September-October 2022

REAL ESTATE TEAM 2022

WORCESTER COUNTY

Photo credit: High N’ Tight Media, LLC

My smile plays an important role in the happiness in my everyday life.

I felt hesitant to smile because my teeth were not straight

Recent Indian River High School graduate Emma Ruley is a model of confidence today, but this wasn’t always the case. In fact, Emma felt held back from revealing her true self from a young age due to the appearance of her teeth.

“Before becoming a patient with Tilghman Orthodontics, I felt hesitant to smile because my teeth were not straight, and my mouth was crowded,” Emma said. “This made me feel self-conscious while talking to others or smiling in pictures.”

Her parents chose Tilghman Orthodontics for her care, which began at age 12. The family found Dr. Michael Tilghman and his sta to be very thorough in explaining treatment and payment plans, and they found its Salisbury and Berlin o ce locations very clean and conveniently located. Tilghman Orthodontics monitored Emma’s growth and development free of charge until an intervention was necessary — a policy the practice extends to all of its new patients. The Ruley’s also said the sta were very professional, extremely friendly and made scheduling appointments easy and always made sure they felt comfortable with the procedures.

Dr. Michael Tilghman set Emma’s course of treatment in action, which included a palate extender and spacers, followed by three and a half years of braces. Now 18, Emma wears a permanent bottom retainer and is thrilled with how her smile looks.

“Having a great smile while in high school gives you many benefits,” Emma said. “It gives you confidence in selfimage and self-esteem. You are more likely to talk to your peers, make friends and ask questions in class if you are confident about your smile. My smile plays an important role in the happiness in my everyday life.”

Iovement

TUMMY

TUCK

Main: SALISBURY, MD 314 W Carroll St Call / Text 410.546.0464

BERLIN, MD 124 N Main St , Ste B Call / Text 410.449.3993

MILLSBORO, DE 30265 Commerce Dr Call / Text 302.663.0119

Brooks Morris MD & DE

Michelle Lewis MD

DAWN OF A NEW DAY

A surfer arrives on the north side of the Indian River Inlet just after sunrise and examines the water for breaking waves.

118

WAVING FAREWELL

WAVE RIDER

The surfing community gathers to celebrate the life of Gavin Knupp. 130

A SURFING LEGACY

Legends of the Ocean City surfing scene embrace its next generation.

Gavin Bren is climbing the ranks of competitive surfing and headed to the top. 136

CREATING WAVES OF ADVENTURE

The Surfgimp Foundation helps those with needs experience amazing opportunities. 142

THE GREAT ESCAPE

The ocean has always felt like a second home for instructor Laurel Harrington.

Photo by Pamela Aquilani

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

PRESTON AND KATHLEEN SCHELL escape to their South Point beach house whenever the opportunity allows for the chance to relax and recharge. Check out more photos online and learn the story behind Kathleen’s signature design element.

DIVINE DESIGN! Kelley Gable, owner and principal designer of Gable Interiors, takes you on a video tour of the property she transformed from “choppy” to an open-flowing, fivebedroom, six-bathroom coastal home in Rehoboth Beach.

Bonus Content!

RYAN KRISTA VALLIANT

EASTERN SHORE COMMUNITIES

THE LOCAL SURFING COMMUNITY IS A BROTHER AND SISTERHOOD, connected by history, lifestyle, goodwill and the pursuit of the next big wave. We celebrate their passion and ingenuity in sharing a collection of their stories with you in what we call “The Surfing Issue.”

We visited 16 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.

Indian River Inlet, DE

For some, solitude can be unnerving. For others, it is an opportunity to be immersed in the situation before you, aware of only your own presence. This surfer enjoys the solitude of a nice wave at sunrise, aka dawn patrol, a very-much-sought-after, soulful time of day for surfers.

images

Photo and description by Pamela Aquilani

Ocean City, MD

Sometimes you just happen to be in the right place at the right time. While on assignment, photographing surf lessons, and with my camera focused on the task at hand, a bright-yellow flash to my left caught my eye. I immediately turned with my camera at the ready and caught this perfect moment. It appears this surfer does not need a lesson.

Photo and description by Pamela Aquilani

Indian River Inlet, DE

Anticipation can be a wonderful thing. Anticipating a day at the beach can have a lot of variety. I’ve crossed over this dune crossing on the north side of the Indian River Inlet dozens of times this summer. Each time, I anticipated finding decent waves and plenty of surfers to photograph. Often, the ocean was flat, and the surfers were minimal. After admitting defeat one morning, a surfer passed me on my way back to my car. I turned and captured this photograph of him and wondered what he may have been anticipating as he made his way over the crest of the dune.

Photo and description by Pamela Aquilani

Written by Alison Pappas

Salisbury-based artist, Abbi Custis, has been named the Coastal Style’s Best Artist in Wicomico County for six years in a row. She specializes in creating abstract prints that are recognized for their vibrancy and uniqueness.

While growing up on the Shore, Abbi always found herself dabbling in art. She later left the area for college and then pursued a career as a professional event planner in Washington, DC. While she appreciated the excitement of event planning, Abbi’s father’s passing made her truly realize that life is short and that she should be doing what she really loved, which is art.

“I always enjoyed creating art, but I was scared to make a career of it because I didn’t want to turn something that I loved into something that involves stress; however, I’ve found that as my career as an artist has evolved, it’s never been a stressful endeavor,” shared Abbi.

Because she is completely selftaught, Abbi has developed unique artistic techniques. She often uses nontraditional tools to enhance dimension, texture and shape. Also, she is a firm believer that there are no mistakes in the art world.

TRIAL AND ERROR Custis doesn’t believe in mistakes when creating art, because “it often leads to a new idea.”

Photo by Krista Valliant

INTERDIMENSIONAL

Custis often paints surfboards because she likes the idea of turning them into three-dimensional works of art.

“If something appears like a mistake, it often leads to a new idea. So, I’m always experimenting. And I like to keep an open mind while I learn and play with a material until I can really master it,” she said.

Abbi likes to find inspiration from art in everyday places. Key themes that have emerged throughout her art portfolio are nature, colors and patterns. She also likes to experiment with applying paint to different objects, including surfboards.

"I appreciate the idea of a surfboard being a threedimensional art structure that is different from traditional canvas,” shared Abbi.

“I recently learned to surf because I wanted to understand the energy behind the surf vibe. This allowed me to grow more of a connection to the boards that I’m painting,” she continued.

While Abbi has frequently created new surfboard pieces, she has also repurposed worn boards that people were no longer using but were hesitant to discard because they held sentimental value.

Abbi accepts commissions and she has transformed her art into a line of accessories, wallpaper fabrics and other goods. If you’re interested in purchasing Abbi’s work, you may contact her through Instagram @ abbicustisart or via her website, AbbiCustis.com. Her work is shown at Kuhn’s Jewelers in Salisbury, and her personal shop is available by appointment only. CS

Photos by Krista Valliant

Oceanic Inspirations

OCEAN QUEST

Rick Lantz’s affinity for the sea is in synchronicity with his love for painting, resulting in stirring and evocative work.

Rehoboth Beach artist Rick Lantz specializes in painting vivid, abstract pieces on canvas, surfboards and tropical objects, like tiki sculptures. He credits color and underwater seascapes with largely inspiring his vibrant artwork.

“I try to do some kind of art every day,” said Rick, who attended the Fort Lauderdale Art Institute.

Rick’s passion for the ocean, which synchronizes with his love for painting, ignited when he learned to surf at Fenwick Island at the age of 8. He has been around (or under) water ever since.

“I liked surfing around the Indian River Inlet. The south side of the inlet had a superfast hollow wave, while the north side had more of a slope-type wave,” recounted Rick.

While he continued surfing and exploring colors through his painting over the years, Rick has also worked in professions that centered around the water. These positions, in turn, provided further inspiration for his artwork.

“I started as a commercial diver for an underwater-construction corporation. It was pretty dangerous, and many of the guys I worked with were ex-military or Navy Seals. I also worked on a sportsfishing boat. That was a fun job that allowed me to meet a lot of interesting people,” he said.

Rick and his wife also operated a nauticalthemed shop in Rehoboth Beach for 25 years. Before the couple gave up the shop in 1999, they sold nautical items, shells imported from all over the world, exquisite pieces of coral and more.

Another neat wave in Rick’s professional background is his experience in surfboard shaping.

“I was making a lot of surfboards for people, especially in the 1970s. I created custom surfboards, and I supplied them to some of the surf shops in Ocean City and Dewey Beach,” shared Rick.

Given his passion for surfing and professional endeavors, it is no surprise that he has applied his painting skills to transform surfboards into works of art. He also enjoys painting tiki-men sculptures, which he sources from a carver in Florida.

When Rick is not working in his in-home studio in Rehoboth Beach, he often travels to Hawaii to see his youngest son and grandchildren. Whenever visiting Hawaii, he likes to go diving in the island’s crystal-clear water and explore the reefs.

CS

Written by Alison Pappas | Photography by Pamela Aquilani

REHOBOTH BEACH ARTIST RICK LANTZ’S LOVE OF SURFING AND THE OCEAN SHINES VIVIDLY IN HIS WORKS

Surf Advocate

PHILLIPS

Written by Alison Pappas | Portrait by Grant L. Gursky

East Coast Surfing Hall of Famer Kathy Phillips has made waves for the sport of surfing, yet most of her advocacy work over more than 40 years has taken place out of the water.

Phillips originally got into surfing after being introduced to the sport by her high-school sweetheart and now husband, Jeff. To be closer to the ocean, the couple decided to relocate to Ocean City after they both graduated from the University of Maryland.

The pair started their involvement with the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) in 1978, when Jeff began competing in the organization’s local surfing contests. He became the volunteer district director in 1979, and together, the couple started running the ESA contests for the local district.

“That has been one of the best things in our entire lives — our involvement with the ESA,” shared Phillips. “A lot of surfers were just kids when we were running the districts, and now they are adults with their kids competing in the contests.”

In the early days of her involvement with the ESA, Phillips began assisting Dr. Colin Couture, who was the executive director of the entire ESA. She would manage booths at trade shows and assist Dr. Couture in representing the ESA on a national level, while Jeff continued to run the district locally.

Unfortunately, Dr. Couture passed away suddenly, and the ESA had to figure out how to keep moving forward. A year and a half later, in 1991, Phillips officially became the new executive director of the ESA.

“I opened an office in West Ocean City and began to manage all memberships for the ESA and bring in national sponsors to help run the championship programs,” Phillips said. “I also did a lot at the national level to make certain that the ESA got its due when it came to the U.S. championships. I worked to ensure that the East Coast surfers got their chance to go to California to compete in the national championships.”

Her extensive contributions to the sport were recognized when she was inducted into the Class of 2004 East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.

“This award by no means stemmed from my surfing or bodyboarding ability; it was because of all my advocacy work for the sport on the national and international levels,” said Phillips.

In addition to her involvement with the ESA, she served on the board of the Pan-American Surfing Association. She also was involved with the International Surfing Association in its quest to get surfing into the Olympics.

Phillips continued her work with the ESA for 15 years before retiring in 2006, although her retirement did not last long.

“It was my intention to retire from everything, but some friends of ours approached me about running for county commissioner. So that was my next big adventure,” she said.

Though she did not win, Phillips did receive a significant portion of the vote, and the experience made her much more aware of concerns in the county, including pollution and concerns about the bay. This led her to take a position as the Assateague Coast Keeper, which she held for 15 years.

“I spent that time advocating smarter growth and holding polluters accountable so that our bays could improve in water quality,” Phillips said.

Just this year, Phillips was again formally recognized for her contributions to the sport of surfing by being awarded the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame’s President’s Award.

“This award meant so much to me because it was the Cecil Lear President’s Award. He was one of the three founders of the East Coast Surfing Federation, and he was a lifelong friend and a mentor to me,” she shared.

Today, Phillips maintains a connection with the sport and the local surf community.

“Our surf community is like so many surf communities on the East Coast. Whether they’re kids or adults, surfers around here just love to surf. We’ve always said that because East Coast surfers are challenged by surf conditions, they learn how to become better surfers in really small waves and have a great time doing it,” Phillips said.

“The local surfing legends have laid the groundwork for the next generations to not complain about the surf conditions and just get out there and enjoy themselves,” she added. “I think that’s why we’ve always had a very successful surf industry here in Ocean City — from surfers to board builders and shop owners.” CS

MEDAL OF HONOR This year, Phillips was awarded the prestigious East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame’s President’s Award.

EAST COAST SURFING GREAT KATHY

CONTINUES TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE INDUSTRY

Morgan Stanley is proud to congratulate

Cathy Davies-Harmon

Named to Forbes’ Best-In-State Wealth Advisors and Forbes’ Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State

Being named to both Forbes’ 2022 lists, is a testament to your experience, professionalism and dedication to your clients. Thank you for the work you do each day and for carrying forward the culture of excellence at our firm.

Cathy Davies-Harmon Senior Vice President Wealth Advisor 55 Cascade Lane Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 3 02 - 644-6606 cathy.davies-harmon@morganstanley.com www.morganstanleyfa.com/ cathy.davies-harmon NMLS # 1285412 © 2022 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member

Source: Forbes.com (February, 2022) Forbes’ Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State and (April, 2022) Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking were developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors pay a fee to Forbes or SHOOK Research in exchange for the rankings. For more information, see www.SHOOKresearch.com.

Photo by David Torres

Forecasting Good Times

LOCAL AT HEART Lewes’ Micah Sklut has built businesses around the sport he loves, and while he’s surfed in Costa Rica and California, he prefers his hometown surfing community above all others.

Written by Alison Pappas | Photography by Jack Lajoie

After Micah Sklut’s family relocated to Lewes when he was an adolescent, he formed an immediate and authentic connection with the area’s surrounding coastline. This connection sparked not only a lifelong passion for bodyboarding and surfing but also a full-time career, building and maintaining a popular surf-forecasting website known as Surf Captain.

“Growing up, the Cape Henlopen State Park was one of my staple surf spots, and the Naval Jetty is what I consider to be my home break,” shared Sklut.

While Delaware can present desirable waves, one challenge that Sklut noticed early on is the inconsistency of coastal Delaware’s swells. This inspired him to start learning the science behind wave forecasting.

“To be able to get the next good surf session, you have to be on top of the forecast. I made it my duty to figure that out,” he said.

Micah, now 43, began working as a forecaster for Surfline.com in the early 2000s. There, his forecasting work was extremely manual, and recognized the value of automating the process.

MICAH SKLUT KNOWS THAT A GREAT DAY ON THE WATER MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER. HIS BUSINESS, SURF CAPTAIN, HELPS SURFERS FIND THE VERY BEST WAVES TO RIDE

Proudly

“I ran Swell Info for approximately eight years before selling it in 2014. I decided to part ways and start up a new forecasting site called Surf Captain, which has been live for almost two years,” he shared.

Sklut earned a graduate degree in climatology from the University of Delaware, but he is self-taught when it comes to many aspects of surf forecasting and creating algorithms.

“Surf Captain models and predicts the wave heights and the surf conditions. It requires running a wave model and taking some public data available from NOAA. I access this data and then run my own algorithms to calculate the forecast,” explained Sklut.

While Sklut contracts out some help at times, he is the sole owner of the Surf Captain site and operates all of the day-to-day activities himself.

“I’m purely focused on making the best surf forecast possible. I’m always working on different methodologies to improve the forecast,” he said.

Surf Captain equips surfers from all over the U.S., as well as the Caribbean and Central America, with the precious knowledge of when they can expect their next great surf day. The information the site provides includes accurate surf height details and wind condition predictions so that surfers know what they’ll experience before they ever paddle out.

“There are surfers who are on Surf Captain every day. It’s part of their daily regimens to check the forecast on my website,” Sklut said.

While the business side of things keeps him busy, Sklut makes it a priority to be out on the water, surfing frequently. He’s traveled to many different surf spots, including Costa Rica, California and other locations, but he still appreciates the welcoming surf community of Lewes foremost.

“The guys and girls who surf all year long in Lewes, well, we all know each other. Sometimes we don’t know people’s names, but we all recognize each other’s faces. It’s a really friendly surf community that we have here,” shared Sklut. CS

FENWICK ISLAND

BERLIN 10734 Ocean Gateway Berlin, MD 21811 410-629-1717

This realization was the catalyst for him building his first surfforecasting website, Swell Info, which launched in 2006.

SURF SCHOLAR

Grant Otto is currently completing his graduate work in oceanography and plans to immerse himself in coastal management.

Passion to Preserve

SURFER-PHOTOGRAPHER-OCEANOGRAPHER GRANT

Written by Joe Willey | Photography by Pamela Aquilani

The ocean can seem endless. Its look, its smell, and its ceaseless rhythms are a delight to many. To some, the sea is like a second skin. They are as comfortable on swelling waves and under the shadowy depths as others are in their backyards. Grant Otto, a surfer, photographer and oceanographer, is at home at sea and driven to help others experience this beauty from his unique perspective.

Otto began competitive swimming when he was young, and he has no memory of a time when he was not in the water. When he remembers a family photo of his parents throwing him into a pool just as he was learning to swim, he smiles. Often, his parents took him and his younger brother outside, encouraging them to explore nature. Perhaps that was the beginning of his love of water and the

environment. His passion for surfing came later.

Surfing may be the ultimate conjunction of swimming and nature. But it wasn’t until he was in the Outer Banks during high school that Otto took a surf lesson. He engaged immediately. On a surfboard, all his interests connected. Primarily, he surfs close to his home in Lewes. However, he has several favorite spots on the Delaware coastline and often surfs in Ocean City and Assateague Island. And like an unstoppable deep-ocean current, surfing pulled him to develop an interest and growing talent in photography.

To Otto, photography is a natural extension of surfing. He started by photographing his friends on their surfboards and then having his friends photograph him. It was a pragmatic beginning. He wanted to see his form and what he needed to improve. But he realized that

OTTO IS LIVING HIS DREAM WITH THE WIND IN HIS HAIR AND THE SURF AT HIS FEET

surfing had given him a unique knowledge of the ocean and the shoreline, and he began taking photos to capture the beauty he was seeing. The photos give others the experience of being there. His photography does not often feature people but captures the quiet experience of being alone. You can almost hear the surf, wind or stillness in Otto’s work. It is the perspective of a lone surfer and someone drawn to the ocean.

His curiosity about the ocean and the atmosphere has influenced his future career too. He is completing his graduate work in oceanography at the University of Delaware, where his advisor, Dr. Arthur Trembanis, has helped direct his focus. Otto is passionate about coastal management. His thesis project involves systematic mapping to understand erosion in high resolution. “With our technology, we can visualize things that only a diver would see on the scale that a bird sees from the sky,” he says with a note of fascination in his voice.

Otto’s perspective is refreshing. He not only understands the natural resources of the ocean and atmosphere but is also working to preserve and protect them — all while he takes advantage of the enjoyment they bring. His ebullient attitude and passion for the sea will make people watch the rolling surf from a different viewpoint. And in changing their perspective, he is helping them enjoy it too. CS

Finding Air Yet Grounded in Community

PROFESSIONAL

BOOGIE BOARDER COLIN HERLIHY HAS SURFED WATERS AROUND THE WORLD AND IS SHARING HIS PASSION FOR WAVE RIDING WITH LOCAL YOUTH

Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Pamela Aquilani

Colin Herlihy dials back two decades to a still-record-breaking airtime on a boogie board — 35 feet, the height of a telephone pole. The viral footage has well over 1 million views and still pops up all the time. Location: Puerto Rico.

“There is a wave there that smashes up against a rock headland and sends a wave back out to sea,” explained the professional boogie boarder, who represents California brand Salty Crew. He teaches at Ocean City’s Wave Riding School, along with leading the Skim Jam, through Bethany Surf Shop.

“I wanted to ride the wave out to sea, into the connecting wave, to try to hit a big air,” Herlihy said. “Me and my dad had been going there for a while, but we knew we needed just the right wind and everything to come together.”

Herlihy’s father, Dan, is a surfer, videographer and one of the East Coast’s longtime wave riders who taped Puerto Rico footage in the 1960s and made it into the film Caribe, an introductory reel on Herlihy’s latest video tour with Salty Crew.

“The first day we were out, the waves were great, but we got chased out of the water by a shark,” Herlihy continued. “So, the next morning, we went back out, and the conditions were even better than the day before. I was the only one out, and this wave came.”

Herlihy approached a backflip and, while rotating, realized he was about 35 feet in the air. “I bailed the board out of my hands and tried my best to land feet first. Halfway down, I actually passed out in midair.”

He hit the water and came to. “I didn’t really realize how high I was until we got home, and we reviewed the footage,” Herlihy said of his father’s video of the landmark move.

Born to Boogie Herlihy was first introduced to a boogie board soon after he could walk. His father was born and raised in Salisbury and an Ocean City lifeguard when he was young. His mother, Bev Booth, was a boogie boarder. “I’ve been on a boogie board or surfboard my whole life,” he said.

At age 11, Herlihy started competing and continued into his mid-20s, across the coasts and the world. “My passion for surfing is all about traveling, seeing new cultures — and locally, it’s all about giving back to the surf community and getting involved with the kids,” he said. “That brings a lot of joy to me, teaching people to surf.”

One of Herlihy’s mentors is professional bodyboarder Noni Mancari. “He was traveling the world, doing what he loved, and when I saw him do that, I knew that is what I wanted to do,” Herlihy said.

His father is also an inspiration, and they’ve traveled extensively together. His mother and stepfather, Harvey Booth, are at beachside and proud. “It’s great to have three parents who all support what I’ve done. It’s just a great thing,” he said.

Today, Herlihy supports other new surfers and up-and-comers as a passionate instructor who gives back to the community. In summers, the Bethany Surf Shop’s Skim Jam offers free boards. “It’s great for the community,” he said. “The community has really wrapped themselves around it, and we have a great turnout of locals, summer people and those who are just walking down the beach and see what we are doing and have a chance to participate.”

BORN TO BOOGIE Colin and his dad, Dan, have been wave riders their entire lives.

Harnessing His Hometown Waters “I’ve traveled around the world, chasing waves,” Herlihy said. But his wildest boogie boarding experience was in home waters during Hurricane Sandy at the 142nd Street Beach, with a Jet Ski and surfboard.

“When the waves are really big, we take out the Jet Ski; one person will drive, and the other will sit on the back with a surfboard,” Herlihy explained. “We’ll ride it on the wave, and before the wave breaks, the surfer will jump off the Jet Ski and onto the wave. We’re known for that.”

During Sandy, Herlihy surfed 15- and 20foot waves in 70-mile-per-hour winds. “That was the wildest experience I ever had in the ocean,” he said.

In terms of what is so special about surfing the Delaware and Maryland beaches, Herlihy said: “It’s the change of seasons. At this time of year, you can go out and enjoy the warm-water temperatures, and come January, when there is six inches of snow, the waves are perfect. You put on a wet suit and walk down to a snowy beach.” CS

THE RIGHT STUFF

Brian Stoehr has claimed two U.S. National Pro Tour Bodyboard titles and

Propelling the Next Generation

VETERAN PROFESSIONAL BODYBOARDER BRIAN STOEHR IS BACK HOME, BUILDING THE FUTURE OF SURFING IN OCEAN CITY

Written by Alison Pappas | Photography by Pamela Aquilani

Brian Stoehr, a decades-long professional wave rider and twotime U.S. National Pro Tour Bodyboard champion, is helping to build the next generation of local surfers by serving as head instructor at the K-Coast Wave Riding School.

Stoehr was first taught to surf by his father and uncle at the tender age of 6. His first experience catching a wave felt like kismet, and it sparked a lifetime passion for wave riding. Early on, Stoehr began gravitating to bodyboarding.

“I got into bodyboarding because Ocean City is a very conducive place for bodyboarders. We have more of a shore-break kind of wave. These waves have a steeper top-to-bottom shape, which is traditionally a better wave for bodyboarders, and the wave breaks closer to the beach,” shared Stoehr.

“Plus, you can’t surf from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. because of local beach restrictions. If I was surfing, I had to get out of the water right at 10, but if I was bodyboarding, I could stay in the water all day,” he continued.

At age 16, Stoehr began bodyboarding professionally and continued for over two decades. During this time, he won

numerous different professional and amateur events, including two U.S. National Pro Tour Bodyboard titles and an East Coast Pro Tour title.

“A cool thing about surfing and bodyboarding being individual sports is that you can do what you want, whenever you want. I’m very competitive, and I loved that I haven’t had anyone to hold me back through the years,” shared Stoehr.

Throughout his career, Stoehr has continued to receive several endorsements from different brands that were attracted to not only his talent but also his wholesome, clean-cut image.

“I wasn’t into the partying, and a lot of companies really were drawn to that. I found that it made my career last a lot longer,” he said. “Looking back, the sport has given me everything. Really, everything I have in life comes from this sport. That includes being able to see the world for many years,” he continued.

Stoehr credits the best waves he ever rode to being in Indonesia; however, he also admires Eastern Shore’s surf scene.

“As I got to travel more, it made me appreciate the local area. We get great waves here a couple of times a year. If I could snap my fingers and be anywhere, I’d rather be here on a really good surf day,” he shared.

After more than 20 years of professional bodyboarding and traveling, Stoehr decided to return home to Ocean City. He is still a professional wave rider, and although he still bodyboards some, he has mostly transitioned back into surfing. Catch Surf, a company that makes beater boards and soft surfboards known in the surf community as “logs,” currently sponsors Stoehr.

an East Coast Pro Tour title.

‘As I got to travel more, it made me appreciate the local area. We get great waves here a couple of times a year. If I could snap my fingers and be anywhere, I’d rather be here on a really good surf day.”

BOARDING SCHOOL

At K-Coast Wave Riding School, head instructor Brian Stoehr insists that each student receive one-on-one instruction.

Photo by Bernie Walls

Photo by Jay Fleming

“These boards are so fun to ride. I kind of lucked out in the later part of my career, getting to ride the boards that I love to ride. With the waveriding school, it goes hand-in-hand, because they are incredible boards for people to start off on and get into the support,” he shared.

Through sharing his love of surfing as the head instructor at K-Coast Surf Shop’s Wave Riding School, Stoehr has found what he considers to be his true calling. The school is available seven days a week, all year long, for people of all ages. Additionally, all skill levels are welcome, whether that means you are looking to really master the sport or simply just looking to check off a box on your bucket list.

“Everything we do is in a one-onone setting. That means if I have 10 people going out on the water, I also have 10 instructors. It’s just a sport that works better one on one, and the reason for that is the ocean element. Having an instructor assigned to each person makes a big difference when navigating the ocean,” said Stoehr.

Assisting Stoehr is a team of talented local instructors. Including Stoehr’s wins, the team is estimated to have collectively won over 40 state surfing titles. Putting their enormous individual talent aside, the team thrives at making the surf-school classes fun, easy and long-lasting for enrollees.

“I’m confident that for most surfers, we can shed years of trial and error for them in just one session. We can speed up the process of teaching someone to surf,” shared Stoehr. “I’ve spent a lot of time sourcing the equipment to teach people in the way I was taught, with the right equipment. We’re using the best-quality and the best-sized equipment.”

The combination of personalized teaching techniques and ideal equipment has proven to be effective. In fact, many of the area’s most accomplished surfers learned to surf through the K-Coast Wave Riding School. For Stoehr, the opportunity to pass along his love of the sport to the next generation is overwhelmingly gratifying. CS

Woody’s Dewey Beach has been serving the best crab cakes and burgers at the beach since 2009.

Located in the heart of Dewey Beach, our friendly staff provides great service and award-winning food in a fun, friendly atmosphere.

ALL HANDS ON DECK

With four decades of experience to his credit, custom-surfboard-maker Jon Ashton has turned his craft into an art.

Most commercial surfboards are produced on a machine using a computer-based CNC machine — the equipment you’d find in many factories — which can swiftly cut the shape and prepare a board within 30 minutes. But custom boards like the ones Jon Ashton creates are of an entirely different scope.

“There aren’t too many shapers out there who do it by hand,” he said, sharing how he started the craft while in high school. Living in California, he surfed the days away and earned money to make his boards by collecting and turning in old Coke bottles. When his board wore out, he gathered the materials to fix it himself.

Today, Ashton is one of the most respected surfboard shapers on the East Coast, and he has completed more than 10,000 boards in his 40-year career. The owner of Ashton Surf Designs in Berlin, he moved to the Delmarva Peninsula in 1980. “And to my surprise, there wasn’t anybody building boards in this area,” he said.

Industry Influencer

That immediately changed. Ashton began handcrafting custom surfboards by an artisan process that begins with plotting out measurements on foam: the wide point, nose and tail. He has about 100 templates, but every board is different in that it is designed specifically for the surfer. “The advantage of getting a custom board is that it should really be made for your weight, the shape you are in and your experience,” he said. “Custom boards are made for you.”

Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Pamela Aquilani

COWABUNGA!

Ashton has completed approximately 10,000 boards in his career, yet, to this day, each finished product is unique.

In many ways, Ashton is a tailor, assuring that every line and curve suits the wave rider. He roughs out the shape with tools and thoughtfully sands every piece. Then, he paints the foam — another important aspect of selecting a custom board. It allows surfers to express themselves with designs and words that speak to their styles, vibes and ways with the waves.

The painted boards are then coated with fiberglass, and longboards are glossed with resin and polished. Short boards are finished with a clear-coat speed spray. It’s a labor of love — a passion turned into a profession. A single board could be completed within a day and a half, but that might be pushing it. Usually, Ashton makes boards in batches of several at a time that are in various stages, so he’s in a continuous cycle of shaping, painting and finishing.

A portion of his business includes stock boards sold in surf shops along the East Coast. “Through that, people who have bought boards from shops will contact me to order a custom board,” he said.

From start to finish, the craft is practically innate to Ashton. He’s been doing it since age 15. Dialing back to the earliest days, when he was reworking old boards on the West Coast so that he could quickly get back on the waves, Ashton has since developed a loyal following of surfers who appreciate and seek out his work. CS

Shaping Their Futures

WHAT STARTED AS A FUN HOBBY FOR TWO NATURALLY TALENTED BROTHERS QUICKLY EVOLVED INTO A LUCRATIVE FULL-TIME GIG

Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Pamela Aquilani

For many professional surfboard shapers, their first attempt at shaping does not produce an appealing final product; however, this was not the case for Tom Bracht, co-owner of Brother Surf Crafts. After breaking his hip, Tom was inspired to shape his first surfboard and quickly discovered he possessed a natural gift.

“My brother [Dave] said my first board was incredible and asked me to make one for him. Then, the word started spreading. Next thing we knew everyone

wanted their own board,” shared Bracht.

While Bracht worked to perfect his craft through dedication and mentorship from other board makers, Dave became involved in the process. Combining their skills allowed the sibling team to increase the volume of surfboards they could produce.

“My brother’s gift is glassing the board and making them look amazing. He knew the process but worked really hard to learn every step. Every board we make is touching each of our hands multiple times

before it comes out,” said Bracht.

With a steady stream of orders coming in, the brothers decided it was time to turn their side business into a full-time endeavor, under the fitting business name Brother Surf Crafts.

“We were so backed up and doing so much on weekends that we couldn’t see our girlfriends or families, so we ended up taking the leap of faith and started our small business,” said Bracht.

Soon after Brother Surf Crafts was founded, COVID-19 hit. Because surfing

SILVER LINING Ironically, pandemic restrictions wound up stimulating business for the Bracht brothers, as many sought comparatively safe outdoor activities.

was one of the only activities permitted at the height of COVID-19 regulations, many people were inspired to learn the sport. With surfing’s growing popularity, Brother Surf Crafts’ business volume increased significantly, and they picked up many new retailers along the East Coast.

“We service from Maine to Florida, so there are a lot of different breaks, age ranges and skill levels. When we make these boards, we are problem solvers,” said Bracht. “And we don’t use paint; we do all the colors with resin. It’s the old school way, but it’s the craftsmanship way.”

Bracht estimates they have produced over 1,500 boards. Currently, the brothers create half of their boards for retail, and the other half are made to fulfill custom-order requests.

“We have built boards for beginners, but we’ve also made pro-surfer boards,” shared Bracht.

You can shop for Brother Surf Crafts surfboards online at BrotherSurfCrafts.com or locally, in-store, at Malibu’s Surf Shop in Ocean City and East of Maui in Delaware. CS

Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than seeing my clients reaching their investment goals in real estate. Whether you are looking to buy a primary home, second home, investment property, or are a first-time home buyer, I've got you covered! I have lived in this area my entire life – let my knowledge of the market and of the area make you feel at ease.

Surfing to His Own Tune

ZANDER JETT IS MAKING WAVES AT THE BEACH AND WITH HIS ORIGINAL MUSIC

Written by Alison Pappas | Photography by Grant L. Gursky

Local songwriter and surfer Zander Jett may have the Music City in his sights, but the Ocean City coastline and the soulful performance stages throughout the Eastern Shore are still in his heart.

The 19-year-old, who is a graduate of The Salisbury School, is set to return to Belmont University in Nashville this fall for his sophomore year.

“I discovered that Belmont was one of the only schools that offer a songwriting major. I visited the campus and fell in love with it and the city of Nashville,” said Zander.

Songwriting is certainly not a new pursuit for the local teen, as he has been penning songs since he was a young child. His early songs were often inspired by other artists’ work and often silly in nature; however, as Zander grew older and gained more of his own life experiences, such as love and heartbreak, he started writing more personal songs, with greater emotional depth.

“I got to the point where I wrote songs that I wanted to share with people. So, that’s when I started really diving into releasing songs, at about 14 or 15,” he said.

He records most of his music locally, at Cozy Recordings in Berlin, and credits the studio’s owner, Matthew Van Gasbeck, with helping him to perfect each song. Locally famous musician Brian Russo has also provided helpful advice for navigating through the area’s local music scene.

Though Jett took piano lessons for a short period, he is largely a self-taught pianist, singer and songwriter. He considers his music to fall under a pop-chill category, and his biggest inspiration is Ed Sheeran. And like Sheeran, live performances are a significant part of Zander’s songwriting career.

At age 9, Zander began giving live performances at the Gull Creek Senior Living Community in Berlin. His performances were an instant hit among the residents, so he was scheduled twice a week that summer, and he returned to perform for many more summers.

“I loved connecting with the residents, and I would play a mixture of oldies and originals,” shared Zander.

By the time was 14, Zander started seeking out more gigs in the area. His first bookings consisted of playing the break slots for other artists, but he eventually advanced to playing his own gigs, which have included the “Locals Under the Lights” event at the Freeman Arts Pavilion and shows at the OC Convention Center. Notably, Zander has maintained a standing performance at The Atlantic Hotel in Berlin every Friday night for the past three summers.

MUSIC CITY MAN West Ocean City resident and Nashville-based college student Zander Jett began playing live gigs at the young age of 9.

“My goal is to become an artist who writes his own songs and has a lot of people listen to those songs, because my favorite part about songwriting is seeing how different people are touched by my songs. Maybe it helps them through a hard time. If I can get to the point where a lot of people can hear my songs and it means something to them, that’s all that matters to me,” he shared.

While songwriting is a huge part of Zander’s life, it isn’t his only passion; he is also extremely invested in surfing.

“My day isn’t complete without surfing. Something about surfing is healing for me. I love the water, and I’ve always been close to the water. It gives me a respect for nature that not a lot of other things do,” expressed Zander.

Originally taught to surf by his father, Zander has always felt an emotional connection to the sport and the area’s surf scene. He appreciates that surfing offers an added layer of tranquility between his performances.

“My perfect day in the summer is waking up early, at like 5 a.m., and going out to a morning sunrise surf, surfing all day, and then going to play one of my gigs,” he said.

Zander’s music is available on all major streaming platforms. If you’re interested in finding out more about his music and upcoming shows, visit ZanderJett.com CS

Creating Beauty Among the Sand and Surf

USING VERY DIFFERENT MEDIA, LOCAL ARTISTS CRYSTAL STOKOWSKI AND LIZ OTTEY HONOR THE PROUD TRADITION OF WOMEN SURFERS ON THE EASTERN SHORE

Written by Alison Pappas | Photography by Pamela Aquilani

Self-taught artist Crystal Stokowski of Rehoboth Beach excels at transforming secondhand and upcycled materials into stunning art pieces. Because she grabs just about any material that catches her eye, her art portfolio is wide-ranging; however, she considers woodburning to be her current focus.

Crystal really immersed herself in woodburning while interning for a board shaper in Australia. The board shaper signed his newly formed boards using a wood burner. One time, Crystal felt inspired to ask to use the wood burner to draw across a newly formed surfboard. This experience ignited her passion for woodburning, and she has been perfecting her craft — using scrap and found wood — ever since.

“A lot of my art and particularly my wood art features women surfing, especially women of color. Living on the East Coast, you don’t find that many women of color surfing at a lot of spots,” she shared.

Crystal connected with surfing while living in Hawaii, and she pulls inspiration from the sport, as well as the ocean, when creating her pieces. She also likes to draw attention to issues related to surfing and the ocean, such as pollution, through her work.

Aiming to support other artists, Crystal and her husband founded the Trailer Park Artist in Residence Rehoboth (TPAIRR). The program is soon to be in its fourth year.

“As an artist, I’ve been fortunate to be given opportunities at different artist residencies around the country and participate in art shows around the world. I took that information from those experiences and wanted to translate that into a way that would be accessible to everyone. That’s how TPAIRR was started,” shared Crystal.

TPAIRR grants selected artists of all media the opportunity to stay in the couple’s unoccupied trailer residence in Rehoboth Beach at no cost for up to a week. The experience allows artists to unwind, connect with nature and seek inspiration for their artwork.

If you would like to learn more about Crystal and her work, please visit her website at StokowskiThomas.com. Studio visits or woodburning lessons can be coordinated by emailing. Crystal will also be at the DAC Creative Market in Rehoboth Beach every other Monday.

Artist Liz Ottey of Bethany Beach specializes in creating coastalthemed watercolor paintings. Her paint-application style incorporates multiple layers, and her work often highlights surf-and-skate culture. She was inspired to become a full-time artist after living in Australia for two years.

“I was so enamored with the Australian coast and how everyone surfed every day. Australia does a really nice job of work-life balance. There were so many art markets and creative markets, and all of the artists I spoke with shared that art is what they do full-time. I was determined to do the same,” said Ottey.

CRYSTAL STOKOWSKI

While her portfolio features a range of coastal subjects, many of Ottey’s pieces are focused on female surfers. Su Casa — a home-furniture-and-decor store with locations in Bethany Beach and Ocean View — currently features several of her vivid watercolor paintings.

During holiday season last year, Ottey expanded her portfolio by creating ornament versions of her signature surf-girl paintings. These ornaments were put on display and sold at the Brush Factory in Lewes.

“To make the ornaments, I took all my paintings that I had at the time, and I did a single outline drawing of each girl,” Ottey said. “I made each into her own little character, and I picked two of these characters to turn into ornaments. Then, I sent my design to Happy Camper Design Co., to cut out the shape for me to paint.”

Ottey plans to paint and sell her surf-girl ornaments again this holiday season; she is also working to produce holiday-themed wrapping paper in the same style.

In addition to painting, Ottey also provides interior design services. Her interior design background includes designing residential kitchen and bathroom floor plans for a local female contractor, as well as working on a design project with Anthropologie. Check out her coastal surf art at LizOttey.com CS

Two locations:

OCEAN CITY 12216 Ocean Gtwy, Suite 900, O.C., MD 21842 (410) 213-7138

SALISBURY 115 W. Main St, Salisbury, MD 21801 (443) 736-4658

After more than 532,000 votes were cast and counted, the following TidalHealth providers have been voted the Best Of 2022 by the readers of Coastal Style magazine in the following categories and counties:

• TidalHealth Cardiology, Best Cardiology Practice, Wicomico County

• TidalHealth Cardiology, Best Cardiology Practice, Worcester County

• Dr. Chris Snyder, Healthcare Hero, Wicomico County

• Gabby Swann, Best Nurse, Wicomico County

• Dr. Tammy Donoway, Best Physician, Worcester County

TidalHealth congratulates these amazing healthcare providers.

To learn more about TidalHealth’s award-winning services, or to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled and knowledgeable primary or specialty care physicians, visit tidalhealth.org.

Dr. Chris Snyder named ‘Healthcare Hero’

When the pandemic hit, Dr. Chris Snyder became a household name.

As Chief Quality Officer for TidalHealth and a longtime physician, Snyder could be found wherever cameras were rolling. From podcasts to TV interviews, he became TidalHealth’s resident expert on COVID-19.

“People were just looking for answers, and communication is one of the most important facets to safe and effective healthcare,” he said. “Hopefully, the honesty and inside look at TidalHealth helped alleviate some of the anxiety we all felt so frequently over the last two years.”

Dr. Snyder, who grew up in Potomac, Md., and graduated from Salisbury University, has been named Wicomico County’s ‘Healthcare Hero’ by Coastal Style Magazine.

While he admitted he doesn’t feel like a hero, he is honored by the designation and says he wouldn’t want to do anything else.

“For me, it’s the ability to help people understand their illness and how to best manage their care to improve their quality of life,” he said.

When he isn’t caring for patients or working to improve care delivery, Dr. Snyder enjoys spending time with his wife, Kim, his first mate on their Boston Whaler; attending his 5:30 am CrossFit classes; and visiting his four adult children, their spouses and his brand-new granddaughter.

Dr. Snyder said he looks forward to going to work every day. The most difficult thing for this healthcare hero is finding a work-life balance; with the constantly evolving healthcare landscape, he spends a significant amount of his time at the hospital.

“COVID-19 has clearly changed the dynamic of care,” Dr. Snyder said. “At the end of the day, I can’t describe how proud I am — not only of the healthcare team, but of the community and the human efforts that have been put forward during this unprecedented time in our lives.”

Donoway named ‘Best Physician’ in Worcester County

Dr. Tammy Donoway believes in community service.

A doctor in the U.S. Army for seven years, she returned to Berlin to serve her hometown the same way she served her country.

“It’s great for my kids to see that you can be successful in your career and give back to others as well,” she said.

Dr. Donoway was recently voted ‘Best Physician’ in Worcester County by the readers of Coastal Style Magazine.

The key to her success? Her medical assistants and patient service representatives.

“I have a very complex schedule,” she said. “They answer messages and juggle the daily tasks that make my job so much easier. Without them, I would not be nearly as successful as I am.

She also credits TidalHealth’s electronic medical record, which makes it easy for her to communicate directly with her patients.

“I love having information right at my fingertips. It allows me to take better care of my patients,” she said.

Dr. Donoway, a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, said she is so happy to be back in Worcester County, raising her three daughters.

“My kids get to grow up with the same wonderful opportunities I had,” she said. “So far, this has been one of the best choices my husband and I have made. We love the community where we live, and our girls are thriving.”

The designation of ‘Best Physician’ in Worcester County means the most to her because of the impact it has on her daughters.

“They look up to me and love seeing me get recognition for working so hard,” Dr. Donoway said. “It makes them want to work harder, and I love that.”

When she isn’t in the office, Dr. Donoway coaches softball and basketball and spends time with her daughters and her husband, Rob.

While being a doctor is a 24/7 job, she said she wouldn’t change her profession for the world.

“It’s an honor to have people choose you to be their physician,” she said. “As a physician, you know you’ll be answering questions and giving advice no matter what time of day it is, but that’s what it means to be a smalltown doc.”

Swann named ‘Best Nurse in Wicomico County’

As a registered nurse with TidalHealth Labor & Delivery, Gabby Swann welcomes new life into the world during every shift.

“There is nothing more rewarding,” she said.

Swann, a nurse of six years, has been voted ‘Best Nurse’ in Wicomico County by the readers of Coastal Style Magazine.

“I wasn’t even aware I had been nominated,” she said. “I feel so honored that I have made such an impact on others that I would be considered for this award.”

Swann began her career at TidalHealth 10 years ago and transitioned into the nursing role six years ago.

“I initially chose TidalHealth because it had everything I was looking for and more,” she said. “It provides excellent patient care to the community and is dedicated to patient satisfaction.”

And, her Labor & Delivery team is the best, she said.

“We are family. I have never had the opportunity and true privilege to work with such an amazing group.”

To those who may be considering a career in nursing, Swann has one piece of advice: “Do it.”

Looking for a rewarding career in healthcare?

Visit tidalhealth.org/careers today and submit your application.

“Caring for others has been ingrained in me throughout my entire life,” she said. “To be able to translate that into a career that I am passionate about is truly exciting and gratifying.”

Swann said she is truly humbled by the award.

“There is no way I would be where I am today, nor be the nurse I am today, without the love and support from my family and friends along this journey.”

Put your heart in our hands

TidalHealth named ‘Best Cardiology Practice’

TidalHealth has been the leader in heart services on Delmarva for nearly 55 years and continues to gain accolades for its dedication to patient care.

Readers of Coastal Style Magazine recently voted TidalHealth Cardiology ‘Best Cardiology Practice’ in Worcester and Wicomico counties. And, with offices in Berlin, Salisbury and soon Ocean Pines, its dedicated group of providers are never far from home.

“The thing that really sets the practice apart is the bond the providers have with their patients,” said Robin FergerHill, Director of Cardiology Operations for TidalHealth. “Their staff is 100 percent committed, always working together as a team.”

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women every year in the United States, and TidalHealth has developed a comprehensive cardiac care program. The multidisciplinary approach ensures patients receive the

best treatment, and state-of-the-art technology aids in quicker recoveries and better outcomes.

“Our providers have a vast knowledge of their field and many years’ experience,” Ferger-Hill said. “I couldn’t work with a better group of individuals.”

Because TidalHealth Cardiology is part of an integrated health system, patients are able to easily communicate with the office through EPIC MyChart, and they have access to a robust network of specialty providers.

TidalHealth offers comprehensive heart and vascular services, including electrophysiology, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, adult fitness, diagnostic tests and structural heart procedures. To learn more, or to make an appointment, visit tidalhealth.org.

Manage your healthcare

Create a MyChart account at tidalhealth.org/mychart and gain access to your test results, schedule an appointment, communicate with your provider and manage your medical bills.

tidalhealth.org

Convenient and hassle-free healthcare

At TidalHealth, we put our patients at the center of all we do. That’s why we’ve made it easier than ever to schedule an appointment with our skilled and knowledgeable providers.

Simply visit tidalhealth.org, select a provider and pick a time that works for you.

Our primary and specialty care physicians are here for you when you need them most.

Proactive, professional, reliable and reputable. These are the traits that Pam Price possesses to bring her real estate clients real results. For more than 16 years, Pam Price, the team leader and associate broker of Pam Price & Associates at ReMax Advantage Realty, has earned a reputation as one of the most successful, dedicated and civic-minded agents on the entire Eastern Shore. Pam recently merged her real estate company, ReMax Coast & Country, with broker-owner Alexander Karavasilis of ReMax Advantage Realty to form a dynamic and powerful team that will benefit her clients more than ever. By stepping away from her broker duties, Pam has more time to focus and provide top-quality service to Delmarva homeowners.

What do homebuyers and sellers receive by working with Pam? Only one of the very best in the business. Consider these numbers: Pam ranked first in the state of Delaware and No. 74 in the nation for total sales in 2021, according to RealTrends and Tom Ferry. These accomplishments positioned Pam in the top 100 most successful ReMax agents — out of more than 62,300 nationwide.

“We are professional and reliable. We will do whatever it takes to alleviate the stresses of buying or selling your home,” Pam said. “Going above and beyond on a daily basis has, in turn, made us one of the most successful and respected agencies on the Shore.”

Away from the office, Pam is a dedicated wife, mother of two daughters, Taylor

and Sydney, and passionate community advocate. She supports numerous charitable organizations across the Shore and generously donates her time and resources to bringing awareness and financial contributions to worthy causes. Pam also assists the community through her “Random Acts of Kindness Days,” during which she delivers greeting cards, gift cards, flowers and other gifts to randomly brighten the days of others. Her family’s annual “12 Days of Christmas Blessings” provides small Christmas trees and gift cards for meals, gas and other necessities to those in need.

“I feel so passionate about doing whatever I can to support our community and its residents,” Pam said.

Photo by Marci Ryan

PAM PRICE

The real estate market has produced substantial profits for sellers in recent years, and property values continue to soar at record rates. But reaping those rewards is not as easy as sticking a “For Sale by Owner” sign on one’s front lawn. Buying and selling real estate is very expensive, often the largest investment made in one’s life, and navigating its complexities, unfamiliar terms and clauses, and mountains of contractual legalities can be downright overwhelming.

That’s why locals, second homeowners and investors have trusted Charles C. Powell Realtors of Cambridge and Easton for nearly 50 years. Known as the “Locals’ Realtor,”

Powell Realtors knows the local real estate landscape inside and out — and never charges technology, administrative or other fees like its competition. The only income realized by a Powell Realtors agent is their commission following the successful closing of a transaction.

“We are known for the care we place in handling of all aspects of real estate transactions for our clients,” said broker Valerie Powell Brown. “We possess a wide knowledge of what it takes to get our client to settlement and always deliver meticulous attention to its paperwork.”

Since taking over the family business,

Valerie has modernized Powell Realtors significantly and leverages real-time market data and technology to optimize the homebuying and selling process for its clients. The company’s website is a comprehensive resource for buyers and sellers that showcases current listings, provides search tools for available properties, and includes educational sections specifically for those selling their residences or purchasing listings. It also features engaging and timely blog articles about the current trends of the market and advice on how best to navigate them, as well as detailed information about the mid-Shore towns and counties of Maryland and Delaware.

Photo by Jill Jasuta

VALERIE POWELL BROWN

Emily Hocker was voted Coastal Style’s 2022 Best Businesswoman in Sussex County, and she sure has the resume to justify the honor.

Emily was among the first class to graduate from the new Indian River High School, in 1969. The day after her graduation, she married her husband of 52 years, Gerald Hocker. Two years later, she and Gerald purchased a small business together, each owning half the company, and named it G&E Grocery Store. Over the years, the couple expanded and acquired several businesses, all while establishing supreme standards for honesty, integrity and quality at each of them. Together, through their business endeavors, Emily and Gerald made the Hocker name a household

word throughout Delaware and beyond.

Fifty years after she opened her first business with five employees, her business portfolio includes two supermarkets, two hardware stores, a convenience store, a food truck/catering business, a car wash, an RV/ boat and commercial storage company, a trailer park and several rental properties. She and Gerald employ more than 200 people year-round. Emily also built her business empire while raising five children. She was also recently inducted into the Indian River High School Hall of Fame.

With the success the area had given them, Emily and Gerald wanted to give back to the community. The couple started the annual

Springtime Jamboree 39 years ago, which has raised more than $500,000 since its inception for community charities and initiatives.

“She lives her everyday life as an example to us all with her moral character and actions,” said Melissa Hocker-Willey. “Not only did her hard work lead to her own success, but the number of jobs and opportunities she has created in our area for others is another success. I am blessed and so proud to call her my mom.”

Coastal Style readers also voted the Hockers’ Best Family Business in Sussex County and Best Fried Chicken — an honor they’ve now won for the second year in a row.

Photo by Marci Ryan

GERALD HOCKER JR, GERALD HOCKER SR, EMILY HOCKER, MELISSA HOCKER-WILLEY & GREGORY HOCKER

Windows are the essence of every home. Not only do they allow the sun to beam into a residence, but they also ensure that the elements remain outside. However, over time, windows deteriorate and slowly allow the outside air inside. This, according to Shore Windows & Doors owner Raymond Horwath, is directly related to 30% of a homeowner’s energy bill.

As an industry leader in new-window and replacement-window installation, Raymond and his wife, Debbie, strive to provide the highest levels of customer service and satisfaction while installing top-quality

windows for a fraction of the cost of their competitors.

“We provide highly durable and affordable window and door solutions across the Shore,” said Raymond. “Thanks to more than 35 years of quality work, customers consistently report being extremely satisfied across all aspects of our service provision. Local homeowners and business owners need an expert who can deliver performance, aesthetics, structural excellence and functionality. We pride ourselves on being that expert for our customers.”

Perhaps what Raymond is most proud of is his company’s responsiveness to the needs of its customers.

“As a dependable, dedicated and licensed MHIC contractor, we are in communication with our customers throughout their project and afterward,” Raymond said. “We answer and return phone calls and promptly reply to emails. Our customers deserve to know the statuses of their projects, and we’re glad to address any questions or concerns they have at any time.”

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

FRONT ROW: HOLLY CLARK, GENEVIEVE WATSON, RACHEL HORWATH, “NOVA,“ DEBBIE HORWATH & RAY HORWATH

BACK ROW: MICHAEL RIORDAN, KIMOY COHEN, JASON WEISTLING, ADAM WINTER, DAVE ASHBY & DERRICK BERRY

Kari Story plays an instrumental role in helping first-time homebuyers, second homeowners and real estate investors acquire lending for their properties in the resort communities of Maryland and Delaware.

Currently a Licensed Loan Originator for Main Street Home Loans, Kari has facilitated thousands of loans on the Eastern Shore, setting records along the way. In 2020, Kari financed more than $72M in mortgages for her clients. For Kari and her team, positive outcomes are predicated on genuine customer service and the knowledge and understanding of each of their objectives.

“We are committed to improving the

quality of life for all of our customers and employees,” Kari said. “We do this by providing superior customer service and by seeking to understand the needs of our customers.”

“These awards mean so much to us, especially because the votes are coming from people in our community. We are so grateful for all those who trust us with their business,” shared Kari.

Kari and her team’s continued recognition is also an extension of their ability to underwrite and secure the most competitive loans, as well as their attention to detail, infinite industry knowledge and dedication to first-class customer service. Further

adding to the impressiveness of the team’s accomplishments is the fact that they are currently an all-female team, which is relatively unheard of within the largely maledominated home-lending industry.

When asked to what she attributes her group’s success, Kari responded, “We’re in a stressful business, but we find a way to make it fun, and our small team really feels like a family. I think our clients really see that.”

With Kari and Main Street Home Loans, clients can be confident that their transactions will start with getting to know their financial situations to determine the loan that best meets their current and future needs.

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

KARI STORY

PKS & Company, P.A., Certified Public Accountants and Advisors to Business, bridges the gap between generations with an ever-evolving approach to managing clients’ accounting and financial-planning needs.

“We are proactive advisors and business partners, versus historians,” said Daniel M. O’Connell, CPA/PFS, CVA, managing partner. “We become part of our client’s team of advisors. They turn to us regularly to solve everyday problems. We’re in constant communication with our clients, not just once a year.”

It is this approach to client service that’s been integral to PKS for decades. Founded in 1978, its size and scope – with offices in

Salisbury, Ocean City and Lewes – does not detract from its ability to personally address the needs of clients, some of whom have been part of PKS’ clientele for generations.

PKS is structured strategically to remain small enough to offer prompt, individualized service yet large enough to provide an inclusive, sophisticated array of services to its clients.

The company’s range of expertise extends to many industries and entities that are central to the Delmarva economy, including healthcare, hospitality, government, agribusiness, condominiums and HOAs, construction, professional services, food service and restaurants, nonprofit

organizations and others.

Noting a need among its clients for sound financial-planning advice, PKS established PKS Investment Advisors LLC in 1999. It’s a core belief at PKS that the coordination between financial plans and tax plans benefits clients with a service unique to financial planning. The PKS family of financial advisors provides fee-based advice, solutions and strategies for individuals, families, businesses, estates, trusts and partnerships. As a registered investment advisory firm, PKS adheres to a strict fiduciary standard and provides advice with the client’s best interests in mind. The firm is legally bound to act in its clients’ best interests and has done so since its inception.

SEATED: ASHLEY STERN & SUSAN KEEN STANDING: JAMES MAYBURY, JOHN STERN, JEFFREY MICHALIK, MICHAEL KLEGER, LEE MCCABE, ANDREW HAYNIE, DANIEL O’CONNELL, ROBERT MOORE

Submitted Photo

Vascular disease is remarkably prevalent. In fact, 60% of adults over the age of 50 will have some level of arterial disease related to aneurysm or atherosclerosis. Mid-Atlantic Surgical Group has been caring for the patients of the Eastern Shore for over 45 years, providing high-quality care right here in our community. Today, Mid-Atlantic Surgical Group includes four board-certified Vascular Surgeons and five board-certified General Surgeons, and has grown to 34 employees while maintaining a deep commitment to delivering compassionate care; patients know their physicians on a personal level.

While many medical practices talk about “patient experience,” Mid-Atlantic Surgical Group lives this philosophy with open communication, and accessibility is key.

“We have a very hands-on approach to care,” said Douglas B. Wilhite, MD, Medical Director of Vascular Care at Mid-Atlantic Surgical Group, adding that the center’s surgeons are recognized as Fellows of the American College of Surgeons. From initial consultation to follow-up after surgery, walking patients through the process, encouraging questions and sharing insight along the way make this growing medical group a go-to for not just vascular surgery but also general, robotic, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeries.

The Vascular Center at Mid-Atlantic Surgical Group offers “remarkably effective and surprisingly simple” vein care for wound management and cosmetic benefits that decrease leg pain due to venous disease by using microwave energy. The procedure takes

no longer than 15 minutes.

Aneurysms are another common type of arterial disease. When blood vessels swell, especially those in the belly, there is a risk of rupturing. Meanwhile, carotid artery disease — which affects the main artery in the neck that supplies blood to the brain — can build up with plaque and elevate the risk of stroke.

Mid-Atlantic Surgical Group offers Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR), a minimally invasive and low-risk procedure that involves placing a stent to treat these blockages.

Achieving the patient’s healthcare goals while providing attentive, compassionate care close to home is paramount. Said Dr. Wilhite: “We couple this with the best technologies and least-invasive techniques, to provide the highest-quality vascular care for every patient.”

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

MICHAEL C. BOUNDS, MD, DAVID C. KERRIGAN, MD, DOUGLAS B. WILHITE, MD & HOSSAIN SAID-MAHMOUDIAN, MD

In 2017, the Morses returned to their roots on the Delaware coast after traveling the country extensively as insurance catastrophe adjusters. “We were a rope-and-harness team, so we would climb buildings that no one else would climb,” said Tomie Kay Morse, co-owner with husband Tom Morse of Morse Roofing & Siding in Dagsboro.

Tomie Kay was Tom’s lifeline as he scaled the sides of multistory mansions to inspect roof damage for insurance claims. On the ground, she assured that the rope followed his lead and didn’t catch on gables, gutters, satellites and obstructions on the ground, like planters and all of the other things in a homeowner’s yard.

Tomie Kay recalls one property in Texas

her husband scaled to inspect turkey buzzard damage. The steeply pitched roof was four stories high. “It was so steep that his body was almost at an angle where he couldn’t support himself, and I was on the ground, following him at the bottom of the rope,” she described.

After years of taking on the tough jobs — and growing an expertise in roofing — the couple decided to start Morse Roofing & Siding, so they’d be rooted by family. It was time to come home, and the Sussex County community has been immensely supportive of their fastgrowing enterprise, whose tagline is: “There’s good, there’s better, and then there’s Morse.”

The company carries specialty roofing materials: CertainTeed and TAMKO. The

Morses have since expanded into siding and windows and now employs 15 team members. Morse Roofing & Siding is a four-time winner of a Coastal Style Best Of award for siding and roofing in Sussex County. Plus, the company has earned numerous accolades, including Top Rated Local® Business in Delaware and The Lighthouse Award for top residential sales.

Importantly, the Morses are dedicated to serving the community that supports their business, by sponsoring two Sunshine Rotary Club scholarships and a Millsboro Little League team. Tomie Kay added, “We are so proud to be a part of the community and pleased at how much our business has grown in this period of time.”

Photo by Marci Ryan

FRONT ROW: JEFF TAYLOR, CHRISTIAN SIVELS, HOLLY TESORO, ESTEBAN LOPEZ, JESSICA MASON, ALEX SPIELER, ALEXANDRA SPIELER, DAWN HOWARD & TOMIE KAY MORSE

BACK ROW: LEE DAVIS, BRETT WOITAS, MIKE WHARTON, JOHN DIXON, DOUG PHILLIPS, ALEX KUHN & TOM MORSE

The husband-wife team of Chris and Amie McCaslin opened their first retail store, A La Mode Boutique, in downtown Sykesville in 2011. They parlayed its accomplishments into a second location in Ellicott City just four years later. Shortly thereafter, tragedy struck when two devastating floods hit Ellicott City, in 2016 and 2018, and completely destroyed the contents of their stores on both occasions.

“After that, life took us in a new direction,” said Amie. “We moved to the beach for necessary healing, and the beach provided just the therapy our family needed.”

With renewed energy and purpose, the McCaslins opened a new lifestyle brand concept called Salt & Co, located at 12911 Ocean

Gateway, Unit 106 in Ocean City, in May of 2021.

“Salt is an element essential for life and healing,” said Amie. “Its meaning represents not only a love for the beach, but also a reminder to take time to heal. We don’t want to just be a brick and mortar location, we want to be a lifestyle brand, active in our community. We know customers have many choices of where they can shop, so our mission has always been to offer a casual, fun vibe for all ages.”

Chris and Amie are also thankful for their team of employees, affectionately known as Salt & Co Rockstars. “We purposely hire people with varying personalities, ages and backgrounds, so we can all use our strengths and weaknesses to create an amazing team,” said Amie. “They are

truly the backbone of our business, and most importantly, we have fun together!”

Chris and Amie have also made it point to immerse themselves in the local community by forming partnerships and making charitable donations of more than $15,000 last year alone.

“We are so grateful to be where we are,” Amie said. “Not only have we made incredible new friends here, but so many familiar faces from the Sykesville and Ellicott City areas stop by during their vacations. Our customers and our team are the reasons we do what we do. We all experience ups and downs in life and we hope our journey inspires others to continue to believe and have hope. We look forward to being here for many years to come.”

Photo by Dana Bartholomew

FRONT ROW: ANGEL NUSBAUM, JAYME BOHN, TUNDI COANE & CONNIE RAMMER

MIDDLE ROW: DEBBIE JETT, HANNAH FINK, JENNIFER BAILEY & CHERYL LAY

BACK ROW: CHRIS MCCASLIN, AMIE MCCASLIN & LINDA GRAHAM

Tilghman Orthodontics is known for providing high-quality orthodontic care and innovative, cost-effective solutions for creating beautiful smiles.

A few years ago, Tilghman Orthodontics began offering its patients a treatment option that provides healthy smiles at more affordable prices. It’s called Smiles Correct, and it has been successful for hundreds of patients who have benefited from this inhouse venture using 3D printing technology. Tilghman Orthodontics prints models that represent the incremental changes needed to shift patients’ teeth and then fabricates its Smiles Correct aligners from those models.

Dr. Tilghman points out that mail-

order aligner trays have no direct doctor supervision, X-rays or clinical exams. The Smiles Correct aligner trays are a costeffective option created with oversight from experienced Drs. Michael Tilghman and Carrie Schwartz, who provide care, direction and guidance with each step of the treatment.

The Smiles Correct treatment option is a convenient choice for patients who have had previous treatment, like braces, but now need additional adjustment. Because they’re made at Tilghman Orthodontics, patients have saved thousands of dollars on treatments.

Although offering a cutting-edge solution like Smiles Correct is one option, other patients may need a more traditional

approach to orthodontic care. Dr. Tilghman notes that “the majority of our young patients still need traditional treatment, with braces.” Tilghman Orthodontics refuses to provide a one-size-fits-all approach to its patients’ needs. The care provided is practical and focuses on providing the best, most appropriate treatment for each patient.

Quality care, experience and costeffective solutions are what sets Tilghman Orthodontics apart from other practices in the area. Now, with the success of Smiles Correct, the tools have become sharper and more innovative in providing individualized solutions for its patients.

DRS. MICHAEL TILGHMAN & CARRIE SCHWARTZ

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

ATLANTIC GENERAL

HOSPITAL

BEST HEALTHCARE HEROES, WORCESTER COUNTY

It’s Atlantic General Hospital’s mission to create a healthy community, by breaking down the barriers that stand between people and their pursuit of good health. In addition to addressing social determinants of health, Atlantic General is eliminating the barriers of physical distance and inconvenience by providing easier access to outpatient testing and diagnostics, as well as to high-quality specialty care our residents and visitors need most, with expertise in oncology, general surgery, medical and surgical weight loss, orthopedics, mental health, urology and diabetes care. None of it could be done without the talent, expertise, dedication and empathy of its roughly 1,000 healthcare

heroes, here to provide care and comfort to patients and their families through emergencies, critical illnesses and complex medical conditions.

“Atlantic General is here for the community — and because of the community. Our community’s leaders fought long and hard to bring Atlantic General into being in 1993, and we will never forget that,” said Atlantic General Hospital President and CEO Donald Owrey, MBA, FACHE. “While we bill for services, Atlantic General is a not-for-profit hospital. That means we reinvest all profits back into the hospital and health system in the form of new programs and technology, as well as recruitment and retention of high-

quality physicians and staff. We are here to serve.”

For its staff, it’s not just a job. While financial security is the primary reason anyone pursues a career, the less tangible aspects of working at Atlantic General are what draw its staff — and keep them there.

“Across all functions of the organization, the reward of knowing that they have been able to provide comfort in the midst of crisis, clarity during times of stress and confusion, and relieve pain and suffering is what makes our hospital and health system special.” Owrey said. “We’re proud of our healthcare heroes and are gratified that the community also sees them as such.”

Established over 30 years ago, the team at Bethany Beach Books has relished the joys of connecting children with books and sharing their passion for them with future generations. As its owner for the past 12 years, Jackie Inman Burns’ mission has been to create a warm, welcoming and safe environment that encourages reading and open-mindedness.

Bethany Beach Books is most known for its curated selection of books, puzzles, cards and stationery, as well as its in-person author events and story-time sessions during the summer months. They recently expanded

their operation to Fenwick Island through The Book Drop, a monthly subscription box that sends hidden-gem literature to readers across the world. To date, The Book Drop has sent books to readers in all 50 states and 50 different countries around the world. Jackie stated she’s very proud that through The Book Drop and their online presence, her team is able to get books into the hands of its loyal readers year-round.

“We have a love and passion for true storytelling, whether it is fiction or nonfiction. Bookselling in the digital age is a very

important job, and we made it through the online sellers, big-box chains and COVID,” said Jackie. “We also have a very eclectic team of young employees and second-career booksellers. We pride ourselves in having an amazing team with great customer service skills. Each of our booksellers has their own expertise with certain genres, making it an enjoyable experience for customers to find a book. Our team is passionate about making connections with our readers and taking the time to offer suggestions and recommendations.”

Photo by Dana Bartholomew

SEATED: LESLEY SHUEY & LEE GRACE

MIDDLE ROW: CARMEN JOHNSON, ELSIE HUDSON, AMANDA ZIRN HUDSON, JACKIE INMAN BURNS, BROOKLYN BURNS, ZANDRIA SENFT & RUTH CUDDY

BACK ROW: PATRICIA GREENE, JAKE LONG, TOM FAVINGER, COHEN BURNS, BOB POND, MADISON HALLMAN & SARAH VAN WINKLE

Compass Mental Wellness Services of Seaford recently celebrated two milestones: its twoyear business anniversary and for the second year in a row, it has been crowned the Best Counseling Center and Best Mental Health Professional of Sussex County.

Compass Mental Wellness is a veteranowned practice, with approximately 20 experienced professionals on staff, including four veterans. The practice takes pride in serving a broad range of clients within the local community.

“We are very much based on neuroscience. It is a more concrete perspective than is usually practiced within the mental health community,” said Eric Johnson, PhD, owner and licensed

psychologist at Compass Mental Wellness.

The team at Compass Mental Wellness is made up of professionals with diverse educational and professional backgrounds. The team also has extensive experience in treating patients with depression, addiction, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD and many other health conditions.

“We’re really out to help folks, not only to address symptoms but also help them walk away as close to being cured as absolutely possible. Our goal is to really help patients solve the core of the problem, and we do this from a brain-science point of view,” added Chip Basel, LPCMH, licensed therapist.

Another important aspect of Compass Mental Wellness’ work is hosting internships

and pursuing research opportunities. The internship program, led by Education Director and licensed therapist Jessie Howard, LPCMH, has hosted eight interns in two years.

Recently, Dr. Johnson collaborated with current intern/Walden University student Tiffany Hollis to write a chapter on the assessment of youth violence for an international publication. The team also has a research study coming up in the VA next year regarding the study of cranial electrical stimulation effects on brain chemistry.

Compass Mental Wellness is currently accepting new patients, and it recently expanded its scope of services to include primary care.

Submitted photo

THE COMPASS MENTAL WELLNESS SERVICES TEAM

Holly Murray, RN, BSN, CHPN, CM/DN, was voted Best Nurse of Worcester County by the readers of Coastal Style magazine. This marks the second time she has received this distinction, having also won in 2020.

An Eastern Shore native, Holly was first drawn to pursuing a career in nursing after becoming a mother. “Motherhood sort of led me in the direction of nursing, in that I initially wanted to be a mother/baby nurse or a labor/ delivery nurse,” shared Holly.

Upon earning an associate’s degree in nursing from Wor-Wic Community College in 2009, Holly sought employment at TidalHealth. There, she worked as a floating nurse for many years, and this experience

presented her with opportunities to try several different areas of nursing, including surgical, orthopedic, oncology and others.

“Oncology was something I really worked in a lot, and I saw a lot more of the aggressive measures of an end-stage cancer diagnosis. This is what sparked my decision to go into a comfort-care career path,” Holly said.

Now, as a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) and a Care Team Leader at Coastal Hospice, Holly is known for her professionalism and compassion. Her role in assisting end-of-life patients is critical. By providing catered guidance and education, she helps end-of-life patients work to achieve their goal to spend their final stage in the

comfort of their own homes.

“I get so much fulfillment personally from helping these families, who are in a tough spot,” shared Holly.

Another critical element of Holly’s duties is helping the patients’ families become more secure in their roles as caregivers. Working with the families requires her to be a diligent communicator/educator, sensitive and sympathetic always.

“I was excited and honored to win Best Nurse for the second time. It’s such a privilege, and the biggest thing is that it brings attention to Coastal Hospice and the work we do here,” said Holly.

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

HOLLY MURRAY, RN, BSN, CHPN, CM/DN

Dana Bartholomew is an award-winning photographer with a host of accolades and vast client roster to her credit, yet she’s continually honing her craft by studying the infinite ways natural and artifical light can illuminate her subjects and influence her images. She’s a lighting specialist and shoots an array of subject matter — from weddings and family portraits to engagement photos and, her favorite, posing women, which allows her subjects to come out of their shells and experience newfound confidence.

“While I can shoot with natural light, I actually prefer to use artificial light in many situations, even outdoors,” Dana said. “I prefer not to be at the sun’s mercy when it comes to lighting

at my portrait sessions, which also gives me the benefit of not being restricted to a certain time of day or place to hold sessions. While all photographers have preferences, utilizing artificial light gives me the ability to be more flexible with my photography and light my clients in a way that still looks very natural.

“I strive to create memorable images, and I want my followers to see one of my images and know it is my work,” Dana continued. “I want my images to pop and be eyecatching. Since starting my business, I have been constantly training my eye to look at photographs in a whole new way. One of my biggest photography inspirations growing up was Cindy Sherman, because she liked to dress

up and take crazy self-portraits of herself and in different places. I like to try new things and be spontaneous with my self-portraits also.”

As her business continues to flourish, with 2022 being her best to date thanks in part to her very popular Ocean City Boudoir by Dana Marie Photography, Dana said she is often asked by her clients which aspect of her photography repertoire she enjoys shooting most.

“I love capturing people and helping them look and feel their best, especially women,” she said. “Our bodies change so many times over our lives, and it’s been a mission of mine to help ladies feel their best at all the different stages of life.”

Submitted photo

DANA BARTHOLOMEW

Cast your worries away as you indulge in intimate, waterfront living at the historic Londonderry on the Tred Avon River. While living at the residential cooperative retirement community, residents will be given the chance to immerse themselves in the soothing sights and sounds of nature. The community offers a wide variety of housing options to adults of ages 62-plus. Each charming abode, from convenient apartments to spacious cottages, sits among 29 acres of land, including 1,500 feet of waterfront shoreline. Londonderry is the first and only cooperative living retirement community of its kind on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and has now been recognized for three years as the best residential community in

Dorchester/Talbot counties from Coastal Style magazine.

Residents can start off their day with a calming stroll around the tidy grounds or attendance at a morning yoga class before sitting down for a healthy, hearty lunch at The Tred Avon Tavern. There, celebrated Executive Chef Chelsea Coombs is known for serving up some of the most delectable meals. Those looking to stay busy throughout the day can take part in an array of activities, such as biking on nearby paths, swimming in the residential pool, painting with friends along the riverbank and crafting at the clubhouse.

In addition to Londonderry’s mission to promote wellness of mind and body, the

independent living cooperative strives to make convenience for its residents a top priority.

Amenities including transportation, housekeeping, appliance repair, snow removal, trash service and 24-hour security and individual emergency-response system are all part of living at Londonderry. Providing the very best amenities and activities is of utmost importance, the most valuable thing the team can offer to current and incoming residents is a strong, vibrant community and sure sense of home. Londonderry is a place where everyone is welcome, and being a part of this positive community is, as reported by team members, what allows it to thrive.

At Selzer & Associates, every member of its team is dedicated to helping people achieve their financial goals. Comprising three financial advisors and one client associate with more than 80 years of combined experience, they provide a personalized approach to investment management by getting to know their clients and their families.

“We believe every client is entitled to the highest level of service and care,” said Christine Selzer, CFP. “With the global resources of Merrill, we place clients at the center of the wealth management process

as we work together to design a goalsbased financial approach to help them reach the goals that matter most in their lives.”

Christine leads a team with 22 years of financial industry experience. She has a bachelor’s degree from University of Baltimore and a master’s from Johns Hopkins University. She entered the business after graduating in 2000. Brian Selzer is a 16-year industry veteran who holds a Chartered Retirement Plan Counselor designation. Brian is also a Certified Portfolio Investment Advisor

with Merrill. Brody Grove has been in investments and banking for eight years. He has a bachelor’s in finance from the University of Delaware. Melanie Konoski has 40 years of experience in banking and has been giving excellent client service with the team for 10 years.

“We handle all financial aspects of our clients’ lives,” Christine said. “We like to think we are their partners and that they have a team of professionals they can depend on.”

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

BRODY GROVE, MELANIE KONOSKI, CHRISTINE SELZER & BRIAN SELZER

Did you know that home values in the United States have increased more than 50% since November 2016? The experts at Tyler Building Company want to ensure that your equity is not only protected but continues to grow — and their knowledge and premier craftsmanship will enhance the condition of your residence while providing added value and enjoyment in what is likely your largest investment.

Tyler Building Company has earned its reputation as one of the best custom-building companies on the Eastern Shore, and it has an intricate understanding of the specific residential needs associated with living in our region.

Owners Will and Nikki Tyler lead a talented team of tradesmen with decades of combined experience designing and building additions, renovations, decks, kitchens and baths.

The award-winning company conveniently

services a 30-mile radius around Salisbury, including Pocomoke, Cambridge and Ocean City in Maryland, and Seaford, Laurel and Bethany Beach in Delaware — and all points in between.

Tyler Building Company’s “no job too small” motto means they will complete even the smallest jobs and repairs around your home. From damaged siding to a hole in the drywall or missing or damaged shingles, Tyler Building Company will serve all your repair needs. They specialize in roof repair projects and are trained to not only assess the scope of the damage but also put a plan in action to address all areas of concern, structurally, functionally and aesthetically, to ensure your house is repaired properly.

“Tyler Building Company is a great company to work with,” said Tina Tingle. “They are honest, hardworking and offer great remodeling

solutions. I recommend them all the time. It’s a pleasure working with Nikki, Will and the whole staff.”

Do you love the outdoors and wish you had a beautiful deck from which to enjoy its surroundings more often? Tyler Building Company is one of the Shore’s foremost authorities in designing and building stunning and highly functional decks — and its benefits are wide ranging. A new deck will increase the value of your home, add functional outdoor space, enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal, create an outdoor space for entertaining and reduce the amount of landscaping maintenance.

Whether you’re interested in a home renovation, addition, the deck of your dreams or a vital roof repair, Tyler Building Company is here for you and ready to get to work.

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

WILL & NIKKI TYLER

Morgan Stanley is proud to congratulate

David R. Esham

Named to Forbes’ Best-In-State Wealth Advisors for 2020 - 2022

Being named to Forbes’ Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list for three consecutive years, is a testament to your experience, professionalism and dedication to your clients. Thank you for the work you do each day and for carrying forward the culture of excellence at our firm.

David R. Esham Executive Director Wealth Advisor 150 West Market Street Suite 301 Salisbury, MD 21801 410-341-7902 david.esham@morganstanley.com advisor.morganstanley.com/david.esham Source: Forbes.com (April, 2022) Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to ev aluate each adv isor qualitati vel y, a major co mponent of a rank ing algorithm that includes: clie nt retention, ind ustry experie nce, review of com pliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors pay a fee to Forbes or SHOOK Research in exchange for the ranking. For more information: www.SHOOKresearch.com.

THE AL CASAPULLA’S TEAM

On Memorial Day weekend of 1988, Al Casapulla fulfilled a dream by owning a sub-and-steak shop at the beach in Delaware. He opened his doors in Millville that day with 12 dozen sub rolls and sold out after the lunch rush concluded. The next day, Al was ready, this time armed

AL CASAPULLA’S SUBS, STEAKS & PIZZA, BEST CHEESESTEAKS & BEST SUBS, SUSSEX COUNTY

with 45 dozen rolls. He once again sold out before the end of the day. Al realized then that he was offering the area a product that was very much needed, so he solicited help from his family in Wilmington, and a legend was born. So began the region’s love affair with Al Casapulla’s Subs, Steaks and Pizza and with the man himself.

Al has added many menu items over the years, such as his delicious pizza, huge salads and piping-hot pasta. After 34 years in business, he relentlessly values the hard work, loyalty and commitment of his staff of 25 employees and himself. He has won numerous awards and was mentioned in The Washington Post as a “Locals Secret.” Al has always prided himself on serving his customers the very best.

“Thanks for stopping by, and as always, we appreciate your business,” Al said. “But most importantly, we appreciate your friendship.”

302-539-5488 • ALCASAPULLAS.COM

EAST COAST VETS, BEST VETERINARY SERVICE, DORCHESTER/TALBOT COUNTIES

East Coast Vets was born out of an idea to bring the Eastern Shore a familyfirst approach to the healthcare of beloved pets while utilizing the most current approaches to veterinary medicine. Its highly skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate pet-care professionals aim to treat each pet like a family member and ensure that pet parents remain a part of their pets’ medical care and decisions every step of the way.

East Coast Vets is a family-owned veterinary hospital started by spouses Drs. Patrick and Michelle Allen. Dr. Michelle Allen is well known for her compassion and abilities working with feline patients, as well as her experience in addressing both canine and feline dental issues. Dr. Patrick Allen is known for his abilities in performing a variety of surgical procedures on pets, especially the specialized TPLO procedure for dogs with cranial cruciate ligament tears. Dr. Ellen Ferguson is well known for her thoughtful yet thorough approach to internal medicine cases.

“Our dedicated team of nine wonderful ladies (Dr. Ferguson, the two Beths, Kim, Melissa, Megan, Becky, Lexi and Michelle) are truly integral in creating the amazing pet and customer experience we strive for each and every day,” said Dr. Michelle.

“We are also one of only a few practices in Maryland in which all employees are certified in the Fear Free program,” said Dr. Patrick. “Our hospital was also designed in the Fear Free approach to help alleviate stress and anxiety in pets during their visits.”

AL CASAPULLA’S SUBS, STEAKS AND PIZZA • MILLVILLE, DE •

THE EAST COAST VETS TEAM

Photo by Jill Jasuta

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

EASTERN SHORE PHYSICAL THERAPY BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY PROVIDER, WORCESTER COUNTY

Owners Martin and Kathleen Weinstein lead a talented team of therapists and support staff who genuinely care about their patients’ well-being. At the Eastern Shore Physical Therapy Clinic, patients are treated with care and commitment, not as a number.

“We have one mission: helping you reach your highest physical potential by taking into account your symptoms, medical history and any health restrictions you may have,” said Martin. “We help people get better without unnecessary medications, injections and surgery. We look forward to watching you achieve your recovery, health and fitness goals!

“Our staff goes through vigorous training to meet certain criteria,” Martin continued. “Our therapists are trained in extensive manual therapy techniques on every joint in the body, and our front office offers exceptional service. This is why we have such high patient satisfaction.”

The Eastern Shore Physical Therapy Clinic uses sophisticated diagnostic methods, such as movement investigation and gait analysis, to determine which services will benefit the patient most. Not only do their highly customized plans address the pain, injury or discomfort one may be suffering from, they often lead to success in preventing future injuries.

SUSSEX COUNTY

Criminal Defense Attorney Eric G. Mooney has developed a reputation for tenacious and successful representation of his clients for over 25 years. He practices in all areas of criminal defense and has focused efforts on diligently pursuing DUI cases with his team of eight dedicated employees in Georgetown.

Eric Mooney has been voted by his peers as one of the “Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Delaware” multiple years running, a Marquis “Who’s Who” Top Lawyer and a Coastal Style readers’ pick for Best Defense Attorney in 2016 and 2022.

Whether you are a Delaware resident, a vacationer at one of our beautiful beaches or just passing through for business or pleasure, getting arrested in Delaware warrants the need for an attorney who is well versed in Delaware laws and with a proven record of success. In Delaware, when charged with Driving Under the Influence or any other criminal offense, you are subjected to severe criminal and administrative penalties that carry consequences that last a lifetime. For these complicated procedures, you need someone who has your best interest at the forefront while protecting your rights.

Eric Mooney and his firm are committed to understanding each specialized situation and strive to achieve creative, practical and ethical solutions to get the best resolution for the client. The firm understands that every client has unique needs, and every client is treated on a personalized basis. Eric Mooney is dedicated to helping each client achieve the best possible solution.

G. MOONEY, P.A. • GEORGETOWN, DE • 302-856-3070 • DEDEFENSE.COM

ERIC

ERIC G. MOONEY, ESQ. BEST DEFENSE ATTORNEY,

ERIC G. MOONEY, ESQ.

Photo by Marci Ryan

The Eastern Shore Physical Therapy Clinic in Berlin provides superior one-onone personal care for every patient, which begins with a thorough evaluation and the development of a specific treatment-and-exercise plan to achieve their desired goals.

EASTERN SHORE PHYSICAL THERAPY • BERLIN, MD • 410-641-2900 • EASTERNSHOREPT.COM

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

THE EASTERN SHORE PHYSICAL THERAPY TEAM

MELISSA GEESLIN, BEST INSURANCE

AGENT, WICOMICO

COUNTY

Goosehead Insurance is one of the country’s fastest-growing and highest-rated companies for a very simple reason: Its experienced agents understand that while insurance is a transaction, its relationships with its partners and clients are anything but.

Melissa Geeslin, voted Best Insurance Agent in Wicomico County for 2022 by the readers of Coastal Style, leads a Salisbury-based team that believes wholeheartedly in this philosophy. After three short years, the agency has not only helped hundreds of clients receive the very best coverage at the very best rates, but it has also been recognized as the 2020 Small Business of the Year by the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, raised $6,000 for Habitat for Humanity in 2021 and was the Eastern Shore’s only business and one of four total to be named by the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs for an Expanding Opportunities Business Feature in 2022.

“We just believe in answering the call, having options and wildly appreciating our community, clients and partners,” Melissa said. “We are so blessed with an amazing team! From our agents to our service team to our compliance team, we operate with the peace of mind that we are working on behalf of and for our partners and clients. We collectively work day in and day out just to be there, be human and be kind.”

Goosehead Insurance partners with over 40 A+-rated insurance companies to be able to insure “just about everything,” Melissa said. She and her team welcome each and every person that they have not personally met to reach out and connect with them to experience the Goosehead advantage.

HANCOCK & SON PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING, BEST PLUMBING COMPANY, WICOMICO COUNTY

emergency involving their home’s plumbing system or HVAC unit. It’s a commitment that has earned Hancock & Son Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning over 200 five-star reviews on Google, over 100 positive reviews on Facebook and the honor of being Wicomico County’s Best Plumbing Company in Coastal Style’s Best Of Readers’ Poll two years in a row. Family-owned and fully licensed and insured, Hancock & Son Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is the area’s onestop source for excellent plumbing, heating and air conditioning installation, repairs and services at an affordable price — and its experienced and dedicated technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the comfort and convenience of its customers.

Photo by Megan Powell

MELISSA GEESLIN

Leif and Amber Hancock know the importance of a satisfied customer. As the owners of Hancock & Son Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, they strive to ensure every customer’s experience with their company’s highly skilled technicians is an enjoyable and comfortable one, even in the worst of times, when there’s an

THE HANCOCK & SON TEAM

Photo by Marci Ryan

Provident State Bank (PSB) is dedicated to the communities it serves and to the 100 employees who serve them. The mission of PSB is to always deliver a personal customer experience supported by the most advanced technology and services.

Provident State Bank is an independently owned community bank originally established in 1904 as Provident Savings Bank of Preston, MD. The bank was opened primarily as a savings bank, but opportunities quickly arose for the bank to better service the needs of its community. Thus, in 1912, the bank changed to a state bank to provide its customers with all the benefits of a commercial bank. Ever since, its dedicated board and employees have worked tirelessly to bring the members of our community a bank that they can rely on.

In 1972, the directors of Provident State Bank decided to expand from Preston and built their first branch in Secretary, MD. Over the next 35 years, the bank opened nine additional locations in the mid-Shore area. Today, Provident State Bank has 10 banking locations, in Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot, Wicomico and Sussex counties.

“We are proud to offer the best technology in banking, along with the best people in our branches when you need to come in to see us,” said Ashley Clevenger, PSB vice president and winner of Coastal Style’s 2022 Best Banking Specialist in Wicomico County. Her passion is getting to know her customers so that she can offer them both a personal and professional service experience.

As it celebrates its 123rd anniversary, The Insurance Market has been serving the needs of its clients for generations — literally. Since 1900, the company has supported residents across the Shore through its diverse range of personal and commercial coverage options and today has conveniently accessible office locations in Laurel, Milford and Salisbury.

“We know that insurance can be a complicated product, and we set ourselves apart by educating our team at such a high level that we can analyze a sophisticated product and make it easy to understand for our clients,” said Andy Hartstein, a principal of the company who directs the Laurel office.

The Insurance Market’s 34 employees combine to create an extremely talented and highly technical team, which prides itself in its insurance knowledge, technical expertise and its ARMOR360 process, a trademarked approach focusing on risk identification first and risk-management solutions second. At The Insurance Market, the company’s connection with its clients it goes far beyond insurance.

“We are not insurance salespeople — we are risk managers. While we do transact the sale of insurance products, that is not our main goal,” said Andy. “A true risk manager must first identify the risks faced by their client before they can craft a solution to address the risk. A broker who only sells an insurance policy has done very little to benefit their client. Our goal is to reduce our client’s risk and make them safer and more profitable. Oftentimes, that is not done through the sale of an insurance product.”

Photo by Marci Ryan

SALISBURY’S

Submitted photo

STEPHEN HARTSTEIN, ANDY HARTSTEIN & JIM HARTSTEIN

Cambridge - Cedar St 6 Cedar Street 410-228-9202

Cambridge - Rt 50 2801 Ocean Gateway 410-228-2440

Crisfield 57 Richardson Avenue 410-968-0500

Fruitland 108 E. Cedar Lane 410-860-4884

Hebron 101 N. Main Street 410-749-1185

Princess Anne 30499 Mt. Vernon Road 410-651-1722

Salisbury - Carroll St 415 E. Carroll Street 410-742-8526

Salisbury - Mt. Hermon Rd 1310 Mt. Hermon Road 410-546-8118

Salisbury - N. Salisbury Blvd 2730 North Salisbury Blvd 410-548-2233

Salisbury - Quantico Square 1008 W. Main Street 410-543-9183

Salisbury - Riverside Dr 543C Riverside Drive 410-341-6670

Sharptown 303 Main Street 410-883-3121

Vienna 100 Market & Race Streets 410-376-3186

BEST PEDIATRICIAN, SUSSEX COUNTY DR. MARIA CHILDERS-REED

Access, Care and Expanding Services: Building a Pediatrics Department Dedicated to Family Needs.

When Dr. Maria Childers-Reed first opened her pediatric practice under the banner of Aspira Health (now Atracare), she never imagined that her team would grow to four providers and five medical assistants so quickly. Her primary focus was always to provide the best care possible to as many children as she could help, but as her reputation spread, demand has continued to grow, and so has her team.

Now in her second year of operations, Dr. Childers-Reed has doubled down on her commitment to patients by working to bring ancillary services, like lactation consulting, mental health and postpartum depression, to families because she believes that “patients need a central home for medical services that allows them to understand and control their well-being,” said Dr. Childers-Reed. “Patients tell us that they appreciate how easy it is to get seen, and they leave our office with a sense of relief after having their questions answered. The satisfaction our patients get from their care is what drives my perennial passion for medicine.”

Dr. Childers-Reed also noted that she is looking forward to the expertise that her two newest nurse practitioners will bring to the team when Jaclyn Lewis, FNPBC, and Kimberly Emerick, FNP-BC, join her and Dr. Katherine Lewis at their Lewes location this fall.

• LEWES, DE • 302-567-1500 • ATRACARE.COM

BACK STREET GRILL, BEST BURGERS, FRENCH FRIES, LUNCH, SALADS & SANDWICHES, WICOMICO COUNTY

Family. That’s how Back Street Grill owner Leslie Reeves describes her team of 50 employees — some of whom date back nearly two decades, to when she and her husband, Mark, opened Market Street Inn in Salisbury.

“Many members of our team have been with us for 10-plus years, across several locations,” Leslie said. “We are blessed to have our three children involved in our business and so many members of our staff who feel like family.”

Known for its burger nights, affordable and customizable menu, legendary lunches, beach fries, homemade specials and family-dynamic setting, Back Street Grill claimed five awards in this year’s Coastal Style Best Of Readers’ Poll after recording six last year.

“We are so grateful for our wonderful regulars who have voted us the best in many categories over the years,” Leslie said. “We couldn’t do it without the support of our great staff, vendors and family, too.

“Our business is always evolving to meet the needs of our customers, so they can continue to enjoy the food and service they’ve loved for years at a great price,” Leslie said. “Our customers can also get all their favorite menu items at our Ocean Pines location, Southgate Grill. We look forward to serving you!”

DR. MARIA CHILDERS-REED, ATRACARE

Photo by Pamela Aquilani DR. MARIA CHILDERS-REED

Photo by Marci Ryan

THE BACK STREET GRILL TEAM

ATLANTIC GENERAL SURGICAL

ATLANTIC GENERAL

ALAE ZARIF, MD, F.A.C.S. BEST GENERAL SURGEON, WORCESTER COUNTY

For Alae Zarif, MD, F.A.C.S., Medical Director of Surgical Services at Atlantic General Surgical Associates, being a great surgeon goes beyond training and procedural technique — it includes connecting with his patients.

“I was fortunate to have a good mentor, who taught me that being a surgeon is about more than just the procedure,” Dr. Zarif said. ”It’s also about communication with the patient, to make sure that they understand what’s going on, that I’ve answered all their questions and that I’ve done my best to alleviate any fears.”

Designated as one of the Top 100 surgeons in the U.S. for chelcystecomy (laparascopic gallbladder removal) surgeries by Dexur, Dr. Zarif specializes in advanced laparoscopic procedures and bariatric, vascular and oncology surgeries.

“I really enjoy oncology surgery, particularly breast surgery procedures. Colon cancer as well. To do surgery like that, you not only have to be a good surgeon; you have to offer a good experience,” Dr. Zarif said. “When patients are struggling with something as catastrophic as a cancer diagnosis, we can help in more than one way. We have built a multidisciplinary team at the Burbage Regional Cancer Care Center to provide much-needed support that goes beyond the treatment of the actual disease, and I like being a part of that. It’s very rewarding to see their recovery. At this stage of my career, I like being able to do that.”

• BERLIN, MD • 410-641-9568 • ATLANTICGENERAL.ORG

MELISSA BRANIFF, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C BEST OBGYN, WORCESTER COUNTY

Melissa Braniff, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, joined Atlantic General Health System in January 2020 to provide women’s healthcare for the Berlin/Ocean City community. Melissa was a registered nurse for six years, gaining experience in home health and emergency nursing, before earning her Master of Science in Nursing in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Wilmington University.

“Growing up in a small town in North Carolina, I realized the impact one healthcare provider can have,” Melissa said. “Now, I strive to provide personalized care with all my patients. I get to meet so many people from the local area, some of whom have never had routine care and cancer screenings. By getting to know the individual, I can get to the root of many of their women’s-health-related medical issues and solve problems, some of which have been going on for a long time.”

Atlantic General Women’s Health Center’s state-of-the-art facilities provides women with a wide range of health services — from gynecology specialists to diagnostic testing, biopsies and minor surgical treatments. For Melissa, the most rewarding aspect of her work is being able to form meaningful relationships with her patients.

“All aspects of women’s healthcare are rewarding, but I personally enjoy caring for young women with infertility,” Melissa said. “Assisting them and helping them achieve their dream of becoming pregnant is very rewarding.”

HEALTH • OCEAN CITY, MD • 443-728-1064 • ATLANTICGENERAL.ORG

ASSOCIATES

WOMEN’S

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

DR. ALAE ZARIF

MELISSA BRANIFF, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C

HOOPERS ISLAND OYSTER CO. BEST BUSINESSMAN, SMALL BUSINESS, DORCHESTER/TALBOT COUNTIES

There’s a unique entrepreneurial spirit that drives Chesapeake Bay watermen like Hoopers Island Oyster Co. founder Ricky Fitzhugh. Ricky manages the Dorchester County-based business that’s revolutionized the oyster industry for 12-plus years.

Combining years of experience on the water with passion and newfound optimism, Hoopers Island Oyster Co. began designing its own farming gear and processing equipment. Young oysters were soon growing in onshore tanks and eventually transferred to grow in local waters.

On Hoopers’ farm, delicious oysters are grown and sold to restaurants and consumers through its website, HoopersIsland.com. Seed and larvae, raised at Hoopers Island Oyster Co.’s hatchery, are provided to fellow farmers from Maine to the Carolinas. Young oysters are also grown for restoration projects in partnership with conservation groups and watermen’s associations.

From its manufacturing-and-distribution center, Hoopers Island Oyster Co. designs shellfish aquaculture gear, hatchery and nursery systems and cleaning, grading and sorting machinery. It is one of the world’s largest oyster industry innovators and supplies commercial farmers with equipment and expertise throughout North America and as far away as Japan.

In Cambridge, Hooper’s Island Oyster Co. operates a fresh-seafood market, and its mobile steamer-trailer offers seafood baskets to-go and can be booked for special events.

COASTAL COMFORT BEST HVAC COMPANY, WICOMICO COUNTY

A factory-trained team of technicians who are dedicated to learning in an ever-changing industry is why customers depend on Coastal Comfort. “Our team of professionals is customer-service-focused, designing home-comfort systems to meet the needs of our customers,” said Lacey Coleman, the Salisbury-based company’s CEO.

That’s why “evolve” is one of the company values — along with integrity, passion, service, performance and paying it forward. “When you learn, you teach,” Coleman said. “When you get, you give.”

The company has received the Carrier President’s Award several years in a row, was an MCE Entrepreneur of the Year and is Coastal Style’s 2022 Best of HVAC winner. The business focuses on delivering professional service. “We are committed to continuously evolving to better serve our clients across the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware,” Coleman said.

410-742-1435

HOOPERS ISLAND OYSTER CO. • CAMBRIDGE, MD • 410-397-3664 • HOOPERSISLAND.COM

Submitted photo

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

RICKY FITZHUGH

LACEY COLEMAN

COASTAL AESTHETICS & WELLNESS BEST SKIN ENHANCEMENT, WORCESTER COUNTY

With locations in Salisbury and Ocean Pines, Coastal Aesthetics & Wellness aims to educate its patients in safe, convenient and welcoming environments while offering comprehensive aesthetic care options. Led by Julie Parrish, P.A.-C, the team understands that many people have concerns about their appearance, so Coastal Aesthetics & Wellness strives to help everyone reach their goals. By combining the latest technology and science, clients receive the best care.

“We are committed to providing patients with natural results, honest feedback and will recommend services we don’t offer, such as liposuction, lasers or surgery, if we feel like that will get the best long-term result for our patients,” said Parrish, who established the practice in 2018. “Our mission is to help our clients reach their aesthetic goals. We offer a variety of treatment options and individualize each client’s treatment to assist them in reaching their short-and long-term objectives.”

The practice’s well-rounded and dedicated team is most known for providing its injectable patients with natural results with products such as Botox and a variety of fillers. Coastal Aesthetics & Wellness provides other beneficial services, including HydraFacials, chemical peels, Diamond Glow treatments, dermaplaning and CoolSculpting, to name a few.

“I have had an extensive amount of med spa experiences all up and down the East Coast and Coastal Aesthetics blows them all out of the water.” said Sarah, a client. “I’m always thrilled with the results and quality of care.”

CASUAL DESIGNS FURNITURE, BEST FURNITURE STORE & BEST OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS STORE, WORCESTER COUNTY

aesthetics that work for them, not the designer. The Casual Designs team strive to create a furniture-buying experience that is welcoming and relaxing. Known for providing quality, unique furnishings at competitive prices, they provide individualized, complementary design consultations to give their clients’ spaces a fresh, current and personalized appearance. A Furniture Today Beyond Top 100 Retailer five years running, the 25 members of the Casual Designs design team and staff are hardworking, skilled, creative individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment

are ready to assist you seven days a week.

Photo by Marci Ryan

FRONT: LAURIE PEARCE, TARRAH CAVA & KENNEDY ELLIOTT

BACK: LOGAN SHUBERT & JULIE PARRISH

Casual Designs Furniture is a popular, family-owned business that features contemporary, coastal and casual indoor and outdoor furniture with showrooms conveniently located on Route 50 in Berlin and Route 54 in Selbyville. For the past 60 years, their goal has been simple: to have their customers fall in love with coastal

THE CASUAL DESIGNS TEAM

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

and

Stephanie Shipley

For nearly 50 years, the Lednum family has provided high-quality furnishings and window fashions, friendly customer service and genuinely honest and fair pricing at Creative Concepts.

Since opening its doors in 1973, founders Wayne and Bobbi always placed relationships with their team and loyal customers as their first priority. One example is Creative Concepts has always offered complimentary design services to it’s clients — a value-added provision that ensures a successful and beautiful project.

“We take pride in providing great service and value while utilizing our talents to help our clients transform a house into a home,” said Craig Lednum. “We also provide a conducive atmosphere for our employees to grow, expanding their talents, which translates into a more pleasant customer experience. Supporting our community is also a constant priority.”

Craig and Steve Lednum are carrying the same philosophies forward. Today, they are joined by a third generation of the family, as well as a dedicated team of employees.

“Our team is a talented group of individuals who know how to define success. They understand working as a team,” Craig said. “The reward of helping one another benefits each personally, our clients and the company. The entire group wins. We care about our employees, clients and community. We all face the challenges of balancing work and home life. We strive as a team to create a flexible environment, which is a win-win for everyone.”

Delmarva Power Wash was started more than 30 years ago, and today, the company has grown into a team of 15 dedicated employees, some of whom have worked beside Bill Clarke for 28 years. Known for outstanding customer service and word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients, they focus on washing residential homes, poultry plants, schools and commercial buildings throughout greater Wicomico County.

Bill states his mom, Judy, is the backbone of the company. She and Bill’s wife, Renee, are behind the scenes doing the bookkeeping, scheduling, estimates and payroll. After 9/11, they were compelled to show their patriotism by displaying the American flag on their trucks. “Washing with pride” is exactly what they do, as Bill is adamant about customer service.

The entire Delmarva Power Wash team would like to thank all of their loyal customers, who wait patiently each year to get their houses washed.

Photos by Grant L. Gursky

Photo by Marci Ryan

BILL CLARKE, HANNAH MORRIS, JUDY CLARK, HOPE CLARKE & RENEE CLARKE

WOODY’S DEWEY BEACH BEST CRAB CAKES & BEST LUNCH, SUSSEX COUNTY

The Eastern Shore is known far and wide for its delicious crab cakes — and for good reason. For eight consecutive years, Coastal Style readers have voted Woody’s Dewey Beach as the best place to enjoy this specialty in Sussex County. People come from all over the state — and beyond — to taste their amazing, handmade, crab cake sandwiches, made with no filler and all flavor.

Since opening in 2009, owner Jimmy O’Conor has built a stellar reputation with locals and visitors as a must-stop when traveling through Dewey Beach.

“We pride ourselves on professional, hardworking and friendly staff that’s here to serve our guests the freshest-quality and most consistent food daily, in a fun and friendly atmosphere,” O’Conor said.

Beyond its crab cakes, Woody’s Dewey Beach boasts an award-winning lunch menu featuring a host of options, including soft shell BLTs (when available), thick, juicy burgers, blackened ahi tuna wraps, fried shrimp and much more. It also has a highly popular late-night menu.

“We invite you to stop by and sample our menu – from our homemade chips to the best authentic crab cake around, and check out our daily specials and events,” O’Conor said. “Whether you stroll off the beach to have lunch on our porch or join us for dinner, we look forward to serving you.”

DEWEY BEACH • DEWEY BEACH, DE • 302-260-9945 • DEWEYBEACHBAR.COM

Ashley Adams bravely served our country for 18 years before she was forced to retire from military service due to an auto accident that required an immense amount of rehabilitation.

Her life was transformed when she was treated with acupuncture, so much so that she earned a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine from Maryland University of Integrative Health to help others in their journey. She opened DelMarVa Acupuncture & Wellness Center in Milford, DE, last year to help patients achieve life-transforming health outcomes.

“Our mission is to provide compassionate, personalized patient care, one touch at a time,” Dr. Adams said.

DelMarVa Acupuncture & Wellness Center provides services to everyone at any age and is most known for its family-feeling environment, in which patients also receive treatments for neuropathy, arthritis and chronic pain. But acupuncture offers far more benefits than just pain management, according to Dr. Adams.

“You don’t need an ailment or injury to be treated; acupuncture is used to keep your health and wellness balanced just as often,” she said. “Acupuncture is a timetested, holistic medicine that can help to decrease pain and restore functionality. It is also helpful for internal conditions, like anxiety, GI problems, fertility, thyroid, allergies and much more.”

WOODY’S

Photo by Pamela Aquilani

JIMMY O’CONOR

Photo by Marci Ryan

DR. ASHLEY ADAMS

DEPALMA DENTAL, ERRIN DEPALMA, BEST DENTIST & CAYLEE BARTON, BEST DENTAL HYGIENIST, WORCESTER COUNTY

Drs. Michael and Errin DePalma are a husband-wife dental team whose specialties complement each other, allowing them to offer a broader range of dental services to their patients through the convenience of their Berlin office setting.

Dr. Errin DePalma specializes in cosmetic dentistry, including porcelain and bonded veneers, smile enhancements and full-mouth rehabilitation. Dr. Michael DePalma’s primary expertise is in extractions and implants for single teeth and dentures. Both are equipped and prepared to provide other services, including general dentistry, Invisalign® treatments, “silver” filling removals, sleep-apnea treatments, and teeth whitening, among others. Additionally, they are one of few dental providers who are able to deliver one-day, in-office crowns.

Drs. DePalma prioritize staying up-to-date with the latest industry techniques and technology, so they actively seek out continuing education opportunities. In fact, both Drs. DePalma have completed over 300 hours of continuing education in the past two years, which exceeds tenfold the state’s dental license requirement to complete just 30 hours of continuing education every two years.

While staying current with industry updates is significant, the DePalma team also recognize the importance of providing the best possible customer service to their patients. They make each patient feel as comfortable as possible, by carefully explaining dental services in a way that’s easily understandable. The entire DePalma Dental team aim to build lasting relationships with each patient, so they consistently deliver the level of personalized care they would expect for their own families.

FUN DORCHESTER/TALBOT COUNTIES

Paul and Kelly Jackson started their business under a roadside tent in Cambridge in 1998. That same year, they gave birth to their first child, Emily. The couple named their business in her honor — and Emily’s Produce has since grown into one of the most recognizable and popular farms on the Eastern Shore.

“It gave our family the understanding of how we would structure our dreams and goals of teaching our daughter about her agriculture heritage,” said Kelly. “Our local family farmers have been cultivating excellent produce for seven generations in Dorchester County. Strong family values and traditions have formed a solid foundation for our business. The only thing as strong as our family bond are the bonds we create with our customers.”

The Jackson family provides the community with a local farm experience that demonstrates honest, hardworking family values combined with exceptional products and superior customer service. Its team consists of Paul, Kelly, Emily, son Kyle, and a dedicated workforce that stands by the business year after year.

“Now, with a full-service kitchen, many u-pick opportunities, agritourism events, and homegrown flowers, food and more, we continue to be inspired and teach our children that progress can occur with hard work and dedication,” Kelly said.

DEPALMA DENTAL

EMILY’S

DRS. ERRIN & MICHAEL DEPALMA

Photo by Coty Jones

PAUL JACKSON, EMILY JACKSON, KYLE JACKSON & KELLY JACKSON

Photo by Dana Bartholomew

When Cambridge native Meredith Todd, DDS, purchased the iconic Harbor Dental Center seven years ago, she did so with the mission to revolutionize the care of its patients by advancing the technologies and procedures offered at the practice, which originally opened in 1972.

“We aim to bridge the gap between dentistry and medicine to enable people to be healthier, maintain their dignity and live long, amazing lives,” said Dr. Todd. “We commit to being at the forefront of our field and giving our patients the best care that we can, with kindness and compassion.”

Dr. Todd evolved Harbor Dental Center into the premier dental office for patients who desire high-quality dentistry delivered with a gentle touch in a comfortable atmosphere. Its advancements include laser treatments for gum disease, TMJ treatment and sleep apnea treatment.

“Harbor Dental Center is a wellness-based dental office and not just ‘drill and fill,’” Dr. Todd said. “The mouth is integrally connected to your overall health, so we encourage dental health and prevention as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

“As a native of Cambridge myself, I love that I know many of my patients personally, and I give each and every one of them the same level of care I give my family members,” Dr. Todd continued. “We strive to never lose that small, hometown feel and for each patient to have personalized experiences that make them feel special and appreciated.”

Pebble Beach of the East Coast

Award winning estate…this crown jewel of the Delmarva’s Peninsula Eastern Shore coastal corridor is situated on an acre of land overlooking indigenous habitat ponds, Links of Lighthouse Sound 4th, 5th and 6th fairways and the stunning panoramic view of Assawoman Bay and the Ocean City, MD Skyline. A collaboration of NYC and Washington DC design teams along with local artisans, this property is truly a work of art. It begins as you drive onto the stone bridge entrance, one will begin to appreciate the blend of beauty of this Hamptons-style, cedar shingled home and the Eastern Shore way of life. All rooms within the home offer stunning architectural elements and have spectacular views of Coastal natural habitats.

Notable features include: 6 bedroom en-suites, front and back staircases, chef’s kitchen with Carrara Italian marble, elegant dining room featuring Gracie hand-painted wallpaper depicting paintings of our local Audubon setting, 3-story octagonal turret overlooking a 40x16 gated pool, hot tub with hardscape, designer silk window treatments, butler’s pantry featuring a 120-bottle wine refrigerator, 2 laundry rooms, hand-crafted custom woodwork, 9’ vaulted or extended ceilings, rooftop and a widows watch with spectacular 360-degree panoramic views. 30’boat slip also available with offering. Price upon request.

Berkshire Hathaway Gallo 33292 Coastal Highway Suite 1 Bethany Beach, DE 19930 302-249-5200 beachbaygolf.com

HARBOR DENTAL CENTER • CAMBRIDGE, MD • 410-228-5445 • HARBORDENTALCENTER.COM

Submitted photo

DR. MEREDITH TODD

MEREDITH TODD, DDS BEST DENTIST, DORCHESTER/TALBOT COUNTIES

Beth Evans

SHATTERED GLASS & MIRROR BEST GLASS COMPANY, DORCHESTER/TALBOT COUNTIES

Whatever your glass needs, the experts at Shattered Glass & Mirror, established in 2012 by owners Lisa Keene, Thomas Foxwell Jr. and Corey Keene, are ready to answer the call and deliver prompt, professional service. They specialize in all things glass. From commercial storefronts to shower doors and mirrors, auto glass and heavy equipment, to boats, RV’s and custom glass.

“Our team is made up of hardworking, loyal, trustworthy and caring individuals. All of our employees love what they do and enjoy being able to help our community in their time of need,” said Corey. “All of our technicians are local to the area and take pride in providing the best service for their neighbors. Customer service is of the utmost importance to us, from the initial call to the install.”

With its two convenient locations in Cambridge and Stevensville, Shattered Glass & Mirror services the entire Eastern Shore, from the bridge to the beach.

“We strive to provide the best service for our customers,” Corey said. “We sincerely appreciate all the support for our community. Without our great customers, we would not be where we are today.”

DR. JONATHAN C. PATROWICZ

BEST PHYSICIAN, WICOMICO COUNTY

October is National Family Medicine Month — a time to celebrate the talents and importance of family practitioners in the diagnosis of illness and disease. As the front line of our healthcare system, it’s vitally important to have a family practitioner whom one can trust and have an established relationship with.

“There’s no better way to help someone solve their problems than to sit down and talk with them about it,” said Dr. Jonathan C. Patrowicz. “Healthcare is very personal to people. They want a great doctor-patient relationship, and my goal is to provide that for them.”

A SignatureMD physician, Dr. Patrowicz offers patients a premium wellness “partnership” focused on creating more time, better communication and a quality relationship with a physician they can trust. This revolutionary model of medicine includes a smaller and better-connected patient panel and contains many exciting and comprehensive benefits — the first being access to Dr. Patrowicz himself. This model is very beneficial for families with school-age children and/or college students, busy moms and working professionals who can communicate with Dr. Patrowicz in a more meaningful way.

“My practice puts the patient as the focus of healthcare and allows for a close partnership to be built between patient and doctor to help them achieve their health and wellness goals,” Dr. Patrowicz said. “My practice has prompt availability, personal attention and a proactive approach to care.”

SHATTERED GLASS & MIRROR • CAMBRIDGE, MD • 410-221-8676 • SHATTEREDGLASSMD.ORG

DR. JONATHAN C. PATROWICZ • SALISBURY, MD • 410-334-3788 • DRPATROWICZ.COM

Photo by Jill Jasuta

THE SHATTERED GLASS & MIRROR TEAM

DR. JONATHAN C. PATROWICZ

Putting the client first: That’s the primary objective of the 15-member McLean Mortgage Eastern Shore team.

“Our team is made up of the most accomplished and motivated mortgage professionals in the industry, with decades of experience,”

MCLEAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION WINNER OF 5 BEST OF 2022 AWARDS, WICOMICO & WORCESTER COUNTIES

said team leader Shawn Hunt, manager of its Salisbury office. “We have built our team on the Shore with a family-first attitude. As our clients’ trusted mortgage advisors, it’s our job to help them find the right home and assist with any home-financing goals they may have. We understand that serving them is a privilege that must be earned.”

“With a client-first focus, we keep sight of the fact that we are serving those who live in our local communities,” said Sam Kotzur, manager of McLean Mortgage’s Ocean City office. “Knowing everyone is in a different financial situation, we help neighbors, friends, family and community partners discover their financing options and realize their dreams.”

McLean Mortgage’s Eastern Shore team has racked up the honors since the start of 2020, earning numerous awards and designations, including Scotsman Guide Top Originators (2020–2021), Top 1% Mortgage Originators in America (2020–2021) and a host of Coastal Style Best Of awards, including five this year alone.

“Our goal is to be recognized as a trusted partner and provider of quality services within our local communities,” Kotzur said. “It is our goal to become your lender for life, and we hope you’ll allow us the privilege of helping you achieve the dream of home ownership.”

LUCAS BEST AESTHETICIAN, SUSSEX COUNTY

Known affectionately as the “Wax Queen,” award-winning aesthetician Kathie Lucas earned the nickname due to her expert Brazilian-waxing services, offered to men and women at the Village Salon & Spa in Lewes. Kathie specializes in customizable skin transformations, from mature aging skin to the most congested intimate areas. A few of her favorite treatments include HydraFacial MD, Chemical Peels, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, and she is now offering intimate facials.

“Kathie loves to make all of her guests feel as good as she can make them look,” said Village Salon & Spa owner Raven Hudson. “She showers each guest with positive energy from the moment she greets them to the time she walks them to the door to leave.”

To her credit, Kathie has won Coastal Style’s Best Aesthetician award in Sussex County two years in a row. She is certified in HydraFacial MD, lash lifts and tint/ brow laminations, reflexology, Ayurvedic Indian head massage, Chinese facial diagnosis, chakra balancing, bamboo facial massage and acupressure facial massage. She is a Usui Reiki master practitioner, a Jane Iredale clean beauty artist and has completed the highest level of training through Dermalogica Institute, achieving Derm Expert status.

Village Salon & Spa is a premier full-service salon and day spa and the only Black Level Redken Elite Salon in Southern Delaware through upholding the highest standards of consultation, service, sales and education. Village Salon & Spa specializes in all aspects of hair, esthetics and spa services.

MCLEAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION • SALISBURY & OCEAN CITY, MD • MCLEANMORTGAGE.COM/EASTERN-SHORE VILLAGE SALON

KATHIE

Submitted Photo

KATHIE LUCAS

SAM KOTZUR & SHAWN HUNT

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT-OCEAN CITY BEST HOTEL, BEST EVENT PLANNER, COURTNEY BLACKFORD, WORCESTER COUNTY

As a hotelier located in one of the most popular resort towns on the East Coast, Residence Inn by Marriott-Ocean City General Manager Keith Whisenant preaches customer service as a fundamental rule. To be the very best, a goal he and his staff aspire to achieve, their collective philosophy is rooted in a commitment to growth, attainment of personal and team goals and a dedication to reach new heights of hospitality in a results-oriented industry.

Residence Inn by Marriott-Ocean City has been a top-threeranked property by Tripadvisor from 2018-2022 and has won multiple Coastal Style Best Of Readers’ Poll awards, including Best Hotel (2020, 2022) and Best Event Planner, Courtney Blackford (2022). Keith said these honors prove just how hard their team works each day — but there’s also more than meets the eye.

“We have a large Marriott name on the side of the building, however we are a small company,” Keith said. “Along with very supportive owners and our vice president, we essentially do it all ourselves. We’ve learned to manage a business, as if it was our own, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Rich Palmer, Barry Gosnell and Brian Cook all taught us how to be true stewards in this business. We couldn’t ask for better men to work for.”

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT-OCEAN CITY • OCEAN CITY, MD • 410-723-2222 • RESIDENCEINNOC.COM

DR. RYAN MARINER, BEST COSMETIC DENTIST, WORCESTER COUNTY

Born and raised in Worcester County, Dr. Ryan Mariner of Snow Hill Dental Associates is excited to give back to the community that has given him so much. Voted Best Cosmetic Dentist in Worcester County for 2022, he strongly believes that good dental health requires a professional who is consistent and committed, as well as a patient who is personally devoted.

“We genuinely care about our patients’ smiles, which is why we make sure they understand and stay on track with their treatment requirements, correcting dental problems before they result in more extensive needs or even the loss of a tooth,” Dr. Mariner said. “We help our patients to develop good oral hygiene regimens and preventive programs, making it so they can keep as many of their natural teeth as possible throughout their lifetimes.”

A graduate of Salisbury University and the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Dr. Mariner has advanced training in oral surgery and prosthodontics. He also possesses a notable background in the arts, allowing him to go beyond what most have come to expect from their local dental office. He partners with Dr. Ben Strahl and a talented team who are fun, energetic and passionate, and collectively offer comprehensive family care with expertise in preventive, cosmetic, surgical, removable, fixed and restorative dentistry.

The Snow Hill Dental family is always accepting new patients and ready for emergencies. They are sure to make you smile in more ways than one.

DR. RYAN MARINER, SNOW HILL DENTAL ASSOCIATES • SNOW HILL, MD • 410-632-2551

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

KEITH WHISENANT, JAVAR JACKSON, COURTNEY BLACKFORD & CARLIE BOZMAN

DR. RYAN MARINER

Photo by Alex Ashman

Leah

Photography

Lindsay Haynes Photography

VANDERWENDE ACRES BEST WEDDING RECEPTION VENUE, SUSSEX COUNTY

It’s perhaps the most important day in one’s life, and the talented team at Vanderwende Acres in Seaford take tremendous pride in sharing their beautiful and versatile wedding venue as the perfect ceremony-and-reception setting.

Vanderwende Acres offers a host of possibilities for couples and their guests — from its gorgeous outdoor ceremony space adorned with a stone fireplace that’s the focal point for ceremonies to its breathtaking, rustic barn and all-natural wooden pavilion, which can hold up to 200 guests in an elegant atmosphere with three stunning chandeliers. The pavilion is even outfitted with drop-down curtains, which allow the space to be used in any type of weather, and doubles as a potential backup ceremony location.

The diversity of Vanderwende Acres makes it the ideal backdrop for weddings in spring, summer or fall. The venue can accommodate any vision, from rustic to bohemian to whimsical, and proudly provides unmatched hospitality to its couples and their guests.

“Our team is dedicated and works tirelessly to bring each couple the best experience during their planning process and on their wedding day,” said venue director Sarah Jones.

“We understand we may see hundreds of weddings, but to our couples, it’s their one and only day, so our maximum effort must be matched at every single event.”

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WIELGOSZ PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, LLC, BEST CLEANING COMPANY, DORCHESTER/TALBOT COUNTIES

When the COVID-19 pandemic crippled the economy and closed local businesses indefinitely, most residents were forced to navigate an ocean of uncertainties, unsure what awaited them in the future, but yearned to make a positive contribution any way they could.

On the Delmarva Peninsula’s Mid-Shore region, Patrick and Elizabeth Wielgosz were no different. The husband-wife team owned and operated a successful grass-cutting and landscape company, servicing Dorchester County and its surrounding areas. But it was during this time that the couple took a leap of faith and pivoted their business in a new direction to make a bigger impact for their community.

Wielgosz Property Management, LLC, is a COVID-19-disinfecting-certified company that provides commercial janitorial cleaning services to area businesses.

“We strive to be the best at what we do on the Eastern Shore, and we vow to go above and beyond for all of our customers,” said Patrick. “We’re hardworking, dedicated, and we put our hearts into every job. We get the job done, no matter what, and we stand behind our work and strive to exceed our customers’ expectations.”

Photo by Marci Ryan

FRONT ROW: DONNA & JIMMY VANDERWENDE

BACK ROW: SARAH JONES & CAITLIN BUNTING

PATRICK & ELIZABETH WIELGOSZ

Photo by Jill Jasuta

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Waving

n Monday, July 11, 2022, 14-year-old Gavin Knupp, a rising Stephen Decatur High School freshman, passed away following a tragic accident. His obituary read, in part: “Gavin was an outdoor enthusiast. He loved hunting, fishing, surfing and skateboarding. Above everything else, he loved his sister, Summer. They were two peas in a pod, always inseparable, and he looked at her as his hero. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his ability to light up a room and his exceptional character. He made friends everywhere he went and will be missed by everyone who knew him. Everyone who had the honor of knowing Gavin is better for doing so.”

Gavin is survived by his father, Ray, mother, Tiffany, and sister, Summer.

Written by Jonathan Westman

Photography by Pamela Aquilani & Tony Pratt

Images of Gavin provided by his family

TIME-HONORED TRADITION

Gavin was acknowledged with the time-honored ritual of a paddleout, in which surfers paddle hundreds of yards from the shore to celebrate the life of a fallen surfer.

A celebration of Gavin’s life was held Saturday, July 23, on the beach at 36th Street in Ocean City. More than 400 friends, family and well-wishers gathered to pay their respects, including more than 250 surfers, who took part in a “paddle-out,” a time-honored tradition celebrating the life of a surfer who has passed away. Organized by the Ocean City Surf Club, men, women and children made their way hundreds of yards offshore to remember and honor a young man who was right at home in the ocean. After forming a large circle, a memorial wreath was presented, and those with flowers tossed them into the circle as everyone collectively splashed water up toward the heavens.

The Knupp family issued a statement through their attorney about how much the paddle-out meant to them.

“Saturday’s Celebration of Life for Gavin was overwhelming for all of us,” the family stated. “While our grief remains, the outpouring of support from Gavin’s friends and family, local restaurants and businesses, and the community at large has continued to provide us with the strength we need to deal with this unspeakable tragedy.”

We talked with Tiffany this summer about Gavin’s love of surfing, her fondest memories of him with a surfboard and what she would like his fellow surfers to remember about him.

BROTHERLY LOVE

For all that Gavin loved in life, nothing eclipsed the devotion he had to his sister, Summer, whom he regarded as his hero.

At what age did Garvin begin surfing?

Around the age of 11, mainly to impress the girls on the beach.

What did he enjoy most about being in the ocean and surfing?

Gavin loved being with his sister and friends and loved the freedom and peace the waves brought him.

What are your fondest surfing memories of Gavin?

Our family trip to Huntington Beach, California, watching him skimboard and fall in love with surfing. And of course, the trash talking he would give Summer if he caught a wave and she didn’t.

Can you describe the sense of community that gathered in his memory during his celebration of life?

Our community’s love and support are like nothing we have ever seen before. Gavin touched so many lives and made such an impact on everyone he met. We are so humbled and thankful that we could set Gavin’s spirit free in such an unbelievably memorable way. He was for sure looking down and thinking how cool he was; we could feel him with us all day as he forced smiles on our faces.

What about Gavin would you like for local surfers to remember about him?

Gavin was a free spirit and went full speed with everything he did. So, don’t stop trying and take that next wave! Live life to the fullest and be kind to each other.

Could you share something about Gavin that people outside of his family and friend circle wouldn’t know about him?

He was very passionate about everything he did and was always the jokester with a huge heart. He definitely was the guy always taking up for the underdog and would take up for others without hesitation. He loved his sister, Summer, more than life, and she was his hero, even though he didn’t think she knew. He was perfect and the type of person we should all strive to be. CS

A GoFundMe page was created in honor of Gavin to assist the Knupp family. For more, and to contribute, visit Gofundme.com/f/gavin-knupp

Wave Rider

GAVIN BREN IS MAKING A NAME FOR OCEAN CITY AS A YOUNG COMPETITOR WITH THE DRIVE AND HEART TO RIDE TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Nate Perry

Gavin Bren’s first memories of paddling out from the beach and being placed into a perfect pillow in the Ocean City surf were at age 4. “My dad would push me in, and I would keep getting smashed by waves — I remember hopping up,” described Gavin, 12, a competitive surfer on both coasts and internationally.

Since he began competing, at age 7, Gavin has consistently been a top performer in the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) and Maryland State Surfing Championships. In the USA Surfing Prime East series, he finished second overall and was invited to compete in the USA Surfing Championships in San Clemente, CA. The event is the highest-level amateur competition in the nation, and Gavin fell just short of the finals, with an impressive semifinals finish.

Gavin remembered the first competition in his home state: “When I wasn’t getting pushed in, I was doing it myself. It just felt right; it felt good, and that is where it all started.”

While surfing, “you do you,” he said, relating that he spent four hours in the waves that morning and planned to be on his board for another four or so later in the afternoon. “You have your own style, your own size waves. It’s a hard sport to compare to anything else because it’s more like your own art.”

For Gavin, the right-size wave is big — really big. “I feel more confident, stronger in bigger waves,” he said, describing a “fire and drive and effort” that propels him through strenuous competitions. “I get fired up and go out there and surf my heart out.”

Catching the Wave

The Brens are a surfing family; the waves invite conversation and closeness, laughter and memories. Gavin and his brother, Austin, 17, have been in the ocean with their parents since shortly after they could walk. Their father, Dan Bren, said, “I have always had a passion for the ocean. When I was growing up, I was drawn to it, and for the boys, we’d spend time together, learning to swim, learning to surf; they started gravitating toward it.”

Austin says surfing and being on the water is “a great way to let loose,” and it’s a passion. “It’s about the friendships and the times we spend with people from all over.”

Laura Deeley Bren, their mother, describes how Austin was fiercely independent, wanting to do it on his own. Gavin saw his older brother on a board, and he was determined to do the same. “His father would push him in over and over in the most critical part of the wave; he learned quickly,” said Laura.

As Gavin says, every surfer has a style, and for Austin, who also competes, that’s embracing the spirit of riding waves for the fun of it. “For me, it’s more of a lifestyle,” Gavin said, although Austin is also a competitive surfer and the recent Maryland State Open Mens Champion. Gavin took third in the event.

But for the Brens, surfing is about so much more. The medals are a byproduct of a passion for the sport and what it gives, what it teaches, how it connects the community.

SURF

Gavin Bren has been winning surfing competitions since he began the sport, at age 7.

“The belly laughs, all of those things you get while you are in the water with your friends and family, sharing the waves,” Dan shared. “When we are in the water together, the conversations, the things they will talk about, they’re in a place where they feel free and comfortable and they open up.” It’s not unusual to find three generations in the lineup — Laura’s father, Sandy Deeley, is also active in the sport.

The Brens quickly recognized that the boys had a flair for the competitive side of the sport. In the beginning, they’d participate in local contests. It was never a push, always a pull, from the boys to test their skills. Eventually, Laura took over as the district director for ESA (this season ends her fourth and final year in the role), and the family became a part of the contest community. “To be able to give back to the sport that has given our family so much has been so awesome,” shared Laura. “It’s exciting to see the ESA come back to life in Ocean City.” The organization hosts the Maryland State Surfing Championships each year.

“To think that I was only 8 and won the Under-12 division for the entire state felt like such an amazing accomplishment, and I had three more years in the division,” Gavin said. “It’s the state that I live in, and I feel that pride.”

A Rising Tide of Wins

During the pandemic, when team sports stopped, the surf community crested because the outdoor nature of this saltwater pastime allowed wave riders to carry on — and so did the contests. ESA membership grew from about 50 people to 200, Laura said. “A whole new group of families were introduced to competitive surfing.”

In 2020, the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) held its regional championships in Carolina Beach, NC, and since one of Dan’s friends lives there, Laura suggested that he and Gavin give it a shot. He had never competed outside of Ocean City. “If he makes one round, wouldn’t that be cool?” she related.

The competition featured Live Heats, an electronic scoring system. “From home, I could see the scores dropping, and he won the first round,” Laura said. “Then, he advanced to the quarterfinals; he advanced again and got to the semifinals and won that. He ended up finishing second place in Open Mini Groms with the best young surfers on the East Coast that year, and we thought, Maybe he can hang at a different level?”

internationally

the games

Paris

the summer of 2024 — well, sort of. The International Olympic Committee executive board approved the proposed venue, Teahupo’o, Tahiti, an island in French Polynesia that is about 9,800 miles from Paris. It will break the record for the farthest Olympic-medal competition to be held outside the host city. The 1956 equestrian events were moved from Melbourne due to quarantine laws and held five months earlier in Stockholm, some 9,700 miles away.

Teahupo’o is home to some of the most iconic and dangerous waves in the world. The Wall of Skulls is named for the sharp coral reef that looms just below the water’s surface.

Surfing could be added to the 2028 Los Angeles Games, and with Gavin named to the USA Surfing Developmental Team and being prepared for international competitions, perhaps he’ll have the opportunity to surf for gold in his homeland’s waters in six short years.

RISING STAR Gavin Bren, pictured with parents Laura and Dan, has the honor of being selected for the USA Surfing Junior National team in 2021 and 2022.

Tahiti will host surfing at the 2024 Paris Olympics After its debut at Shidashita Beach in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, surfing will once again take center stage

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in

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Of his first out-of-state win, Gavin said, “A turning point for me in competitive surfing was when I was going to other places and winning. They weren’t my home break, and I was going where I had never surfed.”

Because of Gavin’s results at the NSSA Regionals, he was invited to the Nationals that year. “They usually hold it in Huntington Beach, but with COVID, in 2020 they held it on the East Coast,” Laura said. “So we went and Gavin ended up getting third at Nationals.”

That success launched a domino effect of invitations, with the next being an opportunity to compete in the USA Surfing Prime Series. The competitions are invite-only, with contests on the East and West Coasts. The top 50% are invited to the finals at Lower Trestles, in San Clemente, CA. Gavin was just 11 and one of the youngest in the age group, U14. He was one of a handful of young surfers from the East Coast invited to compete with “the big boys,” as Laura put it. His first year he finished in the top half of athletes and made the trip to the iconic break. That year, Gavin took 10th place.

But Gavin’s performance peaked interest from coaches within the USA Surfing Youth Development Program. The organization is the official national federation for the sport of surfing and the governing body of the Olympic team.

“We were in the airport, and I got a text that Gavin was selected for the Junior National Team, the group that will eventually represent the United States in the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Cup,” Laura explained.

This year, Gavin finished second overall in the USA Surfing Prime East Series and again competed in the USA Surfing Championship as a 12-year-old in the U14 division; he made it to the semifinals. “His goal was to improve, get one round further, and he accomplished it,” Laura said proudly. He was again selected to be a member of the Junior National Team in 2022. At NSSA Nationals in Huntington Beach, Gavin placed third overall — and he continues to exceed his own goals.

But he returns to his roots, adding, “I get really excited about our ESA contests because that’s where I started. I just have a lot of fun, and I like to hang out with my friends, and I surf my heart out and try to get good scores.”

Brian Stoehr, a two-time U.S. National Pro Tour Bodyboard champion and owner of the Wave Riding School in Ocean City, said, “If you were to ask me, Gavin is the next big talent to come out of our town.” He added, “There are plenty of amazing wave riders here, but he has a natural ability to just read the ocean.” Austin is an instructor at the school, and Gavin helps out catching boards.

“I’ve known them since they were little kids, and I’ve watched them grow and all they do for the surfing community,” Stoehr said.

FAMILY TIES The time the Brens spend together, out on the water, as part of their shared love of surfing, reinforces their bonds as a family.

Lessons from the Surf Surfing teaches patience and respect. “We don’t just get waves every day, and it builds camaraderie and friendships,” Dan said.

Gavin says the sport has taught him to overcome mental and physical obstacles “like nervousness or even drowning: I used to be really scared, and I have trained a lot and pushed my body and mind. Surfing has taught me how to win and how to lose. And you get to be in new waters, warm waters, cold waters. Surfing has lots of ups and downs.”

And there are mental pivots during competition. “With soccer, the goals are always in the same place,” Laura explained. “People are moving, but the playing field stays the same. In surfing, the playing field is constantly changing because of tides, winds, wave conditions, everything. So, it’s hard to be consistent as a competitor, and that is what Gavin is really working on.”

There’s a significant mindset component to competitive surfing. “How do you keep yourself calm when you don’t have a wave? When you fall down, how do you shake it off? You only have 15 minutes to make sure all of this goes right and you have to pick the right wave.”

Gavin says he has big dreams. “One is to win a national title for my age group, and I would love to make the world tour,” he says.

What’s next for Gavin? Just last month, he took the win in the Florida qualifying event of the Rip Curl National Grom Search. He’ll head to Lemoore, CA, to compete for the National Final crown at Kelly Slater Wave Co’s Surf Ranch. The wave pool is the home of the longest open barrel high performance waves created by humans. The opportunity to surf Kelly’s wave is one few surfers will get to experience. And this December — a kid from Ocean City will get to surf it. CS

A Surfing Legacy

OCEAN CITY’S SURFING PIONEERS STARTED RIDING WAVES IN THE EARLY 1900S AND THE SPORT BOOMED IN THE 1960S. ITS COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO GROW AND GIVE BACK

Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Tony Pratt

Brian Stoehr has traveled the world as a two-time U.S. National Pro Tour Bodyboard Champion, and the waveriding professional prefers Ocean City to anywhere else. “I developed a love and appreciation for the place where I grew up,” said Stoehr, an instructor at The Wave Riding School, which is made of a team of the region’s top watermen, who are passing on their love of the sport.

“The surf community here has always been tight-knit, and a lot of people might not associate Ocean City with bodyboarding,” he said. Yet, Stoehr and Jay Reale — a pioneer of Drop Knee and Ocean City native — are two pros who put the coastal town on the worldwide map.

Ocean City wave riding dates back to the early 1960s, and its roster of surfing legends is prolific. Essentially, it started when Skill and Al Johnson, along with their late brother Carl, were some of the first to bring the sport to town. They formed the

original Ocean City Surf Club shortly after and in 1969 became the first directors of the Eastern Surfing Association’s (ESA) Delmarva District. These and more than 120 others make up The Legends inducted into the Ocean City Surfing Hall of Fame.

Not only are The Legends and Ocean City’s surfing community members making history by riding waves, they’re giving back. “We induct a few new surfers each year who are over the age of 50, avid surfers who give back to the community in some capacity,” said Ocean City Surf Club president Tommy Vach. “They are a rich part of our history here.”

Vach reflects back on the early days: He was born and raised in Ocean City and started taking to the waves at age 5. “I grew a passion for it all through my childhood; after college, I moved to Southern California and surfed up and down the coast and into Mexico, staying out there for 25 years,” he said.

Vach started surfing in 1965 and grew up with the sport. “Then, there were just a handful of surfers in Ocean City, and it was more like local crews who would surf up and down the coastline and to Delaware and Northern Virginia,” he said. “But it has changed so much over the years, and now there are thousands of surfers up and down the Eastern Seaboard.”

ESA executive director Michelle Sommers said that the older generation of Ocean City surfers grew up together, and within the last five years, the sport has surged in popularity. “That includes Ocean City, especially since COVID,” she added.

Today, the ESA sponsors more than 125 contests along the east coast, and the Delmarva District hosts four to six contents per year that are qualifiers for regionals. “Every professional surfer on the East Coast starts out surfing in contests with ESA,” Sommers said.

LEGENDARY STATUS

Longtime

local surfing enthusiasts Brad Hoffman, opposite page, left, and Tommy Vach thoroughly enjoy passing on their love of the sport to a younger generation.

And while Ocean City is home to a roster of pros, “it’s just a great sport for people of all ages to get into,” said Sommers. And the proximity to urban centers, like Wilmington, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC, makes Ocean City appealing to day-trippers who want to experience surfing.

Men, women, children, beachgoers of all ages take to the water; it’s multigenerational. “It’s really a special place,” Sommers said of the surfing community. “Everyone knows everyone; we watch out for each other’s kids. And we are surrounded by a great coastline for waves.”

Vach said, “We have grown a culture, and the surfing lifestyle continues to be an asset to everyone in the community.”

WAVES OF PHILANTHROPY

The Ocean City Surf Club gives back through scholarships, environmental advocacy, educational programs and youth support.

Ocean City Surf Club

Tommy Vach was born and raised in Ocean City and started surfing at age 5. He has surfed waves across the world, but he returned to his hometown and became president of the Ocean City Surf Club, a volunteer organization that provides Delmarva with charity and service to promote strong values through scholarships, environmental advocacy, educational programs and youth support.

“We give back not just to the surfing community but to the community as a whole,” Vach said, sharing his love of wave riding and the ocean. “We are blessed to live on one of the greatest recreational playgrounds anyone could ever ask for. Our big backyard is a beach and ocean, and we are amazed when we teach some students in schools and we ask, ‘Who hasn’t been on the beach?’ and a few hands go up and they live right here. We make an effort to get them out on the beach and into the water to learn the sport and enjoy this beautiful ocean we inherited.”

Surf Into Integrity

This after-school program at Stephen Decatur Middle School is based off of the book The Surfer’s Code: 12 Simple Lessons for Riding through Life, by world-champion surfer Shaun Tomson. “On Wednesdays in the classroom we teach life lessons, and we take them out on the beach Sundays and circle up on the beach, talk about what they read and teach them how to surf and to respect the ocean and beach,” Vach said. “It’s all about giving respect, getting respect and making choices.”

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Adopt Your Beach. Beyond litter, this program focuses on the need for clean oceans, shorelines and waterways by engaging residents who adopt a beach in the community. “Mine is 12th Street, and we all agree to clean our beaches four times per year,” Vach explained, adding how the program fosters pride in ownership.

Youth Patrol. Volunteers ages 7 to 18 help with communityservice projects, including beach cleanups, games and activities, contests like Ocean Games and SUP Paddle Races and more.

Water Watch. “We work closely with the Junior Beach Patrol and instill into these children how the patrol protects beaches from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., but before and after, it’s the surfers out there who are actually the lifeguards helping people in distress because we are in the water already,” Vach said. During the past several years, the Ocean City Surf Club has built relationships with lifeguards, Beach Patrol and the surf community. “We support them with donations to buy rescue boards and to print kids’ water-safety activity books.” CS

MAKING A SPLASH

Thanks to the all-terrain wheelchair provided to her by the Surfgimp Foundation, 7-year-old Molly Ann Jones can frolic in the ocean with her family.

Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Pamela Aquilani

An all-terrain wheelchair gifted to Molly Ann Jones from the Surfgimp Foundation has given the 7-year-old girl a vehicle to explore the world — especially the ocean, where she joins her family on a boogie board and enjoys the waves.

Molly Ann’s mother, Stacey Jones, shared: “It’s beach days and quality time with her dad, exploring the woods. It’s smiles and laughter while making memories that will last a lifetime. Having this chair allows her the childhood she deserves.”

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The Surfgimp Foundation was formed in 2017 by Melanie and her late husband, Jay Liesener, who was injured in high school and became a quadriplegic. When he was in his 30s, some friends helped him get back into the water with an adapted surfboard. “They formed a family of friends and volunteers to help him surf the East Coast, and then as a group we traveled to Puerto Rico, Hawaii and California,” Melanie said.

During his last days, Jay wanted to share a legacy to help others chase their dreams like he did. “So, we formed a foundation to give grants to people who are looking to engage in physical activities to bring joy to their lives who might also have some financial barriers,” Melanie shares.

Since 2018, the Surfgimp Foundation awarded more than $200,000 in grants to 70 people. The grant application window is from October 1 to December 1. Some request adaptive wet suits with Velcro and zippers, or custom-made suits to accommodate missing limbs or those with additional padding in certain areas based on physical disabilities,” Melanie explained.

ONE - OF - A - KIND PIECES

JAY’S LEGACY

Jay & Melanie Liesener formed Surfgimp in 2017 to help those with challenges chase their dreams.

From adaptive surfboards to sponsoring entry fees for surf competitions, most requests center on the water. Said Melanie: “The healing aspect of water is a pervasive theme.”

Molly Ann’s grant was awarded in 2018, and since then she has been soaking in opportunities to explore the world. “Knowing Jay’s story and his impact on the world, I am filled with so much hope for Molly Ann’s future. I know she will conquer the world,” her mother said. CS

TREADING THE BOARDS

The Ocean Is My Guru offers camps for both kids and adults, the latter camps being geared mostly toward women.

The Great Escape

Written by Alison Pappas Photography by Tiffany Caldwell

For Laurel Harrington, the 32-year-old owner of an Indian River Inlet-based surf camp called The Ocean Is My Guru, the water has always felt like a second home.

“The ocean is a place where you can go and release technology and just be you, whether you’re feeling happy or sad,” shared Harrington.

Because her father was a commercial fisherman who chased marine migration patterns, Harrington has been around the water from a young age. She started surfing at age 10, under the teaching of her paternal uncle. Jon Ashton, a family friend and local board shaper, would often take her out surfing with his children and allow them to ride some of the boards he had made.

FOR LAUREL HARRINGTON OF THE OCEAN IS MY GURU, THE POUNDING SURF IS WHERE SHE CAN BE HER TRUEST SELF

After completing her bachelor’s degree, Harrington participated in a yearlong psychology study through the Wholebeing Institute. This experience led her to establish The Ocean Is My Guru surf camp.

“I could do anything I wanted for my final project, but it had to be related to specific aspects of psychology. I had an idea to translate the curriculum that we had for the course into a surfing program,” said Harrington. “I recognized the ocean is a really great teacher, because it’s a lot like life: It’s constantly changing; you can’t control it, but the more you learn about it, the easier it is to navigate the ups and downs. That was the premise of my final project.”

Harrington presented her finished project to approximately 300 people in Tahoe. The audience’s reception was fantastic, and many people encouraged her to bring the surfing program to life. Harrington began working with a nonprofit that was interested in hosting the program that following summer. From there, she branched out on her own and formally established The Ocean Is My Guru.

Now in its sixth season, The Ocean is My Guru offers camps for both kids and adults, with the adult camps being mostly geared toward women. The camps deliver a customized surfing experience to people of all levels of expertise — from first-timers to skilled riders and every level in between — for three consecutive days.

“I like to stress that in the three days, we have to work as one unit. And while the riders are learning about the ocean, they can really apply these skills when they return back to land.”

SAFETY IN NUMBERS

Part of Harrington’s surf camp emphasizes not only ocean safety but also surfing etiquette.

“I like to stress that in the three days, we have to work as one unit. And while the riders are learning about the ocean, they can really apply these skills when they return back to land,” Harrington said.

Supporting Harrington is a team of four certified instructors who specialize in carefully explaining ocean safety, water conditions and surfing etiquette. The team of instructors strives to make every surfer feel as comfortable as possible.

“Surfing is all about consistency and learning about the ocean. I always say it’s like learning a foreign language,” shared Harrington, “so, once we can help get that foundation solidified, it’s a lot easier for campers to navigate out on the water.”

Recently, The Ocean Is My Guru hosted a free surfing event for members of the deaf community. Because her mother has experienced significant hearing loss, this cause is near and dear to Harrington’s heart. The event consisted of 20 participants, as well as four interpreters and six instructors.

“The interpreters worked with the instructors and participants in and out of the water,” Harrington said. “Together, we helped these members of the deaf community experience surfing, and it was really powerful.” CS

home

Photo by Krista Valliant

FOREVER VIEWS

Yielding amazing, panoramic vistas, this home’s exterior features board-and-batten siding and sleek porch cabling to maximize unobstructed perspectives.

A Modern Surf Farmhouse

SITUATED WITH VIEWS OF ASSATEAGUE ISLAND, PRESTON AND KATHLEEN SCHELL’S VISION FOR THEIR SURF-BEACH OUTPOST WAS CONSTRUCTED PERFECTLY

BY JASON LAMBERTSON AND

GATEWAY BUILDERS

Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Grant L. Gursky

Adrive on an offshoot road in Berlin revealed an unexpected “exhale” rural beachscape with views of Assateague Island, with its salt marshes, bays and wild horses. Kathleen Schell, a Realtor and owner of Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty, was on a listing appointment when she spotted an idyllic property.

“Driving down the road, you can feel your shoulders moving away from your ears… a calm peace,” said Kathleen. It was a perfect surf-and-beach landing spot, thought she and husband Preston Schell, cofounder of The Ocean Atlantic Companies real estate development firm and Schell Brothers, which Preston runs with his identical-twin brother, Chris.

The Schell family reside in close-by Rehoboth Beach, where their boys go to school, and the Berlin property was a short drive and boating distance dock-todock — appealing to Preston, an avid mariner. “It’s an amazing surf spot and a National Parks seashore that is protected,” Kathleen said. “You feel like you are off the grid.”

While there was an older home on the property, its condition made it largely unsalvageable. So, the Schells embarked on a design/build project — a process that is their livelihood — and enlisted Jason Lambertson, president of Gateway Builders. “We immediately had a connection with him and his crew,” Kathleen shared. Lambertson translated their vision for a clean-lined farmhouse/surf vibe into a thoughtfully crafted five-bedroom home that suits the Schells’ outdoor and entertaining lifestyle.

The home’s resilient materials have a substantial feel, Kathleen said. It’s also wash-and-wear.

“The vision was to create spaces that are relaxing, and you don’t have to worry about keeping everything in great shape,” Kathleen said. “You don’t have to take your shoes off; you don’t have to worry about sand in the house. There is going to be sand, kids, friends and family in the house, and we wanted to create a place that felt organic, natural and embraced the outdoors.”

A Thoughtful Plan. An open, airy layout ushers in natural light with views of Assateague Island, and the floor plan accommodates guests, including a regular clan of about a dozen young surfers. Three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms on the first floor include a primary in one wing and two guest spaces in the other. Two upstairs bunk rooms with baths sleep a total of eight and allow space for air mattresses and sleeping bags if need be. “We created it so that if we had families stay with us, they could take the bedrooms on the first floor, and the kids could be upstairs,” Kathleen said. A sixth bathroom on the main level includes a shower, “so if you come in from the beach, you can clean up right there off the mudroom.”

“The vision was to create spaces that are relaxing, and you don’t have to worry about keeping everything in great shape.”

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

The Schells’ vision for a “coastal-surf vibe” is deployed through textured, natural materials, including boho rugs, woven pendant lamps and even a surfboard coffee table.

Photo by Krista Valliant

Photo by Krista Valliant

Michael Repper – an internationally recognized conductor, pianist, and recording artist whose mission is to use music as a tool for uniting and inspiring communities – has been appointed music director and conductor of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra

Designed to Entertain. Two 12-foot-long islands in the kitchen — one with barstools — allows for prepping meals or party hors d’oeuvres while gathering. “It allows for a lot of workspace, so if a guest says, ‘Let me bring the dessert or salad,’ there is space for them to put their dish together,’” Kathleen said, adding that the setup easily accommodates potluck-style entertaining. Fourinch-thick quartz countertops include a waterfall edge on one island and complement white, custom-wood cabinetry for a clean look, while substantial exposed-wood ceiling beams and hardwood floors warm the space, flowing seamlessly into the adjacent dining area and throughout the first floor. A bourbon bar is situated off of the living space.

Attention to Detail. Patterned, hand-painted tile throughout the home adds character to the predominantly white palette. In the kitchen, a muted, gray-andivory backsplash with a circular theme complements pendant lighting and a dining room fixture of the same shape. Decorative tile floors in the bathrooms add interest, and throughout the home, shiplap pitched ceilings with richly stained wood beams are evidence that no detail was overlooked. “We went to extra lengths to provide custom-made beams for a coastal-surf vibe,” Lambertson said. Meanwhile, carefully selected finishes add texture, such as with layered boho rugs and woven hanging lamps in the living space between the upstairs bunk rooms. A surf motif includes statement pieces, like a surfboard coffee table and murals, rustic shell-andwave tile and character pieces, including a sign that reads, “Surfhorse Camp.”

MADE FOR MEMORIES

Kathleen, fifth in line, recently hosted a ladies-only getaway at Surfhorse Camp, complete with dinner, cocktails, time around the outdoor firepit and yoga at sunrise.

Built to Last. Preparing the site for the substantial build required elevating the lot by about five feet, Lambertson shared. “We bulkheaded the back portion of the property, to allow us to build the home out of the flood zone, and that took some planning to get the home out of the low-lying areas near the marsh,” he said. Importantly, the home is weather-ready, with maintenancefree materials. The exterior features board-and-batten siding, brick and stone with a Dutch door in front and sleek cable X-braced railing. Porch cabling along in the back allows for unobstructed views. Also, Lambertson and his team incorporated retractable hurricane shutters to protect the back porch. The home is completely automated with smart technology and highly efficient, thanks to closedand open-cell foam insulation, fully conditioned attic and crawlspace areas and solar power.

Recreation Central. A generous, grassy yard allows the boys to play football, and a full basketball court is a hit with the crew. “Our kids love any type of sport,” Kathleen said, adding that two garages flanking the home provide storage for a Jeep, surfboards, chairs and other beach equipment.

A Signature Welcome. Growing up in Sussex County in summers as kids, Preston and his brother would make their own skim boards out of wood. Kathleen said, “There was an old one left in the garage that he made in the late 1980s, so that is what you see when you come into the house, and that makes me really happy because it has his name carved into it from long ago.” CS

PROUD TO BE VOTED BEST ARCHITECTURE FIRM

in Wicomico, Worcester & Sussex Counties!

Written by Alison Pappas | Photography by Pamela Aquilani and Tony Pratt

Overture of Rehoboth Beach and Wilmington has been delivering custom home-electronics solutions to customers for nearly 30 years. Overture carries a full range of home electronics from home theaters and TVs to home automation, lighting control, multi-room music, networks, security cameras, outdoor lighting and more.

Overture’s exterior lighting systems are a popular selection among local customers due to the product’s durability, the endless design customization options available and the lighting’s ability to enhance a home’s appearance while providing increased safety/security to the homeowners.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Overture regularly works with clients to create the ultimate outdoor-entertaining experience.

The Overture team — made up of skilled installers, technicians and management — works cohesively to ensure the development, from initial design to final installation, is efficient and stress-free.

The end-to-end process starts by having the customer visit the physical store and view the outdoor display area, which includes an extensive collection of audio, video and lighting options. The next step is a site visit where team members provide a demo fit of different light fixtures. This demo can include temporary driveway alignments, tree uplighting and other possibilities.

To achieve ultimate customer satisfaction, Overture then works with a company to create an extremely realistic visual design.

FULL DISCLOSURE Before the installation begins, an Overture client is treated not only to a full design schematic but also a Google Earth virtual walk-through of their property.

BEAMING

“The company will build a full design on paper, and then they create a virtual video where they walk through the design from Google Earth with the entire lighting system shown on the property,” shared manager Mike Patille, who is in his 36th year of working in home electronics.

The Shore’s coastal setting and flooding patterns often mean that lighting areas are submerged underwater at times.

“We use a reputable lighting company, out of Marathon, Florida, that has a lifetime warranty on their products, so we know it won’t be a problem if areas of the lighting are underwater throughout the year,” said Mike.

Notably, the lighting systems that Overture uses are low voltage. This means an electrician is not needed for installation. Low voltage is a safer option, and it reduces monthly power bills.

WITH PRIDE Overture has been a premier provider of outdoor-lighting and homeelectronics solutions for three decades.

Additionally, Overture can connect lighting systems to indoor control panels and timers, should the customer desire. With the goal creating the ultimate outdoor entertainment experience, Overture also works with customers to build breathtaking custom exterior spaces that can include outdoor televisions and speakers that are both aesthetically pleasing and lasting. CS

Midcentury Made Modern

BEACH AND WOODS OFFER A PEACEFUL SETTING FOR THIS FRANK LLOYD WRIGHTINSPIRED HOME THAT WAS UPDATED TO SUIT A CONTEMPORARY FAMILY’S LIFESTYLE

Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Halkin/Mason Photography – Todd Mason

When Jake and Beth Hollinger purchased their Henlopen Acres property in Rehoboth Beach, which had been on and off the market for years, they received a special treat as a welcome. It was a 1968 Better Homes and Gardens magazine article highlighting their midcentury-modern house, designed by renowned architect Richard Neutra, who had worked with Frank Lloyd Wright.

“It’s not every day you get to see a historical image of your house in its original splendor, and we saw what the house had been before it was renovated over the years,” Jake said.

When the couple first visited the home, “we knew we had to get it,” Beth

said, relating that its bones could offer a midcentury aesthetic and eventually a floor plan that suited the lifestyle of their family, which includes children ages 9 and 6.

But there was work to do. They enlisted in Adam Montalbano, partner at Moto Designshop in Philadelphia, whom they worked with on their primary residence and office. “The previous owner’s care package also included some original architectural renderings, and that really brought it all home for us,” Jake said.

Over the years, additions created a choppy layout and an overall closed-off, dark environment that compromised its integrity. For example, the characteristic mansard roof was outfitted with a traditional peaked roof

as a stop-gap for leaks. It just didn’t suit the home.

After living in the home for one summer, to get a feel for the way they would move about and use the spaces, the Hollingers embarked on a massive renovation, stripping the interior down to the studs. From shingles to tearing out walls to extensive landscaping, the property centered in an old-world Tree City neighborhood with a mile-long private beachfront evolved into an authentic nod to the original plan, with all the updates a modern family requires.

Montalbano said, “While we were interested in restoring the midcentury feel, we worked to keep that spirit but in a more contemporary way.”

COVER WORTHY After buying their house in Henlopen Acres, the Hollingers were delighted to learn that it had been the cover story for a 1968 issue of Better Homes and Gardens

Reconfiguring spaces. Situating kids’ bedrooms close to the primary was a priority for Beth, along with creating a guestroom with a private en-suite. The existing kitchen was “the size of a postage stamp,” with the bulk of main-floor square footage dedicated to entertaining spaces. “There was room for 500 wineglasses in the cabinets,” Beth quipped of the two bar areas.

By opening up the first floor — removing a divider between the original home and new addition — they tripled the size of the kitchen and added an expansive island. “Now, I can see the kitchen from the rest of the house and keep an eye on the kids,” Beth said.

They converted the oversize primary bedroom with two large walk-in closets into a still-generous bedroom, with a walk-in closet and an additional primary bedroom. A two-story mezzanine, with a lofted, open-air room, was enclosed to create an additional bedroom. “With kids, we didn’t want them to jump over the railings,” Beth said. “Ultimately, we took what was a three-bedroom house and made it into a five bedroom.”

Woodsy warmth. The home’s exterior siding had been replaced and painted, so the design team opted to strip that in favor of Alaskan white cedarboard and batten with a natural stain. Inside, white-oak ceilings and floors offer a sense of woodsy warmth, playing off the property’s surroundings, which has several hundred oak trees. “It pays homage to the fact that we are at the beach, too, and it gives you a sense of being inside a ship,” Beth said.

The top-and-bottom wood treatment also creates an uninterrupted space throughout the first floor. Meanwhile, hexagonal terrazzo flooring in the entry complements a new winding staircase, accentuating its geometric shape. In the living space off the dining area, wood ceilings are offset at a 45-degree angle.

THE SHAPE OF THINGS

Extensive wood treatments dominate the first floor of this home, which features hexagonal terrazzo flooring and an opulent winding staircase.

“It pays homage to the fact that we are at the beach, too, and it gives you a sense of being inside a ship.”

We Understand Commitment

Sarah

Kara

Kelley

Stepped up style. The original staircase was a bit “clumsy,” Montalbano shared. So, it was redesigned to be functional and aesthetically aligned with the home’s midcentury style. “At first, you see a spiral staircase, but when you get closer, you see the detail and a level of nuance that makes it stand out in the way the treads meet the side stringer; it was a tricky piece to get into the house,” he said. “We had to bring it through a window and prop it up into place because of the size, scale and weight of it.”

Sleek inspiration. When the Hollingers spotted a Porschedesigned kitchen in all black, “we immediately said, ‘We want an all-black kitchen with glass,’ and we don’t have any silver in this house,” Beth said of brass and gold finishes and fixtures. The noir, clean-lined cabinets juxtapose the largely white and wood palette throughout the home. The couple selected richly stained stools with round seats and simple footrests, and pendant lighting by the designer Bulb Lighting in Philadelphia. “Lighting is another key feature of the home,” Jake said, adding that he and Beth did the interior design and furnishing of the home.

WELCOME HOME

A Bermuda-inspired turf inset on the driveway is just one of many ways in which the Hollingers’ travels influenced the motif of their home.

Great outdoors. A poured-concrete driveway and patio in a sandy-brown hue complement the chestnut stain on the board-and-batten siding.

“They marry really well, and it creates a great aesthetic,” Jake said, adding that they chose a turf inset for the driveway and along the sides of the back deck. “It makes it look Bermuda style.” In fact, the couple gathered a great deal of inspiration from their travels. Beth said, “We have a meditation path in the backyard that we saw somewhere else and wanted to incorporate, and because we live in the city, we wanted the outdoors to be a big part of the house, so as much thought went into the yard as into the interior.”

All told, the Hollingers tore out existing landscaping and installed about 500 plantings throughout the property. “I love sitting in the sunroom and being surrounded by the outdoors, with sliders throughout the whole room,” Beth shared, adding that Montalbano helped realize their vision with organic shapes and forms throughout the home.

Jake added, “We have really made this a fourseason house: We have a wood-burning fireplace in the living room, and it’s equally enjoyable in the off-season. We made this house into our home during the quarantine, and we enjoy spending holidays here.” CS

Sustainable Scandi Suited for Family

THE SELWAYS DESIGNED A HOME THAT IS HIGHLY SUSTAINABLE, HARNESSES THE SUN’S ENERGY AND SHOWCASES HOW A GREEN HOME AFFORDS A PRACTICAL LIFESTYLE

Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Svetlana Leahy

In a word, the Selway home in Berlin is intentional. Every detail, finish, material selection and even the way the home is positioned on the lot was thoughtfully considered with a goal in mind: to design and build a modern, minimalistic home that harnesses passive solar energy and pushes the limits for residential green building — without losing the comfort and warmth of a place for family.

“We knew when we bought the lot that we wanted to build

something modern and different than most of the houses you see in our area but also keep true to the vernacular and tone of the town,” said Jonathon Selway, AIA, architect and principal at Jonathon Selway Architects. Chrissy Danzi Selway is a graphic designer with a budding interior-design consultancy. Together, the couple set out to build a home that is sustainable, practical, clean-lined and efficient.

“We wanted something that was not only safe for our family but

also friendly for the environment,” Chrissy said of the 2,300-square-foot, fourbedroom, three-bath home. “That’s why we chose all green materials, and every part of Jonathon’s design was intentional.”

From window placement to how the polished concrete floors heat and cool the house, the Selway home uses about half the energy of a typical home its size. Insulation is cellulose and rockwool — no petroleum-based products. Wood and millwork are all locally sourced. All finishes are low- or no-VOC. “We layered sustainability in every aspect of the home,” Jonathon said.

Centered on the sun. Aside from solar panels that capture the sun’s energy, the home’s design leverages or minimizes the sun’s heat, depending on the time of day, to keep the home comfortable. “The layout is all based on the sun and how much natural light comes in every window,” Chrissy said.

Concrete floors are shaded from the sun, for the most part. “When you wake up in the morning during summers, the home is super cool, and the HVAC doesn’t run until later in the day because the floors have gotten cool all night and hold in the temperature,” Jonathon said.

To accomplish a high level of sustainability, the Selways partnered with TJ Carven of CarvBilt Custom Builders. “He shares a passion for the importance of green building and executes it at the highest standard,” Chrissy said. “CarvBilt and team definitely exceeded our expectations and delivered us a beautiful custom home that is built to last generations.”

No problem.

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LINEAR FLOW

In keeping with the home’s smooth, linear surfaces, the appliances were installed with a flush-mount system, so they align with cabinets.

Warming woods. A combination of woods incorporated throughout the home — on ceilings, in floating benches and on a dramatic staircase, offset the polished concrete floors and minimalistic aesthetic. The exterior is cedar and flows into the house, while millwork and ceilings are southern yellow pine. Hints of spruce are incorporated throughout.

A showstopper staircase. The Selways enlisted Matthew Waggoner of Waggoner Welding Co. to create custom stairs using black metal channels with floating southern yellow pine treads. “It’s definitely one of our favorite features in the house,” Chrissy said. The stairs are a focal point of the home, connecting an airy upstairs that includes a children’s loft space with a ship-ladder replica of the main stairway. “The stairs are definitely a showstopper,” she added.

Black & white. White walls, black metal, ivory surfaces, pewter hardware… the black-and-white theme carries throughout the home. Subtle pops of color in abstract art brighten the space. “A lot of people think our house looks very Scandinavian, with the wood, black and white,” Chrissy shared.

Seamless lines. The master bathroom features a freestanding tub and floor-to-ceiling tile with floating vanities. You won’t find a shower curtain or door. “The floor slopes to a linear drain that runs the length of the shower, and it’s seamless,” Chrissy described. “The water slopes down in a nonchalant way and is in keeping with the minimalistic vibe.”

Mirror, mirror. Chrissy can legitimately tell her two young children she has eyes on the back of her head. A mirror backsplash reflects natural light and expands the space. Not to mention, she can keep an eye on her little ones while cooking.

“Also, we didn’t want hardware on the cabinets, to keep it clean and minimalistic, so we chose little silver pulls instead,” she said.

CLEAN LINES

Dramatic geometric flourishes amid a minimalistic intention make the Selways home all the more striking without being off-putting,

In keeping with smooth, linear surfaces, the appliances were installed with a flush-mount system, so they align with the cabinets. A matte-lacquer custom paint in white gives the cabinets a sheen, and the open floor plan flows into living spaces and faces a generous glass sliding door to the outdoors. Throughout, there’s a peaceful flow. “Even though the interior is modern, white and bright, it’s warm and homey,” Chrissy said. “It’s spacious enough that everyone has room to move around when we have parties, but there are lots of nooks and crannies where people can sit and hang out,” added Jonathon.

Moving on. “We knew going into this it wasn’t going to be our forever home, even though we have fallen very in love with it,” Chrissy shared. “Now, our house is on the market, and we are plotting out our next one.”

The couple’s shared love of design is momentum to build the next — and then some. Chrissy said, “We will continue to push the design limits and building expectations in our next house and probably the one to follow. Stay tuned!” CS

Written by Kristen Hampshire Photography by Maria DeForrest

Before the wedding bells and children — and time living abroad — Kelley and Mike Gable found a special property in Rehoboth Beach and began making East Coast beach memories close to where they grew up. The original home had a few bedrooms, cozy yet outdated amenities and a pool with beach views. “We wanted to evolve the existing space to maintain the core memories — we loved the spaces — but make them more functional,” said Kelley Gable, owner and principal designer of Gable Interiors, a bicoastal studio specializing in new construction and renovations.

“We thought of the living spaces and where we were gathering — the former home was very choppy,” Gable shared. “People would tell us they got lost in it because the floor plan was so broken up. It was one of those homes that had one addition after another.”

A rebuild was in order, and the Gables enlisted in CRx Construction. The result is a five-bedroom, sixbathroom coastal beach home with an expansive outdoor kitchen and living space by the pool, a bunk room for children, and a great room that incorporates a kitchen and its oversized island (a must for Gable). Features like white oak flooring and ceiling beans, shiplap, a screenedin porch bathroom with shower, and weatherproof cabinets give this airy, livable home the features and furnishings suited for a family with young children.

TOTAL TRANSFORMATION

With the help of CRx Construction, Kelley Gable turned a formerly “choppy” house into an open-flowing, five-bedroom, sixbathroom coastal home.

AN ELEGANT TOUCH

Designer Kelley Gable incorporated breezy linens, soft whites with pops of blue and some West Coast flair to create a state of “coastal elegance.”

Coastal Elegance. “The way I design homes on the water, I don’t want it to scream ‘beach house’ in your face but instead evoke a feeling of coastal elegance,” Gable said. To do so, she incorporates breezy linens for upholstery or bedding, soft whites with pops of blue, and some West Coast flair as a bicoastal designer who infuses some California-casual into the look. “The fabrics and window treatments add texture and elevate the space, and they just make you feel comfortable.”

Personal Touches. “Little treasures” are a family tradition for Gable, who fondly remembers perusing antiques shops with her grandmother to uncover special finds. “We’d go to flea markets and craft shows, and we always found our ‘little treasures,’ and we still do that to this day,” Gable said of her grandmother’s flair for design. She managed a furniture store and shared with Gable her love of interior design.

The Gables have lived all over the world — Japan, Panama, Annapolis, California — and so they incorporated pieces throughout the home that tell that story. “For example, we wallpapered the powder room in paper with a poppy print, which is the California state flower, and we have sailed every year during our time together as a couple — we spent our honeymoon sailing in the Seychelles — and my husband grew up in Annapolis, so we chose sailboat wallpaper for our older son’s bedroom to include some of those memories,” she says.

Perhaps the most notable memory statement piece is the 12-foot-long, handcrafted dining table from Sandtown Furniture Co. in Baltimore. “It was a custom-designed piece, and the owner is a dear friend. It has a bench and has hosted so many family gatherings, from our wedding festivities to brunches, christenings and holidays,” Gable shared. “When we designed the great room, we were very specific about making space for this table.”

Lighting the Way. “I always say to my clients, ‘Lighting is truly the jewelry of any space,’ so when making my selections, I like to start with the focal point and what that will look like, then I add from there,” she explained of her layered approach. For instance, kitchen pendants over a clean, white island are hand-rubbed antique brass, adding casual glamour to the otherwise minimalist aesthetic. Functional, matte-black sconces illuminate areas like the mudroom and bathroom vanities. Similar bell-shaped lights and complementary materials tie the look together, while basketweave statement fixtures offer texture and play to the coastal vibe.

Statement Trim. A white-oak hardwood floor on the first level complements stair treads of the same material. Gable custom-designed the railing for a coastal-modern feel, and vertical, white-painted trim adds interest to the wall where stairs scale up to the second story. Board-and-batten flows from the foyer to entry space, and this theme continues upstairs in one bedroom that features board-andbatten woodwork.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

The Gables’ home is centered around a familyliving vibe that permeates the 3,000-square-foot residence.

Designed to Live In. A primary bedroom on the first floor was a priority for the Gables, along with an additional suite upstairs, since they often host family. A cozy bunk in their son’s room accommodates overnight guests, and there is a dedicated office. After the rebuild/ renovation, the home is now 3,000 square feet, and it’s centered on family living.

The pool area is composed of indoor/outdoor space, including a screened porch with a walk-in shower clad with composite shiplap. “This allows the entire room to get wet with no issues,” Gable said. The kitchen is also weatherproof, with Werever Outdoor Kitchens Cabinets that are custom-designed using solid HDPE. The outdoor fireplace is a chalk-colored brick architectural stone veneer, while inside, a soapstone hearth complements a shiplap surround and reclaimed-wood mantle.

The home is a labor of love, a nod to memories and customized to accommodate what the following years and beyond will bring. Gable said, “The design selections are curated and personal; it feels like home. We have lived in many different places, and this has always been home base for us.” CS

Written by Alison Pappas | Photography by Pamela Aquilani

FEMALE-DRIVEN

Longboard Cafe’s top management consists of a highly experienced, all-female team.

Located within the Midtown Shopping Center, on 67th Street in Ocean City, Longboard Café is known for a welcoming environment that perfectly embodies its surfing-community inspiration, as well as for a diverse menu made up of sophisticated takes on classic surf-shack food and drinks.

Owner Rick Vach — a former surfer and nearly lifelong resident of Ocean City (minus some time in California) — was certain that he wanted to make Longboard represent a surfing theme, especially because there wasn’t a fully surf-themed restaurant in Ocean City at the time.

“Our first menu was a lot of tacos, burgers, and salads; we envisioned it as being a surf-shacky atmosphere. When the building was finished and the decor was all done, it looked classier than a typical surf shack, so I decided to add some entrees. Over the years, our reputation for food has grown, and our menu has expanded,” shared Vach.

Now nearing its 10th year in business, Longboard is open year-round, and it features indoor seating in addition to a dog-friendly patio. It has become a hotspot for locals and visitors who appreciate its diverse yet thoughtfully crafted menu.

The restaurant offers a special lunch menu, served between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., that contains an assortment of wraps and sandwiches, including the Longboard French dip and the southwest grilled chicken club.

Longboard’s all-day appetizer selection includes starters, pub fare and for-the-table options. Some of its most adventurous appetizers are Brie with drunken nuts and famous wrinkled green beans, which are flash-fried and made with a special sweet sauce. All-day maincourse options include creative takes on typical menu items, such as wings, tacos, burgers and salads.

The dinner menu, served from 5 p.m. to close, features elegantly prepared and plated dishes, many of which are centered around popular seafood items, such as shrimp crown imperial, blackened swordfish and pan-seared scallops.

Supporting Vach at Longboard is a knowledgeable and friendly staff. The restaurant’s top management is currently made up of a highly experienced, allfemale team.

This year, Longboard Café was excited to be voted the winner in four categories — Best Burgers, Lunch, Salads and Takeout — in Coastal Style’s annual Best Of awards. CS

DELICIOUSLY CREATIVE

Woody’s specializes in creative spins on classic Eastern Shore fare, including more than 20 different sandwich selections.

With so many surf spots across Delmarva, there is always a wave to ride. At Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill, a wide-ranging menu ensures there is always a flavor adventure to experience.

“We are a family-friendly restaurant that serves fresh, consistent food,” said owner Jimmy O’Conor.

Waves of Flavor

Written by Alison Pappas | Photography by Pamela Aquilani

When Woody’s first opened its doors, the local community immediately embraced the new surf-themed restaurant. On the other end, Woody’s extensive menu has consistently welcomed just about every palate.

The menu items are a collection of different foods that owner Jimmy O’Conor has picked up throughout a 25-year career in the restaurant industry. In particular, the colossal crab cakes have become notorious among locals and visitors alike – likely a testament to Jimmy’s Baltimore roots.

The appetizer selection includes gnarly spins on Eastern Shore favorites, including the Crabby Tots, which are crispy tots topped with Dewey’s best crab dip and three types of melted shredded cheeses.

The 20-plus sandwich options include bar favorites, like cheesesteaks and burgers, as well as cultured creations, like the lobster roll. A fun choice is the Dewey Dunker, which is a thinly sliced pit beef served on a toasted Brioche bun dunked in its own au jus. As the menu points out, you may want to have a knife and fork handy if you order the Dewey Dunker!

Every great meal pairs well with a tasty drink – and Woody’s drink selection has plenty of options, from its famous crushes (available in classic orange, as well as grapefruit, lemon, lime, bourbon and tequila) to other libations, including draft beers and wine.

Surfing culture is a consistent theme throughout Woody’s – from the iconic surf-wagon logo to the surfboard decor sprinkled throughout the cozy establishment.

Woody’s is pet-friendly and open yearround. Consistency is the motto, which ensures diners can expect the same quality food and superior service every time.

“Someone once asked me why I was open on a Tuesday in the middle of winter, and I told them that I never wanted people to wonder if Woody’s was open,” said Jimmy. CS

Easy Summertime Living at Londonderry!

While there’s something great about every season at Londonderry on the Tred Avon, summertime is our favorite. There’s simply no better time of year to enjoy our beautiful 62+ waterfront community. Our campus explodes in color as flowering trees and plants come into bloom. From walking and biking around campus to kayaking on the Tred Avon River, Londonderry residents delight in waterfront living at its best. You can join your neighbors for a quick dip in the pool or a fun evening fishing from our dock. Whatever you choose, there is something for everyone on our spectacular (and maintenance–free!) campus.

Summertime at Londonderry also takes our farm to table dining experience to a whole new level. Our chef locally sources fruits, vegetables, and seafood and incorporates this bounty in her special summertime menus. She has even developed a Spice Rub with many ingredients from our own kitchen garden. Check it out here https://londonderrytredavon.com/londonderry-recipes.

So, this summer, come and see all that Londonderry has to offer. We promise, it’s easy!

Just call Rachel Smith at 410-820-8732.

700 Port Street, Suite 148 Easton, MD 21601 • 410-820-8732 www.LondonderryTredAvon.com

Killer Bagels & More

SURF BAGEL IS PACKING THEM IN AT THEIR TWO LOCATIONS IN SUSSEX COUNTY

Written by Alison Pappas Photography by Pamela Aquilani

Surf Bagel was born in 2004 when brothers Dave and Tom Vitella were inspired to bring together their passions for surfing and food. Since then, Surf Bagel has grown an impressive following of customers (both locals and visitors alike) who appreciate the shop’s scratch-made, authentic New York-style bagels and other specialty food items that are proudly made with the finest and freshest ingredients.

The shop’s freshly made bagel selection features classic bagel flavors, such as plain, everything and wheat, as well as more unique flavor options, like Old Bay, jalapeño and “strider” bar spinach. Guests can also “wax” up their bagels with their choice of spreads, which include peanut butter, lox cream and a variety of cream cheese flavors.

SODEL-ICIOUS

Surf Bagel is a part of the popular SoDel Concepts family of eateries.

Hungrier breakfast-goers – perhaps those who are refueling after a morning surf session — can opt for delicious breakfast burritos or sandwiches.

But Surf Bagel isn’t limited to just breakfast items; they also have a surf-themed “Afternoon Sessions” menu, which includes an extensive collection of killer cheesesteaks, salads, tubular sandwiches, surf sandwiches, wraps, burritos, tacos, smoothies and more.

The shop’s aesthetics present a relaxed, “hang ten” vibe, which pairs perfectly with its surf-themed menu. A floor-to-ceiling pipeline menu has guests feeling as though they’ve teleported straight to Hawaii.

While Surf Bagel’s original shop is in Lewes, they have a second location, in the Midway Shopping Center in Rehoboth Beach. Two years ago, Surf Bagel joined the SoDel Concepts family of establishments. CS

Surf’s Up At Surf’s Edge

AT SURF’S EDGE DELI & PIZZERIA, OWNER BRIAN LESNIEWSKI SERVES DELICIOUS FOOD IN A PEACEFUL, COASTAL SETTING

Written by Alison Pappas | Photography by Pamela Aquilani

Surf’s Edge Deli & Pizzeria in Fenwick Island opened its doors nearly two decades ago. The surf-inspired restaurant, which is considered a beloved staple among locals and visitors, still resides in its original location.

Owner Brian Lesniewski has been working in the restaurant industry since he was a teenager living in Baltimore. When creating the original menu for Surf’s Edge (the same menu as today), Brian pieced together favorite dishes he had come across in his career.

“We make all of our own sauces, as well as our Waldorf chicken salad and shrimp salad,” shared Brian.

Menu items include creatively constructed salads, pizzas, hot dogs, burgers, subs, wraps, paninis and sandwiches. A popular and colorful sandwich option is the Life Guard, which is made with Havarti dill cheese, sprouts, lettuce, plum tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, celery, carrots and garlic herb spread on wheat berry bread.

“We have a lot of good specialty pizzas,

IN THE DOUGH Surf’s Edge scrumptious chocolatechip cookie-dough balls are an unqualified hit with its clientele.

especially the Funky Vegetable, which is made with tomato sauce, mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, artichokes, capers and fresh basil,” said Brian.

Guests with a sweet tooth will certainly appreciate the cookie-dough balls (sold individually) for dessert.

“Our cookie balls are made up of raw chocolate-chip cookie dough that we have dipped in chocolate and frozen. It’s all pasteurized egg, so they are safe to eat,” shared Brian.

RAKIN’

Surf’s Edge offers a peaceful, coastal atmosphere that includes dine-in seating and outdoor tables. Many guests enjoy the convenience of carry-out ordering because most of the menu items make for perfect meals to take to the beach.

With 40-plus years of experience in the restaurant business, Brian takes pride in being a hands-on owner and is present at Surf’s Edge almost every day. The restaurant is open year-round; however, it is only accessible during lunch hours in the off-season. That said, the off-season is still a great time to stop in, as there are frequent specials available, such as soups that are freshly made daily.

“We also do off-site catering for any occasion, including office parties, wedding parties, holidays, etc. Our catering menu includes on-the-menu items, as well as other options, like crab and shrimp dip, crab cakes, shrimp, scallops and much more,” said Brian. CS

Saying goodbye to summer is never easy — so we’re spiking the season and delivering a heavy dose of fall deliciousness to prepare for holiday hosting and cozy nights by the fire. We’ve teamed up with some of the most iconic and dreamy establishments all over the world to share an inside scoop of this season’s must-try cocktails you can make in the comfort of your own home. With ingredients ranging from apple cider, pumpkin spice, cinnamon and everything nice, these sips are sure to set the tone.

The Harvest at

Trump International Hotel Washington –Washington, DC

The changing seasons have inspired Trump Washington to add some new autumnal classics to the cocktail menu. The Harvest is a fantastic combination of classic bourbon flavors perfectly balanced with spice and sweet notes, which are derived from the maple syrup and apple cider. This cocktail looks, smells and tastes like the beginning of fall. Try it out at The Benjamin Bar & Lounge or check out the recipe below to make it at home!

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon (infused with local maple syrup, cinnamon and orange)

½ oz lemon juice

½ oz All Spice Dram

3 oz apple cider

Instructions

Mix together bourbon, lemon juice, Dram and apple cider with ice. Strain into an ice-filled glass and garnish with cinnamon stick and apple slice.

Recipes and Photography courtesy The Zimmerman Agency

Cinnamon Appletini

at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago – Chicago, IL

Trump Chicago is embracing the changing seasons with a fantastic fall cocktail menu, including the Cinnamon Appletini. This martini is the perfect seasonal sip, with classic fall flavors, including cinnamon, caramel and spiced apple.

Ingredients

½ cup apple cider

¼ cup cinnamon vodka

1 Tbsp caramel Sauce

Sugar cinnamon rim

Spiced Star Anise and a cinnamon stick, for garnish

Instructions

Combine apple cider and cinnamon vodka and stir with ice. Strain into chilled martini glass with sugar cinnamon rim. Garnish and enjoy!

Applewood Smoked Fall Old Fashioned

at Mansion on Forsyth Park –Savannah, GA

Looking for the ultimate warming cocktail for a cozy night? Look no further than Mansion on Forsyth Park, serving up a seasonal Applewood Smoked Fall Old Fashioned, featuring Basil Hayden’s Bourbon. From the very first sip, the sweetly spiced flavors will feel like fall in a glass.

Ingredients

2 oz Basil Hayden’s bourbon

½ oz fall-spice-infused cane syrup (cinnamon, clove and nutmeg)

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

2 dashes Angostura Orange Bitters

Luxardo cherry

Instructions

Stir and strain all ingredients into a rocks glass. Smoke with apple woodchips and garnish with dehydrated orange slice, cinnamon stick and a Luxardo cherry.

CINNAMON APPLETINI

APPLEWOOD SMOKED FALL OLD FASHIONED

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Fall Equinox

at Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort –Oranjestad, Aruba

Be transported this fall to a tropical island with a sweet concoction curated by Passions on the Beach at Amsterdam Manor, located on the award-winning Eagle Beach. This fruity Fall Equinox cocktail reflects the vibrant hues of Aruba while tasting like autumn.

Ingredients

1.5 oz red rhubarb liqueur

1 oz Tito’s vodka

1 oz orange juice

1 drop Grenadine Orange wedges, cut in half for garnish 3 blueberries, for garnish Rosemary stem, for garnish

Instructions

Start with adding ice and grenadine syrup into a stemless wine glass. In a shaker, combine ice, red rhubarb liquor, Tito’s vodka and orange juice. Shake before straining into wine glass. Garnish with blueberries, orange wedges and a rosemary stem.

Turnberry Preserve at

Trump Turnberry, A Luxury Collection Resort – Turnberry, UK

Welcome fall with some elegant Scottish flare by sipping on Trump Turnberry’s “Turnberry Preserve” cocktail. This drink utilizes fresh fall fruits for a refreshing taste suited for any weather during the new season. This cocktail does not have to be enjoyed abroad; follow the recipe below and sip by the fire right at home.

Ingredients

1.5 oz vodka

1 oz lemon juice

Sugar syrup 3 blackberries 3 blueberries 3 raspberries

Instructions

Crush berries and shake together well with vodka and lemon juice. Serve over ice and garnish with mint and blackberries. CS

FALL EQUINOX

TURNBERRY PRESERVE

Berlin, MD

• Atlantic General Bariatric Center

• Atlantic General Behavioral Health Center

• Atlantic General Endoscopy and Urology Center

• Emergency Services

• Eunice Q. Sorin Women’s Diagnostic Center

• Center for Joint Surgery

• Atlantic General Diabetes and Endocrinology Center

• John H. ‘Jack’ Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center

• Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center

• Stroke Center

• Wound Care Center

• Atlantic General Women’s Health Center, West O.C.

You can rely on us to help you keep doing the things you love.

Cheers to Surfing

TWO GREAT SURF CULTURES CAME TOGETHER TO PRODUCE ONE TASTY PARTNERSHIP — THE OC SURF CLUB MARGARITA

Created 11 years ago to celebrate the rich surf history of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, the Ocean City Surf Club is firmly rooted in the oceanfront communities of the Eastern Shore, their heritage and prosperous futures. The club supports area youth through scholarships and mentoring programs — always fostering respect for others, the ocean and its fragile ecosystem.

Although a relatively new entity, the nonprofit organization with over 475 active members (as well as a growing business membership and corporate sponsorship base) has already been recognized by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and the Worcester County Board of Education for its educational programs, service efforts and surf competitions, including the Adopt Your Beach program, the OCSC Youth Patrol and the Longboard Weekend — the largest pro-surf competition in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Inspired by the dusty roads and big breaks of Baja, California, avid surfers Keith Ross and Bruce Beach decided to distill a spirit that embodied their adventures and memories made. Their efforts produced Peligroso tequila — a high-quality, traditional tequila that stands up to their rugged lifestyles.

After Diageo, the largest spirit company in the world (Captain Morgan, Ketel One, Smirnoff and Crown Royal, to name a few) acquired the Peligroso brand, it was Breakthru Beverage division manager Rob Schoenfelder’s mission to promote awareness and sales of Peligroso in Maryland. With Peligroso’s roots deeply entrenched in surfing, Schoenfelder knew the perfect partnership to promote the tequila awaited in Ocean City. A meeting with OC Surf Club cofounder Tommy Vach provided all the inspiration required to create a uniquely beneficial relationship.

The Ocean City Surf Club margarita program features a host of restaurants (close to 30 in all, and growing) creatively mixing up their own specialty margaritas in support of OCSC. When patrons specifically order one of these delicious cocktails, Peligroso and Breakthru Beverage make a contribution directly to the Ocean City Surf Club in support of their efforts. It’s a palatepleasing win-win that benefits the club, local beach conservation, resort restaurants and Peligroso. Read on as some of the participating establishments made an OCSC margarita just for you to try at home.

FLAVORS

Longboard Café’s OCSC Margarita

Instructions

Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Hooper’s Crab House’s OCSC Margarita

Ingredients

Instructions

Add

Skye Bar’s OCSC Margarita

Ingredients

½ cup fresh watermelon, muddled

1½ oz Peligroso Silver tequila

2 oz George’s margarita mix

Splash agave nectar

Splash soda water

Instructions

Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a watermelon slice and a lime wheel.

Harborside’s OCSC Margarita

Ingredients

1½ oz Peligroso Silver tequila

½ oz Grand Marnier

½ oz fresh-squeezed orange juice

½ oz fresh-squeezed lime juice

Splash of sour mix

1 fresh lime

Instructions

Add all ingredients into a shaker and fill with ice, shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge.

The Hobbit’s OCSC Margarita

Ingredients 1½ oz Peligroso Silver tequila ½ oz triple sec 1 oz Pama liqueur Splash of sour mix Splash of orange juice Splash of Champagne 1 fresh lime

Instructions

Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into rimmed glass. Add a splash of sour mix and orange juice. Top with a splash of Champagne and a squeeze of lime. Garnish with a lime wheel. CS

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.

PARTING SHOTS

Historic Ride

Photography by Grant L. Gursky

The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum’s exhibit Surfs Up: Riding the Waves of Change, reflects on the rich history of surfing at the resort — taking visitors on a journey that begins in the early 1900s and travels through the 1960s and into the early 2000s.

“Our exhibit explores the history of surfing, the impact that it had on the town, its cultural impact, the impact it’s had on tourism here and how it’s changed over the years,” said museum curator Christine Okerblom. “We talk about the history of where boards were sold, where you could find surf lessons, some of the first Ocean City surf leagues and how all of that evolved over time.”

The exhibit also highlights current and past resort surf shops, which played an instrumental role in surfing’s popularity and includes salutes Malibu’s, Chauncey’s and The Sunshine House, among others.

“I would say what people find the most amazing to see in person is our surfboard circa 1920,” Okerblom said. “You can see that there were holes put in the side of it to try to reduce its weight. This is a very early surfboard, which belonged to George Cropper of Ocean City, who made it by hand. I think our visitors really appreciate being able to see this in person. It shows just how far surfboards have come.” CS

Lawrence Michnick, DDS

Christopher Takacs, DMD

Kristen Mazzei, DMD