EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | SEPTEMBER 2025
Cover Photo by Christy Spindler, HR Generalist
. . .
This month’s newsletter brings together stories of community, growth, and remembrance.
National Night Out once again showed the power of neighbors coming together with our police and first responders to build trust and connection.
Our team continues to invest in professional development through the Psychology of Leadership training, sharpening the skills that help us serve Easton with care and effectiveness.
We also share updates on the Visitors Center, where changes inside and out are creating a fresh, welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.
And finally, we pause to remember Chief Blessing, whose years of leadership and service left a lasting legacy for our town.
Megan Cook
Click HERE to see Timmy’s video interview!
Employee Spotlight
TIMMY LYONS | MAINTENANCE CREW
Meet Timmy Lyons! Timmy works for the Maintenance crew in Easton’s Public Works Department. Timmy has been working with the Town of Easton for over 27 years now.
Timmy handles a variety of jobs around town, including upkeep of the ballfields, landscaping/grasscutting, field repairs, and spraying for weeds. Timmy keeps things lively with his coworkers, enjoying humorous conversations that make his team laugh and help to lighten things up.
In his free time, Timmy enjoys hunting, fishing, watching football (which he used to play), and riding 4-wheelers around his farm. Timmy also enjoys spending time with his wife while exploring Easton and visiting different restaurants around town.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
EPD hosts another successful National Night Out at Moton Park
Our National Night out Event was so much fun this year! We had a great time celebrating our community and enjoyed seeing all of our friends and neighbors who came out.
National Night Out is a free event, held by police agencies all across the country, that promotes
police-community partnerships and neighborhood spirit to make communities safer and stronger. EPD held their event at Moton Park in Easton, on Tuesday, August 5.
The family-friendly event featured music, delicious food, information booths from local organizations,
and had fun, games, and fellowship for all ages.
It truly is a group effort to put this on, and we have a long list of thank yous and acknowledgements to everyone who helped to make this event a success:
• Easton Utilities for their generous donation that allowed the Kona Ice truck to provide free shaved ice to attendees.
• The Town of Easton Parks and Recreation Department for all their help with the location, setup, and maintenance.
• Easton Volunteer Fire Dept. MD for coming out and grilling some delicious hotdogs and hamburgers for us each year.
• Designs by Nana Poppins for providing face painting services.
• Phillips Wharf Environmental Center for bringing their Fishmobile full of cool local creatures.
• And, our guest speaker, Matthew Peters with Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center.
We would also like to thank the following organizations who came out and helped support this event: Maryland State Police, Talbot County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland Natural Resources Aviation Unit - Sgt. John BuchananPilot, Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Natural Resources Police, Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, Talbot County Emergency Services (DES), Easton Utilities, Shore Hawks Youth Football & Cheer Organization, Blake Blackston Post #77, Grace Street, United States Attorney’s Office for The District of Maryland, Shore United Bank, Talbot County Health Department, Easton High School Clay Target Team, Easton Family YMCA, Talbot County Board of Elections, State Public Engagement - Office of the Comptroller of MD, Parole and Probation, Wraparound Maryland, Inc., Talbot County Department of Social Services, Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, Talbot Humane, Talbot County Free Library, Shore Legal Access, SHORE UP, Inc., Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc., St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.
We are so grateful for all of the kindness, help, and support around this community. Thank you to everyone who came out — we can’t wait to do it again next year!
A NEW ERA
EUC says goodbye to one commissioner while welcoming another
August 18 was a momentous night for our friends at Easton Utilities, who saw one beloved commission member step down and a new one step up at the Easton Town Council Meeting.
A FOND FAREWELL
A proclamation was read aloud by Ward 1 Council Member Maureen Curry commemorating William W.W. “Buck” Duncan’s distinguished 12-year service as an Easton Utilities Commissioner. Buck was also congratulated by Easton Utilities President and CEO John Horner. In his speech, Horner detailed some of Duncan’s major accomplishments as Commissioner, including:
2014 – Helped Easton Utilities celebrate its Centennial, marking 100 years of service and the return of Rudolph atop Talbottown.
2016 – Oversaw renovations to Power Plant 1 to improve efficiency and reliability, while maintaining its historic image on the outside.
2017 – Supported the installation of a 2MW solar array at the Easton Sustainability Campus, a $4 million project made possible in part by a grant from the Maryland Department of the Environment.
2019 – Guided the acquisition and development of the Commerce Drive Warehouse which was necessary
to accommodate the increasing demand for storage.
2020 – Celebrated Easton Velocity’s completion of a project designed to extend fiber closer to the customer premise (original service territory) and helped launch Connect Talbot, the broadband expansion initiative to reach underserved areas. Buck helped Easton Utilities secure $30 million in federal, state, and local funding to support this project.
2022/2023 – Advocated for facility upgrades including a modernized control room and upgraded crew building with an expanded vehicle garage.
2024 – Celebrated Easton Velocity’s 1,500th broadband customer connection through the Connect Talbot project and helped name the current President and CEO John Horner.
Thank you for your service, Buck!
A NEW BEGINNING
Next, Council President Don Abbatiello swore in new Easton Utilities Commissioner Shirl Jenkins. Jenkins begins a 6-year term on the Easton Utilities Commission where she will handle governance responsibilities for the organization with a focus on accountability and fiscal responsibility.
Congratulations Shirl!
PUSHING FORWARD
Mary Anne Hatcher Field undergoing major renovations
Some big changes going on out at North Easton Park!
Our Maintenance Division team is working hard on a full renovation of Mary Anne Hatcher Field. They have been out tilling and regrading the field to prepare it for reseeding later this year. Once the reseeding is complete, the restored field will see more efficient water runoff and much improved playability.
Though the project won’t completely be finished until next fall, the field will be reseeded later this year and playable again in spring 2026.
Thanks to Mike Dueñas, Matt Cordrey, Supervisor Glenn Towers, and Maintenance Division Manager Billy Murdoch for their work on this awesome project!
EASTON VISITOR CENTER
OUTSIDE
Our Public Works Construction team has been hard at work installing new ADA compliant sidewalks and ramps at the Visitors Center parking lot.
Our team worked to carefully remove the old bricks (which will be reused) from the sidewalk, remove the temporary ADA ramp, and to breakup and remove the asphalt and concrete in the affected areas.
Later, they will regrade and level the walking areas to
ADA specifications, and install a new walkway and permanent ADA accessible ramp to the side entrance of the Visitors Center. An ADA accessible parking space is also being regraded and leveled to meet the new walkway and ramp.
The project is estimated to take 3-4 weeks to complete. The lot will remain open during work, however many spaces will be inaccessible until the project is completed.
Buildings & Facilities
CENTER RENOVATIONS
The Easton Visitor Center has been undergoing interior renovations for the past couple of months, seeing major improvements to its layout and functionality. In addition to a new look and feel, the redesigned Visitor Center will feature:
• A more open and welcoming Visitor Center experience, with a large lobby
• New offices for the Easton Economic Development Corporation to operate within, and an office/studio for production work
• New public restrooms and water fountains
• A new ADA accessible side entrance into the Visitor Center that leads directly to the new restrooms and experiential hall.
This project is expected to be completed and the Visitor Center reopened by early this fall. Great work by our Buildings and Facilities Director Trevor Newcomb for keeping this project on track and for the impressive progress so far!
A NEW VIEW
Easton featured in Business View Magazine feature
Last month, the Town of Easton was featured in the latest edition of Business View Magazine — a national digital publication that covers industry trends and developments across both public and private sectors.
The publication interviewed Mayor Cook on several hot topics, inlcuding affordable housing, economic development, the future of Easton’s East End, culture, and the new regional medical center being built.
The article paints Easton in a unique light, showing a well-managed town that excels at creating meaningful progress, while preserving the history and small-town charm that is central to its core.
Click the photo above to see the full article!
EAST AVE . STORM DRAIN PROJECT
Enjoy an aerial view of the progress being made on our Engineering Department’s East Ave. Storm Drain Project!
This project will see over 2,100 feet of new, larger storm drain pipe installed along Rails to Trails (parallel with East Ave.) from Dover St. all the way to the Tanyard Branch, a tributary of the Tred Avon River.
Retallack & Sons, our contractors for this project, have been working the area since July and have made significant progress, creating an outfall structure and installing over 400ft of pipe underground already.
Town Projects
RAILS TO TRAILS PAVING REPAIRS
Last month our Maintenance Division crew was out making repairs to the Rail Trail near Easton Point Park.
Our team of Matt Cordrey, Andrew Hubbard, Mike Dueñas, Jake Gale, and Supervisor Glenn Towers made quick work of the project, tearing out the damaged asphalt and leveling the ground below before laying down new asphalt and rolling it into place.
This was the second of two sections of the trail in the area that received attention on this project.
Great job guys!
STRENGTHENING MINDS
ToE Leadership team takes part in “psychology of leadership” training
In late August, our leadership team gathered for a strategic training session based around the psychology of leadership.
The lesson, held at The Tidewater Inn, was organized by our Chief Human Resource Officer Rick Farr, and was hosted by Dr. Joe Thomas, Director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the United States Naval Academy.
Farr said, “This class was focused around discussion on the psychology of leadership. We examined the mental, emotional, and behavioral aspects that enable individuals to effectively influence and guide others toward a shared goal within the Town. We explored key traits like emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and resilience, and the impact of these factors on
team motivation and overall organizational success. By understanding these psychological principles, our department heads can develop their leadership skills and foster stronger, more effective teams.”
We are very proud of our extremely talented leadership team!
SAYING GOODBYE
EPD mourns loss of former Chief R. Edward Blessing
The members of the Easton Police Department are sad to acknowledge the passing of Chief R. Edward Blessing.
R. Edward Blessing began his law enforcement career with the Easton Police Department in August, 1964. There, he quickly progressed through the ranks, and after only 16 years, was appointed to Chief of Police in 1980. On June 2, 1995, Chief Blessing retired after an honorable and distinguished 31 year career with the Easton Police Department.
R. Edward Blessing was appointed as Easton’s 8th Chief of Police. In the department’s almost 120 year history, Chief Blessing was one of only five chiefs who rose through the ranks, to eventually become Chief of Police before retiring.
Under Chief Blessing, the police department underwent a lot of growth. Not only in staffing but in equipment, facilities, and police services. Chief Blessing’s first course of action was to address the state of the police department. In doing so, and to his credit, Chief Blessing helped to restructure employee benefits and work schedules. Chief Blessing then expanded the department in personnel and specialized training. He would stress the need for officers to expand on their education. It was also during this time that the department’s communications system received upgrades to include telecommunications access to the State Police records. In 1987, Chief Blessing announced the opening of the department’s newly constructed headquarters.
Chief Blessing was not only active in Easton, but across the state of Maryland. As a graduate of the FBI National Police Academy and former President of the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association (1990), he received appointments to serve on a variety of boards and committees throughout the state.
Just some of the accomplishments under Chief Blessing’s
• Creation of Criminal & Narcotics Investigative Division
• Creation of a dedicated Department Training Officer
• Founding member of the Talbot County Narcotics Task Force
• Creation of Firing Range
• 1st D.A.R.E. program in Talbot County
• Creation of the department’s Evidence Collection Unit
• Creation of the modern era Police Bicycle Patrol in Easton
• Easton Police Department Annual Toy Drive
Chief Blessing, on behalf of the members of the Easton Police Department, thank you for all your service and leadership — you will be missed. Your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
EPD hosts successful Pit Beef Fundraiser for upcoming Toy Drive
At the end of July, EPD held a Christmas in July Pit Beef Fundraiser for the Easton Police Department (EPD) Toy Drive. To raise funds for the event, delicious BBQ from “Catering by Jamie” was served fresh off the grill at the VFW located at 355 Glebe Rd.
Customers paid $11 for a delicious Pit Beef Sandwich along with chips and a cold drink. All proceeds went to the EPD Toy Drive, which serves to ensure underprivileged local youths are able to receive presents under their tree each holiday season.
EPD also had their mobile donation station on site, to collect new (in package) toy donations for local youth and their families to unwrap later this year.
The event was a huge success, with a long line immedi-
ately forming and the entire stock of meat selling out in about an hour! Great job by EPD for a successful event, and for raising funds for such a wonderful cause.
EUC Employee Jennifer Villacorta receives first ever Home Purchase Assistance Grant
Congratulations to Tony Nagle for winning the Employee Newsletter Cover Photo Contest!
Tony now has a $25 gift card to Gander’s Car Wash for his submission that landed on the August 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!
On Friday, August 15, Easton Utilities employee Jennifer Villacorta became the first recipient of the Home Purchase Assistance Grant offered by the Town of Easton. She received the $6000 dollar check from Affordable Housing Board Chair Jim Bent at her closing meeting.
Congratulations to Jennifer and her family!
The Home Purchase Assistance Grant offers $6000 to employees looking to buy their first home within Easton Town Limits, to be spent towards closing costs or a down payment. It is available to full-time Town of Easton
and Easton Utilities employees, and EVFD volunteers in good standing.
In addition to fitting the above criteria, applicants must also:
WE HAVE A WINNER! FIRST RECIPIENT
• Have a yearly income of less than $95k
• Not have owned a home within Town Limits before
• Own at least 50% of the household
• Own the purchased home for at least 5 years.
More details and documents to apply can be found by clicking here, or by clicking the ad graphic on the next page.
Human Resources
Birthdays
SEPTEMBER
Aaron Sadberry
Andre Magee
Ashley Groce
Blair Barstar
Glenn Towers
Hugo Galan
Jeffrey Evans
John Greene
Robert Haase
Thomas Diem
Tony Nagle
David Montgomery
Anniversaries
SEPTEMBER
Ashley Bayne - 14 years
Ashley Groce - 1 year
Drequan Stevens - 4 years
Dawn Hutchison - 9 years
Gregory Wright - 38 years
Josiah Walters-Parker - 1 year
Laura Diem - 1 year
Marwin Lewis - 25 years
Michael Epstein - 18 years
Rashida Perry - 2 years
Stacy Woodard-Slaughter - 25 years
SHRIMPLY THE BEST Recipe
Save Summer Dinners with Shrimp Spaghetti
(Family Features) Simplifying summer gatherings starts with easy recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor. To stay prepared for last-minute get-togethers and unexpected guests, keep this Shrimp Spaghetti recipe on your menu and find more quick dinner solutions at Culinary.net.
SHRIMP SPAGHETTI
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6
1 pound spaghetti noodles
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup avocado oil
1 package (12 ounces) raw shrimp
2 tablespoons garlic powder, divided 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup frozen or fresh spinach
bread, for serving
Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
In skillet over medium heat, add butter, avocado oil and shrimp. Mix in 1 tablespoon garlic powder and paprika. Remove shrimp after they begin to turn pink; set aside.
Add chicken broth, Parmesan, heavy cream, remaining garlic powder, onion powder and spinach to skillet and mix well. Add shrimp back to skillet to finish cooking. Mix in noodles and serve with bread.