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September 19, 2021

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

News News Notes

Critchlow Adkins Postpones Golden Anniversary Celebration

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Out of an abundance of caution, Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers (CACC) has decided to postpone its 50th Anniversary Celebration event. The evening, which was originally scheduled for September 30, 2021, has now been moved to April 28, 2022, and will still be held at The Oaks Waterfront Inn in Royal Oak.

Event organizers had been watching the COVID numbers carefully as the celebration drew closer and they decided that a postponement would be the best way to ensure the safety of CACC’s supporters and the community at large.

Executive Director Cristy Morrell said, “At Critchlow Adkins, the health and well-being of this wonderful community has been our top priority for 50 years. As an essential service in Talbot County, we know that we cannot shut down, so we remain flexible at all times in order to adapt to and overcome any obstacles we may face.” She added, “While we had hoped to celebrate this wonderful occasion this fall, by postponing, we feel that this decision truly honors the legacy of our founders. It puts into action those principles upon which our organization was founded.”

Critchlow Adkins will be reaching out to ticket holders in the very near future with information about the options that are available to them.

Those who are still looking for a way to celebrate and support Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers this month can attend Conor’s Project Skeet Shoot on September 26 at the Talbot Rod and Gun Club. In addition to the annual Skeet Shoot Tournament – organized and hosted by Rennie Gay in honor of his grandson, Conor Nashold, who passed away in 2017 – a crab feast has been added to the festivities this year. The crab feast begins at 3 pm and features crabs, drinks, and desserts. Tickets are $40 per adult, and children under the age of 12 eat free. All proceeds from the event support CACC’s swim lessons and educational enrichment programs. Visit www.cacckids.org to register for the tournament or purchase tickets to the crab feast.

Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers is a local, non-profit organization whose mission is to provide quality, financially accessible childcare for children and their families in a nurturing, diverse, and enriching environment. CACC’s programming includes year-round educationally based preschool, pre-K – 5th grade before- and after-school care, and summer camps.

 

University of Maryland Medical System Implementing $15 Per Hour Minimum Wage

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The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) today announced a new commitment to better serve the communities in which our team members live and work, with a new minimum wage of $15 per hour.  This increase will result in approximately 1,500 employees, or five percent of the System’s workforce, receiving a pay increase.

“Investing in our team members is an investment in our future and in our communities,” said Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, President and CEO of UMMS. “We are committed to providing equitable pay for our team members and investing in the people who carry out our mission every day. Our System has embarked upon a very purposeful effort to become a destination employer for top talent by fostering an engaged, inclusive and diverse workforce.”

The System’s minimum wage increase is effective with the pay period that begins on September 12 and is applicable for all full and part-time team members who are not represented by a union. Team members making below $15 per hour will now be paid the greater of $15 per hour or a two percent increase in their wages. This move comes more than three years ahead of when Maryland plans to increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour.

“The decision to increase our minimum hourly wage is just one step in a broader, ongoing effort to ensure we are constantly evaluating team member compensation and making adjustments where necessary,” said Kate McCann, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer for UMMS. “We understand the need to continuously evolve our practices to attract and retain the absolute best talent for our System and will continue to do so.”

“While so much of our collective focus over the past 18 months has been on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, our leadership never lost sight of our broader mission – to transform health care and build on our commitment to provide the best possible care for our patients and better serve the communities in which we live and work,” Dr. Suntha added.

The increase in minimum wage is part of a holistic commitment made by UMMS over the past 18 months in support of, and investment in, its workforce, including waiving Paid Time Off (PTO) maximum accruals during the COVID pandemic response, offering PTO buyback programs, and implementing new premium pay and incentive programs.

UMMS will be sharing the System’s commitment with our outside partners and moving forward will seek to hire contractors and vendors who share this commitment.

In addition, effective July 2021, University of Maryland Faculty Physicians, Inc. (FPI), the clinical practices of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a campus partner with UMMS, raised its minimum wage for all employees to $15 per hour. This change was made in collaboration with the University of Maryland Medical System and many other local healthcare institutions.

“FPI is pleased to provide this living wage increase at a time when many healthcare workers are facing both financial and emotional strain during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Each employee plays a vital role in FPI’s ability to provide exceptional care to those in our communities as we feel it is important to recognize and retain our skilled workforce,” said William E. Tucker, MBA, Chief Corporate Officer for FPI.

Plant Swap Set for September 18

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A plant swap is happening! In an effort to encourage our community to help our environment, birds, and pollinators (and they need all the help we can give), a native plant swap is planned from 8:30am to 11:30 am at Third Haven Friends Meeting at 405 S. Washington St in Easton for Saturday September 18th and 25th.

Learn more about turning our neighborhoods and community into a vital & vibrant oasis that supports our well-being by nurturing the interconnected web of life. Start turning those sterile yards,  and acres of grass, into areas that can make a difference! Try reading “Bringing Nature Home” by Douglas Tallamy, or even easier, watch one of his fascinating presentations on YouTube. Kids from about 7 and up through high-school may be inspired by his talks as well. 

Tilghman Island: The Beach Bank Grand Opening September 6

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The Beach Bank, located at 5782 Tilghman Island Rd, Tilghman MD will be holding a ribbon cutting grand opening and open house event from 4-6 pm on Monday September 6.

The building is the original 1915 Tilghman Island Bank and formerly served as Crawford’s Nautical Book Bank.

The Book Bank is home to The Beachcombing Center, a non profit international beachcombing organization dedicated to shoreline finds and raising awareness about coastal erosion and marine debris, and When’s Low Tide, a beach treasure candle and ocean arts shop.

The Beachcombing Center includes the sea glass of former First Lady Barbara Bush, sea glass and sand from over 40 countries, a dress, glass slipper and crown made of sea glass, a boat where kids of all ages can “beachcomb” their own treasures, and much more.

Mary McCarthy is the Executive Director and President of The Beachcombing Center (which was founded in Maine as The Sea Glass Center in 2014), candlemaker and owner of When’s Low Tide. A former town council president of Centreville Maryland, she is a lifelong journalist, bestselling author and mother of four.

“I am so pleased to bring the international beachcombing community together by creating this venue,” said McCarthy. “It’s great to have a place where we can celebrate some of the many ocean artists from across the world.” She plans to add more artists over time. Her When’s Low Tide candles feature hidden beach finds in each candle and the proceeds benefit the museum.

Find more information at facebook.com/thebeachbank or Instagram.com/thebeachbank or Instagram.com/whenslowtide or contact marytmccarthy@gmail.com

Memo from ShoreRivers: Have a Great Holiday Weekend but No Swimming Please

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All of our ShoreRiver sites on the Miles, Wye, and Choptank Rivers failed this week failed this week. These are the highest levels I have ever seen. The rains and high winds really made an impact. Only 3 of the 21 sites passed this week in the northern regions as well.

Tunis Mills- 1112, Fail
Matapeake- 5172, Fail
Drum Point- 717, Fail
MRYC- 369, Fail
Claiborne Beach- 1112, Fail
Claiborne Cove- 7701, Fail

Even though it is a beautiful weekend, ShoreRivers would recommend not swimming this weekend In our local waters.

The Town of Easton Encourages the Community to Attend Day of Remembrance

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The Town of Easton encourages the community to attend the Day of Remembrance event sponsored by The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) and its event partners, The Avalon Theater and the Talbot Department of Emergency Services. “The Day of Remembrance event will pay tribute to individuals who lost their lives and were injured in the September 11, 2001, attacks,” said Deena Kilmon, Director of Engagement for the Arc Central Chesapeake Region. “It will also honor the first responders and the many others who have risen in service to support their community members.”

Beth Anne Langrell, Chief Executive Officer of For All Seasons, will speak about the 9/11 tragedy and how it personally touched her life. She will share what services and support our community has and can offer its members, inclusive of their abilities. There will be a video display of the summer’s activities and light refreshments.

The event will be held on Saturday, September 11, from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM at the Avalon’s Stoltz Pavilion. Facemasks will be required for all in-person attendees. The Avalon will also stream the event live on Facebook.

“9/11 ceremonies, such as the Day of Remembrance, are constant reminders of what it takes to be an American and honor the memory of those who gave their lives, said Robert C. Willey, Mayor of Easton, MD. “We should never forget, always be vigilant, and hold in deep respect those first responders and military personnel who are always on call whenever needed. Take the time to thank each one when you meet them and let them know how proud you are that they are on guard.”

Grand Art Under a Grand opens at Troika Gallery on September 3

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Grand Art Under a Grand opens at Troika Gallery on September 3, and runs for 3 weeks only until September 27,  featuring fine art by the Troika Artists priced under $1000!  This popular exhibit opens on First Friday, at 11 am, and will go live on the gallery website, (troikagallery.com) at 12 noon when phone calls (410-770-9190) will be taken for online sales.   No specially priced art will be sold before the opening. 

Troika is proud to represent Jorge Alberto, Kenn Backhaus, SaraJane Doberstien, John Ebersberger, Deborah Elville, Laura Era, J.A. Ferrier, Kevin Fitzgerald, David Buckley Good, John Davis Held, Mark Hiles, Matthew Hillier, Bo Jia-Middle Kingdom, Jeanette Le Grue, Lynne Lockhart, Peter S. Loonam, Kirk McBride, Lou Messa, Raoul Middleman, Terry Miller, Dorothy F. Newland, Victor Nizovtsev, Brendan O’Neill, W. Stanley Proctor, Christopher L. Richard, Julia Rogers, Ann Didusch Schuler, William Storck, Carol Lee Thompson, David H. Turner,  Jennifer Heyd Wharton, Chris Wilke, Vladislav Yeliseyev and Matthew Zoll. 

“Sentinel” by Jennifer Heyd Wharton, oil, 11 x 15

Original works in oil, watercolor, pastel, pencil, bronze, acrylic, porcelain and clay by these renowned artists are displayed, with new art continually refreshing the exhibit spaces. 

Since 1997, Troika Gallery has featured “The Finest of Fine Art” on the Eastern Shore. Grand Art Under A Grand presents an opportunity for those looking to purchase fine art at an affordable price. The gallery offers in-house hanging  advice and display expertise and allows clients to take a painting home “on trial” 

Whether an art lover, collector, or browser, Troika Gallery encourages you to stop in.  Professional artist and owner, Laura Era along with Gallery Manager, Peg Fitzgerald, welcome your visit and will happily address questions on art, portraiture, and framing.  

Troika Gallery is located at 9 South Harrison Street.  Covid Gallery hours are Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm and Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday by appointment. For more information call 410-770-9190, or visit troikagallery.com.

Gov. Hogan Orders Assessment of Ventilation, Air Filtration in School Buildings

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Governor Larry Hogan today announced that he is directing the State Superintendent of Schools and the Interagency Commission on School Construction to conduct an immediate statewide assessment of ventilation and air filtration in Maryland public school buildings.

The governor made the announcement at Wednesday’s meeting of the Board of Public Works:

“I know we are all pleased to see students returning to in-person instruction in every school system across the state. Unfortunately, this week, schools all over Baltimore City, including 31 just yesterday, had to dismiss students early due to the lack of proper air conditioning.

“It’s unbelievable to me that this is still happening after the Comptroller and I have worked together for the last six years to push to get every school air conditioned, and to provide record funding for every school to be air conditioned, and our nonstop efforts to hold schools accountable.

“We were successful in requiring Baltimore City to reluctantly create a plan to finally bring air conditioning to all their schools, even against fierce opposition from legislative leaders. But in spite of them putting plans together, the work was not actually completed.

“We established a Healthy Schools Facilities Fund to provide additional state-funded grants to public schools specifically to make urgently needed emergency air conditioning and heating upgrades. Baltimore City returned the money to the state after failing to spend it on the improvements.

“Our administration has provided seven years of record funding to our schools—all of our schools across the state and even more to Baltimore City schools. Among the 100 largest school systems in America, Baltimore is the third highest funded school system, which makes it even more inexcusable.

“Earlier this year, we enacted a historic school construction plan with record funding to make sure that all school buildings across the entire state were modern, safe, efficient, and air conditioned. Protecting students from the sweltering heat is critically important, and city leaders have continued to fail in this regard. But the problem goes far beyond that now because of COVID-19.

“Our public health experts have repeatedly stressed that proper ventilation is a critical tool to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. The CDC specifically recommended maximizing building ventilation and improving the level of air filtration as much as possible through the use of high-efficiency HEPA filtration units.

“And we have provided more than $3 billion in additional federal dollars in relief funding to the school systems in Maryland specifically for pandemic-related costs, including improvements to HVAC and ventilation, and filtration systems for safer school buildings for our kids. And yet, even with those billions of dollars to address these issues and with the school year already underway, city schools are still unairconditioned, and it’s unclear even which schools or school systems have properly utilized all these billions in funding.

“After months of requesting this information, we’re no longer asking. So today, I’m directing the State Superintendent of Schools and the Interagency Commission on School Construction to immediately provide us a report on ventilation and air filtration systems, district by district and school by school, and we will be holding school systems accountable for these financial resources and the way that they have been utilized to ensure that safe and healthy environments are in our school buildings for all of our kids.”

$500,000 in Federal Funding for Easton/Newnam Field Airport

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U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced $500,267 in federal funds for the Easton/Newnam Field Airport in Talbot County, including more than $50,000 in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. These funds will help support critical infrastructure improvements to the airport, which is an important economic driver for the region.

“As we build back better, investing in infrastructure improvements across our state will help create jobs and keep our economy moving. That’s why we’ve fought for federal dollars – including American Rescue Plan funding – for projects like this, to support essential transportation needs that benefit Marylanders,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. “The Easton Airport is a key driver for our local Shore economy – we will keep working in Congress to provide federal funding for our local airports to spur economic growth in our region and ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service for Marylanders and visitors alike.”

“The American Rescue Plan has provided critical federal investment in our state to support our economy and everyday lives as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This new round of federal funding will support design and safety upgrades of Easton/Newnam Field Airport to better serve our state and region in the years ahead,” said Senator Cardin, Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “The Maryland delegation will continue our efforts in bringing once-in-a-generation infrastructure legislation across the finish line to modernize and improve our transportation infrastructure across the state.”

Funding will be divided between two projects:

  • $338,960 to construct, extend, and improve the Runway 4/22 safety area to meet standards and enhance the safety of operations at the airport
  • $161,307 to remove non-hazard tree obstructions to meet Federal Aviation Administration design standards

These funds were provided through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to the Talbot County Council. Funds that were made available through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 are available to help cover state and local funding obligations up to 100% of the cost of the project for any grants awarded in FY2020 or FY2021. Members of the Maryland delegation have fought for funding to support our local airports throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and have delivered Maryland airports over $98 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan, over $24 million in funding through the December Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, and over $107 million in funding through the CARES Act.

Talbot Historical Society Hosts Lecture on Colonial Williamsburg

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The Talbot Historical Society will hold a lecture on Thursday, September 2 at 1pm at the Hill Research Center, 25 S. Washington Street, Easton, Maryland on “The Invention of Colonial Williamsburg.”

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, is the most studied 18th-Century town in the world. This illustrated lecture will cover the founding and growth of this vast historical resource. What drove the recovery of the town? What changes have been made over the last 95 years? What sorts of insights can Williamsburg’s archaeology, architecture, material culture, and history give us. This talk is about peering into the seeds of Time.

Michael Olmert wrote the Official Guide to Colonial Williamsburg (1985-2015) and has written some 50 articles for Colonial Williamsburg Magazine. A professor in the University of Maryland’s English Department, Olmert has long been interested in the connection between literature and history and architecture. His books include Milton’s Teeth and Ovid’s Umbrella (Simon and Schuster, 1996) and Kitchens, Smokehouses, and Privies (Cornell Univ. Press, 2009). His television writing has won him three primetime Emmys.

Masks are required. The cost is $5 for non-members and free for THS members. Seating is limited so please call 410-822-0773 or email kaylaw@talbothistory.org to reserve your spot.