The Spy “Exit Interview” series is part journalism and part oral history. Over the last eleven years, the Spy has interviewed dozens of local leaders at the moment of their retirement or departure to reflect on their work and some of the challenges they have faced in their professional careers.
We continue the project with individual interviews with Easton’s Liz and Howard Freedlander. While Liz and Howard are not retiring from any current position, they are moving to Annapolis next month after almost forty-five years of active community involvement and leadership.
While the Freedlanders would cringe at being called a “powerhouse” couple, the totality of their work for the betterment of Talbot County is a stunning example of the region’s exceptional social capital. From Liz’s early start at The Country School and her pioneering work in the creation of Talbot Hospice as its first director, the development of UM Horn Point Laboratory’s Chesapeake Champions program, and the stewardship of other local nonprofits in fundraising, to Howard’s leadership on the boards of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, his commentaries in the Spy, and the Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation, as well as their combined activism in supporting Democratic candidates in what was once a decidedly Republican County, the Freedlanders are a model of civic engagement.
As the couple has entered their retirement years, and with their family entirely on the Western Shore, the Freedlanders will be moving to Annapolis next month. And while it is a fact that they will be maintaining their ties to Easton, including Howard maintaining his role on local boards, it seemed like a perfect time to take stock of their four decades in Easton.
These videos are approximately ten minutes in length.
Liz Freedlander
Steve Clineburg says
Liz and Howard:
We are so sorry to hear that you are leaving us for the Western Shore, but want to wish you all the best in your new surroundings. You have been invaluable assets to our community for many years and will be sorely missed.
Steve Clineburg
St. Michaels,MD
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Steve. Our departure is bittersweet, leaving behind good people like you. Onward we go into another phase of life.
Matt LaMotte says
Talbot County will be losing two wonderful friends, as well as able leaders!
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Matt, for your kind comments. We will miss this very special place.
Steve Slack says
Liz, your activism and passion for your volunteer activities are palpable! I appreciated the opportunity to work together at Talbot Hospice and wish you the very best in your new endeavors on the “other shore!”
Eva Smorzaniuk says
Oh, no, don’t go! You two are far too entrenched in, and loved by, this community! I hope your grandchildren know how lucky they are to have captured your undivided attention. Best of luck to you both in this next adventure!
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you,Eva. We have been so fortunate to know you and appreciate your community service as a doctor and a caring citizen. You and so many others make Talbot County a place where talent and compassion are so very abundant.
Barbara H Perry says
Liz, due to COVID you, Sharon and I never got to have lunch together. Still miss seeing you and Sandy at the News Center. Best wishes for you and Howard in your new lives in Annapolis.
Jon Powers says
Thank you for presenting the side by side electronic interviews with Mr. and Mrs. Freedlander. It is possible to start Mrs. Freedlander’s commentary then scroll down and start Mr. Freedlander’s..
To have Howdy and Liz talking at the same time with their usual subtle passion is quite and experience. Try it.
My best wishes to the Freedlanders as they move their domicile location. There is no way we will let them go from our lives on The Shore.
Jon Powers
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Jon. Our memories of Talbot County will never fade. We have treasured our 44 years here and our friendships with you and so many others.
Andy Burke, TCEA local president says
Best wishes on your transition to Annapolis. What a wonderful retirement location to continue on with your advocacy. Thank you for your meaningful efforts and unwavering commitment that you delivered to Talbot. With our collective thanks, Andy
Alex Handy says
Liz and Howdy,
God speed on your new adventure.
Alex
Brud LaMotte says
Wow, what a surprise but I guess I get your rational. Thank you both for your HUGE contribution to our great community. Loved these exit videos, well done! Be sure to stay in touch.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Brud, for your kind words. We will
miss Talbot County and so many friends like you. Life’s passages can be difficult.
Lucy Brooks Miziolek says
Liz,
I would love to contact you personally. We were childhood neighbors on good old Hawthorne Road and we moved /retired to Easton two years ago. Many fond memories of family gatherings with Aunt Betty and Uncle John. Watching your video reminds me so much of your mom! What amazing contributions you have made to this lovely community here in Talbot County. You sure won’t miss the bridge traffic to visit your dear grandkids!
Liz says
Oh my gosh Lucy. Of course. I will follow up.
Angela Rieck says
You will me missed…but the words “exit interview” sound a little harsh don’t they? LOL