The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community
Bruce Jones
Conversation: “What’s Good and Bad About Talbot County” with Bruce Jones.
Discuss how Talbot County compares with other counties within Maryland with regards to education, rates of crime, housing availability, social services, transportation, infrastructure, and more. Choose between a Live Zoom Class or Recorded Class, Friday / September 25 / 10:30- noon, $5. Go to www.chesapeakeforum.org to register.
Jay Hubbard, CEO of Daystar Manufacturing in Hurlock, MD, had established their business in 2016 to provide plastic injection molding manufacturing for clients. At the time the business was built around a major potential client, only to have the client direct business elsewhere, leaving Daystar with the building equipment and the then client business prospect evaporated. After a referral from the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center (ESEC), of which Jay is also a member of, to SCORE Mid-Shore’s Ed French, they got to work on business growth and planning that would strengthen Daystar’s opportunities for success.
Jay and Christie Hubbard of Daystar Manufacturing
A call from the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center (ESEC) Executive Director, Mike Thielke, to Ed French, a SCORE Mid-Shore certified mentor, began with a recommendation that Jay Hubbard, CEO of Daystar Manufacturing, Hurlock, MD, is a candidate for Score mentoring. Jay, a capital client of ESEC, and his wife,
Christie, had established Daystar about three years earlier to provide plastic injection molding manufacturing for clients. Jay’s previous experience in injection molding processes gave him the technical knowledge needed. In addition to injection molding using a number of composites, Daystar does assembly and packaging where products may include rubber and metal components.
At the time the business was built around a major potential client only to have the client direct business elsewhere and leaving Daystar with the building, equipment, and the-then-solo-client business prospect evaporate. That was the first of many lessons the Hubbards learned about what it means being in business for yourself. “No matter how much we trust others, we learned early how important non-competes, non-disclosure agreements, and solid contracts are essential in business”, observed Christie. To hear the Hubbards describe the experience it was a “near death” experience because of its dependency on one client for start-up.
At the time of the ESEC referral Daystar had two injection molding equipment pieces in its approximate 7,000 square-foot space. Today it has five large molders and contemplates a 10,000 square-foot manufacturing and warehouse addition to accommodate current and future needs. But getting from “there” to “here” is the story of faith and perseverance, according to the Hubbards.
As partners in working with new business start-up and helping established businesses grow, ESEC and SCORE Mid-Shore support each other with client referrals. In this case, as a capital partner for Daystar, Thielke saw an opportunity for Hubbard and Daystar to focus on business growth and planning that would strengthen its opportunity for success that might be better supported with a mentoring relationship with SCORE Mid-Shore. As small business capital lenders, “ESEC has a vested interest in the early success of its clients and knows the value of early planning and effective execution”, says Thielke, who, along with Mark Green has provided episodic support for Daystar. As mentors to small business, “SCOREcore helps provide objective reviews and recommendations to business owners that includes everything from business, financial, and capital planning to marketing, sales, operations, and human resources management. The specifics of each engagement are unique to the client”, according to French. The ESEC and SCORE partnership provides the experience of others in business that small businesses are not likely to access or afford on their own. The support from each is without cost to the client and completed through an all-volunteer cadre in the case of SCORE’s services.
The relationship between Daystar and SCORE was typical in that it involved several weekly meetings followed by monthly visits until Hubbard developed the momentum that gave him comfort. Meetings were interspersed with phone calls when beneficial for episodic questions.
French and Jay focused on examining the business opportunities for growth because this was a growth story to unfold as compared to a cost-management and operations efficiency story. Daystar manufacturing had the equipment, space, and capacity for growth. Because there was volume in place that covered the fixed and direct overhead, any new business properly priced would yield incremental revenue and marginal cost benefits that would go for continued debt repayment and additional cash for hiring staff and profits for Daystar. In commenting on the SCORE services, Jay said “The SCORE service was providing good advice and focus on the business plan, scheduling, and sales, and inspired me to think outside the box regarding marketing and sales.” Christie commented that “ESEC was more personable than banks, available, worked with us and was flexible in the debt repayment.” She added that “If our example is an encouragement to others who want to start their own business, then I am glad to share our experiences in this process.” They both chimed that their early beginnings were attributable to support through Dorchester County, and support from Kesha Haythe, the then-director for County Economic Development, that provided the initial loan subsequently transferred to ESEC.
Hubbard is a self-starter with a passion for high quality and customer service. As owner of a small business he knows that keeping a customer is vital and that once he gets a customer his relationships will likely continue. Daystar three years ago was a struggling business that never stopped focusing on quick turn-around in manufacturing and top-quality, but with one full-time and one part-time employee. Today, the business has 5 full-time and 4 part-time employees and another 5 available through a temporary labor source though they have been hand-picked and are like ‘family’ according to the Hubbards. The business operates three shifts most days of the week and two shifts other days. This year will see approximately 25% of the business from new customers and retention of all prior customers from last year. Existing clients develop new products to add to existing lines, accounting for about 10% of the volume. The growth has been pivotal, coming primarily from doing business for another manufacturing that could not meet its demand to national website marketing for referrals as well as networking referrals and repeat business. Two of the full-time employees are sons Bryan, 24, and Chris, 21, who are learning all aspects of the business from the “ground up” according to Jay. Their engagement, including managing all aspects of production on some shifts, makes this a family business.
When asked about the challenges of starting their own business, both the Hubbards are quick with advice for others based on their experience. “It seems an insurmountable task”, says Jay, “where it is easy to under-estimate expenses and overestimate income in the early days of the business”. “The commitment to faith”, per Christie and echoed by Jay, “was important in giving us patience and perseverance, knowing if we did the right things, we would be successful, no matter the early challenges and the uncertainty.” For sure, they are in agreement that working hard in the production area, staying close to all projects, training staff, and remaining focused on product quality are essential to keeping an eye on the business. As an example of the commitment small business owners make, they recount the times when they would sleep on cots in the office to be available to make equipment and production changes in the middle of the nights to have quick product turn-around and could keep machines working but didn’t have staff to operate them around the clock.
Within the last several months the Hubbards met with Ken Cass, another mentor with SCORE’s Mid-Shore Chapter, to discuss the elements of a marketing plan that resulted in the Hubbards attending a trade show to promote Daystar.
According to French “Jay and Christie are the ideal SCORE candidates for mentoring. They use initiative, work hard, are content experts in the business, and are open to new ways of approaching the sales and marketing area of his business and being prepared to meet production demands. Their focus on customer satisfaction will sustain them in growing the business and their business growth will help them achieve increased profitability.” The best testament to their success includes plans to get away for a few days to relax, a rarity in the early days of the business when it was always “hands-on”.
As to the assistance now provided to Hubbard from SCORE, French said “The great thing about our relationship is that Daystar doesn’t need any support now because Jay and Christie are accomplishing what they need to accomplish but they know we are always available if an opportunity presents itself where we can assist him”.
ShoreRivers educator Rebecca Murphy (left), teachers and students investigate critters pulled from a seine net on the Choptank River.
ShoreRivers supporters are now able to donate to the organization’s education program and receive state tax credits in addition to their typical deduction. ShoreRivers has been awarded Community Investment Tax Credits (CITC) through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to incentivize donations that support environmental education programs in Eastern Shore public schools.
ShoreRivers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that restores and protects Eastern Shore waterways through science-based restoration, education, and advocacy. With regional offices in Galena, Chestertown, and Easton, the ShoreRivers education department has partnered with public schools for over seven years to provide grant-funded science and environmental programs that support students and schools in meeting graduation requirements, cultivate the next generation of river stewards, and introduce students to environmental career opportunities.
ShoreRivers’ education programs include elementary and high school environmental and science curriculum, cost-free field experiences, and funds that support student-driven projects that reduce pollution and increase environmental awareness at their schools.
ShoreRivers Director of Education Suzanne Sullivan explains why the CITC program is so important, especially this year. “Our schools are facing immense challenges in facilitating at-home, remote learning. ShoreRivers is creating solutions to those challenges while supporting annual science and environmental learning. The CITC program comes at a critical time to allow ShoreRivers to focus on the programs, teachers, and students when they need it most.”
Since 1997, the CITC program has awarded Maryland tax credits through a competitive application process. The program provides benefits that include allowing nonprofits to enhance revenue, offer creative tax relief for business and individual donors, target impacts in communities, and increase visibility and support for nonprofit programs. The tremendous impact of the CITC program speaks for itself with over $3.1 million donated to various Maryland nonprofits in 2018 alone.
In order to qualify, gifts must be a minimum of $500 and the individual or business donor must file taxes in the state of Maryland. To make a donation today, visit ShoreRivers.org/donate and indicate “Education Tax Credits” in the comments box under gift preferences. Tax credits are limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. If you’d like to learn more about the program, contact Rebekah Hock at rhock@shorerivers.org.
ShoreRivers protects and restores Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education.
shorerivers.org
Hunter Harris describes himself as a farm boy from the eastern shore with a keen interest in things mechanical and anything aviation oriented. Harris will be chronicling his adventures piloting blimps from 1986 to 1995 for McDonald’s, Sea World’s Shamu, the Met Life Snoopy Blimp, and the Pink Floyd Airship, yes, THAT Pink Floyd, that flew around the countryside promoting the Division Bell World Tour and was used for media coverage during their concerts. He has soared above major golf and tennis tournaments, NASCAR and Indy-car races, parades, Super Bowl, and World Series games, all while accumulating thousands of hours as one of only a handful of Airship pilots.
Hunter Harris (left) and Mike Fitzpatrick.
“When you are flying an Airship, you are flying a big bag of helium thru the atmosphere that is affected by wind, sunlight, precipitation… It’s a type of flying that requires much more situational awareness (than other types of aviation),” describes Harris. “The series for Chesapeake Forum is all about my piloting experiences. I want to explain and share the experience of something that is really unique,” says Harris. “This will be my third time teaching this class. I will use video that I created on the computer with stills and music and will stop at certain points to tell a story and answer questions before carrying on.” The three classes begin with a trip from Miami to the West Coast (with a side-excursion along the length of the Mississippi valley). From there we go from San Diego up the coast to British Columbia and we finish with a repeat of last Semester’s Montreal to Miami trip.
The course will be presented live on Zoom. This three-session class is $15. For those who cannot attend the live course, recordings of the ZOOM sessions will be available after each class and may be purchased for viewing during the course registration. August 24th is the first day to register at www.chesapeakeforum.org. Mark the date, the first session begins on Monday September 21st.
Choptank Community Health System recently received $65,750 in Quality Improvement grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Health Resources and Services Administration. The grants provided more than $117M in funding to 1,318 health centers throughout the U.S. including 16 Maryland health centers receiving $1.2 M in grant funding.
The Quality Improvement grants recognize the highest performing health centers and those who have made significant quality improvements over the past year. Choptank Health was recognized with an Advancing Health Information Technology (HIT) for Quality Award and Patient Center Medical Home Recognition.
The HIT for Quality award is given to health centers optimizing HIT services for advancing telehealth, patient engagement, interoperability, and collection of social determinants of health data to increase access to care and advance quality of care. Patient Center Medical Home Recognition is for health centers delivering primary care core functions to patients, including the elements of patient-centered care, coordinated and comprehensive care, accessibility, quality, and safety.
Choptank Health will use the grant funding to further strengthen quality improvement activities and expand quality primary health care service delivery.
“We live our mission every day to provide access to exceptional, comprehensive, and integrated health care for all,” said Choptank Community Health System CEO Sara Rich. “Choptank Health is honored to once again be recognized for the quality of services we provide our patients.”
Health centers are community-based organizations that serve all populations including those with limited access to health care. Choptank Health is one of 17 centers in Maryland serving more than 377,000 individuals, including those without insurance or an ability to pay. Health Centers serve more than 28 million people nationwide and provide affordable, high quality, comprehensive primary care to people from throughout the local communities, including those underserved and uninsured.
Choptank Community Health System’s mission is to provide access to exceptional, comprehensive, and integrated health care for all. Choptank Health’s vision is to improve the health and well-being of people in the communities served by providing outstanding care experiences while being an exceptional place to work and make a difference. More about Choptank Health is at choptankhealth.org.
In early September, ShoreRivers virtually hosted the Chesapeake Bay Commission’s quarterly meeting, which explored successes and challenges to meeting agricultural pollution reduction goals as outlined in the federally mandated Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). The 21-member commission, comprised of state legislators from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia as well as natural resource cabinet secretaries, acts as a catalyst for the coordination and leadership of state legislative and policy action to restore the Bay watershed.
As we near TMDL’s 2025 deadline,most jurisdictions in the Chesapeake Bay watershed are relying heavily on the agricultural sector to achieve the pollution reductions needed. Other sectors include urban stormwater, wastewater treatment plants, and septic systems. The commission heard from local experts about successful practices, the policies that support them and suggestions for policy changes in order to complete the final push.
In the state of Maryland, the Eastern Shore’s agriculture sector will produce approximately a third of the total nitrogen reductions required of the state;17% will come from the Western Shore’s agricultural sector; and the remaining half will come from the urban, septic, and wastewater sectors across the state.
The agriculture sector on the Eastern Shore will account for a third of the total nitrogen reductions required of the state.
This presents an opportunity for the Eastern Shore to benefit from substantial conservation funding, increased technical expertise, and innovative ideas and technologies to reduce pollution in order to meet the 2025 deadline. State and federal funding for conservation projects including wetland and stream restorations, drainage practices, and floodplain reconnections boost the local economy by investing in local businesses and farms, contractors, engineers, construction workers, nurseries, and horticulturalists.
The meeting’s first panel, representing perspectives from the science, conservation, and agribusiness fields, was comprised of Isabel Hardesty, deputy director for ShoreRivers; Jeff Sweeney from the Environmental Protection Agency; and Lindsay Thompson, director of Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts and Maryland Grain Producers Association.
“In order to meet our 2025 pollution reduction goals, we need to provide funding to fully staff Soil Conservation Districts,” said Hardesty. “We need more technical service and expertise to implement conservation practices. These county districts are understaffed and it is actively inhibiting our ability to reach Watershed Implementation Plan goals.” Thompson highlighted this need as well.
Tim Rosen, director of agriculture & restoration for ShoreRivers, led the Commission on a virtual tour of the history of conservation drainage practices around the Bay watershed, ending with a tour of projects completed with local farmers Kyle and Bobby Hutchison. Conservation drainage practices allow for better control of water in a farm field, resulting in less nutrient loss, erosion, and flooding, and greater crop yields.
“There is ample opportunity to implement conservation drainage practices across the Bay watershed and retain significant amounts of nutrients and sediments on farm fields instead of losing them to surface waters,” said Rosen.
To adequately meet pollution reduction goals, the Chesapeake Bay TMDL requires that all conservation practices be in place by 2025. In the remaining four years, both funding and implementation of practices must be prioritized in order to meet the deadline and achieve cleaner rivers and a healthier Bay.
ShoreRivers protects and restores Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education.
shorerivers.org
One of the roles of government is the participatory process which involves the citizenry serving on boards, committees, and commissions to advise local government. In Talbot County, a number of these bodies serve in an advisory role, making recommendations to the County Council and various County departments. Most bodies require members to be registered voters, while others may require members to be from specific election districts because they relate to legislative issues or require gubernatorial appointments. Many boards meet monthly while other meet on an as-needed basis.
“Talbot County boards, committees, and commissions play a vital role in supporting our local government. At this time, we need citizens to fill several positions on these bodies. This is a great opportunity for our citizens to provide public service and have input in decisions shaping our County’s future. We appreciate the time and commitment made by those who serve. The reward is great in giving back to our community,” states Corey Pack, President, Talbot County Council.
The Ethics Commission, which meets on an as-needed basis, currently has three vacancies. Harriette Lowery, current Chair of the Ethics Commission, comments, “I believe serving on the Ethics Commission is a good way of giving back to our community, as well as being a great support to the Talbot County Government. We have an important role in upholding the integrity and honesty of our local government.”
“As Ethics Commission members, we never make a decision or answer a question about the ethics of our county government alone. We can refer to outside legal experts of the State and County Ethics Codes to make fair and just opinions. While serving on the Commission, I have met some of the best community people who I may not have known otherwise. People who are fair-minded, open, above-board, willing to get the job done, good listeners, and committed.”
There are also currently three vacancies on the Commission on the Aging, which meets monthly. The Commission develops and implements a variety of community services for older citizens relating to health, education, and welfare; encourages senior citizens to supplement their retirement income through part-time employment; and encourages continued personal growth through adult education, community service, and leadership.
The Talbot County Agricultural Resolution Board meets on an as-needed basis and currently has two vacancies – a representative from the business community and an at-large member. The purpose of the Board is to resolve disputes concerning alleged agricultural nuisances.
Each of the following bodies meets monthly and has one vacancy: Economic Development Commission (healthcare representative), Emergency Services Advisory Board (St. Michaels District), and Historic Preservation Commission.
All of these boards have specific criteria for the individuals who comprise their membership. Interested applicants must be residents of Talbot County who have been qualified voters for at least two years. Should you be interested in serving the County in this capacity, please complete the “Request for Appointment” form found on the County’s website at http://www.talbotcountymd.gov/uploads/File/council/REQUEST%20FOR%20APPOINTMENT.pdf Applicants should forward the form and a one-page resume to the Office of the County Manager, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton, Maryland 21601. Individuals requiring communications assistance or desiring additional information should contact the County Manager’s Office at (410) 770-8010.
Dorchester Center for the Arts is pleased to present two unique exhibits for the month of October. In the front gallery, “Behind the Mask” explores the connection between creativity and Covid-19. The exhibition features masks as art created by community artists, hung via hand-painted clothespins crafted by the patients of the Eastern Shore Hospital Center.
Vienna Bridge View by Anne Allbeury-Hock
In the main gallery, “CLOSE TO HOME, Reflections of the Shore” features the work of Anne Allbeury-Hock, Carla Huber, and Patti Lucas Hopkins. In the artists’ words, “an exhibit appropriate for these times during the Pandemic where we can appreciate the many beautiful and unique sights of our own area”.
In 2004, Anne Allbeury-Hock founded a group of outdoor painters called PAPES (Plein Air Painters of the Eastern Shore). For ten years under Anne’s lead, the artists would meet every Tuesday at many picturesque locations. Carla Huber and Patti Lucas Hopkins were among the early followers of this ever-growing group. They continue to pursue their painting individually, on location or in the studio from nature inspired themes of the Eastern Shore.
Shore Morning by Carla Huber
As a “California girl”, Anne Allbeury-Hock was naturally drawn to the paintings of the early West Coast Plein Air artists. She came to Maryland’s shore after a career in advertising and fashion design. Anne has studied with well-known landscape artists, all of whom were instrumental in her development of the soft-focus realism she prefers in her oil paintings.
After a career in commercial and wildlife art, Carla Huber settled on the water outside of Cambridge. There she is inspired by the local scenery as well as the unique light. Working primarily in oils, Carla particularly enjoys painting boats, marshes and farmland. She remains true to her subject matter, yet still striving for a looser, impressionist style in her painting.
A native of the Cambridge area, Patti Lucas Hopkins lives on a farm on the Little Choptank River with her husband, dogs, and chickens; surrounded by wild geese, deer, fox and wild turkeys. With a passion for the land and water around her, she is developing her oil painting to express that environment, and takes inspiration from the expansive landscape.
Dailsville Sunlight by Patti Lucas Hopkins
Both shows will run from October 2 through October 31. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday, noon to 6:00 p.m.
For more information on exhibits and activities at the Dorchester Center for the Arts, visit online at www.dorchesterarts.org, or stop by 321 High Street in Cambridge. Programs at DCA are supported by the Maryland State Arts Council.
Studio B Art Gallery is pleased to announce that Master Jove Wang will be teaching a Plein Air Workshop in Tilghman Island, Maryland, October 9 – October 15, 2020. To celebrate his trip to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Studio B Art Gallery invites the public to Master Jove Wang’s Opening Exhibit on Saturday, October 10, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
“Fisherman’s Harbour” by Master Jove Wang
Master Jove Wang is a highly sought after World-renowned artist, award-winning plein air painter, professor, and author. His career spans more than three decades. During his impressive career, he has received exceptional recognition and won numerous awards. Master Wang’s demonstration at the 15th Plein Air Easton Competition in 2019 was a highlight of the festivities.
“Jove fell in love with Tilghman Island last year when he was the featured artist demonstrating at the Avalon Theatre during Plein Air Easton 2019,” Studio B Art Gallery Owner Betty Huang said. “We are so lucky to have Jove come back to the Eastern Shore this October.”
Master Jove Wang’s theory in creating is that “A work of art Must Have Soul”. His paintings are a visual accumulation of experience and artistic integration that create a powerful visual effect reflecting the soul of what he paints – whether it is a figure, landscape or still life. His spirit of freehand expression of realism made his artistic achievements on the level of mastery sought by many. This is a rare opportunity to meet and learn from a master artist.
“Old Bottles and Flowers” by Master Jove Wang
“October is the best month to be painting plein air on the Eastern Shores,” Huang said. “The 2020 Plein Air Easton Competition in July was a huge success and we can’t wait to get outside again and paint with the master artist.”
Master Jove Wang’s work is available for purchase at Studio B Gallery in Easton, MD. Studio B Art Gallery is located in the heart of Easton’s historic district, at 7 B Goldsborough Street. Visit www.studioBartgallery.com for more information,
When it comes to places that serve to connect people to each other and to their community very few places do it as well as community farmers’ markets and independent restaurants. At a farmers’ market shoppers connect their purchases to the people that produced them while restaurants serve as gathering places to break bread, to celebrate special occasions or simply to relax and catch up with friends and family. Both serve to anchor communities and create a sense of place.
This year restaurants and farmers’ markets shared another important thing in common – they’ve worked through sweeping and often dramatic operational changes due to the pandemic.
Both these special institutions will join forces on Lawyers Row in downtown Centreville on Sunday, September 27th, from noon to 3 p.m. to present the Centreville Farmers’ Market & Sunday Brunch.
This market day will be presented as an in-person market, the first one this season for the Centreville Farmers’ Market, who has been operating as an online market for pickup or delivery on Wednesdays. The online market will continue through September 30th.
Friends of the Centreville Farmers’ Market volunteers Liza Watson, and Zach Troyetsky.
“Coincidentally this special market day and brunch will take place on the final day of the inaugural statewide restaurant week. Since this may be the only live market day, we do this year we wanted it to be a special one,” says Carol D’Agostino, Centreville Main Street Manager and liaison to the market.
Shoppers will have a chance to shop socially distanced market stands and also enjoy brunch from Centreville restaurants. Farmers/producers and shoppers 5-years-old and above are required to where facemasks at all times except when seated to drink or eat.
A selection of food will be available at onsite food trucks operated by Centreville brick and mortar restaurants. Other brunch entrees will be available for online ordering by September 18th through a new website on the same platform that currently handles the market’s online market orders. Current market customers can use their same login.
Shoppers will select and prepay for an entrée, and then choose whether they want to pick up their meal at the market to take home or reserve seating in the socially distanced dining area on Lawyers Row. The dining area will also include open tables where market goers can enjoy any food or beverages they purchased at the market. An onsite volunteer will sanitize tables and chairs as they turn over.
As of 9/9/20, farmers/producers include: Arlene’s Creations of Greensboro, baked goods & sewn items; Coops & Crops of Kennedyville, eggs, and certified naturally grown vegetables; Lucky Dog Treats of Centreville; Night Kitchen Coffee of Denton, small batch locally roasted coffee and spices; Rhonda’s Beaten Biscuits of Wye Mills, traditional Eastern Shore beaten biscuits; Starr Flower Company, cut flowers, houseplants and herb plants and more; Quarter Acre Farm of Tilghman Island, certified organic vegetables, pico de gallo (special salsa) and guacamole; Where Pigs Fly of Centreville, pasture-raised chicken – whole birds as well as cuts. Participating restaurants include Commerce Street Creamery Cafe Bistro, O’Shucks Irish Pub, Sugar Doodles Sweet Shop and Yo Java Bowl.
