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January 15, 2026

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

7 Ed Notes

Smithsonian author to talk about Julia Child’s Kitchen at the library

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On Monday, March 3, at 6 p.m., in the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library, library guy Bill Peak will interview Paula Johnson about her newest book, “Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space.”       

Johnson is a distinguished curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.  Among her many curatorial triumphs, she and co-curator Rayna Green brought Julia Child’s kitchen to the museum in 2001.  Almost a quarter of a century later, it remains one of that institution’s most popular exhibits.  

Johnson’s new book tells the story of the home kitchen from which so many of Julia Child’s television shows originated.  We learn the tales behind the famous Garland range, the parties that occurred at the kitchen table, and the myriad pots, pans, and gadgets that Julia collected over her long culinary career.  

But the book also brings to life the people that populated that kitchen: Julia’s adoring husband Paul Child, writers like Alex Prud’homme and Nora Ephron, fellow cooks like Jacques Pépin and Martha Stewart, and, best of all, Julia herself.

In his February column in The Star Democrat, Peak wrote, “The book itself is like a party at Julia’s house.  You meet fascinating people, hear terrific stories, experience a magical place, and, at the very least, get to imagine yourself enjoying extraordinary meals.”

Finally, Johnson’s book tells the surprisingly exciting story of how the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History convinced Julia to donate the kitchen and then managed to carefully and delicately disassemble it, catalog each appliance, tool, and doo-dad, and then transfer the kit and caboodle to the museum, where it would all be reassembled once more in its own gallery.  

In addition to being an excellent curator and writer, Johnson is a renowned storyteller.  Her program at the library will be both informative and entertaining.  Copies of “Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space” will be available for purchase and autographing.   

All library programs are free and open to the public.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

St. Michaels Library Branch temporarily closes in preparation for renovations

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The St. Michaels Branch of the Talbot County Free Library is currently closed, with staff including Branch Manager Shauna Beulah, left, and Library Associate Amy Wise packing books and more for the branch’s temporary relocation at the St. Michaels Village shopping center at 1013 S. Talbot Street, expected to open mid-November. The temporary closure and move are made while a $6.3 million expansion and renovation project gets underway, with new features including a large meeting room, exhibit and interactive outside spaces, quiet technology spaces, an early literacy children’s area, and ADA-compliant features.

The St. Michaels Branch of the Talbot County Free Library has temporarily closed its doors while staff pack and prepare to open a temporary space in the St. Michaels Village shopping center at 1013 S. Talbot Street this November.

The temporary closure and move are being made in preparation for a $6.3 million expansion and renovation project that includes a large meeting room, exhibit and interactive outside spaces, quiet technology spaces, an early-literacy children’s area, and ADA-compliant features.

“We are thrilled to begin this new chapter for the St. Michaels Library,” said Shauna Beulah, St. Michaels Branch Manager. “While the renovations will enhance the library for the future, it’s important to us that our patrons continue to have access to the resources they rely on. Our temporary location will allow us to do just that.”

She says the renovations will bring the community an expanded facility, modernized design, and creative new spaces for the community. During the interim, the library remains committed to serving the community’s needs beyond books, offering essential services such as free internet access, children’s programming, and community events.

“Libraries are a cornerstone of our community, providing a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages,” said Dana Newman, director of the Talbot County Free Library. “As we prepare for this exciting transformation, we are determined to continue supporting our patrons by offering access to technology, learning opportunities, and more.”

In preparation for the move, all items checked out from the St. Michaels branch before October 5 have been given a due date of December 16, 2024. Patrons are encouraged to return these items at the temporary location once it opens in November. The book drop at the St. Michaels Library will be closed during this time, though materials can also be returned to the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library.

For assistance during the temporary closure, patrons can call 410-822-1626 or visit the Library’s Easton location. Updates on the project and services will be available on the Talbot County Free Library’s website at www.tcfl.org.

About Talbot County Free Library

The Talbot County Free Library has been serving the community for decades, providing access to information, technology, and community programs that enrich the lives of its patrons. The St. Michaels branch is a hub of activity and a vital resource for the St. Michaels and Bay Hundred communities, with more at www.tcfl.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Talbot County Department of Social Services Offers Empower Me! Child Safety Presentations

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The Talbot County Department of Social Services is partnering with Talbot County Free Library on September 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to offer the Empower Me! Child Safety Presentations. Pictured left to right are Debbe Fairbank, Paris Quillet, and Leah Borkowski, Empower Me trainers.

The Talbot County Department of Social Services is partnering with the Talbot County Free Library to offer free Empower Me! Child Safety presentations on September 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the library in Easton. Empower Me! teaches children, ages three through 12, and adults about personal safety. There will be two simultaneous presentations – one for children ages three to 12 and one for adults. Dinner will be provided free of charge from 5:30 to 6 p.m., followed by the presentations between 6 and 7 p.m.

The program is in response to Erin’s Law which has been passed in 35 states mandating child sexual abuse prevention. Talbot County Child Protective Services receives approximately 400 reports alleging child physical abuse, sexual abuse or neglect annually. Most occurrences of sexual abuse are perpetrated by a family member or close family friend.

“This program can help reduce sexual abuse for our youngest and most vulnerable students. Children learn safety rules and how to develop a safety net of trusted adults,” Paris Quillet, Special Project Coordinator for the Talbot County Department of Social Services, explains.

Among the standards addressed through the program’s lessons are identifying how familiar people or people in authority can help or harm children; demonstrating refusal skills and other ways to take action if someone is making you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or disrespected; and explaining the importance of sharing all information with parents/guardians/trusted adults.

For further information about the Empower Me program, contact Paris Quillet at 410-770-5870 or email [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

St. Michaels Branch final Lunch & Learn features Eastern Shore Native

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Matt LaMotte, from Kent County, will be the guest speaker for the final Lunch & Learn at the St. Michaels Branch of the Talbot County Free Library on Monday, August 5, 2024, at noon.

LaMotte will share his love for Eastern Shore history with his talk about The Shore’s Role in the War of 1812. The Eastern Shore of Maryland played a significant role in the War of 1812, contributing both manpower and resources to the American efforts against British forces. 

Situated along the Chesapeake Bay, this region was strategically important due to its proximity to key waterways and its agricultural output. He will highlight key events, notable figures, and the impact of the conflict on the region.

LaMotte spent his youth between Baltimore, Chestertown, and Easton. After college, he delved in the world of insurance and finance, raising his two sons while honing his passion for history and lacrosse. He spent two decades teaching and coaching at independent schools across Virginia, New Hampshire and Ohio. 

In 2018, he headed the History Department at Saints Peter and Paul High School, Easton, until retirement in 2021. A reformed duck hunter, now bird enthusiast and conservationist, LaMotte is currently engaged in various outdoor education and community services organizations.

Friends of the Talbot County Free Library sponsor the Lunch & Learn Speakers Program at the St. Michaels Branch. The program is free but for this final Lunch & Learn, the Friends are raising funds to provide books and materials for the new St. Michaels library once the renovations and expansion are complete. Donations are greatly appreciated. 

About Talbot County Free Library

It is the mission of the Talbot County Free Library to enrich and renew the lives of the people it serves. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St.; and the St. Michael branch is at 106 Fremont St. The Maryland Room in the Easton branch holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services at both locations include the circulation of books, DVDs, and digital devices, as well as free Wi-Fi, public computers, exhibits, and programs for both children and adults. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community.  For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

St. Michaels Library Presents Fremont Street -St. Michaels Exhibit

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St. Michaels Library has announced that The Fremont Street-St. Michaels Exhibit will officially open on Thursday, July 18 at noon. 

Fremont Street was the center of St. Michaels’ African-American Community from the 1850s well into the 20th century.  Located there was the first Union United Methodist Sunday School in 1852, the first African American School, and the first Odd Fellows lodge.  It was a commercial center for African American businesses as well as a residential center.

 Kate Fones, St. Michaels Museum curator, will give a presentation about the community from its first days when Samuel Alexander Harrison created a new street and lots to the west of Talbot Street out of his Canton Farm in the late 1840s.   

“We are fortunate and excited to exhibit a detailed model of the wide range of buildings located on the west side of Fremont Street created by local resident Leonard Palmer,” said Fones. “Many of these buildings are no longer there but thanks to Palmer, we can visualize what the street looked like in the latter years of the 19th century and the 1950s.  This model has never been exhibited publicly before. We invite and welcome all those to come and share your memories of Fremont Street and any photographs you may have of the Street.”

Refreshments will be served during the official opening.

About Talbot County Free Library

It is the mission of the Talbot County Free Library to enrich and renew the lives of the people it serves. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St., and the St. Michael branch is at 106 Fremont St. The Maryland Room in the Easton branch holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services at both locations include the circulation of books, DVDs, and digital devices, as well as free Wi-Fi, public computers, exhibits, and programs for both children and adults. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community.  For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Library to Host Cooling Centers For Excessive Heat

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Cooling Centers will be open on Tuesday, June 18th through Saturday, June 23rd for any community member in need of a cool environment. The Talbot County Public Library will be opening for use by the public, at times listed below.

Easton Library 100 W. Dover St., Easton, MD 21601

  • Tuesday 9 AM – 6 PM
  • Wednesday 9 AM – 6 PM
  • Thursday 9 AM – 8 PM
  • Friday 9 AM – 5 PM
  • Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM

St. Michaels Library 106 Fremont St., St. Michaels, MD 21663

  • Tuesday 9 AM – 6 PM
  • Wednesday 9 AM – 6 PM
  • Thursday 9 AM – 8 PM
  • Friday 9 AM – 5 PM
  • Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM

During this time period, Talbot County is expected to receive extremely hot temperatures, with heat indices exceeding 90 degrees. For latest weather information for our region: https://rb.gy/is3cf

During high temperatures, it is important to:

  • Remain hydrated by drinking water before, during and after outdoor activities.
  • Take frequent breaks while working or playing outdoors.
  • Wear loose-fitting, light clothing; wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face, ears and neck if you’ll be outside.
  • Apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) 15 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply at least every two hours.
  • Drink plenty of fluids but avoid beverages that have caffeine or alcohol.
  • Plan strenuous outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day; limit time outside during peak heat.
  • Pace physical activities, starting slowly and picking up the pace gradually.
  • Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Chronic exposure to the sun can cause cataracts.
  • Check on frail, elderly or home-bound individuals to make sure they are not affected by the heat.
  • Move to a cooler location at first sign of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps); rest and slowly drink a cool liquid.
  • Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or asleep in the direct sunlight.
  • Take care of pets! Make sure they have plenty of shade and water to drink, walk dogs when the temperature is cooler.

For more information, please contact the Department of Emergency Services at 410-770-8160.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Library to host 9th Annual Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival Extravaganza

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For the ninth year in a row, the Talbot County Free Library will host Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival as a kick off for the annual Summer Reading Program.
“The day of the Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival is always one of my favorite days of the year,” said Talbot County Free Library Director Dana Newman. “All the happy children, all the wonderful storytelling and art, all the authors sharing their thoughts with little ones—it just can’t be beat.”
On Saturday, June 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. prepare for a one-day, rain or shine, free extravaganza at the Easton Library, 100 W, Dover Street. This year’s Summer Reading Program theme, “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” offers a celebration for children of all ages, diversity and the joy of reading.
Children who sign up for the Summer Reading Program and attend the festival will receive a voucher valid for one free book from the attending author of their choice (while supplies last). The festivities will include live readings from some of the authors as opportunities for the public to meet individual authors and illustrators.
This year will include 13 new authors to the festival. Laura Shovan is a novelist, educator, and Pushcart Prize-nominated poet. Her award-winning children’s books include “The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary,” “Takedown,” and the Sydney Taylor Notable Book, “A Place at the Table,” written with Saadia Faruqi.
Shovan is a longtime poet-in-the-school for the Maryland State Arts Council and teaches for Vermont College of Fine Arts’ MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults. Her latest poetry collection for kids is “Welcome to Monsterville.”
Chiêu Anh Urban is an award-winning children’s book author, illustrator, and book designer. She enjoys creating playful books that provide fun learning and exploration for the youngest readers.
Urban’s recent titles include, “Illusions in Art: Animals” and “Illusions in Art: Food” with Candlewick Press (2023), and novelty books “123 Zoom” and “ABC Roar” with S&S (2022). Urban is the creator of the board book series “Color Wonder: Hooray for Spring!” and “Color Wonder: Winter is Here!” When she’s not delving into novelty book projects, she’s indulging in
sweet confections and arts and crafts with her family. She is also the winner of the Indigo Design Silver Award Winner in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
This program is funded in part by a grant from Talbot Arts with revenues provided by the Maryland State Arts Council. Other funders include the Friends of the Talbot County Free Library, the Talbot County Free Library Foundation, and the governments of Talbot County, Easton and Easton Rotary Club. Maryland Public Television will be a media partner for the festival.
Partner organizations at the festival will include: Imagination Library of Talbot County, Maryland Public Television, Judy Center, Flying Cloud Booksellers, University of Maryland Extension – Master Gardeners, the Friends of the Talbot County Free Library, Pickering Creek Audubon Center and Daughters of the American Revolution.
For more information about the 9th Annual Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival and the Summer Reading Program, visit www.chesapeakechildrensbookfestival.com/ or visit www.tcfl.org or call the library at 410-822-1626.

About Talbot County Free Library

It is the mission of the Talbot County Free Library to enrich and renew the lives of the people it serves. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St.; and the St. Michael branch is at 106 Fremont St. The Maryland Room in the Easton branch holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services at both locations include the circulation of books, DVDs, and digital devices, as well as free Wi-Fi, public computers, exhibits, and programs for both children and adults. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community. For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

St. Michaels Branch presents Delivering Donated Ambulances to Ukraine with Terry Mangan

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Terry Mangan, Medical Life Lines Ukraine volunteer

Terry Mangan, Medical Life Lines Ukraine volunteer, will share his story on Thursday May 16th at 11:00 am at the St. Michaels Branch. He will also show his CBS Saturday Morning appearance from August 12, 2023.

Medical Life Lines Ukraine (MLLU) is a volunteer humanitarian group located in London, England. MLLU sources and refurbishes ambulances in the United Kingdom, and then fills the ambulances with medical equipment and other aid for delivery to Ukraine by volunteer drivers.

Mangan and seven other volunteer drivers helped deliver four aid-filled ambulances from London, England to Lviv, Ukraine last summer that were donated by MLLU to Ukraine’s Ministry of Health. Since February 2022, MLLU has donated 57 aid-filled ambulances, 21 generators and one all-terrain rescue crane to Ukraine. 

The four-ambulance convoy set off from London, England in the early morning hours on Sunday, July 23rd and entered Ukraine on Tuesday, July 25th. Three of the ambulances were delivered to the Ministry of Health in Lviv, Ukraine while the fourth ambulance was delivered in Kyiv, Ukraine. 

Mangan and his wife of 41 years, Kim, live in Bozman, Maryland. They have two grown sons and three granddaughters. 

He was born and raised in Buffalo, New York and graduated from Georgetown University in 1979.  As fate would have it, Mangan met both Kim and his travel partner to Ukraine, Phill Fletcher, while at Georgetown. Mangan retired from his almost 40-year career in the banking industry three years ago. 

Since then, he has enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters and proudly volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Children with CASA of the Mid-Shore in Easton, Maryland. Terry is also a member of the Rotary Club of St. Michaels, Maryland and is grateful that The Rotary Foundation has provided a grant of $25,000 to MLLU that will fund one of the five ambulances being delivered to Ukraine this summer.

About Talbot County Free Library

It is the mission of the Talbot County Free Library to enrich and renew the lives of the people it serves. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St., and the St. Michael branch is at 106 Fremont St. The Maryland Room in the Easton branch holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services at both locations include the circulation of books, DVDs, and digital devices, as well as free Wi-Fi, public computers, exhibits, and programs for both children and adults. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community.  For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Talbot County Free Library awarded $110,300 donation

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The Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) has been honored with a gift of $110,300 toward the expansion and renovation of its St. Michael’s branch.

The Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) has been honored with a gift of $110,300 toward the expansion and renovation of its St. Michael’s branch.

This contribution from a generous library patron will fund a naming opportunity in the library.  Numerous naming opportunities are available for donors to choose from to support the purchase of books, furnishings, and other resources.

“With wonderful donations like this one, the library will be able to purchase new books for patrons of all ages but especially for children and teens. With the expansion of the St. Michaels Library, there will be a new Quiet Reading Room, a Cafe space, and larger children’s and teen areas,” said TCFL Director Dana Newman. “These new spaces will need new books and furniture especially for youth. Kids need libraries more than ever now, not less. There will be fiction and non-fiction, picture books, series books like ‘The Princess in Black’ and ‘Dogman,’ chapter books, and novels.”

The St. Michaels library is a focal point of the Bay Hundred community, offering a myriad of resources, programs and activities for all ages, interests and backgrounds.  Its popularity and increased usage necessitate the planned expansion, which will add new technology, welcoming spaces for youth, increased accessibility for disabled individuals and quiet areas for those wishing to read or study.

Naming opportunities that are still available for supporters to fund include book shelves (in specific non-fiction subjects or genre areas), computers, study rooms, benches, the Quiet Reading room, youth spaces, the cafe space and others.

Talbot County is fortunate to have such a wonderful local resource and a community that honors and supports it. The St. Michaels expansion is planned for completion in 2025, in time for the 100th anniversary of the library.

To be able to celebrate both simultaneously is highly anticipated and will culminate in a new library that reflects the values of our community and the library’s mission to “connect our community to ideas and information to enrich and renew lives.”

The library greatly appreciates and looks forward to honoring supporters who donate a gift that will go toward the purchase of library materials and furniture that the entire community can enjoy.

For further information about the project, or how to donate, contact [email protected] or visit tcfl.org.

 

About Talbot County Free Library

It is the mission of the Talbot County Free Library to enrich and renew the lives of the people it serves. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St.; and the St. Michael branch is at 106 Fremont St. The Maryland Room in the Easton branch holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services at both locations include the circulation of books, DVDs, and digital devices, as well as free Wi-Fi, public computers, exhibits, and programs for both children and adults. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community.  For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Author Ginda Simpson to Speak at the St. Michaels Library April 18

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Her book Hummingbird, Poetry on PSP & Parkinsons is a personal story of PSP & Parkinsons, told through poetry. In the introduction to the book Simpson explains that she chose to dedicate 30 poems to the task of spreading awareness of both PSP & Parkinsons Disease. She says “I chose to write poetry as a means to process how the PSP diagnosis has impacted my life but also to give voice to this journey for those who suffer its devastation and for their caregivers. Let my words comfort them, so that they know that they are not alone, and may my words enlighten others to the challenges and heartache they do not readily see.”

Parkinson’s disease is one of the fastest growing neurological degenerative diseases in the world. PSP, or progressive supranuclear palsy, is a rare neurodegenerative disease that few have ever heard of or understand and is often initially misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s. Her informational prose and heartfelt poetry are meant to spread awareness of this little-known disease.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1948, Ginda Simpson is one of twelve children. She has lived in Italy, Germany and Egypt and has traveled extensively. Educated in the United States and Italy, Ginda has degrees in Italian and French. Her real passions are painting and writing. A painter for over 40 years, her works are in many private collections in the United States, Italy, and Egypt. She has published several books, memoirs of her life and her travels, reflections on how different cultures and traditions have influenced and enriched her life. This is her first book of poetry.

Until recently, Ginda resided with her husband in the Umbrian countryside where she was daily inspired to record the beauty that surrounds her adopted home – with her pen or with her paintbrush. She now divides her time between her two homes – one in the tranquil countryside of Italy and the other on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She has been married to Mike Simpson for 52 years, has three daughters, and five grandchildren. All library programs are free and open to the public. For more information please call the St. Michaels Branch Library at 410 745-5877.

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.