THE BEST OF 2023 ISSUE
FAREWELL, DEAR FRIEND
EVOLUTION BY YARD DESIGNS, INC.
Motorized blinds increase your home’s efficiency thanks to their ability to control the amount of sunlight you let in and provide insulation. Keeping them open means you can switch off lights, lamps and use less heat in winter. Since they can be programmed to open and close at specific times of the day, it offers maximum lighting efficiency. These factors help you lower your monthly utility bills.
If you don’t want to spend time every day adjusting your blinds, motorized ones will do it for you. Recent advances in home automation have allowed motorized blinds to become intuitive, meaning you can automate this repetitive task and keep your home at the ideal temperature. They can be scheduled to open and close at specific times or based on the temperature outside using an app. All you need is a smart device or remote.
Programming window treatments to operate at specific times can make it appear as though your home is occupied, even when you’re at work or on vacation. This can deter burglars in search of easy prey.
Continued exposure to direct sunlight can fade your flooring, furniture and window treatments. But motorized blinds can effectively protect your valuables by programming them to open and close at specific times. This makes motorized blinds a convenient option for homeowners dealing with many windows, especially ones that are located in hard-to-reach places.
When integrated with motorized blinds, smart thermostats help reduce energy consumption according to the time of day, the weather and the temperature inside your home. The thermostat uses this data to sense when a room is getting too hot or cold, and opens or closes the blinds, instead of using the HVAC.
You can feel confident in knowing that Overture offers the latest in automation technology that provides the best solutions for your needs and surroundings. At Overture, we take great pride in designing and installing the appropriate system for our clients — while exceeding their expectations.
Sandie is a tenured, Local REALTOR whose tenacious understanding of the Real Estate Market is matched only by her client loyalty and servitude. With nearly 20 years in Real Estate sales, her integrity, honesty, and dedication to bringing Buyers and Sellers together has earned her a loyal following of repeat clients. Sandie has spent many years volunteering in the community and served as the Chair for the WCHS Pars for Paws Golf Tournament for the last 7 years. Sandie’s large extended family, rooted across the Delmarva area has served to extend her knowledge well beyond Worcester County. Whether you are looking for your forever home or your very first, Sandie’s expertise is certain to exceed your expectations.
Sandie MattesRealtor
sandie@thebrittsteam.com | 443-250-2730
Noor is an Ocean city local, which gives her knowledge of the area and an immediate understanding of what makes a residential area special. From her experience working for years with her spouse managing their businesses in Ocean City she knows that transparency, good communication and great customer service is a key to success. She has ten years of experience in customer service and a major in Business and Finance. Noor also joined the Networking and Community Committee in Coastal Association of Realtors that tries to engage A liates and Realtors in networking opportunities and promote member involvement in the Lower Shore community. She’s also a member of CAR’s Government A airs & RPAC Committee which encourages agents to participate in local and state government, and recruits volunteers from membership to be active in local political issues, participate in government, and support candidates.
Noor Khalaileh
Realtor
noor@thebrittsteam.com | 410-390-2254
Within the last five years, we have used the Britts Team, specifically Lauren Britt Hudson for four real estate transactions (two personal and two investment properties). We have been primarily impressed by the due diligence Lauren does at the very beginning. She sets realistic expectations by providing a detailed market analysis. Our first home sale required a unique buyer, not necessarily a local one. She and her firm created a marketing plan that expanded beyond the Eastern Shore, ultimately finding the perfect buyer.
– Heather T.
My wife and I have used the Britts team for all of our real estate needs in the Delmarva area and they have never let us down. I can say without hesitation that Lauren and her team are the best in business. The attention to detail is second to no one, on point with the execution of every step right to completion at settlement. Professional, Integrity, Trustworthy, accountable, all value’s that the Britt’s team utilize with every client!! My wife and I are so thankful to have had them representing us through these journeys, thank you Britt’s Team!
– Todd G.
Britt Hudson Teamleader, Salesperson MD:
Premier beachfront custom home builder and home improvement contractor for over 30 years with an uncompromising commitment to quality
Beebe
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023 116
136
116
TIMELESS TRADITION REDISCOVERED
Bryan LeCompte and his Yard Designs, Inc. team transforms an equestrian estate.
122 BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
Live Oak Home Builders created the perfect residence for a Salisbury family.
128 GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY
A Bethesda family achieves their dream of building their Lewes vacation home.
136
WATERFRONT STATE OF MIND
Artisan craftsmanship defines a family forever home in Ocean Pines.
142
148
DEVELOPING SUCCESS
Jack Lingo Asset Management is shaping the Shore and offering strategic wealth-building solutions.
COASTAL CASUAL
A Fenwick Island residence is thoughtfully designed for creating family memories and entertaining guests.
Photo by Ray Sander
26
The family of Pohanka Toyota of Salisbury find ultimate satisfaction in helping others.
We warmly welcome the return of fall and a professional dance event on Assateague.
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Muralist Michael Rosato documents history, emotion and heritage.
Artist Jessica Schlegel is super talented, but finds the most joy in watercolors.
The latest news, advice and information from the Shore’s leading healthcare provider.
The specialists at Cape Medical Group offer expert audiological diagnoses and treatments.
Residents and staff alike thrive in the Londonderry on the Tred Avon environment.
We pay tribute to Nick Brandi, our editor since 2009, who passed away in August following a brief, yet courageous, battle with cancer. 40 154
Carly Hlinko’s Lilla Cavallo boutique on the Ave. in Rehoboth is an electric experience.
Following an accomplished career, Bill Anderson turns his focus to climate change.
Celebrate with us as we toast some of this year’s finest businesses in our annual special section.
Keith Fisher of Fisher Architecture details the process of building a coastal dream home.
Husband-and-wife photographers discovered the beauty of New England in autumn.
Pamela Aquilani captures the lore of Rehoboth Beach’s Sea Witch Festival.
JONATHAN & ERIN WESTMAN
JAIME HARDY
MARIAH COHEE
ANDREA ELGIN
NICK BRANDI (2009-2023)
AKA: TONY CHALEK
AKA: PETER KENT
DENA GRAY
CHRIS VOELLER
PAMELA AQUILANI
GRANT L. GURSKY
JILL JASUTA
SVETLANA LEAHY
TONY PRATT
MARCI RYAN
KRISTA VALLIANT
KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
ALISON PAPPAS
JOE WILLEY
RICHARD RALPH
KEN RYAN
WE PAY TRIBUTE TO A MAN WHO PLAYED AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN CRAFTING OUR MAGAZINE FOR NEARLY 15 YEARS
We begin our Best Of 2023 issue by remembering one of the very best minds, talents and friends that we’ll ever have had the distinct pleasure of having as a part of our family. Nick Brandi was a deeply loyal, loving, kind spirit who’s remarkable mind was as admired as much as his generous heart.
He tenaciously sought a position in our small company, and in 2009, we welcomed him as our editor — a position he held until the day he passed.
When he advanced his career by achieving a lifelong ambition to become editor of Westchester Magazine (WM), his devotion to our publication never wavered, and he continued to serve as our editor, under the pen name, Tony Chalek. As anyone who knew Nick would expect, he never compromised his role at WM, and contributed to our publication on available nights and weekends.
He was an eloquent speaker, a thoughtful listener, a defender of integrity, a gifted storyteller, a master of quick-witted one-liners, a profoundly trustworthy confidant, a true friend to so many, a courageous fighter till the end, and so much more.
He leaves us far too soon and longing for his presence.
The following is, in part, from his obituary:
Nicholas Anthony Brandi of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2023 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Nick was born on June 28, 1960 and was raised and lived most of his life in Westchester, New York. He attended John F. Kennedy High School in Somers, New York, Purchase College SUNY and Western Connecticut State University.
A natural wordsmith, he had a distinguished career in publishing across multiple modalities and, until recently, was employed by Westchester Magazine, where he was the Managing Editor. Handsome, an adroit dancer, and a gifted thespian, he was no stranger to the stage, including appearing in several films, stage productions, and even a well-regarded Off-Broadway show. Nick was the Rabbi in the acclaimed Grandma Silvia’s Funeral and was also in Jekyll and Hyde
Nick’s clever humor and boisterous laugh were almost as legendary as his brilliant intellect, he was a proud member of Mensa.
Nick’s memory will be a blessing.
Indeed it will. CS
The sound of other people's laughter (especially if I am the cause of it);
Doing things that make people's lives just a little easier;
Feeling like I belong within a community of people and earning the respect of people whom I already respect; Sharing;
Naps and sleeping in general; Being valued;
Driving in a car I like, on a sunny day, sunroof open, listening to music that complements my mood, driving on backroads, enjoying the landscape and architecture of neighborhoods I've never seen before;
Decent food;
Booze (I drink only moderately, but what I consume, I enjoy);
Good TV & movies;
Doing nothing;
Doing everything;
The cliche things that we all enjoy, like summer breezes and puppies and babies;
Sincere compliments;
Seeing justice be done;
Witnessing good people triumph;
Seeing people be treated fairly;
Watching a person or people give spontaneous joy to large groups of people in unison;
Dog videos;
Seeing people reunited after having been apart for a long time;
Watching the nuanced interaction of two people who really, really love each other;
Blooper reels of actors on their popular TV shows and movies;
Dreams in which I can fly (I had them more often when times were tough, less often when times are good).
HELPS EACH PERSON THRIVE IN THEIR DAILY ROLES — AND WITH THAT COMES GROWTH, ADVANCEMENT AND THE EXPERT ABILITY TO SERVE ITS DIVERSE COMMUNITY
There’s a sense of family one instantly feels when stepping inside the Pohanka Toyota showroom. That’s not a universal industry experience, but at Pohanka of Salisbury, the camaraderie and compassion of the team for their customers, the community, and one another, is genuine. For decades, the company has provided local residents with career opportunities that transform their lives.
Pohanka Toyota General Manager Thurman Donoway himself is a testament to the opportunities for personal and professional growth at Pohanka of Salisbury. He first started as a salesman in 2001, and through his commitment to learn the industry and his passion for helping people, he worked his way up the ranks to achieve a general manager position in just nine years. Now, after 23 years at Pohanka of Salisbury, his greatest satisfaction is
providing an avenue for others to succeed.
“The most enjoyable aspect of my job is sharing the opportunity with someone looking for a career,” says Thurman. “Our community is filled with an array of eager individuals looking for some light, for a chance to do something with their lives. I appreciate their ambition to be better and build a life with a positive impact.”
The 2024 Tundra enters the market with new options for exterior looks and off-road performance. A Nightshade package has been added to amp up the Tundra’s style and attitude. The always popular TRD Off-Road Package is now available on Platinum grade 4×4’s as is a TRD 3” suspension lift kit, now available as a factory installed accessory.
Legends never die. Toyota’s off-road icon and longest-running nameplate is making a triumphant comeback to North America for the 2024 model year, returning to its rugged origin. Land Cruiser stays true to its heritage, returning as a high-quality off-roader at a more accessible price point that will take customers on numerous adventures across the Eastern Shore and beyond.
This mindset extends across Pohanka of Salisbury’s 10 dealerships — and comes at the direction of Pohanka Automotive Group Dealer Operator Sandy Fitzgerald-Angello.
“The Pohanka team has set a standard of excellence and it starts at the top of our organization through Sandy’s leadership,” says Thurman. “Our mission statement says it best: Commitment of excellence; Do it right the first time; Make it easy for the customer; Make it easy for the team; Think solutions, not problems; Think relentless improvement.”
These standards are evident at Pohanka Toyota, where the diversity and dedication of its team shines in helping customers find the perfect vehicle to suit their needs. Speaking of diversity, the Pohanka Toyota team can speak six different languages, including English, Creole, Spanish, French, Haitian and Portuguese, to assist the Shore’s rich variety of cultures.
Another great aspect of the work environment at Pohanka, according to Thurman, is that learning never ends and that the company brings the very best out of its members, regardless of education, ethnicity or social status.
“The most important lesson I have learned is to not judge a person,” says Thurman. “I’ve had the joy of meeting and working with many people with different backgrounds and upbringings, from a high school drop out to a Duke University graduate with a master’s degree. Each person is special and brings a certain skill set. There’s a place and purpose for everyone here at Pohanka.” CS
Serene is defined as calm, peaceful and untroubled. With the passing of summer into fall, our energetic, fun and very populated coastal areas embody serenity. Finding bald cypress trees at Trap Pond State Park on a perfectly still morning, with fall colors bursting against a sparkling, rising sun, definitely provided a calm, peaceful and untroubled vibe for me.
Photo and description by Tony Pratt
WE FEATURE THE FOLLOWING SERVICES & AMENITIES:
Relax in an attractive community that is comfortable and enjoyable.
Enjoy three delicious meals served to you in the dining room.
Socialize with family, old acquaintances and new treasured friends while our sta attends to requests that will make your life easier.
Utilities, laundry, housekeeping and daily meals are all included in the monthly housing expense.
We o er social clubs which include our men’s group, book club and sewing circle, along with community service projects, pet therapy, spiritual services, cognitive stimulation, group outings, physical & musical therapy, and outdoor gazebo & gardens.
We invite you to visit us to experience the Gull Creek Lifestyle in person, call us at 410-641-3171 to schedule your private tour.
The Ballet on the Beach Dance Festival, a professional dance performance scheduled for Saturday, September 23 along the Atlantic Ocean at Assategaue State Park, will act as a conduit to connect the community, environment and performing arts in one. Attendees are invited to bring beach chairs or towels to enjoy professional dance artists performing in a natural shoreline setting. In addition to professional performances, other festival activities include environmental talks, a community dance class, art activities for children and a post-performance Q&A. The event is free and parking is just $5. In the event of inclement weather, the event will take place on Sunday, September 24. For additional information, visit BalletOnTheBeach.org.
To Michael Rosato, murals are like a still out of a documentary, says the man who considers himself equal parts artist, historian and storyteller. He specializes in designing and painting largescale murals for museums and sports arenas, commissioned by both corporations and individuals.
Michael practices interpretational realism.
“You represent the story, the figurehead within that story, and you can’t just make up that story,” he says, noting how he dives into communities and personally gets to know their people so he can begin to weave a creative tapestry that is then translated into painting. “You have to listen, communicate and develop relationships.”
He paints stories.
At the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center where his studio is based in Cambridge, Michael was called to invite people to share and experience the journey of the fearless conductor of the Underground Railroad.
“I realized, I was painting the human story and separating race from that,” he relates. “We all go through pains and excitement and joy. The whole museum is about this moment where Harriet Tubman is reaching her hand out, offering that hand of freedom.”
The mural went viral. “It resonates on that human level — the feeling is universal,” he says.
A Ukrainian couple commissioned Michael to paint a cultural-historical mural on a building in Annapolis. As part of his process, Michael dives deep. He dedicated hours to learning the family’s heritage. He listened to famed historian Timothy Snyder’s online courses at Yale while painting.
“You realize how much more life, beauty, distress and sorrow there is than what you are getting from everyday news,” he says. “Until you learn a story, you can’t totally understand what is going on.”
In the mural, every vignette represents an important story in Ukrainian history. A starving girl with an upturned wheat cart symbolizes the Stalin-forced 1930-33 wheat famine when 6 million Ukrainians starved to death. A beautiful bride in traditional, embroidered garb suggests hope. “Every flower, every leaf has signature in Ukrainian culture,” he says.
A signature in many of Michael’s works — including the Tubman piece — there’s a “grab.” Tubman’s arm reaches out to invite freedom. A horse in the Ukrainian mural bounds from the surface.
Dialing back, Michael recalls painting a mural for the first time. After leaving a career in architecture and interior design, packing up for New York City, and a stark reckoning that breaking into the art world is cutthroat at
baseline, he returned to his stomping grounds in Washington D.C. and bit on a casual offer waged in a barber shop.
“A friend of mine said, ‘You paint, don’t you?’” he relates.
“At this point, I’m saying yes to anything,” he continues. “I said, ‘I do.’ He introduced me to a muralist after showing him some architectural renderings I did. He was painting a Grecian seaside scene on a wall for a Saudi princess.
He said, ‘Go over there and paint the other one.’ I had this feeling: Do I run or admit that I have no idea what the other painting is? From that day, I have not stopped painting — and it has been 34 years now.”
These opportunities continued to serendipitously land on Michael’s palette.
“I have always wanted to put myself in a position to learn and possibly fail dramatically,” he says.
He never painted an animal in his life until a wildlife museum inquired. “I’d spend 15 hours a day working through figuring out how to paint certain things and loving every minute of it. It is so gratifying on so many levels.”
After a decade and counting, “You realize you’ve put in thousands of hours and you know what you’re doing,” Michael says. “This is how life has been as an artist. It’s not just a desire to produce art, but a desire to live an artistic life, in general.”
Michael, who grew up in St. Petersburg, FL, and spent memorable times with his mother on Fenwick Island, calls murals a “still out of a documentary.” The story is static. His goal is to educate viewers and inspire them to learn more.
Currently, Michael is working on a mural for Chincoteague, where the wild horses run — yet another historical passion project. CS
“I have always wanted to put myself in a position to learn and possibly fail dramatically. You realize you’ve put in thousands of hours and you know what you’re doing. This is how life has been as an artist. It’s not just a desire to produce art, but a desire to live an artistic life, in general.”
Local watercolor artist Jessica L. Schlegel has been drawing and painting for as long as she can remember. After earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Salisbury University and later her master’s degree from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Jessica became a teacher for Dorchester County.
After seven years, she decided to leave her teaching career to pursue her passion as a full-time artist. This decision was, in part, prompted by a request from a local business to hand-paint wine glasses for them to resell. This request gave her the confidence that she
could make a living from her artwork. Today, several stores across Delmarva sell Jessica’s painted wine glasses.
“I paint on traditional wine glasses, tall glasses, stemless, and pilsner glasses. Many of my wine glass designs are of similar Shorerelated themes that you’ll see in my paintings — such as flowers, coastal themes and bay area themes. My most popular ones are flip flops, waves and sunflowers,” shared Jessica.
While she adores painting on wine glasses, Jessica considers her main love to be watercolor paintings. She finds inspiration by traveling to local settings, including beaches, marshes and wineries, to capture scenes of
realism, wildlife and nature.
“I know it’s not something that you typically associate with watercolors, but I love bold colors,” she expressed.
Through her involvement with Ocean City’s public art program, Jessica helped give new life to a few of the town’s utility boxes. Each box is sponsored by a family, local business or other sponsor. In addition to adding vibrance and color to the boxes she has painted, Jessica looks for ways to incorporate themes that relate to the sponsor. An example includes a Kite Loft-sponsored box, on which she painted a young girl running on the sand pulling along a colorful kite.
WHILE JESSICA SCHLEGEL’S DIVERSE ARTISTIC TALENTS ARE CLEARLY EVIDENT, HER MAIN LOVE IS FOUND IN WATERCOLOR PAINTINGS
MADE WITH PREMIUM INGREDIENTS FOR A DELICIOUS INDULGENCE.
Delivery available thru DoorDash & Ubereats
WWW.HOLYMACARONI.CO
Follow us on Social media for more information!
Jessica poses
her
LOCATIONS
137th Street, Ocean City MD
Berlin MD (coming soon)
Salisbury MD (coming soon)
This fall, Jessica is planning to bring back her paint night events, which she paused due to COVID. Through these events, she can combine her passion for art with her background in teaching.
“I love the teaching process, and that was one thing that really broke my heart about leaving the public school system,” Jessica
She continued, “I’ve always been one to encourage people to form their own creativity. For the paint nights, most of the final paintings end up looking the same, but I encourage people to make it their own if they’d like.”
Jessica’s hand-painted wine glasses and notecards are available online, as well as at several retailers throughout the Shore, including Sister’s in Berlin. You can find her paintings, which can also be ordered as prints, on her website at JLSchlegelArt.com. In addition, Jessica accepts commissions, but is typically booked up six months in advance. CS
Fashion inspo and styling, recipes and beauty hacks — the blog Carly Hlinko built through the years grew a loyal following and seeded an idea for a more tangible way to reach the world. So, the women’s boutique Lilla Cavallo was born, initially as an online venue. It quickly escalated to warehouse proportions with global sales and now, a shop located at 403 Rehoboth Avenue in Rehoboth Beach.
“The growth organically put us in a position where my husband and I were looking at each other and said, ‘We need a store,’” Carly says of the boutique, which opened in May. Inside is a treasure trove of clothing from Parisien brands like Choklate with their contemporary, globally inspired pieces, Just Black denim, “which is the most phenomenal pair of jeans you will slide on,” and Lilla Cavallo brand accessories that Carly designs.
Other sought-after lines include Julie Vos and BuddyLove, with its bold, tiered maxi dresses that speak to Carly’s personal style. In fact, every garment, accessory and décor item in the shop is a reflection of her taste, which she calls classic and colorful. “I love to mix tailored classic designs with fantastic charismatic pieces,” she relates.
Her aesthetic is equally electric — her word choice. “I’ll wear a neon yellow blazer with green pants,” she says.
for our clients, always acting in their best interests as we strive to help them achieve their goals
aspirations.
Carly has created a lifestyle brand that incorporates a mission to help women that’s infused with her personality and family heritage.
“I wear what I want, and I think that is inspiring.”
Carly has a passion for helping guests push the boundaries a bit to find the perfect outfits. “We pride ourselves on helping women, and we really do transform the way people shop,” she says, noting that she carries items in sizes XS through five-XL.
An inviting, “Try this on,” leads into storytelling and building friendships with customers, who return to visit with Carly and find out what’s in store. “When you come in, you’ll leave with items that are curated by me,” she says.
As for the name, Carly tells the story of how Lilla Cavallo came to be. She was cruising down the highway, brainstorming potential names that would speak to her Italian heritage. Lilla means lilac, her favorite color and meaningful to her husband as a memory of his mother.
Horse culture and the equestrian lifestyle resonate with Carly, who says, ‘I have a large admiration for it — I love the chicness, the outfits and it’s so classic Americano, so I wanted to encompass that in the brand.”
Ecco, Lilla Cavallo.
Aside from Lilla Cavallo accessories, Carly expects to introduce a clothing line and continue a robust online business. The boutique and all it stands for is a passion project, and her contagious enthusiasm is the ultimate accessory.
Carly encourages, “There is a whole experience waiting in store for you!” CS
Influenced by the wave-lapped shoreline of Ocean City, William C. (Bill) Anderson’s lengthy highprofile career has reflected his concern for energy and ecology. The Maryland coastline exerted such a pull that even after working and living in a litany of exotic locations, his family wanted the Eastern Shore as the permanent backdrop of their home. And now, he has begun a new project highlighting the need for critical thinking and American ingenuity in addressing climate change.
Anderson grew up in Baltimore County, Maryland, and spent summers in Ocean City. The natural beauty he noticed during those early summers would shape his ideas for the rest of his life. He attended Washington College in Chestertown, earning a B.A. in History, then attended Syracuse University, where he received his J.D. (Juris Doctorate). He credits law school with doing more than sharpening his business and leadership skills. Law school provided something else, a framework for decision-making based on logic and careful consideration of ideas.
He always wanted to be a lawyer but was interested in business, not the courtroom, so he enrolled in the University of Miami, Herbert Business School. While there, Anderson was offered a position at General Electric, then headed by legendary chairman and CEO Jack Welch. Over time, he mirrored the fabled executive’s practices
Bill Anderson’s impressive career saw him reach the pinnacles of success at General Electric, the Air Force and Maryland Department of Natural Resources. His latest work challenges private and public sectors to examine current policies on climate change.
of successful leadership.
After serving as the Assistant Secretary for Installations, Environment, and Logistics of the Air Force, one of the top civilian leaders in that branch of the U.S. Military, he was named Assistant Secretary—Aquatic
Resources for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. He applied a valuable principle learned early in his career — surround yourself with subject matter experts and remove roadblocks so they can thrive.
Anderson’s newest project — a Substack Newsletter titled The Annoying Reality by Bill Anderson — uses his hard-won expertise to ask questions about climate change policy. “We should be doing everything we can to preserve the planet,” Bill says with conviction. Few would disagree that the wanton destruction of natural resources is unwise.
“We should be doing everything we can to preserve the planet,” Bill says with conviction. Few would disagree that the wanton destruction of natural resources is unwise.
But Anderson is not wringing his hands in confusion. Instead, he is using his newsletter to call for consistency in a culture of hypocrisy.
He believes global leaders are making frantic decisions to combat climate change while acting in opposition to those decisions. The choices are causing poly-crises that, compounded over time, lead to unimaginable problems. He asks questions — insightful ones — about the vagaries of energy management policy. He does not want an echo chamber where sycophants reactively appreciate his ideas; this is an invitation to disagree — even vehemently with his position.
Anderson is not creating an apocalyptic energy-wasted landscape. He is offering solutions that will lessen the exploitation of resources like lithium and cobalt and stop what amounts to the recolonization of the African continent by global business enterprises. He looks at energy holistically and begins with the end in mind, opining that creative energy solutions must play a profound role in sustainable energy for the planet.
To him, sustainable energy is an economic issue, a national security issue and an environmental issue — an example of a polycrises he writes about. He unashamedly supports American competitiveness and innovation to loosen the grip of monolithic technological bureaucracy centered in a handful of other nations.
Tapping into the brilliance of American innovation benefits the U.S. and the world. He has collaborated with Dr. Bryant Mitchell, a professor at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) School of Business and Technology, intending to expand the pool of entrepreneurial innovators in the United States. The two want to provide gifted entrepreneurs from poor and working-class backgrounds new opportunities that traditionally fall to those with connections based on wealth or family status. Their goal is to award startup capital based on meritorious innovation. Anderson knows America can lead in energy solutions, but every American must have an opportunity to bring their best ideas.
The passion and knowledge Anderson brings to a discussion about climate change may sway even the most hardened cynics. He is willing to listen and to learn. In a career spanning decades, he has seen the benefits of welcoming difficult questions. He knows that without them, there can never be real innovation.
Read Bill’s blog, and join in the conversation, by visiting TheAnnoyingReality.Substack.com. CS
IN BUSINESS SINCE 1985
Extensive Facials . Variety of Massages. Brow Artistry. Lamination. Threading. Mapping. Waxing/Brazilian. Bridal Makeup/Special Events. Eyelash Tinting & Lifting. Eyelash Applications. Spa Pedicures & Manicures. Designer Cuts & Styles. UpStyles. Color. Luxury Blonde Highlights. Ombre. Keratin Treatments. MILBON Treatments & HABIT Hand-Tied Hair Extensions. Visit Chic Boutique for all the latest fall fashions, shoes/boots & accessories. Where else can you shop while you get your hair done?
Did you know that hearing loss is the third most chronic condition affecting the health of the older, adult population? And that’s not all: Recent research emphasizes the effects of hearing loss on a variety of other health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and anxiety, chronic kidney disease, increased falls and balance difficulties, as well as cognitive decline and dementia.
Dr. Justin Elder, President of Cape Medical Group, had a vision to create a full-service ENT and audiology program that gives residents of southern Delaware a comprehensive hearing healthcare environment. Through dedication and hard work, his vision has come to fruition. The audiology team at Cape Medical Group works to provide the most advanced treatments for patients of all ages through comprehensive audiological evaluations, bone-anchored hearing device evaluations, hearing aid evaluations, as well as fittings and tinnitus management and surgical procedures.
Cape Medical Group is the only practice in the area with two full-time audiologists who work in conjunction with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist).
Leading the department is Dr. Jean Davison, Director of Audiology. She has been practicing for 35 years, predominantly in Sussex County. She has worked with several ENT physicians and private practices, while also having established the audiology programs at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital and Beebe healthcare. She enjoys working in an ENT environment, so her patients get access to the most advanced options while being treated for hearing disorders.
Dr. Davison is supported by Dr. Eryn Evans, a Sussex County native, who officially joined Cape Medical Group after graduating from Towson University with her doctoral degree in Audiology in 2021. Previously, Dr. Evans completed fellowship training in 2020 with the practice. With more than a decade of audiological experience to her credit, Dr. Evans’ advanced diagnostic and rehabilitative skills greatly benefit the patients of Cape Medical Group.
Cape Medical Group audiology strives to not only diagnose and treat hearing loss, but also educate the public on hearing loss and the importance of early treatment. Treating hearing loss appropriately with hearing aids will lower one’s risk for developing dementia. A 2023 study published in The Hearing Review concluded that hearing aids can even slow the rate of cognitive decline by 48% for individuals with memory difficulties.
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.
After more than half a million votes were cast and counted, the following TidalHealth providers have been voted the Best Of 2023 by the readers of Coastal Style 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
• Stephen Mears, Best Nurse, Wicomico County
• Dr. Sophia Shakur, Best Neurosurgeon, 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 providers, visit tidalhealth.org.
TidalHealth winners
“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.
During the pandemic, Dr. Chris Snyder became a household name.
As Chief Quality Officer for TidalHealth and a longtime physician, he could be found wherever cameras were rolling. From podcasts to TV interviews, he became TidalHealth’s resident expert on COVID-19.
This year, he’s been gaining recognition for his role on Dr. Taboo, a thrilling new podcast where he fearlessly uncovers the answers to your most embarrassing health questions.
“Answering one person’s awkward question can be very impactful,” he said. “It’s great that we can make this service available to the community.”
Dr. Snyder, who grew up in Potomac, Md., and graduated from Salisbury University, has been named Wicomico County’s ‘Healthcare Hero’ by Coastal Style for the second consecutive year.
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.
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. But it’s worth it.
"Having the ability to comfort people with the knowledge to make a difficult decision is really what makes me come to work everyday,” he said.
To check out Dr. Taboo, visit getwelldelmarva.com, a new health and wellness site that brings you trusted and reliable health information so you can start your journey toward a healthier you.
For Stephen Mears, CRNP, the best part of his job is watching his patients regain control of their health.
A primary care provider at TidalHealth Primary Care in Salisbury, Mears was recently voted ‘Best Nurse in Wicomico County’ by readers of Coastal Style.
Mears has been a nurse for 23 years; 13 as a critical care nurse at
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and 10 years as a nurse practitioner.
The key to being a good healthcare provider, he said, is respect.
“It’s important to always be straight forward and honest,” he said. “You must help the patient come up with a plan for better health, and work with them to achieve their goals.”
While Mears is elated to receive recognition, he is also humbled.
“This award should be given to all the dedicated nurses and nurse practitioners on the Shore who do their jobs every day with dedication, excellence and professionalism,” he said. “There are so many amazing nurses who should be recognized.”
To schedule an appointment with Mears, visit tidalhealth.org or call TidalHealth Primary Care at 410-9125785.
“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.
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 has been voted ‘Best Physician’ in Worcester County by the readers of Coastal Style.
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.
“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 small-town doc.”
In TidalHealth’s hybrid operating room, clinical teams perform symphonies. Leading the group like a conductor is the surgeon, who gives direction to the virtual orchestra (a talented group of healthcare professionals) to ensure they don’t miss a beat.
That surgeon is Dr. Sophia Shakur, who was recently named ‘Best Neurosurgeon’ in Wicomico County by readers of Coastal Style.
Dr. Shakur is a James M. Bennett High School alumna who returned home from medical school to provide a brand-new service to her community: minimally invasive neurosurgery.
Assisted by high-tech equipment with advanced medical imaging capabilities, her team is dedicated to achieving positive outcomes for their patients — and their families.
Minimally invasive surgery has many benefits, Dr. Shakur said. Not only is there no incision — procedures are performed with a needle puncture — but patients typically experience
shorter hospital stays, faster recoveries and better outcomes.
The hybrid operating room at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, where these procedures take place, is the first of its kind in Maryland. It's a surgical suite with an interventional angiography biplane unit. Its two radiographic X-ray detectors provide images in two planes simultaneously: one from the front and another from the side.
Before TidalHealth’s hybrid operating room opened, patients were forced to travel hours away to metropolitan hospitals for treatment. Now, Dr. Shakur said, patients can stay close to home. It’s not only convenient, it saves lives.
“Time is brain, so this is having a big impact on patient outcomes. It really benefits patients medically to stay here,” she said. “If someone has a stroke, for every 30 minutes that goes by there’s a 10 percent decrease in a good outcome.”
Dr. Shakur operates on patients with strokes, brain aneurysms, vascular malformations and intracranial stenosis (the narrowing of arteries in the brain), to name a few.
GetWellDelmarva.com
Get Well Delmarva is your ultimate destination for reliable and trusted health information related to your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Get Well Delmarva features articles, videos and podcasts, giving you the tools you need to make informed decisions about your health.
Articles and stories
Get Well Delmarva provides a wealth of knowledge and information through our carefully curated articles, covering topics related to health, wellness, mind and mood.
Listen to our Dr. Taboo podcast, produced by Tony Weeg with expertise from Dr. Chris Snyder. No matter the health topic, if it makes you squirm, Dr. Snyder has likely treated it. Listen in each week as he tackles a new yucky topic — one you just might be too embarrassed to ask your own doctor about. Dr. Taboo is available at GetWellDelmarva.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Join our growing community of readers! Subscribe to Get Well Delmarva’s e-newsletter and have valuable wellness information delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now by visiting GetWellDelmarva.com.
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We welcome your comments, suggestions and story ideas. Please email hello@getwelldelmarva.com to share your thoughts and feedback.
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 recently voted TidalHealth Cardiology ‘Best Cardiology Practice’ in Worcester and Wicomico counties. And with offices in Ocean Pines, Salisbury and Seaford, Del., 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 Tres Pelot, interim 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. A 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 of experience,” Pelot 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.
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.
Convenient
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.
Life only gets better as we age — and the residents at Londonderry on the Tred Avon live life to the fullest every day. Located on the picturesque banks of the Tred Avon River in the heart of downtown Easton, Londonderry is a vibrant, independent living cooperative that promotes wellness of mind and body.
Celebrating more than 30 years as the Eastern Shore’s premier retirement community. The Londonderry team and residents believe in staying active. They
feel this is the key to aging. “Staying active means many things, from being around people who have common interests, from singing to exercising to attending lectures,” says Rachel Smith, Londonderry’s director of sales and marketing. “Our holistic approach to wellness with an emphasis on staying active, set our interdependent living community apart.”
While living in the residential cooperative community, residents are able to immerse themselves in the soothing sights and sounds of nature, boasting over 1,500 feet of
waterfront; bird watching is a common pass time. Londonderry features maintenance free living. Residents don’t have to worry about the demands of homeownership, they don’t even have to change their own light bulbs.
The community offers many different housing options, from cottages starting at 574 sq. ft. to over 3,000, and apartments starting at 907 sq ft. to over 1,200 sq. ft. Sitting on 29 historic acres in Talbot County, Londonderry is the only cooperative living retirement community of it’s kind on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and has now been
Londonderry CEO Irma Toce (seated, left) heads a team that includes Rachel Smith (seated, right), Lorraine Flisher (standing, left), Chelsea Coombs (standing, center) and Jennifer Hughes.
recognized four consecutive years as the best residential community in Dorchester/Talbot counties from Coastal Style magazine.
Residents can start off their day with a residents can start there day with a walk along the waterfront or attending a morning exercise 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 for residents. All the ingredients used in the Tred Avon Tavern are locally-sourced and seasonal.
One doesn’t have to look far for opportunities to stay active. Those interested in staying busy throughout the day can take part in an array of activities, such as biking on nearby paths, swimming in the pool, painting with friends, crafting at the clubhouse and making beer at the Manor House.
Its full time activity coordinator receives help from the activity committee. Together they develop a community calendar of on-and-off campus events, including fitness classes, holiday celebrations, outdoor farmers markets, car shows and excursions for shopping and dining. Londonderry residents also have the benefit of a Director of Health and Wellness who is a certified RN.
Each Londonderry team member strives for excellence, aiming to provide exceptional service that fosters a welcoming and vibrant community. Londonderry’s dedicated health and wellness, dining services, buildings and grounds and housekeeping teams are collectively committed to the wellness and safety of all Londonderry residents, families and guests. The team will go the extra mile every day to make Londonderry a special place to call home.
TEAM ORIENTED
Londonderry’s talented and specialized support staff members help its residents live their best lives.
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, 24-hour security, 24-hour emergency call service, snow removal, healthcare coordination and appliance repair are all part of living at Londonderry. Providing the very best amenities and activities is of utmost importance. At Londonderry, It’s Your Life, Your Way.
The Londonderry on the Tred Avon team welcomes you to stop by or call Rachel Smith at 410-820-8732. CS
Pohanka Automotive Group of Salisbury is proud to be the Eastern Shore’s newand-used-car source. They have all the brands that you love, including Ford, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Lincoln, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota, Sprinter and Volkswagen. If you are looking for a used vehicle, they have even more brands in their inventory!
Whether you need a car, truck or SUV, you can count on the team at Pohanka Automotive Group of Salisbury to provide you with the right vehicle at the right price. On top of that, they have several service centers all throughout the Delmarva Peninsula to assist you when your vehicle needs attention.
When you count on Pohanka Automotive Group of Salisbury for all things automotive, you’ll never have to count on anyone else because they genuinely care about its customers. Their commitment to the Eastern Shore community has always been strong — and you can depend on the brand that won Best Business, Best Car Dealership and Best Businesswoman, Pohanka of Salisbury VP/ Dealer Operator Sandy Fitzgerald-Angello, in 2023!
Pohanka of Salisbury’s benefits include the unwavering commitment of its general managers and sales teams to connect residents with the vehicle of their dreams with guaranteed financing — regardless of their credit history.
“I cannot stress this enough,” says Will Toadvine, General Manager of Pohanka CDJR of Salisbury. “We take great pride in helping the hardworking residents of the Eastern Shore drive away in the car or truck they’ve been dreaming about. We welcome the opportunity to help our friends and neighbors across Delmarva.”
Pohanka of Salisbury has donated over $1,000,000 to 750 charitable organizations since its foundation, Pohanka Pays It Forward, was established in 2009. Pohanka continues paying it forward every day to charities all across the Eastern Shore. It is Sandy’s belief, as well as its employees, that nothing is more important than giving back to the community that we all work, live and raise our families in.
Overture Ultimate Home Electronics of Rehoboth Beach has been delivering custom home-electronics solutions to customers since 1993. The company’s range of products and services includes outdoor lighting, high-end audio-visual equipment, surround-sound systems, wireless data networks, camera security systems 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.
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.
With the goal creating the ultimate entertainment experience, Overture also works with customers to build breathtaking, custom interior and exterior spaces that can include outdoor televisions, sound systems,
automated lighting and window treatments packages, home security technologies and much more.
You can feel confident in knowing that Overture offers the latest TV models that provide the best picture quality for your needs and surroundings. At Overture, they take great pride in designing and installing the appropriate system for its clients — while exceeding their expectations.
If you are interested in learning more about Overture’s products and services, they welcome you to stop by their showroom in Rehoboth Beach, schedule a private consultation or visit their website at OvertureAV.com.
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.
Rejuvenation Skin Wellness & Aesthetics
is the perfect pairing of science and soul. Providing clients with natural results that rejuvenate and repair is a priority. Amanda Donaway, FNP-BC, and the team work enthusiastically to deliver high-quality and comprehensive aesthetic services with excellence, care, and competence.
As Delaware’s premier center for cosmetic beauty, the staff offers a variety of treatments to make clients feel and look their best. A comprehensive selection of services provides both men and women with natural results. Trained and board-certified experts administer injectables like Botox and Juvederm and clinical skincare treatments such as Dermaplane and chemical peels.
LATISSE® eyelash treatments, waxing and Neograft hair restoration renew confidence in how clients see themselves in the mirror. Other options, including Laser treatments, Morpheus Radiofrequency for skin tightening and Semaglutide weight loss management injections, are offered with a gentle touch. There is a spotlight on personal connection at Rejuvenation Skin Wellness & Aesthetics because of the relationships forged by Dr. Julie Hattier, the previous owner. After 17 years of ownership, she helped with the transition and mentored Amanda. The unique situation resulted in a healthy business supported by respect and friendship.
Focusing on staff education is paramount
to Amanda. She attributes the success of Rejuvenation to the hardworking staff. All have a heart to serve, are committed to clients, and show integrity each day. The employees are compassionate and focus on providing superior care for clients with followup calls, encouragement, and even holding someone’s hand to comfort them while they undergo a procedure. The generosity goes beyond the walls of the office. Each Christmas, the staff adopts a family struggling to provide gifts for their children. There has even been a scholarship created for nursing students. For Amanda and the team, relationships are primary. Not only with the patients but with each other.
“I love coming to work,” says Amanda.
One of the greatest gifts one can give is to bring beauty into the lives of others. On the Eastern Shore, no one does this better than Bryan LeCompte of Yard Designs, Inc. For 30-plus years, Bryan and his team have been creating some of the Eastern Shore’s most spectacular transformations the region has ever seen. From the grandest commercial buildings and most important civic institutions to breathtaking backyards of every shape and size, Yard Designs has long established its reputation as the Shore’s leading landscape design/build company.
Best of all, Bryan and the other master craftsmen of Yard Designs have only improved over time, teeming with new ideas and concepts that Bryan collects from around the
world during his frequent travels for design inspiration.
Yard Designs specializes not only in landscape design and architecture but also magnificent outdoor structures in stone, brick, concrete and wood, including fireplaces, firepits, kitchens, bars, pavilions and gazebos, in a wide variety of spectacular architectural styles. With every job Yard Designs accepts, the only goal is to create a custom environment that the client would be unable to find anywhere else. But Yard Designs doesn’t just attend to the aesthetics; the company also embraces the classic tenets of design, meaning everything the company creates must efficiently and elegantly perform the function for which it was created.
The result raises the bar of what is possible and sets new standards for residential and commercial beauty on the Eastern Shore.
Of all his responsibilities, there is none Bryan takes more seriously than the trust his clients place in his company to turn their dreams into reality, which he considers a privilege. Whether the client has a detailed concept of what they want, or they rely on him to do it all, Bryan will not relent until he delivers a product that exceeds their greatest expectations.
Bryan’s true reward comes when the project is complete, and he gets to witness the look on the client’s face as they realize their new space for the very first time. He considers it an honor to do so and will always be humbled by their trust in his vision.
Krista Valliant grew up in the real estate industry, and from a very young age, has known the value that superior quality architectural photography plays in showcasing properties for sellers and buyers, agents and brokers. Working for her parents at Seacoast Realty in Ocean City taught her the basics, and through experiences working for a national photography company shooting residential and vacation rental properties across the United States and the Caribbean, she parlayed her knowledge and talents into creating Atlantic Exposure LLC in 2018.
Her Berlin-based business features a beautiful downtown office space with a portrait studio and her team of eight professionals
includes photographers, FAA licensed drone pilots, quality control editors, a social media manager and an office manager. Atlantic Exposure’s services include photography, drone photos and videos, twilight, immersive Matterport tours, 3-D Zillow tours, virtual staging, detail photography, floorplan creation, social media videos, single property websites and more. Its roster of clients includes real estate agencies, custom home builders, interior designers, architects, hotels and restaurants, among others.
Atlantic Exposure’s photography has been featured on the cover and in countless home tour feature stories in Coastal Style magazine, as well as many other regional publications. Its
collective work in Delaware was recognized this year by being voted Best Real Estate Photographer in Sussex County by the readers of Coastal Style
“We love our work, and it shows in our photography every day,” says Krista. “We pride ourselves on our great customer service, easy online ordering, and scheduling with 7 day a week availability, and we are passionate what we do! With five professional photographers, we can meet our clients’ appointment needs, even on the weekends!”
The fast-growing team at Atlantic Exposure looks forward to helping its clients achieve the very best exposure in the Shore’s highly competitive market.
Are you ready to start living your life to its fullest potential? LifeMark, a leader in counseling and educational services, works with clients to better understand and resolve the challenges in their lives. You may need extra support and guidance during a difficult situation or perhaps are ready to move in a new direction. You are one step closer to a healthier you when you partner with LifeMark.
The talented, professional staff at both the Salisbury, Maryland, and Georgetown, Delaware locations work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues, providing services that span from therapy for depression and grief counseling to parenting support,
couples counseling, and beyond. The approach is highly personalized and tailored to individual needs.
With a singular focus on instilling hope and cultivating wholeness, the team meets people where they are and specializes in providing clients with hope until they can begin to have it on their own. Because LifeMark is a nonprofit organization, the focus is on people, not profits.
The staff is intentional about their own health, too, knowing they can only give to others if they take care of themselves. LifeMark invests in its team members, and clients sense a healthy, safe environment when they enter the office. The hopeful environment is crucial
to the team at LifeMark. The office space is not a sterile box with harsh, flat lighting but is a warm, comfortable, and inviting atmosphere. The details that seem insignificant to other organizations matter to LifeMark. They believe in excellence and making it available to all.
LifeMark cares for the entire person and is unapologetic about having a Christian Worldview. The staff does not impose a worldview on anyone but offers the best of faith-based and clinical practice. Good health begins from the inside out. With compassionate and effective care, LifeMark helps uncover a person’s true potential so they can lead a life worth celebrating.
Since 2005, Donovan’s Painting and Drywall has provided award-winning, quality service and results to their family of clients. Donovan’s Painting and Drywall does it all — from drywall installation and painting to garage floor coating and final cleaning. “We go above and beyond on every project because we share your passion for excellence,” owners Jose and Karen Sandoval say with a smile.
Donovan’s Painting and Drywall brings its renowned detail-driven focus to residential and commercial clients from Dover to Ocean City. This year, a new location in Lewes is open to serve its growing family of clients. The team prides itself on delivering quality results no matter the job.
The group of dedicated specialists offers years of experience. Each crew member understands what makes a project unique and what is needed to get things done efficiently and effectively. Because of their almost two decades of expertise, the team will work with any brand of paint a contractor or homeowner prefers, getting the same outstanding results. Like gifted artists, they know how to get the best results from their materials.
Because Donovan’s Painting and Drywall offers a broad package of services, it is easy for them to complete large or small projects from start to finish. Each job—from painting the front door of a home to painting the interior of an office building — is given the same caring
touch. Customers appreciate the opportunity to work with one company rather than struggle to find multiple contractors.
Appreciation for clients and staff is one reason for the continued success that the Sandovals have experienced. They are honored to have been voted Best Painting Company in Sussex County and know how important it is to bring value to the community. “We would not have been able to do this without our customers, and we thank them all for their continuous support!” When your company has a reputation for excellence, the results speak for themselves.
In its fourth generation of business, East Coast Tile & Flooring’s family-owned, personal approach to customer service is a focus of pride for owner Mike Bradford and his team. As longtime residents of the Eastern Shore, they appreciate that the relationships they form with customers are truly genuine.
“When you come in, you will talk to someone who really cares — you talk to the owner,” Bradford says. “In larger companies, it’s all about numbers. Here, it’s all about making clients as happy as we can.”
East Coast Tile & Flooring’s state-of-the-art design center in Pittsville boasts more than 4,500 sq. ft. of space featuring thousands of flooring types from all over the world. From exquisite tile, beautiful natural stone and
stunning wood look options, East Coast Tile & Flooring not only offers the Shore’s largest array of selections, they are also expertly experienced to ensure homeowners are thrilled with the installation of their project. Residential customers can depend on the company for turn-key remodeling services. Flooring, tile, cabinetry, fixtures — Bradford’s design/installation team manages every aspect of renovating kitchens, bathrooms and other living spaces. Their professional design team welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with homeowners about their projects to assist with selections based on clients’ vision, budget and taste. They have in-house installers and carpenters, and partner with local electricians and plumbers.
From timeless designs to trending products, East Coast Tile & Flooring introduces customers to a world of amazing possibilities — and completes the work with superior results. Consider this review from satisfied customers Greg and Charlotte H.: “We just would like to express our deepest appreciation for the professional experience we had working with you and being in your fantastic showroom. You have a broad range of selections and it was very exciting to look around at all the colors and patterns. We also want to commend Charlie for the outstanding work he did on the installation at our home. The tile work is beautiful! We believe in paying compliments to folks who do a great job and do it well. Job well done!”
The second-generation family practice, Jose F. Alvarado and Associates, has an expanding office delivering evidence-based pediatric care in a caring environment where providers really know their patients. “We were founded on the principle of maintaining a small office feeling,” says Jose E. Alvarado, MD, FAAP, who took over his late father’s practice in 2012.
Closely connected to the community, the office does so much more than practice medicine. Providers ease fears, educate patients, help them through life’s transitions and champion their wellness. To do so, appointment times are generous — and the office prides itself on running a prompt schedule to reduce waiting room time.
Last year, the practice welcomed Stacey Engster, MD, MS, FAAP, who grew up in Salisbury and Dr. Alvarado Sr. was her pediatrician. After moving away for medical training and starting a family, she returned to the area and came on board in January 2022. Her focus on clinical research and medical education is an asset to the practice.
“Pediatrics is such a rewarding field — we get to see a wide age range of patients from newborns to young adults, and we treat not just the patients, but their entire families,” Dr. Engster says.
Further expanding access to care is the addition of Kylie White, NP. After having two premature births and NICU experiences, she
decided to become a nurse practitioner and focus on pediatrics. She completed clinical studies at the practice, and her children also see Dr. Alvarado.
Joyce Blevins, CRNP, began working with Dr. Alvarado Sr. in 1997. “There is such a level of comfort and joy when you walk into a room and see parents you cared for when they were children and they’re coming back to see me with their babies,” she relates.
Curious to learn more about the practice?
Check out one of Jose F. Alvarado and Associates’ monthly meet and greets for prospective parents. Dr. Alvarado says, “It’s a great opportunity to get to know what our providers are all about.”
Compass Mental Wellness Services of Seaford recently celebrated two milestones: its threeyear business anniversary, and for the third year in a row, it has been crowned the Best Counseling Center and Best Mental Health Professional of Sussex County by the readers of Coastal Style
Compass Mental Wellness Services is a veteran-owned practice, with approximately 20 experienced professionals on staff, including two Marine Corp veterans, who take pride in serving a broad range of clients. “We are very much based on neuroscience. It is a more concrete perspective than is usually practiced within the mental health community,” says Eric Johnson, PhD, owner and licensed psychologist at Compass Mental Wellness Services.
The team at Compass Mental Wellness Services is made up of professionals with diverse educational and professional backgrounds. They bring 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.
Compass Mental Wellness Services is currently accepting new patients. In addition to therapy and psychiatry, the practice also provides primary care services under primary
care nurse practitioner Ashley Taylor, MSN, APRN, FNP-C.
Another important element of Compass Mental Wellness Services’ work is hosting internships, as well as encouraging continuing research and publication. The internship program has hosted several interns since inception, including pre-licensure and postdoctoral candidates. Recently, Dr. Eric Johnson collaborated with pre-licensed therapist Tiffany Hollis, M.S., to write a chapter that was published in An International Collection of Multidisciplinary Approaches to Violence and Aggression
Compass Mental Wellness Services is pleased to share that the practice will be pursuing a physical expansion at its current location in 2024.
As a vascular health professional and surgeon, Douglas Wilhite, MD, emphasizes that varicose vein diseases sometimes go deeper and can be tied to deeper circulation problems, or issues related to the spine or lower back. “As a physician that is focused on overall vascular health, I help identify the root of the problem rather than fast-forwarding to a treatment that might be beyond what is medically necessary,” he says.
Patients who visit Dr. Wilhite, Dr. Hossain SaidMahmoudian and Dr. Michael Bounds at Mid Atlantic Surgical Group in Salisbury, experience a thorough consultation, including an evaluation of symptoms and veins. Treatment generally begins with compression stockings and might advance to ultrasound to find underlying
concerns by an in-office vascular ultrasound technologist, who works directly with practice physicians to pinpoint the source.
“All of us have varicose veins and not everyone needs surgery, and that’s important to understand,” Dr. Wilhite says, relating that this holistic approach ensures patients receive the care they really need. And if that is surgery, today’s radio frequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that takes about 15 minutes.
“It involves placing a needle in the vein, numbing it and using microwave energy, which causes the vein to close down over the course of weeks,” Dr. Wilhite explains. “It’s painless, quick and extremely effective.”
Varicose vein care is a special interest for Dr. Wilhite, whose practice includes endovascular
techniques and vascular surgeries like aneurysm repair. He also focuses on limb salvage procedures and correcting carotid disease and venous disorders. All of Mid Atlantic Surgical Group’s physicians are certified by the American Board of Surgery and recognized as Fellows of the American College of Surgeons. For more than 30 years, the comprehensive surgical practice has provided general, bariatric and vascular surgery to patients across the Eastern Shore.
Dr. Wilhite, Dr. Said and Dr. Bounds are invested in the community, where they live with their families. “We try very hard to provide comprehensive, high-level care for our patients and to offer the newest forms and standards of therapy,” says Dr. Wilhite.
Taylor Bank is a force for good in local communities in and surrounding Worcester County. “Our dedicated employees are ingrained in the community,” says Andrea Adams, Senior Vice President and Director of Branch Administration. Many associates serve on nonprofit boards and volunteer for local organizations.
When customers call, they reach a Taylor Bank associate. “You don’t have to push buttons or choose an option — we pride ourselves on being very available through every channel,” Adams says. With experts across the bank’s channels, questions are answered by knowledgeable specialists.
Growth is also a key factor allowing Taylor Bank to offer an array of innovative solutions,
such as For Good Checking. Taylor Bank directs a portion of every debit card transaction to its For Good Fund which supports local nonprofits and organizations addressing critical needs in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
In business for 133 years, Taylor Bank now has more than 100 employees and has been awarded the Superior, 5-Star rating by BauerFinancial for 131 consecutive quarters. This means Taylor Bank is one of the country’s strongest, safest banks.
A testament to the bank’s stability and resilience is the peace of mind its clients gain when some other banks’ customers worried about closures, especially amid recent market trends. “Our customers are loyal, and they have confidence in us, and for all these years, that
has not changed — even in uncertain times,” Adams says.
Four tenants drive Taylor Bank’s team to meet clients’ expectations. Those are highquality customer service, a dedicated and responsible staff, efficient operations and a progressive menu of products to attract the next generation of bank customers.
“We are very mindful of how important our relationship officers are, and the partnerships they have with lending officers and our business service specialists,” Adams says. “Together, they make up a team that serves our business customers. We make sure the services we provide help their businesses grow and we give them all we have to help them be successful.”
“There’s no vision or dream that we can’t achieve for our clients. We are a completely custom remodeling and building company, with a focus on superior customer service.”
These are the principles of Tyler Building Company as stated by its co-owner, Will Tyler, who founded the Wicomico County-based company with his wife, Nikki, in 2005. As a premier, full-service builder, Tyler Building Company specializes in all aspects of home improvement projects, including remodeling and additions, decks, patios and pergolas and roofing and exterior needs. Tyler Building Company has the knowledge and experience to get the job done right — on budget and on time, and to their credit, was once again voted the Best Carpentry/Woodworking Company
in Wicomico County by the readers of Coastal Style magazine in 2023.
The Tyler Building Company team consists of the area’s leading carpenters and craftsmen who each possess 20-plus years of trade experience. Will and Nikki are especially proud that their company is personally guiding the next generation of local experts into the industry, thanks to its relationship with Wicomico County Public School’s Career and Technology Education Department, which gives students a firsthand opportunity to learn trades and skills that can shape their professional careers.
Tyler Building Company strives to provide our area with the most custom additions and remodeling services, while providing its clients
with professional, courteous service with the utmost attention to detail. Their testimonials speak volumes for their talents and genuine customer service.
“Tyler Building Company renovated my kitchen and I love the work they did! My kitchen is everything I had dreamed it would be,” says Michele Sarris. “They were very helpful and responsive to all my questions. Even when I asked for an additional change towards the end of the project, they were extremely accommodating.”
Superior craftsmanship with responsive and attentive customer service from industry experts. That’s what satisfied customers have experienced working with Tyler Building Company for nearly 20 years.
Centered in quaint downtown Berlin with its dining and shopping is The Community at Gull Creek — a feature-rich community with a vast array of amenities on campus that make living easy and interesting for everyone. Residents can meander on walking paths that wind through a sprawling garden with more than 1,200 plantings, cared for by a master gardener. Park benches, tables, chairs and rocking chairs offer countless opportunities for fresh air, relaxation or activity for enjoying Gull Creek’s outdoor classes and events.
“All of this is right in your backyard,” says Megan Richmond, Marketing Director. “You can feel the energy and positivity. Residents
are smiling, engaged, there’s music playing, and families are in and out all the time.”
Gull Creek is known for its focus on compassion, dedication and professionalism, and this starts at the top with a committed team of leaders, Richmond says. “Our director heads have been here for years, so there is longevity and that gives confidence,” she relates. “They are united and in synch, and that camaraderie has a trickle-down effect.”
In a word, vitality describes the lifestyle residents experience at Gull Creek, which was recognized this year as a Best Memory Care Unit by U.S. News & World Report Last year, the community garnered a
National Quality Award from the American Healthcare Association.
“Our team routinely goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our residents,” Richmond shares. “Our employees touch lives by providing dignified lifestyles.”
Above all, residents find joy in the community. Richmond shares how one artistic resident was inspired to start sketching again as the new gardens were being installed. It breathed new life into a passion he had not exercised in some time.
Richmond says, “It’s a truly family-oriented community.”
Salisbury, Maryland-based Absolute Security Group is the area’s premier security company. The team, led by president Scott Nibblett, specializes in commercial and residential security systems. From burglar and fire alarms to video surveillance and access controls, Absolute Security Group has the knowledge and experience to provide exceptional advice and service.
“Our team is part of our family,” says Scott. Their clients are treated like family, too. From start to finish, the custom security system process is led by honest, trustworthy team members. Absolute Security Group has a mission to provide exceptional and timely service while building close relationships. Guiding each step of the experience is how clients receive a personal and hands-on experience from a company dedicated to delivering on its word.
Sales representatives begin the process by listening to the unique needs of clients. The operations team prepares each job, guiding the installation professionals until the client is satisfied. Maintenance of the system by friendly and knowledgeable service technicians gives Absolute Security Group clients peace of mind for years.
Though Absolute Security Group has grown to serve the tri-state area, there will always be a commitment to maintaining the feel of a small familyrun business. Customer care is the top priority and has been for over 20 years. Home is a place to rely on and feel secure. And that feeling will always be absolute.
Atracare is a medical home for families, with Maria Childers-Reed, MD, steering a collaborative urgent care and pediatric practice that is a “one stop shop,” soon to include a pharmacy. Additionally, the responsive medical office provides walk-in care seven days a week with extended hours, mental health service and telehealth visits.
“When families come here, they leave with an understanding of their child’s condition or their health concerns — we try to leave no stone unturned and answer all of their questions,” Dr. Childers-Reed says.
Unlike traditional office settings, if patients require bloodwork or X-rays, those services are provided on site so there’s no running around. “I can see you for your cough, order an X-ray before you leave the office, and have a diagnosis during the visit,” Dr. Childers-Reed says. “I love this practice because it is all-inclusive.”
Based in Lewes, where Dr. Childers-Reed is a member of the community, Atracare has grown since she joined the practice in 2020. Since its inception, the pediatric department has grown to include two pediatricians and two nurse practitioners, and the office will continue expansion to ensure patients receive accessible, quality care — and the genuine time they deserve.
The Best Pediatrician in Sussex County for three years running knew she wanted to be a pediatrician when she was young, likely an impact from growing up in a medical family (her father a surgeon and her mother a nurse). “I grew up loving kids and the medical conversations we had as a family — and pediatrics ties it all together,” Dr. Childers-Reed says.
“Kids are amazing,” she adds, expressing admiration for young patients. “They are compassionate, kind, forgiving and, from a medical perspective, they are pretty invincible. It is rewarding to watch them grow.”
If you haven’t dined at Back Street Grill in Salisbury in a while, it’s most definitely time to visit again. Owners Mark and Leslie Reeves have been busy expanding the popular, award-winning establishment over the past three years—and now, more than ever, Back Street Grill is a must-stop-and-enjoy destination.
“We still have our great menu and staff, but so much has changed over the past three years in the way of seating and dining options,” says Leslie. “We have expanded to the property next door with new indoor and outdoor seating for about 75 guests, as well as added a food truck, yard games and a music stage. This new area is called Chuck’s Backyard.”
Known for its burger nights, affordable and customizable menu, legendary lunches, beach fries, homemade specials and family-dynamic setting, Back Street Grill claimed a whopping seven awards in this year’s Coastal Style Best Of Readers’ Poll after recording 11 the last two years combined.
“Back Street Grill is a friendly atmosphere for locals and newcomers alike,” says Leslie. “We strive to have excellent food and smiling service, while also keeping our menu affordable.
Many of our team members have been with us 10 plus years across two or more locations. We are lucky to have their support over the years, especially during times of growing our business.”
With 16 years in business for Leslie and Mark and a team of 50 dedicated team members at their side, it’s clear that good times just keep getting better at Back Street Grill.
For nearly 20 years, Berlin Auto Wash, Coastal Style’s Best Car Wash/Detailing Company in Worcester County for 2023, has played a major role in helping local vehicles look their very best. With more than 50 years in the customer service industry, it’s no wonder why residents trust of experts of Berlin Auto Wash for their wash, wax and detail service needs.
“Our mission is to provide a reliable, clean, and efficient full-service car wash to our area,” says John W. Simms III, Berlin Auto Wash President. “Our team of 20 car-care experts are dependable, hardworking, fast and efficient. We work well together to clean vehicles as fast as possible, all while paying attention to every detail.”
The SVN network is comprised of over 200 offices worldwide, meaning your property gets maximum exposure.
We believe that sharing fees results in higher visibility & increased demand, resulting in a higher value for clients.
We are committed to our clients and our community and strive to make where we live and work a better place.
At Casual Designs Furniture, its team’s mission is to deliver exquisite coastal furniture and designs that bring the essence of the ocean and coastal living into every home. They have been dedicated to transforming spaces into serene retreats, blending the natural beauty of the coast with functional and elegant design elements for more than 60 years. Casual Designs’ commitment is to provide its customers with meticulously crafted furniture pieces and design solutions that capture the tranquility, harmony and refreshing allure of coastal living. By seamlessly blending quality materials, innovative craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for the coastal landscape, they aim to evoke a sense of serenity and inspiration in every corner of their customers’ spaces. Driven by a passion for excellence, a commitment to
environmental stewardship, and an unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, Casual Designs is dedicated to becoming a trusted partner in curating coastalinspired spaces that resonate with your vision and lifestyle.
When your home or business needs a new roof, siding, or gutters, there’s just one call to make. Chris Jordan of Chris Jordan Exteriors has been serving the Eastern Shore’s roofing needs for 27 years and his familyowned company has provided top-quality service to all its customers. From waterfront homes and businesses to single-family homes and townhomes, Chris Jordan Exteriors makes buildings beautiful.
The team at Chris Jordan Exteriors is dedicated to protecting your home or business by providing superior quality products, including metal, cedar, composite and asphalt roofing materials. Chris Jordan is dedicated to protecting the roof over your family’s home by treating it like it’s their own. They are a GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor offering the highest level of protection through their quality of work and lifetime limited
warranties. Chris Jordan Exteriors strives to keep customers satisfied, not only with their new, high-quality roof, but with the condition of their homes after installation. The team uses modern equipment like the revolutionary Equipter — a device that makes it easier to protect landscaping and aids in debris cleanup.
A desire to benefit the community drives Chris Jordan Exteriors to provide the best products and care. Their standard of excellence is why they not only enhance homes, but make friends.
The origins of Salisbury-based law firm of Cockey, Brennan & Maloney, P.C. (CBM) trace back to 1997, when three respected attorneys, Robin R. Cockey, Mark P. Brennan and Thomas J. Maloney, founded a new kind of law firm, one that would blend the traditional services of a rural, general practice with sophisticated specialties previously handled only by urban law firms.
“We combine a traditional, ‘country lawyer’ practice with specialties usually found only in large, urban firms, (dealing with matters of) federal litigation, employment and civil rights cases,” says Robin R. Cockey, Esq., Senior Partner and President.
The result has been a resounding success, as the firm has tripled in size, building a regional reputation for strong client relationships and zealous advocacy.
Today, the firm is proud to offer outstanding counsel to individuals, businesses, families and local governments throughout the state. “We strive to deliver the expertise expected of a regional firm, but with the personal touch expected of a local firm. We love our clients and we love going to bat for them,” Robin says.
With locations in Salisbury and Ocean Pines, Coastal Aesthetics & Wellness aims to educate patients in a safe and welcoming environment, while offering comprehensive aesthetic options. Led by Julie Parrish, P.A.-C, the team understands people have concerns due to aging, wellness and various skin conditions.
The practice’s comprehensive menu of MedSpa services include injectable services and full facial balancing (Botox and fillers), healthy lifestyle management through weight loss and bioidentical hormone management, body sculpting services (Coolsculpting and Emsculpt), pelvic floor strengthening (Emsella) and a wide range of skin care services (laser hair removal, laser treatment of facial and legs veins, Genius microneedling with radio frequency, Hydrafacial, Diamond Glow, ZO Skin Health).
Coastal Aesthetics & Wellness has a dedicated customer service team committed to ensuring each visit is an extra-ordinary experience. Their team includes a highly experienced Physician Assistant and Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, who combine their expertise in injectables, lasers and overall wellness to deliver exceptional care. Additionally, three medial aestheticians on staff with a combined 30 years of experience who prioritize patients skin health and quality.
By combining the latest technology with experience, Coastal Aesthetics & Wellness gives patients the very best care.
COCKEY, BRENNAN & MALONEY, P.C. BEST LAW FIRM & BEST ATTORNEYBUSINESS AND T.J. MALONEY, BEST ATTORNEY, WICOMICO COUNTY
Creative Concepts’ mission is to provide exceptional products, service and value by utilizing the combined talents of its team to transform a room or house into the client’s creative dream. That ideal was the collective vision of founders Wayne and Bobbi Lednum 50 years ago when they started the company as a window fashion and accessory store. The couple believed in providing friendly, low-pressure service and fair, honest pricing, which remain hallmarks of Creative Concepts today. According to son, Craig Lednum, who has led operations for many years with his brother, Steve, and Steve’s wife, Gail, is that the business has evolved to be a brand synonymous with providing the finest in-home furnishings, window treatments, accessories and custom design services.
“We’ve created an atmosphere that promotes individual growth and teamwork through hard work and also some fun,” he says. “We believe in supporting our community, which in turn, helps everyone. We work hard to make a difference. Our team is a talented group of professionals who excel at providing outstanding service to their customers through teamwork and knowledge.”
Creative Concepts’ team of professionals welcomes you to stop by their Ocean View or Lewes showrooms to discover its award-winning design talent that will help make your house yours.
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 38 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.”
John A. Sergovic, Jr. Shannon Carmean Burton
David J. Weidman Deirdre O’Shea McCartney
Shannon R. Owens Harold W.T. Purnell, II
Rachel Bleshman Tyler J. Friedman
George B. (Buck) Smith, of Counsel
Eight years is not a long time. And yet, Leif Hancock Sr. and his wife, Amber, have built one of the most recognizable businesses in the service and mechanical industries on the Shore during this period.
Today, Hancock & Son Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is comprised of more than 65 employees that offer a one-stop 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.
So how did Leif and Amber do it? Simple, says Amber: By creating a company that is both enjoyable and rewarding to work at, while also genuinely
caring for its customers’ needs, especially during an emergency. It’s a commitment that has earned Hancock & Son Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning nearly 325 five-star reviews on Google and the honor of being Wicomico County’s Best Plumbing Company in Coastal Style’s Best Of Readers’ Poll four consecutive years. Hardworking, dedicated, reliable and passionate. These are the values that the Hancock & Son Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning team brings to work each day — and they’re why its business continues to thrive.
With nearly 90 years of combined experience in their respective fields, the attorneys of the Law Offices of Murray, Phillips & Gay in Georgetown, DE, not only provide real world expertise in the areas of criminal defense/DUI, estate planning/administration, family law and real estate, they collectively serve their clients under the mantra: “Real lawyers for real people.”
Family law attorney and partner Thomas Gay has been practicing for 32 years and fellow partner Ronald Phillips has 29 years of criminal law experience to his credit. They are joined by managing partner Julianne Murray, who possess 27 years of work in the legal field — the last 12 as practicing attorney.
“Our attorneys are dedicated to serving their clients by providing compassionate, yet zealous representation with all three attorneys at the firm providing prompt and responsive emails, phone calls and/or texts when contacted by our clients,” says Gay, winner of Coastal Style’s Best Attorney Family-Divorce in Sussex County for 2023. “We believe that every client has a story, and that story deserves to be heard.”
Whether it’s helping people through an extraordinarily difficult time during a divorce or separation or those facing criminal charges to planning one’s estate or guiding clients through complex real estate transactions, each attorney provides personal, hands-on attention to each client.
When it comes time to party, there’s only one team to call to bring your event to life — and their name says it all. Party On Delmarva is the region’s one-stop source for casual, affordable party and event rentals.
Owned-and-operated by the husband-and-wife team of Matt and Kaitlyn Jarvi, Party On Delmarva not only offers a complete array of party and event rental options, they do so with the customer and their needs as a top priority. The couple knows that not every event requires a massive tent and expensive rentals — and their boutique package options and reasonable rates have been embraced by their customers.
“Our small business supports strong family values and events. We strive to be affordable and flexible for all of our clients,” says Kaitlyn. “We try to keep many lines of communication open to accommodate everyone’s needs, and we are constantly praised for our customer service. Our team is mostly comprised of family members who work together to serve our community’s party rental needs.”
Located in Salisbury, Party On Delmarva is positioned perfectly to expertly care for the party needs of its clients in Somerset, Worcester, Wicomico and Accomack counties. They proudly offer tent rentals, table and chair rentals, a wide variety of wet and dry inflatable options and outdoor party rentals.
So when you want to bring your next party or event to life, call Matt and Kaitlyn at Party On Delmarva, who will be happy and honored to help you.
Since 2007, Real HVAC Services has been an industry leader on the Eastern Shore by maintaining the values of its founder, Shawn Harrison. Locally-owned-and-operated, Shawn’s number one priority has always been to provide tremendous customer satisfaction conveyed through excellence in service.
“You can always expect prompt, friendly service from courteous and respectful technicians when you call Real HVAC Services,” Shawn said. “Our team is highly trained and certified and treats your home as if it were their own. That’s our satisfaction guarantee.”
Real HVAC Services’ talented technicians have been serving residents of Delmarva for over 15 years and specialize in heating, cooling and plumbing services. From air conditioning repair and
furnace installation, to drain cleaning and leak repair, its team is ready to help homeowners and business owners — no matter the size of the job.
The company’s impeccable reputation for fast, affordable and quality service has earned it a near 5-star rating on Google and it has won multiple awards, including the 2022 Salisbury Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year and Coastal Style’s Best HVAC Company in Dorchester/Talbot Counties for 2023. Real HVAC also gives back to its community by sponsoring numerous organizations and events, including Chefs for Habitat and the Unstoppable Joy Gala, to name just a few.
Ocean City: It’s where two-time Coastal Style Best Of Readers’ Poll winner Richard Brueckner lives, works and is raising his children. He knows the resort town, and the courtroom, intimately. Richard is a results-driven Former assistant states attorney who is vehemently defending his clients rights locally as a criminal defense attorney.
“I’ve practiced criminal law locally for 16 years. I care about each client; protecting their careers, their children and their futures,” Richard says. “I have a staff of paralegals and secretaries who allow me to personally handle every case. You will never be pawned-off to a junior staff attorney. My staff frees me up to do what I do best, which is interact with my clients and present their best defense in the courtroom — and I am proud to offer 24/7 availability to be there for them when it matters most.”
Most known for his DUI and criminal defense work, Richard’s holistic approach to criminal defense signals a new kind of legal representation; the kind that recognizes the human side of the law. This type of
leadership in criminal law is groundbreaking, as it examines the underlying issues that accompany those who are struggling with addiction and criminal charges. Brueckner’s empathetic view of his client’s situations and compassionate approach to his law practice ensures that his clients get the best defense possible. Beyond the courtroom, Richard strives to provide the help and resources to his clients that will allow them to move forward with restoring their lives and reputations with tools to better assist them in the future.
There’s no more joyous time of year than the holidays — and SoDel Santa’s stunning, one-of-a-kind lighting creations for local residences and businesses helps to bring the magic of the season to life. Winner of Coastal Style’s Best Holiday Light Installation Company in Sussex County, SoDel Santa’s team works around the clock designing, creating and maintaining brilliantly illuminating holiday installations that wow their customers.
“Towards the end of long days, we often joke and say the only thing that keeps us going is Christmas magic. Although this may sound mythical to some, the statement couldn’t be more true,” says owner Noah Jones. “The magic of a smile we get when the lights are turned on for the first night or the happy tears shed through the eyes of a recent widow grasping at the memories of their loved one who is no longer with us — these are the instances that motivate us and represent the true magic of Christmas lights.”
Committed to excellence and their community, the SoDel Santas team takes tremendous pride in the responsibilities associated with their work. They know the importance of each project and the expectations of each customer, and that fuels their desire to be the very best at what they do. Its full-time employees and countless volunteers working tirelessly during the holiday season to brighten the holiday season — literally and figuratively.
Create the premier holiday experience by calling SoDel Santas this year.
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.”
Nestled in a charming courtyard on W. Dover Street in downtown Easton, The Ivy features fresh and inventive carryout lunch and has earned thousands of followers on social media in just a year-and-a-half. The Ivy gives new meaning to “fast food” by working efficiently to ensure customers are in-and-out with plenty of time to enjoy their lunch. The Ivy strives to source local ingredients from farms, including Bramble Blossoms, Where Pigs Fly Farm and Pops Old Place. Its friendly and accommodating staff prepares farm-to-table food for new and returning customers daily from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
The Ivy menu favorites include: a Cuban — pulled pork sandwich with ham, Swiss cheese, sautéed onions and peppers and spicy mustard relish on a ciabatta, a grilled chicken cobb and a tarragon chicken salad, which is prepared fresh daily. Of its salmon nicoise salad, one faithful patron wrote, “This was the highlight of my day yesterday! Woke up hoping you would have it again today.”
“It really is more than just food to us. We strive to remember you by your first name, remember your pet’s names, remember your allergies and what you don’t like on your sandwich,” says owner/operator Jennifer McCrea, who is expanding The Ivy with a new indoor dining/event space this fall. “It’s important for us to know that we’ve created a relationship with our customers, so they know they aren’t just another order to us.”
At
on the Tred Avon, the Eastern Shore’s only cooperative 62+ independent living waterfront community, our residents enjoy exceptional experiences daily.
Exceptional service with a smile, what’s better than that? Our waitstaff team welcomes residents into our Tred Avon Tavern each meal with the goal of an at-home, friendly, sit-down dining experience. It’s just all part of the lifestyle awaiting you at Londonderry.
Our waitstaff is so appreciated by our residents. Londonderry residents express their appreciation for all the smiles by offering a tuition reimbursement program and scholarships. Giving back to those who light up our days with a smile is important to us. Stop
Since 1999, Seaside Christian Academy (SCA) has been educating children spiritually, academically, socially and physically. Equipping children for “every good work in Christ” (Luke 2:52) is the priority of the team of like-minded educators. SCA represents church, home, and school, all working together.
The only PreK3 through 12th-grade Christian school option in Worcester County, Maryland, SCA provides a Christ-centered atmosphere to families. The educational model gives parents and teachers the expectation of appropriate behavior, holistic education, safety and the pursuit of excellence. SCA honors the family as the primary influence on the student and aligns the home and the church to reach the same goals.
All members of the faculty and staff at SCA seek to honor Christ. With veteran leadership yet fresh enthusiasm, the team offers students an atmosphere of love and respect. The faculty regularly receives the
praise of parents who appreciate the care and attention shown to their children. Sharing that critical positioning of expectations with the families they serve allows these teachers to truly invest in the students — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Providing a Bible-centered, safe, and family-honoring education that puts relationships first is a distinction of Seaside Christian Academy. Many parents consider the high standards and firm foundation a reason to enroll their child in SCA, but it is the care and kindness that makes them stay.
For the past 12 years, Shore residents, business owners and non-profit organizations have turned to The Law Office of Arlette Kelly Bright, P.C., in Salisbury for a variety of legal needs. Practicing law for the past 28 years, Arlette Bright, Principal, specializes in real estate and business matters, estate planning and administration and intellectual property services.
Hardworking, compassionate and diligent problem solvers, Arlette and her team take the time to listen to their clients and develop a specific legal plan to meet individual needs.
“Our mission is to provide high-quality legal services at affordable rates to the broad variety of individual, business and non-profit clients existing on the Lower Eastern Shore,” says Arlette. “We also strive to provide meaningful and important work to our clients in a way that effectively addresses their needs and accomplishes their achievable objectives.”
Arlette, who has won Coastal Style’s Best Attorney-Estate Planning in Wicomico County for two consecutive years, is also the founder and co-owner of Bright Title and Settlement Services, LLC with her brother, Sam Greenfeld, and is the owner and operator of Bright Trademarks, LLC, a company providing intellectual property, including trademark and copyright registration and maintenance services.
For more than 55 years, Millman’s Appliances has offered a great selection of state-of-the-art appliances all backed by its stellar, in-house service department. The combination has earned the company an impeccable reputation for the way it operates consistently every day — with the utmost respect for its community and a focus on faith.
“The cornerstone of our success only comes from serving our community with the best products and services we can offer, every single day,” says owner Gary Chorman. “We also give thanks to God and honor him in all that we do daily.”
Established in 1969, Millman’s Appliances carries an astonishing 83 appliance brands, but that’s just one aspect of its business. The legacy of the company, according to Gary, is the service they provide their valued customers after the sale by including free 10year warranties on every new purchase,” Gary says.
Family values are also a primary component for Millman’s Appliances’ success.
“Our team is trained weekly and operates as a highly effective family unit,” says Gary. “We have the highest regard for each other, and we refer to every team member as a family member. We don’t personify the word ‘team,’ we define it!”
Millman’s Appliances is also a steward of service to its community. Through its philanthropic outreach mission, known as “Community Care,” the company donates refurbished appliances to those in need at no charge.
Movement Mortgage offers a stress-free, easy-to-understand mortgage process
Their unique approach originates and closes loans quickly, often providing commitment letters to buyers within 24-48 hours of application. The process not only moves smoothly but gives confidence to the seller that the purchase of their property will be completed promptly. How can Movement Mortgage perform with such speed? Sales manager and loan officer Pam Rocco takes a holistic view of the process and understands that everyone involved in helping buyers close on their new home plays a crucial role in the buying process.
The local community is also paramount to Movement Mortgage. Unlike many other mortgage companies, Movement Mortgage is an Impact Lender. An Impact Lender guarantees that at least 10% of their profits go to strengthening communities and helping those living there. But Pam says, “We give 40%- 50% of our profits to making an impact in our communities; purpose and people have always come before profit. As our motto states: We exist to love and value people by lending a Movement of Change in our industry, corporate culture and communities.”
Invariably willing to help and stay positive, Pam has a reputation for being professional and quick to respond. She and her assistant, Holly, keep the process moving to complete documents and finalize the sale. Her clients continually respond with their gratitude for a smooth experience. One pleased homebuyer said, “You make our lives better.” And, after all, what could be more impactful than that?
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 two consecutive years, 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.
For 60 years, the Art League of Ocean City has passionately promoted artistic expression and an appreciation for the creative arts throughout the resort community. It is a cultural center and regional catalyst, inspiring creativity, providing accessibility to and promoting an understanding of the value of the arts.
Located on 94th Street, in conjunction with its beautiful bayfront art gallery and classroom space known as the Ocean City Center for the Arts, the Art League offers a free, monthly First Friday celebrations, free art projects for families, a full palette of art classes for all ages, The Ocean City Film Festival, Artists Paint OC Plein Air Festival and so much more.
“We call ourselves ‘The Best Team Ever,’ because we all work together with the same goal in mind: to bring art to our community and making memorable art-related experiences for our members and guests,” says Art League Executive Director Rina Thaler. “We are all passionate about the arts, and many of us are artists ourselves.”
The Art League of Ocean City, which is open daily and welcomes art enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels, will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a Diamond Jubilee Gala on November 4.
With ties dating back to 1954, Parker Counts is an established Mid-Shore law firm with offices conveniently located in Easton and Cambridge. The attorneys of Parker Counts offer advice and representation on a multitude of legal matters with emphasis and expertise in real estate, litigation, estate planning and estate and trust administration.
“Our goal is to provide the best legal representation possible and help clients through difficult circumstances or challenges they are facing in their lives,” says C. Lee Gordon, Partner.
Well known on the Eastern Shore, the 22 members of Parker Counts proudly provides comprehensive legal assistance to clients and small businesses. They collectively strive to anticipate
and solve problems for its clients and can vigorously advocate for them when necessary. The firm has received many accolades over the years, as several attorneys have earned Super Lawyer recognitions and named Best of by What‘s Up Eastern Shore. This year, Parker Counts was voted Best Law Firm and C. Lee Gordon was voted Best AttorneyEstate Planning, both in Dorchester/Talbot Counties, by the readers of Coastal Style
The power of teamwork cannot be underestimated, and in the real estate industry, one local team utilizes its talents not only for the benefit of its clients, but for the community as well. For more than 17 years, Pam Price & Associates at ReMax Advantage Realty, led by Pam Price, has earned a reputation as one of the most successful, dedicated and civic-minded teams on the entire Eastern Shore.
“We love our jobs, and we have a proven track record of huge success and happy clients,” says Pam. “Our community is very important to all of us, and we take every opportunity we can to prove that by volunteering and giving back.”
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 and generously donates her time and resources to bringing awareness and 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 supporting our community,” says Pam. “Our team feels exactly the same. We are one big family doing what we love, helping clients achieve their goals, whether it’s buying or selling. We love doing so with the highest levels of professionalism and integrity and giving back to our community.”
For 34 years, DiFebo’s has created an iconic culinary experience, serving old-school traditional Italian food while keeping things fresh and delicious for appreciative lovers of quality.
Providing the finest food and service is something Lisa DiFebo-Osias learned from her hard-working restaurateur mother and father, Bob and Charlotte DiFebo. Lisa inherited her father’s prowess as a chef and the classic techniques passed down from his family. She also gained a savvy business sense and management acumen from her mother. Both influences have shaped Lisa’s vision for her restaurants.
Tradition is imperative to the team at DiFebo’s. Lisa strives to bring family recipes to the restaurants and market at their locations in Bethany Beach and downtown Rehoboth. Quality is a priority. All staff, from managers to those washing dishes, have culinary experience and are lovers of food and hospitality. The energetic team is always willing to step up to a challenge and is never afraid to learn something new.
Continuing to broaden her horizons while remaining steadfast to her family’s legacy has been crucial to Lisa. She was the first female sous chef at the Culinary Institute of America, a four-time Food Network competitor, and a recipient of multiple business awards.
For Lisa DiFebo-Osias and her team, tradition does not mean ignoring the future but remembering the past.
What do you get when you combine adventure, nostalgia, history and preservation all into one award-winning business? You get Jayne’s Reliable, the destination shop in Dagsboro, DE, which has won Coastal Style’s Best Antique Store category multiple times, including 2023.
The 12-year-old business is the vision of David and Karen Jayne, which features handpicked collections of antiques, vintage decor and furniture, architectural salvage, garden whimsy and local and vintage art. Its treasures are displayed in its beautiful, primary Victorian building and 12 outbuildings across over an acre of charming, outdoor grounds.
David, Karen and their team’s picking adventures take them across Delmarva and across the country to find treasures and post about their travels and discoveries to the delight of their thousands of loyal fans and social media followers.
“We have an enthusiastic crew of creative helpers. All are fantastic pickers and wonderful at displaying our fabulous finds,” says Karen. “We all have our own unique tastes in decor, but somehow it all comes together for an amazing collection.
“Our mission is preserving history, inspiring creativity and providing a unique shopping experience that celebrates the beauty of the past while fueling creativity for the future,” Karen continued. “There is so much to see, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to shop!”
Jayne’s Reliable is open Friday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Criminal Defense Attorney Eric G. Mooney has established 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 nine dedicated employees in Georgetown.
Eric 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’ selection for Best Defense Attorney in 2016, 2022 and 2023.
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.
“The ramifications of criminal charges, particularly DUI, in Delaware are severe and enduring, involving both legal penalties and administrative repercussions,” Eric says. “Our team of dedicated staff are fully committed to providing each client the best outcome to their case.”
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 G. Mooney, P.A. is dedicated to helping each client achieve the best possible solution.
THIS EVENT IS POSSIBLE THANKS TO THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS:
FOOD & DRINK SAMPLES PROVIDED BY:
A SPRAWLING WICOMICO RIVER EQUESTRIAN RETREAT IS GIFTED WITH AN EXTERIOR-INTERIOR PRESERVATION AND REVISION BY BRYAN LECOMPTE THAT SUITS INSPIRED LIVING
Settled on an elevated bluff overlooking the Wicomico River’s bend and surrounded by non-tidal ponds is a bucolic horse farm with several hundreds of acres of pastures, pristine coastal forested space — a delightfully recluse yet conveniently relevant island location. And on that Maryland escape is a majestic reproduction of an 18th century Williamsburg Manor house that stands like a seminal figure after a five-year, full-on historic preservation by Bryan LeCompte of Yard Designs, Inc. in Salisbury.
“I love history and creating timeless pieces, and this was a true opportunity to be a key instrument in bringing this home back to its glory, while making it a reflection of its owners,” says LeCompte, who initially found the property in distress. It had been neglected and taken under the wing of equestrian lovers who appreciate its past
and were inherently drawn to the land.
The home is recognized for its six, regal brick chimneys that salute a veritable compound, including a main house, guest wing, accessory barns and outbuildings. In keeping with Williamsburg architecture, the Flemish bond brick façade is orderly and uncluttered with upgraded state-of-the-art materials designed for longevity.
The landmark project was a labor of love for LeCompte, who brought his interiorexterior design experience to a rollcall of painstakingly detailed materials selections, installations and furnishings. “My mother inspired me as a child — she was an antique collector, and as a kid, I would watch her select furnishings and accessories,” he shares. “I would study the history and style and learn how to outfit any room.”
LeCompte’s goal for the estate was to execute a design where “tradition and modernity coexist beautifully.”
“The owners had a sophisticated vision,” LeCompte says, relating that the home is centered around family time and enjoying a historic preservation with modern amenities.
“The owners requested furnishing with stark contrast and juxtaposition between the existing interior architectural style and new modern interiors,” LeCompte says. “The eclectic direction was inspired by the owners’ love of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Montecito, Calif., home showcased in Architectural Digest (AD).”
Much like Paltrow’s home, infused with energy and reverently designed with the “importance of craft and materiality in establishing the home’s soulful spirit and its particular sense of place,” as AD’s Mayer Rus shares, the owners of this Wicomico River homestead desired the same.
First, the infrastructure. Windows were replaced and upgraded custom black with gold trim throughout the exterior, in line with the period’s color palette. A single, stately wood front entry door welcomes guests, while custom X-brace doors on surrounding buildings speak to the property’s equestrian purpose.
A nod to the past, large-scale lanterns illuminate pedestrian spaces while custom powder-coated railings deliver form and function — complementing linear, formal landscaping and outdoor living features while setting boundaries. Additionally, Yard Designs designed and constructed a series of terraces for entertaining. One is dedicated to a cauldron-style fire feature amid a generous ring of sophisticated yet casual black Adirondack chairs with views of a tranquil pond.
A separate outdoor living room — again with water views — is anchored by a fireplace-chimney modeled after those in the home. LeCompte carried the traditional brick material into the landscape, while also incorporating cobblestone pavers and handmade brick in a Williamsburg fashion.
Gardens are manicured as if stolen from time, with boxwood, holly, crape myrtle and liriope throughout. “The result is simple, clean and elegant,” LeCompte says.
Inside there is a sense of organic opulence — in some instances restrained, and others not so much. For instance, one powder room’s wallcovering is a flowing, vibrant palm leaf-esque pattern with a bold colorway of crimson, jaune and moss. Meanwhile, a den study space with rich built-ins and Arts and Crafts-inspired lines feels tailored and classic with an Oriental rug. Juxtaposing this is a quick-witted splash — a side table lamp with a base in sleek navy with a ribbon of gold.
A formal sitting room awash in whites and grays earns a punch with mantle artwork — a vase of exaggerated flowers speaking from black canvas. In the kitchen, LeCompte directed an overhaul: commercial-grade appliances, marble counters and backsplash, Circa lighting and an ILVE’ range. A kitchen fireplace is finished in mosaic tile with a marble surround. Gold fixtures and accents on furnishings like stools and chairs take the most coveted gathering area in a home from white-onwhite to clean with class.
“We refurbished existing elaborate interior moldings and lightened the tone to create an airy interior, a departure from the previous dark, introverted feel,” LeCompte says, adding that finishes were replaced throughout with a mind toward achieving a simple, clean, classic aesthetic that’s equally rich with craftsmanship.
All of the 1980s bathrooms were gutted and thoroughly redesigned with modern fixtures and appointments — some inviting in the old, such as repurposing an antique serpentine dresser into a vanity. Others, including the master, capitalize on the soothing patterns geometric subway shapes and intricate tiles offer.
Art and accessories were hand-curated by LeCompte from local venues across the region, from Easton and Cambridge to Rehoboth, Salisbury and Berlin.
LeCompte also expanded the interior living space into an unfinished third-floor attic area. White walls and ceiling contrast neat, blacklacquered trim and crawl space doors were X-brace treated, an homage to the land, as is the feature art of a mare looking into the room head on.
Another update: a fully equipped gym where the family can work out. And less enticing, though essential, mechanical systems were replaced to run an environmentally mindful home at capacity.
Overall, LeCompte says, “The project’s biggest challenge was working on the interiors and exteriors at the same time. We began in 2018 and worked through the global pandemic, dealing with the industry’s challenges of supply and demand.”
Evolution is the nature of such complex projects, pandemic or not. Weaving history, modernity, taste, lifestyle and craftsmanship into a final result requires time to simmer. But this is what draws LeCompte to a project.
“I was honored to be a part of this project and help the homeowners realize their vision,” he says, humbly proud of the outcome for the owners who breathe life into this legacy property. CS
A project spanning five years in length, Yard Designs, Inc. created spectacular features, including a sun-shaded viewing area, a grand fireplace and a regal entrance.
LIVE OAK HOME BUILDERS CREATED THE PERFECT RESIDENCE FOR A SALISBURY FAMILY TO CONTINUE CREATING MEMORIES AND ENTERTAIN FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Photography by Svetlana Leahy
Styling by Eleena Mackey
Strategically nestled near the banks of the Wicomico River, a Salisbury family of five discovered the ideal property to build its forever home. In doing so, its patriarch and matriarch already knew who they’d partner with to construct it.
Live Oak Home Builders is the vision of founder Justin White, a second-generation builder born and raised on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Growing up, he worked closely with his father, a custom home builder for 35 years, who nurtured his passion for construction, which became the driving force that motivated him to start his company in 2016.
“Our company stands apart from the competition due to our overall approach. Most companies focus on selling their product — the house itself,” says Justin. “Our approach is simple and different. We want to focus on our client. We want to focus on their family’s lifestyle, wants and needs. Only by doing so, can we truly provide them with a one-of-a-kind and truly custom home experience. Throughout the process of working so closely with a family, we often times have the privilege to learn about their life’s story, meet extended family and friends, or to hear of all the exciting times and memories they are looking forward to creating in their new home.”
Justin’s time spent with this family produced a treasure-trove of useful information, including how they spend time together, what’s most important to each family member in their home and how they plan to entertain family and friends. In conjunction with Keith Fisher of Fisher Architecture, the flow of the residence was examined, right down to the proximity of the dishwasher to the cabinetry in which dishes would be stored. This process ensures the homeowners’ needs for convenience, practicality and enjoyment are achieved.
“Our children are older now, so we wanted to create a safe place for them to have fun with their friends, but also we could entertain our family and friends throughout as well, especially in the kitchen” says the homeowner. “We wanted to create a welcoming environment in a big space, making sure we had plenty of seating and large counter areas as we enjoy cooking as well.”
As a tile helper in 2009, I worked on a team that installed a shower in the home of the publishers of Coastal Style magazine. Since then, I’ve always picked up a copy of each issue to read about interesting people and successful businesses on the Shore. When I started Coastal Bay Construction in 2018, I aspired to advertise in the magazine one day, but felt I wasn’t yet established enough. Our company began to grow in 2020, and in early 2023, I was featured in Coastal Style in partnered content entitled “Reimagine the Bathroom.” Who would have thought our small team of 10 (and growing) would be awarded Coastal Style’s Best Bathroom Design Company in both Sussex and Wicomico counties for 2023? Truly a full circle moment for me, as I strive to provide the very best designs and products for our clients. We now offer complete bath construction services with selections of tile or acrylic baths and have a showroom displaying an assortment of tile, LVT and more. My team, family, and I thank you, Delmarva, for voting for us the Best for all your bathroom needs! – Dustin
“My favorite feature of the home is the kitchen and its dual islands, which are both functional for entertaining and preparation, as well as hosting family and friends,” says Justin.
The 4,700 sq. ft. home features four spacious bedrooms and five bathrooms. The residence includes a TV/gaming/movie room for the kids, a convenient home-office and a sunroom that offers picturesque views of the river. Outside, the family went next level from an entertaining and enjoyment level through an area that includes an in-ground pool, custom, handcrafted bar perfect for watching sports and ultimate fun for the kids and their friends.
“We just wanted an environment where our kids were happy and could hang out at our house. So, we wanted an outdoor area that would reflect that,” says the homeowner. “It’s funny; we built a bigger house here, but it’s not many more rooms than we had previously. We just made everything bigger, so we have more space to enjoy family and friends together in.”
Stephen Heater Sales Manager Dustin Darby PresidentLive Oak Home Builders traditionally utilize the services of an interior designer to help bring their clients’ visions for decor and staging to life. In this instance, the homeowner chose to style the home herself.
“I believe she did an outstanding job,” says Justin. “The design itself is unique in that it blends a modern-transitional approach, with Boho accents mixed in. While the modern design features dark and bold accents throughout, the ladder, for example, provides soft wood tones, artistic expressions and organic elements that serve to provide a more eclectic and organic feel. The end result is a home that is rich in expression but also comfortable and livable.”
In addition to the honor and privilege Justin and his team experience when chosen to build someone’s home, they also feel a great sense of responsibility to foster that relationship well, to do right by each client and to hold its company to the highest standard during each phase of the process.
“Live Oak doesn’t just build houses, they build trust,” says the homeowner. “What I can say about our experience with Justin is that whatever he says he’s going to do, he follows through with it. That’s been a great aspect of dealing with him. He’s upfront and honest throughout the whole process on things. We appreciated that. We never felt like we were being sold to do anything. It was just a good experience overall. And now we’re in the home of our dreams.” CS
AT LONG LAST, THE COSTIGAN FAMILY OF BETHESDA BUILT THEIR DREAM VACATION
HOME IN LEWES, THANKS TO THE VISION AND CREATIVITY OF TURNSTONE CUSTOM HOMES
The desire to live in the Delaware Beach region, even on a parttime basis, has never been stronger. For Scott & Michelle Costigan of Bethesda, their interest in a vacation home in Lewes spanned many years, but after starting a family together, the timing never seemed right, or their ideal property wasn’t on the market. Then, a home appeared for sale online that suited them ideally.
“Ultimately, we lost a bid on a renovated home in Cape Shores, and we were so bummed for a while,” says Michele. “But then a homesite came on the market in mid-October 2020, and we took the leap and wrote an offer.”
After securing the lot, Scott and Michele began interviewing local builders to determine whose vision, style and ideals aligned with theirs. The process, according to Michele, proved more time consuming and frustrating than they anticipated, and after meeting with six custom home builders, only one demonstrated the willingness to modify potential floorplans and work within their budget.
“Turnstone Custom Homes made us feel that they wanted to work with us from the beginning,” says Michele. “Harvey and his team never once said ‘no’ to us. They made us feel welcomed and important.”
The Costigan’s goal was to move into the home in time to celebrate Michele’s 50th birthday in June 2021, but the Covid pandemic intervened with inevitable delays, and the family’s move in day was April 9, 2022, which, ironically, is the same day and month they moved into their new residence in Bethesda in 2005.
Their home has turned heads in the neighborhood and in the building industry. Its modern design and aesthetic appeal have not only spurred new renovations in the community, it earned Turnstone Custom Homes multiple Builders and Remodelers Association of Delaware (BRAD) Regal awards, including “Delaware Custom Home of the Year” honors for 2022.
“No detail was lost on this home. From the bright and airy flow of the home down to the gold accents, this custom home is certainly one-of-a-kind,” says Turnstone Custom Homes founder and owner Harvey Ryan. “Even the accented arch window in the upstairs sitting area is something to certainly boast about.
“No detail was lost on this home. From the bright and airy flow of the home down to the gold accents, this custom home is certainly one-of-a-kind.”
Turnstone Custom Homes is known for its craftsmanship and creativity. Examples on display in the Costigan home include a clever incorporation of bunk beds in the children’s bedroom and an elegant walk-in shower in the primary bath.
Everything about this home screams “Pinterest,” as each detail is modern, trendy, and overall, beautiful. Some of the elements in this home were even inspired by TikTok videos!”
The Costigan’s vacation home is 3,006 sq. ft. and features five bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms and an open floor plan that welcomes an abundance of sunlight. Scott and Michele’s must-haves included outdoor decks and a screened in porch. One of the couple’s favorite features is the custom Pella pocket window between the kitchen and screened porch that recesses into the wall when opened.
“It’s such a unique feature that all our guests compliment when they see it opened,” says Michele.
Named “Golden Hour” due to the home’s spectacular sunset views beyond the Cape Shore Pier and as a tribute to Michele’s father, Tin Shik Chin, who unfortunately passed away before the home was completed.
“He was excited for us after we purchased the lot and was looking forward to having a family vacation home,” says Michele. “My father always called me his ‘Golden Child,’ so the name seemed fitting.”
“The visual appeal matches exactly what the clients envisioned for their home. In addition, this home has inadvertently modernized the neighborhood, and new homes are going up with similar features to this home,” says Harvey, who’s company has over 200 custom home builds to its credit since 2004 and features a custom kitchen and bath division. “People in the neighborhood, whether they live there or are renting, often stop by the house and gaze at its beauty. The use of outdoor space and the built-in bunk beds are another added touch that sets this home apart from all others in the area.”
“It’s beautifully unique. In all the years we've dreamt of owning a beach home, we never imagined it would be so beautiful,” says Michele. “We were able to build the home of our dreams and Turnstone Custom Homes made that happen. It’s truly our happy place.” CS
A YEARS-LONG DESIGN JOURNEY AND ARTISAN, HANDS-ON CRAFTSMANSHIP DEFINE A FOREVER FAMILY HOME THAT GOES AGAINST THE TIDE WHILE REVERENT TO COASTAL STYLE
Written by Kristen Hampshire
Photography by Krista Valliant
Alanding place for family and a homestead for the children to return to was the primary goal for Bob and Ashley Frankis when they embarked on a waterfront architectural endeavor in Ocean Pines. The family had spent the last two decades in Rehoboth and had a mind to design a place where they could slow down from busy career life, entertain often and take to the water.
But Bob Frankis wasn’t interested in a cookie-cutter — nor the usual coastal, transitional color palette awash with grays and blues. While clean and relevant, he was looking for something more contemporary and handcrafted. He enlisted in Mike Poole of Poole Contracting & Consulting to execute on a plan he designed in partnership with Towson-based Architectural Design Works’ Paul Thompson.
Ultimately, Frankis says, “I wanted to see through the home to the pool and water beyond it,” passing on typical floor plans that include a staircase in the foyer.
Detail and hands-on engineering define this bayfront home, such as the wave-like panelized drywall treatment that offers a spa focal point in the master bath. And Frankis emphasized craftsmanship, Poole’s specialty. The flooring is hardwood. Siding is sturdy Hardie board and batten with cedar. The exterior boasts solid facia and soffits — a must for Frankis.
No cutting corners.
“When you walk into the home, it feels like a lot of effort was put into it, and we are ecstatic about the quality,” Frankis says. “The hundreds, probably thousands, of hours spent picking out every finish, every light fixture, every accent just truly paid off. And with Mike Poole and his team, there wasn’t a thing I asked for that they couldn’t do.”
The Frankis’ Ocean Pines home offers interest and inspiration in every direction, including from its open concept kitchen-family room area that extends seamlessly to inviting outdoor spaces.
A Tall Order. Frankis wanted headroom but to reserve two-story floor-to-ceiling appeal for the foyer only. So, he planned for 10-foot ceilings on the first floor. That introduced a bit of a conundrum, until Poole engineered a solution. “I didn’t like the spacing between the first and second floor windows on the exterior — and we didn’t want points on the roof, so to do that, we had to create a tight roof to accommodate with local code,” Frankis explains.
Rather than standard floor joists that usually have about a 1-foot cavity for mechanicals or insulation, Poole sourced a 2-foot deep floor truss system that created a taller façade, the look Frankis desired, while sticking to the community’s construction requirements.
“Another unique part of this home is the retaining wall and elevated pool and pool deck,” Poole says, noting that thoughtful engineering was required to achieve a step down from the home to the deck so the result was seamless, functionally and aesthetically. It called for on-site consultation with masonry trades and the pool designer, along with reeling in an engineer to detail plans.
But it’s all worth it. “This is a significant feature of this house,” Poole says.
The outdoor living space consumes the entire back of the waterfront lot, with unobstructed views thanks to glass railing. Frankis adds, “When you’re relaxing out there, you feel like the entire area is part of the open water.”
Cultivating Taste. Frankis opted for a peninsula-style island in the kitchen that incorporates a slide-out microwave and alcove for added storage. The design promotes conversation and gathering — much like the feel of sitting at a circular table where you can see guests vs. a long, rectangular arrangement that a straight island delivers. Brushed gold hardware adds an air of sophistication and warmth to the clean-lined space. Larger-format gray glass subway tiles offer sheen without glitz.
The adjacent café dining area was treated with a coffered ceiling designed to outfit the light fixture made of black metalwork and vintage-style Edison bulbs, which Frankis sourced. This treatment repeats in the great room. Poole says, “We pride ourselves on interior finishes and our trim carpentry — coffered ceilings, custom shelves in the great room were made out of the hardwood flooring, built in cabinets for the office and the pantry, and all are custom-made for the space to make the house special.”
What’s In is Out. Views of the Ocean City skyline drew Frankis to the property, and every aspect of the home design zeroed in on the property’s vantage point. Expansive glass sliders lead to a generous outdoor entertainment space — a venue within the home, with a bar and dining area. The al fresco kitchen and upper deck leads into other entertainment spaces: a fire pit, hot tub, pool with sundeck with built-in chaise lounges, and outdoor shower.
Aligned Lines. A nod to Craftsman style, the metal railing affixed to banisters that climb two stories was recreated to mimic a design Frankis discovered. The box molds and straight balusters lend a linear look. It complements light fixtures throughout the home, especially the pendant fixture with a series of strategically placed rectangular lamps that dip at different levels into the stairwell.
The Frankis’ now reside in a contemporary, handcrafted home, which is just what they envisioned to slow down from busy career life, entertain often and take to the water.
Ultimate Retreat. “It’s like being in a cruise ship because you don’t see land,” Poole says of views from the master suite with custom glass-paneled railing beyond the 12-foot slider that is “almost invisible.” The adjoining spa bathroom is a focal point that deserves recognition. It includes a two-way walk-in shower with his-and-hers in mind, from the rain showerheads to dual spray heads to the built-in nook shelving.
Of note is a freestanding 3D feature wall that guards the shower zone and serves as a backdrop for a modern, rectangular tub.
Frankis says, “Every morning we wake up to the sunrise over the water and feel the water breeze throughout the home. It was designed for that — and for our style of living.” CS
THE FUTURE OF SOUTHERN DELAWARE, AND BEYOND, WHILE OFFERING STRATEGIC WEALTHBUILDING SOLUTIONS FOR ITS INVESTORS
Written by Joe Willey
L. Gursky
Acquiring wealth is often seen as a daunting and nearly unattainable goal. And private real estate investing can be an even more frightening way to build wealth than riding the stomachtightening wave of stock investing. But since its founding in 2011, Jack Lingo Asset Management (JLAM) in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, has proven that with talent and creativity, opportunities are plentiful, and the rewards are great.
Team Photo by Grant
JLAM’s desirable communities in Delaware and Maryland are examples of the company’s organizational philosophy of creating and investing in places where people want to be.
Private real estate investments have historically been a strategy of large institutions, but JLAM has created vetted wealth-building opportunities for a wider group of investors. The firm has hands-on experience in real estate, including design, development, construction, property management, brokerage, and finance. Doug Motley, CFA, one of the firm’s two managing principals, knows the intricacies and opportunities associated with real estate investments.
Motley was born in Dover, Delaware, and spent summers in Dewey Beach. He grew up with a head for numbers, enjoying the order of equations. Math made sense to him. After graduating from the University of Delaware, his obvious choice was a job in the banking industry. But his experience made him more excited about investments as a career. Since Motley grew up with a modest financial background, investments have a purpose beyond a spreadsheet or a stock portfolio. Investing is about the individual and their personal goals. “I love the opportunity to help people build wealth,” he says.
The firm’s real estate investment strategies provide qualified investors with deal-by-deal wealth-building solutions that are tax efficient and come without the hard work involved in owning private properties that require around-the-clock personal attention. JLAM’s approach allows an investor to be part of much larger deals than they could typically accomplish on their own.
The business of building wealth through real estate investment and development has guided the team’s strategy for over a decade. Since 2011, JLAM has deployed over $400 million in capital, created more than 2,500 lots and developed more than one million square feet of commercial space. The firm has witnessed the fluctuation of the real estate market and experienced nearly every type of market trend. JLAM projects stand apart from other investment opportunities because the firm is meticulous, paying attention to fine details that create desirable properties and strong returns.
The current residential real estate market is seeing a reduction in inventory that will likely take decades to correct but will provide many compelling long-term investments for savvy investors. Delaware sees its population increase each year. The projected housing shortage will only grow and continue to create opportunities for gain.
While there is always risk in any investment, JLAM has the experience and knowledge to mitigate the uncertainty. Motley says, “Finding ways to de-risk transactions is what we strive to do.” The firm’s completed projects have delivered an average Net Internal Rate of Return of over 19 percent, an average of 1.9 times Net Multiple return, and surprisingly, no losses.
Instead of seeing building wealth through private real estate investment as an alchemy of luck and capital, Doug Motley and the Jack Lingo Asset Management team prove that expertise, dedication to quality and a passion for details bring lasting results. For the right investor, JLAM is a partner that pays as much attention to building relationships as it does to building wealth. CS
A FENWICK ISLAND PROPERTY IS DESIGNED AS A HOME-WITHIN-A-HOME FOR FAMILY AND GUESTS, AND WATERFRONT ENTERTAINMENT FOR MAKING MEMORIES
Written by Kristen Hampshire
Right property, right placement. The Fenwick Island property Frank Willing acquired on the shoreline of this peninsula that juts into the Atlantic called for capitalizing on sunrise, sunset and the water views beyond. Willing, president of Paul Davis Restoration, enlisted in longtime friend and colleague Keith Fisher, architect, to design a family home with some basic priorities. “We wanted a house for the family on the water with a pool and a boat out back,” he says.
Of course, no project is that simple. But a collaboration between Fisher Architecture — known for attention to detail, custom carpentry and craftsmanship — and Willing, with his vision for a casual, beachy, coastal lifestyle, resulted in a home that accommodates their lifestyle today and well into the future.
A Mindful Layout. A tight site with a canal in the backyard required research and planning to fully utilize the lot and create an interior and exterior design that is functional and aesthetically appealing. “In areas like this, you don’t typically get to install large windows, we were able to creatively give the home nice curb appeal,” Fisher says, noting a nod to nautical with navy Hardie Plank siding, standing seam metal roofing over the front porch and window bay, and rich trim detail that far exceeds the norm.
Because of the arrangement with a dock out back and the living space and pool area Willing wanted to connect, Fisher had to create setbacks for a seamless transition.
Fisher says, “The minute you walk in, you are connected to where you are with views right out to the pool and canal.” The five-bedroom house with an ensuite for every room maximizes space. “The floor plan allowed for utilitarian spaces like the laundry and powder room to be in the front of the house, and still made way for a desirable look with open spaces and living areas flowing into the back.”
Make It a Double. Fisher created a fully equipped living space on the second level, with dedicated living and dining rooms and a balcony entertainment area that overlooks the canal.
“When we have guests over, everyone has their own bedroom space — and typically the kids go upstairs and use that living area and the adults entertain downstairs,” Willing says, honing a home-within-ahome for adult children. Willing planned for the long-term, envisioning how spaces would accommodate various life stages.
Look Up. Throughout the home, Fisher paid great attention to ceiling treatments with custom carpentry, generous trim and an artisanal touch. It’s solid. For instance, a coffered and vaulted 10-foot ceiling in the living area adjacent to the kitchen adds depth and character. “We wanted to bring the ceiling down a bit for some warmth and those beams are structural,” Willing explains. “We wrapped those into a coffered ceiling to give it a cozy feel.”
Upstairs, a rounded ceiling finished in white-washed pine plank warms up clean finishes like the generous white window and door trim. This approach repeats itself in the neighboring dinette space. Another example is the Chippendale balustrade along stairs, custom constructed of interlocking diagonals.
“With trim work in general, you can look at all of the solid hardwood doors and trim and you see what a difference it makes,” Willing says.
Go Local. Willing sourced artwork for the home from regional talent to wash the walls in a sense of place. A beluga whale appears to invite himself into the dining space, a naturescape of Fenwick Island tops a guest bedroom headboard, and twin prints of skiffs settled in the water above another.
With seamless flow from the inside out, Frank Willing’s Fenwick Island home was designed with entertainment and enjoyment in mind.
Ready for Entertainment. Ultimately, the home is designed to entertain. A complete outdoor kitchen, dining and pool area with canal views and access to the boat dock is a highlight. Cobalt blue mosaic countertops complement the home’s exterior while the travertine pool deck stays cool on the hottest days and lends a sand vibe — beach appropriate.
The main floor’s living spaces flow into the outdoors: a clean-lined kitchen with quartz countertops and sophisticated, larger-format glass subway tile in shades of gray. Carrying the blue-gray-white theme into the abutting living space, an inviting plush sofa faces a modern “flatscreen” fireplace with a surround that coordinates with the countertops that are within eyeshot.
Walls throughout the home are painted in Sherwin Williams’ Agreeable Gray, and flooring in luxury vinyl plank is forgiving when wet feet enter from the boat and pool.
Willing, who as a builder managed the construction of his own home, says the process generally takes longer when he’s steering the course for his own ship. “You want to try new things, something different, so I am usually the guinea pig.” CS
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No surprises. That’s always the initial goal for Fisher Architecture and founder Keith Fisher, who says, “From our proposals to our process, everything is laid out from day one.”
He adds, “We want our clients to know it’s their idea, their dollar, their piece of the world — and we are the roadway to get them from Point A to Point B.”
Direct conversations related to budget, design preferences and timeline are refreshing and often not what clients expect. “People come to us with a range of past experiences working with an architecture firm,” he says.
Listening is the most important part of a home design/build journey.
“Homeowners come to us with their dreams,” Fisher relates. “Often, that is very personal — the home is where they will raise their family, create a whole new life and, in some cases, we get to design their dream second home for relaxation and enjoyment.”
Fisher reinforces, “This doesn’t have to be stressful. We will make it as easy as it can be.”
During an initial meeting, expect to do 98% of the talking, Fisher says.
“I reinforce that it’s their vision, their dream, and we guide clients with questions about how they see themselves in the home now versus 10 years from now, who will use the home, entertaining style and how they plan to live in it every day,” he says.
This information-gathering session guides the design process and leads into budget and financial expectations. “That way, when we start designing, we know what boundaries to have in place,” Fisher says, adding that his
“Homeowners have so many resources at their fingertips for ideas and pictures, and it’s much easier when they come to us with images — plus it reinforces that they feel connected to the process,” he says.
Keith and his architectural team spend time not only building a rapport with their clients, but they also want to know how the family will live in their new home. Keith asks his clients questions such as, “Do you plan on entertaining often? Do you need an outdoor living space? Will you be hosting overnight guests from time to time? Do you have children, and if so, how close are they to becoming college aged and moving to school?” Ask yourself these important questions, and others, as the answers provide genuinely crucial information that will play a significant role in the functionality of your design.
team can provide alternatives and prioritize features to deliver what clients ultimately want.
Because Fisher Architecture maintains longstanding relationships with code officials and planning authorities — a must for streamlining regulatory and jurisdiction processes — the team keeps projects moving. Plus, these connections and the way the firm manages permitting removes the burden from homeowners.
Scheduling is also an important initial discussion, and Fisher Architecture has an established, programmatic checkpoint system in place to hold all team members accountable — along with performance measures to ensure quality standards are met.
“We represent the owner during the construction process, and because a lot of our clients are from out of town and are building a second home, we offer a project manager/ architect who visits monthly to update them on
“Ninety percent of people say, ‘I can’t draw.’ The next thing you know, we’re putting pen to paper to sketch out a kitchen,” Fisher says. “Don’t be afraid to put it on paper and draw your ideas.”
“Do your research and interview architects before retaining a firm,” Fisher advises. “There has to be a synergy there, and trust, so that you feel connected to your architect.”
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HUSBAND-AND-WIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS TONY PRATT AND PAMELA AQUILANI DISCOVER THE BEAUTY AND SERENITY OF NEW ENGLAND DURING FALL FOLIAGE SEASON
Written by Tony Pratt
Igrew up in New England from the 1950s-1970s before moving to Delaware. A vital part of New England living is reveling in the blazing hillside colors that brisk autumn air brings to the maple trees dominating towns, valleys and mountains there. Not a year went by that my family didn’t load up the station wagon, brought along donuts and drinks, and drove backroads of, primarily, New Hampshire and Vermont. Last fall, Pam and I had a reason to be in the Boston area over the Columbus Day weekend, just at the right time and so close to the wonders of fall foliage peak in mid Vermont, that we just had to go.
We booked a room in the Killington Mountain Lodge having calculated a few months before the trip that the Killington area would be near peak color that week, and we were right. From our home base there for a couple of days, we identified several ‘go to’ sites that are seen yearly in many iconic, well circulated photos. One of our goals, only marginally second to just enjoying being in New England in the peak of fall, was to photograph the rich palette served up by chilly nights, warm days and shortening daylight hours.
New England is well known for its deep-seeded roots to our country’s origins, and history is on display throughout the region, including small towns like Goshen, New Hampshire.
We had done our homework and had identified several extremely photogenic locations but, and this was the most fun of the trip, we sought out backroads especially dirt roads that cross over peaks of remote hills. We love finding out of the way locations so when we saw a dirt road winding through woods and fields we went. There is where we experienced rural Vermont that most never see.
Each evening of the trip, we mapped out a few promising roads for the next day with an anticipated daybreak start, so sunrise direction and illumination was critical in our decision making.
This planning exercise was often done, or at least started, in a local restaurant, pub or inn, with a cold beer or two to facilitate envisioning cool places to photograph the next day. Pam and I are both drawn to water in photography landscapes, so we usually looked for rivers, ponds and lakes that lend beauty to our work.
Near our lodge, we visited Kent Pond one morning and Echo Lake the next. I shot photos from my drone for a different perspective, while Pam worked from water level. Successful early morning shoots must be rewarded by a good breakfast, but as we had full days planned and needed to hurry along, we relied on hearty breakfast sandwiches and fresh coffee from the Killington Market and Deli.
“There are so many rewards to back road exploration, and one that stands out to me is that we were very much alone in some very beautiful locations. We disturbed no one and no one disturbed us. ”
With breakfast finished, off we went to explore dirt roads, farms, trees and vistas. There are so many rewards to back road exploration, and one that stands out to me is that we were very much alone in some very beautiful locations. We were able to park, taking up half the road, as not a single car passed us in either direction. We disturbed no one and no one disturbed us. We never had to hurry up composing our photographs and had the luxury of being able to really study a scene for different angles and changing light.
All of this during the week of Columbus Day, in early October, probably the busiest week of the year for ‘leaf peepers’ in Vermont. Some of those well-known spots for photography were overrun with people and cars. We much preferred the quiet and solitude of the road not often taken.
We look forward to going back to Vermont, and other New England states, during fall foliage in the future. We barely scratched the surface of the possibilities. CS
The lore of Rehoboth Beach’s annual Sea Witch festival is rooted in the fate of a schooner called “Sea Witch,” which sank during a snowstorm off the Delaware coast in 1847. The Sea Witch Festival is held in downtown Rehoboth Beach at the end of October each year and is one of the most popular fall attractions for coastal Delaware. The fluorescent green Sea Witch balloon is a favorite attraction for many of its spectators. CS
