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June 8, 2023

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

Health Health Notes

Consumer Advisory of Illness Outbreak

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The Talbot County Health Department and the Maryland Department of Health are investigating illnesses associated with the consumption of chicken salad from the Graul’s Market located at 1212 South Talbot Street, St. Michaels, MD 21663. The chicken salad is made and sold in the deli department at this Graul’s location and is available in quarter pound, 1-pound and 2-pound clear plastic containers. If you have purchased chicken salad from this Graul’s location between the dates of May 13, 2023 and May 20, 2023 and have any remaining quantities left do not consume it.

Please contact the Talbot County Health Department Office of Environmental Health at (410) 770-6880 prior to discarding. If you have consumed chicken salad from this Graul’s location and are ill or experiencing the following symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or fever please contact your healthcare provider.

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

Parks and Recreation Outdoor Pools to Open Memorial Day Weekend

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Talbot County Parks and Recreation pool season will begin at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 27.

The two pools that will be open are:

  • George Murphy Pool, 410-820-7306, 501 Port Street, Easton, MD 21601
  • Bay Hundred Pool, 410-745-6592, 911 S. Talbot Street, St. Michaels, MD 21663

This summer, the pools will be open on May 27-29th, June 3rd-4th, June 10th-August 27th, and September 2nd-4th. Dates and times are subject to change based on the Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS) calendar, pool events, and weather conditions.

General pool admission is $5 (cash or check). Summer pool passes are available for individuals, seniors, and families starting at $65. Membership forms can be found online on the Talbot Parks website, and should be returned and paid for at the Talbot Community at 10028 Ocean Gtwy, Easton, MD 21601.

Children, ages 18 months through 18 years, and adults can register for free swim lessons at either pool through the support of SOS Sink or Swim, a non-profit organization out of the Chesapeake Maritime Museum. The organization has provided more than 6,500 free, learn-to-swim sessions since 2014, and has graciously continued support for the 2023 pool season.

The Bay Hundred Community Pool also offers Lap Swim time on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Water Aerobics on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Times vary.

Citizens may also reserve pools for private parties at either location. Reservations can be made for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for either 6-8 p.m. for $250, or 6-9 p.m. for $350. Lifeguards and pool staff are provided. Pavilion rentals are also available, visit or call to reserve.

For additional information about hours of operation, pool passes, amenities, classes, and rentals, visit the Talbot Parks website: https://talbotparks.org/pools/ or call 410-770-8050. Follow Talbot County Parks and Recreation on Facebook or Instagram for the latest updates.  

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Artist Unveils Original Artwork for Festival of Trees

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Stephen Walker recently unveiled his original artwork that will now be featured in marketing materials for the 38th Festival of Trees.

Presented by Friends of Hospice, the 38th Festival of Trees will take place in Easton on November 25-28, 2023. In addition to the signature event, Festival of Trees, other highlights include Carols by Candlelight on November 25, Santa 5K Run, a Poinsettia Sale, children’s activities and much more.

This year’s theme is “Caroling, Caroling Through the Town,” with a nod to the Victorian era. Recently, this year’s official artwork by national award-winning artist Stephen Walker of Easton was unveiled. Created to complement the 2023 theme, Stephen’s vibrant oil painting features lovely evergreens and carolers heralding from Victorian America.

Stephen considers his artistic style to be rough impressionistic and traditionally seeks out fishing, boating, hunting, and crabbing scenes. He is honored to be selected as this year’s Festival of Trees artist. The artwork will be prominently featured in the festival’s marketing materials.

Working in no fewer than five mediums in his esteemed career, Stephen is relatively new to oil painting. When he retired from a 20-plus-year career teaching high school and college art students, Stephen started dabbling in oil about seven years ago because he liked the medium. And in the last year or so things started coming together for Stephen. “I can’t explain it, but things really started taking off for me,” he admits.

Retiring to Easton with his art director wife, Maire McArdle, the couple wanted to live in a vibrant arts community. In the last year alone, Stephen has participated in the Oxford Business Association’s Picket Fence Auction, Oxford Community Center’s Oxford Fine Arts, St. Michaels Art League’s Banner program, Tred Avon Players’ set design, and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Changing Chesapeake exhibit. Later this year, he will again teach a sculpture class at the Academy Art Museum.

Stephen admits that he is “living the dream.” An avid angler for 50 years, Stephen has yearned for a boat, which is finally kissing the water this summer. He has always wanted to be involved in an active arts community, which he has clearly accomplished. “Retirement has been busier than ever before, but it is a good kind of busy,” Stephen explains. “I guess ‘my time’ after working for 50 years as an artist is meant to be now.”

To view more of Stephen’s work, visit www.squarehousestudio.com or call him at 240-388-3807. To learn about volunteering for the Festival of Trees, contact Festival of Trees Chairman Karla Wieland-Cherry at dkcherry4@aol.com or 410-310-8421. Sponsorships are always welcome. Visit www.festival-of-trees.org to learn more.

Festival of Trees is the largest fundraiser for the Friends of Hospice to benefit Talbot Hospice. Since 1984, Friends of Hospice has donated to the Talbot Hospice Foundation over $3.7 million, all generated from the annual Festival of Trees events.

Talbot Hospice provides compassionate care, comfort and support for patients and their families and caregivers wherever they call home. Talbot Hospice serves patients facing life-limiting illnesses through hospice and palliative care, as well as its pathways and bereavement programs. Services are available to patients and caregivers regardless of ability to pay. Learn more at www.talbothospice.org.

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Spiralis Gallery Introduces Contemporary Afro-Caribbean Art to Eastern Shore

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A new online art gallery is the perfect platform for Easton resident Gail Patterson to share her deep affinity for Afro-Caribbean art, particularly Haitian, by presenting this genre to Eastern Shore residents and beyond.  The online gallery, Spiralis Gallery, will launch its opening with some of its artwork being featured at Out of the Fire Restaurant in Easton, Maryland beginning July 12, 2023. The show, “Things Fall Together,” will then run for 10 weeks at the restaurant for diners to enjoy. All artworks are for sale.

Patterson, a physician and art lover, launched her original gallery at Art Basel Miami and the Outsider Art Fair in 2012-2013. For ten more years, her demanding medical career forced her to put her art gallery dreams on hold until now.

The new online gallery, Spiralis Gallery, has its opening show, “Things Fall Together,” at Out of the Fire Restaurant in Easton, Maryland on July 12, 2023, showcasing Easton resident Gail Patterson’s deep affinity for Afro-Caribbean art.

“This genre of art has always resonated with me, with its vibrant colors, exquisite patterns, and strong spiritual imagery. And I am drawn inexorably to outsider artists, whose creations come directly from their souls,” comments Patterson, director and curator of Spiralis Gallery.

The gallery will focus on emerging and mid-career artists, with a secondary lens on Outsider artists or “art brut.” She adds, “The Gallery’s new online presence amplifies the visual narratives of Afro-Caribbean artists by presenting bold pieces, colorful fiber art, bricolage, and sculpture. In so doing, our fervent hope is to connect cultures and people in meaningful ways, thereby emphasizing and exploring our common humanity.

Patterson bought her first piece of Haitian art in 1990, a small painting of a little girl’s face by Louisiane St. Fleurant – one of five artists who initially joined the experimental Saint Soleil art movement. She recalls, “I was transfixed by the girl’s smile, her direct gaze, the vivid colors and patterning – the painting brought me such a frisson of joy, that I knew I would want to look at it every day.  It felt instantly like home – like somewhere I had been or wanted to go.”

“What I did not know at the time was that this purchase would catalyze my relationship with Haiti, a place I have gone many times over the years for volunteer medical service, a place of great happiness and immense sorrow, a place where misery and triumph are mixed in the blender of life in equal parts.”

Over the years, Patterson continued to collect Haitian art, including contemporary, mainstream, and self-taught artists.

“Perhaps it’s the colors, the magic of symbols and mysticism, or the naive portrayal of everyday life that appeals to me. I have met many artists and bought from them directly at their homes, from the back of motorbikes, or in their own ateliers. In Haiti, art is life, art is necessary, a profound and vital expression of connection to the world – part of the spiral of the universe, where things are meant to be connected in ways we can’t even imagine or know. In one artist’s words, ‘It’s not me who voyages, it’s my spirit through my paintings that travels,’” she reflects.

“I have collected with the firm belief that the opposite of poverty and degradation is not peace and contentment but rather, creation in all its forms. In Haiti, art is essential, and that creative force is behind the extraordinary outpouring of work.”

Gerard, Red and White Flowers in Bird Vessel, Oil on Canvas, 29×38 inches.

Patterson’s vision is to find ways to showcase this artwork as a new addition to the thriving local art scene on the Eastern Shore. Her mission is to display and promote artists’ works as a way to bring people together and show our common humanity.

“In my opinion, the purpose of a gallery is not just to sell art but to create community, make space for conversation, and foster and support relationships,” she adds.

Spiralis Gallery will initially have an online presence that refreshes frequently as new artists join the ever-growing roster. For inquiries about sales and exhibitions, contact director and curator Gail Patterson at gail.spiralis@gmail.com or 908-625-8704 or visit https://spiralisgallery.com/.

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Mid-Shore Foster Parent Support Group Helps Families Navigate Life’s Ups and Downs

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Parenting is not easy, but when you add an element like foster parenting into the mix, the challenges can sometimes become daunting. Talbot County Department of Social Services (TCDSS) has developed a creative solution to help foster parents through a support group, using a therapist agency, Families Connected from Baltimore County. Melissa Lenet, one of the founders of Families Connected is the facilitator for the foster parent support group on the Mid-Shore.

Melissa Lenet, one of the founders of Families Connected, and the facilitator for the foster parent support group on the Mid-Shore.

Sharon Caldwell of Easton, who has been a foster parent in Talbot County for 29 years, has participated with Lenet in the monthly evening virtual Support Group that started three years ago for foster and adoptive families. She has one biological daughter and two adopted daughters, ages 18 and 20.

“In the support group, we can learn from each other. Melissa is there to walk us through any concerns we have. She has been especially helpful as I guide my two daughters into adulthood, helping them transition to independence. We are very fortunate to have her as a resource,” Caldwell states.

Lenet, who has a therapeutic foster care background, states that there are themes that are unique to the foster parent population – specifically around trauma-informed parenting. Most children in foster care have attachment disorders and they have all experienced trauma after being removed from their families. Secondary trauma is happening to the foster parent and the foster family’s biological children because of the primary trauma experienced by the child in foster care.

“You really can’t do foster care without addressing trauma. Whenever a child is removed from a family, the whole family system is disrupted. This secondary trauma is a huge theme as we provide support to foster families,” Lenet explains.

“With the support group, people come and update the group on what they are dealing with and ask questions. I provide some structure when I see that it would be helpful and help redirect conversations when needed.”

Sharon Caldwell of Easton who has been a foster parent in Talbot County for 29 years.

Because the foster care support group is virtual, the group can reach more people. Foster parents don’t need to get childcare to attend and participate from home.

“Some of the common things we help parents with are how to talk to their foster children about their stories. Another big issue is helping parents know how to explain about their families when they are out in public and certain children may be of another race or culture,” Lenet explains.

“We also work with foster parents on how to work with birth parents, how to keep boundaries, and how to deal with the developmental stages of their foster/adoptive children, as well as talking a lot about grief and loss.”

“A lot of my work is trying to strengthen those connections that are already there between foster parents and their foster children. I refer to the support this group provides as placement disruption prevention. Because it’s hard enough to get the foster parents and retain them, we don’t want to disrupt the lives of the children again through re-placement,” she adds.

Paris Quillet, Special Project Coordinator for TCDSS, finds the support group to be a real asset to the Mid-Shore foster parent community. She states, “This resource has been transformational for our parents. It is a safe place for them to come and feel supported. Parents in the support group also provide support to one another. They share what they’re going through. When a new baby comes in, parents in the group will make a meal for the family. It’s been a great asset to foster and adoptive parents.”

The support group is unique in that it is available to foster and adoptive families from Dorchester County to Cecil County.

“Talbot County has been an incredible agency to work with. They’ve been really attentive and communicative and very professional. I also give TCDSS huge props for providing this service for families. It is such an act of kindness and generosity to pay for this and to provide subsidies for families who need individual therapy in addition to the support group. For these families, it’s going to be lifelong for them and it can really make a difference,” Lenet adds.

In addition to providing private therapy to individual families, Families Connected provides staff training for Departments of Social Services across the state of Maryland.

“We are giving the parents permission not to have all of the answers all of the time. We also give them permission to outsource the answers and help to validate their success and hard work and provide encouragement through these support groups,” adds Lenet.

“I see the group as an anchor for resources for each other. It’s a place they know that they can come to even if they just need to get a resource.”

Talbot County continues 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. The agency also gets requests from time to time for sibling groups and older teens who are soon aging out of foster care and need guidance in transitioning into adulthood. 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.

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Easton High School Culinary Department Hosts Quarterly Joint Meeting for Talbot County Board of Education and County Council

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Easton High School’s Culinary Arts Program hosted the Talbot County Board of Education and County Council at their quarterly joint meeting on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

The Culinary Arts Program, led by Mrs. Linda Brown and Mr. Joseph Candel, allows students to learn basic and advanced culinary skills that puts them in a prime position to pursue internships, careers, and post-secondary education in the culinary field. The program was recently identified as “Exemplary” by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission.

In their classroom space called “The Garden Bowl,” students serve guests in a restaurant-like setting. After a delicious meal, the Board and Council convened their meeting.

Chapel District Elementary School Renovation

Kevin Shafer, Director of Operations for Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS), provided an update on the renovation of Chapel District Elementary School located in Cordova, Maryland. Currently, TCPS is evaluating contract options for engineering and construction of the new facility, with the Board aiming to approve a contract in their May 17, 2023 meeting. Construction is anticipated to begin in June 2024, with completion in Summer of 2026.

More information about the renovation project can be found here: tcps.k12.md.us

Test Scores and Addressing Achievement Gaps

Helga Einhorn, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction at TCPS provided an update on Test Scores and Achievement Gap. The school system uses a variety of assessments to identify areas of success and needed improvements across all grade levels.

The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) tests students’ skills across four areas: language and literacy, mathematics, social foundation, physical well-being and motor development. 45% of TCPS students demonstrated readiness this school year, 3% higher than the state average, and 4% higher than last year. There continues to be a large gap in readiness when data is disaggregated by race.

Einhorn discussed several initiatives that can address these gaps. Specifically, during the meeting, she discussed the need for continued support for Universal PreK, Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (eLETRS) professional learning, use of early learning assessments, Judy Center Programming, and participation in the Raising a Reader program.

The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) tests school and student progress toward Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards based on Common Core standards. 43% of tested students in grades 3-8 and grade 10 were proficient in English Language Arts (ELA) in 2022, which shows progress to pre-pandemic performance. The data also shows a discrepancy between all students and traditionally underserved students.

Einhorn discussed several strategies to address ELA. Specifically, she discussed the need for professional training for all elementary teachers and administrators aligned with the science of reading (Lexia LETRS), development and implementation of a Comprehensive Literacy Plan, Purchase and implementation of Tier 2 intervention, and additional Tier 3 Rea ding Teachers.

15% of students tested in grades 3-8, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry were proficient in mathematics in 2022. This is an improvement from the Early Fall assessment, but is still below pre-pandemic averages. The Board of Education asked for a plan to improve student outcomes in this area. Dr. Pepukayi will be presenting a 2023-2024 interim plan at the Board’s May 2023 meeting.

Finally, the Maryland School Report Card is an outcome of Every Student Succeeds Act. The accountability system allows schools to see how they rank among other schools in the state. All Talbot Schools received at least 3 stars on a 5-star ranking. Chapel District Elementary received a 5-star rating.

For more information specific to TCPS studen t achievement data, please see the Board of Education meeting archives here: https://talbotschools-md.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=1

Blueprint for Maryland’s Future

Finally, Kristen Tilghman, TCPS Blueprint Implementation Coordinator, provided an update on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

TCPS submitted their State-required local implementation plan on March 15, 2023. They also provided an update on their work on Pillar 3 of the Blueprint, College and Career Readiness (CCR).

In accordance with the Blueprint, the school system is working to provide continued access to Dual Enrollment at Chesapeake College and to cover costs for tuition, books, and fees for dually-enrolled students during the 23-24 school year. They meet monthly to discuss course articulations and pathways for students to receive college credit and/or industry recognized credentials, and are in the process of finalizing a new Dual Enrollment Agreement with the College.

TCPS would also like to provide improved career counseling for students. They are currently hiring for two full-time career counseling positions which will focus on delivering career exploration and developmental activities and explore program components to include guidance-led education and career planning, career exploration trips, and community events. TCPS is working to develop a MOU with Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board and Chesapeake College to assist with this initiative.

For more information about TCPS specific goals for the Blueprint: Blueprint for Maryland’s Future | Talbot County Public Schools (tcps.k12.md.us)

The Talbot County Council meets quarterly with the Board of Education. These meetings are open to the public.

Dr. Pepukayi, Superintendent for Talbot County Public Schools, shares a story with Council President Chuck Callahan during the dinner portion of the meeting. Students of the Culinary Arts Program were in charge of serving and preparing the meals in their lab kitchen space at Easton High School.

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Talbot County Parks and Recreation to Host Summer Camp and Sports Clinics

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Each summer, the Talbot County Department of Parks and Recreation hosts several weeks of camp filled with sports, crafts, field trips, and more. This year, the department will host 9 weeks of camp programming from June 20th to August 18th for ages 5 to 12.

In addition to traditional summer camp activities hosted at the Community Center, campers get to go on two exciting field trips and one of the community pools once during the week.

“The field trips are a great way to let children participate in programming that we can’t offer directly at the Community Center or even within the county,” said Preston Peper, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We’ve worked hard to put together a pretty exciting list of field trips for the 2023 summer schedule.”

Field trips for this year include Cabin Fever, Tardigrade Obstacle Course Racing and Fitness Facility, Extreme Play Laser Tag, Altitude Trampoline Park, Easton Bowl, Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake, Killens Pond Water Park, Main Event, and Amped Up.

“The campers, and honestly the counselors too, love going to Altitude Trampoline Park. Not only is it great exercise, but it’s just a ton of fun to jump around, showing off flips and tricks, and playing dodgeball on the trampolines,” mentioned Peper. “But of course, you also can’t go wrong with a water park in the summer. Killens Pond is great for that.”

The field trips offer a way to let campers explore Maryland with their peers in a safe and friendly environment.

Summer Sports Clinics

Parks and Recreation will also host several summer sports clinics to help young athletes work on their skills in the off-season.

This year, they will offer volleyball, basketball, and indoor soccer sessions. Each class will be held once a week for an hour for each age group. Each clinic costs $60 per participant and runs for 6 weeks.

  • Volleyball: Tuesdays, June 20th-August 1st
    • 5th– 8th grades
    • With St. Peter and Paul Coach Rebekah Byrnes
  • Basketball: Wednesdays, June 21st-July 26th
    • 1st– 8th grades
    • With Coach Kentrell Ricketts
  • Indoor Soccer: Thursdays, June 22nd– July 27th
    • 1st– 8th grades
    • With Coach Kayleigh Titz

Registration for Talbot County Department of Parks and Recreation Summer programing is now open, and slots are filling up fast.

Summer Sport Clinics

Summer Camp

Field Trips that occur during their summer camp programming.

For more information, please contact Parks and Recreation at 410-770-8050. To register for summer programming, visit talbotcountymd.myrec.com.

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The St. Michaels Branch’s June Lunch & Learn Features Darlene Goehringer

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Talbot County Free Library announced recently that Darlene Goehringer, of Pops Old Place, will be the guest speaker of June’s Lunch & Learn taking place on Monday, June 5 at noon at the St. Michaels Branch.

Pop’s Old Place is a Century Family Farm, located in Dorchester County Maryland. This Midshore family farm has been around since 1909.

Darlene and her husband Arthur Wilson have been the owners since 1989. Their stated goal is to produce nutritious and delicious food for their family, and the community. They also focus on soil health, animal welfare and environmental stewardship.

They raise grass fed & finished beef, lamb, woodland pork, and free-range laying hens. They sell their products directly from their farm market. Darlene and Arthur have a different approach to farming in that they raise heritage breeds, not hybridized.

Darlene wanted animals that were actively farmed in the early 1900s when her ancestors were farming. Many of the breeds they raise are endangered, including Randall Cattle and Mulefoot Pigs.

The duo started out small with horses and added as they went, including a sheep and sheep dog.

Pop’s Old Place is a purpose driven farm. Darlene will share a documentary about Pops Old Place about the farm that was done with David Harp, Tom Horton and Richard Anderson.

For more information about the farm visit the website https://popsoldplace.com/. The Lunch & Learn Speakers series is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Coffee and dessert will be 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, digital devices, 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.

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Easton Tractor Supply to Host Farmers’ Market

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On May 27, 2023, the Easton Tractor Supply store will host a Farmers’ Market featuring locally-grown, fresh produce, as well as other seasonal products.

“This is a great opportunity for members of our community to support local farmers while also getting to enjoy deliciously fresh food,” said Jamie Ciolek, manager of the Easton store. “As a company, we believe in fostering community relationships while supporting the rural lifestyle, and this event allows us to do just that.”

From 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m., shoppers can stop in for goods all produced by neighbors in the Easton area.

Participating vendors will have tables set up at the tented space by the storefront where they will showcase their goods. Some of the local vendors participating include:

  • Petting Zoo
    • On site 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m.
  • Plant-a-Seed Event
    • On site 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m.

This event is open to the public and will take place at 29328 Cecil Drive. For more information, please contact the Easton Tractor Supply at 410-770-6413.

About Tractor Supply Company

For 85 years, Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO) has been passionate about serving the needs of recreational farmers, ranchers, homeowners, gardeners, pet enthusiasts and all those who enjoy living Life Out Here. Tractor Supply is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., ranking 294 on the 2022 Fortune 500. The company’s more than 52,000 Team Members are known for delivering legendary service and helping customers pursue their passions, whether that means being closer to the land, taking care of animals or living a hands-on, DIY lifestyle. In store and online, Tractor Supply provides what customers need – anytime, anywhere, any way they choose at the low prices they deserve.

As of April 1, 2023, the Company operated 2,164 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states, including 81 stores acquired from Orscheln Farm and Home in 2022 that will be rebranded to Tractor Supply by the end of 2023. For more information on Tractor Supply, visit www.tractorsupply.com.

Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense by Tractor Supply, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer providing products and services for pet owners. As of April 1, 2023, the Company operated 189Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states.  For more information on Petsense by Tractor Supply, visit www.Petsense.com.

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Susan Delean-Botkin Seeks Oxford Town Commissioner Post

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Susan Delean-Botkin

Susan Delean-Botkin, CRNP, MSN, BSN, has entered the running for Oxford Town Commissioner. The 25-year Oxford resident and community activist believes this is a critical moment for her beloved town.

Delean-Botkin currently serves as a member of the Talbot County Board of Education (7 year member, 2 year president), and Chair of the Oxford Board of Appeals (12 year member, 3 year president). She has served as Chair of the Oxford Day Parade for 5 years, Medical Director of the Oxford Kids Camp for 12+ years, and actively served in many other local organizations including as a Pandemic Committee member at Holy Trinity Church. She has actively supported the Oxford Auxiliary, Oxford Museum and Oxford Community Center while owning and managing Family Care of Easton, an independent health care practice.

“I cherish Oxford’s wonderful small town values and traditions.” says Delean-Botkin, “We need to work together to enhance transparency and openness in communication in Town business; accountability and responsibility of leadership and excellence in Town management. My experience has prepared me to lead the way for an even better Oxford”.

By keeping a firm hand on the helm, Delean-Botkin plans to guide Oxford through issues regarding development, maintaining our “jewel” of a sewage treatment system, completing the Strand natural shoreline project, mitigating flooding issues in certain town areas by working with the Federal, State and local entities, addressing Sea Level Rise, continuing water system upgrades, completing and implementing the Comprehensive Plan.

Delean-Botkin believes “that promoting involvement and volunteerism in town activities brings out the positive energy that drives a wonderful place like Oxford.”

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