Amy Blades Steward

Haven Ministries Responding with HOPE to COVID-19

April 1, 2020 by Amy Blades Steward 1 Comment

Haven Ministries continues to provide critical essential services for those in need in Queen Anne’s County. The organization just launched a new resource for Queen Anne’s County called “QAC Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” This new Facebook Group will help support the most vulnerable people in the community amidst the Coronavirus pandemic and is being coordinated through county service agencies, especially for those who are homebound.

“In this unprecedented time, we are committed to assisting the changing needs of families across the county and want to ensure that resources are readily available and known. Many want to help others by sharing urgent supplies, grocery shopping, phone calls, donating to specific needs or sharing their talents with others,” says Krista Pettit, Executive Director of Haven Ministries.

How you can help:

• Join the Facebook Group and watch for opportunities to support the needs of individuals in our community

• Share the site with your friends, family, and others who you think could benefit.

• Post resources or abilities that may help people who are shut-in.

• If you have neighbors who are not online, let them know that resources are available and be the conduit to helping with their needs.

In addition to this new service, Haven Ministries continues to operate essential services, including an Emergency Homeless Shelter, Food Pantries and Resource Centers. Haven Ministries Shelter is planning to extend its operations into the summer months. Anyone in need of shelter should call 410-739-7859. Its two Food Pantries are located at Centreville United Methodist Church at 608 Church Hill Road in Centreville and Safe Harbor Presbyterian Church at 931 Love Point Road in Stevensville. Two Resource Centers, at Fisher Manor Housing Development in Grasonville and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 301 South Liberty Street in Centreville, remain open. The location in Centreville is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Grasonville location is open the second Saturday from 9-12. Currently, the Resource Centers assist those facing financial crises. An average of 33 people per month is receiving $4,340 in financial assistance.

Haven Ministries Food Pantries, open once a month on Fridays from 5:30 to 7 p.m., are a drive-thru format with extra health and safety protocols in place. The next Haven Ministries Food Pantries will occur on Friday, April 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Pettit adds, “We had 273 people attend our food pantries last Friday, feeding 857 people total in households. Of this total, there were 315 children, 438 adults, and 104 seniors. This total included about 100 new people using our services.”

“We are also available for emergency food by calling 410-739-4363 or the Haven Ministries Resource Center at 410-758-0129.”

To meet the growing demands, Haven Ministries is looking for volunteers who are comfortable showing up and assisting with the Food Pantries. Extra health and safety protocols are in place. The sign up is online: haven-minsitries.org under the tab: Get Help.

Pettit states, “During this public health crisis, many have been impacted. We too are navigating uncommon challenges. We have called upon our staff to work shifts that volunteers could not cover and to help slow the spread of the virus, we have temporarily closed our Thrift Store and Warehouse and have postponed some of our fundraisers losing our major sources of revenue for the year.”

“Now more than ever the essential services we provide are critical and we are asking for your support to make sure anyone who needs food, shelter or resources can receive immediate assistance.”

Many more families are beginning to feel impacted as hourly wages are scaled back, businesses in the community are shutting down and the schools have closed. The requests of our residents are overwhelming as they are experiencing the impact of this crisis.

To meet this growing need, Haven Ministries has launched an emergency fund on Facebook in response to this extraordinary situation. People can also donate on the Haven Ministries website: haven-ministries.com. All proceeds raised will help the organization respond with HOPE to support those in crisis. For further information visit haven-ministries.org.

Love shapes the ministry, love transforms people, and hope prevails at Haven Ministries. Haven Ministries operates a seasonal Homeless Shelter, a Resource Center at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Centreville and at Fisher Manor in Grasonville, the Haven Ministries Food Pantries at Safe Harbor Presbyterian Church in Stevensville and Centreville United Methodist Church in Centreville, Our Daily Thread Thrift Store in Stevensville and Hope Warehouse in Queenstown.

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COVID-19: Heroes Mobilize to Feed Residents in Need by Amy Steward

March 31, 2020 by Amy Blades Steward Leave a Comment

When the call went out that Talbot County had residents in need of food, Talbot County Government, businesses and citizens rallied to get the food to the people. Talbot County residents are being fed in increasing numbers each week by more than 11 food pantries across the County, Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS) meal distribution and CarePacks weekend bags home, the Neighborhood Service Center, Brookletts Place Senior Center, and Meals on Wheels.

Naomi Thomas of Scott’s United Methodist Church

A large donation of frozen chicken by Mountaire Farms rallied local businesses to help transport and store food for the coming weeks’ needs. According to Cathy Bassett, Director of Communications and Community Relations for Mountaire Farms in Millsboro, DE, when Maryland Delegate Johnny Mautz, District 37B, was contacted by Mountaire Farms about the need for donations, he asked for help for Talbot and Dorchester counties. Mountaire Farms responded with 280 cases or 11,200 pounds of frozen chicken, including wings, boneless legs, and thigh meat.

Bassett comments, “Mountaire regularly donates to over 40 food pantries monthly on the Delmarva Peninsula, in addition to special events being held. It’s a blessing to help so many people who are food insecure and those that can’t find food in the stores. Our workers have been doing an incredible job in challenging times,” she added.

“The chicken is packaged in 10-pound bags, so 1,120 families in Talbot County will be reached through this amazing spirit of teamwork and generosity,” said Jan Willis, Coordinator of the Local Care Team for Talbot County.

Local businesses such as Chesapeake Landing Restaurant rearranged their truck schedule and picked up 600 pounds of chicken from Mountaire Farms and delivered it to the Saint Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Easton. The chicken will be shared with the Church of God’s Harvest of Hope Pantry and St. Michaels Community Center. Paris Foods picked up 10,600 pounds of chicken from Mountaire Farms which it is storing in its frozen storage unit until it is distributed to food pantries throughout the County. The Salvation Army also donated 100 boxes of non-perishable food to Meals on Wheels.

Representatives from Mountaire Farms load a truck from Paris Foods with 10,600 pounds of chicken for families in need in Talbot County.

Chris Coursey, Plant Manager of Paris Foods, comments, “Paris Foods has a long-standing commitment to helping civic organizations within our county. We help provide resources to civic-minded groups when we can. When the opportunity arose to help the Department of Emergency Services with this project, we naturally jumped in and helped. In these uncertain times, it is imperative to provide help, when and where you can.”

Union Baptist Church at 233 Glenwood Avenue in Easton will have a drive-thru food distribution on Tuesday, March 31 for Talbot County residents and FREE Drive-thru, No Contact Farmers Markets will take place the same day from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Latitude 38 Bistro and Spirits in Oxford, with produce donated by Sysco, and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Public Parking Lot behind Pemberton’s Pharmacy in St. Michaels, with produce donated by Chris Agharabi on behalf of Ava’s Pizzeria & Theo’s Steaks & Sides. Scott’s United Methodist Church in Trappe served over 128 households with 6,103 pounds of food last week with a similar drive-thru style food distribution.

Free meals are being distributed on weekdays for children ages 2 through 18 through TCPS at the following meal pick-up locations in Talbot County from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. until after the Easter holiday. The drive-by/pick-up sites outdoors are Easton Middle School, Easton Elementary-Dobson, and St. Michaels Middle High School. For updated information, visit www.tcps.k12.md.us.

Sodexo employees helping with food for distribution by Talbot County Public Schools with a trailer donated by Choptank Transport.

Dr. Kelly Griffith, Superintendent of Talbot County Public Schools states, “When I realized how many meals we would need to store in order to feed TCPS families, I contacted Geoff Turner, President and CEO of Choptank Transport in Preston to ask for help. He delivered a refrigerated trailer within the hour. My son works for Choptank and Geoff is a fellow Easton Rotarian, and they have partnered with TCPS on relief projects in the past. What an awesome company!”

“We can’t thank all the businesses and individuals who have stepped up to help with these extraordinary efforts. We now have over 300 volunteers signed up to help us, with more signing up every day. This is what is so special about Talbot County. When there are needs in our community, people meet them willingly,” Talbot County Council President Corey Pack adds.

The Best Kind of Handyman: Community For Life – Talbot Members Home Repair

February 20, 2020 by Amy Blades Steward

A few days ago, Community for Life-Talbot volunteer handyman Jack Donahue, and Stacey Woodworth, the organization’s service navigator, sat down for a brief discussion about a unique service it provides to help seniors living in place with home repair.

Downsizing and simplifying our homes as we age is certainly a trend gaining momentum across the country. In addition to needing help with transportation, seniors are also facing the daunting task of home repairs in order to live safely in their own homes. These issues can be overwhelming tasks and can even fall to the children of seniors or to their caregivers to complete. And, finding affordable, reliable and quality home repair services today can be a challenge.

Pictured left to right are Mert and Maggie Jarboe of Sherwood who recently engaged Maynard, a vetted contractor with Maryland Community for Life – Talbot

Maryland Community for Life – Talbot delivers key services in a cost-effective and supportive manner through a cadre of volunteers. Specifically, for a monthly fee, members receive basic home repair and maintenance by a volunteer handyman, a list of vetted contractors and contract review, transportation trips, as well as regular contact with a “Service Navigator” to help coordinate access to services and to assist with any needs that may arise.

“Just taking the worry away for some of the recurring nagging issues in their homes, can make all the difference in a senior’s anxiety about remaining independent and active,” stated Stacey Woodworth, Maryland Community for Life – Talbot’s Service Navigator.

The most popular home repair and maintenance requests that she receives as the Service Navigator are the installation of grab bars, changing light bulbs, assistance in moving boxes (like Christmas decorations), replacing batteries in smoke detectors and CO₂ monitors, and minor landscaping and gardening cleanup. When Maryland Community for Life℠ – Talbot volunteers can’t accomplish the tasks, licensed vetted contractors specializing in construction, electrical wiring, plumbing, and safety assessments are used.

Home Maintenance Assessments are offered to all new members of Maryland Community for Life℠ – Talbot. Members also receive project quote reviews for any construction-related projects for which they are seeking estimates. Items reviewed in the home assessment include looking for safety hazards, including placement of grab bars in bathrooms and at entrances to the home; stability of stair railings, security of throw rugs, function of doorknobs, and cabinet heights – all items which may contribute to a fall.

“Some of the members are surprised at the risks we uncover. Stacey presents the assessments to the members with suggestions for improvements the members can decide which items they want to address first. The tasks are then assigned to a volunteer or a contractor to complete,” stated Maynard one of the vetted contractors with Maryland Community for Life– Talbot. All contractors are MHIC licensed and we do background checks on their businesses.”

Maggie and Mert Jarboe of Sherwood, new members of Maryland Community for Life – Talbot, who have been using the membership’s transportation services, recently had Maynard take down a Christmas wreath on their garage and do a home assessment. Maggie commented, “This time of year it is easy to get the winter blues. I credit the upbeat attitude of the volunteers to keeping a more positive vibe in our household.”

Maryland Community for Life – Talbot, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization operating as a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, is located at 10 S. Hanson Street, Ste 18, in Easton, Maryland. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The organization is currently looking for volunteers throughout the county. To become a member or volunteer, email communityforlifetalbot@gmail.com or call 410-443-0760. For further information, please go here.

Haven Ministries 3rd Annual Best Girlfriend Night Out

January 30, 2020 by Amy Blades Steward

This year’s 3^rd Annual Haven Ministries Best Girlfriend Night Out is themed, “Pretty in Pink,” and will be held on Friday, March 13 at Prospect Bay Country Club in Grasonville, MD. The event will kick off with a VIP Party featuring Crow Vineyard of Kennedyville, MD, from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by the public event from 6 to 9 p.m. All proceeds benefit Haven Ministries growing programs and services, including its Homeless Shelter in Stevensville, Resource Centers in Centreville and Grasonville, Food Pantries in Stevensville and Centreville, Our Daily Thread Thrift Store in Stevensville, and Hope Warehouse, with job training, in Queenstown.

According to Taryn Chase, Haven Ministries Business and Marketing Development Director, “We have decided to change this event from a weekend retreat to a night out so more people can attend. It will still be the best girlfriend night out ever so bring your best friends and new friends for a complete night of pampering yourself and supporting Haven Ministries!”

This year’s Girlfriend Night Out event includes samplings and tastings from local purveyors, such as Lyons Distillery, Crow Vineyard, Chesapeake Chef Services, Chesapeake Celebrations, and Capriotti’s. Shopping experiences for items such as clothing, accessories, and home goods and inspirational demonstrations including yoga, skincare, and beauty treatments will be provided by such local businesses as HOBO Bags, Ophuredia, Wild Child Concrete, Wild Raven Boutique, Great Blue Fiber, Charm City Plastic Surgery, MakeUp by Sadie, Spray Tans by Katy, Salon Atelier, Simple Girl Designs, Charm Tree Jewelry, I Do Make Up Artistry, Island Furniture Studio, Jackie Gallagher Designs, T’s Devine Treats, and Tidewater Cleaning Services. DJ Cory also returns for a fun night of dancing. This year’s new host is Prospect Bay Country Club who also supports Haven Ministries Annual Tea Party and Golf Tournament. Island Furniture Studio, the event’s Premier Sponsor, will again host a Hospitality Suite for the night.

L-R: Taryn Chase, Haven Ministries Business and Marketing Development Director; Krista Pettit, Haven Ministries Executive Director; and Liz Skibbie, Event Volunteer

According to Krista Pettit, Executive Director of Haven Ministries, “This event has really gotten momentum in the community. It’s a great way to have a fun night out with friends while supporting important outreach services for those in need in Queen Anne’s county. There continues to be a need in our county to move our shelter clients into safe and affordable housing. The efforts don’t stop there, however, as clients need training, jobs, and medical services too. We are finding our resource centers play a valuable role in the process. This fun event helps to fund these services.”

Colleen Thomas of Stevensville, a participant for the past several years, has found the event helps her feel connected, provides stress relief, is confidence-boosting, and offers new things to learn. She comments, “I am so excited to hear of another great best girlfriends event coming up! It is always a great event spending precious time with girlfriends – meeting so many new girlfriends from all over and of all ages. This year will surely be a great evening, one filled with much laughter, sharing, shopping, dancing and supporting one another in our ever so busy lives. It also supports a great cause, Haven Ministries, giving hope and providing shelter, clothing, food, and support to those in need.”

Haven Ministries Business Partners include BAAR, Increte, The Bay Times, What’s Up Media, PNC Bank, Construction Services & Supply, The Roof Center, Safe at Home Senior Care, Prospect Bay Country Club, Harris Crab House, Swan Cove Spa & Salon, The Narrows, Waterman Realty, Homeland Title & Escrow, Hemingway’s Restaurant, Range & Reef, The Shore Update, Miltec, Island Furniture Studio, Chesapeake Hearing Center, Holiday Inn Express, Crow Vineyard, Queenstown Bank, Island Dental Studio, Island Flooring, Lundberg Builders, McCrone, Realty Navigator, Shore United Bank, Rosendale Realty, Rotary Kent Island, Shore Sign, Chesapeake Chef Services, Blue Heron Catering, Chesa Del Crier, Chesapeake Celebrations, Capriotti’s- Chester, Island Athletic, Legal Shield, Rodan & Fields- Debi Ensor, Cari Healy Hair, Linda Prochaska, Bella Rose Medi Spa, Visiting Angels, Barbara Martin, Kent Island Minuteman Press, First Home Mortgage, The Winery, Rodan & Fields- Ann Allen.

Tickets are on sale at Haven-ministries.org. For more information please call Taryn Chase at 410-490-0925. For further information about Haven Ministries, visit haven-ministries.org or call 410-739-4363.

Love shapes the ministry, love transforms people, and hope prevails at Haven Ministries. Haven Ministries operates a seasonal Homeless Shelter located at the Kent Island United Methodist Church in Stevensville, a Resource Center at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Centreville and at Fisher Manor in Grasonville, the Haven Ministries Food Pantries at Safe Harbor Presbyterian Church in Stevensville and Centreville United Methodist Church in Centreville, Our Daily Thread Thrift Store in Stevensville and Hope Warehouse in Queenstown.

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State Legislation Raises the Legal Age of Tobacco Sales

January 22, 2020 by Amy Blades Steward

Following its 2019 legislative session, Maryland became the ninth state in the union to raise the legal minimum age for sales of tobacco and other nicotine products, such as vapor products and electronic cigarettes, from 18 to 21 years, excluding veterans with valid military identification.

Effective October 2019, HB 1169 underscores Talbot County’s efforts to protect vulnerable youth from tobacco initiation and addiction by reducing underage access to these harmful products and increasing retailer accountability. The bill not only raises the legal age for tobacco sales, it also expands penalties to the retail owner in addition to, or instead of the cashier at point of sale. Violation penalties include but are not limited to criminal/civil citations, fines, and suspension of tobacco sales licenses.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nine out of ten smokers had tried smoking by the age of 18 and 98% first tried by age 26^[1^]. The Truth Initiative, America’s largest nonprofit public health organization committed to making tobacco use a thing of the past, reaffirmed these findings referencing a 2015 National Academy of Medicine Report, which concluded that raising the legal age of tobacco sales could reduce the possibility of initiation for young adults between the ages of 19 and 21 by as much as 15 percent^[2].

Following the announcement of the legislation, Logan Harris, Talbot County Health Department (TCHD) Health Educator, conducted educational visits to Tobacco Vendors across Talbot County to provide education on the passage of the bill and its implementation in October 2019. Although the level of knowledge varied amongst tobacco retailers, the majority were receptive. Revised “We card” posters and materials provided by the State are prominently displayed by retailers to reflect the new age requirements for carding and sales.

All Tobacco Enforcement efforts in Talbot County are Funded by the Maryland Department of Health, Center for Tobacco Prevention and Control. The Center has spearheaded the transition and has worked closely with jurisdictions collectively and individually to ensure successful implementation of the new legislation at a local level. Together with its funders, statewide and local agencies, Talbot County Health Department is a strong voice in promoting awareness of the changing laws and call to action. Future activities of the TCHD related to this issue include:

– Implementing a wide-reaching campaign to educate retailers, parents, youth and the public regarding the increase in the age requirements for the sale of tobacco and nicotine products from 18 to 21 years.

– Enlisting agencies and stakeholders for collaborative planning.

Photo: L-R: Logan Harris, Community Health Educator with the Talbot County Health Department and Muhammad Faisal of U5 Foods, which displays new signage on its window to explain the new State legislation which raises the legal age of tobacco sales to age 21.

The Tobacco 21 initiative by the Maryland Department of Health was welcomed by the Talbot County Council, legislators and State agencies. Talbot County Council President, Corey Pack, comments, “Talbot County takes the health and safety of its citizens very seriously and always look for new opportunities to provide a safe and nurturing environment. The Talbot County Council understands how gateway substances, such as tobacco and alcohol, when introduced to a developing brain can lead to severe health problems. The Council supports the increase in the legal smoking age from 18 to 21, for each year that a young person is not inhaling tobacco products there are sufficient improvements to overall health outcomes. The County Council will work with the Talbot County Health Department and Sheriff’s Department to promote the new law, as well as assist in offering smoking cessation programs for those young people who need help with nicotine addiction.”

The Talbot County Sheriff’s Office has proactively and collaboratively addressed the new legislation with every effort to prepare for the transition, using decoys, both under 18 years of age and between 19 and 21 years of age, in approaching compliance checks. Sheriff Joe Gamble states, “All of the studies on addiction show that the earlier young people use substances (including tobacco products), the more likely they are to become addicted later in life. The Sheriff’s Office will continue our efforts to enforce the laws in an attempt to keep tobacco out of the hands of our young people.”

According to Jean Honey, Prevention Administrator with the Talbot County Health Department, “Tobacco retailers are reminded of their vital role in the protection of Talbot County’s youth and our shared commitment in keeping Talbot youth tobacco-free. If local retailers suspect anyone under the age of 27 attempting to purchase tobacco products or smokeless cigarette-like devices, they must insist on a photo identification before completing a sale.”

Honey encourages retailers to train employees on tobacco enforcement laws, including ways to:

– Identify and deny underage attempts to purchase tobacco and similar products.

– Insist that anyone under age 27 produce a government-issued photo identification as proof of age prior to purchasing a tobacco product.

– Access and use age calculation tools. A free age calculator APP can be downloaded from the FDA website at the following link https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/retail-sales-tobacco-products/selling-tobacco-products-retail-stores

Information on these requirements, helpful resources and materials are available at the Maryland Responsible Retailer Program website at https://health.maryland.gov/notobaccosalestominors/

According to Fredia Wadley, MD, Health Officer with the Talbot County Health Department, “The new law will strengthen agency efforts to curb early initiation and regular tobacco use amongst youth and young adults, increase the stewardship of local retailers, and overall have a positive impact of the health of the young residents of Talbot County.”

For any further information on the changing legislation, call Talbot County Health Department Prevention Office at 410-819-5639.

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Youth and Tobacco Use

[2] Truth Initiative, Where we Stand: Raising the Tobacco Age to 21, October 23, 2017

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Adult Classes at the Academy Art Museum Offer Something for Everyone

January 9, 2020 by Amy Blades Steward

Over half a century ago, the Academy Art Museum held its first adult education class in a founding member’s private home with a handful of students. In 2010, the Museum was fortunate to hire award-winning artist Katie Cassidy to write and manage the adult art curriculum at the Museum. Katie has been an instructor of multiple art disciplines at the Museum for 17 years, especially charcoal, oil, and pastel. She was awarded first place in the 2018 Members Biennial and first place in the 2019 Member’s Show for the Maryland Pastel Society.

Katie reflects, “After realizing when I arrived that there was no structure in the Museum’s art curriculum, I designed a cohesive set of classes and searched for artists to become instructors.”

Photo: AAM instructors L-R: Diane DuBois Mullaly, Stephen Walker, Maire McArdle, Maggii Sarfaty, Brad Ross, Katie Cassidy, Georgia Goldberg, Paul Aspell, Meg Nottingham Walsh, Bernie Dellario, and Cid Collins Walker. Missing from the photo are instructors Heather Crow, Sahm Doherty-Sefton, and Sheryl Southwick. Photo Credit: Steve Buchanan.

With a generous contribution from board member Dick Granville, the painting and drawing studios were updated with new lighting, shades, and cabinetry. Today, a variety of visual and performing arts classes showcase a corps of nationally-known art instructors, all recognized artists in their fields, coming from prestigious, exceptional backgrounds and training. In 2018, the Museum offered more than 80 art classes for adults with 761 attending. In 2019, 20 instructors offered over 90 classes with an attendance of 861 students.

Students can study the fundamentals of drawing, take classes in painting in oil, watercolor, and pastel, or learn the craft of ceramics, bookbinding, and printmaking, photography or digital editing. Options are provided for all ages and levels: from the beginner to the advanced artist, as well as for the aspiring to the established professional, making classes convenient and accessible. The Museum also offers master classes, taught by leading artists in their medium from across the country. In the fall of 2019, the Museum welcomed four new instructors to its corps of teachers: Georgia June Goldberg, Bernard Dellario, Cid Collins Walker and Meg Nottingham Walsh.

Dr. William (Bill) Ritchie of Oxford comments, “Having taken a variety of different art classes at the Museum over several years I have seen how the quality and variety of instruction offered has expanded with the addition of exceptionally skilled and exciting local and national instructors. Just take a glance at the current Museum Calendar and there is something for virtually anybody of any skill level to enjoy and benefit.” He adds, “But the unexpected bonus for me in taking classes is the camaraderie enjoyed with fellow students and instructors – the shared participation enhances the whole learning experience and forges new friendships and a wider appreciation of the beauty of our surroundings.”

Photo: Relaxation, a spirit of cooperation and personal satisfaction combine to make the weekly painting sessions enjoyed by all. L-R: Mrs. Emmy Lee Welch, Mrs. Mary Stuart deButts and Mrs. Elizabeth Kostens. (Star Democrat, March 1967)

Kate Quinn of Easton adds, “Classes at the Academy Art Museum in Easton have changed my life forever in the best of ways. The quality of the instructors and classes at the Academy Art Museum enable you to go in any direction you choose from hobby to amateur professional to professional artist. After 7 1/2 years of classes and encouragement at the Academy Art Museum, I have come closer to reaching my dream of being a professional artist. Thanks to all I have learned from the Museum’s instructors, I have had my work juried into national and regional exhibits and hung in art galleries, and I won an award.”

Katie concludes, “Where we used to have students from Easton, St. Michaels and Oxford, we now see people coming from Salisbury, Chestertown, and even Baltimore and Ocean City to take classes and workshops. In 2020, the curriculum will have more weekend classes and workshops to accommodate those who work or people who come for the weekend.”

For further information about the Museum’s classes, contact Katie Cassidy at wkmcgarry@verizon.net or 410-820-5222. For a complete listing of adult classes or to register, visit academyartmuseum.org.

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Mid-Atlantic TirePros Collects over 400 Coats for Kids

January 1, 2020 by Amy Blades Steward

L-R: Terry John, owner of Mid-Atlantic TirePros; Matt Spence, WCEI/WINX; Linda Laramy, Crackerjacks; Faith Thomas, Admiral Cleaners; and Marilyn Neal, Neighborhood Service Center.

Mid-Atlantic TirePros in Easton recently sponsored its 13th Annual Arlene M. John Koats for Kids Drive, collecting over 400 coats and over 100 knit hats and mittens, plus dozens of children’s sweaters for underprivileged children on the Mid Shore. Partners in this year’s event include WCEI/WINX, Crackerjacks, Admiral Cleaners in Easton, Michelin, The Star Democrat, and SpiderWeb Connections. Admiral Cleaners provided complimentary coat cleaning. The drive began in 2007 in honor of Terry John’s wife Arlene. Mid-Atlantic TirePros is located at the corner of Dover Road and Teal Drive in Easton. For further information, contact Terry John at 410-770-3337.

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Talbot County Government Employees Make Holidays Brighter for Area Families

January 1, 2020 by Amy Blades Steward

Talbot County Government employees participated in a number of events this year to make the holidays brighter for families in Talbot County. For the 11^th year, Talbot County employees participated in the Adopt-A-Family Program coordinated in partnership with the Talbot County Department of Social Services. County employees adopted three families through the program with Talbot County Department of Emergency Services – D Shift taking the lead on adopting one of the families and golfers at Hog Neck Golf Course donating approximately 70 toys to the collection effort.

Photo: L-R: Cindy Green, Inmate Program Coordinator at the Talbot County Department of Corrections; Terry Kokolis, Director of the Talbot County Department of Corrections; Talbot County Councilman Frank Divilio, and Alex Handy and Ron Verasac, both of Saint Vincent de Paul of Easton.

According to Karen Roberts, Office of the Talbot County Council, “This has been a very successful event for the past eleven years due to the generosity of County employees. We are happy to be able to provide each family with everything from household items and personal care products, to clothing and toys for the children. Everything was wrapped and ready to go under the tree!”

Separately, Talbot County Government employees contributed $2,279.00 to the Brighter Christmas Fund through fundraising for casual days throughout the year and coordinated a food-drive during November to benefit the Neighborhood Service Center’s food pantry, collecting enough food to fill several large boxes.

Photo: L-R: Bill Thomas, Talbot County EMS; Eddie Roberts, Talbot County EMS; Karen Roberts and Susan Moran (kneeling), Office of the Talbot County Council; Nikki Robey, Talbot County Department of Social Services; Tony Kapela, Talbot County EMS; Becky Smith, Talbot County Department of Social Services; and Keontae Murray (kneeling), Talbot County Department of Social Services.

Talbot County Department of Corrections continued its annual holiday gathering in December for inmates and their families at the Talbot County Detention Center. Area churches and volunteers from Saint Vincent de Paul in Easton make the event possible each year. Cindy Green, Inmate Program Coordinator at the Talbot County Department of Corrections, coordinates the donations and holiday event, which includes a meal, a visit from Santa Claus, as well as gifts for all of the children. Terry Kokolis, Director of the Talbot County Department of Corrections, states, “This event creates a real sense of community for the inmates re-engaging with their families during the most festive time of the year. The Department really enjoys hosting this event which creates good trust and fellowship between the inmates and our staff.”

Councilman Frank Divilio who attended the event adds, “Winter can be a dark and depressing time for anyone, especially for those who are incarcerated. This event certainly brings light to those who are turning their lives around. I can’t thank the volunteers enough – both Saint Vincent De Paul and the Correction Officers who volunteered their time to run this event, along with Director Kokolis who supported the event.”

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