Talbot Citizen and Service Awards
Council Member Dave Stepp shakes hands with Citizen and Service Award Nominnee.
The Talbot Citizen and Service Awards honor the unsung heroes who help make Talbot County a better place to live, work, and visit. Any nominee must be a resident of Talbot County, volunteer their time in the County, and be over 18 years of age.
History of Awards
The "Maryland You Are Beautiful" Program began in the 1980s as a way to recognize the unsung heroes who make Maryland a better place to live, work, and visit. The program generated enormous state pride and foster volunteerism, goodwill, and community support. When the State program ended in 2022, the Talbot County Council chose to continue the local aspect of the program, renaming it to the Talbot Citizen and Service Awards in 2024, and incorporating it as part of Talbot Day. We are proud to continue the tradition in a new light.
Previous Years
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2026
NomineesKaren Bailey
Nancy Espenhorst
Dr. Michael Fisher
Mary-Beth Goll
Christine Harrison
Corey Pack
Jerry Louise Seiler
Sharyn (Cheri) & Brian Spector
Bill Wilson
Brett Whitehead
Ed Zawitoski2026 Lifetime Service Award – Dr. Michael Fisher
This award recognizes long-term commitment and lasting impact. For nearly three decades, Dr. Michael Fisher cared for patients across the Mid-Shore, building relationships grounded in trust, compassion, and respect. In every setting, he treated people as neighbors first, offering not only clinical expertise, but kindness and steady reassurance in moments that mattered most.
Even in retirement, his service has continued. Through his support of healthcare, education, and community initiatives, including dedicated involvement with the TCPS Education Foundation, he has helped expand opportunities for local students and strengthen programs that benefit the broader community. His work has touched generations, both through the care he provided and the example he continues to set.
His legacy is one of quiet impact and lasting influence, reflecting the very best of Talbot County.
2026 Ripple Effect Award – Brett Whitehead
This award honors individuals whose actions inspire others and create lasting impact. Brett Whitehead has transformed how Talbot County prepares for emergencies and supports those who serve on the front lines.
As a driving force behind the creation of the A. James Clark Emergency Services Training Campus, he led a successful multi-million-dollar effort that brought together public and private partners around a shared vision. Today, first responders across the region have access to a state-of-the-art facility where they can train together, strengthen coordination, and build the skills that save lives.
Beyond this transformational work, he continues to serve as a firefighter and volunteer, demonstrating a deep and ongoing commitment to the community. His leadership has created a ripple effect, strengthening not only emergency services, but the safety and resilience of Talbot County as a whole.
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2025
Nominees
Carlton “Corky” Greene
Childlene Brooks
Christine Dorset
Daphan Smith
Della Andrew
Doris Dobson
Mary DeShields
Jennifer Stanley
JR Burkhardt
Karla Wieland-Cherry
Kenley Timms
Khalid Kurtom
Lonnelle Green
Nancy Andrew
Raymond Bonner
Sonny Difendafer
Virginia Capute2025 Lifetime Service Award - Childlene Brooks
This award honors individuals whose decades of professional service, civic leadership, and volunteer work have left a lasting legacy. Childlene’s name is synonymous with service in Talbot County. Through her leadership at Brookletts Place, her tireless volunteerism with numerous nonprofits, and her deep involvement in community life, she has guided, mentored, and uplifted generations. Her service has not only filled gaps—it has built bridges. We are honored to recognize her extraordinary lifetime of commitment to this community.
2025 Ripple Effect Award - Kenley Timms.
This award celebrates individuals whose actions have sparked significant change and inspired others to step forward. A Vietnam veteran and longtime VFW commander, Kenley’s legacy is one of action and compassion. Whether organizing welcome-home parades, helping homeless veterans, supporting first responders, or simply showing up for those in need, Kenley leads with heart. His efforts have not only made a difference, they’ve inspired movement. The impact he’s made ripples far beyond any one moment or place.
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2024
Nominees
Angeline Sturgis
Dana Newman
Diana Mautz
Dr. Judi Gieske
James Redman
Krista Paquin
Laura Heikes
Lizette Hannegan
Michelle Moaney
Sherye Nickerson
Susan Roecker
Susan Sherman
Syrinthia Ann Foster-JohnsonTalbot Citizen of the Year
Diana Mautz
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1987-2022
Talbot's Most Beautiful People Past Recipients
Wayne Dyott—2022
Naomi Diane Thomas—2021
Gary Interdonato—2019
Tim Kagan—2018
Thomas E. Hill—2017
Eunice Knauer—2016
Laura Heikes—2015
Alice Ryan—2014
Robert Blades—2013
Phyllis Peddicord—2012
Kathy Weaver—2011
Leona Murray—2010
Gordon Behrens—2009
Harold Hutchison—2008
Rev. Daniel G. Higgins, Jr.—2007
Al Smith—2006
Bertha Wilson—2006
Pauline Neal—2005
Henrietta “Chic” Harrison—2004
Dorothy Johns—2003
Marie U’Ren—2002
Grace Cooper—2001
David Weise—2001
Margaret Ferree—2000
Talbot Hospice Foundation Patient Care Volunteers—1999
Marjorie “Midge” Fuller—1998
Lloyd L. Beatty—1997
Barry Fox—1996
William J. Howard—1995
David E. Abercrombie—1994
Jane Foster Tucker—1993
Rear Admiral Rafael C. Benitez (USN Ret.) — 1992
Kathleen Francis—1991
Herbert Jump—1990
Joan W. Cox—1989
Marion Miller—1988
Levin F. Harrison, IV—1987
Any questions about the Citizen and Service Awards may be directed to skilmon@talbotcountymd.gov or by calling 410-770-8009.
Page last modified Monday, April 27, 2026 3:48:39 PM