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April 1, 2023

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Local Life Brevities

Town of Easton Launches New Interactive Map

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Eye Over Easton, Easton’s new interactive map, is now available to the public. Eye Over Easton uses aerial imagery as a backdrop to access and visualize all kinds of information, including planning, zoning, environmental, and parcel data. Eye Over Easton is also where the public can view trash pick-up schedules and election wards. A user can interact with the map and its associated data by panning and scrolling to view a specific parcel. There is also a search feature to find a specific parcel by its address or its unique tax map or parcel number. Selecting a feature provides users with additional information. For example, selecting a particular parcel provides the user with a link to the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Mayor Willey remarked, “We are delighted to launch this useful tool for our residents. It is our hope that our residents can utilize the Eye Over Easton interactive map to learn more about the geography of the town, obtain a better understanding of the zoning and topographical data, and to see how Town functions such as trash pick-up are carried out on a daily basis.” Mayor Willey added “It is a wonderful resource for our residents and we want to encourage everyone to try it out for themselves.”

Eye Over Easton is accessed by going to the Town of Easton’s website at www.eastonmd.gov and selecting the resources tab at the top of the page. Once there, an instructional video is provided to help the user understand the basics of how to use the Eye Over Easton Interactive map.

The Town hopes that the map experience is a valuable tool to help citizens experience Easton through a new lens. For more information, or for questions on how to use Eye Over Easton, please contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 410-822-1943 or at planningandzoning@eastonmd.gov.

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.

Easton Prepares for Transition to Reusable Bags in April

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In advance of Ordinance 784 taking effect on April 2, 2023, the Town of Easton, Easton EDC, and Discover Easton are partnering to spread awareness and information about the ordinance to businesses, residents, and tourists.

Ordinance 784, states that as of April 2, 2023, retail establishments can no longer provide single-use plastic bags to customers. Council President Megan Cook remarked, “The intended goal of this ordinance is for customers to bring their own reusable bags in order to cut down on the massive amounts of waste and litter caused by single use plastic bags.” Cook continued, “The switch to reusable bags will be a big step forward in keeping our waterways clear, our streets clean, and our habitat healthy.”

The Easton EDC has been reaching out to local businesses about the transition, and has found some businesses are ahead of the curve. Easton EDC Executive Director Holly DeKarske said, “Some of our local merchants have traditionally used reusable bags and are positive about the new ordinance.” DeKarske notes, “We are designing a resource kit which will be distributed locally in late March and our team is available to help you utilize the branding kit and marketing tools.”

Some retail establishments have already made the change, and have shared the difference it has made. Eat Sprout owner Ryan Groll says his store began offering reusable bags in 2017. Since then, he estimates they have prevented the use of over a quarter million single use plastic bags. Other larger stores such as ACME and Staples have transitioned in other regions and are well-prepared to make the switch here.

For more information on the plastic bag ban, please visit https://eastonmd.gov/587/Plastic-Bag-Ban where you can find information on what to expect, answers to frequently asked questions regarding Ordinance 784 and the environmental impact of single use plastic bags, free downloadable flyers, and BYO-Bag branding materials that can be used as tools and reminders for local businesses.

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.

Town of Easton Honors Lonnie Green for Community Outreach Efforts

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At the town council meeting on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 the Town of Easton honored Lonnie Green with a Proclamation for his efforts with Operation Christmas Spirit. The proclamation states that The Town of Easton officially recognizes January 17, 2023 as Lonnie Green Appreciation Day. Green was instrumental in running Operation Christmas Spirit, a community outreach program that provided food, clothing, and toys to many families in need over the holidays.

Council Member Al Silversetin (left) reads the proclamation honoring Lonnie Green (right) at the town council meeting on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Photo by Greg Mueller.

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.

Town of Easton Approves Purchase of 197-Acre Easton Woodland Park

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On Tuesday, January 3 the Easton Town Council voted unanimously to approve Ordinance 793, which authorizes moving forward with the purchase of Easton Woodland Park. Easton Woodland Park is a 197-acre parcel of land on the eastern side of Oxford Road, near Cooke’s Hope.

The Town of Easton is acquiring this land in order to preserve the allotted area, and to provide an enjoyable recreational space for its citizens. The property would become the largest public park in Easton, and features natural trails through wooded areas. The Town currently has several community parks with sports fields and/or playground equipment for active use, but only one other community park for passive use, John F. Ford Park, which is not wooded.

Mayor Bob Willey noted “This park will be a great benefit to the town and a wonderful place for families to enjoy for years to come. It is a unique opportunity to preserve pristine woodland that once gone we would never see again. We have a chance to protect the land, help the town, and improve the quality of life for all residents.”

The Easton Woodland Park acquisition would serve to protect the plot from future development, safeguard native plant and animal species, and would satisfy a significant portion of the restoration requirements for Maryland’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. The MS4 Permit aims to advance Chesapeake Bay restoration while reducing flooding and making communities more resilient to the effects of climate change.

Town Engineer Rick VanEmburgh stated “Easton Woodland Park is a fantastic opportunity to preserve Easton’s woodlands, and to meet some of the requirements necessary for MS4 program compliance.”

The Woodland Park lot is being sold by Alliance Development Corporation to the Town of Easton for the amount of $5,095,000. For the purchase of the land, the Town of Easton has applied for a Program Open Space grant that would partner them with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Talbot County. If approved, the Program Open Space grant would cover more than 96% of the expenses.

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.

Town of Easton Hires Greg Mueller as Communications & PR Specialist

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Greg Mueller

The Town of Easton is excited to announce the appointment of Greg Mueller as Communications & Public Relations Specialist. Mueller will be the first to hold this role for the Town of Easton. The new position was designed to oversee Easton’s internal and external communications, social media management, and website development.

Easton’s Mayor Bob Willey remarked, “Easton is experiencing a time of extraordinary growth and dynamic interaction between our new businesses, state and local officials, community leaders, and citizens is critical. With Mueller leading our media and outreach strategy we will be more efficient in communicating our town’s activities to all stakeholders.”

Greg Mueller comes from APG Media of Chesapeake in Easton where he served as a Marketing Manager, Video Producer, and Visual Editor. Mueller led numerous initiatives for APG including the creation of Shore Magazine.

Mueller stated “Growing up in Easton, I have always known it was a special place, and I am excited to be able to give back. I look forward to being able to promote all of the hard work and progress this great town will make.” Mueller is a graduate of Saint Peter and Paul High School and Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama where he played Men’s Soccer and acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Media.

To connect with the town of Easton, email Greg Mueller, gmueller@eastonmd.gov.

About 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.

Downtown Easton Prepares for its First Easton Night Out

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Explore downtown Easton’s unique collection of shops, restaurants, and art galleries on the best night of the month: the first Friday. Starting on May 6th, downtown Easton will celebrate Easton Night Out on the first Friday of each month from 5 pm to 8 pm.

The event, tailored to Easton’s art and entertainment district, will see many downtown boutiques and galleries staying open late and hosting special events. Restaurants will also offer new specials.

“We here at Lizzy Dee,” says owner Darcy Bernot, “are excited to use the outside space at our new location and have planned an event for all future Easton Night Outs. The community needs a fresh start after the last two years. We’re happy to have an event with stores, galleries, and restaurants all taking part. It’s going to be fun!”

Easton’s Art galleries will also be open and ready to offer guests an adventure of the senses. With the Academy Art Museum’s three new exhibits, Studio B Gallery’s Art in Bloom exhibit, Trippe Gallery’s featured work from Artist Olena Babak, and Troika Gallery’s ShoreRivers @ Troika Gallery exhibit, Easton’s art scene is ready to highlight the brilliance of spring.

Studio B Art Gallery owner Betty Huang said. “We hope Easton Night Out can bring more people to enjoy and support the galleries and neighboring shops and restaurants.”

This opening Easton Night Out will feature live music and excitement, creating a perfect night out on the town for all.

Easton’s Crab Drop Chesapeake 2022 Celebration

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Easton’s Crab Drop Chesapeake 2022 Celebration Invitation

Easton Downtown and Talbot County Tourism will host the Cheers to the Chesapeake crab drop celebration on New Years’ Eve night in front of the Tidewater Inn.

The event will include dropping the 6-foot-wide crab from 25 feet in the air to ring in the New Year.“The blue crab is iconic to Maryland and the Eastern Shore, which makes the Easton Crab Drop a real Maryland tradition,” says Cassandra Vanhooser, Director of Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism. “It’s a fun and festive way to spend New Year’s Eve, and it only happens in Talbot County. I can’t think of a better way to begin the new year!”

Live music featuring the New Legacy Blues will start at 9 pm, leading to the crab drop at midnight. The band will meld their modern electric sound to smooth classic blues.

The Tidewater Inn will also offer a package for the festivities, which includes 15% off bar purchases, a wholesome basket of delicious treats, and a $50 credit to the Hunters’ Tavern restaurant.

Cheers to the Chesapeake will happen in conjunction with First Night Talbot, an annual event that will be held virtually this year. This family-friendly event starts at 7 pm culminating in their crab drop at 9 pm. A celebration of the arts, First Night Talbot, boasts an impressive lineup of song, dance, and other arts in various venues. This will mark the 28th consecutive year and the second being held virtually.

For more information about Cheers to the Chesapeake, visit https://eastonedc.com/event/cheers-to-the-chesapeake/

For more information on First Night Talbot, visit https://firstnighttalbot.net/.

For additional info about New Legacy Blues, visit https://www.newlegacyblues.com/.

Checking In with Easton Mayor Robert Willey

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Easton Mayor Robert Willey sat down Thursday morning with The Spy to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects around town, including a new section of Rails-to-Trails, one approved and one proposed residential development, and distribution of American Rescue Plan Act funds. The mayor also highlighted last month’s successful 50th anniversary Waterfowl Festival and Saturday night’s Christmas parade, which has more than 60 units participating.

This video is about 16 minutes long.

Easton Councilman Al Silverstein to Run for Mayor in 2023

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Town Councilman Al Silverstein will run for mayor of Easton in the May 2023 election.

Silverstein announced his mayoral campaign in a Friday news release.

In his statement, Silverstein said:

“Twenty-one years ago, my wife Karen and I moved to Easton after I accepted a job with the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce as its president and CEO. We fell in love with this community and decided to make it our home.

“Over the course of the past twenty years, I have served this community in leadership positions such as the United Fund of Talbot County, Talbot Family Network, Mid-Shore Regional Council, Talbot County Economic Development Commission, Talbot County Office of Tourism, Upper
Shore Transportation Advisory Group, Eastern Shore Heritage Inc., Talbot Historical Society and as an Easton Town Councilmember representing Ward 1 since 2015.

“The four areas that I will stress in my campaign will be:

“1) Engaging citizens to express their wants, needs, concerns and solutions for the betterment of our community.

“2) Enhancing the lifestyle and quality of life for our citizens through the expansion of recreational and cultural activities in our community.

“3) An intentional Economic &amp; Community Development strategy to attract, retain and expand businesses that can contribute to the economic wellbeing of our community and its citizens. Provide career and professional employment opportunities to attract a new generation of community contributors.

“4) Developing new programs within the Easton Police Department to reimagine community policing and to build a safer community.

“I pledge to you that if I am elected mayor, I will dedicate my efforts to maintain the high standards of service we provide to our citizens while working with town staff to find ways to do an even better job of serving our community.”

Spy Check-in with Easton Mayor Robert Willey

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Easton Mayor Robert Willey speaks Tuesday morning with The Talbot Spy to discuss:

  • ARPA funding for new fire trucks, a firefighter training center, and broadband;
  • the efforts to retain and recruit officers for the Easton Police Department, including a cadet program;
  • ongoing infrastructure and paving projects;
  • continued rehabilitation of several houses on the Hill;
  • the upcoming Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast and 50th Waterfowl Festival;
  • and the town’s need for a human resources staffer.

This video is about 12 minutes long.