Director’s Note

“No race can prosper until it learns there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem.” — Booker T. Washington

In the face of the unprecedented disruption to lives and livelihoods due to COVID-19,  let’s look to our farmers and watermen to calm our nerves. They are known for the way they build resilience into their business models on a daily basis. They are accustomed to managing daily unseen threats–including weather, pests, and regulatory uncertainties.

Those who procure and produce our food are among the many unsung heroes that surround us: health care workers, first responders, leaders in government, and others have gained our undivided attention and respect as they courageously respond to the pandemic. In turn, we are modifying our lives to ensure collective safety.  As the pandemic forces us to slow down and focus on necessities, we are in a better position as a community to unite, protect, and share.

We have proved this already by staying homeYes, as uncomfortable and unsettling as it may be, we are all contributing to slowing the spread.

At the same time, business and government at every level are responding to the crisis.

As the food supply chains we’re accustomed to are not always available, our reliable local farmers are bringing innovation and flexibility to their food delivery operations.

The Federal government has passed the robust CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, which provides direct assistance to consumers, employees, sole proprietors, and corporations. The State of Maryland has been a leader in the response, with Gov. Larry Hogan declaring a state of emergency and a stay-at-home order well ahead of many other jurisdictions.

At the local level, Talbot County has assembled an impressive COVID-19 Response that includes a bi-weekly Private Sector Call to keep us all informed. The Town of Easton has implemented regulatory changes to enable rapid business model restructuring for essential businesses, such as restaurants, extending business lifelines and services to the community.

Other businesses, locally and regionally, have retooled their equipment to provide critical supplies.

The COVID-19 epidemic has created situations that few of us could have imagined. Yet thanks to both leadership and the commitment of our residents, we will emerge from this crisis with renewed resilience.

In the meantime, look to our farmers and watermen, the folks who contributed to making the Eastern Shore what it is today, for a model of fortitude in the face of adversity.

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