The holiday season is underway with the return of the Shaper’s Salon Annual Poinsettia Sale!  Bicky Warrington, owner of Shaper’s Hair Salon, and her husband Dan Warrington, owner of Warrington Builders, host this annual sale to benefit Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers, a local nonprofit providing quality, financially accessible childcare for children and their families in a nurturing, diverse, safe, and enriching environment.

Those looking to spread holiday cheer this season can purchase their poinsettias from Shapers Salon at 413 Needwood Avenue in Easton. Shapers is open Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Poinsettia pricing is available on the Shapers Salon Facebook page (facebook.com/shaperseaston) and website (shapershairsalon.com/in-the-community).  The sale has become incredibly popular, and these stunning seasonal plants will be available as long as supplies last.

Proceeds from this festive fundraiser help provide tuition assistance and educational enrichment programming for children at Critchlow Adkins’ five sites, located throughout Talbot County.

“It truly is the most wonderful time of the year for us here at Shaper’s,” Bicky Warrington shares.  “We love seeing our salon full of beautiful poinsettias and community members stopping by to spread joy to friends, family, and coworkers.  It’s so gratifying that we are able to help Critchlow Adkins in this way each year!”

Critchlow Adkins Executive Director Cristy Morrell shares the Warringtons’ excitement about the sale.  “Each year, we are floored by the response to this sale.” she says.  “We are incredibly grateful to Bicky and Dan for giving our community the opportunity help Build Brighter Futures for the children and families we serve!”

Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers (CACC) serves families from across the Mid-Shore through its year-round preschool programs, before- and after-school care, and summer camp programs at five sites located throughout Talbot County.  

CACC provides educational enrichment programming through their innovative, literature-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) activities.  These fun projects teach children to use critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, and encourage a love of learning – all through play.  Preschoolers at Critchlow Adkins Sites also participate in early literacy initiatives, such as the Raising a Reader Program, dialogic reading, and Imagination Library.

All five Critchlow Adkins Sites have earned Accreditation from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) as well as EXCELS (Excellence Counts in Early Learning and School Age Care) Check Level 5 Ratings.  Check level 5 is reserved for the highest quality childcare centers in the state of Maryland.  These are voluntary processes during which childcare centers undergo rigorous evaluation of their facilities and curriculums.  They are graded based on criteria such as the use of age-appropriate curriculum and multicultural lessons, family engagement, health and safety checks, staff credentials, and classroom observations.  

CACC is able to offer exceptional, affordable childcare, enrichment programs, and tuition assistance to local families because of the generosity and financial support of local individuals, businesses, and foundations. To learn more about Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers, enroll your child in a program, or make a donation, visit www.cacckids.org or call 410-822-8061.

The Town of Easton has announced the search for a new Town Manager to help lead their team in service of this great community.

The Town Manager is responsible for supporting the Mayor in running the day-to-day operations of the Town government, supervising the Town’s employees, and aiding the Mayor in implementing the governing body’s policies.

The Town Manager is supported by nearly 150 full and part-time employees stationed at multiple offices around Town, including the Town Office, Visitors Center, Parks and Recreation offices (Train Station), Easton’s Public Works headquarters, and the Easton Police Department.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have obtained a master’s degree in business or public administration from an accredited college or university or at least five years’ experience as an executive or administrator either in public administration or private business or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Have knowledge and significant experience in municipal operations, services, and finance, including, without limitation, budget development and implementation.

• Have expertise in developing municipal infrastructure, managing technical projects and personnel as well as communicating complex information to a diverse audience of consultants, Town staff, elected officials, citizens and business owners.

“Easton is a special place, and that will require a special kind of leader,” remarked Mayor Megan Cook. “We want someone who can continue to pave the way forward — making Easton a safe, welcoming, and comfortable place to live and experience, while keeping Easton’s history and small-town charm alive. We need a candidate who is capable of achieving our goals, and bold enough to dream of new ones.”

Cook added, “It’s an excellent opportunity to serve and lead a truly great Town and community. We’re excited to see the caliber of candidates who apply.”

To ensure the process goes smoothly and that the best candidates for the role are presented, the Town of Easton has secured the services of the professional recruitment agency “Sumter Local Government Consulting.” To apply for the position or to learn more about the role and its requirements, please visit their website at https://sumterlocalgovconsulting.com/recruitments/town-manager-town-of-easton-md/.

Formally recognized in 1710 by the Province of Maryland, Easton is the county seat of Talbot County. Encompassing over 11 square miles including almost two dozen public parks and open spaces, the town has a growing population of over 17,000 residents. For more information please visit: eastonmd.gov.

Delmarva Community Services (DCS) in Cambridge seeks compassionate people to serve as paid shelter monitors for the Dorchester County Cold Weather Shelter from December 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025, at the Salvation Army Site at 200 Washington Street in Cambridge. Weeknight and weekend evenings and overnight shifts are available.

To support the Cold Weather Shelter in Cambridge, the Cold Weather Shelter Committee is holding a 50/50 raffle fundraiser. Tickets are $5 each and are being sold at the Delmarva Community Action Center at 2450 Cambridge Beltway in Cambridge, the Chesapeake Grove Intergenerational Center at 108 Chesapeake Street in Cambridge, and the DCS Hurlock site at 6210 Shiloh/Church Hurlock Road in Hurlock. A drawing for the raffle winner will be held on Sunday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army Shelter Site at 200 Washington Street in Cambridge.

“DCS is partnering with the Salvation Army, the City of Cambridge, and Dorchester County community volunteers to provide this critical service during the winter months. Many of our neighbors in Dorchester County require the shelter’s support. We hope the community will help us make this happen by serving as a shelter monitor or buying a raffle ticket,” comments Michelle L. Nichols, Community Action Program Director, Delmarva Community Services, Inc.

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For further information contact Michelle Nichols at 410-901-2991 or [email protected].

Delmarva Community Services Inc. (DCS) is a multi-service organization founded in 1974 that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, seniors, and individuals living in poverty, as well as provides childcare and transportation services. Donations can be made at www.dcs.org by clicking the Give to DCS link. For services, please call 410-221-1900.

Celebrate the season with the 38th annual Christmas in St. Michaels, a cherished holiday tradition in the heart of this historic waterfront town. From December 13- 15, enjoy a weekend packed with festive activities, including parades, shopping, music, and the highly anticipated Tour of Homes.

The weekend features beloved events like the Talbot Street Parade at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by the enchanting Lighted Boat Parade at 6 p.m. Other highlights include Breakfast with Santa at Foxy’s Harbor Grille, the Old-Fashioned Eastern Shore Christmas Dinner, and the Marketplace and Sweet Shoppe, located at St. Mary’s Square. Proceeds from Marketplace sales benefit local nonprofits.

The Tour of Homes, showcasing exquisitely decorated residences, runs Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 during the event and include a detailed guidebook, transportation to countryside homes, and access to local museums.

“We’re excited to welcome visitors to our beautifully decorated town to share the spirit of the season,” said Christmas in St. Michaels Board President Pat Martin. “This event brings together the community and supports organizations that make a difference in the lives of our residents.”

Christmas in St. Michaels has raised more than $1.7 million for local nonprofits over its nearly four decades. For tickets, event schedules, and updates, visit christmasinstmichaels.org.

St. Mark’s Women’s Fellowship is hosting their 2nd annual Winter Craft Fair on Saturday, December 7th.

“This is the perfect place for all your holiday shopping, or to pick up a little treat for yourself,” said fellowship member Debbie Morton. “Local artisans and vendors will be selling a wide variety of goods; photography, pottery, 

wreaths, knitted items, hand sewn baskets, teas & accessories, upcycled art, jewelry, tote bags, and much, much more.”

In addition to a Christmas White Elephant Room, the women’s fellowship will be selling baked goods and homemade soup by the quart. 

A $5 entry fee, for those aged 12 and over, will benefit local and global missions for women and children.

The December 7th craft fair will run from 9:00am to 1:00pm at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 100 Peachblossom Road in Easton. Plenty of free parking available.

For more information contact St. Mark’s at 410-822-0001

The Foundation of HOPE (Helping Others Prosper & Excel) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping middle school girls lead productive lives in their communities by providing cultural, social, and educational development.  On December 14th, the Foundation is hosting its Annual Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge to thank and celebrate its supporters.

The festivities, led by Master of Ceremonies Jordie Clark from ABC 47 WMDT, will kick off at 11:30 am, as guests network while looking for the perfect holiday gifts among a curated selection of silent auction items.   The auction will feature incredible items from Piazza Italian Market, Nelson Coleman Jewelers, La De Da, Rise Up Coffee, a stainless-steel grill from Lowe’s and many more.

Attendees will then enjoy a delicious lunch, followed by a presentation by the Foundation of HOPE’s President, Keasha Haythe.  Haythe will give supporters an update on the educational opportunities made possible for this year’s participants in the Foundation’s Economic Development and Empowerment Program.  

Three local organizations – APG Media of the Chesapeake Women to Watch, Easton Middle School, and Women Who Care Talbot County – will receive much-deserved recognition for their program support.  In addition, Haythe will share the latest developments in the Foundation’s HOPE Center building project.  Guests will also hear from this year’s Foundation of HOPE scholarship recipients, Kaleigh Hammond and Mikayla Gibson. 

Finally, guests will have the opportunity to hear from keynote speaker, Dr. Trudy Hall, the Chief Medical Officer at TidalHealth and member of the Foundation of HOPE Board of Directors.  Dr. Hall has known she wanted to care for people since she was six years old.  While she was in medical school, her father underwent a serious medical emergency, and his recovery led her to choose physical medicine and rehabilitation as her specialty.  Dr. Hall finds her new role as Chief Medical Officer incredibly rewarding, as it allows her to positively affect thousands of patients at a time.  The Foundation looks forward to Dr. Hall’s inspiring words.

Tickets for this heartwarming community event are on sale now.  Those wishing to attend can register online at foundationofhopemaryland.org/annual-luncheon.

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About the Foundation of HOPE

The Foundation of HOPE (Helping Others Prosper & Excel) was founded by Keasha Haythe, a 23-year economic development veteran.  Haythe developed the Economic Development and Empowerment Program to teach young girls important soft skills that prepare them for academic and career success.  During the 16-week program, girls explore a variety of topics, including the importance of education, job readiness skills, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and more.  The course culminates with a graduation event, where students present vision boards expressing their plans for the future.

To learn more about the Foundation of HOPE and how you can help local girls become the community leaders of tomorrow, visit foundationofhopemaryland.org or contact Keasha Haythe at [email protected].

David Henry Breimhurst, an Emmy-winning investigative reporter and former TV news anchor on 6ABC in Philadelphia, will speak about his gripping new crime novel, Dead-Line, on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the St. Michaels Community Center (SMCC), 103 Railroad Avenue, St. Michaels. The program is free to the public.  Seats may be reserved by emailing BoardSecretary@stmichaelscc.org.

Dead-Line is a spellbinding tale of a TV newscaster, Ben Spencer, who inadvertently slides into the lethal intersection of organized crime, political corruption, big law, and media manipulation.  “It’s difficult to imagine a more qualified storyteller for such a tale than David Henry Breimhurst,” said SMCC’s Board Chair Lori Morris.

Breimhurst is a former reporter and news anchor known to his Philadelphia TV audiences as David Henry.   Breimhurst’s novel draws upon his career uncovering public corruption, medical malpractice, and consumer fraud.  He uncovered the trails of organized crime figures and the federal agents who pursued them.   Henry also reported from two Middle East war zones and national disasters, including Ground Zero at the World Trade Center on 9/11.

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About St. Michaels Community Center (SMCC)

The only social services organization in the Bay Hundred region, the St. Michaels Community Center offers residents education, food, and social programs in a safe and nurturing environment. The center’s newly renovated building is located at 103 Railroad Avenue in St. Michaels and is online at http://www.stmichaelscc.org.

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

Host Doehrn Tea is excited to announce the Oxford Holiday Market in the picturesque town of Oxford, Maryland from Friday, December 13 through Sunday, December 15, 2024.  The Market will take place at the Oxford Community Center and promises to be a festive celebration filled with unique artisan gifts, fun activities, 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 artisans offering hand-crafted goods that make the perfect holiday gifts, from jewelry and home décor to artisanal foods and one-of-a-kind treasures.

Highlights of the Oxford Holiday Market:

Delicious Tea and Cakes: Take a break from shopping to enjoy seasonal treats like strudel, stollen, and holiday cookies while sipping teas by Doehrn Tea and coffee with your friends and family as you soak up the holiday atmosphere.  The café will open at 3pm for tea-time before the market opens.

Unique Artisan Gifts: Shop from a curated selection of local and regional artisans offering high-quality, handmade items perfect for your holiday gift-giving.

Search to Rescue the Elves: Make the day even more exciting by searching for our wandering elves! Little elves are hiding throughout the Oxford Holiday Market, along with all the open shops throughout town.  Kids and adults alike are asked to search for these mischievous elves earning fun rewards for each elf they can return 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.

Friday, December 13 – Farm Girl Felts will host a Needle Felting Workshop where you will learn the art of needle felting by making a Trio of Christmas Trees.  Needle Felting is the unique art of sculpting wool using special needles! It’s fun, relaxing and very rewarding!  No experience or craftiness necessary.  Registration is needed, visit the market website for details.

Saturday, December 14 – Santa Visits, bring the little ones for a magical meeting with Santa Claus on Saturday afternoon. Perfect for capturing holiday memories!

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 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.

Dates & Times:

Friday, December 13: 4 PM – 8 PM

Saturday, December 14: 10 AM – 5 PM

Sunday, December 15: 11 AM – 4 PM

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.

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.

Our “Date with History” speaker series is pleased to present:

Indigenous Cultures of Delmarva:
A Journey Through Native American Heritage
with Kateri SmithMonday, Nov. 25, 2024 @ 1 PM
at the Talbot County Free Library
100 W. Dover St., Easton MD 21601

Join us for an illuminating exploration of the vibrant Indigenous cultures that have deeply impacted the Delmarva Peninsula. This lecture provides an in-depth look into the histories, traditions, and legacies of the Native American tribes that shaped the region. Discover how these communities flourished in Delmarva’s distinctive environment. Kateri Smith M.A. (Blackfoot/Métis/Anatolian Greek Descent) is currently attending Institute of American Indian Arts in the field of Museum Studies. Her focus is on rural and Native American history. Currently she is the collections and programming assistant at the Wheelwright Museum of The American Indian in Santa Fe, NM. She was the co-curator of the show “Creations: Where We Begin” during fall 2023 at the Balzer Contemporary Art Gallery at IAIA. She is also a partner in Costas Art Advising LLC, a collections management and art advising firm based in Santa Fe and Washington D.C.

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

We normally hold our programs on Wednesday, but please note this program will begin at 1pm on MONDAY, Nov. 25th.

The lecture is free to the public, but reservations are required.
If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation: 410-822-0773 or email [email protected]
Talbot Historical Society office/research/exhibit hours are: Wednesday through Saturday 10am-3pm