Temple B’nai Israel’s Susan and Barry Koh Lecture Series presents The Ethics of ClimateChange: The Planet, Our Common Home, on Thursday February 12 at 7 PM.

Keynote speaker Rabbi Sergio Bergman will focus on the concepts of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as well as ethical economic frameworks for development.

Rabbi Bergman, the president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ), is a qualified scientist and the first rabbi appointed as a government minister in Argentina. In collaboration with international religious leaders, including Pope Francis, he has promoted the religious and moral obligations to protect the environment.

This lecture will explore how Sustainable Development, viewed through the lens of universal values, recognizes that climate change is a symptom rather than the root cause. The methods by which we manufacture goods and utilize natural resources reflect our underlying values. This perspective integrates the concepts of Sustainable Development Goals, the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement (https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda).

In 2015, Rabbi Bergman was appointed Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Argentina. During his tenure (2015-2019) he led key environmental initiatives, including the creation of six National Parks and the establishment of Argentina’s first Marine Protected Areas.

In 2019, he was recognized by Apolitical, a foundation whose mission is to promote representative political leadership for the21st century capable of building democracies that serve citizens and the planet, as one of the 100 most influential global figures in the fight against climate change.

Since 2020, Rabbi Bergman has served as a President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ), leading the global movement in advancing Jewish life, values, and education worldwide. The WUPJ represents over 1250 congregations in over 50 countries.

The event, with a coffee reception following the lecture, is free, but registration is required. Register at

 

The Town of Oxford is accepting applications for the 2026 R. Gordon Graves Community Service Scholarship. This scholarship program is aimed at students passionate about volunteering and community service. 

The scholarship is open to current high school seniors and undergraduate students from Talbot County and can be applied to college and university, or trade school studies. The town will award one or more scholarships of $500 or more to students who demonstrate a history of community service and volunteerism. 

Volunteerism has enormous potential to initiate change, and young people will play an important role in shaping the future. Through community service students can help build a more generous and caring society. 

Former Oxford Commissioner R. Gordon Graves was an iconic supporter of his community. His service to the Town of Oxford not only involved his nine plus years as an elected official serving the citizens of Oxford, but it also encompassed his love of history, education and people, as he spent the last 20 years of his life in daily community service. His entire professional career was in higher education. His love of learning and years of service make this scholarship in support of local student’s educational pursuits a fitting legacy.

Student can download the application at https://www.oxfordmd.gov/198/Scholarship.

 Applications must demonstrate the applicant’s efforts in community service.

Funding of additional grants is open to any party or group interested in creating a donation in Gordon’s name and wishing to support the efforts of local students. 

Those making contributions should address their check to the Town of Oxford and note in the Memo: Graves Scholarship Fund. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 339, Oxford, MD 21654 or dropped off at the town office, 101 Market St., Oxford, MD. 21654

Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers is proud to be expanding its pre-kindergarten programming through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (Blueprint), in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS). The expanded Pre-K program, officially launched last September, is already making a meaningful difference for local children and families.

Passed by the Maryland General Assembly in 2021, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future was designed to strengthen education across the state, beginning with early learning. The initiative provides additional funding to schools and childcare providers to enrich classroom experiences and better prepare children for long-term academic success. Through the Blueprint, Critchlow Adkins has worked closely with MSDE to enhance the preschool experience while also serving as a model for high-quality early childhood education. 

An important factor in this initiative’s success is the organization’s strong partnership with Talbot County Public Schools, which helps ensure that what children are learning in Critchlow Adkins classrooms aligns with kindergarten expectations. 

Amy Walstrum, the Early Learning Supervisor and Blueprint Pillar 1 Chair for TCPS, shares, “Our long-running collaboration has been further deepened through Blueprint Pre-K Expansion, allowing us to work even more closely in support of children and families. Together, we intentionally align what children are learning in Critchlow Adkins classrooms with what they will experience when they enter kindergarten.” 

This partnership, grounded in a shared commitment to continuous improvement, has resulted in a thoughtful, comprehensive transition plan that supports young learners and provides families with confidence that their child is prepared for school.

In 2024, Critchlow Adkins’ Preschool Site in Easton was named a Center of Excellence, welcoming other local childcare providers for tours and conversations focused on classroom design, MSDE EXCELS (Excellence Counts in Early Learning and School Age Care), accreditation, and the importance of community and school partnerships.

Building on that momentum, Critchlow Adkins Preschool Site became the first childcare program in Talbot County to receive a Pre-K Expansion Grant through the Blueprint in 2025. Since the program began last fall, children have benefited from a rich blend of academic and enrichment experiences designed to support the whole child.

In addition to a strong focus on early literacy and foundational math skills, the expanded Pre-K program incorporates other meaningful learning opportunities. These include art and emotional mindfulness programming through a partnership with For All Seasons, music instruction with Easton Music Academy and Jump Start with the Arts, yoga, hands-on STEAM projects, and other activities that encourage creativity, movement, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth.

Over the past six months, Critchlow’s preschool teachers and leadership team have participated in extensive training alongside MSDE and TCPS to ensure the curriculum supports kindergarten readiness and meets the State’s highest standards. In November, MSDE officials visited the site, observed the expanded programming, and shared very positive feedback.

“We’re incredibly grateful for our continued partnerships with MSDE and Talbot County Public Schools,” said Executive Director Cristy Morrell. “At Critchlow Adkins, we’re always looking for ways to grow and improve, ultimately benefiting the children and families we serve. Being able to offer high-quality academics alongside enriching experiences like art, music, yoga, and STEAM helps us nurture curious, confident learners and build a strong foundation for their future.”

Critchlow Adkins currently has Pre-K Expansion space available in its 3- and 4-year-old programs. Funding for these classrooms is provided through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, meaning there is no tuition cost for qualifying families. Families interested in learning more or enrolling are encouraged to contact Donna Austin, Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers Preschool Site Director at 410.822.7181 or [email protected].

About Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers

Founded in 1970 and celebrating 55 years of service, Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers’ mission is to provide quality, financially accessible childcare for children and their families in a diverse, educational, nurturing, and safe environment.

 

Critchlow Adkins is a nonprofit organization offering year-round preschool, before- and after-school care, and summer camp programs at five sites throughout Talbot County. With a commitment to making high-quality childcare affordable and accessible, CACC serves hundreds of children and families each year.

Thanks to the community’s generous support, Critchlow Adkins can provide tuition assistance and enrichment programs that help children learn, grow, and thrive. To learn more, enroll your child, or support this work, visit www.cacckids.org or call 410-822-8061.