One of the first things to consider is the type of outdoor entertainment you want to include in your space. If you’re a movie lover or sports fan, choosing to incorporate an outdoor TV in your design will undoubtedly be a huge hit. We carry the latest in outdoor, all-weather technologies that offer optimized viewing and stunning clarity.
Play the perfect soundtrack
Outdoor speakers are another outdoor living space essential. Outfitting your space with a sound system gives you the ability to enjoy your favorite music or podcasts while you’re outside. Our team will identify the ideal locations for the perfect speakers so that you experience premium quality and full coverage throughout your entertaining space.
Gather around a cozy fire
Incorporating a fire pit into your outdoor space is a strategy we always encourage. Fire pits are not only a great source of heat on cool nights, but they also provide the perfect atmosphere for entertaining guests and can extend the enjoyment of your space well into the shoulder seasons.
Illuminate the night
The right lighting can create the perfect ambiance for entertaining guests or relaxing after a long day. Incorporating lighting into your outdoor living design also makes your space safer and more functional. There are several types of lighting to choose from, and our team helps you make the best choices for your space.
Bring tech outdoors
Last but not least, consider incorporating technology into your outdoor living space. Outdoor tech can include things like WiFi, smart home devices, and even outdoor security cameras. There’s no shortage of options when it comes to incorporating entertainment and technology into your outdoor living space. By considering the types of features you want most, we can create the ultimate outdoor living space for you and your family.
You can feel confident in knowing that Overture offers the latest in whole home technology that provides the best solutions for your needs and surroundings. At Overture, we take great pride in designing and installing the appropriate system for our clients — while exceeding their expectations.
JAMIE MERIDA COLLECTION FOR CHELSEA HOUSE
Front left to right: Chantal Apple, Jeanna Terzano, Lisa Lebow, Kara Hawkins and Mary Rice. Back left to right: Kevin Heselbach, Rick Foster and Lisa Jackson.
H+G
MAY/JUNE 2025
Photo by Robert Radifera
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82 86 94 A BEACON ON BETHANY BEACH A COASTAL URBAN RETREAT DIVING INTO GREAT DESIGNS
A complex, floor-toceiling renovation at this four-level residence capitalized on its stunning ocean views.
96
FAMILY CONNECTIONS
A Rehoboth Beach vacation home borrows contemporary cues from city life while playing up its setting.
A post-and-beam residence on the South River in Annapolis is renovated as the Sullivan family evolves.
For more than a decade, Coastal Pools has combined innovation and integrity to create incredible settings.
48 108
Amazing customer service awaits you at Pohanka CDJR of Salisbury.
Marcia Reed created a destination for artful living at Gallery 37 in Milford.
Frank DePietro’s lifelong love of the arts captures nature in a meditative way.
The world renowned opera star closes a spectacular season in Easton.
A journey of nostalgia, history and discovery awaits at Vintage Books and Fine Art.
Coastal California connects the Golden State’s iconic architecture.
Dr. David Tam of Beebe Healthcare knows how sudden a stroke can occur.
34 28 24 40 36 32 44 48 EXPERIENCE MICHAEL FABIANO PAINTING LIFE’S WAY
LEADING THE CHARGE COMMON GROUND TIME TRAVELS MOMENTS IN TIME SECOND CHANCES FERRYING ITS LEGACY
The nation’s oldest privately operated ferry service continues to power on.
52 SOLD ON COASTAL LIVING
Engel & Völkers is redefining the real estate experience for its clients.
A vibrant and harmonious ecosystem is on full display at Delaware Botanic Gardens.
John and Erica Tilghman and family welcome you to explore Tidal Roots.
News, advice and information from the Shore’s leading healthcare provider.
Meet some of the faces behind the businesses that help set the Shore apart.
Burley Oak Brewing Company continues to taste success.
102 110 72 66 60 56 108 114 COCKTAILS IN BLOOM FIESTA OF FLAVORS FACES OF THE SHORE THE LATEST AT TIDALHEALTH ROOTED IN LOVE BOTANIC BRILLIANCE HANDCRAFTED GOODNESS PARTING SHOT
Florals can make a surprising difference in your cocktail repertoire.
Photographer Jill Jasuta takes you through the fields of discovery. 60
Casita Linda celebrates family and heritage in Ocean Pines.
Jennifer Ciorrocco Wayne Phillips Tina Dorsey Dave Whittington Kevin Decker Troy Doyle Brian Foley
Corey Hoch Brianna Bentz
Katherine Payne
Deeley Chester Megan Foley
Brooks Decker
Megan Salsbury
RICHARD FRITZ, MD
NINA
PAMELA AQUILANI
GRANT L. GURSKY
JILL JASUTA
SVETLANA LEAHY
MARCI RYAN
MEGAN STEELE
RUTH CORRADI BEACH
KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
JOE WILLEY
TERESA PORTA DENA GRAY MEGAN ROSTA
RICHARD RALPH
KEN RYAN
Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
www.twodudesbuilders.com (410) 520-4100
larry@twodudesbuilders.com
Leading The Charge
AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE AND PRE-TARIFF PRICING ARE WAITING FOR YOU AT THE POPULAR POHANKA CDJR OF SALISBURY
Photography by Marci Ryan
It’s no secret—tariff talk has dominated the national and local news outlets in recent weeks. Reports of higher vehicle prices has been a main point of discussion. But there’s one dealer on Delmarva whose huge selection of new and used vehicles were delivered long before the trade wars began—and they have great deals on their in-stock, pre-tariff inventory.
At Pohanka Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram (CDJR) of Salisbury, you’ll find an incredible lineup of some of the most popular and trendsetting vehicles on the market today. They also offer Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Jeep, Ram and Wagoneer service and parts, an up-to-the-minute online inventory and outstanding financing options, making Pohanka CDJR of Salisbury a preferred dealer serving the entire Eastern Shore.
General Manager John Arieta has a passion for helping to get customers into the vehicle of their dreams, regardless of their credit situation. He believes that credit history should not be a barrier to owning a new vehicle. John’s strong finance background is highly valuable to Pohanka CDJR of Salisbury customers, as he utilizes his industry knowledge to maximize monthly manufacturer incentives to provide the best prices available.
Don’t miss Pohanka CDJR at Jeep Week in Ocean City!
Ocean City Jeep Week, May 29-June 1, is an adrenalinefueled celebration of all things Jeep, bringing together Jeep enthusiasts from across the country for four days of actionpacked fun in Ocean City. This annual event combines thrilling off-road experiences, beach cruising and a vibrant Jeep community, making it a must-attend for Jeep lovers of all ages.
Pohanka CDJR of Salisbury is a sponsor of this year’s Ocean City Jeep Week, so be sure to stop by their exhibit space to see what they’ve brought to the celebration!
The new 2025 Jeep Recon EV
The 2025 Jeep Recon EV is an all-electric vehicle that provides powerful off-road performance. The state-of-the-art electric powertrain features a dual-motor configuration that ensures instant torque and exciting acceleration. The battery has a 100 kWh capacity with a driving range of up to 400 miles on a single charge. The Recon EV will also sport the Jeep Trail Rated badge.
The Pohanka CDJR of Salisbury team knows that prospective customers are extremely well educated when researching their next vehicle. That’s why they’ve made it easy to get all the available vehicle information through a comprehensive website—including new and used inventory, professional photography of every vehicle and the latest dealer incentives—so customers can spend less time researching and more time enjoying their purchase.
Pohanka CDJR of Salisbury and the family of Pohanka of Salisbury dealerships cares for its neighbors. The Pohanka Pays It Forward Foundation has donated over $3 million to 750 charitable organizations across the Eastern Shore since 2009.
Now, a new initiative extends value and membership benefits to local residents. It’s called the Pohanka Promise—and extends several important advantages, including complimentary maintenance, EG Repel™ Paint Protector service for 1 year, key replacement for 1 year and nitrogen-filled tires for 1 year with road hazard service. Membership upgrades are also available—and be sure to inquire about Pohanka’s 120-month/100k mile or 6-month/6,000-mile warranties!
To sign up today, simply download the Pohanka Promise app in the Apple or Android App Store and receive exclusive access to deals, news via push notifications and much more! You can also visit PohankaPromise.com to conveniently register today! CS
The Arts Painting Life’s Way
MARCIA REED CREATED A DESTINATION FOR ARTFUL LIVING IN HER MILFORD GALLERY 37
Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Pamela Aquilani
“My gallery is composed of contemporary landscapes, figurative work, and mixed media collage, and it has a different edge to it.”
—MARCIA REED
The plumes of vibrant color that dance across Marcia Reed’s painted pieces are far beyond brushstrokes. They mark artistic choreography, both moody and vibrant, awash with emotion. The content steps outside the convention of seascapes and tidal dunes.
Marcia’s process is grounded in nature, storytelling, and trusting her intuition to convey works that depict wrestling with and navigating life’s challenges.
“Inspiration definitely comes from nature,” she says, relating how she translates shapes and images from the outdoors into abstractexpressionistic works.
“As a painter, for me it is more about the process than the outcome,” continues Marcia, who after retiring from a 35-year career teaching studio art at a New England boarding school opened Gallery 37 on South Walnut Street in Milford, DE.
Marcia says, “I may start with the structure and shapes I see, then the painting leads me in a totally different direction, and I go with it. Whatever happens in one’s personal life, maybe the color will influence a piece or a mood, and it just keeps flowing from there.”
The home she shares with her husband along the Mispillion River dividing Kent and Sussex Counties encourages a flow of ideas. It’s a returning narrative in her paintings, as are the swaths of natural playground along her home, decidedly off the beaten path from bustling tourism.
Her business, Gallery 37, has become a destination for art collectors and curious visitors from across the region and beyond. Marcia’s plant life art and naturescapes are featured along with up to 50 other local and nationally acclaimed artisans, sculptors, fiber artists, ceramists, furniture marquetry craftsmen and jewelry makers.
Marcia opened Gallery 37 in 2012, and its inventory of works has evolved as artists across the country and close to home
& Reunited
Why the number 37 for the gallery?
Just as Marcia Reed’s work is informed by life experience, by steering through change and seasons of time, so is the gallery’s name. And it’s a sweet story. She had a boyfriend—a soulmate—she dated from age 15 to age 23. Thirty-seven years passed by. His living in southern Delaware is what drew her to Milford once they reconnected, and now they’ve been married for 10 years, happily ever after.
find out about her reach. “My gallery is composed of contemporary landscapes, figurative work and mixed media collage, and it has a different edge to it,” she says.
She points to “Garden of Time,” a largescale piece that expresses scenery from her backyard. Speaking about a recent Easton show, “Nature’s Cycle: A Visual Narrative,” Marcia shares how seasonal shifts in the outdoors—“rebirth, the vow of spring, the decay in fall”—and ever-present life resulted in the piece she painted al fresco. “‘Garden of Time’ captures when all of that new growth was happening,” she says.
Her painted pieces are included in Rehoboth Beach’s Gallery 50, and Marcia’s repertoire has earned wide exposure across the East Coast and beyond.
Viewers connect with her work.
“It has a determined motion—I’m attracted to a life force in painting,” says Marcia, who paints every night. “I hope to depict the energy, color, and complex layering like nature itself.” CS
M A R Y L A N D ' S E A S T E R N S H O R E
Moments in Time
FRANK DEPIETRO’S LIFELONG LOVE OF THE ARTS HAS EVOLVED TO CAPTURE NATURE AS STILL-LIFE IN A QUIET, MEDITATIVE WAY
Like many artists, Frank DePietro’s interest in art was piqued during childhood. Collegiately, he focused on honing his skills in painting, drawing, and ceramics at Bloomsburg University near his hometown of Scranton, PA, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in art and a minor in art history. His educational pursuits continued at Moore College of Art and Design in the heart of Philadelphia, where he earned a post-baccalaureate degree in art education.
Over the next decade, the multifaceted artist garnered several accolades for his works, while also teaching at museums, art centers, and schools in the greater Philadelphia area.
In 2010, he relocated with his family and took residence at the world-renowned Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. His immersion into these surroundings quickly became the primary source of inspiration for his painting—and continues to be the subject of much of his work today.
“My work, in many regards, is conceptually very similar to traditional landscape and plein air paintings,” Frank says. “It’s a portrayal of life through the natural world, an attempt to capture time through the changes of light and color at a specific moment. I work from photographs that I take in nature but prefer working in the controlled environment of a studio, where I can spend longer periods with my subject and contemplate its relationship to formal elements of painting.”
His approach to the artistic process results in moments in nature being treated as still-life—intended to “display a quiet, meditative quality” and “contemplate our connection to an ephemeral presence as it relates to the emotional and intellectual bonds we share with it.”
“My overall intention is to capture a moment of existence within the cyclical aspects of life,” Frank says. “Colors blend into one another with paint replicating natural processes of formation and decay, creating permanence as a tangible object.”
Today, Frank resides in Landenberg, PA, where he teaches classes and workshops at Longwood Gardens and the Delaware Art Museum. He is represented by several galleries and exhibits regularly around the country, including in Key West, FL; Dallas, TX; and Hudson, NY. Locally, his work will be the subject of an exhibition at The Zebra Gallery in Easton during May. CS
coastal THE ARTS
EXPERIENCE
MICHAEL FABIANO
THE WORLD RENOWNED TENOR AND METROPOLITAN OPERA SUPERSTAR WILL CONCLUDE A SPECTACULAR SEASON THREE OF GABRIELA MONTERO AT PRAGER PERFORMANCES
NIGHT AT THE OPERA: MICHAEL FABIANO
Saturday, July 5, 7:30 p.m. Prager Family Center for the Arts
Tickets: $150 + fees. MonteroPrager.com
Part of Gabriela Montero at Prager, Season Three, highflying tenor and Metropolitan Opera superstar Michael Fabiano brings an unforgettable night of Italian opera to the Ebenezer to round off a magical season at the Prager Family Center for the Arts in Easton.
Of Fabiano’s debut as Lensky in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin at the Royal Opera, The Sunday Times in London wrote: “I can’t think of a Lensky at Covent Garden who has held the audience so spellbound in 40 years of Onegin-going… a glorious debut.”
Fabiano has performed at many of the world’s leading opera houses; a list that includes: the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Royal Opera, Opera Australia, Teatro Real, Opéra National de Paris, Dutch National Opera, La Scala, ABAOOLBE, Dresden Semperoper, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Wiener Staatsoper, the Glyndebourne Festival, Royal Danish Opera and Houston Grand Opera.
He is the recipient of Australia’s prestigious Helpmann Award in the “Best Male Performance in an Opera” category, for his portrayal of the title role in Gounod’s Faust
with Opera Australia. He is a member of the Metropolitan Opera Guild Artists’ Council and one of the founders of ArtSmart, a non-profit organization whose mission is to transform the lives of youth in under-resourced communities across the US through tuitionfree music lessons and mentorship by paid, professional artists.
Fabiano is also Chief Strategy Officer for Resonance, a social commerce platform that provides creative professionals and organizations with the mechanism to expand their network and offer and find services. CS
Time Travels
TIM BOYLE WELCOMES YOU TO EXPLORE VINTAGE BOOKS AND FINE ART, WHERE HE HOPES A VISIT BECOMES A JOURNEY FILLED WITH NOSTALGIA, HISTORY AND DISCOVERY
Written by Joe Willey
by Jill Jasuta
Vintage Books and Fine Art will liberate you. It is a place to go when you want to travel without taking a vacation, learn without enrolling at a college, and enjoy the arts without visiting a museum. This shop is where you can experience history and escape into a new story. Owner Tim Boyle does not see just books, newspapers, or maps. Instead, he considers each object for what it is, knowing when you pick something up, “you’re holding a time machine in your hands.”
NO PASSPORT NEEDED
A visit to Vintage Books and Fine Art allows you to travel far away, even back in time, just by opening a book. Owner Tim Boyle says when you pick up a book, newspaper, or map, “you’re holding a time machine in your hands.”
Photography
The history, nostalgia, and romance of the Eastern Shore attracted Tim and his family fifteen years ago. Previously living in Pennsylvania, they moved to idyllic Oxford, Maryland, a small town overlooking the mouth of the Tred Avon River. This former colonial port is an apt home for someone passionate about rare and antiquarian books and maps, as well as historical documents. In 2013, Tim opened Vintage Books and Fine Art in Easton, Maryland, a larger, more trafficked town only ten miles from Oxford.
“I intentionally don’t specialize in any particular category,” Tim says wryly. “I want my customers to know they can stop in anytime and find
possibly anything.” The offerings are eclectic. But Tim’s easy charm belies his precise eye for quality. While appreciative of digital media and acknowledging its place, he focuses on the tactile quality of holding a printed copy in your hands. Because the technology used to reproduce books, maps, and prints has changed dramatically over the centuries, each example has unique characteristics associated with its era of creation. It is exciting to think that when you hold a colonial-era newspaper, you hold, see, and feel something that Washington, Adams, and Jefferson would have held. At Vintage, the connection with the past is visceral.
The items on the shelves are significant—a testament to the keen eye of Tim and his staff and what interests his patrons. You can find newspapers from the 18th and 19th centuries reporting history we take for granted, or with iconic illustrations by renowned figures like political cartoonist Thomas Nast. There are maps of local significance, hand-colored and illustrated by notable artists. Currently, Vintage has a beautiful selection of illustrated books by the famed American artist, illustrator, traveler, and writer Rockwell Kent. There are photographs, Russian nesting dolls, woodcut prints, phone books, culinary books, and posters—in whatever format, you will find historical and cultural importance.
Tim calls himself an amateur historian, but his self-effacing humility cannot disguise that Vintage offers rare, high-quality objects chosen with discernment and erudition. Even more specialized is the personal service Tim provides to all customers—browsers who wander in while they are visiting or longstanding customers looking for particular books to add to their collections. The shelves at Vintage Books and Fine Art hold something to capture anyone’s interest and fuel a desire to learn more and see and feel history—not on a screen but in your hands. It is as easy as turning a page. CS
A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING
Vintage Books and Fine Art doesn’t specialize in one category; instead, their offerings are eclectic. Customers with myriad interests can stop by knowing they’ll find something to pick up.
Common Ground
“CALIFORNIA COASTAL” CONNECTS THE GOLDEN STATE’S ICONIC ARCHITECTURE IN A BEAUTIFUL, MOVING TRIBUTE
Written by Kristen Hampshire
From Sea Ranch to San Diego, a thoughtfully curated collection of homes along the California Coast tells the story of intentional design that respects the landscape, the ecosystem and one’s connection to the water. California Coastal (Gibbs Smith, 2025) by Heather Sandy Hebert and Chase Reynolds Ewald is a love letter to placebased, respectful architecture.
The book releases in June and is the creative duo’s third collaborative title.
“We carefully selected projects where awareness of the land and a mission to respect the coast were at the forefront, and where architects embraced what others might see as limitations— championing protections put in place for the land rather than chafing against them,” Heather relates.
Hebert was the marketing director of a large West Coast architectural firm for 25 years while Ewald had been nurturing a writing career.
“We love the land, the coast, and nature and are drawn to creatives who want to preserve the coast,” Heather says of their storytelling along 840 miles of the California Coast, and of their interviewing homeowners, architects, interior designers, and influential creatives who steer meaningful projects.
One of the 17 projects highlighted in Coastal California—that speaks to the way architecture fits into the environment—is aptly titled Prospect + Refuge, located in Big Sur. Heather says, “The home captures views while also being protected from the elements, so there is this concept of embracing the land and building a refuge from it at the same time.”
Chase adds, “It’s interesting to see, throughout the book, how different coastal architects and homeowners approach this dichotomy.”
Following is a snapshot of scenes from Coastal California that sing this anthem.
Sunset Cliffs
Zen at the Beach
This is a story of a cohesive, joy-filled team led by landscape architect Susan Skornicka, architect Michael Mitchell and contractor Peter Gubbins. Their collaborative design process executed deep intentions to connect a home with its natural surroundings. Tucked on a narrow strip of land between the beach and a nearby lagoon, the lot stretches along Marin Couty’s Stinson Beach in a private neighborhood called Seadrift, surrounded by state parks and a mostly secluded coastline. The home captures 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Bolinas Ridge, and Mount Tamalpais State Park.
Journey through the courtyard garden and explore living spaces flanked by decking. With walls of windows, the outdoors naturally enters the home and offers a restorative, sensory infusion. When Chase and Heather arrived on site to interview the owner, a stream of pelicans trailed across the sky as the photographer was shooting. They chose this site for their authors’ page, feeling a connection that “transcends,” Chase says.
Grounded in Place
Obtaining land in Big Sur is rare, and an opportunity to acquire three contiguous parcels owned by The Nature Conservancy is unheard of. But this dream came true for a Bay Area family with a vision to create a space where three generations can gather in harmony with the rugged coastline and redwood forests.
“They bought the plots with an eye toward building one structure and using the landscape to hide it, with the remainder of the land conservation eased,” Chase says, noting the Carmelbased architect involved, Mary Ann Schicketanz and landscape architect, Bernard Trainor.
The home was built into the hillside. An internal courtyard allows for a protected landscape environment while the rest of the property retains its untamed Big Sur integrity.
A Tribute to Atabei
Sunset Cliffs
An elevated property on a coastal bluff offers privacy on the edge of San Diego’s Sunset Cliffs, where an active family of six shares a passion for surfing. They enlisted the help of architect Greg Coleman and builder Rich Gerace of RGB Group Inc.
Coleman told the authors, “From hiking to jiu-jitsu to archery, there’s constant activity, so it had to be constructed in such a way that it would hold up.”
This translates into concrete floors, exposed structural steel beams, hardwood surfaces, and cement tile showers—seemingly cold selections, but which are presented in a warm manner.
The design also affords space for respite, such as on the second-story deck that spans the length of the home’s primary suite.
A Tribute to Atabei
When the authors described the “emotional vignettes” at play at Atabei in the Pacific Palisades, the feeling was unfortunately prescient. The owners share a deep love for one-of-a-kind places like the home they built in the Pacific Palisades, shared in California Coastal and now a beloved archival piece.
Every vantage point of the home designed by Jae Omar captured ocean views.
The Palisades Fire tore through the home, and “there was no saving it,” Heather says. Omar immediately reached out to find out how quickly he could obtain a copy of California Coastal as a keepsake for the family.
Heather and Chase are planning a book tour in July that will include an awareness campaign for the owners and the library that perished.
The couple’s “unbridled enthusiasm for the home,” the book reads, is equally foretelling as the emotional backstory of the design/build. The authors have a gut feeling they’ll go all in once again.
“They were passionate about their designer and their home—they were going to live there forever,” Heather says, calling the home “quite resilient.”
So are the owners.
Says Heather, “This book is what they will have to remember their house by.” CS
Second Chances
THE WARNING SIGNS OF A STROKE CAN BE SWIFT AND DENIABLE. BEEBE HEALTHCARE CEO AND NEUROLOGIST DR. DAVID TAM KNOWS THIS PERSONALLY.
Written by Joe Willey
Photography courtesy Beebe Healthcare
Most people know someone—a friend, family member, or coworker—who has suffered from a stroke. May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and though many know the classic symptoms, not all strokes present the obvious signs. And some happen to the most unlikely people.
Dr. David Tam, Beebe Healthcare CEO and a neurologist, has a more personal experience with strokes. On Friday, March 8, 2024, he woke up tired but excused it as fatigue at the end of a work week and was glad it was Friday. At work, he noticed that he unconsciously omitted a few words from sentences. Then, he could not sign documents on his desk. Still, he tried to keep going. When he walked out of his office, his assistants were alarmed and told him, “You need to go to the emergency room.” He checked into the ER and told the staff he may be having a stroke. He was. Taking quick action meant that his treatment was immediate and his recovery swift. But this was not special treatment. The protocol he received is the same one that every patient presenting with stroke symptoms receives.
Not everyone has the classic symptoms of a stroke—drooping face, weakness in one arm, slurring words—and Dr. Tam did not. Yet, he still had a stroke. Neurologists are acutely aware of stroke symptoms. So why did he ignore his? He is candid in answering. Like many, he pushed the concerns aside. He thought it must be something else. But often, there is something wrong that many deny.
SOUTH COASTAL’S CHOICE FOR QUALITY CARE
Whether you’re soaking up the sun or exploring the coast, the best care is now more accessible than ever before. With convenient locations throughout the region—including an emergency department, a comprehensive cancer center, walk-in care, primary care, lab and imaging—you can relax confidently, knowing expert care is just around the corner.
Scan to learn more!
SALUTE TO SERVICE
As a Navy veteran (retired Captain with 24 years of active duty to his credit), Dr. Tam is especially proud to connect with members of our military. His role as Beebe Healthcare CEO provides him the opportunity to frequently meet and interact with members of our community, including Delaware Congresswoman Sarah McBride, (far right).
Because of the stroke, Dr. Tam has a different perspective on the physician-patient relationship. He could tell a patient what was best for them, but he wasn’t doing a good job of managing himself. Now, he encourages everyone to be selfaware concerning their health. Being mindful of blood pressure, weight, blood sugar and urinary patterns is the first step in caring for yourself and preventing stroke and other serious illnesses.
The sooner a stroke is treated, the better the prognosis. Dr. Tam has worked to make accessibility and speed—especially in lifethreatening or altering conditions like stroke— available to everyone in the area Beebe Healthcare serves. Because stroke victims need care immediately, since 2016 Beebe Healthcare has partnered with Jefferson Health in Philadelphia to provide a telemedicine option.
FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE
Dr. David Tam suffered a stroke in March of 2024. “The quick actions of the Beebe ER team in consultation with Jefferson neurologists prevented and possibly reversed brain damage and saved my life,” he said. “I would never have expected the programs we worked so hard to implement would be the same to personally save me.”
This way, treatment is available at any time. In 2020, the telemedicine option was enhanced by implementing the JET “stroke” robot to ensure the fastest response time and most advanced care.
Being engaged in your health and having a high index of suspicion are things you can do to prevent the lasting effects of stroke. Diligence provides the greatest opportunity for early treatment. Having the right care is paramount to enjoying good health afterward.
Not every stroke presents with the same symptoms, but you can be proactive and attentive to your own needs. The thought of a stroke can bring fear. But understanding how to prevent stroke and knowing when to seek treatment—if the need should arise—can be the best medicine. CS
Ferrying Its Legacy
Photography by Jill Jasuta
WITH THE PURCHASE OF THE OXFORD-
BELLEVUE FERRY, CAPTAIN
JIM ANDREWS
ENSURES THE REMARKABLE HISTORY OF THE NATION’S OLDEST, PRIVATELY OPERATED FERRY SERVICE POWERS ON
Fate has a way of connecting people in just the right moments even it if takes a little extra time. Captains Tom and Judy Bixler have navigated the waters of the Tred Avon River for the past 23 years as owner-operators of Talbot, the historic Oxford-Bellevue Ferry—the oldest privately owned ferry service in the United States. As those who work on the water can attest, its demanding and uncompromising job requirements take their toll—and the Bixlers had spent the two previous years searching for the ideal candidate to continue the ferry’s remarkable 342year legacy.
A local newspaper article published about the couple last May made its way to Galveston, TX to Captain Jim Andrews—mailed by his former Coast Guard shipmate Terry Carpenter Jr.
and his wife, Wendy, who live on Kent Island. Jim, a maritime enthusiast who has worked on the water his entire life, wrote a letter to the Bixlers expressing his interest in their business. When he didn’t receive any correspondence in return, admittedly disappointed but undeterred, he called Tom and Judy to introduce himself.
“On the call, I really got an impression of how amazing Tom and Judy are and how incredible this opportunity would be,” Jim recalls. “We just kept talking through the summer and fall, and finally closed the deal late this March, right before the new season started.”
In a twist of fate and “a reminder to stay humble,” Jim says, the letter he sent was returned by the post office as undeliverable because he mailed it to the Oxford Ferry Landing, which does not receive mail delivery.
“I still have that letter, unopened, as a memento of this acquisition,” he says.
For nearly two centuries, Oxford-Bellevue Ferry was nothing more than a scow or barge that could carry horse-drawn carts, cattle, cargo and passengers across the Tred Avon River, according to the Oxford Museum. It was rowed by enslaved or free men, sailed when the wind was right or pushed across the river by small steam-or-gas-powered boats. The ferry began operating with steam power in 1886. Since 1836, the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry has operated seven days a week in season from MaySeptember, and in April and October, when it runs on the weekends only.
Today, the Talbot, in operation since 1980, can hold nine standard vehicles and a collection of motorcycles, bicycles and passengers for the three-quarter-mile trip that takes approximately 10 minutes. Last year, the ferry carried nearly 8,500 vehicles and nearly 32,000 people. Jim’s Galvestonbased company, JettyLight, a marine operationsmanagement consultancy, will run the OxfordBellevue Ferry. He and his wife, Liz, plan to split their time between Oxford and Galveston.
“I really appreciate the warm welcome we’ve received in Talbot County and on the Eastern Shore in general,” Jim says. “This is an incredible community, and I feel blessed to be a part of it.”
Tickets to the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry can be purchased online at OxfordFerry.com. Jim advises that the best deals are on those made more than 24 hours in advance. CS
AWARD-WINNING TEAM
Front left to right: Chantal Apple, Jeanna Terzano, Lisa Lebow, Kara Hawkins and Mary Rice.
Back left to right: Kevin Heselbach, Rick Foster and Lisa Jackson.
Portrait by Dana Marie Photography
REAL ESTATE INFLUENCERS
Sold On Coastal Living
ENGEL & VÖLKERS IS REDEFINING THE REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE FOR ITS CLIENTS FROM MILAN TO THE MID-ATLANTIC TO THE EASTERN SHORE
Written by Kristen Hampshire
Eastern Shore-minded and rooted in the region with VIP access to pros in Milan, Seattle, Park City, Miami and beyond, Engel & Völkers’ distinct real estate model offers clients the reach they expect—both close to home and afar.
Rick Foster, Esq., is the managing broker and licensed partner for the firm’s Annapolis, Washington, D.C., Ocean City, and now Richmond locations, which he refers to as shops. It’s a nod to the idea of building, fine-tuning and delivering a product people demand. The shops are hubs for realty specialists the firm calls advisors because their role extends beyond scouting for listings, booking showings and closing deals.
“We are big on culture, and we love to get the right people that fit our vibe,” Foster says.
The firm is invested in people, not properties.
And they’re getting noticed on a national stage. When Engel & Völkers hosted its annual EVX conference last year, the Annapolis office earned the firm’s highest accolade: the Engel & Völkers Cup. The recognition has nothing to do with revenue or profit margins.
“It’s all about how we use the brand, how we leverage the network, and how consistent we are in our results and our client reviews,” Foster says. “It was a shared victory for all of our shops and it’s completely about culture, which is what makes me proud to be a part of the Engel & Völkers brand.”
HUBS NEAR HOME AND AFAR
With shops in Annapolis, Ocean City, Washington, D.C., and now Richmond, Engel & Völkers offers clients extraordinary reach.
ANNAPOLIS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
OCEAN CITY
RICHMOND
Everyone, All In Nurturing a culture of knowledge, support and understanding is a major pivot from transactional, fast-lane organizations, and a point of pride for Foster and his team.
“We layer on a lot of leadership and support,” Foster says. “We know real estate is a 24/7 business, and we structure our support accordingly. I want our advisors to know they will always have someone to reach out to for insight or to help solve a problem.”
They share a common concern: the client.
“We tend to go deeper and really make sure we’re understanding what our clients want,” Foster says. “And we support our advisors with the same sense of urgency that they express with their clients.”
Foster is quick to add, “We go as fast or as slow as our clients desire.”
This goes back to delivering concierge service. “It’s about being sensitive toward your clients’ needs,” Foster explains, noting how this philosophy extends to communication preferences, contract delivery, and how real estate searches are pursued in the first place.
For these reasons, Foster says, “The type of advisor our firm attracts has those built-in characteristics of empathy, sensitivity and integrity.”
Foster points to an internal support team member who manages the firm’s Zillow business. “She runs that team and was a teacher—and still is,” he says. “Part of being a teacher involves providing learning opportunities and support. She’s a natural.”
“We know real estate is a 24/7 business, and we structure our support accordingly. I want our advisors to know they will always have someone to reach out to for insight or to help solve a problem.”
— RICK FOSTER, ESQ.
RICK FOSTER, ESQ.
A DISTINGUISHED DIFFERENCE
The Engel & Völkers story is steeped in iconic heritage that drives its resolve to change the way consumers experience the properties, neighborhoods and the overall process of buying and selling a home.
The same goes for each of the firm’s staff members and its expanding network of advisors, Foster relates. Each brings an area of expertise to the table that broadens the team’s knowledge and capacity to do more for clients.
Foster and the team welcome suggestions. He set up an anonymous feedback Google form for advisors and team members. “I’m constantly reviewing those,” he says.
Much of the feedback consists of kudos recognizing team members in local shops. Then Foster will inquire, “Which location?” This way, he can celebrate the team and give credit where it’s due.
And as the “boots on the ground” for Engel & Völkers on the Eastern Shore, Foster says the corporation encourages local license holders to call the shots that
will benefit their communities. He says, “If someone in our firm or an advisor has a great idea, I can implement that in a couple of weeks rather than years.”
Scaling Opportunity
Thoughtful growth will continue the local Engel & Völkers shops’ capacity to help clients. “We are at a point in our growth where now is an opportunity to say, ‘How do we do better? How do the systems we built work on a larger scale?’”
Foster is planning for more, strategic expansion—and perhaps another Engel & Völkers Cup—as the organization continues offering a home where advisors can plug into resources and opportunities. He says, “Everyone here is there to help and share.” CS
Botantic Brilliance
A VIBRANT AND HARMONIOUS ECOSYSTEM IS ON FULL DISPLAY AT DELAWARE BOTANIC GARDENS
As May fades into June, the Piet Oudolf Meadow at Delaware Botanic Gardens transforms into a vibrant showcase of floral beauty. It offers visitors immersive experiences and illustrates our team’s ongoing commitment to maintaining natural meadows, edge gardens, and woodland trails. This approach builds on Piet’s concept of naturalistic meadows, embracing native plants and thoughtful cultivars to create a harmonious ecosystem brimming with color, texture, and life—a sanctuary not only for plants but also for the pollinators and wildlife that thrive here.
RESIDENT EXPERT
Contributor Stephen Pryce Lea is the Deputy Executive Director of Horticulture at the Delaware Botanic Gardens in Dagsboro.
Story and Photography by Stephen Pryce Lea
Native Elegance: A Haven for Wildlife
Our meadows showcase the splendor of native plants in action, from the graceful (Pale Pink Coneflower) Echinacea pallida ‘Hula Dancer,’ its pale pink petals and chocolate-colored cones beckoning pollinators, to the vivid orange hues of (Orange Milkweed) Asclepias tuberosa bursting forth as a feast for monarchs and bees alike. Among these stars, the delicate blooms of (Dwarf Bee Balm) Monarda bradburiana and (Downy Phlox) Phlox pilosa ‘Lavender Cloud’ entice visitors with their subtle beauty while nurturing our local ecosystems.
Asclepias speciosa, the Showy Milkweed and Amsonia hubrichtii add soft touches of texture and blue tones to this living tapestry. Meanwhile, Callirhoe involucrata (Winecup flower) spills across the garden floor in waves of wine-red color, as the bold (White Wand Beardtongue) Penstemon tubaeflorus stands tall and elegant, offering its tubular flowers to hummingbirds and bees.
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coastal PEOPLE + PLACES
Bringing Ornamental Flourishes to Native Serenity
Complementing these natives, ornamental selections lend bursts of contrasting beauty. Eryngium x zabelii ‘Big Blue’ dazzles with metallic hues, while the charming Stachys monieri varieties ‘Hummelo’ and ‘Rosea’ soften pathways with their plush, pastel blooms. The striking architectural spikes of Kniphofia ‘Sunningdale Yellow,’ a sunny Red-Hot Poker, punctuate the meadows with vibrant, eye-catching forms.
In June, Achillea filipendulina ‘Coronation Gold’ adds golden splendor alongside the fluttering white petals of (Gaura) Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’—creating a perfect embodiment of movement and grace. Ornamental hybrids bring variety to the naturalistic design while working seamlessly alongside natives to create a balanced visual palette.
Gardens Full of Life
Delaware Botanic Gardens’ approach is more than visual—it is deeply ecological. Every bloom is a thread in the fabric of a vibrant habitat that supports bees, butterflies, birds, and all life. Plants like (Joe Pye Weed) Eupatorium and Senna marilandica foster connection between species, offering food and refuge while highlighting natural beauty. The garden invites you to pause and appreciate this symbiosis, a reminder of nature’s ingenuity and resilience.
We believe in the power of plants to connect people with the world around them. As the meadows come to life in late April through June, we welcome you to witness this floral spectacle— an awe-inspiring display where art and ecology intertwine. CS
Intentional is a word that is central to John and Erica Tilghman’s mission to create a vibrant gathering space where people come together to nurture their love for plants, home and well-being.
That place is Tidal Roots, located on Route 50 in Hebron, MD, where the couple reinvented, rebranded and significantly expanded growing capacity at the former Bennett Farms.
Tidal Roots is a destination garden center and so much more.
“We cultivate more than gardens—we cultivate an experience,” Erica says. The mission is to offer a welcoming space where gardeners of all levels, home enthusiasts, and wellness seekers can explore exceptional plants, thoughtfully curated housewares, gourmet groceries and wellness-focused products.
It’s a happy place, or “third space,” she explains.
“You have home, work and a third space where you can go to find joy and spend your time,” she relates.
“Wellness and comfort are personal for us,” Erica shares, relating a back story involving her husband’s health challenges that shifted his lifestyle trajectory. “He has always been a big plant enthusiast and hobbyist—he had his own gardens and liked to harvest his own food and make preserves and hot sauce.”
Rooted in Love
Written by Kristen Hampshire
JOHN & ERICA TILGHMAN AND FAMILY OPEN TIDAL ROOTS— AN ENERGETIC, WELCOMING SPACE FOR THE COMMUNITY
Photography by Jill Jasuta and Marci Ryan
“I’m excited for people to feel the energy that has been poured into this—the energy of joy, comfort and hospitality that we have tried to implement in all areas, with the décor, colors, textures, customer service and layout.” Erica says.
Fresh harvest is a central “ingredient” of life. So is a nurturing nature.
“We find joy in doing what we love, especially for our guests. We are thoughtful about choosing plants and elevated kitchen, home and outdoor goods that feel at home on the Eastern Shore we know and love,” Erica says.
John is following in his family’s entrepreneurial footsteps, as a son of Elizabeth and Dr. Michael Tilghman whose award-winning orthodontics practice operates in Salisbury and Berlin. His two siblings are pursuing dental degrees, but John is following his own path. “We saw this as an opportunity to establish another family business in our region,” says Erica, who left her teaching career to help build the garden center from the ground up.
The couple envisions Tidal Roots as a legacy business rooted, literally and figuratively, in the Eastern Shore.
Meanwhile, they’re supporting other local entrepreneurs, craftspeople and purveyors by offering products that convey their values and a space that will attract people looking for a “happy place.”
On the eve of Tidal Roots’ soft opening, Erica said, “I’m excited for people to feel the energy that has been poured into this—the energy of joy, comfort and hospitality that we have tried to implement in all areas, with the décor, colors, textures, customer service and layout.”
coastal PEOPLE + PLACES
Café Connection at the Core
A fast-casual café is the heart of Tidal Roots. “When John and I would go to other garden centers, we could spend the whole day,” Erica says. “We’d get to lunchtime and feel weary but we didn’t want to leave. This is what inspired a café—offering coffee, beverages and small plates—to keep people here enjoying their shopping and enhance the experience. This idea turned into light fare and bites to foster a sense of community.”
Renowned and celebrated Chef Jordan Lloyd steers the four-star rated Bartlett Pear Inn and with his wife, Alice, operates Hambleton House Events and Catering. “We’ve been partnering to connect with local vendors, and he helped us program the café menu,” Erica says.
Wholesome Wares
The gourmet grocery section of Tidal Roots is chock-full of local, organic products and niche items. “It’s tried and true to us, too,” Erica says. “We are supporting vendors we believe in and whose products we use.”
Tidal Roots is accessible and welcoming with not an ounce of highbrow feeling. It’s completely the opposite. Erica, an educator, is excited about having Tidal Roots be a place to gather and learn.
“We are serious about growing, learning and creating an immersive and reliably wonderful experience,” Erica says.
If you know nothing about plants but love to be surrounded by them, this is your place. If you’re a botanical curator, this is your place. If you simply need a break—this is really your place.
The couple quips, “We give nature all the credit.” CS
Filling a critical gap
TidalHealth helps kids grow, learn and thrive
TidalHealth has expanded its commitment to pediatric care with the introduction of TidalHealth Pediatric Development & Therapy, a state-of-the-art interdisciplinary therapy practice located in Millsboro, DE.
The new location specializes in helping children build essential life skills through therapeutic services designed for those with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing challenges, ADHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental and language impairments.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is now available. This evidence-based, one-on-one teaching method focuses on reinforcing desired behaviors while building communication, social, and daily living skills in children ages 2 to 12 with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Through ABA therapy, the team focuses on providing individualized therapy for each client. This means targeted goals are selected after an assessment is completed and family priorities are discussed.
“Being in a clinic setting surrounded by experts from other fields allows us to collaborate and treat the whole child,” said Alexis Laws, M.S., BCBA, LBA. “We are able to work together as a team and bring in different perspectives to make the biggest impact.”
Occupational and speech therapy services are coming soon, rounding out the clinic’s holistic approach to child development.
Occupational therapy will help children improve fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care routines, and play-based learning.
Speech therapy will support children with speech, language, communication, and feeding challenges, using individualized treatment plans to encourage expressive and receptive language development.
“We are so passionate about what we do and how we work with each other as professionals in a truly integrated way to strengthen each child’s therapy program,” said Gillian Sharp, M.S., OTR/L. “There is a huge need in this area for a sensory clinic and outpatient services in general. We are so excited to be bringing this to the area and really looking forward to children growing in our amazing space.”
TidalHealth Pediatric Development & Therapy is designed with purposeful play and an engaging environment to help children feel comfortable and confident as they learn and grow.
Families can begin the care journey with a physician referral or by self-referring through an easy online form. The clinic also assists with insurance verification and preauthorization to simplify access to care.
"We understand how challenging it is to be a parent, particularly a parent of a child with developmental differences, so we do everything that we can on our end to make the enrollment process easy for our families,” Sharp said. “We will communicate with your primary care provider, specialists, and insurance companies so that you don’t have to. We are committed to care for you well, from the very beginning of your therapy journey, and all the way through to the happy day of your child graduating from services.”
TidalHealth Pediatric Development & Therapy is located at 30265 Commerce Drive, Suite 204, Millsboro, DE 19966. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call 443-978-6020 or visit tidalhealth.org/development.
Five things you should know about autism
By Alexis Laws, MS, BCBA, LBA
TidalHealth
Pediatric Development & Therapy
Autism Spectrum Disorder encompasses a wide variety of difficulties. While children with autism may have some challenges to overcome, they also have plenty of similarities to children without autism.
Children who have autism may have trouble communicating and being social with others and may engage in repetitive behaviors. Children are often diagnosed around age 2, though it can be as early as 18 months. Pediatricians check regularly that children are meeting appropriate milestones; if a child is not, this is one indication they may have autism.
TidalHealth Pediatric Development & Therapy has recently opened in Millsboro, and I provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children ages 2 to 12. In ABA, a board-certified behavior analyst works with the child utilizing positive reinforcement to teach behavior, for example, responding to their name, toileting, communicating their needs and more.
I’ve spent more than 10 years working in the field of ABA, and I have connected with many parents to hear their perspectives on what other parents and caregivers
should understand about autism. Here are the Top 5 takeaways:
1. Trust your instincts. When bringing up concerns about signs of autism in your child, others may dismiss you. But you know your child best — be a strong advocate for them.
2. Autism is a spectrum. There is not one “look” to autism, and there is a wide spectrum to the disorder, with three levels of severity.
3. Embrace your child. One of the moms I talked to said: “Your relationship may not look like your relationship with your parents, or how you envisioned your relationship with your child looking, but that doesn’t mean it’s less valuable.” Embrace the relationship you have with your child.
4. Build a network. While an autism diagnosis can feel earth-shattering and isolating, there is plenty of support available in our region. Your network could include a support group and/or friends who understand, love and encourage your child.
5. Your child has feelings. Even if they can’t always express their emotions, your child is still human, wants connections and wants to be loved. Just because a child is playing alone, for example, doesn’t mean they only want to be alone — they may not have the skills to play with others yet. Just like any other child, your child will also want friendships and loving connections.
If your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and could benefit from ABA therapy, schedule an appointment at TidalHealth Pediatric Development & Therapy, located at 30265 Commerce Dr., Suite 204, in Millsboro. To do so, call 443-978-6020 or visit tidalhealth.org/development.
Alexis Laws, MS, BCBA, LBA TidalHealth Pediatric Development & Therapy
Dealing with orthopedic injuries?
TidalHealth Orthopedics can get you back in the game
It’s frustrating when an injury keeps you from doing what you love. Andrew Curley, MD, who cares for patients at TidalHealth Orthopedics in Seaford and Millsboro, DE, is here to help you get back out there.
Dr. Curley says there are two major types of sports injuries — acute and chronic. Acute injuries come on suddenly during activity, such as hearing a “pop” in your knee during a sports activity. Chronic injuries can’t quite be traced back to one incident and oftentimes occur over a period of weeks to months.
For acute injuries, with an injury to a joint and the inability to return to playing your sport, Dr. Curley recommends seeing a medical professional soon after the incident. Not every acute injury needs surgery, but it’s best to have it evaluated as soon as possible.
Chronic injuries can also be bothersome to athletes and these injuries should also be evaluated by a medical professional if the injury fails to improve with a period of rest and rehabilitation. There are various types of chronic injuries, and continuing to exercise with some of them could cause problems. So, it’s important to see a doctor who can come up with a plan of action, he says.
Dr. Curley says certain types of chronic injuries can be comprehensively treated with physical therapy. TidalHealth Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is in the same building as TidalHealth Orthopedics in Seaford.
Orthopedics
Dr. Curley says it’s important to make decisions with the doctor, therapist or provider you’re working with. He wants to work together with his patients to achieve their goals, whether they are a high-level athlete or just looking to stay active to live a healthy lifestyle.
“It’s important to tailor your treatment to your goals,” he says.
Need relief from sports injuries?
TidalHealth Orthopedics has convenient locations at 100 Rawlins Drive in Seaford and 30265 Commerce Drive in Millsboro. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Curley, call 302-990-3280 or visit tidalhealth.org.
Andrew Curley, MD TidalHealth
Get Well Delmarva is your ultimate destination for reliable and trusted health information related to your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Get Well Delmarva features articles, videos and podcasts, giving you the tools you need to make informed decisions about your health.
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Don’t let BPH take a seat at the table
At TidalHealth Urology, we are proud to offer HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate), a cutting-edge procedure designed to provide lasting relief from the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Led by Dr. Batstone, a skilled urologist specializing in this innovative approach, we are committed to offering patients effective, minimally invasive treatment for prostate enlargement.
If you’re struggling with BPH symptoms, don’t wait — schedule a consultation to find out if HoLEP is right for you. Visit tidalhealth.org/holep today!
Griffith Batstone, MD
Faces of the Shore
Meet some of the faces behind the businesses that help set the Eastern Shore apart.
The Faces of Design Inspiration, Selection and Consultation Delmarva Design Center
FIVE AREAS OF EXPERTISE, A COMBINED 70-plus years of kitchen and bath experience and an expansive 9,600-square-foot showroom with 25 kitchen displays provide an all-encompassing selections experience at Delmarva Design Center in Selbyville.
“It’s a must-see,” says manager Bill Gorsuch, relating that the design center is a culmination of cabinetry, appliances, countertops, tile, flooring and consultation under one roof. In addition, the state-of-the-art facility includes a warehouse impressively stocked with over 300 slabs of quartz and natural stone so guests can choose surfaces directly on site.
The Delmarva Design Center team knows the range of options can be overwhelming. So, with specialists in each department, clients get expert advice throughout the kitchen and bath selection process, along with learning about traditional and on-trend design features to update existing spaces or for new construction projects.
“Our kitchen displays are designed by professionals and each showcases appliances, backsplashes, unique countertops and cabinets with different finishes and door styles and configurations,” Gorsuch says.
The center was intentionally designed to
guide guests through the process, inspire creativity and show exactly how products function in more than two dozen example kitchen spaces.
“At Delmarva Design Center, we are happy to collaborate with your designer, builder or remodeling contractor. Or, if you need one, we can refer you to one of our reputable partners to assist you on your project,” Gorsuch says.
The center is a destination location and a single stop for all things kitchen and bath where “great designs begin with great inspiration.”
The Delmarva Design Center team
Photo by Dana Marie Photography
The Face of Personalized, Concierge Medicine
IMAGINE HAVING AN ALTERNATIVE TO traditional, insurance-based healthcare, where you pay an annual membership fee and get the personalized healthcare you need, whenever you need it. Envision a doctor-patient relationship that prioritizes your needs, your concerns and your care first—and is more affordable than you may think.
This type of concierge practice not only exists—it’s located close to home at Jonathan C. Patrowicz, D.O. Family Medicine in Salisbury. For more than 20 years, Dr. Patrowicz has placed the
care and well-being of his patients at the forefront of his approach to medicine. When the bureaucratic mandates of insurance companies ultimately interfered with his ability to spend quality time with patients, he broke free from the regulatory slog and established a concierge practice that embraced longer appointments, direct physician access, and a level of personal attention tailored to each of his patient’s needs and lifestyle.
“I am able to take time and truly listen to my patients. A smaller patient panel allows for better communication and a quality
partnership to develop,” he says. “The relationships I am able to develop with patients are the most rewarding aspect of my concierge practice.”
Patients enjoy access to Dr. Patrowicz 24 hours a day, seven days a week—and he and his team spend as much time as necessary attending to patients’ acute, chronic or urgent care needs.
“Healthcare is very personal. Patients want a collaborative relationship with their doctor and my goal is to provide that for them,” he says. “A relationship with a doctor who truly knows you makes all the difference.”
Dr. Jonathan C. Patrowicz
Dr. Jonathan C. Patrowicz
Photo by Marci Ryan
IN THE HEART OF THE EASTERN SHORE, Montgomery Financial isn’t just another investment firm—it’s a team of dedicated professionals guiding people toward a more confident, meaningful financial future.
Founded by Jeff Montgomery, the firm is known for a rare relationship-first approach that blends personalized strategy with genuine care. “We’re not here to sell products,” Jeff says. “We’re here to be a lifelong financial partner— one you can rely on through every stage of life.”
As an SEC Registered independent investment firm, Montgomery Financial operates under the Fiduciary Standard, meaning they are
legally and ethically bound to act in their clients’ best interests. Their advice is always objective, transparent and tailored to each individual’s unique goals.
What sets them apart is their comprehensive wealth guidance. The team partners with top investment managers and integrates investment management with retirement income, tax strategy, estate planning and insurance needs to create one cohesive, customized financial plan. Their deep expertise and innovative tools deliver clarity and results.
Education and empowerment are at the core of their client experience. Through coaching,
strategy meetings and ongoing access to resources, clients are supported and informed.
The firm’s signature Inspiration Process reflects its commitment to purpose-driven planning. “It’s not just about building wealth—it’s about building a life,” Jeff shares. “Our clients’ dreams and values are what drive the plan.”
With a warm, approachable team, a 24-hour response policy and a reputation for treating clients like family, Montgomery Financial is redefining what it means to feel secure about your future. For those seeking a trusted partner—Montgomery Financial may just be the perfect fit.
The Montgomery Financial team
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
The Faces of Roofing and Siding Excellence
FOR TOM AND TOMIE KAY MORSE, roofing isn’t just a business—it’s a calling built on faith, family and honesty. What started as a small, family-run company has grown into a trusted name across Sussex County, helping thousands of homeowners improve the safety, beauty and value of their homes.
As a veteran-and-family-owned company, Morse Roofing & Siding is known for transparent pricing, top-quality materials and craftsmanship that’s done right the first time. Their team of 17 skilled professionals specializes in roof and siding installations,
repairs, storm restoration and insurance claim assistance—with a deep commitment to customer care.
Integrity is more than a promise—it’s a culture shared across the entire company. Every project is guided by a moral code of ethics focused on quality, service and value. Homeowners receive honest opinions and estimates delivered within 48 hours—so they can make informed decisions without delay.
Since opening in 2017, the company has expanded into Southern Kent County and Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore, earning nearly 50 awards. Among them, Tomie
Kay was recently honored as one of just fi ve finalists for the 2024 Female Roofing Professional of the Year by Beacon Building Products.
“Recognition is wonderful, but we’re driven by service,” she says. “When we take care of people, they recommend us to their family and friends—and that’s the best kind of honor.”
At Morse Roofing & Siding, it’s not just about roofs. It’s about relationships, trust and building something that truly lasts.
Tomie Kay and Tom Morse
Roofing & Siding
Photo by Marci Ryan
The Faces of Comprehensive Insurance Solutions
Property & Casualty Services
THE EASTERN SHORE’S COASTAL REGION is a special place to live and work—and its insurance needs are vast and complex. Safeguarding one’s business, property and assets on the Eastern Shore requires knowledge, dedication and skill. For more than 25 years, the local team of insurance analysts and support staff at NFP has specialized in providing expert guidance and professionalism to its clients in the areas of condominium associations, hotels, restaurants and retail establishments.
In addition to commercial risks, they also handle homeowners, automobile, boat,
condominium unit (HO-6) and other personal insurance needs, such as life, health and flood insurance. Locally, its 14 team members service the territory of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. As a whole, NFP services clients globally across the United States, Canada and Europe.
“We are thorough, collaborative and caring, working together as one team to provide a best-in-class experience throughout the entire insurance process,” says Tricia A. Walsh, CISR, NFP Senior Client Executive. “Our combination of knowledge and diversity of experience enables our team to provide a full spectrum of
solutions that bring true value in today’s rapidly changing marketplace.”
Providing insurance knowledge with a personal touch has been a hallmark of NFP’s superior service to its clients. Many of its account managers not only know their clients’ businesses, but they are friends of the community as well. That connection cannot be overstated—and it provides an added layer of trust and accountability to the relationship.
“Our top priority is ensuring clients feel confident and informed about their coverage,” Walsh says. “We want to give our clients peace of mind—not just a policy.”
Members of the NFP team at their Ocean Pines location.
Photo by Dana Marie Photography
The Faces of Vigilant and Innovative Financial Planning Allegiant Private Wealth
CHRISTINE M. SELZER, CFP HAS EXPERIENCED every market cycle in her 25 years as a wealth management expert. From the tech boom and bust in 2000 to September 11, the financial crisis of 2008 to Covid‚ as examples, she knows firsthand to remain patient and vigilant during times of market volatility.
“We believe in the market. A long-term financial plan will prevail if you invest in great companies—and that is exactly what we do,” says Christine. “We love our work because we see our clients through every stage of life. We are steadfast in our commitment to their longterm goals.”
And today, she and her talented team are more energized than ever to produce the best results possible for their clients. That’s because as of this past April, they joined Ameriprise Financial to create Allegiant Private Wealth— an independent Certified Financial Planning practice bound to always put their clients’ best interests first as a Fiduciary. With over 90 years of combined financial experience, Allegiant Private Wealth provides dedicated, trustworthy, white glove service to its clients through an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“We do business the old-fashioned way— face-to-face and through a good, long-term
financial plan,” says Christine. “But we also innovate through artificial intelligence and opportunity. It’s a great combination. We provide the perfect partnership for locals and for people who’ve recently relocated to our area.”
To her credit, Christine has been recognized by Forbes as one of the “Best in State Wealth Management Advisors” in Maryland—an honor few women have accomplished in their career.
“Our firm has the capacity to handle your family needs,” says Christine. “We want to see our clients through their lifetime—and we are here to stay, right by their sides.”
Front: Brian Selzer, Kendall Holmes and Christine Selzer. Back: Brody Grove and Melanie Konoski.
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
The Faces of Insurance Longevity and Integrity
AS IT CELEBRATES ITS LANDMARK 125TH anniversary, The Insurance Market has been serving the various needs of its clients for generations—literally. Since 1900, the company has supported residents across the Eastern Shore through its diverse range of personal and commercial coverage options and helped them navigate the ever-changing insurance landscape.
The agency’s 38 highly skilled specialists collectively hold 46 professional designations and are licensed in 26 states. Along with this broad geographic reach and versatility, the agency boasts 497 years of combined
industry experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to deliver outstanding service and solutions.
Client risk is analyzed on a deeper level at The Insurance Market. Its trademarked Armor 360° evaluation process focuses on risk identification first and risk-management solutions second. The result provides clients with a comprehensive report, with benefits including time and financial savings, lower long-term risk and improved company safety.
“Our approach sets us apart. We allocate a significant portion of our profits toward resources that enhance our clients’ risk
profiles,” says Stephen Hartstein, a principal of the company who directs the Milford office.
“As a result, their premiums decrease, and while this means we earn less, it is an intentional and fundamental aspect of our business model. In contrast, many brokers prioritize retaining their profits rather than reinvesting in their clients, often leading to rising premiums and increased revenue for themselves. We take pride in working harder for less because it delivers long-term value to our clients—a principle that has sustained our success for 125 years.” CS
Andy Hartstein, Jim Hartstein and Stephen Hartstein
The Face of the Shore’s Premier Cabinetry Showroom That Design Studio
STEVE SIMPSON IS A VISIONARY.
The founder and owner of That Design Studio (TDS) in Rehoboth Beach has an uncanny ability to envision beautiful living spaces before a project even begins. He is an industry veteran who possesses more than 25 years of home remodeling experience, specializing in conceptualizing spaces that accomplish his clients’ goals for aesthetics, purpose and overall enjoyment. He understands how form, function, color and cabinet style combine to create stunning kitchens, baths, offices and additional spaces throughout a home.
At TDS’ new, state-of-the-art showroom,
their hallmark three-step design process begins with discovery and inspiration. Answers to key questions and the discussion of the client’s goals help them determine the scope of the project and formulate an estimate. Once accepted, designers visit the project site to begin step two, then create detailed, 3D design for review and refinement. This also includes the selection phase where clients choose their cabinetry brand, accompanying door styles, countertops, hardware and more. TDS also works directly with the region’s finest architects, homebuilders/remodelers and interior designers.
TDS is one of the premier destinations for custom and semi-custom cabinetry on the Eastern Shore. Proudly off ering the latest innovative styles and options from Fabuwood, Legacy Crafted Cabinets, Bridgewood Cabinetry, Stosa and WoodMode, Steve ensures that his clients have every cabinetry possibility at their fingertips. It’s another example of how TDS delivers exceptional service and quality in everything they do.
Whether your project is new construction, a renovation or a fresh upgrade with new cabinetry, That Design Studio is your trusted source for inspiration, quality and satisfaction.
Steve Simpson
Photo by Pamela Aquilani
Faces of the Shore 2025
The Face of Justice for Those in Need
IF YOU’RE IN NEED OF A PERSONAL injury law firm, attorney Benjamin Schwartz welcomes you to contact his firm, Schwartz and Schwartz, Attorneys at Law, P.A. With 50 years of experience and five regional offices in three states, including Salisbury and Dover, Schwartz and Schwartz attorneys have the skill and the talent to tip the scales of justice in your favor.
The Schwartz and Schwartz team specializes in the areas of personal injury, medical malpractice, dog bites and workers’ compensation. Its core principles are to make sure its clients are healed and to see them get value for their personal injury claim.
Ben advises his clients, depending on the case, to be patient and to have an open mind during what can be a stressful, painful and uncertain time. He also advises them
Faces of the Shore 2025
Schwartz & Schwartz, Attorneys at Law, P.A. Hydrate Health & Wellness
to trust the process and allow him and his team to fight for the very best outcome possible.
“We will fight against insurance companies, which try to deny and delay justice for deserving people who have been injured through no fault of their own,” Benjamin says. “We’ve defended cases in all Delaware and Maryland courts and throughout the northeast region. We have established relationships in the justice system, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find any legal professionals with this much courtroom experience.”
With the goal of becoming the best law firm in the Delaware-Maryland region, Schwartz and Schwartz’s expert team stands at the ready with the ability to help those that are in need.
The Face of On-Demand Infusion Therapy
HYDRATE HEALTH
&
WELLNESS
IS AN on-demand, concierge intravenous (IV) therapy service that delivers infusion therapy treatments to replenish essential fluids, vitamins and minerals directly to one’s body for maximum absorption. Based in Easton, Hydrate’s specialized team of registered nurses provides IV vitamin and hydration treatments directly to clients across the Eastern Shore wherever it’s needed—at home, a hotel, the office or an event—on their time. Recovery, rejuvenation and optimal performance is their collective focus.
“Delivering these fluids intravenously allows the nutrients to surge the body and nourish itself at the cellular level,” says Hydrate Nurse Coordinator Hannah Fountain BSN, RN. “Our IV therapies can improve the symptoms of dehydration, hangovers, illness, migraines and pain. IV therapies can also improve specific health goals, such as detox,
weight loss, anti-aging, beauty aesthetics and athletic performance.”
The Hydrate team, comprised of diverse and experienced nursing professionals, including specialized training and bilingual capabilities, serves as a trusted, local resource providing a comprehensive range of services created specifically for the needs of each client. From recovery after a night out to ongoing wellness journeys, clients enjoy a comfortable experience that addresses any concerns or fears patients may have.
“We place great emphasis on patient education, ensuring that our clients are thoroughly informed about the treatment options available to them,” says Hannah. “Whether it’s to replenish your hydration levels, restore your vitamin and nutrient balance or refresh your cosmetic appearance—we will leave you feeling recovered and at your optimal level.”
Benjamin Schwartz
Hannah Fountain, BSN, RN
A BEACON ON Bethany Beach
A COMPLEX, FLOOR-TO-CEILING RENOVATION AT THIS FOUR-LEVEL RESIDENCE CAPITALIZED ON OCEAN VIEWS
Written by Kristen Hampshire
Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
HOME + GARDEN coastal
Home design was a lot different in the early 1990s, marked by features like “angles everywhere and small windows, lots of columns,” and notorious hunter green granite—even inside many coastal properties like this Bethany Beach site with ocean views for days and dunescape surroundings.
Stephanie Gamble experienced the evidence firsthand.
The previous design of this prime real estate didn’t take advantage of its location. There were vista obstructions stealing views all over the place.
“It’s almost like the house was built to ignore the beach,” quips Gamble, principal of her eponymous firm based in Baltimore. “You were left scratching your head, wondering, ‘Why?’”
This question ultimately guided the transformation of the 9,000-square-foot Bethany Beach residence, a multi-year undertaking in partnership with Dewson Construction.
When Gamble’s client happened upon the property for sale, they realized that a total reconfiguration would be essential to create a second home for gathering with friends and extended family. “The whole team looked at it as an opportunity,” she says of the lot, the home’s shell, and its potential.
“The client gave us a lot of creative license and there was a lot of trust,” Gamble says, emphasizing reasons why this extensive renovation—a gut and reimagine project—was executed seamlessly despite zoning and homeowners’ association restrictions.
The renovation was a passion project for all. “It was a dream,” says Gamble—and a 180-degree pivot from the team’s initial impression of the interior spaces and décor.
Gut Job
In a word, Gamble describes the previous interior as “heavy.”
The choppy floor plan was deconstructed, and the process began with a gut job, which always uncovers infrastructural surprises.
“We reworked an entire side of the house to remove angles and open up space, and we put in headers to lose the columns that were everywhere on the main level,” Gamble relates.
TRADING SPACES
To make the floor plan just right, Stephanie Gamble and team reassigned some square footage from one area or another to provide more real estate for functional living.
All told, the home has four levels, five bedrooms, four full and two half baths, and can sleep a couple dozen guests, thanks to custom bunk rooms with ample space for multiple queen and twin beds plus storage. The master is on the third floor and bunks are on level four. An elevator and redesigned staircase—the original was an enclosed stairwell—offer two ways to access bedrooms.
The tear-out ensued—then the project got shut down by the HOA. The rule is, no construction inside or out from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and no exceptions.
“We lost the appeal,” Gamble says, and the project came to a screeching halt. The team had just discovered the old windows were allowing water to seep into the walls, causing wood damage that needed to be addressed.
All windows and doors were replaced, but not until after Labor Day. The windows were
on backorder during pandemic construction, so the crew ensured the home was secured to withstand wind and rain—and they waited.
This allowed time for thoughtful space planning, Gamble points out.
A considerable amount of trading spaces and borrowing square footage from one area or another occurred during the process. For example, a guest bedroom included a roomy walk-in closet that was reassigned to the master ensuite to enlarge the bathroom.
The main-level powder room was exceedingly large with an unnecessary 7-foot vanity. Here again, walls came down and space was borrowed to provide more real estate for functional living.
A renewed aesthetic throughout the home achieved the client’s desire for “familyfriendly, understated luxury for guests,” Gamble says. No fuss, all class. “They didn’t want to run over to the table with a coaster if someone set down a drink.”
Easy, Breezy Living
Cabinetry throughout the home by Lyndon Heath offers flexibility for creative storage, and Gamble exercised her design prowess by expanding a too-small island to about 11 feet by 6 feet. She added a buffet piece to its end for serving and integrated a hutch area that connects seamlessly with the dining room.
Countertops in Calacatta Cremo marble extend into a backsplash behind the Wolf/ Sub-Zero range, complete with a custom plaster hood. A slim “mantel” allows for conveniently storing spices and cooking oils.
White oak is worked into spaces throughout the home, introducing warmth and capturing dune tones.
Coastal comfort carries into the living room, with floor-to-ceiling window views. Gamble specified furnishings from Gregorius Pineo and Holly Hunt. A neutral paint program in primary living spaces is mostly Benjamin Moore Vanilla Milkshake with walls in the family room awash in Calm.
The clients punctuated walls with artwork from their collection. A piece by Olivo Barbieri called “Adriatic Sea Dancing People 9” is displayed in the great room.
Light fixtures throughout the home deliver a sense of grandeur that 10-foot ceilings allow. A woven chandelier by Palecek hangs over the Community Manufacturing dining room table. In the foyer, a fixture by Oly Studio reminds Gamble of berries. “The unique shape fits the space,” she says, also pointing out a solid wood chair by Sublime Original.
“The project showcases thoughtful design and high-end craftsmanship.”
— Stephanie Gamble
Cozy Quarters
How many beds can you sneak into a bunk room? Spacious top-floor rooms with characteristic dormer angles made way for designing quarters to suit a crowd. And in both rooms, the walls do speak.
In one room, whimsical Juliet Travers wallcovering in a pattern called Free Fall adds playful sophistication. Beds naturally tuck into dormer spaces.
The second bunk room with shiplap walls in Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray lends a cozy, calm feeling. A row of three twin beds, each with an integrated nightstand, allows for rest and recharging. “We put electrical outlets on top of each end table for a lamp or electronics,” Gamble says.
This room also features a full-size bed that doubles as a roomy window seat and a queen bed, still leaving plenty of floor space. Gamble proudly speaks about the whole-house transformation, which included a fully equipped entertainment room and thoughtful spots throughout the home to take in views. During a two-day photo shoot, there were still spaces left uncaptured. Overall, she says, “The project showcases thoughtful design and high-end craftsmanship.” CS
A Coastal-Urban Retreat
A REHOBOTH BEACH VACATION HOME BORROWS CONTEMPORARY CUES FROM CITY LIFE WHILE
PLAYING UP TO ITS BREEZY COASTAL SETTING
Written by Kristen Hampshire
Photography by Robert Radifera Styling by Charlotte Safavi
Beachy texture and seas of blue meet crisp lines and sophisticated finishes—touches that are elevated but not overly serious. This Rehoboth Beach home is equal parts urban loft and coastal contemporary, open for entertaining and located on a treelined street a short walk from the ocean.
To be sure, the aesthetic in this getaway is a departure from the owners’ historic Dupont Circle home in Washington D.C.
“One of our priorities was to do something completely different—to have a complete polar opposite experience from our D.C. space, something light, airy and modern,” says Dominick Cerminaro.
He and Jeremias Alvarez enlisted in Jamie Merida Interiors to navigate the design waters.
The property was a tear down/rebuild by Lewes-based Garrison Homes with RJH Architects of Malvern, Pennsylvania. The couple reeled in Merida and lead designer Leigh Mayhew before even entering the stud phase.
“It was early enough for us to really take our time in the co-creation process,” Alvarez says, relating how concurrent construction and interior design planning made way for a cohesive finish.
There’s an interplay between natural light flooding into floor-to-ceiling windows and the warmth of woven pieces. Every selection was highly intentional and driven by an end goal to establish a place that felt like “their own” and that others could embrace as home, too.
“Driving into Rehoboth, all of a sudden you feel relaxed—you exhale, and the environment puts you in a different mindset,” Alvarez says, noting frequent entertaining. So, design decisions also factored in weekend guests, open space for gathering, indoor-outdoor access and privacy with an ensuite for every bedroom.
“They wanted a lighter, brighter version of a townhouse that is open and designed for easy entertaining,” relates Merida, whose furnishings appoint rooms throughout the house.
Textural Expressions
With a grand entry in mind, 10-foot ceilings earn texture from Phillip Jeffries wallcovering while a deep-blue woven Parsons table is juxtaposed by geometric wood garden stools by Currey & Company. “The yin-yang of cool coastal is warmed by the raffia,” Merida points out.
Wall sculptures fashioned from laser-cut metal are bendable and can be “posed,” Merida explains of The Phillips Collection pieces that appear to float along the wall like sea anemones. Ample headroom throughout the home affords space for dramatic lighting sourced from Visual Comfort.
“The wide hallway and three windows surrounding the front door make a statement when you walk into the house, while the wallpaper makes it feel cozy,” Alvarez relates.
YIN-YANG
A cool blue color palette and bright natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows are balanced by the warm texture of neutral, woven pieces.
“Sandbar Horizon” 30X60
Light, Bright & Just Right
An ombré rug selection in shades of gray and blue informed the living room’s colorway—a space that “feels like Palm Springs,” Merida says, calling out a Hollywood Regency-style fireplace inset he designed using glazed tiles.
Walls and coffered ceilings are awash in Sherwin-Williams White Dove, with square trim detail and a contrasting ring-shaped fixture in matte black with bronze. “Darker light fixtures with metals dress up the space,” Mayhew says.
The same approach blends coastal and contemporary in the adjacent kitchen, where mostly white surfaces are offset by cerulean lower cabinetry. The island features classic furniture legs, introducing tradition while woven-backed chair stools reintroduce texture.
Alvarez says, “There is texturing throughout, from wallpaper and furnishings to lighting.”
Lighting was also a focus—both inviting in natural light and including calm, moodsetting fixtures with dimmers. “For us, lighting is important,” Alvarez says. “It’s also important to utilize the lighting fixtures as art themselves as statement pieces, so we invested strategically there.”
Alvarez points to a lamp mimicking scalloped shells. Bathrooms include sconces to “make it more elevated without being uncomfortable,” he says. “The fans in the bedrooms are wide and nautical.”
As for inviting the outdoors into the home, the couple can slide open the entire back of the home, which opens to an artistically appointed adult playground with a spaplunge pool and plenty of lounge space.
MAKING A STATEMENT
Personality abounds in the details of this Rehoboth house, from wallpaper to furnishings to light fixtures.
There’s a lush linear feel and inspired elements like the sculpture of a diver sourced from The Phillips Collection.
A Warm Front
Found spaces within the home reveal views and offer opportunities to curate areas like an upstairs landing, which contains a simple office with room to spare. A Chelsea House console by Merida with his Shelbourne garden seats and a mirror by Regina Andrew tie into the lower level’s basketweave look.
“When we work the raffia with color pieces, ceramics and case goods, the basketweave takes it to a different level,” Merida remarks.
Mayhew adds, “It warms everything up all over.”
Of their “quintessential respite spot,” Alvarez says, “It feels like home.” CS
EXPERT PERSPECTIVES
Diving into Great Designs
COASTAL POOLS COMBINES INNOVATION AND INTEGRITY TO CREATE INCREDIBLE SETTINGS
Over the past 12 years, Coastal Pools has created nearly 2,500 luxurious outdoor living spaces to beautifully enhance the lives of its clients. Their customer-centric approach to each project prioritizes client needs through excellent communication and problem solving. Coastal Pools combines quality craftsmanship, innovation and integrity into a model of success that has the company in demand from the mountains of Western Maryland to the beaches of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Their team of 50 dedicated and talented employees strives to design and build the ultimate backyard escape that brings the dreams of homeowners to a breathtaking reality.
Photography courtesy Coastal Pools
Collectively, they come from a uniquely diverse range of backgrounds—from hospitality and IT to architecture, public utilities, disaster relief, and of course, pools. This wide array of experience allows Coastal Pools to approach every project with a well-rounded perspective. Their combined skill sets don’t just ensure a high-quality technical build—they also help to create a smooth, enjoyable experience from start to finish for clients.
Centrally located in Grasonville and Queenstown, MD, Coastal Pools is a one-stop, award-winning resource for everything pools, patios, hardscapes, outdoor structures and kitchens. They employ the latest outdoor living trends, technologies and solutions on each project, and to that end, their stunning, real-life 3D designs show clients what their new spaces will look like before ground is even broken.
In completing approximately 100 projects every year, one can imagine that the Coastal Pools team has seen it all. They expertly share their wisdom with clients, from rising trends to potential pitfalls, to best shape each design.
“From a trend perspective, we are seeing darker pool finishes and more elaborate outdoor areas, which are expanding from a pool and spa to outdoor kitchens, fire pit areas and different custom features like fire and water features, tanning ledges and infinity edges,” says Coastal Pools’ founder and VP of Business Development Brad Hull. “Beautiful natural stone patios, such as travertine and marble, have become very popular.”
“The biggest piece of advice I give is to take the time up front to really think through how you want to use the space—not just how it will look,” Brad shares. “Think about who is using the pool and how they intend to use it. Are you envisioning a spot for entertaining? A peaceful retreat? A fun zone for the kids? These details help guide everything from layout to features to finishes.” CS
Family Connection
Written by Kristen Hampshire |
Photography by Peak Visuals
REFINED DESIGN
Interior designer Deanna Gurri shares that the Sullivan’s home is very approachable following its renovation.
“The reason the home is so special is it really reads, ‘lived in,’” she says. “It’s beautiful and yet so touchable— casually elegant.”
WA POST-AND-BEAM RESIDENCE IN ANNAPOLIS IS RENOVATED AS THE SULLIVANS EVOLVE
hen a house speaks to you, no matter the surface-level impracticalities, you listen to your gut.
“It was a feeling,” says Kerrie Sullivan of entering their post-and-beam Annapolis home on a wedge of property overlooking the South River. A jetty serves the Chesapeake tributary cove shared by seven neighbors, protecting a special spot with a swell of memories.
The Sullivans’ girls were age three, five, and seven when they moved into what was then a three-bedroom home— two bedrooms upstairs and one in the basement. A third room on the upper level functioned as a hangout space.
Kerrie rewinds to the days of Pottery Barn bunks for the girls, sleepovers with friends sacking out in the loft, and lots of play and laughter. Glancing at an original floor plan rendering, most would say, “That’s just not going to work for a family of five.”
The floor plan did completely work— until it didn’t. The Sullivans’ renovation story spanned years and all kinds of growth. Much like living in a space before choosing artwork, they took a wait-and-see approach to renovations. The family lived in the moment, and when they grew out of a stage, they called on interior designer Deanna Gurri for an edit.
Kerrie calls it “needs-based building.”
“It was more reactive, like, ‘We are in this mode now and this is hard. How can this be easier?’” Kerrie relates. “Every time we built something different, it completely changed our lives.”
When Deanna joined Taylor Hart Design, the evolution of the home continued with the recent main floor reno that transformed how the Sullivan family enjoys time together. And it’s decidedly “them.”
“The reason the home is so special is it really reads, ‘lived in,’” Deanna says. “It’s beautiful and yet so touchable—casually elegant.”
Taylor Hart Design’s principal Laurie Hart says, “We maintained the integrity of the house. It’s about staying true to architectural integrity, not just going in and putting in the latest Instagram trend. We are very mindful about making sure the design represents the home, enhances it, and doesn’t take you down a path that isn’t you.”
Everyone, to the Kitchen
The previous Pullman kitchen and distinct dining, living and cooking spaces fostered separation rather than gathering. “Every square inch of the space had to be manipulated in some way,” Deanna says.
For starters, a beam deemed not structurally sound was removed. Also, the construction team at Cumberstone Builders led by Brice Colhoun dropped the tongue-and-groove ceiling to make way for recessed lighting.
Hiding utilities in a post-and-beam structure is no easy feat. “The ceiling takes up some of the beam dimension but not enough to notice when you’re in the kitchen space,” Deanna says. They traded outdated spotlights that ran hot with seamless fixtures by Visual Comfort and open-oval, candelabra-style pendants.
Hickory flooring throughout was refinished by Elite Hardwood Flooring. The walnut island intentionally plays off the chocolate-brown knots in the southern yellow pine beams and knots of a similar hue in the flooring. “It’s very harmonious,” Deanna says of the visual connection.
Custom cabinets by Heister House offer tailored storage with thoughtful hardware selection. “We have brass hardware throughout the house, and we didn’t want to abandon that,” Deanna says of the natural unlacquered cabinet pulls and knobs. Warm, polished nickel plumbing fixtures add interest and connect with the appliances.
Made-to-order Carrara 6-by-6-inch backsplash tiles were printed in a pattern called Artisan Mill Hammerstone by Californiabased Stone Impressions. The countertops appear to be soapstone—but look again.
Black diamond leathered quartzite, a natural stone, lends a highly texturized look. The same material backs the range.
Meanwhile, a range hood by Stanisci Design forms a dramatic swoop of 24 to 42 inches, top to base. The curvature ushers in light from adjacent flanking windows and allows the beam design to shine, while still serving as a kitchen focal point. “We wanted it to be more delicate at the top because anything too rectilinear would compete with the lines of the tongue-and-groove,” Deanna explains.
Now, the kitchen integrates seamlessly with a dining area, where the Sullivans’ existing table and reupholstered seating by Lee Industries offer a welcome space for brunch, a family favorite.
The Greater Outdoors
Picture the “before” underneath beams that buttress a cantilevered upstairs deck from the adjoining kitchen. It was prone to puddling but remedied somewhat by #4 crushed stone and some pavers. Weeds encroached and the grilling area was pretty bleak. “It felt very disconnected from the home,” Kerrie says.
This prime waterfront covered space was by no means a desirable hangout area.
The dual efforts of Taylor Hart Design and Davidsonville-based landscape design-build firm Wilsonscapes, operated by its principal Ron Wilson, resulted in a reinvented outdoor living space, permeable paver undercover patio, pool surround, and plantings.
Weathered beams juxtapose clean white columns in a groove style that borrows from interior finishes. Now fully furnished with gathering spaces, a TV and lounge space, the lower outdoor area is next level.
“It’s a whole other room of our house now,” Kerrie says. CS
New arrivals in fashion, home accents, & gi s!
BOUTIQUE
F+D
CELEBRATE SPRING
Floral flavors like lavender, hibiscus and elderflower can help create the perfect spring sip. Mixologist Sean Norris incorporates them into three cocktail recipes to celebrate the season of blooms.
Cocktails
in Bloom
FLORALS CAN MAKE A SURPRISING AND GAME-CHANGING DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COCKTAIL REPERTOIRE. EMBRACE THE SEASON AND THE EXPERIENCE BY FOLLOWING SEAN NORRIS’ EXPERT ADVICE.
Photography by Heartbeat Branding Co.
Even at my age, I get giddy with anticipation for the new life that spring breathes into me. New things to do, places to go, people to see. The late, great Robin Williams said it best: “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’”
In that spirit, I’m grateful to be a mixologist. The change of season opens a new catalog of flavors, ingredients and produce to use in my recipes. One of the first signals of the season is the abundance of floral scents from fresh blossoms. These profiles are so impactful when skillfully balanced in a cocktail.
Don’t overlook how abundant fresh local ingredients are! Here in Sussex County, DE, we have over 1,000 farms. Fortunately, this means tons of options and not far to go. I recently zeroed in on local farmer Cait Spieker Gee who runs Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor. Her lavender and other florals are highly prized and used in many industries. For our purposes, lavender will be the high note in a fantastic margarita recipe.
First, understand the role that floral aroma and taste play in a cocktail. Flowers like lavender, hibiscus or elderflower can transform a drink, adding delicate, fragrant notes that elevate the sensory experience. A lavender-infused simple syrup adds a subtle, calming sweetness, while hibiscus lends a tart, vibrant bloom. But be warned: These are powerful ingredients, so use them in moderation. You’ll notice how small the measures of floral ingredients are in my recipes. By balancing these aromas with complementary spirits, acids and sweeteners, we ensure the cocktail sings. The key takeaway: No one likes a drink that tastes like grandma’s potpourri. If you experiment, start small and scale from there.
Maria Margarita
Ingredients:
2 oz Ana Maria Rosa tequila
½ oz Combier orange liqueur
¾ oz lime
½ oz lavender simple syrup
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin. Add ice and shake for 10-12 seconds. Strain into a chilled rocks glass over ice. Garnish with fresh lavender sprigs or dried sprigs. Note: If you use dried lavender sprigs, use a bit less—dried florals tend to be more potent! I love the gentle aroma of this cocktail. This brand of Rosa tequila is a blend of Blanco tequila with .5% Mexican cabernet, which lends it a beautiful pink hue.
TIP
It’s frustrating when you can’t find that bottle you need for your recipe. The solution? Ask! Reach out to your local liquor store and request what you are looking for. Reputable operators are happy to provide their customers with the options they want!
Saumur Tonic
For those who prefer drier cocktails, I created a killer variation on a classic gin & tonic. Instead of gin, we will use another agave-based spirit called Mezcal (think tequila’s smoky cousin). This spirit puts off subtle floral aromas including jasmine, violet and honeysuckle. We’ll complement it with an ingredient we bartenders adore: elderflower, known as “bartender’s ketchup” because it works with almost everything. Again, moderation is key!
Ingredients:
1½ oz Banhez Mezcal
½ oz Combier Sureau (Elderflower)
¼ oz Combier Kümmel
Fever Tree tonic (topper)
Instructions:
Combine the Mezcal, Elderflower and Kümmel in a tin. Add ice and shake for 10-12 seconds. Strain into a highball glass over ice. Top with tonic and garnish with a lemon twist. Kümmel is a beautifully complex liqueur incorporating cumin, caraway and fennel, which add pleasant spice and herbal notes to the cocktail. The elderflower rounds this out, while the Banhez Mezcal brings smokiness and minerality.
It’s Always Sunny
Finally, another original inspired by a classic cocktail, the Aviation. Once again, we’re forgoing gin in favor of a great alternative—Pisco, a pure grape brandy from Peru and Chile (we’re using the Chilean version). What I love about this spirit is how its bold floral and fruity profile never gets lost when combined with other ingredients.
Ingredients:
2 oz Control Pisco
½ oz Roi René Rouge
¼ oz Combier Rose
½ oz lemon juice
1 tsp agave nectar
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a tin. Add ice and shake for 10-12 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a dehydrated orange.
This recipe is what we call “crushable”—be careful because it goes down smoothly! The René Rouge is a rich cherry liqueur that adds body and depth. A touch of Combier Rose brings the Pisco’s floral notes into focus. And the agave nectar curbs the acid of the lemon juice. Like I said, smooth.
What if the flowers you love to use in beverages aren’t always available locally? This is where we benefit from using liqueurs. Combier is a fantastic French producer, operating since 1834. You’ll find a wide variety of options such as the Elderflower, Kümmel and Rose.
Why not look up local farms or gardens in your area to source ingredients? Producers will be excited to share the fruits of their labor—and you’ll support them in the process. Cheers! CS
CHARCUTERIE
Handcrafted Goodness
BRYAN
BRUSHMILLER’S
BURLEY OAK BREWING COMPANY CONTINUES TO TASTE SUCCESS
Interview and Photo by Dana Marie Photography
For 15-plus years, Burley Oak Brewing Company in Berlin has created some of the region’s—and the world’s—most popular beers. That’s not an exaggeration. Founder and owner Bryan Brushmiller and his talented team’s thirst-quenching creations can be found in 12 different countries, from the United Kingdom to Japan and beyond. Here in the States, Burley Oak is distributed from Maine to Florida and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. That doesn’t mean, however, that they’re done inventing.
When you’re known for doing something really well, it can be hard to break the mold of public perception when you venture in a new direction— but Burley Oak has certainly impressed patrons and critics alike with its new collection of fruited and flavored vodkas.
“We have a lot of people who enjoy our beers,” Bryan says. “But we also know there are people who prefer something different. We wanted to accommodate them as well. We’re tastemakers and we like being creative. It’s really special to make something new that people love that also builds upon our brand.”
Their small-batch vodkas are a huge hit—be sure to try the super versatile Espresso Vodka and All Natural Fruited Vodkas, coming in at 40% ABV. Another new addition is their canned craft cocktails, which provide easy-drinking, enjoyable flavors of Vodka Lemon Tea, Wildberry Lemonade and Boardwalk Lemonade, all low in sugar, coming in at 5% ABV. Consider these as elevated cocktails in a can.
If you haven’t been to Burley Oak in a while, you’re probably unaware that they have a large, second bar, The Cellar, dedicated to handcrafted cocktails where customers are invited to experiment with flavors.
“It was crazy to have a cantaloupe vodka cocktail come out of that bar recently,” Bryan says. “It tastes like summer and it was so much fun to create. Overall, it’s a great customer experience.”
It’s also time to acquaint yourself with Burley Oak’s full-bar experience (beer, wines, cocktails, mocktails), food, live music, beer garden, events, workshops, local art—and of course, much more on the horizon. CS
Fiesta of Flavors
Written by Ruth Corradi Beach
Photography by Marci Ryan
PINES OFFERS AN IMMERSIVE MEXICAN CAFE EXPERIENCE
The welcome, easygoing feeling that customers enjoy at Casita Linda is absolutely intentional. The food, the coffee, and the décor in this Ocean Pines Mexican café (whose name translates to “Linda’s guest house”) are all modeled on the owner’s experiences growing up in the Mexican state of Guanajuato. “Our concept is ‘a day in a Mexican household,’” explains owner Linda Barragán. “You go into the house,
there’s fruit, tortillas, coffee, sweetbreads— you’re going to see all these items on the table. It’s very much centered around the kitchen. Everything is homemade,” just as it is at Casita Linda.
“I grew up in what we call a paleteria, [a shop that sells] fruit pops, fermented yogurt, horchata, very dairy-based,” she continues. “My dad opened one up. I always wanted to do it here.” Casita Linda has a coffee shop feel, with walls that were both textured and painted
in bright, cheerful colors by Linda’s father, Javier.
Authentic Fare
Casita Linda serves breakfast, lunch, and a variety of coffee and cacao drinks. The breakfast tortas are an excellent showcase for the handmade bread, which is toasted and topped with an heirloom pinto bean spread, queso chihuahua, avocado, the egg style of your choice, and served with salsa on the side.
CASITA LINDA IN OCEAN
MADE WITH LOVE, FROM MEMORY
Casita Linda creates fresh, scratch-baked Mexican goods every morning— without the benefit of recipe cards. Their family recipes rotate each day and their loyal following eagerly looks forward to what the next morning brings.
Don’t miss Rosa’s salsa, which is Linda’s mother Rosa’s recipe. Rosa helped create the menu, and she and Javier help their daughter and son-in-law, Stephen Kolarik, in the café.
A great number of the breakfast and lunch options at Casita Linda are corn tortilla-based, which Linda notes is a hallmark of Mexican home cooking. The blue corn that comprises these tortillas is nixtamalized, a traditional method involving soaking the corn to enhance its health benefits. The lunch chilaquiles verdes feature these blue corn tortillas, chopped, flash fried, and drizzled with salsa verde. Order it with nopales (cactus), chorizo, carnitas, or another protein option. (This dish is also served with avocado-topped pinto beans, avocado slices, and queso fresco.)
Don’t leave Casita Linda before you try the horchata, a sweet Mexican drink. That recipe, like Rosa’s salsa, is a Barragán classic. “It’s a family recipe, a central Mexican version, that’s been in my life since I was little. It’s an item you’d find in Mexico in the paleteria. My dad, grandma, and uncle—they’re the ones who taught me to make horchata,” Linda explains.
Family Affair
Linda and her husband have lived in Worcester County, where Stephen was born and raised, for 20 years. Before that, they lived in Mexico for a time. Stephen is “100 percent always ready to step in and help,” says Linda, who notes that her husband’s experience managing a family member’s boardwalk restaurant, as well as his skill at fixing machinery, has been priceless.
“We’re food oriented and family oriented, and that’s the experience we want to create,” Linda says. “We always wanted our interior to represent a home, as intimate as you can get. Every action, every conversation—we try to make it meaningful. Because it means a lot to us.” CS
Hidden Wonders
On our first visit to the Delaware Botanic Gardens just outside of Dagsboro, my husband and I were treated to a visual feast of color, shape, and texture. As we wandered the 37 acres of gardens, meadows and woodland trails, my senses buzzed with excitement. I had just started experimenting with a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, and the gardens offered not just beautiful sweeping landscapes, but also an astonishingly intricate world hidden in plain sight.
In the half-acre Rhyne Garden, a collection of native ninebark shrubs—a plant I had never encountered before—had me entranced. The rich, dark foliage created a dramatic backdrop to the clusters of pink buds ready to open. Then, a flash of bright spring green caught my eye: a caterpillar, perfectly curled, was enjoying its own garden feast. I later learned these shrubs are a food source for several moth species—just one example of the garden’s subtle, thriving ecosystems revealed through a closer look. CS
