We have the address for the funeral home & the family on file If you're not happy with your card we'll send a replacement or refund your money The family of James "Jim" Martin Luff created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories Send flowers to James' Celebration of Life Made with love by funeralOne Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here CHESTERTOWN, MD — A Chestertown man’s routine lunch break turned into a life-changing moment after he followed a suggestion from his father and bought a Maryland Lottery scratch-off ticket The Eastern Shore resident visited Maryland Lottery headquarters on Tuesday to claim his prize from the Money Rush scratch-off game still has five top prizes of $100,000 and now just three $50,000 second-tier prizes remaining after this latest win The winner said the idea to purchase a ticket wasn’t his own “My dad told me to get a scratch-off ticket while I was out,” he recalled Though not a regular lottery player himself he heeded the advice while picking up lunch at Suds-N-Soda “When I asked the guy at the counter which ticket had been winning for people The man scratched the ticket later that day at home “I almost screamed when I saw the $50,000 match I had to cover my mouth with my hand,” he said describing the scene as his family broke into celebration while he sat in stunned silence Sudden win leaves store buzzing with excitement The winning ticket was purchased at Suds-N-Soda a Lottery retailer located at 1014 Washington Avenue in Chestertown The store is now one of several local vendors where recent big wins have occurred in Maryland Though he has no immediate plans for the prize money the winner confirmed that it was the most he had ever won from the Lottery The Maryland Lottery reported that three of the original four $50,000 second-tier prizes in the Money Rush game remain The game continues to attract attention from new players due to the number of large prizes still in circulation combined with the father’s encouragement proved instrumental in the man’s decision to buy a ticket that day © 2008-2025 - Shore News Media & Marketing Ltd Karen Marshall Sisco, 64, a beloved figure of Chestertown, MD, departed this life on Friday February 28, 2025, at University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore Md. Karen “Candy” as she was affectionately known to most, was born in... View Obituary & Service Information The family of Karen "Candy" Marshall Sisco created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories The family of Michele Paul Sipala created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories Michele Paul Sipala passed away peacefully at his h.. Robert Joseph Anthony Knoedler passed away at his home surrounded by loving family after a long battle with illness on March 5, 2025. He was 72. Born on December 6, 1952, in Sacramento, CA, Robert was the youngest son of Agnes Marie and Leo... View Obituary & Service Information The family of Robert Joseph Anthony Knoedler created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories Robert Joseph Anthony Knoedler passed away at his h.. Raymond E. Clarke, 89, passed away on January 31, 2025, at Heron Point, Chestertown, MD. He was born in Providence, RI to Richardson and Lorena Clarke on December 7, 1935. On his sixth birthday, he went to live with his maternal grandmother,... View Obituary & Service Information The family of Raymond Edward Clarke created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories The family of Dale Noah Merchant created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories The family of Janis Elaine Caldwell created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories The family of James Franklin Blyman created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories James Franklin "Jim" Blyman passed away peacefully .. The family of Chris "Gove" Gover created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories Robert “Chris”” Gove” Gover suddenly passed away on.. The family of Betsy Ann Vollmerhausen Douglas created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories Betsy Ann Vollmerhausen Douglas of Crumpton The family of Clarence Summers Hunter III created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories Peter Caverly Newlin of Chestertown, MD died on October 22, 2024, at the age of 77, in the care of Compass Regional Hospice House of Centreville, MD. He was born on February 26, 1947, in Bryn Mawr, PA to John Shipley and Virginia Strong Newlin.... View Obituary & Service Information The family of Peter Caverly Newlin created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories Maryland often celebrated for its bustling cities and picturesque coastal destinations also boasts an array of charming small towns that have quietly risen to the ranks of favorites among U.S and down to the Chesapeake City's serene canal-side charm Maryland's small towns have something special to offer Visitors can savor the essence of Maryland's diverse identity from maritime traditions to colonial roots and indulge in regional cuisine that reflects the state's bounty from the Chesapeake Bay why not add these gems to your travel itinerary and uncover the authentic soul of Maryland As the sun kisses the Susquehanna River Havre De Grace awakens in all its maritime glory you will see picturesque views of sailboats dancing on the bay's shimmering waters Nature enthusiasts will be mesmerized in Susquehanna State Park where hiking trails lead to the majestic Rock Run Grist Mill You can also discover the region's lesser-known a natural rock formation with a thrilling legend And don't skip out heading to Concord Point Lighthouse This 19th-century beacon guided ships through treacherous waters and offers dazzling bay beauty be sure to spot the mysterious "Poe Toaster," who pays annual homage to Edgar Allan Poe near his memorial You get to explore Crystal Grottoes Caverns where you can marvel at the subterranean wonder of stalactites You can step into the pages of a novel at Turn the Page Bookstore owned by bestselling author Nora Roberts' husband a local favorite known for its craft beer selection and hearty dishes You can also schedule a visit to the Pry House Field Hospital Museum which played a crucial role during the Battle of Antietam The museum showcases artifacts and stories from this pivotal Civil War battle Just a stone's throw from the bustling heart of Washington where suburban tranquility and artistic vibrancy booms at every corner Head to the nearby Wheaton Regional Park for a day of outdoor fun Hidden amidst its acres is the beautiful Brookside Gardens a blooming oasis with vibrant flora and serene koi-filled ponds The Kensington Armory is where you will find the Kensington Arts Theatre and the Montgomery Art Association Gallery You should check their schedules for captivating performances and exhibitions that showcase the town's creative talent Kensington Antique Row will delight and surprise you with its classic furnishing and everything in between at The Cusp of Extinction Goldsborough Glynn Classic Furnishings & Finds About 30 miles from Delaware Berlin welcomes you with its charming streets straight out of a postcard a beautifully restored Victorian-era establishment proves to be a fantastic first stop with its elegant façade and luxurious accommodations Discovery awaits you at Burley Oak Brewing Company where craft beer enthusiasts can enjoy innovative brews Their experimental approach to brewing sets them apart a historic treasure trove showcasing Berlin's rich past including its role as a hospital center during the Civil War Don't forget to discover the collection of Victorian mourning jewelry a captivating and somewhat eerie glimpse into the past The maritime wonderland and the "Heart & Soul of the Chesapeake Bay," St. Michaels you can check out the working boatyard and discover the craft of shipbuilding You can also hop aboard the Winnie Estelle and learn about the region's oyster-harvesting history for an experience like no other Michaels is renowned for its boutique shopping along Talbot Street where you can step into charming stores like The Preppy Redneck and The Treasure Chest for unique finds from nautical-themed jewelry to coastal home decor For a taste of the bay's culinary delights steamed blue crabs while overlooking the water As you stroll down the brick-lined streets of the timeless Chestertown you will get a glimpse of the vibrant culture You can take a trip to the historic Emanuel Churchyard the final resting place of notable figures like George Washington's aide-de-camp Chestertown's artistic spirit is on full display at galleries like the Carla Massoni Gallery showcasing the work of regional and nationally recognized artists a historic site that now houses the Chestertown Visitor Center you can gather information about the town's attractions and events including the Chestertown Tea Party Festival a lesser-known celebration of the local colonial heritage Oxford emerges like a pearl in a hidden oyster a collection of ship models intricately crafted by local artisans and artifacts from the shipwrecks in the Oxford Museum You should also keep an eye out for the Skipjack Nathan a historic wooden sailing vessel that occasionally graces the harbor with its majestic presence Oxford's culinary scene is a testament to its waterfront location You can savor the freshest seafood at the Oxford Market and enjoy views of the Tred Avon River Or indulge in a gourmet meal at the Masthead at Pier Street where you can dine right on the water's edge Step into a living history book as you arrive in St a town that allows you to experience Maryland's colonial roots like no other it's a place where history comes alive on every cobblestone street You can explore the reconstructed State House of 1676 and the Print House where you can witness the printing of colonial documents a replica 17th-century ship that provides insight into early maritime life A hidden gem in this historic town is the Woodland Indian Hamlet an intriguing wonder that portrays the lives of indigenous peoples in the 17th century You can also dine like a colonist at the nearby Brome-Howard Inn offering a menu inspired by colonial-era recipes Or head to the Green Door Tavern for a cozy atmosphere and classic American fare the briny breeze and the sight of watermen at work will set the tone for your visit Millard Tawes Historical Museum allows you to explore exhibits on the town's history and its significance in the world of crabbing and oystering and dive deep into the lore of Chesapeake watermen Don't forget to admire the exhibit on the legendary Chesapeake skipjack providing a glimpse into the world of oyster dredging A must-do in Crisfield is a boat tour to Smith Island to discover a unique culture and witness the island's picturesque landscapes sample fresh crab dishes at the Watermen's Inn or dive into a seafood buffet at the Crisfield Crab Place Ocean City is a town where the rhythms of the Atlantic Ocean set the pace Your Ocean City adventure begins on the iconic boardwalk where you can savor the scent of saltwater taffy at Dolle's Candyland and enjoy thrilling amusement park rides at Trimper's Rides and you can book a charter for a chance to catch marlin Fager's Island offers waterfront dining with live entertainment Jamaica USA boasts a lively atmosphere with multiple bars Cumberland invites travelers with its stunning natural beauty and rich railroad history The C&O Canal Towpath presents endless hiking and biking opportunities is ideal for water sports and relaxation by the shore A quick trip takes you to the Paw Paw Tunnel on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal where you can admire this engineering marvel carved through the mountain as you stroll the towpath alongside the tranquil waters of the canal Cumberland's vibrant arts scene flourishes at the Allegany Arts Council Imagine a place where narrow streets wind past quaint shops and charming cafes and boats lazily drift along a picturesque canal the Chesapeake City Museum allows you to explore the town's role in canal history including stories of mule-drawn boats and lock operations You can also book a canal boat ride with Chesapeake City Water Tours passing beneath the soaring Chesapeake City Bridge and learn about the town's history and its bustling maritime traffic Be sure to indulge in the tapas and seafood dishes at Schaefer's Canal House a historic waterfront restaurant boasting stunning canal views Maryland's small-town favorites have built their reputation not through fleeting charm but by providing genuine experiences that resonate with travelers From the delectable seafood of Crisfield to the rich maritime heritage of Chesapeake City these communities celebrate their roots with open arms It's not just about visiting; it's about becoming part of the story one that unfolds in real time and lingers with you long after you've gone photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com CHESTERTOWN, MD — A casual lunch run turned into a $50,000 payday for one Eastern Shore man, thanks to a timely suggestion from his father and a helpful lottery clerk the Kent County resident claimed a $50,000 second-tier prize from the Money Rush scratch-off game — the biggest win of his life The lucky ticket was purchased at Suds-N-Soda located at 1014 Washington Avenue in Chestertown he asked the store clerk which game had been winning for others The $10 ticket was scratched later at home with family where one match revealed the $50,000 prize he said he covered his mouth in disbelief while family members began celebrating around him Money Rush launched in July 2024 and still has five unclaimed $100,000 top prizes only four $50,000 prizes were available — now only three remain The family of George Horace Kendall created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories The combine kicked up a cloud of dust as it rolled past snatching soybeans out of Eastern Shore dirt It’s a familiar harvest season scene in Kent County where more than half the acreage is considered prime farmland Albert Nickerson leaned on the back of his Ford pickup and watched his brother-in-law pilot the giant harvester Nickerson is a contractor and Republican county commissioner His blue eyes welled with tears when he talked about how much this place means to him I mean this is just right up there with the next thing to be important for me,” he said Kent County is Maryland’s smallest by population the county’s sprawling farms and multigenerational farmers give it a frozen-in-time feel The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. 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But a pandemic influx of wealthy outsiders remote workers and early retirees from liberal enclaves like Washington Baltimore and Philadelphia — native Kent Countians might call them “chicken-neckers” or “come-heres” — is nudging the county’s electorate to the left the first time since 1986 that a Democrat in the governor’s race prevailed and President Joe Biden won the county in 2020 after residents had picked Republicans in the previous two elections the presidential race pits former President Donald Trump and his “Make America Great Again” against Vice President Kamala Harris’s “A New Way Forward.” In places like Kent County These communities are trying to balance tradition and progress without a clear roadmap for the future Kent County’s newcomers are mostly moving to Chestertown the county seat nestled on the banks of the Chester River With slightly more than 5,500 residents and a bustling downtown with shops restaurants and a glut of 18th century homes to rival Annapolis Chestertown might as well be the poster child for the small-town America that moneyed city dwellers sought out during the heights of COVID-19 or they commute back to their urban centers for work said she has split time between Chestertown and D.C It does not take many people to swing an election here (Biden won the county by 134 votes) and the population is so small it doesn’t much factor into statewide or national contests But the blue shift could have wide-ranging implications for local matters “I think that Kent County is a microcosm of the entire country,” Nickerson said “I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to travel to some places and we were talking about the same exact thing going on out there.” The ranch manager spoke of billionaires flooding in and trying to change the area’s way of life Fewer people work on farms in Kent County than in years past as automation increases And most everything that’s grown isn’t even for human consumption — it’s used for chicken feed Kent County is surrounded on three sides by water and people used to make a living off the Chesapeake Bay The most reliable employers are the Dixon Valve & Coupling Company The public school system has seen declining enrollment the county recorded a population loss for the first time since the 1940 Census The county’s median age is nearly a decade older than Maryland’s and fewer people have college degrees than the state average The county’s overall changes can seem at odds with the scene in Chestertown a classic car meet and a farmers market that shut down the town’s main street genders and sexual orientations are welcome hang in windows Where Trump signs dominate the countryside it’s not uncommon to see downtown homes displaying yard signs supporting Harris an Irishman who arrived in Chestertown by way of D.C A former journalist who had a second career working in international relations McDowell moved to town in 2017 when he and his wife purchased an 18th century home that was first owned by a member of the Continental Army who had slaves Seated in an armchair in his meticulously preserved McDowell — amid plenty of asides about national politics and his views of the Republican county commission (the three deplorables he called them) — described a sort of intellectual elite that make up many of Chestertown’s historic homeowners USAID [United States Agency for International Development] McDowell said the appeal of Chestertown for these older elites is its unique blend of an urban environment and tight-knit community But their presence has a drawback for the non-elites: The cost of housing has skyrocketed in recent years McDowell and his wife bought their home for $368,000 A Zillow estimate suggests the house would sell for twice that now Kent County has the sixth-highest property tax rate of any county in Maryland the property tax rate for town residents is greater than that for Annapolis residents McDowell said he and his wife have an annual tax bill of $8,000 High property values and relative population density have given the town an outsized importance in the county’s economic picture a town native and director of policy and land use at the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy said Chestertown makes up 1% of Kent County’s land but accounts for more than one-quarter of the population and one-fifth of its wealth based on property values alone Scarcity plus increased demand has left many younger Bailey lives in a three-bedroom home outside of the downtown neighborhood with his wife and two children but realistically cannot afford it given the market The conveniences of living in town outweigh the desire for greater space out in the county meaning he’s planning to stay put and make do Many others in that spot might leave the area altogether She’s a math teacher at the county’s only middle school and works a second job as a server at The Retriever a restaurant that sells both its version of a Big Mac and high-end liquor She lives with her mom a few miles out of town in order to save money Millennials like Penny who work in town tend to share the older But they question whether they have a future in Kent County a manager at an independent bookstore called The Bookplate on the town’s main drag had until recently been living with her partner and their children in a rental her parents own She and her partner scraped and just bought a house Jones said her day-to-day finances and Chestertown’s cost of living doesn’t leave her with much of a cushion to build retirement savings She said Kent County’s younger residents who stay are doing so in spite of financial reasons to leave Kent County’s politics don’t neatly break down as urban versus rural or wealthy versus working-class The county has voted fairly erratically in local races The entire county commission is Republican — although commission President Ronald Fithian was a Democrat until 2020 when he felt the party had gone too far left and “left me behind” — and so is the sheriff But the clerk of court and state’s attorney are both Democrats That has more to do with the intimate nature of a small place than a citizenry’s desire to have a bipartisan government at the local level director of civic engagement at Washington College a private liberal arts school in Chestertown that helps give the town its buzzy feel He said the “manufactured divisions” in state and national politics do not hold up at the hyperlocal level At least not when a voter and an elected official are liable to run into each other at the post office or the grocery store with some regularity “It kind of forces people to be decent to one another Examples of the civility Nugent pointed to abound Kent County Democratic Club President Bill Flook said the former Republican sheriff was one of the “more enlightened” sheriffs on the Eastern Shore Paul Tue III is co-founder of the Black-led nonprofit Minary’s Dream Alliance which plays a vital role for people of color in a county that is more than 80% white has lived in Kent County for 17 years and said local politics can be “very much good old boyish.” “I don’t want to throw the politicians under the bus,” he said then I think it would be impossible for you to feel heard or represented.” Working-class Black residents might not be able to name a single local official because it’s hard to get too involved in electoral politics when they’re “catching hell” trying to put food on the table or trying to make rent at least compared to other Eastern Shore counties Colleagues from across the Chester River have told Tue that they think Chestertown is the most progressive place east of the Bay “I didn’t feel this place was very progressive when I first got here but you have people on the outside [of the county] looking in saying ‘I wish I could do that in my community,” he said of Minary’s Dream Alliance Tue attributed the progressive turn in part to the wealthy people who move to town and want to get involved in local politics “They’ve gone out intentionally to form relationships with people who are not in their tax bracket,” he said But he also feels the squeeze caused by their presence Political progressiveness does no good if people cannot find a way to balance the desire to preserve the charming small-town feel with a need for economic development and growth This is often where Nickerson’s thoughts land he pointed to some of the county’s markers from his 55 years of living there There’s the former dairy farm where he worked as a high school student There’s the former general store in the town of Still Pond which stopped being an actual town a long time ago and there’s the graveyard where his ancestors’ headstones are the oldest in it a short-ish country lane that dead-ends at the Chesapeake Bay He and his wife own almost all the land to the left which dates to the 1700s and sits on a knoll Follow the path farther and you come down to the backside of his property through a stand of trees and into a clearing with a dilapidated cottage and a pier that juts into Still Pond Creek With the help of the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy Nickerson obtained an easement that essentially preserves his farm as open space in perpetuity for the next 1,000 years you will be able to come down here and see Still Pond Creek,” he said For as long as he is in office — he’s in his second year of his first term — he also has a say in what happens to Kent County But how do you balance change and progress against the desire to hold onto what used to be It’s a question that keeps him awake at night “I wish you had the answer for me,” Nickerson said Lee O. Sanderlin Lee.Sanderlin@thebaltimorebanner.com Sanderlin is an Enterprise Reporter for The Baltimore Banner he worked at The Baltimore Sun as a reporter covering a wide array of topics including stories about abusive politicians Welcome to The Banner's subscriber-only commenting community. Please review our community guidelines Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policies The Baltimore Banner is a trademark registered in the U.S for The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism Statement from Executive Vice President and General Manager Eric DeCosta pic.twitter.com/TNQrqw3me2 Welcome to The Banner's subscriber-only commenting community. Please review our community guidelines Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policies Click here to view our Terms of Sale.\n \n Click here to learn more about supporting local journalism.\n Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes. 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