EASTON — Over 150 members of the Talbot County community, clad in purple and red, gathered on the Talbot County Courthouse lawn Thursday evening to celebrate those who make Talbot County a better place.
Citations, volunteer awards and poster-making recognitions were given in honor of Talbot Day, an annual celebration of the county and the people who live and work there.
Established in 1983 by unanimous proclamation of the County Council, April 25 has been recognized as the official birthday of Talbot County. In 2023, the tradition was revitalized with the designation of “Talbot Day,” aimed at fostering community engagement and celebration of the county’s rich heritage, according to a press release from the county.
“We are just trying to follow through on what we started back in 1983, which was a proclamation that designated April 25 as Talbot County’s birthday. We want to celebrate and what you see here is just amazing for our first go at it. It is heartwarming to see,” said County Council Member David Stepp, who offered a prayer of hope at the celebration. He also thanked the staff for putting it all together, from setting out chairs, to getting cupcakes to hanging banners.
The courthouse was bedecked in the colors of the county’s flag — purple and red — for the celebration.
Community members sang and read poetry, and the sheriff’s office presented the flags.
The Allegro Academy’s women stood up and offered an endearing a capella renditions of “In Meeting We Are Blessed” and “Connected.” Rows and rows of young children from BAAM lined up in front of the crowd and recited a poem in unison. Some teens from BAAM recited words written by famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass about his pursuit of knowledge and how he taught himself to read.
Mayor Megan Cook came up to the lectern to address those gathered.
“Happy Talbot Day, everyone,” she said. May we continue to push each other forward towards our even brighter tomorrow,” Cook said.
Council members Keasha Haythe and Lynn Mielke presented the names for the Citizen and Service Awards. The service awards celebrated volunteers who have lifted up Talbot County.
Mielke underscored the impact of these individuals, highlighting their invaluable contributions across various sectors of the community.
“Each nominee makes Talbot County a better place to live, work and visit. Each individual shares their expertise, time and effort assisting to fill the gaps in many different sectors and the needs of our community,” Mielke said.
The nominees were: Dr. Judi Gieske, Lizette Hannegan, Laura Heikes, Diana Mautz (posthumously), Michelle Moaney, Dana Newman, Syrinthia Ann-Foster Johnson, Sherye Nickerson, Krisa Paquin, James Redman, Susan Roecker, Susan Sherman, and Angeline Sturgis.
Stepp presented the winners of the poster contest. Winners were: Division 1 (Age 0-11), Paige Smith with her poster entitled “Lighthouse and Heron”; Division 2 (Age 11-18), Makayla Moore with her poster entitled “Bay to Beach” and Josephine Shaw with her poster entitled “Home”; and Division 3 (Age 19+), Lisa Ghezzi with her poster entitled “Buzzing Bees”.
The highlight of the evening came with the announcement of the “Citizen of the Year” award, the honor posthumously bestowed upon Diana Mautz for her exceptional service and unwavering dedication to the Talbot County community.
“Through sailing she touched the lives of thousands of children and was also an invincible force shaping the St. Michael’s Business Association, helping to transform the local economy into a booming destination for visitors from around the world,” Mielke said.
In a touching tribute, Diana’s children, Johnny and Danny Mautz, accepted the award on her behalf from the County Council and State Del. Chris Adams.
As the Easton High School band played “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” there was cake, cupcakes and lemonade served up by Clay Stamp, the county manager, well into the evening — a celebration befitting Talbot County’s birthday.
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