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June 23, 2021

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Local Life Brevities

July 2021 Sky-Watch

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Longer daylight hours in summer mean that our skies do not become dark enough for real sky-watching until after 9 pm in July. Nevertheless, planets highlight what we may see this month.

VENUS and MARS will appear to meet up between July 11th and 13th. On the 13th they will be separated by less than the diameter of the Full Moon on July 13th. The thin crescent Moon will be seen near the pair of planets on July 11th and 12th. Venus and Mars will become visible in the western sky 45 minutes after sunset and will themselves set about an hour later. Venus is easier to spot, dazzling white, and 190 times brighter than Mars. Wait for twilight to fade to look for Mars just below and left of Venus. Binoculars and telescopes will have them both in the same field of view.

Saturn is just a month away from its August 2nd opposition, when it will be closer to Earth than it has been in just over one year. Now it rises in the eastern sky around 10 pm on July 1st, and two hours earlier by July 31st. Its best placing for viewing this month will be between midnight and 3 am.

Jupiter also rises in the East, around 11 pm on July 1st and by 9 pm on July 31st. Best views of Jupiter will be after midnight to dawn. Jupiter dominates its place in the sky among the dim stars of Aquarius and Capricornus because at magnitude –2.8, it is very bright. Saturn’s magnitude +0.1 is dimmer, but still bright, and is some 20 degrees west (right) of Jupiter.

This month’s Full Moon is on July 23rd. On July 24th the slightly less Full Moon will be below Saturn, and on the 25th just below Jupiter.

The Summer Triangle, an asterism, composed of three 1st magnitude stars: Deneb in Cygnus; Vega in Lyra (the brightest of the 3); and Altair in Aquila lies high above us, straddling the zenith during July. The “summer Milky Way” can be seen from the southern horizon running up through the zenith and down to the northeast. On clear July nights, away from street lights, this glowing path of stars and gases can be seen. Follow the path through binoculars from south to northeast for a startling and beautiful sight!

F3 Tech Seeks Companies Aquaculture and Energy Storage Sectors

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F3 Tech, a leading commercialization program for early-stage companies supported by the nonprofit Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center and the U.S. Economic Development Administration, is seeking companies in the aquaculture and energy storage sectors to apply to its 2021 accelerator program.

“At F3 Tech, we are focused on helping early-stage companies in the agriculture, aquaculture and energy storage sectors get to market faster and achieve commercial success through a comprehensive review of opportunities for private investment and revenue diversification,” said Program Director Chris Hlubb. “We’ve seen a big interest in soil and crop health this year, which is great, and we want to round out the portfolio with more technologies related to aquaculture and energy storage.”

The F3 Tech Accelerator Program requires no equity from participants, a unique value proposition for many early-stage companies. Companies from across the U.S. are invited to apply. Participants will receive:

–       Funding to expedite commercialization

–       Executive support and coaching to prepare each company for potential investment

–       Executive guidance for potential acquisition and/or commercial launch

–       Connections to related industry clients, investors and customers

F3 targets companies who have achieved seed investment and product validation. During the program, its team of experienced business executives embed themselves in the day-to-day workings of the companies to assist with messaging, branding, networking with potential customers and investors and assess the most important needs of the company to complete the program with the greatest chance for follow-on investment and product sales. The 4-month program aims to expedite financial successes and stabilize the companies to assure they make it past the most intensive and important periods that will guarantee sustainable growth.

“We know that great ideas are found everywhere but few companies have the potential to execute on their dreams,” said Hlubb. “Implementation is everything for an early-stage company that needs to prove its market value or even create a market for its products.”

The goal of the F3 Tech Accelerator is to provide the business intelligence and speed needed to advance more ideas to market to increase consumer adoption, add value to traditional agriculture communities and spread the word about innovations that could evolve the market.

The deadline to apply for the F3 Tech Accelerator Program is June 30, 2021. Finalists will be announced in August and the program will start on September 7, 2021.

To apply for the F3 Tech Accelerator Program, please visit: https://f3tech.org/program/accelerator/

About F3 Tech Accelerator

The F3 Tech Accelerator Program provides funding and support for early-stage companies to prepare them for potential investment from the future F3 Tech Seed Fund, industry partners, and investors. For more information, please visit: https://f3tech.org/.

Assistant Superintendent Presents Revised Graduation Requirements

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Dr. Helga Einhorn, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, presented the latest changes to the Maryland State Department of Education graduation requirements (COMAR13A.03.02) to the Talbot County Board of Education at their June meeting.

In May, the Maryland State Board of Education approved revisions to COMAR13A.03.02, which outlines the Graduation Requirements for Public High Schools in Maryland. The following changes have been approved by MSDE:

Graduation Requirements

  • The number of credits required to graduate will increase from 21 to 22 for the incoming 9th grade class (Class of 2025). This was an existing graduation requirement for Talbot County Public Schools.
  • The number of mathematics credits required will increase from three to four.
  • Students will now be required to earn a full credit in Health instead of the half credit previously required.
  • Computer science and engineering will be added to the subject of Technology Education.
  • The Advanced Technology course will be deleted as an option for meeting graduation requirements. TCPS has already phased out advanced technology while expanding Career and Technical offerings for students.

In addition, the credits required for science must include courses in life science, physical science, and a course that integrates earth/space science.

State assessments for English, Algebra, Science and Government will move from stand-alone assessments that students must take and pass, to end of course assessments which count as 20% of the final grade beginning in 2022-2023. Taking the assessment in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 will meet the graduation requirement.

The MSDE also acted to adopt a College Ready StateEndorsement and a Career and TechnicalState Endorsement for diplomas.

According to Dr. Einhorn, “All of these changes will necessitate us making revisions to our Program of Study.” She noted that, “I am working on these changes so we can advise incoming 9th graders and their families this summer and incorporate a review of these changes as a component of our 9th grade orientations and Back-to-School activities.”

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.

Mid-Atlantic Symphony Announces Formation of Youth Orchestra

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The Mid-Atlantic Symphony is forming a youth orchestra to give talented young musicians on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and in southern Delaware the opportunity to learn, perform and create memories that will last for a lifetime.

Weekly rehearsals will take place at the centrally located Performing Arts Center in Ocean City, MD on Tuesday evenings from September 21, 2021, through May 31, 2022, culminating in a public performance at the Center.

The Youth Orchestra is open to students in grades 6 through 12. Auditions for strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and harp will be conducted virtually and will commence this month.

“The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Youth Orchestra will provide a stimulating environment that will empower and encourage students to develop a passion for experiencing and performing classical music,” said Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Music Director Julien Benichou. “Participation in a youth orchestra not only provides challenging and rewarding development opportunities for young performers, but also cultivates the next generation of musicians, teachers, and supporters of fine music.”

“Formation of the Youth Orchestra demonstrates the Mid-Atlantic Symphony’s commitment to engage students in classical music through a variety of outreach programs,” said Board Chair Jeffrey Parker. “We are pleased to be able to provide this exciting new opportunity to young people in southern Delaware and on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.”

Consistent with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony’s goal to serve a diverse audience of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, scholarships will be available to students who otherwise would be unable to participate in the Youth Orchestra.

Youth Orchestra audition requirements and applications are available at midatlanticsymphony.org under the Youth Orchestra tab. Tuition for the full season is $650; payments can be arranged upon acceptance into the Orchestra

For additional information about the Youth Orchestra, contact Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra General Manager Dane Krich at 410-917-7587, or by email at dane@midatlanticsymphony.org.

The only professional symphony orchestra serving Maryland’s Eastern Shore and southern Delaware, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, DE Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

Talbot County Fair Scheduled for July 6-10

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The Talbot County Fair, an annual community and agricultural event, is scheduled to run from Tuesday July 6 through Saturday July 10 at the Talbot Agriculture and Education Center, 10659 Hiners Lane.

“The Talbot County Fair brings the community together through 4-H youth activities and celebrating the culture of the county and region,” said Sean Clougherty, co-chairperson of the fair. “After the year we’ve all had due to the COVID-19 pandemic, getting the community together may be more important than ever.”

Last year, the pandemic forced the cancelation of the fair’s traditional 4-H events. So this year, the fair committee was intent on providing those opportunities to youth this year. The 4-H livestock shows and indoor exhibit opportunities are back with the dairy cattle show on Tuesday, July 6; Rabbit and chicken shows on Wednesday, July 7; the swine show on Thursday, July 8 and the Beef cattle show and 4-H Fashion Revue events are on Friday, July 9.

Activities on Friday, July 9 include animal and indoor exhibit displays, a youth fashion show starting at 6 p.m. in the Collier Pavilion, Midway Games from 5 to 9 p.m., and an outdoor movie showing of “A League of Their Own,” beginning at 7 p.m.

The Talbot County Young Farmers will have pit beef dinners for sale beginning at 5 p.m.

On Saturday, July 10, the Midway Games will open up at 10 a.m. A jousting competition by the Eastern Shore Jousting Association also will begin Saturday morning.

The fair’s annual watermelon eating contest is scheduled for 2p.m. A Classic Car Cruise-In is scheduled for 4-7 p.m., and Disney’s “Cars” will be the outdoor movie feature, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets for each outdoor movie are $10 per car per night and can be purchased through the fair’s website, talbotcountyfair.org.

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the St. Michaels Art League will offer guided painting lessons in the Collier Pavilion.

Also on Saturday, the fair is hosting the Cordova Volunteer Fire Department’sbenefit dinner from 4-7 p.m.

“We’re really excited to be able to bring people together again,” Clougherty said. “Our schedule may not be as it has been in the past, but the opportunity to have fun, learn and have fun hasn’t changed one bit.”

Parking and admission to the fair is free, donations to benefit the Talbot Agriculture and Education Center will be accepted.

For the full fair schedule and more details, visit talbotcountyfair.org.

The Talbot County Fair is a family-oriented all-volunteer event and fundraiser for the Talbot Agriculture and Education Center, which exists to strengthen the culture of rural Talbot County. The fair and ag center, provides a safe, convenient and economical gathering place for citizens of all ages and backgrounds to showcase and learn from our agricultural heritage.

Angela Lane Retires as Talbot County Finance Director

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Angela Lane of Easton who is retiring as Talbot County’s Finance Director after 30 years of service.

After recently preparing and presenting one last budget for Talbot County Council, Angela Lane of Easton has retired from her position as Talbot County’s Finance Director after 30 years as a public servant.

Lane, who is a graduate of the University of Maryland College Park and the University of Madrid in Madrid, Spain, started her accounting career in private industry. In 1987, she took a position with local government, working as Director of Administrative Services for the Talbot County Health Department. In 1991, she was hired as a Fiscal Analyst for the Talbot County Government, working as the County’s liaison between auditors and the County Finance Office and playing a key role in the annual budget process. She became Director of Finance for Talbot County in 2000, only the second person in the position, and worked in this job for the rest of her career, except for a brief job in the private sector from 2004 to 2009. She is also a 2002 graduate of Shore Leadership.

Although Angela is remembered for her incredible skills in creating budgets and preparing for audits, she views her most recent accomplishment of working with the Property Tax Referendum Committee in 2019 and 2020 on ballot questions to deal with property tax revenue constraints as the most rewarding part of her career. The ballot questions passed in November 2020 to modify the Tax Cap, allowing the County Council to add an additional cent ($0.01) to the property tax rate every year for the next 5 fiscal years beginning July 1, 2021.

“Thanks to the support of County citizens through passage of the ballot questions, the County will be able to address some of our most critical issues like law enforcement, emergency services, roads infrastructure, as well as several capital projects for the schools, Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Medical Services, the Talbot County Health Department, and the Talbot County Free Library,” Lane recalls.

“Most significant to me, however, was the process of the community coming together on this committee to frame the issue for the ballot in a way that the public could understand the County’s needs. I was particularly proud to work with a range of representatives from our towns, schools, public safety, and veteran constituencies as we disseminated the information to citizens across the County. We came together around a common cause.”

Throughout her distinguished career, Lane enjoyed working with all the departments of Talbot County Government, as well as other governmental and nonprofit agencies, to help deliver the best services to the community.

“It has been a great place to work and it’s never been boring. I was here when the County formed its Advanced Life Support services and look how far Emergency Services has come since then,” she adds.

She also has pride in leaving the County in excellent fiscal health, including its high bond rating which was upgraded during her tenure; unqualified audit opinions; and strong fiscal reserves to maintain stability during an economic downturn or crisis like the pandemic.

“Talbot County is poised for the future. The County Council and staff have been good stewards of the taxpayer dollars, operating under conservative fiscal policies, while delivering necessary and important services to our citizens. I will miss the process of putting together the budget and getting the audit done – I really liked those parts of my work,” she states.

“Angela has been an incredible asset to Talbot County. Her fiscal expertise and wisdom in the areas of budget and audit have been extraordinary and we were blessed to have her with us for these past 30 years. She worked well with staff in creating a cooperative environment and a positive atmosphere for getting County initiatives funded and implemented. She will be missed by us all,” comments Clay Stamp, County Manager for Talbot County Government.

Lane states that she is confident in her successor Joye Nagle, who brings years of experience to the job of Finance Director. “She will be great in carrying forth the efforts of the Finance Office and I am thrilled she has joined the team,” Lane adds.

As far as her future plans. She quips, “I look forward to traveling and pursuing some part-time work, but mostly, enjoying some time off.”

Community Center’s Summer Programs Return

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Photo by Tracey Johns

The St. Michaels Community Center’s programs have returned, which kick off with its free, waterfront Summer Concert Series taking place on Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Muskrat Park in St. Michaels.

Muskrat Park features an expansive lawn and covered gazebo for performers, and is situated between Mulberry and Willow Streets overlooking St. Michaels Harbor and the Miles River.

The free concert series continues through Sept 9 and is made possible through the generous sponsorship of local businesses acknowledged at each concert. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or your own seating, along with friends, family, neighbors, your leashed dog, or just yourself to enjoy the concerts, with alcohol prohibited.

Treats including popcorn, water, and snow cones will be available for cash sale at the concerts, with proceeds benefiting the people served by SMCC. June 24 brings rock & roll and blues classics to St. Michaels waterfront performed by Blues Deville, with all performances listed at bitly.com/muskratmusic21.

Summer Camps for Children begin on June 29 on Tuesdays through Thursdays and provide age-appropriate activities for children entering K-5th grades. Camp themes include artistic expression, outdoor adventures, American Girl, Professor Beakers, and more. The camps continue through Aug. 5, with more information and limited registration at bitly.com/smccsummercamp.

SMCC’s Senior Programs are also taking place on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and feature activities including bingo, painting, lunch, and fellowship. All are invited.

SMCC suspended its normal programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit continues to provide groceries and meals to those in need during select hours on Mondays and Fridays as the County-designated Bay Hundred food distribution hub.

The St. Michaels Community Center provides quality activities and services contributing to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the community. SMCC is dedicated to filling the unmet needs of the Bay Hundred and St. Michaels communities by providing supervised programs for the enrichment of children and teens; activities and services for adults and senior citizens; and affordable recreational, social, and educational activities to the entire community.

Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop, located on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels, help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for people from throughout the Bay Hundred area. More information is at stmichaelscc.org.

Talbot Democratic Central Committee Seeks Male Applicants to Fill Vacancy

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The Talbot County Democratic Central Committee (TCDCC) is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy for a male member, following the resignation of committee member Abe Kruger to attend law school. An appointment will be made to fill the rest of his term through the General Election in November 2022.

Applicants must be a registered Democrat, reside in Talbot County, and be available to take part in in state and local party activities. Those interested in being considered should submit a letter of interest and a resume or completed application form. Submissions without a cover letter will be considered incomplete. The deadline to respond is Friday, July 9, 2021, by 11:59pm. Apply by email to office@talbotdems.org or by mail to P.O. Box 81, Easton, MD 21601.

Due to the gender-balance requirements, a male applicant will be selected for this vacancy. Interviews will take place on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at an Easton location. The TCDCC aims to fill the vacancy at the regular public monthly meeting on Saturday, August 14, beginning at 10:30 am.

The central committee is the official governing body of the Democratic Party in Talbot County. It is responsible for making nominations and appointments to certain local and state offices. In addition, the TCDCC fosters other party-building activity in Talbot County, including candidate recruitment, fundraising, and voter engagement in conjunction with the Democratic Clubs.

The local central committee consists of ten members, evenly divided between women and men, who carry out the local business of the party. Together with the other jurisdictions in the state, these members make up the Democratic State Central Committee of Maryland, the governing body of the Maryland Democratic Party.Members are chosen by Democratic voters during the gubernatorial primary election.

For more information, visit Talbot Democrats online at TalbotDems.org. The application form is available on the website or may be requested by emailing office@talbotdems.org or by 202-744-9774.

Free Singing Program for Youth

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Singers 8 and up are invited to join the Young Singers Academy beginning the week of June 28.

The Young Singers Academy is a four-week program where participants will receive weekly video lessons and materials via email.  These lessons can be used at their convenience and repeated as often as desired.  In addition to the four lessons, participants will join in weekly zoom sessions for a group sing.  Video lessons will explore vocal production, note reading, rhythm skills, and musicianship through songs and activities.  This is a free program offered to all youth in Talbot County, supported by the Talbot Optimist Club.  Leading the program will be Amy Morgan, Artistic Director of Allegro Academy.  To register, please email amy@allegroacademyeaston.com.

Allegro Academy is funded by the Talbot County and Maryland State Arts Councils, and generous contributions from our community.  For more information its programs, please visit www.allegroacademyeaston.com or call 410-603-8361.