James Dissette

Chestertown, United States

Writer at The Chestertown Spy

Where books are made. By hand.

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Articles

Chesapeake Histories: A talk with Sultana Education Foundation VP Chris Cerino

2 days ago | chestertownspy.org | James Dissette

In a innovative collaboration aimed at deepening students’ understanding of the Chesapeake region’s rich but often underrepresented history, the Sultana Education Foundation has launched a compelling educational program focused on the African American experience in the region. The presentation, piloted during Black History Month for local fifth-grade students, pairs digital storytelling with a real-world exploration of historic Chestertown.
Remembering Robert Earl Price

1 week ago | chestertownspy.org | James Dissette

Robert Earl (Bashiri) Price, poet and playwright, died on April 16 in Chestertown, Maryland at the age of 83. Mr. Price was the author of four books of poetry and had twelve of his plays produced, including productions in Berlin and Johannesburg. His book of poetry Blood Flow was awarded the William Meredith Award. Price was an NEA Literary Fellow and received the State of Maryland Individual Artist Award in both poetry and playwriting.
Community invited to Washington College PoliTalks with Hon. Heather Mizeur

2 weeks ago | chestertownspy.org | James Dissette

Washington College’s own student-led organization, PoliTalks, invites the community to an engaging evening of dialogue and connection at their upcoming event, “Disagreement is Democratic: Inviting Everyone to the Table,” featuring the Honorable Heather Mizeur. This special lecture and discussion filled community dinner offers an opportunity for engagement on the importance of dialogue and political discourse in democracy.
Post-ARPA, Chestertown Budget Embraces Caution

2 weeks ago | chestertownspy.org | James Dissette

Draft FY 2025–2026 plan avoids tax hikes, trims spending, and prioritizes equity across all wards. This summation is based on Manager Larry DiRe’s report to the town council, Monday, April 7, 2025. With the federal infusion of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds now in the rearview, Chestertown’s draft budget for fiscal year 2025–2026 reflects a shift from pandemic-era stimulus toward steadier, leaner governance.
Letter to the Editor: And I shook my head...

2 weeks ago | chestertownspy.org | James Dissette

And I shook my head …German Lutheran Pastor Martin Niemöller wrote the famous piece “First They Came for the Jews.” It is a powerful reminder of the dangers of indifference and the importance of speaking out and acting against injustice. Based on the actions of the current administration, Niemöller’s words have never been more relevant. I have updated his words for our times to remind us that being involved and speaking out is as important now as it was in the early days of Nazi Germany.
Health For All Seasons with Beth Anne Dorman

2 weeks ago | talbotspy.org | James Dissette

VIDEO“For a long time, we were the best-kept secret in Kent County,” says Beth Anne Dorman, Executive Director of for All Seasons. Though they’ve been present in Kent County for 15 years and in local schools for over 17 years, the organization recently launched a visible shift: expanded services, increased public access and “bringing mental health to Main Street” to their new office at 315 High Street. One of the most transformative changes has been the creation of the Open Access program.
Health For All Seasons with Beth Anne Dorman

2 weeks ago | chestertownspy.org | James Dissette

http://“For a long time, we were the best-kept secret in Kent County,” says Beth Anne Dorman, Executive Director of for All Seasons. Though they’ve been present in Kent County for 15 years and in local schools for over 17 years, the organization recently launched a visible shift: expanded services, increased public access and “bringing mental health to Main Street” to their new office at 315 High Street. One of the most transformative changes has been the creation of the Open Access program.
And then there were three (For Sharon and Andrea) By Laura J. Oliver

2 weeks ago | talbotspy.org | Laura Oliver |James Dissette

I’m at my sister’s horse farm basking in a late-March, Blue Ridge mountain twilight, enjoying a glass of wine around the firepit with my two older sisters. Golden Mica-dog is on sentry duty gazing out over the fields and lake like the good boy he is—keeping watch for bears, beavers, and falling stars. He will never be known for his intelligence, fairly or unfairly, because he is such a good-looking blond.
Between the Sky and Sea: The art of Jacqui Crocetta & Susan Hostetler - Chestertown Spy

3 weeks ago | chestertownspy.org | James Dissette

http://MassoniArt presents Between the Sky and Sea, a collaborative installation by Jacqui Crocetta and Susan Hostetler that explores the profound connection between the ocean and migratory birds—a fragile, interdependent relationship at the heart of our planet’s ecosystems. The exhibition combines Hostetler’s delicately sculpted birds with Crocetta’s evocative ocean-inspired paintings to illuminate the beauty and vulnerability of these natural forces.
Chestertown Main Street releases visionary Phase One Master Plan

3 weeks ago | chestertownspy.org | James Dissette

http://After more than a year of community engagement, design work, and collaboration with the town of Chestertown, Main Street Chestertown has officially released its Downtown Master Plan: Phase One Report. The comprehensive 179-page document outlines a long-term vision for revitalizing and improving the town’s historic downtown district through a set of 40 proposed infrastructure and placemaking projects.