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Hello, good people, I hope you are having a summer full of fun in Crisfield and wherever else your travels take you. This August the Greater Crisfield Action Coalition (GCAC) ‘Good News’ Newsletter highlights a number of projects and activities that are making or will help make Crisfield a place residents and visitors alike can enjoy even more than we already do. Here’s what’s ‘good’ in the Crisfield news: CHAMBER GIVES HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER PROJECT A STRONG VOTE OF SUPPORT: I am happy to report there has been another leap of progress regarding the Hotel & Conference Center project proposed by project manager and developer Peck Miller. On Thursday, August 1st, the Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted 13-0 to endorse the project after hearing an hour presentation by Mr. Miller. Three people abstained including one who said he needed more information. The Chamber will now write a letter of endorsement to send to City officials acknowledging their stand on the project. President Buddy Ward put the project on the Chamber’s agenda for consideration and scheduled Mr. Miller to make a presentation. After listening to a detailed presentation and having many questions answered for a clear understanding of the project, former Chamber President Bill Buttrill made the motion to endorse the project. I asked Bill what prompted him to make the motion, and he said, “The mission of the Chamber is to promote businesses throughout the Crisfield area. We feel that the revitalization project as presented by Peck Miller on Thursday embodies the spirit of promoting our local businesses. We as a Chamber want to go on record as being in favor of any project that will enhance the business atmosphere in the City of Crisfield. To that end, we have voted to endorse the Hotel & Conference Center project and Mr. Miller’s vision for revitalizing Crisfield.” Former Mayor Kim Lawson also voted in favor and weighed in on the endorsement saying, “I think anything that offers improvement for Crisfield, especially something of the scope that this project entails, ought to be looked at in terms of its benefits to the City.” Peck Miller expressed his appreciation for the endorsement, saying, “We are moving forward, and I am optimistic, hopeful, and thankful for the Chamber’s support.” In my opinion, the Chamber endorsement is a BIG DEAL. It’s rare for the Chamber to take a position to endorse, perhaps because opportunities like this are rare. After all, this is a $30,000,000 project with a potential ripple effect of at least $50,000,000. The last time Crisfield had a major revitalization opportunity of this size or greater was in 2006, and that one got swept away. Perhaps it wasn’t the right project, the right time, or the right people. But this is a new opportunity to build the ‘New Crisfield’, and many agree with me that it couldn’t come at a better time. So, I take my hat off to the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce for taking a strong stand in favor of moving things forward, and I look forward to seeing what happens next! CRISFIELD’S FIRST ART GALLERY DOWNTOWN:
Previously, the Somerset County Arts Council was located at 26430 Burton Avenue north of Crisfield’s downtown with limited space for exhibits. With their new location, they are already seeing many more visitors than they ever did before. Interestingly, the move was made possible by investment from local businessman Jay Tawes who recently purchased the property and made renovations based on the Arts Council’s needs. I particularly love the floors, which are a polished concrete design giving light and gloss to the overall appearance. What an asset the Art Gallery is to downtown Crisfield as we continue to improve as a tourist destination. Thank you, Somerset County Arts Council. And thank you, Jay Tawes.  GOLF CART RENTALS COMING TO DOWNTOWN: A new golf cart business will be located downtown across from the planned Hotel & Conference Center’sproposed location in Crisfield.Plans are to open sometime in the coming year. The company currently has golf cart rentals in other neighboring towns and has completed settlement on the purchase of their new location in Crisfield. Besides rentals, they will also sell new and used golf carts.This will be Crisfield’s first primary golf cart business, and it will lend itself to what our growing tourist population wants and needs. Golf carts are being seen more and more in Crisfield following legislation passed last year that permits golf carts on all City streets. I will provide more details about this business when it comes closer to its opening date. It will provide another boost to tourism in Crisfield! CRISFIELD CREAMERY IS A HIT:  The new Crisfield Creamery, which had its ribbon cutting in April, has proven to be a real hit in Crisfield. It is located next to Bubby’s Restaurant near the waterfront and is owned by Dan and Mary Nelson. I challenge you to find another ice cream shop that is as quaint and charming as this one is with its 50s décor in red and white with black and white floor tiles. They serve many varieties of Hershey’s premium ice cream, including my personal favorite:  Turtle Sundae, a combination of butter pecan flavored ice cream, pecans, and chocolate syrup with reduced fat and no sugar added for a 150-calorie treat. That’s if you can stick with a half cup serving! Last weekend when I was there, I saw families, a grandmother with her granddaughter, couples, and locals I knew. With its generous seating area, it makes a great place to meet up with friends and talk while enjoying an ice cream cone, sundae, shake, or banana split. It’s part of summer fun, a treat for the kids, and a real plus for Crisfield. NEW $5,000,000 BIKE TRAIL CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY: Construction is now beginning on the 5.6-mile Bike Trail set to run from Crisfield to Marion. Beginning near the Brew Thru in Crisfield and ending just south of the turnoff to Route 667 in Marion, each end of the Bike Trail will have a parking lot with lighting, a bike rack, trash receptacles, and benches. This week the contractor began to stake out the trail and establish sight lines. Next, they will begin clearing the area. All trees will be stumped for the entire length of the trail and later ground up. They will keep some existing trees as well as make significant landscaping improvements all along the trail. It should make a nice entry into Crisfield as people drive into town and again when they are leaving. The planners of the Bike Trail, including Donnie Drewer, retired State Highway Regional Engineer, who played a major role in obtaining support for the project and Clint Sterling, Somerset County Recreation and Parks Director who wrote the grants, had three purposes in mind: First, the trail is a public health initiative to help residents and visitors improve their health through biking and walking. Second, it is a tourism initiative to acquaint visitors with nature and provide outdoor activities here. And third, it will result in beautification of the scenery leading into Crisfield as they replace 30 years of random tree growth along Route 413 from Crisfield to Marion. The trail is expected to be completed by this time next year. Meanwhile, County leaders have already made Phase Two a transportation priority with the State and have started looking for funds and developing designs. Once Phase One is completed, they will be ready to go “full steam ahead” with extending the Bike Trail to Westover, according to Clint Sterling. The Third and Fourth Phases would connect the trail all the way into Princess Anne, making it unique on a national scale. It is possible that all phases could be completed in the next 5-7 years. I know it has taken a lot of effort and time to get to this point, and I commend all those who played a part. Good things come to those who wait. And work. And believe! BUGEYE DECK TOURS AT CITY DOCK AUGUST 24: According to Crisfield Arts & Entertainment Coordinator Jennifer Merritt, the “Edna Lockwood”, the last historic sailing bugeye in the world, will be visiting the Crisfield City Dock at 1201 West Main Street for the August 24th Crisfield 4th Saturday Bay Stroll, as part of a National Park Service-funded heritage tour around the Chesapeake Bay.  In an article submitted by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, we learned this about the bugeye: “Built in 1889 by John B. Harrison on Tilghman Island for Daniel W. Haddaway, Edna Lockwood dredged for oysters on the Chesapeake Bay through winter, and carried freight—such as lumber, grain, and produce—after the dredging season ended. She worked faithfully for many owners, mainly out of Cambridge, Maryland until she stopped “drudging” in 1967. In 1973, Edna was donated to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum by John R. Kimberly. Recognized as the last working oyster boat of her kind, Edna Lockwood was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1994. This 4th Saturday event is part of the Water/Ways Smithsonian traveling exhibit programing for the J. Millard Tawes Museum. The bugeye will remain at the dock through Thursday, August 29th although visitors will only be able to board her on August 24th from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. During this time, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum staff members will offer free deck tours, giving guests a chance to explore the bugeye while she’s docked. This is truly a unique opportunity you should plan to take advantage of. MUSIC AND ART IN CRISFIELD ON THE 4TH SATURDAY IN AUGUST: Crisfield 4th Saturday Bay Strolls celebrate local art, food and music on the Chesapeake Bay. On Saturday, August 24th, bring a lawn chair and relax to live music with Kaleb Brown, sponsored by the Crisfield Lioness Lions. Washington High School students from teacher Scott Smith’s class will have a water-themed artwork exhibit at the Customs House near the City Dock, 906 W Main Street. Live art will be taking place with Plein Air painting by nationally recognized artist Debra Howard. Other artists are welcome to join in and paint on-site. ARTIST DEBRA HOWARD IS A WINNER:  Crisfield resident Debra Howard has been an artist and adventurer her entire life. She studied at Ringling School of Art and began her art career in San Francisco. Needing a break from the computer, she provisioned her 44’ sailboat with art supplies, her dog and her daughter and began cruising. She eventually arrived on Tangier Island in 2009 to accept the position of Artist-in-Residence and Director for the Tangier History Museum. After years of traveling and painting from a sailboat, she switched from sailing to camping, traveling with her dog Bear in her RV trailer and competing in plein air events from April to November. She is known for her strong brush strokes and an emotional quality to her original landscapes. As an award winning plein air artist, she has been juried into Plein Air competitions in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Maine, Florida and Virginia. She was voted Best Visual Artist in Charleston, SC in 2007 and was the 2016 Artist-in-Residence for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and the 2018 Artist-in-Residence for Big Cypress National Preserve. Each year Debra hosts and sponsors the very popular PLEIN AIR CRISFIELD in conjunction with the 4th Saturday Bay Stroll in May. Forty artists arrive in Crisfield to paint, and the event ends with a Wet Painting Sale. She will be painting live at the 4th Saturday Bay Stroll in Crisfield on August 24th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. After all her travels, she chose to reside in Crisfield because, “Crisfield is the last of the real Chesapeake, and I find inspiration from its beauty and authenticity.” For more information about Debra, see http://www.artistdebrahoward.com  “WHEELS ON THE WATERFRONT” EVENT A HUGE SUCCESS THIS YEAR: According to “Wheels on the Waterfront” Assistant Chair, Jesse Drewer, it was “absolutely the best year in the 13 years of having it.” They estimate they had 275 Classic Cars and Trucks this year as compared to 175 last year. That’s A LOT of cars and trucks! And crowd attendance was really strong as well. You can view Jesse’s drone video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIc6SEWPRbc. John Tawes was the Chair for the event with the Chamber of Commerce as the sponsor. All proceeds will go to Crisfield’s Arts & Entertainment District. Good job, everyone! OTHER HAPPENINGS IN CRISFIELD THIS MONTH:
The Somerset County Tourism office reported on several other exciting activities going on in Crisfield this month. They include: August 9 – 10 – Smokin’ on the Dock of the Bay BBQ Competition 10 am – 9 pm. Crisfield American Legion Post #16, 116 Lorie Quinn Drive, Crisfield. No entry fee, bands and music for 2 days. Come see the Competitors cook their hearts out for a chance at victory in this Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned event. Food vendors will be selling food. For more information, please visit http://www.facebook.com/events/927813410920901/ August 9 – Crab Place’s Crab & Cruise – Old School R & B 4:30 pm Crab Feast and 7 pm Cruise. This event has premium crabs measuring 6 1/4″ up to 8″! DJ Flea will be playing the Old School R&B hits from the 80’s (with a few 70’s thrown in) on the upper level of the cruise while 97.5FM DJ, Big Mark, will be rocking the dance area on the lower level. Earlier in the day, DJ Adam Dutch will be setting the Old School vibe on stage and Hurricane Hazel will be providing crab-picking demos during the feast portion. For more information call 877-328-2722 or visit www.crabandcruise.com. August 10 – Crab Place’s Crab & Cruise – Classic Rock 4:30 pm Crab Feast & 7 pm Cruise. DJ Flea will be playing all of the Classic Rock hits from yesteryear on the upper level of the cruise. Earlier in the day, DJ Adam Dutch will be setting the Rock & Roll vibe on stage and Hurricane Hazel will be providing crab-picking demos during the feast portion. For more information call 877-328-2722 or visit – www.crabandcruise.com August 10 – Performance: The Waterman’s Daughter Doors open at 7 pm; play starts at 8 pm. Corbin Studio & Gallery, 4 East Main Street, Crisfield. Admission is free. This one-woman show follows Lilyan Corbin’s life story from when she ran away from home in 1898 at age 16 to her success on stage and screen; from her marriage to the silent film star Frank Campeau to her books Reno, Homing, The Wife’s Lessons, and The Feminine Philosophy. Wine, beer, water, & soda available for sale. Donations welcome and benefit the Crisfield Arts and Entertainment District. For more information, please visit www.crisfieldarts.org. August 16 – Crab Place’s Crab & Cruise – Celebrity R & B 4:30 PM – Crab Feast; 7 PM – Cruise. All JUMBO Crab Event. Hailing from Santee, SC, DJ Cleve hosts impressive parties all over the world. A former DJ guest on BET’s Rap City, DJ Cleve’s credentials are quite impressive. If you’re one of his 180,000 Facebook followers that tune in for the Thursday night FB Live Old School Mixes. For more information, call 877-328-2722 or visit www.crabandcruise.com August 17 – Crab Place’s Crab & Cruise – Celebrity R & B 4:30 PM – Crab Feast; 7 PM – Cruise. All-JUMBO Crab Event. Hailing from Santee, SC, DJ Cleve hosts impressive parties all over the world. A former DJ guest on BET’s Rap City, DJ Cleve’s credentials are quite impressive. If you’re one of his 180,000 Facebook followers that tune in for the Thursday night FB Live Old School Mixes. For more information, call 877-328-2722 or visit www.crabandcruise.com August 17 – Cruise and Crab feast 5 pm crab feast; 7:30 pm sunset cruise. Set sail aboard the Chelsea Lane. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you cruise through a quaint island in the Chesapeake Bay, enjoying our Raw Bar complete with sodas and mixers to accompany your BYOB. Eat at “Captain Tyler’s Crab House”, One Crab Cake, One Soft Crab, All you can eat Steamed Crabs, Corn on the Cob, Fired Chicken, Hush Puppies, Cole Slaw, Macaroni Salad. Beer Pitchers and Soda with Smith Island Cake for Dessert. Crab feast & Cruise $109.00 per person. Crab feast Only $69.99 per person. Make a full evening of it and spend the night at Captain Tyler Motel or Cove BB. For more information Call 410-968-2220. August 19 – Viewing Party for WBOC’s Small Town Series – Crisfield edition 5 – 6 pm. 4 East Main Street, Crisfield. Community viewing party begins at 4:30 PM at the former Corbin library, 4 E Main Street. Everyone is welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. August 24 – Bay Gift Vault presents Artist Doug Rayfield 4 – 7 pm. The Bay Gift Vault, 925 West Main Street, Crisfield. Meet artist Doug Rayfield in person. Beverages and snacks will be served while you mingle with the artist and learn more about his paintings. For more information, please call 917-575-0467. August 25 – Crab Place’s Crab & Cruise – Old School R & B 4:30 pm crab feast; 7 pm cruise. DJ Flea will be playing the Old School R&B hits from the 80’s (with a few 70’s thrown in) on the upper level of the cruise boat while music plays throughout the boat on both levels. Earlier in the day, DJ Adam Dutch will be setting the Old School vibe on stage and Hurricane Hazel will be providing crab-picking demos during the feast portion. For more information call 877-328-2722 or visit www.crabandcruise.com August 26-September 1 – 72nd Annual National Hard Crab Derby & Fair Somers Cove Marina, Crisfield. Crab races & picking, parade, boat docking, carnival, arts & crafts, seafood, entertainment, fireworks. ADA. Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce 410-968-2500/800-782-3913/www.crisfieldchamber.com. $ for some events. August 31 – Crab Place’s Crab & Cruise – MTV 80’s 6:30 pm crab feast; 7 pm cruise. It’s an all ’80s MTV-style party. It’s a themed event so dress like Madonna, wear your long hair, and come ready to win prizes for best dressed. DJ Flea will be playing all of the 80’s classics on the upper level of the cruise boat. Earlier in the day, DJ Adam Dutch will be setting the Retro 80’s vibe on stage, and Hurricane Hazel will be providing crab-picking demos during the feast portion. For more information call 877-328-2722 or visit www.crabandcruise.com August 31 – Crisfield Mud Bog Crisfield Elks Club, Crisfield. For more information, visit Facebook.com/CrisfieldMudBog. As you can see, there’s plenty going on in Crisfield this August, and I hope you will participate in as many activities as you can while we still have this warm and wonderful weather. And, by the way, I already have a list of ‘good news’ topics for the September newsletter. Things are continuing to look UP in Crisfield! I want to close by expressing my gratitude. I am grateful for all those people out there who love Crisfield and want to know what is happening and want to be a part of life in Crisfield. I am also grateful for all we have been blessed with. I remember when we did the Action Plan for Crisfield in 2016, we composed a list of assets. In the beginning, we said let’s come up with about 20 of our most significant assets. We did that rather quickly, but then there were important things we left out. What about the park? What about the marina? What about the sunsets…? And on and on. In the end we came up with about 60 assets, so many more than any town in our region. (See www.GreaterCrisfieldMD.org/Plan and click on Part Three for the List of Assets.) When I say we are blessed, I mean we are BLESSED! So, with good people like you who care and who help all that you can and with the abundance of blessings the Lord has given us, I know we can look forward to seeing Crisfield become the place we have been dreaming it could be. Remember, good things take time, and hard work pays off as we keep the faith. And meanwhile, enjoy today and what’s left of the ‘Summer of 2019’. Best, Charlotte
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