Maryland Public Television’s popular original series Maryland Farm & Harvest, now in its 13^th season, will feature farms and locations in Talbot and Caroline counties during an episode premiering on Tuesday, December 9. An episode preview is available on the series’ webpage at mpt.org/farm.

Maryland Farm & Harvest airs on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on MPT and online at mpt.org/livestream. Episodes are also available to view live and on demand using the free PBS app and MPT’s online video player.

The popular weekly series takes viewers on a journey across the Free State, telling engaging and enlightening stories about the farms, people, and technology required to sustain and grow agriculture in Maryland, the state’s number one commercial industry.

Joanne Clendining, who has earned three Emmy® awards from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for her work on Maryland Farm & Harvest, serves as series host. She is joined by Al Spoler, host of “The Local Buy” segments, and by a variety of local chefs who serve as guest hosts of the series’ “Farm to Skillet” segments.

With introductions filmed at One Straw Farm in White Hall (Baltimore County), the December 9 episode features the following stories:

• Hutchison Brothers Farm (Talbot County): Hutchison Brothers is a 130-year-old, 3,400-acre grain and vegetable farm in Cordova operated by Richard, Bobby, David, Travis, and Kyle Hutchison. The family was awarded the 2024 Maryland Aldo Leopold Conservation Award for its history of stewardship and commitment to soil and water conservation. Viewers meet the family and learn about the innovative drainage systems they’ve built, nitrogen bioreactors they’ve installed, and other measures they’ve taken over the years to minimize runoff and limit surface and sub-surface water issues common on Eastern Shore farms.
• Ferry Cove Shellfish Farm (Talbot County): Ferry Cove Shellfish in Sherwood is a cutting-edge indoor oyster hatchery, built as a laboratory for scientists to tackle some of the Chesapeake Bay’s most pressing health concerns. Today, the privately held nonprofit produces spat – baby oysters – to support the commercial fishing and aquaculture industries throughout the region. Audiences get a detailed view of the high-tech operation, which allows a small team of just seven employees to produce billions of oyster larvae annually.
•  Farm to Skillet: Chef Jordan Lloyd (Talbot and Caroline counties): Chef Jordan Lloyd, executive chef and owner of Hambletown House Events & Catering in Easton, dispels the myth that oysters shouldn’t be eaten outside of months that include an “R” by preparing oysters Rockefeller with an Eastern Shore twist. After gathering freshly caught oysters off the boat of Tilghman Island Seafood’s Nick Hargrove, Chef Lloyd visits Williwaw Farm in Preston to harvest fresh greens with owner Becca Buckler. With ingredients in tow, he returns to his kitchen to prepare a delicious summertime dish he calls “oysters Williwaw.” The recipe will be available to download at mpt.org/farm.

More than 19 million viewers have watched Maryland Farm & Harvest on the statewide public TV network since its debut in 2013. The series has traveled to more than 500 farms, fisheries, and other agriculture-related locations during its first 12 seasons, covering every Maryland county, as well as Baltimore City and Washington, D.C.

Encore broadcasts of Maryland Farm & Harvest air on MPT on Thursdays at 11 p.m. and on Sundays at 6 a.m. Episodes also air on MPT2/Create® on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Past episodes can be viewed on the PBS app and MPT’s online video player, while episode segments are available on the series’ YouTube channel at youtube.com/@MarylandFarmHarvest.

Audiences are invited to engage with the series on social media @MarylandFarmHarvest on Facebook and @mdfarmtv on Instagram.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is MPT’s co-production partner for Maryland Farm & Harvest. Major funding is provided by the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board.

Additional funding is provided by Maryland’s Best; a grant from the Rural Maryland Council, Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Fund; MARBIDCO; a grant from the Maryland Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program; Farm Credit; Maryland Soybean Board and Soybean Checkoff Program; Maryland Nursery, Landscape & Greenhouse Association; Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts; Maryland Farm Bureau, Inc., The Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment; Maryland Agriculture Education Foundation; and Maryland Pork Producers Association.

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About Maryland Public Television

Maryland Public Television (MPT) is a statewide, public-supported TV network and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) member offering entertaining and educational content delivered by traditional broadcasting and streaming on TVs, computers, and mobile devices via its online video player and the free PBS app. A state agency operating under the auspices of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission, MPT also produces local, regional, and national programming and frequently earns regional Emmy® awards for its work. MPT’s commitment to educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through its Maryland Center for Media Literacy & Education and Thinkport.org. MPT’s year-round community engagement activities connect viewers with resources covering a wide range of topics. More information is available at mpt.org.

Now through December 30th, tickets can be purchased for a chance to win one of three highly sought-after, and collectable bourbons: a Russell’s Reserve 13-year, an Old Fitzgerald 10year, and a Woodford Master’s Collection #21. These rare whiskies are prized by collectors, extremely difficult to find, and would make unforgettable holiday gifts!

100% of the proceeds from this year’s raffle will be divided equally between: The Talbot County Free Library, ShoreRivers, and the Royal Oak Community UMC’s food bank; all local non-profits doing important work in our community every day.

Tickets are $25 each or five for $100 and can only be purchased at Town and Country Wine, Liquor, Etc., 28248 St. Michaels Road in Easton. The drawing will be held on Facebook Live on December 30th. Questions will be cheerfully answered at 410-822-1433.

T&C’s Rare Bourbon Raffle began in 2020 as a way to help raise money for local non-profits during the pandemic, and in f ive years, has raised over $32,000 benefitting organizations including: CASA Mid-Shore, Habitat for Humanity, Pickering Creek Audubon Center, Talbot Mentors, Talbot Hospice, St. Michaels VFD, St. Michaels Community Center, Talbot Interfaith Shelter, For All Seasons, TAYA, The Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, Bay Hundred Community Volunteers, Delmarva Pride Center, Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, and the EPD’s Toy Drive.

Oxford businesses and volunteers are joining together to prepare the waterfront town for Christmas on the Creek, a month-long celebration highlighted by docks lit with Christmas trees and a new Ferry Lighting with Santa ceremony.

Volunteers are preparing more than 80 trees for the Dec. 6 lighting ceremony, with Cutts & Case Shipyard and Campbell’s Boatyard at Jacks Point hosting viewing parties. Doc’s Sunset Grille is providing refreshments for the rain-or-shine festivities.

Christmas on the Creek is a month-long lineup of family events, markets, music, and holiday traditions throughout Oxford, running Dec. 5 through Jan. 10. A full schedule of events and activities is available at www.portofoxford.com.

Celebrate the Season with Artisan Gifts, Delicious Food, and Family Fun

Host Doehrn Tea is excited to announce the return of the Oxford Holiday Market in historic Oxford, Maryland from Friday, December 12 through Sunday, December 14, 2025. The Market will take place at the Oxford Community Center and promises to be a festive celebration filled with beautiful artisan gifts, fun activities, delicious food, and a visit from Santa Claus himself!

Located along the scenic waterfront of one of Maryland’s most charming Eastern Shore towns, the Oxford Holiday Market is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. This event brings together talented craftspeople offering hand-made goods that make the perfect holiday gifts, from jewelry and home décor to artisanal foods and one-of-a-kind treasures.

Highlights of the 2025 Oxford Holiday Market:

Delicious Tea and Cakes: Take a break from shopping to enjoy seasonal treats like stollen and holiday cookies while sipping teas by Doehrn Tea with your friends and family as you soak up the holiday atmosphere. The café will open an hour early each day for tea-time before the market opens.

Unique Artisan Gifts: Shop from a curated selection of local and regional artists from woodworkers to glassmakers, jewelers and crocheters, painters, and sculptors. Along with small-batch rum and liqueur, imported oils and vinegars, hand-crafted soaps, candles, and yarns – all perfect for your holiday gift-giving.

Search for the Elves (again!): Make the day even more exciting by searching for our wandering elves! Little elves are hiding throughout the Market and farther afield in the shops around town. Help us search for these mischievous elves earning fun rewards for each elf returned to their castle at the Market. The search is on all weekend long, and the perfect way to explore the market and experience Oxford’s charming holiday spirit.

The Oxford Holiday Market offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the season. With its charming small-town setting, visitors are encouraged to make a weekend of it, exploring the town’s local shops, the Holiday Train Exhibit at the Oxford Museum, along with beautiful waterfront views. Whether you are holiday shopping, enjoying a meal with loved ones, or taking in the festive spirit, there’s something for everyone in Oxford this holiday season.

Come celebrate the season in Oxford, Maryland, and discover why this enchanting town is the perfect place to create new holiday traditions. The Oxford Holiday Market is free to attend and open to all ages.

Dates & Times:
Friday, December 12: 4 PM – 8 PM
Saturday, December 13: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday, December 14: 12 PM – 4 PM

For more information about the Oxford Holiday Market, visit https://www.doehrntea.com/holidaymarket or contact Monika Mraz at [email protected] or 202-320-1110.

For more information about all of the great Christmas on the Creek events in Oxford, visit www.portofoxford.com.

 

Oxford’s waterfront will glow at sunset on Saturday, Dec. 6, when more than 80 decorated trees are lit along the town’s docks as part of the annual Christmas on the Creek celebration. The dock tree lighting, now one of the event’s most cherished sights, anchors a weekend of music, markets, and family activities. The trees will remain lit through Jan. 10.

More celebrations follow throughout the evening as Santa joins the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry for its first Ferry Lighting with Santa ceremony at 6 p.m. Santa will flip the switch to illuminate the historic Talbot in a bright holiday display, and the ferry will remain lit at the dock all season for waterfront viewing.

“This display brings neighbors, visitors, and our working waterfront together in a meaningful way,” said Monika Mraz, president of the Oxford Business Association. “It’s a warm welcome to the holidays in Oxford.”

Local boatyards are opening their waterfronts this year for viewing gatherings to watch the trees light up. Doc’s Sunset Grille is helping to supply the cheer with refreshments, with guests encouraged to arrive by 4:30 p.m.

“Seeing the shoreline shine this time of year is special for all of us,” said Meghan McDonnell of Cutts & Case Shipyard. “We are proud to be part of a tradition that celebrates community.”

At Campbell’s Boatyard at Jack’s Point, Susan Campbell shared a similar sentiment.

“These lights reflect the spirit of Oxford,” she said. “Everyone comes together, and that sense of connection is what makes the season bright.”

The weekend’s events begin Friday, Dec. 5, with the Oxford Community Center’s final concert in its jazz series, the Dominick Farinacci & Aaron Diehl Holiday Show. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m., with limited seating and advance tickets required.

On Saturday morning, The Church of the Holy Trinity will host its Christmas Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring handmade gifts, fresh wreaths, and a holiday luncheon.

A cookie box decorating workshop for children runs from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Oxford Firehouse. At 2 p.m., guests may take part in the 3rd Annual Cookie Walk before gathering for the dock tree lighting at sunset.

Festivities continue Sunday, Dec. 7, with Breakfast with Santa at the Oxford Firehouse from 8 to 11 a.m. Families can enjoy games and browse handmade decorations and baked goods provided by the Oxford Fire Company Auxiliary.

Throughout December, visitors may also explore the Oxford Museum’s Holiday Train Exhibit, enjoy seasonal menus at local restaurants, and shop the Oxford Holiday Market at the Oxford Community Center from Dec. 12 to 14.

“Christmas on the Creek is one of the most magical times to visit,” Mraz said. “We invite everyone to experience the charm of Oxford during the holidays.”

Christmas on the Creek is organized by the Oxford Business Association. A full schedule is available at portofoxford.com.

 

The Tidewater Rotary Club hosted its annual Discover Rotary Night on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, bringing together Rotarians, prospective members, and community leaders to discuss ways to support and join the Club’s ambitious 2026 initiatives focused on addressing food insecurity in Talbot County.

Held at The Market at Dover Station, the event served as a community introduction to Rotary, offering insight into the Club’s service mission and avenues for engagement. The evening also provided a platform for the official launch of the Club’s Feeding Our Local Kids & Seniors (FOLKS) initiative. This program aims to provide new six-quart crockpots and ready-to-make meal packets to local families as a practical, sustainable way to combat food insecurity in Talbot County.

During the evening, Rotarians outlined the many ways club members and community partners can contribute their time and talent to tackling this growing local challenge. Speakers emphasized collaboration and shared plans to strengthen relationships with organizations working on the front lines of hunger relief.

“Rotary’s motto is Service Above Self, and Tidewater Rotary members live that every day through service to the greater Talbot community,” said Tidewater Rotary President Steve Waltrich. “With FOLKS, we are taking a stand to help our friends and neighbors in need. If you’re looking for a great way to give back, consider joining Tidewater Rotary, where together we make a difference.”

Committee members also provided updates on the Club’s 2026 fundraisers benefiting FOLKS. Upcoming events include the Bowling Fundraiser on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Easton Bowl, and the Trivia Night Fundraiser on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 4 Dogs Brewing Co. Both events offer team-based participation, community engagement, and sponsorship opportunities, with proceeds supporting FOLKS.

The event drew a strong crowd of stakeholders, including representatives from local government and dedicated community members eager to give back. Attendees expressed strong support for the Club’s initiatives, with several signing up for volunteer opportunities and committing to participate in the programs.

“Food insecurity touches every segment of Talbot County; that’s thousands of kids and seniors who need our help,” said Rick Hughes, Tidewater Rotary Vice President and FOLKS Co-Chair. “Hungry kids don’t learn. Seniors shouldn’t have to choose between food, medicine, utilities, or rent. We can’t fix the economics of food insecurity, but we can make an immediate difference by supporting food pantries and providing meals. This isn’t just a Rotary project—it’s an all-hands-on-deck project for the entire community.”

The Tidewater Rotary Club continues to welcome community members interested in service and leadership. Regular weekly meetings are held Thursdays from 7:30–8:30 a.m. at Brookletts Place (400 Brookletts Ave., Easton, MD) or online via Zoom. The first Thursday of each month is a club social where members gather at various locations around Easton.

More information on FOLKS, fundraisers, and meeting schedules is available at www.tidewaterrotary.org.

Chesapeake Cycling Club (ridec3.org), a growing organization, based in Easton, held its annual Cranksgiving Food Drive, as part of a nationwide effort, on Sunday, November 9.

The event was again organized by long-time Chesapeake Cycling Club member, Kevan Full.

The weather forecast of rain on Sunday was changeable all week and it looked like there would be a break for the riders, but it was not meant to be as the rain, which was heavy at times, arrived midway through the event.

The teams of cyclists and one support vehicle refused to have their spirits dampened.

The intrepid club members and other volunteers were men and women ranging in age from the twenties to the seventies. The group consisted of friends and included a married couple. Some team members were from Easton Cycle and Sport. 

The teams met at Eat Sprout on N. Harrison Street and “raced” on their bicycles in casual attire to purchase and gather the designated items.

Each person made a donation of approximately $20 to purchase food and other staples from a list to be donated to Saint Vincent de Paul’s local food bank.

The riders went to Acme, Weis Markets, Target, Harris Teeter and the Plaza Latina Food Market in Easton to buy pasta, sauce, beans, baby food, peanut butter, canned vegetables and other essentials.

While one team finished first, the reality is that all the participants were winners.

The best benefit was serving an essential need of this community with friends.

We also realized how fortunate we were to have this opportunity and to reflect that we helped Saint Vincent de Paul to carry out their mission to serve people in need in our local area.

Eat Sprout provided complimentary coffee to participating club members. 

Cranksgiving will return next year and enrollment is always open.

Please join us and bring your friends and family with bikes to help our community to be a better place to live for everyone.

We hope to see you next year with sunshine.

Chesapeake Cycling Club is much more than just cycling.

The Club is always welcoming new members to join in the recreation and fun.

Hundreds of brave — and slightly chilly — souls are expected to gather at the Tred Avon Yacht Club on Saturday, February 7, 2026, for the fourth annual Oxford Plunge into the Tred Avon River, a mid-winter tradition that proves this small town has a very big heart. Participants of all ages will dash, dip, or dive into the icy waters in support of the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department and EMS (OVFD), which relies on donations to help fund life-saving equipment, training, and emergency services. Spectators are encouraged to line the waterfront, cheer on their favorite plungers, and enjoy the festive atmosphere complete with drinks, Doc’s Sunset Grille’s crab soup, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

Organizers hope this year’s Plunge will set a new record for both turnout and donations, with friends, families, local businesses, and community groups forming teams, donning costumes, and collecting pledges in the weeks leading up to the Plunge. All tax-deductible contributions from the event directly support OVFD, helping to ensure that Oxford’s all-volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel have the resources they need to respond quickly and safely when neighbors call for help. Whether you’re taking the plunge or staying bundled up on shore, the event offers a fun, spirited way to support the everyday heroes who protect Oxford and surrounding towns, people, and waterways.  To register or donate visit https://runsignup.com/TicketEvent/OxfordPlunge.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is excited to share a summer of adventure and learning on its waterfront campus with the return of CBMM Summer Camp for children ages 4-15. 

Registration for these weeklong camps that highlight the wonders of the Bay through hands-on activities, creative projects, games, on-the-water experiences, and more summer fun, is set to open on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 9am, with a two-week sign-up period exclusively for CBMM members. Open registration will begin on Wednesday, Dec. 17, and continue until camps are filled.

In 2026, CBMM will offer eight weeks of camps, beginning June 22, with a variety of offerings and themes to fit the interests and needs of our community. These camps include Sea Squirts (ages 4-6), Terrapins (grades 1-3), Summer Workshop (grades 4-6 & 6-9), and Museum Masters (grades 4-6).

Camp registration is opening about a month earlier than last year to allow the camp experience to be gifted for the holidays. Capacity is limited, so early sign-up is encouraged. Learn more about all the fun ahead and get registration details at cbmm.org/SummerCamps.

The full-day camps cost $390 per week, while the half-day Sea Squirts camp cost is $175 per week. (Note: There is special pricing for the week of Fourth of July at $316 and $140, respectively, because there is no camp on July 3.) CBMM members enjoy a 15% discount on tuition. Scholarships are available for campers with financial need.

New this year, CBMM will offer a limited-capacity aftercare program, allowing the camp day for full-day campers to be extended until 5pm with supervised care. This add-on option is $45 per week, with a 15% discount for CBMM members.

To become a CBMM member and access early registration as well as the tuition discount, visit cbmm.org/membership or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or [email protected]. 

This year, camper registration will be handled through CBMM’s ACME Ticketing registration platform, just like most of its other programming. When sign-ups begin, registration links for each camp will appear on the CBMM Summer Camp webpage. After submitting payment, there will be instructions for completing the registration process in the Campwise platform.

CBMM summer campers spend a week immersed in the Bay’s people, animals, traditions, and environment through age-appropriate lesson plans in a small-group setting. The programs are designed to blend fun and learning while taking full advantage of CBMM’s 18-acre campus along the Miles River to create a memorable camp experience. 

Open to children 4-6 years old, the Sea Squirts camp will be offered on a weekly schedule throughout the summer from 9am-noon Monday-Friday, while the full-day Terrapins camp, for children entering grades 1-3, runs from 9am-4pm.

Both camps will follow a different theme weekly, including Bay Scientists (June 22-26), Red, White, & Bay (June 29-July 2), Feathers, Fins, and Furs (July 6-10), Adventure on the Bay (July 13-17), History Hunters (July 20-24), Watershed Wonders (July 27-31), Inspiration Chesapeake (Aug. 3-7), and Chesapeake Critters (Aug. 10-14).

Geared toward older campers, the Summer Workshops offer an expansion of CBMM’s Rising Tide after-school program by mixing traditional camp fun and workshop-based projects. 

Running Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm, this program will be offered for campers in grades 4-6 all eight weeks, and grades 6-9 during the weeks of June 22, July 13, and Aug. 3. Don’t miss cardboard boat building during the week of July 13 and the Inspiration Chesapeake art camp running the week of Aug. 3.

The Museum Masters camp offers a behind-the-scenes pass to CBMM to learn all that goes into a museum and its exhibitions. Offered the week of July 20 for grades 4-6, this camp presents a unique opportunity to explore CBMM’s collection and help create a special group exhibit.

Contact [email protected] with further questions about this year’s CBMM Summer Camp offerings or to get registration support.