May 2026 Employee Newsletter

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU

As we move further into spring, a lot is happening across Town departments and throughout the community.

One especially meaningful event this season was our Arbor Day tree planting in honor of retired Public Works employee Mike Dickerson. Throughout his career, Mike and his team planted hundreds of trees around town, helping shape the beauty and character of our streets and public spaces. Mike also worked with the Town’s Tree Board, making the planting of a tree in his honor a fitting tribute to his years of service and commitment to the community.

We also recently celebrated a successful Disc Golf Clinic and tournament at John F. Ford Park. This new amenity has already proven to be a wonderful addition to our park system and a great way to bring people together outdoors. During the event, my husband and I walked our dog through the park and it was great to see so many people out enjoying themselves and having a good time. Thank you to everyone who worked hard to prepare the course and make the tournament a success.

Another major milestone this spring was the successful SODO Walkabout and Charrette process focused on the future redevelopment of the current hospital site. This effort represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our Town to help shape the future of this important area. It was encouraging to see so many community members come out, share their ideas, and participate in the discussion.

Thank you to everyone for the hard work and dedication you bring to the Town each day. Your efforts make a meaningful difference and help continue moving our Town forward.

Megan Cook

Click HERE to see Cordero’s video interview!

Employee Spotlight

CORDERO PROCTOR | SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER

Meet Cordero Proctor! Cordero serves as a Patrolman First Class (PFC) at the Easton Police Department, and works as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Saints Peter and Paul Elementary and Middle School. Cordero has been with EPD for 4 years now!

As SRO, Cordero patrols the school, making sure that the campus is safe and secure for the students, teachers, and staff. While he acts as both a prevention measure and a first line of defense in the event of any danger, he also helps the students in other ways by being a mentor and a resource for guidance and information.

In his free time, Cordero enjoys working out, doing lawn work, and riding motorcycles; but most of all he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two children.

CLINICAL FINISH

Off Course Disc Golf, Town of Easton Parks and Recreation Host Disc Golf Clinic at John F. Ford Park

In late April, Disc Golf enthusiasts gathered at John F. Ford Park for a lively and informative clinic that drew strong community participation.

Hosted with the help of Off Course Disc Golf, the event introduced players of all skill levels to the fundamentals of the sport, including rules, strategies, and practical tips to improve their game.

Despite some cold and rainy weather, the event had good participation with attendees and passers by taking interest and

trying out different techniques at several practice stations.

The clinic also helped to build momentum and excitement for the upcoming Ford Park Frenzy Disc Golf Tournament to follow. The multi-day weekend tournament promises continued fun and friendly competition for both new and experienced players.

The event is helping to grow interest in the sport, and awareness about it’s future at John F. Ford Park. More to come next month as we recap the tournament...stay tuned!

HIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS

ToE Takes Part in High School Hiring Fair at Centreville Family YMCA

The Town of Easton recently participated in the 2026 Senior Hiring Fair, hosted earlier this week in partnership between the Queen Anne’s County Family YMCA, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, and Talbot County Public Schools. The event brought together graduating seniors eager to explore career opportunities and take meaningful steps toward their future careers.

Representing the town were Town Engineer Rick Van Emburgh and Communications/PR Specialist Greg Mueller, who spent time engaging directly with students. They answered questions about careers in Easton and shared insights into working in municipal service, offering practical advice and encouragement.

The fair provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect with local professionals and gain a clearer understanding of potential career paths. Town representatives noted how inspiring it was to meet so many motivated young individuals preparing to enter the workforce and shape their communities.

AN ARBOR DAY GIFT

Spruce tree planted for Arbor Day in recognition of former Public Works Director Mike Dickerson

In celebration of Arbor Day (April 24), the Town of Easton held its annual tree planting ceremony at the north end of Idlewild Park — but this year’s event was extra special.

The planted tree for this event was dedicated to Mike Dickerson, the recently retired Director of Public Works, honoring his more than 40 years of service to the community.

Joined by Mayor Megan Cook, town officials, and numerous Public Works staff, the ceremony

celebrated Mike’s long-standing contributions.

In a thoughtful tribute, the team selected a spruce tree to represent his well-known love for holiday decorations. The tree can be lit with holiday lights each winter, continuing the festive spirit Mike brought to Easton every year.

The event served as both a meaningful Arbor Day tradition and a heartfelt thank-you to a dedicated public servant. Thank you, Mike, for all you’ve done for our town!

A GOOD SHOWING

Planning and Zoning Hosts Community Walkaround for SODO Subarea PLan

Thank you to everyone who came out for our SODO (South Downtown) Easton Walkaround last month!

We had over 30 residents and stakeholders come for the walkaround that toured around the hospital site and surrounding neighborhoods.

It was a lovely day and an informative way to start the discussions around the upcoming hospital site redevelopment and its connection to the surrounding area.

This walkaround provided a critical leadup to the multi-day charrette held by our Planning and Zoning Department, giving the public a first-person understanding of the size, scope, and importance of upcoming redevelopment.

CHARRETTE ABOUT IT

Planning and Zoning Hosts Multi-Day Charrette to foster public feedback regarding Easton Memorial Hospital Site Redevelopment

The Design Charrette held from April 19–23 has successfully concluded, bringing together community members, stakeholders, and design professionals for an intensive and collaborative planning process.

Our Planning and Zoning team did a fantastic job, with approximately 70 participants engaged in discussions and feedback sessions throughout the week.

The charrette began on Sunday with stakeholder roundtables, where several shared priorities emerged. Participants emphasized the importance of preserving open space, creating housing that reflects the character of nearby neighborhoods along South Washington Street

and Earle Avenue, and reopening the historic north-south connection of Adkins Street, currently covered by the hospital site.

These ideas were refined on Monday into five preliminary development concepts. After receiving public feedback during an evening session, the concepts were narrowed to two scenarios, which were further reviewed by the community on Tuesday.

The design team then spent the following days developing these ideas into two final plans, Plan A and Plan B, presented on Thursday evening.

Both plans share a similar vision: higher-density and commercial uses are concentrated in the northern portion of the site near downtown, gradually transitioning to lower-density, context-sensi-

tive development toward the south. The proposals align with local comprehensive plan goals, particularly in expanding affordable housing options through smaller units and a broader mix of housing types. A market analysis conducted during the charrette confirmed demand for all proposed uses at viable price points.

It’s important to note that Plans A and B are flexible frameworks rather than fixed proposals. Elements can be adjusted, combined, or replaced; for example, commercial spaces could shift to medical or other uses depending on future needs.

Community members are encouraged to review the final plans, explore the evolution of the design concepts, and continue providing feedback as the project moves forward.

Click to view the closing night presentation and Q&A.

Click to view a look behind the scenes at opening night.

LIFESAVERS

Employees receive CPR/AED Training from Talbot County DES

Town of Easton employees recently participated in a CPR/ AED training session hosted by Talbot County Department of Emergency Services (DES) at the A. James Clark Emergency Services Training Campus.

The hands-on training provided employees with essential lifesaving skills, including adult CPR techniques and the proper use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Participants practiced emergency response scenarios designed to build confidence and preparedness in the workplace and throughout the community.

Four employees attended and completed the training session: Lauren Dorsch, Luis Perez, Jill Sherwood, and Carol Callahan.

Instruction was provided by Talbot County DES paramedics Rachael Cox and Chelsea Hamilton, who guided participants through both classroom instruction and practical exercises on life-like dummies.

The Town of Easton appreciates the partnership with Talbot County DES and for anyone interested, our HR department is looking to book a second session with their team in the near future!

Congratulations to Trevor Newcomb 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 April 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!

YOU

Follow us on social media: @townofeastonmd

Birthdays

MAY

Lauren Dorsch

Nicholas Everngam

Daniel Farmer

Susan Filbird

Ellsworth Nicholson

Milton Orellana

Patrick Sally

Christy Spindler

Anniversaries

MAY

Blair Barstar - 5 years

Megan Coxon - 15 years

Scott Finch - 5 years

John Greene - 24 years

Kyle Hardy - 5 years

Nancy Pinkney - 11 years

Mark Schinault - 5 years

Jill Sherwood - 7 years

IM-PASTA-BLY DELICIOUS

Serve a Plate of Pasta Salad to Round Out Spring Picnics

Feature Impact) If clear skies and bright sunshine have you dreaming of a fresh meal outdoors, a picnic may be just the solution. Rounding out your spread of sandwiches and cold refreshments doesn’t have to be a trick - instead, treat yourself to a light, simple side like this Picnic Pasta Salad.

Cooked rotini is mixed with fresh veggies, tossed with Italian dressing and topped with crumbled feta cheese for a zesty complement to your favorite al fresco meals.

PICNIC PASTA SALAD

Recipe adapted from “Budget Bytes”

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 8 minutes

Servings: 10

1 pound rotini pasta

1 English cucumber

2 bell peppers

10 ounces grape tomatoes

1/2 red onion

2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 bottle (16 ounces) Italian dressing

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain in colander and rinse with cool water; drain well.

Slice cucumber into half-moons, chop bell peppers, halve tomatoes, thinly slice red onion and chop parsley. Set vegetables and parsley aside.

Transfer drained pasta to large bowl. Add chopped vegetables, parsley and feta cheese.

Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss until evenly coated. Add salt and pepper then refrigerate until ready to eat. Recipe

Visit Culinary.net to find more ways to round out a perfect picnic lunch.