EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2023
Table of Contents
Mayor’s Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Employee Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 East End Interactive Webpage Launches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Community Police Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Employee Appreciation Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Operation Green Light Concludes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Above and Beyond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Waterfowl Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Public Works Tree Lighting/Star Placing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Scenes from the Waterfowl Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 2024 Employee Holiday List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Human Resources/Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Recipe: Bourbon Glazed Holiday Ham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Cover Photo by Trevor Newcomb, Buildings and Facilities Director
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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DECEMBER 2023 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
LOOKING BACK...
As we approach the end of the year, it’s a great time to reflect on all the achievements, challenges and memorable moments from the last year. December is not just a month of festivities, it is also a time to appreciate the hard work, dedication and collaboration that defines our incredible team. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of you for your hard work and commitment to our neighbors and town. Your dedication has been a driving force behind our many successes (there have been so many!) and I’m grateful for all that you have done. As we say goodbye to 2023, let’s carry the positive momentum into the new year. I wish you all a happy and safe holiday season and a fantastic 2024!! Warmest regards,
Megan
Employee Spotlight NICK EWING | CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
Meet Nick Ewing! Nick works with the Town of Easton as a Code Enforcement Officer. Nick is responsible for checking up on homes and rental properties, making sure that they are up to code and offering adequate living conditions. Nick grew up in Easton, where he graduated from Easton High and worked several jobs. Now Nick lives here with his wife, Anna, and his two children, Ava and Alexander.
Click HERE to see Nick’s video interview!
In his free time, Nick likes to explore Easton with his family. He particularly enjoys going out to local restaurants for dinner, and having fun at our many parks with his children.
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2023
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Planning & Zoning
HEARING THE COMMUNITY Easton’s Engage East End interactive webpage is now live Engage East End, the project website for the East End Small Area Plan, is now live and available to the public. Engage East End is the public interface that gives citizens project information, opportunities to ask questions, respond
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to surveys, take polls, and learn about upcoming events. The website also gives citizens the option to create an account to receive email notifications. Alternative language options, including Spanish, are available.
DECEMBER 2023 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
A unique feature of Engage East End is the Interactive Map where citizens can provide feedback on a variety of topics, such as bicycle and pedestrian hazards and intersection issues, by placing pins on a map of the East End planning area. Staff is collecting and compiling the information submitted on the map to help in the development of the plan.
three primary areas of focus; the Dover Road Corridor, the legacy industrial areas associated with the former railroad, and the site of the current Talbot County Health Department, which is scheduled to relocate to a different site in the near future. A final draft of the Small Area Plan is expected by March of 2024.
The East End Small Area Plan is a follow-up to the Town’s existing East End Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, approved in September 1997. The Small Area Plan will update the existing plan to reflect the area’s current needs, assets, and opportunities. Planning in the East End includes
Please visit the project website at https://eastend. eastonmd.gov for more information and to contact staff with additional questions. Alternatively, Engage East End can be accessed through the Department of Planning and Zoning home page at the Town of Easton website: www.eastonmd.gov.
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2023
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Easton Police
PUBLIC AWARENESS Easton Police Department announces first Community Police Academy
The Easton Police Department is excited to announce its first Community Police Academy. The goal of this program is to educate the public about the Easton Police Department and to increase the rapport between community members and police officers.
ees may not miss more than two classes. The class curriculum will be different each week. You will become familiar with the different functions in the police department and experience the decisions that officers must make in different situations.
Most of the classes will meet at the Easton Police Depart- We hope the graduates of the Community Police Academy ment on 106 W. Dover St. in Easton. To “graduate,” attend- complete the program with a better understanding of
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DECEMBER 2023 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
the Easton Police Department, and will encourage others to participate in this rewarding program. We invite Easton residents and employees to apply and learn more about their Easton Police Department. If you are interested in attending, please contact the Easton Police Department. Class size is limited so don’t wait. Questions about this program should be directed to: EPDCareers@eastonmd.gov. Applications can be filled out on our website at: https://eastonmd.gov/604/CommunityPolice-Academy.
ENGAGING COURSES COVER: PATROL OPERATIONS Speak with patrol officers to learn about their day to day job.
SIMULATED TRAFFIC STOPS Experience the officer’s side of a traffic stop by participating in a traffic stop training scenario. USE OF FORCE Learn about the laws governing an officer’s use of force and experience the decision making process through the use of Virtual Reality, Simulators and staged real life scenarios. CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINING Learn about the training that officers receive to better help people experiencing mental health crises. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS Speak with detectives about their day to day job and the challenges of solving crimes. EVIDENCE COLLECTION Learn about the police department’s ability to collect and process evidence of crimes. DRONE UNIT AND K9 Demonstrations and conversations about these units. SWAT AND CRISIS NEGOTIATION See equipment used by these units and learn what they think about resolving dangerous situations.
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2023
QUALIFICATIONS
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria: • • •
Resident, or employee of the Town of Easton; At least eighteen (18) years of age; Willing to sign a Waiver of Liability, Consent to Criminal History Check form, and a limited Confidentiality Agreement form.
DISQUALIFIERS
An applicant may be disqualified from participating for
any of the following reasons, including but not limited to: (a) Outstanding warrants of any type. (b) Having a conviction or being under indictment for, or currently charged with any violent felony offense. (c) Having a history of/or conviction for any sexual related offense. (c) Having a history of/or conviction for Family Violence. (d) Applicant cannot be a suspect of any criminal case, regardless of the case outcome within the past three years. (e) A pplicant is a known member of or associated with any person or organization which advocates hatred, prejudice, or oppression of any person or group or which disseminates such material. (f) Applicant is a known member of or associated with any organization, association, movement, or group which advocates the commission of acts of force or violence to deny others their rights under the Constitution of the United States or which seeks to alter the form of government of the United States by unconstitutional means. (g) Persons who have a pending lawsuit against the Department shall not be allowed to participate in the Community Police Academy while that lawsuit is active. (h) A ny other indications of criminal history, criminal involvement and/or previous law enforcement involvement will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and considered in the application process.
The Community Police Academy will take place from 6pm to 9pm every Wednesday (excepting one Thursday class on February 15) from January 17-March 27.
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Human Resources
BREAKFAST MENU
RISE AND
SHINE Town of Easton employees enjoy appreciation breakfast
The Town of Easton employee appreciation breakfast was a scrumptious success! Held on November 14, the breakfast featured omelettes made to order, Belgian Waffles, breakfast sides, and fresh coffee. Over 130 employees came out bright and early to enjoy breakfast together, and over 130 employees went back to work with
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smiles and full stomachs.
Thank you to Rick Farr for orchestrating this awesome event, to the Omelette Guys for catering the delicious food, and to Mayor Megan Cook and Town Manager Don Richardson for helping to make this happen for all of the Town Employees. It was a delectable treat for all, and well-deserved!
MADE TO ORDER OMELETS: Sharp Cheddar Cheese Mozzarella Cheese Chopped Smoked Bacon Sweet Yellow Onions Fresh Broccoli Crowns Diced Bell Peppers Petite Baby Spinach Mushrooms Spanish Salsa Ketchup Hot Sauce WAFFLE STATION: Belgian Waffles Country Whipped Butter Maple Syrup Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Fresh Strawberries SIDES: Applewood Bacon Sausage Links Assorted Danish Pastries Coffee Orange Juice
DECEMBER 2023 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2023
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Operation Green Light
A SUCCESSFUL
OPERATION Town of Easton, Talbot County team up to honor veterans for Operation Green Light Following a proclamation read aloud at the November 6 Town Council Meeting, exterior lights for Town of Easton buildings (including Town Hall, the Rail Station, and the Veterans Affairs Building) were illumated green as part of Operation Green Light, a special campaign designed to recognize the sacrifices made by those who have served in the United States Military.
“
Additionally, Talbot County Government buildings including the Talbot County Courthouse and the Community Center were also lit green in solidarity.
It’s nice to be able to see all of our coworkers who have served be recognized for their contributions to our country. Chief Human Resources Officer Rick Farr
The lights stayed lit through November 12, and employees who served in the Armed Forces where given mini-profiles on social media recognizing their sacrifices and thanking them for their service. U.S. Air Force veteran and Town of Easton Chief Human Resources Officer Rick Farr said, “It’s great that the town has honored our veterans, and it’s nice to be able to see all of our coworkers who have served be recognized for their contributions to our country.”
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THANK YOU TO OUR VETERANS! Clockwise from top left: Daniel Reading Army National Guard 4 Years Megan Coxon US Air Force Reserve 14.5 Years Operation Freedom’s Sentinel Operation Inherent Resolve Rick Farr US Air Force 22 Years Operation Desert Shield/ Storm, Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Northern Watch/Southern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom Mitchell Reeley US Marine Corps 4 Years Operation Task Force South West Mary Moyer US Army 6 Years Cordero Proctor US Air Force 3 Years Brian Doyle US Marine Corps 4 Years Operation Desert Storm Frank Sova US Army 3 Years
DECEMBER 2023 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2023
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Town Office
A HELPING HAND Dawn Hutchison takes holiday decorations to the next level
It’s one thing to go above and beyond, but Purchas- Mike responded in part by saying that with permission ing, Asset & Grant Clerk Dawn Hutchison took the it could be arranged, and the rest became history. phrase’s meaning to a whole new level! After receiving the OK from administration, Dawn got What started out as a playful joke soon became a into her harness and rode in a bucket truck piloted by playful reality for Dawn. After ordering several new Justin Jones in order to hang a wreath on the second wreaths for Town Hall and fluffing them by hand, she story of Town Hall. Dawn and Justin were both all smiles asked if Public Works could install them quickly so throughout and had a good laugh at the experience. that they would not be squished in storage. After getting her feet back on the ground Dawn said, “I Public Works Superintendent Mike Dickerson jokingly can cross the bucket truck off my bucket list now.” She asked if she would like to supervise, and Dawn humor- later added, “JJ made it look easier than it is. I would ously returned that she could just install them herself. most certainly do it again!”
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DECEMBER 2023 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
“
I can cross the bucket truck off my bucket list now. Purchasing, Asset & Grant Clerk Dawn Hutchison
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2023
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Public Works
FINISHING TOUCHES Public Works, Parks and Rec work together to beautify Easton ahead of the Waterfowl Festival
In the week leading up to the Waterfowl Festival, our Public Works and Parks and Recreation teams were hard at work beautifying the Town in preparation for the big event . Public Works supervisors Glenn Towers and Justin Conaway worked with their teams (Jon McDougald, Gary Fike, Matt Cordrey, Bill Willis, Cody Gaertner, and Jacob Towers) to clean up the streets and sidewalks by reseating loose bricks, correcting sidewalk damage caused by tree roots, installing new storm drain covers, and putting fresh mulch in the tree beds.
projects, Brandon Miles worked to put fresh paint on the downtown sidewalk curbs, and cleaned the street signs by hand. Over at Thompson Park, our Parks and Recreation team (Supervisor Larry Wroten, Andrew Griffith, and Greg Webb) picked up lots of fallen foliage in order to keep the area looking sharp.
Thank you to our Public Works and Parks and Recreation teams for putting so much care and effort into our Town’s function and appearance. You’re there for us not just when it matters most, but While their teams were busy with those all year round.
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DECEMBER 2023 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE STAR PLACED ON DOVER RD
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2023
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Waterfow PAGE 16
DECEMBER 2023 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
wl Festival SCENES FROM THE
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2023
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Human Resources
2024 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
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1/1/2024
New Years Day
1/15/2024
Martin Luther King Day
3/29/2024
Good Friday
5/27/2024
Memorial Day
6/19/2024
Juneteenth
7/4/2024
Independence Day
9/2/2024
Labor Day
10/14/2024
Columbus Day (Canadian Thanksgiving)
11/11/2024
Veterans Day
11/28/2024
Thanksgiving Day
11/29/2024
Day After Thanksgiving
12/24/2024
Christmas Eve
12/25/2024
Christmas Day
DECEMBER 2023 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
Human Resources
NEW HIRE ANNOUNCEMENTS
WELCOME ABOARD!
Juan Sanchez Maintenance Crew
Terrell Sharp Maintenance Crew
Christy Spindler Human Resources Generalist
Jay Horner EPD Records/TAC
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2023
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Communications/PR
WE HAVE A
WINNER! Congratulations to Parks Maintenance Specialist Greg Webb for winning the Employee Newsletter Cover Photo Contest! Greg won a $25 gift card to Ganders Car Wash for his submission that landed on the November cover of the Town of Easton Employee Newsletter.
Thank you for your photos, and well done, Greg! 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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DECEMBER 2023 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
Employee Benefits
Human Resources Birthdays DECEMBER Jay Horner
Jessica Plugge Anthony Culling Cody Gaertner Nicholas Ewing Michael Duenas Clarence Gould Richard Vanemburgh Joseph Faulkner Brandon Watkins
Anniversaries DECEMBER Greg Mueller - 1 year
Scott Messick - 13 years David Ramey - 22 years
Jessica Plugge - 13 years Colin Woodard - 1 year
Daniel Reading - 1 year Brian Carroll - 5 years
Justin Reibly - 5 years
Anthony Cullings - 5 years Nicholas Lange - 3 years
Catelin Vanderlinden - 3 years Joshua Merrick - 17 years Tyquan Beckett - 2 years Cory Schuch - 2 years
Tim Larrimore - 23 years
Barry Slaughter - 24 years Zachery Christ - 3 years
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2023
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Recipe
HICKORY SMOKED HAM WITH BOURBON, HONEY AND ORANGE GLAZE Total time: 2 hours, 40 minutes
1 Smithfield Hickory Smoked Spiral Sliced Ham 1/2 cup bourbon 1/2 cup honey 1 1/2 cups fresh orange juice 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground clove 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon ground ginger Preheat oven to 325 F. Remove packaging from ham, including glaze packet, and place face down in large roasting pan. Heat ham, uncovered, 12-14 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 120 F. Heating time will vary by weight. When about 30 minutes of cook time remains, in small saucepan over mediumhigh heat, whisk bourbon, honey, orange juice, brown sugar, clove, cinnamon and ginger; bring to boil. Pour glaze over ham. Continue baking ham, basting frequently. For final 10 minutes of cook time, turn oven up to 425 F, continuing to baste with glaze. When ham is heated through, remove from oven, drain liquid in bottom of baking dish and reserve to serve on side of hot ham.
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HAM-ING IT UP Celebrate the season’s best with a smoked holiday ham
(Family Features) Whether you’re hosting a large holiday gathering or simply savoring the season with those nearest and dearest, serving up flavorful dishes your friends and family will love is key to bringing everyone together.
namon and honey that’ll leave guests asking for seconds.
Easy to prepare and ready to be served, Smithfield Spiral Hams are pre-sliced and only need to be heated. Plus, if you’re short on time during a hectic This holiday season, create a master- holiday season and unable to prepare a piece such as a Hickory Smoked Spiral homemade glaze, a pre-glazed ham is an Sliced Ham with Bourbon, Honey and easy option. Orange Glaze for the perfect combination of sweet and savory with fresh For more easy-to-make holiday recipe orange juice, bourbon, ginger, cin- inspiration, visit Smithfield.com.
DECEMBER 2023 | THE TOWN OF EASTON