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September 22, 2021

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

News News Notes

Mid-Shore Departments of Social Services Host Foster Parent Crab Feast Appreciation Event

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The Departments of Social Services in Caroline, Dorchester, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties recently hosted an appreciation event for area foster parents at the Talbot County Agriculture and Education Center in Easton. In addition to providing steamed crabs, the event included food items from a local food truck, “The Red Shef,” which served cold drinks, French fries, chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers, and hotdogs. The food truck is owned and operated by a Caroline County foster family, Jonathan “Jay” Matthews and Melissa Hood.

Approximately 65 family members of Mid-Shore foster families gathered a crab feast appreciation event at the Talbot County Agriculture and Education Center in Easton. Pictured back row, left to right are Jeff Scharf, Jeanne Scharf, Tyron Wilson, and Tavion Wilson. Seated left to right are Todd Sink and Christie Sink. Seated in the front row, left to right are Maria Sink and Marissa Sink.

“Everyone really enjoyed themselves. It is a special event each year which allows foster parents to mingle amongst themselves and to share special time with their families,” stated Paris Quillet, Special Projects Coordinator for the Talbot County Department of Social Services.

In addition, the event included a DJ who entertained approximately 65 family members with dance music, a summer-themed raffle and a painting station for the children in attendance.

For further information on becoming a foster or adoptive parent, call the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-820-7371 or visit midshoreresourceparents.com.

Brian LeCates Promoted to Director of Talbot County DES

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Brian LeCates, the Deputy Director of Talbot County Department of Emergency Services and a veteran paramedic has been appointed by the Talbot County Council to take over the helm of the Talbot Department of Emergency Services (DES).  LeCates is a native of Talbot County and is a long-serving emergency responder and paramedic who has progressed through the ranks of the department to the position of deputy director where he has earned the respect of his peers and other agency partners.

He completed his certifications for Cardiac Rescue Technician and then Paramedic at Chesapeake College and a course on the Management of Emergency Medical Services at the National Fire Academy. He is certified as a national and Maryland Registered Paramedic, a national and Maryland Registered Emergency Medical Dispatcher, and certified in Advanced and Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Life Support. He currently serves as secretary of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) – Region IV EMS Advisory Council, is a member of the MIEMSS – Provider Review Panel and served on Maryland’s Active Assailant Task Force.

Pictured is Brian LeCates who has been appointed Director of Talbot County Department of Emergency Services.

“Brian has grown into this role and is highly capable to guide the organization forward to meet emergency services needs of our community,” states Clay Stamp, former DES Director and current County Manager.

Chuck Callahan, President, Talbot County Council notes, “I am happy Brian has accepted this opportunity. It’s not uncommon to see Brian on the scene of emergencies working with his emergency services team and supporting the volunteer fire departments and other agencies. He is highly dedicated and has proven himself as an effective leader.”

“I am honored to have been selected as the Director of Talbot County Department of Emergency Services.  I am very proud to serve our community in this new capacity and lead our team of highly trained professional emergency services personnel.  This new position will certainly be the highlight of my nearly 19-year career with Talbot County Government,” LeCates adds.

LeCates will take over from Mike McAdams who was appointed Director on August 1 and departed for another opportunity after a short tenure.

Our Daily Thread Thrift Store Moves to New Location in Chester

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The exterior of Our Daily Thread Thrift Store in Chester. The store recently relocated to Chester from Stevensville.

Haven Ministries Our Daily Thread Thrift Store in Stevensville has moved to a new location at 1521 Postal Road in Chester, next to Rainbow Plaza. The purchases from the Thrift Store benefit the agency’s outreach programs in Queen Anne’s County, including its housing assistance program, resource center, food pantries, street outreach, and seasonal shelter. The new retail space is three times the size of the previous location in Stevensville, accommodating the store’s growth over its eight-year history.

“The new space is very elegant and has enabled us to double our sales floor. The new décor showcases our fine merchandise in a more upscale retail environment. Although the space allows us to better display our nicer quality items, prices are still affordable. The response has been tremendous,” comments Liz Bazzell, Store Manager for Our Daily Thread Thrift Store.

The store provides quality name-brand clothing and household goods at deeply discounted prices. Clothing includes men’s casual clothes and women’s clothes and accessories, such as costume jewelry, shoes, handbags, scarves, and hats. The store also offers household kitchen items like small appliances, flatware, dishes, pots and pans, as well as collectibles, and toys, puzzles and a small quantity of books.

Volunteers and community friends helped move and open Our Daily Thread Thrift Store to its new location in Chester.

“We have a loyal customer base. Many of our customers helped us unpack our boxes, move furniture to the new space and install fixtures. We are very grateful for our friends and volunteers,” Bazzell adds.

“The Queen Anne’s County community continues to be so encouraging of Haven Ministries.  DiDonato Property Management LLC and Mallard Construction Group, Inc. have been tremendous in finishing off the space for our use and supporting us in our opening. We are grateful for their commitment to our mission,” states Krista Pettit, Executive Director, Haven Ministries.

Donations to Our Daily Thread Thrift Store can be made Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and should be made in medium size boxes or 13-gallon trash bags to prevent injuries to Haven Ministries volunteers at the store. People wishing to donate should call Liz Bazzell ahead at 410-353-0455 to make arrangements.

Our Daily Thread Thrift Store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is complying with COVID-19 guidelines to provide a safe shopping experience for customers.

Love shapes the ministry, love transforms people, and hope prevails at Haven Ministries.  Haven Ministries operates a seasonal Homeless Shelter, a Resource Center and Food Pantry in Queenstown, Our Daily Thread Thrift Store in Stevensville, Hope Warehouse in Queenstown, and a Food Pantry Truck in Sudlersville.

Getting Ahead Program Enters its Fifth Year

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“Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’- By World,” a collaborative program of the Talbot County Department of Social Services (TCDSS) and Talbot Family Network (TFN), enters its fifth year with new community sessions starting September 29 and running through November 12 at the Easton Family YMCA. The free program allows participants to explore the impact that poverty and low wages have and what it takes to move from just getting by, to getting ahead and realizing the future that they really want.

Individuals can sign up on their own or be referred by one of the program’s community partners, like Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, Talbot Interfaith Shelter, Mid-Shore Fresh Start Program, Inc., the Talbot County Department of Social Services, or the Talbot County Detention Center.

Participants take part in a 13-week workshop, meeting two hours a week in small groups where they have problem-solving discussions and investigations. Weekly stipends are offered to participants in the program.

Photo: L-R: Allayne DeShields, FIA Supervisor, Talbot County Department of Social Services; Mary Robey, “Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World” Work Support Specialist; Tonya Pritchett, Facilitator; Fran Doran, Facilitator and Director of Operations, Talbot Interfaith Shelter; and Juana Blue, Assistant Director of the Family Investment Administration at the Talbot County Department of Social Services. Absent from the photo are participants Tammy Mura of Federalsburg and Heather Errickson of Preston.

“The class really helped during the isolation of COVID and allowed us all to share openly. A friend recommended the class. I wanted to learn about budgeting and I got a lot more than that – it was very informative,” comments Tammy Mura of Federalsburg who is now a peer specialist at the ARC of Hope.

“Most of us are living paycheck to paycheck. I have six people living in my house and it’s a struggle. The class taught me how to cut out unnecessary expenses. I now have the tools to work toward my plan.”

Another participant, Heather Errickson of Preston, adds, “It was nice to be able to talk to other people. From our own experiences, we shared the resources that each of us knew about. I am disabled and have four children. I learned to determine the difference between wants and needs.”

Mary Robey, Workforce Support Specialist and Getting Ahead Facilitator, states, “I enjoyed learning about the lives of the participants as we did the class virtually last year. Seeing them in their homes added another dimension to their lives as we interacted with the whole family during the session.”

There were 33 participants in the 2020-2021 virtual classes. Robey reported that other participants said they discovered things about their habits that needed to change to “get ahead.” Some of the participants even worked virtually with Robey after the program on budgeting and resume writing skills.

Participants take part in a 13-week workshop, meeting two hours a week in small groups where they have problem-solving discussions and investigations. Weekly stipends, childcare, dinner, and transportation assistance are offered to participants in the program.

The “Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’- By World” program meets in person at the Easton Family YMCA in Easton at 202 Peachblossom Road in Easton from 6 to 8 p.m. Persons interested in participating in this program or individuals or organizations wishing to refer individuals to the program should contact Mary Robey, Special Support Specialist, at 410-770-5185 or email mary.robey@maryland.gov.  Pre-registration for the course is required.

Talbot County Department of Corrections Honors Correctional Employee of the Year

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Corporal Vernon Cephas of Easton was recently honored as the 2020 Employee of the Year for the Talbot County Department of Corrections.

Corporal Vernon Cephas of Easton

Corporal Cephas has been employed with the Department since December 2016 and is presently assigned to the Department’s Transportation Unit. He has received specialized training supporting the safe and secure transport of high-risk inmates.

“Transportation Officers always represent their home department when transporting inmates to other counties and in the case of Corporal Cephas, he is certainly well thought of.  Because of his professionalism in interacting with the Courts and our Law Enforcement partners, they routinely request his presence when an issue requires resolution. His fellow officers also enjoy working with him,” comments Terry Kokolis, Director of the Talbot County Department of Corrections.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he has remained steadfast, consistently showing up for work and even though transport assignments were at an all-time low, he was always prepared to complete all duties assigned to him.”

Additional reasons Corporal Cephas was recognized include his daily positive influence on the environment shared by staff, visitors, and the inmate population and his willingness to professionally engage in any routine assignments or special projects to ensure the overall safety of the facility.

“We are thrilled to be able to honor Corporal Cephas who has gone above and beyond his daily job responsibilities during the pandemic. His commitment to his profession is noteworthy and his recognition is well deserved. He is an example of a local citizen who has stepped up to give back to his community through government service and should be applauded for that,” adds Frank Divilio, Talbot County Council member.

Corporal Cephas has many hobbies and while enjoying leisure time, prefers the company of his many friends and also has an avid passion for writing, authoring works of fiction that he hopes to have published one day.

Talbot County Department of Corrections is currently looking for correctional officers to fill a variety of roles in the Department. If you are interested in a position, visit https://talbotcountymd.gov/job_openings.

Mid Shore Foster Parents Attend Shorebirds Game

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The Mid Shore Departments of Social Services recently sponsored a trip to a Shorebirds game in Salisbury in appreciation of foster and adoptive parents on the Mid Shore. Families from Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester and Queen Anne’s attended the game. Each family member was provided with a parking pass, tickets to general seating and each person received $20 in “Bird Bucks” to be spent on food, drinks, games and souvenirs.

Back row, L-R: Jessica Cruz, holding her son Zeke Cruz, Jeff Scharf, Audrey Hansen, Orlando Scharf, Dandy Scharf, and Paris Quillet. Middle row, L-R: Daisy Scharf, Santos Scharf, and Jeanne Scharf. Front row Leslie Scharf.

“Families watched the game, caught foul balls, collected autographs, and enjoyed a meal and fellowship with Department of Social Services staff members,” comments Paris Quillet, Special Projects Coordinator for the Talbot County Department of Social Services.

For further information on becoming a foster or adoptive parent, call the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-820-7371 or visit midshoreresourceparents.com.

Michael McAdams Appointed Director of Talbot County Department of Emergency Services (DES)

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Michael McAdams has been appointed Director of Talbot County Department of Emergency Services.

Michael McAdams has been appointed Director of Talbot County Department of Emergency Services. A leader in the field of emergency management, McAdams has more than 30 years of experience in a variety of emergency services roles. Most recently, he was Project Manager of the Planning and Organization Section of the Maryland-National Captial Region Emergency Response System (MDERS).

“Mike has years of experience in the areas of firefighting and emergency medical services, which will be a real asset to his position as Director of Talbot County Emergency Services. He is an innovator in the field, having developed training for both fire and police personnel, as well as has worked in the area of special operations. I have known him both personally and professionally for many years and he will continue to raise the bar for these services in the County,” comments Clay Stamp, County Manager for Talbot County Government.

McAdams has worked for the National Fire Operations Reporting System where he dealt with national fire standards and best practices. He served 30-years with the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service retiring as the Assistant Fire Chief of Special Operations.

“I look forward to giving back to a community like Talbot County and sharing my professional experience as this rural emergency services system continues to grow. I have always liked the Eastern Shore and its beauty, having vacationed here for a while,” adds McAdams.

He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Health Services from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and a Master of Arts degree in Defense and Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. McAdams completed the George Washington University Institute of Regional Excellence program. He is a certified public manager.

“We are thrilled that Talbot County could get such a seasoned professional to lead our Department of Emergency Services. Talbot County is fortunate to have created a strong Emergency Services department with extremely dedicated personnel. Mike will be an asset to us as we continue to provide exceptional emergency services to our citizens,” adds Chuck Callahan, Talbot County Council President.

McAdams is married and has four children.

Dixon House Gentlemen Share Camaraderie

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For the first time in a while, there are several male residents at The Dixon House, an independent and assisted living home for elderly men and women in Easton. Dixon House was founded in 1910 as the Home for the Aged Women of Talbot and Caroline counties – specifically helping senior women who needed comfortable and affordable homes.

In 1984, to commemorate the Dixon family who helped to found the “home,” the Board of Directors renamed it The Dixon House. It was at this same time that men were accepted for admission. Since its inception over 110 years ago, The Dixon House remains committed to the enrichment of the lives of the residents it serves.

From left to right are residents of The Dixon House Henry Lane, Richard Sturmer, and Bud Tardiff.

“This past year, we have had more men come to the Dixon House than in previous years. New residents Henry Lane, Richard Sturmer, and Bud Tardiff have enjoyed getting to know one another. Each of these men has lived a rich professional and personal life worth sharing,” comments Linda Elben, Executive Director of The Dixon House.

Henry Lane was born in 1950 in Easton, Maryland. He attended Country School and then went away to Tabor Academy, a boarding school, for his high school years. After graduating from Franklin and Marshall College, he worked as a history and English teacher in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, and Maine. He also coached lacrosse, squash, and soccer, as well as worked with high school yearbooks and newspapers. After retiring from teaching English, he began a tutoring business for English and SAT Prep and then retired to Florida. He also engaged in his childhood passion for sailing, bought a catamaran, and sailed solo around the Caribbean, and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, writing the book “Sailing Mystique Solo.” He has two children and two grandchildren.

Richard Sturmer, the newest resident at Dixon House, was born in 1930 in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Lehigh University, getting a bachelor of science degree in Industrial Engineering. He learned computers in the Navy and then had a career with Dixie Cup, followed by work with veteran hospitals before retiring to upstate New York. In his later years, he taught English in China and was a substitute teacher. His volunteer work included serving on town boards, the Lions Club, and the Republican Club. He is currently married and has three children, four stepchildren, 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Bud Tardiff was born in 1931 in Leominster, Massachusetts. He attended West Point, graduating in the top 20 percent of his class. Marrying right after college, he entered the Air Force and focused on its nuclear program. After living in Germany for three years, he returned to the U.S. and attended advanced school for nuclear power plants. His accomplishments included planning for nuclear power plants on the Russian/Canadian border. He later worked with England and Germany on nuclear projects there. One of his most rewarding efforts was taking a team to 12 countries in South America, Europe, and Asia to evaluate countries’ capability to handle nuclear power. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for Argon National Laboratories. He was an Eagle Scout as a teenager and worked with the Boy Scouts as an adult. He has three children, nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

For further information about The Dixon House, call Linda Elben at 410-822-6661 or visit dixonhouse.org.

Talbot County Roads Department Expands Paving Efforts

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Employees of the Talbot County Department of Roads working on a recent asphalt paving project at the Rest Circle outside of Easton.

Talbot County residents may notice a smoother ride while traveling along the County’s backroads. More than two miles of new asphalt paving has been laid on Chapel Road, Deep Neck Road, and most recently Rest Circle since March 2021, funded through this year’s County budget appropriations.

The Talbot County Department of Roads services over 374 miles of roads, which includes mowing, snow removal and paving, as well as tree trimming and maintaining the ditches and culverts throughout the County. The Department is currently working to pave the County’s more heavily traveled roads that are wide enough with asphalt, which lasts longer than tar and chip which usually only lasts two to three years.

“Our goal is to ask for $1 million a year to pave 10 to 12 miles of Talbot County roads a year, plus funding every year to tar and chip 30 to 40 miles of roads,” comments Warren Edwards, Superintendent for Talbot County Roads Department. “There will continue to be roads in Talbot County that have to be tar and chipped because of their location and size. The system we have been following for repairing roads over the last four to five years has proven to be effective.”

Roads crews from the Talbot County Department of Roads attend to a recent road washout on Three Bridge Branch Road near Cordova.

July 1, the Talbot County Department of Roads was able to purchase a new milling machine to address problem spots on County roads before and after tar and chipping and full depth paving. The machine helps workers target high spots or ridges that have developed in the middle of the roads.

“Our employees do a great job. They are experienced, diligent, and seasoned employees, handling diverse responsibilities from mowing to routine maintenance issues on our roads, to snow removal. I am proud of the excellent work that they do,” adds Edwards.

“The improvements have really made a difference on Chapel Road where I routinely ride my bike. It’s great underneath the wheels, making it easy on your knees,” comments Talbot County Councilman Corey Pack, who is an avid cyclist on County roads.

“Due to the commitment of our new County Manager and Council, we are addressing some of the County’s most urgent roads’ needs,” Edwards adds.

During a recent washout on Three Bridge Branch Road in the northern part of the County, the Department of Roads acted quickly to address the issue and get the road operational again.

“We can’t say enough about how committed our employees are to addressing road emergencies as they occur. We have had challenges with some storm drain culverts with the heavy rains we see this time of year from thunderstorms. Staff is quick to respond and get traffic flowing again – which is a testament to their expertise in dealing with these matters,” comments Clay Stamp, County Manager for Talbot County Government.

For concerns about Talbot County roads, call the Talbot County Roads Department at 410-770-8150.

Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center’s New Location Offers New Beginnings

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Completed jewelry made by five girls who participated in a therapeutic art group facilitated by Sue Stockman at the Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center.

For 18 years, the Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center (TCCAC) has provided child victims of physical and sexual abuse and their families the services and supports they need. These include forensic interviews, medical examinations, family advocacy, therapeutic survivors’ groups, and other specialized activities designed to promote healing for children and their families. Throughout this time, the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center (UMSMC) at Easton has been an important partner of the Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center. UMSMC at Easton has generously provided the Children’s Advocacy Center with both the physical space, previously located on the hospital’s third floor, and support for its regional medical program.

As a result of UMSMC’s changing healthcare delivery needs, it was determined that the TCCAC space within the hospital would no longer be available for use beginning in October 2020. Despite this change, the UMSMC at Easton continued to value this partnership and identified ways to continue to work together to best deliver this very important community health mission.

“TCCAC is so very fortunate to be continuing this 18-year partnership with UM Shore Regional Health. They have been generous with their time, their help and their expertise and their generosity continues through the provision of new space and significant in-kind contributions in our new secure Easton location,” comments Lauren Krasko, Coordinator of the Talbot County CAC.

With the support of an expanded TCCAC Advisory Board, the Talbot County Department of Social Services CAC team brainstormed solutions, identified funding and other resources, and thought through adjustments required and opportunities made possible by this move while managing ongoing operations during a pandemic. Ken Kozel, President and CEO of University of Maryland Shore Regional Health and his leadership team supported TCCAC throughout this transition process. In particular, sexual abuse exams continue to be conducted by the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health Sex Abuse Nurse Examiners.

“TCCAC continues to be a valued and appreciated community partner for UM SRH and our region. Their specialized support services are integral for the children and families they serve. We are very pleased to continue our strong partnership and thank Talbot DSS Director Linda Webb and the entire team for their dedicated, compassionate and meaningful work,” says Kozel.

Additional support came from Talbot County Councilman and Social Services Board member Corey Pack, former Talbot County Manager Andy Hollis, Talbot County Sheriff Joe Gamble, and Talbot Community Connections Board members, some of whom have been involved since the inception of TCCAC.  The TCCAC Advisory Committee, Steering Committee, Talbot County Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and the regional MDT’s (Caroline, Dorchester, Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties) and local Department of Social Services Directors all worked consistently to make this transition as seamless as possible.

Over the last six months, the TCCAC staff and members of the multidisciplinary team are now in the new space and have been conducting forensic interviews and medical examinations.  One of the benefits of the new expanded physical space is that the TCCAC Family Advocate has been able to offer a new life skills group to meet the needs of the teenage population served by the TCCAC. In addition, five girls participated in a therapeutic art group facilitated by Sue Stockman. The group focused on building connections between the mind and body and involved spiritual components on healing and the power we hold within following sexual abuse.

“All girls participating in the group expressed complete satisfaction with the process and requested additional sessions,” Krasko shares.

“The TCCAC has gone through a tremendous amount of change in the past year, including pandemic impact, relocation, staffing and leadership changes and new initiatives. We have proven to be just as resilient as the families we serve. Transitions can be challenging, but if the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we can get through challenges, come together and be even stronger. The TCCAC is a true testament to just that!”

For further information or to donate to the Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center, contact Lauren Krasko at 410-820-7141 or visit talbotcac.org.