Letters to the Editor

Get Smart about Maryland Art

Dear Bay Weekly:
My thanks to Sonia Linebaugh for writing about Gov. Parris Glendening’s portrait [Dock of the Bay: Vol. XI, No. 3, Jan. 16]. The portrait first came to my attention when the tape of the unveiling was aired on MPT Artworks on Thursday evening, Jan. 16, at 8pm. It was a glaring circumstance to me that on this program about Maryland art we find that this important Maryland portrait commission went to a Connecticut artist.

Then, when I picked up Bay Weekly, the details about the portrait were clearly presented. It was a $35,000 commission. That’s a big chunk of taxes — in the artist’s income tax dollars and sales tax dollars — to go out of state.

Artists, arts organizations and the public need to raise consciousness, helping public officials get smart about art. Buying from Maryland artists increases tax revenue. Yes, we pay taxes like everyone else. Even if legislators don’t have time for the arts, they should be sensitive to tax issues in support of Maryland workers.

We need to write to the new governor now to encourage him to choose a Maryland artist for his portrait.
— Diana Marta, Ellicott City

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A Tad Less Savvy Than We Ought to Be

Dear Bay Weekly:
As I lead monthly hikes on behalf of the Appalachian Mountain Club, DC Chapter, I read with interest the Sarah Williams piece, “Hiking in our Winter Wonderland” (Vol. XI, No. 1, Jan. 2). I applaud your efforts to get folks out from in front of football on TV.

Sarah wrote that Wye Island is in Talbot County. I’d not expect this from a savvy publication like yours.

Also, I’m surprised that in her listing of hiking organizations at the end of the article she omitted the area’s two largest, the Appalachian Mountain Club mentioned above, and the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. It should also be noted that the Maryland Mountain Club must accommodate mostly retired folks because they routinely schedule most of their hikes on weekday afternoons.

Supplement Sarah’s research and do your readers a real service by giving them a comprehensive list of area hiking/walking contacts plus a list of hiking books available under “Hiking Links” and “Hiking Books” at www.denaliassociates.com/Annapolis/Hillman.html.

Keep up the good work.
— Dick Hillman, Annapolis

Editor’s note: Reader Hillman is right; we erred on an indisputable fact as to Wye Island’s location in Queen Anne’s County. As to the clubs, we need the help of savvy readers to keep us informed of all the best Chesapeake Country.

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Take on Mosquitoes Early

Dear Bay Weekly:
A month ago or so, you published a brief article on building bird houses that help deter mosquitoes. Please, if you could, forward the article so I can begin for spring. I live on Weems Creek, and last year was terrible for gardeners.

Thanks for your assistance.
— Helen Kennedy, Annapolis

Editor’s note: The city of Annapolis is holding workshops in building bird housing at Chesapeake Children’s Museum. Adults build houses for voracious purple martins on Feb. 15, while children take their turn Feb. 19. Call the museum for more information: 410/993-1993.

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We welcome your letters and opinions. We will edit when necessary. Include your name, address and phone number for verification. Mail them to Bay Weekly, P.O. Box 358, Deale, MD 20751 • E-mail them to us at [email protected].