Talbot County officials are acutely aware of the challenges facing local families, federal employees, and service providers as the impacts of the federal government shutdown and the loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits ripple through the community.

For Talbot County, it’s estimated 636 county residents are employed by the federal government; and 3,700 individuals rely on SNAP benefits to make ends meet each month.

As the shutdown continues, local leaders emphasize that Talbot County’s strength lies in its resilience and its network of community partners – especially as the holiday season approaches.

“Talbot County has always stepped up to care for its own,” said Council President Chuck Callahan. “We know this situation will affect many of our friends and neighbors, and we’re ready to work together to make sure no one falls through the cracks. Whether that means donating food, volunteering time, or simply checking in on one another—we all have a role to play.”

To support immediate needs, the Talbot County Council has requested an additional $150,000 in CARES Act funds, pending approval from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), to address emergency food and household assistance for two local food banks who are current subrecipients of CARES Act funds: Neighborhood Service Center and St. Michaels Community Center.

Earlier this year, the County also supported the expansion of the St. Vincent de Paul’s facility through a Community Development Block Grant, which just held its ribbon cutting ceremony earlier this month.

The Talbot Family Network, the County’s Local Management Board, is working closely with community partners to coordinate resources and identify both short- and long-term solutions. “Our network has grown stronger through collaboration among county programs and service providers,” said Nancy Andrew, Executive Director of Talbot Family Network. “Those partnerships help us take responsive action and work together to connect residents with the resources and support they need during this uncertain time.”

According to data collected by the Talbot Hunger Coalition, across the county, nine food pantries and three meal providers serve nearly 3,000 people each week—more than 12,000 people a month. Operating costs for larger pantries often exceed $8,000 to $10,000 per month, straining budgets even as community fundraisers like Empty Bowls, which raised $42,000 in February 2025, provide crucial support.

Talbot County Department of Social Services reports they issue more than $600,000 of SNAP benefits to more than 2,000 households consisting of approximately 3,700 individuals in Talbot County each month.

The County recognizes that the effects of the shutdown extend beyond food access.

Residents in need of housing assistance can find helpful resources on the Talbot County Office of Housing webpage at talbotcountymd.gov/housing or contact Housing Coordinator Shalunda Collins at 410-770-6821 or [email protected] for direct support.

Additional resources are available for financial and utility assistance, mental health and family support, and wellness services through local agencies listed on the Healthy Talbot website.

Talbot County encourages residents who wish to help to:

• Contribute financially to food banks and pantries;
• Volunteer your time with CarePacks, food banks, meal delivery programs, and community kitchens;
• Be a good neighbor. Check in on friends, coworkers, and neighbors who may be affected by the shutdown, especially seniors, single parents, and those relying on federal benefits.

“Even a simple text or visit can make a difference,” Callahan added. “That’s what makes Talbot County special. When times get tough, we show up for each other.”

For more information about local resources, visit https://healthytalbot.org/shutdown-response. The State of Maryland has also created a designated resource list at response.maryland.gov/federalpublicservants for federal workers impacted by the shutdown.

With growing support and measurable results, Talbot County’s Talbot FiRST™ Peer Support Team is setting a new standard for first responder mental health care. This month, the Talbot County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association presented a $5,000 donation to support the program’s next phase of training and outreach.

Launched in October 2024, the Talbot FiRST™ Peer Support Team was created to ensure that all first responders have the resources they need to address mental health challenges arising from the stressful, traumatic, and dangerous situations they face. The program connects first responders with trained peer supporters, fellow responders, who understand their work and can help break down the stigma surrounding mental health.

Since its launch, the Talbot FiRST™ Peer Support Team has:

• Trained 16 first responders across multiple agencies—including For All Seasons Behavioral Health, Talbot County Sheriff’s Office, Easton Police, Talbot County Emergency Services (EMS and 911 dispatchers), Talbot County Corrections, and the volunteer fire departments.
• Documented approximately 20 peer encounters to date — with program leaders noting that the actual number of interactions is likely higher, since many are informal or not yet formally recorded.
• About one-third of the peer encounters were initiated by peers proactively recognizing signs of distress, one-third were initiated by employees reaching out for help, and 80% of cases resulted in follow-up check-ins.
• Began outreach to surrounding jurisdictions to share their model and assist neighboring agencies.

The $5,000 contribution from the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, presented by President Jimmy Eason, provides general support to enhance the Team’s ability to reach first responders and normalize seeking help.

“Programs like Talbot FiRST™ are helping to redefine how we care for our first responders,” said Tina Kintop, Division Chief for Emergency Medical Services at the Department of Emergency Services. “This donation demonstrates our community’s commitment to ensuring the mental health and resilience of the people who protect us.”

Talbot FiRST™ leaders hope to expand the model and share lessons learned with other jurisdictions. “Mental health support is an integral part of first responder health,” Kintop adds. “We are reducing stigma and ensuring that our colleagues know help is always within reach.”

For more information on Talbot FiRST™, visit Talbot County Department of Emergency Services – DES or contact Talbot County Department of Emergency Services at 410-770-8160.

Talbot County Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce that the Easton Ice Rink will serve as the new home rink for the Delmarva Warriors and Salisbury University Ice Hockey Team for the 2025–2026 season. This transition follows the closure of the Harrington Ice Rink earlier this year which left many teams and skaters across the region searching for a new place to play.

The Delmarva Warriors is part of the USA Warriors Hockey program that supports and empowers veterans through ice hockey. Salisbury University’s Ice Hockey Team is a longtime fixture of collegiate hockey in the region. The teams’ arrival brings an expanded lineup of games and practices to the community, along with new opportunities for fans to enjoy high-energy hockey close to home.

The Easton Ice Rink is a unique amenity for Talbot County and the Mid-Shore region. As the only year-round ice rink on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, with the next closest rink located in New Castle County, Delaware, it provides a one-of-a-kind venue for hockey players, figure skaters, and families seeking winter recreation.

The rink is also home to the Easton Hockey Skating Association (EHSA) youth hockey program, the Talbot Figure Skating Club, Chesapeake Curling Club, local high school teams, and a popular adult hockey league, making it a vibrant year-round hub for skating and sports.

Parks and Recreation staff worked diligently to ensure that displaced teams could find a home on the ice in Easton.

“When we learned that Harrington was closing, our first priority was helping as many athletes and families as possible find a new home,” said Emily Gilmer, Director of Talbot County Parks and Recreation. “We understand that for some teams, this means traveling farther to get ice time. We’re grateful for their commitment to the sport and to our community, and we’ve made significant schedule adjustments to help ease the transition while still preserving time for public skating sessions and our local leagues.”

“Talbot County Parks and Recreation has opened its home to our Warriors players during a time of need, and have brought us into the family as if we were always meant to be there,” noted Chris Koch, President of Delmarva Warriors Ice Hockey. “Thank you from a player, coach, fan for all you have done.”

“Joining the Easton Ice Rink family is an exciting new chapter for us. Our team is eager to hit the ice and represent our program,” said Austin Arruda, President of Salisbury University Ice Hockey.

In preparation for the expanded schedule, the Easton Ice Rink has increased ice time availability and adjusted operations to welcome the influx of new players and fans. Public skating, learn-to-skate programs, and local leagues remain a priority alongside the new team schedules, ensuring the rink continues to be a community hub for recreation and family fun.

Game schedules for both the Delmarva Warriors and Salisbury University Ice Hockey Team will be announced soon, with the public invited to attend and support these teams throughout the season. For more information about the Easton Ice Rink schedule, public skating, and lessons and classes, visit: talbotparks.com/programs/ice-skating/.

New Flag Football Program, and Field Hockey Returns

Talbot County Parks and Recreation reminds families that registration is open for fall programs, including Field Hockey and the department’s first-ever Flag Football League. The deadline to register for Flag Football and Field Hockey is Friday, August 8; space is limited.

The Flag Football League is open to co-ed players ages 6 through 14. No football experience is necessary. Participants will have practices and games on the same day, with a 30-minute practice followed by a one-hour game. Most Sundays will be at Talbot Parks Community Center while some games will be held in Queen Anne’s County against their teams; games take place on Sundays. Practices and games begin Sunday, September 7. The fee is $85 per player; a $20 late fee applies after the registration deadline.

The Field Hockey League is available for students in grades 1 through 8. No previous experience is required. Players in grades 1 and 2 will practice one evening per week, while grades 3 through 8 will practice two evenings per week. Games are held on Saturdays at the Talbot County Community Center fields. Players need to provide their own stick, shin guards, and mouthguard. Practices begin the week of August 25, and games start Saturday, September 6. The cost is $85 per player; a $20 late fee applies after the registration deadline.

“We look forward to seeing kids and families come out for another great season of fall sports,” said LaDarian Blake, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation. “This year we are especially excited to launch our Flag Football League, which gives younger athletes a chance to experience the game without full contact, while learning skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.”

For more information, please contact Talbot County Parks and Recreation at 410-770-8050 or [email protected]. To see a full list of programming and register online, visit talbotparks.org.

Talbot County Parks and Recreation has officially kicked off the 2025 pool season, with the George Murphy Community Pool in Easton and the Bay Hundred Community Pool in St. Michaels now open to the public. Residents and visitors are invited to cool off, stay active, and enjoy a summer of safe, family-friendly fun.

Public swim hours are from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pools will operate on weekends through early June, then open daily from June 14 through August 17. Additional weekend dates include August 23–24 and August 30–September 1. Schedule updates may occur based on the Talbot County Public Schools calendar, special events, and weather conditions.

Daily admission is $5.00 per person, with children age 2 and under admitted free. Seasonal memberships are available and include individual passes for $75, senior passes for $65, and family passes for $200 (covering four family members, with an additional $25 per extra member). Membership forms can be downloaded from the Talbot Parks and Recreation website and must be submitted with payment to the Talbot County Community Center, located at 10028 Ocean Gateway in Easton.

Thanks to the continued support of the nonprofit SOS Sink or Swim, free swim lessons are available at both pool locations for children and adults. Since 2014, the organization has provided more than 6,500 learn-to-swim sessions to Talbot County residents. Spaces limited- Register online.

Bay Hundred Community Pool is also offering lap swim on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 25 through August 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Water aerobics classes will be held at Bay Hundred on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from June 16 through August 15, and at George Murphy on Fridays from June 20 through August 15, also from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Both pools are available for private party rentals on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Parties can be booked from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for $300, or from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for $400, with lifeguards and pool staff provided. Pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis during public swim hours.

New this year, Talbot County Parks and Recreation will host its first-ever Doggie Dip Day on Monday, September 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the George Murphy Community Pool. This special event gives local pups the chance to enjoy the pool before it closes for the season. Well-behaved, socialized dogs are welcome, accompanied by an adult (18 or older). Dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations and wear a collar with ID. No more than two dogs are allowed per person. While humans may attend and supervise, swimming is reserved for dogs only. Admission is $5 per dog or a donation of unopened dog food, which will benefit the Talbot Humane Society.

For more information about pool passes, classes, rentals, and the latest updates throughout the season, visit www.talbotparks.org/pools or call 410-770-8050. Follow Talbot County Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected all summer long

The Talbot County Council introduced the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget during a special legislative session held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

The proposed General Fund Budget totals $161,052,000, reflecting a fiscally conservative approach focused on preserving fund balance, maintaining low taxes, and investing in public safety, education, and essential infrastructure.

The FY 2026 budget prioritizes long-term financial stability by limiting recurring expenses, investing conservatively in capital improvements, and continuing to build reserves.

Public safety and education remain top funding priorities, with 43% of the operating budget dedicated to Talbot County Public Schools, including a $55.1M appropriation and an additional $260,500 for capital projects; 24% of the operating budget is dedicated to public safety.

The budget includes a 2.5% cost of living adjustment and one performance-based step increase for County employees, while maintaining current staffing levels in general government. No new positions are proposed in the general fund budget.

Additional highlights include:

• Use of $3.84 million in fund balance for capital equipment purchases
• Allocation of $13.7 million for capital projects with a focus on completing existing infrastructure and facility improvements
• $1.7 million designated for Recreation Fund capital projects
• A one-cent property tax increase dedicated to public safety, as authorized by Talbot County voters in 2020 and 2024

The budget proposal continues to build on Talbot County’s strong financial position. Fitch Ratings affirmed the County’s AAA rating in August 2024, and Moody’s Investors Service rates Talbot County Aa1, citing a conservative management approach and strong reserves.

Council will need to consider an amendment to the budget to account for the Mandated increases from the State for teacher and community college pensions totaling $450,000. This amendment will be considered at a later date.

Public Hearings and Comments

Residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming public hearings scheduled for:

• Tuesday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room
• Tuesday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the Easton High School Cafeteria

Written public comments are welcome and may be submitted via email to [email protected] or submitted online through the County’s new civic engagement platform at https://engage.talbotcountymd.gov/fy2026budget.

Final budget deliberations are scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025, with budget adoption slated for Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

To review documents and past meetings related to the FY2026 Budget (Bill No. 1585), visit https://engage.talbotcountymd.gov/fy2026budget.

Talbot County is calling on residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations to participate in Two Lights for Tomorrow, a nationwide initiative taking place on the evening of Friday, April 18, 2025, as part of the Talbot250 commemorative events marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

This symbolic gesture honors the historic signal sent from Boston’s Old North Church on April 18, 1775 — “One if by land, and two if by sea” — that warned of British troop movement and launched a united colonial response. Communities across the country will display two lights in their windows, porches, or public spaces to reflect on this pivotal moment in American history and the enduring values of unity, courage, and service.

“Talbot County is proud to be part of this national moment of remembrance and reflection,” said Pete Lesher, Vice President of the Talbot County Council and Talbot250 Member. “Two Lights for Tomorrow reminds us that the call to serve our communities and stand together is just as powerful today as it was 250 years ago.”

The event is one of many being coordinated by the Talbot250 Commission, which is promoting and organizing local commemorations of America’s Semiquincentennial and Talbot County’s 365^th birthday in 2026.

Community members are encouraged to participate by simply placing two electric candles or lights in a window at sunset on April 18, and to share their displays on social media using #TwoLightsForTomorrow and #Talbot250.

To learn more about the initiative and how you can get involved, visit https://www.talbot250.org/events/two-lights-for-tomorrow.