Talbot County residents are invited to the Community Resource Expo on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Easton Elementary School, where more than 50 resource partners will be on hand to connect community members with a wide range of services designed to help support families, individuals, and older adults.

Hosted by the Neighborhood Service Center and its community partners, the free event will feature $50 gift card giveaways every half hour, a $100 gift card Golden Ticket, children’s activities, a rolling bicycle rodeo, a provided meal, and more.

A free technology drawing takes place at noon, with an iPad and a laptop awarded to the lucky winners. The packages also come with complimentary setup support provided by the Apollo’s Dream Foundation.

Event attendees will have access to numerous resources for free dental and health screenings, as well as mental and behavioral health resources, including peer support; housing support; utility assistance; a legal aid clinic including expungement services; budgeting and money management; and other services for children and youth, seniors, and veterans.

Limited transportation is available and must be reserved by calling 410-763-6745 by Oct. 10.

“Events like the Community Resource Expo make a real difference for families who may not know where to turn,” said Andy Hollis, executive director of the Neighborhood Service Center. “Our partners will fill Easton Elementary’s gymnasium, media center, cafeteria, hallways, and more to ensure resources are accessible, coordinated, and responsive to the needs of our community.”

Hollis also emphasized the importance of collaboration in strengthening local support systems.

“The Expo brings together organizations that are dedicated to helping residents thrive,” Hollis said. “By working side by side, we can meet people where they are and connect them with the tools and services they need.”

The Neighborhood Service Center, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Action Agency that provides services and assistance to low-income families and advanced-aged residents in Talbot County. More is at www.nsctalbotmd.org.

Christmas in St. Michaels has recently unveiled its 2025 Christmas in St. Michaels Limited Edition Collector’s Ornament, with the 22nd in the series depicting the historic Teetotum Building at the St. Michaels Museum at St. Mary’s Square. The design is based on original artwork by local artist Maggii Sarfaty.

“The Teetotum is one of the most recognizable landmarks in town, and this year’s ornament lets us share that piece of history with everyone who loves St. Michaels,” said Christmas in St. Michaels Chair Pat Martin. “This ornament celebrates its story of resilience, community, and how our town preserves its past.”

The Teetotum Building dates to the 1850s and is the central of three structures comprising the St. Michaels Museum. The unusual name comes from its roof design, which resembled a gambling spinning top called a “teetotum.” Some locals also referred to it as the “teetotal” because of its perfectly square footprint.

Around 1940, the building was remodeled into a single room, where local barber Eugene Harrison operated “Gene’s Barber Shop” from 1937 to 1968. Today, his barber’s chair and shoeshine stand remain in their original places. The building was moved to its current site at East Chestnut Street and St. Mary’s Square in 1968 and given to the museum by the bank.

“Museum exhibits in the Teetotum tell some of our most important stories—from daily life on St. Mary’s Square, the original heart of the town, to the British attacks of 1813, and even the life and times of Frederick Douglass,” Martin said. “That history is something we want to keep alive, and this ornament is a keepsake reminder of that heritage.”

The boxed ornament will be available at select local retail shops and during the Christmas in St. Michaels Marketplace and Sweet Shoppe. Online purchases for all St. Michaels Limited Edition Collector’s Ornaments can be made at christmasinstmichaels.org/ornament.

Since the all-volunteer organization’s beginnings, sponsors and patrons of Christmas in St. Michaels have helped raise more than $1.7 million to support local children and adults through education, child development, and community programs.

For more information, including event details and online purchases, please visit christmasinstmichaels.org.

The Women & Girls Fund of the Mid-Shore is now accepting grant proposals from IRS-designated non-profit organizations for programs addressing the needs of local women and girls. Completed applications must be received by Saturday, November 1, 2025. Instructions and a link to the online application are available at www.womenandgirlsfund.org/grant-guidelines. Grant recipients will be announced in April 2026.

Since 2002, the Fund has awarded $967,006 to 118 non-profit organizations in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties. With the 2026 awards, the total will surpass the $1,000,000 mark!

The Fund awarded $64,970 in its 2025 grants to 18 organizations for a wide variety of programs such as: Aaron’s Place “Addressing the Needs of Women and Female Children”; Building African American Minds “BAAM Girls Summer Program”; For All Seasons “Empowering Healthy Relationships: Educating Teens on Connection and Consent”; Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence “Food Pantry Project for Victims of Domestic Violence”; and Pine Street Committee “Summer Success for Girls Enrichment Program”.

“We encourage organizations across all five counties to apply. Our online application process is straightforward—don’t hesitate to submit a request,” said Allie Prell, Grants Committee chair. “We’re particularly interested in small organizations with innovative programs that lack traditional funding sources, and we’d love to learn about organizations new to us.”

For more information, call 410-770-8347 or e-mail [email protected].

Oxford, Maryland’s waterfront will sparkle once again as the town welcomes guests to Christmas on the Creek, a month-long celebration of lights, music, food, and family activities, beginning Friday, December 5, 2025, and continuing through Saturday, January 10, 2026.

The beloved tradition transforms this historic Eastern Shore town into a holiday destination for all ages. Guests will enjoy Christmas trees lit along the docks on Town Creek from great viewing locations, seasonal treats, and festive events happening throughout December.

This year’s event features a new lighting ceremony on the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry and refreshment stops at Cutts & Case Shipyard and Campbell’s Town Creek Boatyard, along with two weekends of market shopping opportunities and plenty of public spaces to enjoy Oxford’s waterfront views.

For month-long events, look for the Oxford Museum’s Holiday Train Exhibit, opening on November 22 and running through December 14, enjoy seasonal treats at Oxford Social, an ice cream social at the Scottish Highland Creamery, and more throughout town.

Creating Lasting Holiday Traditions in Historic Oxford

The celebrations kick off on Friday, December 5, with the Oxford Community Center’s final concert in its jazz series, featuring the Dominick Farinacci & Aaron Diehl Holiday Show. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., with limited seating, and advanced tickets needed.

The celebration continues on Saturday, December 6, with The Church of the Holy Trinity’s Christmas Market, taking place under the tent and throughout the church campus.

Between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm, guests will find decorated fresh wreaths, handmade gifts, crafts for children and adults, and so much more. Adding to the festivities will be a sit-down luncheon in the Parish Hall, beginning at noon.

Beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, guests can collect a cookie box and stroll through Oxford to participate in the 3rd Annual Cookie Walk. Details and a map of participating businesses can be found on the Port of Oxford’s website.

While in Oxford, don’t miss The Treasure Chest’s Annual Holiday Open House and Winter Sale, taking place December 5 -7.

Lighting of the Dock Trees

As the sun sets on Saturday, December 6, the annual lighting of the dock trees along Town Creek takes place, rain or shine.

Guests are encouraged to gather no later than 4:30 p.m. at one of the ideal viewing locations, including Campbell’s Town Creek Boatyard and Cutts & Case Shipyard, to enjoy good company, holiday treats, festive music, and more. Sunset is estimated to be at 4:43 p.m.

Complimentary hot chocolate will be offered at the Cutts & Case Shipyard, sponsored by the Robert Morris Inn. Doc’s Sunset Grille will be offering hot apple cider infused with seasonal flavors and optional garnishes at Campbell’s Town Creek Boatyard.

Ferry Lights Bring a New Tradition to Oxford

At 6 p.m., a new Lighting of the Ferry ceremony takes place, with Santa Claus heading down to the ferry dock to flip the switch and reveal a festively lit Oxford-Bellevue Ferry.

The new tradition draws families and friends to the waterfront to capture the start of the season, with the Talbot remaining lit at the ferry dock for picture-perfect moments through January 10.

“These gatherings create a welcoming atmosphere that highlights the community spirit of the holiday celebration,” says OBA President Monika Mraz.

“We’re so grateful for the participation of so many businesses and organizations this year,” she says. “It’s an event not to miss in Oxford.”

The opening weekend concludes on Sunday, December 7, with the always-popular Breakfast with Santa at the Oxford Firehouse, taking place from 8 to 11:00 a.m.

Children of all ages can have their picture taken with Santa, enjoy games, and discover beautiful, handcrafted holiday decorations and baked goods from members of the Oxford Fire Company Auxiliary.

The holiday spirit continues with the Oxford Holiday Market, taking place from December 12 to 14 at the Oxford Community Center, where local artisans showcase a unique collection of handmade crafts and gifts.

“Christmas on the Creek is one of the most magical times to visit Oxford,” said Mraz. “We love welcoming guests from near and far, and we especially encourage our neighbors to include a trip to Oxford in their holiday plans each year.”

Christmas on the Creek is organized by the Oxford Business Association, which serves as the collective voice of Oxford’s businesses. A full schedule of events and more information are at www.portofoxford.com.

The Talbot County Department of Social Services (TCDSS) is recognizing Kinship Appreciation Month by honoring the kinship caregivers who are raising Maryland’s children. Kinship care keeps children with trusted adults they already know and love. Most of the time, it’s family, but other times, it’s a friend, sports coach, or member of their faith community.

TCDSS recently invited kinship caregivers and traditional resource (foster) parents to enjoy a crab feast together, celebrating their commitment to young people across the county. TCDSS gave the families gifts of appreciation while the children enjoyed playing games during the special event.

“Kin resources, family, and family by choice, are such an important part of our work to minimize disruptions and trauma for young people, while maximizing stability and security for them,” said Director of TCDSS, Linda Webb. “We invited kinship families to our annual crab feast for the first time because we recognize the growing role they play in the care of our children here in Talbot County. We’re pleased to honor them once again as we recognize their contributions during National Kinship Care Month.”

Maryland’s historic kinship care law celebrates its first anniversary on October 1st.

The law established a preference for placing youth experiencing out-of-home care with relatives or family by choice. It modernized the definition of “kin” to include trusted adults and also removed outdated restrictions that didn’t reflect how modern families function.

The law set the stage for broader policy and regulatory reforms that would support the entire state’s transition to a kin-first culture. It introduced kin-specific licensing to simplify the process and expanded access to financial support. This remains critical to ensure that poverty is not a primary reason for keeping young people separated from their families.

Kinship caregiver Eve Brown, of Easton, said, “The journey isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it to change the life of a child who has no one by giving them a nurturing, loving, and safe home. As a former child in the foster care system, I can recognize what works, and what doesn’t, for him. I’m a strong advocate for him. He appreciates that I have experienced some of the same challenges in foster care and while living in group homes. He has disabilities, so I’ve learned about his medical care and how to advocate for him in school. The Talbot County Department of Social Services is very supportive. The staff gets us the resources we need and helps me successfully care for him.”

Kerri Roberts, a Kinship Navigator at the TCDSS, said, “Keeping children connected to family or ‘family by choice,’ their culture, and community reduces the likelihood of trauma for young people separated from their parents. It reinforces the stability children need to continue to grow, learn, and feel safe.”

The process to become a licensed kinship caregiver includes conducting background checks on all of the adults in the household, as well as completing a caregiver and home assessment. The kinship licensing process is simplified to ensure that youth are quickly placed. Kinship caregivers are provided a monthly stipend.

For more information about becoming a licensed kinship provider or resource parent, please call the Talbot County Department of Social Services at (410) -820-7371 or visit https://midshoreresourceparents.com.

Goldie Cooper, New Beginnings Executive Director, with children and teen helpers in after the school program, accepts a check from Carol Meredith and Joy Gaddy from UUFE’s Social Justice Committee.

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Easton (UUFE)  Social Justice Committee continues its mission to support organizations that promote social  justice through programming and community service. 

UUFE members Carol Meredith and Joy Gaddy recently visited New Beginnings Youth &  Family Services in Cambridge to present a donation of $725 from a recent UUFE outreach  collection. 

Long recognized as a vital part of the Cambridge community, New Beginnings offers after  school and all-day summer programs where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Its mission is to  provide a safe, nurturing, and structured environment that equips children and their families with  the tools to foster education, success, and community. The organization is dedicated to  empowering those who have ever felt powerless. 

Previous UUFE Social Justice Outreach Collections have supported the Chesapeake  Multicultural Resource Center, the Frederick Douglass Honor Society, an organization aiding  Ukrainian refugees, the Water’s Edge Museum, DelMarVa Pride, and more. 

“The Social Justice Committee reflects our congregation’s commitment to community service  and equity,” said Meredith. “Partnering with organizations like New Beginnings helps us live our  values of compassion and justice.” 

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Easton is an open religious community that nurtures  spiritual and intellectual growth for all ages, while actively engaging in outreach and service.  UUFE cherishes diversity and celebrates oneness with all humanity in the spirit of compassion,  respect, and love. 

UUFE meets weekly on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM, and all are welcome. For more  information about the Fellowship, visit https://uufeaston.org. To learn more about New  Beginnings Youth & Family Services, visit https://newbeginningsyouth.wixsite.com/info.

Come celebrate the creativity of artisans across the Eastern Shore at the annual Easton Fall Craft Fair on Saturday, Oct. 4. Admission is free for this one-day-only event, which takes place 10am to 3pm on the grounds of Trinity Cathedral at 315 Goldsborough St.

The fair features unique, handmade work from 40 crafters and will be a fun place to kick off holiday shopping. Here are a few examples of one-of-a-kind gems you’ll find, along with the creative artisans who make them:

·       Mary Pellicano and Loretta Hatzel of Easton make bird and bee feeders from upscaled vintage china.

·       Douglas Draper of Salisbury creates drawings, painting and photographs of Chesapeake Bay watermen.

·       Wendy Kloetzli of Worton produces hand-felted creations of animals and nature.

·       Karen Crane of Salisbury creates colorful tote bags made of denim and cotton fabrics.

·       Jerry Pompeo of Preston, aka Grumpy Old Flag Guy, produces all kinds of wooden flags and “tank art,” including Minions, VWs, and other vehicles made from recycled refrigerant tanks.

·       Gabriele Kendall of Chestertown specializes in jewelry made with driftwood.

·        Michele Devine of Easton fashions unique apparel and accessories from hand-printed cotton fabric.

Come meet these and other talented makers doing original work in pottery, basketry, painting, woodworking, soaps, crochet stuffed animals, needlepoint and various media.

Tidewater Rotary proudly donated dozens of brand-new backpacks to students at Polaris Village Academy (PVA), located on the campus of BAAM (Building African American Minds) in Easton.

In a recent visit, second grade students received the backpacks alongside Head of School James Redman, teacher Elizabeth Santillan, and Tidewater Rotary members Childlene Brooks and club Vice President Rick Hughes.

Polaris Village Academy is a premier private elementary school dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities at a cost that families can afford. By carefully managing resources and facilities, PVA keeps tuition low without compromising quality. Its passionate educators foster both academic excellence and spiritual growth, creating a well-rounded experience for every Scholar. To learn more, visit PolarisVillageAcademy.org.

Tidewater Rotary is an open and inclusive service club of local women and men who come together through fellowship, fun, and professional networking to strengthen the Talbot County community. Members donate their time, talent, and treasure in support of meaningful causes both locally and around the world.

Looking ahead, Tidewater Rotary has identified combating food insecurity as its central focus for 2025–2026. The club is committed to addressing hunger in Talbot County by organizing food drives and assisting partner organizations that serve those in need.

Membership in Tidewater Rotary is open to all. To discover more about the club’s community efforts or learn how to join, visit tidewaterrotary.org.

The Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) will soon wrap up their Bricks for Books campaign—a fundraising initiative to support the expanded collection at the renovated St. Michaels Branch. The campaign invites residents and local businesses to purchase personalized, commemorative bricks that will be installed in the library’s new outdoor walkway.

Each brick can be engraved with a name, logo, quote, or message, creating a lasting tribute for future generations of readers. Proceeds will help fund new books and materials for the St. Michaels Branch collection.

“The St. Michaels Library is one of the county’s most beloved destinations,” said Amanda David, President of the Talbot County Free Library Foundation. “The gift of one brick funds an average of three to four books for the library and allows our patrons to honor someone special to them.”

Bricks are available for purchase now through the library’s website. A dedication ceremony will be held when the St. Michaels Branch reopens in early 2026. The deadline to order is September 26, 2025.

For more information or to purchase a brick, visit www.tcfl.org or call (410) 822-1626.

About the Talbot County Free Library

The Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) provides free access to information, technology, and educational resources to all residents of Talbot County, MD. The library strives to empower, inspire, and enrich the community by fostering lifelong learning and literacy. With branches in Easton and St. Michaels, TCFL offers a range of programs and services for all ages. Learn more at www.tcfl.org.