Happy Thanksgiving Weekend – We’ll Be Back Talking Turkey on Monday
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
The most interesting and moving part of the Town of Easton Council meeting last night was the public comments related to the newly installed art mural on Washington Avenue depicting the great American hero Frederick Douglass.
Rising in opposition to the recently installed mural were those who talked movingly about the harm done by having Douglass contextualized with 21st-century cultural references like basketball shoes and watches. One in favor of the work, a student at Washington College, made the case that it would help reach younger Americans with the Douglass story.
At times like this, the Spy recalls that Douglass willingly became the most photographed American in the 19th century. While it is impossible to channel what he would have made of this current debate in the land of his birth, it might be comforting to feel that Fred would be thrilled about a conversation on the importance and power of an image.
Citizen Comments Highlights
Council Member Remarks
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
There has always been an unspoken rule with the Talbot County Council for the Arts, now better known as Talbot Arts, that the grantmaking organization should be highly modest about putting the spotlight on themselves. For decades, this critically essential arts funding source has always preferred having attention on their remarkable grantees rather than the administrative function of grantmaking.
But in times when funding for the arts, in general, is becoming increasingly limited, Talbot Arts wanted to tell the story of their grantees in a way that helped those arts organizations but also to demonstrate to the citizens of Talbot County how Talbot Arts has reached more artists, become more accessible, and more diverse with its local mission.
That is why Talbot Arts director Joan Levy and her board, led by president Amy Steward, decided to commission on film to accomplish that goal. Produced and directed by local filmmaker Matt Kresling, the video tells the powerful tale of how much art is supported in Talbot County. But it also has the added feature of allowing the organizations profiled in the video to use those segments to help tell their own story.
The Spy sat down with Joan and Amy to talk briefly about the project. The full video can be been above in its entirety.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
by The Spy
In a few days Talbot Mentors will be taking over the Avalon Theatre for their annual fundraising benefit. Once again the Capitol Fools comedy group will be the headliner for what promises to be an extremely funny evening.
But beyond the laugh riot that will take place that is a remarkable story of Talbot Mentors itself. Founded in 1997 by a retired insurance executive Phil Kirby, the organization had a simple mission; to identify the systemic barriers to young people’s success through the power of healthy mentoring relationships.
And since those early days, Talbot Mentors has paired over a thousand volunteers with young people from the Talbot County Public Schools to create transformational relationships that not support mentees with their lifetime aspirations. And while there are endless examples of how those friendships translate into improved academic performance and the development of critically important soft skills to help navigate a sometimes complex world, this is not a one way street of benefits.
The other important beneficiaries has been on the mentors themselves. Provided the opportunity to connect with young people, these mentors have consistently reported back that their mentees have had just as much impact of their lives.
An example of that is perhaps of the longest lasting mentee-mentor relationships on record in Talbot Mentors. For now 11 years, Tabius Wilson and John Strickland have continued their special friendship even as Tabius is now in his first year at George Mason University’s school of Law. The Spy asked them to stop by the Spy studio last week to talk about this unique bond and the impact it has had on their lives.
This video is approximately eight minutes in length. For ticket information for the Talbot Mentors benefit please go here.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
by The Spy
There was an encouraging note of optimism on Monday evening’s Easton Town Council meeting as President Frank Gunsallus began with a statement reaffirming his commitment to civility and respect in conducting council meetings after last month’s rare breakdown of decorum during a procedural discussion. The president’s remarks are included in the highlight reel above.
Much of the agenda was to hear public comments on the somewhat complex subject of zoning amendments slated to be approved by the town council this year. In short, after a review of some 150 pages of proposed changes, some in the community have a growing concern about how and when local zoning will permit middle housing rather than traditional free-standing homes.
The Spy was particularly interested in the comments made by Pamela Reynolds, who summarized the concerns of many in the audience of what seems like a carte blanche use of middle housing, which would seriously impact Easton’s residential communities.
In the end, the Council agreed to seek more information about the proposed middle housing amendments before the discussion continued at their December meeting.
This video is approximately seven minutes in length.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
by The Spy
When talking about the importance of shopping locally with Deena Kilmon, the director of strategic initiatives at the Easton Economic Development Corporation (Easton EDC), the first thing she does is ask to imagine a downtown with no shops, no restaurants, no museums, and no performance venues. Her point is clear; without a vibrant downtown commercial district, Easton would lose more than just the convenience of shopping locally. Without those family-run businesses, a big slice of Talbot County’s quality of life would be gone forever.
And that’s why Deena and the Town of Easton think their shopping local campaign is such a big deal. In fact, “It’s a Big Deal” has become the tagline for this year’s program, and for good reason. It’s a call to action for holiday shoppers to remember how important it is to support their favorite merchants but also how important it is to keep those crucial dollars in the community.
The Spy asked Deena to stop by the Spy Studio on Monday to hear more about what she and her team have planned.
This video is approximately three minutes in length. For more information about the “It’s a Big Deal” campaign and schedule please go here.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
by The Spy
Just a quick look at a map of bike trails (noted in black above) in Queen Anne’s County says it all. While the opportunities for expanding biking and pedestrian trials are enormous, the existing public access bike paths are a mere fraction of that potential.
That’s no secret to the Queen Anne’s County planning professionals tasked with delivering a draft master plan for the County Council to expand this fledgling network. Still, without serious community input on where to create those new trails, it is unlikely those recommendations will see the light of day.
And that’s why Steve Chandlee, QAC’s parks & recreation director, and Steve Cohoon, the county’s public facilities planner, are eager to have community involvement before their final report is submitted early next year. Through systematic survey collection, public input meetings, and more informal conversations with residents, nonprofits, and planning experts, they will be able to document a road map that might make QAC a state-wide leader in non-vehicle traffic planning.
The Spy spent a few moments with Steve and Steve via Zoom last week to understand more about the scope of their work and vast opportunities a master plan could provide for funding and improved quality of life for all.
This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about this project please go here.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
by The Spy
Unlike most organizational change, the passing of the torch from one retirement community director to a new one is more akin to a college president or a rector of a large church. While the first responsibility is to keep budgets aligned, expenses paid, and a steady revenue flow, these transfers of responsibility also include the less tangible but equally important sense of culture and community.
In fact, for Irma Toce, the retiring CEO of Londonderry on the Tred Avon, if one keeps a special culture of a place right, most, if not all, of the financial management challenges work themselves out. And for the last decade, Irma’s instincts have proven correct; Londonderry is at total capacity, including a healthy waiting list. Undoubtedly, the retirement community’s location is one of many other factors for its success. Still, with Irma’s encouragement and support during her time, it is its genuine sense of community that is the most compelling selling point.
So, it shouldn’t be surprising that when Londonderry’s board was tasked to find Irma’s successor, Christine Harrington was the first choice. Growing up in Easton in a neighborhood of families, some of whom are now residents of Londonderry, Christine comes to her new role with a long career in the senior living field.
That included being the former executive director of The Arbor Company, an administrator of The Homestead Manor and Heritage Community, a specialist for The Arc of Maryland, a supervisor for Genesis Healthcare, a director of Community Health for St. Agnes Hospital, and a residential director for eMerge.
The Spy sat down with Christine and Irma for a recent chat about this important transition.
This video is approximately three minutes in length. For more information about Londonderry please go here.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
by The Spy
Pictured left to right: Michael, supported adult; Greg supported adult and serves on Benedictine Board of Trustees; Mike Arntz, from Congressman Harris’ office; Alyssa Hastings, Senator Van Hollen’s office; Kimberly Kratovil, Senator Cardin’s office; Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director; Rebecca, supported adult; Suzanne Hoback, trainer and job coach; Zach, supported adult; Robin McDuffie, Meaningful Day Services Director; Ade Ladipan, Adult Services Director; Jessica Vaughn, Administrative Assistant.
The Benedictine Easton Community Services & Training Center marked its 10th anniversary with a gathering of over 40 people on Thursday, October 19th. Dedicated staff, community partners including The Tidewater Inn and Kent Island Best Western, donors, and supported adults who have utilized the services celebrated the Center’s wonderful accomplishments.
Amy Kreiner, President and CEO of the Talbot Chamber of Commerce, welcomed guests and introduced Robin McDuffie, Meaningful Day Services Director who shared the history of the Center, how the training impacts local area special education high school students who participate as well as the adults living with developmental disabilities and autism that Benedictine supports. The students and adults learn job skills and Benedictine works to place them with partner businesses in the community, provides transportation to the jobs, and job coaches.
“We are proud of the work that happens at our Easton Office. Our students and adults gain valuable skills that enable them to enter the workforce and through this process they are able to demonstrate that their disabilities will not hold them back from living fulfilling lives. In these roles they contribute to their place of employment and the community – and they bring joy to the workplace, develop friendships, and confidence too!” commented Robin McDuffie, Benedictine Meaningful Day Services Director. “We could not do this important work without the community partners who hire our workforce-ready candidates and the dedicated staff that work side-by-side with our students.”
Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director, emphasized what Robin had shared and was given citations from Senator Ben Cardin and Senator Van Hollen’s Office. These were presented by Kimberly Kratovil and Alyssa Hastings respectively. Mike Arntz, from Congressman Harris’ office attended and Senator Johnny Mautz joined the festivities and presented a citation from the Maryland General Assembly. Frank Gunsallus, Easton Town Council President, and Sharon Pepukayi, superintendent of the Talbot County Public Schools were also in attendance.
“We were so excited to learn about the Easton Office’s job training program at the anniversary celebration,” stated Candace Chiaruttini, Benedictine supporter and co-chair for Benedictine’s upcoming Gala, “Bourbon Street Masquerade” on April 27, 2024. Our friend and Benedictine board member Gregory Hviding has been a student, employee, and a graduate of the program and thrives in one of the local, Benedictine managed group homes. Benedictine, and in particular, the Easton Office – has so much to offer as far as job training and life skills which has such a positive impact on the local community,”
Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and also collaborates with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in area schools and adults living in the surrounding community.
For more information on how to become a Community Partner, or to donate, please call the Benedictine Foundation office at 410 634 2292.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
by The Spy
As Easton’s Port Street continues to see a rebirth with several new or renovated buildings added to this important thoroughfare, including The Arc’s Port Street Commons and Daly Gardens, drivers and pedidatians alike look at the new home of the Mid-Shore Early Learning Center and wonder what that organization does.
That’s understandable since MSELC, from 1990 until just a few years ago, was a program of the old Easton Memorial Hospital. And for some 30 years, it was a bit under the radar as a highly successful child care and enrichment program starting with those as young as six weeks old.
With the old hospital merging into UM Shore Regional Health and facing unprecedented rising healthcare costs, the regional hospital system was considering closing the program when a group of parents and education leaders offered to take over the Center.
On March 1, 2014, the Child Development Center was transferred to the Mid-Shore Early Learning Center, a new non-profit organization created by the parents and staff of the learning center.
With a new home on Port Street and some essential projects needing attention, including a sunshaded playground, the MSELC has started a new gala tradition to help with those priorities.
The Spy sat down with board of directors member Elizabeth North and MSELC president James Bell, Jr. to talk about the Center’s mission, history, and, of course, the upcoming gala.
This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about the Mid-Shore Early Learning Center and information about its gala, please go here.
For tickets please go here
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.