Uncategorized

Each year, Talbot County Public Schools honors teachers and support staff through the Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year Program. This provides the opportunity to recognize outstanding educators who have innovative ideas, focus positive attention on education, and demonstrate superior commitment to students. Any member of the community may nominate teachers or support staff for these prestigious awards.

Haven Ministries continues to provide critical essential services for those in need in Queen Anne’s County. The organization just launched a new resource for Queen Anne’s County called “QAC Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” This new Facebook Group will help support the most vulnerable people in the community amidst the Coronavirus pandemic and is being coordinated through county service agencies, especially for those who are homebound.

Due to the Governor’s declaration of a State of Emergency and the executive order to cancel public gatherings of 50+ persons, the Tilghman Watermen’s Museum will cancel their annual Splendor event scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2020 from 5 to 8pm at the Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Hall. While this decision will affect our overall operations, the safety of our community is our priority. Thank you in advance for your continued support as we chart the course together in the next few months.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service today announced the suspension of operations at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Visitor Center, effective March 20, 2020. The suspension of operations is supported by the State of Maryland. All trails will remain open to provide opportunities for recreation and relaxation. The Wildlife Drive will remain open and entrance fees are temporarily waived.
The health and safety of our visitors, volunteers, and employees at Blackwater NWR is our number one priority. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is working with the federal, state and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. A reopening date has not been determined at this time. We will notify the public when we reopen these sites and provide updates on our website and social media channels.

Following the recent public announcements of closures by federal, state and local government agencies as a preventative public health measure, Chesapeake Music must regrettably make changes to its presentations scheduled for the near term. The International Chamber Music Competition to be held on April 4, 2020 is postponed, as well as the community concerts planned for April 5, 2020. Also, the Sharel Cassity Quartet concert, at the Talbot Country Club, April 25, 2020 is postponed.

Earth Day, April 22, has been commemorated in many ways over its 50 years. Some ways have been more dramatic than others. For example, students at Salisbury University (then Salisbury State College) ceremoniously “buried” the Wicomico River due to its pollution issues. More often, Earth Day is observed by planting trees, following ways to reduce pollution, and promoting awareness of environmental issues.
Earth Day grew from a developing awareness of ways in which people were negatively affecting the environment. The following is edited from “History of Earth Day” at www.earthday.org.

Although Easton’s small business community has been hit hard by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many businesses are changing their routines or incorporating new ways of serving customers during these unprecedented times. As part of this effort to connect customers with the small businesses that need them most, Discover Easton is pleased to roll out its Local Business Gift Card program, an easy-to-use online portal where visitors can purchase gift cards or certificates to their favorite locally-owned businesses while practicing social distancing.

In light of recent COVID-19 developments and to follow the State guidelines, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Oxford Day 2020. During this unprecedented time, we wouldn’t want to risk the safety and well being of everyone who attends and participates in the Event. Due to other schedules and timelines, it will not be able to be rescheduled this year. Oxford Day is a celebration of life in a small waterfront town, and has been a tradition for the last 25 years. We look forward to continuing that again next Spring. Thank you to all the volunteers who have worked on the planning to date and for all your effort.

With continued evolving public health concerns during the COVID-19 outbreak, For All Seasons is now offering telehealth service options for clients including teletherapy and telepsychiatry. Unless further notice is given by the State of Maryland, For All Seasons offices continue to remain open at all locations, with staff available for in-person services. The agency continues to hold urgent care and crisis appointments in-person. English and Spanish speaking services also continue to be offered. The Rape Crisis Center 24-HR response is actively serving clients through advocacy as well as hospital accompaniment as needed.

The St. Michaels Community Center is available to make deliveries for all local pantries in the Bay Hundred area on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the COVID-19 outbreak. SMCC will pick up food from local pantries in its blue after-school bus and deliver to people in areas west and south of St. Michaels.