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November 28, 2020

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Arts Arts Notes

A Happy Place Celebrates December with Its Regional Artists and Artisans

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Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind gift? Do you love supporting your local businesses and community artists? Are you looking for a special treat or artwork for yourself?

December at A Happy Place boutique answers these questions, with a wide selection of beautiful original work by its twenty-three regional artists and artisans. Add in an intriguing and ever-changing mix of home furnishings, lighting, pottery and décor — from antique to vintage to gently used or new with tags — and upscale resale women’s fashion, to make a well rounded and fun shopping experience!

The artists and artisans include: Paintings by Katie Cassidy, Diane DuBois Mullaly, Susie Rada, MaggiiSarfaty, Anne Schaeffer, and John Sharp. Metal Sculpture by Eddie Ford. Jewelry by Nora Drayton,

Flaherty House, Laurie Flannery, Lee Mallory, Lisa Pierson, Joyce Ritz, and Sharon Stockley. Fiber Arts by Joan Brown (wool brooches and ornaments, vintage buttons), Laura Rankin (needle felting), Heidi Wetzel (baskets) and Sarah Williamson (knitting). Mosaics by Lisa Skibenes, and Fine Crafts by Niambi Davis (soaps), Eastern Shore Flags & Crafts (wooden flags), Jeanette Faber (greeting cards) and Vickie Fisher (painted wine glasses, beer mugs, and slate).

Boutique owner Beth Hickman invites the public to A Happy Place on First Friday December 4, and throughout the month to shop early and often.“Our shop is spacious with plenty of room for social distancing.” Hickman said. “Being surrounded by the wonderful work of so many gifted artists and artisans makes me happy!”

A Happy Place is at 12 N Washington St. in Easton, and it is open Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 6, Saturday 10-6, and Sunday 12-5 p.m.

For more information, call 410-200-3867, email ahappyplace@goeaston.net or find the boutique on Facebook.

Caroline Foundation Awards FY2021 Grants

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The Caroline Foundation recently mailed grants totaling $568,500 to 21 organizations providing medical and/or health-related services to residents of Caroline County.  Terry Mead, President of the Caroline Foundation Board, expressed regret that the awards could not be made in person this year. “The annual breakfast is not only an opportunity for us to present grants, but it is also an opportunity for organizations to showcase their projects and network with their peers. Many community partnerships have originated at these events.”

This year’s grants bring the total awarded over five years to $2,652,000. The Foundation has established a commitment to food pantries and food programs that continued this year with awards to Aaron’s Place, United Concerned Christians of Caroline County (Samaritan House Food Bank), Chesapeake Culinary Center, Martin’s House & Barn, and Caroline County Public Schools.  It also reaffirmed its commitment to hospice and grief support services with a substantial gift to Compass Regional Hospice.  Other awardees were the Caroline County Department of Social Services Child Advocacy Center, Caroline County Public Schools’ Special Education Citizens’ Advisory, Eastern Shore Horizon Fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Greater New Hope Church and Ministries, Union Bethel AME Church Angels in Service, CASA of Caroline, Channel Marker, Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence, Rebuilding Together Caroline County, Caroline Center, Caroline County Department of Social Services, Partners in Care, Caroline County Family YMCA, Upper Shore Aging – Caroline Senior Care, and His Hope Ministries.

After the sale of its Denton facilities in 2015 to a health management company, the Caroline Nursing Home established The Caroline Foundation which now provides medical and health-related grants to charitable organizations helping Caroline residents.  The Foundation is led by a 14-member volunteer board that oversees its $16,000,000 in assets, intended to support grant making in perpetuity. 

Contributions to The Caroline Foundation to support Caroline County residents in need may be mailed to P.O. Box 607, Denton, MD  21629.

Grants are awarded once a year and the deadline for submissions is July 1.  The Mid-Shore Community Foundation manages the grantmaking process, but the Caroline Foundation Board reviews the grants and selects the recipients.  For additional information, contact the Mid-Shore Community Foundation at 410-820-8175.

Chesapeake Music Announces Residency at Prager Family Auditorium

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Chesapeake Music is delighted to announce a long-term residency at the Prager Family Auditorium in historic downtown Easton. This agreement guarantees a year-round, state-of-the-art concert facility and administrative offices for Chesapeake Music, enabling the organization to expand its offerings and audience for its internationally acclaimed lineup of artists.

“Having a permanent residence will bring well-deserved recognition to Chesapeake Music,” President Barry Koh said. “We are extremely grateful to Paul and Joanne Prager for making this happen for us.”

The Auditorium has played a role in Chesapeake Music’s history for nearly 35 years, and it is fitting to be the organization’s first physical home. The residency also demonstrates Chesapeake Music’s commitment to Talbot County and historic Easton, an area whose art scene has grown both because of and alongside Chesapeake Music to become one of the premier arts destinations in the Mid-Atlantic.

Settling down at the Prager Family Auditorium has many advantages, one of which is the ability to reach new audiences both inside and outside of the Auditorium’s elegant confines. Chesapeake Music’s acclaimed artists will have access to not only state-of-the-art acoustics and amenities, but will also benefit from a modern videography and streaming setup, infrastructure that was added during the COVID-19 pandemic. This enhanced technology will not only showcase sound the way it was meant to be heard, but will also allow Chesapeake Music to broadcast its concerts to audiences around the globe. This is especially beneficial as Chesapeake Music books more concerts by and for younger generations, introducing them to chamber and jazz musicians at a much larger scale than was possible before.

“Our move to the Prager Family Auditorium is like going back to our roots,” Chesapeake Music Executive Director Don Buxton said. “Our earliest concerts were performed at the facility and after so many years of being a nomadic organization, it will be nice to settle into a place we can call home.”

The residency also brings with it an addition to the Chesapeake Music family: a 9-foot Steinway & Sons concert grand piano. Considered the pinnacle of concert grands, the Steinway was made possible by a generous group of donors. A welcome inclusion to the Prager stage, the Steinway will forever enhance the quality of concerts in which it is played.

Chesapeake Music is scheduled to move its offices into the Prager Family Auditorium in early 2021, with concerts beginning as early as June.

Chesapeake Music brings renowned musicians to delight, engage and surprise today’s audiences, and educate, inspire and develop tomorrow’s. For more information about this new residency, please visit chesapeakemusic.org.

UMMS Survey Reveals While A Majority of Marylanders Plan To Get COVID-19 Vaccine, Many Not Changing Thanksgiving Plans Due To Pandemic

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A new survey commissioned by the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) found that more than 4 in 10 Marylanders are unwilling to change their in-person Thanksgiving or other holiday plans. On a positive note, the survey also found that the nearly two thirds of Marylanders plan to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, when available.

The online survey – conducted November 16-23 which polled 525 Marylanders throughout Central Maryland, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, where UMMS operates a network of 13 hospitals, ambulatory centers and urgent care facilities – found that 44% will not change their in-person Thanksgiving or other holiday plans due to COVID-19. The survey found that 65% of Marylanders are very or somewhat likely to get a COVID-19 vaccination when the vaccine is available.

“No question about it, these survey results are concerning, as our statewide mission to slow the spread of COVID-19 and stop the current surge relies on people heeding the advice of the CDC and Governor Hogan to not travel and refrain from holding large family events during Thanksgiving,” said David Marcozzi, MD, UMMS COVID-19 Incident Commander. “This could be setting up a perfect storm, with COVID cases on the rise throughout the state and multiple super-spreader events, it could cause a significant strain on the state’s healthcare system.”

The survey found respondents in Southern Maryland and Eastern Shore regions are less likely to say they have canceled in-person holiday plans than those in other regions of the state. Women, older adults and those with higher education levels are more likely to have changed holiday plans.

The 65% of Marylanders saying they would take a COVID-19 vaccine, once available, is a positive finding, but is still below what state and federal health officials advise for the elimination of the pandemic in the United States.

“While we’re encouraged that nearly two thirds of Marylanders would take a COVID vaccine, this survey points out that we have more work to do to educate the public about the necessity to vaccinate and alleviate fears and concerns about the vaccines that will become available,” said Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of UMMS. “UMMS will be working tirelessly to make the vaccine available to as many Marylanders as possible, at the appropriate time, and ease concerns by communicating the facts.”

Those saying they are likely to take the vaccine include white men (76%), men age 45+ (78%) and people over age 65 (76%), the survey found. Those groups with higher levels saying they are not likely to take the vaccine include Black women (49%), women in general (43%), those with a high school education or less (49%), and people age 18-34 (42%). Regionally, people in the Baltimore metro area were more likely to say they would take the vaccine (70%), while those in Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore (55%) and Prince George’s County (62%) report lower levels of likelihood.

About the Survey

The survey, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and commissioned by the University of Maryland Medical System, was conducted from November 16-23, 2020, among 525 adults 18+ living in the UMMS’ expanded service area, which includes all counties statewide except Allegany, Garrett, Montgomery, and Washington. The survey has a credibility interval of ±4.88%.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the UM Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s 28,000 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations and at 13 hospitals. UMMS’ flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore is partnered with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care.  Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

Saint Vincent de Paul and Giving Tuesday

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Tuesday December 1 is Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has long answered the call, and is participating in this event.

SVdP operates a Thrift Center and Food Pantry which is staffed totally by volunteers. Sales of your donated items in housewares, furniture and boutique support the needs of the Food Pantry which provides meals to needy families weekly. In 2019 we fed over 369 people each week. Because of the pandemic, this is even more important in this special time of need.

We welcome individuals of all faiths who may wish to give back to their community. Volunteer opportunities exist in all sections of the Center. If you can give any time to support this valuable program, we encourage you to call 410-770-4505. Monetary donations are always welcome.

On Tuesday, December 1 we will be posting a few short videos on our website, www.svdpeastonmd.org which highlight what SVdP does, and how you can help. We also have a Facebook page which provides additional information. Please support SVdP. Come join us it’s good for the soul.

Grant to Talbot County Public Schools to Enhance STEM Curriculum

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In early 2020, Bayer Fund’s America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education partnered with local farmers to nominate rural public school districts and award grants to enhance their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum. Because area farmers answered the call, through Grow Rural Education, Bayer Fund awarded a $15,000 grant to Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS) located in Talbot County, MD.

Mr. Bill Keswick, Supervisor of Science wrote the $15,000 grant, funded by the Bayer Fund American’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program thanks to a nomination by Mrs. Della Andrew along with several other local farmers.

A brighter tomorrow for farming communities starts with a commitment from Bayer Fund today, which is why the America’s Farmers programs have awarded more than $57 million to rural America since 2010. TCPS is one of the many school districts across the country that has benefited from Bayer Fund’s Grow Rural Education program.

Grow Rural Education grants have helped schools purchase an array of STEM-related materials, such as augmented-reality sandboxes, weather-forecasting and robotics equipment. TCPS will use the Grow Rural Education funds to assist middle and high school students in developing data literacy in life science.  The MiniOne units will also be used by students in Advanced Placement Biology and Environmental Science along with the CASE agricultural programs.

“Science education at TCPS is focused on two main ideas, critical thinking and equity.” said Mr. Bill Keswick, Supervisor of Science.  “Using the phenomena of how DNA can determine relatedness, students will participate hands-on authentic labs that will allow them to integrate all three dimensions outlined in the NGSS. We would like to thank the local farmers who nominated our district to apply for the Grow Rural Education Grant, as well as Bayer Fund’s Farmer Advisory Council who believed we could make a difference with the funds.”

To qualify for a Grow Rural Education grant, farmers nominate a public school district to compete for a merit-based $15,000 grant. School districts that are nominated, then submit a grant application describing their STEM-focused project. Grow Rural Education’s Farmer Advisory Council, consisting of a panel of math and science teachers and approximately 30 farmer leaders from across the country, review the finalist applications and select the winning school districts, including TCPS.

“Bayer Fund and the farmers we partner with feel incredibly passionate about Grow Rural Education because we’re investing in our children – who are our future – by enhancing STEM learning in rural public school districts,” said Al Mitchell, President, Bayer Fund. “We are always amazed by the incredible support of local farmers, as well as the countless ways Grow Rural Education brings teachers, students and people in the community together to set children up for success.”

To view a complete list of winners or to learn more about the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program, visit AmericasFarmers.com or follow along on Facebook at facebook.com/AmericasFarmers. Farmers are also encouraged to participate in Bayer Fund’s America’s Farmers Grow Communities program. Grow Communities protects the programs and institutions that keep farmers and their communities thriving by allowing farmers to enroll for a chance to direct a $2,500 donation to their favorite local eligible nonprofit organization.

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Heikes (right) of Belle Aire Farms nominated Talbot County Public Schools for the Bayer Fund’s $15,000 America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education grant. Mr. Bill Keswick, Science Supervisor wrote the grant for MiniOne Lab equipment.

About America’s Farmers

America’s Farmers, sponsored by Bayer Fund, is focused on strengthening rural America through three community outreach programs that partner with farmers to make an impact in communities where farmers live and work. The programs have given more than $57 million to rural America since 2010 and include:

  • America’s Farmers Grow Communities supports rural communities by allowing farmers the opportunity to direct a $2,500 donation to their favorite local nonprofit organization.
  • America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education supports rural education by providing $15,000 merit-based grants to enhance STEM education.
  • America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders supports students pursuing ag-related studies by offering $1,500 scholarships towards higher education.

To learn more, visit America’s Farmers at www.americasfarmers.com.

About Bayer Fund

Bayer Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where Bayer customers and employees live and work by providing funding for food and nutrition, education and community development projects.

Good Morning, Farmer! Brings Farming Community Together for Education and Fellowship

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University of Maryland Extension (UME) educators Jeanette Jeffrey, Dave Myers and Kayla Griffith developed a new virtual morning program for farmers and farm families, called Good Morning Farmer!, featuring speakers from the Extension agricultural community.

The new weekly program encourages farmers and those who work in the agricultural industry, to come together virtually every week for one hour, beginning on Dec. 2 at 8 a.m., to discuss topics like farm stress reduction, agricultural law, financial management, and much more.

“Good Morning Farmer! is an opportunity for fellowship and candid discussions about topics that matter to farmers, their families, and businesses,” said Jeanette Jeffrey, nutrition and health educator, and co-organizer of the program.

With the pandemic and associated stay-at-home orders, stress on the farm communities has been compounded, said Jesse Ketterman, financial educator with UME. “Farmers are isolated to begin with due to the nature of their work, and now they’re even more isolated. Programs like Good Morning, Farmer! help them make connections and interact within their community,” he said.

The program occurs weekly, with a different featured speaker during each session. Topics vary throughout the duration of the morning meetings, which continue through March 31, 2021, and include machinery breakdowns, injury and pain management, nutrition, and financial planning. The first session, beginning at 8 a.m. on Dec. 2, 2020 features Paul Goeringer, Extension specialist speaking on Agricultural Law and Farm Policy.

For more information and to register for this free program, go to https://go.umd.edu/GoodMorningFarmer.

Gunston’s Heron Hustle 5K/1M Run Raises Money for Annual Fund

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The Gunston School’s Heron Hustle 5K/1M Virtual Run was held on November 21 & 22 with more than 140 participants hitting the pavement (or their treadmills) to raise more than $7,000 for the Heron Annual Fund and compete for fun prizes and accolades.

The top three winners for the men’s 5K include Woody Granger (17:50), Bobby Stephenson (19:26), and Aidan Trautman ’23 (21:09). Women’s top three placements for the 5K  include Katherine Rene, P’23 (24:25), Georgia Gillespie ’22 (25.22), and Zoe Buzzelli ’24 (25:45). The men’s mile winner was Aaron Sanderson ’23 (6:15) and the women’s mile winner was Jennifer Runz, P’24 (8:57). Special recognition goes to Victoria Windmiller, who completed a 15 mile run.

Additionally, recognition for the fastest freshmen went to Zoe Buzzelli ’24 and Colin Hallmark ’24 (23:59), the fastest sophomores were McKinsey Brown ’23 (29:28) and Aiden Trautman ’23, the fastest junior was Georgia Gillespie ’22, and the fastest senior was Charlie Shifrin ’21 (25:40), with the titles for fastest male junior as well as female senior going unclaimed (for now!).

Gunston’s Head of School John Lewis with his family (from left) Millie, Laurie, John and Bea.

Prizes for top overall winners include personalized Gunston merchandise and medals. For Gunston students, prizes include breakfast/snack cards and (for eligible drivers), the opportunity to snag Head of School Mr. Lewis’s parking spot for the rest of the year.

Participants received a limited edition Heron Hustle t-shirt designed and individually hand-pressed at Skybridge Studios by Gunston alumna Alison Hansford ’96 who volunteered her time and services.

“A huge thanks to everyone who participated in the Heron Hustle — the event raised thousands of dollars for the school, and it helped to connect us virtually across the region and multiple states,” said Head of School John Lewis. “We are so grateful for our event sponsors, parents, past parents and alumni who continue to support Gunston.”

Gunston’s Heron Annual Fund bridges the $4,000 gap between tuition and what it actually costs to give each student the highly personalized experience Gunston is known for.

The Heron Hustle’s premier sponsor included Oath Pizza and the Kellogg Family, P’20 & ‘23, awards sponsor Wise & Blitzer, Attorneys at Law, and Mara Schmittinger, P’16 & ‘19.

Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

Library Closes to Public, Returns to Books-to-Go Service

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Due to the rise in COVID cases across the Eastern Shore, both branches of the Talbot County Free Library will temporarily close to inside visits and return to the Books-to-Go Servicebeginning Monday, November 30, 2020.

According to Executive Director Dana Newman the Library is changing its service model temporarily to keep patrons and staff safe during the current COVID-19 surge. “We are working closely with the Talbot County Health Department and following guidance on safe practices,” said Newman.

Book drops will stay open at both locations and returned items will continue to be quarantined for seven days and will remain on the patron’s library card until checked-in. No fines will be charged while items are in quarantine. The library is not taking any book donations until further notice.

Through Books-to-Go, patrons will be able to reserve materials through the online catalog and will be able to reserve a time to pick them up.  Chromebooks or WiFi hotspots are not available for checkout at this time. Patrons will be notified via email or phone when their items are ready to be picked up. Once notified that holds are available for pickup, patrons should call or email the library to make arrangements to pick up their holds. “Although, for the safety of the community, we have to close our buildings to visits again, we are pleased to still be able to offer books and DVDs for our patrons’ enjoyment,” said Newman. Specific details on how the program will work are available on the library’s website at www.tcfl.org. Staff will answer the phone at both branches during limited hours Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9-noon and 2-5 p.m. and on Monday and Thursday from 10-noon and 3-7 p.m.Wi-Fi is available around the clock outside both the Easton and St. Michaels branches.

“We plan to reopen the buildings to inside visits to the public as soon as it is deemed safe for both our patrons and staff,” said Newman.“In the meantime, there continues to be a host of free eResources and virtual programs available for everyone to enjoy on the library’s website. If you don’t already have a library card, you can easily get a temporary card online at tcfl.org/tcfl@home.”

For more information, email askus@tcfl.org or call 410-822-1626.

COVID Friendly Rudolph Arrives to Easton

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The tradition continues… Rudolph is proudly perched up on Talbottown Shopping Center with safety measures in place to adapt to this unique year. While the phone booth is closed, the team at Easton Utilities got creative and installed a hands-free device for kids to listen to Rudolph! “We know this special tradition helps bring magic to Christmas and a sense of nostalgia to the many adults who may remember Rudolph from their childhood,” said Hugh E. Grunden, President and CEO of Easton Utilities.

From November 25 through December 24, Rudolph will be available to speak to children of all ages Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 9 pm and Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm. The mailbox is in place for those who wish to mail Santa a letter and there is touchless motion senser to activate Rudolph. This display at Talbottown Shopping Center is festive and ready for visitors!

There is quite a bit of prep work needed behind the scenes to make Rudolph “come alive”. A team pulls together each year to coordinate efforts and ensure a bright and shiny Rudolph is ready for the public. A special thanks goes to all involved, but especially Cheryl Bryan, Lonnie Larmore, David Boyd, Mario Barone, Eddie Westerfield, Mike Bennett, John Hines, John Horner, and Anderson Watson for assisting in making clever adjustments so Rudolph would be safe for visitors this year.

Rudolph marked the start of the Easton Shore holiday season each year from 1957 until the late 1970’s, but unfortunately went missing for years after. In 2013, Hugh Grunden had the vision to recreate Rudolph and return him where he rightfully belonged to bring holiday cheer and wonder to a whole new generation.

“Rudolph made a lasting impression on me as a child and was a big part of what made the holidays in Easton so special,” added Grunden. “It is my hope that he brings as much joy to our community as possible this year.”

Easton Utilities is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility and telecommunications company operating the Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, Cable Television, and Internet services for the Town of Easton and portions of the surrounding area. Visit eastonutilities.com for more information.