MENU

Sections

More

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

by Leave a Comment

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.

Chesapeake Music Announces Residency at Prager Family Auditorium

by 1 Comment

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.

Grant to Talbot County Public Schools to Enhance STEM Curriculum

by Leave a Comment

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.

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

by Leave a Comment

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

by 1 Comment

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.

New Dixon House Residents are Neighbors Once Again

by Leave a Comment

L-R: New Dixon House residents Karaleen Councell, age 87, and Anne Wheatley, age 89.

When Karaleen Councell, age 87, and Anne Wheatley, age 89, lived on neighboring farms in Matthewstown, halfway between Denton and Easton, the two women arranged gatherings between the two families and socialized regularly. Each of them had four children of roughly the same ages. The adults often played cards together and had New Year’s Eve parties every year. They never dreamed they would retire to The Dixon House in Easton within a month of one another – rekindling their friendship and bringing their families together once again.

According to Pam Sard, Karaleen Councell’s daughter, “They wink at each other now when they see each other.”

Marti Wright, Anne Wheatley’s daughter adds, “They hadn’t seen each other in several years because of the illnesses of both of their spouses and because of their developing dementia.  Both were married to their husbands for 60 years or more. Now they eat together every day, do crafts together, and giggle about the old times just like they did when they were younger.”

Both Sard and Wright reminisce about the families’ time together when they were young. While the children attended different schools in Easton – the Councell children went to Talbot County Public Schools, while the Wheatley children went to Sts. Peter and Paul, they still got together regularly. After the Wheatleys moved to Easton during their older children’s high school years and the Councells sold their dairy cows in the 70s, time was then freed up in the summer months for the families to take the children on camping trips together to places like Frontiertown near Ocean City, Seaside Camp Resort near Bethany Beach, Delaware, and even Chincoteague, Virginia for the annual Pony Swim.

Sard states that her grandmother was at Dixon House and Wright’s parents were friends with a couple who lived at Dixon House, so both families were familiar with the surroundings. The Dixon House’s original purpose at the turn of the century when it was founded was “to provide a comfortable and affordable home for senior women.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, however, both families were hesitant to move their mothers for fear of not seeing them during the stay-at-home orders. In the end, though, both agree that it was the best decision they could have made for keeping their loved ones safe during the pandemic.

Sard comments, “We wanted our mother to be active and The Dixon House offered that. She is thriving here. She feels she is contributing by helping to organize social gatherings like in the old days, which makes her happy.”

Wright adds, “The caregivers here have been amazing and our mom is well taken care of. She was an avid gardener and was even able to help plant and tend the flowers on the front porch at The Dixon House after she arrived.”

Just to be sure they always have a place to chat, the Councells added an extra chair in Karaleen’s room for Anne so the two can visit whenever they want. The Wheatleys hope to do the same in Anne’s room.

Talbot County Government Employees Donate Toward Neighborhood Service Center Food Drive

by Leave a Comment

Talbot County Government employees coordinated a food-drive during November to benefit the Neighborhood Service Center’s food pantry, collecting enough food to fill several large boxes for the Thanksgiving holiday.

 

Talbot County employees participated in a food-drive during November to benefit the Neighborhood Service Center’s food pantry. Pictured left to right are Cardeaner Robinson, Neighborhood Service Center Energy Assistance Director; Kim Ferullo, Talbot County Government’s Director of Human Resources; Jessica Morris, Talbot County Government’s Assistant Manager; Chris Divilio, Talbot County Facilities Maintenance, and Brent Geib, Talbot County Facilities Maintenance.

SMAL “Martha Hudson Excellence in Watercolor” Exhibit

by 1 Comment

During the month of December, the St. Michaels Art League (SMAL) will present an exhibition of work entitled “Martha Hudson Excellence in Watercolor” at the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library.

Martha Hudson was well-known in the community for her watercolors depicting scenes of Eastern Shore Life.  As a young art student, Martha was given a grant to use for the continuation of her studies.  In return, she has generously left an endowment for an award to be given each year by the St. Michaels Art League to a deserving watercolor artist. Last year’s winner, Deborah McFarlin, was awarded first prize for her painting entitled “Sycamore by Pickering Creek.”

“Sycamore by Pickering Creek” by Deborah McFarlin

The judge this year is Stewart White, an award-winning watercolorist from Baltimore, Maryland who is one of the rare plein air painters using the medium of watercolor.  He studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and after three years in the Army returned to graduate from UC Berkeley with a BFA.  His work has won numerous awards, including Grand Prize Winner of the prestigious Easton Plein Air Festival in 2009and Plein Air Magazine’s Grand Salon.  He was also awarded First Place during the 3 day “paint out” on Tilghman Island during this year’s modified Plein Air Easton event.

The watercolor exhibit will be on display at the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library and many of the pieces will be available for sale from December 1st to December 31st. The library is located at 106 Fremont St. in St. Michaels.  Modified library hours are as follows: Monday and Thursday from 10a.m.-noon and 3-7 p.m. (library closed mid-day for cleaning) Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 9a.m.- noon and 2-5 p.m.The library is closed Saturday and Sunday.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the Talbot County Arts Council, with revenues provided by the Maryland State Arts Council. For more information visit smartleague.org.

Education Foundation Announces TCPS Distinguished Alumni

by Leave a Comment

Since 2018, The Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation has held the “Mission Possible –Celebrating TCPS Alumni and Supporting Teachers” fundraiser each year in November.  During the event, the Foundation honors a distinguished alumnus from Robert Russa Moton High, Easton High, and St. Michaels Middle High, while raising funds for the foundation grants program.

“Since we are unable to honor our Distinguished Alumni in person this year, we decided to go ahead with a “virtual celebration,” explained Laura Heikes, Education Foundation Board Chair.  “We hope to be able to recognize them in person next year, along with the Class of 2021 honorees.”  The Virtual celebration will be shared on the TCPS and Foundation social media and website on Friday, November 20, 2020, the day that Mission Possible 2020 would have taken place.

With in-person fundraising events cancelled, the Education Foundation will rely heavily on their annual appeal to fund their teacher grants program and endowment funds.  The appeal was launched this week in conjunction with the Distinguished Alumni recognition.  “The Education Foundation has had a great year with phenomenal community support, but the needs are still on-going, serious, and relevant to each and every one of us who live in Talbot County,” said Rebecca Firth, Ph.D., Foundation Board Vice Chair.  “Every aspect of our life is in some way affected by the quality of education in our public schools and the competencies of our graduates.”

Donors are encouraged to support the annual appeal in honor of the Class of 2020 Distinguished Alumni with a gift to any of the Education Foundation funds – The Grants Fund, General Endowment, Career and Technology Endowment, or Digital Divide. An online donation platform can be found at this link: TCPS Education Foundation Annual Appeal

The 2020Distinguished Alumni were selected by a committee with representatives from all three TCPS High Schools based on the following criteria: Excellence in their chosen field; outstanding accomplishments; commitment to giving back to their communities; role models for current TCPS students; and belief in and support of public education.  They are as follows:

Walter W. Black, Jr.

Walter W. Black, Jr., Robert Russa Moton High School Class of 1954

Born in Salisbury, Maryland, Walter Weldon Black, Jr. grew up in Talbot County. He graduated in 1954 from Robert Russa Moton High School as Salutatorian, and was awarded a full scholarship to Morgan State College. As president of his graduating class, he was selected to Who’s Who Among Students at American Universities and Colleges.

Upon graduating with honors with a degree in Business Administration in 1958, Mr. Black was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He entered the military for active duty as First Lieutenant, serving at Fort Benning, GA and then at Fort Ord, CA. He is an alumnus of the Washington College of Law of the American University.

Mr. Black is a life-long civil rights advocate and community activist in the pursuit of racial equity and race relations.  He has served as Executive Director, Maryland State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and President of the Talbot County Branch of the NAACP.  He was appointed to the Maryland Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights, and was  President of the Maryland State Conference of the NAACP.  He is Vice President, Talbot County Board of Elections; founding member and board member emeritus of the Frederick Douglass Honor Society and is the judge advocate for the Blake-Blackston Post #77 of the American Legion.  He has served 10 years as a member and Board Chairman of the Neighborhood Service Center.

He has received numerous awards, including the NAACP Freedom Fighter Award; Community Service Award; Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Fellow Award; Frederick Douglas Medal and Plaque from the Talbot County NAACP; American Legion Certificate for 50 Years of Continued Membership; and Juneteenth Celebration Certificate of Appreciation.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Robert RussaMoton High School Distinguished Alumnus Award,” said Mr. Black. “Much of my foundation of life was laid at good Ol’ Moton High.  As I have traveled the highways of life, I have always strived to uphold the name, positive traditions, and expectations of Moton High. I am forever indebted to our  teachers and the Moton experience for preparing me to serve humanity.”

Mr. Black is married to Clairdean Riley Black, whom he met in college.  She is a retired Assistant Principal from the District of Columbia School System. Their son Walter W. Black, III and his family reside in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Childlene R. Brooks

Childlene R. Brooks, St. Michaels High School Class of 1968

Ms. Brooks, a Talbot County native, attended the former Frederick Douglass Elementary School in St. Michaels. She attended Robert Russa Moton High School before transferring to St. Michaels High School.  After graduating, she completed a business course at the Baltimore Institute and attended Chesapeake College.  Ms. Brooks worked at the Talbot County Health Department from 1993 until her retirement in 2010, where she began as a contractual outreach worker for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program and later served as Procurement Coordinator and Fleet Manager.  She then became Program Coordinator of Brookletts Place – Talbot County Senior Center.  In 2014 she was appointed Manager,  a position she still holds today.

A lifelong member of New St. Johns United Methodist Church, Ms. Brooks serves on the Missions Outreach Committee.  She is a member of the boards of CASA of the Mid-Shore, Talbot Hospice Foundation, Frederick Douglass Honor Society, Bay Hundred Community Volunteers, Inc., and the Mid Shore Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.  She is co-founder of the Family & Friends of Asbury & Green Chappel, Inc., and is a member of the Tidewater Rotary and the NAACP-Talbot County Branch.  Past board memberships include the American Cancer Society, Critchlow Adkins Children’s Center, and Mid-Shore Pro Bono.  She was appointed to the Rural Health Collaborative in 2018.

Ms. Brooks is a member of Bright With Pride Temple #1375 of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World, Inc. (I.P.O.E. of W.) and currently serves as the Daughter Ruler.  Her 48 year membership in the Elks organization has included leadership roles at the local, state and regional level, including The Grand Temple Daughters of Elks; Eastern Shore Local Department of Education; Past Grand Daughter Rulers of the Grand Temple; and Tri-State Daughter Rulers Council, and she served as Chairperson of the Amy A. Warden Memorial Fund.

“It was both a surprise and honor to be selected as the Distinguished Alumnus for St. Michaels High School,” Ms. Brooks said.  “I am happy that I have been able to be an asset to the residents of Talbot County, but have never participated in any organization for recognition.  It is because I truly care about the mission of each group that I am involved with.  Thank you to the committee for presenting this program to help raise funds for the Talbot County Public Schools.”

She has one daughter, Paulette Brooks Addison who resides in Wilmington, NC with her family.

Robert D. Rauch

Mr. Robert D. Rauch, Easton High School class of 1969.

An Easton native,  Mr. Rauch is President of Rauch inc., a full-service professional services company offering complete professional consulting services in civil and mechanical engineering, surveying, architecture, construction management, and environmental mitigation and design. Prior to establishing the firm, he worked for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and was Talbot County’s first Director of Public Works and County Engineer. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.

Mr. Rauch is a member of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the University of Maryland College of Architecture, MRED Board of Advisors. He has also served on the University of Maryland Medical System Board of Directors, Shore Regional Health Board of Directors, the University of Maryland Civil Engineering Board of Visitors, and the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, Inc. Board of Directors. He is an adjunct instructor and mentor for the Capstone program of the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Masters in Real Estate Development (MRED).

Mr. Rauch has garnered recognition from the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce as  Businessman of the Year and Small Business of the Year.  Both Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism and the University of Maryland honored him for Innovation in Business, and he has received the Delaware Governor’s Conservation Award.  In addition, he was chosen to speak at the International Association of Hydro Engineering Research World Congress in Panama City in 2019.

“I am humbled and very honored to be recognized in this way. I have been blessed to have been able to have a career in Easton that allowed me to live and raise my family here,” Mr. Rauch said.“I continue to stay in touch with many of my Easton High School friends, living in the area and around the country. Easton High School was an important part of my life and established the foundation for all that came after. Thank you for this unexpected recognition.”

Mr. Rauch attended Talbot County Schools from first grade through Easton High School, graduating in 1969.  He continued his education at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1973.  There he met his wife, Dale, who spent 30 years teaching elementary and middle school in the Talbot County schools.  They have two sons, Casey and Dustin, who are now also engineers with Rauch, inc.

“Congratulations to our Class of 2020 Distinguished Alumni!  These three outstanding members of our community reflect the potential we see in ALL of our students,” said Dr. Kelly Griffith, Superintendent of Schools.  “The Education Foundation Board has taken their passionate commitment to supporting quality public education out into our community and built relationships.  They have achieved results that will make a difference for our students now and in the future.  We are grateful for their work, and grateful to all of the donors who have supported this very important mission.”

The Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation was established in 2016 in partnership with the Mid-Shore Community Foundation.  Its mission is to engage the community in supporting excellence in public education and provide resources to enhance the teaching and learning experience for all. To date the foundation has funded more than$96,000 in grants, including projects such as such as One School One Book, Mobile Science Lab, NJROTC – Project Sea Perch, the Easton Middle School Drumline, and many more, and has raised $100,000 to support virtual learning connectivity for students.

To learn more about supporting the Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation, visit www.tcpsef.org or contact Debbie Gardner, Coordinator of Public Relations and Special Programs at 410-822-0330 ext. 102 or by email at dgardner@talbotschools.org.

Click on the link for the Virtual Celebration video: https://youtu.be/zngpkNHy_wg

Tracie Thomas Named Vice President of Customer Services

by 1 Comment

Easton Utilities recently promoted Tracie A. Thomas to Vice President of Customer Services. In this newly created role, Tracie will oversee Customer Service, Billing and Collections, and Marketing and Communications departments for Easton Utilities. “I am looking at this as an opportunity to continue my personal quest to improve the overall customer experience and will enjoy working with teams also committed to this goal,” stated Thomas.

As VP of Customer Services, Tracie will focus on enhancing the variety of ways the customer interacts with Easton Utilities and ensuring overall customer satisfaction. She will gain oversight of the Marketing and Communications team working to identify opportunities for continuous improvement targeted both internally and externally. An initiative begun in 2017 to better serve the company’s growing Non-English Speaking customer base will continue under her leadership.

Tracie has been with Easton Utilities since 2000, where she started as Controller and took on increasing levels of responsibility over time. Prior to this promotion, she was the Director of Accounting, Customer Service and Procurement. “Tracie is and always has been an effective leader, constantly providing valuable insight and consistent guidance during her 20-year tenure with Easton Utilities,” said Hugh E. Grunden, President and CEO of Easton Utilities.

Tracie holds a BS in Accounting from Salisbury University and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. She also holds a Chartered Global Management Accountant designation. In 2019, she was nominated as a ‘Women to Watch’ and recognized as an outstanding female CPA by the Maryland Association of CPA’s. She is a Shore Leadership class of 2019 graduate and has been involved with a variety of local nonprofit organizations. Tracie is most dedicated to Waterfowl Festival and Chesapeake where she spent many years on both boards. She also performs with the Mid-Shore Community Band as a clarinetist. Tracie is native to the Eastern Shore; born in Cambridge and raised in Easton where she currently resides.

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.