The Spirit of The Tree Rock Hall, Maryland

The Spirit of The Tree ~ Rock Hall, Maryland

November 8, 2019

 

 

In 2016 friends, family and community members had thought about how nice it would be to have a Community Crab Basket Tree in Rock Hall, Maryland.  At the same time, the Strong/Lingerman and Councell families were thinking of a nice way to remember their sons who had untimely passed away.

 

Then Rock Hall Mayor Brian Jones presented the idea of the Community Crab Basket Tree to the Strong/Lingerman family who own Chester River Seafood.  

 

The story is below.  The intent, meaning and success of the Tree grows every year.  In 2016, 88 baskets were placed on one Tree.  In 2019, there will be an estimated 250 baskets with 3 trees.  Some of the original 88 are being refurbished and new ones are being added.  This year Rock Hall Town Manager, Bob Resele, is helping to bring new lighting and illumination.

 

Sheila Strong Lingerman says the the growth of the tree prompted the families to enlist Jessie Burton of Rock Hall Parks and Recreation and the Kent County High School Arts Department to aid with the process and basket painting.  "Jessie has been a Godsend and with the Arts Department involved, we can get all the baskets done.  The students will also receive credit for the hours they spend on this project."

 

Jessie is taking the donations for the Trees and helping to coordinate the efforts.  The Arts Department has taken on the job of painting 40 new baskets.  Some families are decorating and painting their own baskets.

 

You still have time to order or make your basket, the deadline is November 21, 2019.  All the donations from the Tree go to Rock Hall Parks and Recreation for events for our children.

 

In order to get a basket for the 2019 Tree, please use the form below :

From our original story in 2016 :

"Sheila's sister-in-law, Nikki Strong, is owner of the crafting business Shore Goose.  With friend Beth Collins Councell, the three came up with a concept to offer memory baskets for sale to decorate the tree with proceeds going to Rock Hall Parks & Recreation.  
Soon the word spread of the memory baskets, and the basket crew began to paint and decorate 88 baskets.  
Sheila enlisted her husband, Chris Lingerman, her parents Betty Ann and Buffalo Strong, her brother Jaimie Strong, children Brody and Brianna Pierce and cousins Becky Hill Marshall and Holly Elburn VanDyke to help Nikki with the basket painting.
Rock Hall resident and carpenter, Ziggy Carter, was brought on board to help.  The construction of the rings and structure that supported the framework and baskets to form the tree was managed and built by Ziggy with help from Kevin Middleton, Troy White and David Olsen.
Helping set the tree in place were Bobby Kelley and Robert Strasser. 
Some people painted and decorated their own baskets.  Plain baskets were set to fill the 15 tiered over 25 foot tall tree complete with crab topper constructed by Buffalo Strong.
The basket crew and the construction team worked many hours over a 12 day period to make the tree come to life.
On Monday, December 12th, the tree was set on the old Rock Hall Inn lot on Main Street.  A celebration and lighting took place that evening at 7PM with the volunteers, Town of Rock Hall, Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company and community.
Please visit this special tree over the holidays.  Next year, Sheila says that the basket crew hopes to begin baskets in October.
Mayor Brian Jones says
"The Rock Hall Community Crab Basket Christmas Tree was a great addition to Rock Hall’s Holiday celebration this year, I am so happy that we as a community came together to start a new a tradition that will live on for many years. Our tree is not just an ordinary tree, it is a symbol that allows us to remember and think of those family members and friends who are no longer with us. The ceremony for the lighting was amazing and emotional, it truly reminded us what the Christmas season is all about. I’m extremely grateful for those who assisted with the project and construction. Thank you to those who purchased memorial baskets, not only did they help us craft our tree, they supported our Parks and Recreation Board. 88 baskets were sold during the construction period, for a total of $1,320. The sales from self-designed baskets were $195 and there were $150 in donations from Mike Ashley and Horsey Construction LLC. The tree will remain on display until after the holiday, I hope that everyone has an opportunity to visit it in person.""

 

 

 

 

 

Rock Hall Journal; Town's Revival Is Feared As a Peril to Its Charm By Michael Janofsky May 10, 1998

Rock Hall, MD. Beautiful Sunset

It started with a sunset four years ago.

''A gorgeous sunset,'' said Arlene Douglas.

After breaking his arm, her husband, Tom Sabol, a real estate lawyer in Philadelphia, could no longer work on the old boat he just bought. So they spent a Sunday afternoon in August driving around Maryland's Eastern Shore. Somehow, Ms. Douglas said, they ended up in Rock Hall, a 290-year-old town of 1,600 that has sent watermen into Chesapeake Bay for generations.

Driving past the town's small public beach, the couple stopped to watch the sun disappear over the bay and, as Mr. Sabol recalled, ''we fell in love with the place.''

Then they started buying it.

First, it was ''a shack'' across from the beach that they made a weekend hideaway. Next they turned a long-dormant general store -- ''Frank Kline's: The Big Store With the Little Prices'' -- into the America's Cup Cafe, a coffee shop, which grew to include a bookstore, which grew to include a restaurant, which sells Miss Virginia's crab cakes, reputed to be the best on the bay.

Then Mr. Sabol began scouting around Kent County for old, unused wooden buildings, which he transported to a lot adjacent to the cafe. Spruced up, the structures provide exhibit space for artists like Bob Powitz, who works with driftwood, and Jane Hackett, who paints.

Next to the cafe, the couple helped turn an old grocery into a 146-seat theater that features live concerts from February through October.

And all along the 200 yards of Main Street between Rock Hall's two traffic lights are other signs that the commercial center is popping back to life -- quaint new shops, refurbished restaurants and a growing artists' colony -- reminding old timers like James Culley, a 78-year-old waterman, of when a beer on Main Street cost a dime.

It is all dazzling to Ms. Douglas. ''It's just a beautiful place to drive around, with the marshlands, the wetlands and the bay,'' she said.

Rock Hall is beautiful, all right, enough so that on most summer weekends the head count more than doubles with increasing numbers of tourists and pleasure boaters from Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and southern New Jersey.

And that is beginning to worry some of the town's residents.

Rock Hall's rejuvenation has come at a time when the bay's fishing industry is in slow decline because of state-mandated limits, pollution and a diminishing supply of fish. But it has also brought about rising real estate prices, crowded sidewalks and more traffic, prompting some people to wonder whether economic development might cost Rock Hall part of its charm, much in the way that places like New Hope, Pa., and Carmel, Calif., were discovered by outsiders, then overwhelmed.

''You should see all the chicken-neckers down here,'' said Jennifer LaPore, 18, a cook at the Rock Hall Snack Bar, using a colloquial expression for out-of-towners. (Visitors use chicken necks for bait; locals prefer eels.) ''They spend money and think they own the place.''

''And they can be rude,'' said her friend Tammy Hawkins, 19.

Returning from the bay on his 60-year-old boat, Go Girl, with bushels of blue crabs, Mr. Culley said even local watermen were feeling the pinch of warm-weather visitors, many of whom moor their boats in the same marinas that watermen use and take them into the same areas where watermen are working.

''It's a little bit too many out there for me,'' Mr. Culley said. ''Used to be a pretty quiet town. Now it's like everywhere else.''

Al Cornelius, 57, is a fourth-generation waterman who was born in Rock Hall and steered his two sons away from continuing the family tradition. Both are local house painters, and he is just as happy. ''It has really changed in the last seven or eight years with more city people moving in,'' Mr. Cornelius said. ''You can't stop progress, but I liked it the way it was years ago, when you knew everybody by name, every family.''

Ronald H. Fithian, the town manager, sees no cause for alarm just yet. With Rock Hall's protected harbors long known to watermen and boaters, virtually all the local marinas are full, he said. And few lots in town are available for improvement. ''We're almost to the point where everything that could be developed has been developed,'' Mr. Fithian said.

That is not necessarily the case just beyond the town's northern limits on an undeveloped tract across Swan Creek, where a developer has proposed building a golf course, conference center and vacation villas.

The developer, Tim Wyman, who is president of the B.A. Charters Corporation, said the project would create the kind of jobs that attract young people to Kent County, the least populated of all Maryland counties since 1960. It would also, he said, provide more permanent stability to an economy that, until the recent boom in tourism, relied mostly on fishing and agriculture.

But even recognizing that some longtime residents might object to the changes along Main Street that she and her husband have initiated, Ms. Douglas wondered, ''How much do we really need?''

''More business doesn't mean the quality of life is improved,'' she said. ''If I can go to the grocery store or gas station and say, 'Oh, I forgot my wallet,' and the guy says, 'So pay me tomorrow,' that's where I want to live. That's how it is here now, and I would hope that doesn't change.''

The Little Pearl

    

     In 1998, I started living in this beautiful town, saying "Good morning" to people who call Rock Hall, their home. I starting falling in love with a kind gentlemen who lived here all his life. The beautiful beach, sparkling water, trails, fishing piers, boat rides, food,wildlife and other surroundings not only draw you in but make you want to stay.

     I had just graduated and wanted to spread my wings somewhere new. Once getting to this town I knew it was a place I would never get out of my heart, soul and off my mind. Once you pass that beautiful sign saying "Welcome to Rock Hall" you know you are driving into "The Pearl of the Chesapeake" it's a beautiful place not like no other little town. 

      For the restaurants were from pizza and subs to all you can eat crabs. Remember to show respect and say "Hi" to the beautiful people who call Rock Hall their home. Like I said before, this town is not like other towns because they still leave front doors unlocked and their car's too. This quiet little town has alot to offer, just take a stroll around it and you will see all that and more. 

     This town had the normal little town stuff like stores, restaurants, events, celebrations and thing's to do or explore. However when the good folks who call Rock Hall their home know what a celebration is and they pull out all the details.
     What makes this town so special is the people. You don't have to lock your doors, you can walk to everything, when you wave people wave back, everybody knows everybody and they watch out for their own. All you really have to or need to do to feel the love in this town is go to a event and you will not only find it but feel it too.

     This town and all the people in it no matter if I know them or not I consider my friends. Can't wait to see you there and show you around, "Our Town"...."The Pearl of the Chesapeake"❤️

Mark D. Walls Sr.

When I first met Mark was back in 1998, he worked hard for the town he called home. He also volunteered his other time  after work as a Firefighter/EMT with Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company. When I first met Mark the station was still downtown and he drove the gray Monte Carlo. After I left we lost connection for some years, I so wish we would have those years back. In 2016 we found each other on Facebook, and it was like we never left each other's life. Texting about the old times about his kid's all grown up and married, college and military. Mark smiled ear to ear talking about his boys and when it came to his granddaughter's his smile was even bigger. I asked him a couple days after that conversation what he was doing, still working for the town? He responded "No, haven't worked for them in long time." Then Mark took me down the memory lane of car's, jobs, girlfriends and who he was married to currently. I could talk to that man from sun up to sun down and never run out of things to talk about. Then that sad day came when Mark would message me, "My wife passed away this morning, I had to do CPR on her, she was fine last night when I checked on her before I went to bed". My friend needed a shoulder to cry on and I was there for him to help him through the process. While I was helping him sort through thing's from Theresa passing away and helping him open up about everything we started talking. Then when I took Mark to lunch in late July we went to the hotspot in Rock Hall "Ford's" where I met his friends. When we were leaving his friends looked at me and said "Thank you for bringing his smile back". Well little did I know at that time I would bring alot more back then just his smile. Mark started laughing again, he had his pep in his step again, wanted to get out and about. In August is when we knew that the feelings we had for each other in 1998 were still there and starting to reach the surface. We would talk all night long about anything, he was there for me when I lost my Mamaw, I went to his son's wedding, we met for lunch, dinner or just parked by the water and talked. I loved him, he loved me and we even talked about marriage in 2020. However, life has other plans and "My Small Town Boy" went to heaven and became a angel....😭

Mark Daniel Walls

June 7,1963 - April 27, 2019

ROCK HALL - Mr. Mark Daniel Walls Sr., 55, of Rock Hall passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at his home. Mark was born June 7, 1963 in Chestertown. He was the son of the late Virginia McGregor (Embert) and Daniel Walls. Mark graduated in 1981 from Kent County High School. After high school, he joined the National Guard. He was a school bus driver for Kent County, and then spent the majority of his life as a mechanic. Mark enjoyed all types of music but older rock was his favorite, NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhart Sr., animals, cars, he was a die-hard Redskins fan and absolutely loved his dog Chloe. Mark had the biggest heart and had a laugh that was contagious and if you were lucky enough to know Mark, he most likely called you "hun." Mark also participated in 4-H in his younger years and was a past president of the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company and continued to be a member. Mark is predeceased by his wife, Teresa Walls; they married in 2014. He is survived by three siblings: Lavonne Doehring of Middle River, Eric Walls and his wife Carmen of Orlando, Fla., and Danna Wallis of New Port Richey, Fla.; his four children: Mark D. Walls Jr. and his wife Lauren Walls of Rock Hall, Gunner Walls (Heather Nordhoff) of Rock Hall, Zackary Walls and his wife Sarah Walls of Rock Hall and Luke Walls of Venice, Fla.; three grandchildren: Audrianna Walls, Kassidy Walls and a baby boy on the way whom he was ecstatic to meet; as well as five nieces and nephews.

"Rest Easy My Small Town Boy"

"The Last Call"

By: Denise Hughes

The last call destroyed my world....

The last call sounded like you will be there tomorrow. Just one last call/text turned into gone forever.

The last call lead to your son calling me and telling me that you were gone, that you didn't even make it to work. I threw my phone across the room and screamed. It led me explaining to my daughter and son that you're gone.

The last called had me to crying my eyes out and going over our last messages only 12 hours after being told the life altering news. Staring at my phone wondering why, how and it can't be you that their talking about. 

The last call led me to holding your pictures and crying. Kissing your pictures and wondering why you. Asking God why take my Small Town Boy.

The last call put my brain in a fog, heart hurting, body aching and staring at the wall thinking this was a dream. Wanting to wake up and let this nightmare be over with.

The last call led to writing a letter to read at your memorial service in front of your grieving family and friends. I wasn't able to because I was so exhausted and emotional. Hearing them ring the bell for your last call with Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company killed me inside.

The last call left me going through saved pictures, messages, emails, listening to video chats over and over. Picking out what I will be wearing to your memorial service was the hardest thing for me. 

The last call led me to going through countless pictures from our years of knowing each other, 2 years dating each other from 1998 till 2019 those 21 wonderful years. From your first breath til your last. Making a slideshow trying to fit 21 years into 10 minutes. 

The last call led me to my knees in front of my bed pleading with God to bring you back. Demanding him to rewind time. Yelling if he is so almighty why can’t he bring you back. Staring through a haze saying I'm sorry to your boys, brother and sister I didn't hear your call.

The last call led me, your family and friends to the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Department in your honor. Where I watched your boys get up there and say beautiful things about you. Watching your brother fight back tears to talk about you, himself and your sister.

The last call left me staring out over the place where you will be laid to rest with your Mom, crying my eyes out wondering why you.

The last call led to me crying myself to sleep and contemplating suicide so I could hold your hand on your way to heaven. 

The last call resulted in months of laying on my couch crying my eyes out and clinging on to anything that reminded me of you. Regretting not hearing my phone go off and getting your call. 

The last call has turned my hair white and added 10 years to my face. It has left me with empty days and dreaded nights. Mornings that turn into evenings with no memory of the day. It has led me on a search for your ghost anywhere and everywhere. 

I'm a heart broken girl who's missing her "Small Town Boy"  because I loved him so very much. 

This took a lot out of me physically, mentally and emotionally. If it can open one persons eyes, making them see life can change with just one last call I've done what I wanted to do. Make sure you tell those you love how important they are to you and how much you love them. If you are reading this and are thinking about someone you loss, please know you are loved and there is help for a broken heart 💔

Let's Donate!!

Want to join me in my birthday fundraiser and supporting a good cause for my hometown of Rock Hall, Maryland? 

I'm raising money through Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Inc. for Rock Hall, Maryland Transportation and our new Hometown Trolley. 

Please help me and my hometown of Rock Hall, Maryland! Whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. Let's get this purchase done and our new Hometown Trolley on the roads in Rock Hall by Memorial Day 2020.

I am setting the bar high at $50,000! But I know we can do this with your help! Your donations are tax deductible. Please share with your friends, family and business associates. 

Donations will be submitted to Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Inc. in Easton, Maryland for the benefit of Rock Hall, Maryland Transportation and our new Hometown Trolley. 

Thank you for your support. I've included information about Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Inc. and a brief history of transportation in Rock Hall, Maryland.

https://www.facebook.com/donate/816939225484218/?fundraiser_source=external_url