EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | JANUARY 2024
Table of Contents
Mayor’s Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Employee Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Skate Park and Pump Track Ribbon Cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Shore Leadership Graduates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Shop with a Cop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Public Works Holiday Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Town Office Holiday Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Holiday Lights Poem/Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 New Officer at EPD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Scenes from the Holiday Parade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 New EPD Cruisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Human Resources/Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Recipe: Bourbon Glazed Holiday Ham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Cover Photo by Billy Murdoch, Tree Crew Supervisor
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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JANUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
A NEW BEGINNING... Join me in bidding farewell to 2023 and looking ahead to 2024 with optimism. We can reflect on what we learned and embrace the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Let’s work together by setting ambitious targets, and supporting each other on our journeys. Here’s to new beginnings filled with promise — let’s make this year our most remarkable one yet! Warmest regards,
Megan
Employee Spotlight KODY CARIO | PROJECT MANAGER Meet Kody Cario! Kody serves as the Project Manager for the Town of Easton’s Engineering department. Kody works closely with Town Engineer Rick VanEmburgh, and is responsible for working with contractors and our Public Works team to accomplish Town projects including general construction, parks, trails, stream restorations, and more! Kody has worked with us for 5 years, and currently lives in Easton with his wife, Leslie, and son, Ryder.
Click HERE to see Kody’s video interview!
In his free time, Kody enjoys woodworking, traveling, spending time with his family, and participating in adventure races.
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | JANUARY 2024
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Town Events
ALL HANDS
ON DECK
Easton hosts ribbon cutting for new Skatepark and Pump Track The Easton Skatepark and Pump Track is now Van Emburgh, Town Manager Don Richardson, officially open! and Mayor Megan Cook.
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On December 28, the Town of Easton held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the skatepark and pump track under a tent in the rear lot of North Easton Park. Despite the overcast sky, the event was well attended with dozens of riders and spectators showing up to enjoy the new park.
After the speeches, the three speakers along with Council President Frank Gunsallus, Ward 3 Council Member David Montgomery, Ward 4 Council Member Rev. Elmer Neal Davis Jr., and Project Manager Kody Cario stood in front of the crowd to cut the ribbon and officially open the park.
Prior to the ribbon cutting, dedications and speeches were delivered by Town Engineer Rick
Project Manager Kody Cario had the honor of cutting the ribbon and just seconds later the park
JANUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
was bustling with ollies, kickflips, high-flying tricks, and plenty of smiling faces. The Easton Skatepark and Pump Track were part of a bond project construction plan helmed by the Town of Easton Engineering team of Van Emburgh and Project Manager Kody Cario. They utilized bond money acquired in 2020 to help conceptualize the idea for the project, and worked directly with Spohn Ranch Skateparks, PumpTrax USA, and Easton’s Public Works teams to make the concepts a reality. The skate park and pump track feature ramps, gaps, and rails that offer challenges for riders of
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“
We are fortunate to have so many skilled people working across all of our departments to make things like this a reality for our Town. Mayor Megan Cook
all skill levels, including those who are just starting out. Cario said, “The tracks were designed to accommodate those new to the sport, as well as seasoned riders. I’d encourage everyone to try these new activities now available in Town.” According to Town Engineer Rick Van Emburgh, the projects turned out exactly as imagined. Van Emburgh said, “We are very proud of the end result. The Skate Park and Pump Track are wonderful additions for our Town Residents and we expect they will draw people from surrounding communities as well.” Mayor Megan Cook was thrilled with how the park and the event turned out. Mayor Cook said “It’s just amazing to see this come to fruition. Like our other bond projects, our team has been working hard on this all year, and I say team because it truly was a team effort. From our Engineering team to spark the vision, and to help guide the project along every step of the way, to our Public Works team, who carried out a significant part of the construction, to our Parks and Recreation team who have worked (and will continue to work) to keep this park thriving and beautiful, to our Finances Department, who helped us get all of the bond money and funds accounted for in time to make this all happen. We are fortunate to have so many skilled people working across all of our departments to make things like this a reality for our Town.”
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JANUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | JANUARY 2024
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Shore Leadership
LEADING LEARNERS
Town of Easton, Easton Utilities employees graduate from Shore Leadership Congratulations to Town Manager Don Richardson, conversation on how to foster collaboration and solve Town IT Specialist Joey Faulkner, and Easton Utilities’ problems. Electric Department Manager John Hines III for graduating from Shore Leadership! About the program, Joey said, “The Shore Leadership experience showed me and taught me how to be a better Don, Joey, and John completed a 9 month long pro- leader in today’s changing and evolving work environgram specializing in helping those in leadership roles to ment by using creativity and teamwork within a classbecome stronger leaders and to better understand issues room setting and demonstrating implementation into and challenges in our region. the ‘live’ work setting.” Over the course of the program, they tackled several Well done Don, Joey, and John. We are grateful to have skill-building activities, and engaged in thoughtful such great leaders on our team!
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JANUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
OPPOSITE PAGE: Left to Right: Town Manager Don Richardson, Town IT Specialist Joey Faulkner, and Easton Utilities’ Electric Department Manager John Hines III pose with their certificates. THIS PAGE: Town Manager Don Richardson (pictured middle), Town IT Specialist Joey Faulkner (pictured top), and Easton Utilities’ Electric Department Manager John Hines III (pictured bottom) stand with the rest of their graduating Shore Leadership Class. Each year, the graduating class is dubbed the “best class ever,” but this year, the class of 2023 one upped the tradiation by self-labeling as “Shorely, the best class ever.”
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Easton Police
GIFT OF GIVING Easton and Oxford Police Departments, Talbot County Sheriff ’s Office join forces for Talbot Optimist’s ‘Shop with a Cop’ event
On Saturday, December 9th, the Easton Police Department, Oxford Police Department, and the Talbot County Sheriff ’s Office came together for the Talbot Optimist Club’s ‘Shop with a Cop’ event. This event sees police officers pairing up with local youths to assist them on a shopping spree to provide holiday gifts for the youths and their families. Debbie Henckel, event organizer and member of the Talbot Optimist Club has been working
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the event for over a decade. Henckel said, “It’s all about the kids, the smiles on their faces, and them being able to have something to give to their families.” The children participating came out to the Elks Lodge #1622 off of Dutchman’s Lane, where they were greeted by and paired with their chaperoning officers. After they were welcomed by the officers, the children ventured out to the squad cars to head over to the Easton Walmart. The
JANUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | JANUARY 2024
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squad cars left the Elks Lodge in an impressive fashion, lined up and utilizing lights and sirens similar to a parade procession. Once they arrived at Walmart, officers helped the children use their budget and shopping lists to acquire presents for their families. Many of the children involved utilized their entire budget to purchase gifts for their families instead of themselves. Fortunately, their kindness did not go unnoticed and was rewarded. The chaperoning officers found it in their hearts to give them a little extra so everyone left with a gift of their own. In addition to the officers chipping in, there were a few shoppers passing by who also donated their own funds to the cause. “This is a good place we live in,” said Easton Police Chief Alan Lowrey. Lowrey continued, “I’ve seen these kids looking out for their families instead of themselves, our officers reaching into their own wallets to make sure no one is left out, and even just some local townspeople going out of their way to do the same. It is really moving, and I’m proud to see it all.” After all of the shopping was completed, the group came back to the Elks Lodge to get started wrapping. Tape, wrapping paper, bags, and scissors were all deployed simultaneously as the officers and their companions took all the gifts and did their best to make everything look beautiful enough to go under the tree. Once completed, the officers and children enjoyed pizza and snacks together, before wrapping up the day by playing a spirited soccer match on the lawn outside.
“
I’ve seen these kids looking out for their families instead of themselves, our officers reaching into their own wallets to make sure no one is left out, and even just some local townspeople going out of their way to do the same. It is really moving, and I’m proud to see it all. Easton Chief of Police Alan Lowrey
you know that’s because they care. It’s nice to see their eagerness to be here with the kids. They really make a difference to these kids, and around our community.”
Henckel continued, “We just want to thank the Elks lodge for donating us the space, Easton Walmart for their help in making this possible, as well as Easton Police Department, Oxford In all her years organizing the event, Henckel PD, and the Sheriffs for coming out this year. said she always sees familiar faces amongst the To have their support over the years means officers. “You see a lot of returning officers and more than you know.”
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Public Works
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
Public Works’ employee appreciation party celebrates a strong 2023
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On December 14, the Public Works Department gathered together to celebrate all they accomplished in 2023. The staff appreciation party saw the entire department (and several retirees) come out to the Fire Hall for some delicious food from Mission BBQ.
Mayor Megan Cook, Town Manager Don Richardson, Public Works Superintendent Mike Dickerson, Town Engineer Rick Van Emburgh, and even former Mayor Bob Willey came out and spoke to the team, congratulating them for all of their accomplishments and acknowledging their work throughout the Town.
In addition to the tasty food, the team saw acknowledgements of work related milestones, employee gifts (brand new travel mugs!), and even some raffle drawings for a day off of work.
Thank you to our entire Public Works department for helping to keep our Town functional, safe, beautiful, and on a path of progress. We can’t wait to see how you help shape the Town in 2024!
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EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | JANUARY 2024
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JANUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
Town Office
HOLIDAY
HIJINKS
Multiple snowmen spotted at Town Office holiday party The Town of Easton’s Holiday Party on Friday, had to quickly “build” a snowman out of toilet paper and craft supplies resulting in a frantic and December 8 was a blast! hilarious competition. Despite a bit of a mess, the Hosted at The Ivy Cafe, the party boasted delicious Ivy Cafe Staff was very accommodating. hors d’oeuvres (crab dip rolls, cheeseburger sliders, pretzel bites, and more), a plentiful drink selection, It was a great way to celebrate this fantastic team and all of their accomplishments in 2023. A big and some great door prizes. thank you to Administrative Specialist Savannah While the food was great, the real showstopper was Morrow for organizing and executing this awethe ‘Frosty the Snowman’ game where employees some party!
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SNOWMAN
SNOWDOWN The winner of the “Frosty the Snowman” snowman building competition was Scott Messick (and team). Their snowman was judged best by an impartial staff member of The Ivy. Runners up pictured below are (left to right) Andrew Griffith, Tim Tarrant, Aaron Sadberry, and Kody Cario. Scott and his team won a $25 Dunkin Donuts gift card for their excellent design!
WINNER! RUNNERS UP
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JANUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
CLICK THE PHOTO HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO
EASTON HOLIDAY LIGHTS A video/poem about our most festive decorations around Town, and the tradition behind them
Have you wondered about our Holiday Lights? They come in great shapes, with colors so bright, They hang on the lamp posts of Easton’s best streets Bringing Smiles to all wherever they’re seen.
But where did they come from? And how were they made? Were they bought from a store, Or by Santas-elf trade?
They’re loaded on trucks for our public works crew And Easton Utilities helps with this too. Mounted to brackets, on Easton’s lamp posts These festive lights find their holiday home
No…No, no.
For 80-plus years, tradition it’s been, At least one of these lights was built way back then. One original build still hangs with the new, And no one can tell, but the skilled in our crew.
The lights that you see were made here in town, To hang every winter before they come down. Our Public Works team, they build some each year To lift up our spirits and bring holiday cheer.
So next time you go down Easton’s bright streets, Look up and smile at this glorious feat. They cut the steel, and bend it to shape, So while Harrison, Washington, and Dover delight, Forming trees, and candles, and peppermint canes Happy Holidays to Easton, and to all a good night Once they take form, they’re set with a brace, Wires and bulbs are carefully placed
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Easton Police
ON PATROL Mueller graduates from Criminal Justice Academy to serve EPD
On Monday, December 18, 2023, Easton Police Department welcomed Patrolman Christopher Mueller to the force following his graduation from WorWic Community College’s Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy. The graduation ceremony was held at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD. The academy has a six-month long curriculum that trains officers on many aspects of police operations, and has testing requirements for physical fitness, academics, and marksmanship with a pistol. During the ceremony, Mueller received additional awards for excellence in Pistol Marksmanship and Academics.
Patrolman Mueller served as a Service Technician II for ADT Commercial. Following his graduation, Mueller must successfully complete a three-month Field Training program with Easton Police Department to satisfy the requirements for full certification as a Maryland law enforcement officer. After the graduation ceremony, Deputy Chief Gregory Wright congratulated Mueller on a job well done. Deputy Chief Wright said, “We’re excited to have Ptl. Mueller join our team. He’s going to have a positive impact on our community.”
Mueller was sworn in by Mayor Megan Cook later Prior to starting with the Easton Police Department, that week at the Easton Town Office.
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JANUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | JANUARY 2024
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Holiday PAGE 22
JANUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
y Parade SCENES FROM THE
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Easton Police
NEW YEAR NEW LOOK! Easton Police Department receives 4 new police cruisers
This December, Easton Police Department got their first delivery of new police cruisers. They received their first four cruisers (out of 16 total) all rigged out with the necessary decals, lights, and equipment to patrol the streets.
the cruisers in waves of 4 throughout early 2024.
Deputy Chief Greg Wright said, “We’re very excited to have these new vehicles ready to go. We have been working towards getting these for a while now, so it’s nice to see these come through for us. It’s always The new cruisers sport a white paint job, with important to bring in new up-to-date technology and slick monochrome black accents to give a sharp, fresh vehicles to give our officers the tools they need to high-contrast look. EPD should receive the rest of get the job done, and to get home safely.”
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JANUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON
“
It’s always important to bring in new up-todate technology and fresh vehicles to give our officers the tools they need to get the job done, and to get home safely. Deputy Chief Greg Wright
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Communications/PR
THANK YOU FOR
WE HAVE A
WINNER! Congratulations to Buildings and Facilities Director Trevor Newcomb for winning the Employee Newsletter Cover Photo Contest! Trevor won a $25 gift card to Rude Food Co. for his submission that landed on the December cover of the Town of Easton Employee Newsletter.
Thank you for your photos, and well done, Trevor! 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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YOUR SERVICE! Kevin Hackett retires after 33 years in Easton
At the very end of November, we gave a heartfelt goodbye to Public Works employee Kevin Hackett, who retired after 33 years of service. Kevin served for 8 years with Easton Utilities before coming over to the Town of Easton and joining our Public Works Department. To honor his time served, a retirement party with a catered lunch was held at the EVFD Fire Hall with most of Public Works and several town officials in attendance. Chicken wings, meatballs, crab dip, and cake were all on the menu while family, friends, and coworkers shared stories and said their goodbyes. After his retirement party wrapped up Kevin said, “I’ve run a sweeper, tree truck, been on maintenance crew...even cut the grass. There isn’t much I haven’t done here. It’s been a good ride, it has. I try not to be emotional, but it’s really been a good time with some good people.” Hopefully you were able to catch a glimpse of Kevin’s retirement banner which hung just across from Town Hall throughout December. Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for your service Kevin. You will be missed!
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Employee Benefits
Human Resources Birthdays JANUARY Tyrone Perry John Tripp Nicholas Johnson Jacob Towers Garey Fike Megan Coxon Michael Whitby Heather Hanson Mitchell Reeley Colin Jones Dorothy Meekins Samantha Smith Catelin Vanderlinden Brandon Miles
Anniversaries JANUARY Gordon Lee - 23 years Rick Farr - 2 years Mike Thume - 2 years Tim Tarrant - 3 years Tony Nagle - 1 year Tracy Lednum - 7 years Kathy Ruf - 33 years Joe Mayer - 5 years Brian Doyle - 31 years
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BAKED BRIE WITH PECANS AND CRANBERRY ORANGE CHUTNEY
Recipe
Recipe courtesy of the American Pecan Promotion Board Cook time: 24 minutes Servings: 8
1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries 1/2 cup maple syrup, plus 1 teaspoon for garnish, divided 1/2 cup water 1 orange, zest and juice only 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme, plus additional for garnish, divided 1 teaspoon freshly chopped rosemary 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional) 1 round brie (13.4 ounces) 1/2 cup roasted pecan pieces crackers toasted bread apple slices Preheat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring cranberries (reserving some for garnish), 1/2 cup maple syrup and water to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop and mixture thickens, 8-10 minutes. Remove cranberry mixture from heat and stir in orange zest, orange juice, 1 teaspoon thyme, rosemary and bourbon, if desired. Place brie on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 5-7 minutes, or until inside of cheese softens while outside remains intact. Transfer brie to serving platter and top with chutney and toasted pecans. Drizzle remaining maple syrup over brie and garnish with remaining fresh thyme and reserved cranberries. Serve with crackers, toasted bread and apple slices.
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UNBRIELIEVABLE Sweet and Savory Ways to Shake Up Holiday Celebrations
(Family Features) ‘Tis the season for sweet and savory favorites - from the mouthwatering desserts you crave each year to starters and snacks that hold over hungry guests. Elevate your holiday entertaining with the right combination of appetizers, main courses, sides, sweets and beyond that start with the same seasonal staple: pecans.
you covered so you can cook and enjoy a myriad of dishes, add festive flair to decor, or provide a nutritious snack in the midst of season-long indulgences. This year, pick up an extra bag of pecans to create nutritious, delicious dishes to enjoy on-the-go or serve to guests.
This delicious Baked Brie with Pecans and Cranberry Orange Chutney proAs a versatile nut that can be used vides the ultimate way to shell-ebrate throughout the holidays, pecans have with the must-have holiday nut.
JANUARY 2024 | THE TOWN OF EASTON