EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2026
Table of Contents Editor’s Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Employee Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 “The Power Of” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Parks and Rec Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 IT Takes to the Skies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Youth Sports Camps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Rail Trail Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Garden Club Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Kickball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Events/Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 RECIPE: Street Corn Baked Potatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Cover Photo by Billy Murdoch, Maintenace Division Manager.
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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AUGUST 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
AUGUST AND EVERYTHING AFTER...
Being National Parks and Recreation Month, July saw coverage of all kinds of Parks and Recreation content; from our parks and amenities, to the people who work on them, to the types of programs they hold. While this month focused specifically on Parks and Recreation, all hands are on deck to make Easton’s parks some of the community’s most treasured places. Every park benefits from the dedication of multiple departments working behind the scenes. Our Public Works teams construct, maintain, and help keep the parks clean; our Buildings and Facilities staff ensure on-site structures remain safe and operational; and our Police Department helps keep these spaces secure so everyone can enjoy them with confidence. Beyond that, countless others contribute through grants administration, finance, information technology, planning, program operations, communications, and many other essential services. Together, these teams help create and sustain the parks that enhance quality of life throughout our community. It is truly remarkable all of the pieces and people that come together to make these places so special, and, not surprisingly, the parks themselves are just as remarkable. A short visit to any of these beautiful spots will quickly transport you to a quiet and serene place that, despite the countless hours of work put in, feels effortless. Keep up the good work!
Employee Spotlight
Greg Mueller
RYLEE REYNOLDS | EPD INTERN
Meet Rylee Reynolds! Rylee serves as an intern at Easton Police Department, and has been working with them over the summer before heading to college at University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Rylee has a interest and calling for forensic investigation work, and she was led to join up with EPD after meeting some officers at a career fair. While she initially wanted to serve as a civilian in this role, her time spent with the officers has made her consider becoming a cadet herself! Click HERE to see Rylee’s video interview!
In her free time, Rylee works at Starbucks, enjoys boating and kayaking, as well as “nerding out” over her favorite cartoons, video games, and comic book movies.
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2026
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Parks & Rec
POWERFUL
Parks & Rec Month highlights the Power of Parks, People, and Community Each July, communities across the country celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month, recognizing the people, places, and programs that strengthen our neighborhoods every day. This year’s National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) theme, “The Power Of...”, highlights the many ways parks and recreation enrich our lives — from the power of play and wellness to the power of connection, stewardship, and community.
Easton is home to 16 beautiful municipal parks, each offering unique opportunities to gather, explore, and stay active. Whether enjoying walking trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, waterfront access, picnic pavilions, or open green spaces, our parks demonstrate the power of providing safe, welcoming places where residents of all ages can connect with nature and one another.
Throughout July, the Town of Easton proudly joined the celebration by recognizing the dedication of our Parks and Recreation team and showcasing the many ways they make a positive impact throughout our community.
This year’s celebration highlighted not only the spaces themselves, but also the people who make them possible. Throughout the month, several parks were featured on social media alongside members of our Parks and Recreation staff, giving residents a
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AUGUST 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2026
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behind-the-scenes look at the individuals whose hard work keeps The Power Of Parks is ultimately the power of the people who care for them and the community members who these community treasures clean, safe, and inviting. bring them to life every day. From creating spaces for recJuly also included several meaningful milestones and commu- reation and relaxation to fostering health, inclusion, and lifelong memories, our parks are among Easton’s greatest nity events, including: assets. • Coverage of beautiful parks throughout Town • Youth Sports Camps Thank you to every member of our Parks and Recreation • Adult Kickball Leagues team for your commitment, hard work, and pride in serv• An extension of our Rails to Trails, utilizing paths in ing our community. Because of your efforts, Easton’s parks Moton Park to connect portions of the East-West trail continue to be places where neighbors connect, families • A staff appreciation luncheon & More! thrive, and our community grows stronger together.
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AUGUST 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2026
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Parks & Rec
THE POWER OF PEOPLE Employees recognized during Parks and Recreation Month
When families gather at a playground, friends meet for a walk along a trail, or neighbors enjoy a community event in one of Easton’s parks, it’s easy to appreciate the spaces themselves. What often goes unseen is the dedicated team working every day to make those experiences possible.
Parks and Recreation Appreciation Luncheon at Doc’s Downtown Grille.
Pictured (left to right) are Town Engineer Rick Van Emburgh, Park Maintenance Crew member Drew Griffith, Park Maintenance Crew member Greg Webb, Maintenance Division From maintaining playgrounds and athletic fields to coordi- Manager Billy Murdoch, Park Maintenance Supervisor Larry nating park reservations, planning recreation programs, and Wroten, Town Manager Andy Kitzrow, Parks and Recreation caring for the Town’s beautiful public spaces, Easton’s Parks Director Lorraine Gould, and Mayor Megan Cook. Park Mainand Recreation staff plays an essential role in creating places tenance Crew member Timmy Lyons is not pictured. where our community can connect, stay active, and make lasting memories. To every member of the Parks and Recreation team, thank you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to making As part of Parks and Recreation Month, which celebrates “The Easton’s parks and community spaces some of the very best. Power Of ” parks and recreation and the people behind them, Your efforts strengthen our community and remind us of the the Town recently recognized its outstanding team during a true power of people.
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AUGUST 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
Information Technology
ABOVE AND BEYOND! IT team takes to the skies to fix camera power supply
While some IT teams may be home to behind-the-scenes keyboard warriors, the Town of Easton IT team is ready to tackle anything!
a bucket truck and moments later they were up in the air replacing the damaged outlet.
While they’re always at the ready, today it was IT Director Earlier today there was an issue with power delivery to a Scott Messick and Network Specialist Josh Maxwell who street camera, and our IT department showed they could got the call and took to the skies to make the fix. Great job rise to the challenge. A quick call to Public Works secured Scott and Josh!
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2026
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Parks & Rec
ON THE FIELD Summer Youth Sports Camps Demonstrate the Power of Practice
Throughout National Parks and Recreation Month, the Town of Easton has celebrated “The Power Of...” — the National Recreation and Park Association’s 2026 theme that recognizes the people, programs, and places that strengthen our communities every day. One of the best examples of this year’s theme in action is the Town’s popular Youth Summer Sports Camps.
valuable life skills through teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
Under the leadership of experienced camp directors Mike Brophy (Soccer) and Brian Femi (Baseball and Softball), campers receive high-quality instruction in a fun, supportive environment designed to help players of all skill levels improve their game. Whether it’s developing new Each summer, the North Easton Sports Complex comes techniques, building confidence, or simply enjoying time alive as young athletes take the field for soccer, baseball, outdoors with friends, every session demonstrates the and softball camps hosted by the Town of Easton Parks power of practice to inspire personal growth. and Recreation Department. While participants learn the fundamentals of their favorite sports, they also gain These camps also reflect the broader mission of Easton’s
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AUGUST 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2026
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AUGUST 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
Parks and Recreation Department. Beyond athletics, they provide opportunities for youth to stay active, build healthy habits, make new friendships, and experience the sense of community that parks and recreation make possible. Families gather to cheer on young athletes, neighbors connect, and our parks become places where lasting memories are created. The popularity of the Youth Summer Sports Camps continues to grow each year, with registration typically opening in April and filling quickly. Families interested in participating next summer are encouraged to plan ahead and visit the Town’s Parks and Recreation website for registration information.
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2026
The Power of Practice isn’t measured only by stronger skills on the field—it’s found in every lesson learned, every friendship formed, and every young person encouraged to reach their full potential. Programs like these remind us that parks and recreation are about much more than facilities; they are about investing in people and creating opportunities that strengthen our community for generations to come. Thank you to our Parks and Recreation staff, camp directors, volunteers, and families whose dedication makes these programs possible. Your commitment continues to showcase the power of parks and recreation and the positive impact they have on the Town of Easton.
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Public Works
CONNECTING THE DOTS Public Works begins process of connecting East-West Rail Trail through Moton Park
Parks and public spaces play an important role in bringing people together, creating opportunities to gather, stay active, and enjoy everything our community has to offer. In Easton, one of the most meaningful examples of connection is our Rails to Trails system, which quite literally connects neighborhoods, parks, and destinations throughout town. With more than five miles of trails currently available, Rails to Trails is one of Easton’s most popular amenities. Residents and visitors alike use the trail system every day for walking, running, biking, commuting, exercising, walking their pets,
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or simply enjoying time outdoors. It has become an essential part of daily life for many in our community. That network is continuing to grow. Over the coming months, the Town’s Public Works Construction team will begin the first phases of an important project to connect the two existing portions of Easton’s EastWest Trail. Current work includes extending the trail across Port Street and through Moton Park, where crews are grading the pathway toward Easton Parkway (MD Route 322).
AUGUST 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
This work will establish the foundation for a future Maryland State Highway Administration project that will provide a safe crossing over the parkway and ultimately connect the trail to the existing segment at Easton Point Park. While this is just the beginning of a larger effort, each step brings us closer to a more connected trail network that will make it easier and safer for residents and visitors to travel across town by foot or by bicycle. Projects like this demonstrate the value of investing in infrastructure that improves quality of life, encourages recreation, supports alternative transportation, and strengthens connections throughout our community. A special thank you goes to the dedicated Public Works team making this project possible: Cody Gaertner, Jon McDougald, Jeff Olds, Garey Fike, Colton Insley, Supervisor Justin Jones, and Assistant Director of Public Works Kody Cario. Their hard work is laying the groundwork for a project that will benefit Easton for years to come. Sometimes the most important connections are the ones we build together.
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2026
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Parks & Rec
REVITALIZED Talbot County Garden Club Enhances Easton Rail Station Grounds
Garden Club members Virginia Sappington and Anne Jelich developed landscape designs for each of the planting areas using a combination of hardy native plants, ornamental grasses and pollinator-friendly species selected to provide year-round color and visual interest. To help ensure the gardens thrive for years to The project enhances one of Easton’s most visible public spaces, come, the project also includes the installation of an irrigation creating an inviting landscape for residents, visitors and users system. of the Easton Rails-to-Trails while complementing the Town’s ongoing revitalization efforts in the East End. Talbot County Garden Club President Eleanor Denegre shared, “We are delighted to partner with the Town of Easton on the The project was proposed by Talbot County Garden Club mem- Historic Railway Garden project. It is exciting to contribute to ber Chloe Pitard, who recognized the opportunity to enhance the revitalization of the Easton Rail Station and the surrounding the landscape surrounding the Easton Rail Station as part of the neighborhood, creating a welcoming landscape that residents Town’s continuing revitalization efforts. and visitors can enjoy throughout the year.” The Talbot County Garden Club has awarded one of its 2026 Project Grants to the renovation of the landscape plantings surrounding the Easton Rail Station between Dover and Goldsborough Streets.
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AUGUST 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2026
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AUGUST 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
The garden is dedicated to the memory of Polly Shannahan, for her lifelong dedication to preserving Easton’s historic heritage. Shannahan was a longtime member of the Talbot County Garden Club and is recognized for her instrumental work in historic building preservation, including the James Neall House, the Myrtle Grove manor house and plantation and the old Talbot County Jail. Shannahan passed in 2010.
site in preparation for the landscape installation. These enhancements, together with the Rail Station’s new roof, represent a meaningful investment in our community.” Garden Design of Easton oversaw the installation of the new landscape, which was completed this summer.
The Talbot County Garden Club’s Project Grants Program is a vital component of the Club’s mission to support civic beautificaThe project has also benefited from generous community support. tion, environmental stewardship and educational opportunities Davey Tree Service donated tree trimming services to prepare the throughout Talbot County. Grants are awarded to projects that site for the landscape renovation. Coordinated by manager Dave benefit the community, enhance public spaces and encourage enviPiver, the contribution helped ready the area for installation while ronmental awareness. demonstrating the value of public-private partnerships in enhancEstablished in 2022, the Project Grants Program has supported ing Easton’s shared spaces. numerous community improvements, including enhancements Colleen Doremus, Vice President of the Talbot County Garden along the Easton Rail Trail Extension, landscaping at the U.S. Post Club and Chair of the Project Grants Program, noted, “The Talbot Office on Dover Street, improvements to the grounds of The Arc County Garden Club is honored to have partnered with the Town Central Chesapeake Region, restoration of the rectory garden at of Easton and Garden Design of Easton on the landscaping sur- Christ Church in Easton, and most recently the John Jelich Memorial Garden at the Talbot County Free Library’s St. Michaels Branch. rounding the Easton Rail Station. The new gardens will provide year-round color and visual interest for Funding for the Project Grants Program is made possible through users of the Easton Rails-to-Trails and local residents alike. We are the Talbot County Garden Club’s fundraising efforts, including proud to contribute to the ongoing rejuvenation of Easton’s East End. its biennial Symposium and annual sale of handcrafted holiday wreaths and garlands. “We also extend our sincere thanks to Davey Tree Service for providing pro bono tree trimming services, which greatly improved the For additional information, visit talbotcountygc.org.
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2026
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Parks & Rec
CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO OF THE KICKBALL LEAGUE
KICK IT! Fall Kick-Ball Season Set to Kick Off in August
Community-focused league returns this August, bringing Social has grown into much more than a kickball league. young adults together through recreation, friendship, and fun. It’s a welcoming community where friendly competition has sparked new friendships, lasting connections, and a growWhen Talbot County Parks & Recreation, the Town of ing network of young adults across Talbot County. Easton Parks & Recreation, and the Talbot County Young Professionals first began discussing a social sports league, The league welcomes players of all skill levels, from forthe goal wasn’t simply to organize games. It was to create mer athletes to those who haven’t stepped onto a kickball a space where young adults could build friendships, stay field since elementary school. Whether participants regactive, and feel more connected to their community. ister with friends or sign up on their own, Shore Social is designed to make it easy to meet new people in a welcomBuilt around the motto “Meet. Compete. Connect.”, Shore ing environment.
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AUGUST 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
“One of the biggest conversations we kept hearing from young professionals was that they were looking for more opportunities to meet people and build friendships in the community,” said Mark Murphy current Co-Chair for Talbot County Young Professionals. “Shore Social is about creating a safe, fun, and friendly space where young adults can connect through recreation. The games bring people together, but it’s the relationships that form afterward that have made this league so special.” For Ellie Kilmon, Program Coordinator for Talbot County Parks & Recreation, watching those relationships grow has been the most rewarding part of the program. “One of the things I’m most proud of is how welcoming the league has become,” Kilmon said. “It’s been amazing to watch complete strangers become teammates and teammates become friends. Whether you sign up with a group or on your own, there’s a place for everyone.” Shore Social has already expanded beyond kickball. Over the winter months, organizers introduced an indoor volleyball league that welcomed many returning players while introducing new participants to the growing community. Looking ahead, the partnership hopes to continue offering additional social sports that create even more opportunities for young adults to meet, compete, and connect throughout the year. The community doesn’t end with the final out. Following each week’s games, players gather at 4 Dogs Brewing Co., the league’s official post-game partner, where teammates and opponents alike continue the conversations that started on the field. The brewery has become an important extension of the Shore Social experience, helping foster the welcoming atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the league. The next Shore Social Kickball League begins in August, and registration is open until July 22, 2026. Players are welcome to register as a team, with a small group of friends, or as individuals. Organizers will do their best to keep small groups together while matching individuals with teams, ensuring everyone has a place to play.
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Communications/PR
WE HAVE A
WINNER! Congratulations to Rick Farr for winning the Employee Newsletter Cover Photo Contest! Rick now has a $25 gift card to Doc’s Downtown Grille for his submission that landed on the July 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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AUGUST 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
Employee Benefits
Human Resources Birthdays AUGUST
Sierra Clem Chase Fletcher Jill Garvey Marwin Lewis Timothy Lyons Chris Mueller Allen Orrison Cordero Proctor
Daniel Reading Mark Schinault Barry Slaughter Joshua Turner Gregory Webb Chris Westerfield Gavin Whitby Stacy Woodard-Slaughter
Anniversaries AUGUST
Vincent Barnett - 12 years Julia Carroll - 2 years Cody Gaertner - 7 years Jake Gale - 7 years Marvin Jenkins - 16 years Andre Magee - 21 years Joshua Maxwell - 5 years Dorothy Meekins - 20 years Elizabeth Mueller - 2 years Allen Orrison - 17 years Samuel Pearson - 7 years James Rodgers - 17 years Samantha Smith - 4 years Dorothy Stichberry - 26 years Timothy Streckfus - 13 years Glenn Towers - 14 years Jacob Towers - 6 years Gregory Webb - 20 years
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2026
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Recipe
STREET CORN-INSPIRED STUFFED SWEETPOTATOES Recipe courtesy of Crissy Caroll | Servings: 2
STREET CORN
SWEET POTATOES A Bold and Flavorful Al Fresco Favorite
(Feature Impact) Warm breezes that linger longer into the evening, wafting appetizing aromas through the air can only mean one thing: it’s patio season. From casual porch gatherings to full-fledged backyard dinners, dining al fresco calls for vibrant dishes packed with flavor.
etarian entree, a colorful side dish to pair with grilled fare or the centerpiece of a casual build-your-own dinner spread alongside chilled drinks and easy conversation with loved ones.
Providing a naturally creamy base, sweetpotatoes serve as the openInspired by the bold flavors of Mex- faced vessel for fresh (or frozen) ican street corn, or elotes, these roasted corn, lime juice, mayo, Street Corn-Inspired Stuffed Sweet- Greek yogurt, cilantro, jalapeno potatoes can serve as a hearty veg- and Parmesan or cotija cheese.
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4 medium sweetpotatoes 2 tablespoons light or regular mayonnaise 2 tablespoons plain, nonfat Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise 1 lime, juice only 2 green onions, sliced 1/3 cup chopped cilantro 1/3 cup fresh shredded Parmesan or cotija cheese 1 tablespoon butter 2 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked, corn removed from stalk or about 1 1/2 cups frozen or canned corn 1 jalapeno, seeds and pith discarded, minced 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon salt To cook sweetpotatoes: Use fork to poke holes and place on microwave-safe plate. Microwave potatoes 6-9 minutes, depending on size, until tender. Set aside. In medium mixing bowl, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt and lime juice until well combined. Add green onions, cilantro and Parmesan; set aside. Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and melt. Add corn then cook 2 minutes. Add jalapeno to skillet with corn, stir and cook 2 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika and salt. Stir and cook 1-2 minutes, until corn starts to lightly brown. Remove from heat. Add skillet ingredients to bowl with mayo-yogurt mixture. Stir until well combined. Slice cooked sweetpotatoes open and stuff with corn filling.
AUGUST 2026 | THE TOWN OF EASTON