission to Betty and the Baby Boomers is $15.

Betty Boomer is a former English teacher turned naturalist, working on the Hudson and in the Valley’s other precious open spaces. Jean Valla McAvoy is the education coordinator for the Hudson River Research Reserve, protecting wetlands along the river. Paul Rubeo, a longtime social studies teacher, today trains teachers to use computer and video technology to bring the river into their classrooms. Steve Stanne directed Clearwater’s teaching programs for nearly twenty years and now coordinates the education projects of New York State’s Hudson River Estuary Program.

On Saturday afternoon June 2 at 1:00 p.m., there will be an informal discussion about Pete Seeger’s music and activism with Tom McHugh and some of Pete’s colleagues and associates. Steve Stanne is a founding member of Betty & the Baby Boomers who directed Clearwater’s teaching programs for nearly twenty years and now coordinates the education projects of New York State’s Hudson River Estuary Program. Judy Kohl was a Hudson River Valley resident for 40 years, a Clearwater member, co-founder of Hedgelawn Foundation and sponsor of this weekend tribute to Pete Seeger. John Mylod is a former Director of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater and a Hudson River shad fisherman. Tom McHugh, is a former VP of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater and is founder and director of The Mainstay. The discussion will take place at the Mainstay and admission is free.
Saturday June 3 at 8:00 p.m., Tom Paxton, one of America’s great folk songwriters returns to the Mainstay stage to continue the tribute to Seeger. Included in Paxton’s body of work are such timeless standards as “The Last Thing On My Mind”, “Ramblin’ Boy”, “Bottle Of Wine”, “Whose Garden Was This?”, “Goin’ To The Zoo” and “The Marvelous Toy”.

Tom Paxton has been writing witty and incisive topical songs since the 60s. His songs are at once timeless and contemporary. He has become a voice of multiple generations, addressing issues of injustice and inhumanity, laying bare the absurdities of modern culture, and celebrating the most tender bonds of family, friends, and community.

In describing Tom Paxton’s influence on his fellow musicians, Pete Seeger has said: “Tom’s songs have a way of sneaking up on you. You find yourself humming them, whistling them, and singing a verse to a friend. Like the songs of Woody Guthrie, they’re becoming part of America.”

Paxton received a 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards. He was nominated for a Grammy for “Comedians and Angels” in 2007, and “Live in the U.K.” in 2006. He was also nominated for Grammys in 2003 for his Appleseed Records CD, “Looking For The Moon”, and in 2002 for his children’s CD, “Your Shoes, My Shoes”. He has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from ASCAP, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BBC in London. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music from Washington College in 2009.

His place in folk music is secured not just by hit records and awards, but by the admiration of three generations of fellow musicians. An internationally recognized and loved cultural figure, he has always chosen goodwill over commercial success. He not only wrote but also lives the words, “Peace will come, and let it begin with me.”

Judy Collins, another legend whose body of work goes back to the 60s, said “Tom Paxton’s songs are so powerful and lyrical, written from the heart and the conscience, and they reach their mark, our most inner being. He writes stirring songs of social protest and gentle songs of love, each woven together with his personal gift for language. His melodies haunt, his lyrics reverberate. I have sung Tom’s songs for three decades and will go on doing so in the new century, for they are beautiful and timeless, and meant for every age.”

Upon graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 1959 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Paxton acted in summer stock theatre and briefly tried graduate school before joining the Army. Brought to the New York vicinity courtesy of the Army, Paxton remained there following his discharge. His early success in Greenwich Village coffeehouses, such as The Gaslight and The Bitter End, led to an ever-increasing circle of work. Pete Seeger started singing his songs including “Ramblin’ Boy” in the early 60s.

In his book “Mayor of MacDougal Street” Dave Van Ronk said, “Dylan is usually cited as the founder of the new song movement, and he certainly became its most visible standard-bearer, but the person who started the whole thing was Tom Paxton … he tested his songs in the crucible of live performance, he found that his own stuff was getting more attention than when he was singing traditional songs or stuff by other people… he set himself a training regimen of deliberately writing one song every day. Dylan had not yet showed up when this was happening, and by the time Bobby came on the set, with at most two or three songs he had written, Tom was already singing at least 50 percent his own material.”

Over the years, Paxton’s songs have been recorded by Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, the Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul & Mary, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Simon & Garfunkel, Harry Belefonte, Neil Diamond, Glen Campbell, John Denver and Placido Domingo among hundreds of others.

Admission to the Tom Paxton concert is $20 and reservations are a must.

On Sunday June 3 at 1:00 p.m., the Mainstay concludes its tribute to the music of Pete Seeger with a sing-around at the new pavilion at the corner of Rte. 20 and Main Street in Rock Hall. Everyone is invited to bring their voice, guitar or other instrument. Attendees can bring a Pete Seeger song to share with the group or just join in on the choruses of Seeger songs like “Where Have all the Flowers Gone,” “If I Had a Hammer” “Turn, Turn Turn” and “We Shall Overcome” and songs associated with Seeger like “This Land is Your Land, “Michael Row the Boat Ashore” and “Goodnight Irene.” Admission is free. In the event of severe weather, the sing-around will move indoors to the Mainstay.

The Mainstay (Home of Musical Magic) is the friendly informal storefront performing arts center on Rock Hall’s old time Main Street. It is a 501(c)(3), non profit dedicated to the arts, serving Rock Hall, MD and the surrounding region. It is committed to presenting local, regional and national level talent, at a reasonable price, in an almost perfect acoustic setting. Wine, beer, sodas and snacks are available at the bar.

The Mainstay is supported by ticket sales, fundraising including donations from friends and audience members and an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

For information and reservations call the Mainstay at 410-639-9133. More information is also available at the Mainstay’s website www.mainstayrockhall.org.

Upcoming Mainstay performances include:
June 9 Guy Davis
June 16 Red Mountain (free outdoor concert)
Wed. June 20 Bob Seeley & Daryl Davis
June 23 Red June
June 29 Byron Stripling with the Chuck Redd Quartet

Marking another milestone in its effort to conserve key natural resource areas, the State of Delaware has completed the purchase of 339 acres of Sussex County forestland that will now be part of the 12,400-acre Redden State Forest near Georgetown.

The purchase from the Huff and Sposato families marks the latest phase of the multi-year Green Horizons Project to protect working forests, water quality, and wildlife habitat in key environmental regions on the Delmarva Peninsula. The U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program provided 75 percent of the funding and the Delaware Open Space Program contributed 25 percent.

“Preserving Delaware’s open space is important to maintaining Delaware’s quality of life,” said Governor Jack Markell. “We are preserving precious real estate for generations to come.”

“This forestland represents a permanent legacy for current and future generations of Delawareans who will enjoy free public access to its scenic natural beauty through a wide range of recreational activities such as hiking, hunting, and wildlife observation,” said State Forestry Administrator Michael A. Valenti. “We would also like to thank the Sposato and Huff families for the willingness to offer their land to ensure the conservation of our vital forests.”

“Our families are very excited that the property will become part of Redden State Forest,” said Richard M. Huff, one of the family members.

Located east of U.S. 113 between Ellendale and Georgetown, the new acreage will provide a valuable wildlife corridor that connects with existing tracts of Redden State Forest. The newly-acquired land will be sustainably managed by the Delaware Forest Service for multiple objectives including wildlife habitat, timber production, and improved water quality, and will be open for recreational uses such as hunting and hiking.

“Thanks to the invaluable assistance of our partners, Delaware has reached another landmark in achieving our goal of protecting these valuable forests before they are converted to other uses,” Valenti said.

On Saturday June 9th Neavitt will host its 15th annual community flea market in the town park from 8:00 am until noon.

Over 20 vendors will be selling antiques, artwork, tools, sports and boat equipment.

Enjoy breakfast or lunch in the Pavilion Cafe and take home as assortment of delicious baked goods. While Mom and Dad shop, kids can swing and slide in the town’s park.

To reach Neavitt take Route 33 West from St Michaels for two miles to Route 579. Turn left and continue for eight miles down the Bozman-Neavitt Road. The Neavitt Park is on the right. It is a beautiful drive!

The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council is organizing its seventh annual Centreville neighborhood extravaganza “The Art of the Deals” on Saturday, June 16 from 9 am to 1 pm. Space is available for rent at the Courthouse Square on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $10 for space rental for vendors interested in selling original artwork, textiles, jewelry and other hand-crafted work.

This fun community-wide event features music, information tables, and arts vendors on the grounds of the original Courthouse Square. The Farmers’ Market will be open and downtown merchants will have specials and sales for a day full of bargains.

Organizations and civic groups interested in participating should call the Arts Council before June 1 for inclusion. There is no charge for non-profit group participation, but registration is required. Contact the Arts Council at 410.758.2520 for details and to sign up. The Council is located at 206 South Commerce Street in Centreville, Maryland. Summer office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Arts Council is supported in part through a grant by the Maryland State Arts Council.

The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council, Inc., is a non-profit organization committed to promoting, expanding and sustaining the arts. Visit us on the web at www.arts4u.info.

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section, along with Enforcement Section volunteers, the Center for the Inland Bays and the Division of Parks and Recreation, are seeking volunteers and boats for the Eighth Annual Cleanup of the Inland Bays beginning at 9 a.m. and finishing up about 2 p.m., Saturday, June 23.

This year, the cleanup will take place at Massey’s Landing Public Boat Ramp at the end of Long Neck Road and concentrate on the Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay areas. A Little Assawoman Bay Cleanup will be scheduled for later in the summer.

Volunteers should dress to get dirty and be prepared for cooler conditions on the water as well as wet walking conditions on land. Rubber boots are also suggested. Those who have access to lifejackets should bring one, as they are required on boats. Otherwise, lifejackets will be provided. This event is not recommended for children under the age of 10.

Last year’s event drew 100 volunteers who collected a large quantity of debris, including soda bottles and cans, tires, derelict crab pots and a lot of plastic. A large construction dumpster was donated and filled by the end of the day.

“With this event, we are continuing our public outreach on behalf of the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Delaware State Parks, the Center for the Inland Bays and our Fish and Wildlife Enforcement volunteers. We hope that through activities such as the clean-up, people using the Inland Bays will pause long enough to make decisions that truly benefit these waterways,” said Sr. Cpl. Casey Zolper of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement.

Volunteers are encouraged to sign up in advance, as lunch and t-shirts will be provided. To volunteer or for more information, please contact E.J. Chalabala, Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, at 302-226-8105 or by email at restoration@inlandbays.org.

The hunt is on! The Diamond Jim component of the 2012 Maryland Fishing Challenge kicked off today when Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists and some eager young anglers caught, tagged and released dozens of striped bass into the Chesapeake Bay. One of today’s tagged fish is the official Diamond Jim worth $10,000 to the angler who catches it before midnight on June 30. The other tagged rockfish will be known as imposters worth at least $500 each if caught and registered before September 3, 2012.

“Every year the Maryland Fishing Challenge offers an added incentive for citizens to get out on the water and enjoy our State’s natural resources,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Whether it’s your first time fishing or you’re a seasoned angler, this is a great opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy our natural world.”

This year’s challenge honors the life and times of world renowned fly-fishing legend Lefty Kreh. Over his remarkable 75-year career the Maryland native has shared his enthusiasm and skill for fishing through his columns, books and presentations. He is also known for his commitment to Maryland’s natural resources, promoting conservation and clean water, and giving back to the outdoors. Kreh will be honored by Governor Martin O’Malley at the dedication of the Lefty Kreh Fishing Trail in the Hereford Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park on June 11.

Over the summer, as many as 600 imposters worth at least $500 each and one genuine Diamond Jim will be pursued by anglers. Each month Diamond Jim goes uncaught the bounty increases ─ from $10,000 in June, to $20,000 in July, and $25,000 in August.

The contest features a guaranteed $25,000 payout: If Diamond Jim is not caught by Labor Day, the cash prize will be split equally among the anglers who catch imposters this summer. Additionally, if an angler catches the August Diamond Jim they will receive a set of one-carat total weight, round, brilliant diamond stud earrings from Zachary’s Jewelers in Annapolis. Zachary’s is also providing five- to six-carat blue topaz charms for anglers who catch imposter fish.

Now in its eighth year, the Maryland Fishing Challenge showcases Maryland as a premier sport fishing destination with accessible, affordable, diverse and high quality sport fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages. The fishing challenge would not happen without the help of several corporate sponsors, including Bass Pro Shops, Tracker Boats, Bill’s Outdoor Center, the World Fishing Network, and Under Armour.

“We are very grateful to our sponsors and our recreational fishery stakeholders,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “Without their continued support, this contest would not be possible.”

Anglers who catch and register any of the more than 80 Maryland Angler Award eligible sport fish species categories will receive certificates of achievement and free passes to the Maryland Fishing Challenge Finale, which will be held in conjunction with the Maryland Seafood Festival at Sandy Point State Park on September 8, 2012. This year’s Celebration will include chances to win a boat, trailer and motor package from Tracker Marine, a tropical vacation package from the World Fishing Network, tackle packages from Bill’s Outdoor Center and Bass Pro Shops and collectable Maryland Fishing Challenge shirts from Under Armour.

The Maryland Fishing Challenge runs annually from Labor Day through the day before the following Labor Day. To be eligible for the contest, all fish must be caught recreationally by rod and reel. To see the Angler Award species list and the official Maryland Fishing Challenge and Diamond Jim contest rules, visit dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/challenge.

Catch a fish is included in the Maryland Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights, issued by Governor Martin O’Malley in April 2009. The Bill is part of the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature, an initiative to ensure all Maryland young people have the opportunity to connect with their natural world and grow to become informed and responsible stewards.

Follow Diamond Jim on Facebook at facebook.com/diamondjim.md. DNR Fisheries is also on Facebook at facebook.com/MDDNRFisheriesService and Twitter, @mddnrfish.

It is with great regret that the HMS Bounty, originally scheduled to make an appearance at St Michaels 25th Annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival, June 15-17, 2012 has to cancel and will not be able to attend.