SHOP TALK: Quality & craftsmanship at the Olde Sale Barn
16
QUICK HITTERS: Home buying and styling experts on the shore
23
ART BEAT: Artistic inspiration in the garden
GIVING BACK: 20 years of Rebuilding Together
COVER STORY
ABOUT THE COVER
John Belser, owner of Quirky Wood Company, examines a set of blueprints for an upcoming project. He works out of his Easton shop and on sites to create custom furniture, cabinetry and more.
Photo by Jennifer Quinn of JennQuinn Creative
EDITORS’ NOTE
In the summer of 2006, in the sweltering heat of Mexico, I joined a mission trip to Juarez. Our task was straightforward: build pews for a local church. We spent days sanding, sawing and assembling, turning stacks of lumber into sturdy, identical benches.
Each pew followed the same simple design. With a clear method, our work became rhythmic — rewarding, yet exhausting. I enjoyed learning new skills and seeing a tangible, useful result.
Why do I lead with this? Because, frankly, I remember how timeconsuming and physically draining it was just to produce basic wooden benches. Now that I have seen what people like John Belser — the man featured on our cover — can create, I have a whole new appreciation for craftsmanship.
Wohlenhaus
His work transforms raw wood into stunning, intricate designs — a level of artistry I never imagined possible. Knowing how much effort it took for us to build something simple, I am in awe of what Belser is able to conceptualize, design and bring to life.
This edition is special not just because of Belser’s craftsmanship, but for many reasons, including the afternoon I spent with Joe and Janie Dougherty at Pirate’s Cove and Marina. I had the pleasure of taking photos of them, their pets and beautiful property, but the best part was the conversations we had. They are a big part of what makes our region so special.
I hope this edition of Shore also reminds you why this place is so easy to call home.
STORY BY JORDANNA GARLAND | PHOTOS BY ELI WOHLENHAUS
In 2000, when looking to purchase a plot of land to construct their new home on, Joe and Janie Dougherty fell in love with a beautiful waterfront property onlooking Hudson Creek, but when the realtor explained that she accidentally showed them the wrong piece of land and that this property was being saved for her daughter, it was quite the happy accident that the realtor’s daughter decided she did not want to live in Maryland. After asking for the realtor’s permission, the Dougherty’s purchased the land.
In Cambridge, the Dougherty’s property, affectionately known as “Pirates Cove” spans 5 ¼ acres, with a tree lined enclosure containing the house, apartment, dock and barn. The home’s modern design, accentuated with nautical decor would make any visitor (or pirate) feel abundantly welcome.
In the years after they purchased the property, the Dougherty’s built the dock, the apartment, the barn and finally, their house, which was completed in August 2021.
Soon after they purchased the property, the Dougherty’s built a guest apartment above their garage. One notable feature of the apartment is the aerial walkway that connects to a deck outside of Joe’s home office.
“So, [when] we have guests, they have a choice of either walking across the driveway and going up the stairs to the apartment or going across the bridge,” Janie said. “There’s a bedroom there, bathroom, a kitchen and a family room that looks out on the water.”
When building their home, the Dougherty’s opted on using
materials that were long-lasting and able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Moisture resistant siding and hurricane windows significantly help during hurricane season. Environmental stipulations such as the 100 feet setback between the house and the creek also prove to be a benefit during rough weather.
Additionally, Janie’s grateful for the cover the front and side porches provide when it rains. As for the back deck, it nearly spans the entire length of the house. The automated retractable awning allows for quiet, shaded mornings outside, complete with a cup of coffee and the beautiful soundscapes of Hudson Creek.
Ospreys, herrings and eagles can occasionally be seen flying over the water. In fact, one of the main reasons why the Dougherty’s decided to move from Pennsylvania to their current home is because they wanted to be closer to water that was deep enough for them to sail on.
Another unique feature about their home is Janie’s office area underneath the stairs, just before reaching the second floor.
“When they were building the house, we asked the builders to make the steps wider…in order to do that we had to put a landing under the steps,” Joe said. “Janie and I talked about it and I said, ‘Why don’t we make that a little office for you…’ I made a desk for her and put it in there and then we made a sliding barn door.”
Stepping inside of the home, visitors are immediately greeted with
Top: Pirate’s Cove and Marina is in Cambridge on Hudson Creek. Shown is the front of the house from the driveway.
Bottom: Guest room in the house upstairs, equipped with two twin beds.
high ceilings and a beautiful view of the water, with a five by six feet sailboat sitting in front of the large window. Since Joe is a sailor, maritime ornamentation is prominently showcased throughout the home.
Displayed on one of the larger walls in the home is a sailboat mast sitting atop a treasure chest. Additionally, hanging on another wall are five nautical flags that each correspond to a letter in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet. Arranged together, these flags represent the letters in Joe and Janie’s name.
“We love to sail. Therefore, we like the water — we’re always around water,” Joe said. “In fact, there’s a sign, as soon as you come into our property that says ‘Pirate’s Cove’ and then Janie bought a little sign to hang below that [that says] ‘And Marina.’”
The name “Pirates Cove” came after Joe finished reading the 1998 autobiographical book of Jimmy Buffett titled “A Pirate Looks at Fifty,” in which Jimmy Buffett tells stories of his time exploring the pirate coves of the Florida Keys.
In what she calls “Camp Grandmom,” Janie and Joe’s grandchildren visit their grandmom for a couple of weeks while completing fun and educational activities and games. Janie thought of the idea when her oldest grandchild was just 5 years old. Now, with three grandchildren, each 27, 22 and 18 years old, Camp Grandmom has become a beloved family tradition that they still enjoy.
For every Camp Grandmom, Janie picks out a theme and then all of the activities they do revolve around the chosen theme. One year, the theme Janie chose was “The Mad Scientist,” so she made a cake that was science-themed and her grandkids did science projects throughout the week.
“I made a cake that looked like a beaker, smoke came out of the top — cotton candy,” Janie said. “I had my husband’s white tailored shirt on… and we just did experiments all week. It was a challenge for me to come up with neat things for them to do so they did not use that dirty word [bored.]”
At the water line of the creek, riprap or human-placed rocks protect the shoreline from erosion. Since there wasn’t any sand, Janie thought to put in a sandbox so the kids could play in the sand. During one Camp Grandmom, waiting for the kids was a bale of Diamondback terrapin turtle hatchlings.
Joe and Janie’s grandkids aren’t the only ones keeping them company. They have two pets, a sweet 13-year-old black Labrador named Kai and a feisty little black kitten named Fin. According to Janie, the two “tolerate each other.”
When talking about their favorite aspect of their home, both Joe and Janie described how much they love the openness of it, with Joe describing it as “open and airy” and Janie saying “you feel like you’re outside when you’re inside.”
“It’s a piece of heaven,” Janie said. “Joe still loves to go traveling and I look at him and go ‘Why? You gave me a piece of heaven then you’re asking me to leave heaven. I just want to be here.’” S
Joe and Janie Dougherty pose in the entryway in front of a sail bearing the initial of their surname.
Janie keeps this photo and quote from Dr. Seuss in her office as a reminder of the wonderful times she has had with her family at Pirate’s Cove.
On February 10, 2025 theBay Area Association of REALTORS presented7ofDougAshley REALTORS,LLC agents with sales awards:
Also presentedwas the J. HurstPurnell Award to Retha Arrabal!
Thisaward,asvoted by her peers, is givento the REALTORwho shows honesty and integrity in all business dealings, treats their clients with respect and dignity that sets them apart from others and goes the extra mile to present themselves as areal estate professional.
Congratulations go out to each of these amazing agents fortheir achievements!!
Consider working withany of Doug AshleyREALTORSagents if you are consideringselling or buying yourhome. Youwill notregretit!!
Michele Palmer
Beth Ostrander
Retha Arrabal GraceCrockett
Doug Ashley Realtors LLC Doug gets the
IMPROVEDPRICE
$319,000
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Welcome to this beautifully updatedbrick rancher.This single-story home blends classic charm withcontemporary upgrades forcomfortable living. Four spacious bedrooms and twofull baths will giveyou ample space forfamily and guests. The recently remodeled kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granitecountertopsand newcabinetry. The spacious living room has abrick fireplace, perfect forcozyevenings. Both bathrooms have recently been updatedwith severalnew fixtures, newcabinetryand luxuryvinyl plank flooring. Elegantand easytomaintain vinyl plank flooring is throughout theentire home.Professionally conditioned crawlspace adds energy efficiency and peace of mind forlong-term homemaintenance. Mature pine trees line the spacious backyard. Walking distance to the community center, community pool, park, and parks& recreation fields. **Virtually Staged, FurnitureONLY***
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$398,500 |MDKE2004358
Amustsee forsure. Updatedtastefully and checks so manyboxes on the wish list. All the charm of this Traditional Farm house has been maintained and caredfor through the years.The staircase, wood work,along with the pocket doors. This house is truly as nice and charmingas the pictures show. Traditional layout Starting with the Welcoming Porch. Theliving room,dining room,kitchen, and powder/laundryonmain. Upstairswith3 bedrooms and full bath. Atticiseasily accessibleand willprovide plenty of storage.The newgaragewith electric has concrete flooring and measures 28x32. The yard,Another Positive, Perfect from the nice landscaping thatiseasytomaintain to the fenced in back yard.Decking,Tikki Hut, and outdoor showerjustout theback door from the kitchen.
QUALITY AMISH craftmanship
The Olde Sale Barn
BY: JORDANNA GARLAND
Serving the Greater Eastern Shore area, the Olde Sale Barn provides high-quality Amish made sheds, garages and lawn furniture to clients looking for affordable outdoor storage and patio amenities. Though located in Denton, the Olde Sale Barn delivers throughout Delaware and various cities in Maryland, ensuring customer satisfaction with every purchase and delivery.
Dave Miller, the current owner of the Olde Sale Barn, started the establishment in 2019 with his brother-inlaw, Elmer King. King, who was the original owner of the business before Miller, builds the sheds while Miller operates the sales.
Growing up Amish in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Miller was taught the trade by his father, a carpenter.
“My dad for like, 30 years… he always built sheds.” Miller said. “I grew up sweeping sawdust [in] summers… helping out however. Spent pretty much all of my life in the industry as well and I took more towards the sales side of it, which is how this got started.”
For Miller, an average day largely involves working with
CAPESHED STATESMANGARAGE
the clients to figure out what kind of storage unit would best suit their needs. He notes that a lot of times, the clients are looking for a storage unit where they can house larger items, like a vehicle or lawn and gardening equipment.
According to Miller, the commitment to the quality of their craftmanship is what differentiates their services from other non-Amish carpentry businesses. With sheds and garages ranging in size, color and style, every amenity purchased from the Olde Sale Barn has been hand-crafted with care.
“I think everyone pretty well knows the Amish are kind of known for their craftsmanship,” Miller said. “We do a lot with vinyl siding, which is the normal siding you would see on your house, instead of painted wood.”
There are six different styles of pre-built sheds the Olde Sale Barn provides: Cape, Chalet, Classic Barn, Cottage, Dutch Barn and Quaker. As for their pre-built garages, there’s the Cape, Chalet, Dutch Barn, Modular and Statesman styles. Lastly, their pre-built lawn furniture includes outdoor dining sets, adirondack and poly lumber
DAVEMILLER
chairs, settees and side tables, and wooden picnic tables. Examples and information about pricing and sizes can be found under the “Sheds,” “Garages” and “Lawn Furniture” tabs on their website, oldesalebarn.com.
The staff houses 100 to 200 already built, ready-to-go storage units, so clients just have to place an order and it will be delivered in six short weeks. In-stock shed delivery is free for clients in Maryland and Delaware and a 10-year limited warranty is also provided, for both sheds and garages.
As for Miller’s goals for the future, he described that he wants to venture outside of their delivery scope to reach even more customers, put more emphasis on their custom-made garages and to keep providing customers with excellent service.
Keeping the customer in mind is what Miller, King and other staff value most at The Olde Sale Barn. As expressed in numerous
glowing customer reviews, the respect, communication and kindness displayed by the staff makes their purchases all the more special. When describing a favorite memory of The Olde Sale Barn, Miller shared his appreciation and gratitude for two of his clients.
“I had two customers that went out of their way to send a thank you card for the service we provided,” Miller said with a smile. “That just meant a ton. We did a good enough job that they went out of their way to send a thank you card.”
Customers can visit the Olde Sale Barn located at 24106 Shore Hwy, Denton, MD, during their spring store hours, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“If something goes wrong in a delivery, we'll fix it the next day,” Miller said.
THE AMISH ARE KIND OF KNOWN FOR THEIR CRAFTSMANSHIP
“Providing customer service is pretty much everything to us. We go above and beyond.” S
OLDE SALE BARN BUILDING
THE MAGIC OF Quirky
Wood
STORY BY AMELIA BLADES STEWARD Ι PHOTOS BY JENNIFER QUINN
Growing up surrounded by woodworkers and carpenters, John Belser, owner of Quirky Wood Company in Easton, is enjoying helping his clients turn their ideas for cabinets, built-ins and furniture into reality for the sacred space we call home.
Quirky Wood Company specializes in customdesigned furniture, cabinetry, finishing/refinishing, and furniture restoration.
“Everything I do is custom – talked about with the client and designed by me,” Belser said. “So, everything I do is different. I cover from modern to live-edge furniture and from kitchen cabinets to built-ins and closets.”
His mother, Suzanne McKibbin, owned a finishing shop in St. Michaels when he was growing up and now runs the finishing shop for his company.
“She would have cabinet makers and furniture makers bring in their stuff to be finished by her and I was always astounded by the magic of what they created and always wanted to be able to do that,” he recalled. “I was first a hobbyist, building a coffee table here and there for friends or doing simple handyman things like pantry shelving, but nothing serious.”
Eventually, Belser got a job in cabinet and furniture sales, but over time he developed his skills as a designer.
“I guess over time things just started working out where I was able to quit my sales and design job,” he shared. “I started my own company in my mother’s backyard shed making wooden rings, necklaces, and cutting boards, as well as doing small refinishing projects. It has just grown into what we are today.”
Belser enjoys the idea of new and exciting projects. Recently, the company completed a couple of large-scale custom home projects, where he supplied all the cabinetry. His recent work includes doing a lot more custom built-ins for libraries, kitchens and bathrooms.
“I value design and try to incorporate the best design I can for the client whether it be for furniture or cabinets,” he explained. “I always try to incorporate functionality and efficiency first and then design around that. I like things to work and to have a purpose. And like my shop, everything must have its place in my design, and everything must be intentional.”
Wood is at the heart of everything Quirky Wood Company creates. Although he has worked with a variety of exotic woods, Belser
Photo provided by Quirky Wood Company. Custom Built and Designed Beaded Inset Cabinetry with Quarter Sawn White Oak Island.
particularly likes the American hardwoods, especially cherry. He also likes working with walnut for cabinetry or furniture.
“I have a love of trees,” he said. “Like an artist would use paints, there are many different wood types to use in my woodworking. And when you are creating a project made of wood, you are not only selecting the woods and selecting the grain pattern, but you are looking for the wood’s strength as well, depending on the project.”
Among some of his most interesting projects was to create a wood and epoxy table which was embedded with a client’s sea glass collection.
“I made a river out of epoxy on a table I constructed where the sea glass was placed,” Belser said. “I could not mess it up because once I poured the epoxy, the sea glass was permanently adhered to the table.”
After milling the wood for each new project that comes in the door, the most time-consuming portion of the work is sanding and finishing the wood. Cabinetry makes up about 60% of the company’s work, with 40% made up of refinishing
furniture, new furniture and furniture repairs. Quirky Wood Company is building all of the tables for a new brewery in Denton, as well as new tables for Piazza in Easton.
Belser credits a number of mentors who have helped him over the years, including Byron Yarborough who helped him develop his interest in woodworking; Rob Berg, who helped teach him about cabinet construction; local woodworkers Jim McMartin and Jim Beggins of St. Michaels; and his mom, who he says is an expert finisher. International influencers have included George Nakashima, James Krenov, Silas Kopf and Devol Kitchens for creative cabinet designs and builds.
“I retired the second I started this business,” he shared. “I love waking up every day and doing what I love to do. And I love the magic of woodworking and cabinet building. Being allowed to help transform a space and make it to better suit the client, whether through cabinetry or furniture, is an amazing feeling.” S
For further information: quirkywoodco.com
Photo provided by Quirky Wood Company. Live Edge Butternut Conference Table
Photo provided by Quirky Wood Company. Custom Kitchen Hutch Built-In - White - Beaded Inset Cabinetry.
Left photos provided by Quirky Wood Company.
Top: European Walnut Epoxy River Table-Embedded Sea Glass Collection in Epoxy.
Bottom: Walnut Bookcase with Sliding Ladder on Brass Hardware
LONA SUE
TODD
QUICK HITTER
WHAT’S A
HOUSE
YOU’VE SOLD THAT STANDS OUT TO YOU?
Hepbron’s Choice c.1770 in Kent County was a joy to sell. The beautiful 18 acre Eastern Shore estate had been lovingly owned by the same family since 1963. Originally part of a 200-acre tract of land, the main residence stands on a slight elevation of land, enhanced with mature trees, meadows, ponds and amazing sunsets.
After moving into the homestead with the loss of his parents, he created a minor subdivision separating the house and selling the residual farmland to a local farm family. All with good intentions to use the money to restore the 18th century three-story brick house. The 5-year meticulous restoration period was truly a labor of love as he completed most of the work with his own two hands.
Years later, he made the difficult decision to downsize and called me to help. A local buyer came to the table and this settlement ended with the 18-acre homestead being reunited with her original farmland. A bittersweet happy ending!
ANew Active Lifest yle 55+ Communit y
sessions and billiards tournaments.
MD 21969 K. Hovnanian’s®️ Four Seasons at Kent Island is offered by K. Hovnanian’sFour Seasons at Kent Island, II, III, IV L.L.C.s. K. Hovnanian’sFourSeasons 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 temporar yresidents of ahome, mayapply. AllK.Hovnanian’sFour 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 aCommunitySales Consultantfor details.Artist renderings and photographs; illustrative purposes only.Views not guaranteed; subject to change. Features and options may var y. Unless stated hardscape, landscape and decorator items not included. Prices subject to change without notice. See aSales Consultant for full details. Equal Housing Opportunity Ready to meet your dream home? Phase III is now
|888-425-1879| 131FLYCATCHER
PETRA QUINN
QUICK HITTER
REALTY NAVIGATOR BROKER
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT SELLING ON THE SHORE?
Selling real estate on the Eastern Shore — especially Kent Island — is more than just a job; it’s an adventure. With breathtaking waterfront views, charming historic towns and a laid-back coastal lifestyle, every transaction feels like opening a new chapter in a storybook setting.
Kent Island, the gateway to the Eastern Shore, offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences. Whether helping buyers find their dream waterfront retreat or assisting sellers in maximizing their property’s value, I thrive on connecting people with the lifestyle they’ve always wanted. From stunning sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay to the vibrant boating and seafood scene, there’s something truly special about this area.
Real estate here isn’t just about buying and selling —it’s about finding the perfect place to call home. If you’re thinking about making a move on Kent Island or beyond, let’s chat. Whether buying or selling, I’d love to help you navigate the process and make your real estate dreams a reality.
323 COLUMBIA LN IN STEVENSVILLE.
PHOTO BY A DIGITAL MIND.
STYLING BY: STYLISH PRODUCTIONS
PHOTOGRAPHER: ROBERT RADIFERA
JAMIE MERIDA
JAMIE MERIDA INTERIORS
QUICK HITTER
WHAT
IS A PROJECT
YOU’VE WORKED ON THAT STANDS OUT TO YOU?
One of the things I truly enjoy about designing on the Eastern Shore is the opportunity to create incredible outdoor spaces that maximize areas for families to gather and relax. Extending the indoor aesthetic to the outdoors is a key aspect of creating a cohesive and inviting design.
This recent project on Irish Creek led by designer Carol Wheeler does just that, offering numerous beautifully crafted spaces that families can enjoy and fully immerse themselves in the stunning views and embrace the laid-back charm of Eastern Shore living.
“Despair” was inspired from an Eagles song titled "Almost Gone". Lyrics: "so often times it happens, we live our lives in chains, and we never even know we have the key". The key in hand is not in the photo, but has since been added.
THE ULTIMATE ‘Day Dream’
STORY BY
NIAMBI DAVIS
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DAY DREAMER SCULPTURE STUDIO
Queenstown sculpture garden full of artistic inspiration
When Gail Schaffer and her husband Tim bought Queenstown’s East Bay Farm in 1998, she described it as an “absolutely happy move. The minute you cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, your blood pressure goes down.”
For Schaffer, a University of Maryland psychology graduate, a bonus to the move to the Land of Pleasant Living was an opportunity to explore a long-existent creativity.
“I used to sew and explore artistic opportunities,” she said. “But I never considered myself an artist, even after the adventure that began 20 years ago at Chesapeake College with a class in Artistic Welding — it looked like something I would be interested in.”
“The class was wonderful and so were the people who taught it,” she said. “It got me right back into the creative process.”
After class, she would retrieve the pieces her classmates discarded and make art from the leftovers.
“It was very abstract and didn’t mean anything,” she said. “So when people asked ‘what’s that,’ I’d ask, ‘what does it look like to you?’”
As with artists who derive inspiration from unexpected opportunities, a class trip to New Jersey’s Grounds for Sculpture became Schaffer’s incentive to create Day Dreamer Sculpture Garden.
Even after creating a few large outdoor pieces, she rejected the title of artist. After five years removed from the discipline, Schaffer resumed artistic welding when she enrolled in a course at Anne Arundel Community College.
Instead of joining her classmates on a tour of the 42-acre sculpture garden, museum and arboretum, she walked the grounds by herself.
“I wanted to appreciate it from my own perspective,” she recalled.
Schaffer’s solo walk inspired her to clear some of the wooded areas of her property and design a peaceful retreat in a natural setting. After five years and “many sticker bush injuries later,” the first phase of Day Dreamer Sculpture Garden was completed, including a few of her own pieces.
“But as gardeners and artists know,” she said, “nothing is ever completed; rearranged [and] added to… but never completed.”
To give a name to her wooded retreat, Schaffer reached back to the memory of a 7th grade teacher’s conversation with her mother, where she was told, “your daughter is a good student but she would be much better if she wasn’t such a daydreamer.”
Years later Schaffer reclaimed the word — being a daydreamer was no longer a negative but a positive.
“Being a daydreamer is nothing more than having your vision board in your mind,” she said. “If you can imagine it, envision it, and see it in your mind, you can make it happen. I am the daydreamer.”
Schaffer’s affinity for visioning, meditation and yoga extended to the creation of an informal gathering around the garden space that lasted for 3 ½ years.
“Although I’d been reading and practicing it on my own, I let them know I’m not a yoga teacher but I’d share what I’d learned,” she said.
The group met on Tuesdays and would have a class on something Schaffer got out of her reading or they would talk about what was happening in their lives. She said they would “then have a little meditation session, share a glass of wine and go home.”
For artists of all mediums, music is food for creativity. Schaffer has several pieces and is currently working on two additional works inspired by songs.
“Even before I started the garden, the Eagles 1974 ‘Already Gone’ stuck in my head: ‘oftentimes it happens, we live our lives in chains; we never even know we have the key,’” she shared.
Motivated by those lyrics on repeat in her head, Schaffer created a piece that sits among her other creations in Day Dreamer Sculpture Garden.
From her studio on the property, Schaffer creates work she describes as primitive, abstract and mostly rusty.
“I imagine the metal emerging from the earth, a bush, a plant, or other organic structure so that it appears to belong to the earth,” she said.
As outside sculptures, the pieces are affected by weather and will continue to rust, no matter how many
“En flammes” Twisted expanded metal and mild steel.
“Rusty Fence”
coats of auto paint she applies. And Schaffer’s work is not fine or polished — the pieces come with rough edges that include a warning to visitors — “please don’t pet the art because it bites.”
To embed large pieces into the earth, Schaffer, her husband and her son do almost all of the work. But when the power of the tractor is inadequate, she calls on friends in the auto business who’ll bring a big truck to lift the largest pieces and set them deep into the ground. No matter how high the wind, no pieces in Day Dreamer Sculpture Garden have ever toppled over.
The late tennis great Arthur Ashe considered success a journey, not a destination. Artist Gail Schaffer would agree.
“I like the journey more than the results sometimes,” she admitted.
It’s been cold, she’s had some knee injuries and hasn’t been able to stand up very long. But she has a piece to work on. She is grinding to get some of the “stuff” off to get the piece back into the shape she wants.
“The sparks are flying, I’ve got my helmet and my jacket on,” she said, beginning to describe the process. “My husband walks in, watches me at work and tells
me ‘this is where you need to be.’ It takes my mind off of everything that’s not necessary. It’s therapy and the journey of making it. Sometimes it doesn’t turn out like I intended, but the journey is playing with it and trying to see how I can work with it. When I ask myself, ‘oh gosh what am I going to do with this now?’ that is more interesting to me than the final creation.”
At one time in her life, fall was her favorite season because of the beautiful colors, but said “it was also the beginning of an end. The colors would fade and die, dark would come earlier and there would be no fun until spring.”
Now, spring is Schaffer’s favorite season.
“So I came to the belief that the season when everything comes alive is a good time,” she said. “And I’m looking forward to this great event because it is in the spring.”
Schaffer has a great imagination that will be on full display at the Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage Tour on Saturday May 3. She said she is looking forward to sharing Day Dreamers Sculpture Garden and extends an invitation to the public to join her on this adventure, and to bring along their imagination. S
“Salvage”
SOMETIMES IT DOESN’T TURN OUT LIKE I INTENDED, BUT THE JOURNEY IS PLAYING WITH IT AND TRYING TO SEE HOW I CAN WORK WITH IT.
Left over and discarded metal.
“Noble Attempt” was the first time Gail worked on a large piece. She said she had to get an auto wrecker to get in the ground.
STRONGER TOGETHER REBUILDING
STORY BY DEMI GUILLORY
Exciting things are happening at Rebuilding Together Eastern Shore. Last year, the nonprofit organization celebrated 20 years of service to the Kent County area, and in 2025, their pledge to local communities was strengthened with the merging of Rebuilding Together Kent County and Rebuilding Together Queen Anne’s County.
The joining of forces and an equally-shared mission allows Executive Director Genevieve Croker and her dedicated team the opportunity to reach 70,000 residents and provide them with the necessary services for a safe, dry and warm home. These services consist of miscellaneous home repairs largely performed by volunteers for homeowners with financial need.
Utilizing grants from various foundations and federal, state and local governments, as well as generous donations from within the community, Rebuilding Together Eastern Shore is able to make positive and life-changing impacts in the lives of their neighbors. Qualifying homeowners see repairs from roof replacement and electrical panel rewiring to wheelchair ramp installation and bathtub to low-threshold shower conversions. They also benefit from services that assist them in navigating the housing stock.
These may seem like small fixes, but for homeowners, they make a big difference. “Our homes are foundational to our well-being, both physical and mental,” said Croker, who is motivated by the community investment of Kent and Queen Anne’s counties.
The recent merger is expected to amplify the goodwill of the community while generating more funding and resources at the government level–vital for the organization’s sustainability.
Top: With respect for the neighbor’s belongings, Chick-Fil-A employees from up and down the Eastern Seaboard removed anything that couldn’t be salvaged and carefully wrapped and boxed what was going back in the home. In all, they were able to clear unsalvageable items from bedrooms, the kitchen, living and dining rooms, enabling Rebuilding Together’s team to determine what the next repair steps will be for this home. Pictured from L to R: Chick-fil-A Employees, Aimee Baptiste, Kevin Hiden, Maddie Schultz, Cody Davidson, Naomi Byrne, Emily Anspach, Kartwright Asnip, Leighanne Brown, Monal Karkhanis, Eric Barnes, Howard Garner, Keith Nelson, Brandy Hardin, Drew Laird, Shawn Byrne, Clara Rankin (RTES Board), Ernie Miller, and Zack Schmitt (RTES Program Coordinator).
Middle: Volunteers Tonya Wright, Kamie Mech, Matt Schelberg, Dinah Riordan, Kenneth Bergmann and Petra Quinn worked to declutter a neighbor’s home as he was struggling to move safely from room to room. Falls represent millions in medical costs nationwide; Rebuilding Together employs a 25-point Health and Safety checklist in each home they visit to help identify potential hazards.
Bottom: Kent County High School’s Next Generation Scholars, under the guidance from staff of ShoreRivers, install water-wicking plants for a neighbor with ground moisture challenges. Rebuilding Together appreciates the opportunity to partner with other organizations and groups to do more for the neighbors we serve.
A total of 60 repairs were made at 28 households in Kent County while 15 were made to 12 properties in Queen Anne’s County in 2024. Croker noted that many of the homeowners the organization services are seniors with disabilities in need of repairs or modifications for safety and dignity.
“I believe safe housing is a human right,” she said. “Every day I have the privilege of meeting hard-working seniors who are seeking to spend their twilight years in dignity and surrounded by the community they have relied on for years.”
Rebuilding Together is a national organization with 112 affiliations across the country. With the merging of the Kent and Queen Anne’s chapters, there are currently eight active affiliations in Maryland, according to Croker. All of them operate with one mission: Repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives.
Locally, Rebuilding Together began transforming communities in 2004 after Hurricane Isabel wreaked havoc and caused devastating flooding to the Kent County area. The overwhelming need for recovery assistance elicited a large volunteer response and as a result, Rebuilding Together Kent County was born.
In 2011, Queen Anne’s County officially joined the Rebuilding Together family on the heels of its 17-year success under the organization’s original name, Christmas in April. Croker and her team, consisting of three full-time staff members and 14 board members, look forward to continuing serving both communities with the same unwavering commitment and no disruption to operations aimed at ending substandard housing.
I’M INSPIRED BY THE RELATIONSHIPS WE BUILD
“The motivations, life stories and generosity of our community inspires me to keep looking for ways to improve our service delivery, secure more funding and not to give up until no one in Kent or Queen Anne’s counties is living in substandard, unsafe housing,” Croker added.
This April will welcome more opportunities for the community to join Rebuilding Together in their efforts as they celebrate National Rebuilding Month. Neighbors are encouraged to get involved in any way they can – Croker stressed that every contribution, no matter how big or small, supports and advances them in their mission: “You don’t have to swing a hammer.”
Those interested in volunteering can visit their website for more information at rebuildingtogethereasternshore. org/. In conjunction with National Rebuilding Day on Saturday, April 26, the Eastern Shore branch invites its service recipients, volunteers and donors to join them for a commemorative lunch at Centreville Methodist Church. The community can also sign up for their newsletter to stay informed.
As Rebuilding Together Eastern Shore moves forward in this new era, Croker is thankful for the growing support.
“I’m inspired by the relationships we build, both the homeowners who trust us in their personal space, and the volunteers and donors whose support allows us to serve more people.” S
Executive Director Genevieve Croker
Volunteers Bill Flook, Joe Riding and Joanne Boyle work to install an aluminum wheelchair ramp for a local lady with a history of falling. The Lifetime Loaned Aluminum Ramp program was launched with a health disparities grant from the Kent County Health Department and allows Rebuilding Together to provide ramps and then reclaim the parts for a new property when the neighbor no longer needs the ramp.
Custom Home Services tackles all kinds of jobs for Rebuilding Together. Here, owner Alex Zafra Reyes is reconstructing failed joists during a major kitchen repair for three residents living with disabilities. This repair would not have been possible without ARPA funding from the town of Chestertown.
Current Rebuilding Together Program Coordinator, Zack Schmitt, began his engagement with the organization as a volunteer project leader. Here he is building custom steps and handrails to replace a shaky, prefabricated entry unit that the neighbor could not safely use at all.
