Talbot County Free Library
MENU

Sections

More

October 1, 2023

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

News News Notes

Library Launches Free Community Wi-Fi Center in Trappe

by

Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) has created a free Community Wi-Fi Center at Home Run Baker Park in Trappe, MD, providing access to high-speed internet for Talbot County students and residents.

The project was made possible thanks to TCFL’s partnership with the Talbot Parks and Recreation, and the Maryland State Library.

“We want to thank Preston Peper, Director of Talbot Parks and Recreation and Brian Moore, Superintendent of Roads and County Facilities for Talbot County Government, and the Town of Trappe for helping to make this project possible,” said Talbot County Free Library Director Dana Newman. “The Trappe Community Wi-Fi Center meets our library’s strategic direction to develop and expand library services to build strong connections in our community.”

There are two access points for Wi-Fi at the Home Run Baker Park, one at the Concession Stand and one in the parking lot. There are two ways to access internet:

Home Run Baker            Open. No password required.

Home Run Baker Secure     Encrypted. Password: hrb-wpa2

This project was funded in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Maryland State Library. For more information, visit www.tcfl.org.

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at 106 Fremont St. The Maryland Room in the Easton branch holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents.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. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community.  For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Easton Utilities Promotes Paula Taylor

by

Easton Utilities named Paula Taylor as the Manager of Customer Services, a new position for the organization. With over 23 years of experience in customer service and collections for the utilities sector, she will oversee the Customer Service, Billing and Collection employees. “I look forward to this exciting challenge and am committed to ensuring our customers continue to receive the best, most efficient customer service from all employees based on our core values of integrity, commitment and excellence,” states Taylor.

Paula joined Easton Utilities in 2014 as the Credit and Collections Specialist and was promoted to Supervisor of Billing and Collections in 2017. Her responsibilities included providing accurate billing information and collection procedures while remaining in compliance with the Maryland Public Service Commission’s rules and regulations. Prior to joining Easton Utilities, Paula was the Collection & Energy Assistance Administrator for Choptank Electric.

“Paula’s dedication to serving our customers combined with her leadership skills and compassion, highlighted her as a perfect candidate for this role,” says Tracie Thomas, Vice President of Customer Services for Easton Utilities.

Paula is actively involved with work in her local church.  She also enjoys helping others find a passion in the work they do each day through coaching and inspiration. Paula is a native of Talbot County and currently resides in East New Market with her husband of 26 years.

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

2023 Tour de Talbot a Success

by

Over 550 bike riders came together on June 10 to participate in the highly successful 2023 Tour de Talbot, a cycling event which raised an impressive $16,000 for three local charities, one enthusiastic congregation and Talbot Thrive, a growing non-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy and safe outdoor mobility for individuals living in and visiting Talbot County.

Riders embarked on their journey from the Easton Firehall, setting off early in the morning to conquer one of three exhilarating routes spanning 30, 40, or 62.5 miles. The longer routes included a scenic ferry crossing from Oxford to Bellevue, adding an extra touch of adventure to the event.

Throughout their ride, riders were provided with well-staffed rest stops, manned by dedicated volunteers from charitable organizations that directly benefited from the Tour de Talbot. These organizations include the YMCA of the Chesapeake, Mariah’s Mission, Carepacks of Talbot County, and All Faith Chapel of Tunis Mills. Each of these deserving charities will receive $3,000, with an additional $1,000 being allocated to the Chapel for their invaluable assistance at the final rest stop. The remaining funds will contribute to the growth and development of Talbot Thrive’s programming initiatives in the county.

Valerie Albee, the Executive Director of Mariah’s Mission, expressed overwhelming gratitude for the generous donation from Tour de Talbot, stating, “Participating in the event brought recognition to our Wheels for Change program, which provides healthy and safe transportation to those in need. These funds will enable us to reach additional individuals by donating new or gently used bicycles, helmets, and locks. The independence of having a way to get to jobs, meetings, and appointments brings a sense of joy and pride to each person in our program.”

The YMCA of the Chesapeake, represented by a dedicated team, offered much-needed rest and refreshments to the participants throughout the day at the Oxford Ferry. Wendy Palmer, the Executive Director of the YMCA, expressed her gratitude to Tour de Talbot for not only showcasing the beauty of Talbot County but also for their generous gift to the Easton Family YMCA. “The day was perfect,” said Palmer. “And the ride shared so much of who we are. Our rich history, including the Oxford Bellevue Ferry, the beautiful scenic route, the welcoming team of organizers and the supportive cheers from the rest stop crews. We thank Tour de Talbot for sharing all of the beauty of our county and for your generous gift.”

The success of the 2023 Tour de Talbot was further bolstered by the support of several prominent local businesses that joined as sponsors. Gold sponsors, contributing $2,500 or more, included Out of the Fire, Dock Street Foundation, Discover Easton, and Eat Sprout. Silver sponsors, providing $1,000 or more, included WHCP Radio Maryland. Bronze sponsors, donating $500 or more, consisted of thinkmakebuild, Easton Velocity, and Friel Lumber. Additionally, Terrapin Security showed their support as a business sponsor, contributing $250.

Building upon the resounding success of its third year, Tour de Talbot aims to continue hosting this momentous event in the coming years, allowing the Talbot Thrive organization to raise awareness about safe cycling throughout Talbot County and the Eastern Shore.

About Talbot Thrive

Talbot Thrive, a 501c3 organization, emerged as a response to the concerns expressed by members of the biking, running, and walking communities during a series of citizen meetings held in 2021. These individuals voiced their frustrations regarding the slow progress in creating safer spaces and accommodations in Talbot County for those who “Walk, Run, Ride and Roll.” As a result, Talbot Thrive was founded to address these concerns and advocate for safer alternative transportation methods within the county.

For more information about Talbot Thrive, please visit TalbotThrive.org. To learn more about Tour de Talbot, please visit tourdetalbot.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

VFW Post 5118 Supports Talbot Goes Purple with Large Donation

by

VFW Post 5118 recently donated $5,000 to support Talbot Goes Purple, a substance use prevention program in Talbot County.

Talbot County Sheriff Joe Gamble founded Talbot Goes Purple (TGP) in 2016. Since then, the program has spread across the state while continuing in Talbot County, with a focus on students in grades 5-12.

VFW Post 5118 has supported TGP and its drug education efforts since the start.

“VFW has generously donated to us since we started Talbot Goes Purple, allowing us to continue our educational efforts within the community, and particularly with our students,” said Gamble. “Thanks to our supporters like the VFW, we’ve brought prevention programming, activities and assemblies into the schools through our continued partnerships. We really could not do this without them.”

Last year’s projects within the schools included students participating in TGP’s daily educational messages and learning about prevention with Sterlen Barr, CEO of Rapping About Prevention (RAP). In October, TGP supported a school-wide poster contest for Red Ribbon Week. November saw elementary students collaborating on a gratitude mosaic and in December, students worked on ornaments that hung on the TGP Christmas Tree at the Talbot County Courthouse.

Photo: Members of VFW Post 5118 present a $5,000 check to Talbot County Sheriff Joe Gamble. Pictured are Post Commander Ron Cheezum, Senior Vice Commander Kenley Timms, Charity Chairman Brian Sturgis, Junior Vice Chairman Preston Younker, Chaplin Fred Bahr with members of Post 5118.

In February, schools participated took part in Random Acts of Kindness Week, with notes of kindness spread around local schools. In March, students completed projects that highlighted the science of substances and hosted a health fair at the Easton Volunteer Fire Department. Activities also focused on National Wellness Week, which is part of the Herren Project on which TGP’s programming is based as it includes evidence-informed prevention activities designed by clinicians and school counselors.

Students also learned about the dangers of impaired driving with a variety of activities with Madison Elliott with TCPS, who is the TGP club advisor and liaison. The school year closed out with a crash car at Easton High School along with student drug-free pledges; middle school educational games and activities; and club lunches. TGP’s in-school activities are sponsored by Spring & Associates.

As a component fund of Mid-Shore Community Foundation, another partner since the start, all donations are tax-deductible. Anyone interested in supporting TGP can visit Mid-Shore’s website at mscf.org.

Talbot Goes Purple is a substance use prevention initiative geared toward helping kids stand up against substance abuse. Now entering year seven, the initiative helps young people learn that they do not need substances to meet life’s challenges. Talbot Goes Purple includes school-based student clubs, outreach and education activities, and community engagement events.

An initiative from the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office and Tidewater Rotary, in partnership with Talbot County Public Schools, Saints Peter & Paul School and the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Talbot Goes Purple empowers our youth and our community to ‘Go Purple’ as a sign of taking a stand against substance abuse.

More information about Talbot Goes Purple is available at www.talbotgoespurple.org. Find TGP on Facebook @TalbotGoesPurple or contact us at [email protected].

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Talbot County Council Meeting Highlights, July 11, 2023

by

The Talbot County Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 11th at 5 p.m.; all Council members were present.

Proclamation: Parks and Recreation Month – Director of Parks and Recreation Preston Peper accepted a proclamation on behalf of the department to celebrate July as Parks and Recreation Month.

The proclamation marks the annual nationwide recognition program, established by National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), that aims to raise awareness of the essential services that parks and recreation facilities and professionals provide to communities across the United States.

For more information on Parks and Recreation Month: County Highlights July 2023 as “Parks and Recreation Month” – Talbot County, Maryland (talbotcountymd.gov)

Leeds Creek Bridge Replacement

Ray Clark, County Engineer, and Assistant County Engineer, Mike Mertaugh, provided an update on the Leeds Creek (Tunis Mills) Bridge Replacement Project.

The proposed bridge plan includes improvements on the previous bridge. These improvements include: adding approximately two more feet of clearance; replacing current timber piles with steel piles; replacing the timber deck surface with new laminated deck surface which allows for paving on the bridge; using a timber safety rail to preserve the historic look; and replacing the current loading dock with a new similar platform.

If approved, the bridge replacement will be funded with 80% federal funds and 20% local funds. The estimated total project cost is $6,000,000.

Once construction has begun, the bridge crossing will be closed for a year. Traffic diversion suggestions are included in the “Maintenance of Traffic” document, which will be included in the proposed project plan.

Council Members asked several clarifying questions. To review the presentation and subsequent questions, watch the Council meeting starting at minute 12.

Council Member Lynn Mielke asked how many residents the bridge currently serves. Mertaugh indicated that the surrounding population is approximately 200 people, providing a good estimate as to how many people the bridge serves.

“I presume the material choices on this, certainly some are guided by maintaining the historic look of the bridge, but the steel and concrete pilings and pierheads are driven by federal requirements?” asked Council Vice President Pete Lesher. “That is correct,” said Clarke.

Public Works will host a public meeting to provide specifics of the bridge replacement project and answer questions. Residents are encouraged to attend the community meeting on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Wye Oak Room at the Talbot County Community Center.

Moratorium on Cannabis Operations and Facilities

The Council held a public hearing and subsequently voted on Resolution No. 344 to adopt a moratorium on the processing, review, and approval of applications, site plans, permits, and other authorizations for the location, construction, and/or operation of businesses engaged in growing, processing, and/or selling cannabis for a period of nine (9) months.

The intent of the legislation is to allow the County sufficient time to enact reasonable, thoughtful, and lawful zoning requirements and other regulations to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

The Council voted in favor of the resolution, 4-1 with Council Vice President Pete Lesher dissenting.

Other Business

  • Council unanimously approved Resolution 343, a Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan amendment which authorizes extension of sewer services to two parcels on Yacht Club Road.
  • Public hearings were held for Bill Nos. 1531 through Bill No. 1543. These bills authorize certain capital projects included in the FY24 Budget. Budget authorization requests included:
    • Bill No. 1531, Development of Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe, 13213 Lewistown Road, Queen Anne
    • Bill No. 1532, Expansion of St. Michaels Branch of the Talbot County Free Library
    • Bill No. 1533, Improvements to the Talbot County Detention Center
    • Bill No. 1534, Purchase of improved or unimproved real property for future County purposes
    • Bill No. 1535, Upgrade or replacement of the wastewater treatment plant at The Preserve at Wye Mills
    • Bill No. 1536, Extension of water and sewer lines to the proposed regional medical center hospital site located between Longwoods Road and U.S.
    • Route 50 in Easton
    • Bill No. 1537, Construction of Emergency Medical Services Stations
    • Bill No. 1538, Improvement and Expansion to Chapel District Elementary School
    • Bill No. 1539, Construction and Improvements to Driving Range Complex at Hog Neck Golf Course
    • Bill No. 1540, Gymnasium addition to the Talbot County Community Center
    • Bill No. 1541, Improvements to County roads
    • Bill No. 1542, Replacement of the 911 Division Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system
    • Bill No. 1543, Replacement of roof at White Marsh Elementary School

Bill Nos. 1531 to 1537, and Bill Nos. 1539 to 1543 are eligible for vote on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. The vote on Bill No. 1538 will be scheduled for the Council meeting on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 to accommodate public comment following community stakeholder meetings scheduled by Talbot County Public Schools on the Chapel District Elementary School project on Wednesday, July 12th and Wednesday, August 2nd.

  • A Public hearing was held on Bill No. 1544. The bill proposes to allow inns as a special exception use in the County’s Agricultural Conservation, Countryside Preservation, Western Rural Conservation, Town Conservation and Rural Conservation districts; if approved, the legislation would also permit an increase the number of guest rooms from 10 to 12 and allow historic inns to increase the number of guestrooms outside of the primary structure from 2 to 6. Bill No. 1544 is eligible for vote on July 25, 2023.
  • The Assistant County Manager presented one board nominations for the Council’s consideration:
    • Economic Development Commission – Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Walter Chase as the Town of Trappe’s representative.
  • Chesapeake College requested approval to revise their FY24 budget. Their revised budget plan addresses the difference between projected state funding to actualized State funding. State funding saw an increase in the amount of $1,883,004 from the John A. Cade Funding Formula & Budget Reconciliation & Financing Act. The additional funding will allow the college to provide a salary increase of 3% to full-time employees, hire additional employees in vital technical areas such as Information Technology, Health Professions, STEM fields and Skilled Trades, and replace interior door locks on the campus property. There is no additional cost for the participating counties. The Council unanimously approved the new revised budget.
  • Katie Dilley, Executive Director of Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc., and Bill Webb, Kent County Health Officer, addressed the importance of a Residential Treatment Center for children and adolescents in our region and requested a letter of support from the Council to the Maryland Department of Health regarding service expansion at the Upper Shore Mental Health Center in Chestertown. The request was unanimously approved.
  • Department of Public Works requested approval to purchase ten (10) septic tank effluent pump (STEP) systems in the amount of $68,679.44 for the Region II (St. Michaels) Wastewater System as part of new connections related to Resolution No. 235.  The cost of the STEP systems will be paid for by the users.  The request was unanimously approved.
  • The Assistant County Manager thanked the Sheriff’s Office, Roads Department, County Building Inspector, Tilghman Island Fire Department, Department of Public Works, Emergency Services, staff of Parks and Recreation, and Communications Coordinator, Sarah Kilmon, for the cross-department and inter-agency response to storms that occurred on July 3, 2023. Property owners are reminded that emergency permits are available for properties damaged by the storm. If residents have questions about the emergency permits, they may contact the Permits Office at 410-770-6840.

The Talbot County Council will hold a work session to discuss a proposed Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan amendment pertaining to Lakeside Development phases and Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs)  on Wednesday, July 19th at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room.  The work session will be followed by a Closed Session.

The Council’s next legislative meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room located in the South Wing, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton.  The work session and the meeting open to the public.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

St. Michaels Art League Photography Show

by

The St. Michaels Art League (SMAL) is pleased to announce a member’s Photography Exhibit at the rear gallery of the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library during the month of August.

The show will be judged by Robert Sullivan, an award-winning documentary, landscape, and portrait photographer out of Cambridge, MD. His work is displayed in numerous galleries and museums. He also teaches, tutors, and runs workshops, including a popular series of night photography workshops as well as sunrise and sunset workshops at the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. For more information visit workingimagephotography.com.

“Welcoming the Light” photograph by Sharon Davis Thorpe

Photography by SMAL members will be on display at the St. Michaels Library from August 1st through August 31st. The exhibit will include a range of photographic work from fine art to digital and computer enhanced photography. Works are available for sale through the artists. The library is located at 106 Fremont Street, St. Michaels. Library hours are Monday and Thursday 9am-8pm; Tuesday and Wednesday 9am-6pm; Friday and Saturday 9am-5pm.

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Plein Air Easton Kicks Off with Street Party!

by

Plein Air Easton kicks off Friday, July 14 in downtown Easton with a Kick Off Street Party sponsored by The Avalon Foundation, Easton Economic Development Corporation, and the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce. Harrison Street will be alive with music, art, and more from 5:00 PM-10 PM!

Gallery Walk/Talks 5:00-7:00 PM

Troika Gallery – Fabulous Forgeries Exhibition

Trippe Gallery – Variations 2 – One Photograph, 16 paintings – match the correct artist with all paintings and win!

Studio B Gallery – Meet Plein Air Easton competition judge Master Jove Wang

Academy Art Museum open til 7:00 PM

Performance Schedule

5:00 PM-7:00PM Harrison Street concert featuring Pretty Big Deal

7:15 PM Prize Raffle Drawing, Harrison Street, Chamber of Commerce Tent

8:00 PM (approx) Immersive Shakespeare! The Perfect Storm Players present their own adaptation of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night Dream – live and in the street. This interactive performance will be performed theatre-in-the-round style, don’t miss it!

5:00 PM- 10:00 PM Nocturne Paint out – Grab your paints and paint out in the street with Plein Air Easton competition painters

About Easton EDC: The Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The EEDC works to catalyze Greater Easton’s continued prosperity as a diverse and healthy “smart town,” leading innovation where the land and water meet.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Easton Velocity Increases Internet Speed

by

Easton Velocity, a service of Easton Utilities, is increasing the speed of all tiers at no additional cost for its more than 10,000 residential and commercial customers. The faster speed was automatically delivered to all internet customers in early July.

“The constantly growing demand for bandwidth, speed, and seamless connectivity continues to increase and we want to make sure our customers continue to have a great experience with our service,” says Ted L. Book, Vice President of Easton Velocity.

In recent years, Easton Velocity has invested millions of dollars in upgrading the infrastructure which delivers high speed internet, including gigabit capacity, to those interested customers. In addition to increasing internet speeds at no additional cost, Easton Velocity will continue to offer V-Fi, the managed wi-fi solution designed to improve, personalize, and secure the internet connection at home, for $15/month.

Internet Tiers – RESIDENTIAL

Tier Former Speed Increased Speed Same Price
STARTER 15/1 25/5  $  30
VALUE 100/5 125/15  $  48
VALUE PLUS 150/7 200/20  $  60
PERFORMANCE 250/10 350/25  $  75
ULTIMATE 500/15 600/50  $100
EXTREME 1000/25 1000/100  $150

 

Internet Tiers – COMMERCIAL

Tier Former Speed Current Speed Same Price
STARTER 15/2 25/5  $  50
VALUE 100/7 125/20  $100
VALUE PLUS 150/10 200/30 $125
PERFORMANCE 250/15 350/35 $150
ULTIMATE 500/25 600/75 $190
EXTREME 1000/35 1000/125 $290

 

The upgrades are automatic for all internet customers; however, those wishing to change to a different tier will need to contact Customer Service at 410-822-6110.

“Offering enhanced speeds without changing the pricing structure is a reflection of our commitment to our customers,” added Book. “There is a wide range of needs amongst customers depending on lifestyle, and the number of people/devices in the home continues to grow.”

Easton Velocity, a service of Easton Utilities, is committed to keeping our community connected and current with a variety of service offerings designed to meet the needs of both residential and commercial customers. 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. Please visit www.eastonvelocity.com or call 410-822-6110 to learn more.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Talbot SAVES… Expanded Capabilities and New Name for Public Defibrillator Stations!

by

Talbot Paramedic Foundation and Talbot County Department of Emergency Services has announced a new name for their nationally recognized Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) program, as well as an expanded range of emergency situations that can be addressed with by-stander intervention.

The newly named program will be called Talbot CARES, or Cardiac Arrest Rescue- Emergency Station.

According to Talbot Paramedic Foundation president Wayne Dyott, “We know giving by-standers the tools to immediately respond in a variety of life-threatening emergencies, prior to the arrival of EMS, with the support of pre-arrival instructions from Emergency Communication Specialists at the 911 Center will save lives!”

Talbot CARES will feature additional equipment to address emergency situations.  Currently Talbot DES Paramedic Rachael Cox is stocking the enclosures with Stop the Bleed tourniquet kits and opioid overdose kits are being added to the compartment along with the defibrillator (AED).  Additional future equipment might include kits for severe allergic reactions and flotation devices for installations near waterfront areas.

(L to R) Talbot EMS Chief Matt Watkins, Paramedic Rachael Cox, Talbot Paramedic Foundation President Wayne Dyott, and Talbot Department of Emergency Services Director Brian LeCates. Photo provided by Talbot Paramedic Foundation.

“The multipurpose emergency response capabilities of these stations have allowed us an opportunity to revisit a name for our PAD program. Talbot County Department of Emergency Services and the Talbot Paramedic Foundation have selected Talbot CARES as a name more reflective of the program’s changed capabilities,” stated Dyott.

Cox provides critical support to over 200 defibrillators that are in the county as well as the nine Talbot CARES located at Idlewild, North Easton Park, and soon Homerun Baker Park.  Cox was able to organize and stock each of the enclosures with this equipment and make it ready for use.  The 911 Emergency Communications Center personnel have long provided pre-arrival instructions for 911 callers to assist them in initiating care until trained personnel arrive on location.

“The Talbot Paramedic Foundation is a valued partner in making us a national leader in Public Access Defibrillation.  Talbot County DES is actively working toward expanding the number of defibrillators available throughout the county, especially in areas of public recreation,” stated Matt Watkins, Chief of Talbot’s Emergency Medical Services Division.

Talbot CARES is in the process of expanding coverage to Trappe’s Homerun Baker Park.  The goal is to provide public access to these lifesaving stations to every recreational facility in Talbot within the next few years.  Talbot CARES is a cooperative effort between Talbot DES, Team Trace, Talbot Paramedic Foundation, Gunther Electric, along with the support of many others throughout the community.

The likelihood of saving a victim of sudden cardiac arrest is reduced approximately 10 percent every minute after the heart stops.  CARES are located within the parks to allow rapid delivery of the defibrillator to the victim following sudden cardiac arrest.  Immediate CPR and rapid defibrillation are essential parts of the chain of survival.  Accessing the equipment results in immediate dispatch of emergency services!

The Talbot Paramedic Foundation has a long history of supporting emergency medical services in Talbot County.  Their mission is saving lives through increased awareness, raising funds, and developing life saving programs.  The foundation also supports the advanced academic training of EMS providers through established scholarships.

For more information, please contact the Talbot Paramedic Foundation at talobtparamedic.org., or Paramedic Cox at [email protected] or (443 239-6999).

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

TCPS Announces Administrative Appointments for 2023-2024 School Year

by

Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS)  has announced new administrative appointments for the 2023-2024 school year, effective July 1, 2023.

Mrs. Ashley Quicke, Ms. Annie Mewborn, and Mrs. Daisy Bradwell

Mrs. Ashley Quicke has been promoted to Assistant Principal at Easton Middle School, where she was an Administrative Intern for the 2022-2023 school year. Mrs. Quicke has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education: Liberal Arts and Technology from Stevenson University, a Master of Science in Education: Mathematics K-6 from Walden University, and Administrator 1 Certification from Salisbury University.  Mrs. Quicke joined the TCPS team as a 7th grade mathematics teacher at Easton Middle School in 2020.  Her previous experience as an educator includes serving as an elementary classroom teacher, grade level lead, Elementary Instructional Mathematics Coach, and Dean of Students for Dorchester County Public Schools.

Ms. Annie Mewborn has been promoted to Assistant Principal at Easton Elementary School, having served as Administrative Intern for the 2022-2023 school year.  A veteran of the United States Army, Ms. Mewborn earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Thomas Edison State University, a Master of Education in Learning and Technology from Western Governors University, and an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. She also earned an MSDE Administrator I Supervisor and Assistant Principal endorsement. Ms. Mewborn joined TCPS as a Reading Intervention Specialist for grade 6-8 in 2011.  She taught secondary English Language Arts from 2013 – 2018 and from 2020 to 2022.  She was Talbot County Teacher of the Year in 2016-2017 and VFW Teacher of the Year in 2017, and served on the Grading for Equity Cohort, English Curriculum and Secondary Grading, and Easton Middle Faculty Advisory Committees.

Mrs. Daisy Bradwell has been appointed to Curriculum Supervisor for K-6 Mathematics.  Mrs. Bradwell has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Valley Forge, and Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis in Reading from the University of Florida.  She joined Talbot County Public Schools in 2022 as a fourth grade teacher at Easton Elementary School, with 25 years of experience as an educator in Florida and Pennsylvania.  Her prior leadership experience includes serving as a Literacy Coach, Grade Level Team Leader, and a member of the Math Teacher Leadership Institute and School Based Leadership Team.

“I am very excited to see these leaders take the next step in their careers,” said Dr. Helga Einhorn, Assistant Superintendent, Teaching and Learning.   “Their demonstration of commitment to students and staff has been outstanding and I look forward to seeing them grow in their new roles.”

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.