By Daniel Menefee The Maryland Board of Public

Works in July approved $413 million in cuts to balance massive revenue losses from COVID-19 -- and on the chopping block is the Maryland State Police Trooper 6 Medivac helicopter based at the Easton Airport. 

Trooper 6 serves the counties of the mid-shore.

The prospect of losing Trooper 6 brought swift opposition from Maryland’s 36th and 37th delegations and county commissioners. Senate Minority Whip Stephen Hershey called for a hearing to oppose the cut and

Social Media lit up. So far a Change.org petition has

garnered nearly 16,000 signatures opposing the elimination of Trooper 6.

At the Kent County Commissioners meeting Tuesday Commissioner President Tom Mason said he personally relied on Trooper 6 at one point in his own life.

“I can attest from personal experience of mine that I was transported by this helicopter to Shock Trauma several years ago,” Mason said. Mason also mentioned that his fellow commissioner Bob Jacob at one point needed a ride from Trooper 6.

The commissioners then motioned to send a letter to the Board of Public W o r k s a n d S e c r e t a r y o f t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f B u d g e t a n d Management David Brinkley.

“We have been extremely fortunate to have MSP Trooper 6 save numerous lives that may not have been as fortunate if they had to wait for the driving time of an emergency service vehicle,” the letter said. “The elimination of MSP Trooper 6 station is unacceptable to the County Commissioners of Kent County, Maryland.” _____________________________

Chestertown, Thursday, August 6, 2020

Kent Commissioners File Objection To Hogan/BPW Over Medivac Cuts

Free

Chestertown, Thursday, August 6, 2020 Chestertown, Thursday, August 6, 2020

Barbara Lockhart’s Stories Of Eastern Shore Past Find Relevance TodayBy Kate Meehan

Novelist Barbara Lockhart has created a rare fictional opportunity to learn about life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.  Two books, one a historical novel, Elizabeth’s Field, and the second, Collected Stories, are just in time for a great read and welcome insight into some of our Nation’s struggles today.

Lockhart moved to the Eastern Shore 50 years ago. A native of New York, she acknowledges the culture shock of her arrival having lived in the confined world of the city. Her life as a kindergarten teacher permitted her a view into the Eastern Shore way of life. Always a writer, by the time she retired, she had some novels stored up.

In an interview with Lockhart, she explained her path. While researching title to her farm in Dorchester County, Lockhart discovered a deed that indicated that from 1852-57 her land had been owned by Elizabeth Burton, described as “a freed negress.” For the next nine years, Lockhart spent time researching Burton’s life and her ceaseless grappling to hold fast to her land.

Elizabeth’s Field and the strong fictional character Elizabeth grew out of that research, revealing a view into the everyday lives of slaves and freed blacks before the Civil War.

A character of interest is Mattie. She is based on the real-life Mary who lived in a lean-to hovel on the farm next to Lockhart’s. The author has wisely and gratefully captured the vivid memories of Mary’s servitude as a field hand that had been spelled out in an oral history.

“I could not have written the book without her,” Lockhart said.

The reader is also introduced to Reverend Samuel Green, whose church still stands about three miles from Lockhart’s farm. A “freed” man, he was jailed for ten years just for

possessing a copy of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. This popular novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe, published in 1852, was an abolitionist’s outcry that was read widely and also performed on stage, melodramatically denouncing the injustice of slavery. It was denounced in states like Maryland where slavery was authorized by law.

Harriet Tubman and her heroic work creating “The Railway” are woven into the fabric of Elizabeth’s Field. Tubman never followed the same route twice on the many valiant trips guiding those fleeing from enslavement, nor did she alert the trusted few who secretly provided the safe stops, which included Elizabeth Burton and Sam Green.

Lockhart provides a stark, but resilient presentation of her characters’ lives – sustaining themselves on little, often illiterate, caring for each other, never sure that any rare good fortune would not be stolen from them. Yet they loved and were loved, and made fun where and when they could. Most were determined not to give up when they had to give in.

Lockhart’s Collected Stories is a refreshing glimpse into segments of life on the rural Eastern Shore of Maryland. The first story sets the scene by taking the reader on a flight over the small town of Pickum. “In and out of windows…..through pet doors and

attic vents,” gathering impressions throughout the town and into the farmyards of those characters the reader is about to meet.

We can all reflect on periods in our own lives that we have carefully planned to unfold one way, and an unexpected twist rearranges the events. The characters introduced in each story find themselves in situations that call for adjustments in their plan. It is a rare experience to reach into another’s mind and share their experiences.

Lockhart taught school during some of the 40 years she has lived within an Eastern Shore nature conservancy.

We discussed her books and my impression that her characters and stories were enlightening and would enrich readers.

She reflected, ”When it is inside you, you just can’t help it.”

Somet imes we a r e so busy accelerating our own lives that we don’t question if we have left anyone behind, or if we have neglected to a cknow ledg e those th a t h ave contributed to our lives. Barbara Lockhart has raised shades that have here-to-fore been drawn or maybe we have just had our eyes closed.

Elizabeth’s Field closes with these wise words from Mary (Mattie): “Now, that I am done looking back, I can look ahead.” She muses about how life and plants come and go over time, but “Everthin’ what went away comin’ back, coverin’ everythin’ over with life. What’s left is the story. Pass it along with yours. The tellin’ keeps us understandin’ things.”

To learn more about Barbara Lockhart and her earlier writing online visit www.barbaramarielockhart.com. Her books are available both in bookstores and online.

Downtown Opposition To Black Lives Matter Mural FadingBy Daniel Menefee

The Kent Pilot has learned that downtown residents represented by local attorney, Phil Hoon, will forgo any further legal challenges to a permit to paint a “Black Lives Matter” mural in the 200-block of High Street near Memorial Park.

The news early Wednesday follows an earlier story where Ward 2 Councilman Tom Herz said he would not support the measure -- after giving his full support and commitment to permit requesters Wanda Boyer, Arlene Lee and Maria Wood. 

Herz’s change of heart could most likely make him the swing vote in 3-2 decision on the Town Council against murals on High Street and College Avenue.

Mayor Chris Cerino and Ward 1 Councilman David Foster have voiced opposition to the murals being placed on publ ic streets and Ward 3 Councilman Ellsworth Tolliver and Ward 4 Councilwoman Meghan Efland have voiced their full support for the murals.

Over the last week there have been legal opinions to kibosh the murals or allow them to go forward. Cities and towns across the country have painted murals in support of the black

community following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police on May 25.

Hertz’s reversal came at great d i sappointment to the per mit requesters and members of the Social Action Committee for Racial Justice, who have pinned their hopes on Chestertown’s leaders making an affirmative anti-racist statement on a street with a well-documented history of slavery and segregation.

Arlene Lee, Co-Chair of the Social Action Committee (one of the permit requesters) said she hoped that the council could approve the Black Lives Matter mural as a public statement.

“We are very happy to hear that there could be common ground about the street murals, Lee said. “We have now provided seven different options for the Mayor and Council to choose from, which I hope shows that we are willing to work with them. It appears that everyone is coalescing around the idea of the town adopting the murals as government speech. That is great news. I guess all that remains is to see if the Mayor and Council will support what the community is presenting as a compromise that brings us together.”

Herz said he had no further comment on the matter when the Kent Pi lot reached out to h im for comments.

___________________________

Black Lives Matter, Good Trouble By Rebecca Murphy

As the Mayor and Town Council wrestle with whether or not to issue a permit for a Black Lives Matter street mural, I have been struck by the difficulty that some of our “Leaders” are having making what is, on the face of it, seemingly an easy decision, to unequivocally and openly declare their support for Black Lives, here in Chestertown.

Rather than embracing a message that is resonating WORLDWIDE, and figuring out a way to declare it unabashedly, our Town, once again, cannot seem to get out of their own way, coming up with reason after reason why it cannot be done. Considering that cities and towns all over the country have figured out how to paint their streets, it cannot possibly be that difficult to do, if the WILL to do it is there. Ours is an extraordinarily risk-averse Town; there is not a single, even mildly controversial, decision that is ever made here without asserting the fear of “setting precedent,” fear of the economic impact, however unfounded or remote, or the fear of offending someone, not a single one.

Whether deciding to help a movie theatre open, or painting a street, our Town consistently dithers and handwrings over decisions that most jurisdictions don’t hesitate to make. The fear of precedent, the fear of angering our wealthy, privileged residents, the fear of controversy, and the worry about the economic impact of every single decision, consistently (See Good Trouble Page 4)

Chestertown, Thursday, August 6, 2020 Chestertown, Thursday, August 6, 2020

Barbara Lockhart’s Stories Of Eastern Shore Past Find Relevance TodayBy Kate Meehan

Novelist Barbara Lockhart has created a rare fictional opportunity to learn about life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.  Two books, one a historical novel, Elizabeth’s Field, and the second, Collected Stories, are just in time for a great read and welcome insight into some of our Nation’s struggles today.

Lockhart moved to the Eastern Shore 50 years ago. A native of New York, she acknowledges the culture shock of her arrival having lived in the confined world of the city. Her life as a kindergarten teacher permitted her a view into the Eastern Shore way of life. Always a writer, by the time she retired, she had some novels stored up.

In an interview with Lockhart, she explained her path. While researching title to her farm in Dorchester County, Lockhart discovered a deed that indicated that from 1852-57 her land had been owned by Elizabeth Burton, described as “a freed negress.” For the next nine years, Lockhart spent time researching Burton’s life and her ceaseless grappling to hold fast to her land.

Elizabeth’s Field and the strong fictional character Elizabeth grew out of that research, revealing a view into the everyday lives of slaves and freed blacks before the Civil War.

A character of interest is Mattie. She is based on the real-life Mary who lived in a lean-to hovel on the farm next to Lockhart’s. The author has wisely and gratefully captured the vivid memories of Mary’s servitude as a field hand that had been spelled out in an oral history.

“I could not have written the book without her,” Lockhart said.

The reader is also introduced to Reverend Samuel Green, whose church still stands about three miles from Lockhart’s farm. A “freed” man, he was jailed for ten years just for

possessing a copy of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. This popular novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe, published in 1852, was an abolitionist’s outcry that was read widely and also performed on stage, melodramatically denouncing the injustice of slavery. It was denounced in states like Maryland where slavery was authorized by law.

Harriet Tubman and her heroic work creating “The Railway” are woven into the fabric of Elizabeth’s Field. Tubman never followed the same route twice on the many valiant trips guiding those fleeing from enslavement, nor did she alert the trusted few who secretly provided the safe stops, which included Elizabeth Burton and Sam Green.

Lockhart provides a stark, but resilient presentation of her characters’ lives – sustaining themselves on little, often illiterate, caring for each other, never sure that any rare good fortune would not be stolen from them. Yet they loved and were loved, and made fun where and when they could. Most were determined not to give up when they had to give in.

Lockhart’s Collected Stories is a refreshing glimpse into segments of life on the rural Eastern Shore of Maryland. The first story sets the scene by taking the reader on a flight over the small town of Pickum. “In and out of windows…..through pet doors and

attic vents,” gathering impressions throughout the town and into the farmyards of those characters the reader is about to meet.

We can all reflect on periods in our own lives that we have carefully planned to unfold one way, and an unexpected twist rearranges the events. The characters introduced in each story find themselves in situations that call for adjustments in their plan. It is a rare experience to reach into another’s mind and share their experiences.

Lockhart taught school during some of the 40 years she has lived within an Eastern Shore nature conservancy.

We discussed her books and my impression that her characters and stories were enlightening and would enrich readers.

She reflected, ”When it is inside you, you just can’t help it.”

Somet imes we a r e so busy accelerating our own lives that we don’t question if we have left anyone behind, or if we have neglected to a cknow ledg e those th a t h ave contributed to our lives. Barbara Lockhart has raised shades that have here-to-fore been drawn or maybe we have just had our eyes closed.

Elizabeth’s Field closes with these wise words from Mary (Mattie): “Now, that I am done looking back, I can look ahead.” She muses about how life and plants come and go over time, but “Everthin’ what went away comin’ back, coverin’ everythin’ over with life. What’s left is the story. Pass it along with yours. The tellin’ keeps us understandin’ things.”

To learn more about Barbara Lockhart and her earlier writing online visit www.barbaramarielockhart.com. Her books are available both in bookstores and online.

Downtown Opposition To Black Lives Matter Mural FadingBy Daniel Menefee

The Kent Pilot has learned that downtown residents represented by local attorney, Phil Hoon, will forgo any further legal challenges to a permit to paint a “Black Lives Matter” mural in the 200-block of High Street near Memorial Park.

The news early Wednesday follows an earlier story where Ward 2 Councilman Tom Herz said he would not support the measure -- after giving his full support and commitment to permit requesters Wanda Boyer, Arlene Lee and Maria Wood. 

Herz’s change of heart could most likely make him the swing vote in 3-2 decision on the Town Council against murals on High Street and College Avenue.

Mayor Chris Cerino and Ward 1 Councilman David Foster have voiced opposition to the murals being placed on publ ic streets and Ward 3 Councilman Ellsworth Tolliver and Ward 4 Councilwoman Meghan Efland have voiced their full support for the murals.

Over the last week there have been legal opinions to kibosh the murals or allow them to go forward. Cities and towns across the country have painted murals in support of the black

community following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police on May 25.

Hertz’s reversal came at great d i sappointment to the per mit requesters and members of the Social Action Committee for Racial Justice, who have pinned their hopes on Chestertown’s leaders making an affirmative anti-racist statement on a street with a well-documented history of slavery and segregation.

Arlene Lee, Co-Chair of the Social Action Committee (one of the permit requesters) said she hoped that the council could approve the Black Lives Matter mural as a public statement.

“We are very happy to hear that there could be common ground about the street murals, Lee said. “We have now provided seven different options for the Mayor and Council to choose from, which I hope shows that we are willing to work with them. It appears that everyone is coalescing around the idea of the town adopting the murals as government speech. That is great news. I guess all that remains is to see if the Mayor and Council will support what the community is presenting as a compromise that brings us together.”

Herz said he had no further comment on the matter when the Kent Pi lot reached out to h im for comments.

___________________________

Black Lives Matter, Good Trouble By Rebecca Murphy

As the Mayor and Town Council wrestle with whether or not to issue a permit for a Black Lives Matter street mural, I have been struck by the difficulty that some of our “Leaders” are having making what is, on the face of it, seemingly an easy decision, to unequivocally and openly declare their support for Black Lives, here in Chestertown.

Rather than embracing a message that is resonating WORLDWIDE, and figuring out a way to declare it unabashedly, our Town, once again, cannot seem to get out of their own way, coming up with reason after reason why it cannot be done. Considering that cities and towns all over the country have figured out how to paint their streets, it cannot possibly be that difficult to do, if the WILL to do it is there. Ours is an extraordinarily risk-averse Town; there is not a single, even mildly controversial, decision that is ever made here without asserting the fear of “setting precedent,” fear of the economic impact, however unfounded or remote, or the fear of offending someone, not a single one.

Whether deciding to help a movie theatre open, or painting a street, our Town consistently dithers and handwrings over decisions that most jurisdictions don’t hesitate to make. The fear of precedent, the fear of angering our wealthy, privileged residents, the fear of controversy, and the worry about the economic impact of every single decision, consistently (See Good Trouble Page 4)

Chestertown, Thursday, August 6, 2020

Good Trouble impedes our ability to make progress. And most sadly, in my opinion, those fears prevent us, simply, from doing the right thing.

The Honorable John Lewis, who recently passed away after giving, literally, his ENTIRE life to Civil Rights causes, implored Americans to “get into good trouble, necessary trouble, and redeem the soul of Amer i c a , ” a t t he 2020 even t commemorating the tragic events of Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965, when peaceful protesters were beaten by the police for the simple act of crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. John Lewis was beaten so badly that day that he suffered a skull fracture, and the effects of that beating lingered his entire life. Yet, he continued to advocate, march, and speak out for what was right, to make “good trouble,” until the very end of his life.

Representative Lewis’s ENTIRE life was about setting precedent, about making people uncomfortable in their racism, about pushing White people to acknowledge the fullness of the lives of Black people, to make them see that Black Lives mattered. He took incredible risks in order to make progress, realizing that often that is EXACTLY what is required.

Much is being made now of the potential cost to the Town of doing the right thing and approving the permit - having to pay court costs, having to defend lawsuits, and being forced to allow “other” political messages to be displayed if they allow Black Lives Matter to be painted on a Town street. First of all, Black Lives Matter is NOT a political statement, but rather a human rights statement. Second of all, the risk to the Town of a leg i t imate lawsui t i s not only improbable, but it would also give the Town an opportunity to defend having DONE WHAT IS RIGHT, which wouldn’t be a bad thing, at all.

And finally, as Representative Lewis’s life, and sadly, the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Michael Brown, Travon Martin, and Eric Garner, along

Very Old But True, “A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words” By Bill Minus

It is really hard to find anything positive about this pandemic. Now that I look back over the past few months, I have found a bright spot.

When the “stay at home orders” came down I decided there were only three places where I felt safe. My apartment, my car and walking in uncrowded places.

The real surprise came when walking became a passion. That passion led to an enhanced keen sense of observation.

During the early COVID months I could not get enough of the bright spring plants in downtown yards, gardens and other nearby parks and trails. In addition, smart phones have made it so easy to photograph and pass along beauty to others.

Reaching a point where we are comfortable with the COVID – 19 restrictions may be hard to fathom. It is just too personal. We are all effected. For the foreseeable future we just have to live with it.

So if you have trouble managing the “new norm,” try walking. Pause and

with hundreds of nameless others, demonstrate that change is HARD. Doing the right thing is HARD. I implore the members of the Town Council who oppose the permit for the mural, or who are undecided, to do the right thing, the hard thing, and make some Good Trouble to redeem the soul of our small town. Find a way to paint the mural, on High Street, where it belongs, rather than continuing to find ways not to. Our community, our entire community, deserves nothing less.

enjoy the small things and sending photos to friends. There will be a news crop of fall colors coming along soon.

It can do something for your soul. Tell me this doesn’t not make you feel better. Life goes on.

By the way if you find something unusual, send us a pic and we’ll try to help.

___________________________