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June 21, 2021

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

News COVID-19

Spy COVID-19 Daily Update June 21

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Editor’s Note: With COVID-19 statistics continuing to improve as more people are vaccinated, The Spy will discontinue its daily update at the end of this month. If there is a significant change in the trends, we will resume the update.

The Spy obtains information for the above chart between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Statewide data is updated about 10 a.m. each day; counties may update data throughout the day until 5 p.m., although some counties do not update on weekends. Johns Hopkins updates its data throughout the day.

Key points for today

• Talbot County’s COVID-19 cases increased by 3 to 2,669. There was one new case each Saturday, Sunday, and today.

• The county’s 7-day average positivity rate is 1.16%.

• The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Maryland is now at 461,779, an increase of 40 in the last 24 hours.

• In the last 24 hours, 0 people died as a result of COVID-19, leaving the state’s total at 9,490.

• The state’s 7-day average positivity rate is 0.66% (-0.06 from yesterday).

Vaccinations

• CDC 18+ population with at least one dose : 73.1%

• The first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine has been given to 55.95% of Marylanders and 53.03% of Talbot County residents; second dose rates are 49.59% and 48.55% respectively.

• To pre-register for a vaccine appointment, visit www.marylandvax.org or covidvax.maryland.gov or call 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).

• State Vaccine Information Page: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/vaccine

• Vaccination Site Search: https://maryland.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/nearby/index.html?appid=0dbfb100676346ed9758be319ab3f40c

Hospitalizations

• The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Maryland increased by 3 in the last 24 hours.

• There currently are 153 people hospitalized — 121 in acute care and 41 in intensive care.

Rally Marks Juneteenth, Urges Talbot to Move Confederate Monument from Courthouse Lawn

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Speakers at a Saturday, June 19, rally note the designation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday and urge the Talbot County Council to move the Confederate monument from the courthouse lawn.

This video is about 10 minutes long.

Hundreds March to Move the Monument

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Hundreds march Saturday, June 19, to the courthouse on Washington Street in Easton to urge Talbot County to remove the Confederate monument from the courthouse lawn. Music by Friends for Christ.

This video is about four minutes long.

Talbot County Fair Scheduled for July 6-10

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The Talbot County Fair, an annual community and agricultural event, is scheduled to run from Tuesday July 6 through Saturday July 10 at the Talbot Agriculture and Education Center, 10659 Hiners Lane.

“The Talbot County Fair brings the community together through 4-H youth activities and celebrating the culture of the county and region,” said Sean Clougherty, co-chairperson of the fair. “After the year we’ve all had due to the COVID-19 pandemic, getting the community together may be more important than ever.”

Last year, the pandemic forced the cancelation of the fair’s traditional 4-H events. So this year, the fair committee was intent on providing those opportunities to youth this year. The 4-H livestock shows and indoor exhibit opportunities are back with the dairy cattle show on Tuesday, July 6; Rabbit and chicken shows on Wednesday, July 7; the swine show on Thursday, July 8 and the Beef cattle show and 4-H Fashion Revue events are on Friday, July 9.

Activities on Friday, July 9 include animal and indoor exhibit displays, a youth fashion show starting at 6 p.m. in the Collier Pavilion, Midway Games from 5 to 9 p.m., and an outdoor movie showing of “A League of Their Own,” beginning at 7 p.m.

The Talbot County Young Farmers will have pit beef dinners for sale beginning at 5 p.m.

On Saturday, July 10, the Midway Games will open up at 10 a.m. A jousting competition by the Eastern Shore Jousting Association also will begin Saturday morning.

The fair’s annual watermelon eating contest is scheduled for 2p.m. A Classic Car Cruise-In is scheduled for 4-7 p.m., and Disney’s “Cars” will be the outdoor movie feature, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets for each outdoor movie are $10 per car per night and can be purchased through the fair’s website, talbotcountyfair.org.

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the St. Michaels Art League will offer guided painting lessons in the Collier Pavilion.

Also on Saturday, the fair is hosting the Cordova Volunteer Fire Department’sbenefit dinner from 4-7 p.m.

“We’re really excited to be able to bring people together again,” Clougherty said. “Our schedule may not be as it has been in the past, but the opportunity to have fun, learn and have fun hasn’t changed one bit.”

Parking and admission to the fair is free, donations to benefit the Talbot Agriculture and Education Center will be accepted.

For the full fair schedule and more details, visit talbotcountyfair.org.

The Talbot County Fair is a family-oriented all-volunteer event and fundraiser for the Talbot Agriculture and Education Center, which exists to strengthen the culture of rural Talbot County. The fair and ag center, provides a safe, convenient and economical gathering place for citizens of all ages and backgrounds to showcase and learn from our agricultural heritage.

Angela Lane Retires as Talbot County Finance Director

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Angela Lane of Easton who is retiring as Talbot County’s Finance Director after 30 years of service.

After recently preparing and presenting one last budget for Talbot County Council, Angela Lane of Easton has retired from her position as Talbot County’s Finance Director after 30 years as a public servant.

Lane, who is a graduate of the University of Maryland College Park and the University of Madrid in Madrid, Spain, started her accounting career in private industry. In 1987, she took a position with local government, working as Director of Administrative Services for the Talbot County Health Department. In 1991, she was hired as a Fiscal Analyst for the Talbot County Government, working as the County’s liaison between auditors and the County Finance Office and playing a key role in the annual budget process. She became Director of Finance for Talbot County in 2000, only the second person in the position, and worked in this job for the rest of her career, except for a brief job in the private sector from 2004 to 2009. She is also a 2002 graduate of Shore Leadership.

Although Angela is remembered for her incredible skills in creating budgets and preparing for audits, she views her most recent accomplishment of working with the Property Tax Referendum Committee in 2019 and 2020 on ballot questions to deal with property tax revenue constraints as the most rewarding part of her career. The ballot questions passed in November 2020 to modify the Tax Cap, allowing the County Council to add an additional cent ($0.01) to the property tax rate every year for the next 5 fiscal years beginning July 1, 2021.

“Thanks to the support of County citizens through passage of the ballot questions, the County will be able to address some of our most critical issues like law enforcement, emergency services, roads infrastructure, as well as several capital projects for the schools, Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Medical Services, the Talbot County Health Department, and the Talbot County Free Library,” Lane recalls.

“Most significant to me, however, was the process of the community coming together on this committee to frame the issue for the ballot in a way that the public could understand the County’s needs. I was particularly proud to work with a range of representatives from our towns, schools, public safety, and veteran constituencies as we disseminated the information to citizens across the County. We came together around a common cause.”

Throughout her distinguished career, Lane enjoyed working with all the departments of Talbot County Government, as well as other governmental and nonprofit agencies, to help deliver the best services to the community.

“It has been a great place to work and it’s never been boring. I was here when the County formed its Advanced Life Support services and look how far Emergency Services has come since then,” she adds.

She also has pride in leaving the County in excellent fiscal health, including its high bond rating which was upgraded during her tenure; unqualified audit opinions; and strong fiscal reserves to maintain stability during an economic downturn or crisis like the pandemic.

“Talbot County is poised for the future. The County Council and staff have been good stewards of the taxpayer dollars, operating under conservative fiscal policies, while delivering necessary and important services to our citizens. I will miss the process of putting together the budget and getting the audit done – I really liked those parts of my work,” she states.

“Angela has been an incredible asset to Talbot County. Her fiscal expertise and wisdom in the areas of budget and audit have been extraordinary and we were blessed to have her with us for these past 30 years. She worked well with staff in creating a cooperative environment and a positive atmosphere for getting County initiatives funded and implemented. She will be missed by us all,” comments Clay Stamp, County Manager for Talbot County Government.

Lane states that she is confident in her successor Joye Nagle, who brings years of experience to the job of Finance Director. “She will be great in carrying forth the efforts of the Finance Office and I am thrilled she has joined the team,” Lane adds.

As far as her future plans. She quips, “I look forward to traveling and pursuing some part-time work, but mostly, enjoying some time off.”

Community Center’s Summer Programs Return

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Photo by Tracey Johns

The St. Michaels Community Center’s programs have returned, which kick off with its free, waterfront Summer Concert Series taking place on Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Muskrat Park in St. Michaels.

Muskrat Park features an expansive lawn and covered gazebo for performers, and is situated between Mulberry and Willow Streets overlooking St. Michaels Harbor and the Miles River.

The free concert series continues through Sept 9 and is made possible through the generous sponsorship of local businesses acknowledged at each concert. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or your own seating, along with friends, family, neighbors, your leashed dog, or just yourself to enjoy the concerts, with alcohol prohibited.

Treats including popcorn, water, and snow cones will be available for cash sale at the concerts, with proceeds benefiting the people served by SMCC. June 24 brings rock & roll and blues classics to St. Michaels waterfront performed by Blues Deville, with all performances listed at bitly.com/muskratmusic21.

Summer Camps for Children begin on June 29 on Tuesdays through Thursdays and provide age-appropriate activities for children entering K-5th grades. Camp themes include artistic expression, outdoor adventures, American Girl, Professor Beakers, and more. The camps continue through Aug. 5, with more information and limited registration at bitly.com/smccsummercamp.

SMCC’s Senior Programs are also taking place on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and feature activities including bingo, painting, lunch, and fellowship. All are invited.

SMCC suspended its normal programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit continues to provide groceries and meals to those in need during select hours on Mondays and Fridays as the County-designated Bay Hundred food distribution hub.

The St. Michaels Community Center provides quality activities and services contributing to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the community. SMCC is dedicated to filling the unmet needs of the Bay Hundred and St. Michaels communities by providing supervised programs for the enrichment of children and teens; activities and services for adults and senior citizens; and affordable recreational, social, and educational activities to the entire community.

Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop, located on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels, help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for people from throughout the Bay Hundred area. More information is at stmichaelscc.org.

Talbot Democratic Central Committee Seeks Male Applicants to Fill Vacancy

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The Talbot County Democratic Central Committee (TCDCC) is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy for a male member, following the resignation of committee member Abe Kruger to attend law school. An appointment will be made to fill the rest of his term through the General Election in November 2022.

Applicants must be a registered Democrat, reside in Talbot County, and be available to take part in in state and local party activities. Those interested in being considered should submit a letter of interest and a resume or completed application form. Submissions without a cover letter will be considered incomplete. The deadline to respond is Friday, July 9, 2021, by 11:59pm. Apply by email to office@talbotdems.org or by mail to P.O. Box 81, Easton, MD 21601.

Due to the gender-balance requirements, a male applicant will be selected for this vacancy. Interviews will take place on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at an Easton location. The TCDCC aims to fill the vacancy at the regular public monthly meeting on Saturday, August 14, beginning at 10:30 am.

The central committee is the official governing body of the Democratic Party in Talbot County. It is responsible for making nominations and appointments to certain local and state offices. In addition, the TCDCC fosters other party-building activity in Talbot County, including candidate recruitment, fundraising, and voter engagement in conjunction with the Democratic Clubs.

The local central committee consists of ten members, evenly divided between women and men, who carry out the local business of the party. Together with the other jurisdictions in the state, these members make up the Democratic State Central Committee of Maryland, the governing body of the Maryland Democratic Party.Members are chosen by Democratic voters during the gubernatorial primary election.

For more information, visit Talbot Democrats online at TalbotDems.org. The application form is available on the website or may be requested by emailing office@talbotdems.org or by 202-744-9774.

Spy COVID-19 Daily Update June 18

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Editor’s Note: With COVID-19 statistics continuing to improve as more people are vaccinated, The Spy will discontinue its daily update at the end of this month. If there is a significant change in the trends, we will resume the update.

The Spy obtains information for the above chart between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Statewide data is updated about 10 a.m. each day; counties may update data throughout the day until 5 p.m., although some counties do not update on weekends. Johns Hopkins updates its data throughout the day.

Key points for today

• Talbot County’s COVID-19 cases remain at 2,666.

• The county’s 7-day average positivity rate is 2.75%.

• The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Maryland is now at 461,549, an increase of 79 in the last 24 hours.

• In the last 24 hours, 5 people died as a result of COVID-19, bringing the state’s total to 9,486.

• The state’s 7-day average positivity rate is 0.75% (-0.01 from yesterday).

Vaccinations

• CDC 18+ population with at least one dose : 72.8%

• The first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine has been given to 55.84% of Marylanders and 53.01% of Talbot County residents; second dose rates are 49.38% and 48.39% respectively.

• To pre-register for a vaccine appointment, visit www.marylandvax.org or covidvax.maryland.gov or call 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).

• State Vaccine Information Page: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/vaccine

• Vaccination Site Search: https://maryland.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/nearby/index.html?appid=0dbfb100676346ed9758be319ab3f40c

Hospitalizations

• The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Maryland increased by 5 in the last 24 hours.

• There currently are 162 people hospitalized — 121 in acute care and 41 in intensive care.

Spy COVID-19 Daily Update June 17

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Editor’s Note: With COVID-19 statistics continuing to improve as more people are vaccinated, The Spy will discontinue its daily update at the end of this month. If there is a significant change in the trends, we will resume the update.

The Spy obtains information for the above chart between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Statewide data is updated about 10 a.m. each day; counties may update data throughout the day until 5 p.m., although some counties do not update on weekends. Johns Hopkins updates its data throughout the day.

Key points for today

• Talbot County’s COVID-19 cases increased by 2 to 2,666.

• The county’s 7-day average positivity rate is 2.75%.

• The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Maryland is now at 461,549, an increase of 79 in the last 24 hours.

• In the last 24 hours, 3 people died as a result of COVID-19, bringing the state’s total to 9,481.

• The state’s 7-day average positivity rate is 0.76% (-0.02 from yesterday).

Vaccinations

• CDC 18+ population with at least one dose : 72.7%

• The first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine has been given to 55.69% of Marylanders and 52.94% of Talbot County residents; second dose rates are 49.12% and 48.26% respectively.

• To pre-register for a vaccine appointment, visit www.marylandvax.org or covidvax.maryland.gov or call 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).

• State Vaccine Information Page: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/vaccine

• Vaccination Site Search: https://maryland.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/nearby/index.html?appid=0dbfb100676346ed9758be319ab3f40c

Hospitalizations

• The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Maryland dropped by 10 in the last 24 hours.

• There currently are 157 people hospitalized — 112 in acute care and 45 in intensive care.

Both Sides Now (Part Two): Preserve Talbot History’s President David Montgomery

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As the Mid-Shore community begins a weekend of celebration of Juneteenth, the national commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, it seemed like the appropriate time to focus on the controversial “Talbot Boys” Confederate memorial that sits on the Talbot County Courthouse lawn. While the arguments for maintaining or moving the statue are now increasingly well-known to Spy readers, for the first time, we have reached out to the two organizations who have either taken the lead in preserving it where it stands now (Preserve Talbot History) or moving it (Move the Monument Coalition) to a less controversial location to provide short summaries of each group’s position.

We conclude today with Preserve Talbot History’s President David Montgomery. In his interview with the Spy, David talks about the misinterpretations those seeking to move the Talbot Boys have on the statue and a false reading of Eastern Shore history. He also talks about his organization’s proposal to build a memorial to commemorate soldiers from the Union side of the Civil War. David also responses to the recent lawsuit by the NAACP/ACLU against the Talbot County Council and how the community should embrace its full history as part of its tourism industry. Finally, he speaks about his group’s desire to see a county-wide referendum on the future of the Talbot Boys.

On Wednesday, the Spy published our interview with Move the Monument Coalition leaders Ridgely Ochs and Jess Taylor. You can view that video here.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about the Preserve Talbot History organization please go here.