November Rose

December Rose in Crisfield

“God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.” ~ James Matthew Barrie, May 3, 1922,  Rectorial address at St Andrew's University, Scotland

  
So far, the weather has been kind to Crisfielders, and we don't need memory - or a photograph - not just yet - to remember what a rose looks like. Well, maybe I do. Yesterday this rose was budding; today it is gone, brightening up someone's home. This was to be my December 1, post titled December Rose.The best laid plans of photographers and bloggers...

With the temperatures hoovering in the 60's today and tomorrow, there are still roses to be found around Crisfield. So smell the roses while you can, and remember to, 'Gather ye rosebuds while ye may...'  I fully expected to see this rose today. A lesson learned in expectations. For a photographer, a lesson learned in taking that extra moment to photograph something that catches your eye. And a real lesson learned in enjoying the things we have today, because tomorrow they may be gone.

Cpl. William B. Mills, U.S.M.C.

Cpl. William B. Mills, U.S.M.C.

Safe travels to Cpl. William B. Mills, left, shown with his mother Jean and brother Ben. I took this photo of Cpl. Mills at the Crisfield American Legion while he was home spending time with his family. Cpl. Mills has since returned to Camp Lejuene where he awaits orders for deployment. Crisfield is proud of all of our military men and women, especially our homegrown soldiers!

Hoo-rah!

 

Maho's hosts Celebraity Waiter Night for McCready

Maho's hosts Celebraity Waiter Night for McCready

Crisfield "celebrities" joined in on the fun as they got a "taste" of being waiters and waitresses at  Maho's Kitchen during the recent Celebrity Waiters Night. Proceeds went towards the renovation of McCready Hospital's In-Patient Unit. Thanks to everyone who helped make this a successful event.

Tangier Island Health Clinic

Tangier Island Health Clinic, Dr. David Nichols Health Clinic

Dr. David Nichols

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I am going to take you not only out of Crisfield but out of Maryland for this post. So sit back and prepare to take a trip back in time to Tangier Island. 

I recently ran across these photo of the dedication and grand opening of the new health clinic on Tangier Island, taken on assignment for the Crisfield-Somerset County Times on August 29, 2010. I had planned on using them shortly after the story ran in the paper on September 8,  but I was running so far behind they ended up being pushed aside and eventually filed. I have been using my spare time organizing  photos, and came across these, certainly deserving of being posted, no matter how late the date.

The clinic was dedicated in honor of Dr. David Nichols, who has spent over 30 years flying to the island to care for patients. It was a bittersweet event, as Dr. Nichols has terminal cancer. Hundreds of people came out not only to be a part of the dedication, but to honor the man they considered both doctor and friend.

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell,  Rep. Rob Wittman,  and Virgina Department of Health commissioner Dr. Karen Remley, were among the many officials and non-residents who joined islanders for the dedication and tour of the new clinic,  followed by a dinner reception.


Is is important to note that Dr. Nichols, who was named "County Doctor of the Year" in 2006, by Staff Care, Inc., headquartered in Texas, was awarded the first-ever "County Doctor of the Decade" award during the dedication by Staff Care representatives who made the trek from Texas to Tangier. On top of that,  Dr. Nichols received a humanitarian award from the Virginia Helicopters Association. Dr. Nichols received many gifts and awards on that day, including the heart-felt gratitude of the people of Tangier, something that I consider to be the best of all gifts.


Most people who visit Tangier Island see only a slice of life on the tiny island.  Recently, many sport's fans not familiar with the island were  introduced to its people who were spotlighted in ESPN commercials. For those of you who have touched elbows with Tangier Island, I hope these photos show you another side - the human side of people caring for each other, and giving back, something that is prevalent on the Eastern Shore.  I know I was truly moved by the love and warmth that were very much a part of that special day. In all my trips to Tangier Island, that was my first meeting with Dr. Nichols. I almost skipped out on that assignment. I'm glad I didn't. I took away more than just photographs.


Many caught the boats from Crisfield, MD. and Reedsville, VA...