MENU

Sections

More

October 28, 2025

ARCHIVE Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

2 News Homepage Archives

Community Health & Wellness Expo – October 17

by

Share

The 2024 Community Health & Wellness Expo will be held Thursday, October 17th from 3 – 7 p.m. at the Kent County Family YMCA, 200 Scheeler Road, Chestertown, MD.

With over 50 vendors, expert speakers, live entertainment and refreshments, this free event serves to educate and inspire healthy living and wellness for all by offering: information on wellness programs, health insurance, hearing and vision, assisted living, mental health, physical wellbeing, legal services, home safety, and more. Free health screenings will also be provided by the Shore Community Outreach Team.

In addition, Acme Pharmacy will offer flu and COVID vaccines on site to attendees who provide their prescription insurance card. Those receiving a vaccine on the day will also receive a coupon for a 10% discount at Acme Supermarkets.

A Trumpet Trio will kick off the event, and River Voices will give a special performance at 5:15. Happy Chicken and Lockbriar Farms Ice Cream will have food for purchase so come and bring the entire family!

Schedule of expert speakers:

  • 3:30pm Bill Schindler, Modern Stone Age Kitchen
    Unlock the Secrets of Ancient Nutrition: Boost your health fitness and wellbeing
  • 4:30pm Sean Maloney, Kent County Sheriff’s Dept
    Don’t Be a Victim!  How to avoid the latest scams, schemes and frauds
  • 5:30 pm Zack Royston, Executive Director UM Shore Medical Center, Chestertown
    Rural Health Care Transformation and the Importance of   Partnerships

For more info: https://homeports.org/homeportsevent/2024-health-expo/

Organized by HomePorts, Inc, the Community Health & Wellness Expo is made possible through generous contributions from the Kent County Health Department and UMM Shore Regional Medical Health System at Chestertown. Additional co-sponsors include CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, Key Health Management Allstate Building, Heron Point, Maryland Relay, Rosin Creek Collaborative, The Dixon Group, The People’s Bank, The Hearing Center of Chestertown, AARP, Chestertown Lions Club, Compass Hospice, Discovering Serenity Counseling Services, Kent County Commission on Aging,  Rebuilding Together, Rotary Club of Chestertown, Seidenberg Protzko Eye Associates,  Soistman Family Dentistry, ThinkBig, Town of Chestertown, Town of Millington, Upper Shore Aging and WCTR.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Local Health Expo October 18

by

Share

HomePorts will host the free annual Health and Wellness Expo on Thursday, October 19, from 8am to noon at the Kent County Family YMCA, 200 Scheeler Road, in Chestertown in partnership with the Kent County Health Department, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, and the Kent County Family YMCA.

The largest health fair in this region, it is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to become more informed on health issues that we face or may face and reflect on how we can stay well.

Co-sponsors include CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, Allstate Building, Choptank Community Health, The People’s Bank, The Hearing Center of Chestertown, AARP, Atlantic Security, Chestertown Lions Club, Discovering Serenity Counseling Services, Kenah One Health Care, Kent County Commission on Aging, Rebuilding Together, Rotary Club of Chestertown, Seidenberg Protzko Eye Associates, The Dixon Group, Town of Chestertown, Town of Millington, Upper Shore Aging and WCTR.

Attendees can visit over 50 exhibitors and choose nine educational sessions led by experts on various health topics:

At 9am brief presentations will be given on CPR Basics for Community Heroes, Medication Tips and Tricks, and Scams, Schemes and Fraud. At 10am topics are When Hearing Aids Aren’t Enough, The Truth About Diabetes, and Staying Healthy at Home.

At 11am presenters offer Important Factors that Affect Mental health, Ten Warning Signs of Dementia, and 30 Minutes to Savvy Cybersecurity.

“These subjects are very important for all of us, regardless of our age or health. The speakers have kindly agreed to share their experience and knowledge and answer individual questions. I highly recommend fitting in one or more of these talks,” said Jeanette Jeffrey, Executive Director of HomePorts. For more detail on individual sessions visit https://homeports.org/ and click on the Health Expo event.

In addition, Acme Pharmacy will offer flu shots and COVID shots, as available. Attendees are asked to bring prescription insurance cards. Those receiving shots will receive a coupon for discounts at Acme Supermarkets. Choptank Community Health’s Mobile Van will be offering dental screenings.

As a local nonprofit organization serving the aging population in Kent County, HomePorts understands the importance of health care and preventive medicine and maintains an active role in the community. Kent County strives to be a “community for a lifetime.” The aging population needs those of all ages to have access to preventive health screenings, wellness programs, and the latest health, wellness, and safety information.

For more information, call 443-480-0940, email [email protected] or visit www.homeports.org .

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

HomePorts Health Journaling Presentation

by

Share

HomePorts is hosting a free presentation on Monday, October 16 from 11:30-12:30 pm to learn about the when, why, and how’s of medical journaling. The public is invited.

“It’s a painless way to keep track of information that makes you an informed patient. It may help explain a medical circumstance you find yourself or a loved one immersed in or may be approaching. We’ll talk the talk and then walk the walk, sampling a few different ways to go about this practice,” according to CB Lovell, facilitator, a retired English Professor from Howard Community College and HomePorts Board member.

Taking your health journal with you to your next medical appointment may provide valuable information that otherwise might not be easily accessible. Referencing previous notes prior to an appointment is also helpful.

It will be held at Chestertown Town Hall, 118 N Cross St on the second floor. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, call 443-480-0940, email [email protected] or visitwww.homeports.org.

 

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

HomePorts to Offer Free Health Series

by

Share

HomePorts is hosting a series of presentation on aspects of wellness, free and open to the public. Monthly sessions will be held upstairs in the Chestertown Town Hall, 118 N. Cross St., 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Light refreshments will be served prior to the talk, which begins at 12:30.

Mon., Oct. 16 – Health Journaling

Mon., Nov. 20 – Medication organization

Mon., Dec. 18 – Advance Directives

The event will also provide the opportunity for questions and answers from these experts, according to Jeanette Jeffrey, HomePorts Executive Director.

Registration is requested on line at www.homeports.org call HomePorts at 443-480-0940.

HomePorts is a membership organization helping older adults continue living safely and independently in their own homes. Set up by and for local residents, HomePorts is incorporated as a Maryland nonprofit.

Those eligible for membership include anyone over 55 living in the greater Kent County area. HomePorts is modeled after similar organizations operating successfully in other regions of the country.

HomePorts resources include a large cadre of vetted volunteers. Additionally, HomePorts encourages participation in social, educational, and cultural activities.

HomePorts partners with Upper Shore Aging and the Shore Regional Health System. It offers financial assistance to those with limited incomes.

Information is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., by calling 443-480-0940 or go to www.homeports.org. The e-mail address is [email protected].

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Call for Participants—Annual Health and Wellness Expo

by

Share

There is still time for businesses and organizations to register for HomePorts’ annual Health and Wellness Expo on Thursday, October 19, from 8am to noon at the Kent County Family YMCA, 200 Scheeler Road in Chestertown.

The largest health fair in this region, the Expo is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to create awareness and visibility for you and  inform the community of your commitment to health and wellness care.  This event is held in partnership with the Kent County Health Department and the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health.

Sponsorship, exhibitor and advertising information is available by contacting [email protected] /443-480-1987, or by visiting https://homeports.org/events/

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Save the Date for Local Health Expo

by

Share

HomePorts is pleased to announce their annual Health and Wellness Expo on Thursday, October 21, from 8am to noon at the Kent County Family YMCA, 200 Scheeler Road in Chestertown.

The largest health fair in this region, it is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to become more informed on health issues that we face or may face and reflect on how we can stay well.  This event is held in partnership with the Kent County Health Department and the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health.

Sponsorship and exhibitor  information is available by contacting [email protected] /443-480-1987, or by visiting https://homeports.org/events/

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Local Health Expo is October 20

by

Share

“The greatest wealth is health,” noted the Roman orator Cicero.

In partnership with the Kent County Health Department, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, and the Kent County Family YMCA, HomePorts is hosting a free Health and Wellness Expo at on Thursday, October 20, from 8am to 1pm. The event will be held at the Kent County Family YMCA, 200 Scheeler Road in Chestertown.

The largest health fair in this region, it is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to become more informed on health issues that we face or may face and reflect on how we can stay well.

Attendees can visit over 50 exhibitors and choose seven educational sessions led by experts on various health topics:

·         9am – 10am Melanie Chappel,  PharmD
  • Medication Tips and “Tricks”
·         9am – 10am Madeline Steffens, BSN, RN, CHPN
  • Advanced Care Planning for Health Care:  What You Should Know!
·         10am – 11am Katherine Elizabeth Webb, MD
  • Sex After 60
·         11am – 12pm Alex Chan, Ph.D., LCMFT
  • Taking Care While Taking Care of Others
·         11am – 1pm Karen Hollis, RDN, LDN, CDCES
  • Living with Type 2 Diabetes: Where do I Begin?
·          12pm – 1pm Beverly Jackey, MS, RDN, LDN
  • Improving Your Brain Power by Eating the Right Stuff
·          12pm – 1pm Susan Storm
  • Y Wellness Works

 

Former Mayor Chris Cerino receiving a blood pressure test.

From 10 to 11a.m, Lara Wilson, Director of Rural Health Care Transformation, and Dennis Welsh, Vice President of Rural Health Care Transformation and Executive Director of UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, will be on hand to meet attendees and answer questions about changes and plans at the local hospital.

In addition, Chester River Pharmacy will offer flu shots. Attendees are asked to bring prescription insurance cards.

Free refreshments will be available.

Organizations and agencies interested in exhibiting should contact Andy Goddard at [email protected].

As a local nonprofit organization serving the aging population in Kent County, HomePorts understands the importance of health care and preventive medicine, and maintains an active role in the community.  Kent County strives to be a “community for a lifetime.” Our population needs those of all ages to have access to preventive health screenings, wellness programs, and latest health, wellness, and safety information.

Co-sponsors include Allstate Building, Amerigroup, Heron Point, People’s Bank, The Hearing Center of Chestertown, Chestertown Lions Club, Discovering Serenity Counseling Services, Kent County Commission on Aging, Rebuilding Together, Rotary Club of Chestertown, Seidenberg Protzko Eye Associates, The Dixon Group, Town of Betterton, Town of Chestertown, Town of Millington, and Upper Shore Aging.

For more information, call 443-480-0940, email [email protected] or visit https://homeports.org/events/

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

HomePorts Benefit Dinner

by

Share

Luisa’s Cucina Italiana is the host of the annual fund-raising dinner to benefit HomePorts, Inc. The event is being held on Monday, April 25, with seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 pm. Luisa’s is located at 849 Washington Ave, Chestertown.

Proceeds benefit HomePorts, greater Kent County’s non-profit aging-in-place membership organization. HomePorts assists those over 55 in providing access to a wide range of services in order to remain content, safe, and confident living in their own homes. HomePorts resources include a cadre of vetted volunteers to help members and referrals to reliable service providers in the fields of transportation; interior and exterior home maintenance; grocery & household services; personal assistance & trouble shooting; and pet care.  Additionally, HomePorts offers social and educational opportunities in cooperation with Shore Regional Health System. It also offers a subsidy for those with limited incomes.

A three-course meal will be offered with a choice of chicken, salmon, or eggplant parmigiana.  Meal includes salad, main course, dessert, and soda, coffee or tea. Tickets are $50. Call or email Karen at HomePorts, 443-380-0940 or [email protected], to purchase tickets. Space is limited.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

HomePorts Entering Its 15th Year of Service

by

Share

HomePorts, Kent County’s volunteer-based organization which helps older adults to live safely and comfortably in their own homes, is entering their 15th year of service.  Additionally, it is reviewing the entire program in hopes of meeting additional needs of the county’s seniors.

HomePorts is pleased to partner with Shore Regional Health’s new Aging and Wellness Center of Excellence. “We definitely see a synergy in working with HomePorts to help older adults stay safe and well in their own homes,” said Dennis Welsh, Vice President, Rural Healthcare Transformation and Executive Director of Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. HomePorts has strongly supported the University of Maryland Medical System in its plans for expanded services for seniors.

Members of the Homeports board of directors working to assist Kent County’s seniors.

“Nearly every day one of our volunteers is assisting a Kent County senior.  Whether we are driving someone to the doctor, assisting with grocery shopping or just making a friendly visit, we strive to improve our members’ quality of life,” according to Karen Wright, Executive Director of HomePorts.  “With the worst of the pandemic behind us, we are making plans to reinstate our social and educational activities to reduce isolation and create interpersonal connections and social support.  Our monthly Dutch-treat luncheons will begin again soon”

In the past, HomePorts has offered free educational sessions to the public on a variety of subjects of interest to seniors. While those have been curtailed due to the pandemic, these too will be coming back.  HomePorts will again organize the free Health & Wellness Expo in October.

HomePorts welcomes new members.  There are several membership types available including a $100 six-month trial membership and a financial aid membership (for those who qualify).  Further information is available from Karen Wright, Executive Director, by calling 443-480-0940 or emailing [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

HomePorts Reviews Accomplishments, Elects New Board Members

by

Share

HomePorts, Inc., held its annual meeting on January 25 with a presentation by Tom Eager, Acting President, summarizing the organization’s 2021 activities. In its 15th year, HomePorts is a grass-roots membership organization helping older adults to continue living safely and comfortably in their own homes and is modeled after “Villages” in many communities throughout the U.S.

According to Eager, there are now a total of 68 members, six of whose membership fees are covered by a financial assistance program. Local transportation is the most requested service.

“We were hit hard by the pandemic, but thanks to grants we have made it through financially. Our plans going forward are to increase our membership, strengthen our partnerships with other local non-profits, and expand our volunteer base,” said Eager.

New HomePorts Board members: Susan Eddy, Gale Drenning, and Stewart Seitz, all of Chestertown, and Lea Hunley of Coleman. Not shown is Jeanette Jeffrey of Chestertown.

New members elected to the board are Gale Drenning, a registered nurse case manager for Shore Regional Health in Chestertown; Susan Eddy, a retired newspaper reporter and researcher; Lea Hunley, a former Kent County Public Schools employee and active Lions Club member; Jeanette Jeffrey, Health Educator with the Aging and Wellness Center of Excellence at Shore Regional Health in Chestertown; and Stewart Seitz, retired health care manager and past President of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce.

Those eligible for membership include anyone over 55 living in the greater Kent County area. “If you have a friend or neighbor who could benefit from our services, I encourage you to call me,” says Executive Director Karen Wright. “Or if you don’t need any help now but want to get involved, we have opportunities for one-time projects and a real need for drivers to take members to local medical appointments.” Financial aid is available for seniors with a limited income.

Information about membership or volunteering is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., by calling 443-480-0940 or go to www.homeports.org. The e-mail address is [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.