EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2026
Table of Contents Editor’s Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Employee Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Citizens Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 HOPE Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 9/11 Day of Remembrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Employee Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Leadership Retreat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Events/Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 RECIPE: Scary-Good Breakfast BOOritos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Cover Photo by Laura Diem, Accounts Receivable Specialist
PHOTO CONTEST!
Submit your photo and win a
$25 gift card!
Submit your best photo to gmueller@eastonmd.gov for a chance to win a $25 gift card. The winning photo each month will be featured on the next cover of the Town of Easton Employee Newsletter. Please submit high quality jpg, png, or tiff files, no later than the 15th of each month. Employees can submit multiple photos. Only 1 photo/winner will be chosen per month. Photos do not need to be of the Town of Easton, but photos featuring the Town will be given some priority in the voting process.
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OCTOBER 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
WINNING BIG At the recent leadership retreat, covered briefly in the pages of this newsletter, Mayor Cook and Town Manager Andy Kitzrow outline their plan to create a “Championship Team” out of our staff. The sports-heavy analogy extended throughout the organization’s operations, detailing things like team-makeup, training, tools/gear, and of course, how we set out to “win.” Putting together these pages each month, it’s so easy to see that the makings of a “Championship Team” are there. We have stellar work that is accomplished every day, with a care and consideration for the community, our customers, that rivals that of any government organization. I hope, through the newsletter and the various other outlets we use to get the word out, that I am not alone in seeing how awesome our team is, and how great some of our accomplishments truly are. We all work together to make these “wins” happen, and I hope that we can celebrate together, too. Be sure to give your “teammates” a high five or a congrats on their big wins when you can see them, and be sure to let me know if you or your department has any of their own they’d like to publish. After all, championships are not won and lost by headlines, but they do create them.
Employee Spotlight
Greg Mueller
JUSTIN JONES | CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR
Meet Justin Jones! Justin, also known as “JJ,” serves as the Construction Division Supervisor for our Public Works Department. JJ has worked with the Town of Easton for 12 years. Justin and his team take on all kinds of construction projects, such as street repairs, storm water projects, sidewalk installations, and more! Justin also oversees the signage and banners throughout town.
Click HERE to see Justin’s video interview!
When he’s not at work, Justin also serves as a captain for the Easton Volunteer Fire Department. He has worked with the fire department for 14 years, following in his father’s footsteps. In his free time he enjoys hunting, playing video games, and spending time with his family.
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2026
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Local Events
LOCAL SUPPORT
Easton and Talbot County Leaders Discuss Local Government Coordination at Citizens Academy Event Easton Mayor Megan Cook and Talbot County Council President Chuck Callahan recently brought the community together at the Easton Library for a conversation about local government coordination and the shared responsibilities of the Town of Easton and Talbot County.
nity. The event offered attendees an opportunity to hear directly from local leaders and learn more about how the two levels of government work together on issues of shared importance.
And, of course, no community conversation is complete The discussion highlighted the importance of collabo- without a little food—pizza was served, adding a welcomration between the town and county, including initia- ing touch to an evening focused on civic engagement and tives and services that affect residents across the commu- local collaboration.
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OCTOBER 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
Easton Police
INSTILLING HOPE Easton Police Officers Recognized for Courage in Saving Lives
Four members of the Easton Police Department were among nine Talbot County first responders recognized Wednesday during the county’s inaugural HOPE Awards, honoring acts of courage that helped save lives. Cpl. Anthony Cullings, Cpl. Brian Carroll, Patrolman First Class Kyle Hardy and Sgt. Joseph Schinault were recognized for their actions in responding to situations involving individuals at risk of suicide.
The Easton officers were recognized alongside Lindsay Graham of Talbot County Emergency Services and four members of the Talbot County Sheriff ’s Office: Deputy First Class Robert Horseman, Cpl. Donald Johnson, Cpl. Jordan Towers and Deputy Owen Joseph.
Together, the nine honorees represent the law enforcement and emergency personnel who respond when people are facing some of their most difficult moments. Their recognition highlights not only the immediate actions that can save a life, The HOPE Awards were presented through a col- but also the importance of compassion, awareness laboration between For All Seasons and the Mary- and intervention in suicide prevention. land chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The ceremony was held in For Easton, the awards provide an opportunity to conjunction with September’s Suicide Prevention recognize Cullings, Carroll, Hardy and Schinault Month, bringing attention to the critical role first for their service to the community—and for the responders can play when someone is experienc- courage they demonstrated when their response ing a mental health crisis. mattered most.
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2026
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OCTOBER 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
9/11 Remembrance
NOT FORGOTTEN Community Comes Together to Remember 9/11
Rain or shine, Talbot County came together to remember.
and women who continue to serve and protect our communities and our country.
A special thank-you goes to the Easton Police Department, Talbot County Sheriff ’s Office, Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Talbot County Department of Emergency Services, and all of our local first responders. Their commitment to serving others is a powerful reminder of the courage and selflessness Although rain moved the ceremony indoors to the that emerged in the aftermath of September 11. Talbot County Free Library, it did not diminish the significance of the gathering. We also extend our gratitude to the men and women in uniform who serve our country every day, helping With patriotic music from the Easton Middle to keep our communities and our nation safe. School Band, moments of silence, and moving remarks from local leaders, those in attendance Twenty-five years later, the memories of Septemreflected on the events that forever changed our ber 11 remain with us. Days like today remind nation 25 years ago. us not only to remember those we lost, but also to honor the first responders, military members, The ceremony also provided an opportunity to families, and ordinary Americans whose lives were recognize the courage and dedication of the men forever changed. Today, community members gathered for the Talbot County 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, hosted by Talbot County Government, to honor the lives lost and the heroes who responded during the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2026
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MAYOR COOK’S 9/11 DAY OF REMEMBRANCE REMARKS Good morning, and welcome to the September 11 Remembrance Ceremony. I want to thank everyone for being here, and I want to thank our friends at Talbot County for hosting this important event. It’s hard to believe that it has been 25 years, a quarter of a century, since the attacks of September 11, 2001. For many of us, that morning feels like it was so long ago. And yet, in other ways, it feels like yesterday. I remember it vividly. My husband and I were living in New Mexico, and I was pregnant with our first child. That child is now an adult. He has graduated, he’s working, and 25 years of life have passed since that morning. But I can still remember that day. It was a beautiful morning. A clear blue sky where we were in New Mexico, and a clear blue sky over New York City. It was a routine morning, like so many others. And then, in a matter of minutes, everything changed. The planes struck. The towers fell. And our country was forever changed. Today, we gather to remember the thousands of people whose lives were taken that day, and the families whose lives were changed forever. We remember the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other first responders who ran toward danger while others were running away. We remember the courage and sacrifice of those who answered the call without hesitation, many of whom never came home. And we remember the soldiers who, in the years that followed, took up the mantle of defending our country and our freedom. Their sacrifices remind us that liberty comes with a cost—and that there are people willing to pay that cost on behalf of all of us. But when we remember September 11, we should also remember what happened in the aftermath. In the hours, days, and weeks after the towers fell, we saw something extraordinary.
ers. We saw people opening their homes, providing food and shelter, and doing whatever they could to help survivors and families begin putting their lives back together. And in the midst of all the fear, grief, and uncertainty, Americans seemed to answer the same question. Not, “Who is to blame?” Not, “What do I get?” But simply: “How can I help?” I think that may be one of the most important things for us to remember about September 11. When everything else was stripped away— when our sense of security was shaken, when we didn’t know what would happen next—we came together. We looked out for one another. Our strength was in each other. Our greatness as a nation has always come from that unity—from our ability to come together as something greater than the sum of our individual parts. We have faced disasters, wars, tragedies, and challenges that once seemed insurmountable. And we have endured because people stepped forward to help one another. Twenty-five years later, that unity has faded in some ways. We live in a time when it can sometimes feel as though the things that divide us are louder than the things that bring us together. We disagree about politics, about our communities, about our country, and about the direction we believe we should take. And sometimes, those differences can make it easy to forget that beneath all of them, we are still neighbors. We are still Americans. We are still people who share a responsibility to look out for one another. We don’t have to agree on everything to care about each other. We don’t have to see the world the same way to lend a hand when someone needs it.
We saw ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
And we don’t have to wait for a tragedy to remind us that we are stronger when we stand together.
We saw first responders working tirelessly amid unimaginable devastation to save as many lives as possible. We saw strangers helping strang-
That spirit of unity still lives right here in our own community. If you look around today, you’ll see familiar faces.
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OCTOBER 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
These are our friends and neighbors. They are the people we work with, the people we live alongside, and the people who serve and protect our community. Our firefighters. Our police officers. Our emergency responders. Our military families. And all of the people who quietly step forward every day to help others. They remind us that standing together is not something we should reserve for moments of national crisis. It is a responsibility we carry with us every day. And that may be one of the most important lessons we can pass on to the generations who have come after us. There is now a whole generation who have no personal memory of September 11. They know it as history. But those of us who remember that morning have a responsibility to tell them more than what happened. We have to tell them how people responded. We have to tell them about the courage. About the sacrifice. About the compassion. About the way Americans came together and asked a simple question: “How can I help?” Because the greatest lesson of September 11 should not be that tragedy is inevitable. It should be that when tragedy comes—and throughout our lives, difficult moments will come—we don’t have to face them alone.
It is to carry their memory into the way we live every day. To know our neighbors. To help when someone needs help. To put aside our differences when it matters. To stand beside the people who stand for us. And to be willing to step forward when our community needs us. Because none of us knows what tomorrow will bring. All of us are just one moment away from needing help from a friend, a neighbor, a first responder, or an entire community. And when that moment comes, I hope we are ready. I hope we remember what our country showed the world 25 years ago. That even in our darkest moments, we can come together. That even when everything seems lost, there are people willing to step forward. And that sometimes, the most important thing any of us can say is also the simplest: “How can I help?” May we remember those we lost. May we honor those who sacrificed. May we support those who continue to serve. And may we never forget the strength we have when we stand together. Thank you.
We have each other. So, 25 years later, perhaps the best way to honor those we lost is not simply to remember them for one morning each year.
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2026
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Town Events
REFUELED
Town of Easton Celebrates Employees with Appreciation Breakfast
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The Town of Easton recognized its dedicated employees with a special appreciation breakfast hosted by the Human Resources team. The event celebrated the hard work, teamwork, and positive spirit that staff bring to the organization each day.
Beyond the great food, the breakfast offered an opportunity for employees from departments across the Town to connect, get to know one another, and build stronger working relationships.
The Omelette Guys provided a delicious breakfast spread featuring made-to-order omelettes, Belgian waffles, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, and coffee.
We extend out thanks to the Human Resources team for organizing this enjoyable event and to all employees for their continued dedication and service to the Easton community.
OCTOBER 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2026
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Leadership
CHAMPIONSHIP
CALIBER Leadership Retreat Strengthens Easton’s teamwork
Town Manager Andy Kitzrow recently hosted a Championship Team Management Workshop designed to strengthen leadership, teamwork, and a culture of performance within the Town of Easton.
from successful sports organizations to explore how high-performing teams recruit, develop, lead, evaluate, and retain their people. The day focused on three key pillars:
Held at Evolution Craft Brewing Co. & Public House “THE ROSTER”: Building the right team and ensurin Salisbury on September 30, the retreat used lessons ing employees understand their roles.
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OCTOBER 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
“PRACTICE”: Providing the coaching, resources, and ongoing development needed for employees to succeed. “THE SCOREBOARD”: Establishing clear expectations, measuring results, and recognizing strong performance. The workshop emphasized that championship teams don’t happen by accident. They are built intentionally through strong leadership, consistent development, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence. The retreat concluded with a wrap-up session and an optional brewery tour, giving participants an opportunity to connect informally and continue the day’s conversations. For the Town of Easton, investing in its people is an investment in the community—and building a stronger team helps ensure the Town continues to deliver excellent service to its residents.
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2026
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Human Resources
THE MEANING BEHIND THE MISSING MAN TABLE: The table that stands before you is a place of honor. In setting this table, we acknowledge those missing from our celebrations. And we remember them. The table is small and set for one — Symbolizing the vulnerability of a lone prisoner against his captors. The tablecloth is white — Symbolizing purity of intention in responding to the nation’s call to arms. The chair is empty, for they are not here. The wine glass is inverted — They cannot toast with us. The slices of lemon — Reminding us of their bitter suffering. The grains of salt — Representing the countless tears of the families.
HONORING THE “MISSING MAN” Missing Man table set at Easton Town Hall
Rick Farr, Retired USAF war veteran and Chief Human Resource Officer for the Town of Easton has set up the Missing Man Table in honor of POW/MIA Recognition Day. The table sat in front of a window facing Harrison Street, so any residents who passed by Town Hall could look in and take a moment to honor our soldiers who have either been held prisoner, or who have never returned home from battle.
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The single red rose with a red ribbon — Reminding us of loved ones who keep the faith awaiting their return. The burning candle — Symbolizing everlasting hope of a reunion with the missing. All who have served alongside them; we who have donned the same proud uniform, being sworn to the same faith and allegiance — We will never forget their sacrifice. Until the day they return home, or find eternal peace, we will remember.
OCTOBER 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
Easton Police
AI Generated Image courtesy of Christy Spindler
JERSEY FRIDAYS Just a reminder that every Friday through February 12, 2027 will be “Jersey Friday.” There is casual Friday, and then there’s Jersey Friday. Everyone’s relaxed on casual Friday, but Jersey Friday is amped.
The camaraderie, the controversy, the highfives and the smack-talk, it’s all there. To celebrate our love for professional or college sports, wear the jerseys of your favorite players or favorite team on Jersey Friday whether it’s football, baseball, soccer, hockey, etc and show off your true team spirit.
GO TEAM! EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2026
WELL-DESERVED
RECOGNITION
Congratulations to PFC Cordero Proctor on winning Coastal Style’s “Best Law Enforcement Officer” in Talbot and Dorchester Counties! Officer Proctor has been an asset to EPD since he joined in 2022; working on patrol, in the Bike Unit, and most recently as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Saints Peter and Paul Elementary School. See more about Officer Proctor and his “Best Of” recognition here: https://winners.coastalstylemag.com/ dorchester-talbot-county/2026/business/cordero-proctor-easton-police-department
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Communications/PR
WE HAVE A
WINNER! Congratulations to Colin Jones for winning the Employee Newsletter Cover Photo Contest!
ARE YOU CONNECTED? Follow us on social media:
@townofeastonmd
Colin now has a $25 gift card to Pho Van for his submission that landed on the September 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!
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OCTOBER 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
Employee Benefits
Human Resources Birthdays OCTOBER
Carol Callahan Mike Epstein Rick Farr Scott Finch Lorraine Gould Kyle Hardy Dawn Hutchison Marvin Jenkins Jennifer Kellner Greg Mueller Jeff Olds Shelby Ruf
Anniversaries OCTOBER
Tom Diem - 16 years Mike Duenas - 3 years Nick Ewing - 3 years Garey Fike - 9 years Lorraine Gould - 21 years Ronald Hayman - 13 years Dustin Otto - 16 years Lynn Thomas Jr - 23 years Mark Turner - 2 years Chris Westerfield - 13 years Michael Whitby - 16 years
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2026
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Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos
Recipe adapted from The Gracious Pantry Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 small red onion, diced 1 large red bell pepper, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup chopped fresh spinach 1 cup cooked black beans 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 4 tablespoons salsa salt, to taste pepper, to taste 6 large eggs 2 t ablespoons unsweetened almond milk, water or dairy milk 4 large whole-grain tortillas 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
Recipe
BREAKFAST
BOO-RITOS Jumpstart Busy Mornings with easy Breakfast Burritos
(Feature Impact) Hectic school mornings get much easier when breakfast is already waiting in the fridge or freezer. These Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos can be assembled in advance, frozen individually and easily reheated for quick, filling meals to keep your family going through the day.
family member’s unique nutritional needs and preferences. If you’re making a batch for the whole family, prepare a basic filling and let everyone choose their own combination of ingredients. Spice fiends might want to add jalapenos or hot sauce, while vegetable lovers can pack in sauteed broccoli or diced roasted sweet potaOne of the best things about home- toes. Just remember to label the difmade breakfast burritos is how eas- ferent varieties separately before storily they can be customized to fit each ing, e.g. “Mild” and “Spicy.”
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In pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Saute onion, bell pepper and garlic until soft, 4-5 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in cooked black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, salsa and salt and pepper, to taste. Remove from heat. Whisk eggs with milk or water. In nonstick skillet over medium heat, scramble until just set; avoid overcooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper, to taste. Lay tortillas flat. Divide eggs, veggie-bean mixture and cheese across each. Roll into burritos then toast, seam side down, in dry skillet to seal. Remove from pan and let cool. Wrap in parchment then foil. Freeze up to 2 months. To reheat, remove foil and parchment. In microwave or oven, heat until warmed through. Notes: To prevent tortillas from becoming soggy, let filling cool to room temperature before assembling burritos. Burritos can be warmed from frozen or, for best results, thawed overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
OCTOBER 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON