March-April 2023

coastal STYLE

BEACHSIDE AT BURNIE’S

CATCHING CABIN FEVER

WELCOME TO INLET ISLE

Described as one of America’s truly great golf courses, Baywood Greens is a public 18-hole championship course. Manicured greens, flawless fairways, man-made ponds, timber bridges, tunnels and over 200,000 flowers, plants, shrubs and trees don’t begin to describe its beauty.

Known as the “Augusta of the North,” Baywood Greens is by far the most visually spectacular golf course in Delaware and is consistently ranked #1 by Golf Digest’s Best in State.

Photo taken by Svetlana Leahy.

How do you want your sound to look?

THE EVOLUTION OF SPEAKERS, FROM CLASSIC FLOOR-STANDING MODELS TO NEW, INVISIBLE SPEAKERS

At Overture, we carry a wide variety of speakers from floorstanding to in-wall/ceiling categories

Speaker technology has come a long way since old, paper-driver speakers were popular in the 1970s. Speaker manufacturers around the world have different philosophies on sound reproduction. While opinions differ, that does not mean that one company is wrong — it simply means that every manufacturer has a different sound characteristic to their speakers.

Today, many manufacturers use different elements to make their speakers, including carbon fiber, aluminum, and beryllium. One of the newest technologies is small, aperture speakers, which have a large aluminum enclosure and are installed in the ceiling or in the wall behind drywall. When finished, you only see a 3” or 4” grill, yet they produce the sound quality of larger, floorstanding speakers. This technology now offers new options for large sound from a very discreet device.

Have you ever heard the term “imaging of sound?” To summarize, it’s when you are in a setting in which you can close your eyes and hear instruments as if there were a band onstage in front of you. It is a fully immersive sound experience — not just hearing two points of origin where the speakers are located.

As you can imagine, speaker price points very greatly. Entrylevel speakers emit quality sound at a base price. What you gain as the investment level increases is a more distinct separation of instruments with heightened accuracy imaging of sound.

At Overture, we do not have a cookie-cutter philosophy to our system designs. We evaluate the sound properties of a home, as well as the client’s musical preferences. It’s a matter of preference and objective. We have large, floor-standing speakers with incredible sound, if that’s what you’re looking for. We have invisible speakers with great sound. We also carry small-profile aperture grills with large speakers behind the walls, which possess incredible sound.

The bottom line is that we’ve got the solution for how you’d like your sound to “look.” At Overture, we take great pride in designing and installing the appropriate system for our clients — while exceeding their expectations.

Retractable Screens

• Create a bug-proof environment with the touch of a button

• Provide glare control, add privacy & increase outdoor space

• Side fabric retention system provides wind rated strength

• Clear vinyl panels available to block wind and rain

Retractable Awnings

Push button technology will instantly shade your patio from the sun’s rays. Wind control provides automatic retreating to help protect it from damages. When not in use the awning is completely self storing, eliminating the need for costly seasonal removal and storage.

5 Design Tips for the Perfect Bedroom

1. Choose window treatments with a blackout option to manage light.

2. Create a calm environment with spa-like colors and natural textures.

3. Make sure to add task lighting right next to your bed.

4. Beds with headboards make bedrooms feel finished and polished.

5. Choose nightstands and bedside chests with drawers for lots of storage.

“I hope you enjoy these design tips for a perfect bedroom. Great design starts with you! Always be true to yourself and what makes you uniquely happy in your space.” — Jaime Senard, Senior Interior Decorator at Décor Direct

A well-designed home interior is a retreat for the mind, body and soul. At Décor Direct, our interior design process starts with discovering your personal style, which leads the way to bringing your dream home to life. Not only are we an exclusive Hunter Douglas dealer, we work with the finest manufacturers for custom furniture and decor. Call us today to schedule a private consultation. By appointment only.

Pictured: Provenance® Woven Wood Shades with Blackout Liner

Pictured: Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Shutters

home

MARCH/APRIL 2023

AT HOME IN INLET ISLE

After making nearly 30 years of memories while vacationing in Ocean City, the Shemanskis built a spectacular residence to call the resort home.

Photo by Krista Valliant

SUSSEX COUNTY

is Our Specialty

The Best Surgical Team is Here.

At Beebe Healthcare, we are proudly leading the way for specialty surgery in Sussex County. From surgical oncology and bariatrics to orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures, our highly skilled and specialized surgical teams use the latest technologies to streamline and optimize care for every patient treated to ensure the best outcomes. Our recently opened and state-of-the-art Specialty Surgical Hospital on our Rehoboth Health Campus is also purposebuilt to deliver the best short-stay patient care experience available, using the latest advances in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.

beebehealthcare.org

The Best Care is Here.

Scan to learn more about specialty surgery at Beebe Healthcare.

Woody’s

EASTERN SHORE COMMUNITIES

SPRING HAS OFFICIALLY SPRUNG, and with it comes the return of warmer weather, seasonal visitors and many to-do projects in and around the house. It’s one of our favorite times of the year — and we hope you’re able to get out and enjoy all that our wonderful region has to offer. We visited 12 communities during the production of this issue to bring you stories of people who strive to make the Shore an even better place to live. We wish you good health and hope you enjoy this issue. Drop us a line at info@coastalstylemag.com or on Facebook or Instagram to connect with us. We’d love to hear from you.

Cape Henlopen State Park, DE

A decades-old credo for photographers is “f8 and be there.” It refers to a lens setting (f8) and, much more importantly, to get the photo, one has to be there. Landscape photographers learn early on that previsualizing location and time of day for the best light is imperative to taking a memorable photograph. Leaving the house about 90 minutes before sunrise, setting up on the beach at first glow, waiting to see how the daybreak light evolves and having the good fortune of interesting foreground reflective water were the elements that had to come together for this shot.

images

Photo and description by Tony Pratt

IMAGES coastal

Ocean City, MD

“Hauling-out” is a behavior associated with pinnipeds, or as we more commonly know them, seals, where they will leave the water to rest, soak up the sun, give birth or molt. Sadly, they might also haul-out because of injury or illness. From December to May, you might be lucky enough to see one of these beautiful creatures on your favorite local beach. If you do, please be respectful for their safety and yours. The law requires maintaining a distance of at least 50 yards when observing a seal. Keeping my required distance and using a 400mm lens, I captured this striking seal raising its head with the rising sun.

Photo and description by Pamela Aquilani

Cape Henlopen State Park, DE

Beach photography on Delmarva involves miles of smooth sand and contoured ocean preferably in beautiful light. As spectacular as that can be, we also find interesting wave lines when rocks are part of the foreground. Some iconic coastal photos from New England or the West Coast are of waves breaking against rocks. Here on the Delaware coast, waves breaking on rocks are only found on man-made structures, but that doesn’t diminish the beauty of the photographs you can take.

Photo and description by Pamela Aquilani

Written by Alison Pappas

Artistic Nature

The focal points of Bethany Beachbased artist Maggie Heffernan’s portfolio are nature-based subjects and settings that she knows very well.

As a nearly lifelong Coastal Delaware local — apart from post-grad periods she spent in New York City and Nashville — Maggie has long maintained an admiration for Delmarva’s pristine natural beauty. She transforms this appreciation into stunning artwork that showcases the surrounding coastal landscapes, as well as the plants, birds and other unique wildlife that consider the Shore to be their home.

“I’m really focused on native plants and the local ecosystem, and I try to bring awareness to the fact that our area is changing so quickly,” Maggie shared.

She finds inspiration for her next pieces when exploring local trails or just driving down the nearby highways. While Maggie experiments with all media, oil-based paintings are what she most frequently pursues.

FROM THE COZY CONFINES OF HER SUNROOM IN BETHANY BEACH, ARTIST MAGGIE HEFFERNAN IS IMMORTALIZING THE SHORE’S BEAUTY ON CANVAS

Photography by Pamela Aquilani

GO WITH THE FLOW

“I often like to start with a really bright undertone to my painting, because after I finish the piece, it feels like whatever I just painted is glowing, and it brings everything to life,” she expressed.

Maggie often shares her creative processes through videos on her Instagram account, @mags_heff.

In addition to producing her own designs, she also accepts commission requests.

“I do a lot of house portraits around the holidays. I also do many small watercolor commissions. I can pretty much do any artistic style, so people often come to me with their ideas.”

Maggie creates her work within the cozy sunroom of her Bethany Beach apartment. Although the sunroom is only 10’x14’, she has made it functional as a studio and given it a homey feel through the addition of a miniature greenhouse and some decorations curated from local beaches. Notably, the space offers ample sunlight.

“I can’t see the colors as well with artificial lighting, so painting in this room with all the sunlight is really beneficial for my art,” she shared.

Maggie uses mostly oil paint to create her fluid yet transparent scapes.

2022 BEST WINGS ON THE SHORE

1/2 price burgers & tacos

mama Denise's comfort food night

prime rib night

** Dine-in Only**

Among those venues that have Maggie Heffernan’s work on display is The Brush Factory on Kings in Lewes.

Maggie also works as a freelance landscape designer. Her background in this field includes working as a landscape architect for a large commercial firm.

“I find that a lot of my art feeds off of my work in landscape design,” she said. Maggie’s artwork is available for purchase under the branding “Mags

Heff Art” on her website, Mags-HeffArt.com. The Brush Factory on Kings in Lewes features a wall of her smaller original paintings and prints. You can also purchase her larger paintings at Hunt & Lane in Rehoboth Beach, and cool sticker and magnet versions of her artwork are available at Prickly Gal Boutique in Millville. CS

At Londonderry on the Tred Avon, the Eastern Shore’s only 62+ independent living waterfront community, our residents enjoy exceptional experiences daily.

Chef Chelsea delights the resident dining experience using only the finest ingredients, like homemade vanilla from beans harvested in Madagascar (cream puffs, YUM!). Erica, our activities coordinator, works with residents to bring the best programs and speakers to Londonderry. Our goal is to provide entertainment that is engaging, fun and educational. Our housekeeping and buildings and grounds team put a smile on our faces every day. They are always willing to help to make things easier for our residents. To live at Londonderry is to have exceptional experiences that go above and beyond.

This is retirement at its best. Londonderry residents don’t have the day-to-day commitments of homeownership or meal preparation. The team does it all for you. The Londonderry lifestyle allows our residents free time to do what they love on our exceptional waterfront grounds.

Stop by the sales and marketing office today, let us show you how we deliver the exceptional!

Please contact the sales and marketing team at (410) 820-8732.

Voted Best HVAC Company in Sussex!

At just 32 years old, Michael Repper became the youngest American conductor to win a Grammy Award, claiming Best Orchestral Performance.

Historic Notes

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MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY CONDUCTOR MICHAEL REPPER REWROTE THE RECORD BOOK WHEN HE CAPTURED HIS FIRST GRAMMY AWARD IN FEBRUARY

The 65th Grammy Awards, held Feb. 5 in Los Angeles, had a special connection to the Eastern Shore and the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, as its musical director, Michael Repper, made history during the star-studded event.

Repper, 32, won the Grammy for Best Orchestral Performance with the New York Youth Symphony for its effort on the album Works by Florence Price, Valerie Coleman and Jessie Montgomery

“I am so thankful for this tremendous honor. We all are,” Repper said. “The success of this project is a testament to the amazing things young people can accomplish when they have the opportunity and resources to give it their all. As for where it ranks in terms of accomplishment in my career, this is an absolute highlight! This is the first time a youth orchestra has ever won this Grammy Award, and though I have to pinch myself to believe it, I am now the youngest American conductor to win, too. We had an amazing time making this album, despite the challenges of the pandemic and are so honored for this recognition.”

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is set to perform at various locations across the Shore March 9-11 and April 27, 29-30. “Please introduce yourself” at the concerts, asks Repper, adding he especially enjoys meeting people coming to a concert for the first time. CS

RECORD BREAKER

Down the Rabbit Hole

The Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre is set to present a delightfully entertaining adaptation of the classic tale Alice in Wonderland on April 28-29 at the Wicomico High School Auditorium in Salisbury.

This family-friendly production promises to transport audiences into the whimsical and magical world of Alice as she falls down the rabbit hole and encounters a host of memorable characters, including the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts. Artistic director Elena Manakhova has choreographed a playful and imaginative interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s beloved story and set it to an enchanting musical score, which includes pieces by Saint-Saens, Shostakovich, Offenbach and Delibes. With stunning costumes, the talented dancers of the Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre will bring this iconic story to life and charm ballet lovers and those new to the art form.

Tickets for Alice in Wonderland are on sale now and can be purchased through ESBT.org.

Founded in 1991, the Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre comprises students, pre-professionals and guest professional ballet dancers committed to performing classical dance at a very high artistic level for audiences on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. CS

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Serving the people and businesses of Delmarva for 27+ years!

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DUCTLESS SYSTEMS

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PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Routine maintenance is critical to performance and the life span of your HVAC system. Sign up today and let your worries lay to rest. Marathon Service Company performs semiannual maintenance checks for maintenance agreement customers. Let us catch problems before they get worse and keep your system running longer!

Paloma Picante

Ingredients

2 oz Elvelo blanco tequila

2 oz grapefruit juice, hand-squeezed

Dash lime juice, hand-squeezed

1 oz house-made Serrano pepper simple syrup

House-made honey habanero reduction

Instructions

Shaken and strained over rocks. Split strawberry, micro fennel and nasturtium flower for garnish.

Honey Bee

Ingredients

2 oz Brimming Horn Freyas honey mead

1 oz McClintock Forager gin

Dash of simple syrup

Instructions

Shaken and strained over rocks. Add torn grapefruit, guajillo pepper salt, serrano pepper and shredded grapefruit for garnish. CS

Sanctuary from Stress

THE TOLL THAT CHRONIC STRESS TAKES ON OUR BODIES IS REAL. THESE STRATEGIES WILL HELP YOU FOCUS ON RELIEF, REPAIR AND TOTAL-BODY

Written by Denise Sultenfuss

I recently discovered the centuries-old art of kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery. When something is broken, we apply adhesive to rejoin the pieces to camouflage the mishap.

To preserve the artwork, the kintsugi technique seeps powdered gold, silver and platinum lacquer into the serpentine vein-like crevices of the fractured ceramic artwork. As a result, the design breathes shimmering new life into once-shattered ceramic pieces. The golden sinews mark a creative transformation from fragmented,

cracked pottery to seams of golden beauty that reflect flaws and imperfections.

At my house, cracked vessels land in the recycling bin; however, the kintsugi’s charming technique of revitalizing and repairing fractured wares resonates with the health-wellness coach in me. Metaphorically speaking, the body functions as a vessel. Therefore, interminable, chronic stress can infiltrate the body systems and negatively impact the gastrointestinal, immune, cardiovascular, endocrine and nervous systems.

HEALTH

Months and, for some people, years of chronic stress weaken the body until fractures in various systems begin to develop. So, it’s no surprise that 75%–90% of visits to the physician relate to stress.

Physician/psychiatrist Dr. Jeff Brantley categorizes physical, psychological and psychosocial stressors.

Whether it is a confounding illness, relationships, work, finances or the disease of busyness, overcoming stressors requires intentional stress-management practices to heal, not conceal, the brokenness.

Nourish Your Body

Nutrition plays an essential role in managing and regulating stress. Evita Basilio, RD, asserts that “foods naturally rich in magnesium may help a person to feel calmer.” In addition, spinach, pumpkin seeds, legumes, bananas and oats are excellent sources of the amino acid tryptophan, which converts to serotonin in the body and promotes relaxation and anxiety relief. As you navigate ways to combat stress with a nutritional eating plan, include recipes rich in B vitamins, calcium, iron, vitamin C, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

Eliminating caffeine would be best if you are trying to manage chronic stress. Caffeine increases cortisol levels, so switch to herbal tea. Try drinking herbal teas that contain adaptogens.

The practice of using adaptogens, a group of herbs that assist in helping your body adapt, respond and reset during times of stress, is a part of Ayurveda medicine. Ayurveda is one of the oldest approaches to wellness.

Flavored adaptogenic herbal teas are available. These teas can provide “a sense of calm, improve mental clarity and memory, and reduce stress.”

Exercise and Movement

Research indicates that being physically active improves the way the body handles stress because of changes in the hormone responses and that exercise affects neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, which affect mood and behaviors.

Exercising just 30 minutes a day not only helps you feel good and maintain health; it also builds resilience “as you move between states of relaxation and safe mobilization.” Moderate to vigorous aerobic activity allows the body to recover and manage stress.

Steven Southwick and Dennis Charney conducted studies of individuals who dealt with traumatic experiences and discovered that consistent exercise habits played an enormous role in their recoveries.

Many resilient individuals interviewed for the study believed that “staying fit helped them, both during their traumatic ordeals and during their recovery.”

Exercise helps your body adapt to stress evoked by the challenges of life.

Breathing and Mindfulness Exercises

When you encounter a stressor or something/someone triggers a stress reactivity, respond with breathing. Mindful pauses support you in stressful moments and can be done anytime throughout the day. For example, the 4-7-8 breathing technique (relaxing breath) starts with inhaling for four counts/holding for seven counts/exhale for eight counts.

Another mindful pause includes the S.T.O.P:

S: Stop what you are doing

T: Take a few deep breaths

O: Observe what is going on with your body.

P: Proceed with something that will alleviate the stress

Yet another mindful exercise is meditative walking, which incorporates a slow, intentional pace in a quiet place where you focus on the movements of your body and breathing. This exercise can be done inside or outside. A simple walk along the beach or under a thick canopy of pines offers relief and restoration from stress.

Often, ruminating thoughts compound stress. The mindful exercise of Thought Labeling helps you to listen less to the thoughts that trigger stress.

Journaling

Charles Dickens said, “Reflect on your present blessings, on which every man has many, not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” Gratitude journaling nurtures the practice of counting blessings rather than burdens or stressors.

Sleep

Like food, sleep is a necessary human function. Sleep health or sleep hygiene is a critical determinant of health and well-being and managing stress. Cultivating a sleep routine is one way to ensure you get at least seven hours of sleep. A sleep routine includes establishing a consistent bedtime, creating a sleep-inducing environment in your bedroom, avoiding late night eating and kicking the evening glass of vino or caffeinated beverage.

Once you settle yourself into bed, relax, do a body scan and try a mindfulness practice.

Putting Things Into Practice

Managing stress takes practice. As soon as you notice how stress manifests, embrace and apply a few suggested techniques. Like the practice of kintsugi art, you aren’t striving for perfection; instead, you are repairing what’s broken, thus creating a unique, more resilient vessel. CS

Editor’s note: Denise Sultenfuss is a certified health-and-wellness coach, writer and owner of Soulful No-FUSS Healthy Living. She lives on her family farm in Centreville, MD, where her family implements sustainable farming practices in raising beef cows, crops and maintaining conservation projects.

Robotic surgery is the future

At TidalHealth, the future is now

In TidalHealth’s operating rooms, clinical teams perform virtual symphonies. Leading the group like a conductor is the surgeon, who gives direction to the orchestra (a talented group of healthcare professionals) to ensure they don’t miss a beat.

One of those surgeons is Dr. Kurt Wehberg, a pioneer of robotic surgery in our region and the physician responsible for performing minimally invasive lung surgery at TidalHealth Nanticoke. Assisted by high-tech equipment, Dr. Wehberg’s team is dedicated to achieving positive outcomes for their patients — and their families.

Robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System allows Dr. Wehberg, and other TidalHealth surgeons, to perform complex, minimally invasive surgical procedures with precision and accuracy. The system is an advanced robotic platform designed to expand the surgeon’s capabilities and offer an option to open surgery. It allows extremely precise, small cuts that lead to smaller scars and faster healing times.

Assisted by his team, Dr. Kurt Wehberg, a pioneer of robotic surgery on Delmarva, performs lung surgery using the da Vinci robot. Robotic surgery leads to smaller scars, less pain and a quicker recovery.

A personalized approach to joint replacement

Throughout the procedure, Mako provides real-time data to the surgeon. This allows him to continuously assess the movement and tension of the new joint and adjust the surgical plan if needed.

In the operating room, Dr. Doran guides Mako's robotic arm to remove the arthritic bone and cartilage from the hip. As Dr. Doran prepares to place the acetabular component into its final position, the robotic arm guides the implant at the desired angle predetermined in the surgical plan. This technology helps ensure the appropriate orientation and depth of the implant, resulting in personalized and reproducible outcomes.

William Doran, DO, FAAOS, of TidalHealth Orthopedics is Delaware’s most experienced robotic orthopedic surgeon.

Using state-of-the-art technology, he performs lessinvasive hip and knee replacement surgery and offers each patient an individualized treatment plan.

The surgery is unique in that it provides a personalized surgical plan. Prior to surgery, a CT scan of the patient’s hip or knee joint is obtained. This generates a threedimensional model of their unique anatomy. The 3D model helps surgeons see details they can’t typically see with an x-ray alone. This information helps Dr. Doran determine the optimal size, placement and positioning of each patient’s implant.

Beverly Stallings of Hurlock experienced excruciating pain while walking for more than a year.

“I thought it was muscular,” she said. “It was terrible, and nothing helped.”

Dr. Doran performed a knee replacement for Stallings and she had excellent results.

“His team is the best,” she said “The nurses and staff are all compassionate and understanding, and Dr. Doran is a godsend.”

Dr. Doran sees patients in Seaford, Millsboro and Georgetown. To learn more, call 302-990-3280 or visit tidalhealth.org/orthopedics to schedule an appointment online.

Are you a candidate for robotic hip surgery?

Mako total hip surgery is appropriate for people suffering with severe hip pain or stiffness resulting from degenerative joint disease, including but not limited to osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or avascular necrosis and rheumatoid arthritis. It can be a life-changing experience for individuals who have failed conservative treatment options such as physical

therapy, oral medications, and steroid injections. To learn more about Dr. William Doran of TidalHealth Orthopedics and his personalized approach to joint replacement surgery, visit tidalhealth.org/orthopedics

Commit to a leaner, healthier you

TidalHealth’s knowledgeable providers can help you shed those unwanted pounds and get back on the path to wellness.

For those who need surgery to reach their goal, TidalHealth offers an award-winning program that has helped more than 3,000 patients lose weight since its inception.

Candidates for bariatric surgery include patients who have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 who have a co-morbidity — diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea — or patients who have a BMI above 40 who do not have a co-morbidity.

“Patients generally inquire if they are a candidate for surgery if they have experienced a long struggle with weight issues, and inability to independently manage weight loss,” said Jarrod Buzalewski, DO, of TidalHealth General Surgery. “They will know if they are a candidate if they are willing to commit to a lifetime of lifestyle changes, as well as follow-up with their primary care provider, bariatric medicine specialist and surgeon.”

TidalHealth bariatric surgeons perform a wide variety of procedures including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy procedures related to bariatrics. The majority are done minimally invasively using laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Patients generally require a referral to the TidalHealth bariatric program from their provider.

To learn more about weight-loss surgery at TidalHealth, speak with your provider or call TidalHealth General Surgery at 302-297-2504.

Diabetes, stroke, heart disease, sleep apnea, back and joint pain — these are all conditions associated with obesity. If you’re concerned your weight gain could lead to poor health, it’s time to take advantage of the resources available in your own backyard. Whether it’s through diet and exercise or weight-loss surgery, TidalHealth’s knowledgeable providers can help you shed those unwanted pounds and get back on the path to wellness.

TidalHealth General Surgery

302-297-2504

If you’ve been dealing with hip or knee pain, Dr. William Doran of TidalHealth Orthopedics can help. Dr. Doran has performed more robotic joint replacement procedures than any surgeon in the region, and he’s the only surgeon in Delaware who performs robotic anterior hip surgery. If you need joint replacement surgery, choose the most experienced robotic surgeon with proven outcomes — choose Dr. Doran.

TidalHealth Orthopedics

302-990-3280

Dr. Kurt Wehberg is a pioneer of robotic surgery in our region and one of many da Vinci-trained surgeons at TidalHealth. With the da Vinci robot, he performs minimally invasive lung surgery with extreme precision and accuracy, leading to shorter hospital stays and quicker recoveries. Dr. Wehberg sees patients in Millsboro. If you need lung surgery, call Dr. Wehberg’s office to schedule an appointment.

TidalHealth Cardiovascular Sugery

302-297-2598

Jarrod Buzalewski, DO

Reshmi Udesh, MD

Malene Ingram, MD

William Doran, DO, FAAOS

Kurt Wehberg, MD

If you need surgery, choose less pain and quicker recoveries. Choose TidalHealth.

To learn more, or to schedule an appointment with a TidalHealth robotic surgeon, visit:

Weight loss: tidalhealth.org/findyourhealthyweight

Lung surgery: tidalhealth.org/lungsurgery

Orthopedics: tidalhealth.org/orthopedics

Robotic surgery is the future. At TidalHealth, the future is now.

home

At Home in Inlet Isle

Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Krista Valliant

AFTER NEARLY THREE DECADES OF SPENDING SPECIAL TIME IN OCEAN CITY, THE SHEMANSKIS BUILT THEIR OWN ESCAPE THAT CAPTURES WATER VIEWS FROM EVERY ANGLE

ENTERTAINING SPACES Awash in natural light, this kitchen’s nautical feel is thanks to a navy-and-white color palette and an airy, open space that can accommodate as many as 20 people.

Ocean City has been a destination vacation for most of Becky Shemanski’s life, having grown up spending time with her family in their condo for 27 years before she and husband Gregg decided to purchase a property in the iconic former shantytown area that is now Inlet Isle. The community of 13 homes all feature waterfront views on the inlet, private docks and easy access to downtown’s amenities.

“We worked off of the idea of a home that is coastal contemporary,” said Becky, relating that builder David Bradley of Bradley Construction helped them achieve the vision. “We definitely wanted to maximize the water views, and we wanted a large gathering space along with a number of bedrooms with their own en suites.”

Speaking of views, there are 98 windows in the home, which is about 6,000 square feet on three levels topped with a turret that offers a 360-degree lighthouse vista.

The couple’s home base is in Pennsylvania, but they envision spending much more time on the Maryland coast. Already, they do quite a bit of entertaining and simply relaxing in their new home.

“We always have a gang over for the White Marlin Open because we can see all the boats coming in for the weigh-ins,” Becky said. Often, the vantage point is from inside the plunge pool with built-in sunken bar stools facing the water.

The home’s clean-lined design and intentional features — a bonus room that converts from workout and entertainment space to sleeping quarters — suit the couple’s aesthetic and lifestyle. “It was a lot of fun designing a custom home and picking out everything from scratch,” Becky said, adding that they did incorporate a couple of paintings, vases and other touches from the condo, “so we have a sense of history and nostalgia.”

BATHED IN LIGHT A big part of this beautiful home’s sunny disposition are the 98 windows on three levels that drench the space in natural light.

Mixing Blues. “I gave myself permission to not have all of the blues match because the ocean and sky are not all the same color blue,” Becky related. With that mindset, she selected varying colors of navy, cobalt, baby blue, cerulean and pops of teal that coordinate with the home’s front door and custom garage doors. This theme is carried out in furnishings, such as the breakfast nook’s leather seating, great-room sofa and velvet-covered dining chairs. It’s also on walls, namely the navy-painted shiplap in the office and the kitchen’s sophisticated herringbone backsplash.

Inspiration In Print. Artwork featuring elegant blue herons, which Becky selected for the primary suite guided color selections for the space: blues, grays, taupes, whites. The primary quarters that the Shemanskis enjoy as a respite includes a clean-lined fireplace with a texturedstone facing that has glints of sparkle. “We want to enjoy the home during all four seasons, so having a fireplace in the bedroom and living room is a nice feature,” she said, adding that it takes the chill out of cool Atlantic nights.

Designed for Entertaining. The kitchen’s nautical-fresh feel is thanks to a navy-and-white color palette and the airy, open space that flows into a charming breakfast nook and great room with floor-to-ceiling windows. The area is awash with natural light. With island and table seating, the Shemanskis can comfortably accommodate 20. Brushed-brass pulls juxtapose the mixedmetal approach they chose. “We have stainlesssteel appliances and faucets, and the large lanterns on our front porch are copper,” Becky says. Much like not getting married to one shade of blue, “we decided to not be afraid to mix our metals,” she adds.

HOME coastal

Decked Out. Durable Zuri deck material mimics hardwood and provides a maintenance-free surface for the first-floor deck and upper-deck party platform, which is partly covered and connects to the home office. Each bedroom has a balcony step-out space, so family and guests can enjoy private outdoor views too. As for flooring throughout the home, continuing a mindset of coastal practicality, the Shemanskis chose luxury vinyl plank flooring in sandy tones that speak to a beachy aesthetic.

Play and Stay. The Shemanskis planned bedrooms with en suites so that they can host their adult children, family and friends, with four guest rooms laid out on the second floor. “We decided to add a coffee bar and lounge here, so when they get up, they can make their morning coffee without having to come downstairs to the main kitchen,” Becky shared. “That has proven to be very popular.” CS

THE TOUR CONTINUES

See more photos from the Shemanskis’ spectacular home in West Ocean City’s Inlet Isle online at CoastalStyleMag.com.

Dustin Darby’s tips for a successful bathroom remodel

COLLECT INSPIRATION

Create a file of photographs and search for styles that move you on sites like Houzz, Instagram and Pinterest. “Even if there is just one feature you like in the picture, it gives us an idea of your vision and what you have in mind,” Darby shared.

EXPLORE NEW MATERIALS

You can achieve durability and stunning design with some of the new products available for bathrooms, including acrylic tubs and showers that are laser-etched to look like tile. Ask your designer and contractor, “What’s new?”

ASK ABOUT WARRANTIES

The bathroom is a high-traffic space in any home. “Everyone uses it every day,” Darby pointed out. So when investing in a remodel, ask about warranties on the materials and fixtures you select.

GO FULL SERVICE

When you partner with a remodeling contractor who handles every aspect of a project in-house, there’s a single point of contact. Darby advises homeowners to seek out a “red carpet experience” like what’s offered at Coastal Bay Construction.

Reimagining the Bathroom

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST DUSTIN DARBY OF COASTAL BAY CONSTRUCTION TRANSFORMS THE MOST USED ROOM IN A HOUSE INTO A SPACE THAT INCLUDES RESORT-LIKE AMENITIES

Functional luxury is a calling card for Coastal Bay Construction, which specializes in full bathroom renovations along with mini remodels that involve just the “wet area.” With advances in products and materials, owner Dustin Darby says homeowners can enjoy the ease of maintaining an acrylic shower while getting the aesthetic appeal of grout lines and tilelike patterns — or go for the real thing with their full tile showroom.

“In the last two years, laserengraved lines have come out in the acrylic tub industry, and the benefit of acrylic is that it doesn’t fade, stain, crack or yellow,” he pointed out.

Coastal Bay Construction displays the possibilities in its comprehensive showroom, where clients can select tile or acrylic shower materials, flooring, mosaic tile, cabinets, countertops and fixtures. Because every aspect of a bathroom remodel is managed in-house, Darby assures a seamless process from design to done.

Darby has focused solely on bathrooms for 15 years, growing a career and now business. “If I can create that spa-like experience to wake you up in the morning or put you to bed at night, it’s a beautiful experience,” he said.

Here, Darby shares the latest in materials, design and how to prepare for a successful bathroom renovation.

GOING ALL OUT

For renovations that extend beyond the wet areas of a bathroom, Darby said that fresh flooring and fixtures can completely transform a bathroom into a spa. And back to functional luxury, the materials available offer a sleek, designer look along with durability that is essential in this space.

Specifically, Coastal Bay Construction carries Fabuwood cabinets, and clients often select quartz countertops, Darby shared. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring can look like hardwood or is available in tile patterns. “It’s waterproof, scratchresistant and has a lifetime warranty.”

And just because you take on a full bath remodel doesn’t mean you should have to live in dust. “We make it a priority to make sure your home is exactly the way we found it after we leave each day,” Darby said. “Even if it’s a major remodel, it is contained in that bathroom, so once you close the door, you don’t even know we were there.” CS

Beachside at Burnie’s

A CUSTOM-DESIGNED BETHANY BEACH HOME IS SOPHISTICATED YET PLAYFUL, CONTEMPORARY AND COASTAL

Written by Kristen Hampshire

Photography by Dana Hoff

Inspiration and collaboration are essential elements of a custom-home-building project — as is creativity, particularly with complex zoning and lot restrictions. But Marnie Oursler has a different perspective. “It can be hard to get spaces to fit the way you want, but that is also what makes it fun,” she said of the Bethany beach house she navigated with owners Mike and Jennifer Burnstein.

Every aspect of the 3,000-squarefoot Bethany home was intentionally designed to maximize the space and function for their lifestyle. Flow was essential.

At the same time, the couple invited a rich sense of character into every room. Distressed ceiling beams in the family room “add more context,” Mike Burnstein said. A grayscale beach-scene mural extends across the third-floor stairway wall. “Surf” is inlaid into the guest bathroom’s mosaic-tile floor. A reclaimed door for the walk-in pantry is personalized with a decal, adding texture to an overall modern vibe.

The Burnsteins went into their first new-home construction project with a strong sense of style.

“What makes a project successful is bringing their ideas to life,” Marnie said, calling their aesthetic “coastal contemporary.” The modern, neutral palette strays from typical seaside colors, yet finishes like shiplap are a nod to their location, a short walk from the beach.

Wide-Open Spaces. In desirable downtown Bethany, zoning is largely based on lot size, with guidelines like “build set to,” which determine where a home can be placed on the property. There are also rules related to the size and ratio of first, second and third floors. In a flood zone, pilings are a must. The regulations are designed to maintain the community’s charm, and they do shape the home-building experience.

“You can only build what you can build,” Mike said simply. But that also provides avenues for innovation. For instance, the primary suite is open, with glass doors to the shower and bathroom stall. Exposed ductwork in this primary suite offers an industrial-modern touch while adding lift to the room.

The main living area, on the second floor, boasts nine-foot ceilings, with some areas recessed to accommodate beam detail or lighting. Dual sliding doors in the family room that open to a generous patio tuck into the walls. “You can open up the whole side of the house and feel the breezes flow through,” Mike said.

coastal HOME

Touches like floating shelves by the kitchen windows are an airy alternative to cabinets alone. The same treatment applies to custom bathroom vanities, along with open storage. In one of the four upstairs bedrooms, bunk spaces with millwork allowing for a vanity are cozy yet have room enough for children or adults.

Functional Flow. Discussing “how” was integral to designing a vacation home that would function for the Burnsteins, who have a son in his 20s and entertain often. They considered the path from beach to shower to door to kitchen. But first, they tackled the garage, which doubles as a hangout. It extends the length of the home, includes a bar and opens on both ends, to the back alley and front driveway.

A shower at the side of the house is positioned next to an entry, and the first floor includes a washer/dryer and mudroom with a beach-prep nook. “We are a one-minute walk to the beach, so you can throw your stuff in the garage, take a shower and dip into the side of the house,” Mike said.

UNIQUELY COASTAL The home’s modern, neutral palette strays from typical seaside colors, yet finishes like shiplap and creative surfing inclusions are nods to its location, just a short walk from the beach.

Cuisine Creative. Borrowing an idea from Marnie’s own home, the Burnsteins selected staggered, oversized pendants for the kitchen that add sophisticated whimsy. They’re set into a tray ceiling that gives depth to the space and again emphasizes height and openness.

Clean, white cabinet and subway tiles juxtapose the black base of an 18-foot split island, where a dining table in walnut is moderately raised to define the eating and cooking areas.

“We liked the idea of integrating the table into the island rather than an antiquated kitchen area with a circle or square table,” Mike shared. “The bench area is a fun place to make drinks, prepare food, and there’s a coffee station there as well.”

Champagne-gold hardware throughout is the icing — a top-shelf look.

Statement Stairway. Marnie treated the staircase as she would when designing a room. It’s a package deal involving hardwood, lighting, accents and art. Whiteoak treads and an integrated banister with steel braiding scale three flights, with two Bluetooth-controlled skylights ushering in natural light. In a sense, the landing is a stage showcasing a nearly life-size mural of a wave and surfers bobbing in the water with boards. Stairway lighting illuminates the path to bedrooms after dark.

What’s ‘In’ for Out. Weather-ready exterior materials were a must, and the Burnsteins selected a combination of Hardie Board and NuCedar engineered shingles. “The synthetic cedar shake looks better on the front and on curves, and the Hardie Plank is on the sides,” Mike explained. Pilings are wrapped in board and batten. You’d never know they were there. And rather than landscaping, the couple opted for maintenance-free hardscape, mainly river rock. “It’s a nice look, and you don’t have to worry about a thing.” CS

DETAIL ORIENTED The first floor of this home includes a washer/dryer and mudroom with a clever beach-prep nook.

Labor of Love

THE MILLERS FOUND AN IDYLLIC COASTAL PROPERTY IN ST. MICHAELS — AND EMBARKED ON A FULL-BLOWN REBUILD AND RENOVATION

During a weekend away in St. Michaels, Jennifer and Garrett Miller did what they always do while traveling: They check out local real estate. The couple owns Washington Square Realty Capital in Philadelphia, and Jennifer runs an upcycled fashion company called Gather + Good. An escape from busy life with business and three children was in order. They were immediately drawn to the charm and seaside beauty of this Maryland community.

“We’re always interested in real estate, wherever we happen to be,” said Jennifer, adding that Realtor Maureen McHugh of Chesapeake Bay Real Estate Plus took them to see a property at the sought-after Homes at Perry Cabin, where she is property manager. The preserve of 50 townhomes on 27 acres is surrounded by the Miles River, Fogg Cove and conservation farmland.

Written

Kristen

by

Hampshire Post Renovation Photography by Jill Jasuta

They settled on a home that had been rented out for the previous seven years — and not updated since the 1980s. The Millers knew they were entering into a “fixer-upper” deal, but the extent of their renovations shifted into a full gut job and teardown. The good news is, this allowed them to create an ideal family getaway with the Nantucket aesthetic they desired, modern conveniences, like smarthome technology, and thoughtful spaces that suit their lifestyle.

“We looked at the home and said, ‘How can we comfortably fit a family of five here, open it up and put as much as we can into this 1,900-or-so square feet?’” Jennifer said. They enlisted general contractor Chuck Leitzer and started the project after acquiring the threebedroom, two-and-a-half-bath property in October 2020.

“During demolition, we filled two dumpsters with just crown molding and trim that had been heavily painted an avocado green,” Jennifer recalled. “The carpeting was over 35 years old, and there was floral wallpaper everywhere, curtains and PVC blinds. The tiny kitchen was disturbing, to say the least.”

But the Millers had a vision. Here is how they transformed the brick-front traditional home into an airy, Nantucket-style retreat that suits their active lifestyle.

Reimagining the Floor Plan. In a word, the home’s layout was “choppy.” So, the Millers reconfigured the floor plan from top to bottom. Downstairs, they doubled the size of the kitchen by removing a wall and captured more space by removing a dated, nonfunctioning wet bar and closet. They shifted the fireplace and replaced it with a black-framed corner unit.

“That way, we can see it from the kitchen, dining and living rooms,” Jennifer said, adding that they selected stacked rock for the entire wall that complements the property’s naturescape.

Upstairs, they opened up the attic, moved mechanicals to the first floor and created more spacious, lofty bedrooms.

LIGHT AND BRIGHT

By reconfiguring the first floor layout of their townhome, the Miller’s space now flows seamlessly and generously.

A Family-Focused Kitchen Jennifer described the original kitchen: dark wood, Formica and critters. “The cabinets were not large enough to hold a modern plate,” she recalled. Metal, mismatched appliances were replaced, and the couple enlisted in a custom cabinetmaker and selected a deep, navy finish. White quartz countertops and a solid, matching backsplash create a clean, seamless finish. They chose brass fixtures and a modern farmhouse sink.

Overall, the goal was to create a dining and “living” hub for the family and for entertaining — flexible space. “We flipped the footprint, so we have three barstools that face into the dining area, or we can be seated at the counter looking into the kitchen,” she said.

A Taste of Nantucket. The Millers considered how they could bring a Nantucket aesthetic to their St. Michaels vacation home while preserving the culture of the Eastern Shore. “Driftwood was an inspiration for the palette,” Jennifer said. “So were navy and blues. Salt was also an inspiration, and salt can be gray and vary in color. So, we went with salt, water and driftwood when we selected everything for the inside.”

ODE TO THE COAST

The Millers incorporated nautical elements and colors into their design to give a Nantucket feel while vacationing on the waters of St. Michaels.

Modernizing the Mechanicals. Below-thesurface restoration was a necessity and included blowing insulation into the entire home, including the attic, crawl spaces and behind walls, to “ensure optimal energy efficiency,” said Jennifer. “It also helped with keeping the home dry and keeping bugs and critters out.” Tankless water heaters were installed, and everything from lighting to HVAC is automated. “It can be run off of our cellphones or iPads remotely, and all of the shades are enabled too.”

A True Seashore Escape. The welcoming community has an emerging crop of young families, and the Millers are enjoying the relatively maintenance-free aspects of enjoying a vacation home managed by an HOA with all the trappings: tennis courts, a deep-water dock slip for each home and manicured common spaces. “There is lots of open space for the kids to run and play, and we can use our stand-up paddleboards and kayaks or spend time on the dock, crabbing and fishing,” Jennifer said. “It’s a very friendly place to be.” CS

THERE’S MORE TO BE SEEN

Log on to CoastalStyleMag.com to see more before and after photos from the Miller’s renovation of their St. Michaels townhome.

Jennifer and Garrett Miller

Catching Cabin Fever

AUTHENTICITY WAS THE PRIORITY WHEN RENOVATING AND RESTORING A CHARACTERISTIC LOG CABIN IN BETHANY BEACH

Aburly taxidermy bear named Ted greets friends and family at the Graybeal log cabin in Bethany Beach, where a couple transformed the interior of a 1963 kit-build while retaining the authenticity of a characteristic spot on a wooded, wide lot where the Graybeals eventually plan to live full-time.

They happened upon the place by accident. “This wasn’t on our radar at all,” said Laura Graybeal, sharing how she and her husband, Frank, had been looking at condos on the bay. “We drove by this place, and it was super cool, right on the canal, and it sits on two lots, so there was plenty of yard.”

The Graybeals were immediately hooked, purchasing it in 2017 from an owner who had lived there since 1973. He had made a few improvements, like an outdoor shower and a side porch with an enclosed bathroom — ideal for coming in from the beach.

ONE DAY BATH SYSTEMS

BY PENINSULA BATH

The couple saw potential, but most importantly, they envisioned updates while preserving the cabin’s authenticity as a truly unique property in the beach community. When they invited contractors to bid on a renovation project, all but one suggested a teardown. That was never their plan. “Even before it was renovated, it had such a good vibe to it: You could walk in, and it smells good because there is so much wood, and it has a nice aura,” Laura said.

Of course, the log cabin needed improvements, including updating a powder-room-size bathroom with a pink pedestal sink and tub that didn’t function for the family. Also, the kitchen required upgrades, including appliances and finishes. The couple also wanted to add a bathroom, making the footprint a twobedroom, two-bathroom floor plan.

They enlisted in Ted Stephens of Morning Star Construction to take on the project. “He had grown up in a log cabin, so when he came to look at the property, I think he was very intrigued and agreed to do the renovation,” Laura said.

Stephens is the one who gifted Ted to the family, a bear his father, who built log-cabin homes with him, had made. Stephens’ father passed away during the Graybeal remodel, making their Bethany Beach cabin an especially sentimental project.

In fact, every aspect of the undertaking was personal for those involved, from the location itself — close to Graybeals’ three sisters and their families — to details like the Peruvian tile underneath the wood-topped bar and the pergola filled with the Graybeals’ plants.

“Nothing about the home is conventional,” Laura said, summing up exactly why the family appreciates the property. “Nothing is level, and it’s a lot of work. Ted was great with the details, preserving some of the wood to use in other places in the home.”

Before they could begin focusing on priority spaces, like the kitchen and bathroom, structural considerations were addressed, including lifting the home due to FEMA regulations for the flood zone. “It rained for weeks on end,” Laura said of delays that were out of the team’s hands. You can’t control Mother Nature.

Meanwhile, linoleum was peeled back to reveal original hardwood floors, which were refinished by the DiFebo Hardwood Floor Co.

UNCONVENTIONAL THINKING

“Nothing about the home is conventional,” said its owner, Laura Graybeal. “Nothing is level, and it’s a lot of work,” but the end result made it worth all the effort.

In the kitchen, the Graybeals selected Belvedere granite with a honed, leather finish and bronze veining that complements the home’s rustic interior. A bifold “ice cream window” opens up to a side bar for entertaining. “When the window opens, you feel like you are outside even when you are in,” Laura shared. Her husband finished off the wood for the exterior bar top, which is a favorite hangout spot for the Graybeals and guests.

The bathroom includes a barn-style glass shower door that adds a sense of sleekness to the cabin while creating an open feel in a relatively compact space.

During the yearlong construction, the previous owner stopped by periodically and expressed his appreciation for the way they retained the property’s charm. “It was his family home, and it has been special to share the renovation with him,” Laura said.

Today, the Graybeals spend about 65% of their time at the cabin, which is two and a half hours from their home in Rockville, MD.

COMPLEMENTING CHOICES

Sponsored in part by generous grants from MSAC

SWAC

Photo Ginger Springer

APRIL 28 & 29!

In their beautiful, spacious kitchen, the Graybeals opted for a Belvedere granite with a honed, leather finish and bronze veining that complements the home’s rustic interior.

Their children, ages 26 and 28, visit with friends, and extended family is in town too. “We entertain a lot, from having an oyster party at Thanksgiving to company on the weekends,” said Laura.

For the family, the quintessential beach cabin is a continuation of decades of making memories at Bethany Beach — with more to come. “We had never seen a house like this at the beach,” Laura said. “We want to share it with family and friends.” CS

“We had never seen a house like this at the beach,” Laura said. “We want to share it with family and friends.”

In Full Bloom

Lewes was first settled by the Dutch in 1631 and was called Zwaanendael, or “Swan Valley.” Celebrating that original connection to Holland, Lewes holds an annual tribute to its Dutch heritage. This year, the Lewes Tulip Celebration will be held April 1-16 with more than 20 blooming locations throughout town so that guests may meander along a trail named “Tiptoe Through the Tulips.” Additionally, on April 1 — no fooling — there will be guided walking tours with local experts sharing Lewes’ maritime history. There will also be a tulip sale on April 7-8. For more information, scan our QR code. CS

Photo and description by Tony Pratt

Love the moment. Love your smile.

Lawrence Michnick, DDS

Christopher Takacs, DMD

Kristen Mazzei, DMD