Chesapeake Forum is closing out February with a dynamic mix of programs designed to bring the community together around learning, conversation, and local engagement. In partnership with the Talbot County Free Library, two free public events will give residents a deeper look at the issues shaping life in Talbot County.

County Council Members Pete Lesher and Lynn Mielke will demystify how county government works and share ways citizens can help shape the county’s future. Their two‑session program, Understanding the Business of Talbot County, meets Tuesday, Feb. 17 and Monday, Mar. 2 from 5:30–7pm. Later in the month, Arenal Haut leads a thoughtful, myth‑busting conversation about organ donation and the life‑saving impact one decision can make. Community Conversation: Organ Donation is Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 1:00–2:30pm. Both programs take place at the Talbot County Free Library in Easton.

Chesapeake Forum also welcomes back Matthew Peters for The Current Immigrant Experience, a timely look at the challenges facing newcomers on the Eastern Shore and the vital support provided by the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center. His session meets at the Forum’s classroom at the Easton Family YMCA on Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 10:30am–Noon.

Rounding out the month, Chef David Murray leads River to Table: Cooking Blue Catfish, a hands‑on workshop that turns one of the Bay’s most notorious invasive species into a delicious, sustainable meal. The class meets Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the Culinary Center in Denton. For those craving a social evening in the kitchen, Larry Paz returns to demonstrate the cooking of an Italian Trattoria‑Style Dinner on Friday, Feb. 27 at 5:30pm at the Oxford Community Center.

February may be ending, but Chesapeake Forum is just getting warmed up. A full slate of March programs is on the way. Learn more and register for these and many other courses at https://chesapeakeforum.org.

Temple B’nai Israel’s Susan and Barry Koh Lecture Series presents The Ethics of ClimateChange: The Planet, Our Common Home, on Thursday February 12 at 7 PM.

Keynote speaker Rabbi Sergio Bergman will focus on the concepts of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as well as ethical economic frameworks for development.

Rabbi Bergman, the president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ), is a qualified scientist and the first rabbi appointed as a government minister in Argentina. In collaboration with international religious leaders, including Pope Francis, he has promoted the religious and moral obligations to protect the environment.

This lecture will explore how Sustainable Development, viewed through the lens of universal values, recognizes that climate change is a symptom rather than the root cause. The methods by which we manufacture goods and utilize natural resources reflect our underlying values. This perspective integrates the concepts of Sustainable Development Goals, the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement (https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda).

In 2015, Rabbi Bergman was appointed Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Argentina. During his tenure (2015-2019) he led key environmental initiatives, including the creation of six National Parks and the establishment of Argentina’s first Marine Protected Areas.

In 2019, he was recognized by Apolitical, a foundation whose mission is to promote representative political leadership for the21st century capable of building democracies that serve citizens and the planet, as one of the 100 most influential global figures in the fight against climate change.

Since 2020, Rabbi Bergman has served as a President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ), leading the global movement in advancing Jewish life, values, and education worldwide. The WUPJ represents over 1250 congregations in over 50 countries.

The event, with a coffee reception following the lecture, is free, but registration is required. Register at

 

On Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM, the Tilghman Watermen’s Museum Speaker Series will feature John Rock, from Neavitt, Maryland.  John is a photographer and runs the chase boat from the Miles River Yacht club for the Log Canoe races. He will share his experiences with the Log Canoe races through stories and photographs that he has taken to document these spectacular events. 

The presentation will be held at the Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Department, 5979 Tilghman Island Road.   

The event is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. 

Committed to celebrating, documenting, preserving, and sharing the history, traditions, heritage, and culture of Tilghman’s Island, the Tilghman Watermen’s Museum hosts an exceptional collection of local artists such as Bill Cummings, Colleen Sadler, Marc Castelli, and Nancy Tankersley. The museum contains a treasure trove of artifacts, oral histories, and boat models. 

Located in the Lee House at 6031 Tilghman Island Road, the museum will close for the winter and will re-open in the spring. For additional information, contact us by email: [email protected] or visit our website: www.tilghmanmuseum.org.

The Friends of the Talbot County Free Library will be contributing $50,000 to the Library on Wednesday, February 11 at 2 p.m. at the newly renovated and expanded St. Michaels branch. Friends Council president Frank Carollo will present a check for that amount to St. Michaels Branch Manager Shauna Beulah in a short ceremony, followed by an informal reception for media and Library guests.

As part of the celebration, a new space in the St. Michaels Library – to be known as the Friends Corner, where visitors can relax and bring their own coffee, refreshments, or  snacks – will be dedicated in honor of the Friends.

Members of the Council of Friends, the Friends of the Library’s governing body, and Library officials will be on hand to provide additional information and insightful perspectives about this significant gift and what it means for the Library.

The funds, raised by the Friends over the last several years, will be used to cover some of the expenses for the Library’s collection and other materials, including equipment for the branch’s new MakerSpace. The St. Michaels branch (located at 106 Fremont St., St. Michaels MD 21663) will officially re-open to the public on Saturday, March 21.

“We invite everyone in Talbot County, and in particular the residents of St. Michaels and the Bay 100 area, to join us in supporting this wonderful new resource in our community,” said Friends Council president, and St. Michaels resident, Frank Carollo. “We’re hereby issuing a matching gift challenge to our neighbors to make their own contributions for the St. Michaels Library.”

Donations for this challenge may be made to the Friends of the Library in person at either branch, by mail, or on the Friends page of the Library’s website – and please make a note that the donation is for the St. Michaels gift challenge.

St. Michaels Branch Manager Shauna Beulah said, “We want to thank the Friends of  the Library for this most generous donation, and all they have done for us. The Friends  have always been supportive of our programs and they contribute towards items we  need to enhance or beautify the Library, and we truly appreciate the warm relationship  we have with them. We would not be the branch we are without their generosity and  support.”

Added Dana Newman, Director of the Talbot County Free Library, “This generous gift  from our Friends will provide a wonderful array of library materials for patrons of all  ages. There is still time for members of the community to donate funds to honor  someone dear to them. These funds really help to provide enhancements and materials  that we would not be able to otherwise offer.”

Friends of the Talbot County Free Library is an organization of volunteers supporting the Talbot  County Free Library. It advocates for the Library and promotes the Library’s values and services as  a vital resource for the enrichment of the community. Established in 1974, Friends of the Library is  an independent §501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations and membership contributions  are tax-deductible.

To learn more about Friends of the Library or opportunities to serve on its governing body, the Council of Friends, email [email protected] or visit https://www.tcfl.org/about/friends.html.

The Town of Oxford is accepting applications for the 2026 R. Gordon Graves Community Service Scholarship. This scholarship program is aimed at students passionate about volunteering and community service. 

The scholarship is open to current high school seniors and undergraduate students from Talbot County and can be applied to college and university, or trade school studies. The town will award one or more scholarships of $500 or more to students who demonstrate a history of community service and volunteerism. 

Volunteerism has enormous potential to initiate change, and young people will play an important role in shaping the future. Through community service students can help build a more generous and caring society. 

Former Oxford Commissioner R. Gordon Graves was an iconic supporter of his community. His service to the Town of Oxford not only involved his nine plus years as an elected official serving the citizens of Oxford, but it also encompassed his love of history, education and people, as he spent the last 20 years of his life in daily community service. His entire professional career was in higher education. His love of learning and years of service make this scholarship in support of local student’s educational pursuits a fitting legacy.

Student can download the application at https://www.oxfordmd.gov/198/Scholarship.

 Applications must demonstrate the applicant’s efforts in community service.

Funding of additional grants is open to any party or group interested in creating a donation in Gordon’s name and wishing to support the efforts of local students. 

Those making contributions should address their check to the Town of Oxford and note in the Memo: Graves Scholarship Fund. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 339, Oxford, MD 21654 or dropped off at the town office, 101 Market St., Oxford, MD. 21654

“The United States Colored Troops from Queen Anne’s County: Additional Stories of USCT from the Eastern Shore”
with Chris Pupke Former President of the Queen Anne’s County Historical Society

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 1:00pm
at the Talbot County Free Library

The United States Colored Troops (USCT) are the free enslaved African Americans who fought for the Union Army during the Civil War. By the end of the war, USCT represented almost 10% of the Union Army. This presentation will focus on the USCT

from Queen Anne’s County. These individuals fought valiantly at the Battle of The Crater and Fort Gilmer among other battles. Their contributions helped win the war, preserve the Union and end slavery. And yet, for too long, their contributions have been forgotten or ignored. In this discussion, we will discuss the remarkable accomplishments of the 7th, 19th and 39th regiments of the USCT and meet some of the more than 435 USCT veterans who came from Queen Anne’s County.

Chris Pupke is a former President of the Queen Anne’s County Historical Society. He serves as a member of the Advisory Board at Kennard African American Heritage and Cultural Center where he offers lectures on African American history in Queen Anne’s

County through the Institute for Adult Learning. He has been researching the United States Colored Troops from Queen Anne’s County for a decade and is helping to establish a memorial in their honor at Kennard. Mr. Pupke is the Executive Director of the Biophilia Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving biodiversity.

This is presented by the Talbot Historical Society in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library and will take place at the library located at 100 W. Dover St., Easton, MD 21601.

The lecture will be presented on February 4, 2026 at 1:00pm at the Talbot County Free Library
The lecture is free to the public, but reservations are requested.
If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation: 410-822-0773 or email [email protected]

Talbot Historical Society office/research/exhibit hours are:Wednesday through Saturday 10am-3pm

Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers is proud to be expanding its pre-kindergarten programming through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (Blueprint), in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS). The expanded Pre-K program, officially launched last September, is already making a meaningful difference for local children and families.

Passed by the Maryland General Assembly in 2021, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future was designed to strengthen education across the state, beginning with early learning. The initiative provides additional funding to schools and childcare providers to enrich classroom experiences and better prepare children for long-term academic success. Through the Blueprint, Critchlow Adkins has worked closely with MSDE to enhance the preschool experience while also serving as a model for high-quality early childhood education. 

An important factor in this initiative’s success is the organization’s strong partnership with Talbot County Public Schools, which helps ensure that what children are learning in Critchlow Adkins classrooms aligns with kindergarten expectations. 

Amy Walstrum, the Early Learning Supervisor and Blueprint Pillar 1 Chair for TCPS, shares, “Our long-running collaboration has been further deepened through Blueprint Pre-K Expansion, allowing us to work even more closely in support of children and families. Together, we intentionally align what children are learning in Critchlow Adkins classrooms with what they will experience when they enter kindergarten.” 

This partnership, grounded in a shared commitment to continuous improvement, has resulted in a thoughtful, comprehensive transition plan that supports young learners and provides families with confidence that their child is prepared for school.

In 2024, Critchlow Adkins’ Preschool Site in Easton was named a Center of Excellence, welcoming other local childcare providers for tours and conversations focused on classroom design, MSDE EXCELS (Excellence Counts in Early Learning and School Age Care), accreditation, and the importance of community and school partnerships.

Building on that momentum, Critchlow Adkins Preschool Site became the first childcare program in Talbot County to receive a Pre-K Expansion Grant through the Blueprint in 2025. Since the program began last fall, children have benefited from a rich blend of academic and enrichment experiences designed to support the whole child.

In addition to a strong focus on early literacy and foundational math skills, the expanded Pre-K program incorporates other meaningful learning opportunities. These include art and emotional mindfulness programming through a partnership with For All Seasons, music instruction with Easton Music Academy and Jump Start with the Arts, yoga, hands-on STEAM projects, and other activities that encourage creativity, movement, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth.

Over the past six months, Critchlow’s preschool teachers and leadership team have participated in extensive training alongside MSDE and TCPS to ensure the curriculum supports kindergarten readiness and meets the State’s highest standards. In November, MSDE officials visited the site, observed the expanded programming, and shared very positive feedback.

“We’re incredibly grateful for our continued partnerships with MSDE and Talbot County Public Schools,” said Executive Director Cristy Morrell. “At Critchlow Adkins, we’re always looking for ways to grow and improve, ultimately benefiting the children and families we serve. Being able to offer high-quality academics alongside enriching experiences like art, music, yoga, and STEAM helps us nurture curious, confident learners and build a strong foundation for their future.”

Critchlow Adkins currently has Pre-K Expansion space available in its 3- and 4-year-old programs. Funding for these classrooms is provided through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, meaning there is no tuition cost for qualifying families. Families interested in learning more or enrolling are encouraged to contact Donna Austin, Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers Preschool Site Director at 410.822.7181 or [email protected].

About Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers

Founded in 1970 and celebrating 55 years of service, Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers’ mission is to provide quality, financially accessible childcare for children and their families in a diverse, educational, nurturing, and safe environment.

 

Critchlow Adkins is a nonprofit organization offering year-round preschool, before- and after-school care, and summer camp programs at five sites throughout Talbot County. With a commitment to making high-quality childcare affordable and accessible, CACC serves hundreds of children and families each year.

Thanks to the community’s generous support, Critchlow Adkins can provide tuition assistance and enrichment programs that help children learn, grow, and thrive. To learn more, enroll your child, or support this work, visit www.cacckids.org or call 410-822-8061.

Chesapeake Forum is welcoming the 1st half of the month of February with a rich mix of programs designed to inspire curiosity, spark conversation, and encourage hands‑on learning.  Rounding out the month’s early offerings is an accessible art history mini‑course with Anke Van  Wagenberg that invites participants to revisit iconic works and build confidence engaging with visual art.

Other early‑month offerings invite participants to explore the world from multiple angles — from the sweeping landscapes of the African bush to the complexities of global affairs, the creativity of art and food, and the personal stories hidden within family history.

February also brings opportunities to roll up your sleeves with a hands‑on fermentation workshop with Oksana Bocharova, try your hand at acrylic paint pouring, or deepen personal well‑being through a simple daily meditation practice. For those drawn to high‑adrenaline experiences, a Marine Corps fighter pilot offers a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at piloting the F/A‑18 Hornet. 

Chesapeake Forum’s classes are offered in a mix of in‑person, hybrid, and online formats, making it easy for adults of all ages to participate. Registration is open now, and courses often fill quickly.

For details or to register, visit www.ChesapeakeForum.org and click on the New Course Page.  Chesapeake Forum is a non-profit Academy for Lifelong Learning offered as a program of the YMCA of the Chesapeake.