Easton Employee Newsletter - August 2023

Cover Photo by Lorraine Gould, Director of Parks and Recreation

WHERE DID THE TIME GO?!

I can’t believe we’re flipping the calendar to August already! This summer is flying by. Last month, we had lots to celebrate, and even though we are nearing the latter third of 2023 there’s still so much more to come!

July was designated as Parks and Recreation Month, a time when we come together to cherish and appreciate the importance of our green spaces and recreational facilities. Thank you to our Parks and Rec team who work hard every day to keep our parks beautiful. Our community is lucky to have so many parks in our Town, with each one offering respite from the daily grind.

We were incredibly honored to have our esteemed Governor, Lt. Governor and various Secretaries visit throughout the month. With each visit we’ve been able to highlight the many things we’re proud of in Easton. It’s wonderful to have government officials take the time to engage in conversations with us and genuinely listen to our ideas and concerns. We look forward to welcoming them back to Easton soon.

Congratulations to Easton Airport in celebrating their 80th Anniversary. They’ve grown to become a bustling aviation hub, and they play a large role in connecting our community and citizens with the world while fostering economic growth for our Town and region. Thank you to everyone who has played a role in the airport’s success.

Thank you all for your dedication, commitment, hard work and contributions that make Easton thrive! I appreciate each one of you and look forward to seeing you soon.

Warmest regards,

Employee Spotlight

RENTHIA “BUSHY” THOMAS | METER ENFORCEMENT

Meet Bushy Thomas! Bushy works with the Easton Police Department as a Meter Enformcement Officer. Bushy not only helps to enforce the parking meters around Town, but also works as a crossing guard for schools and events. She is very helpful in answering any questions locals or visitors have about parking or getting around the area.

Bushy was born and raised in Easton, and she says her favorite part about living here is all the kindness and generousity she sees every day.

In her free time Bushy acts as a layservant for her parish (Mt. Zion UMC), and she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.

Megan

SKY’S

SKY’S THE

LIMIT

Easton Airport Celebrates 80th Anniversary

Talbot County’s Easton Airport celebrated 80 years of service to the Eastern Shore community on Friday, July 28, 2023.

Representatives from the Talbot County Government, Town of Easton, State Delegation, Congressional Delegation, Maryland Department of Commerce, Maryland Aviation Administration, and Airport Advisory Board were in attendance, happy to present certificates of recognition, citations and resolutions, and official flags to honor the occasion.

To open the ceremony, Micah Risher, Easton Airport Manager, provided an introduction and a brief history of the Airport.

Originally constructed for use during WWII in 1942 by the military, the airport provided a front line of defense for the East Coast. It also housed German POWs during that time. According to records, the largest parcel (almost 279 acres) was purchased from Mary F. Clough for a sum of $22,500 on March 14, 1942. Adjusted for inflation, the parcel would roughly cost $421,162 today.

Operations at the airport officially began in 1943. Over the years, the airport had notable visitors including Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, former president Richard Nixon, John Denver, Dick Cheney, and Donald Rumsfeld.

Today, the airport is just over 602 acres. The original Quonset hanger remains standing.

“We have been the gateway to the Eastern Shore for many years. This airport has opened Talbot County up to the rest of the world. It has brought us visitors, who became residents, and have become volunteers and philanthropists in our community,” mentioned Risher.

Risher continued. “It’s a robust economic engine, that provides over 500 jobs and generates $50 million of revenue annually…Our strength has been our diversity in the ability to change with the times. When airliners were no longer viable here, the pivot was made to focus on business charters. And we’ve always been a haven for recreational aviators, adding hangers to support that recreational community.”

The airport supports the next generation of aviators through their Aviation Career Education (ACE) program, flight simulation and training, tours of the Airport, and the annual event Airport Day which draws over 5,000 visitors each year.

The airport also contributes to public health and safety. The Maryland State Police use the airport as a base for their helicopter, Trooper 6. Having Trooper 6 at the airport allows for rapid response for urgent hospital transport, or transportation to facilities that are not otherwise available on the Eastern Shore.

This October, the airport will break ground on the Airfield Modernization Project which according to Risher, will “lay the foundation for the next 80 years.”

Over the course of the project, 80% of the airfield will be rebuilt, with 1,000 feet safety areas on either end of the runway, new approach lighting, instrument landing systems, signage, and markings. Environment improvements will include new drainage systems and wetlands area, reduced impervious surfaces, storm water management, reduction of energy usage by 30%. The former Black and Decker location will transition into a well landscaped greenspace.

Following the remarks from Risher and the County Council, distinguished guests provided recognition. The Town of Easton Mayor Megan Cook presented a proclamation; Maryland State Senator Johnny Mautz presented a House Citation, Senate Resolution, and Maryland Flag on behalf of the Talbot County Delegation; Nancy LaJoice provided a certificate of recognition from the Maryland Department of Commerce on behalf of Secre-

tary Kevin Anderson; Keith Graffius provided an American Flag that was flown at the U.S. Capitol on behalf of House Representative Andy Harris; and Alyssa Hastings presented two citations on behalf of Senator Cardin and Senator Van Hollen.

Easton Airport Advisory Board President Jack Pettit and former Easton Airport Manager Mike Henry provided some brief words before the ceremony concluded with an unveiling of artwork to honor the 80th Year Anniversary.

Created by Bay Imprint, the artwork honors the airport with an homage to the past and images of the future. Banners of the art will hang in downtown Easton to celebrate the anniversary.

Courtesy of Sarah Kilmon, Talbot County Government

Easton Airport’s contributions to our region range from promoting tourism and business revenue, to fostering recreation and enjoyment for local pilots, to inspiring future generations to pursue their aviationrelated dreams . It is not only a Town landmark, but an important legacy that we are thrilled to see continue.

Mayor Megan Cook

Governor’s Visit

SHORE LEAVE

Gov.Wes Moore, Lt. Gov Aruna Miller Visit the Shore

On July 20, Governor Wes Moore stopped by Paul T. Swann Farms to meet with the Swann Family and local officials (including Mayor Megan Cook, Ward 1 Council Member Maureen Curry, and Town Manager Don Richardson) to discuss agriculture on the Shore!

Across Town, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller stopped by Bonheur ice cream shop to meet with local government officials including Easton’s Ward 1 Council Member Maureen Curry. They enjoyed ice cream and desserts from the shop while discussing potential projects.

Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller converses with Ward 1 Council Member Maureen Curry.

WORK & PLAY

Town of Easton recognizes team for “Parks and Recreation Month”

At the Easton Town Council meeting on Monday, July 3, the Mayor and Council of Easton presented a proclamation recognizing the Town’s Parks and Recreation team for their efforts. This recognition coincided with a national program by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) dubbing July as “National Parks and Recreation Month.”

The proclamation was read by acting Council President Don Abbatiello and presented

to Parks and Recreation Director Lorraine Gould. The proclamation states that “Parks and Recreation is an integral part of communities throughout this country, including the Town of Easton. Parks and Recreation promotes health and wellness, and promotes time spent in nature, which positively impacts mental health by increasing cognitive performance and well-being.”

Easton currently has four employees dedicated

to Parks and Recreation, and they oversee 15 parks across the Town.

Mayor Megan Cook remarked that, “We are so lucky to have so many lovely parks in our town and each one is unique and beautiful. We recognize the importance of investing in such public spaces.” Mayor Cook continued, “They serve as wonderful gathering spaces for our residents and help to promote the health and well-being of our residents.”

In order to help celebrate Parks and Recreation Month, throughout July the Town of Easton highlighted various parks throughout the area, and recognized their Parks and Recreation employees on Social Media. You can follow the coverage on the Town of Easton’s Facebook and Instagram accounts under the handle @TownofEastonMd, and also pther Parks and Rec posts from around the country that are labeled with the hashtag: #WhereCommunityGrows.

For more information about the Town of Easton’s Parks and Recreation operations, please visit us online at https://eastonmd. gov/174/Parks-Recreation.

“ We are so lucky to have so many lovely parks in our town and each one is unique and beautiful . We recognize the importance of investing in such public spaces.

Mayor Megan Cook

Buildings & Facilities

HELPING HANDS

Part of keeping our Parks beautiful is maintenance of the facilities. While our Parks and Recreation team handles the majority of this, keeping up with everything is a team effort that involves multiple departments!

Shoutout to our fantastic Buildings and

Facilities team for their work on restoring the Tennis Practice Wall at Idlewild Park, and repainting the park signs on the north and south ends of Idlewild Park.

Working on restoring the Tennis Wall, Tim Tarrant was instrumental in coordinating the preparation, and Mike Thume seal-

coated the top and completed the painting of the wall.

Additionally Tim Tarrant worked on repainting the park signs on the north and south ends of the park. Beautiful work from Tim and Mike, these projects both look as good as new!

WE HAVE A WINNER!

Congratulations to Police Chief Alan Lowrey for winning the Employee Newsletter Cover Photo Contest! Chief Lowrey won a $25 gift card to Rude BBQ for his submission that landed on the July cover of the Town of Easton Employee Newsletter.

Thank you for your photos, and well done Chief Lowrey!

You could be the next winner by submitting your potential cover photos to gmueller@ eastonmd.gov. If your submission is chosen, you too will win a $25 gift card!

MUCK ING ABOUT

Tree Crew Supervisor Billy Murdoch was all smiles after taking an unfortunate spill while working on the shoreline at Easton Point Park. One spot of ground was a little less firm than expected, and Billy found him self knee, and elbow-deep in some Tred Avon mud!

We’re happy to report that although his clothes may have been stained, his sense of humor was untarnished!

Photo by Don Richardson

Employee Benefits

Human Resources

Birthdays

AUGUST

Daniel Reading

Marwin Lewis

Bradley Hughes

Sierra Clem

Christopher Mueller

Cordero Proctor

Jason Dyott

Christopher Westerfield

Beverly Williamson

Allen Orrison

Mary Moyer

Barry Slaughter

Gregory Webb

Mark Schinault

Stacy Slaughter

Timothy Lyons

Jacqueline Garvey

Anniversaries

AUGUST

Renee Pierce - 15 years

Donald Richardson 16 years

Joshua Maxwell - 2 years

Samantha Smith - 1 year

Vincent Barnett - 9 years

Dorothy Stichberry - 23 years

Allen - Orrison - 14 years

Betty Mackert - 33 years

Marvin K Jenkins - 13 years

Beverly Williamson - 8 years

Michael Dickerson - 38 years

Timothy Streckfus - 10 years

Samuel Pearson - 4 years

Andre Magee - 18 years

Matthew Cordrey - 4 years

Cody Gaertner - 4 years

William Willis - 24 years

Jacob Towers - 3 years

James Rodgers - 14 years

Glenn Towers - 11 years

Gregory Webb - 17 years

LOBSTER TACOS:

Extra-virgin olive oil

4 large (4-6 ounces each)

Maine Lobster tails, defrosted

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Melted salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

8 small flour tortillas

Pico de gallo

Vinegar Slaw

Cilantro Lime Crema

1 lime, cut into wedges

Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

Brush grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Using kitchen shears, cut lobster shells in half lengthwise. Place skewer through meat to prevent curling during cooking.

Brush lobster meat with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.

Grill lobster tails meat side down 5 minutes then flip.

Brush meat again with butter and cook 5 minutes, or until opaque throughout. Cook to 140 F internal temperature.

Remove meat from shells and cut into bite-sized chunks or leave whole, if desired.

Place tortillas on grill 30-60 seconds per side, or until warmed and slightly brown.

Add drained slaw to tortillas. Top with lobster meat, pico de gallo and cilantro sauce. Serve with lime wedges.

LO B S T E R ! tacos

Savor Some Fresh-Grilled Summer Seafood

(Family Features) Keep the grill cooking all summer long with a family favorite, seafood, and satisfy taste buds with fresh flavors hot off the grates. While some people assume seafood is challenging to cook, it can actually be an easy meal for home chefs of all skill levels.

To ensure your cookout is an unrivaled success, start with seafood that brings superior

taste to the table. Maine Seafood offers something for all seafood lovers.

With a coastline that stretches 3,478 miles along the cold, clean North Atlantic, the state is home to a diversity of both wild-caught and farmed species.

We hope you enjoy one of our favorite Maine delicacies: Fresh Lobster Tacos!