Rivers & Roads Consulting is pleased to announce that Jodie Schram has joined the firm as a Consultant, bringing more than two decades of experience across communications, education, and community development.

Schram’s career spans diverse industries—from construction and real estate to marketing and higher education—giving her a multifaceted perspective on how people, places, and projects come together to create meaningful impact. As both an instructor and communications coach, she has helped professionals, students, and organizations strengthen their messaging, elevate their presence, and connect more authentically with their audiences.

At Rivers & Roads, Schram will play a key role in advancing the firm’s communications and engagement work, helping clients refine their storytelling, strengthen relationships with stakeholders, and build clarity around their mission. Her work will also extend to nonprofit management and community development projects, where her background in client relations, project coordination, and strategic communication will further enhance the firm’s growing portfolio.

“Jodie has an extraordinary ability to translate complex ideas into clear, relatable communication,” said Sam Shoge, Partner at Rivers & Roads Consulting. “Her insight, creativity, and empathy make her a natural fit for the work we do. As our firm continues to expand its services and reach, Jodie’s skill set will help us bring even greater clarity and connection to the organizations we serve.”

Schram holds a Master of Arts in Contemporary Communications from Notre Dame of Maryland University, a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from the University of Maryland University College, and is a Certified Nature Therapy Guide through the Natural Wellness Academy.

“I’m excited to join a team that sees communication as more than messaging—it’s about creating understanding, alignment, and momentum,” said Jodie Schram. “Rivers & Roads is doing meaningful work to strengthen communities and organizations, and I’m thrilled to be part of that mission.

” The addition of Schram reflects Rivers & Roads’ continued growth and its commitment to expanding services that help clients move from vision to action through strategy, storytelling, and collaboration.

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About Rivers & Roads Consulting

Rivers & Roads Consulting is a strategy consulting firm that helps mission-driven leaders and organizations achieve bold results. We specialize in guiding nonprofits, businesses, municipalities, and project sponsors through critical moments — whether that’s leading an organization out of stagnation or delivering an innovative, high-impact project from concept to completion. ###

Three team members from Easton Utilities graduated from the Shore Leadership program. Aaron Goller, Senior Engineer and Paula Taylor, Director of the Customer Experience completed the 2025 program, and Doug Abbott, Director of Engineering and Water / Wastewater finished Shore Leadership 2.0.

Easton Utilities has been a strong supporter of Shore Leadership since its early years by sponsoring sessions and sending numerous employees through the annual program. Taylor tells us the impact it has had on her, stating “graduating from Shore Leadership has been inspiring. I was able to strengthen my understanding of our local region and meet with amazing leaders. I’m grateful for the support from Easton Utilities and will put what I learned into action.”

The Shore Leadership program consists of nine development sessions in Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Queen Anne’s, Worcester, and Wicomico counties. During each, participants are introduced to community leaders from specific Eastern Shore industries including manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, education, and workforce development. Goller adds, “I appreciate how Shore Leadership connects big-picture regional challenges with individuals and communities. It sharpened my communication skills and helped me build relationships that will make me a stronger engineer and leader.”

Both the original and 2.0 programs are facilitated by Joe Thomas, Ph.D. of the United States Naval Academy’s Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership and Celeste Raver, Ph.D., of the Senate Joint Office of Training and Development. The 2.0 series has five sessions, covering the psychology of leadership, developing cross-cultural competencies, empathy and taking care of yourself as a Leader. Upon completing the 2.0 program, Abbott remarked, “these sessions brought my understanding of being a leader to a new level. It helped me see how individual decisions impact the broader community, and it equipped me with new tools for solving challenges.”

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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. 

Rivers & Roads Consulting has completed a comprehensive five-year strategic plan for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) of Easton, Maryland, charting a clear path for the organization’s continued growth, strengthened governance, and deepened faith-based service to the community.

The plan—covering 2025 through 2029—marks SVdP’s first formal strategic roadmap and reflects more than six months of listening, dialogue, and collaboration among the organization’s members, volunteers, and community partners. Through surveys, focus groups, interviews, and workshops, Rivers & Roads engaged more than 150 stakeholders to create a plan rooted in faith, guided by purpose, and designed for action.

“Our approach is always to listen first,” said Chris Wheedleton, Consultant at Rivers & Roads Consulting, who led the planning process. “This plan reflects the collective wisdom of SVdP’s volunteers, board members, donors, and partners—all united by a shared desire to strengthen the organization’s capacity to serve. The result is a plan that honors the Society’s spiritual foundation while equipping it for long-term sustainability.”

The five-year plan centers around three overarching priorities:

1. Deepening Spiritual and Organizational Alignment SVdP will strengthen its governance, clarify volunteer roles, and integrate its Vincentian values more intentionally into daily operations. By aligning its structure with its spiritual mission, the organization will ensure that every action—from board decision-making to direct service—reflects the Gospel call to serve with humility and compassion.

2. Building Operational Capacity and Infrastructure The plan outlines key steps to standardize processes, strengthen internal systems, and improve coordination across all programs. This includes developing administrative tools, enhancing f inancial oversight, and improving communications to support volunteers in their work. These changes will give SVdP a stronger foundation to deliver services more efficiently and sustainably.

3. Expanding Programs, Partnerships, and Community Visibility Recognizing the growing needs of the community, SVdP will focus on expanding the reach and impact of its services while strengthening relationships with donors, partner organizations, and the public. The plan calls for enhanced storytelling, consistent communication, and new fundraising strategies to ensure the Society’s long-term financial health and public awareness.

“This plan is a reflection of what makes the Society of St. Vincent de Paul so special,” said Sam Shoge, Partner at Rivers & Roads Consulting. “Their work is grounded in faith and carried out by volunteers whose compassion and dedication are unmatched. Our role was to help them articulate a vision that builds on that strength—one that aligns their mission, structure, and strategy for even greater impact in the years ahead.”

The plan also introduces an updated mission and vision statement to unify the organization’s identity and direction. Together, these changes reinforce SVdP’s commitment to serving neighbors in need while fostering dignity, connection, and hope—one person, one family, and one community at a time.

With the plan now complete, SVdP is well-positioned to deepen its impact, engage more volunteers, and continue its long tradition of service to Talbot County and the broader Mid-Shore region.

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About Rivers & Roads Consulting Rivers & Roads Consulting is a strategy consulting firm that helps mission-driven leaders and organizations achieve bold results. We specialize in guiding nonprofits, businesses, municipalities, and project sponsors through critical moments — whether that’s leading an organization out of stagnation or delivering an innovative, high-impact project from concept to completion.

The Delmarva Council, Scouting America, is proud to announce that Robbie and Jen Gill will be honored with the prestigious Midshore Distinguished Citizen Award at a ceremony to be held on December 4, 2025, at The Tred Avon Yacht Club in Oxford, Maryland.

This annual award recognizes individuals who exemplify exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and impactful service to their communities and organizations. Robbie and Jen Gill’s contributions to the YMCA of the Chesapeake and the broader Eastern Shore region have made them standout figures in civic engagement and nonprofit excellence.

Robbie Gill, a native of South Carolina, has devoted more than 30 years to the YMCA movement. Growing up just south of Charlotte, his early experiences at the Y shaped a lifelong commitment to community service. For the past 20 years, Robbie has served as Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of the Chesapeake, overseeing its transformation from a single location with 5,000 members to a thriving network of 11 branches (soon to be 12) serving nearly 50,000 members.

Under his leadership, the organization’s operating budget has expanded from $1.4 million to $18.5 million, while annual financial assistance now reaches over 15,000 participants, totaling nearly $2 million. Since 2005, the YMCA has raised more than $85 million in capital giving, supporting communities across the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland.

Robbie resides in Easton, Maryland, with his wife Jen. They are proud parents to four children—Hannah, Jack, Carly, and Ella—and grandparents to River, age 20 months.

Jennifer Gill, Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of the Chesapeake, is a native of Texas who began her YMCA journey as a youth basketball player in the suburbs of Houston. While attending the University of Houston, she joined the Y as a staffer and spent 15 years with the YMCA of Greater Houston before relocating to the Eastern Shore.

Jen has been instrumental in the day-to-day operations of the YMCA of the Chesapeake, helping guide its growth to 11 locations with over 900 staff members. Her leadership has ensured that the Y continues to provide robust financial assistance and inclusive programming to tens of thousands of individuals annually.

Jen and Robbie live in Easton with their youngest daughter and four dogs, and share a deep commitment to family and community.

Delmarva Council, Scouting America, is honored to recognize Robbie and Jen Gill for their visionary leadership and enduring impact. Their work reflects the values of Scouting—service, integrity, and community—and serves as an inspiration to future generations.

The Delmarva Council, Scouting America, is committed to preparing young people for life through Scouting programs. They serve communities across the Eastern Shore and beyond, fostering leadership, community engagement, and character development.

 

 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.