Fall brings out refreshing weather and wonderful colors. Also, loads of activities, many sponsored and organized by non-profits, beckon friends and supporters.
Our Mid-Shore area has no shortage of events at this time of year. Examples follow. On Saturday, Sept. 13, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s annual boating party drew roughly 450 people to an event that celebrates a body of water filled with fish, crustaceans, boats and, just as importantly, a cultural history that informs and enriches our daily lives. This year’s chairs, Fred and Lesley Israel, hosted a party where the only obligation was to enjoy itself. It also raised money critical to the operation of a museum that will celebrate its 50th anniversary in May 2015.
As with many fall events, the boating party happens outside before winter weather arrives, and before people tend to live to seek warmer conditions, whether in their homes or points south. Nearly two weeks later, on Sept. 26, Horn Point Lab sponsored its second Chesapeake Champion award celebration at the Tidewater Inn, honoring Chip Akridge for his superb creation of a wildlife habit on the Duvall Farm on Oxford Road. Owner of a large real estate development and management company in Washington, DC and Harleigh Farms on Oxford Road, Chip has taken a farm and converted a large portion of it to a place where birds, wetlands and habitat co- exist harmoniously—while improving the quality of Trippe Creek.
Tidewater Inn’s outside venue was filled with people eager to acknowledge Chip’s conservation project and his contribution to a viewscape filled with habitat instead of homes on Oxford Road. A renowned marine science laboratory, Horn Point Lab showed its appreciation of the efforts of one person, hopefully inspiring others to tend closely to ways to improve water quality and wildlife habitat. The event also raised money for student fellowships.
Just this past Sunday, Sept. 28, my wife Liz and I toured the Concours d’Elegance, a collection of rare and historic cars, along with classic wooden boats, at the Cambridge Hyatt. My knowledge of cars, whether they are current or historic, is rather shallow. Nonetheless, I could appreciate the beauty of historic automobiles, such as a 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic Coupe, restored with loving care and constant attention by Judge John C. North II, a St. Michaels resident.
As Judge North chatted with another car enthusiast, I could understand that the owners of these custom cars, typically built in small numbers, value their cars as the antiques they indeed are. Proceeds of the Concours d’Elegance go to the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, which supports charities in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties.
The Eastern Shore is a wonderful place to live for many reasons. Its attributes shine in all the seasons of the year. The fall seems particularly special to this longtime resident. The pleasant, sometimes cool weather provides a perfect backdrop for events such as the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s boating party, Horn Point Lab’s Chesapeake Champion event, the Concours d’ Elegance and numerous worthy activities.
The honking sounds of geese should soon arrive, welcoming another season. I love the feel of fall in our Mid-Shore area. I suspect that many agree.
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