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The Motherlode VOLUME 1 / ISSUE NO. 3 | SUMMER 2024 QUARTERLY MAGAZINE
Your Kids’ Coach Wants You to Know
Water Women Working on the Bay
Why You Should Sponsor Midshipmen: 101
SUMMER 2024 | 1
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2 | THE MOTHERLODE
Letter From the Publisher
with the friend who had inspired me to take the leap to create Annapolis Moms Media with my friend Jessica Opert and my other half Jeff Peri. We had been running the Facebook group for 12 years, but it wasn’t a business. At the time, I had just been laid off from a job and was feeling defeated. My friend reassured me, “You were never meant to be at that [place]. You took a ‘job’ while you collected yourself to do what you are most passionate about. Go run Annapolis Moms full time!” I went home, called Jessica and Jeff, and here we are, a year and a half later, with a magazine! I have never been more tired, stressed, and fulfilled. I’d like to share my biggest takeaways from this experience so far. • If you are waiting to be 100 percent ready to do something, you will never start. There will never be perfect conditions. Your website will never be completely done. You will never have enough money. You will never have the perfect logo and tagline. There will never be a perfect time, so just start! You will learn and grow as you move forward. • Ask for help. My friends and family have helped me every step of the way. If you ask people to help, you may be surprised how excited they are to be part of your journey. • Take care of yourself. I know–self care, blah blah blah. But do we actually take care of ourselves when we are stressed? I stopped listening to my body and almost worked myself to death, literally. There will always be a million things to do, so force yourself to unplug and rest. • Don’t try to please everyone. I’m a people pleaser, but I found that it was hurting me and not serving our company. In the end, you have to do what you think is best, and if some others are unhappy, that’s not your concern. • Just because people sound emphatically sure about something, it doesn’t mean they are correct. It’s okay to ask probing questions and disagree. Everyone will survive. • Don’t listen to gossip. People say a lot of things about a lot of people. They most likely have an agenda, so unless you know something to be true, politely nod and move along. • Say “no” more often. People often have great ideas or need your help, but we can overextend ourselves. I am working hard on saying ‘no’ and passing on opportunities TODAY I HAD LUNCH
Photo courtesy of DANIE Photography
because we didn’t have the bandwidth, or because I didn’t think it would be a good fit. I have not regretted any of those decisions yet! • Be modest. None of us are that special, and we all need each other to succeed in anything we do. Give credit to those who help you. Treat others well, not because you will get more from them, but because it’s the right thing to do. It makes Annapolis a better place to live. As you read through this Quarterly, I hope you see and hear these lessons learned in the stories that we tell. Our incredible team of writers hold the same core values as our founders. In the end, we all want our town to be a place that we are proud to call home!
Lisa Peri, MSW, Founder & Publisher
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Photo Credit: Sandy Biello
6 ...............Community 22 .............Home 32 .............Education 42 .............Entertainment 52 .............Health & Beauty 68 ............Food & Dining
For over a decade, the Annapolis Moms Facebook Group has been a trusted resource for thousands of mothers looking for reliable local businesses and organizations. These businesses are vetted through mom referrals, online reviews, and the staff’s experiences. Although the lists are not exhaustive, if you see a company advertised, listed, or mentioned in an article in this publication, you can be sure they have the Annapolis Moms Thumbs Up seal of approval!
80 ............Sports 88 ............Retail
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The Motherlode Part of Annapolis Moms Media Group | Volume 1 Issue 3 | Summer 2024
Making Our Community Stronger, One Connection at a Time
Founder & Publisher / Lisa Peri, MSW Co-Founder & Community Relations Director / Jessica Opert Editor-in-Chief / Ashley Fuchs Marketing Director / Sandy Biello Operations / Jeff Peri Graphic Design / Lissy Kerr Project Manager / Megan Paddy Contributing Photography & Cover Photo/ Danielle Lawrance of DANIE Photography
Annapolis Moms Media is a proud sponsor of Friends of Annapolis Moms operating under the umbrella affiliation of the Annapolis Foundation Inc., which is recognized as a tax- exempt charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Annapolis Moms is a woman-owned local media company established in 2011 that employs and contracts local Annapolitans and our neighbors in Anne Arundel County and surrounding areas.
Writers / Jillian Amodio, LMSW Sarah Amyot Frank Bolinsky Lynne Streeter Childress Judy Colbert, ASJA, SPJ Stacey Coles
1290 Bay Dale Drive, #281, Arnold, Maryland 21012 For sales or more information contact us at annapolismomsmedia.com/contact-us/
Hannah Goldstein Heather Greenwell
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
Kristin Gulitz Jenn Morson Duffy Perkins
Motherlode Founders/ Monica Alvarado Tammy DePascal Christy Flory-Chandonait Constance Polamalu
Motherlode Supporters/ Allen & Edith Dolgoff Dr. Barbara Palmer Ashley Reed Dana Schallheim
Laura Price Jackie Shea Samantha Straub Liz Thibodeau Jessica Ward
Louben Repke Liz Thibodeau Dr. Carol Tweed
Intern / Isabel Littmann
Updated as of June 9, 2024
Bookkeeper / Tiffany Schall
The Motherlode™ is published quarterly by Annapolis Moms Media LLC™ (AMM) and locally printed. The Mother of All Summer Camp Guides™ is published annually and updated regularly. Reproduction without express permission is strictly prohibited in whole or in part. Any opinions expressed by writers and advertisers are not necessarily opinions of the Publisher or the publication. The information provided is subject to change with or without notice. AMM makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. It is your responsibility to verify and investigate providers and services. AMM does not purport to be a substitute for health, legal, financial or any other professional advice. In no event will AMM, its employees or contractors be liable for any loss or damage, including, without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the information provided in this publication. Total print and/or digital circulation is estimated at 40,000 readers quarterly. All rights reserved. © Annapolis Moms Media LLC 2024
SUMMER 2024 | 5
6 | THE MOTHERLODE COMMUNITY Photo Credit: David Sites
Sponsoring a United States Naval Academy Midshipman
by Sarah Amyot
USNA Mission “To develop Midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty in order to graduate leaders who are dedicated to a career of naval service and have potential for future development in mind and character, to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship, and government.”
KEY TERMS • Midshipmen Class/Year Designations » Plebe: Freshmen » Youngster: Sophomore » Second Year: Junior » Firstie: Senior
• Midshipman or “mid”: Students on active duty in the United States Navy who attend the Naval Academy for four years, graduating with Bachelor of Science degrees and commissions as Ensigns in the Navy, or Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps, with an expected service commitment of at least five years. • International midshipman: Naval Academy students from another country who will experience the same education and training as United States midshipmen. These individuals will return home to carry out their country’s obligated service. • Bonus midshipman: Midshipmen that a sponsor family may unofficially adopt. • Liberty: The opportunity to take a short time off that is granted when deemed appropriate by the commandant of midshipmen. benefits of a second family. I connected with five sponsors to: discover why people should sponsor, hear their experiences with sponsoring midshipmen, learn about the expectations and time commitment to being a sponsor, understand what “home away from home” means to them, and gather tips for new sponsor parents. Why become a sponsor? There are so many reasons why people sponsor! For some, it’s a chance to get a glimpse into what military life is like and simultaneously say thank you to these young individuals entering into the service. For others who have military experience, like Beth and Don Kingston, it is a chance to give back to the military community. The Kingstons have been sponsoring since 2018 and currently have seven midshipmen (six original and one
A Little History Aside from being Maryland’s capital (and the former capital of the United States), Annapolis is known for its rich maritime heritage, Black history, live music, art scene, blue crabs, and the prestigious United States Naval Academy (USNA or Naval Academy). What began in 1845 as the Naval School with seven professors and roughly 50 midshipmen, the USNA now has over 2,500 faculty and staff and serves 4,400 midshipmen. Each year, the Academy inducts approximately 1,200 plebes into a challenging and immersive experience designed to develop them as leaders over the course of four years. If you live in Annapolis, chances are you’ve run into a midshipman. You may ponder questions, such as: What happens at the Naval Academy? Why do they wear uniforms? And why are they always running? Great news! The USNA Sponsor Program offers members of the Annapolis community an opportunity to meet midshipmen and learn more about the Naval Academy. It also provides the mids an opportunity to develop and benefit from informal exchanges with civilian and military members in Annapolis and its adjacent communities. A win-win for all! Midshipmen hail from all parts of the nation and around the world. The USNA Sponsor Program helps create friendships, mentorships, and memories that span far beyond the midshipmen’s years at the Academy. Sponsor families provide a "home away from home" and support USNA mids with the
bonus). “As a military (US Army) family of over 20 years, we understand the journey these kids are embarking on and
Fun Fact: The USNA can enroll up to 60 international midshipmen, which started in 1863.
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even has her own Facebook group called Judy’s House where her mids can connect. Retired CDR Blair and Dr. Lisa Keithley have sponsored 13 midshipmen (eight official and five bonus) since 2016. Being from the West Coast, Blair understands what it means to have a home to go to when one is so far from their own. He knows the program from all sides, having attended the USNA, and being a career Naval Officer and then a company officer at the Naval Academy. “We get to meet people from all over the country; our own kids have had new ‘siblings,’ and have gotten to attend amazing events at the Academy. Our daughter has been a ball girl at Navy soccer and attended soccer camps. We’ve been to plays, football, baseball, and basketball games, and many concerts. We’ve been to one of our mid’s [wedding], and we hear from them even after graduation from all over the world. It’s an amazing way to be a part of the Annapolis and Naval Academy communities!”
Sponsor Parent Dinner 2023 - The Kingstons with Mitch Lewis and Jayden Leonard. Photo courtesy of Beth Kingston
Nothing like Navy football! The Kingsons with Brittany Holden-Rhodes and Xavier Coburn. Photo courtesy of Beth Kingston
hope we’ve been a sounding board for our mids as they navigate everything a military life brings with it. We also know what it’s like to be away from family and in a new place,” say Beth and Don Kingston. Empty nesters, families with young children, and people without kids have all become sponsors, citing reasons that span from being able to pass on wisdom, to feeling young again, and being a small part of someone's evolution. Sponsoring midshipmen can also, as restaurateur José Andrés says, "build longer tables," because it gives people an opportunity to welcome young people into their home who may be from a different part of the country, background, family experience, religion, or ethnicity. What is it like sponsoring a midshipman? Almost everyone who participates in the Sponsor Program reports having an overwhelmingly positive experience. It is like most things in life - you get what you put into it. If you develop a bond with your midshipman, then chances are you will feel a greater sense of connection to the Navy, and your relationship will carry through after Commissioning Week, which is when the mids graduate. Judy Buddensick started sponsoring in 1999 when she had the opportunity to sponsor a family friend. Since then, she has sponsored almost 150 official and bonus mids, many of whom are international students faring from countries like Poland and Jamaica. Once a midshipman is taken under Judy’s wing, they inherit a long line of sponsor siblings who they can seek advice from, including two “guardian angels,” CAPT Stanford “Ford” Henry Shaw, III and CAPT Blake “Jah Ropes” Roper. She
Easter traditions: Good Friday, church services, and dinner afterwards. Photo credit: Heather DeBuse.
Heather DeBuse’s mid lived with her in 2020, when the Academy implemented a remote online learning system during the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. “It was a time when my husband was deployed, so I appreciated the company. She and I would cook dinner and watch movies together. She became a special member of our family, and she still is. Midshipmen become part of your family. You miss them terribly when they are gone. Graduation is an extremely emotional time, but you’re also super proud to watch their career evolve, and as an active-duty family, we have crossed paths at different duty stations with our previous mids.” Sponsors may not hit it off with every midshipman, and that is okay. There could be a multitude of reasons why, from scheduling conflicts to personality differences. Cathy and David Willauer’s first midshipman pairing fell through due to schedules, but after speaking with the USNA Sponsor Office, they hosted another plebe who was on the basketball team. The Willauers enjoyed going to basketball games and even hosted his teammates over the holidays. After 12 years, he still visits them. What’s the expectations and time commitment for a sponsor? Being in the Sponsor Program is voluntary on both sides and requires an application process. This means that the midshipmen want to participate and have a sponsor parent
Sponsor Judy Buddensick with her wall of Midshipmen. Photo Credit: Sarah Amyot
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Making the adjustment can be stressful, especially [during the] plebe year,” says Cathy Willauer. Going to a sponsor parent’s home is an opportunity for them to get away from the regimented atmosphere of the Academy and relax. “They really just want to come over, watch Netflix, eat, and sleep!” jokes Heather DeBuse. The term “home away from home,” and “how much they need you” can vary. Tips for new sponsor parents: • If you can, sponsor more than one plebe. This may prevent the initial awkwardness of one student having all the attention from the hosts. • Be proactive. Don’t rely on the mid to “just call or text if you need anything”, because chances are, they won’t. They will feel like they are bothering you and may be waiting for you to reach out first. • Set rules and expectations early. Go over house rules and what’s okay and not okay to do. For example, “all food in the house is fair game to eat.” Having rules, surprisingly, helps the midshipmen relax and feel at home faster, because they aren’t second guessing themselves or asking permission for every little thing.
to call. Anyone who is interested in sponsoring should be prepared to be actively involved. The expectation is for sponsors to provide a “home away from home,” friendship, understanding, and encouragement for midshipmen as they meet challenges during their time at the USNA through graduation. There are certain things mids can and cannot do, and sponsors go through training every four years to help them understand the rules. Most plebes will only have town liberty on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., unless there are other military obligations they must attend (such as football games). As the mids get older, they earn more privileges. Plebes may be allowed an occasional weekend to spend a night at a sponsor parent’s home, while firsties have almost every evening and weekend free. How often sponsor parents will see their midshipmen depends on many factors, like schedules (athletes have practices and away games), significant others, access to a vehicle (not allowed for plebes) and more. What does “home away from home” mean? What sponsors need to realize is that the USNA is not a typical college experience for midshipmen. “While students going off to traditional colleges gain a lot of freedom and opportunities to stretch their wings compared to what their life was like at home [and] in high school, service academy students have a more structured experience. They are being trained to function as a team and in a hierarchy. After Graduation 2015 - MIDN 2/C Robert Roper (Jamaica), 2nd LT Seth Montgomery, USMC; 2nd LT Rolland Al Ahmar (Lebanon); Sponsor Judy Buddensick; 2nd LT Katrina Herrera, USMC; MIDN 3/C Kate Hughes; Photo Credit: Judy Buddensick
Spring 2023 - Elijah Millington and his squad with sponsor dad, David Willauer. Photo Credit: Cathy Willauer
• Say yes more than no. If they ask to bring a teammate over or ask you to watch them compete or perform, do it! They are giving you the opportunity to connect with them. • Join the Sponsor Parent group on Facebook. Sometimes you may encounter a situation where you need guidance. The group is an excellent resource where people can share their questions and experiences. There are over 700 members, some of whom have been sponsor parents for decades, and others who are brand new. • Most importantly, stock food at the house. Midshipmen eat a lot! Keep recipes in your back pocket that you can cook in large quantities that are easy to reheat. “Becoming sponsor parents has been life changing for us. When we first signed up to be sponsor parents, we thought it would be a fun way to spend the weekend and give back to our community, but it has become so much more than that. Pseudo-parenting a bunch of 20-ish year olds has taught us patience, kept us young - it has opened our eyes to experiences and opinions outside of our own. It has challenged us in ways we never could have imagined and it
2017 - Francis Lee commissioning with sponsor family David, Cathy and Archer Willauer. Photo Credit: Cathy Willauer
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has filled our hearts to bursting with pride and love for these young people we've welcomed into our lives. From our time in the Army, we came to the realization that, in life, there is the family you are born to and the family you choose. We've become lifelong friends with many of our mids' parents. We love these kids like they are our own, and we have now even become ‘legacy’ sponsor parents (one of our current mids is the baby sister of one of our first mids). Each one of these relationships brings a different kind of joy to our lives.” - Beth and Don Kingston
Monthly family dinners at The Lowen’s - 12 midshipmen and graduates from the Classes 2003, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019; Photo Credit: Judy Buddensick
The Sponsor Application [usna.edu/Sponsor/Application. php] is currently available through July 15, 2024 for the Class of 2028, who will be entering the Academy in June 2024. For more information about the USNA Sponsor Program and FAQs, visit their website [usna.edu/Sponsor/index.php] or reach out to Rose Clark, USNA Sponsor Director at (410) 293- 7031 or sponsor@usna.edu.
Superintendent VADM Mike Miller along with Lisa Vasciannie (wife of the Jamaican Ambassador to the US) with Sponsor Judy Buddensick on IDay for the Class of 2017. Jamaica, Lebanon, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Massachusetts and Indiana are represented.
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From Dragon Boats to Mindful Yoga
Looking for a place to share your generosity and help those in need? Continuing our series on nonprofit organizations, we found some lesser-known groups you should know about that are helping in our county!
Introductory paddle up Ego Alley in a Dragon Boat. Photo courtesy of Annapolis Dragon Boat Club Members.
The Annapolis Dragon Boat Club The Annapolis Dragon Boat Club was founded in 2010 by local community leaders who were touched by cancer. Originating in ancient China, teams compete in Dragon Boats, which are large canoe-like vessels fitted with ornately carved dragon’s heads and tails. Dragon Boat racing is a fun-filled water sport that encourages team-building, grows enduring friendships, builds physical strength and confidence. The club supports those affected by cancer through dragon boating’s accessibility to people of all fitness levels as they build strength and resilience by paddling. The club is also committed to spreading awareness about breast health, advocating for regular self-exams, mammograms, and screenings. To learn more about how to support the Dragon Boat Club, view the practice schedule, or events like their upcoming Dragonfest on October 12, 2024, visit annapolisdragonboatclub.org or email them at info@annapolisdragonboatclub.org. Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds Yoga and Wellness Katrice Nelson started Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds to offer stress management and personal fulfillment programs based on her personal journey. Her organization serves the community by promoting “Building Healthy Habits for a Lifetime” through yoga, nutrition, and other wellness classes for adults and children. Katrice also offers private organizations, such as PTA groups, options to raise funds through family yoga and Zumba events. To find out more about how you can participate in community classes visit their community Eventbrite Link or to make charitable contributions, visit hbodieshminds.com.
Impact100 Greater Chesapeake Impact100 Greater Chesapeake is an all-volunteer, women’s-philanthropic community dedicated to improving the lives of Anne Arundel County residents by collectively funding grants to local, nonprofit organizations. Annapolis Moms’ own food contributor Sarah Amyot is also the Vice President and Grants Coordinator of this wonderful organization. Sarah tells us that, “[c]oming together with like-minded women and collectively funding high-impact, transformative grants, where 100% of membership contributions go back into the community, is incredibly rewarding and one of the main reasons why I joined Impact100 Greater Chesapeake.” One hundred percent of each member’s donation of $1,000 is directly given to a selected nonprofit every year through votes cast by the members. To-date, Impact100 Greater Chesapeake has funded transformational grants totaling $434,000 to six nonprofit organizations. Please visit their website for more information about Impact100 Greater Chesapeake, their influence in Anne Arundel County, how to get involved, and how to submit an application to be one of Impact100’s grantees impact100greaterchesapeake. org or email info@impact100greaterchesapeake.org.
A senior dog rescued by SDS. Photo courtesy of SDS.
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Local Nonprofits You Should Know
by Lynne Streeter Childress
PlayAnnapolis Many children in Annapolis have experienced declining participation in sports and recreational opportunities due to the expense of fees, gear and travel costs. PlayAnnapolis was founded in 2023 to ensure that every child in Annapolis who wants to play can take part in sports and recreation year-round, regardless of their family’s financial situation. Noting that participation in those activities benefits quality of life, PlayAnnapolis is working to inspire collaboration, build resources and facilitate partnerships toward a shared vision of recreation for all. To contribute to their scholarship program, and to RSVP to their upcoming tailgate at the July 6 Annapolis Blues Soccer Game at the Navy Stadium from 5-7pm, visit playannapolis.org. STAIR: Start the Adventure in Reading STAIR believes that the ability to read, write, and speak confidently is essential for full participation in society. Their literacy programs partner first and second graders with volunteers who work with students one-on-one to help them improve their reading skills. STAIR operates at 12 locations in Annapolis and the surrounding county. STAIR’s efficacy is impressive! Last fall, every student that entered the program was reading below grade level, and by the end of the school year 96% improved their reading skills with 70% reading at or above grade level. STAIR welcomes your financial support and is always looking for volunteers to tutor students. To find out more about information sessions and tutor training for the upcoming school year, visit stairannapolis.org.
PlayAnnapolis Eastport Elementary Soccer Team. Photo courtesy of PlayAnnapolis.
Annapolis Immigration Justice Network (AJIN) AIJN was founded in 2017 when community leaders joined with law schools, legal firms, faith organizations, and the business community to support vulnerable, unaccompanied, immigrant children, families fleeing violence, and other indigent Anne Arundel County residents. The AIJN provides access to legal counsel and related support services helping those experiencing unjust deportation and family separation. Their work provides hope, stability, and long-term solutions to ensure “[e]qual justice for all people, irrespective of citizenship status.” AIJN is in need of volunteers for their accompaniment program which provides transportation and escort services for their clients to travel to immigration court hearings and legal appointments. To get involved, email them at info@aijnetwork.org or visit aijnetwork.org for more information. Senior Dog Sanctuary The Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland (SDS) rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes senior dogs, who are the most vulnerable in community animal shelters. In addition to providing a safe space for older dogs, SDS’s Seniors 2 Seniors program helps local senior citizens keep their pets at home by providing pet food and supplies.To find out more about how you can volunteer, donate, or attend events like September’s Troopers and Tails Golf Tournament, go to seniordogsanctuary.com.
STAIR graduation class. Photo courtesy of STAIR.
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Bridging the CONFIDENCE GAP
SEE OUR UPCOMING EVENTS.
14 | THE MOTHERLODE
Women of the Water Making Inroads in a Bay Full of Men
by Duffy Perkins
For many of us, life in the Chesapeake Bay watershed is a cultural identity. From learning to fish and crab as children, to monitoring water quality, to taking the boat out as an adult, the Chesapeake Bay unites our community as much as rooting for the Orioles or watching the Blue Angels. According to NOAA Fisheries, our bay is home to 18 million people and produces 500 million pounds of seafood a year. The Bay provides about 34,000 jobs, such as “watermen, commercial trade, tourism, and recreation,” (fisheries.noaa.gov). Nationally, just under 10 percent of the total population of fishermen are, in fact, fisher women. The Motherlode spoke with three local women who are making a living on the water.
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‘That kid’ was raised on the waters of Barnegat Bay in New Jersey, fishing with her father, sailing, windsurfing, and crabbing from a very young age. “We’d go seining every day,” she says. “My dad spent a lot of time with us, getting me SCUBA certified as soon as I could (she was 12) so we could dive right off the boat.” At college in St. Louis, Lyons was placed in a program aimed at female leadership training. Paired with the director of research at the St. Louis Zoo as her mentor, Lyons began working with endangered species as an undergraduate. The experience imprinted upon her a deep respect for the interconnected nature of all living things, and after graduating she went into the field of marine mammal behavior. Alongside raising three
ELLE BASSETT South, West, and Rhode Riverkeeper, Arundel Rivers Federation “I was lucky, like every other Annapolis kid,” says Elle Bassett, the Riverkeeper for the South, West, and Rhode Rivers. Growing up near Thomas Point with parents who were boaters, ‘playing outside’ meant ‘playing on the water’ for Bassett. Commuting to elementary school meant walking over the Eastport Bridge. She learned to fish from her father, a passionate sport fisherman who always made sure she had a spot on his boat. When it was time for Bassett to attend college, she attended Washington College on the Eastern Shore. While she initially pursued English language arts, taking an
environmental science class changed her life’s direction. “I learned to ask how economics, society, and religion all interact with the environment,” she says. “It’s all a spiderweb, and everything can be related back to the waterways. I had always dreamed of not having a desk job, but that course was eye opening, in that it made me realize I could turn my passion into my career.” That career involves centering the Chesapeake Bay watershed in important dialogues. “I make sure that the South, West, and Rhode Rivers have a voice in every conversation, [and] a seat at every table,” she says. This advocacy involves planting trees and monitoring water quality, but Bassett also reviews new laws, identifies areas for restoration work, and tracks how building developments will affect the waterways. “We all live here
children, Lyons has always worked in the fields of marine advocacy. She’s partnered with groups such as the Chesapeake Legal Alliance, Dolphin Watch, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to raise awareness and create nature-based solutions that improve the health of the Bay. “For a while, I coordinated a team of volunteer pilots to take media, nonprofits, and other groups up to experience environmental issues from the air,” she says. “In the Chesapeake, we did a lot of work on algae blooms and CAFOs (controlled animal feeding operations). Typically, you can’t see what’s going on from the road, but you can from the air. You can see waste going right into the water, running straight to the Bay.” Lyons specializes in using nature to create solutions. She
Photo courtesy of Elle Bassett
can tell you how many gallons of Bay water a single oyster will filter, and what potentially harmful elements a tree’s leaves will pull from the air. So when she was approached by the Surfrider Foundation, she immediately saw the next step in her career. “I first learned about Surfrider when I was a graduate student at Duke,” she says. “I knew about their work cleaning beaches and bringing awareness to water pollution. In 2022, they reached out to me about expanding their work on the East Coast, and hired me to be their East Coast Regional Director.”
for a reason, and lots would say the connection to water is one of the main drivers. I protect that, and let others know how they can do the same.” She sees a significance in raising her family with a deep respect for the water, knowing what her parents gave her. “The first time I was on a boat, it was with my dad. And now I’m taking my three-year old son out. I’m full circle.” SHANNON LYONS East Coast Regional Director, Surfrider “I always knew I wanted to be a marine biologist,” Lyons says. “I was that kid.”
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The term “East Coast” is expansive: her territory extends from the Great Lakes to the Caribbean. She works with over 50,000 volunteers across the country in 80 chapters, with 130 student clubs. “My work focuses on some of the biggest conservation issues,” she says. She emphasizes the significance of beach cleanups in that they expose the biggest offenders. “We pick up plastic bags, plastic bottles, cigarette butts, baby diapers, plastic wrappers, and now a lot of vape pens. When you get involved in cleaning a beach, you get a very clear picture of what is doing the most harm to it.” Lyons also works closely with the public to advocate for their waters. “A lot of people are intimidated to advocate, because they think they need to know everything. But representatives want to hear from their constituents why it’s important.”
Photo courtesy of Shannon Lyons
Lyons’ 14-year old daughter, Gracin, has extended her mother’s passion for the environment through her own advocacy. “Gracin and another student spoke to Maryland politicians about water quality and offshore drilling. It’s so cool to watch young kids do that, to tell that story.” KIMBERLY MADIGAN Boat Loan Specialist, Newcoast Boat Loans Kim Madigan learned an appreciation for being on the water from her grandfather. After a career as a steelworker for Bethlehem Steel, he retired and moved to Rehoboth Beach where he took on a second life as a waterman—and a hands-on grandpa. “He would take us grandkids out on his Mako and we’d pull his pots,” she says. “Bycatch is what we were going for— crabs, fish, and some of the other things that modern-day crab pots will keep out now. But that’s what we were there for.” As she grew into adulthood, Madigan continued fishing. She took a job at AllTackle in Annapolis and worked a desk. There, she would overhear women inquiring about charter captains who would work with women-only groups learning to fish. Madigan got an idea. “They were getting quotes from captains, and they were hiring these expensive captains,” she says. The men were asking for hundreds of dollars: Kim offered a better rate. “I said, ‘I’ll take you out for free!’” Madigan was popular for her approach: she was fun and engaging, encouraging other women to become involved in a male-dominated sport. But when it came time for the big fish tournaments, things were a little different.
Photo courtesy of Shannon Lyons
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“We weren’t very good, but we got lucky,” she says. “We’d catch a big rockfish, but we’d have a bird’s nest of monofilament. There were times that we’d catch a huge fish and let it sit in the sun, where they’d get smaller and lighter by the minute, because I was making the moms lie next to the fish so I could take photos. But people have compassion for you when you’re learning.” In time, Madigan’s reputation grew, as both a charter captain and as a sport fisherwoman. They wore pink shirts and identified their team with names that spoke to their hair color: Blonde Ambition, Legally Blonde, Dirty Blonde. “I’ve always been about inspiring women to love the sea, and be boaters,” she says. “[Women are] the fastest-growing demographic in fishing tournaments. And it’s still every bit as exciting as when I was younger.” Madigan is a single mom and knows that her personal life will affect her fishing life. “Some years are better than others,” she says. “If I have a kid graduating in May, I won’t do as well at a tournament.”
Photo courtesy of Kimberly Madigan
Balancing parenthood, as well as a busy job and a high profile side gig, isn’t easy, but it’s certainly worth it. “You have women in their 50s, screaming, hooting, and hollering. They get to see what it’s like to live this life, even just for a moment in time. And even if there was a bird’s nest of monofilament, we were proud because it was just us girls.” Even with her renown as an athlete, Madigan’s true passion is bringing others to the water. “We’re trying to give the girls today what our grandfathers and fathers gave us,” she says. “I’m in the boat business because of the fishing rod my dad put in my hand one day.”
Photo courtesy of Kimberly Madigan
Photo courtesy of Shannon Lyons
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by Heather Greenwell The Working Mom: How to Re-enter the Workforce
Raising a family is more than a full-time job. It requires strength and unyielding patience, even when it feels like we have little left to give. For some mothers, taking time away from work to have a baby, or to focus on family, can be just the separation needed to regroup and get back to the basics. However, when circumstances require us to re- enter the workplace, the idea alone can feel daunting. Balancing work and parenthood requires a huge lifestyle shift. As mothers, we know how to get stuff done. But sometimes, we need a little extra guidance to get there. Here are a few tools to help navigate through this transition. Take a Personal Inventory Always remember that you are your greatest asset. Identifying what you want to do, and places you want to work will help you determine where to start taking action. Which industry falls in line with your skills, passion, and experience? What kind of hours will you want to work? Will you need a job with benefits, or do you want to run your own business? By starting with these questions, you can narrow down the right career path. Update Your Resume As an HR Manager, I look at a lot of resumes. Your resume is one of the first impressions your potential future employer has of you. No matter how long you’ve been out of the workforce, whether it’s months or years, it is important that you acknowledge the gap in your employment history. A great way to share this detail with a recruiter is by letting
them know that you had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a mother and you seized that opportunity. Keep in mind, it is your story, and you should tell it in the most
positive light possible. Ask for What You Need
It’s not a secret that flexibility is one of the top five things that appeals to most applicants looking for a job. Flexible work schedules, remote work, or unlimited paid time off are common practices throughout several industries these days. So, if you need to pick up your children at a specific time, go to a doctor’s appointment, or utilize a mother’s room for pumping breastmilk, make sure to directly ask for what it is that you need up front. Give Yourself Some Credit One thing that really helped when I was looking to return to work after my first maternity leave was practicing my interviewing skills. I took a list of common interview questions and reviewed them out loud to myself. Practicing my answers and hearing them helped build my confidence before I met with anyone. Behavior-based questions are frequently used by employers during interviews. (Think, “tell me about a time when…”) Knowing what to say so that you feel comfortable with your answer is half the battle. The other half is recognizing that you did the best you could to prepare for spontaneous questions. Remember, this is a good opportunity for you to demonstrate confidence under pressure.
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“Always remember that you are your greatest asset .”
The way business is conducted is constantly evolving. In a post-pandemic world, there is more opportunity for employees to work remotely or telecommute into the office a few days a week. There are also new technologies, trends, and customer preferences to consider, which vary by industry. You may need to acquire new skill sets while building upon the ones you already have. But believe me when I share that all of the skills we obtain through motherhood are transferable to the workplace. (Including the strong muscles you developed from chasing after a tiny human toddler!) Learning to be patient with yourself as you figure out how all these pieces fit together will make a big difference in how you overcome these challenges. This transition can lead you down an exciting new path of self-discovery. And remember, you’re a mom! You are capable of mastering whatever life throws at you!
Maria Worthington McKenna Partner
SPECIALIZING IN : Estate Planning
Estate and Trust Administration Estate and Trust Litigation
Maria is a mom first and foremost! When working with her clients, Maria is friendly and knowledgeable, but also proves to balance the sensitive issues facing many of us in relation to creating a solid estate plan to protect our family and children. Additionally, for some of us approaching the next chapter with our parents, Maria brings compassion to those in a position of managing the stress of supporting aging parents. Maria has years of experience providing thoughtful, competent, and trustworthy representation to her clients with respect to estate planning and estate and trust administration.
CONTACT US +410-268-6600 asb@councilbaradel.com
https://www.councilbaradel.com/attorneys /maria-worthington-mckenna
SUMMER 2024 | 21
HOME Photo Credit: Jingles Photography
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Snakes, Spiders, and Ticks: Our Neighbors That Slither and Crawl by Sarah Amyot “AHHH WHAT’S THAT?!” is a common phrase that I use as the warmer weather approaches, and my family and I spend more time outside. If you are like me, encountering a snake, spider, or tick can make you go from zero to 100 in a heartbeat. So, I connected with Sarah Witcher, a Natural Resources Biologist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Miri Talabac, a Horticulturist with the University of Maryland (UMD) Extension to debunk common myths and help me understand these creatures that slither and crawl.
SNAKES Fear of even non-venomous snakes is natural, because they move differently and seem unpredictable. According to Sarah Witcher from the Maryland DNR, “Ecologically speaking, snakes are our best allies in terms of pest control. They eat things we don’t want in our homes, including rodents and insects, and play a vital part in the food web.” There are 27 species and subspecies of snakes in Maryland, with only two venomous ones: timber rattlesnakes that live in Western Maryland, and copperheads that you may see around water and rocky abutments. Snakes are generally very shy and avoid confrontation with people. UMD Extension receives regular identification requests for four common snakes that might be found in homes and gardens, including the Eastern ratsnake, common garter snake, common watersnake (often mistaken for a copperhead), and De Kay’s brownsnake. If you come across a snake in your home, call a wildlife specialist to help you remove it. Did you know? • Despite several claimed sightings, the venomous Cottonmouth snake does not live in Maryland. • It is illegal to kill a snake in Maryland.¹ The Maryland DNR has guides to help you learn more about our slithering neighbors including photos, habitat and other information. • Maryland Snakes • Common Snakes of Maryland Photo Guide • Venomous Snakes of Maryland
Common watersnake, also known as the Northern watersnake. Often found in or near water, they have a reputation for not being shy about biting if handled or harassed, though they are not venomous. Photo Credit: Miri Talabec, University of Maryland Extension
Adult Eastern ratsnake. Photo Credit: Richard Orr, submitted to Maryland DNR
A juvenile Eastern ratsnake, before they develop the mostly-black coloration of older individuals. Photo Credit: Miri Talabec, University of Maryland Extension
Smooth green snake, one of Maryland’s smaller species, which is only between the thickness of a pencil and a Sharpie. A treat to see, since they are shy and well-camouflaged, and may even be up in tree branches or hunting for insects in grassy or weedy path edges. Photo Credit: Miri Talabec, University of Maryland Extension
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Ecologically speaking, snakes are our best allies in terms of pest control. They eat things we don’t want in our homes, including rodents and insects, and play a vital part in the food web. - Sarah Witcher, Maryland DNR
SPIDERS Maryland is home to a diverse array of spiders, and all (except one) are essentially harmless and non-venomous enough to pose a serious health threat beyond allergic reactions. That “one” is the infamous black widow, which is easily recognizable with its shiny black body and red hourglass marking on a female spider’s abdomen; males are pale brown with white and red markings. Spider bites are uncommon, because they usually only bite in self-defense. According to Miri Talabac from the UMD Extension, “Spiders feed mainly on insects, other spiders, and assorted other invertebrates, and are considered beneficial to have around, especially since spiders avoid contact with people whenever possible, preferring to flee, hide, or play dead instead of trying to bite.” They work hard and play a critical role in controlling insect pests, like mosquitoes. The most common spider identification requests received at DNR are for orb-weaver and garden spiders – both are colorful and spin beautiful webs (and can look like black widows). Wolf spiders and fishing spiders are large and easy to see, often found in basements. If you come across a spider in your home, use an empty cup and piece of paper to relocate it outside.
Argiope, also called the yellow garden spider. They are large as adults and commonly seen in their characteristic webs with the zig-zag of extra silk in the middle. Photo Credit: Miri Talabec, University of Maryland Extension.
“Spiders avoid contact with people whenever possible, preferring to flee, hide, or play dead instead of trying to bite.” - Miri Tablac, UMD
Did you know? • The brown recluse spider is not native or common in Maryland. Very few have been confirmed and likely traveled to Maryland as a stowaway on a shipped package. • All spiders spin silk – either to make a web, store food, or protect their eggs. • On a per-weight basis, spider silk is stronger than steel! DNR and UMD have great resources for learning about our neighborhood spiders and there is a detailed catalog of spiders as part of the Maryland Biodiversity Project. • Common Spiders of Maryland, Maryland DNR • Spiders in Maryland, UMD Extension • Catalog of Maryland Spiders, Maryland Biodiversity Project
Marbled orb-weaver, also called the Halloween or pumpkin spider. They hide in a leaf shelter just off to the side of their webs. Photo Credit: Miri Talabec, University of Maryland Extension
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TICKS Most ticks are born disease-free until they feed on infected wildlife. Once infected, they can carry diseases that affect humans and our beloved pets. Ticks typically live in the brush, like overgrown trails, woodland-edge locations, and natural areas. Three common species that are found on humans are the American dog tick, deer tick, and the lone star tick. Maryland DNR and UMD Extension suggest the best way to defend against ticks is the use of personal protection, such as repellents and long-sleeved clothing. You can treat clothes and shoes with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact, and be sure to tuck pant legs into socks and shirts into pants. After being outside where ticks may hang out, inspect your clothing and body. If you find a tick attached, don’t panic! There is a low risk of disease transmission if the tick is attached for a short period of time (fewer than 24 hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Remove it as soon as possible with a slow and steady pull using tweezers as close to the skin as possible, disinfect the attachment area, and note the date the tick was removed. If interested, you can send the tick to a lab to be identified. Where can you do this locally? Johns Hopkins Lyme and Tickborne Diseases Research and Education Institute offers a tick identification service . If you are concerned, notice a rash, or have flu-like symptoms, call your doctor. Early treatment is key for preventing possible long-term complications. Did you know? • Ticks don’t fly, jump, or fall from trees. They ascend vegetation and open their arms, waiting to grab onto a host (this is called questering). • They can also survive below freezing temperatures! • You can throw clothes in a hot dryer for 10 minutes before washing, to kill any lingering ticks attached to clothing. UMD Extension has detailed information about ticks in Maryland including how to stay safe outdoors. Maryland Department of Health also details tickborne diseases for more information. • Ticks in Maryland, UMD Extension • Get Ticks Off, Not Ticked Off, UMD Extension • Tickborne Diseases, Maryland Department of Health
Lone star tick that is “questing," which is the pose they have with their forelegs outstretched, while perched on foliage, so they can sense a host animal passing by that they want to latch on to. People can potentially contract a red meat allergy from this tick's bite, even though Lyme disease (from another tick) gets most of the press with tick-borne illnesses. Photo Credit: Miri Talabec, University of Maryland Extension.
PRO TIP: Use a lint roller to remove possible ticks from clothing!
Hopefully this information will equip you with the tools and knowledge about things that slither and crawl in and around your home and places you visit in Anne Arundel County. Sometimes the more you know about things that intimidate you, the less they scare you! Special thanks to: • University of Maryland Extension, Home and Garden Information Center. Marylanders across the state can submit questions and receive answers from experts through Ask Extension. • Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Sources: 1 https:/dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/plants_wildlife/herps/Herp-Ethics.aspx#:~:text=illegal%20to%20kill%20a%20snake
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