Cover Photo by Mike Dickerson, Director of Public Works
RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR
Team – I can’t get over how quickly 2024 went by. Looking back, we accomplished so much and we should be proud of the work we’ve done to keep Easton a leader on the Shore.
December was bustling with activity and we kicked off the busy holiday season with our employee end of year party (so much fun!) and the holiday parade, which is a high-point of each year. Thank you to everyone involved in the Shop with a Cop program. It brings such joy to so many children and families in our community. As always, the town looked absolutely beautiful throughout the holiday season and we heard many compliments from both neighbors and visitors. Thank you to everyone who had a hand in that.
Also in December, the Easton Volunteer Fire Department broke ground on their new training facility. This training facility will provide the knowledge and tools to bolster and improve our local agencies, as well as agencies across the Eastern Shore. The tactics and education received at their new facility could very well be the difference between life and death for a neighbor, a friend, a family member, or even a first responder. They hope to complete construction by the end of 2025.
The town celebrated a number of graduations during the month. Easton Police had three cadets graduate from the academy. Congratulations to our newest Police Officers and welcome to the team. Thank you for keeping our town safe. Rick Farr and Dustin Otto graduated from the Shore Leadership program. These graduations are a testament to the dedication and hard work of each of them.
Thank you for all that you do to make this town a wonderful place to live and work. I hope you had a joyous holiday season and I wish each of you a happy and prosperous New Year. 2025 is going to be a great year!
Megan Click HERE to see Jay’s video interview!
Employee Spotlight
JAY HORNER | EPD RECORDS CLERK
Meet Jay Horner! Jay is a Records Clerk at Easton Police Department. He has worked at EPD for a little over a year.
Jay is responsible for all of the paperwork that comes into Easton Police Department, including court summons, subpoenas, warrants, cease and desist orders, PIA requests, and more. He also acts as a first point of contact for people who call into or walk into the police station. Additionally, Jay handles video and evidence sharing with the State’s Attorney’s office, and is a part of the EPD drone squadron.
In his free time, Jay enjoys the outdoors, and spending time with his family and his girlfriend.
PARTY PEOPLE
Party Planning Committee hosts 2024 Employee End of Year Party
The Town of Easton End of Year party was held Thursday, December 5 at the Easton Volunteer Fire Dept. MD firehouse.
The event saw great food, fun, and conversation along with some awesome door prizes and hilarious games for employees to enjoy. As part of the festivities, we also celebrated some important employee milestones this year:
Justin Jones - 10 years
Bushy Thomas - 10 years
Carol Callahan - 20 years
Clarence Gould - 50 years
A huge thank you to our Party Planning Committee for putting on this awesome event: Dawn Hutchison, Samantha Smith, Christy Spindler, Stacy Slaughter, Kay Spence, and Carolinne Kahane. Their hard work and planning brought a lot of smiles and joy to so many on our staff.
It’s a truly special team we have here, and we are grateful for every person on our staff and their efforts. It’s nice to be able to get together and celebrate what everyone brings to our organiation. Our team doesamazing work everyday and we can’t wait to see all that they will accomplish in 2025!
Holiday
SCENES FROM THE
Parade
Pictured are participants of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department’s (EVFD) recent groundbreaking ceremony for the A. James Clark Emergency Services Training Campus in Easton. Pictured left to right are Brett Whitehead, Campaign Co-Chair; Dave Wilson Sr., Dave Wilson, Jr., MD Senator Johnny Mautz, Easton Mayor Megan Cook, Daryl Caldwell, Captain of EVFD; Former Easton Mayor Bob Willey, R. Scott Pastrick and Courtney Clark Pastrick, U.S. Congressman Andy Harris, MD Delegate Tom Hutchison, Talbot County Sheriff Joe Gamble, Easton Chief of Police Alan Lowrey, Brian LeCates, Director of Talbot County Emergency Services; and Ed Forte, Campaign Co-Chair.
TRAINING DAY
Friends of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department Hosts Groundbreaking for the A. James Clark Emergency Services Training Campus
Friends of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department (EVFD) recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the A. James Clark Emergency Services Training Campus, located at 9095 Mistletoe Drive in Easton. The state-of-the-art training campus will serve the town of Easton, as well as fire departments, emergency service personnel, law enforcement, and paramedics in Talbot County. The new training campus will serve both the Town of Easton and the six local volunteer fire departments in Talbot County. Talbot County has over 600
first responders who can train and respond together because of this new training campus. There currently is no combined first responder training facility in Talbot County or on the Mid-Shore.
Brett Whitehead, Master of Ceremonies and Co-Chairmen of the EVFD Emergency Services Training Campus campaign, welcomed guests including several representatives from the Easton Volunteer Fire Department.
“This is important, not only here in Talbot County, but in the entire Mid-Shore region, where we have a first-class facility to make sure that the residents in the first congressional district stay safe and secure. It doesn’t get any better than that,” stated Congressman Andy Harris, MD, who was the first to speak to the large crowd.
Following the groundbreaking, guests went to the Easton Volunteer Fire Department for a reception and to hear remarks by Whitehead, Ed Forte, Co-Chairmen of the EVFD Emergency Services Training Campus campaign; Daryl Caldwell, Captain, EVFD; Courtney Clark Pastrick, A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation Board Chair; Joe Gamble, Talbot County Sheriff; Alan Lowrey, Easton Chief of Police; Easton Mayor Megan Cook; Brian LeCates, Director of Talbot County Emergency Services; and Senator Johnny Mautz.
“This project started up a long time ago before I became a firefighter. This will be my fifth year, and probably six or seven years ago, somebody had a great idea of building a training campus . .
. There is no training campus really in this area. There’s a training campus in Princess Anne, Maryland, and one in Centreville primarily dedicated to fire. So when Ed Forte and I went out and started raising money for this project, the first thing we thought about was how we put all the emergency services people together. At least 90% of the calls we go on involve all three groups,” explained Whitehead.
“So not only will this facility that we’ve now raised $4 million to build be a state-of-the-art facility where each of these groups can hone their skills, but it also allows us to all hone our skills together, and that’s the magic about what we’re trying to get done.”
PROJECT SPECIFICS
• 3,500-square-foot concrete public safety building for first responder training
• 3,600-square-foot educational and training building named for sponsor Preston Automotive Group
• 1,500-square-foot concrete pad for car fire, extrication/ stabilization, and traffic safety training
• Fire department training - firefighting skills, rescue, and motorvehicle fire/extraction
• Law enforcement training - hostage rescue, physical training/ testing, traffic training, Homeland Security, and K-9
• Emergency Medical Services training - classroom facilities
“
This is a great helping us be able together and train together when we confront these things, can provide the response community
It’s all about our community
Alan Lowrey, Easton
great step to able to work together so that things, we response that our community needs. community
Chief of Police
Whitehead’s Co-Chairman for the campaign, Ed Forte, added, “I’m 45 years as a volunteer in New Jersey and here, so I’ve seen things happen in my previous life, but nothing has happened like we’ve put together here in such a short period.”
Daryl Caldwell, Captain of EVFD, who helped manage the construction of the facility, shared, “We’re doing our best to make this a great facility where we all can learn, we all can train, and do better at our jobs. That’s all we ask to do.”
Whitehead introduced Courtney Clark Pastrick, the Board Chair of the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation, whose lead gift helped to make the dream for the facility become a reality.
“The moment I heard about the mission and what this was going to do for this community, and knowing how much my parents love this community, it just felt like a perfect fit. And I think we’ve watched this come to fruition over the last few years, and it’s been such a pleasure to work with everybody down here and see the excitement, Pastrick commented.
“It’s hard to get good people to come into this profession if they have to drive an hour and a half to go for training both ways, and they have small kids at home. And I don’t think I’d ever thought of how practical this project is and how much it’s going to help the entire force and everybody who is going to use it in Talbot County and elsewhere.”
Sheriff Joe Gamble shared, “This project should be great for all of us. You know, I can’t tell you at two o’clock in the morning how amazed I am that men and women get out of bed and don’t get paid and come out and work. . . it was great always to see the volunteers. . . I truly believe that they’re the fabric of our community. Each one of these volunteer firehouses is the fabric that holds us together.”
Alan Lowrey, Easton Chief of Police, echoed Gamble, stating, “This is a great step to helping us be able to work together and train together so that when we confront these things, we can provide the response that
our community needs. It’s all about our community.”
Brian LeCates, Director of Talbot County Emergency Services, shared that those who work in public safety know that every second counts, and the difference between success and failure often comes to how they train before the disaster occurs. He stated that the new training campus allows these professionals to train in a more professional setting to prepare for these scenarios.
Easton Mayor Megan Cook added, “I’m so thankful to be here, along with Council Member Abbatiello, to congratulate our wonderful volunteer fire department. Your hard work and efforts have brought this new facility to our town that will help educate and empower local first responder teams all across our region. . . It’s a place where those professionals can safely learn how to accomplish the most difficult tasks and overcome the most dangerous of scenarios. . . we’re glad to see the Easton volunteer fire department continue to be leaders and take charge and decisively act to fill this need.”
“I’d like to thank Mayor Willey, whose vision and leadership ensured that the town donated the land and to the fire department. His foresight and commitment to our community have left a lasting impression.”
Senator Johnny Mautz concluded the ceremony, adding, “We were delighted to see that the General Assembly was able to come up with $150,000 in the Senate and $150,000 from the House, combined to support this project. The leadership knows they need to train to be safe, and this is going to go so far to improve our fire service, but most importantly, to make it safer so more people will join the fire service.”
Whitehead shared that he hopes to have the group together again in 12 months when the campus is completed. The campaign needs to raise an additional $1 million for operations of the facility. For further information or to donate to the Friends of the EVFD Public Safety Capital Campaign for its Emergency Services Training Campus in Easton, Maryland, contact Brett Whitehead at (302) 236-6249 or by email at whitenj20@gmail.com.
SHOP WITH A COP
Easton Police Department, Talbot County Sheriff’s Office join forces for Talbot Optimist Club’s “Shop with a Cop” event
On Saturday, December 14th, Easton Police Department and the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office came together for the Talbot Optimist Club’s annual “Shop with a Cop” event. This event sees police officers pairing up with local youths to assist them on a shopping spree for holiday gifts for the youths and their families.
The children participating came out to the Elks Lodge #1622 off of Dutchman’s Lane, where they were paired
with their chaperoning officers. After they were welcomed by the officers, the children ventured out to the squad cars to head over to the Easton Walmart. The squad cars left the Elks Lodge in an impressive fashion, lining up and utilizing lights and sirens similar to a parade procession.
Once they arrived at Walmart, the children and the officers posed for a quick photo in front of the store,
“
This event is special because we get to see first hand the joy it brings .
Susan
LaMotte, Talbot Optimist Club President
and then were off to the races. The children excitedly made their way around the store, working with the officers to pick out gifts for themselves and their loved ones. Susan LaMotte, event organizer and president of the Talbot Optimist Club has been working the event for almost 15 years. LaMotte said, “This is what it’s all about. We do lots of fundraising throughout the year, but this event is special because we get to see first hand the joy it brings.”
After all of the shopping was completed, the group came back to the Elks Lodge to get wrapping. Tape, wrapping paper, bows, and bags were deployed as the officers and their companions took all the gifts and did their best to make everything look beautiful enough to go under the tree. Once completed, the officers and children enjoyed pizza and snacks together, before wrapping up the day and heading home.
LaMotte added, “Although the kids change throughout the years, you notice a lot of the same officers coming back again and again. It’s nice to see that as well — that they enjoy it so much.”
Lieutenant Tim Larrimore of Easton Police Department, another long-time participant at this event, echoed Lamotte’s sentiment. Lt. Larrimore said, “It’s a very special event for us, and it’s nice to do something outside the usual routine. My first experience at this event was about ten years ago and I chaperoned a young man named Jordan. He’s off attending college now and I still check in on him from time to time to see that he’s doing well.”
THAT’S NOT ALL
EPD completes a successful 2024 Toy Drive
The gift of giving was alive and well this past holiday season!
Lots of local help and participation helped us to have another successful annual Toy Drive this year. Our generous community was able to:
• Raise $4,791 in monetary donations
• Assist 80 families in need, making sure 183 children had gifts to receive this year who otherwise may not have received anything.
We want to thank all who donated financially: Aphena Pharma Solutions, Mr. Parker Callahan, the Chesapeake Car Club, Mid-Atlantic Tire Pros & Hybrid Shop, Mr. Richard Harrison, Bryan Brothers Foundation, Shore United Bank, Talbot County FOP Lodge #18, and Mrs. Barbara Mullikin.
We also want to thank everyone who donated toys at our collection boxes located around Town at: Walmart Easton - Elliott Rd, Easton Police Department, Portals Games & Comics, Bāgery, Dr. Dibenedetto DDS, MidShore Pediatric Dentistry, Crackerjacks Toys and Children’s Books, and Hearthstone Easton.
EPD hosts this Toy Drive each year to help local families in need and to make sure no child goes without something to brighten their holidays. We take pride in knowing that these donations are going to local children and directly helping our community.
GRADUATION DAY
Easton Police Department graduates three from Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy
On Friday, December 13, 2024, the Easton Police Department welcomed three new officers to their team following their graduation from Wor-Wic Community College’s Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy. Officers Marleni Baltazar, Andrew Roberts, and Joshua Turner were recognized and sworn in to serve Easton by Mayor Megan Cook following the academy graduation ceremony held at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD.
The academy has a six-month long curriculum that trains officers on many aspects of police operations, and has testing requirements for physical fitness, academics, and marksmanship with a pistol. During the ceremony, both Baltazar and Turner received additional awards for excellence in pistol marksmanship.
Following their graduation, the new graduates must successfully complete a three-month Field Training program with Easton Police Department to satisfy the requirements for full certification as a Maryland law enforcement officer.
After the graduation ceremony, Easton Chief of Police and Acting Town Manager Alan Lowrey congratulated the graduates on a job well done. Chief Lowrey said, “These new officers all impressed me with their perseverance. Each of them had to conquer some sort of adversity to successfully complete this challenging academy. Although they come from completely different backgrounds, they overcame the obstacles in their way for their shared goal of serving this community. It’s amazing to see.”
(From left to right) Lieutenant Milton Orellana, Chief of Police and Acting Town Manager Alan Lowrey, Ptl. Josh Turner, Ptl. Andrew Roberts, Ptl. Marleni Baltazar, and Mayor Megan Cook pose in front of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD following the police academy graduation ceremony.
LEADING THE WAY
Two Town of Easton employees graduate from Shore Leadership
Congratulations to Chief Human Resource Officer Rick Farr, and Construction Division Manager Dustin Otto for graduating from Shore Leadership!
Rick and Dustin completed this nine month long program, which specializes in helping those in leadership roles to become stronger leaders and to better understand issues and challenges in our region.
Over the course of the program, they tackled several skill-building activities, and engaged in thoughtful conversation on how to foster collaboration and solve problems.
About the program, Rick said, “The Shore Leadership program is an outstanding program where I was able to participate in monthly classes throughout the Eastern Shore — focused on topics including aspects of legacy, technology, economic development, community and arts, environment, education, and government. I would highly recommend this class to our current leadership in the Town of Easton.”
Well done Rick and Dustin. We are proud of you both, and grateful to have you bring this new knowledge to our team!
The Shore Leadership program is an outstanding program where I was able to participate in monthly classes throughout the Eastern Shore — focused on topics including aspects of legacy, technology, economic development, community and arts, environment, education, and government.
Chief Human Resource Officer Rick Farr
Congratulations to Trevor Newcomb, Buildings and Facilities Director, for winning the Employee Newsletter Cover Photo Contest!
Trevor now has a $25 gift card to Legal Assets for his submission that landed on the December cover of the Town of Easton Employee Newsletter.
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!
Birthdays
JANUARY
Tyrone Perry
John Tripp
Nicholas Johnson
Mark Turner
Jacob Towers
Garey Fike
Megan Coxon
Michael Whitby
Heather Hanson
Mitchell Reeley
Colin Jones
Dorothy Meekins
Samantha Smith
Catelin Vanderlinden
Brandon Miles
Anniversaries
JANUARY
Joseph Mayer - 6 years
Michael Thume - 3 years
Craig Tatum - 1 year
Rebecca Caldwell - 16 years
Timothy Tarrant - 4 years
Kathy Ruf - 34 years
Tracy Lednum - 8 years
Glenn Towers - 13 years
Tony Nagle - 2 years
Richard Farr - 3 years
Andrew Hubbard - 1 year
CHICKEN PICKIN’
A Cozy, Comforting Classic to Combat the Cold
(Family Features) If blustery conditions are giving you the blues, come inside from the cold for a winter warmup in the comfort of your own kitchen. Cold-weather favorites that are baked, roasted or slow cooked are usually equal parts easy, delicious and filling, making them perfect solutions for chilly, snowy days.
Add a bit of comfort to your weeknight menu with this Loaded Chicken Bake that’s ready in about half an hour. A short list of ingredients and allowing your oven to do most of the work for you mean it’s ideal for saving time (and money at the grocery store) while still satisfying winter appetites.
LOADED CHICKEN BAKE
Recipe courtesy of Hungry In LA
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Nonstick cooking spray
2 cans (15 oz each) READ German Potato Salad
4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cups crumbled, cooked bacon French fried onions (optional), plus additional for serving (optional), divided
Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly coat 9-by13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Spread German potato salad evenly in dish. Top evenly with chicken.
In small bowl, stir heavy cream, salt and pepper. Pour mixture over chicken. Sprinkle with cheese, bacon and onions, if desired.
Bake 15 minutes, or until casserole is bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes. Top with additional onions, if desired.
