Jon Deeter of Guyette & Deeter, Inc., St. Michaels
2020, 2023-2024
Lighting has entered the digital age at Overture! Gone are the days of high voltage and bulky wire requirements. The emergence of LED technology and its minimal power requirements allow power and control over a single network cable to drive a smarter and more energy efficient lighting experience. Our custom designed low voltage lighting systems are completely tunable, controllable and dimmable — offering you unmatched flexibility, features and benefits.
The Right Lighting System Can Literally Change Your Life
We hear all the time about how to maintain our health and wellbeing. Exercise. Sleep. Healthy diet. So, would it surprise you to know that light also plays a large part in your health, wellbeing, and mood? Medical research continues to prove that sleep patterns, mood and general health are linked to the lighting we are exposed to. We create lighting solutions that drive the ability to deliver any mood setting or proper task lighting at any time of day or night. At the press of a button, or continually throughout the day, Circadian Rhythm and Human Centric lighting becomes part of your lifestyle. Our systems can organically adjust the lighting to the perfect setting to match the time of day, waking us up in the morning and putting us to sleep at night.
Accentuate Your Home’s Interior Design
When designing any space, color, texture and finishes play a critical role in the process. Equally important is lighting. With dynamic lighting, colors pop, textures stand out and finishes have added depth and luster. Think of lighting as the fourth element of good design, which turns colors and textures into a vibrant palette of finishes and materials.
Customization at Your Fingertips
We can make any dimmable fixture or light bulb smart and offer full color and white tuning that you can adjust for any setting. Select the exact shade you want or set integrated dynamic modes to create an immersive experience — all of which can be added to scenes and timers. Create focal points, highlight architectural features and evoke powerful emotions with dynamic lighting throughout your home.
You can feel confident in knowing that Overture offers the latest in whole home 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.
“It is with great joy and excitement that we announce we are opening a new office location in West Ocean City. This will allow us to serve the greater Ocean City community with the utmost dedication and attention to every detail that locals and second homeowners deserve.
Located in the Teal Marsh Shopping Plaza, the Live Oak Home Builders headquarters will be a gathering place of inspiration and communication for our team and our clients. From the very first day in our company’s history, our customers, their experience and their ultimate satisfaction have been the driving forces for our success. World-class customer service is our standard — and we stand behind that in every respect.
Ocean City is a very special place for me and my family. We are honored to be a part of this community, building homes with exceptional craftsmanship and new technologies that far surpass the expectations of our clients.”
— Justin White BUILDING ROOTS IN OCEAN CITY
OWNER, LIVE OAK HOME BUILDERS
Justin & Anna White, with their son, Jase, and daughter, Savannah
Coastal Life Realty Group has always focused on quality over quantity. Quality of our agents, quality of our staff, quality of our marketing and the quality of the services we provide. As a result, Coastal Life agents lead the coastal Maryland real estate market in per agent sales and outsell our nearest competitors by two to one.* Experience matters in real estate and you deserve to work with the best. Contact a Coastal Life Realty Group agent today to get started.
Jay Pierorozio
Melanie Shoff
Jennifer Ciorrocco Wayne Phillips Tina Dorsey Dave Whittington Kevin Decker Troy Doyle Brian Foley
Jaden Hanna Angela Short Jim Wilson Andrea Whittington Summer Forbes Steve Green Tamar Nazarian
Sabra Hendon Executive Assistant
R yan Evans Listing Coordinator
Anna Hobbs Transaction Coordinator
Joseph W ilson Broker Partner
Nicholas Bobenko Managing Partner
200 Mallard Cove Ln, Stevensville, MD
Offered at $3,990,000 4 Bed | 5 Baths | 7,200 Sq Ft
Panoramic bay views, a bayside pool, 500 feet of water frontage, and 15 acres of manicured land make Mallard Cove a spectacular coastal estate. You enter a private, ¼-mile paved driveway and drive through acres of lush land with a pond to reach this idyllic waterfront retreat. Inside, the home features spacious living areas, updated bathrooms, and a custom-built Irish pub. The renovated kitchen has high-end appliances and stunning views of the bay. Just minutes from Annapolis, Mallard Cove offers both privacy and accessibility.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024
Special Waterfowl Festival Preview
117 CONSERVATION & FAMILY
Since its inception in 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has built its mission with these two ideals as core values. The tradition continues today.
118 WALSH’S TRIBUTE
The Talbot Historical Society presents “Outlaw Gunner,” a moving exhibit based on Dr. Harry Walsh’s book, ingenuity, collection and legacy.
120 CARVING THEIR NICHE
Guyette & Deeter is attracting decoy and sporting art fans from all over the country, and breaking auction sales records in the process.
126 WATERFOWL QUEEN
Cambridge’s Megan Watts is a huntress living a fowl life—and loving every bit of it. She’s an influencer in the industry and even her dog has a sponsor deal.
128 DON’T MISS PREMIERE NIGHT!
Be the first to view this year’s Federal Duck Stamp, while helping to celebrate its long-time volunteers and 2024 Hall of Fame inductees.
130 WELL DONE!
Texas-based artist Ronnie Wells is named the Waterfowl Festival’s Featured Artist—and his many talents warrant the distinction.
132 ART TAKES FLIGHT
Stunning artwork by over 75 artists showcases the natural beauty and diversity of waterfowl, wildlife and landscapes, sporting art and more.
120
Photo by Jill Jasuta
At Pohanka Volkswagon, customer service is the team’s top priority.
Easton’s Windswept Clothiers has an incredible story about their gloves.
36 44
Book Hounds serves the entire community, including its canines.
134
50 HER HELM, HER WAY CUSTOMER DRIVEN ONE WITH THE DUNES
Becker Morgan Group designs a gathering place with natural appeal.
142
Kristin Rutkowski chronicles regional women who captain boats.
Gail Priest’s latest awardwinning book is set on the Eastern Shore.
LEWES ARTISTS STUDIO TOUR PAWS HERE FOR BOOKS A MAGIC PLACE THE ROYAL TREATMENT ACHIEVING NEW HEIGHTS
Internationally acclaimed artists open their studio doors to visitors.
SISTER
CITIES THE LATEST AT TIDALHEALTH
Rehoboth Beach artists exhibit scenes from Greve in Chianti, Italy. News, advice and information from the Shore’s leading healthcare provider.
BEST OF 2024 PROFILES
Tomie Kay Morse’s hard work and dedication is earning recognition.
Hardscapes, Inc.’s amenityrich project features ingenious planning and design details.
Best Of 2024 Winners share their stories of professional success.
162 172 156 152 146 168 176 BUILT THE BURLEY WAY THE FAMILY VINE A BETTER WAY TO BUILD ESSENCE OF THE COAST OCEAN VIEW OASIS ICONIC DINING REDEFINED MARILYN-GRADE ICE CUBES
Shannon Spilman’s tips for designing interiors with warm colors and natural elements.
Insight Homes continues winning awards for its energy efficient homes.
Burley Building Company is raising standards across the region.
The Embers is reimagined and offers must-try flavors and sunset bay views.
Learn how to make crystal clear ice cubes for the perfect cocktail. 134
Philip Bernot reviews Materra wines from Cunat Family Vineyards.
REAL ESTATE WORLDWIDE
JAIME HARDY
MARIAH
GRANT
EVELYN
PAMELA AQUILANI
GRANT L. GURSKY
JILL JASUTA
SVETLANA LEAHY
MARCI RYAN
MEGAN STEELE
KRISTA VALLIANT
PHILIP BERNOT ALEX
SEAN NORRIS
SHANNON SPILMAN
JOE WILLEY
KEN RYAN
Photo by Jill Jasuta
EASTERN SHORE COMMUNITIES
THE FALL SHOULDER SEASON RETURNS and it won’t be as quiet as we were once accustomed to. Popular events continue to bring life, energy and economic impact to our region. One such event is the 53rd annual Waterfowl Festival—and our preview section takes aim at generating your excitement for being a part of it in early November. We visited 22 communities during the production of this issue to bring you stories of people who strive to make the Shore an even better place to live. We wish you good health and hope you enjoy this issue. Drop us a line at info@coastalstylemag.com or on Facebook or Instagram to connect with us. We’d love to hear from you.
Customer Driven
GENERAL MANAGER DAN FITZGERALD LEADS THE POHANKA VW OF SALISBURY TEAM WHERE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS PRIORITY ONE
Photography by Krista Valliant
Pohanka VW of Salisbury focuses on a customerfirst approach. As one of the leading dealerships on the Eastern Shore, its team of highly talented and skilled professionals prides itself on a seamless, fun shopping experience with customer service and communication at the forefront of every vehicle purchase.
Pohanka VW General Manager Dan Fitzgerald is focused on giving his customers the very best customer service experience possible. It’s a commitment that starts with him and extends to each member of the Pohanka VW team—your satisfaction is their number one priority. Dan has been in the car business for over 25 years and loves to see his customers drive away in their brand new VWs. He says that the sense of pride he feels in those moments never gets old.
Introducing: The Pohanka Promise Membership has its privileges!
The family of Pohanka of Salisbury dealerships cares for its neighbors. The Pohanka Pays It Forward Foundation has donated over $3 million to 750 charitable organizations across the Eastern Shore since 2009.
Now, a new initiative extends value and membership benefits to local residents. It’s called The Pohanka Promise—and extends several important advantages, including complimentary maintenance, EG Repel™ Paint Protector service for 1 year, key replacement for 1 year and nitrogen-filled tires for 1 year with road hazard service. Membership upgrades are also available— and be sure to inquire about Pohanka’s 120-month/100k mile or 6-month/6,000-mile warranties!
To sign up today, simply download the Pohanka Promise app in the Apple or Android App Store and receive exclusive access to deals, news via push notifications and much more! You can also visit PohankaPromise.com to conveniently register today!
There’s quite the buzz over the all-new ID.Buzz—Coming soon!
The ID. Buzz may be electric, but it still embodies the spirit of the original. With three rows that offer six and seven seat configurations, it’s spacious enough to fit your whole crew while taking you just about anywhere you want to go. It’s a nod to the vintage style that made the bus so recognizable. So go ahead–pack up and hit the open road!
AT YOUR SERVICE
Pohanka VW of Salisbury features a fully-trained team of certified professionals ready to assist customers with any of their vehicle needs.
Service Manager Kyle Bowen and his team of factory-trained technicians are also focused on customer service: fixing your vehicle right the first time and giving you a great experience. Pohanka VW Service conveniently offers every type of vehicle service for its customers, from oil changes to diagnostics to preventative maintenance.
Pohanka VW’s all-star lineup includes the highly popular ID.4 and many hybrid and electric models. The 2025 model releases are in full swing and Pohanka VW is fully stocked and ready to assist with your next VW purchase. Whether it’s the sophisticated Atlas, its stylish Atlas Cross Sport counterpart, all-electric ID.4, ultra-versatile Tiguan, sporty Jetta or the fun Gulf GTI, there’s a new VW that’s just right for you. And they’re all packed with features you’ve come to rely on in a VW, giving you a variety of options to choose from to best fit your lifestyle and budget. CS
local
Written by Kristen Hampshire
The Royal Treatment
SHARING A REVERENCE FOR LUXURY, DEBRA PRINCIPI OF WINDSWEPT CLOTHIERS AND GENEVIÈVE JAMES, DAUGHTER OF CORNELIA JAMES, HAVE FORGED A PARTNERSHIP THAT FITS LIKE A GLOVE
Once upon a time, there was a glove with a rare and prestigious name: Cornelia James . The glove, which carried the British Royal Warrant mark of excellence, consistently graced the hands of international majesties and influencers since 1947. This coveted glove could only be found in one U.S. shop: Windswept Clothiers in Easton. Owner Debra Principi started Windswept Clothiers on the heels of the pandemic shutdown in 2020. The shop quickly grew a loyal following and reputation as a destination, and has thrived with its niche offerings.
While curating a blend of luxury labels, Debra happened upon the Cornelia James brand and took a chance. Would the line that was world-renowned for a trousseau of gloves handmade for the late Queen Elizabeth’s wedding consider an appointment in her Easton shop?
“Design student flees Nazi scourge, arrives in England with suitcase full of fabrics, finds fame and fortune as glove maker to the Queen,” is the one-liner recap of a legendary background.
Geneviève James, carries the torch of a now third-generation global cottage business out of Sussex, England.
Debra reached out directly and connected with the founder’s daughter, Geneviève James, who is carrying the torch of a now third-generation global cottage business out of Sussex, England. Sheep roam about the bucolic land—and 10 seamstresses fashion gloves from the finest materials under the design direction of Geneviève, inspired by her mother Cornelia’s archives. Every aspect of the process, start to finish, happens right there.
Cornelia James gloves are style icons in their own right, handmade in merino wool, cashmere, sueded cotton, leather and pure silk. Each glove contains 8 feet of stitching. Cornelia James spent more than 70 years trying to make each stitch perfect, believing a good pair of gloves is a thing of joy. Seamstresses make a complete glove from start to finish, dotingly taking ownership over each. Every pair is finished by hand before being carefully tucked into a pretty box with a hand-written note. There’s a ceremony about it all. And of course, there’s a story.
Unwavering Sophistication
While updating her home to age-in-place, our client came to us with the need for an ADA compliant bathroom and an unwillingness to compromise in style. We kept an open “wet room” feel for the bathroom, creating a curbless shower with dual entry points to be wheelchair accessible. High style and high quality stand out in this bathroom with grain-matched rift white oak vanity and matching floor-to-ceiling mirror, a mixture of gloss and matte picket tiles, wall-mounted faucetry, and the luxury of electrified drawers.
Designed
by Alison Bridges | Installation by Shaw Contracting, LLC | Photography by John Cole Photography
DISTINCTIVE DESIGN.
“Design student flees Nazi scourge, arrives in England with suitcase full of fabrics, finds fame and fortune as glove maker to the Queen,” is the one-liner recap of a legendary background.
Geneviève tees up the narrative, explaining how her mother could pack just one bag as she quickly fled Vienna in 1939.
“She took what she loved, which was the material she worked with,” she says. “She was then interned, as refugees were in England at the time, and she did occupational therapy by teaching British soldiers how to use their hands.”
“Because it was wartime, there was no extra money to spend and there were rations—most people couldn’t afford to buy a whole outfit,” Geneviève continues. “She designed a whole range of leather gloves in different colors. Even if you couldn’t buy a whole outfit, you could treat yourself to a pair of gloves.”
She remarks on her mum’s knack for clever enterprise.
During that time and up until the 1960s, you simply didn’t leave the house even on a simple errand without a proper glove. While times have since changed, the needle is moving back to
gloves as a luxurious statement, a treat, something special.
While Cornelia James eventually diversified into scarves and served as a wholesaler, under Geneviève’s direction, it returned to a purveyor of fine gloves only. Today, Cornelia James sells direct to consumers online and to the exclusive Vera Wang Bridal and Lovely Bride salons.
But Windswept Clothiers is the only boutique of its kind to carry Cornelia James.
Aside from fitting the royals with gloves, Cornelia James creates an eclectic range of evening gloves for film and stage productions including Downton Abbey, Bridgerton and the Harry Potter movies.
The Empress of Japan and Saudi Royal Family also wear Cornelia James. The brand has caught the eye of many A-listers such as Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Zoe Kravitz, Ariana Grande and Joan Collins.
The brand is consistently featured in fashion shoots of the world’s top magazines and fashion editorial. But the fame all started with Queen Elizabeth— before she was a queen.
Reflecting on the Cornelia James breakout moment, Geneviève shares how Elizabeth had a couturier named Norman Hartnell who made the princess’s wedding gown for her marriage to Lt. Phillip Mountbatten. Norman asked Cornelia James to fashion the gloves. “He was my mother’s muse—she loved his watchful eye,” Geneviève shares.
“So, that was the start, which was lovely, actually,” she says.
“After that, she became very wellknown. With my father, an accountant, their
combination of design and financial knowledge was very necessary in the fashion world,” Geneviève says.
In 1979, Cornelia James was granted a Royal Warrant, a prestigious seal that must be renewed every five years.
GOOD STYLE NEVER DATES.
After a lengthy and delightful conversation with Geneviève, who then determined that Windswept Clothiers would fit like a glove as a partner, “I fell in love with the story, the product,” Debra says. “She took a chance on me, and I appreciate that,” relates Debra.
“I wanted to try something unique that was not already available on the Eastern Shore, so I started small by featuring only apparel and accessories related to the weather,” she says of a wind, rain, sleet, snow and sunshine theme. This translates to rain trenches and matching boots, cashmere wraps and sweaters, wispy cotton dresses—all items sourced from around the world—and now Cornelia James.
Geneviève says, “We’re quite choosy about who we work with, and Windswept is the only shop of its kind. Her whole concept is quite appealing, and she carries some iconic brands.”
Windswept sells Wallaroo hats, Kinross Cashmere, Frances Valentine, Max & Moi, Samuel Dong and Frances Valentine, among others.
As for Cornelia James, each glove is a hand-finished work of art. “It’s all about style and while fashion dates, good style never dates,” Geneviève says, ultimately capturing the essence of the family brand and Windswept Clothiers’ philosophy.
The rest is history. CS
Paws Here for Books
Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Keyanna Bowen
ST. MICHAELS’ BOOK HOUNDS INVITES LITERALLY ALL WALKS OF LIFE TO EXPLORE A DIVERSE RANGE OF TITLES
“Inviting, fun and not serious” was the design goal for Book Hounds in St. Michaels when owner Michelle Coughlin conceived of the concept after jettisoning from “always a reader to a super reader.” During the pandemic, particularly, she grew more involved in online book clubs and virtual literary events. “I thought, ‘Wow, I would like to make this happen in person!’” she relates.
There was no bookstore in St. Michaels until she opened this year in a quaint, two-level storefront home. The shop had been a running shoe store, a business that relocated down the way on North Talbot Street.
“When that came open, I pounced on it,” Coughlin says—inadvertently dropping a feline-ism for a passion project and shop that is just as much about serving as a book matchmaker as a comfy place where people and their dogs can curl up on cozy furniture and explore corridors and rooms brimming with titles of all kinds.
“This is a place for the community, so that was really important to me during the design process,” says Coughlin, who engaged in Michelle Gage Interiors of Philadelphia to execute on the vision.
The two had worked together on Coughlin’s home previously and were aligned in their approach for creating a treasure trove for bibliophiles and dog lovers who also happen to adore books.
TICKLED PINK. Punchy, noticeably pink and even “ridiculously pink,” as Coughlin says, the front door is designed to call you in to explore.
Rescue dogs Willy Nelson and Lucinda Williams are the in-house greeters.
“She wanted this to be community focused and fun—a destination for locals and visitors,” Gage says, relating that a month after opening, social media and word-of-mouth referrals made for a revolving door of curious guests.
Aside from a design that is equal parts whimsical, thoughtful, engaging and transports you into a story that is Book Hounds, the entire venue is allpaws-on-deck. “It’s a given that dogs are on the furniture,” Coughlin says.
Tickled Pink. Punchy, noticeably pink and even “ridiculously pink,” as Coughlin says, the front door is designed to call you in to explore. “It says, ‘This place is fun!’” she relates. “It’s almost like the door in Narnia and shows you we are not holding back.”
“I think you can be classy and elegant and also quirky and unique, so the front door was a really important part of demonstrating that,” Coughlin says.
Design that is equal parts whimsical, thoughtful, engaging and transports you into a story.
Paws and Effect. When pooches parade into Book Hounds, they receive a welcome biscuit and a free pass to curl up on window seats and whatever other cushy surface they find while their owners delve into the diverse range of titles.
“In the kids’ room, you can knock things over, mess it up, it doesn’t matter,” Coughlin says. “But, it’s still beautiful and that was the idea behind it.”
She says, “I wanted a balance between dog and kid friendly, and I am located next to an ice cream shop, so we chose furniture that is inviting and still aesthetically attractive.” Namely, a furry white chair that begs to be petted in the children’s space is a statement piece that is equally functional.
No piece is hands-off.
“I didn’t want this white, perfect furniture that no one could touch,” Coughlin says, adding that a smattering of faded vintage rugs throughout the shop balance rich wallpaper patterns and vibrant paint treatments throughout, such as chartreuse bookshelves with a cobalt blue mushroom wallpaper.
On Display. There is more than 3,500 square feet of shelving within the shop and Gage leveraged every wall as an inventory opportunity. Custom built and painted by theme according to room, they look as if they were always part of the shop-home, which in itself is unique because the store is not in a typical commercial space.
Gage also created displays with round tables. “People can still walk around them and peruse,” she says, relating that Coughlin can also change tabletops out for feature displays. The shop’s fireplaces serve as additional showcase room for books, and a Burlwood credenza by the staircase introduces a cozy aesthetic with purpose.
“We incorporated true furniture with more retail-focused shelving units to make sure she had different types of displays,” Gage says. “Even the coffee table upstairs can serve as a display.”
Room by Room. Book Hounds’ “home” lends itself to themed rooms for titles, including a vibrant kids room inspired by Alice in Wonderland. “Each room is a surprise,” Coughlin says, noting that elements don’t necessarily match but they all go together.
A cookbook room with Monet-inspired wallpaper and a lavender ceiling and millwork transports you to a country cottage garden. A wash of blood-red and “a spooky literary vibe” in an upstairs room houses mystery thrillers, romance, horror and sci-fi/ fantasy books. A plaid leather couch in the corner is a hint to stay awhile. “I love when people hang out there,” Coughlin says, her contagious appreciation of books a fixture of its own.
“One of the most important things about bookstores is that you can go in, browse and the right book will jump out at you as you take time to pull out the covers and read the backs, and see what calls to you,” Coughlin says. “This layout really encourages that behavior as you wander from room to room.”
As for the name Book Hounds, while the moniker is a nod to Coughlin’s love of dogs, there’s a double entendre. “There’s a saying that you are a book worm,” she says. “But a lesser-known saying is ‘book hound.’” CS
Her Helm, Her Way
Written by Kristen Hampshire
PHOTOGRAPHER KRISTIN RUTKOWSKI CAPTURES AN INSPIRATIONAL AND PERSPECTIVE-CHANGING VISTA OF WOMEN IN CHARGE ON THE WATER
Kristin Rutkowski, a boutique portrait photographer, was on a storytelling mission. Deciding to use her non-studio time for a personal project during the summer of 2020, she set her course for one that veered slightly off her usual route.
Having always been quick to see beauty in people, she asked herself: “Who do I want to meet and photograph?”
Her answer surfaced quickly: Women who are in charge of boats.
Her Helm, the resulting project and hardcover book, is a testament to the many ways that women make waves on the Chesapeake Bay, in charge at the helm. An exhibit at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is on display through 2024.
It’s a photographic celebration that captures the powerful and unique position of women captaining their own vessels. While lifting up women who shared their stories and shedding light on their accomplishments, the project is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of female captains, Rutkowski says.
Her Helm is a tribute to women in boating who inspire those around them. The sun and sea call to these women who love to be outside on the water. And as Rutkowski points out, they are forging their way in a culture not historically meant for them. “I wanted women from all backgrounds to be the faces we may see on the water,” Rutkowski relates.
To accomplish her goal, Rutkowski traveled up and down the Chesapeake Bay, throughout Maryland and Virginia. She met, interviewed, and photographed women from all walks of life—and on all manner of boats.
“To showcase these women’s accomplishments and for them to step back and be appreciated was so meaningful, and it was amazing to get to offer them that.”
REDEFINING ‘CAPTAIN’
To stick to her goal, Rutkowski had to set specific parameters that would clearly define the project and target subjects. She didn’t want to limit her scope to sail boats, her comfort zone after sailing the Chesapeake Bay waters with her husband, who taught her to take the helm. So, she expanded her project to include any variety of vessel while ratcheting the geographic scope to just the bay.
But the primary guideline was that each featured woman had to be steering the ship. Rutkowski included women who owned the boat themselves, shared ownership with a partner, hired to captain the watercraft, serve as an educator or coach, or run the vessel as a pilot.
Some boats featured are slightly under 30 feet, but none are trailer-able for dropping into the water. This parameter helped Rutkowski trim down a growing number of women warrior kayakers and anglers, another empowering way that more women are taking to the water and owning it.
The smallest watercraft and operator captured in Her Helm is a fishing runabout. Some of the largest are cargo ships.
During the threeyear project, Rutkowski discovered a bevy of water-based careers from ferries to boating coaches, educators, towboat captains and even a pilot she met when the project was nearly wrapped up and off to print. Initially planning to include 50 captains, Rutkowski says she couldn’t pass on this significant last addition—and it tipped the Her Helm total up to 51.
CUTTING THROUGH WAKE
In doing the project, Rutkowski learned even more about sailing and the wide range of vessels cruising the bay than she understood while navigating her own boat for 15 years. “My eyes have been opened with the different ways you can run a boat and the different types of boats you can run on the Bay,” she says.
She also had an opportunity to look deep inside herself as a feminist and soon realized that even she had sunk into the “this is the way it is” mindset that she was trying to break when diving into the project.
“Before Her Helm, I had also fallen into a trap that society perpetuates of not seeing women in charge of boats,” she says of the eye-opening experience.
“Another growth thing personally was putting myself out there, talking to new people with a goal of making them feel comfortable and celebrated,” she says. Doing so “provided me with many fresh perspectives.”
Rutkowski hopes that the impactful Her Helm photographic journey helps to dismantle an age-old nautical stereotype.
“There are increasingly more women present behind the helm,” she says. “The more we can recognize and celebrate women who are in charge, it will invite even more women and girls to look toward that and realize this is possible,” she says.
“To showcase these women’s accomplishments and for them to step back and be appreciated was so meaningful. It was amazing to get to offer them that.” CS
Clifton 9 for Men
Arahi 7 for Men
Clifton 9 for Women
Bondi 8 for Women
KRISTIN RUTKOWSKI
A Magical Place
THE EASTERN SHORE PLAYS AS AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN AUTHOR GAIL PRIEST’S WORK
Written by Alex Csedrik I Portrait by Pamela Aquilani
“It’s soothing to stare out at the Chesapeake Bay in all kinds of weather, and it’s healing to hike, kayak and swim here,” says Priest, who’s been coming to the area with her husband ever since 2000.
If the Eastern Shore has a place in your heart, you’re not alone. Actor, author, counselor, director and teacher Gail Priest claims the area has a special magic, so she sets all her works of fiction in this region.
She focuses on promoting healing, forgiveness, and second chances, so it’s no coincidence that the Eastern Shore is integral to her writing. Her Annie Crow Knoll trilogy, the Eastern Shore Shorts, and her latest novel, Soul Dancing, are all set in this region to help her characters achieve the mending she’s dedicated her life to.
Her master’s degree is in counseling psychology, focusing on family therapy, which led her to pursue healing in her art. Although she’s now published five books, writing wasn’t always her artistic medium.
“My training and experience as an actor, director and teacher led me to want to write,” Priest admits. “My writing process is cinematic. I see and hear my characters. My characters talk to and guide me, and I feel like a channel for them.”
Priest’s latest book was released in May 2024 and was recently named an American Fiction Award finalist for Women’s Fiction, as well as winning first place for cross-genre and second place in women’s fiction for the Firebird Book Awards. While Soul Dancing uses nature and the Eastern Shore as essential elements to the character’s metamorphosis like her previous works, this novel differs slightly because it features a paranormal twist.
“I moved Soul Dancing to Rehoboth Beach because many years ago, I spent a summer there performing with the Rehoboth Beach Children’s Theatre,” Priest explains. The location is also an ode to the vibrant artistic scene she and her husband— a photographer—have become a part of through teaching at the Bay to Ocean Writers Conference, among other accomplishments. CS
INSIDE: The Lewes Artists Studio Tour
GET A SNEAK PEAK INTO THE STUDIOS OF INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED ARTISTS
AT THIS ANNUAL BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR, AN EASTERN SHORE FALL TRADITION
Written by Kristen Hampshire
Watch the creative process at work behind the scenes in a pottery studio. See how a printmaker transposes images onto many media using a press. Learn how acrylics and mixed-media art comes to life.
At the Lewes Artists Studio Tour, the doors open to the public to experience, ask questions and view the latest works of several internationally acclaimed artists rooted in the Eastern Shore.
The free event takes place Saturday, September 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, with no-cost raffle tickets for a selection of original art by participating artists. Sponsored by the Lewes
Chamber of Commerce, the event is one of the largest autumn tourism draws, attracting several hundred guests to the quaint coastal town each year, says Turning Leaves Studio’s Theresa Kehrer, a fine artist inspired by nature and a regular on the tour.
Previously a published crochet designer and potter, Theresa moved into fine art after returning to art school and working in a range of media. Currently, her works on paper are botanically inspired.
At the Lewes Artists Studio Tour, you can follow a downloadable map of “hot spots” to chart your course at art studios around town
and satisfy your appetite for inspiring art in a juried environment of curated professionals.
To be included in this tour, it’s not enough to have a studio. “You have to be a professional and there is a high standard with this group,” Theresa relates, sharing enthusiasm for her involvement and for being able to carry on this Eastern Shore tradition.
Two of the featured artists this year, Steve Rogers and Jean Doran, are members of the original tour. “It’s an honor to be a part of an arts event which has been committed for so long to highlighting the work of such a diverse group of very talented people,” Theresa says.
Ready to tour? Here’s a preview of what’s in each studio.
MARY LOUISE LAUFFER
A love of repurposing found objects and setting “bits of history” into her fine metal jewelry and stained glass works means Mary Louise’s projects are ever evolving. She demonstrates a love of experimenting with nontraditional methods.
STEVE ROGERS
Boats are Steve’s primary interest. Fascinated by the ocean and drawn to harbors and marshes, his work reflects a respect for these spaces and for those who make a living on the water. Steve’s canvasses offer a window into a world we might have forgotten, or never knew.
CARYL WILLIAMS
Caryl paints plants on their terms. This means showcasing personalities that allow for survival and flattening her world with tromp l’oeil pieces such as fish bowls, cherry pies, Chinese vases and historical people like Mark Twain.
JEFF WATSON
Jeff’s decorative and functional art for the home and garden features an Asian aesthetic that is inspired by the natural environment. He explores mid-range oxidation glazes and glazing techniques that closely approach the look of high-fired pots.
“It’s an honor to be a part of an arts event which has been committed for so long to highlighting the work of such a diverse group of very talented people,” Theresa says.
Working primarily in pastels, Nick appreciates their brilliance and immediacy—and the way they capture textures in landscape.
Bonnie’s donated painting of the Lewes Canal hangs in the town library and features the post office building along with several boats, the way the scene appeared in 1990 when she created it.
NICK SERRATORE
BONNIE WHITE
Sister Cities
REHOBOTH BEACH AREA ARTISTS PAINT WORKS FOR A SPECIAL EVENT IN ITALY, WHICH WILL BE ON DISPLAY OCT. 12 AT GALLERY ONE
Greve in Chianti, Italy, is the “Sister City” of Rehoboth Beach The two cities have been celebrating that relationship since 2010. Early in 2024, Greve in Chianti’s Tourism Director asked Rehoboth Beach’s Pat Coluzzi if Rehoboth Beach area artists could participate in an event commemorating the 500-year celebration of the town’s most famous explorer, Giovanni da Verrazzano, the first European to explore the Atlantic Coast of North America between Florida and New Brunswick in 1524, including New York Bay.
Sixteen local artists agreed—and they painted scenes of Greve in Chianti from photographs. Pat and her partner, Gallery One artist Dale Sheldon, delivered 22 paintings to the Museo di San Francesco’s curator in Greve in Chianti. “Giovanni di Verrazzano 2024: An artistic bridge between Greve and the USA,” was held April 14 and attended by members of a Delaware delegation.
On Oct. 12 from 4-6 p.m., Gallery One’s reception in Ocean View will further celebrate the relationship, showcasing the 22 paintings that were a part of the Greve in Chianti show. The public is welcomed. CS
Above: Dale Sheldon hangs the works of Rehoboth Beach area artists in Greve in Chianti, Italy.
Introducing Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon Dr. Julie Berry
At TidalHealth Ear, Nose & Throat Surgery in Millsboro, Del., Dr. Julie Berry brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to her practice. With a distinguished academic background and a career marked by leadership roles and accolades, Dr. Berry is a standout in her field.
Dr. Berry’s journey began at the University of Notre Dame, where she earned her undergraduate degree. She then pursued her medical education at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, graduating at the top of her class. Her path led her to the University of Maryland Medical System in Baltimore, where she completed both her general surgery internship and her residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, serving as chief resident.
Board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, Dr. Berry is also a proud member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Her career has been distinguished by leadership positions, including serving as Chief of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Andrews Air Force Base and Chief of Subspeciality Surgery at Tri City Medical Center. Dr. Berry’s dedication to her field has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Top Doctor award for San Diego County.
Beyond her professional life, Dr. Berry is a multifaceted individual. An avid runner and traveler, she
also channels her creativity into sewing, with a particular passion for theatrical costume design. Remarkably, some of her designs have even graced the stages of Broadway. Her commitment to excellence in every aspect of her life reflects the same dedication she brings to her patients.
For those in need of specialized care, TidalHealth Ear, Nose & Throat Surgery is conveniently located at 30265 Commerce Drive, Suite 102, in Millsboro. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Berry, call 302-297-2453.
Julie Berry, MD TidalHealth Ear, Nose & Throat Surgery
Get back in the game
Whether you’re a passionate athlete or simply enjoy staying active in your spare time, Dr. Andrew Curley is here for you.
Specializing in sports-related injuries, he focuses on the unique needs of young athletes and weekend warriors.
He knows you need to minimize downtime and maximize results, and he takes a tailored approach that best fits your goals. With the latest techniques and advanced technology, Dr. Curley will get you back to your favorite activities swiftly and safely.
Don’t let sports injuries sideline your passion for an active life. Choose Dr. Curley and take the first step toward recovery.
TidalHealth Orthopedics
Locations in Millsboro and Seaford
302-990-3280
Andrew Curley, MD
Sleep is key to your health
Danielle Giddins, MD
As the back-to-school season approaches, the importance of being well-rested cannot be overstated. Whether you're a student, a parent, or a teacher, getting enough sleep is vital to both mental and physical health. It boosts performance, sharpens focus, and improves mood—all essential for a successful school year. Sleep is also the time when our bodies restore themselves on a cellular level, and our brains process and integrate the day’s learning and activities.
For many, sleep can be challenging. According to a survey by the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2020, 14.5 percent of adults in a survey had trouble falling asleep most days or every day within the past 30 days. Poor sleep is known to increase the risk of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Adults require about seven hours of sleep per night, regardless of age. Chronic sleep deprivation can trigger weight gain, increased fatigue, severe mood changes, and difficulty making decisions. If you have a lack of sleep, you can try keeping a sleep diary to track your sleep and daytime drowsiness. There are also multiple devices on the market that will help monitor your sleep quantity and quality.
First, you must make sleep a priority. Signs of good sleep are falling asleep within 30 minutes, not waking up frequently or for long periods, and feeling refreshed upon waking.
Tips for improving your sleep habits
Here are some additional recommendations and tips to improve your sleep. Consider making one or two changes at a time to see what helps the most.
• Have a regular bed and awake time.
• Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet.
• Do not drink caffeine within four to six hours of bedtime.
• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals within three hours of bed.
• Avoid blue light exposure from electronics and phones before bed.
• Limit nicotine.
• Limit naps to less than 60 minutes.
• Exercise early in the day.
• Try relaxing activities prior to bed.
• Create a bedtime routine.
Dr. Danielle Giddins has been a member of the TidalHealth family since 2008 and is boardcertified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Giddins serves as Chief Wellness Officer for TidalHealth and sees patients at TidalHealth Primary Care in Millsboro. To schedule an appointment, visit tidalhealth.org/ schedule or call 302-732-8400.
Seeking help for sleep problems
If you struggle with sleep, TidalHealth can help. TidalHealth Sleep Medicine has locations in Ocean Pines, Md., and Seaford, Del., and sleep studies are offered in Maryland and Delaware. To learn more, visit tidalhealth.org/sleep
Danielle Giddins, MD
TidalHealth enhances patient care with MyChart
TidalHealth is revolutionizing patient care and communication through MyChart, an intuitive online platform designed to keep you connected with your healthcare team.
With MyChart, you can communicate directly with your doctors, getting answers to your medical questions from the comfort of your home. This convenient feature ensures you stay informed and engaged with your health without the need for an office visit.
Accessing your test results has never been easier. Instead of waiting for a phone call or letter, MyChart lets you view your results within days, along with your doctor’s comments. This prompt access keeps you in the loop and informed about your health status.
Managing prescriptions is a breeze with MyChart. Request refills for any of your refillable medications online, ensuring you never miss a dose of what you need.
MyChart also simplifies appointment management. Whether you’re scheduling your next visit or reviewing details of past and upcoming appointments, MyChart makes it easy to stay on top of your healthcare needs.
TidalHealth is committed to making healthcare more accessible and efficient for everyone. With MyChart, patient care and communication are now more streamlined than ever.
TidalHealth Home Scripts
TidalHealth Home Scripts 11101 Cathage Road Berlin, MD
410-543-4769
tidalhealth.org/HomeScripts
Open six days a week
Our knowledgeable pharmacists will fill your prescriptions in a matter of minutes and we offer free home delivery in the Ocean Pines area and a convenient drive-thru window.
With a large selection of over-the-counter items and monthly sales, you’ll be relying on TidalHealth Home Scripts for all your pharmacy needs. Also, consider us for all your vaccination needs including COVID-19, flu, shingles and travel vaccines, etc.
Conveniently located by the North Gate of Ocean Pines, TidalHealth Home Scripts is open Monday – Friday, 8 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm. To fill a prescription, or arrange for free home delivery, call 410-543-4769.
POHANKA OF SALISBURY
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 their 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 2024!
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.
TILGHMAN ORTHODONTICS
BEST ORTHODONTIC PRACTICE
Tilghman Orthodontics is renowned 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 thousands of patients who have benefited from this inhouse venture using 3D printing technology. Here’s how it works: 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 mailorder aligner trays have no direct doctor supervision, X-rays or clinical exams. The Smiles Correct aligner trays are a costeffective option created with direct oversight from Dr. Michael Tilghman, who provides 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 and adults 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 cost-effective solutions are what sets Tilghman Orthodontics apart from other practices in the area.
Photo by Marci Ryan
DR. MICHAEL TILGHMAN
OVERTURE ULTIMATE HOME ELECTRONICS
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, highend 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 to create 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 treatment 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 their 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.
BEST HOME TECHNOLOGY COMPANY SUSSEX COUNTY
Photo by Pamela Aquilani
THOMAS MARONICK, JR. MARONICK LAW, LLC
BEST DEFENSE ATTORNEY DORCHESTER/TALBOT COUNTIES
If you are in legal trouble, you need a fighter in your corner. Thomas Maronick, Jr., CEO and Senior Partner at Maronick Law, LLC, has a long-standing reputation for helping clients through their toughest legal challenges. His firm never wavers in its obligation to fight for the best possible results.
“We don’t just take on easy cases and trumpet the expected results. Instead, we take on cases where our clients’ lives and their livelihoods are on the line,” says Thomas. “We don’t promote only our 5-star reviews like others do—and we are proud not to, because we fight cases other firms are afraid to touch. Our results are known locally, regionally and nationally.”
Maronick Law, LLC, has been trusted to
provide legal representation in many recent, high-profile criminal defense cases in our area: A jury trial victory in Wicomico County in a serious sex-offense case; a hung jury in a serious sex-offense case in Worcester County; a hotly-contested trial that ended without a verdict involving a Trappe Councilman in Talbot County; and a positive result in a shooting case in Dorchester County that garnered widespread attention; among many others. Additionally, Thomas was featured on an episode of NBC’s Dateline for his efforts representing a firefighter facing murder charges.
The award-winning firm of Maronick Law, LLC, provides representation in matters of DUI and criminal defense, workers’ compensation, auto,
boat, truck and motorcycle accidents, injuries on premises, bankruptcy cases, administrative hearings, bail reviews and peace and protective orders.
Thomas was also honored as the only attorney to be named a Finalist in Worcester, Wicomico and Dorchester/Talbot Counties in Coastal Style’s Best Of 2024 Readers’ Poll. He and his firm welcome clients at nine convenient office locations across Maryland, including Easton and Ocean City, where they’re proud to be known as the lawyers that locals use.
Thomas notes that his talented support team of dedicated professionals are a primary reason for the firm’s continued successes in the courtroom.
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
THOMAS MARONICK, JR.
THAT DESIGN STUDIO
BEST CABINETRY COMPANY
WORCESTER COUNTY
It is often said that the most significant financial investment is one’s home—and updating it using licensed professionals can add significant equity to its worth. That’s exactly where the experts at That Design Studio (TDS) in Rehoboth Beach come in.
Owner Steve Simpson and his team help create incredible spaces by carefully listening to their clients’ wants and needs to design functional and aesthetic solutions for how they live. And TDS does so with its unyielding promise of delivering exceptional service and quality in everything they do. This approach is what has enabled TDS to become one of the premier destinations for cabinetry needs across the Eastern Shore. Regardless of project size, they have one goal: to exceed each client’s
expectations on every level—from the first meeting to the day the project is completed.
At TDS’ brand new, state-of-the-art showroom, their hallmark three-step design process begins with discovery and inspiration. Answers to key questions and the discussion of the client’s goals help them determine the scope of the project and formulate an estimate. Once accepted, designers visit the project site to begin step two, then create detailed, 3D design for review and refinement. This also includes the selection phase where clients choose their cabinetry brand, accompanying door styles, countertops, hardware and more. Lastly, the project’s materials, cost and timeline are set. TDS also welcomes partnerships with the region’s finest architects, builders/
remodelers and interior designers.
Steve an industry veteran who possesses more than 25 years of home remodeling experience, specializing in conceptualizing spaces that accomplish his clients’ goals for aesthetics, purpose and overall enjoyment. He understands how form, function, color and cabinet style combine to create stunning kitchens, baths, offices and additional spaces throughout a home.
“Our team thrives on providing the ultimate design/renovation experience,” Steve says. “It gives us tremendous satisfaction to help bring our clients’ visions to life.”
Visit their inspiration gallery online and schedule your appointment to explore a world of creative possibilities in person today.
Photo by Pamela Aquilani
STEVE SIMPSON AND THE THAT DESIGN STUDIO TEAM
DR. RYAN MARINER
MARINER COSMETIC DENTSITRY
BEST COSMETIC DENTIST
WORCESTER COUNTY
Mariner Cosmetic Dentistry has a simple yet powerful mission: deliver outstanding, personalized dental care. Mariner Cosmetic Dentistry provides comprehensive dental care, from advanced cosmetic enhancements to essential treatments and preventative care, all while prioritizing honesty and quality. Whether you’re an existing patient or a new one needing emergency services, Mariner Cosmetic Dentistry can be your local dental practice. Its fun and inviting atmosphere is combined with services like crowns, veneers, surgical extractions, implant placement, removable prosthetics such as dentures, clear aligner therapy, composite restorations and more.
Previously, Dr. Pedar Didriksen had practiced at this location in Ocean Pines for 10 years, until Dr. Ryan Mariner bought the business in 2024 and opened Mariner Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Didriksen created a strong reputation for dental care, which Dr. Mariner will continue.
As the winner of Coastal Style’s Best Of award for Best Cosmetic Dentist in Worcester County three consecutive years (20222024), patients can feel completely confident knowing they’re being cared for by an expert of the industry.
Mariner Cosmetic Dentistry takes excellent care and pride in keeping your smile at its best. Its team of 10 employees has a dynamic
blend of professionalism and personality to help patients feel at ease. In fact, they pride themselves on being a group that combines hard work with a touch of fun and goofiness.
“Our commitment to honesty and highquality service ensures that each patient receives tailored solutions for their unique needs,” Dr. Ryan Mariner says. “We strive to make every visit a warm and positive experience. We promise to navigate your dental needs with integrity, expertise, and heartfelt dedication.”
And they do it with smiles on their faces.
Photo by Alex Ashman
DR. RYAN MARINER
LONDONDERRY ON THE TRED AVON
BEST RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY DORCHESTER/TALBOT COUNTIES
Relax and enjoy your retirement and the benefits of home ownership at Londonderry on the Tred Avon
At Londonderry on the Tred Avon, your retirement is all about you. Located on the Tred Avon River in Easton, Londonderry is the Eastern Shore’s only waterfront 62+ independent living community. Londonderry offers a stress-free, resort-inspired lifestyle where you can focus on what you enjoy and choose how you spend your time.
Enjoy conversation with friends on your patio, stroll their beautiful grounds with your pup, savor on-campus farm-to-table dining, launch your kayak or fish from their pier, head into town for a shopping trip, immerse yourself in local history, tend your garden,
participate in a wellness class or work with their team to bring your own idea to life— your days are yours!
The Londonderry team is committed to creating a vibrant and welcoming campus and making every day an exceptional experience. They take pride in the little things—offering smiles and waves when they see you on campus, leaving small surprises after they clean your home or with your meal delivery and ensuring that their grounds and gathering spaces are beautifully maintained. They strive for excellence so that you can relax and enjoy the retirement of your dreams.
Londonderry is the region’s only residential cooperative. Residential
cooperatives are a unique option for people seeking a retirement lifestyle while maintaining control over their investment. Londonderry residents enjoy the benefits of owning real estate without the burden of home maintenance. Cooperative owners have a say in how the community is managed and operated, and play an active role in planning a wide variety of activities and events on and off campus.
The Sales and Marketing Team is ready to welcome you home to Londonderry. Reach out to them at 410-820-8732 to learn more.
ROBERT JACKSON
JACKSON LAW FIRM
Submitted Photo ROBERT JACKSON
BEST DEFENSE ATTORNEY
WICOMICO COUNTY
At Jackson Law Firm, their mission is to deliver unwavering legal support and achieve justice for its clients through expert representation, integrity and dedication.
Led by Delmarva native Robert Jackson, who was named a NAOPIA Top Ten Attorney in 2023, the firm is committed to protecting the rights of individuals in our community and ensuring that every client receives the best possible outcome in their legal matters.
Named the Best Defense Attorney in Wicomico County, Jackson Law Firm is recognized for its excellence in client service and legal strategy, consistently receiving positive client testimonials and peer reviews that commend its personalized approach and successful track record in high-stakes cases.
Due to their growing business, Jackson Law Firm recently expanded its operations to Ocean City, which allows Robert and his team to better serve their clients in Worcester County.
The practice is a BBB Accredited Business and has an impressive 5.0 Google Reviews Rating to their credit.
Jackson Law Firm operates with dedicated and highly skilled legal professionals at the helm, supported by a network of experienced collaborators and specialists. This structure ensures that each case benefits from comprehensive expertise and personalized attention.
Jackson Law Firm is most known for its compassionate yet tenacious approach to criminal defense and personal injury cases.
Clients appreciate the team’s thorough preparation, strategic planning and ability to navigate complex legal issues with skill and empathy. The process has earned Robert and his staff a reputation for achieving favorable results, while providing personalized, attentive service that sets the firm apart on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
“We emphasize crafting tailored strategies and providing dedicated assistance to achieve the best results” says Robert. “Our approach combines compassion with unparalleled legal advocacy, reflecting our deep commitment to both our clients and to the community. Our reputation for integrity and excellence underscores our passion for justice and client care.”
by Grant L. Gursky
BEST SKIN ENHANCEMENT PROVIDER
WORCESTER COUNTY
The Institute of Aesthetic Medicine (IAM) provides a luxury patient experience. Its patient-focused mission is to improve clients’ health and well-being through results-driven treatment modalities and cutting-edge antiaging solutions.
IAM offers clients health and well-being services that include hormone optimization, injections, laser treatment, skincare, weight loss, and more. These treatments have made them known as the home for everything beautiful.
The team at IAM provides a culture of inspiration and empowerment. Founded two years ago, they quickly built a strong reputation in Ocean City through quality services. In fact,
they’re an Allergan Diamond Level Provider with several premiere brand partnerships, including ZO® Skin Health, eltaMD® Skincare and colorscience®. IAM also proudly offers Botox and dermal filler injections, Semaglutide/ Tirzepatide, as well as functional medicine and wellness services, including IV Hydration Therapy.
IAM’s founder, Shannon Foley, MSN, CRNP, has traveled the world, teaching other providers the many intricacies and beneifts of art-andscience-focused wellness procedures. She found that the Coastal region had a significant need for aesthetic services, and IAM and its team of 10 filled this gap while fitting right in
with the close-knit community.
Shannon says, “You can trust IAM because our fundamental goal is to improve your health and well-being. We enhance people’s natural beauty, which has given us loyal and valued clients that we’re thankful for. Because of this, we’re delighted to share the exciting news of our upcoming expansion!”
The Institute of Aesthetic Medicine is moving to the Sea Oaks business complex on Stephen Decatur Highway in West Ocean City this fall, where its new office will triple in size to meet the increased demand for their treatments. Don’t worry—they’re bringing their award-winning luxury service, too.
Photo
BACK ROW: CAROLINE MURRAY, LISA DAVIS, SARA ZETZER, AMANDA VOSSELMAN, MEG SWIFT, LEAH POWELL & KERRY BERGEMAN FRONT ROW: COURTNEY GLOSSER, SHANNON FOLEY & BERTIE RAUCCI
DR. JESSICA DICERBO
COASTAL KIDS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
BEST PEDIATRIC DENTIST
SUSSEX COUNTY
Jessica DiCerbo, BSN, DMD, helps kids establish a lifetime of dental hygiene early on in their lives. Her practice, Coastal Kids Pediatric Dentistry, is on a mission to provide gold standard individualized pediatric dental care in a family-centered manner.
“Coastal Kids Pediatric Dentistry envisions creating an everlasting impact beyond oral care that positively influences the lives of our patients and their families for generations to follow,” she says.
Dr. DiCerbo spent five years as an operating room nurse before beginning her dental education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
After earning her degree, she completed a pediatric dental residency at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
“My training allows our practice to treat infants and children, but we don’t stop there,” she says. “We also care for children with developmental, emotional and physical disabilities, along with complex medical diagnoses.”
Prioritizing both state-of-the-art technology and service, Coastal Kids offers expertise in preventive care as children grow and develop along with the latest techniques for primary tooth restoration, sedation, hospital dentistry and dental emergencies.
Open communication with an emphasis on mutual respect and kindness makes Coastal Kids Pediatric Dentistry a comfortable place for everyone.
“We provide a safe office for employees and patients that follows all CDC, ADA and infection control guidelines,” she adds. Founded on the values of integrity, respect, accountability and communication, Coastal Kids offers patients the highest standards of ethics, morals and professionalism.
Submitted Photo
DR. JESSICA DICERBO
BENCHMARK PROPERTY SERVICES
BEST PROPERTY/RENTAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY
WORCESTER COUNTY
Benchmark Property Services stands out in its industry by setting a higher standard in vacation rentals and property management. It achieves this distinction by partnering with property owners instead of contracting with them, which creates genuine and trusting relationships.
Owners David and Rhonda Marciniak are also very selective about whom they partner with, which means that renters can expect to choose from only the very best properties in the Ocean City area. Benchmark Property Services offers professional management for bayside, beachfront, condo, house and townhouse rentals throughout Ocean City.
The company was created when David and Rhonda came to a crossroads in life seven years ago. David worked in banking for 17 years, but felt the industry was moving away from the customer service aspects he appreciated. Rhonda suggested they turn their hobby–renting their second home–into a full-time business. Their first year began modestly with a handful of properties. Today, just seven short years later, the company has grown to include over 115 properties under management, several vendor partners and six full-time staffers—many of whom have lifelong connections to the Marciniaks and are now like family.
Benchmark Property Services has created
such a satisfied clientele that the team is invited by a repeat guest every summer to join them for their annual family spaghetti dinner!
“When we started, this industry lacked customer service and technology. We were one of the first companies to start using electronic locks, and we emphasized the guest experience over everything else,” says David.
“Ultimately, our goal is to help people make wonderful memories in Ocean City—and if we can do that week after week for our guests, then it’s a great season for us, too.”
Based on this measurement, 2024 was an excellent year for Benchmark Property Services.
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
RHONDA & DAVID MARCINIAK
DR. MEREDITH TODD
BEST COSMETIC DENTIST
DORCHESTER/TALBOT COUNTIES
Are you looking for a dentist who not only cares about the health of your teeth, but also your overall well-being? Eastern Shore native Dr. Meredith Todd provides her patients comprehensive, state-of-the-art care that goes far beyond the common “drill and fill” industry mentality. At Harbor Dental Center in Cambridge, she and her talented team offer wellnessbased care that incorporates the oral-systemic connection and values long-term personal relationships with patients.
“We aim to bridge the gap between dentistry and medicine,” says Dr. Todd, who is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and a Fellow of American Academy of General Dentistry. “We are committed to being leaders of our field and giving our patients
the best care that we can with kindness and compassion.”
Harbor Dental Center is the premier dental office for patients that desire high-quality dentistry delivered with a gentle touch in a comfortable atmosphere. Dr. Todd has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education, far beyond what is required, to give her patients the highest quality of dental care. She has advanced training in cosmetics, implants, orthodontic aligners and sleep dentistry—and possesses a passion for dental aesthetics that provide beautiful, natural results.
Oral health and disease prevention are the foundation for a beautiful smile. That is why her office is proud to offer cutting-edge technologies, including microscopic biofilm
analysis, bacterial DNA testing and laserassisted periodontal therapy to optimize the oral microbiome. They focus on prevention and modifiable risk factors such as nutrition and home-care to achieve long-term health and functional stability.
At Harbor Dental Center, it is important that patients know that they are truly cared for as a part of the practice. “Our relationships with our patients are about more than just teeth,” says Dr. Todd. “We love getting to know the people of our community and helping them smile with confidence.” Whether you are desiring a dreamsmile makeover or want to focus on maintaining comfort and function, Harbor Dental Center is the place to be for top-quality dental care on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
HARBOR DENTAL CENTER
Photo by Jill Jasuta
DR. MEREDITH TODD AND THE HARBOR DENTAL CENTER TEAM
GERALD HOCKER, SR.
BEST BUSINESSMAN & BEST FRIED CHICKEN SUSSEX
COUNTY
Gerald Hocker Sr. started building what would become an entrepreneurial empire quite modestly as a young man. The foundation was laid when he purchased Jake’s Grocery from his uncle, Jake, in 1971. Hocker had just graduated from the University of Delaware earlier that year. He couldn’t foresee that buying that grocery store with five employees would lead to all he has created more than 50 years later.
The grocery store’s success led to the purchase of a second, but Hocker didn’t stop expanding there. He started new businesses that included hardware stores, a 60-lot mobile park, boat/RV storage and commercial storage, a car wash, a convenience store and rental
properties. Today, Hocker has more than 200 employees, whose hard work has been crucial to his brands’ overall success and growth. He’s won numerous awards, including Best Grocery Store in the Tri-State Area, Best Fried Chicken, Best Chicken Wings, Best Family Business and Best Businessman.
But Hocker’s contributions to the Delaware Coastal region include even more than his successful businesses. For 38 years, he’s assisted in organizing the Springtime Jamboree, which donates 100% of the money to non-profits like the Bethany Beach & Millville Volunteer Fire Companies, Lower Sussex Little League, River Soccer Club, several Lions Clubs and more. Throughout his involvement, the
event’s proceeds have raised an estimated $350,000-$400,000.
His success is made all the more special because this is the area where he grew up and has lived his whole life. “My wife, Emily, and I have always strived to grow each year, and our success is due to the team we have put around us,” Hocker says. “We refer to our employees as our business family. Many started working for us and remained until their retirement.”
Emily won Coastal Style’s Best Businesswoman in Sussex County in 2023.
With Hocker’s continued success, who knows what business he’ll add next—and what new employees will join his ever-growing family business?
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
GERALD HOCKER, SR.
COASTAL COMFORT
BEST HVAC COMPANY
WICOMICO & WORCESTER COUNTIES
Lacey Coleman is something of an anomaly in the HVAC world. Rarely do you find women-owned businesses in this industry. At conferences and national seminars, other attendees often think she is attending as a spouse.
But Coleman owns it.
And she is proud of the family-owned business she guided into growth mode during the last decade, after she took ownership from her father, Kevin Coleman Sr., who founded Coastal Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, in 2005.
Coleman learned the business and HVAC industry alongside her dad, and after earning a business degree, returned to Coastal Comfort. “I love the industry and I learned it from the ground up,” she relates.
Coastal Comfort aligns with vendors that share its values of professionalism, service, support, outperformance and evolution. The company’s values state: “We are not born to be stagnant,” and it partners with manufacturers who operate the same way.
Those include Carrier, which has recognized Coastal Comfort with its President’s Award for six consecutive years. As one of Carrier’s largest dealers and installers on the Eastern Shore, all jobs are completed by a team of certified, factory-trained technicians and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Versatile ductless systems are gaining traction and accommodate a wide range of heating and cooling scenarios, Coleman adds. Outbuildings and pool houses benefit from the single-zone setup, as do whole homes and offices, allowing for individual room temperature control. Ductless is also beneficial in bonus spaces like walk-up attics, home additions, garages and in homes that lack crawl space for ductwork.
“We can do a whole home, multiple floors, a single room—it’s flexible, efficient and quiet,” Coleman says, noting that Coastal Comfort is an Elite Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer.
Across the board, Coastal Comfort introduces energy-saving innovations, such as multi-stage air filtration and user-friendly programming with remote access through a smart device app or computer.
Coleman says, “We’ve grown the operation and serve a large area across the Lower Shore. With more than 40 employees, we are working every single day to meet the demands of our customers to make sure they are supported during and after installation.”
Photo by Megan Powell Photography
LACEY COLEMAN
COASTAL AESTHETICS & WELLNESS
BEST SKIN ENHANCEMENT PROVIDER
WICOMICO COUNTY
Look and feel your best—this is the ultimate mission of Coastal Aesthetics & Wellness, which the team delivers through personalized aesthetic treatments that achieve safe, effective and natural-looking results.
“Our goal is to assist our patients in reaching their aesthetic and wellness objectives, enhancing their confidence, and improving their overall well-being,” says Julie Parrish, Physician Assistant, who leads the practice. “We are known for our personalized approach, listening closely to each patient and customizing treatment plans to meet their unique needs and preferences.”
Coastal Aesthetics & Wellness has two newlyremodeled locations—conveniently located in Salisbury and Ocean Pines.
Their comprehensive suite of services
includes full facial balancing with Botox and fillers, laser hair removal, microneedling, HydraFacial, Diamond Glow facials, spider vein treatments, ZO Skin Health and Jane Iredale makeup. They also offer body sculpting with CoolSculpting for fat reduction, Emsculpt for muscle toning and Emsella for pelvic floor strengthening and incontinence.
On the wellness side, they focus on overall health and longevity by addressing hormone imbalances and metabolic issues and offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and weight loss treatments using Tirzepatide and Semaglutide.
The dynamic team at Coastal Aesthetics & Wellness includes two Physician Assistants and two Nurse Practitioners, all highly experienced
and dedicated to achieving excellent results for their patients. They also have three expert medical aestheticians who merge the art of aesthetics with medical knowledge to address a wide range of skin concerns. Their supportive staff ensures that every patient feels valued and well cared for.
“Our enthusiasm and positive attitudes create a vibrant and uplifting environment, making us not just dedicated professionals, but also a happy and enthusiastic team,” Julie says.
Integrity is a cornerstone of their practice. “We are committed to ethical practices and always strive to do the right thing,” Julie emphasizes.
“Our dedication to honesty, transparency, and the well-being of our patients is reflected in every decision and treatment we provide.”
Photo by Marci Ryan
THE COASTAL AESTHETICS & WELLNESS TEAM
THE PETE GREEN TEAM
BEST MORTGAGE TEAM
SUSSEX COUNTY
Fast, courteous and personalized service is what to expect when obtaining a mortgage with The Pete Green Mortgage Team and CMG Home Loans. “Our customers are so much more than a transaction,” says Pete Green, Team Lead for the Pete Green Mortgage Team at CMG Home Loans. “When we say we are here to be helpful, we mean it—and do everything in our power to help you get to the closing quickly and smoothly,” Pete says.
Pete and his team have been successfully closing loans in Rehoboth Beach and the surrounding area for 25 years and counting. Having grown up in Sussex County and having raised his children here, Pete has a strong sense of devotion to the Delaware Beaches. Pete loves that he gets to provide others the opportunity to live and enjoy life here. The mortgage process can be confusing as well as challenging, so Pete and his team work with clients to walk them through the process so they can start enjoying life at the beach.
Pete is intimately involved in every loan to ensure each transaction stays ahead of schedule and closes seamlessly. “No exceptions,” he says, relating that serving with an attitude of helpfulness throughout the process has always been a priority for Pete’s Team at CMG Home Loans. “We work tirelessly to curate a mortgage process that not only ‘gets it done,’ but does so quickly with a highquality client experience,” Pete says.
Crediting a team approach to the success of CMG Home Loans, Pete points to the amazing daily efforts of his team members consisting of Eric Rolkowski (Production Assistant), Amy Gowin (Document Coordinator), Christine Facchina (Client Care), and Debbie Witt (Processor). Each team member has a unique role designed to make the mortgage process significantly more enjoyable than the norm. Customer reviews reveal the difference, noting how much more enjoyable the experience was compared to their last mortgage.
Pete loves talking about all things mortgage and real estate. Whether you are a future homebuyer or real estate agent, Pete and the team are always ready to help. “Call anytime for a chat,” Pete says.
Photo by Pamela Aquilani
THE RYAN HALEY TEAM
ATLANTIC SHORES SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
BEST LUXURY REAL ESTATE TEAM
WORCESTER COUNTY
Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty doesn’t view luxury real estate by its price, but rather by its level of service. As a boutique real estate brokerage specializing in representing buyers and sellers throughout Coastal Maryland and Delaware, their mission is to seamlessly guide you through every facet of your real estate experience. It’s a process that can be daunting and complex, but brokerage owners Ryan and Kristy Haley know the intricacies of the journey and have a proven track record of success for their clients.
Their team provides expertise at all buying, renting and selling stages. They take pride in their vast market knowledge, which makes them local experts with a global reach that
utilizes the masterful marketing strategies and power of the Sotheby’s brand.
With 22 years in the industry, their firm has grown to a team of 18 employees, which promptly delivers effective results, while maintaining elite customer service and creating a personal connection with homebuyers, renters and sellers alike. This dedication has led to a staggering portfolio of thousands of homes sold and an astonishing sales volume exceeding $1 billion, making them the leading Transaction Count Team for Sotheby’s in Delaware and Maryland.
Ryan shares his perspective: “From the serene oceanfront to the tranquil back bays, from inland waterways to sprawling farms, our
scope spans the region’s diverse landscapes. We’re not just selling properties—we help you find your place in our beautiful community.” And they’ll give you white-glove treatment while they do it!
“We believe that today’s home buyers and sellers are longing for that personal connection with their real estate agents as they are guided safely through the process,” says Ryan.
“Our mission at Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty is to provide clients with a better buying and selling experience and deliver effective results in a timely manner, while maintaining a high level of customer service that seems to have been long lost in today’s fast-paced world.”
RYAN & KRISTY HALEY
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
SVETLANA LEAHY PHOTOGRAPHY
Submitted photo
BEST REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHER
WORCESTER COUNTY
In the world of luxury real estate, presentation is everything. Every detail matters, and Svetlana (Lana) Leahy, the creative force behind Svetlana Leahy Photography, has mastered the art of showcasing properties in their most captivating light. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Lana has transformed how properties are marketed, leading to faster sales, multiple offers, and often record-breaking deals for her clients.
Lana’s journey into real estate photography began in 2008 while she was a realtor. “I fell in love with photography while representing sellers and buyers,” she recalls. For Lana, real estate photography blended exploration and creativity—similar to her love for travel and nature photography. She discovered that each property was an opportunity to uncover hidden gems and tell a compelling visual story. “But the real thrill comes from watching the homes sell fast,” she adds, highlighting how her work helps realtors achieve new levels of success.
By 2015, Lana fully committed to her photography business, which quickly flourished. By 2018, she was leading a team offering video, aerial photography, 3D tours, property websites, and more. Their efforts earned them Coastal Style awards for two consecutive years. As her career evolved, Lana focused more on luxury real estate, realizing that standard photos were not enough. She developed a unique approach tailored to luxury homes, incorporating what she calls her “secret sauce” to add sophistication and distinction.
“Our goal is to ensure the properties we photograph not only stand out but resonate with the refined expectations of elite clients,” she says. This approach doesn’t just enhance the property itself; it also elevates the realtor’s brand identity, aligning it with the same level of elegance and sophistication that clients expect. For those who work with Lana, it means their properties won’t just be seen—they’ll be remembered.
Lana’s deep understanding of the real estate market, despite no longer practicing as a realtor, has been key to her success. “I maintain my license and stay informed about the latest trends and regulations,” she says. This knowledge allows her to offer clients not just beautiful images, but also strategic insights.
BEST AESTHETICIAN, STACEY RUBERTI, BEST NURSE PRACTIONER, AMANDA DONAWAY & BEST SKIN ENHANCEMENT PROVIDER
SUSSEX COUNTY
Rejuvenation Skin Wellness & Aesthetics distinguishes itself in the industry by offering high-quality, comprehensive aesthetic services to the Millville area community. Founded four years ago, the Rejuvenation team’s unique approach—combining collaboration with independence—is driven by compassion, competence and excellence.
Offering a full array of services in its stateof-the-art facility, Rejuvenation Skin Wellness & Aesthetics sets itself apart from other providers through its dedication to delivering natural results. Client services include body contouring, facials, fillers, injectables, laser and
radiofrequency skin tightening, hair removal, hair restoration, microneedling, skin treatments, teeth whitening and more.
Each of Rejuvenation’s seven committed professionals is known for their accountability, adaptability, communication, dedication, hard work, loyalty and passion. In fact, the clinic as well as two of its employees have recently won industry awards: Stacey Ruberti was named the 2024 Best Aesthetician in Sussex County, and Amanda Donaway (MSN, FNP-BC) was recognized as the 2024 Best Nurse Practitioner in Sussex County. Additionally, the firm was honored as a Morpheus8 Top Provider in 2023.
A Sussex County native, owner Amanda founded Rejuvenation when she saw a need for personalized, high-quality aesthetic services in the area. The board-certified FNP envisioned the practice as the ideal destination for local and vacationing patients seeking to enjoy the beach while maintaining their skincare.
“We provide personalized consultations, taking the time to understand each client’s goals and concerns,” says Donaway. “This individualized care ensures that every client feels valued and understood.”
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
BACK
FRONT
BEST FAMILY BUSINESS & BEST FARM STAND DORCHESTER/TALBOT COUNTIES
Perhaps the most well-known “Emily” on the Eastern Shore, Emily’s Produce is synonymous with honest, hardworking family values, exceptional products and superior customer service.
Founded in 1999 in Cambridge, MD, Emily’s Produce started as a roadside fruit and vegetable tent by Paul and Kelly Jackson, who named the business after their firstborn child. This year, they’re celebrating the company’s 25th anniversary on the same land farmed by seven family generations before them. Today, Emily’s Produce has grown into a destination for food, family fun and community that features U-Pick experiences, on-farm kitchen creations, a catering operation and more.
“We’re all about the fresh, natural bounty of the Eastern Shore,” says Kelly. “That means we’ve always got fruits and vegetables picked fresh that go straight from our family’s fields to your family’s table.”
Emily and her brother Kyle have grown along with the operation, as well, taking on valuable roles that support the family business—and one another. They’ve each cultivated a passion for working in the family business and have studied collegiately to learn how to propel it forward. Emily graduated from Delaware Valley University with an Agri-Business degree and Kyle currently attends the University of Maryland, pursuing a degree through its Agriculture program.
Promoting community through its local farm experience is at the heart of Emily’s Produce’s daily mission. A main component of its success is its passionate and well-respected team of professionals. The average tenure of its 30-35 seasonal workers is more than 6 years—and many of its members have been representing the family business for over 10 years. Collectively, they pride themselves on cultivating excellent produce, community connections and value-added experiences.
“Strong family values and traditions have formed a solid foundation for our business,” says Kelly. “The only thing stronger than our family bonds is the bond we create with our customers.”
Photo by Jill Jasuta
THE JACKSON FAMILY: KYLE, EMILY, PAUL & KELLY
BEST COUNSELING CENTER, BEST LIFE COACH & MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
WICOMICO COUNTY
LifeMark has a simple yet powerful slogan: Instilling Hope, Cultivating Wholeness LifeMark’s team of licensed therapists, social workers and medical professionals achieve this by working with individuals and families to resolve challenges, providing support and guidance for growth and well-being.
Founded in 2013, the LifeMark team provides counseling and treatment for anger/stress management, sexual addiction, substance abuse, child/adolescent issues, depression/ anxiety, parenting issues, crisis abuse/trauma (PTSD), marriage counseling and more. They also offer group services for people dealing
with grief, as well as conferences on anxiety and depression, which are open to the public.
With conveniently accessible locations in Georgetown, DE, and Salisbury, MD, LifeMark’s outstanding staff of 14 professionals provide quality care in a warm and inviting atmosphere with a Christian worldview. Each clinician and support staff member strives to make a positive difference in the lives of community members, businesses and churches. It’s why LifeMark has now won Wicomico County’s Best Counseling Center award for the third consecutive year. Additionally, LifeMark CEO, Clinical Director and founder, Dr. Marion Travers, was named
Coastal Style’s Best Mental Health Professional in Wicomico County for the second year in a row. Team member Lisa Phillips won Best Life Coach in Wicomico County for 2024—her second consecutive win in the category.
“We have an amazing team dedicated to serving clients and meeting them where they are,” says Dr. Travers. “Our staff has incredible clinical skills and continues to enhance their training for our practice’s intentionality towards helping others achieve wholeness.” Every time LifeMark instills hope in its patients, the practice comes closer to reaching the important goal of cultivating wholeness.
Photos by Marci Ryan
THE LIFEMARK TEAM
LISA PHILLIPS DR. MARION TRAVERS
LISA PHILLIPS & DR. MARION TRAVERS
ATLANTIC EXPOSURE
NOT PICTURED:
BEST REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHER
SUSSEX COUNTY
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 Bethany Beach 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 12 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 by being voted Best Real Estate Photographer in Sussex County by the readers of Coastal Style for the third year in a row.
“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 about 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.
Submitted Photo
FROM LEFT: ASHLEY BARCUS, MICHAEL MULLAN, CHRIS FISHER, LEAH POWELL, ANTHONY MUSSO, KRISTA VALLIANT, CHRIS SAELENS & SARAH TROESE
MARIS PANTOJA, ANNA MARTIN, ASHLEY BOWMAN & KRISTEN SANTILLIAN
BANKS WINES & SPIRITS
BEST BEER & WINE STORE AND BEST LIQUOR STORE
SUSSEX COUNTY
Banks Wines & Spirits offers an expansive product selection, superior customer service and unique offerings that can only be found at their Millville store. They offer a variety of beer, spirits and wine to suit all customers’ tastes and needs. They also sell merchandise and host events and parties to highlight products and educate customers.
After being in business for 21 years, Banks Wines & Spirits has established quite a reputation. They’re known for their exceptional selections, world-class customer service and the clever messages they post on their marquee. Their 30-person team takes tremendous pride in its knowledge of its inventory and is always eager to learn about new products to make informed recommendations to customers. Banks Wines & Spirits also offers an online platform to allow customers an easy way to shop with fast and convenient curbside pickup. Its willingness to go above and beyond is why the business has been recognized as a Beverage Dynamics Top 100 Retailer in each of the last five years.
Owner Kami Banks Kane is ecstatic about winning Coastal Style Best Of 2024 awards and seeing her team recognized for their contributions. “We are more than just a liquor store,” she says. “We are active in the community by working with restaurants to host wine dinners and partnering with local breweries and distilleries to offer exclusive collaboration products. We also donate to local nonprofits. Everything is better at Banks, thanks to my great team!”
URSULA STAINES
BEACHIN’ HAIR AT THE BOULEVARD
BEST HAIRSTYLIST WORCESTER COUNTY
With 40 vibrant years in the hair industry to her credit, Ursula Staines’ passion for making a vibrant impact in the appearance of her clients remains unwavering.
“Each day, I eagerly embrace each of the aspects that comes with my work,” says Ursula, who won Coastal Style’s Best Hairstylist in Worcester County for 2024. “In my experience, consultations are the cornerstone of a successful client visit. Excellent communication is essential for nurturing the best stylist-guest relationship.”
She started her popular and now thriving business, Beachin’ Hair by Ursula, four years ago inside The Boulevard salon in Berlin. Widely known for her diverse abilities to create on-trend looks, including classic cuts, superior hair coloring is one of Ursula’s hallmark talents.
“My expertise in hair coloring lies in creating customized looks that cater to each client’s unique preferences,” says Ursula. “From beach blondes to cowboy reds, and everything in between, I strive to provide unparalleled service and ensure that my clients receive the best possible results.
“My mission is to ensure every guest in my chair enjoys a positive, delightful salon experience,” she continued. “Meeting amazing individuals and empowering them to feel beautiful inside and out has been a true blessing.”
URSULA STAINES
Photo by Krista Valliant
Photo by Pamela Aquilani
THE BANKS WINES & SPIRITS TEAM
Your Premiere Wedding Team on the Eastern Shore
Alison to the Altar are wedding and event planners designing orals and decor for the modern beach-loving devoted marriers inspired by love, fun, and connection. Our team is dedicated to making your special day everything you have ever imagined and more. We take pride in providing exceptional and personalized service to each of our clients, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Our mission is to craft weddings and events that bring joy to our clients. We strive to make every detail unique so that each celebration is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece orchestrated by artistry and precision. We are proud to have been a part of so many special moments and look forward to being a part of yours.
HENLOPEN BAIT & TACKLE
BEST FISHING & HUNTING
SUPPLY STORE
SUSSEX COUNTY
For Jordan Petterson, operating his popular business, Henlopen Bait & Tackle in Lewes, is very similar to how he approaches his outdoor adventures in nature—with enthusiasm, knowledge and respect.
“Our collective focus here is about building relationships that guide us confidently into our next adventures and being successful on our quests,” says Jordan, who purchased “The Little Yellow Shack” from dear friends in 2020. “It is about returning safely to our loved ones. It is about the value of a smile. It is about being a conservationist and it’s about good stewardship.”
Winner of Best Fishing/Hunting Supply Store in Sussex County for 2024, Henlopen Bait & Tackle’s team is comprised of trusted professionals who offer tremendous real-life experience and product knowledge for fishing success in the Delaware Bays and beyond. Their loyal customer base extends across Sussex County and to Delaware Shore enthusiasts from all over the country who vacation in the area each year.
“Every person on our team is part of our machine that has a specific responsibility to keep it running,” says Jordan. “Knowledge
H.B.T. NORTH • 302-645-8106 • H.B.T. SOUTH
BRANDYWINE FENWICK ISLAND
ASSISTED LIVING PROVIDER
in our fields range from today to what was happening 70 years ago locally—and our customers truly appreciate that.”
They also appreciate Jordan’s mission at Henlopen Bait & Tackle: “Why be normal when you can be great?”
For Jordan and his team, there’s another saying they live by, “Rod bent. Pulling drag. No clue what it is. This is what we live for as anglers. Let’s go fishing!”
302-703-6657
A dedication to quality care, purposeful living and compassionate team members makes Brandywine Fenwick Island a life-enriching, luxury community for residents in later chapters of their lives who appreciate its rich amenities.
Suited in coastal charm, the world’s most illustrious hotels inspired Brandywine Fenwick Island’s residences—and its gracious service. “We anticipate our residents’ every need and offer ample shared spaces dedicated to wellness, socializing, entertainment and enrichment,” says Erin Bennett, Director of Community Relations.
Personalized care plans accommodate residents with individualized services. Flexible assisted living, memory care and respite care plans allow for continuity of care, with licensed nurses on-site 24/7. With apartments available with a variety of sizes and layouts, each Brandywine private space truly feels like home—bright, comfortable accommodations.
“Our team of dedicated individuals are passionate about not only serving residents, but also developing relationships with them,” Erin says. “Our team goes above and beyond to make personalized experiences to enhance residents’ everyday lives. Ask anyone who comes into our
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
community, and they will speak highly of our team’s obvious dedication to the place and the people they serve.”
Whether you’re looking for a next-step home or just starting to consider your options, Erin encourages guests to visit and experience Brandywine Fenwick Island in person. She says, “Our mission is to deliver a lifestyle our residents have earned and deserve.”
THE HENLOPEN BAIT & TACKLE TEAM
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
ABSOLUTE SECURITY GROUP
BEST HOME SECURITY COMPANY
COUNTY
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.
MID-SHORE EXTERIORS
The story of Mid-Shore Exteriors is one of faith, family and determination. It’s how Brian and Sarah Faulkner’s Trappe-based business grew from a dream into one of Maryland’s most-awarded and best-loved family-owned roofing companies.
“Honesty and customer satisfaction are the foundations of our company,” says Sarah, who was one of the first female roofing industry entrepreneurs when she and Brian started Mid-Shore Exteriors more than 20 years ago. “We always want to make sure we are giving superior service, installing best-in-class products and ensuring our team has the most current knowledge in the industry. Our collective focus is to be the best and put our customers first.”
The talented and dedicated Mid-Shore Exteriors team stands behind every beautiful, new roof installation. The Faulkners take tremendous pride in their team’s extensive knowledge of the latest roofing technologies and techniques, as well as its dedication to continuing education. These priorities, as well as its standard for superior customer satisfaction, have led to the company being awarded multiple levels of Master certifications and awards.
Mid-Shore Exteriors also understands the challenge of finding a roofing and siding company that delivers exceptional service that aligns with its customers’ budgets. As such, they offer flexible financing options, diverse material selections, warranty options and personalized customer service.
“As a family-owned business, we’re not just contractors, we’re homeowners and members of the local Eastern Shore community,” says Sarah. “We take pride in serving our neighbors with integrity, reliability and a genuine commitment to their satisfaction.”
ABSOLUTE SECURITY GROUP
Photo by Krista Valliant
Photo by Marci Ryan
THE MID-SHORE EXTERIORS TEAM
LISA DIFEBO-OSIAS & DIFEBO’S
BEST BUSINESSWOMAN, BEST DESSERTS & BEST ITALIAN
SUSSEX COUNTY
For 35 years, DiFebo’s has provided an iconic culinary experience, expertly uniting classic Italian cuisine with a fresh, modern touch that keeps its dedicated patrons coming back for more.
Lisa DiFebo-Osias honed her craft under the guidance of her industrious restaurateur parents, Bob and Charlotte DiFebo. She continues their legacy with distinction, inheriting her father’s culinary prowess and traditional techniques, as well as her mother’s sharp business sense. These combined influences have shaped Lisa’s vision for her restaurants and market.
Tradition is central to the DiFebo’s philosophy. Lisa is committed to bringing family recipes to life at their locations in Bethany Beach and downtown Rehoboth, always with an emphasis on quality. Every staff member, from managers to dishwashers, possesses culinary experience and a genuine passion for food and hospitality. This energetic team is ready to tackle challenges and continuously learn and grow.
Lisa’s dedication to honoring her family’s legacy while pushing boundaries is reflected in her accolades. Over the years, she has won multiple “Best Italian” awards, and has also been recognized as
Coastal Style’s Best Businesswoman for two consecutive years. Additionally, DiFebo’s Market, which opened in 2021 as a culinary empire, has garnered acclaim for “Best Desserts,” thanks to its daily offerings of fresh pastries, cakes, and other sweet treats.
For Lisa DiFebo-Osias and her team, maintaining tradition is about embracing innovation and looking toward the future.
DIFEBO’S RESTAURANTS & MARKET • BETHANY BEACH & REHOBOTH BEACH, DE • 302-539-4550 • DIFEBOS.COM
THERAPY MD
Two sisters, undeniable synchronicity and a passion for enriched health and wellness is what you’ll find at Alternative Therapy MD in Easton, where Jessie Willey and Kellie Rhodes head up a thriving practice centered on customized wellness and aesthetic medi-spa services.
Growing up on the Eastern Shore, the sisters are ingrained in the community and dedicated to providing “a better way” for clients with services that address the mind, body and spirit.
New in 2025, they will introduce a membership-based direct primary care practice. “We are thrilled to provide a comprehensive approach to wellness and ensure that all clients healthcare needs are met with personalized attention and exceptional care,” says Jessie, MSN, CRNPFNP and Kellie, BSN, RN.
Jessie and Kellie hold advanced degrees in nursing, applied health physiology and exercise science from Salisbury University, and both started their nursing careers in the Intensive Care Unit with a focus on alternative pain management options for patients.
Alternative Therapy MD takes a proactive approach to medicine with in-demand services including IV hydration therapy, Neurotoxins, medical
weight loss, skin care treatments and detailed blood panels.
“Our staff exemplifies honesty and integrity, demonstrates a profound passion for the brand, exhibits high energy and a competitive spirit, and is resolutely committed to patient safety,” the sisters emphasize.
Ultimately, the nurses at Alternative Therapy MD are focused on helping all clients boost internal well-being with personalized attention and exceptional care.
LISA DIFEBO-OSIAS
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
Photo by Jill Jasuta
in different product types NATION ork is comprised of over 200 offices worldwide, meaning your property gets maximum exposure SHARED VALUE NETWORK We believe that sharing fees results in higher visibility & increased demand, resulting in a higher value for clients COMMUNITY FOCUSED We are committed to our clients and our community
RICHARD BRUECKNER, RJB LAW
Today, some people want instant gratification, but attorney Richard Brueckner knows this approach produces poor results in the courtroom. The five-time Coastal Style Best Of Readers’ Poll winner and former assistant state’s attorney instead takes the time, care and compassion necessary to learn not only about his clients’ legal matters, but about their family, work and future goals as well. This hands-on, holistic approach to DUI and criminal defense cases consistently achieves the best results on all levels for his clients.
“I care about each client; protecting their careers, their children and their futures,” says Richard, who has practiced criminal law locally for 17 years. “I am backed by a team of paralegals and secretaries that are second to none. My team’s exceptional work allows me to do what I love most—litigating in the courtroom with a personal touch for each client.”
Richard’s firm, RJB LAW, LLC, is a small boutique firm
L. Gursky
focused solely on DUI and criminal defense. Richard’s 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 examines the underlying issues that accompany those who are struggling with addiction and criminal charges. Brueckner’s empathetic view and compassionate approach to his law practice ensures that his clients get the best defense possible.
“Our mission is simple,” says Richard. “We will be there for you and your family when it really matters. This is more than a slogan—it’s our promise.”
THE INSURANCE MARKET
As it celebrates its 124th 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.
The agency’s 36 highly skilled professionals collectively hold 46 professional designations and are licensed in 25 states. Along with this broad geographic reach and versatility, the agency boasts 497 years of combined industry experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to deliver outstanding service and solutions to its clients.
Client risk is analyzed on a deeper level at The Insurance Market. Its trademarked Armor 360° evaluation process focuses on risk identification first and riskmanagement solutions second. The result provides clients with a comprehensive report, with benefits including time and financial savings, lower long-term risk and improved company safety.
“We are not insurance salespeople—we are risk managers,” says Andy Hartstein, a principal of the company who directs the Laurel office. “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.”
RICHARD BRUECKNER
Photo by Grant
Submitted photo
OCMD GETAWAYS
In the highly competitive industry of vacation rentals in and around Ocean City, one company has quickly established itself as a leader in responsive, accurate communication, attention to detail and superior customer service.
Voted Best Vacation Rental Company in Worcester County by Coastal Style readers in 2023 and 2024, OCMD Getaways is a locally-owned, full-service management company that prides itself in ensuring its owners and guests have the ultimate experience.
“We understand that everyone has different wants and needs,” says OCMD Getaways owner Bernie Alvey. “If you are a property owner, we listen to your needs and we can help you achieve your rental goals. If you are coming to Ocean City for a vacation, we help you find the perfect property and perfect location, so you, your family and your friends can enjoy a relaxing stay at the beach.”
OCMD Getaways features an impressive roster of popular, amenity-filled properties, such as Sunset Island, The Pyramid, Marigot Beach, Atlantis and The Capri, just to name a few. They gladly offer linen rentals, necessity services and travel protection options to ensure their guests enjoy a stress-free and memory-filled vacation.
“Our team is a very hardworking group dedicated to making sure guests have a great vacation experience,” Bernie said. “We take great pride in our work and it is very rewarding to serve our owners and guests.”
KELLY DUNN GELOF TUNNELL & RAYSOR, P.A.
BEST PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY SUSSEX COUNTY
Tunnell & Raysor, P.A. has been built on the foundation of providing professional, personalized legal services and has proudly served Delaware residents and visitors for more than 140 years.
Attorney Kelly Dunn Gelof, a Director of the Firm, has carried through that proud tradition and established a personal injury team that is looked to as a leading advocate for our local community. In the unfortunate event of an accident, being well informed and aware of various legal options available to you can often be very important. Kelly and her experienced team become your voice and advocate to help you through every aspect of a case. “We work hard for you to feel less stressed and be the voice you need to get you the compensation you deserve! We treat clients as we would our family.”
Kelly continues, “It’s been a privilege for me to practice law in our community for these past 28 years and counting! Living in a small state allows us to really get to know each of our clients. We communicate often to allow our clients to have the information to make the most well-informed decisions—every step of the way.”
As a full-service law firm, Tunnell & Raysor, P.A. provides representation in several practice areas, including personal injury, business law, real estate, family law, estate planning and more. “Please contact us for any of your legal needs,” says Kelly. “Trust us to be your voice!”
Photo by Krista Valliant
THE OCMD GETAWAYS TEAM
KELLY DUNN GELOF
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
HEART & SOLE PERFORMING ARTS
JENNIFER DICKERSON
Making a difference is paramount at Heart & Sole Performing Arts, a value-based organization strives to meet children’s most immediate needs and to empower them holistically. CEO and founder Jennifer Dickerson is committed to ensuring the young individuals entrusted to her care thrive emotionally, academically, behaviorally, physically and spiritually.
Heart & Sole offers academic mentoring and tutoring along with providing life skills for success in and out of the classroom. “We make sure every child has the resources and support they need,” says Jennifer, who started the organization centered around dance and family. She then expanded her focus to well-being and life development of children in the community—providing a safe place to share their feelings.
“Social-emotional support plays a strong role in our efforts to mold young adults into citizens who can be vulnerable and honest with their emotions, but equipped with positive coping skills to handle anything that comes their way in life,” Jennifer says.
Programs are designed to challenge young minds to set the bar higher, with a focus on communication and problem-solving. The organization also promotes movement and fitness as part of one’s spiritual development.
Heart & Sole student members have recorded a 45% increase in overall academic success and a 73% improvement in student behavior. “The statistics clearly validate how we make a tangible difference,” she proudly shares.
Overall, Jennifer says, “Heart & Sole gives our student members strategies to overcome adversity and celebrate victories in life.”
HEATHER’S HOME WORKS, LLC
BEST CLEANING COMPANY
SUSSEX COUNTY
Heather’s Home Works is one of Sussex County’s most deeply trusted and frequently referred cleaning services. For over 20 years, the company has provided businesses and homeowners with highly personalized service and peace of mind that the work will be finished on time and to the highest standard.
The company provides cleaning packages, commercial cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, property watching, seasonal cleaning and more.
When Heather DeMarie established Heather’s Home Works 21 years ago, she worked with a handful of clients to provide detailed cleaning services. Today, her team of 40 specialists delivers the same level of personalized service, which is why Heather’s Home Works has been a Coastal Style Best Of winner in 2020, 2022 and 2023.
Heather is glad to be a part of this community and committed to helping the area in a unique and thoughtful way. The company offers Cleaning for a Reason, which provides free cleaning services for households with a family member
undergoing cancer treatment. Having moved to Sussex County in 2002 to help care for her father after he was diagnosed with cancer, she was inspired by the region’s tight-knit community and felt it was natural for her company to give back as well. Her team is currently helping 16 local women who are fighting for their lives.
Photo by Marci Ryan
JENNIFER DICKERSON WITH MEMBERS OF THE HEART & SOLE PERFORMING ARTS TEAM
BACK ROW: LOGAN BOUGES, LEXI SANTA BARBARA, LONI PENNELL & LISA GRIFFITH
FRONT ROW: HEATHER DEMARIE & BEAR
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
BEACHIN BASH
BEST EVENT PLANNER SUSSEX COUNTY
Jim and Erica Kirlin are passionate entrepreneurs. The Delaware couple not only invests their time, resources and creativity into producing incredibly memorable, one-of-a-kind event experiences, they proudly promote community growth by supporting a host of local charities and initiatives through donations and in-kind services. To them, it’s simply the right thing to do—and they want to evolve their industry to think and act similarly.
Beachin Bash is a hugely popular Rehoboth Beach brand that is taking the event planning industry by storm. Jim, Erica and their team can bring any concept to life, from luxury beach picnics and bonfires to in-home events, decor and catering. As winners of Coastal Style’s Best Event Planner in Sussex County for 2023 and 2024, it’s clear that their mission of community connection is working—and thriving.
“Our purpose is to uplift and inspire others by creating exceptional celebrations that foster connections and create lasting memories,” says Jim. “We are driven by our commitment to compassionate capitalism, giving back to our community through charitable donations and supporting local initiatives. We believe that by combining our success with a genuine desire to make a positive impact, we can redefine the event industry and create a brighter future for those we serve.”
COCKEY BRENNAN & MALONEY, P.C. MARK BRENNAN
CBM Law is a relentless advocate with a track record of outstanding client counsel on the Eastern Shore, providing legal support for deep federal cases and locally rooted settlements close to home in Salisbury and West Ocean City, its newest location.
“We bring expertise in specialties such as employment law and federal litigation, but in the context of a general practice,” says Robin R. Cockey, partner, speaking to the firm’s regional reputation in complex civil litigation. “Yet, we also cover all the classic components of a ‘country’ practice, from real estate to domestic to corporate matters.”
Emphasizing the way CBM Law is a tireless champion, Cockey says, “We go to bat for our clients. We go the extra mile—we never quit.”
Over the years, CBM has received a great deal of notoriety including awards from The Daily Record and top ratings from Martindale-Hubbell and Avvo, the most respected firm for rating attorneys. With 27 years in business and a staff of 20, the firm is beyond equipped to manage a myriad of legal demands.
Federal impact and coastal connections uniquely position CBM Law as an accessible, experienced partner that can expedite cases.
The company’s success would not be remotely possible without the support of its talented team, says Erica.
“Our team is an amazing group of dedicated individuals who bring passion, creativity and excellence to every event. We are incredibly thankful for their hard work and commitment. They are all a true blessing! They allow us to deliver unforgettable experiences and to support our local community.”
Offices equipped with conference space for in-person or virtual depositions, mediations and court hearings give clients the flexibility to engage in legal support in a way that suits them.
The firm has been expanding its footprint and has more than tripled in legal capacity and attorney staff since its founding in 1997. “We are proud of our ties to the community and the boutique litigation services we deliver,” Cockey says.
ERICA & JIM KIRLIN
Photo by Krista Valliant
Photo by Svetlana Leahy
THE COCKEY BRENNAN & MALONEY TEAM
John A. Sergovic, Jr. Shannon Carmean Burton
David J. Weidman Deirdre O’Shea McCartney
Shannon R. Owens Harold W.T. Purnell, II
Tyler J. Friedman George B. (Buck) Smith, of Counsel
Chestnut St , Georgetown, DE 19947 P (302) 855-1260 / (302) 855-0551 F (302) 855-1270 / (302) 855-0553 www.sussexattorney com
HEART OF GOLD KIDS
BEST GIFT STORE WORCESTER COUNTY
They say becoming an overnight success is 10 years in the making, but even though Emily Vocke’s popular Heart of Gold Kids is celebrating a decade in business, its seems she’s known the secrets to accomplishment since day one.
“We have enjoyed being our community’s go-to place for baby showers and special gifts,” says Emily, who opened a second store in Fenwick Island in 2021 to expand her brand north into Delaware and complement her flagship location in Berlin.
Heart of Gold Kids is a treasure trove of hand-selected baby and children’s clothing brands, toys and accessories. Emily’s stores offer idyllic options for special occasions, such as first day of school outfits and the perfect birthday party finds. In-store and on her impressive, user-friendly website, customers will find toys and games by Mud Pie, Petit Collage and Jellycat, among others, as well as books, learning kits, wooden toy sets and a collection of nursery goods. Parents can treat themselves, too, with apparel, accessories and décor options. In all, Emily carries products from more than 50 brands, ensuring that each lucky recipient will love their gift from Heart of Gold Kids.
Emily also hosts events at her stores throughout the year, including welcoming a silhouette artist from North Carolina biannually and
festive story-and-craft-time opportunities during the holidays.
Berlin is Emily’s hometown, so she and her support staff take their business personally—every guest who enters the shop is treated like a friend. “We are so lucky to have the best customer service team that always enjoys seeing familiar faces and meeting new families,” she relates.
HEART OF GOLD KIDS • BERLIN, MD & FENWICK ISLAND, DE • 443-513-4811 / 302-581-0641 • HEARTOFGOLDKIDS.COM
HANCOCK & SON PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
PLUMBING COMPANY
Nine 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 80 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 for five 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.
EMILY VOCKE
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
Photo by Marci Ryan
THE HANCOCK & SON TEAM
BEST PAINTING COMPANY SUSSEX COUNTY
From drywall installation and repairs to interior and exterior painting, Donovan’s Painting & Drywall is a goto, trusted professional for a wide range of projects for your home or business. A well-trained, dedicated crew provides top-notch customer service led by husbandwife team, Jose and Karen Sandoval.
The couple launched Donovan’s in 2005, and the company has earned accolades as the Best Painting Company in Sussex County for four consecutive years.
When considering what makes Donovan’s Painting & Drywall so notable, the Sandovals say it is the company’s ability to combine painting and drywall services into one entity. According to the pair, most companies in the surrounding area offer only one service or the other. Donovan’s Painting & Drywall is turnkey, conveniently fulfilling both needs for customers, who appreciate the opportunity to work with one company rather than scramble to find multiple companies.
When it comes to customer satisfaction, Jose and Karen credit their crew members’ talent, work ethic and ability to tackle even the most complex projects. Beyond being hard-working, their crews are responsible and honest.
“Our entire team, from our professional office and project supervisors to our talented painters and drywall experts, has helped to build our reputation for excellence because of their dedication and passion,” Jose says.
BEST WELLNESS CENTER
WICOMICO COUNTY
Accessible, compassionate care is the cornerstone of Eastern Shore Primary Care & Wellness in Salisbury, MD, where patients can receive personalized care without pricey memberships, unhurried visits and comprehensive services. The collaborative, team-based group with leading local providers offers same- or nextday appointments.
Steered by Martin Melson, a certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP) and president along with Sherry Byrd, vice president, Eastern Shore Primary Care & Wellness is proudly part of Privia Health, which equips leading primary and specialty care physicians with the latest resources for patient care.
“You’re more than a set of symptoms,” Martin says. “We champion lifelong health and wellness, inside and outside of the doctor’s office.”
Specifically, that means addressing age 13-17-years-old to adult needs, offering preventive programs and managing complex care cases. From doctor’s visits to self-care guidance for home, Martin says, “We’re here to support you on every step in your journey.”
Patients rate Privia providers, including Eastern Shore Primary Care & Wellness, 4.9 out of 5 stars for efforts to include them in decisions about their care. Martin and Sherry emphasize, “It’s our greatest honor to serve our cherished community throughout the Eastern Shore with a team of dedicated, experienced and caring providers.”
Photo by Krista Valliant
THE DONOVAN’S PAINTING & DRYWALL TEAM
FROM LEFT: MARTIN MELSON, C.R.N.P., CONNIE WHEATLEY, KAY HANZER, HEATHER BROWN, IYANA CHRISTOPHER, BRANDON MILLIGAN, C.R.N.P., NICOLE SCHLEUPNER, BAILEE ARNDT, KYM BANKS & SHERRY BYRD
NOT PICTURED: MELODY PAIRO, C.R.N.P., RACHEL CLARK, D.N.P., FNP-C, STACI BUTLER, C.R.N.P., MICHELE MCINTOSH, D.N.P., FNP-C, CORTNEY DAYTON & TIM TAYLOR
Photo by Marci Ryan
THE STERLING TAVERN
BEST FISH & CHIPS
WORCESTER COUNTY
The Sterling Tavern creates a fun, comfortable environment for customers and employees while providing fresh, home-cooked meals at a fair price. The gastropub wants people to feel like they’re home, whether enjoying the sunshine on the outdoor patio or beating the heat indoors in the cool dining room.
The restaurant boasts uncommonly good food, such as fresh boneless wings in a variety of flavors, chicken fingers, fish & chips, hand-pattied burgers, fresh raw oysters and scallop cheesesteaks. It is known for having 12 beers on tap, award-winning happy hour specials, live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and off-season activities like Trivia Mondays and Charity Bingo Wednesdays.
The Sterling Tavern opened in early 2021 just as the Covid restrictions were beginning to lift. Three years later, it’s a popular meeting place, with 60 front-of-house and back-of-house staff working harmoniously to keep their customers happy. Customers always receive excellent service and have a memorable dining experience. The team’s culinary talents were on display as they won The Greene Turtle’s 2023 Chili Cook-Off.
Owner Matt Borrelli named the tavern after his grandparents’ restaurant in Delaware City. “This is our first venture at owning a restaurant,” he says. “We’re passionate about giving back to our community and are grateful for our regular customers who have become friends!”
Stop by The Sterling Tavern to enjoy some great food, where you’ll come in as a customer and leave as a friend!
SWEETWATER CONTRACTING
BEST SIDING COMPANY & BEST WINDOW & DOOR COMPANY WORCESTER COUNTY
Ken Hauck and Tyler Gorman are breathing fresh air into the home improvement industry across Worcester County. The owners of Sweetwater Contracting may have started their business just three short years ago, but they have made major strides changing the perception of their profession and major improvements in the aesthetics of their community.
Ken and Tyler have both been in the construction industry for over 20 years, working as installers, project managers, salesmen, business owners and consultants. Their common values and goals, paired with their diverse skillsets, creates a synergistic and powerful partnership. They are fully supported by the talents of their team members, including project managers Justin Hess and David Garcia, marketing director Taylor Ecker and office manager Candace Hall. Each brings invaluable knowledge, enthusiasm and dedication to work each day—enhancing the client-contractor relationship, which is a hallmark of the Sweetwater Contracting experience.
“We do a relatively large volume of work with a relatively small team, while maintaining a workmanship standard that is second to none,” says Tyler. “This is only possible because of the incredible work ethic and dedication to our clients that we all share. It’s all about relationships—and we are blessed with many great ones.”
TYLER GORMAN AND KEN HAUCK
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
MATT & BROOKE BORRELLI
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
BEST ANTIQUES STORE
SUSSEX COUNTY
Jayne’s Reliable is on a mission to preserve history, inspire creativity, and provide a unique experience that celebrates the past, while fueling imagination for the future.
The antique store achieves this by staying true to its vintage roots by constantly bringing in new treasures. These pieces include architectural salvage, vintage, or reclaimed furniture and accessories for the home and garden. The business also sells fantastic works of art from local artists.
Jayne’s Reliable has been in operation for 13 years. After vacationing at the Delaware Beaches for many years, Karen and David Jayne, co-owners, moved to Sussex County when David’s parents retired in the area and opened the business. Now, the store has an enthusiastic crew of creative helpers who are fantastic at finding and displaying a wide variety of fabulous vintage treasures. The teamwork and joy everyone brings to their job is why Jayne’s Reliable has won the Coastal Style’s Best Of award several times.
When you visit Jayne’s Reliable, make sure you give yourself plenty of time because there is a lot to see. “If you enjoy vintage,
we have everything from beautiful home decor to garden whimsies, architectural salvage, and a wide array of old signs and collectibles,” say the co-owners, who love how visits from tourists and locals make it feel like a party. At Jayne’s Reliable, you can party on while you get your antique on!
BEST SALON FOR WOMEN
SUSSEX COUNTY
As a boutique hair salon in Lewes specializing in healthy, lived-in color and cuts, J. Michael Salon brings West Coast beach-hair vibes to the East Coast. “Our focus is building client relationships behind the chair through hair and personal connections that last a lifetime,” says owner Johnna Magliano.
Johnna brings 28 years of experience as a stylist to the chair—14 of those as a salon owner. She is a Schwarzkopf master colorist with hours of high-end training. “I am constantly learning to better myself and my career,” she says.
“J. Michael Salon is committed to professional expertise, the use of high-quality products, a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, and a strong focus on understanding and fulfilling each client’s unique needs and preferences,” Johnna says.
For instance, J. Michael Salon offers VIRTUE® products powered by Alpha Keratin 60ku that include a line of shampoos, conditioners, treatments and stylers that are expertly crafted to transform your hair into a beautiful, healthy state.
“Each of our stylists has a creative, meticulous eye for detail and
ensures every client leaves with a personalized look,” she says, relating how support staff create a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. “Together, they develop a dynamic salon environment.
“The one quality we take the most pride in,” she continues, “is that each of our clients can expect to become a lifelong friend.”
Photo by Krista Valliant
DAVID & KAREN JAYNE
THE J. MICHAEL SALON TEAM
Photo by Ash Elliott
J. MICHAEL SALON
Congratulations! to our award-winning sta
Preeti Yonker, MD
Atlantic General Neurology Berlin, MD
Melissa Brani , CRNP
Atlantic General Women’s Health
West Ocean City, MD
Anita Pascucci, DO
Atlantic General Pediatrics
Ocean Pines, MD
Oswaldo Nicastro, MD
Atlantic General Primary Care
Ocean Pines, MD
Alae Zarif, MD
Atlantic General Surgical Associates Berlin, MD
Your source for caring, highly skilled primary and specialty care... Visit us online for information on providers currently accepting new patients.
Nicole Morris, RN
Atlantic General Hospital Berlin, MD
Allison Pusey, CRNP
Atlantic General Primary Care
Ocean Pines, MD
Go to: agh.care/NewPatient
SEA STUDIO ARCHITECTS
Scott Edmonston founded SEA Studio Architects with a mind toward designing one-of-a-kind sustainable new homes that respond to the local environment and clients’ needs.
“We are committed to designing beautiful, sustainable houses and buildings in Delaware, Maryland and throughout the United States,” says Edmonston, noting that the Bethany Beach firm is most known for its responsive, elegantly simple designs. This is executed through a site analysis process that ensures homes take full advantage of available views, breezes and natural lighting.
“This makes each one of our designs a uniquely incredible place to live or vacation,” Edmonston says. Many SEA Studio Architects designs have been recognized with awards and articles in national and regional publications, such as earning honors from 10 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Delaware awards for excellence in design during the last several years.
“Our tight-knit team of 10 talented architects, designers and project managers are passionate about design,” Edmonston says. “They love listening to our clients, responding to their needs and working with them to envision the houses of their dreams.”
When you are dealing with matters of the law, you need an experienced attorney who understands how to navigate the court system to fight for the best results for you and your family. Attorney Michelle Barnes’ trial experience is second to none, and her success speaks for itself.
This includes selecting local, sustainable materials that significantly reduce environmental impact and employing design strategies that make buildings and spaces more comfortable, energy-efficient places to live and work.
The studio’s work in the commercial sector ranges from the Freeman Arts Pavilion and Fassett House Inn and Spa in Selbyville to the Delaware Botanic Gardens in Dagsboro. Residentially speaking, numerous homes across Delaware and Maryland reflect the firm’s mission and clients’ visions.
MICHELLE BARNES, ATTORNEY AT LAW
COUNTIES
The award-winning attorney has spent her 30-year career in courtrooms across Maryland, delivering the best possible outcomes on a wide range of criminal and civil litigation matters.
Michelle Barnes, Attorney at Law, Inc. is a Cambridge-based firm focused on representation in cases including domestic and family, criminal and traffic, personal injury, and litigation.
Barnes has received many distinctions and honors throughout her career, including being named a Top 100 National Trial Lawyer, a National Lawyer of Distinction and Coastal Style’s 2024 Best Family/ Divorce Attorney in Dorchester/ Talbot Counties, to name just a few. Each client benefits not only from her decades of expert litigation experience, but from her hard work, dedication, honesty, and long history of success. She has the respect of courts throughout the Eastern Shore and beyond.
“We are known as the heavyweight fighter in your corner,” says the skilled litigator. “We know when to come out with kid gloves and when to come out fighting hard. Every case is unique and we prepare them as such. We pride ourselves on being thorough in review and preparation to ensure each of our clients is in the strongest position to get the outcome that is right for them.”
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
SCOTT EDMONSTON
MICHELLE BARNES
Photo by Jill Jasuta
BRIGHT TITLE & SETTLEMENT SERVICES, LLC
Since 2017, Bright Title and Settlement Services, LLC, has provided professional, adaptable and courteous title services for residents and business owners of the Eastern Shore.
Independently and locally owned by the brother-sister team of Sam Greenfeld and Arlette Kelly Bright, the company brings years of real estate experience and knowledge to provide customer-centered real estate settlement services on behalf of buyers, investors, realtors, lenders and other market participants. Bright Title is not affiliated with or a captive company of any real estate or mortgage company, which allows them to serve the entire real estate settlement market as the freely chosen settlement agent for any customer.
Title insurance is an important and cost effective way to protect what, for many people, is their most valuable asset—the real estate that they own. The settlement agents at Bright Title are licensed and experienced issuers of title insurance and, with the rest of the Bright Title team, they provide all other real estate settlement services (acting as escrow agent, managing settlement logistics, coordinating with all parties, reviewing and clearing titles) professionally, diligently, and with utmost attention to detail, always focusing first on the needs of the customer.
GIT R DONE CLEANING SERVICES
Git R Done Cleaning Services is a family-owned and operated business led by owner and founder Lisa Warford. Built upon a foundation of integrity, hard work and satisfied clients, Lisa and her four daughters take tremendous pride in providing outstanding customer service to their family of clients. In fact, they guarantee their work and are available seven days a week.
Git R Done Cleaning Services maintains a vast portfolio of satisfied clients, which include retail and service industry businesses, shopping centers, private residences and vacation homes, churches and many other establishments. Fully bonded and insured, Lisa and her team only use cleaning products with certified organic ingredients, which helps to keep their clients safe and healthy.
Git R Done Cleaning Services is proud to work closely with Delmarva fire departments, Worcester G.O.L.D and Wicomico County Social Services to support local community members. Among their charitable services, they pick up furniture, household items and appliances in working order and deliver them to families that are in need free of charge.
Bright Title is a four-time winner of Fidelity National’s Excellence in Action (2020-2023), as well as a multi-time Coastal Style Best Of winner—including Best Title Company in Wicomico and Worcester Counties for 2024.
“We always do our best to make a difference in every settlement that we close,” says Sam. “We’re known for our family-friendly service, our impeccable work ethic and our ability to get to the job done.”
Located in Berlin, Maryland, Gull Creek Senior Living is an innovative assisted living environment that champions active senior lifestyles with activities connecting residents to culture, nearby Berlin attractions, and local nature reserves. Additionally, the
facility features an acclaimed park-like garden. Gull Creek is nationally recognized for the quality of life provided to its residents. Services include on-site 24/7 care, medication management, physician assessments, housekeeping, laundry, and restaurant-style dining.
Visit Gull Creek Senior Living and the Gull Creek Garden.
Residents, staff, family, and friends now enjoy participating in gardening activity and outdoor events in our newly created community garden. We focus on love, compassion, and dignity. Gull Creek is dedicated to providing residents with a creative and active lifestyle to enhance independence and quality of life. See what others have to say about our award winning care.
BEST BANK
Since 1890, Taylor Bank has been more than a financial institution; it has served as a pillar of the community. Dedicated to high-quality customer service, Taylor Bank meets the diverse financial needs of businesses and residents on Delmarva through a relationship-driven approach. This commitment extends beyond banking, with the bank actively supporting community initiatives through sponsorships, employee volunteerism, and specialized programs like its For Good Grants and Calvin B. Taylor Memorial Scholarships. Taylor Bank provides a comprehensive suite of business and personal services, including FDIC-insured accounts and digital banking tools to fit your lifestyle through Tally by Taylor Bank. Its commitment to excellence is reflected in its recognition as a BauerFinancial Superior (5-Star) Financial Institution for 136 consecutive quarters. This accolade underscores Taylor Bank’s unwavering commitment to customer care, financial stability and innovation, driven by its team of 120 employees who share a mission of being ‘Always Here. For Good.’
“If you’re looking for a financial partner that truly cares about your success, Taylor Bank is here for you,” says Lee Chisholm, Vice President. With 11 branches across Sussex, Worcester and Accomack County, and now a new commercial loan production office in Salisbury, Taylor Bank continues its 134year legacy of trust and service to local communities.
ROB LACAZE
TTR SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
BEST LUXURY REAL ESTATE AGENT
DORCHESTER/TALBOT COUNTIES
Recognized as an industry expert in the areas of marketing, valuation and negotiating, Rob Lacaze has listed and sold some of Talbot County’s most expensive waterfront estates, including properties selling for $17M and $13M, respectively. A Senior Vice President with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in Easton and St. Michaels, Rob has been a leader in real estate sales in Talbot County for 20 years and previously founded and operated Lacaze Realty, a successful real estate brokerage. That brokerage firm was sold to Long & Foster, with Rob subsequently serving as President of Lacaze Meredith Real Estate, a Long & Foster Company, for seven years. Rob is a native New Yorker who has lived in Talbot County for over 30 years. A graduate of the University of Richmond’s E. Claiborne Robins School of Business, he worked on Wall Street before meeting his wife, Stephanie, an attorney and Chestertown native. Soon after, they relocated to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Rob and Stephanie have three adult sons: Turner; Alex and Cole. Rob and Stephanie are active members of the local community and proud supporters of the TLC for Cancer Corporation, a nonprofit
formed by Turner after he successfully battled a rare and aggressive cancer— primary mediastinal choriocarcinoma. The organization provides financial support for other young adults battling cancer. Additionally, they support The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, at which Stephanie is a board member, and Talbot Hospice.
Submitted Photo
TAYLOR BANK OPENS ITS NEW LOAN PRODUCTION OFFICE IN SALISBURY
ROB LACAZE
Photo by Jill Jasuta
CASUAL DESIGNS FURNITURE
BEST FURNITURE STORE & BEST OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS STORE WORCESTER COUNTY
Fresh, innovative coastal furnishings, accessories and appointments for any space at home are thoughtfully sourced by Casual Designs’ experienced team of knowledgeable design consultants. “We specialize in transitional resort furnishings and accessories and provide a refreshing, satisfying shopping experience,” says Casual Designs Furniture CEO Chris Coates, who directs the successful company that was founded over 60 years ago.
Casual Designs transforms spaces into serene retreats, blending the natural beauty of the coast with functional and elegant design elements. “We are committed to providing clients with meticulously crafted furniture pieces and design solutions that capture the tranquility, harmony and refreshing allure of coastal living,” Chris says.
The Casual Designs team is driven by a passion for excellence and environmental stewardship—and known for their unwavering dedication to client satisfaction. “We buy intentionally with a mind to provide quality materials, innovative craftsmanship and pieces that define the sophistication that our clients appreciate,” Chris says.
Designers work with clients one-on-one to make custom selections that fulfill their vision for coastal living. Casual Designs Furniture provides an array of furniture settings along with patio, dining room, bedroom, entertainment, office and occasional pieces in a turn-key showroom environment so clients achieve a cohesive look.
Chris says, “We aim to evoke a sense of serenity and inspiration in every corner of our clients’ spaces.”
By creating a safe, accepting community culture that promotes success in school and life, Building African American Minds, Inc. (BAAM) is moving the needle against historically low odds.
BAAM’s mission is to close the gap of academic lag that statistically occurs among minority students and only increases as they progress to high school. Offering intervention in early, formative years can mitigate risk for failure.
“We aim to recognize and address socioeconomic barriers that inhibit minority students’ ability to learn effectively and provide academic enrichment in a safe, caring and structured environment,” says Dina Gomes Daly, BAAM’s co-founder and executive director.
The nonprofit has provided educational, social and sports programming for the last 20 years, including building an athletic center in 2019. A new academic center is underway and slated for completion in October. “We will house all of our programs and staff at the new facility and also be able to expand and develop new programming to meet our community’s needs,” Dina says. BAAM offers afterschool programs that teach learning and study skills, along with offering social engagement and sports. It is also known for its Summer Enrichment Camp and Youth Basketball League.
Led by a team experienced in providing social and educational programming to youth, families and adults, BAAM professionals are known and respected in the community—they are role models.
THE CASUAL DESIGNS TEAM
Photo by Krista Valliant
DINA GOMES DALY
Photo by Jill Jasuta
CHRIS S. MASON
WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP
BEST PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY
WORCESTER COUNTY
Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison, LLP has a long history of service and each of its team members have varied abilities and specialties. The firm is a comprehensive law practice serving the citizens and visitors of the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
They provide clients expert counsel in matters relating to administrative and zoning law, business and corporate law, personal injury, civil litigation, condo/homeowners association law, estate planning, real estate settlements and other legal services.
The practice has a storied background in Worcester County, which dates back to 1951, when attorney Marcus J. Williams founded the firm. Seventy-three years and several distinguished partners later, its team is comprised of 12 team members, including eight attorneys. Throughout the years, the practice has always adhered to the principle of helping communities. In fact, staying true to this core philosophy has earned the firm inclusion in The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, which includes only select law practices that have earned the highest rating. Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison, LLP has also received recognition from the Maryland Bar,
Maryland Bar Foundation, Worcester County Bar Association and many other notable organizations.
“Our firm has represented generations of Worcester County’s businesses and families,” says Chris S. Mason, Esquire. “Our experience and understanding of the community gives us unique insight into problem-solving for our clients.”
Dedication knows no bounds of sacrifice. To fund the startup of Jun & Juice, Megan and Brett Hines sold their home and moved into a camper for 11 months. The Hines were on a mission: to bring a vibrant seasonal menu chock full of real, fresh, cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices and other wholesome fare to their community.
Jun is an effervescent fermented tea, known as the champagne of kombuchas for its light, bubbly taste, Megan explains. “Jun is softer and lighter with a more delicate taste,” she describes. None of Jun & Juice’s products contain added sugar, produce is locally sourced as often as possible and its plant-based offerings are designed to help customers achieve a healthier lifestyle.
“We use the freshest ingredients to make the most nutritionally dense food possible,” Megan says. “That includes sourcing directly from Delmarva farmers. When in season, the fruits and veggies were harvested at the peak of ripeness and traveled only a few miles to make it to your glass.”
The Jun & Juice menu also includes smoothies, energy bowls, ice pops, cleanses, reboots and organic spirits.
“The last two years have been a time of so much growth, learning and juicing,” says Megan, who is especially grateful to the community for the tremendous support it has provided her and Brett, their family and their business.
CHRIS S. MASON
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
MEGAN & BRETT HINES
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
Described as one of America’s truly great golf courses, Baywood Greens is a public 18-hole championship course. Manicured greens, flawless fairways, man-made ponds, timber bridges, tunnels and over 200,000 flowers, plants, shrubs and trees don’t begin to describe its beauty. Known as the “Augusta of the North,” Baywood Greens is by far the most visually spectacular golf course in Delaware and is consistently ranked #1 by Golf Digest’s Best in State.
THIS EVENT IS POSSIBLE THANKS TO THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS: Get Your Tickets Today!
November 8-10
Easton, MD
Caring Commitment Festival is for Family
THE WATERFOWL FESTIVAL CONTINUES ITS LONG-STANDING SUPPORT OF CONSERVATION INITIATIVES ACROSS THE SHORE
Conservation—it’s always been a foundation of the Waterfowl Festival (WF) mission. Since its inception in 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has donated nearly $6 million to conservation projects across the United States and Canada. The cause is just as important today, as modern efforts impact waterfowl populations, other wildlife and our region’s residents and visitors.
Recently, WF officials toured a meaningful project that is supported in part by the funds raised from the Festival—and their takeaway was special. The Wellington Wildlife Management area in Somerset County, MD, is a 429-acre, mainly forested tract with several open-field complexes managed for herbaceous successional cover, providing a variety of habitats for native and migratory species. The Festival’s support helped purchase 10 additional acres of land that will be transformed into wetland habitat.
This is an excellent place to visit for a day afield during open hunting seasons for deer, turkey, dove, rabbit and squirrel. Non-hunting activities that are very popular among regular visitors include bird watching and photography. CS
Calling All Champions
The World Goose Calling Championship, founded in 1976, is the longest running goose calling championship in the United States—and it returns to The Waterfowl Festival this November.
Competitors, immersed in the language of the incredible waterfowl of the region, compete against each other the for coveted title of World Champion in five divisions. Many of the industry’s leaders in waterfowl calling and hunting have gotten their start on the calling championship stage at the Waterfowl Festival. CS
For more than 50 years, The Waterfowl Festival’s roster of events have delighted crowds and created keepsake memories. This year’s edition will do the same by including a host of kid-and-family-friendly activities, including the “Quackin’ Trail” featuring the Phillips Wharf Fishmobile, the “Skyhunters in Flight” raptor show, Willa’s Waterfowl Adventure coloring and storybook time, decoy painting classes and fun character meet-and-greets with Webster The Goose and Winston The Dog, who will eagerly make his Festival debut.
“Families have always played an integral role in the Waterfowl Festival’s success,” says Deena Kilmon, Executive Director, Waterfowl Festival Inc. “It is very important that we welcome, educate and inspire our youth regarding all the wonderful aspects of the waterfowl industry. The Festival has positively influenced generations—and we look forward to continuing that tradition for years to come.” CS
coastal 2024 WATERFOWL FESTIVAL PREVIEW
Walsh’s Tribute
OUTLAW GUNNER” RETURNS TO RIGHTFUL PROMINENCE
Written by Joe Willey
The flat horizon of the Eastern Shore spreads in all directions
Slow-moving tidal rivers wind through marshes prickling with reeds, and slick with rich black mud. As the seasons change from summer to fall, migratory birds soar across the high clouds. They used to come in waves of thousands, coloring the sky and the surface of rivers. Hunters waited for them. These men were canny, brave and deadly—and may have been forgotten without Dr. Harry Walsh and his book
The Outlaw Gunner
Harry Walsh was the oldest of six children and grew up poor. He supported his mother and siblings by hunting and trapping. Around him, hunters did what they could to survive, and illegal hunting flourished. He understood hardship. During World War II, he served in the Pacific theater as a frogman in the Scouts and Raiders—the precursor of the Navy SEALs.
The book tells stories of hunters and the danger they faced that was as constant as the tide. The punt gun is a large shotgun secured to an easily maneuvered, flat, small boat. It was a deadly weapon that could kill dozens of waterfowl with one blast. But the weapon could be lethal for the hunters, too.
Later, Walsh received an athletic scholarship to Washington College in Chestertown, MD, and then worked to put himself through medical school. But he is most remembered for being a beloved, local doctor and the author of The Outlaw Gunner—a classic book about the lives and tools of men who hunted professionally to provide food for regional restaurants and their kitchen tables.
The Outlaw Gunner is not a dry history of a lost way of life but a colorful story of punt guns and people, sneak skiffs and survival. His son, Joe Walsh, who was always a student of his father, knows what drove him to write the classic book.
The book tells stories of hunters and the danger they faced that was as constant as the tide. The punt gun, or long gun, is a large shotgun secured to an easily maneuvered, flat, small boat. It was a deadly weapon that could kill dozens of waterfowl with one blast.
But the weapon could be lethal for the hunters, too. The temperamental guns often kicked with such ferocity that men would be knocked overboard and drown in the icy water. Some guns, their barrels unknowingly cracked, would explode and maim or kill a hunter. With the advent of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, the era of commercial hunting whispered out of existence.
Most of the guns are gone, and the boats rotted, but with a foreknowledge many wish they had, Dr. Harry Walsh preserved historically important pieces. His knowledge was deep, and his collection was impressive. He was also generous, donating most of his collection to the Chesapeake Maritime Museum in St. Michaels and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Chincoteague.
Through the end of this year, his son, Joe Walsh, and the Talbot Historical Society have partnered to present “Outlaw Gunner,” an exhibit based on the book. This exhibition is an informative and thoughtful tribute to the history of hunters, their legacy, and the hope expressed in the final chapters—for conservation.
Harry Walsh did not stop there. In 1971, the same year The Outlaw Gunner was published, he and a few others founded the Waterfowl Festival—which will celebrate its 53rd edition this November. Committed to the Eastern Shore’s rich hunting and conservation history, the chronicler of the infamous punt gun served as the event’s first chairman.
AT THE READY
Dr. Harry Walsh holds two punt guns, embodying the perilous legacy of Eastern Shore waterfowl hunting.
The Outlaw Gunner is a story of unique people. Walsh’s original book and the updated 2020 hardback edition tell of the devastating and dangerous life of commercial bird hunters on the Eastern Shore. At the same time, it places the reader on the frigid surface of those bitterly cold and perilous waters. Commercial hunters lying flat in a small boat on a glassy surface with a finger on the trigger may be gone. But because of Dr. Harry Walsh, their way of life will not be forgotten. CS
Visit the Talbot Historical Society to view its newest exhibit, “Outlaw Gunner,” chronicling the history of waterfowl and the Chesapeake Bay through the eyes of Dr. Harry Walsh. Museum hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Carving Their Niche
JON DEETER AND ZAC COTE ARE PROPELLING THE WORLD’S LEADING AND MOST TRUSTED DECOY AUCTION FIRM TO NEW HEIGHTS
Written
Over the course of the last 50 years, Alan and Elaine Haid amassed one of the rarest and finest decoy collections in the world. This collection included items ranging from a one-of-a-kind, oversize preening black duck by Robert Elliston to the only known working shoveler hen by the Ward Brothers. When the Haids decided it was time to share their prized possessions with others to enjoy, they entrusted Guyette & Deeter to realize the collection’s potential.
In April, the St. Michaels-based decoy auction firm posted its highest two-day total in its 40-year history, achieving $6.4 million in sales—the highest auction total for a decoy sale in nearly a quarter-century. The historic auction featured decoys and sporting art from the Haids, Jim and Patti Aikin, David Fannon and other renowned aficionados. When the auction sales were tallied, 15 venerated decoys sold for over $100,000 each—and 100 more brought more than $10,000 each.
by Jonathan Westman | Photography by Jill Jasuta
JON DEETER, LEFT, AND ZAC COTE INSIDE GUYETTE & DEETER, INC.
coastal 2024 WATERFOWL
This kind of result is the payoff of Guyette & Deeter’s experience, reputation, marketing and innovation. For each of its five annual primary auctions, the firm generates a buzz of anticipation that reverberates to its 12,000 person database across the country. Its meticulous trademark catalogs contain over 300 pages of beautiful photography, complete with background details and values for each item. The catalogs are produced at the company’s St. Michaels headquarters, mailed to more than 1,200 registered buyers before each auction, and are also available locally.
Guyette & Deeter’s home base also serves as its gallery, publishing center, social media studio, warehouse and fulfillment center for its three divisions: Decoys and Sporting Art, Sporting Arms and Weekly Auctions, held online at bid.guyetteanddeeter.com.
“Because we’ve been around since 1984, if we put our stamp of approval on an item for auction and it appears in our catalog, that means a lot to a potential buyer,” says Jon Deeter, who became co-owner of the auction company in 2010. “They know that they do not have to travel to St. Michaels to see or hold the item. They can bid online or by phone with confidence and know that they are acquiring something of quality.”
FRONT AND CENTER
People fly in from all across the country to attend Guyette & Deeter auctions—and its team secures roughly half of all sales by phone.
Ducks In, Ducks Out
Guyette & Deeter also hosts open houses and preview parties in advance of auctions to generate interest and excitement. For those who cannot attend previews, private viewings are arranged in various parts of the country, as well as in the homes of collectors. The firm’s online auction, with about 65 items, closes every Thursday night to encourage new collectors to get started.
Jon was an avid duck hunter, but not a decoy collector, when his wife, Leigh Ann, bought him a bufflehead decoy about 40 years ago. “It was an old, beat-up decoy carved in the 1930s. It was enough to get me hooked,” says Jon. “When you’re given a decoy, it doesn’t have to go on a shelf in a man cave. It’s actually a piece of art. You can decorate with it, live with it and talk about it. That’s just way cooler than stuff from Pottery Barn.“
Having surpassed the $200 million mark in total sales in 2020, and hosting three annual auctions, Cooper Rossner, Jon Deeter and Zac Cote regularly travel the country to attend decoy shows, provide appraisals and scout out collections for upcoming auctions. Their firm holds more world records than all other auction houses combined in the categories of duck and shorebird decoys, fish decoys and plaques, duck and crow calls, decorative carvings and shotshell boxes.
As we recently walked through Guyette & Deeter’s headquarters, we asked Jon about the state of the decoy industry, his thoughts about living on the Eastern Shore and his firm’s association with the Waterfowl Festival.
Submitted photo
AUCTION AUTHORITY
Jon Deeter addresses the crowd prior to the beginning of the Guyette & Deeter, Inc. auction in Easton, featuring the second part of the Haid Collection.
Tell us our about your headquarters. There appears to be quite a lot of activity taking place at all times throughout the space. We’ve been here for three years, and you’re right—our team is always on the go. We strategically built our gallery with museumquality lighting and white walls, so that we can showcase the artwork and show people how to display it. This is a piece that’s in the next auction. It’s carved by Frank Finney, the hottest contemporary carver of folk-art items in the world. It’s a memory box or storage box: a frog family in a canoe talking to a turtle. Just crazy creative stuff. Frank’s been around a long time. I believe he’s 74 years old and lives in Cape Charles. This piece may sell for $45,000 or $50,000. We usually try to have a number of his pieces in the auctions and in the gallery.
This is where the inventory comes and goes—ducks in, ducks out. We have Mike Roberts, who stands there and packs boxes all day long. We maintain the inventory for the catalog sales here and serve as a functioning warehouse. What’s been really fun is that collectors and people that get wind of us and are curious are starting to stop in. Every day, we’ve got public coming in saying, ‘Hey, teach me about this,’ or ‘Can you show me what you have?’”
“I’m bullish on the future of decoy collecting. We are in a time of transition, as newcomers are stepping in and greats are passing away—and we’re selling their collections. But with the new collectors, we’ve not missed a beat in terms of values. We just sold a decoy in April for $480,000. So, the price point support is still there.”
Is that welcomed?
Absolutely. We’re open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We want a curious, qualified customer to stop in, for sure. That’s part of our mission. We’re trying to create more of a local and regional footprint. And awareness and customer service play major factors in making that a reality.
Your April auction set a record for your company and established a new industry benchmark. What does the future hold for Guyette & Deeter?
I’m bullish on the future of decoy collecting. We are in a time of transition, as newcomers are stepping in and greats are passing away—and we’re selling their collections. But with the new collectors, we’ve not missed a beat in terms of values. We just sold a decoy in April for $480,000. So, the price point support is still there.
What was so unique about that piece?
It was made by Elmer Crowell. He is the godfather of decoy collecting. People would agree that he’s probably the most important decoy maker of all time. He lived in East Harwich, Massachusetts, and he was a talented artist, making a great array of things from 1890-1940. He made carvings and managed clubs for the wealthy elites at Yale and Harvard. And he must have been fun to hang out with because he spent a lot of time with these individuals and made them carvings, paintings and sculptures, all of which are highly valuable and collectible.
You and Leigh Ann moved to the Shore about four years ago from Northeast Ohio. What resonates with you most personally now about living here?
I really like the feel of the Eastern Shore. It’s rural and yet it’s cultured. When you’re on the Eastern Shore and somebody says, “Hey, Jon. What do you do for a living?” I can actually say, “I sell decoys,” and people know what that means. When we lived in Ohio and had that same conversation, I would just get a glazed stare from people. Usually, my wife would find the nearest exit at that point [laughs].
What are your impressions of the Waterfowl Festival and why will your next auction coincide with the event?
I think Easton is a really cool town and the Waterfowl Festival is unique. I’m really happy about its positioning for the future, and I think we have a great opportunity to expand awareness at the same time.
People fly in from all over the country to attend our auctions—from California, Texas, Florida, New England. Our auctions are like high school reunions with the people you want to be with. People literally plan vacations around our auctions, and we’re thankful for that. I’m looking forward to introducing our collectors to the Festival. I can’t think of a better partner for us to associate with to promote the waterfowl industry, preserving its history and educating people about decoy collecting and our industry. There’s not a better fit for us. Together, we’re going to make a great event even better. CS
Waterfowl Queen
CAMBRIDGE’S MEGAN
WATTS IS A HUNTRESS LIVING A FOWL LIFE— AND LOVING EVERY BIT OF IT
At age seven, Megan Watts greeted her father at the door after he returned home from one of many regular camping and hunting excursions—most weekends, actually. After watching him bring back harvests of ducks, she asked the question.
“When is it my turn?”
Her supportive mother wasn’t thrilled. “She didn’t grow up in an outdoorsy hunting family,” explains Megan, relating that the deal was to join the Maryland 4-H Foundation and learn hunting safety. So, she did and fell in love with the sport, the community of nature lovers she met and the competition, as well.
Today, Megan is the Waterfowl Queen, a huntress living a fowl life and loving every bit of it.
She represents the brands Syren, Kent Cartridge and on behalf of her dog, Wren, Legends Dog Food. She consistently sweeps her division in state championships and is also an avid angler, notably winning the Big Seafood Blast D class 1st place.
Patience and a strong mind are essential elements for success. “They go together,” Megan says, noting that hunting calls for lots of waiting and watching. “You need a watchful eye.”
Written by Kristen Hampshire
Gearing up for the 2024 Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Coastal Style sat down with Megan to learn how she got her start, what motivates her and how she’s handled being an industry influencer.
What drew you to the outdoors and your sport?
I started out in elementary school after completing hunter safety, using a little 20-gauge shot gun that I used for the first couple of years I went hunting with my dad and his friend. At age eight, I got my first duck, a Bufflehead. The same year, I got my first geese. My dad had stepped out of the blind. I was with his best friend, who saw two geese and said, ‘There are two coming your way and they are all yours.’ I dropped one and then got the other. My dad missed the whole thing!
During my first time shooting skeet with 4-H, I hit four out of five clays. I was very excited, so I shot with Clay Busters for about a year with other girls and boys who were about twice my age. I stopped shooting skeet for a while—was always hunting—and I started competing in 2014 in high school. Then in 2015 when I was 17, my mom found a local shooting group with Caroline County 4-H Club. I qualified for the Maryland State 4-H shoot and made the Maryland team. We traveled to Nebraska for the 4-H finals.
What do you harvest?
I do hunt every species there is around here, though not rabbit or squirrel. I hunt mostly Widgeon and Gadwall duck. I like the way Widgeon ‘work.’ They are fully committed. There’s no half-way, ‘Oh, I’ll give you a fly by.’ If they are coming in, they’re coming in and sometimes it’s 10 to 15 at a time or 80. I’ve had a group I didn’t shoot into because you don’t want to educate the group when it’s that large, especially early in the season. Then, the rest of the season they are gun shy and decoy shy.
Otherwise, I hunt turkey, dove, duck, geese and Sitka deer that are not native and invasive. I also go fishing any opportunity I can get.
Don’t Miss Premiere Night!
Visit WaterfowlFestival.org to secure your tickets today!
Join the Waterfowl Festival to kick off its 53rd Festival in style on Thursday night, Nov. 7 for Premiere Night! Be the first to view this year’s Federal Duck Stamp and meet the winning artist, while also helping to celebrate its long-time volunteers and 2024 Hall of Fame inductees.
Premiere Night guests will have the first option to bid Thursday so don’t delay in buying your ticket for this special event! The auction will end Sunday at noon. As they have for over 30 years, the proceeds from the auction will benefit the William A. Perry Scholarship Fund.
“I’ve been active in the Waterfowl Festival since I was really little. My mom was the chief photographer at the ‘Star Democrat,’ and I would go with her when she covered the event. I was always fascinated with the classic, costumed goose and had to get a picture!”
How have you been involved in the Waterfowl Festival throughout the years?
I’ve been active in the Waterfowl Festival since I was really little. My mom was the chief photographer at the Star Democrat, and I would go with her when she covered the event. I was always fascinated with the classic, costumed goose and had to get a picture! And, for me, it’s always been about the art.
I’ve always enjoyed drawing nature pieces of fish and ducks. I graduated from Chesapeake College with an associate’s degree in art while I was there for allied health. I’m a certified dental assistant licensed to do radiology and pursuing my dental hygienist degree while I continue a strong shooting career.
How has your experience as a woman in the waterfowl field fostered growth?
I have never been out in Maryland and come across another female hunting, and I’ve only hunted with girls about three times in the last 16 years. While the sporting clay [crowd] can be more accepting and welcoming (you get help from the guys), the waterfowl industry can be intimidating. Some guys see you as a threat.
My involvement in the industry and in 4-H growing up has helped build me. I can assertively represent companies without being shy or waiting to be talked to first. I’ve recommended Syren to upcoming hunters and sporting clay shooters, and men will send me direct messages asking for their girlfriends, daughters and wives. CS
These generous musicians are volunteering in support of Waterfowl Festival’s conservation mission during its Premiere Night festivities for its VIPs and Corporate Sponsors. CS
Ampersand
Julie Parsons’ Project Duo
Well Done!
TEXAS-BASED ARTIST RONNIE WELLS NAMED WATERFOWL FESTIVAL FEATURED ARTIST
The Waterfowl Festival is honored to announce Salado, TX artist Ronnie Wells as the Featured Artist for this year’s 53rd festival and exhibition. Ronnie will exhibit both sculpture and paintings that he has created specifically for this event. His new waterfowl-themed oil painting, “Cans In the Decoys,” will be featured on this year’s Waterfowl Festival poster—and signed and limited to 250 copies.
As a waterfowl and wildlife-centric artist, Ronnie has won numerous awards and exhibited his work in museums and fine art shows across the nation. He won Sculptor of the Year at the Ducks Unlimited (DU) World Wildlife Exposition, was awarded DU’s Texas Artist of the Year three times and has several permanent installations at the National and Regional DU Headquarters.
Ronnie’s monumental bronze sculpture, “Gale Winds and Mallards,” stands at the entrance of National Ducks Unlimited Headquarters in Memphis, TN. Permanent works are also exhibited in the Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling Heritage Center, inside Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, also in Memphis. CS
BATHED IN PERFECT LIGHT
Wells’ waterfowl-themed oil painting, ‘Cans In the Decoys’ is featured on this year’s Waterfowl Festival poster
Designer Screen Shades with Powerview® Automation
Art Takes Flight
MORE THAN 75 WATERFOWL AND WILDLIFE ARTISTS WILL DISPLAY CAPTIVATING WORKS DEPICTING THE RICH DIVERSITY OF NATURE
This year’s Waterfowl Festival features over 75 total artists whose works depict waterfowl and wildlife, as well as landscapes, sporting art and maritime subjects—all showcasing the rich diversity of nature. Exhibitions will be located in the Waterfowl Building, Artist Pavilion presented by PNC Bank (on Harrison Street), Academy Art Museum and Eastern Shore Land Conservancy.
The Waterfowl Festival is produced with support from the Maryland State Arts Council and legacy partners Ducks Unlimited, Guyette & Deeter, and PNC Bank, as well as generous community sponsors and corporate partners.
Advance tickets to the event, including VIP and Premiere Night passes (held on the evening of Nov. 7), can be purchased online at waterfowlfestival.org/festival-tickets. Weekend general admission tickets are discounted now through October 1 for just $20. Volunteers receive free admission.
For more information, to sign up as a volunteer or to inquire about becoming a sponsor, email their main office at facts@waterfowlfestival.org or call 410-822-4567. CS
AL JORDAN
PAT LANG
BARBARA ZUEHLKE
WILHELM GOEBEL
WALTER MATIA
DAVID TURNER
DAVID KIEHM
PHIL MCGREW
JULIE MEMMOLO
RICHARD CLIFTON
CHRIS WILSON
TOM AHERN
DEBORAH MCFARLIN
PETE LUPO
HEATHER OAKS
Annual
in the only Official Guide of the 53rd
Waterfowl Festival!
We’re excited to share that a major redesign of the Official 2024 Waterfowl Festival Guide is well underway. The Official Guide is the only publication endorsed by the Waterfowl Festival and the only publication distributed directly to 22,000 Festival attendees as they check in.
The Official 2024 Guide will be a keepsake reference and a year-round resource featuring engaging content for local and visiting waterfowl enthusiasts. By becoming a partner of this year’s Official Waterfowl Festival Guide, your brand will not only be seen by its attendees— it will be remembered.
This once-a-year resource is your opportunity to partner with the Waterfowl Festival in 2024 and reserve advertising space in its beautiful, new guide. Please visit www.waterfowlguide.info for more information.
BECKER MORGAN GROUP DESIGNED AN OCEANFRONT HOME TO BLEND NATURALLY WITH ITS BETHANY BEACH SURROUNDINGS—WITH A TOUCH OF CAPE COD CHARM
As they pedaled along the Delaware oceanfront, a local couple came to an abrupt halt when they spotted a “For Sale” sign pitched into the dunes of an empty lot. Surely this prime piece of land couldn't still be available.
Fully believing it was a long shot, they called the number on the sign—and learned that the property was miraculously still on the market.
Timing, they discovered, is everything.
After buying the lot, the new owners hired Chris Pattey, Residential Practice Area Leader at Becker Morgan Group in Salisbury, to design a family beach house for year-round use. The couple had been living nearby, in a more densely populated community, for quite some time. This peacefully private lot, centered in sandy ridges and ocean tides, offered them an opportunity to create a gathering place that would blend with nature and buck the typical stilted house trend. Dewson Construction in Rehoboth Beach expertly managed the build.
“Wrapped in shingles from walls to rooftop, the subtle natural colors and textures blend into the coastal environment,” Pattey says.
A Serene Setting. No pretension, no looming presence or disjointed appearance—these were important priorities for the owners. “They desired a more conventional solution to the typical oversized ‘beach house on stilts,’” Pattey says. The flood zone site requires compliance with a stack of building codes, explaining the more common “propped up” stilt-based construction along this particular strip.
By contrast, the home is nestled into the landscape and “engaged with the dunes to look very natural and inviting,” Pattey describes. The necessary infrastructure exists, but it is concealed.
A garage is tucked on one side, with beachfront living space and a walkout to the sand purposefully capitalizing on the grade level. “The streetside presence disguises this massing and creates a humble pedestrian and site-friendly relationship,” he says.
Sophisticated Simplicity. Created by Katherine Crosby of Jenkins Baer Associates in Baltimore, the interior finishes are decidedly “purist.”
White shaker cabinets in the kitchen complement generous trim, with window views serving as ever-changing art. The second-floor guest suite faces the street, but the floor plan includes glass French doors to reveal the ocean view beyond. Living spaces on the main and second floors offer plenty of room for entertaining.
The downstairs wet bar mixes bold blue custom cabinetry with a solid wood top and shelves that “make it look more furniture-esque,” Pattey relates. The backsplash is a wallcovering with a natural geode effect.
When Pattey introduced a primary suites outdoor shower option to the couple, they went for it. “The covered balcony with an outdoor shower gives them east and northeast ocean views protected from the neighbors and elements,” he says.
coastal HOME
FAMILY GATHERING
The couple wanted their year round beach house to blend naturally into its surroundings.
Intentionally Inverted Layout. Dunes surround this home, offering an oceanfront naturescape that doubles as art viewed through the interior’s grand walls of glass. Topography also informs the floor plan. While otherwise a Cape Cod-style twostory—allowing for generous headroom bottom and top—the owners opted to locate the dining area, kitchen, primary and guest suites upstairs. “These spaces are getting commanding views,” Pattey relates, acknowledging height restrictions. An elevator offers convenience given the kitchen and master suite location.
The first floor houses a stately foyer and guest bedrooms. “It’s a fusion of a conventional house from the exterior and inverted beach house plan to capture those panoramic views,” Pattey says.
A Porch for Every Angle. With sprawling oceanfront deck space and covered porches on every façade, the aesthetic outcome is inviting. The functional benefit is protected outdoor space for the owners
to breathe in salt air no matter which way the wind blows. “We have such diverse weather conditions,” Pattey points out. “You could be having a very unpleasant northeast breeze that is stiff and cold in summer, but you can warm up on the south-facing porches.”
Plus, the sheltered outdoor living spaces offer an ancillary gain, protecting the inside from harsh sunlight and heat without the use of window treatments during the day.
The ground-level ocean deck is finished with durable Ipe hardwood flooring, a dense, tropical hardwood known for its resiliency.
“Over time, it will silver-gray out and become a very natural element, much like the home’s extra-thick cedar shingle roof that can handle wind and water conditions,” Pattey says. “In this location, you have to build a house kind of like a boat—to make sure it doesn’t leak.”
Meanwhile, a second-floor sunset balcony on the southwest front rounds out a plan that completely captures every vista. Intentionally, the porch dining table offers a southwest view down the coastline.
coastal HOME
Cultivated with Craftsmanship. The home incorporates artistic millwork like cathedral beadboard ceilings and distinctively curvaceous eyebrow windows, creating a slight roofline wave for interest and ushering in more light. Coupled with NuCedar shingles on the exterior, its design combines linear and arched treatments—notably a dramatic half-moon cutout on the ground-level deck that creates a rounded frame for the views beyond.
Shed dormers add both light and an exterior riseand-fall effect. “We wanted an understated façade,” says Pattey, “and introduced those gracious curves, such as a swooping roof line over the front door and eyebrow windows, which are very conducive to the East Coast vernacular.”
In keeping with the owners’ desire for an understated beach retreat, Pattey designed the highest point of the roof to slope elegantly on either side, forming an A-line that “grounds” the home. Ultimately, the home “captures the sensory and visual panorama of its surroundings,” says Pattey. CS
ARCHING SKYWARD
Curved eyebrow windows and a half-moon design provide visual interest and aesthetic values.
Achieving New Heights
ONE OF FIVE FEMALE ROOFING PROFESSIONALS NOMINATED FOR THE “BEST FEMALE ROOFING PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR” IN THE U.S. AND CANADA, TOMIE KAY MORSE IS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH IN THE HOME IMPROVEMENT INDUSTRY
STEADFAST COMMITMENT
Photography by Marci Ryan
Tomie Kay Morse watches as her team installs a new roof donated to a military veteran by her company.
“The nomination for Female Roofing Professional is an incredible honor and it is a testament to all of the hard work and dedication of my entire team. Every day, I go to work knowing the successes we have achieved are a result of our collective efforts and that each team member has played a vital role in our company’s growth.”
Tomie Kay and Tom Morse own a thriving home improvement company that benefits homeowners across Delaware.
Morse Roofing and Siding has assisted thousands of customers to improve the value, efficiency and aesthetics of their homes due to its honest and transparent pricing, quality materials and superior craftsmanship. The couple wear many company hats as business owners. Tomie Kay credits her work ethic to her loving and supportive parents, Gary and Sharon Layton. Growing up in Sussex County, she learned from a very young age the importance of responsibility, productivity, organizational skills, timeliness, and that if you want more from life, you need to work harder.
Family and faith have always come first for Tomie Kay. In addition to being a loving wife to her soulmate, Tom, she is a devoted mother of two and doting grandmother to two grandchildren. Tomie Kay’s commitment to her community has always been a priority in her life as well. Prior to starting Morse Roofing and Siding with Tom, Tomie Kay worked as an independent insurance adjuster for 10 years for Fortune 500 companies. She handled over 1,000 claims all over the country. She credits this time for helping her gain unique insights into the construction industry.
EARNING ACCOLADES
Industry knowledge, hard work and dedication is the winning formula used by
Tomie Kay was recently honored for her superior industry knowledge, dedication and business operating skills as one of only five 2024 Female Roofing Professional Finalists in the United States and Canada by Beacon Building Products—one of the territory’s largest building material distributors.
“The nomination for Female Roofing Professional is an incredible honor and it is a testament to all of the hard work and dedication of my entire team,” says Tomie Kay. “Every day, I go to work knowing the successes we have achieved are a result of our collective efforts and that each team member has played a vital role in our company’s growth. To my team: I share this nomination with you. I am extremely proud to work alongside each and every one of you.
“Most importantly,” she continues, “I want to thank our customers for trusting us. Your business and continued support is what fuels our success. This nomination is motivation to continue working hard, advancing in the roofing and home improvement industry and helping Morse Roofing & Siding reach higher levels of achievement across the State of Delaware. Thank you all for this tremendous honor. I am inspired to keep pushing forward to make you all proud.”
This isn’t the first time Morse Roofing & Siding has been recognized—far from it. In fact, the company has received nearly 50 awards and distinctions since its founding in 2017.
Personally, Tomie Kay holds the industry’s highest certifications through Morse Roofing & Siding’s manufacturers. She is a CertainTeed Master Craftsman Shingle Applicator and possesses the rare and prestigious award of CertainTeed Wizard. She is also a Certified TAMKO Mastercraft Pro Contractor, and holds VSI Certification as a vinyl siding installer.
“Recognition is wonderful, but we are customer service driven,” she says. “We know if we provide the excellent service customers deserve, they will recommend our company to their family members, friends and acquaintances—and that’s the best honor in any business.”
Tomie Kay Morse to earn international praise.
Tips from Tomie Kay
What advice can you offer readers who are contemplating a new roof?
• Shop around and compare your options before you finally choose your contractor.
• Reach out to your friends and neighbors and ask who they would use or recommend.
• Do your research. Check online with the Better Business Bureau and on Google.
• Obtain detailed estimates showing quality materials and the scope of work from each contractor. Make sure your materials are of a good quality and ask questions if you receive an estimate that is lower than the others. The contractor with the lower estimate could have a different scope of work, but additional funds may be needed to complete the project in whole.
• Most important, your focus should be on using quality materials, installed by a quality contractor who is properly insured and has all the required licenses to complete your project.
What are the latest trends and industry technologies?
• Drone technology is now commonly used for precise measurements and photos. These aid in creating quick project design options from which the customer can choose.
• Our quality shingle of choice, CertainTeed, has designed a shingle roofing material with ClimateFlex technology that is impact- rated and can withstand harsh weather conditions, including hail. CertainTeed has also designed a shingle with reflective granules that can reduce energy costs and roof temperatures with its Solaris Cool Roof Technology. CS
Ocean View Oasis
WITH A PRIVILEGED WATERFRONT VANTAGE POINT, THIS AMENITY-RICH HOME EXECUTED BY HARDSCAPES, INC.’S WES NOVELLI BLENDS NATURALLY WITH THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT WITH INGENIOUS PLANNING AND DESIGN DETAILS
Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Grant L. Gursky
coastal HOME
Ribbons of water cascade into a pristine luxury swimming pool with an integrated spa, enhanced by strategically positioned lighting throughout. A cozy built-in firepit area and elegant Marmiro stone in Crema Eda add to the outdoor space’s ambiance. These are just a few defining features of this Ocean View, DE, property, boasting a thoughtfully built outdoor space which connects to the bay waters beyond while complementing the newly renovated home.
Wes Novelli, owner and designer at Hardscapes Inc. of Ocean City, collaborated with the property owners to bring their vision to life. No detail was overlooked.
“They were willing to go all out to achieve this outcome,” says Wes, remarking on the project’s planning discussions and seamless execution during installation.
WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE
A recessed stacked-stone firepit serves as the focal point in an ample space for family and friends to live, love and laugh together.
The salty coastal feel of the community lends itself to natural materials that complement its sandy shores, blending in the desired outdoor amenities without detracting from the surrounding beauty. The result integrates the owner’s specifications while addressing the complexities of a graded building lot.
“The property falls quickly down into the bay, and we wanted to make sure that stormwater from heavy rains did not enter the pool or encroach on the neighboring house, which is positioned on a lower section of the grade,” Wes explains.
Meticulous planning paved the way for a sustainable design featuring an array of backyard amenities, like an integrated grill station and poolside lounge area. Wes adds, “It looks like it just belongs.”
Curated from Nature
Wes specified Marmiro stone for the pool deck and a split-faced veneer for the seating walls, waterfall base and other structural elements such as the cooking area. The color, Crema Eda, is one of his preferred selections. “This particular color is so vibrant that it helps expand spaces visually, even if you’re working in a tight area,” he points out.
Marmiro’s low maintenance and functionality is another reason Wes used it for the pool decking. “It’s easy to clean, does not get hot to the touch—even in full sun—and is considered a marble,” he explains, noting a priority for barefoot afternoons by the pool.
Illuminating Impact
Landscape lighting is never an afterthought in Hardscapes Inc.’s projects. By contrast, it’s planned early in the design stage. Strategically positioned lighting adds dimension while accenting features in an outdoor living space. This ultimately extends the time spent outdoors by homeowners and their guests.
“Accent lighting creates an entirely different element of living space and changes the dynamic 180 degrees from daytime,” Wes says. “I also emphasize the reality that most of the time, your entertaining happens during dusk and into the night.”
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MAKING THE GRADE
Careful design and execution was required to overcome potential issues due to the property’s descending grades of elevation.
Serving your local beach community
coastal HOME
The salty coastal feel of the community lends itself to natural materials that complement its sandy shores, blending in the desired outdoor amenities without detracting from the surrounding beauty. The result integrates the owner’s specifications while addressing the complexities of a graded building lot.
TRANSFORMATION COMPLETE
This outdoor makeover was the final phase of an interiorexterior renovation project for the homeowners.
Bonfire Views
The property’s layout afforded an opportunity to design a separate yet connected fire pit conversation space that boasts views of the entire pool and the waters beyond. “It’s the best vantage point,” Wes says. “From this area, you’re looking at everything the backyard has to offer from an entertainment standpoint.”
The surrounding seating wall adds a cozy feel while serving as additional space for guests to linger. With ample patio square footage to comfortably fit six full-size Adirondack chairs around the recessed stacked-stone firepit, this outdoor alcove begs for late evenings with family and friends.
Sustainable Green Space
Synthetic turf is often a material that homeowners don’t necessarily expect to fall in love with—until they see it, touch it and then live with it. “When I propose it, many clients are hesitant at first. But once they have it on their properties, I often hear, ‘This is one of the best decisions we almost didn’t make,’” Wes relates.
Today’s synthetic turf is a far cry from the old, shocking-green indoor/outdoor carpet look. Its advantages include superior drainage, which allows for clean stormwater runoff into nearby waters. It requires no maintenance—completely eliminating any need for harmful chemical lawn care products, Wes points out. “You get a lush green look year-round, and it provides an amazing contrast against any hardscape surface,” he adds of its aesthetic appeal. CS
Essence of the Coast
Produced by Shannon Spilman
Designing Interiors with Warm Colors and Natural Elements
Warm interiors incorporated into coastal living combine the coast’s natural beauty with a comforting and inviting atmosphere. This style often includes a palette of soft neutrals, warm whites and earthy tones—reflecting the surrounding landscape. Natural materials such as wood, rattan and linen, in addition to layering textures like woven rugs, plush cushions and soft lighting, enhance the ambiance. Ultimately, a warm interior is about alleviating the stress of one’s daily life through the use of neutral palettes and textures that evoke a feeling of relaxation.
INSIGHT HOMES USES SCIENCE TO CONSTRUCT HIGH-PERFORMING HOMES, RESULTING IN U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY HOUSING INNOVATION AWARDS YEAR AFTER YEAR
“It’s just a better house.” Specifically, when Insight Homes makes this promise, the Bridgeville, DE-based business is speaking to its reputation as the only energy-efficient builder in Delaware that is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Partner.
Insight Homes constructs high-performance DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH) that are so efficient that a renewable energy system, if added, could offset most or all of the home’s annual energy use. The DOE ZERH program represents the federal government’s most stringent above-code voluntary program for energy-efficient homes.
Insight Homes has again won the Housing Innovation Award for achieving these stringent standards in its buildings. “Receiving this award again this year is a huge accomplishment, not only for Insight Homes, but also for all the consumers looking to build a new-energy efficient home,” says Debbi Brunner, marketing manager. “Insight Homes has been a U.S. DOE Housing Innovation Award winner since 2018 with 100% commitment.”
Insight Homes has won the U.S. DOE Housing Innovation Award each of the past seven years.
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ELEGANT AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT
Style and accents are married with science and craftsmanship to create spacious, desirable living spaces.
A Sustainable Vision
Rob Lisle, a businessman who owns multiple companies in Delaware, initially founded Insight Homes in 2007 as an experimental company. His vision was to build a home that would maximize energy efficiency, structural integrity, air quality and build time.
“He could not find any builder in the area that could or would do that, so he decided to start building homes himself with those goals and to influence other builders in the area to follow suit,” Debbi says.
While Insight Homes is the only local builder to win multiple Housing Innovation Awards, another local builder in the state earned the recognition in 2022, which shows Insight Homes is positively influencing the market. “Slowly, we have seen other builders
start to adopt Zip Wall panels, conditioned crawl spaces, 2x6 framing and many other staples of our home science, and we are there to lend a hand or give advice on how we handle situations,” Debbi says.
Home Science
Insight Homes’ web URL is “it’s just a better house,” and it’s a culture the company lives. Every home is certified and rated by a thirdparty auditor to ensure compliance with the six ZERH core standard, which are healthful environment, comfort plus, advanced technology, ultra efficient, quality built and durability.
The company practices what it refers to as “home science” to accomplish these goals.
“Every single employee we have is integral
in every home we build,” Debbi adds.
The sales team educates consumers about the “science” and walks clients through selections, updating them on progress as the home build process is underway. The purchasing department works to source top materials, and the drafting department determines the most efficient, effective home layout while constantly upgrading plans to elevate energy efficiency.
Field teams are on site daily, educating and leading the build crews. Quality control walks through every home, and a settlement coordinator then introduces consumers to their completed home on move-in day.
“We are always looking for ways to be better,” Debbi says of the team’s passion for their work.
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A Winning Model
Insight Homes’ Lloyd Model is the recipient of the 2024 DOE Housing Innovation Award—an attractive, flexible floor plan that starts at 1,712 square feet and can grow up to 2,760 square feet. “This house reminds me of a cozy lake cabin that is very functional for a family of any size,” Debbi says.
Effective August 2023, all new builds receive 5,000 watts of solar panels for free as part of the company’s standard features for every home. “This is very unique to our region,” Debbi points out. “These panels are owned by the customers—no lease, no rental, no gimmicks involved.”
Homeowners can go online and check solar usage on a personalized dashboard at any time. “It has been exciting to see, and every one of our homeowners I have spoken to loves to go in weekly and sometimes daily to see what solar they are generating and just how much electricity they are saving,” Debbi relates.
Insight Homes encourages clients and anyone building a new home to ask lots of questions before deciding on a builder. “Can the builder provide utility bills? What R-rating is the insulation? How many BTUs do windows allow in? What is the SEER rating of the HVAC equipment they offer?” Debbi says, listing some top considerations.
She adds, “Any house can be pretty, but ours are pretty and energy efficient.” CS
Homes examines every angle of its homes to maximize energy efficiency, including the latest solar technology to capture savings on their homeowners’ electricity bills.
HARNESSING THE SUN
Insight
NATE REISTER AND THE BURLEY BUILDING CO.’S INNOVATIVE AND CRAFTSMANSHIPFOCUSED APPROACH TO RENOVATION AND NEW CONSTRUCTION IS ELEVATING STANDARDS ACROSS THE REGION
Built The Burley Way
Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Grant L. Gursky
NATE REISTER, LEFT, AND ADAM DAVIS INSIDE THE NEW BERLIN BEER CO.
There is a better way, if you ask Burley Building Co.’s Nate Reister, to avoid chronic building and renovation pains, labor lags, supply chain backups and quality qualms. With his problem-solving mindset and eye for innovation, Reister leverages intelligent construction products and is constantly retooling to improve performance while staying rooted to generations-long craftsman values.
“We are thinking ahead in many ways,” says Reister, owner of the Berlin-based business that specializes in high-end timber frame homes with specialty millwork and the latest sustainable, energy-efficient products such as insulated concrete forms (ICF).
Reister was born and raised in Berlin and a great deal of his company’s work happens within close proximity of its Burley Street headquarters. He mentions that he could have named the business after himself, but his hope is that his venture will live on for his talented team to run one day.
Known for preserving historic homes and businesses in Reister's hometown and in nearby communities, Burley Building Co. is a preferred partner of Maryland Historic Trust, having completed notable projects like the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum and a portfolio of work that includes replicating brickwork, stonework and leaded glass windows.
“We run their pig roast every year and the community gives back by taking part,” he says of the museum, relating how the Burley team stays close to its projects.
MODEL PRIORITIES
Burley Building Co. focuses on integrity, sustainability and artisan construction using advanced, energy-efficient materials.
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RESPECTING HISTORIC ROOTS
Burley Building Company’s recent transformation for Adam Davis and his Berlin Beer Co. property incorporates modern structural integrity while paying tribute to the structure’s 100-year-old bones.
Burley Building Co.’s most recent historic rebuild is the Berlin Beer Co. in the former Southern States Feed and Grain store, which included a reconstruction and substantial new addition. After marking its centennial, the building required modern structural integrity while maintaining its 100year roots in what has been dubbed Maryland’s Coolest Small Town. “We love the historic nature of businesses and homes in this area, and we spend a lot of time restoring them,” says Reister.
Now, Burley Building Co. is nurturing an expanding, unique new home and commercial building model that prioritizes integrity, sustainability and artisan construction using advanced materials and even more energy-efficient buildings. Case in point: The R-value of ICF is 40 for a wall system compared to approximately R-25 for a standard home.
Reister says, “During the last year, we have been able to push down on the market and reduce the cost of framing while providing a superior product.”
Thank you for your continued support!
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.
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LOCALLY SOURCED
Burley Building Co. fits and finishes cabinetry on-site, and uses lumber from local trees rather than relying on out of state suppliers.
Farm-to-Table Construction
Burley Building Co. subscribes to a newfashioned, old-time values way of providing custom cabinetry and millwork. The team constructs cabinets in its home workshop. Parts of the process are completed on site, resulting in a finish that Reister says is “unparalleled.”
“You can’t get the same look without building cabinets in place. All of the doors are fitted on site, and the product is sprayed in place so all paint is applied for a seamless look,” he says.
Such was the case with a recent luxury kitchen renovation project, in which the custom cabinetry includes a paper towel drawer in the island and an appliance barn with roll-out shelving equipped with electrical. A pantry space with peninsula bar seating features three stacked drawers, all inset, custom and with integrated lighting.
Burley Building Co. also mixes and colormatches its own stains—virtually unheard of in the industry, Reister says. “The Ash wood island stain was custom matched to the flooring using a new product called Gallery by Sherwin Williams,” Reister explains. To apply, the company uses a high-volume, low-pressure sprayer with an atomizer to achieve the gorgeous sheen.
The company has its own mill and excavating equipment. A portable mill allows Burley Building Co. to cut material on site. “We pick trees from local lots we are clearing for construction, take those trees and turn them into lumber that gets put into projects,” Reister say of the “farmto-table model for building.”
“We are spending our resources locally,” he adds, "rather than relying on cabinet makers in another state or country to ship us product.”
Photography by Svetlana Leahy
Photo by Krista Valliant
“You can’t get the same look without building cabinets in place. All of the doors are fitted on site, and the product is sprayed in place, so all paint is applied for a seamless look,” says Reister.
If You Build It...
Talent in the skilled trades is at a premium as is the demand for Burley Building Co.’s services. “In this market, many are complaining that they can’t find labor. But that has to be made,” says Reister, recognizing the need to proactively create a pipeline for the next generations of craftspeople. That’s why Reister’s company offers on-the-job training, mentorship and hands-on opportunities. He's equally passionate about the company’s community outreach apprenticeship program that supports young people in the community and those looking to shift career gears into a fulfilling profession.
Because of this grow-your-own approach, Burley Building Co. is not dependent on subcontractors’ schedules and is a turnkey, full-service construction firm that manages projects from pouring the foundation to all of the finishing. “Our projects move more efficiently, and we can manage the quality and staff the entire time,” Reister relates.
With a consistent project lead on every job and a staff that stays on board with very little turnover, Burley clients receive the attention, high level of communication and superior outcomes they expect.
The detail-oriented millwork, custom-built cabinetry and structural features Burley Building Co. executes requires an innovative team inspired by ongoing professional development.
“It takes talent to do the type of work we’re introducing to the market,” Reister says.
He adds, “We want to build projects that are heirloom hand-me-downs for our clients’ kids—not a quick fix.” CS
flavors
Iconic Dining Redefined
THE EMBERS RECEIVES A MODERN REINVENTION TO BECOME A DINING DESTINATION IN OCEAN CITY THAT OFFERS MUST-TRY FLAVORS AND STUNNING VIEWS
Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Grant L. Gursky
Submitted photo
For over 75 years, The Embers has been an Eastern Shore institution and gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Now in the third generation of its longtime Taustin family ownership, The Embers has a sleek new look and curated menu featuring upscale choices—along with the succulent steaks, chops and seafood that have kept people coming since the 1940s.
The Embers Restaurant’s guest experience is full-service with spectacular sunset bay views and a chef’s menu that earns more accolades every week. With both terrace and indoor seating, it’s a spacious open-air spot for sipping craft cocktails over a charcuterie board, sharing a pizza baked in a Fiero Forni brick oven, or savoring a locally sourced and deliciously prepared entrée.
“Everything is prepared right in front of our guests. No matter which way you look, there is always something to see and enjoy,” says Cole Taustin, remarking on the prime location for taking in all the Eastern Shore has to offer.
Cole, the great-nephew of The Embers’ late founder, Sam Taustin, now steers the ship as proprietor and driving force behind the restaurant’s grand transformation.
“We bring an excellent cross-section of talent to the table: a management team with years of experience in and out of Ocean City. They know what this region is looking for—and they’ve seen a lot in world-class restaurants in Europe, Florida, New England and beyond,” Taustin says.
FOREVER FAMILY
Cole Taustin, far left, and his father, Jay, pay tribute to their mother-wife, Cheryl, for all she meant to their family and to the community. Cheryl passed away unexpectedly August 5, 2024.
Submitted photo
coastal FLAVORS
TALENTED TEAM
The Embers’ staff includes renowned chef Anthony Eppolite, left, and dedicated wine sommelier Ed Melley, who led the restaurant to a 2024 Wine Spectator Award.
SCRUMPTIOUS SERVINGS
Two large brick ovens, designed in Italy, are a focal point of the dining room. “We actually built the restaurant around them,” Taustin says.
The diverse yet decidedly local menu is always evolving, so every visit to The Embers delivers longstanding popular favorites plus delectable new dishes to try. From classic Neapolitan pizzas to distinctive pies like the Wellington—a deconstructed version of the classic dish—The Embers’ brick oven menu also includes pizzas brimming with lump crab meat and a Farmer’s Market pie with an array of veggies. The Embers’ famed steaks, from filets to Tomahawk ribeye cuts, are seared to a finish in the brick oven as well.
Signature dishes include The Embers’ octopus skewer and the much-requested rock fish and ahi tuna, all dry-aged in-house for a clean, crispy finish. Taustin says the restaurant is the only venue regionally that is aging fish in-house. The Embers now brings this cutting-edge technique to the Eastern Shore.
Overall, the new concept is centered on experience.
“We want people to take their time to enjoy the atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a casual evening out with small plates or you’re coming in to celebrate a milestone, we have something for everyone.”
SIP AND SAVOR
Aside from the expansive, award-winning wine list, craft cocktails are a focus at The Embers, Taustin says. “We offer a diverse craft cocktail menu with an array of bourbon cocktails, martinis and spritzes made with unique and fresh ingredients,” he says, pointing to a house-made limoncello for an end-of-meal palate refresher. Guests can sample across the wine, cocktail, bourbon and spritz menu as well as a zero-proof collection of mocktails, including a refreshing watermelon mojito and sublime cranberry sangria.
The “savor” aspect of The Embers, however, is what really sets the environment apart as an upscale-casual Eastern Shore destination.
“The Embers is nostalgically designed around people,” Taustin says. “Accommodating guests is everything to my father and me. That was the goal for us when we designed and built the place. We want you to feel comfortable and enjoy a meal and cocktails in the way you want with the most amazing views.” CS
Photo by Leah Powell
The Family Vine
Over the years, there have been countless winemakers who have followed in the footsteps of the generations before them. Many winemakers, whether they be male or female, had to fill the shoes of an especially talented, famous parent. This parent was usually a father, only because winemaking has been male dominated for much of the last several hundred years. The industry is becoming quite different today.
Still, few have had the daunting task that Chelsea Barrett of Materra by Cunat Family wines has faced. Chelsea had to follow her famous father, Bo Barrett, who had to follow his father, Jim Barrett, the maverick founder of Chateau Montelena. As if those shoes weren’t big enough, Chelsea’s mother is Heidi Barrett, whose CV includes her own labels Amuse Bouche, Paradigm and La Sirena, along with stints at Dalla Valle, Jones Family and Grace Family wines—all Napa Valley legends. Did I forget to mention Barrett’s work at Screaming Eagle? That almost certainly makes Heidi the more famous of Chelsea’s parents, which is saying a lot in the world of wine.
PHILIP BERNOT EXPLORES THE BARRETT FAMILY LEGACY AND RAISES A GLASS TO CHELSEA BARRETT FOR HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS
I suppose you could argue that growing up in a household of such accomplished winemakers gave Chelsea an early advantage. It certainly helped Morgan Twain Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co. The son of the legendary Joel Peterson, founder of Ravenswood Winery, Morgan could blind identify wine varietals by smell at age five.
But there must also have been great pressure on Chelsea Barrett to succeed. I’m very pleased to report that she has done just that with the excellent Materra wines by Cunat Family Vineyards, located in Napa.
I expect a high level of excellence when tasting wine of this pedigree, but Materra wines are something beyond that. They’re good values, at least in the context of Napa Valley.
Today, I want to talk about three selections that deliver an authentic California experience without the triple digit pricing that has become so common in Napa.
Materra Chardonnay 2021, Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley
The classic elements of Napa Chardonnay are present in Materra, but in my opinion these arrive in a more delicate proportion than in many others. I readily confess that I do not care for a large intrusion of oak in Chardonnay, or in any other wine for that matter. Barrett puts a skosh less than 30% of Chardonnay grapes into new oak, and ages that bit for ten months. Fans of the style will be extremely pleased; little licks of butterscotch and toffee from the oak are there to taste for sure. Doubters may also be swayed, however. Heck, it’s delicious and that’s all that matters. Let’s steam some lobsters and whip up a batch of creamy Yukon Gold potatoes topped with garlic butter for this one.
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Materra Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley
Excellent versions of Sauvignon are still produced in Napa, and Materra is one of them. Avoiding the often overly grassy elements of Sauvignon from Napa, Materra expresses a vivid nose of fresh melon and faint notes of lemongrass. Borrowing only a few pages from the old Robert Mondavi playbook, Barrett ages just a portion of this wine in oak. Oak aging is rarely my first choice for Sauvignon Blanc, but who am I to argue with the delicious results? This is a perfect lunch wine for a summer sendoff featuring the last of the season’s tomatoes and melon, perhaps topped with grilled shrimp wrapped in balsamic glazed Prosciutto.
Right Bank Bordeauxinspired blend 2021, Napa Valley
The much-maligned Merlot grape, possibly the second most misunderstood wine grape behind Chardonnay, takes center stage on Materra’s Right Bank bottling. Merlot can easily pump up the volume, so to speak; doing so led to its poor reputation in the Sideways era. The ultra ripe style of Merlot has been largely replaced by more balanced wine, but I don’t want to kid you—at 15.1% ABV, Materra Right Bank is a big boy. The addition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to the Merlot, in the classic sense, add balance and intrigue to Right Bank. I like Filet Mignon with mushroom duxelle paired with a wine like this—and I think you might, too. CS
I expect a high level of excellence when tasting wine of this pedigree, but Materra wines are something beyond that. They’re good values.
Philip developed his passion for wine at an early age, and became a Sommelier in his early twenties. Philip has developed wine programs for multiple restaurants, worked in wholesale wine sales, and has been the Wine Director at Wishing Well Liquors since 2008. In that time Wishing Well has become the must-stop destination on the Shore for wine aficionados of all levels of experience and budgets. When not working and writing about wine, Philp enjoys cooking and entertaining with his wife, Darcy. Philip and Darcy have been married for 34 years and have lived in Easton for 24 years.
CHELSEA BARRETT
Marilyn-Grade Ice Cubes
a highball around it,” she was referring, of course, to the size and clarity of the “ice” on that ring (featured in the movie “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”).
SEAN NORRIS DEMONSTRATES HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN PURE, CLEAR ICE AT HOME—AND LEARN MORE ABOUT FROZEN WATER ON THE WAY!
Yet ice, to this day, doesn’t get much respect. Despite its stature as a crucial necessity in cold beverages, we usually think of it about five minutes before the party starts.
We have all seen big, beautiful blocks of clear ice in liquor ads and in our own drinks at posh cocktail bars. So, why do marketing execs and high-end bartenders demand clear ice? Two reasons: Clear ice is aesthetically pleasing—and often the perception difference between an “ok” drink and a “fantastic” one.
Let’s be honest: You deserve a fantastic drink. And so do your guests.
Photography by Heartbeat Branding Co.
Here are the tools and equipment you’ll need:
Small Igloo cooler (Nothing fancy needed!)
Freezer space
2 gallons of quality spring water (e.g. Deer Park)
2-3 large bar mats
10” bread knife (serrated)
3” paring knife (serrated)
Rocks glass
Mallet (rubber or wooden)
Cut-resistant glove (Safety first!)
To begin, let’s first consider why clear ice is clear to begin with. I’ve found that the easiest visualization is a frozen lake. Essentially, the water is sitting in a giant bowl (the lake) with only the surface exposed to the cold winter air. The sides and the bottom of that “bowl” are insulated from the freezing surface temperature, so the water freezes from the top down very slowly. Simultaneously, the crystal structure forces out any impurities, gasses, and dissolved solids, leaving behind a clear layer of ice. We’re going to replicate this process in your freezer using the Igloo cooler. Make room!
1. Fill the cooler about ⅔ to the top and place into the freezer uncovered. Remember, the reason the lake freezes clear is because the impurities are being pushed down and away. If you cover the cooler, the water will freeze and trap all the impurities and gasses inside. This is how ice becomes cloudy and we don’t want that! Keep in mind that most home freezers are not nearly as cold as you think, so be sure to allow the water to freeze for at least 36 hours. Odds are, you will need more than 48 hours.
2. Set up one or two of your bar mats next to the sink, preferably on a surface that you don’t mind getting wet (you’ll thank me). Set up another mat in the sink. Remove the cooler and place it upside-down on the mat in the sink. Allow the ice to sit until it works itself out of the cooler. When it drops, pull away the cooler. At this point you will observe:
(a) A partially frozen block like mine (ideal—Proceed to step 4) or,
(b) A completely frozen block from top to bottom (not ideal). The good news? You can simply use your bread knife and ice pick to cut and chip away the cloudy part—but you’ll definitely want to use the safety gloves. If you don’t have them, I recommend reattempting a freeze for 12 hours less. Better safe than sorry!
3. If you freeze your block correctly, you should clearly be able to see that at least 2-inches of the block has frozen nice and clean. Cut and chip off the rest so that you’re left with a rough slab of solid ice. If it’s still a bit frosty on the surface, the ice is still too cold to begin cutting!
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Allow the ice to sit and temper for 30-60 minutes. You will know it’s ready when it looks like wet glass.
4. With the block laying flat on the mat, use a rocks glass to gauge the thickness of your first cut. Be sure to mark this spot with the knife. Now, gently run your bread knife back and forth to score the ice along that mark, repeating on all four sides. With the block laying flat again, sit the knife on the line, and gently tap with the mallet until it cleaves off a column of ice. Repeat this process to cut the column into cubes.
5 Check to see that your first cubes fit your glass. If they don’t, simply cut the next columns slightly smaller, adjusting as necessary. Place your cubes in the cooler as you cut them, and when you finish, you can sit them in the freezer. Oh, and keep one out so you can make this recipe! Cheers! CS
Ingredients
2 oz Appleton Estate 8-Year rum
1 tsp Demerara simple
2 Dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions
Combine all ingredients into a rocks glass and stir to incorporate. Carefully slip the big rock of ice into the glass. Stir very briefly (3-4 seconds).
Garnish with an orange twist and Luxardo cherry. Taste for balance. Behold.
Sean Norris owns and operates Limbo Mixology, specializing in boutique private events, classes, commercial bar and consultation. Limbo Mixology also provides an in-home bar consulting service, The Bar Tailor, which focuses on optimizing the home bar experience with the unique needs of each client in mind. In addition to recipes, Sean will be covering a wide variety of topics in each issue, including bar tools, mixing techniques, where to drink, bar setup and tips, current trends and much more. Visit limbomixology.com and follow Sean on Instagram @limbomixology. Read his complete bio at CoastalStyleMag.com.
