As political polarization continues to strain communities across the nation, residents of Talbot County are coming together to seek solutions, rebuild trust, and strengthen civic engagement. To support that effort, the community will welcome Heather Mizeur, former Maryland Delegate and CEO and Founder of the WeAreOne Alliance, as the featured speaker at a special public forum on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Free Library, 100 W. Dover Street, Easton.

Mizeur—known for her decades of public service, bipartisan leadership, and commitment to values-based dialogue—will share strategies for fostering respectful community conversations and inspiring meaningful civic participation. Her presentation will focus on building connections across political differences and empowering citizens to take constructive action.

“Division thrives when people feel isolated and powerless,” said Mizeur. “But when communities come together—across differences—to listen, learn, and act, we rediscover both our shared humanity and our collective power. Unity doesn’t mean uniformity. It means creating spaces where people feel safe, heard, and connected—and where real progress becomes possible.”

Across Talbot County, a growing grassroots movement is bringing residents together in response to increasing political polarization and civic uncertainty. In Oxford, a group known as Concerned & Engaged is building a steadily growing membership by hosting public information sessions and coordinating letter-writing, phone outreach, and other civic actions. In St. Michaels, more than 40 residents met on December 9th for the first meeting of Concerned Citizens of The Bay Hundred, sharing a common commitment to civic awareness and engagement. In Easton, Friends of Democracy has engaged a few dozen neighbors in sustained civic participation, and in the Easton Club East neighborhood, a growing group of neighbors have been meeting to exchange ideas on ways they can effectively engage in local politics and civic affairs.

“What I’m seeing is people who may not agree on every issue, but who agree that disengagement isn’t an option,” said Rick Hughes, community activist and event organizer. “The question that comes up again and again is, ‘What can we do that actually makes a difference?’ Heather Mizeur brings the experience, wisdom, and inspiration we need to help channel that concern into positive action.”

Through the WeAreOne Alliance, Mizeur works nationally to help communities bridge divides, cultivate empathy, and build inclusive, solution-oriented civic engagement.

Following the program, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with neighbors and community groups that are active or forming throughout Talbot County. The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required due to limited seating.

January 29, 2026, 5:30–7:30 PM at Talbot County Free Library

For more information about Heather Mizeur and the WeAreOne Alliance, visit www.weareonealliance.org.

Church Hill Theatre, a beloved local live performance venue for forty years, will soon need a new face in the office.  Juanita Wieczoreck, who has ably supervised activities for more than three years, is retiring early in 2026. CHT, now fully recovered from the Covid doldrums, is in excellent physical, financial and artistic shape. The Board of Directors is seeking a dynamic and motivated leader with a strong record of accomplishment to manage the business side of the theatre’s activities.

The position is full-time, with some weekends and nights required, but there is considerable flexibility in scheduling. The position requires expertise in financial management, grants & fundraising, and office management. The new manager should also have demonstrated ability to work with an active board and a loyal corps of volunteers to support all of CHT’s plays, productions and educational programs.

CHT expects a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and prefers someone who has worked in non-profit or arts administration. Another part-time employee handles many of the routine administrative tasks. The Business Manager reports to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

More detailed information about both the position and the application process is available on the CHT website: churchhilltheatre.org.  Church Hill Theatre is an equal employment opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners have requested assistance from Governor Wes Moore to expedite critical safety improvements at the intersection of MD 405 and US 301.

In a letter sent to the Governor, the Commissioners emphasized the urgency for action following a series of serious and fatal crashes at this location. Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) data shows there have been 66 crashes within 5 ½ years and 64 of these crashes have occurred during daylight hours at the MD 405 westbound and US 301 southbound movement. The letter highlights that traffic volumes on US 301 have also increased by 30 percent, and that vehicle speeds frequently exceed 75 mph, creating an ongoing public safety hazard for residents and travelers.

“We’re asking the State to take every possible step to fast-track funding, permitting, and construction for safety improvements at this intersection,” said the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners. “This area has seen far too many tragedies, and we cannot afford further delays.”

SHA temporarily closed the MD 405 crossover in July after two fatal crashes occurred within three days, the second such closure in 18 months. Following community input and interim safety enhancements, SHA reopened the crossover on October 13, 2025, while continuing to develop a long-term plan for the site.

The State Highway Administration is currently proposing the construction of a new J-turn and partial closure of the crossover to reduce the risk of serious and fatal accidents. However, the estimated three-to-five-year timeline for design, engineering, permitting, and construction, along with an anticipated $3 million cost underscores the need for state-level support to expedite the project.

In their letter, the Commissioners also requested increased law enforcement presence and support of possible proposed legislation to add this section of 301 to the list of automated enforcement areas in Maryland Code.

“We commend SHA District 2 for its quick response and commitment to long-term solutions,” the letter states. “With the extraordinary help of Governor Moore and the determination of his staff, we believe that together we can make this rural highway safer for everyone.”

The Commissioners’ letter to Governor Moore can be viewed https://www.qac.org/DocumentCenter/View/24404/A1 and the SHA Town Hall meeting held on October 20, 2025, at the Price Community Center can be viewed https://youtu.be/NSAfmH7qcwk?si=QJiJ4jqjILXQgvIb

Liz Clark, office manager and assistant to the executive director of Haven Ministries.

When Elizabeth “Liz” Clark applied for a part-time job delivering furniture at Haven Ministries’ Hope Warehouse, she never expected to end up managing the administrative heartbeat of the organization.

But Haven’s leadership had other things in mind for Liz, who double-majored in information systems and economics in college and had decades of IT, volunteer, and fundraising experience. Since stepping into the role of office manager and assistant to the executive director in January 2025, Clark has become a cornerstone of operations, donor relations, and strategic outreach.

“She has a perfect balance of compassion and firmness in her role vetting qualified individuals to benefit from our Church Benevolence Fund,” said Peter Grim, executive director of Haven Ministries. “As an administrative assistant and office manager, Liz wears many hats and can capably ‘keep all the balls in the air.’”

Clark’s impact was immediate. Within her first month, she identified a major issue in Haven’s donation processing system. Donor credit cards were expiring unnoticed, with no alerts to the donors, halting monthly giving. Through targeted outreach and restructured reporting protocols, she recovered an estimated $2,000 in monthly donations and ensured future gifts didn’t slip through the cracks.

“I believe in this mission. I want to see this organization flourish and grow and succeed,” Clark said.

Beyond administrative duties, Clark took initiative to nurture relationships with local businesses, churches, and civic groups — creating new pipelines of support. From organizing fundraisers like the Rams Head Shore House Give Back Night scheduled for Nov. 5, 2025 (when diners mention Haven, 20 percent of their food purchase will support Haven Ministries), to co-managing silent auctions for major events, she’s helped raise funds for Haven’s programs.

Clark also oversees Haven’s Church Benevolence Fund, working directly with clients facing eviction or utility shutoffs.

As a public speaker and Toastmaster, Clark also is a frequent voice for the organization, recently representing Haven on QACTV and continuing to envision a future of growth, sustainability, and community connection.

 “We run on donations and faith. And I believe both can go a long way,” Clark said.

To support Haven Ministries, visit www.haven-ministries.org

Love shapes the ministry, love transforms people, and hope prevails at Haven Ministries. Haven Ministries operates a seasonal Homeless Shelter, the Jacob Sloan Day Center, a Resource Center, a Food Pantry in Queenstown, Our Daily Thread Thrift Store in Chester, Hope Warehouse in Queenstown, and a Food Pantry Satellite location in Sudlersville.

Calendar Brief:

November 5: Rams Head Shore House Give Back Night will be held Wednesday, Nov. 5. When diners mention “Haven Ministries,” 20 percent of their food purchase will benefit Haven Ministries.

Queen Anne’s County Commissioner Jack Wilson has been appointed as a representative on the Advisory Committee for Pillar 3 – College and Career Readiness – of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB).

“This is a well-deserved and outstanding opportunity for representation from Queen Anne’s County,” said County Commissioner President Chris Corchiarino. “Commissioner Wilson has become a leader in navigating legislative issues and advocating for county governments across Maryland in his role as President of the Maryland Association of Counties. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong voice for small and rural counties to this important position.”

Commissioner Wilson expressed his enthusiasm about the appointment, stating:

“I am happy that I have been chosen to represent Pillar 3 dealing with College and Career Readiness. After 40 years in the trades, I believe my real-world experience will help to shape how we present opportunities to our youth, to show them that there are endless possibilities available.”

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future represents a historic investment in the state’s public education system. Its vision is to ensure every child receives an excellent education that prepares them for success in college and careers. The Blueprint was developed based on the recommendations of the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, commonly known as the Kirwan Commission.

The Accountability and Implementation Board is an independent unit of state government tasked with ensuring the Blueprint is implemented as intended. The AIB monitors state and local efforts, holds governments accountable, and evaluates whether the Blueprint’s long-term educational goals are being met.

The Blueprint is built around five policy areas, or “pillars”:

1. Early Childhood Education
2. High-Quality and Diverse Teachers and Leaders
3. College and Career Readiness
4. More Resources for Students to be Successful
5. Governance and Accountability

The AIB formed advisory committees for each of these five pillars to:

• Incorporate input from stakeholders representing Maryland’s geographic, racial, ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity;
• Identify challenges and offer suggestions for overcoming them;
• Share successes and provide feedback on Blueprint implementation progress.

Commissioner Wilson’s appointment ensures that Queen Anne’s County, and rural counties like it have a seat at the table as the state continues to reshape the future of education in Maryland.

For more information visit Advisory Committees – Pillar 3