January Shore 2024 by APG Chesapeake

JANUARY 2024

MAGAZINE

Active

AGING

LIFE AT IT’S FULLEST ON THE EASTERN SHORE

WOMEN TAKE FLIGHT | NIGHT SKY TOURS | HISTORY IN RIDGELY

A feast for the eyes and a delight for the soul!

FEBRUARY 16 & 17, 2024 presented by:

DISCOVEREASTON.COM J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

TABLE OF Wayfaring: A cosmic calling continues Dr. Harry Heckathorn brings the night sky to life

8 14

ATMOSPHERE: Light at the end of the tunnel Candle Light Cove creates a sense of home

SHOP TALK: Heart & Home at Arbor A family’s spirit of entrepreneurship

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

RESOURCE: The Arc sparks active living Port Street Commons will be a community hub

CONTENTS

32 GIVING BACK: Keeping independence Partners In Care creates community for older adults

A voice for seniors

Cheryl Mohrmann’s passion for flight

39 44

LIVING WELL: Upper Shore Aging

PROFILES: Women Fly

SHORE ROOTS: A historical walk through Ridgely Small town history with a big draw

J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

EDITORS’ NOTE SHORE? More like SOAR, am I right? Just look at that awesome cover. And yes, it’s me in a hat over there on the right supporting this edition. But we aren’t just going by plane, we are connecting with every walk of life for our very special January issue of SHORE magazine. If you are counting at home, yes, this means we will have six editions of SHORE in 2024. That has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? OK, I get it, enough with the puns and rhymes. Let’s talk about the contents.

President Jim Normandin Executive Editor Eli Wohlenhaus Assistant General Manager/Sales Betsy Griffin 443-239-0307 Creative Director Jennifer Quinn Page Design Jennifer Quinn Meredith Moore

We have some remarkable people and businesses who are as much a testament to the diversity and phenoms we have in the place we call home as they Eli Wohlenhaus are a resource for needs you may not have considered you need or will need in the future. This is a spotlight for active living in the Mid-Shore and it is a resource as well. Whether you need help hanging a TV, mowing the lawn or assistance with difficult paperwork, the path to those tools are in this edition. Perhaps you are seeking a new hobby or are looking for a good gift in the new year? Yep, it’s here (and there I go rhyming again!). I personally am very fortunate to be a part of a good team who puts a lot of thought and effort into our publications, and SHORE is a big reminder to why I chose this career field in the first place. We are not just telling stories, but building bridges in the community. Have an idea for where we need to “build” next? Send us your ideas and feedback! I’m always interested to hear from our audience on what they like and what they would like to learn more about.

Community Coordinator Amelia Blades Steward Contributing Photographers Jennifer Quinn Amelia Blades Steward Cal Jackson Katie Melynn Mary Ella Jourdak Annie Hasselgren Tracey F. Johns Contributing Writers Katie Melynn Niambi Davis Amelia Blades Steward Debra R. Messick Annie Hasselgren Brian Shane Tracey F. Johns Editorial Contact 240-801-2258 Submissions submissions@shoremonthly.com Subscriptions 410-770-4005 29088 Airpark Drive Easton, MD 21601 www.shoremonthly.com

Send me an email at ewohlenhaus@chespub.com. Happy New Year! — Eli

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

Shore Magazine is published by The Star Democrat. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher.

J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

WAYFARING

CONTINUES

S TO R Y B Y D E B R A R . M E S S I C K | P H OTO S B Y C A L J A C K S O N

r. Harry Heckathorn’s fascination with the universe seems to have been written in the stars. He recalls that while growing up fishing, camping and playing seasonal outdoor sports in his native Minnesota, his interest in astronomy began seriously awakening in about 7th grade. In high school, after a biology teacher encouraged him to join the Conservation Club and work on a tree farm, it was the night sky, coupled with the launch of the first Sputnik, that truly beckoned him to pursue a science career laser focused on space, initially grounded in astronomy, then launching into space science and rocketry. Earning his doctorate in astrophysics in 1970, Heckathorn held a post-doctoral position at what was then NASA’s Manned Spaceflight Center in

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

Houston. He next worked in the physics departments of the University of Houston and Johns Hopkins University, then spent 25 years in the Space Science Department of the Naval Research Laboratory, where he developed astronomical instruments for use at terrestrial observatories, on sounding rockets and on the space shuttle. When the Space Shuttle Challenger program ended, he transferred his expertise to rocketry and missile defense, managing the development and use of simulation software and data archiving and retrieval facilities for the Missile Defense Agency. Upon retiring and relocating to Dorchester County, Heckathorn believed that his career encompassing journey through the cosmos had finally concluded, and he settled into a more expected retirement project, redoing his house. But the stars, and the Friends of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, had other plans.

J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

FRIENDS OF BLACKWATER PREVAILED UPON ME, AS AN ASTRONOMER BY PROFESSION, TO PURSUE A TELESCOPE FOR NIGHT TIME OPERATIONS.

Currently serving as friends board vice president, Heckathorn looked back at how it came about. “It was 2017 and Friends Board President Rick Abend approached me about joining,” he said. “I did, and took over the Refuge’s popular wildlife cameras from Tom Hook, who was more than happy to relinquish the responsibility to me. In accordance with the technology of that time, they consisted of closed circuit TV cameras.” Heckathorn added that when he took over, they were able to swap them out for web-based cameras, putting them up on the internet. From two original eagle and osprey cameras, Heckathorn worked with fellow Board member, IT guru Bob Quinn, to replace some which suffered regular weather damage and grow the total number to five. One initially focused on osprey, who haven’t returned for several years, has become a portal for viewing eagles using the best as a feeding station, Heckathorn disclosed. 10

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

“We added a camera which visually captures spectacular waterfowl, snow geese, tundra swans, and ducks, which arrive in December, January and February,” he added. “We also have two cameras looking at one eagle nest, but it hasn’t produced a resident pair of eagles,” he said. “Instead, around January or February, we often get a pair of great horned owls. The cameras have microphones, so you can hear them hooting at each other at night,” he noted. “We didn’t want to put any more bird cameras up, feeling like we had everything covered,” Heckathorn said. “So then, the Friends of Blackwater prevailed upon me, as an astronomer by profession, to pursue a telescope for night time operations.” He noted that Blackwater’s mission statement includes a provision to provide astronomy-related activities. “Currently, we have two programs up and running. One is a Milky Way photography workshop held on weekends and led by photographer Robert Sullivan, who navigates scheduling around atmospheric concerns–you don’t want the moon around when you’re doing Milky Way photography.” Heckathorn said with the telescope project, they’re still concerned with weather and moonlight, but can

schedule Blackwater Night Sky Tours on weeknights, if conditions are favorable. “If the sky is good and it’s a Thursday night, we go ahead; we’ve been filling them up with about 40 people per session. People return, often bringing their neighbors,” he said, pointing out that from month to month, and especially season to season, there’s always something newly visible in the sky. Quinn joined the telescope project as a vital technical expert. “I’m the old-timey astronomer and Bob is the oldtimey photographer, and we work well together. He operates the telescope while I give the pitch, explaining what we’re looking at,” Heckathorn said. Like most worthy scientific endeavors he’s been affiliated with, there were delays in getting off the ground. Beginning with COVID-related part ordering delays, to operational learning curves, there were also time consuming infrastructure needs to be put in place, including the building of the telescope’s platform area and constructing its protective weatherproof case. Then there were trial run surprises, like hordes of hungry mosquitos descending on those attempting to look through the telescope’s eyepiece during prime dusk viewing time, and requisite reboot adjustments. “But we’ve been fully operational since May of this year, trying to put on a night sky tour at least once a month. And now the viewing is indoors — it’s wonderful,” Heckathorn noted, using simple language to explain the complex operation, in the same engaging way he

seamlessly conveys mind boggling wonders of the universe to listeners with little scientific background along with those on a stellar educational strata. “The camera is outdoors, and we operate the telescope, which really is a camera, an optical system, which also has a 26 megabyte camera, via an indoor iPad computer,” Heckathorn explained. “We make use of our bird cameras to communicate with the telescope, using the microwave system for bringing the signals from the various wildlife cameras into the visitor’s center to bring the images from the telescope into there, as well.” “People can essentially see the images in real time. What’s fascinating is, we take a 20 second snapshot of a galaxy, nebula or other object with the telescope, and then put it up on the big 75 inch television screen; 20 seconds later, another image is added to it, and so the quality of the image gets better and better, as we stack more images on top of each other, and people get to watch the image build up. Meanwhile, I’m giving a talk about what the image is and what it means. Another recent innovation has been the addition of slides to further illustrate the visible cosmic wonders. “So we’re now multimedia,” he added. Asked about the success of the Night Sky Tours, Heckathorn is pleased with its current progress. “People appreciate a comfortable environment, no bugs, nice temperature, soft seats, where they can view the imagery on a very large television screen, with everybody looking at the same image, at the same time. We can go through 12 to 15 objects in a 2 hour session, and that gives us lots to talk about– the evolution of the stars and galaxies, and why some galaxies look different than other galaxies. And it’s not just me lecturing, it’s more give and take, with people J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

70 MILLION YEARS AGO, DINOSAURS WERE WALKING AROUND ON THE EARTH, AND WE’RE JUST NOW CAPTURING THE LIGHT FROM THAT GALAXY THAT’S TRAVELED ALL THAT WAY FOR THE LAST 70 MILLION YEARS, THROUGH OUR TELESCOPE, SO IT IS MIND BOGGLING!

frequently saying ‘I don’t understand this, or asking, ‘how far away is that in miles?’ “This isn’t the Webb telescope, or the Hubble telescope. But the cameras we have available to us are quite interesting. People are in awe of the photos taken with the Webb telescope, but that telescope was in development for over 20 years by NASA, then essentially technically frozen. You can’t go tinkering with it while it’s on the launch pad, your design is in effect frozen for as long as 10 years in advance,” he explained. “We, meanwhile, can swap out our current 26 megabyte camera for 2 or 3 thousand dollars. It’s much more detailed and high resolution than the cameras on the Webb telescope, so it has a lot of capabilities because we can use modern technology,” he added. “It’s quite amazing when I tell people when we’re viewing a galaxy, how far away it is in light years, and we’ve looked at objects that are 70 million light years away. 70 million years ago, dinosaurs were walking around on the earth, and we’re just now capturing the light from that galaxy that’s traveled all that way for the last 70 million years, through our telescope, so it is mind boggling!,” he noted, with as much awe as he did in 7th grade, in high school, in graduate school, and at NASA. To experience the Blackwater Night Sky Tour, and get on the waiting list for the next cosmic adventure in Dorchester’s back yard, email Heckathorn at blackwaterskytour@gmail.com. S

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

SHOP TALK

Heart at A S TO R Y A N D P H OTO S B Y A N N I E H A S S E LG R E N

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

Home

Arbor J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

historic building and a case of curiosity “Alice (14) was were two of the founding ingredients for my right hand Arbor, a lovely homewares and gifts shop this summer,” tucked between a busy marina and a quiet Liana said. “She residential neighborhood in Georgetown. Overlooking completed an the beautiful Sassafras River, Arbor is situated in an overhaul of our ideal area for that perfect Eastern Shore day trip to stock room and helped run the shop daily.” Kent County. Thoughtfully curated items and support Ava (18), creates custom origami mobiles, calligraphy for small businesses and makers are what keep Arbor designs and earrings, while Pete (16), Joey (12), and customers coming back for more. Maggie (7) are at the shop every weekend helping to Recently expanded to include a vintage furniture and art price items, water plants, and do whatever else needs to shop, Arbor is a true experience. Upon walking through be done. The youngest, Maggie, helps with opening and the front door, one’s senses come alive from the scent closing tasks: putting the flags and signs out and taking of must-have candles, the texture of quality linens and them down. pillows, and the vibrant colors of unique jewelry, delicate “We discovered she is very thorough at turning off all vases, and funky plant pots. the lights at the end of the day,” Liana laughed. “She never One can’t possibly take in everything Arbor has to offer misses a switch.” at first glance. Every square foot of the shop reveals a Entrepreneurship has been ever present in the family new, fun discovery of items shoppers never knew they bloodline. As a child,the ambitious spirit of her family needed. Artisan beer bread mix, Sillycow Farms hot made an impression on Liana. Growing up in Connecticut, chocolate, and a selection of premium she spent much of her time at her cocktail syrups and mixers will mom’s Chinese grocery store and WALKING BY IT FOR YEARS AND impress even the most ardent foodie. gift shop and her dad’s Chinese BEING SO CURIOUS ABOUT IT, Upstairs is the consummate children’s restaurant, and got the bug early THE IDEA OF HAVING A SHOP section, with whimsical puzzles and on to one day open a store of her games, chunky knitwear and one-of-aown. Fast forward many years and AND HAVING IT BE HERE JUST kind gifts for that classmate’s birthday five kids later to 2021, when she and CAME TOGETHER IN MY MIND. party next weekend. husband Greg set about making her Owners Liana and Greg Muennich dream a reality. have the ideal focus group to know what kids like: their “I always loved this building,” Liana said. “Walking by it five children, who have a lot of opinions on inventory and for years and being so curious about it, the idea of having pitch in daily to make Arbor a success. a shop and having it be here just came together in my 16

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

CLOSER TO HOME! Leading the way in Short-Stay Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care in Queen Anne’s County. Spacious private rooms on our Short-Stay Unit with beautiful views of the countryside offer a serene setting for recovery. Complete Care at Corsica Hills offers a Memory Care Unit overseen by a dedicated Memory Care Director and Activities Aide for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or Dementia needs.

Fine Books Reach out to our Admissions Director to learn more about what we can offer! Maps

Historic Documents Historic Best ofNewspapers the Best in 5

Memory Care and Peritoneal Dialysis Visit our store: 4 North Washington Street Easton, Maryland 21601 410-562-3403 info@vintagebooksmd.com

Categories includes #1 Nursing Home 2 years in a row.

Browse our website: www.vintagebooksmd.com

cccorsicahills.com • 205 Armstrong Ave, Centreville, MD 1617 • (410) 758 2323

READ MORE AT SHOREMONTHLY.COM

Big or Small, One store has it all.

Serving Kent County and the Eastern Shore for over 50 years! Your Source For: Treated Lumber · Builder’s Hardware · Fir Plywood Framing Lumber - Shingles · Insulation - Windows Doors - Millwork · Ceiling Tile - Drywall Materials

Chestertown Lumber Company, LLC EASY-L

IVING,

CASUA

A L ELEG

NCE

MONTH

410-810-9080 805 Washington Ave. Chestertown, MD Fax 410-810-9088

www.chestertownlumber.com Current Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4:30pm Saturday 8am-12noon • Closed Sunday

J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E Up,Up &

Perfect Eastern Shore Day Trip Galena, MD Less than an hour from the Route 50/301 split, Galena is a small, historic town just 15 minutes from Chestertown. Visit Firehouse Antiques Shop, which boasts an impressive selection of everything from antique jewelry and art to mid-century modern finds. Pop into Cross Street Food and Garden for an array of health and fine foods, plus flowers, landscaping and pots outside. Relax at Twinny’s Diner for lunch and get your sugar fix at the ice cream shop, Twinny’s with a Twist. Georgetown, MD Just two miles north of Galena, visit Arbor in Georgetown for that perfect piece for your home or a gift for a friend. A short walk from Arbor is the Fish Whistle for delicious waterfront dining and cocktails. The Sassafras Harbor Marina store offers everything you need for a weekend on the water, along with a fun kids’ section Chestertown, MD Take the short drive to Chestertown to throw coins into the fountain in the main square and stroll in and out of the plentiful shops that line High Street and Cross Street. Peruse the unique and unusual apparel and accessories in Walnut+Wool and grab a pizza on 100% homemade sourdough crust at Modern Stone Age Kitchen.

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

mind. The previous owners had an antique shop here, fragrant accouterments, a wreath from Arbor will perfectly but it closed some time ago and I had never been inside.” festoon your front door for the holiday season and beyond. Liana added with a laugh she was “always so nosey Liana and Greg also plan to expand into architectural about it” and “the idea naturally came as a great little spot salvage and outdoor items, and, eventually, grow the for a shop.” business and hire employees. For As evidenced by the shop’s now, however, their loyal customer inventory and popularity, Liana is base has demonstrated that the Arbor WE GET TO SEE THIS gifted at connecting customers with concept is solid. INCREDIBLE SUNSET EVERY special items that support artisans “We have definitely had questions DAY AND THINK ABOUT throughout the Delmarva peninsula about opening sister stores,” Liana HOW FORTUNATE WE ARE. and beyond. The Muennichs’ said. “We have one client who often focus was to carry tells us, ‘When you’re ready to open thoughtfully chosen items that consumers in Chestertown, let us know!’” can’t get just everywhere. For now, however, the Muennich family is quite content “If I can find great items locally, all the with the 1-minute commute from their home to the shop better,” she said. “People often reach out and continue to add to their contingent of clients and and tell me about products they love, friends. so then I investigate. We recently began “The nicest surprise about having the store has been carrying these fingerless gloves repurposed the friends we’ve made,” Liana said. “There are so many from cashmere sweaters by a company in awesome people we didn’t know who live in the immediate Philly started by a single mom. When I can area – nice, kind, supportive, enthusiastic people.” find something like that, it’s exciting.” Like their community, the Muennich family is thrilled to Greg Muennich also envisioned the shop have been able to add to the appeal of life on the Shore. offering custom furniture and items crafted “It’s a step back in time here,” Liana said. “We get to in his woodshop. An engineer for 25 years, see this incredible sunset every day and think about how Greg left his corporate job in 2022 after fortunate we are.” a lot of tinkering in the garage honed his The cadence of activity in Georgetown ebbs and skills and enabled him to take on more flows throughout the year, with its busiest season being complicated projects. summer when boaters flock from all over Maryland, “It was always our hope that the shop Delaware, Virginia and even Pennsylvania to the serene would translate well into carrying my Sassafras River. work,” Greg said. “There are plenty of “This is practically a vacation destination,” Greg said, people looking for nice, well made items, “but we get to live here year round.” S and we’ve been fortunate to be able to connect with them.” Greg works full time in his woodshop now and plans to add pieces to the newly-opened vintage furniture shop adjacent to the main Arbor store. Currently, he builds custom commissioned pieces for specific clients, but intends to offer a selection of farmhouse dining tables, coffee and cocktail tables, and more in the near future. In fact, creative ideas abound for both Liana and Greg as they continue to evolve the Arbor brand and charm. “My brain is always churning as far as the business goes,” Liana said. “We turn it off for family time, but otherwise I am always sourcing and thinking about what else I want to bring in.” Arbor has expanded into offering seasonal items and events as well. Having recently hosted a workshop where guests made beautiful botanical pumpkins, Liana was energized to design other experiences for small groups to gather and get creative. The shop is also offering fresh wreaths for the winter season, made solely from greens and items that are locally sourced. Made from spruce and cedar, holly and juniper berries, pine cones, and other J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

Shower iinn Style!!

Love

LOSE YOURSELF in

Whether traveling with a new amour, reigniting the spark of a long-devoted relationship, celebrating friendships with your BFFs, or practicing self-love, Brampton Inn makes it easier than ever to share the love. Through February, book a package and add an array of unique experiences that will redefine “romantic”. Stays feature uniquely designed accommodations, tantalizing dining options, signature activities, and bespoke services.

For more information or reservations:

OPEN

Thursdays - Mondays 10-5

21326 E. Sharp St. Rock Hall, MD 21661 410-639-7980

We Offer Unique Children's Clothing from Newborn to 12/14 Visit our website at www.tinytotsboutique.net

FINALIST

www.bramptoninn.com 410-778-1860 Member of Select Registry 20

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

Boutique & Children’s Clothing Store 114A S Cross St, Chestertown, MD 301-335-4291

Learn everything you need to know about the benefits of pre-planning at our next FREE EVENT To RSVP Scan QR code for more event information or Call 410-604-3862 Come have lunch on us and discover unique ways to honor a loved one, plan in advance, and save your family thousands! Limited seating available. J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

FOR ALL THINGS E X P E R T

home

D E S I G N E R S

I N V E S T

I N

Y O U R

I N S P I R E D

H O M E ' S

D E S I G N

I N T E R I O R

HIGGINS & SPENCER 902 S. Talbot Street St. Michaels, MD 21663 || 410.745.5192 ||

/higginsandspencer || Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

TRUSTED and LOCAL Anchored in relationships. Our team approach encourages each

staff member to develop meaningful relationships with our residents. Our activities program includes daily exercise programs and walks, crafts and games, active volunteer program, visits from children’s groups and Pets on Wheels, outings for picnics, luncheons, local music and theater performances, tours of local attractions. We also have a separate Memory Care Director just for our memory care residents.

410-770-9707 106 W. Earle Ave., Easton, MD 21601 www.IntegraCare.com

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

LIGHT at the end of the TUNNEL S TO R Y B Y B R I A N S H A N E P H OTO S C O U R T E S Y CANDLELIGHT COVE

NO BONES ABOUT IT, IT IS GOING TO BE HARD TO DO THIS. IT IS A TOUGH TRANSITION

- GRACE LYONS

ATMOSPHERE J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

he choice is heartbreaking and terrifying and impossible all at the same time. It’ll keep you up at night. It puts an anxious pit in your stomach. It’s the moment when you realize your aging parent is going to require more care than you can provide at home and it’s time to start looking seriously for assisted living. “No bones about it, it is going to be hard to do this. It is a tough transition,” said Grace Lyons, the community relations director of Candle Light Cove, an assisted living facility in Easton. “You have to talk them through it. I always give the advice to not make your loved one feel like this is permanent – nobody plans to come to assisted living.” Candle Light Cove is a local and trusted facility with specialized care for seniors. Offering assisted living and two wards for memory care, their veteran staff focuses on nutrition, safety and medication management. Walking into the lobby, Candle Light Cove offers a warm, cozy vibe that people notice immediately. “People who come through the door,” Lyons said, “either they feel it, or they don’t: ‘Gosh, I can see mom sitting right in here.’ Others might say, this feels too much. So many who walk through the door immediately acknowledge the warmth we have here. I don’t think I could work in an environment that was anything but.” That coziness extends to the small population at Candle Light Cove. The facility houses just 64 residents: 32 in assisted living and another 32 in two memory care. Each memory care unit, or “neighborhood,” has room for 16 residents. Placement in memory care depends on where your loved one is in their dementia journey, according to Lyons. Life Stories 1 is for folks who are much earlier on in their dementia; they’re still more high functioning and there are different activities they can do like board games and crafts. Life Stories 2 is for clients who are advanced in their dementia, where they focus more on physical activity. “It does wonders to have the two different neighborhoods, because it allows us to do what we do best, and tailor our care and our activities to each of those two groups,” she said. Candle Light Cove works to educate people on what their loved ones diagnosed with dementia may be going through, including a “virtual dementia tour” that puts you in the shoes of a person dealing with distorted vision and impaired hearing. They also offer a dementia 24

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

support group that's open to the community. For residents in assisted living at Candle Light Cove, they become part of a tight-knit community of caregivers and families. Their days are busy not just with in-house activities, but dinner excursions to nearby restaurants. Not only that, but residents keep busy with events year-round, like a spring festival, a summer kick-off party, a Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas parties. For pet lovers, each neighborhood has an aviary and gets regular visits from loveable canine companions. “All these activities bring out different people,” Lyons said. “Yes, you might have dinner with the same four people, but if you show up to Scrabble or Happy Hour, you might interact with others. It is a nice little mix.” There’s plenty of outdoor space, too, at Candle Light Cove, including several courtyards for both assisted living and memory care to enjoy the many trees and greenery. The most popular spot is the front porch, especially when it’s nice outside, where people can sit and enjoy a lemonade or a coffee. For seniors needing short-term care like temporary rehabilitation post-surgery, caregiver vacations, or even trial stays for prospective residents, Respite Care is also available with a 30-day minimum. Currently, Candle Light Cove is at capacity and there is a waiting list. “If you’re looking to see how mom or dad reacts, you need to give it at least 30 days, that’s when they’ll start falling into a routine and establishing relationships with staff members. I think the 30 days kind of helps with some of that,” Lyons said. Candle Light Cove’s best feature may be its continuum of care. Many staffers have worked here as front line team members for as long as 20 years. Lyons noted how each of them is here to help residents and families alike through the transition from home to assisted living – “because I am the part that nobody plans for.” “We’ve all got our eye on retirement, and that’s great, but now we’re all living to 100,” she said. “It’s like, you did your retirement – then what? It’s definitely something we’re all going to have to consider.” S

Grace Lyons

WE’VE ALL GOT OUR EYE ON RETIREMENT, AND THAT’S GREAT, BUT NOW WE’RE ALL LIVING TO 100

Maggie Morris

William Jones J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

Long & Foster. For the love of home.

Because you don’t want to just live in it. You want to love it.

If you would like a free market analysis of your home’s value please call one of our offices and a licensed agent will be happy to help you. Easton & St. Michaels Sale Center 410-770-3600 / 410-745-0283 Denton 410-479-1200 Cambridge 410-228-2050

longandfostereasternshore.com

SH O R E Accent | J A N UA RY 2024

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ARC CCR

THE ARC

RESOUR CE

sparks ACTIVE LIVING S TO R Y A N D P H OTO S B Y T R A C E Y F. J O H N S

G “

ood morning!” said The Arc Central Chesapeake Region President & CEO Jonathon Rondeau to a quiet crowd gathered for the Waterfowl Festival’s opening on a chilly, rainy morning in Easton. “Let me try that again, good morning!” he said with an added spark of enthusiasm. The group of business leaders immediately replied with a robust “Good morning!” Rondeau now had everyone’s full attention as the audience engaged in responding together and later in listening to his remarks. The moment conveys Rondeau’s leadership style and genuine passion for bringing the community together as a whole, especially for the children and adults The Arc serves. The Arc supports people with intellectual and

developmental disabilities to live the lives they choose by creating opportunities, promoting respect and equity, and providing access to services. The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is one of 10 chapters in Maryland and serves individuals and families in Anne Arundel, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. “I started as a camp director,” Rondeau continued with a smile and warmth to his eyes as he addressed the group. “It’s my nature to greet people this way.” Rondeau’s camp director job kicked off a 20-year career helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have more opportunities to realize the lives they want to lead through a choice-driven approach. Advocating with

J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E Accent

the larger community is also part of his work, which is why he was speaking at this Arc-sponsored event. Rondeau is here to talk about how The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is deepening and broadening its impact serving Maryland’s Mid-Shore, including the nonprofit’s Port Street Commons project now underway.

Port Street Commons is a 24,000-square-foot multipurpose space located in the heart of Easton, Maryland, and is anticipated to be completed by fall 2024. The ecofriendly building and property will include dedicated green spaces and is adjacent to Easton’s expanding Rails to Trails network of accessible pathways for walking and biking. Other nearby amenities include the George Murphy Community Pool across the street, along with Moton Park, the waterfront North Easton Park, Idlewild Park and Thompson Park in downtown Easton. The building’s new spaces incorporate universal design and accessibility, including a community hub, behavioral health suite, office and training space, and nine affordable housing units. “This project will provide much-needed services and support broader community development efforts on Port Street,” Rondeau said, noting that the development is part of the Town of Easton’s Master Plan for Port Street. “Through its redevelopment, Port Street will

A VIBRANT GATEWAY CONNECTING THE HISTORIC TOWN OF EASTON WITH THE EASTON POINT WATERFRONT AND WILL EVENTUALLY INCLUDE HOUSING, RECREATIONAL SPACES, RESTAURANTS AND RETAIL. become a vibrant gateway connecting the historic Town of Easton with the Easton Point waterfront and will eventually include housing, recreational spaces, restaurants and retail.” The new Eastern Shore headquarters along with its housing subsidiary Chesapeake Neighbors will also create 35 permanent jobs, adding to the 575 employees of The Arc Central Chesapeake region, a far cry from Rondeau’s beginnings as CEO in 2017. “In 2017, we served 15 people in the Mid-Shore region with the help of a handful of staff,” he said. “Today we serve more than 100 people in long-term services in the region. In other ancillary services, we serve another 500 people or so.” Rondeau said the organization’s organic growth is fueled by meeting the needs of the community. “Our Board and executive leadership aren’t focused on serving a certain number of people or being a certain-sized organization,” he said. “It’s really about how we make sure that we can serve the people who are asking for services.” Those services include finding quality, affordable housing, which has been at the core of The Arc’s work for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since its 1960s beginnings. They provide shared living and group homes throughout the region, while also serving several people living independently and receiving drop-in support. 28

SH O R E Accent | J A N UA RY 2024

VISION AND GROWTH “In 2015, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region created Chesapeake Neighbors out of a vision to separate housing from our core services,” said Rondeau. “So that way, if someone didn’t want services from The Arc anymore, they didn’t have to leave their house or apartment.” Chesapeake Neighbors now manages 75 units in the Mid-Shore region with about 40 units in development. “The mission of Chesapeake Neighbors is broader than just providing housing for people with disabilities,” he said. “Our Port Street Commons and other projects will provide housing for anyone who needs access through small, scattered site development of affordable housing. We want to reach people in the middle and bottom of the housing affordability scale.” Port Street Commons will include The Arc at Port Street and The Residences at Port Street. The Residences at Port Street will be owned and operated by Chesapeake Neighbors, helping to fulfill its mission to provide affordable housing for all. The Residences will include nine 2- and 3-bedroom apartment units targeted for residents earning 30-60% Area Median Income (AMI). Chesapeake Neighbors

will select future tenants through a competitive lottery process. Two units will include universal design, and two will be permanently leased in partnership with the Talbot Interfaith Shelter to support people transitioning out of homelessness. Rondeau said the organization’s recent strategic planning points toward reinvesting in the Eastern Shore as a whole, with transformational growth across the region. A Salisbury regional office is in the planning, he says, and Chesapeake Neighbors recently purchased the Primrose House on Aurora Street in Easton. Another lot on Easton’s August Street is also being developed to accommodate six housing units, with an additional housing investment in Chestertown. “Life is hard to navigate, especially for people with disabilities, but everyone at their core has a desire for relationships,” Rondeau said. “People with disabilities have been experiencing feelings of isolation their whole lives, much like many of us felt while segregated in the height of the COVID pandemic.” “Even the most introverted person in the world has a desire for connection and relationships, which is why our direct support professionals work hard to help people navigate what that looks like to them.”

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE ARC - RENDERINGS

J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E Accent

LIVING THEIR BEST LIVES - TIFFANY AND PHILIP Rondeau said support from staff may include helping to facilitate a commitment ceremony, like the one that took place this past spring between Tiffany Harrison and Philip Everson in Preston. The couple met while Harrison was staying at the group home where Everson lives during respite care away from her family. Over time, they developed their relationship on Zoom. Now, Harrison has moved into her own apartment in the same group home where Everson lives, and they visit often, with staff helping to facilitate their relationship. “She likes my drawings and sense of humor,” said Everson, 46, who developed epilepsy at the age of 17 and grew up in Glen Burnie before moving to the Eastern Shore. “I like her pretty face and a good smile on her face. Her face lights up when she sees me.” Harrison, 46, was born with cerebral palsy and came into The Arc programs two and half years ago after a

I LIKE HER PRETTY FACE AND A GOOD SMILE ON HER FACE. HER FACE LIGHTS UP WHEN SHE SEES ME.

couple of respite visits at the group home. She was encouraged to seek more independent living by her sister, who wanted Harrison to lead a more active life and meet new people. “We started to talk more in person, got each other’s numbers and just fell in love,” she says of her relationship with Everson. She moved permanently into her apartment in 2021 and they had their commitment ceremony and reception on May 20, 2023, at the Preston Fire House. “I love Philip — he’s my first boyfriend,” Harrison said. “I never thought I would ever love anyone.” She said they often share outings, including trips to the library, and if it’s a nice day they might eat lunch outside at Idlewild Park. “Every Friday we go out to lunch,” Harrison said. “People take turns to pick where we go for lunch. I like Chilis, Philip likes the place in Denton where they have Reubens.” “Arby’s!” Everson interjected. “I like burgers, too,” he said quietly. Everson said his joy is found in the people who love him, while Harrison remarked that her joy and happiness are found in time spent with friends. Both are a testament to the meaningful work The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is achieving. And of course, Harrison and Everson are very excited to see the Port Street Commons project completed. “It will be our community hub,” Everson said. Indeed. S

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARC CCR

SH O R E Accent | J A N UA RY 2024

A New Active Lifestyle 55+ Community O N M A RY L A N D ’ S C H E S A P E A K E B AY

S I N G L E - F A M I LY H O M E S

from the Upper $500s

Stunning home designs

LUXURY CONDOMINIUMS

Curated interior Looks

from the Mid $500s

R E S O R T- S T Y L E L I V I N G

Low-maintenance living

Ready to meet your dream home? Phase III is now open. KHOV.COM/KENTISLAND

888-425-1879

Discover an amenity-filled, resort-inspired, island lifestyle within 45 miles of Washington DC and Baltimore in new single-family homes and condominiums. Residents can take advantage of the community’s 24,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, sparkling pools and outdoor bars, a state-of-the-art fitness center and multiple tennis and pickleball courts. With a full-time lifestyle director on site, the calendar of activities is packed year-round with activities like Zumba classes, yoga sessions and billiards tournaments.

Call us today to schedule your tour of our 4 single-family model homes and 2 luxury condominium models.

131 FLYCATCHER WAY, CHESTER MD 21969

You e c an

r Home This Ne wY ea

K. Hovnanian’s®️ Four Seasons at Kent Island is offered by K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Kent Island, II, III, IV L.L.C.s. K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons communities are intended to provide housing primarily for residents 55 years of age or older. Additional restrictions, including limitations on the ages of additional permanent and temporary residents of a home, may apply. All K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons communities shall be operated as age-restricted communities in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws. Limited exceptions for residents 50 years of age or older may apply. See a Community Sales Consultant for details. Artist renderings and photographs; illustrative purposes only. Views not guaranteed; subject to change. Features and options may vary. Unless stated hardscape, landscape and decorator items not included. Prices subject to change without notice. See a Sales Consultant for full details. Equal Housing Opportunity.

410.829.2764 Give us a call today for all your roofing, siding and gutter needs.

“No job too BIG or too SMALL” -Danny Truitt

Danny’s Centreville Garage LLC Walk Ins Welcome 205 N Commerce Street Centerville, MD 21617

410-758-0010 J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E Accent

PR OFILES

WOMEN

FLY S TO R Y B Y A N N I E H A S S E LG R E N | P H OTO S B Y J E N N I F E R Q U I N N

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

ome people retire at age 55. Some take up knitting. Cheryl Mohrmann became a pilot. As a child, Cheryl was surrounded by flying as a popular pastime among family members. Growing up in Beach Lake, Penn., her father flew out of their own backyard airstrip, and her brother and uncle also flew. Cheryl was three or four years old when she took her first plane ride over the Delaware River and mountains of Pennsylvania — and it planted a quiet thought that would grow louder with time.

J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

We are

here to help. 410.822.1018 | forallseasonsinc.org

OUR SERVICES

• Individual, Family & Couples Therapy • Child & Adult Psychiatry • Advocacy & Counseling for Survivors of Sexual Violence • 24-HR Mental Health Crisis & Sexual Assault Hotlines In-person and telehealth services available. All insurances accepted.

Serving the Seniors of the Upper Eastern Shore of Maryland Since 1975 SENIOR CENTERS

Caroline County Senior Center Federalsburg Senior Center 403 South 7th Street, Suite 127 118 North Main Street Denton, MD 21629 Federalsburg,MD 21632 Phone: 410-479-2535 Phone: 754-9754

www.uppershoreaging.org “Upper Shore Aging, Inc. will develop and provide a variety of programs for Older Persons in the Upper Shore region, which help maintain and improve quality of life.” Upper Shore Aging, Inc. is a non-profit organization, Area Agency on Aging designated by the State of Maryland, serving over 31,000 seniors in Caroline, Kent, and Talbot counties. We develop and administer programs and services and are the chief advocate for the seniors we serve. Our programs function cooperatively to maintain and improve the quality of life for seniors, working to help them remain healthy and independent.

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center 200 Schauber Road Chestertown,MD 21620 Phone: 410-778-2564

Brookletts Place- The Talbot County Senior Center 400 Brookletts Avenue Easton,MD 21601 Phone: 410-822-2869

Bay Hundred Senior Center 300 Seymour Avenue St. Michaels, MD 21663 Phone: 410-745-5963

“Flying was always there in the back of my mind,” she said. “I thought, ‘I should do that…I wonder if I can do that.’” Fast forward several decades and 874 flight hours later and Cheryl is not only “doing that” but also building her own plane. A graphic designer by trade, she lived in New York for 16 years, eventually returning to Maryland, where she became involved with Maryland Airport Managers. She began designing websites for airports, but her impulse to fly continued to grow. “The first night I met my husband, I told him I’d like to learn to fly. He said, ‘So do I!’” she said. “He was very supportive when I finally decided to try it, so I did at 55-years-old.” Cheryl and her husband bought a Symphony, which is how they travel these days, flying to Cape May for lunch and to visit friends throughout the Delmarva Peninsula. But Cheryl always wanted to be a tailwheel pilot and have a lightsport plane with a short takeoff. She took the plunge by ordering a kit for a RANS S-21 Outbound, which was delivered in May of 2022. She has been

IT IS A WHOLE DIFFERENT COMMUNITY: THE BUILDER COMMUNITY VERSUS THE PILOT COMMUNITY building it for about a year-and-ahalf and estimates that she has roughly a year to go, and she has learned a lot. “It is a whole different community: the builder community versus the pilot community,” she said. “And we all help each other. I’ve talked to guys in Australia who are building the same plane as I am, and there is a group of women in Vermont who started a program for girls who are building the same one.” Since becoming a pilot, Cheryl has become a tireless advocate for women in aviation. Since immersing herself in flying, she has been dismayed at the dearth of women and girls in the field. “I would love to see more women flying on the Eastern Shore,” she said. “Will I ever see a hangar door come up and watch a woman pull an airplane out? It can be lonely.” In an effort to promote aviation as a career or pastime for women, Cheryl bought WomenFly.com, a creative collection of apparel and gifts that are intended to be educational, fun and inspirational. Best sellers include a t-shirt that reads: “No, it’s not my husband’s airplane!” Cheryl has been designing the branding and adding to the store for three years, the sales from which feed the Women Fly Fund, intended to encourage women to join the field of aviation. J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

Cheryl credits her fascination with flying to the influence of her family. “My parents bought a 5-acre field in Beach Lake, Penn., that abutted my grandfather’s farm field,” she said. “Together, we made an airstrip about 900 feet long. I was around age 10 and me, my brothers, my sisters and even some of my cousins and uncles worked at picking up stones [to clear the ground] for weeks to help while [my] dad was at his factory job.” Cheryl prefers the challenges of hard work and perseverance. While working toward her pilot’s license, she shared that she often became frustrated and, at one point, took a break altogether. But she found her way back to flying and credits it with the everyday satisfaction she enjoys now that she has conquered her goal. “I like working with my hands, standing up, not sitting at a computer,” she said about building her tailwheel. “It takes a lot of research. A lot of the steps of building the plane require watching multiple videos, reading manuals on instructions and parts, calculating measurements and figures.” And her hard work is paying off. Cheryl hopes to one day visit Alaska, landing on some of the backcountry airstrips that are only accessible by plane. “Backcountry flying exposes you to the most beautiful, pristine places in the country,” she said. From childhood experiences to finding her way — finally — to aviation, Cheryl looks forward to the many opportunities it offers. “People call flying a hobby, but I don’t think of it that way,” she said. “You have to fly consistently to keep your skills up. Part of my hesitancy to start flying earlier in life was that I know it can be all-consuming. If you’re not flying all the time, you’re not safe. It has to be a lifestyle.” S

BACKCOUNTRY FLYING EXPOSES YOU TO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, PRISTINE PLACES IN THE COUNTRY

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

Looking for mental health and/or substance use resources in Maryland’s mid-shore region? We can help! Give us a call at 410-770-4801 or scan the QR code for more

Save a Life with Naloxone! For more information, FREE Naloxone and trainings,

contact Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. at 410-770-4801 Our Mission:

Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc.’s mission is to continually improve the provision of behavioral health services for residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties through effective coordination of care in collaboration with consumers, their natural support systems, providers, and the community at large.

Our Vision:

A rural behavioral healthcare delivery system that is clinically and culturally competent. This system will ensure access, have a community focus, be cost-effective, and be integrated to serve the community as a whole.

Stay informed! Sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter, The Steering Wheel, here:

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call 988

GIVING BACK

PA R T N E R S I N C A R E C R E AT E S C O M M U N I T Y F O R O L D E R A D U LT S

S TO R Y B Y K AT I E M E LY N N P H OTO S B Y K AT I E M E LY N N , M E J P H OTO G R A P H Y A N D C O U R T E S Y O F PA R T N E R S I N C A R E

f you look around the Partners in Care resale boutique in Pasadena, Md., you’ll see women and men stocking shelves, sorting donations and chatting with patrons. While efficient and effective, these employees aren’t employees at all; they are all volunteers working as part of the organization’s model to provide opportunities to build community and connection for older adults. Founded in 1993, Partners in Care operates to connect older adults with services that help them live independent and fulfilling lives in these years when many face changing needs and circumstances.

“Our services are those that allow an older adult to age in place with dignity and respect,” said Mandy Arnold, the organization’s CEO. But the impact is felt far beyond taking care of everyday needs. “They’re there, they’re connecting,” Arnold said. “There are so many stories. If they’ve lost their loved ones, they can feel like they are part of a family again and have that connection.”

CALLING ON A FRIEND One of the hallmarks of services through Partners in Care is that it is a true partnership. Those giving J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

rides do door-to-door pickup to bring others to doctor’s appointments, shopping, or just out for an event. Those getting a ride connect in another way, whether it’s sorting items to be sold at the boutique, making a friendly phone call to check up on someone, or fixing a leaky faucet for another member. “ E v e r y o n e participates in some fashion,” Arnold said. “Everyone is an active participant in the program.” During a recent visit to the boutique, members were chatting in the back as they sorted through donations to put out on the floor. Others called across the register to welcome friends, back for a shift or a visit. Anyone over the age of 18 can participate as a volunteer, pending a required ba ckground chec k . Services are available to members over the age of 60 and include everything from transportation and handyman services to non-medical member care and education, such as taxes, fraud and insurance help. “Anything we can do to help them be independent and to keep their dignity and respect, that’s what we do,” Arnold said.

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

This 501(c)(3) nonprofit has a location in Anne Arundel, Frederick, Montgomery and Washington counties, as well as an office that serves the entire Mid-Shore located at 8694 Commerce Drive #1 in Easton. The local phone number is 410-822-1803.

BY THE NUMBERS The statistics are impressive and speak to the use of the program and the community built by participating members. Partners in Care just celebrated 30 years of helping their community and marked the occasion by a special event. In that time, over 11,000 members have been helped and helped others. “ N o t o n l y d o we d o tremendous work, we’re very effective, efficient, we do a lot of services,” Arnold said. “But while we’re doing all of that, we’re building community. And in this state, this country, we are in desperate need of community.” Stories of members thinking of the community at Partners in Care during times of personal need are endless. A member reached out to make sure someone had a ride, even after her husband, the planned driver, had a heart attack. After the son of another member was killed in

COMING SOON!

wedding Chesapeake Bay

SPRING 2024 EDITION

We invite you to read about local vendors, beautiful venues, upcoming trends and so much more. All of this in each print magazine and even more online at chesapeakebaywedding.com

Local, Privately Owned, and Trusted Since 1975 We evaluate, W l treat, and d serve exactly l the h way we would want to be treated: with professional expertise, courtesy, y and respect.

Scan the QR code to read blog posts, where to find magazines at drop locations & see local vendors of all types!

Providers with the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program’s hearing aid benefit

JOIN US FOR Dr. Caroline Aland, Au.D., FAAA (Easton, Kent Island) Dr. Rachel Lam, Au.D., CCC-A (Easton, Kent Island) Amy Pan, Hearing Aid Dispenser (Easton, Kent Island) Meghan Newman, B.A., Graduate Clinician (Severna Park, Easton)

The Wedding Trend Reveal Event!

Call today to schedule an appointment!

Feb. 25th, 2024

410.690.4166

Local vendors, wedding dress runway show, and so much more. More information online.

CHESAPEAKE

HEARING

Interested in advertising? Contact Kristi English at kenglish@chespub.com

Au d i olog i sts h e lping p eo p le

FALL 2021

wedding

Chesapeake Bay

FA L L E D I T I O N 2 0 2 1

Easton • 8133 Elliott Rd, Ste 3 Kent Island • 120 Sallitt Dr, Ste B Plus six other convenient locations in Severna Park, Annapolis, Columbia, North Bethesda, Salisbury, and Ocean Pines

om HelpYourHearing.com CHESAPEAKE BAY WEDDING

J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

WE BELIEVE THAT ALL CHILDREN CAN AND SHOULD BECOME MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTORS TO THEIR COMMUNITY AND BROADER SOCIETY

an accident, one of the first calls she made was to Partners in Care to make sure her team at the boutique knew she wouldn’t be in. In tough personal moments, members think of Partners in Care not because of their volunteer requirements but because of the community they have built. “It’s all the time,” Arnold said. “Volunteers will rearrange their vacations so that they can continue to take others to chemotherapy. The organization and our volunteers and how we serve our members is just astronomical.” To learn more about volunteering or becoming a member, visit www.partnersincare.org. “Join us!” Arnold said. “We need volunteers to be able to help take care of older adults as part of our community.” with a smile and warmth to his eyes as he addressed the group. “It’s my nature to greet people this way.” S

TOTALS FROM 1993-2023 (30 YEARS):

• 11,205 MEMBERS • 936,282 HOURS OF VOLUNTEER WORK • OVER 47,000 HOURS VOLUNTEERED IN 2022 • 305,031 PROGRAM-SUPPORTED TASKS THAT HAVE BEEN COMPLETED (EX. HELPED IN THE BOUTIQUE SHIFT, DONE A GROCERY-STORE RUN, ETC.) • 3,846,446 MILES DRIVEN BY VOLUNTEERS TO SUPPORT MEMBERS • OVER 202,000 MILES DRIVEN IN 2022 42

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

A 44

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

ARidgely SHORE R OOTS

HISTORICAL WALK THROUGH

S TO R Y B Y N I A M B I D AV I S

hen Cathy and Rick Schwab moved to Ridgely, their retirement goals centered around family and travel. The small town’s history had no place on their retirement to-do list. But, as Cathy recalls, they were slowly drawn to stories of their new home’s past. Their journey to complete immersion in Ridgely’s history began with an invitation to a Christmas party hosted by the Caroline County Historical Society. Soon, the couple found themselves in conversations with long-time residents, among them Andrew (Tommy) Rampmeyer, a Ridgely native and author of 12 books on the town’s history. “We started going to meetings,” the Schwabs recalled, “and little by little we were hooked.”

J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

By 2009, Cathy was talked into becoming the society’s vice president. Two months later she became president, a position she holds to this day. “When we came here we made travel plans around our schedules. Now our travel revolves around historical society activities!” One of the society’s major projects was the renovation of Ridgely’s railroad station. The effort began in 2010 with an unsuccessful grant application and ended in 2013 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony as part of the town’s grand sesquicentennial celebration. Ridgely, known also as Dream City, shares a post-Civil War history with many American small towns. It was the dream of developers to create a planned, prosperous city, built with a broad boulevard to accommodate the boom expected with the coming of the railroad. In anticipation, the Maryland and Baltimore Land

was over the age of 12 worked in the factories hulling, clearing, or washing strawberries. Ridgely became known as the “Strawberry Capital of the World.” For many families, the growing town became a desirable place to settle. “The railroad was the heart of town,” Cathy said, “and businesses were built out from its heart.” When the railroad was part of the town’s economy, a lumber yard at the beginning of town made baskets for shipping berries. The train cars had a floor-to-ceiling metal wall in which chunks of ice were dropped to create a refrigerated car that kept the fruit cool for shipping to Wilmington and New York. In 1914 one million quarts of berries were shipped. Chicago’s Armor Company, which set up a plant in Ridgely, made 1500 pounds of preserves that year. But with the ease and efficiency of truck transport,

SUBMITTED PHOTOS OF RIDGELY MARYLAND RAILROAD DEPOT

Association bought land from Thomas Green and Rev. Greenbury Ridgely, for whom the town was named. The ambitious developers who believed a railroad town needed a station and a hotel, made good on their plans, at least in the beginning. The grand Kranz Hotel was the largest on the Eastern Shore, boasting 31 rooms, with 19 for sleeping. The building, once known as the pride of Ridgely, housed a telegraph office, a barbershop, a pool room, a bowling alley, and a restaurant. But when the developers ran out of money, the town struggled to regain its economic footing. Fortunately for Ridgely, the area's thriving agricultural production gave the town a new opportunity to prosper. Crops grew in abundance, especially strawberries, blueberries and vegetables. “It was such big business that farmers hired seasonal workers from Baltimore,” Cathy said. “Everybody who 46

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

Ridgely’s railroad era was over. In 1949 passenger service ended, followed by cessation of freight service in 1979. The railroad still ran but bypassed Ridgely completely. In 1990, a former engineer attempted to run scenic railroad tours with a few small cars along the line, but the venture proved too expensive to continue. Later the old train station became Ridgley’s town hall and with the change came the removal of the station’s wide porches. “It was not a very attractive building,” Carol recalled. When the town hall moved from the station, no one used the building except the Historical Society and a train aficionado who used it set up his rail car display. Enter the late James Owens Knotts ( JOK) Walsh, described as a man who “made it his mission to preserve the history, stories and if possible, structures within the county.” In 2010, he learned of a federal grant

opportunity whose funding would restore the train station to its former glory. The application was eventually denied due to a requirement that the grant be used to fund a visitors' center. Three years later Walsh called the Schwabs because he’d just learned of another grant opportunity. But there was a catch — Walsh got word on Friday and the grant application was due on Monday. “We had never done a grant that size,” the Schwab’s recalled. But with permission from the town commissioners and determination to see it through, the grant was applied for and eventually awarded. When the work began, “we were here every day,” the Schwabs said. Through the bidding process, they found a builder experienced in historic restoration. An old picture became the blueprint for the restoration of porches around the station. By scraping through the layers of paint, an

Next to the station, Reading Railroad 92813 became an addition to Railroad Park in 2006. The red caboose was donated to the town by Peter Morganstern, a retired station master for the Reading Railroad out of Philadelphia, Penn. He intended to use the train car as a vacation getaway in Pocomoke City but eventually decided to sell. Ridgely’s town manager lived in Pocomoke City and knew of Morganstern’s plans. Unfortunately, the town had no money to purchase the train car or have it transported. When Morganstern chose to donate the car to Ridgely, the town was able to pay for transportation and have the caboose refurbished to its former state. Morganstern, who now lives in Dover, came to Ridgley last Christmas to see it decorated for the holidays with lighted wheels that gave the illusion of a train rolling down the track. “We have had such a wonderful time at this station,”

PHOTOS BY NIAMBI DAVIS

expert analyst found the right color suited to the era. Most of the buildings’ beadboard was reproduced; neither it nor the plaster could be saved. Authenticity was key to the station's restoration. Floors were left unsanded to preserve their original appearance. Many of the building’s props were original to the era but not to the train station itself. To add a personal touch to the collection of trunks, suitcases and hat boxes, tags were created with the names of current residents. Donations came from the community - a pot-bellied stove, and church benches from the Benedictines. In the station’s attic, JOK and Rick discovered an authentic ticket book with names of nearby stations. Renovation of the train station began on Feb. 10, 2017, and seven months later, on Sept. 22, it was completed, less than 24 hours before the ribbon cutting and parade that began the Ridgely Sesquicentennial celebration.

Rick said. They credit the visions of the Caroline County Historical Society and JOK Walsh for bringing the renovation from idea to reality. “In the process when we ran out of money for the addition of gingerbread eaves for the exterior, JOK paid out of his own pocket.” One of the reasons he was so fond of the station was because it’s where his parents eloped. “It really is fun to be here,” Cathy said. “When you are retired you can get involved in something that includes more than you - you can share and have ideas and opportunities shared with you. We have been lucky and learn something new every day.” To learn more about the Ridgley Historical Society, its sites, upcoming programs and projects, visit their website: https://ridgelyhistoricalsociety.com/home/. S J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

Cricket City Nights by Matthew Swann Preparing for take off! by Jennifer Dudley

Strictly Enforced by Alan Emerson

Choptank the Boat by Lisa Fitzpatrick

Trio of Shells by Edward Burke 48

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

Milk Does the Body Good by Jessica Amaya

Serenity by Angela Hollar

The House on Cornstalk Lane by Lisa Roberton

September sky on Spencer Creek by Shelly Mielke

THROUGH THE LENS

Striated caracara in the Falkland Islands by Thomas Dietz

Rennfest Mimes by John Velasquez

Oops! by Craig Caldwell J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

Aseniors UPPER SHORE AGING

voice for

S TO R Y B Y A M E L I A B L A D E S S T E WA R D

ore seniors are relocating to the Eastern Shore every day. Not every senior comes with a support system in place as they face the aging process and the challenges aging in place can create. Upper Shore Aging, Inc., a nonprofit Area Agency on Aging, has been stepping in the gap for years to help seniors live healthy, rewarding, independent lives in their own homes. The agency is now tackling a growing demand for its senior services while facing a growing need for more resources and volunteers to get the job done. “My experience over the years has shown me that our most vulnerable seniors don’t know they have a voice and suffer in silence, often not asking for the services they need,” Andy Hollis, Executive Director of Upper Shore Aging (USA), said. Hollis is no stranger to working with the senior population. Before his appointment at USA, he worked for Delmarva Community Services, Inc., as county manager for Talbot County, and for Londonderry on the Tred Avon Retirement Community. “We now have a dynamic team to address some of the challenges seniors are facing today – food insecurity, re-engagement at our senior centers, the equipment and resources to age safely at home, the rising costs of prescription drugs, and the gaps in meeting the costs for assisted living today,” Hollis said. “I believe with the right resources, we can start to impact the needs in these areas.” Upper Shore Aging provides services for over 32,000 seniors in Caroline, Kent and Talbot counties. Working closely with the Maryland Department of Aging, the organization operates

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

LIVING WE LL

five Senior Centers, delivers Meals-on-Wheels, and provides a wide range of other programs and services aimed at helping seniors remain safe and thrive in their communities. Tracey Watters, RN, BSN, BC, Kent County Health Department Director of the AERS Program, refers clients to the USA’s programs. “My role is to see what services can help the seniors most,” she said. “These are the elderly who are low-income residents who may not have a family to care for them and who are on Medicaid. Andy Hollis has a heart for the

OUR LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM PLAYS SUCH AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN BEING THE EYES AND EARS FOR OUR SENIOR POPULATION AND PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, WHO MAY BE EXPERIENCING ISSUES IN AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY OR NURSING HOME clients he serves. He desires to serve them and get them what they need.” Watters continued, “As the new Executive Director of USA, he reached out to the community to see where the problems existed and began addressing them systematically. He has hired a phenomenal team that is also based on heart. The new team is about helping people and if they don’t know the answer, they will find it. The client is at the center of this care delivery no matter what the obstacle is.” One of the roles Upper Shore Aging fills is advocating for a senior learning to navigate the world of home care, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home. The agency offers several programs in Caroline, Kent and Talbot counties to assist individuals and families in protecting the safety, welfare and rights of seniors. Its Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program investigates and advocates to resolve complaints from residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. “Our Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program plays such an important role in being the eyes and ears for our senior population and people of all ages, who may be experiencing issues in an assisted living facility or nursing home,” Hollis said. “The ombudsman in the county is the advocate for people in helping them resolve their complaints, but also develops relationships with these facilities to improve the quality of life for residents there.” Mary Sellers, Family Caregiver Program Manager & Guardianship Program Manager for USA sees the Ombudsman Program as an extension of her work in assisting individuals

Upper Shore Aging programs function cooperatively to maintain and improve the quality of life for seniors, working to help them remain healthy and independent. Among the programs offered through the agency include: •

Operating five senior centers in Kent, Caroline, and Talbot counties. These centers are a hub for activities helping seniors stay active and involved in their community.

•

Operating the Meals-On-Wheels program which delivers meals to homebound seniors.

•

Providing a Senior Care Program that supports seniors aging in place, keeping seniors living in their own homes and at a lower cost than a long-term care facility. Services vary according to need but may include personal care, light housekeeping chores, emergency response systems, and case management services.

•

Managing the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), sponsored by USA and funded by AmeriCorps, which recruits and places older adults (age 55+) in a diverse range of volunteer activities to meet various community needs.

•

Providing one-on-one counseling, information, and group seminars on Medicare, Medigap and Medicaid insurance programs, private health insurance issues, and long-term care insurance.

•

Operating Maryland Access Point (MAP) a one-stop source of information and assistance for family members, caregivers, disabled adults and seniors, which helps them navigate through the maze of long-term care services and links them with local and state programs.

•

Providing Senior Medicare Patrol to educate clients about these programs and to prevent incidents of fraud and abuse.

•

Providing a Long-Term Care Ombudsman who investigates and resolves complaints of elder abuse and neglect in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living facilities.

J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

PHOTOS COURTESY UPPER SHORE AGING

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

and families to keep seniors in their own homes or helping them when a family member has been discharged from a nursing home. “My programs help c o n n ec t s en i o r s and families to community resources when they are living i n d e p e n d e n t l y,” she said. “The Family Caregiver Program is a preventive ser vice to connect families to community resources to help keep them in their own homes or help them when a family member has been discharged from a nursing home.” “Through our Family Caregiver Program, Guardianship Program, and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, our hope is we can also offer families important information about resources ahead of time before they need it for a loved one, and to ensure seniors get the best care in whatever situation they find themselves,“ Hollis added. Upper Shore Aging was recently awarded a 2023 Thome Aging Well grant to support the expansion of its diabetes education program for seniors. The goal of the grant project is to use the more than 84,000 Meals on Wheels meals delivered annually through USA as a vehicle for diabetes/ health screening and education, social connection and engagement in Senior Center services. “This grant will help us re-engage with seniors who did not return to Senior Center

services post-COVID,” Hollis explained. “Our planned activity is to launch the National Diabetes Prevention Program and use that screening and outreach as a catalyst for engaging and re-engaging seniors in the available Senior Centers offered through Upper Shore Aging. This becomes cyclical because engaging seniors in the Senior Centers engages them with all the services, including assistance with insurance which then become sustainable to deliver the National Diabetes Prevention Program screening and follow up for better health outcomes.” “By re-engaging seniors in the Senior Centers, we can include them in future planning of services to meet the needs of the changing population, continuing the cyclical nature that this grant project affords.” In addition, USA provides senior legal assistance, refers senior housing needs to Upper Shore Aging Housing Corporation, administers the Senior Assisted Living Subsidy program for low and moderateincome seniors, providing access to participating assisted living facilities; provides case management ser vices for Medicaid-eligible seniors to receive home or communityb a s e d s e r v i c e s , p r ov i d e s a Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program and Family Caregiver Support Program, partners with Delmarva Community Transit to provide transportation to its senior centers, and offers a shopping service for seniors in Kent county who unable to shop for themselves. “Last year my wife and I moved to St. Michaels from North Carolina where we lived for 30 years,” resident Stephen Parr said. “The staff at Upper

Shore Aging helped us to enroll in a better Medicare Part D drug plan and helped us evaluate Medicare supplemental insurance, as well as our enrollment in Medicare. They really helped us find the best coverage for our medications and the best coverage for the payments we were making, taking a comprehensive look at what we were getting. This was an undiscovered gem for us. Upper Shore Aging is giving services back to people in the community – especially services that are impactful like Medicare Part D. Their success is only possible based upon the professionals they have on their team, not only volunteers but more importantly the staff who have a passion for their work.” The volunteer component of Upper Shore Aging is called the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). This program, funded by AmeriCorps, recruits and places older adults (age 55+) in a diverse range of volunteer activities to meet various community needs. Upper Shore Aging’s website for RSVP, volunteersontheshore. org is a centralized place for anyone seeking a volunteer opportunity in Kent, Caroline or Talbot counties. The site includes information on the enrollment process and a listing under each county of volunteer opportunities. That is how volunteer Gil Slagle of Worton found the site in May while looking for places to volunteer. Slagle, who volunteers at the Farmer’s Market held at the Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center, recently returned to the area after retiring from a career with Southern States and cooperative agriculture and living in North Carolina. “I enjoy interacting with the

seniors coming through the Farmers Market and helping them with their produce,” Slagle said. “I am interested in doing additional volunteering with the Chester River Hospital Center Auxiliary.” As Hollis looks to the future of the agency, he and his team are focusing on revitalizing and reinvigorating senior services on the Eastern Shore. Maryland Secretary of the Department of Aging Carmel Roques took a tour of Upper Shore Aging’s facilities last spring and shared her thoughts. “Maryland is a long-lived society,” Roques said. “Half of the 5-year-olds alive today will expect to live to 100. We need to begin to shape our policies and services around that. They will sit under the trees that we plant but will never see.” Kay Brodie, President of the Upper Shore Aging Board of Directors, said they need necessary resources to expand the services they can provide to meet the growing needs being faced on the Eastern Shore. “Working in partnership with other agencies and with our funding partners, we hope to make our vision ‘An Upper Shore where seniors live in familiar surroundings with respect, independence, and purpose’ a reality,” Brodie said. For information about any programs of Upper Shore Aging, Inc. or to donate, visit uppershoreaging.org or call 410-778-6000. S

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

J A N UA RY 2024 | S H O R E MAG A Z I N E

SHORE MAGAZINE | J A N UA RY 2024

The greatest breakthrough in senior care? Mom's cozy cottage. We help aging parents stay at home, whether they're dealing with Alzheimer's, arthritis or anything in between.

PERSONAL CARE | 24-HOUR CARE | MEMORY CARE | HOSPICE SUPPORT | MEALS AND NUTRITION

J.D. Power President's Award Recipient for

"Excellence in Customer Satisfaction"

The J.D. Power President's Award is a discretionary recognition given to companies that demonstrate dedication, commitment and sustained improvement in serving customers. Your experiences may vary. For more information visit jdpower.com

410.822.1230 HomeInstead.com/561