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June 8, 2023

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

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News News Notes

Talbot County Department of Social Services Raises Awareness of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 2, 2023 by Amy Blades Steward Leave a Comment

Lee Newcomb, LCSW-C, Adult Services Social Worker with the Talbot County Department of Social Services

According to the University of Southern California Center for Elder Justice, every year an estimated five million, or one in 10 older Americans experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. World Elder Abuse Day will be recognized globally on June 15, 2023. Locally, Lee Newcomb, LCSW-C, Adult Services Social Worker with the Talbot County Department of Social Services, will provide a brief lunchtime presentation on Elder Abuse Awareness/Prevention, followed by a brief question and answer session, on June 15 at 11:45 a.m. at the Talbot County Senior Center at Brookletts Place at 400 Brooketts Avenue in Easton, Maryland. Participants are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

According to the U.S. Center for Elder Justice, elder abuse is the mistreatment or harming of an older person – including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, along with neglect and financial exploitation. Many social factors—for example, a lack of support services and community resources—can make conditions ripe for elder abuse. According to Newcomb, financial exploitation and neglect are two of the most common forms of elder abuse. Financial exploitation includes theft, fraud, misuse or neglect of authority, and use of undue influence as a lever to gain control over an older person’s money or property. The U.S. Center for Elder Justice reports that older people throughout the United States lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation.

“Banks and caregiver agencies are the biggest reporters of financial abuse and exploitation,” Newcomb states.

She adds, “As far as neglect, some people don’t know they are facilitating abuse – like neglect. Neglect is the failure or refusal to provide for an older person’s safety and physical, or emotional needs. Because seniors often live alone, this neglect can go unreported until someone reports it.”

Common risk factors for elder abuse are often found in seniors who have dementia, mental health or substance abuse issues, are experiencing social isolation, or are in poor physical health. Emotional and behavioral signs of elder abuse can include unusual changes in behavior or sleep, fear or anxiety, being isolated or not responsive, and depression. Physical signs include broken bones, bruises, and welts; cuts, sores, or burns; untreated bed sores; torn, stained or bloody underclothing; unexplained sexually transmitted diseases; dirtiness, poor nutrition or dehydration; poor living conditions; or lack of medical aids (glasses, walker, teeth, hearing aid, medications).  Signs of financial exploitation include unusual changes in bank accounts or money management, unusual or sudden changes in a will or other financial documents, fraudulent signatures on financial documents, and unpaid bills.

According to Newcomb, most elder abuse happens at home and nine out of 10 abusers are relatives. She adds, “Because many cases of elder abuse go unreported, we as citizens are encouraged to be on the lookout for warning signs of maltreatment and to report suspected abuse as soon as possible.”

Programs such as Adult Protective Services (APS) and the Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are here to help. For reporting numbers, contact Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (www.eldercare.acl.gov).

If you or someone you know is in a life-threatening situation or immediate danger, call 911 or the local police or sheriff.

Additional ways citizens can help include helping to prevent isolation by calling or visiting older loved ones and asking how they are doing regularly or signing up to be a friendly visitor to an older person in our communities. Family members, friends, and caregivers can also reach out to Adult Services at the Talbot County Department of Social Services for tools to help care for the elderly in their care. Other resources in Talbot County include the Talbot County Senior Centers at Brookletts Place in Easton at the St. Michaels YMCA, Upper Shore Aging, Talbot County Health Department’s Senior Care Program, the Maryland Department of Aging, and the Maryland Department of Human Services.

For further resources on elder abuse, contact Lee Newcomb at the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-770-8741.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: local news, Talbot County Department of Social Services, The Talbot Spy

Building African-American Minds by Building an Academic Center: A Chat with Dina Daly and Bill Ryan

June 1, 2023 by Dave Wheelan Leave a Comment

Since Building African American Minds (BAAM) opened its doors to the Easton community, the organization’s founders, Derek and Dina Daly, and its board directors have taken on several significant projects that would test any new organization. From establishing a campus on Jowite Street, adding classroom space, and, more recently, completely funding the gymnasium, BAAM has proven its tenacity in getting things done.

The latest case is BAAM’s project to build a state-of-the-art academic center to fulfill organizations tion’s long-term vision of providing learning opportunities to the entire community. From pre-k to seniors, the idea for the new building is to offer life-altering education programs for all ages.

The Spy asked Dina, BAAM”s executive director, and its board president, Bill Ryan, to chat about the almost $10 million facility and the powerful arguments of why this is so important to Easton in the decades ahead.

This video is approximately fiver minutes in length. For more information about BAAM or make a donation to the project please go here. 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: News Homepage, News Portal Highlights

County Hires for New Communications Manager Role

June 1, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The Talbot County Council recently introduced Sarah Kilmon as the County’s first Communications Manager.  Kilmon leads communications, media and public relations, marketing, and digital media strategy for the County.  

Under the direction of the County Manager, she provides timely, accurate information about government programs, news, projects, events, and issues.   

“Sarah is performing an essential role that brings effective and efficient communications for the county”, remarked County Manager Clay Stamp. “Uniting our messaging under one roof, with our own Public Information Officer, has long been a goal.”  

“We are excited to see the progress she is making already, supporting our teams and getting information out to the public in a timely fashion. These efforts will only increase our ability to enhance transparency with our community, in particular issues regarding the safety and security of our citizens.” 

Sarah Kilmon, was recently hired as Talbot County’s first Communications Manager.

In early 2021, Kilmon moved back to the Eastern Shore to focus on her company, Kilmon Creative, and be closer to family. She also served in the Office of Senator Mautz (MD District 37) through the 2022 and 2023 Maryland General Assembly Legislative Sessions, handling constituent relations and communications.  

Council Member Keasha Haythe knows the importance of this role, having been a part of many effective regional and state-wide initiatives regarding communication and marketing strategies. She is supportive of the new communications position. 

“Providing a clear, two-way dialogue with our citizens is critical to positive relationships with our citizens” she notes, “and this role is a definite step toward greater engagement with our community.”  

Kilmon lives in downtown Easton with her sister and their two dogs. She is active in the community, serving on the steering committee for the Talbot Chamber Young Professionals. She is also a participant in performances with Perfect Storm Productions and the local non-profit performing arts collective, The Factory.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: local news, Talbot County Council, The Talbot Spy

Talbot County Department Announces 2023 Resource Parent of the Year

June 1, 2023 by Amy Blades Steward Leave a Comment

Kathy Jenkins of Easton has been selected as Talbot County Department of Social Services’ Resource Parent of the Year.

Kathy Jenkins of Easton has been selected as Talbot County Department of Social Services’ Resource Parent of the Year for her commitment to providing a loving and safe place for children and supporting families in Talbot County. Jenkins became a licensed foster parent with Talbot County 11 years ago after retiring from a career with Bowie State University.  She decided she wanted to do something part-time related to social work as she has a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in counseling and psychology – both from Bowie State University. As a foster parent, she decided to do the respite program part-time – taking children in foster care on weekends and giving biological parents and foster parents respite.

Jenkins has one child, a daughter now 27 years old. She recalls that because she couldn’t have any other children, she considered adoption when her daughter was a teenager. In 2015, she was asked to foster a baby, whom she adopted the same year when she was 56 years old. Jenkins embraced her role as a new mother again and continued to do respite for young children.

“I love it because it is something in my heart I wanted to do,” she comments.

Jenkins comes from a large family herself and is a family-oriented person. When children in foster care are placed in her care, they join in the family activities and are accepted with open arms.

“I care a lot. I give everything I have to them. Kids need love, someone to care, someone to talk to, and someone to listen. I do for them what my mother did for me.”

“Kathy provided permanency through adoption for one of our children and provided respite care for many children throughout the Eastern Shore over the years. This year, Kathy has provided for a child in foster care and has been instrumental in keeping the family connections. She has been an advocate for the biological parents, providing support, coaching, and an open heart. Kathy not only provides a loving and safe place for children, but she provides that same love, compassion, and support to their parents. She is a role model to other resource parents and truly focuses on building, not replacing,” comments Paris Quillet, Special Project Coordinator at Talbot County Department of Social Services.

“I can help children in foster care understand how to be positive in their circumstances, as well as support biological parents who may be struggling. It’s important to help reunite children with their biological families,” adds Jenkins.

“It’s amazing how my life has been going – doing what I am doing. I love having an impact on these children’s lives. God blessed my heart to be who I am.”

In her free time, Jenkins takes her heart to places around the world through mission trips, supporting families in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Canada, and the Philippines.

“It’s helping those who don’t have what we have here.”

Today, Jenkins relies on a network of foster parents in Talbot County who help provide her with respite care when she needs it as she continues to foster children. In addition to her son, now age eight, Jenkins is caring for a one-year-old child in foster care.

Talbot County continues to need more foster and adoptive parents to help meet the needs of children of all ages, most recently including infants and school-aged children. The agency also gets requests from time to time for sibling groups and older teens who are soon aging out of foster care and need guidance in transitioning into adulthood. For further information on becoming a foster or adoptive parent, call the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-820-7371 or visit midshoreresourceparents.com.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: local news, The Talbot Spy

Ward One Candidate Profiles: Laurel Atkiss and Chad Malkus

May 31, 2023 by Dave Wheelan Leave a Comment

The city of Cambridge will be holding a special election next Tuesday for City Council Ward 1 and Ward 3. The Cambridge Spy is keeping with our tradition of providing candidates profiles for these important community leader positions, and we begin with Ward 1 candidates Laurel Atkiss and Chad Malkus.

Laurel Atkiss

Chad Malkus

In person voting on June 6, 2023, will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 205 Maryland Avenue between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. This polling station will be the only in-person location for both wards.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: News Homepage, News Portal Highlights

Maryland Motorists Will Have to Dig a Little Deeper at the Gas Pump Starting July 1

May 31, 2023 by Maryland Matters 2 Comments

The state tax rate of a gallon of gas will increase to 47 cents per gallon, an increase of more than 10% compared to the current rate. Over the last two years, the rate has increased by 30% due to inflation and surging fuel prices.

Owners of diesel-powered vehicles will experience a similar increase with the state gas tax increasing from nearly 43.5 cents per gallon to nearly 47.8 cents per gallon on July 1. Over the last two years, the state tax on diesel has increased by more than 29%.

“The fact that in a Maryland economy that Governor Moore himself has recognized isn’t performing well, Democratic leaders are OK with allowing large automatic tax raises to occur that will cost the average Maryland family hundreds of dollars per year and raise costs and prices for many small businesses is beyond disappointing,” said House Minority Leader Jason C. Buckel (R-Allegany).

The increase that takes effect July 1 would add about 65 cents to the fill-up of a 15-gallon gas tank, or about $33.54 more in additional state gas taxes on an annual basis. In all, motorists with that same weekly fill-up would pay more than $366 annually in state fuel taxes.

Revenue generated by the tax goes into a dedicated fund used to pay for statewide roads and highways projects. Democrats have warned of a coming reckoning as changing driving habits will likely render the trust fund and the gas tax less effective at paying for projects.

Additionally, Gov. Wes Moore (D) in March announced Maryland would require all new car sales in the state to be electric vehicles by 2035.

A spokesman for Moore did not immediately comment on the tax increase.

“You can’t be the party of the middle class if you keep promoting radical environmental policies that raise taxes and the cost of living,” said Buckel. “Everyone can’t afford a Tesla, or wants to live next to a Metro stop. For the millions of Marylanders who need to use their standard, gas-powered cars to go to work and feed their families, Maryland Democrats just raised your taxes.”

The increase also gives Maryland the distinction of having the fourth highest gas tax in the U.S. behind California, Pennsylvania and Washington state. The tax is the second highest in the Mid-Atlantic.

Information regarding the tax increase was published on the state comptroller’s website this week. A letter was sent to Moore, Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) and House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore) informing them of the July 1 increase.

In the letter, Robert J. Rehrmann, director of the Board of Revenue Estimates, said the increase was driven almost equally by inflation and the average price of a gallon of gas over the last year.

Inflation rose 7.1% between May 2022 and April 2023 — just shy of the 8% limit built into a decade-old law. That increased the per gallon state surcharge by 2.1 cents per gallon.

Rehrmann said high motor fuel prices — based on the average price of a gallon of gas — added another 2.2 cents to the state tax.

The increase is on top of the federal tax of 18.3 cents per gallon for regular fuel and 23.4 cents per gallon for diesel. Those tax rates have remained in place since 1993.

By law, the comptroller’s office must set the new state gas tax rate by June 1. It’s based on a formula that takes into account the annual rate of inflation as well as the average cost of a gallon of gas over a year.

A spokesperson for Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman (D) said an announcement had not yet been made. The comptroller’s office did not immediately respond to questions about the increase.

Maryland’s motor fuel tax has been tied to inflation since 2013. That year, the legislature passed the first increase in the tax in more than two decades.

Lawmakers that year, in an effort to avoid future votes on a politically charged tax, linked future increases to a calculation of annual inflation. At the time, sharp rises in inflation were few and far between.

Last year, that trend ended as gas prices rose at the pump and inflation increased to levels not seen in four decades. The result was a 6.7 cents per gallon increase.

Republicans in the legislature over the last couple of years have unsuccessfully mounted efforts to repeal the automatic increase tied to inflation. In March, Republicans in the Senate unsuccessfully attempted to decouple inflation from the gas tax by offering an amendment to legislation that removed the inflationary calculation on automatic transit fare increases.

“Senate Republicans provided an opportunity to offer relief to Maryland motorists by offering a floor amendment to repeal the automatic annual gas tax increase,” said Minority Leader Stephen S. Hershey Jr. (R-Upper Shore). “However, Democrat leadership squashed that, refusing to take accountability for their propensity to increase taxes. Maryland motorists deserve transparency on the taxes imposed on them.”

By Bryan P. Sear

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: News Homepage

A Spy Guide to the Cambridge Special Election Candidates

May 29, 2023 by P. Ryan Anthony Leave a Comment

 

On June 6, the citizens of Cambridge will participate in a special election to choose new City Commissioners for Wards One and Five. This was necessitated by the fact that the current members, Brian Roche (Ward 1) and Chad Malkus (Ward 5), moved into each other’s ward. Both men are hoping to remain on the Council, but they face challengers for the seats. Roche will face Cleveland Rippons and Robert Aaron while Malkus competes with Laurel Atkiss. Below is information on each candidate.

Candidate (Ward 5): Robert Aaron

Background: From Madison. Grew up working class. Attended Easton High School.

Experience: Attends City Council meetings.

On Moving YMCA: Should stay where it is.

On Housing: Code enforcers not doing their job. Inconsistent enforcement. All property owners deserve a second chance.

On Hearn Building: Would be cheaper to tear it down and build something new.

On Sewer Breaches: City says there is much funding, but he hasn’t seen anything done.

On ARPA funds: Doesn’t know any of the funds’ receivers.

On Crime: Offer police officers more money and have them sign contract requiring certain number of years in the city.

Candidate (Ward 1): Laurel Atkiss

Background: Born in Cumberland and educated in Baltimore (earned a BFA). Has lived nearly half of her life on the Eastern Shore, 10 years in Cambridge, 3 years in Ward 1. Previously owned a flower shop.

Experience: Working knowledge of retail, tourism, and service industries as well as non-profit promotions. Involved in community service, fundraising, and event organization.

City Activities: Engaging community through programs with area’s youth and heritage, after-school children’s programs funded by the Dorchester Center for the Arts.

Wants to see: Enthusiasm for the thoughtful development of waterfront; revitalization of neighborhoods to be safer and healthier; more citizens present, involved, and informed on functions of the city; more engagement in reconnection of neighborhoods; youth following a positive path and holding pride in their hometown.

Wants to do: Bring open communication, community connections, and healthy progress to her ward.

On Moving YMCA: Waterfront facility would not benefit the communities that need it most; it should be centrally located for easy access to multiple neighborhoods. The waterfront is valuable property that should draw tax revenue, and a not-for-profit like the Y would not. The ARPA funds that the YMCA organization used on a study of a new facility could have been put to better use.

On Housing: There are seniors living in dilapidated houses who don’t know about available resources. Code enforcement should be equitable and consistent. Neighborhoods held to code are safer, healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable.

On Hearn Building: Don’t tear it down; it is part of Cambridge’s history and charm. Think outside the box, get creative. What has been done before hasn’t worked. Make it multi-use space with market-rate housing, workforce housing, and retail.

On Sewer Breaches: Because of climate change, flooding and overflow are going to get worse, so Cambridge must be educated on the issue and proactive.

On ARPA funds: Whatever remains should be used on something that will create more income for the city.

On Crime: A holistic approach is needed. Improve economic opportunity and housing. Give youth better opportunities.

Candidate (Ward 1): Chad Malkus

Background: Raised on family farm in Cambridge. Graduated from Cambridge-South Dorchester High School, where he was class president. BA in Secondary Education and English from Clemson University. Juris Doctor from University of Baltimore School of Law. Admitted to the Maryland Bar in 2002. Lived in Ward 1 various times, including in the West End and on Glasgow Street.

Experience: Practiced law for two decades, focusing on land use, corporate, real estate, and environmental as well as trusts and estates. Currently VP and Senior Fiduciary Advisor for national banking corporation. Teaches Trusts & Estates and Financial Planning at Purdue School of Business (Salisbury University). Served as president of Dorchester County Bar Association, acted as attorney for Dorchester County Planning and Zoning. Appointed last year to Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas Commission. Has been City Commissioner for Ward 5 for two years.

City Activities: Part of Cambridge business and professional community, serving on boards and charitable committees. Served on board of Cambridge Main Street, eventually became president. Founder and organizer of Sailwinds Park Kite Festival. Spearheaded effort for new fencing and improvements to Cambridge Cemetery and Cedar Street gateway.

Wants to do: Continue work towards realization of vision for vibrant waterfront district, thriving Main Street, safe community, cutting red tape impacting Cambridge businesses.

On Moving YMCA: Facility at Cambridge Harbor would be “site activator” and draw people. There have been problems with past rehabs of current building. Although waterfront facility would not provide tax revenue, could make up for that with new houses on the old property.

On Housing: New programs like land banking and lead abatement will help. New code enforcement officer in FY 2024. Court is giving too many chances to slumlords, who must be held accountable.

On Sewer Breaches: Will be a headache to replace sewer systems, but it is necessary and has been a top priority of the City Council.

On Crime: Council has revamped salary plans for police officers. Department has invested in new technology like Shot Spotter. Community-oriented policing is important.

Candidate (Ward 5): Cleveland Rippons

Background: Raised on Hooper’s Island. Served in Air Force. BS in Business Administration.

Experience: Financial planner. As Cambridge Mayor (2000-08), learned intricacies of running a city.

Wants to see: Proactive government.

On Moving YMCA: Citizens would lose much if Y moved out of current facility. Need to see Waterfront Committee’s comprehensive plan first. Y is zoned for institutional, waterfront property for commercial; should not second guess zoning board’s work.

On Housing: Some areas of city need far more resources then have been allocated. High percentage of rental properties, not enough code enforcers. Should have discussions with landlords to understand their situations.

On Hearn Building: Renovate and make it mixed use.

On Crime: Need to spend time with residents.

Candidate (Ward 5): Brian Roche

Background: Cambridge native, grew up on Willis Street. Graduated from Cambridge-South Dorchester High School, where he was class president. BA in Biology and Environmental Studies from Swarthmore College. Lived outside Philadelphia for ten years.

Experience: Career in Internet technology, mostly with Bay Country Communications, building broadband to rural and underserved areas. Vice Chair of Maryland Broadband Cooperative. Served on board of directors of Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. Appointed by Governor Hogan to Task Force for Rural Broadband. Managed rental property for nearly 20 years. City Commissioner for Ward 1 for last two years.

City Activities: Served as chair of Historic Preservation Commission. Recognized by Cambridge Main Street as volunteer of the year.

Wants to do: Work with local leadership to focus on urban revitalization initiatives that make Cambridge desirable place to live, work, play, and invest. Emphasize unique history, culture, niche economy.

On Moving YMCA: Sympathetic to both sides. If Y moves to new facility, will work to ensure there is no void at old location.

On Housing: Create inspection and tiered rental licensing program to encourage improved housing. Plan ordinances requiring given share of construction to be affordable by people with low-to-moderate incomes. Subject contractors and property owners to fines if process not followed, but make it cheaper and easier to do right thing.

On Neighborhoods: Create neighborhood investment districts. Provide curbside recycling.

On Hearn Building: It is structurally stable. Must invest in and renovate it into mix of housing for different incomes.

On Sewer Breaches: Need green infrastructure on Cedar and Water Streets to handle storm water naturally while protecting bikers and pedestrians.

On City Council: Term limits for Council members. Must do better job making public meetings available online.

On Traffic: Get rid of unnecessary stoplights. Add stop signs, break up long stretches of city streets so they are not race tracks. Create traffic circle at base of creek bridge. Support downtown street closures for more economic activity.

On Pedestrians: Build public pedestrian promenade that connects from Historic Pine Street through Cannery Way to Cambridge Creek. Path from Long Wharf to Great Marsh Park accessible via bike, walking, and wheelchair.

In person voting on June 6, 2023, will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 205 Maryland Avenue between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. This polling station will be the only in-person location for both wards.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: News Homepage

Talbot County Council Meeting Highlights, May 23, 2023

May 28, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The Talbot County Council held a meeting on Tuesday, May 23 with Council Members Callahan, Stepp, and Mielke in attendance. Council Members Lesher and Haythe were absent.

Proclamation: National Boating Safety Week – May 20 – 26, 2023 – Members of the Coast Guard Flotilla 21 – 03 and Division 21 of the Chesapeake Eastern Shore received a proclamation recognizing this week as “National Boating Safety Week”. The proclamation specifically urges citizens to practice safe boating habits, avoid using alcohol and drugs when operating a boat, and always wear a life jacket while boating.

Proclamation: National Gun Violence Awareness Day – June 2, 2023 – Leadership of the MD Upper Shore Chapter and volunteers from Moms Demand Action accepted a proclamation recognizing “National Gun Violence Awareness Day”. The day is recognized to honor the birthday of Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed at age 15, in January 2013. On June 2, 2023, people across the country will wear orange to raise awareness about gun violence and honor the lives of gun violence victims and survivors.

The Maryland Upper Shore Chapter of Moms Demand Action will host a “Be Smart” gun safety and awareness event in Easton on June 4, 2023. For more information: Attend Wear Orange 2023 Easton Event | Everytown for Gun Safety

Proclamation: National Emergency Medical Services Week – May 21 – 27, 2023 – Members of the Department of Emergency Services, led by Brian LeCates, Director, received a proclamation honoring National EMS Week, celebrating the essential care and hard work of everyone in the emergency system.

“EMS is much larger than just the folks riding around in the ambulance…it starts at the 911 dispatchers providing pre-arrival instructions all the way through to the hospital with the nurses and physicians in the emergency department,” mentioned LeCates. “It’s important to celebrate the entire system, the team, that makes up emergency services.”

Clay Stamp, County Manager, also commented, “Talbot County is recognized as a leader in the state of Maryland for having a comprehensive EMS system, that starts with community awareness and engagement through the Paramedic Foundation in placing AEDs throughout the county, and learning CPR with the CPR marathon every year.”

The Council held a public hearing on proposed FY2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects in coordination with Talbot County.

St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP), located at 29533 Canvasback Drive in Easton, is seeking $465,000 in CDBG grant funds to partially fund a 1,920 square foot expansion to their facility that provides food, shelter, clothing, financial help, and comfort to individuals and families in need. A copy of the CDBG application can be found on the County’s website. Grant applications are due to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development on June 7, 2023. Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS) withdrew their proposed application.

Following the public hearing, Council approved an Administrative Resolution authorizing the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) SFY24 application for the St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) construction project located at 29533 Canvasback Drive, Easton, Maryland 21601.

There was also a public hearing on Bill No. 1530. If passed, the bill would amend Chapter 190 (Zoning, Subdivision, and Land Development) of the County Code regarding the expansion of structures used for nonconforming uses. Bill No. 1530 incorporates language required by the Maryland Critical Area Commission as a condition of its approval of Bill No. 1525, which the County Council approved on September 27, 2022. Bill No. 1530 will eligible for vote on June 13, 2023

Other Business:

  • Bill No. 1529, AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE 2023-2024 ANNUAL BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE was brought forward for vote. Martha Sparks, Director of Finance, brought forth proposed amendments for the Council’s consideration; the amendments were discussed during budget deliberations on May 16, 2023.
    • Amendments to the General Fund show an increase in grant revenues, a decrease in transfers from the development impact fund and a corresponding increase in General Fund reserves. Changes in expenditures included: decreases in Sheriff salary (due to an overestimation); increases to Circuit Court; and increases to miscellaneous expenses. The net effect of these changes was 0, leaving the overall budget number the same.
    • For Capital Projects, there was an additional request for White Marsh Elementary School’s roof project. Funds requested for Emergency Service’s CAD project were reduced to only include funds needed for FY24. There was also a request to add funds to the TCFL St. Michaels branch library expansion and renovation. The overall net effect of the changes to the Capital Fund is a decrease of $400,600. Due to changes in transfer amounts, the Development Impact Fund received a $274,000 increase.
    • Bill No. 1529, as amended, was unanimously approved by all Council members with Council members Haythe and Lesher voting by absentee ballot.
    • The final budget can be viewed here: FY 2024 Proposed Budget – Talbot County, Maryland (talbotcountymd.gov)
  • Council unanimously approved the appointment of Donna Haddaway as an alternate member to the Animal Control Board and Donald Ewing, Sr. to the Board of Electrical Examiners.
  • Terry Kokolis, Director, Department of Corrections, and Cindy Green, Captain, Department of Corrections, requested approval to extend two service contracts for the Corrections facility, one for inmate medical and mental health services from Wellpath TM, and the other for inmate meals from Trinity Food Services Group. There are sufficient funds in the budget for both contracts.
  • Ray Clarke, County Engineer, asked Council for permission to apply for and accept grant funding from the MD Department of Natural Resources Watershed Improvement Program to assist with the acquisition of a dredged material placement site.
  • The Town of Oxford and Talbot Thrive requested a letter of support for their grant coapplication to the “2023 Kim Lamphier Bikeways Program” from the Maryland Department of Transportation for design of a bike trail from Oxford’s Causeway Park to the County owned Oxford Conservation Park.
  • Council President Chuck Callahan asked Patrick Thomas, County Attorney, to draft a resolution to move the County Council’s meeting start time to 5 p.m. Once the resolution is presented, the Council can decide if they would like to move the start time or keep it to the current time of 6 p.m.

The next legislative meeting of the County Council will be held on June 13th, 2023. On Tuesday, June 6th the County Council will be meeting with elected officials from the municipalities at 5:00 p.m. in the Talbot Count Free Library – Easton Branch. The meeting is open to the public.

From left: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Vice Flotilla Commander, Auxiliary Flotilla 21-03 of Easton, MD, Reed Carey; Council Member Lynn Mielke; Petty Officer First Class, United States Coast Guard, Executive Petty Officer of USCG Station Oxford, Bryant Gooch; U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Division Commander, Division 21 Chesapeake Bay Eastern Shore, Thomas Stokes; and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla Commander, Auxiliary Flotilla 21-03 of Easton MD, Edward Burke.

Leadership of the MD Upper Shore Chapter and volunteers from Moms Demand Action accept proclamation for National Gun Violence Awareness Day from Council President Chuck Callahan.

From left: Director of Emergency Services Brian LeCates, Emergency Services Advisory Board Member Debbie Timms, UM Shore Medical Center at Easton Emergency Department, MSN, RN Jakisha Downing, EMS Chief Matt Watkins, Captain Ben Diefenderfer, Lt. Jackie Reiss, Paramedic Olivia Santos, EMT Trey Pritchett received a proclamation for National Emergency Services Week. The theme for 2023 is “Where Emergency Cares Begins”.

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Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: local news, Talbot County Council, The Talbot Spy

Talbot Interfaith Shelter Honors Volunteers

May 28, 2023 by Talbot Interfaith Shelter 1 Comment

Since Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS) began serving homeless men, women, and children in January of 2009, volunteers have been at the heart and soul of their mission.  When TIS first opened as a traveling cold-weather shelter, members of the community would provide meals, laundry, transportation services, fellowship, and more.  In November of 2014, when the shelter moved into its first permanent facility and began serving more families and individuals, the organization’s volunteers didn’t skip a beat.  In the intervening years, they have provided thousands of meals as well as thousands of hours of supervision for the guests at TIS’ family shelter, Easton’s Promise, and singles shelter, Evelyn’s Place.  TIS volunteers also help in many other capacities, including assisting with fundraising events like the popular annual Lip Sync Battle, moving furniture, and performing maintenance and landscaping on shelter grounds to help Evelyn’s Place and Easton’s Promise remain two of the most admired properties in Easton’s historic downtown.

TIS Executive Director Julie Lowe and Board Member Gail Benjamin, who was honored for her long-standing service to the organization as she steps off the Board of Directors.

On May 18th, Talbot Interfaith Shelter honored its dedicated volunteers with a luncheon at the VFW in Easton.  This was the organization’s largest volunteer appreciation event to date, with nearly 100 guests (approximately one-third of the total number of volunteers at the organization).  Some of those in attendance have been donating their time to the shelter since day one – that’s more than 14 years in service to the community.

The reception hall was beautifully decorated with floral arrangements donated by the Talbot County Garden Club.  Volunteers dined on salad, soup, and sandwiches, with a specially made cake for dessert.  Executive Director Julie Lowe addressed the crowd, thanking them for their steadfast support of the shelter and its mission.  During her speech, she gave special recognition and thanks to two long-serving Board Members who are leaving their positions – Gail Benjamin and Harvey Zendt.

Next, TIS’ new Volunteer Coordinator, Nancy Cummings, spoke, reiterating the organization’s fervent thanks for the volunteers’ efforts and sharing some updates.  Nancy also told volunteers about the TIS Ambassadors Program.  TIS Ambassadors is a training program that was started in 2019 to help shelter supporters learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and their S4 Program so that they can be well-informed TIS representatives out in the community.  The program was paused during the pandemic, but sessions will now be held quarterly, starting on Wednesday, June 7th.

After speeches, the volunteers played a fun game of “Team TIS Trivia,” with the winner receiving a gift card donated by Plaza Jalisco.  Shelter staff also raffled off a beautiful wooden bowl donated by Tuckahoe Hardwoods, which was won by Jay Lister.

“Our volunteers are truly the lifeblood of our organization.  To see so many of them in one place and to be able to thank them in person for all they do for TIS and our guests was incredibly gratifying,” shared Julie Lowe.  “They may not think that it’s a big deal to donate a meal or to hang out in our shelters so the staff can go about their good work.  But those homecooked meals, the friendly smiles and words of encouragement – that’s love, and our guests feel that to the bottom of their souls.  It fuels them and gives them the confidence to work their way through our program because they know this community is behind them, lifting them up.”

To become a TIS volunteer or sign up for TIS Ambassadors training, contact Nancy Cummings, Volunteer Coordinator, at 410-690-3120 or nancycummings@talbotinterfaithshelter.org.

TIS Executive Director Julie Lowe and Board Member Harvey Zendt, who was honored for his long-standing service to the organization as he steps off the Board of Directors.

Talbot Interfaith Shelter is a homeless shelter and transitional housing program based in Easton, MD and serving the five counties of the Mid-Shore (Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Annes).  They have developed the innovative and comprehensive S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success), which is designed to guide local families and individuals from homelessness to self-sufficiency. 

Guests begin at one of TIS’ two neighboring shelter homes – Easton’s Promise for families and Evelyn’s Place for single men and women – where they receive rigorous case management and attend life skills training while they work to attain financial stability.  Once they are ready, guests move into one of TIS’ 15 off-site transitional apartments, where they continue to receive case management while their portion of rent gradually increases until they can sustain all of their expenses.

To learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and how to help, visit https://talbotinterfaithshelter.org or contact Julie Lowe at 410-310-2316 or julielowe@talbotinterfaithshelter.org.

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Filed Under: News Notes Tagged With: local news, Talbot Interfaith Shelter, The Talbot Spy

Consumer Guide Criticized for Saying ‘Avoid’ Chesapeake Oysters

May 27, 2023 by Bay Journal 4 Comments

The Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population is still a long way from what it once was, but lately it’s shown signs of a rebound. Maryland and Virginia watermen harvested more of the bivalves in the most recent season than they had in more than three decades.

So why is Seafood Watch, a widely consulted guide to sustainable seafood, recommending that people avoid eating wild-caught oysters from the Bay?

The Monterey Bay Aquarium, which produces Seafood Watch, isn’t saying. A spokesperson for the California aquarium declined a request for an interview to answer questions about its draft report, which includes a recommendation to shun oysters from Maryland or Virginia.

“At this time, we are not able to comment on the draft assessment as the report may change based on feedback we receive in the public comment period,” the spokesperson said by email.

The aquarium was taking feedback through May 22. Since making its draft report public in April, it has received an earful from watermen, fishery managers, scientists and even other conservationists. Critics contend it erroneously portrays the Bay’s oyster population as overfished and poorly managed, a characterization they say even in draft form is hurting the region’s seafood industry.

“They have no idea what they’re doing,” said Robert T. Brown Sr., president of the Maryland Watermen’s Association, “… and they’re interfering with people’s livelihoods.”

Since 1999, the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program every few years has been offering what it says are science-based recommendations on which fish and seafood across the United States are sustainable “best choices” or “good alternatives” — and which should be avoided because of the risk of that species’ depletion or of harm to the marine ecosystem. It distributes about 2.5 million printable online guides every year aimed at influencing the purchasing decisions of nonprofit organizations, businesses and consumers.

Based on its last assessment in 2018, Seafood Watch currently rates oysters from Maryland and Virginia a good choice, despite some concerns, for those who care about sustainable seafood.

The new draft assessment downgrades those recommendations, citing “high concern” for the abundance of oysters in both states and deeming their public fisheries management ineffective. It even finds fault with the methodology Maryland has used in assessing the abundance of its wild oyster stock and whether it’s being overharvested.

Officials with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources say no one from the aquarium contacted them in developing the new assessment, and they were stunned to learn of the “avoid” recommendation.

“There’s missing information, there’s outdated information. They have misinterpreted information, and they have failed to live up to their own standards of using the best science and collaborating,” said Kristen Fidler, assistant DNR secretary for aquatic resources.

Agency officials defended the state’s oyster management, which they say is based on a science-driven stock assessment that has been reviewed favorably by a panel of outside scientists.

Mike Wilberg, a fisheries scientist with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science who led the development of DNR’s stock assessment, said he thought the Seafood Watch drafters applied an overly broad and uneven brush when rating the sustainability of oyster stocks along the East Coast. He said they failed to appreciate the complexities of the Bay’s oyster population and how it varies from one place to another.

“Some of the things we were criticized for [by Seafood Watch] are things we were praised for in the expert review of our stock assessment,” he noted.

“I applaud their efforts to get consumers to make conscious decisions [about sustainability],” Wilberg added. “Unfortunately, with all this stuff, the devil is in the details.”

Roger Mann and Mark Luckenbach, a pair of veteran oyster biologists with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, likewise contend that the Seafood Watch ratings of their state’s fishery are “based on old data and are entirely inappropriate.” The data cited by the report’s drafters in deeming oyster abundance “a high concern” was more than a decade old, they pointed out.

JC Hudgins, president of the Virginia Waterman’s Association, said that the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and members of the seafood industry “do a lot to keep the Eastern oyster a sustainable species,” even as the state’s harvest from public fishery areas in the 2022–23 season topped 300,000 bushels for the first time in 35 years.

Since 2018, when Seafood Watch rated Virginia oysters a good choice, the fishery has steadily improved every year, Hudgins said. Last year, he noted, reef surveys found oyster densities at levels not seen since before diseases struck in the late 1980s and triggered a catastrophic decline in population and habitat.

Brown, head of the Maryland watermen’s group, said he believed the Maryland oyster recommendation was also based on outdated information. In the six-month 2022–23 season that ended March 30, watermen harvested more than 600,000 bushels, the most since 1986–87.

In the recently ended season, Brown said, “a lot of people were still catching their limits [early] at the end of the season. That’s telling you we had plenty of oysters there.” He also noted that since the first stock assessment in 2019 that found widespread overharvesting, the state has reduced daily catch limits. “We’ve got a good management plan,” he said.

Even conservationists, who have at times voiced their own criticisms of oyster management in the Bay, have qualms about the draft Seafood Watch recommendation.

Allison Colden, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Maryland director and a fisheries biologist, said she thinks the aquarium may be jumping the gun because a fresh update of the state’s oyster population is due to be completed and released within a matter of weeks. She noted that conditions for oyster reproduction and survival have been on the upswing lately, with very low mortality rates from the once-devastating diseases MSX and Dermo.

Even so, Colden said, the Seafood Watch assessment “does highlight some of the lingering concerns CBF has had and still has with the fishery.” Though only a few areas are still experiencing overfishing, one of those is Tangier Sound, where the majority of Maryland oysters are harvested.

And while oyster reproduction has been good to excellent the last few years, Colden said, caution is warranted because the fishery has undergone boom and bust cycles in the past.

Colden said she was in wholehearted agreement with another Seafood Watch recommendation — a blanket endorsement of farmed oysters as a “best” choice for consumers concerned about the sustainability of the reef-building bivalves.

“We have long recommended that consumers choose farmed oysters from the Chesapeake Bay,” she said, “because that eliminates any possibility of concerns about sustainability or about oyster recovery.”

But even there, Maryland officials say, the Seafood Watch guides don’t make it clear enough that their “avoid” recommendation doesn’t apply to the state’s farmed oysters.

“We have a successful and growing oyster industry, both wild and aquaculture,” Fidler said. The “avoid” recommendation “could be incredibly damaging to the industry and really a major and unnecessary setback, especially with all the progress we’ve made.”

by Tim Wheeler

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Filed Under: News Homepage, Eco Portal Lead, News Portal Highlights

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