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November 15, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

00 Post to Chestertown Spy 6 Arts Notes

Bayside Quilters of the Eastern Shore Hosts Fourth Annual Handmade Market

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This year, Bayside Quilters will hold its fourth annual Handmade Market on November 21, from 3 to 7 p.m., and November 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The guild’s talented quilters have been busy crafting quilts and other gift items, which will be for sale on the second floor of the Trappe Volunteer Fire Company at 4001 Powell Avenue in Trappe, Maryland, just in time for the holidays. These items include large and small quilts, wall hangings, table runners, rope bowls, toys, pillows, and bags, as well as a beautifully crafted raffle quilt.

The Handmade Market is an annual event that the Bayside Quilters of the Eastern Shore hold to raise funds for our outreach and educational efforts. Outreach efforts benefit many non-profits on the Eastern Shore, including the Caroline County Family Support Center, Greensboro Judy Center, Chapel District Elementary Schools, Talbot Interfaith Shelter, University of Maryland Clark Comprehensive Breast Center, Talbot Hospice and Palliative Care, and Veterans of Talbot Hospice. Bayside Quilters’ education efforts include currently teaching 4-H students in Talbot and Caroline counties to sew.

Bayside Quilters meet at 9:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Trappe Volunteer Fire Company, 4001 Powell Ave., Trappe, MD. New members and visitors are welcome. For more information, visit Facebook @ Bayside Quilters of the Eastern Shore, or the website www.baysidequilters.com.

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Ferry Lights with Santa Spark Oxford’s Christmas on the Creek

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Santa and the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry are a new highlight to Christmas on the Creek, Oxford’s month-long waterfront celebration of lights, music, food, and holiday cheer. The festivities run from December 5, 2025, through January 10, 2026.

This year’s inaugural Ferry Lighting with Santa ceremony is set for  6 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, when Santa flips the switch to illuminate the Talbot in a dazzling holiday display. The ferry will remain lit at the dock throughout the season, offering picture-perfect views along Oxford’s waterfront.

“This new tradition captures the warmth and community spirit that make Christmas on the Creek so special,” said Monika Mraz, president of the Oxford Business Association. “It’s the perfect way to welcome the holidays in Oxford.”

The celebrations kick off on Friday, December 5, with the Oxford Community Center’s final concert in its jazz series, featuring the Dominick Farinacci & Aaron Diehl Holiday Show. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., with limited seating, and advanced tickets needed.

On Saturday morning, The Church of the Holy Trinity’s Christmas Market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering handmade gifts, fresh wreaths, and a festive luncheon. A gingerbread decorating workshop is perfect for children and takes place from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Oxford Firehouse.

At 2 p.m., guests can stroll through town during the 3rd Annual Cookie Walk, then gather at sunset for the Lighting of the Dock Trees along Town Creek, with viewing parties set at Cutts & Case Shipyard, and Campbell’s Boatyard at Jack’s Point. All events are rain or shine.

The celebrations continue on Sunday, December 7, with the beloved Breakfast with Santa at the Oxford Firehouse, taking place from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Children can share their wish lists, enjoy games, and browse handmade decorations and baked goods from the Oxford Fire Company Auxiliary.

Throughout December, guests can visit the Oxford Museum’s Holiday Train Exhibit, savor seasonal treats at local restaurants and eateries, and shop the Oxford Holiday Market at the Oxford Community Center from December 12 to 14.

“Christmas on the Creek is one of the most magical times to visit Oxford,” Mraz said. “We love welcoming guests from near and far and invite everyone to experience the holiday charm along Town Creek.”

Christmas on the Creek is organized by the Oxford Business Association, representing Oxford’s local businesses and community partners. A full schedule of events is available at www.portofoxford.com.

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Talbot County to Hold “Skate Out Hunger” Charity Skate on November 15 at the Ice Rink

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Talbot County Department of Parks and Recreation is teaming up with the Talbot County Hunger Coalition for a special community event to support local food pantries. “Skate Out Hunger: Charity Skate” is scheduled for Saturday, November 15th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the County ice rink (10028 Ocean Gateway, Easton).

Admission and skate rental will be free for participants who bring three (3) or more non-perishable food items for donation. The collected items will benefit local food pantries served by the Hunger Coalition and its network of partner organizations. Donations collected through the event will help restock shelves ahead of the busy holiday season, ensuring families have access to nutritious meals before Thanksgiving.

“We invite families and friends of all ages to join us for an evening of fun on the ice and help us fight hunger in Talbot County while we’re at it,” said Emily Gilmer, Director of the Talbot County Parks and Recreation Department.

For resources or to get involved, visit feedtalbot.org.

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Looking at the Masters: St Martin’s Day and Martinmas

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”Saint Martín and the Beggar” (1597-99)

The Feast of St Martin, or Martinmas, is celebrated on November 11. El Greco’s painting “St Martin and the Beggar” (1597-99) (76”x41”) (National Gallery of Art, DC) is a depiction of St Martin of Tours (c.316-397), a member of the Imperial cavalry of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great.  Martin was stationed in Gaul in the French city of Amiens. The story goes that on a cold winter day Martin came across a naked beggar. He took off his warm green wool robe and cut it in half to share with the poor man. That night Martin experienced a vision of Christ wearing the robe, Christ said to him, “What thou hast done for that poor man, thou hast done for me.” Another story tells that when Martin awoke, his cloak had been restored. In the painting, Martin rides a magnificent white Arabian horse, in keeping with his position. He wears black armor decorated with elaborate gold designs in the Damascene style developed by the craftsmen of Toledo, Spain. 

El Greco, was born on the island of Crete, off the Greek mainland. He was trained to be a Byzantine Greek icon painter. He later moved to Toledo, Spain, working there for the last 37 years of his life.  His Greek name Doménikos Theotokópoulos was hard to pronounce, so he was nicknamed El Greco (the Greek). He continued to paint elongated figures in the Byzantine style to accentuate the spiritual over the physical, apparent in the figure of the beggar. The viewer looks up at the two figures, and they seem monumental. In the background is the city of Toledo and the River Tagus that El Greco often included in paintings at the time. Also typical of El Greco is the use of intense colors and portrayal of a “moody” sky. This painting is considered one of his greatest.

“St Martin Renounces his Weapons (1322-26)

Martin’s father was a senior military officer; thus, Martin was obligated at age 15 to join the army. Martin’s vision encouraged him in his Christian beliefs, and he was baptized at age 18.  “St Martin Renounces his Weapons” (1322-26), painted by Simone Martini of Siena, is a depiction of the time when Martin left the army. Young Martin stands before the seated Emperor Constantine. Martin holds a cross. Constantine holds a sword. The setting is in a military camp with elegant tents, members of the Imperial Guard in attendance, and horses set in a rocky landscape. 

The painting was commissioned by Robert d’Anjou, King of Naples, to fulfill the last wish of Cardinal Montefiore, who went to Buda, Hungary in 1307 and gained the crown of Hungary for Robert d’Anjou. St Martin was born in Hungary, and Montefiore considered Martin’s aid a significant factor in his success. On returning to his home in Assisi, Montefiore asked that a chapel dedicated to St Martin be built in the church of San Francesco in Assisi. This painting is one of ten depictions of the life of St Martin painted by Martini at Assisi. An early Renaissance artist, Martini and the Sienese artists were beginning to create fully three-dimensional works of art. 

”Saint Martin Healing the Possessed Man” (1630)

Martin declared he was a soldier for Christ and became a monk, holy man, and ultimately the Bishop of Tours in 371. The hagiographer (biographer of lives of saints) Sulpicius Severus, knew Martin personally, and described several of Martin’s miracles: raising the dead, healing the sick, exorcism, and others. 

“St Martin Healing the Possessed Man” (1630) (48”x34”), painted by Jacob Jordaens (1593-1678), the leading Flemish painter after the deaths of Rubens and Van Dyke, could represent a healing of the sick, or perhaps an exorcism. In the classical Baroque style, Jordaens places Martin on a high porch and dressed as the Bishop of Tours. Below him are a number of persons who appear to have come for his help and his blessing. The naked and apparently possessed man writhes on a lower step. An old man and three women of varying ages look in fear at the figure wearing the gold and blue turban, red robe, and leather boots, and drawing his sword. Is he evil, perhaps a devil, or is he the executioner if the possessed man cannot be cured? He is the only figure in foreign dress. The setting is a compilation of gilded capitals, marble columns, and arches. Jordaens leaves the viewer confused about the setting and the cast of characters. He does present a solid and masterful image of St Mark.

‘Saint Martin Healing the Possessed Man” (detail)

During restoration an overpainted coat of arms was discovered at the base of the column. The coat of arms belonged to Antonius de Rorre, a Benedictine abbot, most likely the patron for this painting, the first Jordaens altarpiece. Jordaens would continue to grow as an artist as did his reputation as the successor of Rubens and Van Dyke. 

“The Death of St Martin of Tours” (1490)

St Martin foresaw his death, and it is recorded that he said, “Allow me, my brethren, to look rather towards heaven than upon the earth, that my soul may be directed to take its flight to the Lord to whom it is going.”  “The Death of St Martin of Tours” (1490) was painted by German artist Derik Baegert (1440-c.1515). Although St Martin was born in c. 316 and died on November 8, 397 CE, at the age of eighty-one, he is depicted as a young man. Wearing a red robe, St Martin lies on a coffin covered by woven straw mat. He is mourned by a kneeling angel and four men. One with glasses reads from a scroll, the second reads from the Bible and sprinkles him with holy water, and a third prays. The elderly man kneeling in the front holds a gold candle that symbolically will light St Martins way to Heaven. Outside the windows is a Germanic landscape, and God receives the naked bodies of the faithful. The two-headed devil gesticulates at the foot of the coffin. St Martin reportedly stated, “Why are you standing here, cruel beast? You shall find no cause for grief in me!”  

“Wine on St Martin’s Day” (1566-68)

Martin was called a Saint by popular acclaim in the Fifth and Sixth Centuries, before he was actually canonized. In the Middle Ages, Catholics began a forty-day fast on November 12, the day after St Martin’s Feast Day.  The period of fasting was called Martinmas, the spiritual preparation for Christmas. The harvest season had ended and the slaughtering of livestock, particularly cattle and pigs, for winter began on November 12 in Europe. Sausage and black pudding known as “Pig cheer” were gifts. Two popular dishes were Martinmas beef and Martinmas goose. When Martin tried to hide from those who wanted him to be the Bishop of Tours, he chose a barn housing a flock of geese. Their honking alerted his trackers, and he was forced to take the job. The goose is one of Martin’s symbols. 

In many European countries Martinmas began with the lighting of bonfires or candle-light processions. A member of the community would dress as St Martin and ride on horseback distributing gifts. The ashes from the fires then might be spread on the ground as fertilizer. Another feature of Martinmas was drinking the first wine of the season. “Wine on St Martin’s Day” (1566-68) is by Pieter Brueghel the Elder (c.1525/30-1569), one of the best-known painters of landscape and genre scenes in the Netherlands. It is his largest painting (3’10’’ by 8’10’’). The celebrating villagers are composed in a triangular mass that leads up to a large red barrel of wine. Typical of Brueghel’s paintings, peasants of all ages and types drink, eat, dance, brawl and otherwise celebrate the day. Astride his white horse, St Martin cuts his red cloak in half to give it to two crippled beggars. Brueghel is known for including the poor and disabled in his paintings. The whole scene takes place outside a local village. Houses and a church tower are placed at the right side of the scene. In the distance at the left are a large town with more substantial buildings and towers. They are the homes of the wealthy, but they are not here in this merry scramble of peasants.

St Martin was the patron saint of beggars, wool-weavers, and tailors, to name a few. Although opposed to violence, he was made patron saint of the US Army Quartermaster Corp. It considered Martin to be a role model for soldiers because of his military service, compassion, and selflessness. On February 7, 1997, the Quartermasters Corp established the military Order of St Martin. Armistice Day (now Veterans Day) marks the day of the ceasefire that ended World War I at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.

Beverly Hall Smith was a professor of art history for 40 years. Since retiring to Chestertown with her husband Kurt in 2014, she has taught art history classes at WC-ALL and the Institute of Adult Learning, Centreville. An artist, she sometimes exhibits work at River Arts. She also paints sets for the Garfield Theater in Chestertown.

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Tribute to Sinatra with Vocalist Bob McDonald and Pianist Tony Nalker

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The Church of the Holy Trinity, 502 S. Morris St. Oxford MD, is pleased to host A Tribute To Sinatra Sunday afternoon November 16, 2025 at 3 p.m. Vocalist Bob McDonald and Pianist Tony Nalker will celebrate the songs and life of legendary crooner Frank Sinatra with an afternoon of the most memorable songs from the singer’s film and concert performances. We are thrilled to be able to share these highly acclaimed musicians with our music friends and local community. 

SGM (Ret) Bob McDonald, Baritone, served as Group Leader and a member of the U.S. Army Chorus for over 26 years, retiring in 2020. In this capacity he performed regularly at the White House, and for visiting dignitaries from across the globe. Bob is a regular fixture of the Washington DC musical theatre and cabaret scene. He has performed regularly at The Kennedy Center, Metro Stage, Folger Theatre, AMP by Strathmore, Wolf Trap, and Signature Theatre, among others. Bob is a very versatile performer starring in regional operas, singing with symphony orchestras, and singing for professional sports events in the DC area and throughout the country. Yes, this is the famous voice singing our National Anthem at the Washington Capitals games!  

Tony Nalker performs widely in Washington, D.C., currently serving as jazz pianist with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra Pops. From 1989-2016 Tony was the pianist in the Army Blues, the premiere jazz ensemble of the U.S. Army, and served as the group’s enlisted leader. Tony has played for the highest levels of the U.S. government and military and performed on USO tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as State Department sponsored musical diplomacy tours to Russia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Many, many amateur and semi-professional musicians have played with Tony, as he is the pianist for Hal Leonard Publishing’s Jazz Play-Along series which has produced nearly 200 CD’s/books. 

Please join us for a great afternoon of music with these exceptional musicians.  Everyone is welcome. We will take a freewill offering to help defray artist expenses.  For further information, please contact the Church office at 410-226-5134.

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Studio B Art Gallery Welcomes Guest Artist Sandy Alanko

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Studio B Art Gallery invites the community to join its Art Salon Open House on Friday, November 7, from 5–7 p.m., during Easton’s First Friday Gallery Walk. This month’s featured guest artist is Sandy Alanko, a celebrated painter whose works are a perennial highlight of the annual Waterfowl Festival.

Sandy is well-known to art lovers across the region for her luminous landscapes and wildlife paintings. A long-standing Waterfowl Festival exhibitor, she brings a depth of experience and artistry that resonates with collectors and admirers alike. Sandy was also a guest artist at Studio B several years ago, and the gallery is honored to welcome her back for this special November showcase.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sandy Alanko back to Studio B as our November guest artist,” said gallery owner Betty Huang. “Her work has such a natural connection to the beauty of our region and to the Waterfowl Festival. This is a special time of year in Easton, and we are excited to share Sandy’s art along with our own contributions to the celebration of wildlife and creativity.”

Betty Huang will also be featured in the Working Artists Forum Waterfowl Festival Exhibition, part of the prestigious Waterfowl Festival taking place in Easton November 13–16, 2025. This year’s exhibition will be juried by noted Baltimore painter Palden Hamilton.

The November Art Salon Open House is a wonderful opportunity to meet artists, enjoy fine art in an inviting setting, and experience the vibrant cultural spirit that accompanies Waterfowl Weekend in Easton.

For more information about Studio B Art Gallery, visit us online at www.studiobartgallery.com, on Facebook and Instagram @studiobartgallery, or contact Betty Huang at [email protected].online at www.studiobartgallery.com, on Facebook and Instagram @studiobartgallery, or contact Betty Huang at [email protected].

Studio B Art Gallery is located at 7B Goldsborough Street in historic downtown Easton, Maryland. The gallery represents nationally and internationally known painters Lani Browning, Hiu Lai Chong, Bernard Dellario, Ken DeWaard, Diz Hormel, Betty Huang, Qiang Huang, Charles Newman, Scott W. Prior, Richard Sneary, Robert J. Simone, Master Jove Wang, and sculptor Rick Casali.

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Festival of Trees Celebrates “Forty Years of Silver and Gold”

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Presented by Friends of Hospice, the 40th annual Festival of Trees “Forty Years of Silver and Gold” will be held November 29 through December 2 in downtown Easton. Presented by Friends of Hospice, Festival of Trees has raised nearly $4 million to assist with Talbot Hospice’s operating budget.

The tradition of Festival of Trees is rich with love and commitment to Talbot Hospice. After experiencing the loss of a loved one who was an early patient of Talbot Hospice, Midge Fuller and her friend Leslie Ware began a crusade and spent a year organizing the very first Festival of Trees in 1985. The organization is as vibrant as ever and Midge and Leslie continue their crusade even now as this year’s Festival co-chairmen.

Preview Gala: As is tradition, the Festival of Trees kicks off with the Preview Gala, a black-tie fundraising event, which will be held on Friday, November 28 at the Tidewater Inn’s Gold Room. From 6 to 8 p.m., guests will enjoy a lavish affair with the first opportunity to view 100 exquisitely trimmed trees of varying sizes as well as a dozen elegantly decorated wreaths. A highlight of the evening is the opportunity to bid on a special tree decorated with exquisite Michael Aram ornaments. Tickets to the Gala are sold in advance only.

Festival of Trees: The Gold Ballroom opens to the public from Saturday, November 29 through December 2. On view will be 100 beautifully decorated and lit trees all adorned in white, gold and silver. Various live performances will entertain guests all four days. Of note this year is that The Shoppe returns, selling tasteful items that are perfect for the gift giving season. There will be a special performance by the Easton High and Easton Middle school’s jazz bands on Sunday, November 30 at noon.

Santa 5K Fun Run/Walk: Dress with the holiday spirit in mind; participants hit the pavement on Saturday, November 29 at 9 a.m. at Idlewild Park. On-site registration starts at 8 a.m. and advance sign-ups are encouraged at festival-of-trees.org.

Santa’s Workshop: This year’s family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, November 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., nestled in the Tidewater Inn’s Ballroom Garden. Children will be greeted by Santa and may pose for photos. Write a letter to Santa, enjoy an Elf Story Time, compete at game stations, create an ornament or color at various craft stations, and walk away with special tokens of the day. Santa’s workshop is free with admittance to the Festival of Trees.

Carols by Candlelight: Carols by Candlelight is a magical holiday event, free to all on Saturday, November 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. Sing along with choral groups, bell ringers, and musicians. Visit with Santa on the grounds of The Bullitt House at the corner of Washington and Dover streets. Everyone gets a free candle and candy cane. Food trucks will be on site and holiday merchandise will be on sale. This event is perfect for families of all ages to enjoy.

Poinsettia Tree: View the beautiful 12-foot poinsettia “tree” during the Festival of Trees in the Gold Ballroom at The Tidewater Inn. Elegant white poinsettias, sold in advance to raise money for Talbot Hospice, will adorn the tree. Take home your poinsettias for the holidays.

Keepsake Luminaries: Keepsake luminaries honor a loved one. A limited number of the snow-white metal luminaries will be sold online, then displayed in the Gold Ballroom. At the conclusion of the Festival of Trees, the luminaries will be available for pickup in time to enjoy for the holiday season.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit festival-of-trees.org.

November 28 – Preview Gala – Tidewater Inn, Easton. 6 p.m.
November 29-December 2 – Festival of Trees – Tidewater Inn, Easton.
November 29 – Santa Fun Run/Walk – Idlewild Park, Easton. 9 a.m. Registration 8 a.m.
November 29 – Santa’s Workshop – Tidewater Inn, Easton. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
November 29 – Carols by Candlelight – Harrison/Dover streets, Easton. 5-7 p.m.

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A Thankful November — Shopping, Exhibits and Events at The Market at Dover Station

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The Market at Dover Station is a can’t miss destination this November, as it celebrates its first-year anniversary and gives thanks to the community! Merchants offer fresh autumn wares, events and activities promise fun for all, and the fine art beckons.

In The Market’s Gallery at Dover Station, a First Friday reception celebrates “The Perfect Gift”, a new group exhibit of small works by four regional art groups: Plein Air Painters of the Chesapeake Bay, Working Artists Forum, Botanical Art League of the Eastern Shore and St Michaels Art League. 

Festivities at Dover Station on Waterfowl Weekend, November 15 and 16, include Oysters & Beer & Line Dancing from 3-5 p.m. There will be a Doggie Treat Cart on site both days from 1-3 p.m., and Pop-Up Permanent Jewelry by jeweler Regen Linn of Alloyed Earth Jewelry.

Several small businesses and artists at The Market at Dover Station of note in November include the following:

Market owner and manager Keri Topjian is thrilled to announce, “Father and son floral design team Richard and Nick of Savington & Hill Co. have been a part of The Market since its beginning. This fall they are launching their full-service floral business in a much larger space and moving their stunning design center to Dover Station, bringing bespoke floral creations, seasonal arrangements, and inspired botanical design right to the heart of the community.” Stay tuned for workshops, custom floral services, and blooms that transform every occasion. 

Courtney Gray, owner of Emma & Me, lives in Dallas, Texas, and has spent some time every summer in Easton for the last 28 years. “I started a doll clothing company because my daughter, Emma, loved American Girl dolls. This was often a stress reliever. Emma was at home due to her illness, and we spent a lot of time together crafting or cooking. When Emma died just before her 12th birthday in 2018, I began adding other products and embroidery, and the business changed into what it is today. Everything about the business has Emma in mind, from the logo colors (mint was Emma’s and navy is mine) to the items and designs I select.” Now, Courtney embroiders beautiful baby items, clothing, linen tea towels and napkins, and more, with her ten-needle machines. Blue and white are her go to colors because, influenced by living in France for 12 years, she loves French chinoiserie designs. 

Eric Vavassori and his wife, Joanne, of Trappe, Maryland, offer handcrafted luxury goat milk soaps, creams and lotions inspired by Eric’s grandmother’s ancestral recipes from the Pyrenees mountains in southern France. Their Trafalgar Farms brand offers exquisite scents, beautifully packaged, and sold under the umbrella of parent company Bluepoint Hospitality Group. Goat milk has been valued for centuries for its beneficial properties — naturally gentle, deeply moisturizing, and rich in nutrients that soothe and nourish the skin. Eric says, “Now, inspired by the same tradition and resourcefulness that guided my grandmother, we’re thrilled to take the next step: sharing our goat milk soaps and beauty products with an even wider audience.”

Oil painter Laura Jenkins from Berlin, Maryland, is a self-taught artist who shares her interpretations of the landscape of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. After painting for about 15 years, she began to show her work and gain a following. At that point she started to paint almost full time. Her lovely soft-edged work captures her deep feelings about the beauty of the region.

Kerri Anderson from Kent Island, Maryland, created Island Cow Company to satisfy a need. “As a Mama searching for products that are truly safe and effective for little ones’ sensitive skin, I decided to create something I could trust. I began experimenting with simple, local ingredients in my kitchen, determined to make a balm that was pure and nourishing.” Her secret is 100% grass-fed, grass-finished tallow, rich in nourishing skin-loving properties, sourced locally on the Eastern Shore of Maryland to support small farms, and crafted with care and love. Island Cow Company has blossomed into a brand that Anderson is now incredibly proud to share with families everywhere.

Dover Station offers stunning spaces for weddings, meetings and family gatherings. It also hosts classes and activities including yoga, dancing, pottery, and woodworking for kids and adults. Coming very soon in phase II is a cafe, and later in phase III is a brewery.

Since it opened on November 30, 2024, The Market at Dover Station has established itself as an upscale regional hub showcasing the work of fine artists, glass, pottery and jewelry artisans, a selection of antique and vintage goods, fresh flowers and fine chocolates, handmade balms and lotions, and more. Market partners also offer interior design, landscape design and maintenance, custom wedding gifts, and many other unique finds. 

The Market at Dover Station is located at 500 Dover Road, Easton, Maryland 21601. For hours, events, and more information, please stay informed at www.doverstation.com and sign up to follow on social media.

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University of Maryland Children’s Hospital Receives Record $50 Million Gift from Tom Golisano to Advance Pediatric Care in Maryland

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In recognition of transformative gift, will be renamed University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital

BALTIMORE, Md. (October 28, 2025) A landmark $50 million gift from entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader Tom Golisano marks a defining moment for the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). As the largest philanthropic contribution in their history, this transformative investment will strengthen the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) as leaders in breakthrough science, education and compassionate care – shaping healthier futures for generations of children.

In tribute to this historic gift, the children’s hospital, located inside UMMC, the flagship hospital of UMMS, becomes the University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital (UMGCH). As a new member of the Golisano Children’s Alliance, it joins a growing national coalition of premier children’s hospitals dedicated to transforming pediatric medicine through collaboration, discovery and equitable access to world-class care.

At an event in Rochester, New York, Tom Golisano unveiled new gifts to six hospitals—expanding his Golisano Children’s Alliance to a 10-member national network advancing excellence and innovation in pediatric care. Senior leaders from UMMS, UMMC and UMSOM participated in the announcement. (View recording of the Rochester event here.)

“Children’s health has always been a priority for me, and it’s been deeply rewarding to see how the Golisano Children’s Hospitals are making a profound impact on the communities they serve,” said Golisano. “I am fortunate to be able to help others in this way, and I’m looking forward to seeing what these hospitals can achieve together. Also, I plan to continue making similar transformative gifts that will strengthen this new alliance.”

“For nearly 80 years, our Children’s Hospital has been caring for Maryland’s children and families right here in downtown Baltimore. Tom Golisano’s extraordinary gift will help us create a world-class facility with programs in gene and cell therapy that move us closer to cures once thought out of reach. It will allow us to attract the best pediatric specialists in these fields – the future of pediatric health care – while accelerating the growth of our existing programs in heart care, mental health, and community health. This investment will establish a lasting legacy of healing and excellence for the children of Baltimore and beyond,” said Steven J. Czinn, MD, Director of the University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital. Dr. Czinn is also The Drs. Rouben and Violet Jiji Endowed Professor of Pediatrics and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

“This historic and transformational gift comes at a time of urgency and opportunity for pediatric care in Maryland. It will have lasting impact across generations of children and families. We are deeply grateful to Tom Golisano for his vision and generosity, and we are incredibly excited to build on the momentum this gift will bring to Baltimore,” added Heather S. Culp, JD, Senior Vice President for UMMC, Senior Associate Dean for Development at UMSOM, and Chief Philanthropy Officer for University of Maryland Medicine.

Impact of the Gift: Space, Programs, People
Significantly expanding the existing children’s hospital, the gift catalyzes a comprehensive pipeline for innovation in pediatric care, research, workforce development and community health – advancing bold ideas and life-changing discoveries that will benefit children and families across Maryland and beyond. Goals include:

  • A Dedicated Home for the University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital
      • Move existing inpatient and outpatient pediatric services currently located in multiple areas of the medical center and downtown into a unified, child-centered space within the new Stoler Center for Advanced Medicine (under construction with completion targeted for 2026).
      • Include new facilities for specialties like oncology, advanced critical care and emerging gene therapies
  • Expansion of Advanced Clinical Programs
      • Increase surgical capacity for complex, high-volume programs in pediatric heart care and rare diseases
      • Enhance care in NICU, PICU and general pediatric units
  • Launch of Gene Therapy Services for Children
      • Establish a comprehensive pediatric gene therapy program, offering FDA-approved, potentially curative treatments for over 20 rare childhood diseases
      • Position the hospital as a regional hub for advanced, personalized pediatric medicine
  • Acceleration of Innovation and Research
      • Expand multi-site studies on rare diseases, CAR T-cell therapy and evidence-based treatments
      • Advance research on social determinants of health and community-driven care
  • Strengthen Community Outreach and Access
      • Support new models of care addressing rising pediatric mental health challenges, obesity and chronic conditions
      • Fund outreach and innovation to reach medically underserved communities
  • Recruiting and Retention of Top Pediatric Talent
    • Attract visionary leaders, specialists and researchers to drive the next era of pediatric medicine

Golisano Invests in Maryland’s Flagship for Children’s Health

The University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital, a 90-bed facility with over 3,000 annual admissions and 118,000 outpatient visits, serves as a statewide leader in pediatric care. Supported by the University of Maryland Medical System and guided by the nation’s first public medical school, the hospital’s reach spans the entire state while its proximity to Washington, D.C. helps shape national health policy.

Research initiatives affiliated with the hospital – including the Center for Vaccine Development, the Brain Tissue Bank, Asthma Management, Pediatric HIV research and treatment – are driving breakthroughs in genetics, infectious diseases, and child health outcomes. In a recent example of this research leading to direct benefits for families in Maryland, studies of former neonatal intensive care patients informed the state’s decision to expand eligibility for early intervention services to hundreds more children each year. 

The hospital operates Maryland’s largest Level IV neonatal intensive care unit and recently cared for the youngest patient in its history at 22 weeks gestation. It was the first in the state to perform a pediatric double heart-lung transplant, the first to treat a pediatric patient with stem cells, and is home to downtown Baltimore’s dedicated pediatric emergency department. As a regional hub for pediatric intensive care, UMGCH co-operates a statewide transport network to ensure critically ill children receive timely, specialized treatment. Its children’s heart program, founded in 2012, is recognized as one of the top such programs in the nation.

Beyond clinical care, UMGCH fosters community through physician-led camps and annual patient reunions, strengthening connections between families and care teams.

The Heart of Why Funding Pediatrics Matters

As a registered nurse at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, Angela Laubach sees miracles happen every day. But she’s also experienced this care in the most personal way, because her daughter Lana is one of those miracles. During Angela’s 20-week anatomy scan, she learned that her daughter Lana had a serious heart defect. 

“As a nurse, I understood the gravity of the diagnosis, but nothing prepares you to hear those words about your own baby. The team at the children’s hospital guided us through every moment – from Lana’s open-heart surgery just six days after birth to her remarkable recovery – with compassion, and constant reassurance. Today, Lana is a joyful 3-year-old who fills our home with laughter and endless ideas. Literally, her favorite thing to say is ‘I have a better idea,’” said Angela. 

Voices Across the Institutions

Mohan Suntha, MD, President and CEO of University of Maryland Medical System:

“A gift of this magnitude to our flagship children’s hospital enables us to expand pediatric expertise, improve access and strengthen care teams across our entire system. As a result, more children in more communities will receive the specialized care they need closer to home.”

Mark T. Gladwin, MD, Dean, University of Maryland School of Medicine: 

“We are so grateful for this profound and intentional gift from Tom Golisano, which comes at a critical time when children’s health in the U.S. is in alarming decline and funding for children’s health is increasingly at risk. Mr. Golisano is truly a remarkable individual who has put children’s health at the heart of his philanthropic mission. His tremendous generosity enables our Children’s Hospital to move forward as a bold leader in pediatric health across Maryland and beyond, enabling us to invest in cutting-edge technology and inspiring innovation among our pediatricians and pediatric surgeons in areas such as congenital heart care, targeted gene therapy, community health, and building new programs for curative therapies for pediatric genetic diseases and cancer.”

Bert W. O’Malley, MD, Executive Vice President for the Academic Health Division at UMMS; President of the University of Maryland Medical Center; and Professor of Otorhinolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine. 

“As part of a statewide academic health system, we have long had the privilege to provide Maryland children with high quality, compassionate care and advanced treatments for some of the most complex pediatric conditions. By joining the Golisano Children’s Alliance, we’re now connected to a national network of top children’s hospitals. Together, we can discover and share best practices, align on standards and launch innovative models that reach more children.”

Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, UMB President.

 “By joining the Golisano Children’s Alliance, University of Maryland, Baltimore faculty, researchers, and clinicians are further empowered to accelerate breakthroughs across all areas of childhood health and well-being. We are immensely grateful for Tom Golisano’s generosity, and we remain deeply committed to transforming the future of pediatric health here in Maryland and beyond.”

Ron V. Cummins, Jr., MBA, Senior Vice President & COO, University of Maryland Medical Center: 

“The Golisano’s historic and generous gift is an enduring investment in Maryland’s children — accelerating access to the most advanced treatments, and nurturing spaces — so that every child and family in our community receives care that honors their hopes and needs. The benefits of this gift will be felt for decades.”

To schedule an interview with one of the leaders above, please contact [email protected] or 410.328.8919. 

About Tom Golisano

Tom Golisano, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader, is the founder of Paychex, Inc., the nation’s largest human resource company for small to medium-sized businesses. Mr. Golisano’s vision, perseverance, and action have left an indelible mark on a broad spectrum of issues that touch our lives in business, healthcare, education, animal welfare, voter policies, politics, and tax reform. His investments are advancing entrepreneurship and driving the success of numerous businesses and start-ups. His philanthropic contributions to education, hospitals—including multiple children’s hospitals across the country that bear his name and numerous other organizations—exceed $1 billion. 

A fierce advocate for dignity and inclusion, in 1985 Tom Golisano applied his pioneering spirit to establish the Golisano Foundation to make the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than $120 million in gross assets, it is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. devoted to supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities awarding grants to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.

Mr. Golisano formed and financially supports the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship, where students receive a high quality business certificate and write their own entrepreneurial success stories, without having to take on enormous debt.He is the author of two Books, “Built Not Born,” a Wall Street Journal best seller and “The Italian Kid Did It!”

Connect with him at Golisanofoundation.org, Facebook: @GolisanoFoundation, X: @GolisanoFdn, Instagram: @golisanofdn, YouTube: @GolisanoFoundation

About University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital (UMGCH)

Located within the University of Maryland Medical Center, the University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital is a leading resource for children with critical and chronic illnesses throughout Maryland and the mid-Atlantic. The hospital combines state-of-the-art medicine with family-centered care, offering more than 190 specialized pediatric physicians. Its services include Maryland’s largest Level IV neonatal intensive care unit and comprehensive programs in congenital heart conditions, asthma, epilepsy, and gastrointestinal disorders. Visit www.umms.org/childrens for more information.

About University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) 

As an academic private health system, UMMS is focused on delivering compassionate, high-quality care and putting discovery and innovation into practice at the bedside. Partnering with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore who educate the state’s future health care professionals, UMMS is an integrated network of care, delivering 25 percent of all hospital care in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state of Maryland. UMMS puts academic medicine within reach through primary and specialty care delivered at 11 hospitals, including the flagship University of Maryland Medical Center, the System’s anchor institution in downtown Baltimore, as well as through a network of University of Maryland Urgent Care centers and more than 150 other locations in 13 counties. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

About the University of Maryland School of Medicine

The University of Maryland School of Medicine, established in 1807 as the first public medical school in the U.S., continues today as one of the fastest growing, top-tier biomedical research enterprises in the world.  The School has nearly $500 million total research funding, 46 departments, centers, and institutes, more than 2,200 student trainees and over 3,000 faculty members, including notable members of the National Academy of Medicine.  As the largest public medical school in the DC/MD/VA region, faculty-physicians are working to help patients manage chronic diseases like obesity, cancer, heart disease and addiction, while also working on cutting-edge research to address the most critical generational health challenges. In 2024, the School ranked #12 among public medical schools and #27 among all medical schools for R&D expenditures by the National Science Foundation. With a $1.3 billion total operating budget, the School partners with the University of Maryland Medical Center to serve nearly 2 million patients annually. The School’s global reach extends around the world with research and treatment facilities in 33 countries. In Maryland, the School of Medicine is spearheading new initiatives in AI and health computing and partnering with the University of Maryland BioPark to develop new medical technologies and bioengineering ventures. For more information, visit medschool.umaryland.edu.

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Ribbon Cutting Marks Opening of A. James Clark Emergency Services Training Campus

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Local and state officials, first responders, and community members gathered Saturday to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the new A. James Clark Emergency Services Training Campus on Mistletoe Drive in Easton.

The 7,200-square-foot campus was developed by the Friends of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department (EVFD) to provide shared training space for firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency-medical personnel throughout the Mid-Shore.

“At that groundbreaking, I made a statement over in the fire hall in Station 60 that we were going to build a Taj Mahal here,” said Brett Whitehead, president of the Friends of EVFD. “And if you look around, we’ve obviously built the Taj Mahal.”

Whitehead described the project’s goal as creating a campus “so all first responders [can] train together and then bring those services to all the citizens of Talbot County and the Mid-Shore.”

“We are here now. It’s our job to make sure this campus works and we leverage all of the talents and skills that are here,” he said.

Ed Forte, co-chair of the fundraising committee, told attendees, “Our goal is to raise $5 million. To date, I think we’re at 4.75 —we’re at 4.8 million we should raise up to today.”

“Every dollar that we raised, every hand … shaken, every lunch that we did — we needed everybody to make this work. And as you can see, the end result is fantastic.”

Daryl Caldwell, EVFD assistant chief and construction lead, thanked the many people and organizations involved.

“There’s a lot of people behind the scenes,” Caldwell said. “We’re hoping that this can be a project training center that everybody can train, and we can do the right thing, we can do the wrong thing, we can figure it out, and we can move on. But training is the key, especially in the fire service, police service, EMS service.”

Rich Williamson, EVFD president, recognized the project as “a milestone.”

“This is the result of a simple concept that grew into something meaningful — a dedicated training for us that will keep our community safer and our members better prepared,” he said. “They did it without being paid. Most places do need to be paid to do this kind of job, but … they dedicated it [their time] timelessly.”

Courtney Clark Pastrick, board chair of the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation, spoke on behalf of her family.

“What started as a bold idea is now a place that will prepare as many as 500 first responders a year with the training and confidence that they need to meet the challenges of work,” she said. “As you all know, first responders are the steady hand in our most uncertain moments, and the Mid-Shore is so fortunate to be served by such extraordinary men and women.”

Easton Mayor Megan Cook praised the facility’s regional impact.

“This training facility will provide the knowledge and tools to bolster and improve our local agencies, as well as agencies across the Eastern Shore,” Cook said. “The tactics and education received at this facility could very well be the difference between life or death for a friend, a neighbor, a family member, or even a first responder here today.”

U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md.-1st, noted federal support through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“USDA does projects like this, funds projects like this, to make sure that our rural areas are not left behind, and we’re not left behind with this facility,” Harris said. “We’re way up front. This is just a state-of-the-art facility that the area needs.”

Construction was led by Willow Construction with design and engineering by RAUCH Inc.

The Friends of EVFD have raised about $4.8 million toward the $5 million campaign goal. To donate, mail a check to: Friends of E.V.F.D., 315 Leonard Reick Drive, Easton, MD 21601.

About the Friends of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department

The Friends of EVFD is a 501(c)(3) organization supporting the Easton Volunteer Fire Department through fundraising, community outreach, and public-safety initiatives. Learn more at eastonvfd.org.

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