Since Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS) began serving homeless men, women, and children in January of 2009, volunteers have been at the heart and soul of their mission.  When TIS first opened as a traveling cold-weather shelter, members of the community would provide meals, laundry, transportation services, fellowship, and more.  In November of 2014, when the shelter moved into its first permanent facility and began serving more families and individuals, the organization’s volunteers didn’t skip a beat.  In the intervening years, they have provided thousands of meals as well as thousands of hours of supervision for the guests at TIS’ family shelter, Easton’s Promise, and singles shelter, Evelyn’s Place.  TIS volunteers also help in many other capacities, including assisting with fundraising events like the popular annual Lip Sync Battle, moving furniture, and performing maintenance and landscaping on shelter grounds to help Evelyn’s Place and Easton’s Promise remain two of the most admired properties in Easton’s historic downtown.

On May 18^th, Talbot Interfaith Shelter honored its dedicated volunteers with a luncheon at the VFW in Easton.  This was the organization’s largest volunteer appreciation event to date, with nearly 100 guests (approximately one-third of the total number of volunteers at the organization).  Some of those in attendance have been donating their time to the shelter since day one – that’s more than 14 years in service to the community.

The reception hall was beautifully decorated with floral arrangements donated by the Talbot County Garden Club.  Volunteers dined on salad, soup, and sandwiches, with a specially made cake for dessert.  Executive Director Julie Lowe addressed the crowd, thanking them for their steadfast support of the shelter and its mission.  During her speech, she gave special recognition and thanks to two long-serving Board Members who are leaving their positions – Gail Benjamin and Harvey Zendt.

Next, TIS’ new Volunteer Coordinator, Nancy Cummings, spoke, reiterating the organization’s fervent thanks for the volunteers’ efforts and sharing some updates.  Nancy also told volunteers about the TIS Ambassadors Program.  TIS Ambassadors is a training program that was started in 2019 to help shelter supporters learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and their S4 Program so that they can be well-informed TIS representatives out in the community.  The program was paused during the pandemic, but sessions will now be held quarterly, starting on Wednesday, June 7^th.

After speeches, the volunteers played a fun game of “Team TIS Trivia,” with the winner receiving a gift card donated by Plaza Jalisco.  Shelter staff also raffled off a beautiful wooden bowl donated by Tuckahoe Hardwoods, which was won by Jay Lister.

“Our volunteers are truly the lifeblood of our organization.  To see so many of them in one place and to be able to thank them in person for all they do for TIS and our guests was incredibly gratifying,” shared Julie Lowe.  “They may not think that it’s a big deal to donate a meal or to hang out in our shelters so the staff can go about their good work.  But those homecooked meals, the friendly smiles and words of encouragement – that’s love, and our guests feel that to the bottom of their souls.  It fuels them and gives them the confidence to work their way through our program because they know this community is behind them, lifting them up.”

To become a TIS volunteer or sign up for TIS Ambassadors training, contact Nancy Cummings, Volunteer Coordinator, at 410-690-3120 or nancycummings@talbotinterfaithshelter.org.

Talbot Interfaith Shelter is a homeless shelter and transitional housing program based in Easton, MD and serving the five counties of the Mid-Shore (Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Annes).  They have developed the innovative and comprehensive S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success), which is designed to guide local families and individuals from homelessness to self-sufficiency. 

Guests begin at one of TIS’ two neighboring shelter homes – Easton’s Promise for families and Evelyn’s Place for single men and women – where they receive rigorous case management and attend life skills training while they work to attain financial stability.  Once they are ready, guests move into one of TIS’ 15 off-site transitional apartments, where they continue to receive case management while their portion of rent gradually increases until they can sustain all of their expenses.

To learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and how to help, visit https://talbotinterfaithshelter.org or contact Julie Lowe at 410-310-2316 or julielowe@talbotinterfaithshelter.org.

On April 29^th, the Waterfowl Building in Easton was alive with the sounds of music, applause, and joy as Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS) hosted its 7^th Annual Lip Sync Battle fundraiser.  By the end of the evening, nearly $83,000 had been raised to help TIS in its mission to provide Shelter, Stability, Support, and a path to Success for local families and individuals in need.

The Lip Sync Battle is a unique fundraising event that draws participants from all over the community to either perform a lip sync routine live on stage or create a lip sync video.  Each team competes to get votes in the form of donations to Talbot Interfaith Shelter.  The goal is to be the team in each category that raises the most money in support of TIS’ mission.  Altogether, seventeen different teams raised a total of $61,000.

This year, there were winners in three separate categories.  The Country School Faculty won in the Live Performance Category, Father Nash of Saints Peter and Paul Parish was the victor in the Live Show Video Category, and Vintage Books took home the trophy in the Online Only Video Category.  At the end of the event, the Live Performers also competed for audience applause, and the 2023 “People’s Choice Award” went to the Saints Peter and Paul School Students.

Hosts Jayme D, Jay Hudson, and Ricky Vitanovec set a joyful tone from the start with an opening performance that had the crowd singing and clapping along.  Seven teams then performed live, drawing laughter and cheers from the audience with their creative routines during the Free for All round.  In the second half of the evening, the teams played Lip Sync Roulette, spinning a roulette wheel and performing whichever song the arrow landed on.  The audience even got in on the action – some hopped up on stage and spun the wheel, while others sang and danced along from their seats.

“We are so thrilled to be back hosting the event in its original form, with a big audience and people performing live on stage,” says TIS Executive Director Julie Lowe.  “Looking out in the audience and seeing all ages, races, religions, and more experiencing joy together – there is no other feeling like it.  We are beyond blessed that so many people in our community choose to put themselves out there to draw attention to our mission each year.  Lip Sync 2023 raised more money than ever before to help our neighbors get back on their feet. We are humbled and so grateful.”

This year’s Lip Sync Battle was presented by Sun Management Rising Technologies.  For a complete list of sponsors, and to meet all of the participating teams, visit talbotinterfaithshelter.org/lsb.

Talbot Interfaith Shelter is a homeless shelter and transitional housing program based in Easton, MD and serving the five counties of the Mid-Shore (Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Annes).  They have developed the innovative and comprehensive S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success), which is designed to guide local families and individuals from homelessness to self-sufficiency. 

Guests begin at one of TIS’ two neighboring shelter homes – Easton’s Promise for families and Evelyn’s Place for single men and women – where they receive rigorous case management and attend life skills training while they work to attain financial stability.  Once they are ready, guests move into one of TIS’ 15 off-site transitional apartments, where they continue to receive case management while their portion of rent gradually increases until they can sustain all of their expenses.

To learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and how to help, visit https://talbotinterfaithshelter.org or contact Julie Lowe at 410-310-2316 or julielowe@talbotinterfaithshelter.org.

During the year-end holiday season, one might walk into a store or turn on the radio and hear various singers proclaiming, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”  The staff and supporters of Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS), however, have that refrain stuck in their heads throughout what they affectionately refer to as ‘Lip Sync Season’ – the weeks leading up to and including TIS’ highly-anticipated annual Lip Sync Battle fundraiser.

After taking the competition online for two years and a hybrid event last year, Lip Sync Battle 2023 – presented by Sun Management Rising Technologies – is returning to its roots with a full live show on April 29^th at the Waterfowl Building (former Armory) in Easton.  Doors open at 6:00 pm for light fare, cocktails, mixing, mingling, and photo booth fun.  Showtime is at 7:00 pm.

Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s Lip Sync Battle is a can’t-miss evening filled with joy from start to finish.  Hands will be clapping, toes will be tapping, and laughter will fill the air as teams from across our community come together to entertain and inspire the audience in hopes of earning votes for the title of 2023 Lip Sync Champion.  This event makes for a perfect date night experience, a memorable evening of family fun, or a friends’ night out!

There are three competition categories this year: Live Performance, Videos Presented at the Live Show, and Online-Only Videos.  Every team is competing to raise the most money in support of TIS’ mission to provide Shelter, Stability, Support, and a path to Success for local families and individuals in need.  The winners in each group will be announced at the end of the show, as will the “People’s Choice” award, which is decided by audience applause.

“We are so excited to bring everyone back together once again this year,” says TIS Executive Director Julie Lowe.  “There is absolutely nothing like the energy in the room during Lip Sync Battle.  To look out and see a beautiful cross-section of our community and watch them share laughter and joy together… It is truly magical, and we just cannot wait!”

The competition has already begun, and the community can visit https://talbotinterfaithshelter.org/lsb to purchase tickets and/or vote for their favorite team(s) from now through the end of the show on April 29^th.

Those interested in becoming a Lip Sync Battle sponsor or volunteering during the event should contact TIS Development Director Laura Richeson at 443-786-6962 or lauraricheson@talbotinterfaithshelter.org.

Talbot Interfaith Shelter is a homeless shelter and transitional housing program based in Easton, MD and serving the five counties of the Mid-Shore (Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Annes).  They have developed the innovative and comprehensive S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success), which is designed to guide local families and individuals from homelessness to self-sufficiency. 

Guests begin at one of TIS’ two neighboring shelter homes – Easton’s Promise for families and Evelyn’s Place for single men and women – where they receive rigorous case management and attend life skills training while they work to attain financial stability.  Once they are ready, guests move into one of TIS’ 15 off-site transitional apartments, where they continue to receive case management while their portion of rent gradually increases until they are able to sustain all of their expenses.

To learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and how to help, visit https://talbotinterfaithshelter.org or contact Julie Lowe at 410-310-2316 or julielowe@talbotinterfaithshelter.org.

The Avalon Theater was alive with the sounds of music, laughter, and applause on April 21^st, thanks to Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s (TIS) 6^th Annual Lip Sync Battle Fundraiser.  The night ended with a bang, having raised a record breaking $41,000 in support of the shelter’s S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success).

While not quite back to its original live format, the event returned to its roots, welcoming a limited audience in the same venue where they held the very first Lip Sync Battle.  However, in a demonstration of how much things have changed over the past two years, event organizers added a modern twist – a live stream for those who were more comfortable watching from home.

Those attending in person were treated to food from Eat Sprout and sweet treats from Blue Heron Catering, as well as snacks and beverages made possible by ACME, Giant Food, Harris Teeter, Blue Heron Coffee, Harrison’s Liquors, Hair O’ The Dog, and Kelly Distributors.  They also had fun at a digital photo booth provided by Foto Berry.

Hosts Jayme Dingler and Jay Hudson appeared live on stage and presented creative lip sync videos created by this year’s eleven contestants from throughout the community: the TIS Staff, the TIS Board, Father Nash from Saints Peter and Paul, Team Scout, brothers Noah and Zach, the Cash Queens from Shore United Bank in Denton, Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers, The AKAs, the Latin Honors SLAYciety from Easton High School, the Country School Faculty, and Amanda David from Edward Jones in Easton.

Contestants worked hard to earn votes in the form of donations leading up to the show, and both the in person and at-home audiences were able to vote throughout the show.  By the end of the evening, TIS had blown past previous fundraising records for this event, raising an astonishing $14,000 more than their previous record, which was set before COVID hit and the event had to be temporarily taken online.

At the end of the event, two awards were given out.  Father Nash was the Overall Winner, which goes to the contestant that raises the most money for Talbot Interfaith Shelter.  Incredibly, he raised more than $12,000 with his rousing rendition of Kyrie by Mr. Mister.  This is Father Nash’s second year winning the Overall Award.  The Country School Faculty won the People’s Choice Award.  In pre-COVID times, this trophy went to the team that got the most applause from the audience.  Due to half of the audience tuning in from home, this year the award was calculated by counting the number of individual donations each team received.  The Country School Faculty won over the crowd by “Rick Rolling” them with their fun take on Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up.

“We are thrilled,” says TIS Executive Director Julie Lowe.  “Beyond the funds raised, we were basking in the fact that our community could be together again.  One of the best parts of the Lip Sync Battle is that people from all over are in the same room, laughing and singing together.  While it wasn’t as big is in years past, nevertheless, it was so wonderful to sit in that room and be surrounded by love and joy.”

Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s 6^th Annual Lip Sync Battle was presented by Wells Fargo Advisors Easton, On Your Mark Lighting and Décor, Scrawl Design, The Hummingbird Inn, Bullock Construction, Eastern Shore Print Ship Connect, Charles Goebel Architect, Willow Construction, FBB Capital Partners, Kopen and Collison, Walmart Easton, and Spring & Associates.

Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS) is a homeless shelter and transitional housing program based in Easton, MD, and serving the five counties of the Mid-Shore (Talbot, Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne, and Dorchester).  Families and individuals staying with TIS are required to participate in the S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success).  S4 guides guests step-by-step from homelessness to self-sufficiency by providing shelter, case management, connection to local service providers, and educational programming.  When guests are ready, they are invited to move into one of TIS’ off-site transitional apartments.  TIS partially subsidizes their rent, and they continue to receive rigorous case management and to participate in classes as they work gradually towards taking over their full expenses over the course of approximately two years.

To learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and how you can help, visit talbotinterfaithshelter.org or contact Julie Lowe at julielowe@talbotinterfaithshelter.org or 410-310-2316.

During the first three weekends in December, the community got into the holiday spirit at the Hummingbird Inn in Easton for the 2^nd annual Home for the Holidays winter festival.  This year’s event raised nearly $10,000 to benefit Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success), which guides local families and individuals from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

Attendees were mesmerized by the magical lighting display on the grounds of the Hummingbird Inn, designed and installed in partnership with On Your Mark Lighting and Design.  They enjoyed live musical performances each night from local musicians: The Allegra Women’s Choir, DJ Charles Thomas, The Julie Mack Jazz Duo, Tom Gerni and Natural Law, Ellie Rose and Makayla Faulkner, Edgemere, Easton Elementary Chorus, The Praisefest Chorale, Emma Bailey, and Jayme D.  Santa was “in the house” every evening, thanks to Ken Gresch and Greg Wilson, and Santa’s helper elf Caitlin Lankford joined him during the final weekend.

A plethora of sweet treats were provided by Eat Sprout, Blue Heron Catering, Kate’s Cookies, Lori Cuthbert, and Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s (TIS) own Director of Operations, Fran Doran.  Kids had lots of fun at the craft table, making their own ornaments to take home.  On Sunday, December 12^th and December 19^th, Tanglao Carriage Tours provided carriage rides through town, sponsored by Easton Economic Development Corp.

Shelter supporters sponsored the Walk of Lights, a luminary path stretching from the Hummingbird Inn on Aurora Street down Dover and Goldsborough Streets and leading into downtown Easton.  Some 400 luminaries lit the path for the first two weekends, until some unexpected rain damaged most of the displays.

This year, the whole town got in on the fun with the Downtown Easton Decorating Contest, in which nineteen downtown businesses and five homes competed for the community’s votes to determine who had the best holiday decorations.  The business participants were:  Deco Stephy, Storm & Daughters Ice Cream, Prim Salon and Boutique, Marc Randall & Co, Vintage Books, Shearer the Jeweler, A Happy Place, Dwelling & Design, Curlicue, Dragonfly Boutique, EC and Company and Elizabeth Claire Salon, Sailor, Lizzy Dee, Levity of Easton, An Optical Galleria, Trade Whims, La De Da, Justamere Trading Post, and Berrier Ltd.  The residential contestants were 107, 109, 111, and 118 Goldsborough Street and 9 N Aurora Street.  Vintage Books won the business contest, while 111 Goldsborough Street took home the prize for the residential contest.  Each received a $100 Downtown Easton Gift Card and dinner for two at Hunter’s Tavern.

“We are delighted by the results from this year’s event,” says TIS Executive Director Julie Lowe.  “It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces, and gratifying to know that we were able to raise $10,000 to help the families and individuals we serve to move out of homelessness and reclaim their independence.  We are grateful to all of the donors, sponsors, musicians, and of course, our incredible volunteers, without whom we could not have pulled off this marathon event!”

Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS) is a homeless shelter and transitional housing program based in Easton, MD and serving the five counties of the Mid-Shore (Talbot, Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne, and Dorchester).  Families and individuals staying with TIS are required to participate in their S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success).  S4 guides guests step-by-step from homelessness to self-sufficiency by providing shelter, case management, connection to local service providers, and educational programming.  When guests are ready, they are invited to move into one of TIS’ off-site transitional apartments.  TIS partially subsidizes their rent, and they continue to receive rigorous case management and participate in classes as they work gradually towards taking over their full expenses over the course of approximately two years.

To learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and how you can help, visit talbotinterfaithshelter.org or contact Julie Lowe at julielowe@talbotinterfaithshelter.org or 410-310-2316.

The Easton Village Homeowners Association and Elm Street Development are pleased to announce a grant of $4,500.00 to the Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIF). This grant will help TIF to expand its services to a larger number of mid-shore residents, many of whom became homeless for the first time as a result of economic pressures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Elm Street Development established the Easton Village Charitable Fund in 2006 as a way to give back to the community,” Vice President Mike Burlbaugh explains. “From the beginning it’s been a joint venture of our company and the people who buy homes or lots in Easton Village.”

The Easton Village Charitable Fund is an endowed fund managed by the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. A small percentage of price at the first-timesale of a lot or house funds the endowment, which currently exceeds $100,000.00. The fund also receives direct donations from individual Easton Village and Talbot County residents.

Ty Dickerson, acting president of the Easton Village HOA says: “We think this annual grant reflects the true spirit of Easton Village. We have always been a community of people who work together both for the benefit of our own neighborhood and Talbot County as a whole.”

To find out more about the Easton Village Charitable Fund, please contact Dorothy Whitcomb at dwhitcomb@me.com.

On April 29^th, Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS) held its 5^th Annual Lip Sync Battle Fundraiser, but it looked a little different than it has in years past.  Due to COVID, it wasn’t quite time to bring it back as a live event, but they were still able to host an evening of entertainment for the community, which was their ultimate goal, according to TIS Executive Director Julie Lowe.

“This event means so much to TIS and to the community, and we knew that cancelling was not an option,” Lowe said.  “We felt that the most important thing – even more than raising money in support of our mission – was to do something that represented a return to joy after a tough year.  We just wanted to make people smile, and I believe we succeeded.”

This year’s Lip Sync Battle was held as a live stream event.  Eight competitors from all over our community submitted videos of themselves lip syncing to songs by artists as varied as Queen, Beyonce, The Four Tops, Gwen Stefani, and Matisyahu.  Some of TIS’ staff and Board Members also got in on the act, recording fun lip sync videos of their own, just for fun.

Viewers had the opportunity to enjoy dinner from local restaurants the evening of the show.  TIS partnered with Snifter’s, Out of the Fire, and the Washington Street Pub, each of whom offered takeout specials that allowed for a portion of the proceeds to be donated to the shelter.

Hundreds of people tuned in from home and got to vote for the winners by making a donation to TIS in honor of their favorite team.  At the end of the evening, two winners were announced:  The Overall Winner was the team that raised the most money for Talbot Interfaith Shelter, and the People’s Choice Award went to the team with the highest number of donors.  This year, one competitor won both awards  – Father Nash of Saints Peter and Paul won the audience over with his rendition of Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love,” raising more than $15,000 to support Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success).  Altogether, participants raised $24,501 to help local families and individuals move from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

Each of the competing teams earned special awards in recognition for giving of their time and talents in the midst of a chaotic year.  The Cash Queens from Shore United Bank in Denton won the award for Best Costume.  2020 People’s Choice Award winners The AKAs (Alpha Kappa Alpha) won for Best Choreography.  Girls In Step, who won the People’s Choice Award in 2019, were recognized for the Most Creative video.  Jay Hudson of Blue Heron Coffee, a frequent co-host of the live Lip Sync Battle events, was awarded the prize for Most Hilarious.  This year’s youngest competitors, Noah and Zach, won the Most Inspiring Award for their uplifting song choice.  In addition to winning the main prizes of the night, Father Nash also received an award for the Best Microphone Skills.  The Country School Faculty, who have won the Overall Award twice in previous years, won the Most Nostalgic Award for their hilarious take on a classic scene from 90’s movie Wayne’s World.  Finally, Team TIS, which was comprised of members of Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s support staff, was given the Unsung Heroes Award for all of their hard work and dedication during a particularly challenging year.

This year’s event was presented by Wells Fargo Advisors Easton, On Your Mark Lighting and Decor, Eat Sprout, Scrawl Design, Hill’s Cafe and Juice Bar, The Hummingbird Inn, Bullock Construction, M&T Bank Easton, Charles Goebel Architect, Willow Construction, Charlestown AV, Bluepoint Hospitality, and Kopen and Collison.  For a list of all of the Lip Sync Battle Event sponsors, visit https://talbotinterfaithshelter.org/lip-sync-battle/.

To learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and how you can help provide Shelter, Stability, Support, and a path to Success for local families and individuals in need, visit https://talbotinterfaithshelter.org/ or contact Julie Lowe at julielowe@talbotinterfaithshelter.org or 410-310-2316.