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December 1, 2021

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Food and Garden Food Notes

Chesapeake Harvest (a project of the EEDC) Launches New Website

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New website focused on helping growers meet their produce safety needs, from soil to sale!

Lindsay Gilmour, Chesapeake Harvest Food Safety Educator, leads an on farm produce farm safety training.

The Easton Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of its newly updated Chesapeake Harvest website [https://chesapeakeharvest.com]. The new site highlights the work Chesapeake Harvest’s community-based produce safety educators are doing to help growers meet their produce safety needs. The site also serves as a resource hub for both growers and educators.

On the new site, users can learn more about Chesapeake Harvest’s services, including produce safety education and training, one-on-one coaching for growers, on-farm risk assessments, food safety planning, audit readiness, and our community-based produce safety train-the-trainer program. The resource hub provides a wealth of information across many produce safety topics with videos, downloadable templates, and sample documents so that growers don’t need to start from scratch.

EEDC Executive Director, Tracy Ward, is thrilled with the success of Chesapeake Harvest’s produce safety programming and the new site’s functionality. “Implementing food safety practices is important for all produce farms, no matter their size or customer base. We’re here to make sure it’s easy and affordable for growers to receive the training and resources they need to reach new markets, improve operations, and keep both farm workers and consumers safe.”

Chesapeake Harvest envisions a food system that contributes to a vibrant regional economy with enhanced food production, distribution infrastructure, food security, and the preservation of farms. We see sustainability not as a fixed point, but a pathway of continuous improvement. Chesapeake Harvest values local, clean, and diverse ingredients bursting with flavor that fuel the growth of a regional Chesapeake Cuisine, seeking out farmers who show their commitment to regenerative agricultural practices that protect the Chesapeake Bay.

Chesapeake Harvest programs, webinars, and video presentations are funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Food Safety Outreach Program.

Website development was a joint effort by EEDC, Local Concepts LLC, and D2D Creative.

For more information about the Easton Economic Development Corporation, please visit https://eastonedc.com/

For more information or to participate as a downtown Easton merchant in the program, please contact Easton Economic Development Corporation at info@eastonedc.com.

About Easton Economic Development Corporation:

Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland, to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The EEDC works to catalyze Greater Easton’s continued prosperity as a diverse and healthy “smart town,” leading innovation where the land and water meet.

Easton to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Movie Night & Culture Crossing

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Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month this September!  Easton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) and Easton Downtown, in partnership with the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center (ChesMRC), Talbot County Library, Academy Art Museum, Talbot Arts Council, and the Avalon Theatre, are holding various family-friendly events in September to celebrate the Hispanic heritage.  “Come and celebrate with us our first ever Hispanic Heritage Month Festival, enjoying a variety of our culture from food, music, art and stories,” said Victoria Gomez Lozano, Hispanic Outreach Coordinator for ChesMRC.

Starting on September 16th at 6 pm, the Academy Art Museum will sponsor the Hispanic Heritage Month poster contest.  Next up on the 17th, Easton Downtown and Talbot County Library will be presenting a free outdoor movie night in the courtyard behind Shore Bank park at 17 East Dover Street. The featured movie, “Book of Life,” will begin at approximately 8:00 pm and is perfect for children and adults of all ages–bring your chair and snacks! (Rain date 9/18.)  “An outdoor movie night seemed like a fun way to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month and the upcoming Chesapeake Film Festival.  We are really excited to partner with the Talbot County Free Library for this event,” commented Holly DeKarske, Director of Downtown Development for the EEDC.

EEDC’s Culture Crossing will partner with Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center (ChesMRC) on September 18th. The event kicks off at 10 am and will be extended to 7 pm to accommodate the Hispanic Month celebration.

Culture Crossing will host various artists showcasing their craft, providing something for everyone, from art and jewelry to fabric crafts and artisan soap. For a complete list of all the exhibitors, click here.

ChesMRC will host three bands throughout the day: Los Compas del Rancho at 11 am, Grupo Gitano at, 3 pm, and Pasión Musical at 5 pm. There will also be a dance performance by Diego.

A variety of food will be available:

  • Fried chicken and Hispanic foods–10 am to 2 pm,
  • Tacos Belen (food truck)–10 am to 7 pm,
  • Paletas Heladas Veracruz (ice cream)–10 am to 6 pm.

During Culture Crossing, take a walk to the Academy Art Museum and join in the fun at Family Art Day from 11 am to 1 pm.

ChesMRC will wrap up the month-long celebration on September 24th with a fundraiser at the Stoltz Outdoor Pavilion.  The program will focus on three local Latin American families who will present their stories about their life abroad, their journey to America, and their life here in Easton, Maryland. These stories are told in storybooks that they wrote accompanied by illustrations by the children in their family.  The event is from 8 pm to 9:30 pm, and tickets are required.  Keynote Speaker will be Javier Bustamante and music by Tori Gomez.

Ticket link: https://tickets.avalontheatre.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1309

For more information, contact Holly DeKarske, Director of Downtown Development at Easton Economic Development Corporation – 410-690-7348.

EEDC Announces Easton Sounds of Summer Music Program

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Dan Van Skiver

The Easton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Easton Sounds of Summer Music Program. Performances will take place every Saturday from May through October 16, with an additional 16 Friday evening events (dates to be determined). This music series was created to bring vitality into Easton’s downtown while promoting and supporting a diverse range of musical artists.

Local musician Dan Van Skiver, who has also been working with EEDC in bringing acts to the downtown arena, said,“After a year of no live music, it’s been a real thrill to reconnect with old friends and make new ones working on this project. The fact that we are playing some role in getting people to come downtown has been the icing on the cake.  As a performer, it felt great to play again.”

Also included in the Easton Sounds of Summer series are all musical acts available in and around downtown Easton. “The EEDC is a resource to promote and support any music happening in the town,” said Arden Kern, EEDC’s Music/Events Coordinator. “The concept of the series is about the larger community and making it easy to access gatherings that are happening in town this summer and fall.”

Easton High School Jazz Band

Musicians will be performing in front of the Tidewater Inn, Thompson Park, Federal Street, Easton Farmers Market, and more.  Visitors can come and listen to local talent in the heart of Easton’s historic district while dining or shopping in this charming small town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Upcoming JunePerformances Hosted by EEDC:

(NOTE: All EEDC sponsored performances are free and take place on Friday and Saturdays in either Thompson Park or in front of the Tidewater Inn.)

FRIDAY JUNE 18 / 6-9 PM MAC & BLUE – In front of the Tidewater Inn (101 E. Dover Street)

SATURDAY JUNE 19 / 11 AM-2 PM ALISON THOMAS – In front of the Tidewater Inn (101 E. Dover Street)

FRIDAY JUNE 25 / 6-9 PM OPEN MIC NIGHT – In Thompson Park (2 Washington Street)

SATURDAY JUNE 26 / 11 AM-2 PM BRETT SCHRAFFENBERGER – In front of the Tidewater Inn (101 E. Dover Street)

For a complete list of upcoming performances, go to www.eastonsoundsofsummer.com. To check out more Easton festivals, activities, and other events hosted by other organizations and local businesses, go to https://eastonedc.com/events/.

Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland, to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The EEDC works to catalyze Greater Easton’s continued prosperity as a diverse and healthy “smart town,” leading innovation where the land and water meet.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Coming to Downtown Easton on Valentine’s Day Weekend

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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and there is no better way to enjoy the holiday than taking a romantic carriage ride with your sweetheart in historic downtown Easton.

Easton Economic Development Committee (EEDC) has announced a series of Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides for Valentine’s Day weekend. Carriage ride tickets will be available Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 14, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. The carriage will board in front of the Tidewater Inn (101 E Dover St) and provide an elegant tour of the downtown district.

Rides can be scheduled in-person starting at 1:30 p.m. each day with the first ride starting at 2:00 p.m. Each horse-drawn carriage ride is $20 with a maximum capacity of four adult riders or two adults and three children. EEDC asks guests to arrive early to schedule a ride time and then visit downtown shops and restaurants before and after the tour to support local small businesses.

“We are excited to provide carriage rides for couples and families to enjoy on Valentine’s Day weekend,” EEDC Downtown Development Director Jeff Lankford said. “The rides may be on the chilly side depending on the weather, but we hope that brings couples closer together as they enjoy downtown, Easton.”

Face coverings will be required at registration and during the open-air rides. The carriage will be sanitized between riders, and participants will be asked to follow all posted guidelines during the event.

There will be opportunities for photos with the horses from the Tanglao Carriage Driving company during each session. Carriage company owner Jess Tanglao has been in the horse-drawn carriage business for over ten years and an equestrian since the age of 3. This is the first downtown tour her company has provided in Easton, and she hopes it will not be her last.

“We want to come out to Easton again and again,” Jess Tanglao said. “Please come see us Valentine’s Day weekend, sign up for a ride time, and then enjoy the town until your assigned ride time comes.”

In case of inclement weather, the event may be canceled. For more information and weather-related updates, visit www.eastonedc.com or follow EEDC’s Facebook page @EastonEDC.

About Easton Economic Development Corporation:
Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland, to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The EEDC works to catalyze Greater Easton’s continued prosperity as a diverse and healthy “smart town,” leading innovation where the land and water meet.

Shop Sundays Holiday Raffle’s Final Week in Downtown Easton

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This Sunday is the final chance to participate in the Shop Sundays Holiday Raffle in downtown Easton. Every $10 spent at participating locations supports local merchants and earns shoppers a chance to win downtown Easton gift cards.

Earlier this month, Easton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) launched the new holiday event to promote retailers and restaurants in downtown Easton that extend their shopping hours and open on Sundays. The marketing and promotions advocate for shopping locally this holiday season to help out merchants still affected by the pandemic.

“The response to the holiday raffle has been very positive,” Downtown Development Director Jeff Lankford said. “We have exceeded our expectations in both the number or locations participating and the number of raffle tickets we needed to print and distribute.”

Consumers enter the raffle by shopping or dining at participating retailers and restaurants on Sundays in December. Eight entries have already been selected to win Downtown Easton Cards; a new digital gift card redeemable at various downtown establishments. The gift card program was also launched by EEDC in early December to help keep local dollars local.

“It’s so wonderful to have the Town’s support in keeping our businesses alive,” Chesapeake Blooms co-owner Samantha McCall said. “To be a part of a network and to know our other neighbors down the street are also benefiting from something just feels good, it feels like it’s part of the Christmas spirit.”

On Wednesday, December 23, EEDC will select the final five raffle tickets and announce winning numbers online at www.EastonEDC.com. Four winners will receive a $100 Downtown Easton Card and a grand prize winner will receive a $300 Downtown Easton Card. Shoppers that have already earned raffle tickets but have not yet won are still qualified to win the remaining prizes.

“We have so many merchants here in Easton that are doing everything they can to meet the needs of the public while providing safe and flexible shopping opportunities,” Lankford said. “They need your support now and will need support well into 2021.”

Look for Shop Sundays Holiday Raffle posters in store windows of participating downtown Easton locations. For more information on Shop Sundays Holiday Raffle and the Downtown Easton Card, visit www.EastonEDC.com.

About Easton Economic Development Corporation:
Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland, to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The EEDC works to catalyze Greater Easton’s continued prosperity as a diverse and healthy “smart town,” leading innovation where the land and water meet.

Easton Economic Development Corporation Announces New Director of Downtown Development

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Jeff Lankford new EEDC Director of Downtown Development

The Easton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) is pleased to announce the hire of Jeffery (Jeff) Lankford as Director of Downtown Development, a new position to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic, downtown districts of Easton, Maryland. The role will be instrumental in furthering EEDC’s mission of fostering Easton’s continued growth as a diverse and healthy “smart town,” leading innovation where the land and water meet.

The Director of Downtown position was created after Easton Mayor Robert C. Willey designated the EEDC to administer Town funding for all economic development activities, including supporting business, activities, and events in the downtown as of October 1, 2020.  “Jeff is a welcomed addition to the team.” said Lloyd “Scott” Beatty, Chairman of the EEDC.  “His combination of hospitality and Easton Business Alliance experience makes him an ideal choice to lead the charge as we ensure the continued success of our existing downtown programming while stimulating and implementing new innovative and creative ideas to provide growth opportunities for our downtown businesses.”

Lankford has accepted the position after several years working as Marketing & Events Coordinator of Discover Easton, where he was responsible for fostering community and business relations through small business promotions and community activities.  In addition to Discover Easton, he brings over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry as Operations Manager for Marriott International and Food and Beverage Director for Wyndham Hotels.

Says Lankford, “We have an opportunity, and an obligation, to bring all of our downtown businesses and stakeholders together over these next few months to not only solve short-term issues but create long-term change. I am excited to contribute to the process of identifying those opportunities and leading the work that will make them a reality for the downtown business community.”

The EEDC will hold a meeting with the community in November to outline opportunities, initially proposed projects, and a process by which the community can become engaged in the ideation, recommendation, and implementation of downtown economic development strategies.

“Key to our future success will be building on the work of existing organizations, such as the Easton Business Alliance, ensuring that this reorganization results in the continuation and expansion of successful programming, the enhancement of our downtown maximizing the tax payer’s investment,” said Tracy Ward, Executive Director of the EEDC.

Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland, to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The EEDC works to catalyze Greater Easton’s continued prosperity as a diverse and healthy “smart town,” leading innovation where the land and water meet.

Easton Mayor Cuts Funding to Discover Easton

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Easton Mayor Robert C. Willey has cut off town funding for Discover Easton.

The non-profit organization, formerly known as the Easton Business Alliance, provides marketing, promotions and event services for Easton and its businesses and organizations. It has received funding from the town for some years.

Discover Easton also gets funding from member businesses and fundraising activities.

In his Sept. 28 letter to the board of Discover Easton, Willey said the money slated for Discover Easton would instead go to the Easton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC).

The town has split its economic development funding between the two organizations for several years. The money comes from the accommodations tax paid by guests at hotels and similar establishments; that tax revenue is required to be spent on tourism or economic development.

Easton Mayor Robert C. Willey

The only explanation the mayor gave in the letter is that the town believes its economic development funding “will be leveraged better” by going entirely through the EEDC.

Willey’s decision comes just three months after the start of the town’s fiscal year 2020-21 budget. The town council unanimously approved the $23.376 million budget, which included $480,750 for economic development, in mid-May.

Discover Easton recently drew some opposition for its proposed pedestrian promenade on Washington Street in front of the county courthouse.

The town council initially approved the street closure, then rescinded approval after opposition. The town later approved the closure of parking spaces along one side of Washington Street to allow for outside dining during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discover Easton describes itself as “a marketing, promotions and events nonprofit in Easton, Maryland. The mission of EBA is to enhance, preserve and promote the vitality of Easton’s independent merchants which benefit business owners, residents and visitors; and to bring awareness to the Town’s historical roots and lifestyles. EBA is a nonprofit operating under the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. The organizational funding is provided by the Town of Easton; additional funding is provided by membership dues and through fundraising events.”

While Discover Easton has focused on marketing, promotions, and events, the EEDC has worked on business creation and retention.

According to its website, the “Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The EEDC works toward managing Easton’s continued growth as a diverse and healthy ‘smart town,’ leading innovation where the land and water meet.”

Letter from Mayor Willey

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