Amy Blades Steward

State Legislation Raises the Legal Age of Tobacco Sales

January 22, 2020 by Amy Blades Steward Leave a Comment

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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Kim Ferullo Named Talbot County Director of Human Resources

November 27, 2019 by Amy Blades Steward

Kim Ferullo

Kim Ferullo has been named Talbot County Government’s Director of Human Resources. Ferullo has over 20 years of general human resources experience, in a variety of industries including small start-up tech companies, non-profit organizations, and large publicly traded Fortune 500 companies. She also has over 10 years of human resources management experience, with interests in talent management, employee relations, performance management, and policy design and implementation. Most recently, she worked for federal government contractors and defense contractors.

She comments, “Talbot County is my first experience working with local county government, and I’m excited for this new opportunity. My short-term goals include implementing an employee recognition program, incorporating “stay interviews” as a standard workplace practice, and working with local partners/agencies to increase diversity and veteran outreach initiatives.”

Ferullo holds several human resources certifications, including Senior Professional in Human Resources and Senior Certified Professional. She has been an active member of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) for more than 20 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina.

Andy Hollis, Talbot County Manager, comments, “Kim is a seasoned professional. She brings so many skills to our management team, including her passion and interest in human resource recruitment and retention. She is introducing a number of exciting new initiatives to the County.”

Ferullo lives with her husband in Talbot County.

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Haven Ministries Hosts 3rd Annual Beef, Bonfires & Cigars

October 12, 2019 by Amy Blades Steward

The 3rd Annual Beef, Bonfires & Cigars to benefit Haven Ministries will be held on November 2, 2019, from 6 to 9 p.m. Once again, the event will be held at the beautiful Wye River Conference Center, 600 Aspen Drive in Queenstown. It is an evening filled with food tastings and from local restaurants including The Narrows, Harris Crab House, Fisherman’s Inn, Chesapeake Chef Services, Range & Reef, Capriotti’s, Smoke Rattle and Roll, Bridges and Chef/ Author Vicky Mullaney, to name a few. Beverage samples will be provided from The Winery, Lyons Distillery, and will include a cash bar with signature drinks. Live music from John Frase and Forrest Anderson (formally of Hot Tub Limo), a Live and Silent Auction, a Prize Wheel, cars from Maserati and Alpha Romeo, boats from Annapolis Boat Sales, cigars from Port of Call and lit fireplaces throughout the venue will enhance the evening. Various vendors will have items for purchase to jump-start holiday shopping. The host sponsor of this year’s event is PNC Bank.

Plan on spending the night at this stunning Four-Star Resort. There are limited rooms available and reservations are being accepted directly at the Wye Conference Center. You can also find a direct link to the hotel on the Haven Ministries web site under the Events tab.

Pictured left to right are Haven Ministries Executive Director Krista Pettit, with supporters Mia Cranford and Robert Gazic.

Haven Ministries Business Partners include Diamond Level Sponsors: Island Furniture Studio, Increte, and BAAR. Sapphire Level Sponsors: The Bay Times, The Wye River Conference Center, What’s Up Media, and PNC Bank. Platinum Level Sponsors: Construction Services and Supply, The Roof Center, Safe at Home Senior Care, and Prospect Bay Country Club. Gold Level Sponsors: Harris Crab House, Riley Custom Homes, Swan Cove Salon, The Narrows, Waterman Realty, Homeland Title & Escrow, Hemingway’s Restaurant, Rang & Reef, and The Shore Update. Silver Level Sponsors: Chesapeake Hearing Center, Holiday Inn Express, Island Dental Studio, Lundberg Builders, Island Flooring, McCrone, Realty Navigator, Shore United Bank, US Healthcare, Rotary Kent Island, Serr.Biz, LLC, Rodan & Fields (Ann Allen), and Shore Sign. Bronze Level Sponsors: Chesapeake Chef Services, Blue Heron Catering, Chesa Del Crier, Capriotti’s (Chester), Joseph W. McCartin Insurance, Computer Island, Island Athletic, Island Athletic, Legal Shield, Maid Healthy, Rodan & Fields (Debi Ensor), Cari Healy Hair, Linda Prochaska, Bob Gosselin Photography, Bella Rosa Medi Spa, Visiting Angels, Barbara Martin, KI Minuteman Press, Kentmorr Restaurant, First Home Mortgage, and The Winery.

Proceeds from the “Beef, Bonfires and Cigars” event will support Haven Ministries Housing Assistance Program. Haven Ministries, with the support of its executive board, church coalition, staff, business owners, community agencies, and dedicated volunteers, is currently planning a long-term housing program to be located in the Kent Island area. This long-term program will be funded by private donations made directly to Haven Ministries and enable the organization to offer year-round services in a consistent stable environment for those experiencing housing insecurities. The program, structured similar to that of a landlord-tenant relationship, will include a process for individuals and families to apply for the program, pass a background check, and agree to work with a case manager to transition into permanent housing. The goal of the Housing Assistance Program is to offer comprehensive resources including education, job training, and employment opportunities to give individuals and families the opportunity to stabilize, build up their resources, and successfully move on to safe and affordable housing.

Tickets to the “Beef, Bonfires and Cigars” cost $60 per person and are available online at haven-ministries.org (https://whatsuptix.com/events/Beef-Bonfires-and-Cigars-11–2-2019). For further information, 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, 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.

Talbot County Government Celebrates Employees’ Years of Service Awards

October 7, 2019 by Amy Blades Steward

This year, Talbot County Government is honoring 41 employees with awards for years of service. The ceremony was held in the Talbot County Free Library and included the Talbot County Council, County department heads, family and friends.

Corey Pack, President of the Talbot County Council commented, “We want to thank all of the County Employees for their dedicated and tireless service to the citizens of Talbot County. Opportunities are too few and far between to acknowledge your efforts and hard work. We are so pleased to be able to have you step up and be recognized today. To put it simply we applaud you and your service.”

The following employees were honored:

5-Year Service Awards: Back row, L-R: Warren Edwards, Dave Tyler, and Corey Willey. Front row, L-R: Kelly Stacey, Georgia Mens, Terri Johnson and Mary LeCompte.

5 Years of Service: Kari Jo Diefenderfer – Emergency Services; Christopher Divilio – Facilities Maintenance; Ryan Ebling – Public Works; Warren Edwards – Roads; Joseph Gamble – Sheriff; Terri Johnson – Sheriff’s Office; Robert Jones – Emergency Services; Justin Leary – Emergency Medical Services; Mary LeCompte – Administrative Services; Georgia Mens – Dept. of Corrections; Robert Musterman – Sheriff’s Office; Kelly Stacey – Family Drug Court; Dave Tyler – Emergency Services; and Corey Willey – Sheriff’s Office.

10 Years of Service: Harold Adams – Public Works; David Purnell – Public Works; and Owen Sutherland – Golf Course.

15-Year Service Awards: L-R: Martin Sokolich, Danielle Diefenderfer, and Grace Davis.

15 Years of Service: Grace Davis – Permits & Inspections; Danielle Diefenderfer – Emergency Services; Brian Harris – Parks & Recreation; Robert Messix – Emergency Medical Services; Martin Sokolich – Planning & Zoning; and Mark Stevens – Parks & Recreation.

20-Year Service Awards: L-R: Jessica Morris, Christine Corkell, and Bill Thomas.

20 Years of Service: Christine Corkell – Planning & Zoning; Wylie Gray – Emergency Medical Services; Andrew Hollis – County Manager; Kelly Jones – Emergency Medical Services; Judy Micheliche – Emergency Medical Services; Jessica Morris – County Manager’s Office; and Bill Thomas – Emergency Medical Services.

25-Year Service Awards: Brian Moore and Richard Bobitka.

25 Years of Service: Richard Bobitka – Emergency Medical Services; Larry Fike – Emergency Medical Services; Brian Moore – Facilities Maintenance; and Donald Sherwood – Golf Course.

30-Year Service Awards: Back row, L-R: Henry Dove, John Bechtel, Michael Dulin, and Michael Potter. Front row, L-R: Kathryn Baker and Lesley Jo Buchanan.

30 Years of Service: Kathryn Baker – Finance Office; John Bechtel – Roads; Lesley Jo Buchanan- Sheriff’s Office; Henry Dove – State’s Attorney; Michael Dulin – Roads; and Michael Potter – Roads.

L-R: Robert Messix (15 Years), Lois MacDonald (35 Years), and Larry Fike (25 Years).

35 Years of Service: Lois MacDonald – Roads.

Talbot Community Connections Board Honors William Banks

October 5, 2019 by Amy Blades Steward

Talbot Community Connections recently honored longtime board member William Banks for his 17 years of service on the board. Banks, who is now an Emeritus Board Member, was involved with the years of the Board. He was presented with a proclamation from the Maryland Senate.

“Bill Banks has been such a positive energy on our board. We wanted to honor him as an Emeritus Board Member as he played such a vital role in helping to establish our Children’s Advocacy Center and building awareness about our organization in the community,” notes Amy Steward, President, Talbot Community Connections.

L-R: Talbot Community Connections Board Members Amy Steward, President, William Banks, Emeritus Board Member, and Ruth Sullivan, Vice President.

Talbot Community Connections (TCC), an eleven-member volunteer board, was formed to raise funds to enhance the Talbot County Department of Social Services’ (TCDSS) capacity to respond directly to problems of safety and well-being of county citizens. The funds raised provide help to abused children through the Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center (TCCAC), families in crisis, the unemployed and working poor, and disabled and frail elderly. TCC awards provided funds for respite care, prevention of evictions and utility disconnects, therapeutic activities for children with disabilities in foster care, housing fuel, transportation, and a fatherhood program. TCC funds are able to help individuals stay in the community, families stay united and families stay in their homes. In 2018, TCC donated $29,400 to support the Talbot County Department of Social Services and the Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center.

For further information or to donate to Talbot Community Connections, visit talbotcommunityconnections.org.

Easton Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast To Be Held October 25

October 4, 2019 by Amy Blades Steward

On Friday, October 25, 2019, from 7 to 9 a.m., Easton’s 37th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will be held at the Tidewater Inn in Easton. This year’s breakfast will feature Frederick E. Spence, Jr., Executive Vice President and Senior Loan Officer with Provident State Bank, and Tori Brummell, Customer Service Representative, Easton Utilities. Music will be provided by Allegro Academy’s Women’s Chorus.

Frederick E. Spence, Jr., Founder, Food for Learning

Spence is currently an Executive Vice President and Senior Loan Officer with Provident State Bank. Prior to that, he served in a number of capacities with Nations Bank and its predecessor, Maryland National Bank. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from the Baltimore College of Commerce, now the University of Baltimore and is a graduate of the Shore Leadership Class of 2007.

He has served as Past President of a number of organizations, including the Denton Jaycees, Channel Marker Foundation, the Memorial Hospital Association, the United Way of Caroline County, the Denton Little League, and the Caroline County Chamber of Commerce. He also served as a board member of the Blood Bank of the Eastern Shore and the Chesapeake College Foundation. He previously was a Board of Trustees member and Investment Chairperson of the St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Presently, he serves on the Board of the Federalsburg Economic Development Corporation and the Denton Development Corporation. His rewards have included Caroline County Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year (2012), Maryland Modified Softball Hall of Fame (2005), and The Mid-Shore Board of Realtors Affiliate of the Year (2017), and Caroline County Chamber Champion Hall of Fame (2019).

Spence will share how his battle to overcome prostate cancer led him to talk with men’s civic and religious groups to discuss the facts and fiction of prostate cancer, his faith and the importance of friends. Spence’s goal is to share “the difference God makes in our lives if we have faith and trust in him.” Since then, Spence organized “Food for Learning,” an organization which helps to feed 500 school children on weekends in Caroline County who are experiencing food insecurity.”

Tori Brummell, Founder, Mid-Shore Fresh Start Program Inc.

Tori Brummell is a native of Talbot County and currently has been a Customer Service Representative at Easton Utilities for 15 years. She graduated from Easton High School in 1983 and went on to further her studies in business and counseling at Chesapeake Bible College and Kee Business College. She is the mother of her late son, Korzon Brooks, who passed away in 1997 at the age of 14, and a daughter, Jhyana Brummell, who graduated from Morgan State University in 2017.

After over 30 years of drug addiction, Tori obtained sobriety in 1999. She utilized her faith and love for God to obtain a drug-free lifestyle along with the help of AA and NA programs. She later moved on to become an ordained Evangelist in November of 2007. In March of 2008, Tori founded the Mid-Shore Fresh Start Program Inc. It was a transitional house for males who struggle with Drug Addiction and Alcohol Abuse. The Fresh Start Program provided shelter, recovery, guidance, counsel, and support for residents looking to obtain sobriety and independence. The program, which closed in 2019, helped numbers of recovering addicts to transition back into the community as productive members of society.

Brummell loves God, and her heart’s desire is “To give hope to the hopeless.” Her favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13 which says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

Tickets to the 2018 Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast may be purchased at the Easton Town Office and the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce beginning October 1. The cost is $12 a person and seating is limited. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time. For further information, contact Kathy Ruf at 410-822-2525.

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