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November 26, 2022

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

News News Notes

Talbot County DSS Hosts Thanks for Giving Event in Recognition of National Adoption Month

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Last year, over 114,000 children and youth were waiting to be adopted and at risk of aging out of foster care without permanent family connections across the United States. This year, in recognition of National Adoption Month, the Talbot County Department of Social Services hosted a “Thanks for Giving” event in Easton in appreciation of the foster and adoptive parents in Talbot County who have stepped up and taken a role in the lives of youth who need permanent family connections.

According to the Children’s Bureau (childwelfare.gov), older children are at greater risk for aging out of foster care without permanent family connections. More than one in five children waiting to be adopted are teens. National Adoption Month is an initiative of the Children’s Bureau that seeks to increase national awareness of adoption issues, bring attention to the need for adoptive families for teens in the U.S. foster care system, and emphasize the value of youth engagement.

Pictured left to right are Linda Webb, Director of Talbot County Department of Social Services (TCDSS); Chrissy Montague. Coordinator, Option Respite & Parent Education for TCDSS; Debbe Fairbank, Director of Adult Services, TCDSS; and participants Emily Dutt, Dan Zollinhofer, Sue Zollinhofer, Jeanne Scharf, Daisy Scharf, and Leslie Scharf.

Twelve area families participated in the “Thanks for Giving” event which included a fall family craft, outdoor games, and cupcakes and cider. Each family also took home a Thanksgiving meal.

“Our foster and adoptive parents are amazing. They step up in so many ways when we need them and this was one of the ways of saying thank you for their dedication and service,” comments Paris Quillet, Special Projects Coordinator, TCDSS.

“We continue to need more foster and adoptive parents to help meet the needs of children of all ages, most recently including infants and school-aged children. We also get requests from time to time for sibling groups and older teens who are aging out of foster care soon and need guidance in transitioning into adulthood. Our goal is to find the right family for each situation.”

For further information on becoming a foster or adoptive parent, call the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-820-7371 or visit midshoreresourceparents.com.

St. Michaels Community Center Renovations Begin

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After a highly-competitive process, the St. Michaels Community Center has selected Harper & Sons, of Easton, Md. as the general contractor for the renovation of the nonprofit’s WWII-era building at 103 Railroad Ave., with the project kicking off Mon., Nov. 21.

“We are extremely pleased with how Harper & Sons has approached this project so far, and we can’t wait to get started on construction,” said SMCC Advisory Board President Langley Shook. “They have an impressive track record with successful commercial projects in St. Michaels and throughout the Eastern Shore,” adding “we have been very impressed with their work and what we have heard from their other clients.”

From left: Harper & Sons Vice President Benson Harper and St. Michaels Community Center Advisory Board President Langley Shook at the nonprofit’s WWII-era building at 103 Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels, Md.

Harper & Sons, Inc. was founded in 1968 by Howard G. Harper in Easton, Md. after his work as a general manager for the ES Adkins Company Lumberyard in Easton. He started the business as a way for him and his sons to meet the construction needs of the rapidly developing Eastern Shore.

Today, Harper & Sons is managed by the third generation of family members, with project experience that includes working with the Town of St. Michaels, Caroline County, Easton Utilities Commission, Choptank Community Health System, University of Maryland Medical System, Salisbury University, Compass Hospice, and more.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to work on this meaningful project for St. Michaels and the entire Bay Hundred region,” says Harper & Sons Vice President Benson Harper. “We look forward to overseeing the project—as our top management does on all of our projects—to ensure a high level of responsibility and personal attention to critical details throughout the renovation process.”

The Community Center’s renovated building will be an adaptive redesign of its current structure, meaning some parts of the World War II-era building will remain. The architect for the project is McInturff Architects of Bethesda and Neavitt, Md.

Founded in 1990, SMCC purchased its current building in 2015 and has since made do with the converted lumber storage warehouse’s crudely constructed interior that lacks windows, heat or air conditioning in most of the building. Disability access also has been a major issue.

The St. Michaels Community Center’s renovated building will be an adaptive redesign of its current structure, meaning some parts of the World War II-era building will remain.

“Our building’s primary asset is its location in the commercial district, near the people we serve,” says St. Michaels Community Center Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “This long-awaited renovation will make the St. Michaels Community Center the only fully-equipped resource center for social services on the Bay Hundred peninsula,” he added.

The new building will include a modern, well-equipped commercial kitchen, where SMCC will train people for jobs in restaurants and hotels, and from which the Center can continue to serve and deliver prepared meals and tens of thousands of bags of groceries to those in need.

The new Community Center also will include a Technology Center where students can do their homework and space for after-school programs and community gatherings. Rofe says the Center is working with Chesapeake College and other partners to provide high-level instruction right in the middle of town.

Support for the renovation is both broad and deep, reflecting the urgency of the need. Charitable contributions from individuals have been the largest source of funding, with more than $1M from the State of Maryland, and other government and foundation support. Shook says most of the necessary funding already has been raised, and there is a 100% donor match for additional tax-deductible gifts to the capital campaign before year-end, 2022.

Architectural renderings of the new building and more about SMCC’s planned capital improvements, including updates and information about how to support the campaign are at www.stmichaelscc.org/future.

“The excitement is really growing,” says Rofe, adding that “We’ve packed up our programs and administrative operations to prepare for the renovations, thanks in part to a number of volunteers who assisted with the efforts.”

Christ Church, St. Michaels generously has donated office space in its Parish Hall, located at the intersection of Church Street and Willow Street. The Center’s food services and other programs will be moved throughout the renovation to 207 N. Talbot St., next door to The Wildset Hotel.

Founded in 1990, SMCC purchased its current building in 2015 and has since made do with the converted lumber storage warehouse’s crudely constructed interior that lacks windows, heat or air conditioning in most of the building.

Both temporary locations are close toSMCC’sbuilding, and there will be only minimal disruptions to client services during the building renovation. The Center anticipates operating from its two temporary locations until the end of next year when the renovation project is expected to be completed.

The renovation will not impact SMCC’s Treasure Cove Thrift Shop on Railroad Avenue, which will be open throughout the project.

The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to serve, empower, and connect the community, with year-round essential human services programs and activities for children, families, and adults. Tax-deductible donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for people in St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred’s communities.

Chesapeake Forum Announces Two New Board Members

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Chesapeake Forum is delighted to announce the addition of Sara Robins and Bruce Purdy to the Chesapeake Forum Board of Directors. The two join a dynamic board dedicated to helping guide Chesapeake Forum’s future, according to Board President Lynn Randle.

“Both bring exceptional talents to our Board and we can’t be happier to include them as Chesapeake Forum continues its growth in the community,” says Randle.

Bruce Purdy

Purdy has more than 45 years of international socio-economic development experience working directly with Ministers, Mayors, City Councils, and public policy officials to conduct legislative and local government reform initiatives primarily in the Middle East and Eastern and Central Europe.  Post graduate work was in strategic planning and organizational management at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

He brings a life-long passion for learning and education to the Board along with creativity, adaptability, visionary leadership and a whole lot of perseverance.

“Quite simply, I am in complete alignment with the mission of Chesapeake Forum,” says Purdy.  “Talbot County is my home and being on this Board allows me to enhance the quality of life of my fellow citizens, positively affect change and support an organization that I am truly passionate about. It also affords me the opportunity to stretch my intellectual muscle. On a more personal note, I also hope to meet some interesting people (of which there’s no shortage in Talbot County!) who will add to my quality of life here on the Eastern Shore.”

Sara Robins

Robins is a communications professional with a lengthy career in print and broadcast journalism before turning to the then-new field of interactive development and digital marketing. After working for a variety of news organizations including CBS, ABC, the New York Times and Newsday, she joined the leadership team of one of the first digital agencies in the country, helping to pioneer the use of online marketing and communications strategies for Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and startups.

Her passion for education started with her uncle who developed educational programs in Africa.  She has a Master’s degree in International Development and recently served as the Communications Director for a non-profit that provides scholarships and training for very bright, indigent students in Kenya.

She looks forward to finding creative ways to spread the news about Chesapeake Forum. “I’m excited to join this dynamic board to find ways to expand the reach and impact of Chesapeake Forum,” Robins says.  “It’s an extraordinary resource and offers so much to enhance life for Eastern Shore residents.”

Board President Lynn Randle says the two new board members bring a new perspective that will help widen Chesapeake Forum’s reach and sphere of influence on the Eastern Shore.

“We are beyond enthusiastic for the energy, enthusiasm and talents they bring to us,” she said.  “We feel lucky to welcome them on our mission of building lifelong learning on the Eastern Shore!”

Chesapeake Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong learning opportunities to residents of the Eastern Shore.  If you would like to receive the Chesapeake Forum’s monthly newsletter, please email to info@chesapeakeforum.org with your name and preferred email.

First Night Talbot 2023… Back in the Heart of Historic Downtown Easton!

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This will be the 29th consecutive year for First Night Talbot to present this Celebration of the Arts, based upon the original First Night held in Boston in 1974. First Night Talbot follows that original aim – an alcohol and drug-free new family tradition to welcome the New Year. The event has been the only First Night celebration in the state of Maryland for a number of years and we are excited to ring in the New Year on December 31, live and in-person, in downtown Easton, MD.

There will be family-friendly performances throughout the evening in five indoor venues in downtown Easton: The Avalon main stage, Stoltz Room, Town Hall, the Waterfowl building, and Academy Art Museum. Outside the Waterfowl Building, on South Harrison Street, will be the site of two Maryland Crab Drops. The early Crab Drop takes place at 9 p.m. for early birds, and then we ring in the New Year with a traditional countdown at midnight.

Cascading Carlos juggles with families at the Waterfowl Building and juggles fire during the Crab Drop – Photo Credit Ted Mueller Photography

Enjoy music of all varieties between 6 p.m. and midnight: folk, jazz and gospel, choral, and the youth from Mike Elzey’s Guitar Studio. Also featured: Mid Shore Dance Academy; Eric Henning, Magician performing for young families as well as the adults; a very unique form of puppetry (a big surprise announcement coming soon!), and breaking news of a local movie to be filmed next year in this area.

Cherished favorites return to the Waterfowl venue: face painting, family activities, photo booth, and crafts. Cascading Carlos juggles and teaches kids how to spin plates and become the next world-record breaking performer. Carlos will even juggle with fire outside near the crab drop – if the weather cooperates.  Danielle’s Pit Stop food truck will be available nearby for a quick bite and refreshments.

Highlighting the closing of the young families’ portion of the evening, the Maryland Crab Drop includes a Parade of Sea Creatures. Celebrate Midnight in the Mid-Atlantic with fish hats and aquatic puppets, fun for ages 1-100. Everyone’s favorite bagpiper, Randy Welch, will lead the fish-themed parade. There is always plenty of time left for photo ops of happy faces in front of the world-famous Crab. (Academy Art Museum, Waterfowl & Town Hall will close at 9pm)

Easton Economic Development Corporation continues adult programming from 9:30 – 11:45 p.m. with two very special musical performances on the Avalon stage. The first hour features the Karen Somerville Quintet – a wonderful mix of “her vocal stylings that range from angelic tones to soul stirring gospel, and moody blues.” The last hour will find the stage filled with an amazing “Scandinavian Celebration” –an incredible way to welcome the New Year.

Randy Welch will lead the fish-themed parade leading up the Crab Drop – Credit Ted Mueller Photography

The complete list of performances by time and venue will be published by mid-December. Admission into every event venue for the entire evening can be made by purchasing an artful, collectible “Crab Button” for $10/adult, $5/student (through college), and children under 5 are free. Buttons will be available for purchase in advance in early December. Visit FirstNightTalbot.net to learn more as we get closer to the event date. Follow us on Facebook @FirstNightTalbot for the latest updates and button sales information.

First Night Talbot has been very generously supported by the Town of Easton and Easton Utilities Commission for many years, and now we are pleased to partner with Easton Economic Development Corporation to strengthen and secure the continuation of this unique community, family-friendly event far into the future! 

St. Michaels Library’s Lunch & Learn to Discuss History of Claiborne Ferries

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Marty Bollinger

Marty Bollinger, retired management consultant and historian, will be discussing the history of Claiborne Ferries at the Lunch & Learn event taking place on Monday, December 5, 2022 at noon at St. Michaels Library.

The lecture will describe the history of the Claiborne ferries: how they were generated initially by a political tug-of-war between Baltimore and Philadelphia; how Eastern Shore politicians used their statewide leadership positions to solidify Claiborne’s role; and how the ferry lines were shaped, and ultimately made obsolete by technical revolutions in ground transport.

It will also illustrate how the evidence of Claiborne’s days as a major ferry and rail hub can still be found all around us — if you know where to look.

While it has been 70 years since the last Claiborne ferry connected Talbot County with the far side of the Chesapeake, the legacy of those days is still with us. Claiborne’s multiple ferry lines literally put the town on the map.

Bollinger resides in Claiborne. He has always had an interest in naval and maritime history and has published three books and several articles on the subject. His publishers have included the Naval Institute Press and the World Ship Society.

He currently serves as the Vice President and a Director of the Naval Historical Foundation, works as an Adjunct Executive Lecturer at the University of Virginia, and participates as an active volunteer with the ShoreRivers organization.

In his spare time, he plays with boats and takes pictures of distant galaxies and nebulae with his telescopes.

The Lunch & Learn Speakers series is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, coffee and dessert are provided. For more information, visit www.tcfl.org  or call 410-745-5877.

About Talbot County Free Library

It is the mission of the Talbot County Free Library to enrich and renew the lives of the people it serves. 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. The Maryland Room in the Easton branch holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services at both locations include the circulation of books, DVDs, and digital devices, as well as free Wi-Fi, public computers, exhibits, and programs for both children and adults. For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

Talbot Department of Social Services Provides Autism Presentation for Foster Parents

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Talbot Department of Social Services recently provided a presentation on autism for foster parents across the Mid-Shore as part of its ongoing educational training. Sean Logie, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Talbot Child Psychology, LLC, shared experiences of children diagnosed with autism and explained important considerations of children with autism, including comorbid disorders, social communication, sensory processing, sleep, and school. He also presented success stories and how important autism evaluations and applied behavioral analysis are to caring for children with autism.

“A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder tells you very little about a child. Children with this diagnosis vary widely in the gifts that they have and the challenges they face. It’s important for parents to know that there are many services and resources available to help with most challenges. This includes medical and mental health services, sleep, feeding, sensory integration, and navigating school,” Dr. Logie commented.

Seated, left to right are Sean Logi, Nancy Downes, Audrey Hansen, Norwood Caldwell, and Sandra Caldwell. Standing, left to right, are Michelle Laisure, Sarah Baynard, Brian Flaherty, and Jessica Flaherty

“It’s important for parents involved in a child’s life to be their strongest advocate. If you are facing a challenge that you think is unique, chances are that it’s not. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, rally for support, and challenge any system that is not able to provide what your child needs.”

Christine Montague, Coordinator, Option Respite & Parent Education for the Talbot County Department of Social Services, who organizes these foster parent training, states, “Programs like this one are so valuable to our foster parents, especially now as they have to meet a variety of needs in the children whom they foster. This program was enlightening to many of our parents and provided a great addition to their skill sets.”

For further information on becoming a foster or adoptive parent, call the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-820-7371 or visit midshoreresourceparents.com.

Easton Choral Arts Society Announces Christmas Concert

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Under the baton of our new Artistic Director Alexis Ward, ECAS will provide Christmas with both new and familiar songs to warm your heart and begin your Christmas season. The magic of Christmas from around the world will be captured in exciting Christmas music from Europe and America. Included are long-time favorites like “We Need a Little Christmas,” “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and a choral telling of “The Night Before Christmas” poem by Clement Moore, complete with illustrations on two large TV screens.

A portion of the concert will remind guests that Christmas is celebrated in many places and many languages around the world. This includes the earliest versions of “Stille Nacht” (Silent Night), the Austrian carol that turned from obscurity to a major classic, along with “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime” – one of the oldest Christmas songs of Canada which tells the Christmas story through the eyes of the indigenous Huron people. Also included will be a traditional carol from Catalonia in Spain, “Fum, Fum, Fum,” and the haunting Catalonian work, “El Cant dels Ocells” (Carol of the Birds) by Chris de Silva. “Brightest and Best,” in the American Shaker tradition, will feature a lively bluegrass-style fiddle solo, and “Hurry Now to Bethlehem” presents a new spiritual for guests. Pianist Becky Zinser will be joined by diverse instrumentalists playing strings, oboe, and flute. The choristers will close the program with “Christmas Day,” the rousing medley of Christmas songs by Gustav Holst.

Pictured is Easton Choral Arts Society, an auditioned choral ensemble, that will present its Christmas Concert, “Christmas Around the World,” on Thursday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 11 at 4:00 p.m. at Christ Church Easton.

“I am both thrilled and honored to now serve at the helm of this excellent concert program. It includes not only holiday favorites but some stunningly gorgeous, lesser-known carols as well. Paired with a professional instrumental ensemble and the beautiful acoustics of Christ Church, our singers’ voices will truly soar and touch the hearts of many that weekend. Join us to jump-start your holiday season,” says Alexis Ward, Artistic Director of the Easton Choral Arts Society.

Tickets for each concert are $25 a person. Students are free with a reservation. Tickets can be purchased at eastonchoralarts.org or phone the ticket hotline at 410-200-0498.

Easton Choral Arts Society, Inc. is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization funded in part by the Maryland State Arts Council, Talbot Arts, and the Mid-Shore Community Foundation.

The Easton Choral Arts Society is an auditioned choral ensemble that believes in the power of music to enrich the cultural life of the Eastern Shore. Under the direction of Artistic Director, Alexis Ward, ECAS brings a commitment to deliver excellence to our singers, audiences, and supporters. While the group is based in Easton, its singers come from all areas of the Eastern Shore.

Third Haven Friends Meeting Art Show & Sale 2022

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Join us for a show and sale of artwork created by Third Haven Friends Meeting (Quaker) affiliated artists. Paintings, pottery, glasswork, baskets, photography, knit items, holiday gifts, baked goods and more will be for sale. A portion of the artwork sales will help fund the renovation of historic buildings and revitalization of the grounds. This event is free and open to the public.

Visit the 1684 meetinghouse while you’re here. It is Maryland’s oldest documented frame structure and the oldest Quaker meeting house in the United States. Take time to experience the serene grounds and learn how Third Haven Friends are investing in the history and natural beauty of this 7-acre property, tucked away in the heart of Easton.

Date: Saturday, December 3rd
Time: 11:00am-3:00pm
Location: 405 S. Washington St., Easton, MD

Community Center Seeks Christmas Donations for Bay Hundred Families

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New, unwrapped toys are being sought to benefit Bay Hundred area children this holiday season, with drop-off locations including the St. Michaels Community Center, The LumberYard in St. Michaels, Perkins Family YMCA, and Fairbank Tackle. The toy drive is organized by St. Michaels Granite Lodge #177, with donated toys being accepted through Dec. 21.

SMCC additionally is seeking donations of non-perishables, toiletries, and household goods, which can also be dropped off or shipped directly to SMCC at its temporary program location of 207 N. Talbot St., next to The Wildset Hotel, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donated toys and household goods with “for the holiday drive” noted can also be dropped off at Treasure Cove Thrift Shop at 200 Railroad Ave. Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The St. Michaels Community Center is seeking donations of new toys, non-perishables, toiletries, and household goods, which can be dropped off or shipped directly to SMCC at its temporary location at 207 N. Talbot St., located next to The Wildset Hotel.

Suggested donations include toys suited for children of all ages; personal hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, and shampoo; family homecare items like detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning products, and sponges; and food items like canned chicken, tuna, roast beef, ravioli, pasta, stew, peanut butter, rice, soup, crackers, pudding, and fruit cups.

SMCC also provides emergency clothing and household goods through its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels, which is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations to the Thrift Store of gently used clothing, toys, household goods, and furniture are gratefully accepted Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to serve, empower, and connect the community, with year-round essential human services programs and activities for children, families, and adults. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for people in St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred’s communities, with more at www.stmichaelscc.org.

Naomi Shihab Nye to Visit The Country School

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Naomi Shihab Nye

On Thursday, November 17, 2022, The Country School will welcome Naomi Shihab Nye as a visiting poet/author.

The daughter of a Palestinian refugee, Nye spent her adolescence in both Jerusalem and San Antonio, Texas.
Nye is the Poetry Foundation’s Young People’s Poet Laureate and recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Ivan Sandrof Award for Lifetime Achievement from the National Book Critics Circle, the Lavan Award, the Paterson Poetry Prize, the Carity Randall Prize, and many more. She has received fellowships from the Lannan Foundation, the Guggenheim Foundation, and she was a Witter Bynner Fellow. From 2010 to 2015 she served as a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. In 2018, she was awarded the Lon Tinkle Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Texas Institute of Letters.

Nye’s multi-cultural experience has greatly influenced her work. Known for poetry that gives voice to ordinary events, people, and objects, Nye has been quoted as saying, “the primary source of poetry has always been local life, random characters met on the streets, our own ancestry sifting down to us through small essential daily tasks…Poetry calls us to pause. There is so much we overlook, while the abundance around us continues to shimmer, on its own.”

A group of Country School students read Nye’s book The Turtle of Oman this past summer and 5th and 6th grade students read her narrative prose poem Gate A-4 this fall. Next Thursday, she will be working with 4th-6th grade students, who are all working on their personal narrative writing.

Country School Interim Head Jean Waller Brune has known Nye for many years and looks forward to her sharing her many gifts with our students and staff. “Naomi speaks to our shared humanity through metaphor and everyday experiences that are familiar and resonate within,” says Brune. “She draws us in through her vivid imagery, love of life, and joyful spirit.”