Peg Keller and kids during the 2024 Poinsettia Sale

It’s officially the start of the holiday season with the kickoff of the Shaper’s Salon Annual Poinsettia Sale on Tuesday, November 25th!  Bicky Warrington, owner of Shaper’s Hair Salon, and her husband Dan Warrington, owner of Warrington Builders, host this annual sale to benefit Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers, a local nonprofit providing quality, financially accessible childcare for children and their families in a nurturing, diverse, safe, and enriching environment.

Those looking to spread holiday cheer this season can purchase their poinsettias from Shapers Salon at 413 Needwood Avenue in Easton. Shapers is open Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Poinsettia pricing is available on the Shapers Salon Facebook page (facebook.com/shaperseaston) and website (shapershairsalon.com/in-the-community).  The sale has become incredibly popular, and these stunning seasonal plants will only be available as long as supplies last.

Proceeds from this festive fundraiser help provide tuition assistance and educational enrichment programming for children at Critchlow Adkins’ five sites, located throughout Talbot County.

“At Shapers, our job is to help our clients look and feel beautiful,” says Bicky Warrington. “But this time of year, we also get to see people’s inner beauty, as they come out to spread holiday cheer and support local children and their families.  It’s truly wonderful to see.”

“We are very grateful to the Warringtons for hosting this sale each year,” shares Critchlow Adkins Executive Director Cristy Morrell. “It takes real effort to make this happen, and it’s heartwarming to see the community come together—not just for the holidays, but to support families who truly need it.”

About Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers

Founded in 1970, and celebrating their 55th year, Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers has cared for and educated four generations of children in Talbot County and across the Mid-Shore. 

Critchlow Adkins is a nonprofit organization providing year-round preschool, before- and after-school care, and summer camp programs at five sites across Talbot County. With a mission to make high-quality care affordable and accessible, CACC supports hundreds of children and families each year.

Thanks to the generous support of individuals, businesses, and foundations, CACC is able to offer tuition assistance and enrichment programs that help every child learn, grow, and thrive.

To learn more, enroll your child, or make a gift, visit www.cacckids.org or call 410-822-8061.

On Thursday, October 23rd, a crowd gathered at 52 S. Washington Street in Easton to break ground on the Foundation of HOPE’s upcoming HOPE Center project.  When the building is complete, it will become the permanent home for the organization’s Economic Development and Empowerment Program for middle school girls, as well as expanded programming for the whole community.

The HOPE Center, conveniently located within walking distance from Easton Middle School, will contain a host of exciting features, including:

• Dedicated Learning Spaces
• A Teaching Kitchen
• Creative Arts Space
• Outdoor Space
• Multi-Use Space
• A Library
• A Technology Center
• A Community Conference Room

Foundation of HOPE Founder and President Keasha Haythe is looking forward to the program expansion that this new facility will make possible for the organization.  “The HOPE Center will allow us to introduce new programs for our girls, including STEAM and mental health and wellness,” she shares.  “In addition, we look forward to providing programming for the whole community, including healthy living, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.  We can’t wait to get into our new home and turn these possibilities into realities!”

A crowd of more than 100 Foundation of HOPE supporters and program participants joined state and local dignitaries for the groundbreaking.  After giving her opening remarks, Haythe introduced Maryland’s First Lady Dawn Moore, who offered congratulations to the Foundation of HOPE and words of inspiration for the girls in attendance.

“The HOPE Center in Easton will be more than just a facility, but a place where every young girl will know she is brilliant, intelligent, and that she can be anything she wants to be because of the greatness inside of her,” said First Lady Moore. “I am proud that the Moore-Miller administration invested $650 thousand into this project, as we continue to uplift our next generation of leaders and leave no one behind.”

Next, Secretary of Housing and Community Development Jake Day addressed the crowd, expressing his support for the positive impact the Foundation is making in the community.

“Whether it’s financing affordable homes or important community projects, our team at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development understands the importance of partnership and embraces the power of placemaking. We’re committed to making those places great because great places win,” said Secretary Day. “With their new center, the Foundation of HOPE will have the space to continue their vital, community-enriching work to empower girls and young women. It’s going to be a great place and a great win for the Town of Easton and all of Talbot County.”

Maryland State Senator Johnny Mautz and Talbot County Council President Chuck Callahan, both longtime supporters of the Foundation and its mission, also offered heartfelt remarks to commemorate this momentous occasion in the organization’s history.

After the ceremony, Foundation leadership and participants, as well as the visiting dignitaries, gathered for the official groundbreaking ceremony, followed by refreshments and networking.

The HOPE Center is slated for completion in by the end of 2026.  

The Foundation of HOPE helps young girls and women lead productive lives in their communities by providing cultural, social, and educational development. The Foundation relies on the generous financial support of local individuals, businesses, and foundations to help local girls become the leaders of tomorrow, and to fund the HOPE Scholar scholarship program. The new facility was supported by $630,000 in FY24 Congressionally Directed Spending, secured by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and former Senator Ben Cardin.

“Foundation of HOPE has shown that when we invest in spaces where girls can learn and grow beyond the classroom, we’re investing in their long-term success. That’s why I worked to secure direct federal funding to support this new facility, which will offer even more students in Easton opportunities to learn and excel,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee who worked to secure a $630,000 direct federal investment in 2024 to support the construction of the new HOPE Center.

To learn more about the Economic Development and Empowerment Program, the HOPE Center, and how you can help, visit foundationofhopemaryland.org or contact Keasha Haythe at [email protected].

The Gunston School recently hosted its annual Civic Learning Day, dedicating a full day to experiential learning that moves civic education beyond the classroom, engaging the entire student body in hands-on community service, career exploration, and critical discussions on current civic issues. The goal was to inspire students to embrace their roles as informed, active, and responsible citizens.

“Our Civic Learning Day is a cornerstone of The Gunston Experience, moving civic education from theory to practice,” said Head of School John Lewis. “By combining meaningful service work with direct exposure to public service professionals, we empower our students to understand and embrace their critical role in building a stronger community and a healthy democracy.”

The day was anchored by a robust schedule of community service. Groups of students traveled off-campus to assist key local partners, including Haven Ministries, where they sorted donated food items and organized warehouse space, and Tides of Grace, where they helped sort donated toys and assemble new storage units. Students also visited the Circuit Court for Queen Anne’s County to see the inner workings of a courtroom, and visited other local government buildings and departments. Simultaneously, teams on Gunston’s campus managed a mix of environmental and humanitarian work. This included essential projects like replanting the pollinator garden, establishing a new garden in front of the AB/Field House, and packaging goods for regional non-profits.

Humanitarian efforts focused on preparing sandwiches and healthy snack packages for Lighthouse Annapolis, assembling food packages for MidShore Meals til Monday, and preparing over 200 customized care bags for the Ronald McDonald House. Additionally, students processed collected shoes for transport to Rukundo International.

The afternoon transitioned into a comprehensive Career Tracks program, connecting students with a diverse roster of professionals who exemplify public service. Students engaged with more than 12 speakers from national and regional organizations, including the Office of Naval Intelligence, the US Department of State, a US Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander, an Air Force Pilot working for the Pentagon, the CEO of the Chesapeake Conservancy, a Family Nurse Practitioner from Choptank Community Health, and more.

“There were 12 parent volunteers leading sessions,” explains Director of Belonging & Community Dr. Ryan Asprion, who planned the day’s events. “Our students really love getting a firsthand perspective on how their passions could possibly translate into impactful careers across government, health, environmental science, law enforcement, and the non-profit sector.”

The day concluded with student and faculty-led discussion sessions, fostering civil discourse on important modern topics ranging from Environmental Justice and the Evolution of Women in Politics to Media Literacy and “Your vote, Your power.”

“Civic Learning Day reinforces one of the school’s core values,” said Dr. Asprion, “and that is to prepare students to be ethically and environmentally minded scholars, citizens, and leaders for a globalized society.”

Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

The Gunston School welcomed more than 220 guests to its waterfront campus for the 10th Annual Bull & Oyster Roast on Saturday, October 18, 2025, chaired by Melanie & Nash McMahan, P’27’28. The school’s largest fundraising event of the year was dedicated to funding a crucial overhaul of the school’s rural campus technology infrastructure.

The event generated more than $73,100 through sponsorships, raffle tickets, and general event income. The live and silent auctions contributed $35,000, and the highlight of the evening was the direct-giving “Raise the Paddle” segment, which alone generated an impressive $45,000, bringing the total gross funds raised to just over $150,000.

The live auction, led by auctioneer Woody Dunstan, P’24,  saw enthusiastic bidding for big-ticket items, including a seven-night bareboat charter on a Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 Catamaran in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a three-bedroom penthouse in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and a beachfront villa in St. Thomas on Bolongo Beach. Unique experiences tailored for the Gunston community were also highly sought after, including 10 VIP seats for the Class of 2026 Graduation and the exclusive first-choice parking spot for the entire 2026-2027 school year. Major bids were rounded out by a professional Paul Reed Smith SE Custom 24 Electric Guitar and a catered cocktail cruise for eight on the Chester River.

The online silent auction, which ran from October 13 through October 19th, allowed the entire Gunston Community to participate. The selection featured tempting travel and local excursions, including a three-night stay in a lovely waterfront Annapolis condo, a weekend getaway in St. Michaels, a five-day Myrtle Beach vacation, a Deep Creek Cabin Weekend, and several fishing charters. Gift certificates for popular local restaurants were also available, alongside offerings of golf and spa packages, and original artwork.

Head of School John Lewis commented on the successful night. “The community’s response was overwhelming and demonstrates a shared vision for Gunston’s future. A comprehensive overhaul of our network infrastructure is now fully supported, which will ensure fast, secure, and seamless connectivity across campus. These upgrades are essential to supporting student learning, classroom technology, campus safety systems, and daily operations.”

Guests also enjoyed delicious food from Phat Daddy’s BBQ, Superior OysterShuckers, and Emily’s Produce, along with a beer truck, wine pull, cocktails, and dancing to round out the evening.

Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

Photos by Elaina Faith Photography

Easton High Senior, Elmer Pineda, and St. Michaels High Senior, Tyler Murphy, will represent their schools as student members of the Talbot County Board of Education for the 2025-2026 school year.  Elmer and Tyler were selected following an application and interview process; they were officially sworn in at the October 13th Board of Education Work Session.

Elmer Pineda is the current Executive President of the Easton High School Student Government Association. He is also President of the Spanish Honor Society and a member of the National Honor Society. Elmer has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll since the 2022 school year.  He has received the Rural and Small Town Recognition, First-Generation Recognition, and School Recognition Awards, and was named an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction by the College Board.  Fluent in both English and Spanish, Elmer has earned the Maryland seal of Bi-Literacy, which recognizes a student’s high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages other than English.  

A member of the Easton Warrior Men’s Varsity Soccer team, Elmer was recognized as Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, and he served as Captain of the Junior Varsity team in his freshman year.   He is employed as a Team Leader and Trainer at Chick-Fil-A in Easton and he regularly volunteers at the Ministerio Misionero de Liberación y Restauración church. 

Tyler Murphy is the current President of the Student Government Association, and current Vice President of the National Honor Society at St. Michaels Middle High School.  Tyler has most recently received the school’s quarterly Character Award, the Super Saint Award, has also been on the Principal’s Honor Roll, and  has also been recognized as an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction by the College Board. As a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Delegate in his junior year at SMMHS, he attended a weekend leadership conference in Ocean City, Maryland. 

A member of the Varsity Soccer Team and a past member of the Junior Varsity Baseball Team, Tyler’s athletic awards include the Nick Bramble Iron Man Award (Soccer), the Junior Varsity MVP award (Baseball), and a North Bayside Honorable Mention (Soccer).  For the past four years, he has been a member of the Saints Marching and Concert Band as a percussionist, and he performed in the school’s production of “Snow White and the Prince” last school year.  Tyler has also participated in Destination Imagination, Travel Soccer and Baseball teams, and he has volunteered for the St. Michaels Running Festival. Currently, he is employed as a Dock Hand at the St. Michaels Marina. 

“We are excited to have these outstanding student leaders represent their schools this year,” said Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Superintendent. “The Board values their input and feedback on important issues in our district, and enjoys hearing the monthly reports from their respective school communities. Congratulations to Elmer and Tyler on their appointments to this important role!”

The Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation is pleased to announce that the 2025 “Mission Possible – Celebrating TCPS Alumni and Supporting Teachers” will be held on Friday, November 7 from at 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Oxford Community Center.  Mrs. Eleanor “Tot” O’Mara, Easton High Class of 1967 and Mr. James Redman, retired TCPS Educator will serve as Mistress and Master of Ceremonies. The purpose of the event is to recognize TCPS Distinguished Alumni, celebrate Talbot County Public Education, and raise funds, awareness, and support for the Education Foundation. 

The following individuals will be honored as TCPS Distinguished Alumni for 2025:

Easton High School – Mrs. Linda S. Brown, Class of 1971

St. Michaels High School – Mrs. Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, Class of 1995

Robert Russa Moton High School – Mr. Dale Webb, Sr., Class of 1965

The event will include a cocktail reception catered by Garden and Garnish, and a student performance.  Information will be presented about teacher grant proposals, so that guests see first-hand examples of the initiatives that the foundation raises funds to support.  Tickets to attend the event are $100 per person, and may be purchased on-line by visiting the Education Foundation website, https://www.tcpsef.org/ or by contacting Debbie Gardner at (410)822-0330, ext. 102 or by email at [email protected]. There are also a variety of sponsorship opportunities available. 

The Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation was established in 2016 in partnership with the Mid-Shore Community Foundation.  To date the foundation has awarded more than $375,000 in grants to TCPS teachers. To learn more about supporting the TCPS Education Foundation, visit https://www.tcpsef.org/.

Talbot County Public Schools is proud to announce that Easton High senior Jack Perry has been named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.  Jack received a Letter of Commendation for this achievement from National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC ®), which conducts the program.  

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise.  They are placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2026 competition by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT ®). 

“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC.  “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”