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September 22, 2021

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Education Ed Notes

Talbot County Public Schools Recognizes Advanced Placement Scholars

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The Board of Education recognized students who have achieved the status of Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar through their performance on AP exams during their September meeting.  AP exams are scored on a 5-point scale, with many colleges and universities granting credits for scores of 3, 4 or 5. A score of 3 or higher on an AP exam indicates that a student is considered “qualified” for college credit and capable of being successful in a college level introductory course in the particular content area.

There are 3 levels of AP Scholar, with definitions as follows:

AP Scholar with Distinction – Average score of 3.5 or higher; scores of3 or higher on five or more exams

AP Scholar with Honor – Average score of 3.25 or higher; scores of 3 or higher on four or more Exams

AP Scholar – Score of 3 or higher on three or more exams.

Dr. Helga Einhorn, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction shared performance trends in AP testing over the past seven years, in addition to data for the 2020-2021 school year.  A total of 359 students took at least one of the Advanced Placement tests given last year.  Of the 538 tests taken, 242 or 45% earned a qualifying score of 3 or above

“I would like to highlight an important aspect of our AP data this year,” said Dr. Helga Einhorn, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction during her presentation.“While we still have work to do in ensuring commensurate enrollment by race in our AP programs, we did see an increase overall in the number of students of color who enrolled and took AP exams last year. This is a result of our district racial equity focus over time as well as our partnership with Equal Opportunity Schools.  This will continue to be a priority to make sure we are fostering higher-level course opportunities for all students.”

“Given the immense challenges of last year, TCPS should be proud of the number of students who continued to challenge themselves to do higher level coursework and who were successful in earning qualifying scores on the Advanced Placement exams,” Dr. Einhorn concluded.

The following members of the Class of 2022 earned Advanced Placement Scholar Recognition:

AP Scholar with Distinction: Victoria Batley, David Beakley

AP Scholar with Honor: Calvin Davis, Rachel Davis, Harrison Fike, Desmond Fitzroy, Julia Fitzroy, Sophie Leight, Anna Lesher, Mariana Parkinson

AP Scholar: William Burgess, Riyanna Desai, Ahmed Ezzaki, David Gardner, Chiara Kalinski, Gregory Meredith, Emily Middleton, Liam Nuthall, James O’Connor, Madeline Principe, Spencer Rada, Ava Reid, Stevie Shaak, Zachary Spofford, Elaina Steinly

The following students are Talbot County Public Schools’ Advanced Placement Scholars for the Class of 2021:

AP Scholar with Distinction: Luke Adelman, Andre Davis, Elizabeth Harris, Giselle Harris, Matthew Herron, Molly Johnson, Carter Kelly, Kristin Lednum, Maxwell McCall, Naiset Perez, Catherine Toby

AP Scholar with Honor: Lillianna Ball, Jadon Cornish, Jane DeLashmutt, Logan Devaric, Van Arden Dukehart, Molly Fullerton, William Haufe, Madelyn LaBelle, Vladislav Rada, Cindy Rodriguez, Hannah Seek

AP Scholar: Karli Abbott, Owen Baum, Henry Booth, Thomas Brennan, Chloe Briner, Katherine Chapple, James DeLauder, Michael Disilvestro, Emily Dobson, Bradley Duley, Daniela Garcia, Julia Hammons, Bree Haufe, Julie Ireland, Nicolas Lopez, Andrew Matsche, Sarah Mooney, Madeline Morrell, Charles Mueller, Lukas Nilsen, Zoe Pochron, Reid Roach, Anna Roser, Raffaele Verteramo

Talbot County Public Schools Recognizes Advanced Placement Scholars

by Leave a Comment

The Board of Education recognized students who have achieved the status of Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar through their performance on AP exams during their September meeting.  AP exams are scored on a 5-point scale, with many colleges and universities granting credits for scores of 3, 4 or 5. A score of 3 or higher on an AP exam indicates that a student is considered “qualified” for college credit and capable of being successful in a college level introductory course in the particular content area.

There are 3 levels of AP Scholar, with definitions as follows:

AP Scholar with Distinction – Average score of 3.5 or higher; scores of3 or higher on five or more exams

AP Scholar with Honor – Average score of 3.25 or higher; scores of 3 or higher on four or more Exams

AP Scholar – Score of 3 or higher on three or more exams.

Dr. Helga Einhorn, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction shared performance trends in AP testing over the past seven years, in addition to data for the 2020-2021 school year.  A total of 359 students took at least one of the Advanced Placement tests given last year.  Of the 538 tests taken, 242 or 45% earned a qualifying score of 3 or above

“I would like to highlight an important aspect of our AP data this year,” said Dr. Helga Einhorn, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction during her presentation.“While we still have work to do in ensuring commensurate enrollment by race in our AP programs, we did see an increase overall in the number of students of color who enrolled and took AP exams last year. This is a result of our district racial equity focus over time as well as our partnership with Equal Opportunity Schools.  This will continue to be a priority to make sure we are fostering higher-level course opportunities for all students.”

“Given the immense challenges of last year, TCPS should be proud of the number of students who continued to challenge themselves to do higher level coursework and who were successful in earning qualifying scores on the Advanced Placement exams,” Dr. Einhorn concluded.

The following members of the Class of 2022 earned Advanced Placement Scholar Recognition:

AP Scholar with Distinction: Victoria Batley, David Beakley

AP Scholar with Honor: Calvin Davis, Rachel Davis, Harrison Fike, Desmond Fitzroy, Julia Fitzroy, Sophie Leight, Anna Lesher, Mariana Parkinson

AP Scholar: William Burgess, Riyanna Desai, Ahmed Ezzaki, David Gardner, Chiara Kalinski, Gregory Meredith, Emily Middleton, Liam Nuthall, James O’Connor, Madeline Principe, Spencer Rada, Ava Reid, Stevie Shaak, Zachary Spofford, Elaina Steinly

The following students are Talbot County Public Schools’ Advanced Placement Scholars for the Class of 2021:

AP Scholar with Distinction: Luke Adelman, Andre Davis, Elizabeth Harris, Giselle Harris, Matthew Herron, Molly Johnson, Carter Kelly, Kristin Lednum, Maxwell McCall, Naiset Perez, Catherine Toby

AP Scholar with Honor: Lillianna Ball, Jadon Cornish, Jane DeLashmutt, Logan Devaric, Van Arden Dukehart, Molly Fullerton, William Haufe, Madelyn LaBelle, Vladislav Rada, Cindy Rodriguez, Hannah Seek

AP Scholar:  Karli Abbott, Owen Baum, Henry Booth, Thomas Brennan, Chloe Briner, Katherine Chapple, James DeLauder, Michael Disilvestro, Emily Dobson, Bradley Duley, Daniela Garcia, Julia Hammons, Bree Haufe, Julie Ireland, Nicolas Lopez, Andrew Matsche, Sarah Mooney, Madeline Morrell, Charles Mueller, Lukas Nilsen, Zoe Pochron, Reid Roach, Anna Roser, Raffaele Verteramo

Troika Gallery Owner Donates Anna Murray Douglass Portrait to TCFL

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Troika Gallery Owner/Portrait Artist Laura Era stopped by the Talbot County Free Library on Wednesday to unveil her new Anna Murray Douglass portrait that she has given to the Easton branch.

Anna Murray Douglass was the first wife of Frederick Douglass, helped him escape slavery, and supported his work as an abolitionist for over 44 years. Era also painted and donated a portrait of Frederick Douglass to the library as a part of last year’s Frederick Douglass Day.

Troika Gallery Owner/Portrait Artist Laura Era (Left) stopped by the Talbot County Free Library on Wednesday to unveil her new Anna Murray Douglass portrait that she has given to the Easton branch.

For her newest portrait, Era discovered inspiration from a black and white photograph of Anna Murray Douglass, which she described as being a perfect complement to her portrait of Frederick Douglass. Although the photograph was in black and white, Era found this to be an opportunity to create a unique portrait using colors like teal, blue and gray.

“I was truly honored to paint both of these extremely notable Americans, and we thought it was so appropriate that he needed his first wife to join him in the Frederick Douglass room,” said Era. “I found out when reading about Anna, that she was extremely important to him and his success. She represents a foundation and backbone to Frederick.”

Laura Era discovered inspiration from a black and white photograph of Anna Murray Douglass, and found this to be an opportunity to create a unique portrait using colors like teal, blue and gray.

Era knew she wanted to create a portrait that truly represents history tying into the roots of the Tri-county area. She started the portrait in April and managed to complete it by early September, in time for Frederick Douglass Day, which will take place on Saturday, September 25.

The Frederick Douglass Honor Society, in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library, The Town of Easton, Talbot County Government, and other partners will hold a virtual celebration on that day to honor Frederick Douglass. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Era unveiling the Anna Murray Douglass portrait at 11 a.m.

“I would like to thank Laura Era for this wonderful portrait that serves as a reminder to all that will see it at the Easton library of everything Anna Murray Douglass did, from helping Frederick Douglass to escape from slavery to the support she gave his abolitionist work throughout her life,” said Talbot County Free Library Director Dana Newman.

About Talbot County Free Library

The Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) has been a fundamental center for knowledge through books and digital devices that is offered to locals and visitors alike. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St., and the St. Michael branch is at, 106 Fremont St. You can find the Maryland Room in the Easton location. It holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services both locations offer include free Wi-Fi, special talks, exhibits, and programs for adults and children. For more information, visit ww.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

TSPCS Appoints Student Representatives to Board of Education

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Easton High School Senior Joel Duah and St. Michaels High School Senior Macy Motovidlakwill represent their schools as members of the Talbot County Board of Education for the 2021-2022 school year.  The students were chosen following an application and interview process, and were officially sworn in during the September Board Meeting.

“We are so thrilled to have our new student Board members join us,” said Board of Education President Susan Delean-Botkin.  “They provide the Board an intimate look at the daily life of our high school students, and provide input on student concerns and successes.”

St. Michaels Middle High School Senior Macy Motovidlak has been appointed to represent her school as a Student Board of Education member for the 2021-2022 school year.

Macy Motovidlak has demonstrated leadership in the classroom at St. Michaels Middle High and through her extra-curricular activities.  She has been active in the Student Government Association, currently serving as President, and is a member of the Students Helping Other People (SHOP) Interact club, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Biomedical Engineering Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Macy has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school, and has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll. She is also active in athletics, earning recognition as MVP of the Varsity Field Hockey team as well as playing Varsity Basketball.

Macy expects to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Allied Health Studies from Chesapeake College in May of 2022 in addition to her high school diploma.  Her long term goal is to become an Emergency Room Physician.

“I am honored to be able to represent St.Michaels as a whole; the student body, athletes, and the community, and help to make a positive impact on education.”

Senior Joel Duah will represent Easton High School as a Student Board of Education member for the 2021-2022 school year.

After graduation from Easton High School, Joel Duah plans to attend college and also hopes to pursue a career in the medical field. Joel is a high achiever in both academics and athletics.  He holds a 4.0 GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society, has been on the Honor Roll throughout high school, and is a Carson Scholar.  He is President of Brothers Entering Success Together (BEST) and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Joel is also a member of the Varsity Football team and the Indoor and Outdoor Track teams.

“I want to thank the staff of Easton High School, the Board, and Dr. Griffith for this opportunity,” Joel said.“I feel honored to be granted this opportunity, for now we have the potential to work together to serve everyone in the county.”

Talbot Goes Purple Announces Interactive Online Resource Link Tool

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Talbot Goes Purple this week launched an interactive online tool that connects people with local substance use disorder resources.

Talbot Goes Purple (TGP) is an awareness and educational prevention program that empowers our youth and our community to ‘Go Purple’ as a sign of taking a stand against substance abuse. The initiative focuses on keeping kids from using drugs in the first place, through evidence-based prevention strategies and outreach activities.

Now in its fifth year, TGP recognized a need for an easy way for people, especially parents, to navigate finding help for someone with substance use disorder. The online tool uses a series of questions to provide a list of available substance use treatment providers that offer assessments for adults and adolescents, which is the first step in getting help.

“Since before we started Talbot Goes Purple, I’ve had people call me or come into my office, wondering where to go for help with a friend or loved one struggling with substance use disorder,” said Talbot County Sheriff Joe Gamble, who founded TGP. “We realized there wasn’t an easy way to find available resources online, so we set out to create one, and came up with this interactive tool.”

Long-time TGP supporter Shore United Bank stepped up with a sponsorship that made the tool’s development possible. They’ve also agreed to insert small information cards about the tool into customer envelopes at all four Talbot County branches.

“We’ve been partnering with our communities for the last five years to help raise awareness about the dangers of substance use disorder,” said Debra Rich, chief marketing &project officer with Shore United Bank. “The Interactive Resource Tool provides treatment information for yourself or someone you know who may be struggling with a substance use disorder.

“The tool walks you through a series of questions and provides resource links to help you or someone you know. As a community bank, it is important that we remain active in helping our communities with the different kinds of struggles that we could all potentially face.”

The tool is available online at www.TalbotGoesPurple.org and includes information on the different types of treatment, family support groups, tobacco and vaping cessation resources, and more. The tool is completely anonymous, does not ask for any personal information and is easy to use.

For more information about TGP, visit www.talbotgoespurple.org. Find TGP on Facebook @TalbotGoesPurple or email talbotgoespurple@gmail.com.

Talbot Goes Purple is in partnership with Talbot County Public Schools, Saints Peter and Paul School and Mid-Shore Community Foundation. Generous support for the project this year includes: APG Media, Easton Utilities, Spring & Associates, Forever Midshore 96,7 WCEI-FM and 94.3 WINX-FM (official media partner), Shore United Bank, Qlarant, VFW Post 5118, Attraction Magazine, Church of the Holy Trinity, Chesapeake Classic Car Club, Dragonfly Boutique and Shore Home and Garden.

Talbot Goes Purple is a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – donations to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

SMCC Takes in Christ Church St. Michaels’ Food Pantry Program

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The St. Michaels Community Center is helping to centralize food distribution for Bay Hundred residents by consolidating the operations of the St. Michaels Food Pantry with the community center’s food distribution program.

“The St. Michaels Food Pantry and its volunteers and donors have helped to provide meat and nutritious, non-perishable foods for Bay Hundred families in need for more than 60 years,” says Food Pantry Board member Mary Ellen Olcese. “We’re fortunate to have helped the community for so long, and now is a great time to transition the program, because the St. Michaels Community Center is doing a great job as the area’s lead for food distribution.”

Photo: St. Michaels Executive Director Patrick Rofe, front, with St. Michaels Food Pantry Board members from left, Alice Petizon, Jeff Hart, Mary Ellen Olcese, Susan Armstrong, Judy Tanczos, and Kim Kerrigan. The group recently met at Limoncello Restaurant in St. Michaels to discuss consolidating the operations of the St. Michaels Food Pantry at Christ Church with St. Michaels Community Center’s food distribution program. Take-out meals and groceries are provided during select hours on Mondays and Fridays at the community center.

“The Food Pantry began in 1961 and was located in the parish hall of Christ Church. We were able to provide twice-weekly food distribution and special holiday baskets for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter,” says Alice Petizon of the Food Pantry Board. “And we will continue to support food distribution in the community in the future.”

“We’re grateful for this opportunity to combine our programs while helping our neighbors who are facing food insecurities,” said St. Michaels Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “We’ll continue to provide take-out meals and grocery pick-up for those in need at the community center on Mondays from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.—including Jeannie’s Community Café for onsite dining—and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.”

Individuals can support St. Michaels Community Center’s operations by making a tax-deductible donation at paypal.me/smccmd, or drop off non-perishables at the St. Michaels Community Center, located at 103 Railroad Ave., in the historic district of St. Michaels. An outdoor pantry is additionally set up at the community center for anyone in need or wanting to make a donation of non-perishable food items.

The St. Michaels Community Center provides 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. More about Christ Church is at christstmichaels.org.

Easton Airport Announces ACE Program Sponsorship and Scholarship Program

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Easton Airport’s Aviation Career Education (ACE) Committee is excited to announce the return of the “ACE Tent” to Easton Airport Day on September 25. The tent will house a variety of aviation flight schools, trainers, and pilots. Their goal will be to engage students and help them explore career pathways in aviation.

The ACE Tent was first introduced to Easton Airport Day in 2019. Students enjoyed the opportunity to learn about aviation from industry experts. The tent also served as the hub for event information, raffles, and Easton Airport Day merchandise.

This year, Sundance Kitchen, Bath & Exteriors is sponsoring the ACE Tent and ACE Scholarship Program. Their support makes it possible for the committee to launch a brand new initiative called the ACE Passport in 2022.

“It’s my goal to get more of our kids interested in aviation,” Easton Airport Manager Micah Risher said. “Our new ACE Passport will provide a self-paced program that will introduce students to aviation career possibilities that exist right here at home and within the region. Sundance’s sponsorship of the ACE Tent and new Passport program helps us to inspire more of our youth towards careers in aviation.”

The ACE Passport will task students with visiting the airport to learn about the variety of aviation businesses on campus. They will attend engaging aviation workshops, participate in airport tours, and other events at the airport. Students will capture their experiences through the passport, helping them track their progress and encouraging them to complete the program.

Students that participate will submit their completed passport with an essay about what they have learned through the program. The goal is to have students be rewarded for their efforts by having their first powered flight experience funded through an ACE scholarship.

“Sundance has helped provide the ACE Committee a wonderful opportunity to get kids excited about aviation,” Easton Airport Marketing & Events Coordinator Jeff Lankford said. “The ACE Tent will be the education hub of Easton Airport Day and the ACE Passport is shaping up to be a fun way for students to stay engaged with the airport throughout the year.”

For more information about the ACE Program, visit www.eastonairport.com/ace and follow Easton Airport on Facebook @EastonAirport for news and updates. A full schedule of activities for Easton Airport Day, sponsored by Scott & Tracy Wagner, can be found at www.eastonairportday.com.

Aviation Career Education (ACE) Program: ACE is a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. The ACE committee organizes programs that promote interest in aviation careers by teaching safe operating principles, using leading edge technology, and committing to the future of aviation in Talbot County.

About Sundance Kitchen, Bath & Exteriors: We are a local home improvement company that has proudly served residents in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania since 2004.  The care and precision we take in providing and professionally installing our extensive selection of high quality products ensures that our customers receive the best quality products the industry has to offer.

Talbot County Free Library Announces Summer Reading Program Winners

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Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) announced the winners of the Summer Reading 2021: Tails and Tales! children and adult programs, putting a bookend to the season.

The winners of the children summer reading program are Abigail Dethmers (7 years old), Jaxson Guth (9 years old), Milo Perry (4 years old), Clark McMullen (7 years old), Kylee Smith (11 years old) and Ada Speleos (8 years old). The winners had their choice of winning either a $50 to Amazon or Crackerjacks Toys in Easton.

“I sincerely hope that participants had a good time with the summer reading program and enjoyed the fun activities,” said Laura Powell, senior youth services librarian. “Summer is a great time to get into the books you want to read because it cultivates empathy, and brings about an increased awareness of our shared human experiences, which alleviates feelings of isolation.”

The adult summer reading program winners are Joan Grumbach (Easton), William England (St. Michaels), and Melissa Baltz (Beanstack). The three winners received a $50 gift card to Target for participating in the program.

Over 1,300 people participated in the program that took place from June 1 through July 31. During both summer programs, children and adults logged in each book that was read into the Beanstack website/app, and received badges in the process. Participants filled out an entry form for every book they read.

Photo: Joan Grumbach and Sabine Simonson Photo: Joan Grumbach (Left) was presented with $50 gift card to Target for her participation in the Summer Reading 2021: Tails and Tales! Adult Program by TCFL Outreach Services/Volunteer Coordinator Sabine Simonson (Right).

“With almost 800 (adult) participants in this year’s program, I would say this was the most successful (year) we have ever had,” said TCFL Outreach Services/Volunteer Coordinator Sabine Simonson.

All libraries throughout the state of Maryland have strived to foster a love of reading for all ages with their summer reading programs. Over 500,000 Maryland Residents participated in library summer programming in 2019, according to the Maryland State Library.

In order for adult participants to continue their strides in reading, the Talbot County Free Library invites you to stop by our Easton or St. Michaels location to check out this year’s One Maryland One Book: The Book of Delights: Essays By Ross Gay. The book is a collection of lyrical essays in which Gay wrote one essay per day over a unique year, and took the time to find “delights” in his everyday life.

Patrons can then join Library Guy Bill Peak via Zoom for the Easton Book Group’s Zoom discussion on Monday, Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

There are also upcoming events for children to enjoy including the Outdoor Story Time! taking place on Tuesday, September 21 at the Easton location; and Wednesday, September 22 at the St. Michael’s location.

Stop by one of the library’s locations, or visit www.tcfl.org for more information about programs, services, and upcoming events.

About Talbot County Free Library

The Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) has been a fundamental center for knowledge through books and digital devices that is offered to locals and visitors alike. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St.; and the St. Michael branch is at, 106 Fremont St. You can find the Maryland Room in the Easton location that holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services both locations offer include free Wi-Fi, special talks, exhibits, and programs for adults and children. For more information, visit ww.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

Free Children’s Art Day in St. Michaels

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The St. Michaels Art League is sponsoring a free event for kids, “Children’s Art Day” on Saturday, September 18th, 2021, 9am-12pm.  The event takes place on the lawn of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 304 S. Talbot St., St. Michaels, Md.

This event is open to all children, K-8th grade.  Art League members will help children create, mix colors and stimulate their imaginations.  Bring your budding Picassos’ and carefree spirits who love to paint!

The league will supply all materials needed: acrylic paints, panels, brushes, etc.  Old clothes are suggested.

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.

Talbot County Free Library Honors Hispanic Heritage Month

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Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) would like to invite the community to attend various family-friendly events that will highlight Hispanic Heritage Month.

TCFL will be joined alongside Easton Downtown, Easton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC),  the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center (ChesMRC), the Avalon Theatre,  Talbot Arts Council, and the Academy Art Museum to celebrate the festivities.  Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15 to October 15. During this time, TCFL will be celebrating the history, cultures, and accomplishments of Latinos in the United States.

“This year, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the theme: ‘Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope.’  The library is a place where people learn about, experience, and celebrate other cultures,” said Dana Newman, Talbot County Free Library director.

Newman added “Organizations in the community have come together to provide a rich schedule of programs that are a part of this month’s Hispanic Heritage observance. We invite people to reflect on the 2021 theme of hope and resilience, and find inspiration in the experiences and stories that will be shared.”

The U.S. Census Bureau notes Latino Americans have become the nation’s largest minority group with an estimated 60.5 million Latinos currently living in the United States.

Here are some events visitors and local residents should plan on attending:

Poster Art: Exhibition and Awards— Thursday, September 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Academy Art Museum, 106 South Street.

Outdoor Movie Night: The Book of Life— Friday, September 17 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Park at 17 East Dover Street.

Outdoor Festival at Culture Crossing— Saturday, September 18 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Rails to Trails. At this event, patrons can enjoy music by Los Compas del Rancho, Grupo Gitano, and Pasión Musical. There will also be food from Asbury UM Church, Camino de Fe Church, tacos from Belen Food Truck, and popsicles from Paletas Heladas Veracruz.

Family Art Day Crafts and Art Making— Saturday, September 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Academy Art Museum, 106 South Street.

Outdoor Storytelling & Book Event— Friday, September 24 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Stoltz Pavilion, 218 N. Washington St. Three local Latin American families from Nuestras Raíces (Our Roots) will be presenting their journey from their homeland to Easton, Maryland. Javier Bustamante, director of the Center for Cultural Engagement for the Catholic University of America, will be the keynote speaker and a live performance will be provided by Tori Gomez.

For Tickets, visit https://tickets.avalontheatre.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1309

“There is a lot of diversity in this county, so we have a little bit of everything including having an opportunity to have different businesses including stores and restaurants. Our presence, our culture, and our traditions give a lot to our community,” said Victoria Gomez Lozano, ChesMRC Hispanic Outreach coordinator.

Lozano went further to say that the nation as a whole has embraced the Hispanic culture.

“The fact that the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and other holidays including Cinco De Mayo says a great deal,” Lozano said. “We would like for the community to come and join us and have fun. Have a little piece of our culture either with food, music, dancing and art, so please join us and celebrate.”

The TCFL also offers an extensive collection of books, audiobooks, and DVDs that embrace Hispanic Heritage Month that are all ready to be checked out at both Easton and St. Michaels libraries. For more information, stop by one of the locations or visit www.tcfl.org.

About Talbot County Free Library

The Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) has been a fundamental center for knowledge through books and digital devices that is offered to locals and visitors alike. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St.; and the St. Michael branch is at, 106 Fremont St. You can find the Maryland Room in the Easton location that holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services both locations offer include free Wi-Fi, special talks, exhibits, and programs for adults and children. For more information, visit ww.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.