Celebrate the New Year at the Market at Dover Station! Merchandise is restocked and fresh, events flourish, and the fine art beckons.

Join Easton resident and life coach Dr. Liz DuBois, MA, PhD, on Thursday, January 15, at 9 a.m. to kick start your year with “Stress Free Sales”. An alum of Disney and iHeart Radio, DuBois says, “Stressing about sales is why you’re not making more of them. Let’s fix that.” RSVP for free at doverstation.com. 

The Eastern Shore Bridal Expo comes to Dover Station on Saturday, January 17, at 1 p.m. Prepare to plan your perfect day as you meet the region’s top wedding professionals, from photographers and caterers to florists and DJs, all under one roof. This is an essential, one-stop shop for everything needed to create your dream Eastern Shore wedding!

The Market’s Gallery at Dover Station features the art of Easton resident Sheryl Southwick in a solo exhibit “Dreamweaver – Forest and Form,” through February. Meet the artist at a reception on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. Immerse yourself in her expressive larger oil and mixed media paintings and collages. Southwick grew up in a large family in Louisiana where as a little girl, she found a clearing in the woods down the hill from her family’s home near the bayou. She could go there and find peace and quiet away from the bustling household. It was her small personal cathedral. Now, trees in all their glorious visual configurations trigger her imagination, taking her on journeys of color and composition. Enjoy her impressions of dynamic forests in rich color, side-by-side with quiet woodlands and vivid visions of the entire forest ecosystem. Southwick says, “Painting has been a lifesaver, having given me a way to respond to the joy and grief in my life. I am happiest when I am drawing, painting, and making lithographs.” 

If you are in the midst of a Dry January, Gayle Galbraith’s Federal Beverage Company is here for you. Her artisanal Fed Brew Kombucha and a curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages feature thoughtfully selected brands which focus on wellness, flavor, and mindful living. 

Beginning on Friday January 30 is a five-session in-person workshop led by Kara Krissy of Good Earth Gardeners. Landscape Design for Home Owners has been created for homeowners who want to design a beautiful, sustainable landscape for their own property. Learn how to understand your site, plan with intention, and create a cohesive long-term garden design you can grow into with confidence. Register at doverstation.com.

New at The Market at Dover Station is fine art by Robert Manning of Preston, Maryland. After a long advertising design career in New York, Manning moved to the Eastern Shore in 2002 and became fascinated by the regional landscape. He says, “I am inspired by the agricultural structures and how complex arrangements of storage bins interrupt the soft, spacious horizontal landscape, catching the ever-changing light of the Eastern Shore.” Manning has won many awards and completed numerous commissions for local farm owners.

Nancy Mitchell from Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania owns La Cigale, a small family business offering beautiful, finely made jacquard tablecloths, tea towels and accessories. The 100% cotton fabric is designed and woven in France, sourced from several weave mills and prints mills who create linens using traditional Country French Provencal designs. Then they are fabricated (cut/sewn) in Mount Gretna by family members, including her son Shawn. These colorful, quality linens will bring the light and joy of Provence into your home. 

Tasselled Totes is an award-winning handcrafted bag and accessory business founded in 2005 by Cindy and Christen Parzych of Lewes, Delaware. Cindy majored in textile design and showcases her work at juried fine art shows on the East Coast. ​Their specialty is unique, embellished fabric handbags and totes featuring handcrafted ceramic buttons. ​The bags are fully lined with inside pockets and come in various sizes and styles. ​Tasselled Totes also offers accessories like eyeglass cases, scarf holders, lavender-scented boot shapers, wristlet key fobs, lanyards, water bottle holders, and wine bags. ​ 

Leslie Billman, a retired lawyer, and Diane Leasure, a retired judge, now share a space at The Market at Dover Station where they display and sell their award–winning wildlife and landscape photography. Billman says, “I’m quite passionate about the beauty and tranquility of the natural world, and the endless opportunities it presents for photographic capture.” And Leisure continues, “Living in the Chesapeake Bay area provides abundant opportunities to capture the beautiful landscapes, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, quaint towns, and the diverse wildlife of this region.” They agree that memorializing the awe-inspiring beauty of nature is a joy for any photographer, and it is a pleasure to be sharing the moment and going on photography outings as long-time colleagues and friends.

Many more delightful discoveries abound in January at The Market, including a wide

assortment of handcrafted jewelry, local fine art, vintage finds, antique furniture, apparel, handcrafted pottery, mosaics, local photography, gourmet coffee, fine chocolates, hand poured candles, fused glass, hand blended soaps and balms, refurbished furniture, outdoor metal art, and custom woodworking. Market partners offer interior design, landscape design and maintenance, custom wedding gifts, and many other unique finds. With new items arriving daily and many one-of-a-kind finds, it’s never the same place twice!

Dover Station also offers stunning spaces for weddings, meetings and family gatherings. And hosts classes and activities including yoga, dancing, pottery, and woodworking for kids and adults.

Coming very soon in phase II is a cafe, and later in phase III is a brewery and restaurant. The Market at Dover Station is located at 500 Dover Road, Easton, Maryland 21601. For hours, events, and more information, please stay informed at www.doverstation.com and sign up to follow on social media.

The Easton EDC is thrilled to announce Chesapeake Fire & Ice, presented by Preston Automotive Group, a two-day spectacular family-friendly ice carving festival on Friday, February 20th & Saturday, February 21st, 2026.

This free event will feature interactive, larger-than-life ice sculptures, live music, seasonal sales, restaurant specials, lodging specials, and more entertainment. Cascading Carlos will also return to wow audiences with fire juggling and other tricks on Friday night and Saturday afternoon at Thompson Park. The fire trail will be a tasty trek filled with delicious bites, warm drinks, tasting sessions, and shopping. For more details and maps, visit the festival’s webpage at www.discovereaston.com/fireandice or stop by the Easton Visitors Center at 11 South Harrison Street, Easton, MD.

“Chesapeake Fire & Ice is a fantastic event that showcases downtown at its winter best,” stated Tom Maglio, the Marketing & Events Manager of the Easton EDC. “So many people come together to make this event better and better each year, and we are excited to celebrate artistry and community.”

For details on all activities, please visit: www.DiscoverEaston.com or email [email protected]. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or participating in this event, please contact [email protected].

Easton EDC fosters economic vitality and community development by encouraging investment, promoting tourism, and positioning Easton, Maryland, as a premier destination to live, work, visit, and do business.

Fello, a Maryland-based nonprofit supporting people with disabilities statewide and advancing inclusive, accessible, and affordable housing, has secured a $500,000 state grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and unanimous approval from the Easton Planning Commission for Easton Crossing, clearing the final hurdle for the mixed-use development to move forward.

Easton Crossing is located on the 6.5-acre former Perdue Agribusiness industrial site within Easton’s Planned Redevelopment overlay. Once complete, the development will transform the long-vacant site into an inclusive, mixed-use, mixed-income community reflecting public input and supporting long-term economic vitality.

The funding was awarded through Maryland’s Strategic Demolition Fund, a program within the Maryland DHCD’s State Revitalization Program that supports community development and economic growth. For Easton Crossing, the grant will help advance site preparation and redevelopment efforts that align with Fello Communities’ mission to create inclusive, mixed-use spaces.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Planning Commission for their support and for the state’s investment in Easton Crossing,” said Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Fello Communities. “This project demonstrates what’s possible when development is shaped by the people it serves. We’re excited to continue moving forward to deliver a community that supports people across all walks of life.”

Easton Crossing will include 117 mixed-income residential units, open space, and over 20,000 square feet of retail space. This approach sparks local business growth and fosters inclusivity and connection.

“When we invest in the character, vitality, and potential of our communities, we unlock new opportunities for the people who live and work there. We know that when we invest in great places, Great Places Win,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “These projects will strengthen local economies and support thriving, lovable communities. We’re proud to stand with our partners across the state as we build great places in partnership.”

With final approval of the plan secured, Fello Communities is ready to advance Easton Crossing toward vertical construction on Building 509, which begins summer 2026, bringing the project one step closer to delivering an inclusive and vibrant new community to Easton.

About Fello:

Fello champions the rights of people with disabilities and invests in what matters most: real opportunities, strong relationships, and inclusive, equitable communities. Fello partners with people with disabilities to provide support services, develop inclusive housing, and create spaces where people feel genuinely connected—not just accommodated. Founded in 1961, Fello continues to lead with heart and purpose, building inclusive communities where everyone belongs. Learn more at fello.org.

Easton Utilities is proud to recognize three team members who have graduated from Leadership Maryland. John Hines III, P.E., Vice President of Operations, completed the Executive Program, while Eddie Westerfield, Manager of the Electric Department, and Lauren Lahman, Controller, both graduated from the Emerging Leader Program. Leadership Maryland honored Hines, Westerfield, Lahman, and the entire Class of 2025 at its 32^nd graduation ceremony on December 2.

“At Easton Utilities, the success of our employees is the clearest reflection of who we are and what we value. John, Lauren and Eddie’s achievements demonstrate our commitment to leadership. As a graduate of Leadership Maryland, Class of 2021, I firmly believe in the value of the program because of the exposure it provides,” said John Horner, President and CEO.

Hines was one of 51 individuals chosen by a committee to complete the eight-month hands-on Executive Program. The class participated in various sessions focused on Maryland’s five main geographic regions and the most vital issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and multi-culturalism/diversity across the state. More than 100 experts representing Maryland’s business, government, education, and non-profit communities served as panelists and guest speakers.

Westerfield and Lahman were two of 36 individuals selected to complete the six-month Emerging Leaders program. This curriculum offered a holistic approach to leadership development and was designed to help each applicant increase their self-awareness and gain behaviors, skills, and tools to become more adaptive, inclusive, strategic, and impactful leaders.

“On behalf of our staff, board, and membership, I congratulate the Executive Program Class of 2025 and Emerging Leader 2nd Class on their incredible achievement,” said David Fike ’16 (LM), president and CEO, Leadership Maryland. “The graduates of both programs have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth, and I am confident they will continue to drive meaningful change in their communities and across Maryland as part of our alumni network.”

Easton Utilities is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility and telecommunications company operating the Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, Cable Television, and Internet services for the Town of Easton and portions of the surrounding area. Please visit www.eastonutilities.com or call 410-822-6110 to learn more. 

About Leadership Maryland

Leadership Maryland is a statewide nonprofit offering professional development programs dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its business and community leaders. Established in 1992, Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program selects as many as 53 diverse and accomplished senior-level leaders from Maryland’s public and private sectors each year to come together as a class for an eight-month learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic and environmental issues. And new in 2024, Leadership Maryland’s Emerging Leader Program brings together a class of 30-40 of the state’s rising stars and gives them the skills and tools they need to advance in their careers. With an alumni network comprised of leaders from all industries and regions of the state, Leadership Maryland has established thousands of Marylanders on their career leadership path, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to influence positive change. For more information about Leadership Maryland, please visit leadershipmd.org, call 410-841-2101 or email [email protected].

‘Tis the season for shopping, and The Market welcomes you! The Market at Dover Station is

brimming with merriment and festivity as it celebrates the holiday season. Spaces are restocked with wonderful gift items; events and activities promise fun for all, and the fine art beckons.

In The Market’s Gallery at Dover Station, a First Friday reception celebrates “The Perfect Gift,” a group exhibit of small works by four regional art groups: Plein Air Painters of the Chesapeake Bay, Working Artists Forum, Botanical Art League of the Eastern Shore and St Michaels Art League.

Market owner and manager Keri Topjian is happy to announce, “Two of our market partners have expanded and taken anchor positions within the Market. They are Kelly Sulc’s Topiary and Tea, and Richard and Nick Savington’s full-service florist Savington & Hill Co.”

In its new 1200 square foot space on the southwest side of The Market along the Rails to Trails, Topiary & Tea offers merchandise befitting its namesake, and so much more. Their selection of packaged teas from around the world includes green, black, white, matcha, red, and herbal, as well as functional and wellness teas for men & women. Bestselling “Winter Cherry” has the calming herb ashwagandha in its blend. The topiaries are beautiful fresh, live, small manicured shrubs and trees including rosemary, lavender, mirror plant, pelargonium, Italian cypress, and Mexican heather. Plus other unique plants including tamaya, wax and shield begonias, olive tree topiaries, fiddle leaf fig trees and more. And don’t miss their unique items for tea preparation–teacups, infusers, tea kettles, tea towels–and garden accessories to keep your plants and topiaries well-manicured–pruning shears, gorgeous vintage planters, ceramic and authentic terracotta planters, indoor watering cans and more. 

In addition to this expanded shop, Topiary and Tea now offers two new services for their customers. Sulc will design custom containers of fresh plants for home or business, with a subscription for maintenance care services. And in conjunction with award winning interior designer Heidi Slacum, live plant rentals will enhance and freshen your events.

Sulc says, “My aim is to create a harmonious blend between nature and daily rituals, inspiring a lifestyle that nurtures both body and soul. Whether you’re seeking the soothing comfort of a hand-blended tea or the fresh vibrancy of a living plant, the offerings at Topiary and Tea are designed to enhance your well-being and personal spaces.”

In their expansion into the historic Market Hall at Dover Station, sixth-generation family-owned

florist Savington & Hill Floral Co., Ltd. brings their bespoke floral artistry with blooms that

transform every occasion. Look for a broader inventory of merchandise, on-site designers, and immersive customer experiences like workshops. A selection of cut flowers will include enticing grab-and-go bouquets for spontaneous shoppers. In addition, their “Mercantile” brand showcases home décor, seasonal collections, gift sets and locally sourced artisan items. Same-day delivery for discriminating clients is provided throughout Easton and the surrounding region.

“Our presence inside The Market at Dover Station will allow guests to experience the creative process in real time,” says Richard Savington, Creative Director. “Returning to the floral world with my son, I felt a deep urge to revive the elegant traditions of carriage-trade floristry–to create not just bouquets, but experiences. This new space lets us bring craftsmanship, design, and community together under one roof. We invite the Easton community and visitors to explore our expanded space this season to experience fresh inspiration, timeless style and floristry reimagined.” 

New at The Market at Dover Station is Kajs Jewelry, by Karin Best from Crownsville, Maryland. Her handmade sterling silver and 14 karat gold jewelry is built on a foundation of Scandinavian design. Born and raised primarily in Sweden, Best has an inherent deep appreciation for traditional purposely bold and simple forms. Adapting those concepts into her own work, Best introduces textures and forms from nature and relates them back to her design heritage. A reoccurring theme is to take something unexpected which is not usually seen as worthy of being front and center, and elevating it through creative design. Best says, “I find satisfaction and joy in continually learning to push the boundaries of jewelry making while honing skills and processes that have been used for centuries.”

Market artists and artisans have added a wide range of holiday ornaments and décor to their offerings. Elizabeth Habermehl’s shabby farmhouse Christmas balls, carefully crafted in Pennsylvania, bring delight. Jessica Davies’ mixed media ornaments splashed with a touch of Zentangle are such fun. Maggii Sarfaty’s hand stitched creations, from mermaids to narwhales, and vintage ornament wreaths are known for their coastal charm. From whimsy to sleek sophistication, be sure to shop early for the best selection.

Many more delightful discoveries abound in December at The Market, including a wide

assortment of handcrafted jewelry, local fine art, vintage finds, antique furniture, apparel, handcrafted pottery, local photography, gourmet coffee, fine chocolates, hand poured candles, fused glass, hand blended soaps and balms, refurbished furniture, outdoor metal art, and custom woodworking. Market partners offer interior design, landscape design and maintenance, custom wedding gifts, and many other unique finds. With new items arriving daily and many one-of-a-kind finds, it’s never the same place twice!

Dover Station offers stunning spaces for weddings, meetings and family gatherings. It also hosts classes and activities including yoga, dancing, pottery, and woodworking for kids and adults.

Coming very soon in phase II is a cafe, and later in phase III is a brewery and restaurant. The Market at Dover Station is located at 500 Dover Road, Easton, Maryland 21601. For hours, events, and more information, please stay informed at www.doverstation.com and sign up to follow on social media.

Cambridge Waterfront Development, Inc. (CWDI) has engaged Tracy Ward, a seasoned economic and community development leader, as its new Chief Administrative Officer, strengthening coordination, communications, and strategic implementation across the multi-phase Cambridge Harbor development project.

Ward brings more than 20 years of experience in community and economic development, strategic planning, and multi-stakeholder project management across Maryland. Most recently the founder and principal of Bluebird Enterprises, LLC, she has guided numerous complex, multi-partner initiatives spanning master planning, workforce development, green infrastructure, and local food systems.

Her career includes leadership as an Executive Director for several nonprofit and community organizations, where she earned a reputation for building organizational capacity, advancing public-private partnerships, and leading high-impact strategic communications efforts. Known for her ability to synthesize complex information and align diverse partners, Ward has worked closely with state agencies, municipal governments, private-sector partners, philanthropic investors, and community-based organizations throughout the region.

“I’m honored to join CWDI at such an exciting time,” said Ward. “The Cambridge Harbor waterfront project has immense potential to strengthen the local economy, enhance community amenities, and honor Cambridge’s heritage. I look forward to supporting the board, our partners, and the community as we move this important vision forward.”

Ward’s hire reinforces CWDI’s commitment to effective governance, transparent communication, and professional coordination as the organization advances the design, pre-development, financing, and partner engagement needed to deliver Cambridge Harbor.

Ward is a resident of Talbot County.