Easton Utilities is committed to providing exceptional service to all customers and is pleased to announce a new option for enhanced bilingual customer service. Easton Utilities is extending their reach to a growing population of customers through several communication methods, including a bilingual customer service representative, a secondary phone interpretation service, and a Spanish translation of our website and other communications material.“We strive to provide the same level of excellent service to every customer and this is just one example of how we can meet the specific needs of some customers,” stated Tracie A. Thomas, Controller and Manager of the Customer Service Department for Easton Utilities.

During Easton Utilities’ strategic planning process, employee input reinforced the need for raising awareness of cultural and language differences in the community and implementing better solutions to serve all customers as an essential priority. After performing some initial research and establishing partnerships with several local organizations, an internal committee formed. The committee worked to determine the best path forward to engage and share information with customers who do not speak or read English, primarily focusing on the Spanish-speaking community.

An important first step was announcing the role of a key bilingual customer service rep,Anderson Watson. In addition, the committee implemented a phone interpretation service, which can be used by anyone in the organization including lineman, service installers, tech support, and the control room operators. Going forward, the committee continues to translate important communications along with the website and is working to track language preferences for each customer. “We are always seeking additional opportunities to connect with our customers and welcome input,” added Thomas.  Remaining true to their mission to enhance the quality of life in our community, Easton Utilities will continue to identify initiatives focused on our increasingly diversified community with regard to superior customer service.

Easton Utilities is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility and telecommunications company operating the Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, Cable Television, and Internet services for the Town of Easton and portions of the surrounding area. Visit www.eastonutilities.com for more information.

Shore United Bank, a member of Shore Bancshares community of companies, is proud to recognize Brenda Wooden for her 30 years of dedicated service. Ms. Wooden began her career in 1988 as a bookkeeper for The Talbot Bank and has held various other positions as a customer service representative, assistant branch manager and branch manager. Currently, Ms. Wooden is an Assistant Vice President, Floating Manager offering assistance to branches who need additional support.

With the goal to continue her education, Brenda is a graduate of Maryland Bankers School in 2005 and Shore Leadership in 2014.

“Brenda is a great role model to our team. Her knowledge of the systems, processes and procedures combined with the passion to serve her coworkers and customers is remarkable. Brenda encourages and inspires the best from everyone.” says Jennifer Joseph, Chief Retail Banking Officer of Shore United Bank.

Ms. Wooden resides in Easton, MD and consistently gives back to her local community. She is a board member of the Frederick Douglass Honor Society, a member of Soroptimist International of Talbot County and Talbot Special Riders, Inc. She enjoys reading, volunteering in the community and spending time with her daughter, Brianna and her grandson, Keegan.

For more information about Shore United Bank, visit ShoreUnitedBank.com

Delmarva Power reminds customers of important energy assistance available through the federally-funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help meet their energy needs. Up to $1,000 in grant support per customer is available, depending on a household’s income, size and type of fuel, with no pay back required.

“We are committed to helping our customers manage their energy needs,” said Gary Stockbridge, Delmarva Power region president. “Every day, our employees are in the communities we serve raising awareness about these important energy assistance opportunities and providing customers with the tips and resources they need to save money and energy. Over the last 12 months, these efforts have helped more than 35,000 customers secure nearly $17 million in energy assistance.”

Delmarva Power customers in Delaware can take advantage of LIHEAP until March 31, 2019, by applying through their local Catholic Charities office or online at the Division of Health and Social Services website.

In Maryland, customers can apply for LIHEAP energy assistance until June 30, 2019, through the Department of Human Services website, by visiting a Local Energy Assistance Office, or by calling the Office of Home Energy Programs at 1-800-332-6347.

Each state has determined eligibility guidelines based on household size and income. To be eligible for a grant, a customer’s annual household income cannot exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines in Delaware or 175 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines in Maryland. Homeowners, renters, roomers and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible for the program. Customers do not have to be behind on their bills to receive a grant.

Delaware’s maximum monthly household income eligibility requirements are as follows:

– $2,028 – One-person household
– $2,750 – Two-person household
– $3,471 – Three-person household
– $4,193 – Four-person household

Maryland’s maximum monthly household income eligibility requirements are as follows:

– $1,770 – One-person household
– $2,400 – Two-person household
– $3,030 – Three-person household
– $3,660 – Four-person household

In addition to LIHEAP, there are many other programs and tips available to help Delmarva Power customers save money and manage their energy service. Customers can sign up for My Account, which contains tools and detailed energy usage information. By tracking their energy use, comparing usage trends, and discovering the results of energy-saving practices, customers can manage their energy more efficiently. Customers can visit delmarva.com to learn more about My Account, available energy assistance programs, and other ways to save money and energy.

Delmarva Power will work with customers who may have difficulty paying their energy bill. The company offers payment options, like budget billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period to help customers manage their monthly energy bill, or flexible payment arrangements that offer individually tailored payment installment plans. Customers who may be struggling to make a payment should contact Delmarva Power as soon as possible at 1-800-375-7117.

To learn more about Delmarva Power, visit The Source, Delmarva Power’s online news room. Find additional information by visiting delmarva.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/delmarvapower and on Twitter at twitter.com/delmarvaconnect. Delmarva Power’s mobile app is available at delmarva.com/mobileapp.

About Delmarva Power: Delmarva Power, a public utility owned by Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), provides safe and reliable energy to more than 520,000 electric delivery customers in Delaware and Maryland and approximately 132,000 natural gas delivery customers in northern Delaware.

National Bohemian Beer Company today announced the rollout of its second annual summer Tabs for Crabs program, in which of-age consumers across the Mid-Atlantic can collect and return their National Bohemian beer tabs for a cause. For each red,crab-etched can tab that is collected and returned before October 1, National Bohemian will donate 10 cents to The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s® local blue crab research and habitat restoration efforts, with a total maximum donation goal of $10,000.

The National Bohemian Tabs for Crabs program is underway in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, North Carolina and Washington, D.C. Consumers are encouraged to save their red etched tabs found on 12oz. and 16oz. National Bohemian beer cans throughout the summer, or to start a community collection at their favorite local establishment where Natty Boh is sold. Collected tabs can be mailed or dropped off locally to National Bohemian Tabs for Crabs, 3600 O’Donnell Street, Suite 185, Baltimore, MD 21122 by October 1.

“The response we received from the 2017 inaugural Tabs for Crabs program was truly a testament to the importance of our Bay lifestyle,” said C-Mo Molloy, National Bohemian brand manager and Baltimore native. “We knew this would be a great partnership, but what blew us away was the overwhelming response of 85,000 Tabs for Crabs collected in the first year. We generated a whirlwind of buzz this spring around the launch of our new beer, National Bohemian Crab Shack Shandy, so we are hoping to harness that excitement to drive increased awareness and continue to give back to this beautiful place we call home,” added Molloy.

“Given the importance of a healthy Chesapeake Bay to our environment and regional economy, we are grateful that National Bohemian has stepped up as a leader in the community,” said Taryn Dwan of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation®. “Partnerships such as this allow us to promote our common mission and work to engage new audiences in the fight to Save the Bay.”

For more information, please visit NationalBohemian.com.

About National Bohemian Beer Company

National Bohemian Beer was first brewed in Baltimore, MD in 1885. Known by locals as “Natty Boh” this crisp, refreshing, & easy-to-drink American Lager inspires a lifestyle of true happiness when we choose to Live Pleasantly. Mr. Boh, the one-eyed, mustachioed face of the brand is recognized as the affable icon of fun & simple moments of joy around the Chesapeake Bay region. Supporting hometown sports and numerous local non-profits, Natty Boh is a staple of the local community in the Mid-Atlantic. Most recently, National Bohemian successfully launched its first new beer in over 30 years, a summer seasonal called Crab Shack Shandy that garnered 16M impressions during its first 14 weeks in market. To learn more, please visit NationalBohemian.com.

About Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Founded in 1967, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest independent conservation organization dedicated solely to saving the Bay. Serving as a watchdog, CBF fights for effective, science-based solutions to the pollution degrading the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams. To learn more, please visit cbf.org.

Kent County is proud to announce a partnership with Figg’s Ordinary for the Taste of Maryland event, Thursday August 16, 2018 from 4:30pm-6:30pm at the 2018 Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference in Ocean City, Maryland. Each year the County partners with local businesses to showcase the talent in Kent County and Figg’s Ordinary is an excellent example of delicious local cuisine.

Figg’s Ordinary specializes in gluten-free baked goods. The entirely vegetarian menu changes on a weekly and seasonal basis to utilize locally grown foods and contains plenty of vegan options as well.  It features delicacies such as parfait, quiche, spinach-ricotta tarts, avo toast, and Mediterranean salad. Figg’s takes pride in prioritizing health, working with the community, and follows sustainable business practices. Nearly all food scraps are composted, and the company is working towards operating as a zero-waste business. Patrons are also welcome to bring their own containers in the spirit of sustainability.

Ingrid Hansen, owner, and CEO was inspired to create the hotspot from her own life experiences, which she believes have prepared her to take on this role.The unique name has also caught the community’s attention; while “Figg” was the name of her beloved pet, “ordinaries” were colonial resting places for travelers and townspeople to share a meal together. Hansen was inspired by the rich history of Chestertown, which was founded in 1706.

Figg’s Ordinary received the 2017 ‘Best New Business of the Year’ award from the Kent County Chamber of Commerce and are partners with another local business, Cross Street Food & Garden, who offer their granola, power crackers, and turmeric cashews in the dry goods section.

Sarah Schut, CFP^®, RICP^®, Investment Advisor with Radcliffe Financial in Chestertown, MD has been authorized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) to use the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP^® certification marks in accordance with CFP Board certification and renewal requirements. Ms. Schut has worked with Radcliffe Financial since 2015, as an investment advisor and specialist in retirement income planning.  Schut also holds the Retirement Income Certified Professional^® designation, and a Graduate Certificate from Iowa State University in Family Financial Planning.

The CFP^® marks identify those individuals who have met the rigorous experience and ethical requirements of the CFP Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework and have passed the CFP^® Certification Examination covering the following areas:  the financial planning process, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, retirement and employee benefits, and estate planning.  CFP^® professionals also agree to meet ongoing continuing education requirements and to uphold CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Rules of Conduct and Financial Planning Practice Standards.

CFP Board is a nonprofit certification organization with a mission to benefit the public by granting the CFP^® certification and upholding it as the recognized standard of excellence for personal financial planning.  CFP Board owns the certification marks CFP^®, Certified Financial Planner™ and federally registered CFP (with plaque design) and CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements.  CFP Board currently authorizes more than 80,000 individuals to use these marks in the United States.  For more about CFP Board, visit www.CFP.net.

Schut plans to conduct workshops in Chestertown through the summer covering topics on retirement income planning and behavioral finance.  Events will be held at The Seed House at 870 High Street in Chestertown.  Please, call for dates and information:  410-810-2475.

Schut is an investment advisor representative with Cetera Investment Advisers LLC and a member of Radcliffe Financial, a financial advisory firm associated with Radcliffe Corporate Services, Certified Public Accountants.  She offers securities through Cetera Financial Specialists, FINRA / SIPC.  For over 15 years, Radcliffe has been providing investment advisory services.  Schut can be reached at 870 high Street, Suite 1, Chestertown, MD  21620 or by phone at 410.778.1099.  www.radcliffefinancial.com