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June 30, 2022

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

News News Notes

Talbot County Council Awarded “Community Action Vision and Value Award”

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Left to Right: Sharon Strauss (MCAP Board Member), Marilyn M. Neal (MCAP Vice Chair and Executive Director, Neighborhood Service Center), George Newman (MCAP Chair), Frank Divilio (Talbot County Council Member), Corey Pack (Talbot County Council Member) and Angela Martin (MCAP Executive Director)

At the 2022 Maryland Community Action Partnership Human Services Conference held during May 11 – 13, 2022 in Ocean City, Maryland, the Talbot County Council was awarded the Community Action Vision and Value Award.  This year’s conference theme of “Future Focused: Advance, Build, Connect” highlighted improvements within communities as a result of community action services and partnerships. The Talbot County Council was nominated by Marilyn Neal, Executive Director, Neighborhood Service Center, for “continued support for Neighborhood Service Center in its mission toward eliminating poverty by empowering individuals and families to become self-sufficient.”

Council member Frank Divilio stated, “The last few years have been especially challenging.  Many of these challenges are the same ones that the Neighborhood Service Center helps the public with daily.   I am thankful that we already had many channels set up to help the community and appreciate everyone working together to keep us afloat.  While we faced many challenges, I am beyond grateful for the programs that we already have in place and watching them expand rapidly to fill the needs.”

The Neighborhood Service Center located at 126 Port Street in Easton serves as the County’s Community Action Agency, providing services and assistance to low-income families and elderly residents of the county since 1969.  Programs include After School Youth Program, Emergency Food Pantry, Electric Universal Service Program, Emergency Services Program, Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), Mobile Food Pantry, On-the-Job Training for Homeless Individuals, and Rapid Rehousing.  Additionally, the Neighborhood Service Center operates Webb’s Hope, a low-income rental property located at 36 West Street in Easton.

Talbot County has supported and partnered with Neighborhood Service Center on a variety of grants through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development including:

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – Homeless Initiative for the acquisition of 6 South Street in Easton and renovation of three apartments ($414,000).  Project completed in October 2018.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) – provides direct financial assistance and housing stability services to renters struggling to make payments for rent and utilities.  Assistance can be for rental arrears, prospective rental payments, prospective and arrear utility and home energy costs, and “other expenses related to housing incurred due, directly or indirectly, to COVID”.

ERAP 1 – $2,439,498. Expenditure period commenced July 1, 2021 and will conclude on September 30, 2022.

ERAP 2 – $1,678,514. The award end date for ERAP 2 funds is December 31, 2022.

For more information about the Neighborhood Service Center please visit www.nsctalbotmd.org or 126 Port Street, Easton (410-822-5015).

Edith Ramirez Joins Mid-Shore Pro Bono as Community Outreach and Communication Coordinator

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Edith Ramirez

Edith Ramirez of Greensboro, Md. has recently joined the Easton office of Mid-Shore Pro Bono as the Community Outreach and Communications Coordinator.

Her responsibilities include raising awareness about Mid-Shore Pro Bono’s civil legal services to individuals in need throughout the Eastern Shore, and to donors interested in forwarding the nonprofit’s mission.

Ramirez is bilingual in English and Spanish. She most recently worked in customer service in Dover, Del., and is a graduate of North Caroline High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society.

“Learning about resources available in our community has always been important to me, especially growing up as the daughter of a single, immigrant mother,” says Ramirez. “I’m passionate about helping to provide an equal chance to underserved individuals and families in my new role.”

“Edith is a pleasure to work with,” said Mid-Shore Pro Bono Executive Director Meredith Lathbury Girard, Esq. “Her experiences bring warmth to our clients and earnestness to our communications. We’re especially grateful to have her among our other interpreters so that we can make a difference in the lives of clients from different cultures.”

Mid-Shore Pro Bono delivers a mission of helping Maryland’s Eastern Shore residents obtain access to legal assistance, with offices in Easton, Chestertown, and Salisbury, with more at www.midshoreprobono.org.

The Artists’ Gallery Presents “Shore Delights” by Nancy R. Thomas

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Throughout the month of July, The Artists’ Gallery will feature new paintings by Nancy R. Thomas in “Shore Delights.”  According to the artist, “it was a joy to paint this past year as things opened up and plein air festivals were available to the public again.”  Thomas has participated in as many events as possible along the Eastern Seaboard, stating “she never tires of painting the local scenery, there is just so much beauty to behold, it is a sheer delight.”

Nancy came to the Eastern Shore in 1994 from Alexandria, VA., where she had pursued dual careers of dancing and painting for over two decades.  Her painting classes were taken at The Torpedo Factory, The Corcoran School of Art,  A Project Study Tour of Italy and Northern Virginia Community College, where she earned an Associates Degree in Fine Art in 1990. Thomas is a signature member of the Baltimore Watercolor Society, a past member of The Washington Watercolor Association and a current member of Oil Painters of America.

“Afternoon Delight” 36X24 Oil by Nancy R. Thomas

Upon moving to the Eastern Shore, she juried into the Working Artists Forum, where she held the position of President for three years.  Nancy has co-chaired and juried into the Local Color Show, held each year in conjunction with Plein Air Easton, for 16 years.  She became a partner with The Artists’ Gallery in 2010 and juried into Plein Air Easton in 2018. One of her exhibition pieces was purchased by The Avalon Foundation for a permanent collection featuring agricultural scenes on the Eastern Shore.  Thomas finds the light of the Eastern Shore to be captivating and enjoys painting the waterways, dramatic skies, the farm fields and farmhouses on canvas en plein air. She paints with The Plein Air Painters of the Chesapeake Bay.

The public is invited to visit The Artists’ Gallery for the opening reception of “Shore Delights” on First Friday, July 1st from 5-8 p.m.  Light refreshments will be served along with a chance to meet the artist. The Artists’ Gallery is located at 239 High Street in Chestertown and is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  For more information about the artist, please visit www.nancyrthomas.com or the gallery website at www.theartistsgalleryctown.com.

Studio B Art Gallery to Host a Plethora of Plein Air Easton Artists and Events

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This July, Studio B Art Gallery is honored to host a special Plein Air Workshop and exhibit featuring Master Jove Wang. The workshop and meet-and-greet exhibit opening will offer a rare opportunity to interact with the master painter right in downtown Easton. The activities are part of a variety of upcoming gallery events, sure to please art enthusiasts this summer.

The Plein Air Workshop with Master Jove Wang will be held in Easton and picturesque locations around Talbot County on July 11-15.  Jove will instruct the immersive, weeklong workshop during the same week that he will be recognized for his work as juror for Plein Air Easton 2022. The Plein Air Easton committee recently announced that Jove will be the judge of Plein Air Easton 2023.

European Fishing Village – Oil by Master Jove Wang

To celebrate the exclusive plein air workshop, Studio B Art Gallery will host an opening reception for the new exhibit “Masterstrokes: Visions of Jove Wang” on Friday, July 15. The showcase honors Jove’s latest works and guests will enjoy an Art Salon reception with the master painter in attendance from 5-8 p.m.

“Jove lives and works in California, but loves making the special trips to Talbot County to teach in our amazing small towns, rural fields, and beautiful waterfronts,” Studio B Art Gallery owner Betty Huang said. “Jove has played an important role in this year’s Plein Air Easton event and we look forward to our guests getting a chance to pick the brain of next year’s festival judge.”

There will be plenty more opportunities to enjoy art during annual Plein Air Easton Festival, held on July 15-24, and Studio B artists are right in the thick of the festivities.

Studio B Art Gallery is proud to represent award-winning artists that will be competing in Plein Air Easton once again. Stop by the gallery to see work by Hiu Lai Chong (past Plein Air Easton Grand Prize and Artists Choice award winner), Daniel Robbins (who won three awards during Plein Air Easton 2021), and Bernard Dellario (award-winning artists and Academy Art Museum instructor). There will be impromptu opportunities to meet with the gallery’s artists throughout the week of Plein Air Easton.

Betty Huang is the President of the Working Artists Forum (WAF). The group sponsors the juried and judged art exhibit “ Local Color” under the auspices of the annual Plein Air Easton Festival. “Local Color” sells original two dimensional art by artists of the Delmarva Peninsula and WAF members who have been juried into the show.  This year, 42 professional artists will be displaying their beautiful work in oil, watercolors, pastels, and graphite from July 20 through July 24 in the Fellowship Hall of Christ Church (111. S. Harrison Street Easton, MD).

Follow Studio B Art Gallery on Facebook and Instagram @StudioBArtGallery to learn about all these upcoming events with live updates and special announcements throughout July. The Master Jove Wang Plein Air Workshop requires advance registration with only a limited number of spaces available. Visit www.studiobartgallery.com to signup and reserve your space. Make your way to www.pleinaireaston.com to discover more about Plein Air Easton and plan your week of amazing art in charming Easton, MD.

Studio B Art Gallery is located at 7 B Goldsborough Street in historic downtown Easton, Maryland. The gallery represents nationally and internationally known painters Hiu Lai Chong, Bernard Dellario, Ken DeWaard, Betty Huang, Qiang Huang, Daniel Robbins, Master Jove Wang, and sculptor Rick Casali. Visit the gallery any time during open hours, browse online at www.studiobartgallery.com, or call 443-988-1818 to arrange a private viewing.

Annual DC/Baltimore Area Charity Golf Tournament Benefits Benedictine

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The DC/Baltimore Area Charity Golf Tournament to benefit Benedictine raised over $52,000. Pictured left to right: Thad Fletcher, Benedictine Trustee; Charley Mills, President, Benedictine Board of Trustees; Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director; Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer

A group of supportive golfers gathered at the Country Club at Woodmore in Mitchellville to participate in the Annual DC/Baltimore Area Charity Golf Tournament to benefit Benedictine. Graciously hosted by Benedictine parents, trustees, and lead sponsors Thad Fletcher and his wife Donna Rochelle, over $52,000 was raised to support programs and services that support the developmentally disabled and autistic children and adults that Benedictine serves.

“It was a great day to gather at Woodmore to share in camaraderie and raise important funds to support Benedictine,” commented Thad Fletcher, Benedictine Trustee Board Member. “Our daughter Gabby has had a wonderful experience at Benedictine and it so important to ensure that Benedictine can continue to do the important work in serving children and adults with developmental disabilities. Their quality of care is exceptional.”

The tournament introduces players to Benedictine’s mission and the generosity and commitment of the Fletcher family. Participants from as far away as Texas, Illinois and Oklahoma joined the Fletchers for this fun day of golf and philanthropy.

“We are so grateful to Thad and is family, along with his incredible network of supporters that join him each year in Mitchellville to participate in this golf tournament,” stated Charley Mills, Benedictine Board of Trustees President. “Benedictine’s mission to provide a welcoming atmosphere, dignity for the individuals they serve, and to provide a compassionate caring environment has been the backbone of this organization since its founding in 1959. Now more than ever we need to make sure that Benedictine can continue to provide the critical support and life enhancement for the many individuals it serves.”

The DC/Baltimore Area Charity Golf Tournament winning team was (pictured from left to right) JT Trevino, JD Davis, Danny Fotuna and Jim Kottage.

The day finished off with recognition of long-time participants and several new faces and an awards ceremony where the winning team was announced – JT Trevino, JD Davis, Danny Fotuna and Jim Kottage. Before the day ended, golfers were challenged to a long shot across the pond for more fundraising opportunities.

During the awards ceremony, Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director, echoed his appreciation for the generous support. “These funds are truly appreciated in support of Benedictine’s mission and its programs. Thank you for coming out each year to support us!”

Benedictine, a nonprofit organization, offers community-based learning opportunities for adults ages 22 to 70+ including those that live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot and Anne Arundel counties, as well as special education and home-like living options for children ages 5 to 21 on Benedictine’s Ridgely campus. Their Easton Office prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and also collaborates with the local public schools to provide services to their students.

For more information on Benedictine’s services and ways to support, please contact Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer at claudia.cunningham@benschool.org or call 410 634 2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization helping more than 200 children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot and Anne Arundel counties. The Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Mary Beth Deale Celebrates 20 Years of Service with Shore United Bank

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Mary Beth Deale celebrates 20 years with Shore United Bank

Shore United Bank is happy to congratulate Mary Beth Deale on 20 years of service. Mary Beth began her career with the bank in June of 2002 at the West Street branch in Annapolis, MD. Currently, she holds the role of Senior Loan Servicing Specialist, helping to complete new loan audits, handling flood compliance post-closing audits, and handling mortgage insurance monthly disbursements on existing loans. 

As a former pastry cook, Mary Beth came into banking with little experience. She began on the front line and shortly after moved into loan servicing.  

“Following the merger of Severn Bank into Shore United Bank, I had the opportunity of a new position, completely out of my comfort zone. I like the new position, because I am once again learning something new and now get to be involved with so much more of the loan process,” says Mary Beth regarding her recent title change.  

“Mary Beth is one of the hardest working, dedicated, loyal and conscientious employees I have had on my team, and it is a pleasure to work with her,” said Debbie Allen, Mary Beth’s supervisor and Loan Servicing Manager at Shore United Bank.  

“I would like to think I bring the best I can in quality and customer service, which has always been a mainstay with me in any job I perform. I love learning new tasks at work which has helped me understand and learn the processes within the department and others as well,” explains Mary Beth regarding the value she brings to the team.  

Beyond her responsibilities in the workplace, Mary Beth enjoys crafting and gardening. Born and raised in Annapolis, MD, she has two children and two grandchildren.   

For more information about Shore United Bank, visit www.ShoreUnitedBank.com

Call For Artists – Epicure, RiverArts’ August Exhibit

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Epicure: 1. “One with sensitive and discriminating tastes especially in food or wine.”  2. archaic : “One devoted to sensual pleasure and luxurious living.” (Merriam-Webster)

What gives you pleasure?  A glass of Chateau Lafite Rothschild?A garden of peonies, a silky scarf? Morning coffee in your favorite mug? Perhaps it is a plate of Fig Newtons and a glass of milk.

Fig Newtons / Cellophane #2 by Robert Lasus

RiverArts invites all artists to express this in any medium, including textile, pottery, furniture, and woodworking. You do not need to be a member to exhibit. Artists are limited to one piece but may include sets. If item is exceptionally large, please contact RiverArts.

The Epicure exhibit opens August 5, with a reception from 5 to 7pm.  The public is also invited to an artist’s talk on Thursday, August 11, 5 to 6:30 pm.

Drop Off:  Sunday, July 31, 1 – 3:00 pm
Monday, August 1, 10 am – noon

Pick Up: Sunday, August 28, 1 – 3:00 pm
Monday, August 29, 10 am – noon

For more information and to submit, please visit https://community.chestertownriverarts.org/exhibit/epicure

The RiverArts office, Gift Shop and Galleries are located at 315 High Street, Suite 106, Chestertown, MD  21620 – (in the breezeway). https://community.chestertownriverarts.org/
info@chestertownriverarts.org 410 778 6300.

Channel Marker Celebrates 40 Years

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For 40 years, Channel Marker has improved the lives of individuals on the Mid-Shore living with severe and persistent mental health challenges.  Founded in 1982, Channel Marker continues to strengthen the community by providing excellent mental health and wellness support services, through prevention programs, rehabilitation, and community services enhancing the quality of life for individuals in our community.  Channel Marker’smental health and wellness support services are widely recognized across three Mid-Shore Maryland Counties (Talbot, Caroline, and Dorchester) as a valued community asset.

During its 40th anniversary, Channel Marker will be adding Residential Crisis Beds to its line of mental health and wellness support services to address the needs of individuals who are seeking stabilization through acute, non-emergent crisis support services.  Recognizing the pressing need for a less traumatic alternative to psychiatric hospitalization on the Mid-Shore, Channel Marker is nearing the completion of an eight-bed crisis facility within its Glebe Park Drive headquarters in Easton. Currently the nearest similar crisis facilities are located in Somerset and Anne Arundel Counties, leaving a dearth of treatment options in Talbot, Caroline, and Dorchester Counties. When complete, this new facility will allow faster access to appropriate, therapeutic care and ease the burden on local hospitals.  To learn more about Channel Marker’snew Residential Crisis Beds service visit www.channelmarker.org/crisis-beds or call 410.822.4619.

Channel Marker has also launched a $250K Caroline Youth Center Capital Campaign helping Caroline County children, ages 5 to 18, in the new Caroline Youth Center in Denton.  Serving youth who have been diagnosed with a wide variety of mental health challenges, this youth center is the latest addition to the three-acre campus that also includes three supervised residences and an adult wellness center. Formerly the Caroline Hospice House, the Caroline Youth Center is a friendly and comfortable setting for interactive activities that mirror the work and play experience in which children struggle to cope.  At the Caroline Youth Center, youth clients will find hope for a bright future and lifelong wellness.  To learn more about Channel Marker’sCaroline Youth Center Capital Campaign visit www.channelmarker.org/caroline-youth-campaign or call 410.822.4619.

Mission

The mission of Channel Marker is to create a healthy Mid-Shore community by providing mental illness treatment and prevention programs, wellness support, and community services to individuals and their families.

Humble Beginnings

Channel Marker, Inc.’s articles of incorporation were signed on March 2, 1982.  The beginnings of Channel Marker came from the deinstitutionalization movement and the clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation. Some of the early work on this came out of New York with the Fountain House, and from Boston University with their Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. There was advocacy to help people with a serious mental illness to rejoin society and maintain their place in it. The idea was to build on people’s strengths, and provide support and training.

In 1981, there was an initiative started by the Talbot County Health Department. The original proposals wanted to give people more than what they were getting at the traditional clinic services. Susan Bishop, a social worker, was loaned from Eastern Shore Hospital Center to work on this proposal with Dr. Grobler, the Community Liaison Officer. Susan would later become very involved with Channel Marker as both a board member and a strong advocate for our clients, called “members” at that time.

Susan’s proposal was accepted in October of 1981. She served as a consultant on this project and assisted with hiring of the first staff.

Channel Marker started with rented space in local Churches. Dr. Grobler suggested the name of Channel Marker as a sign of helping people to find their way back to recovery. Clients were instrumental in designing the first logo.

The first budget to be submitted to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene was for $117,237.

As they say, the rest is history. From there, programs were launched in all 3 Mid-Shore Counties as well as property owned of 4-day program facilities, 7 houses, and transportation fleet.

The most notable expansions to date are the additions of the Group Practice in 2012, Health Home in 2013, the Wellness Center in Easton in 2016, and the Caroline Youth Center in 2018, and soon to open its 7th service line with the addition of the Residential Crisis Beds.

Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore Reveals New Learning Center Design

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Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore (JA), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland, recently unveiled renderings that feature the design of their new interactive learning center. The ‘Perdue Henson Junior Achievement Center’ is now in the early phases of construction with anticipated delivery by Fall 2023. Located within Oak Ridge Commons, the center will fill the 25,000+ square foot unit formerly occupied by Kmart at the 300-block of Tilghman Road in Salisbury, Maryland.

Gillis Gilkerson (GGI) and Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. (DBF) have formed a team that is responsible for the design and construction of the center. The state of the art facility is expected to serve 10,000+ students across the Delmarva Peninsula, annually. In partnership with local school systems, the experimental learning center will support Junior Achievement’s mission to improve financial literacy, workplace readiness, and entrepreneurial skills amongst our region’s youth.

With hands-on learning as the core strategy for delivering real-world scenarios to students, this unique adaptive reuse project will transform the vacancy into a “mock city” – one that simulates the day-to-day functions of adult life. This portion of the facility will feature a large, open area complete with eighteen interactive storefronts that serve to encourage career exploration. Students will also have access to a learning lab with interactive monitors and other technology used to explore career paths and their associated education requirements.

As you enter the front of the building, the lobby space will feature an exhibit wall recognizing the facility’s generous donors as well as a display spotlighting the history of the Junior Achievement organization. From this entrance, the office and boardroom portion of the center will be accessible for JA staff and visitors. Other areas of the center will be dedicated to outdoor learning and the hosting of events.

“Designing the center as it was envisioned by JA has been a truly rewarding experience. The center was collaboratively designed with the overall goal of enriching education, reinforcing connections between students and their local communities, and fostering positive student experiences,” said DBF Architect Project ManagerPayton Bridge, AIA.

As a whole, Junior Achievement operates on a national level, reaching over 3-million students per year. With a sincere commitment to providing our country’s youth with the knowledge and skills needed to create their own success, Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore opens this center backed by the full support of the Delmarva community.

“It’s truly an honor to have been selected as the construction team for this project. We are beyond excited to play a role in the transformation of this space, helping it to become a community asset for years to come,” said GGI Vice President Tyler Barnes. “Junior Achievement makes a lasting impact on our community. The guidance and examples their initiatives provide to our youth are critical throughout the Eastern Shore and beyond.”

Bruce Corley to Run for Talbot County Council

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Bruce Corley is a candidate for Talbot County Council and is running as a constitutional conservative republican.  Bruce attributes his success to his beliefs in faith, family and freedom. He will continue to live by those beliefs while focusing on maintaining and improving our: 1) criminal justice system, 2) emergency services program, 3) developing our future leaders, our children, to the maximum extent possible, both physically and mentally, 4) help guide our community growth with emphasis on being ecologically and fiscally responsible, and 5) focusing on maintaining and upholding our constitutional rights.

His unique skill set (law enforcement, Hunter safety instructor, leadership coach, wildlife manager and wildlife ecologist) will help him achieve his goals on the County Council, which will ultimately benefit our community.  Bruce has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Wildlife Management with a minor in Sociology and a Master’s of Science Degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Ecology.  

After finishing his Master’s Degree, Bruce gained full-time employment with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) as a Wildlife Inspector.  Bruce subsequently became a Service OLE Special Agent.  After successfully completing extensive training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, GA, Bruce was stationed in Florida from 1998-2008.  In 2008, Bruce was promoted to a Service OLE Supervisory Special Agent and stationed in Cambridge, MD.  During his career, Bruce conducted and managed multiple civil and criminal investigations into issues such as the illegal importation and exportation of protected wildlife, environmental contaminants, habitat destruction due to residential and commercial development, and the illegal take and commercialization of protected wildlife.  He retired from the Service OLE in 2018.

Most importantly though, in 1999 Bruce met his wife Kimberly.  They were married in 2003 and have been blessed with two wonderful boys.  Both boys have attended Talbot County Public Schools, and they are currently enrolled in Saints Peter and Paul Parochial School.

If you would like to meet Bruce, he will be at the “Grillin’ with the Candidates” meet and greet at the Talbot County Community Center on July 2nd between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm or you can contact him via his website at:  https://corleyfortalbotcountycouncil.com