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Articles by Molly Weeks Crumbley
The Restoration of the Ark Cannon
As most Maryland schoolchildren are taught, the state was founded in 1634 with the arrival of two intrepid little ships–the Ark and Dove–on the shores of what is now St. Mary’s County. Each year, school groups take field trips to Historic St. Mary’s City to visit replicas of the ships and the early settlements. While the original vessels have been lost to time, there are still pieces of the original boats on display.
The Chesapeake’s Floating Theatre
“Ol’ man river, That ol’ man river He must know sumpin’, But don’t say nothin He just keeps rollin’, He keeps on rollin’ along.” Those lyrics, famously crooned by Paul Robeson in the 1936 movie musical Show Boat, may have been referring to the Mississippi River, but it seems that the song found its origins on board a vessel that cruised the waters of Chesapeake Country. From 1913 to 1941, the James Adams Floating Theatre was a beloved diversion for the towns dotting the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The Mermaids of the Chesapeake
With trailers out for Disney’s upcoming live-action version of The Little Mermaid, it feels like everyone has those alluring fishy females on the brain. Chesapeake Country is no different and you don’t have to look very far to find hints and whispers of mermaids in the Bay.
I Put a Spell on You
Celebrating Moll Dyer Day in Leonardtown Valentine’s Day has come and gone, and the residents and businesses of Leonardtown, Maryland, are busy clearing away the hearts and Cupid décor to make way for their next festive holiday. It’s a special event only celebrated in this charming St Mary’s County town. From February 24-26, Leonardtown plays host to paranormal investigations, mind-reading mentalists, palmistry projects, and plenty of Witches Brew.
Holiday Happenings: Festive Events in Calvert County
By Molly Weeks Crumbley The holiday season has arrived, and Calvert County is full of events to get the community in the spirit the whole month through. Where will you find your holly jolly? CBM Bay Weekly has some ideas for you.
Put a Ring on It: Banding Raptors in Calvert
By Molly Weeks Crumbley This time of year, drivers might notice a Natural Resources van parked along Route 4 in the southern part of Calvert County. They aren’t looking for deer or poachers, but are on the hunt for raptors. “While I enjoy the variety you can find within all the species of birds, raptors have always fascinated me,” says Gene Groshon, a naturalist with the county’s wildlife division.
The Sacred Journey: St. Mary’s College Marks Anniversary of Commemorative
By Molly Weeks Crumbley a disappearance named CHARLES HENRY named WILLIAM FRANCIS named JACOB BRISCOEnamed WLLIAM BARNES named ELIZA ANN LEA named BILL DYSON named JOHN DORSEY named HARRY EDELIN named CHARLES BATSON named GEORGE THOMASnamed HENRY GOUGH named HEZEKIAH TABBS named JIM DORSEY named ROBERT GAINER named GEORGE TILGHMAN named JOHN THOMAS named LEWIS DORSEY named NEALY LEIGHnamed ISSAC BLACKISTONE named JOHN FENICK named WASHINGTON MORELANDnamed HENRY BUTLERnamed HILLARY BEENDER...
You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!
CTSM Presents A Christmas Story: The Musical By Molly Weeks Crumbley Christmas is coming early to Calvert County…A Christmas Story, that is. Following the success of their summer camp production of Newsies, Jr., Children’s Theatre of Southern Maryland has jumped into a busy autumn full of classes, workshops, and rehearsals for their upcoming winter show. The team’s full-length production of A Christmas Story: The Musical will run Nov. 18-20 at the Mary Harrison Center in Owings.
Ma’am, Yes Ma’am
Somerville Becomes First Woman to Lead Naval Test Wing Atlantic By Molly Weeks Crumbley The U.S. Naval Air Station Patuxent River, known in Chesapeake Country as simply Pax River, is home to a developmental wing that conducts testing for every aircraft in the Navy and Marine Corps. And now for the first time ever, the Naval Test Wing Atlantic at Pax River has two women at the helm: executive director Deb Salamon and the newly appointed commander, Captain Elizabeth Somerville. On Aug.
How She Spent Her Summer Vacation
Calvert teacher studies STEM in Germany By Molly Weeks Crumbley School may have been out for her students over the summer, but not for teacher Holly Fallica. Fallica, a 7th grade science teacher at Calvert Middle School, became a student herself when she participated in a summer study program in Germany.
On a Quest for Planet’s Most Important Species
By Molly Weeks Crumbley Can you name a pollinator other than a honeybee? I know I must have learned about pollination in school, but it’s not something I really gave much thought to as I grew up. Sure, I admired a flower in bloom or a butterfly as it flitted past, but I didn’t appreciate how important pollinators were until I began homeschooling my son a few years ago. As he and I delved into natural science together, our studies led us to the different life cycles of animals, insects, and plants.
Making a Splash: The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson in Calvert County
By Molly Weeks Crumbley Swimming lessons save lives. However, in a survey conducted in 2020, the American Red Cross discovered that 56 percent of Americans can’t swim at a basic level. That’s a statistic that the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is trying to change. An annual event launched by the World Waterpark Association in 2010, the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL) was created with the goal of building awareness about the importance of swim safety and education.
Christ Church Celebrates its 350th Year
By Molly Weeks Crumbley “During our anniversary celebration, it is natural to look back on the years of our history. We have inherited a remarkable legacy,” shares the Rev. Christopher M. Garcia, rector of Christ Church. Known as Calvert’s first church, Christ Church was founded in Port Republic in 1672 and is about to celebrate a milestone anniversary: 350 continuous years of worship in Calvert County.
Calvert Library Breaks Ground on New Branch
By Molly Weeks Crumbley “Libraries are a focal point of every community,” says Calvert County Commissioner Earl “Buddy” Hance. For the towns of North Beach and Chesapeake Beach, a beautiful new focal point is on its way in the form of the brand-new Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch. After years of work to secure funding and a new location, officials broke ground for a new building May 24 at the North Beach Town Hall.
Building a Better Bridge
By Molly Weeks Crumbley On Monday, May 23, elected officials representing Calvert and St. Mary’s counties converged in Solomons to discuss the future of the Thomas Johnson Bridge. Built in 1977, the two-lane bridge connects the two counties on each side of the Patuxent River and is traversed by over 30,000 drivers each day. According to the state of Maryland, it is also one of the state’s bridges to receive a “poor” rating.
Curtains Up for Calvert Children’s Theater
By Molly Weeks Crumbley All the world’s a stage…or it soon will be for the kids of Calvert County. Without a dedicated performing arts space, Calvert County is an area that has largely been limited in its performing arts experiences for residents. This is even truer for children who want to tread the boards.
Fairies in the Garden
By Molly Weeks Crumbley The sun was bright, the air carried the scents of popcorn and fries, and the park was full of fairies and magical creatures. Just a normal day at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center in Solomons … or at least what passes for normal on the day of the annual Fairy and Gnome Home Festival. The magical community art exhibit, Fairies in the Garden, is now in its 12th year.
Feed Me, Seymour
The care of carnivorous plants By Molly Weeks Crumbley “You can’t name it Seymour, Mama. That’s too creepy.” My 9-year-old son and I were crouched over a cardboard box in the kitchen, debating names for our new family member. What was in the box? Not a cute furry pet, that’s for sure. “Well, can I call it Audrey?” I asked as I sifted through the moss. “No, that’s worse!” he cried. Finally, I found my quarry, gently freeing a small plant from its packing material. Yes, a plant.
Dig Into Public Archaeology at Jefferson Patterson Park
Photos: Molly Weeks Crumbley By Molly Weeks Crumbley Ready to dig into the past? If you live in Calvert County, April just might be your month. Following the example of Gov. Hogan, who issued a proclamation in support of Maryland Archaeology Month on April 1, Calvert County’s Board of County Commissioners also came out in support of the field. “Understanding people of the past and their way of life educates our decisions for the future.
Calvert Students Restore Reefs
Photos: CCPS. By Molly Weeks Crumbley Citizen scientists can be any age, as Calvert County Public Schools students are learning firsthand this school year. In conjunction with the county CHESPAX program, all fifth graders in Calvert have an important part to play in the fight to preserve the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population. CHESPAX is the environmental education program for the Calvert County Public Schools.
Festival Welcomes Back Osprey
Photos: Sal Icaza. By Molly Weeks Crumbley Now that winter has crept away from Chesapeake Country, not only do warmer temperatures and longer days return, but Maryland also welcomes its ospreys back home. Ospreys are one of the largest species of raptor in North America, and the Chesapeake Bay Program reports that a quarter of the entire United States population nests in the Bay region.
The Playgoer: New Direction’s Always a Bridesmaid
Monette (Julie Fox) gets ready to walk down the aisle with the help of friend Libby Ruth (Sherry Mervine). Charlie (Candida Olney), Deedra (Laurie Foster), Libby Ruth (Mervine) and Monette (Fox) raise a glass to friendship. Photos: Molly Weeks Crumbley. By Molly Weeks Crumbley “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans,” a beaming bride tells her wedding guests.
Calvert Choir Takes Carnegie Hall
Top row from left: Katie Evans, David Walsh, Aidan Davis, John Otranto, William Thayer, Lacy Pitman. Bottom row from left: Kathy Gray, Martha Shiles, Sue Hardesty, Ann Marie Scarpino, Gail Walsh. Photo: William Thayer. By Molly Weeks Crumbley How do you get to Carnegie Hall? For 11 singers in Calvert County, you get invited.
Reiley Rhodes Ashley Scales Dr. Melaney Sanchez Kathryn Yahyaoui Dr. Lora Harris March is Women’s History Month and here in Chesapeake Country, we find that women are accomplishing more than ever before. Maryland is home to important names in history, from Harriet Tubman and Clara Barton to Verda Freeman Welcome and Rachel Carson. And in 2022, we’re meeting women in our region who are actively making history.
Ward Farm Park Opens
Photos: Molly Weeks Crumbley. By Molly Weeks Crumbley After years of work since ground was first broken in 2018, the Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park in Dunkirk has completed the first phase of its master plan and is now open to the public. On Tuesday, March 8, residents joined representatives from Calvert County government for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and to explore the park’s many amenities.
Server is ‘Consummate Professional’
By Molly Weeks Crumbley “VOTE FOR ANNA, SERVER OF THE YEAR, WESTLAWNINN.COM,” reads the sign welcoming visitors to North Beach. The all-caps message is in support of Anna Courtney, longtime Westlawn Inn server who has been named a finalist in the prestigious Maryland Association of Restaurants Awards.
Avenues to Sobriety
(Left to right) Left to right: Moshe Schonbrun, Executive Director Avenues Recovery Center at Prince Frederick; Melissa August, Outreach Coordinator Avenues Recovery Center at Prince Frederick; Calvert County Commissioner Christopher J. Gadway; Josh Goldstein, Regional Executive Director Avenues Recovery; Lauren Joeckel, Clinical Director Avenues Recovery Center at Prince Frederick. Photo: Molly W. Crumbley. By Molly Weeks Crumbley “Hi, everybody.
100 Shirts, 100 Shores
By Molly Weeks Crumbley One Chesapeake Bay—many stories. That’s the concept that artist Eric Jackson explores in his 100 Shirts, 100 Shores project. Using water samples from 100 different locations along the Chesapeake Bay, Jackson will use a traditional batik process to create 100 unique shirts that tell a collective story about conservation, history, and connection.
A Different Kind of Tap
Naturalist Jessy Oberright demonstrates maple tree tapping.Guests sample maple syrup.Photos by Molly Weeks Crumbley By Molly Weeks Crumbley Do you have a maple tree in your yard? Then, believe it or not, you might just have a free source of maple syrup. Though large-scale Maryland maple syrup production only occurs in the western region of the state, Chesapeake Country locals can produce their own small batches.
A Toast to FeBREWary
By Keri Luise & Molly Weeks Crumbley The world of craft beer has exploded. Never before have we had so many options to slake our thirst. February is the time to explore the growing local market of craft beers. Dubbed FeBREWary by the Brewers Association of Maryland, this month showcases the Old Line State’s growing brewery industry, home to over 120 breweries supporting 7,100 full-time jobs and $956 million in economic impact.
Kingfishers Closes Doors - Bay Weekly
Kingfishers Restaurant in Solomons has closed. Photo: Eric Faughnan. By Molly Weeks Crumbley A mainstay of Solomons Island dining since 2003, Kingfishers Seafood Bar and Grill has closed its doors to the public. Originally founded as the first Stoney’s location by Phil and Jeannie Stone, Kingfishers was known for coastal seafood dishes and beautiful views. Eric Faughnan, who has owned the restaurant for the past 10 years, didn’t make the decision to close lightly.
Inspired to Serve
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Photo: Wikicommons, Ben Schumin from Montgomery Village, Maryland; Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, which transformed Martin Luther King Jr. Day into a day dedicated to volunteer service in honor of King’s legacy.
Hunting Down Hunger
By Molly Weeks Crumbley Food insecurity is a serious problem for many members of the Chesapeake Bay community. While the area’s food banks work tirelessly to provide for those in need, they have many obstacles to overcome, among them the rising cost of meat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marching On: 35 Years of the American Chestnut Land Trust
Hikers make their way through the new Holly Hill trails. Hikers approach the anniversary celebration at Holly Hill. ACLT executive director Greg Bowen addresses the crowd. Commemorative ornaments received by Volksmarch attendees. Photos: Molly Weeks Crumbley. By Molly Weeks Crumbley It was a temperate Saturday morning in December, and the woods and fields were filled with hikers as far as the eye could see. The occasion: the American Chestnut Land Trust’s 35th anniversary celebration Volksmarch.
A Library on Wheels
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Fall in the Forest
Master Naturalist Liz Orlandi identifies leaves on a fall hike at ACLT. Photos: Molly Weeks Crumbley. A Foliage Hike at the American Chestnut Land Trust By Molly Weeks Crumbley “It’s the beginning of The Great Recycling!” announced Liz Orlandi as she led a group of hikers through the forest. On a brisk November morning, 25 hearty souls gathered at the north trailhead of the American Chestnut Land Trust to enjoy a guided fall foliage walk led by Orlandi, a Master Naturalist.
Still Here: American Indian Heritage Day at Jefferson Patterson Park
Photos: Molly Weeks Crumbley. By Molly Weeks Crumbley November marks National American Indian Heritage Month, a time of year dedicated to learning about and honoring the stories of the many tribes that inhabited the land on which we live. Here on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, the people of the Piscataway Nation, the same tribe John Smith met when he voyaged up the Potomac River in 1608, once populated the land.
Aw Shucks: - Bay Weekly
Photo by Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Oyster Season is Here By Molly Weeks Crumbley October has arrived in Maryland, bringing hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin spice everything, and … oysters. Yes, oysters. With recreational and commercial oyster harvesting in Maryland now open until March 31, communities all over the Chesapeake Bay area are ready to celebrate oyster season. Why all the fuss over a mere mollusk? Oysters are worthy of our appreciation, even from those who don’t eat seafood.
Kids Review New Dunkirk Playground
Photos by Molly Weeks Crumbley By Molly Weeks Crumbley Calvert County Parks and Recreation cut the ribbon on the new playground at Dunkirk District Park September 30. It was a moment a lot of area children have been waiting for, since the old playground was closed over the summer during the remodel.
A Tale and a Trail
Photo courtesy Calvert Library. By Molly Weeks Crumbley Like many organizations facing the challenges that came along with the COVID-19 pandemic, public libraries have had to rethink the ways in which they connect with their communities. Calvert Library adapted to the use of virtual programs and curbside services to reach customers even when doors were closed. The libraries are open again, and finding new, creative ways to hold events in person.
Back That Boat Up
Rachel Dean captains the Roughwater. Photo by Molly Weeks Crumbley. Extreme Docking at the Watermen’s Festival By Molly Weeks Crumbley Sunday, Sept. 19 was a warm day on Solomons Island. The sky was cloudless, seagulls and the occasional bald eagle wheeled overhead, and throngs of people trooped down sidewalks and roads towards their destination: the 20th Watermen’s Festival and Boat Docking Contest.
Ride, Sir Knight! Ride, Fair Maid!
Photos by Molly Weeks Crumbley. Celebrating the 154th Calvert County Jousting Tournament By Molly Weeks Crumbley “The rings are hung, the track is clear. Charge, Sir Knight!” Vicki Betts’s announcement rang across the grounds of Christ Church on Aug. 28. A field usually reserved for outdoor Sunday services was surrounded by onlookers who had just cheered on a parade of horses and riders. The 154th Calvert County Jousting Tournament was about to begin.
Stable Masters: Building an Inclusive Equestrian Community
Photos by Molly Weeks Crumbley. By Molly Weeks Crumbley A warm breeze blew through the fields at Promise Landing Farm, sending a welcome burst of air to cool off the children who were hard at work in the vegetable garden. The inaugural group of Stable Masters were busily filling baskets with tomatoes to take to the chicken coop, and more than one juicy fruit disappeared into a participant’s mouth as they picked.
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