Talbot Guide, LLC, PO Box 715, Preston, MD (2026)

10/22/2026

Friends of the Library Hosts Fall Book Sale
Collecting Donated Books on October 24 for Sale on October 29-31

The Friends of the Talbot County Free Library is holding the third of its triannual book sales in support of the Library in October. The sale is free and open to the public on Friday, October 30, 9 am - 4 pm, and Saturday, October 31, 10 am - 3 pm. Members of the Friends may attend an exclusive pre-sale on Thursday, October 29, 5 - 7 pm…and anyone can come to that pre-sale and join the Friends that night to take advantage of this early-bird opportunity.

Payment for books bought on any of the sale dates must be made by cash or check only.

In a change from previous sales, the Friends will be accepting donations of books for the sale on one day only: Saturday, October 24, 10 am – 2 pm, at the Easton Branch of the Library. Donated
books must be in good “like new” condition and there is a strict limit of only one bag or box of books per donation. Textbooks, encyclopedias, periodicals, CDs, DVDs, and reference works
more than two years old will not be accepted.

Mary Honeman, chair of the Friends book sale committee, said, “We’ve made some changes to our policies for accepting donated books to make the whole process more manageable. We were
getting inundated with too many books. Fewer books will make it easier for volunteers to organize the sale and shoppers will be able to effortlessly spot books they may want to purchase. We may take in fewer books, yet the books we offer for sale will continue to raise a significant amount of money to fund our support of the Library.”

Dana Newman, Director of the Talbot County Free Library, said, “The proceeds from the Friends book sales go to make the Library a better place for the community and the people who use it. We would not be able to provide the number and quality of fun and engaging family programs that we can – like the summer reading programs for children and teens – without the fundraising efforts of our Friends. And the sale not only supports the Library financially, but it’s also a place for readers to find book treasures at just the right price.”

Friends of the Talbot County Free Library is an organization of volunteers supporting the Talbot County Free Library. It advocates for the Library and promotes the Library’s values and services as a vital resource for the enrichment of the community. Established in 1974, Friends of the Library is an independent §501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations and membership contributions are tax-deductible.

To learn more about Friends of the Library or opportunities to serve on its governing body, the Council of Friends, email [email protected] or visit https://www.tcfl.org/about/friends.html.

10/17/2026

Historical Marker Unveiled in Trappe Honoring Nathaniel “Uncle Nace” Hopkins

Community members, elected officials, historians, and descendants of Nathaniel “Uncle Nace” Hopkins gathered at Scott United Methodist Church in Trappe on Thursday, October 15, 2026, for the unveiling of an updated Maryland Roadside Historical Marker honoring the Civil War veteran, community leader, and founder of one of the nation's longest-running Emancipation Day celebrations.

The marker was developed through a partnership between the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, and the Maryland Historical Trust.

Unveiled inside Scott United Methodist Church, the marker will be permanently installed in Trappe along the historic Nace's Day parade route, preserving a legacy that has been celebrated for more than 150 years.

Jaelon Moaney, a member of the Talbot250 Commission and Vice Chair of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, served as master of ceremonies. Moaney was instrumental in bringing the updated marker to fruition, working with state officials, historians, and members of the descendant community to ensure Hopkins' contributions would be recognized for generations to come.

Born into slavery near Trappe around 1830, Hopkins served in the Union Army as a member of the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. After returning to Trappe, he became a prominent community leader, helping establish the annual Emancipation Day celebration in 1867 to commemorate Maryland's abolition of slavery on November 1, 1864. Hopkins led the annual parade until his death in 1900. The tradition continues today as Nace's Day, recognized as the longest continuously observed public Emancipation Day celebration on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Talbot County Council Member Keasha Haythe, who grew up in Trappe, reflected on her childhood memories of participating in the annual Nace's Day parade, first as a member of the Talbot Twirlers and later as a clarinet player in the band.

"His legacy of faith, leadership, and community service is honored every year," Haythe said. She described the celebration as a cherished tradition that brought together family members from near and far.

Julie M. Schablitsky, PhD, a historical archaeologist who contributed to the marker's development, discussed the research behind its updated narrative. She reflected on the violence and discrimination faced by newly freed African Americans following Maryland's emancipation in 1864, highlighting the significance of Hopkins organizing a public celebration of freedom just three years later.

"Trappe never stopped," Schablitsky remarked, recognizing the community's commitment to continuing the tradition for more than 150 years.

The ceremony also recognized Hopkins' living descendants, including Walter Chase Sr. who shared his family's pride in Hopkins' contributions to the community and thanked those involved in the marker's dedication.

The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the marker alongside Hopkins' descendants, community leaders, and project partners.

The community will continue honoring Hopkins' legacy during the annual Nace's Day celebration on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Trappe. This year's theme, “Mapping Our Way Forward,” will feature a worship service at 10 a.m. at Scott United Methodist Church, 3748 Main Street, followed by the traditional parade through Trappe at 1 p.m. The parade will feature bands, classic cars, civic groups, and community participants, continuing a tradition established by Hopkins more than 150 years ago.

For more information about the Maryland Roadside Historical Marker Program, visit https://mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/Index.aspx?PageId=201.

10/16/2026

🎃 Trot or Treat
📅 Saturday, October 24, 2026
🕐 3:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 Positive Strides Center, 6292 Statum Rd, Preston, MD 21655
🎟️ FREE and open to the public

Come for the parade — stay for the games and fun!

Our herd has been working on their costumes, and the Trot or Treat Parade kicks off the afternoon. Pumpkins, clowns, jesters, zebras, ogres — you never know who's going to come strutting out of the barn.

Once the parade wraps up, the fun keeps going: games, a hands-on horse painting station, and a photo booth where you can get your picture taken with one of our horses. And of course, there will be treats.

Costumes are encouraged for our two-legged guests, too.

While you're here, say hello to our team and find out how therapeutic horseback riding makes a difference for riders in our community.

Positive Strides Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit therapeutic horseback riding program in Preston, Maryland.

10/16/2026

Conversations on Race opens Oct. 26 with a look at history, race, and the stories communities tell

Talbot Family Network will open its 2026-27 Conversations on Race season Monday, Oct. 26, at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum with an exploration of how the stories communities preserve shape their understanding of history, race, and themselves.

The free program, titled “What Stories Do We Tell About Ourselves?” begins with an opportunity to explore the new Stories from the Shoreline exhibition in CBMM's Welcome Center from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. Participants will then gather in the Van Lennep Auditorium from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. for facilitated dialogue, a light meal, and refreshments.

The Welcome Center experience will give participants a shared starting point for considering how history is presented, remembered, and interpreted. The conversation will examine whose history is preserved, how familiar narratives shape a community’s identity, and what can be lost when collective memory leaves out painful history and the experiences of people who have been marginalized.

Jill Ferris, vice president of learning and innovation at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, said museums can help communities examine how shared narratives take shape.

“Every exhibition reflects choices about which objects, voices, and experiences help tell a larger story,” Ferris said. “By beginning in the Welcome Center, participants can explore those choices together and consider how a fuller understanding of the past can deepen our sense of connection to one another and to the Chesapeake Bay region.”

The program draws from Building the Next 250 Years, a community conversation framework developed by NxtLevel and the American Association for State and Local History as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary. The framework encourages communities to use history to consider who they are, how the past has shaped the present, and who they want to become.

Talbot Family Network’s Conversations on Race series will adapt those questions through a racial-equity lens. The 250th anniversary provides context for the discussion rather than a celebration theme, with a focus on community and national values, belonging and opportunity, and the distance between stated ideals and lived experience.

“The stories we inherit influence what we believe about our community and who belongs within its history,” said Nancy Andrew, executive director of Talbot Family Network. “Conversations on Race gives us room to listen to one another, examine what may be missing from the stories we know, and consider how a more honest understanding of the past can help us shape our future together.”

A second fall session, "What History Do We Remember?" will take place Monday, Dec. 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Easton Meeting Room of the Talbot County Free Library.

Participants will view “Eroding History,” a documentary about two historic Black communities on Maryland’s Eastern Shore facing the loss of land and cultural history. A facilitated discussion will follow on race, place, memory, and what happens when the people, places, and stories holding a community’s history are at risk of being lost.

Each session stands on its own, and participants may attend either program or both. A light meal and refreshments will be provided at each session. Conversations on Race will continue in 2027, with Shore Lit returning as a program partner in January.

The Conversations on Race series is free and open to the public. Advance registration for the October session is required at bit.ly/oct26convo.

Talbot Family Network serves as Talbot County’s Local Management Board and was established by the state of Maryland to change the way services are provided to children and families. TFN identifies priorities and targets resources for the jurisdiction’s communities, coordinates child and family services, and administers state resources. Local Management Boards improve coordination across state agencies and empower local stakeholders to help drive local priorities.

10/14/2026

Talbot Teen Court opens for local students with October training

Talbot Teen Court will host a training on October 29 at 5:30 p.m. in the Bradley Room of the Talbot County Court House, to prepare student volunteers for the program.

Talbot Teen Court is a voluntary, diversion program for first-time, misdemeanor offenders who are judged by a jury of peers. The peers are student volunteers who are trained on the roles and responsibilities and determine appropriate sanctions. Student volunteers assume the roles of judge, juror, bailiff, clerk and attorney.

The training is open to Talbot County students, ages 13-17, who want to learn about the Teen Court process and the roles and responsibilities of volunteers. Interested students should email [email protected]. Volunteers should expect to attend several training sessions in addition to court hearings throughout the school year.

“Our student volunteers give their time, take their responsibility seriously, and show their peers that accountability and second chances can go hand-in-hand,” said Talbot County Sheriff Joe Gamble. “Their leadership is a reminder of how much young people can accomplish when given the opportunity to make a difference.”

The training is facilitated by Assistant Public Defender Bridgette Lane and other members of the Public Defender’s Office who attend training and sessions to support students in their roles.

Along with trainings and court sessions, Talbot Teen Court program participants may attend special events, including lunch and learns with judges.

There are more than 1,800 teen court programs across the country, making them the most replicated juvenile justice program since the first juvenile court in 1899 in Illinois. In addition to reducing recidivism rates among youth offenders, teen court programs typically cost less than traditional juvenile courts, and a greater proportion of offenders may complete sanctions. And because the programs use community service as a sanction, the programs may enhance community-court relations. In addition, the programs may help promote volunteerism and empower youth to continue to make good choices.

The Talbot Teen Court program is a voluntary youth diversion program for first-time misdemeanor offenders. The program is based upon the principles that everyone has a right to be judged by a group of peers and people deserve a chance to make up for mistakes.

Teen Court is administered by the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office. More information is available at talbotteencourt.org.

10/14/2026

Talbot County Parks and Recreation Partners with Carpe Diem Arts for Community Dance

Talbot County Parks and Recreation is partnering with Carpe Diem Arts to bring the Gather ‘Round! Community Dance to the Talbot County Community Center on Saturday, October 17, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Live music will be provided by acoustic duo Steve and Ali Quillen, featuring fiddle, banjo and guitar, while dance caller Rebecca Anger leads participants through square dances, circles, reels and contras. No previous dance experience or partner is required.

“Partnerships like this give us an opportunity to bring something different to the Community Center and connect residents with programs and experiences they may not have tried before,” said Ellie Kilmon, Program Manager for Talbot County Parks and Recreation. “Carpe Diem Arts brings a great deal of experience in creating welcoming community arts events, and we’re excited to work with them to offer this experience in Talbot County.”

"Country-style community dancing is wonderfully accessible because you don’t need prior experience, a partner, or fancy footwork - you simply show up and join in,” said Leslie Adelman, Eastern Shore Programs Manager for Carpe Diem Arts. “Carpe Diem Arts loves bringing people together through music, movement, and the joy of a shared experience, and Talbot County Parks and Recreation is the perfect partner to help make this happen.”
Participants are welcome to arrive at any time during the event and can dance as much or as little as they would like. Those who prefer to watch the dancing or simply enjoy the live music are also welcome. Light refreshments will be available.

Family Affair Farm is supporting the event by providing seasonal fall decorations for the Community Center.

Admission is $5 per person, with children age 3 and under admitted free. Pre-registration is encouraged to assist with planning for refreshments and seating, although walk-ins are welcome.

Registration is available through MyRec accessible through talbotparks.org. For additional information about the event, contact Leslie Adelman, Eastern Shore Programs Manager for Carpe Diem Arts, at [email protected] or 240-203-8908.

Financial assistance is available through Talbot County Parks and Recreation for qualifying individuals and families who receive government assistance. For information about eligibility or available discounts, contact [email protected] or 410-770-8050.

10/13/2026

Pickering Creek Annual Birdseed Sale & Sixth Seed Pick Up Social

As summer gives way to fall, it's time to prepare for the changing needs of our feathered friends. With many birds finishing their breeding season and transitioning to a diet rich in high-fat seeds and suets, it's the perfect moment to get your bird feeders ready for the season ahead. Clean your feeders thoroughly—run them through the dishwasher or wash them with boiling water and soap to ensure they're ready to welcome our avian visitors.

Bird feeding not only helps sustain birds through the colder months but also offers endless joy as you watch a variety of species like cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, goldfinches, and more grace your feeding station. Picture the delight of seeing cardinals and goldfinches up close, along with occasional visits from white-breasted nuthatches and fox sparrows.

Mark your calendars for the Pickering Creek Audubon Center’s Annual Birdseed Sale, running from October 3rd to 25th. During this period, bird enthusiasts can order from a wide selection of seeds, including black oil sunflower, thistle, and various seed mixes, along with suet cakes. Our high-quality seeds, known for their purity and minimal debris compared to typical big box store offerings, will ensure your feeders are stocked with the best.

For convenience, all orders and payments will be processed online via credit card this year at www.pickeringcreek.org. However, if you prefer, the staff is available at the office to assist with phone-in payments.

Birdseed pickup at the Center and the Sixth Annual Seed Social will be held on the afternoon of November 4th from 3:30 to 5:30pm. It is a great opportunity to celebrate the season and connect with fellow bird lovers.

Get ready to support our local birds and enjoy the beauty they bring to your winter days. Happy bird feeding!

10/05/2026

Leaf Collection Season Begins in Town of Easton

The Town of Easton is reminding residents that leaf collection season begins October 19. Public Works crews will collect leaves placed properly along the curb throughout the fall and early winter.
“We’re making lots of quality-of-life improvements to help with the leaf collection process,” said Rick Van Emburgh, Town Engineer. “This season we have scheduled pickup times throughout the season that are broken into zones, and we have a tracker on our website that will update residents on when their zones will be serviced. It should reduce the time between when leaves are raked for collection, and when they’re picked up by our teams, resulting in less spillage and fewer leaves getting blown around before pickup.”

KNOW YOUR ZONE & TRACK LEAF COLLECTION
On the Town’s “Fall Leaf Pickup” Webpage, residents can find a “Leaf Pickup Map” where the Town is divided into nine color-coded leaf collection zones. Residents can use the webpage’s Leaf Vacuum Truck Tracker to identify their zone and follow the progress of leaf collection crews throughout the season.

During the scheduled leaf collection window (schedule below), the tracker is updated daily, showing which zone(s) are currently being served, as well as which zones are next up for service. Residents are encouraged to check the tracker regularly for the latest collection information.

LEAF COLLECTION SCHEDULE
Residents should follow the schedule below based on their designated collection zone, as indicated on the Leaf Pickup Map:
Collection Dates Zones
October 19–31 Zones 1, 2, 3, 4 & 9
November 2–13 Zones 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9
November 16–December 4 Zones 1, 2, 3, 4 & 9
December 7–25 Zones 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9
DURING LEAF SEASON (Mid-October through January)
Leaves may be raked to the curb, above the curb and out of the street, for collection by Town of Easton Public Works crews.

To help ensure safe and efficient collection, residents are asked to:
• Rake leaves into neat piles near the curb.
• Keep leaves out of the roadway.
• Do not cover or place leaves over manholes, storm drains, utility lines, guide wires, or anything else that could be damaged during pickup.
• Keep leaf piles free of branches, trash, and other materials that could interfere with collection.

Residents who prefer to bag their leaves may do so and schedule a bulk pickup by calling 410-822-2525.

OFF SEASON (February through Mid-October)
Outside of leaf season, leaves must be bagged and scheduled for bulk pickup by calling 410-822-2525. Leaves may also be bagged and scheduled for pickup at any time during leaf season.
The Town appreciates residents’ cooperation in following these guidelines. Properly placed leaf piles help Public Works crews more safely and efficiently collect leaves throughout the community.
For questions about leaf collection or to schedule a bulk pickup, please contact Easton Public Works at 410-822-0513. For more information, do’s and dont’s, and the vacuum truck tracker, please visit: eastonmd.gov/631/Fall-Leaf-Pickup.

10/05/2026

Talbot County Community Resource Expo connects residents with free services Oct. 24

Talbot County residents can connect with energy assistance, housing assistance, food resources, health care, employment support, and other essential services during the Talbot County Community Resource Expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at Easton Elementary School.

The Neighborhood Service Center and its community partners will host the free event at the school, located at 307 Glenwood Ave. in Easton.

The Expo brings service providers together in one convenient location, allowing residents to learn about programs, ask questions, and receive help with several needs during a single visit.

“Most people do not come to us with only one need,” said Andy Hollis, CEO of Neighborhood Service Center. “A household struggling with food costs may also need help with utilities, transportation, housing, or health care. The Expo makes those connections easier by bringing trusted organizations and their services directly to the community.”

Free services and resources will include energy assistance, housing assistance, health screenings, dental services, mental health and disability services, food and transportation resources, access to legal services, education and employment resources, money management resources, and childcare assistance.

Hambleton House Events and Catering Executive Chef & Pit Master Derek Dilley will present a live cooking demonstration featuring economical, family-friendly meals prepared with staple foods commonly available through the Neighborhood Service Center Food Pantry. Approximately 25 to 30 crockpots will also be given to families attending the Expo to help them prepare affordable, nutritious meals at home.

The Expo will also feature a free meal, activities designed especially for children and youth, a bike rodeo, a Golden Ticket opportunity, free items, and giveaways every 30 minutes. The family-friendly format will let parents and caregivers explore community resources while younger family members enjoy activities designed for them.

The Neighborhood Service Center alone served 2,740 people in 2025, representing nearly 7% of Talbot County’s population. The figure does not include the many additional residents served by health care providers, food programs, housing organizations, government agencies, and other community partners participating in the Expo.

“Our number represents only one piece of what Talbot County families are facing,” Hollis said. “Every organization participating in the Expo works with people navigating challenges involving food, housing, health care, transportation, employment, or other basic needs.”

Bringing those partners together gives residents a welcoming place to address several concerns, find immediate help, and begin building greater stability for themselves and their families, Hollis said.

Limited transportation to the Expo is available. Anyone needing transportation must call the Neighborhood Service Center at 410-822-5015 by Friday, Oct. 9.

For more information about the Talbot County Community Resource Expo, call 410-822-5015.

10/02/2026

Bluegrass Country Concert Coming to American Corner

Bluegrass and country music fans have a special evening to look forward to this November as the A. Curtis Andrew Auction Facility in American Corner welcomes an impressive lineup of nationally recognized bluegrass entertainers.

The Bluegrass Country Concert will be held Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 6:00pm and will feature Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, The Kody Norris Show, and Appalachian Road Show.

Rhonda Vincent and The Rage bring an accomplished bluegrass career to the stage. Vincent is a Grammy Award winner whose All The Rage – In Concert Volume One [Live] won the Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album. She has received eight Grammy nominations during her career. The award-winning bluegrass singer of traditional and contemporary bluegrass and multi-instrumentalist is widely known as the “Queen of Bluegrass”. IBMA Honors include Female Vocalist of the year multiple times from the International Bluegrass Music Association. Vincent inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2021 performs throughout the United States and internationally.

The Kody Norris Show combines traditional bluegrass and country influences with an unmistakable stage presence, including the group's signature rhinestone-covered wardrobe. Led by East Tennessee native Kody Norris, the band has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and around the United States as well as internationally. The group has also been recognized by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America multiple times. SPBGMA awards include 2026 Entertainer of the year honors and 2026 Song of the Year for “The Auctioneer”. 2026 Band (Overall) of the year. IBMA Honors include Music Video of the Year 2025 for “The Auctioneer” from the International Bluegrass Music Association.

Appalachian Road Show celebrates the music, stories and culture of Appalachia through bluegrass and Americana music. Formed in 2018, the group combines instrumental musicianship, harmonies and storytelling while drawing inspiration from Appalachian traditions and experiences. IBMA Awards include New Artist of the Year 2021 and Instrumental Group of the Year 2021 from the International Bluegrass Music Association.

The A. Curtis Andrew Auction Facility is located at 25631 Auction Road in Federalsburg, approximately six miles north of Federalsburg and 10 miles south of Denton. The restaurant will open at 4:00pm, giving concertgoers an opportunity to arrive early before the music begins.

Advance tickets are available by calling 410-754-8826. RV parking is permitted, but no hook-ups are available. Recording and videos are not permitted during the concert.

The A. Curtis Andrew Aucton Facility also conduct weekly auctions every Thursday at 5:00pm with four auctioneers. For more information about the weekly auctions and additional auction services available, please visit the auction website: acurtisandrewauction.com.

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