EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2024
Table of Contents
Mayor’s Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Employee Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
MLK Jr. Basketball Classic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Mayor Willey Retirement Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Hugh Grunden Announces EUC Retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Dog Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 New Hospital Moves Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Fred Christie Selected for Defense Fellowship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SNOW-tos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Human Resources/Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Recipe: Red Velvet Heart Pancakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Cover Photo by Mike Young, Maintenance 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.
PAGE 2
FEBRUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
NEW CHAPTERS
Team – we are rolling towards February and have so many exciting highlights from the month of January. After much anticipation from our four legged neighbors, we cut the ribbon and opened the gates to the dog park. There were lots of tails wagging and some friendly barking from our furry friends who will enjoy endless fun at the park. Thank you to those who had a hand in the design, planning and construction of our newest park. We also gathered to celebrate our esteemed Mayor Willey. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with presentations that highlighted his incredible work that spanned more than 3 decades, and stories that reminded us of his achievements and the impact he had on our town. As a testament to his foresight, and a reminder of his commitment to progress the town dedicated the east-west portion of the rail-to-trail in his honor. Please keep an eye out for the beautiful plaque and boulder that will be placed along the trail. January also marked the announcement of the retirement of Hugh Grunden, President and CEO of Easton Utilities. After more than four decades at Easton Utilities, he’ll be retiring effective July 1st. Hugh’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of our utility company and we extend our heartfelt appreciation for his dedicated service. As we navigate these chapters of change and growth, let’s continue to embrace the spirit of community. Here’s to a February filled with warmer days, new beginnings, and of course the start of lacrosse and tennis seasons!
Employee Spotlight
Megan
NICK JOHNSON | TOWN PLANNER - CURRENT
Meet Nick Johnson! Nick serves as the Town Planner - Current for the Town of Easton’s Planning and Zoning department. Nick works closely with the Planning and Zoning Team, and is responsible for development reviews for building permits, applications for boards and commissions items, and helping to develop some of our Town’s interactive web features such as the Eye Over Easton Map!
Click HERE to see Nick’s video interview!
Nick lives in Easton, and if it’s warm out you’ll likely find him biking to work. In his free time, Nick enjoys surfing, adventuring outdoors, pickleball, and mentoring local youths.
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2024
PAGE 3
Parks & Rec
FUN FOR ALL Local youths ‘make it rain’ at MLK Jr. Basketball Classic
On Monday, January 15 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Basketball Classic took place at Easton Middle School and the Easton Family YMCA.
oline Counties take part in the festivities, which included full-court games; as well as foul shot, 3-point shot, and half-court shot competitions throughout the day.
Despite the snowy and rainy conditions, the The event was hosted in a joint effort between the event saw over 80 middle-school aged (5th-8th Town of Easton Parks and Recreation Departgrade) youths from Dorchester, Talbot, and Car- ment, Talbot County Department of Parks and
PAGE 4
FEBRUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
“
It is always a pleasure to see young people come together in unity for fun and fellowship! Lorraine Gould, Director of Parks and Recreation
Recreation, and the Easton Family YMCA, Easton Police Department, Talbot County Sheriff ’s Department and Cambridge Police Department. The event has been a successful function for eighteen years now. Lorraine Gould, Director of Parks and Recreation for Easton and event runner said, “It is always a pleasure to see young people come together in unity for fun and fellowship!” Games took place on separate courts at Easton Middle School and at the Easton YMCA across the street. In addition to the games and competitions, each player was given a free shirt, participation gift, and free lunch. Players were all smiles after each game, and stuck around to watch and cheer on as their friends played and competed after. The shooting competitions in particular drew lots of excitement from the crowd. After some spirited competition including multiple tiebreakers, winners were decided. Gabe Curler won the Half-Court Shot competition for a $200 prize, Jhansi Diaz won the Free
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2024
PAGE 5
MLK Jr. Image Award winners stand alongside local officials. Pictured from left to right are: Jermaine Murray (YMCA of the Chesapeake), Lorraine Gould (Director, Easton Parks & Recreation), Sergeant Megan Coxon (Easton Police Department), Antoine Patton (Cambridge Police Department), Johnny Mautz (Maryland State Senator), Jonathan Matthews (Federalsburg Image Award Recipient), Deon Gibson (Easton Image Award Recipient), Glen Cropper (Cambridge Image Award Recipient), Danny Mitchell Standing in for Stacy Gardner (Denton Image Award Recipient), Mayor Megan Cook (Town of Easton), Kelly Simonsen (Marketing and Communications Manager, Easton Utilities), John Englehart (Assistant Manager of Human Resources, Easton Utilities).
ant day. Their efforts in helping their neighbors and selflessly giving back to their communities are representative of the values Dr. King strived to promote. To have these awards given out at this event, After the games concluded, former Talbot County with so many engaged youths, sets a wonderful Council Member (and event MC) Corey Pack example for them to live by.” announced this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Image Awards, awards given to town/county leaders who The event was sponsored by Easton Utilities, Talexemplify the character of Dr. King by giving back bot County Parks and Recreation, Easton Parks to their communities. This year’s award winners and Recreation, YMCA of the Chesapeake, Talwere Deon Gibson of Easton, Glen Cropper of bot Optimist Club, Talbot County Public Schools, Cambridge, Jonathan Matthews of Federalsburg, Herschel Johnson PAL, Talbot County FOP Lodge and Stacy Gardner of Denton. #18; and additionally supported by the efforts of the Easton Police Department, the Talbot County Mayor Megan Cook said, “It’s great that we can Sheriff ’s Office, and the Cambridge Maryland recognize these local leaders on such an import- Police Department. Throw competition for a $25 prize, and Jeremiah Harris won the Three Point Shot competition for a $25 prize.
PAGE 6
FEBRUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2024
PAGE 7
Town Events
SERVICE WITH A SMILE Former Mayor Bob Willey honored by Town, local dignitaries at surprise retirement event
On Saturday, January 13, the Town of Easton with an open bar serving beer, wine, and a signaheld a surprise retirement party to honor for- ture cocktail aptly named the ‘Silly Willey.’ mer Mayor Bob Willey for his 32 years of service to our Town. Former Mayor Willey received recognition from numerous local leaders and dignitaries. His The party was held at the Easton Volunteer Fire awards included a proclamation from the Talbot Department banquet hall, and saw over 200 peo- County Council, a proclamation and ‘Shadowple turn out to honor the former mayor with sev- box’ from the Town of Easton, a framed plaque eral awards, speeches, and the sharing of fond of recognition from Easton Utilities, and citamemories. Hors d’ oeuvres including crab dip, tions from Delegate Chris Adams and Senator meatballs, and charcuterie were offered along Johnny Mautz.
PAGE 8
FEBRUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
Easton Volunteer Fire Department commended former Mayor Willey by dedicating their new fire engine, Engine 63, to the Mayor; including a plaque in his honor affixed to the side of the engine. Additionally, the Town of Easton unveiled a concept for an engraved plaque inlaid on a large boulder to be placed along a stretch of Rails to Trails.
“
It means a lot... It’s more than I ever could’ve hoped for... It really was a surprise
During the event, Willey commented on how Former Mayor Bob Willey pleased he was with the reception and the awards. “It means a lot,” he said. “It’s more than I ever could’ve hoped for. I’m really glad to see everyone ing as mayor for 20 (2003-2023). His impact on out here enjoying themselves and having a good the Town of Easton was immense, and he oversaw the completion of numerous important projects time…It really was a surprise.” including (but certainly not limited to) the acquiWilley served on the Easton Town Council for sition of Mistletoe Hall Industrial Park, the develtwelve years (six as Council President) before serv- opment of Rails to Trails, the construction of the
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2024
PAGE 9
EVFD substation, the purchase and restoration of Easton Point Park and its waterfront, and the purchase of Easton Woodland Park.
Easton Volunteer Fire Department for over 60 years serving as secretary, treasurer, trustee and fire fighter; a member of the Easton Elks Lodge for over 50 years; a past president of the Easton Discussing Willey’s contributions over the years, Kiwanis Club; a past member of the Board of Mayor Megan Cook said, “It’s heartening to see Mayor Directors of the Safety Council of Maryland, and Willey get recognition for all he’s done for our Town a life-long member of the First Baptist Church of and region. Knowing him, and many of the dignitar- Easton. Willey held the position of President of ies that have come to present, it’s easy to see the posi- the Eastern Shore Association of Municipalities tive impact and impression he’s made to each of them, in 2002; and has served on the MML Legislative Committee for 13 years. He was inducted into from the local fire department to the Senate floor.” MD Municipal League Hall of Fame in 2012. WilIn addition to serving on the Town Council ley also coached Little League baseball and footand as Mayor, Willey has been a member of the ball for 14 years.
Kudos to Savannah Morrow for putting together such a fantastic sendoff party for Mayor Willey!
PAGE 10
FEBRUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
Easton Utilities
END OF AN ERA Hugh Grunden Announces Retirement from Easton Utilities
After more than four decades with Easton Utilities, Hugh Grunden announced his retirement as President and CEO effective July 1. “Hugh has been deeply devoted to the organization, serving this community responsibly through fiscal discipline and passionate leadership to uphold our mission,” says W.W. “Buck” Duncan, Chairman of the Easton Utilities Commission. Under Grunden’s direction, Easton Utilities has become a multi-service provider committed to exceptional customer satisfaction, superior reliability of critical infrastructure, and competitive pricing of the essential services relied on by all every single day. His accomplishments include bringing innovative technology to Easton through the addition of cable television in 1984 and internet service in 1998, building an award-winning Customer Service Center in 2000 for the expanding business operations, and constructing a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility in 2007. This facility later became the home of the Easton Sustainability Campus to contain a system of multiple, diverse renewable energy sources including a two-megawatt solar array which was completed in 2017.
However, it is Grunden’s unwavering loyalty to the community that will continue to flourish in the culture of Easton Utilities. He encourages all employees to get involved by supporting the many businesses and philanthropic organizations, knowing Easton Utilities is a pillar of the community. One of his cherished accomplishments was bringing Rudolph back to Easton. “Who knew putting a 16-foot plastic reindeer up on Talbottown would elicit such a sentimental response from this community?” adds Grunden. Grunden began his career at Easton Utilities in 1983 as a Civil Engineer, following his graduation from University of Maryland where he received a degree in Civil Engineering. Later, as Deputy General Manager, he worked under the mentorship of then General Manager Roger Judd. Early on, Grunden was groomed to be a future leader for the organization. He became the President and CEO of Easton Utilities in 1994 following Judd’s unexpected passing. In 2001 he received his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from The Johns Hopkins University.
“It has been an interesting and rewarding career where I Most recently, Grunden worked to help solve the rural broad- learned a lot and had the privilege to interact with so many band issues in Talbot County, and Easton Velocity, a service of talented individuals all with the same end goal in mind,” says Easton Utilities, is now well underway to completing this trans- Grunden. “I credit my success to the entire team and will formational project. Currently, more than 2,200 residents have depart proud of everything we accomplished together. I look access to broadband and over 1,200 have signed up for service forward to watching Easton Utilities continue to flourish.” through this expansion project. “In our modern world, connectivity has risen higher and higher on the list of essential ser- The Easton Utilities Commission and members of the Execvices and has become a vital part of nearly every facet of human utive Team will begin the thorough process to select Gruninteraction,” adds Town of Easton Mayor Megan Cook. “Thank den’s replacement. In the meantime, Easton Utilities will you to Easton Utilities for working tirelessly to accomplish this ensure a seamless transition and safeguard the continuity of goal through the Connect Talbot project.” all operations.
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2024
PAGE 11
PAGE 12
FEBRUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
Town Events
PAWSIBLY PERFECT Easton Dog Park opening is a big hit with dogs, dog-owners
Thursday, January 18 was a big day for all the and Mayor Megan Cook about the process of putdoggos, puppers, pooches, and hounds of Easton! ting the park together. After the ribbon was cut, dozens of dogs big and small made their way into At (ruff-ly) 10am, the Easton Dog Park was the park area for some much needed play time opened to all. Despite the chilly weather, the rib- and leg stretching. bon cutting ceremony was well attended by both 2-legged and 4-legged participants. After some The park now occupies a spot on a long-vacant plot coffee and light refreshments, attendees heard of land off of Brewers Lane. Mayor Megan Cook speeches from Town Engineer Rick VanEmburgh said, “It is really great to be able to utilize this space
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2024
PAGE 13
in such a meaningful way. Dog owners will have a fun and safe way to take out their pups just a short walk from our downtown center.” Mayor Cook Added, “We’re certainly excited to see our furry friends (and their owners) put it to good use.”
“
Our community has been looking forward to a The Easton Dog Park features several amenities that will make visitors and their dogs feel right at dog park in our home. The park sports two separately closed-in areas, one for small dogs and one for large dogs, both covered in high-quality, low-maintenance downtown area for a synthetic turf. Each area of the park contains long time — we’re shaded spaces, sitting benches, watering stations, and dual gate entrances. Additionally, the park comes equipped with a public comfort station extremely proud to including bathrooms and a water fountain. be able to deliver The dog park was a major piece of the bond project construction plan helmed by the duo of Town one that we think Engineer Rick VanEmburgh and Town Project Manager Kody Cario. They utilized bond money checks all the boxes. acquired in 2020 and helped to conceptualize
Project Manager Kody Cario the project, before working directly with Chester River Landscaping (artificial turf, fencing, and landscaping on inner areas), Willow Construc- this project; our Town Council members, both tion (comfort station), and Easton’s Public Works past and present as well as Mayor Cook and forteam throughout the entire construction process. mer Mayor Willey for their leadership; Town Engineer Rick VanEmburgh and Project ManAccording to Project Manager Kody Cario, the ager Kody Cario for overseeing this project from park worked out even better than imagined. start to finish; our Public Works team for their Cario said, “Our community has been looking tremendous efforts in preparing the site, and forward to a dog park in our downtown area for building the parking areas, sidewalks, benches, a long time — we’re extremely proud to be able trash cans, shade structures, and drainage systo deliver one that we think checks all the boxes.” tems; Buildings and Facilities Director Trevor Newcomb, who managed the construction of the While the park is catered to dogs, Cario explained bathroom facility; our IT team for their work on that there is at least one benefit for everyone. the electronic locks; our finance team for helping “With the addition of the public comfort station, to get all the funds processed prior to our deadthis new facility gives a great benefit to all of our line; and of course, Easton Utilities for helping residents and visitors, not just dog-owners. It will bring the power, fiber, sewer, and water necessary be especially helpful during bustling downtown to run these facilities. events,” he added. It truly was a group effort, and it’s amazing to The Town would like to thank David Ferraris, see what our staff and community can all do Noah Matten, Charles Goebel, Rauch Engineer- together with a common goal. We hope everying, and Calvin Yowell for their contributions to one enjoys the new park!
PAGE 14
FEBRUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2024
PAGE 15
Local News
A NEW HOME
Maryland Health Care Commission Approves Certificate Of Need (UMMS.org) University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH), a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System, received approval yesterday from the Maryland Health Care Commission to construct a new Regional Medical Center in Easton. Once completed, the UM Shore Regional Medical Center in Easton will replace the existing hospital in downtown Easton, which is outdated and obsolete, with the majority of the hospital constructed
PAGE 16
between 1955 and 1975. Additionally, its location in a residential neighborhood bordering the town’s Historic District prevents expansion and creates access issues for patients and staff. The new UM Shore Regional Medical Center campus will occupy 200-plus acres off Longwoods Road near the intersection of U.S. Route 50, adjacent to the Talbot County Community Center. Approximately 3.5 miles from the current hospital, this location will offer greater visibility, and easier
FEBRUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
PROPOSED SPECIFICATIONS: Main Hospital Tower: 6 levels; 325,294 square feet Adjacent medical office and outpatient services building: 60,000 square feet Licensed Beds: 147 (all private rooms / includes Observation Beds) Emergency Department Treatment Bays: 27 Operating Rooms: 7 Helipad (ground level)
CORE PROGRAMS & SPECIALTY CENTERS: Acute Rehabilitation Center Behavioral Health Birthing Center Cardiac Intervention Center Critical Care/Acute Care Medicine Emergency Services Neurosciences Orthopedics Women’s Services
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2024
and safer access for ambulance and helicopter transport as well as ample parking for patients, staff and visitors. UM SRH has spent the last several years laying the ground work for the advancement of the new Regional Medical Center by making investments in other key supporting projects identified in the System’s integrated facility and clinical service delivery plan. The completion of the freestanding medical facility in Cambridge, several medical pavilions and stand-alone emergency centers in the region, urgent care facilities in Denton, Easton and Kent Island, and numerous major equipment upgrades have totaled over $150M in capital investments. “We are so grateful for our communities’ patience and trust as we have implemented key strategies to improve health care access and services to each of the counties of the mid-shore,” said Ken Kozel, UM SRH president and CEO. “We were honored to include as part of our CON application multiple letters of support from state, county, city and town officials, health departments, law enforcement, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, safety-net health care providers, and economic development agencies in all five counties of our service area.” The realization of this project has also been aided by this week’s announcement by Maryland Governor Wes Moore that the State’s Multi-Year 2025 budget includes a funding commitment of $100 million for the construction of the new hospital complex. Achieving these two milestones are major steps forward as UM SRH continues efforts to advance this significant project with plans to begin site work this spring, construction starting in spring 2025 and final building occupancy in the summer of 2028.
PAGE 17
Easton Utilities
BEST DEFENSE Fred Christie Selected for Department of Energy’s OT Defender Fellowship
Fred Christie, the Chief Information Officer for Easton to target our energy infrastructure, and the cybersecurity Utilities, has been selected to participate in the 2024 tools and tactics the U.S. government is using to counter them. Because security managers play such Operational Technology (OT) Defender a decisive role in defending the energy secFellowship, a highly selective education tor against cyberattacks and physical secuprogram created, funded, and led by the rity breaches, developing and honing their Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of skills is crucial to protecting our national Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emersecurity. gency Response (CESER). Christie will join a small group of 15 highly qualified participants across the US for the OT Defender Fellowship, which only offers one cohort per year. The program serves not only as a collaboration opportunity, but as an information exchange between government and energy sector experts that fosters two-way advancement of cybersecurity capabilities and processes. “I am very excited about being selected for this DOE program and the opportunity to help protect our US utility infrastructure from our nation-state adversaries. I am eager to expand my knowledge and continue building my connections in this realm,” says Christie. “It will be an honor to learn from the very best.”
During the fellowship, participants will gain a better understanding of the threats against critical infrastructure and learn about capabilities for detection of, defense against, and recovery from cyberattacks. They will leave the program equipped with actionable information, insight, and connections to apply in their roles post-fellowship. The OT Defender program is hosted by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and funded by the Department of Energy (DOE). For more information, please visit energy.gov.
Easton Utilities is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility and telecommunications company operating the Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, Cable TeleviThe program is designed to give middle- and senior-level sion, and Internet services for the Town of Easton and Operations Technology security managers in the energy portions of the surrounding area. Visit eastonutilities. sector the opportunity to learn about the strategies used com for more information.
PAGE 18
FEBRUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
BIGGEST SNOWFALL IN 2023
SNOW-WORTHY
2024 is already off to a snowy start with not one, but two snowfalls the week of January 15 — already surpassing the biggest snowfall we had in 2023 (pictured above). Thanks to our Public Works crew for traversing hazardous conditions during the early morning hours to keep the roads treated and clear so that we all can make it in safely!
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2024
PAGE 19
Communications/PR
WE HAVE A
WINNER!
Congratulations to Public Works Street Supervisor Justin Jones for winning the Employee Newsletter Cover Photo Contest! Justin was gifted victory by Tree Supervisor Billy Murdoch who won the contest with a photo of Justin. Justin now has a $25 gift card to Spaghetti House for the submission that landed on the January 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!
PAGE 20
FEBRUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
Employee Benefits
Human Resources Birthdays FEBRUARY
Joshua Maxwell David Wroten Vincent Barnett Tyquan Beckett George Larrimore Rashida Johnson Carolinne Kahane Dustin Otto Drequan Stevens Nicholas Lange Joseph Schinault Cody Bland
Anniversaries FEBRUARY
Joanne Drummer — 43 years Milton Orellana — 22 years Daniel Farmer — 18 years Rick Van Emburgh — 9 years Kody Cario — 5 years Brandon Watkins — 2 years Alan Lowrey — 2 years
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2024
PAGE 21
Recipe
RED VELVET HEART PANCAKES Servings: 8-10
MADE WITH LOVE The Perfect Pancake for Your Valentine
(Culinary.net) Finding something unique and special to do on Valentine’s Day for your significant other can be a challenge. Every year, the day to celebrate love rolls around and every year it may seem like you’re out of ideas. Many people feel the same way.
help in the kitchen and make a meal for the whole family. In the end, you will have yourself a scrumptious breakfast, made with love and as sweet as can be.
Valentine’s Day is a big reason to celeHowever, with just a couple bowls, a brate. You don’t have to stick to the same cookie cutter and a skillet, your Valen- flowers and chocolates as last year. Mix tine’s Day could start off a lot sweeter. it up with this delectable recipe meant to spread some love on a significant day. Kids also love the fun shape and color of CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO! this breakfast. It’s a neat way to have them
PAGE 22
• 1 cup flour • 1/4 cup sugar • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 egg • 1 cup buttermilk • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus additional for garnish • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 30-40 drops red food coloring nonstick cooking spray • syrup, for garnish • powdered sugar, for garnish • raspberries, for garnish In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In medium bowl, whisk egg. Add buttermilk, 2 tablespoons butter, vanilla extract and food coloring; whisk until combined. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir to combine. Spray heart-shaped cookie cutter with nonstick cooking spray and place in skillet. Add enough batter to fill heart. Cook 2 minutes. Remove heart cutter. Flip pancake and cook 1 minute. Serve with butter, syrup, powdered sugar and raspberries. Note: If mixture is too thick, add water until desired consistency is reached.
FEBRUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON