Lower Somerset County Ambulance and Rescue Squad 30th annual awards banquet

Lower Somerset County Ambulance and Rescue Squad 30th annual awards banquet

A quick post to congratulate all of the award-winners. Knock on wood, in all my 63 years, I have never had the need of the services of either the EMS or firefighters, but if I ever do I know I will be in good hands in Somerset County. In my travels, mostly heading to assignments these days, I see these dedicated volunteers running up and down the roads in all kinds of weather and at all hours. Members of the Somerset County Ambulance and Rescue Squad, your annual banquet is your time to shine, but you shine in my heart each time I pass one of your ambulances. Thank you.

Due to my time restrictions and a backlog of photos I will not be posting the squad's photos until mid or later in the week. But here is a sneak preview.  I will burn you a cd without the copyright for your personal use.


In this photo secretary Fern Griffith presents George Nelson, president of the squad with a special plaque. Read full story in the March 2nd edition of the Crisfield-Somerst County Times.

1st annual PTO BINGO fundraiser for Woodson Elementary School, held at Crisfield Elks Lodge

1st annual PTO BINGO fundraiser for Woodson Elementary School

I received a comment the other day from a viewer who lives out of the area. She wrote, "Besides being a beautiful place to live, Crisfield seems to have more parties and benefits than I've ever seen in a small town. One more reason to go there! Love it!"

Whoever she was and wherever she lives, she was right. This small  town keeps me busy. With less than 3,000 people living within the city limits I think we do a pretty good job in the entertainment department. There is always something to do in Crisfield. Now I can't take credit for anything. I only report, in photos, the events that happen around me, and I miss a lot because I am after all, retired.  It is the good people who take pride in our community and go the extra mile that make the fun in our town happen, offering up event after event to anyone who wants to participate. If you don't get out and you don't join up and you don't keep up with what is happening you are missing out on a ton-of-fun. And remember, all of the events you see on this site would never be possible without volunteers. Even our annual Hard Crab Derby and boat docking contest, as well as our clam bake come to you courtesy of 95% volunteers. And we could use more volunteers! More volunteers = more fun. 

If you would like to become a volunteer or a Chamber member, email me at crisfieldblogger at gmail dot com. Linked email can be found on the sidebar in the 'about me' section. I will put you in touch with the right people. You can always contact 'our gal Val'  at the Chamber - linked on sidebar. Remember, you do not have to own a business or even live in Crisfield to be a Chamber member. 

Oh, and let me not forgot our sponsors. Even in hard times, our local businesses, organizations, and certain individuals provide the prizes, cash, or whatever is needed, that make our events successful. Thank you to everyone!

Are you ready for BINGO?

Sunset on the run - one shot, one photo

Sunset in Crisfield, MD

While on my way to an assignment last week I made a quick sidetrack to try and catch the sun in the right place without having to get out of the car, not because I was lazy but because I had no time. As my followers know, I take a variety of shots on the fly.  If I had had a few more minutes and moved my view more to the right, moving in closer, I could have captured a gorgeous framed sunset. I am not a sunset chaser in the terms that I will go and set up my tripod and wait, clicking  multiple exposures as the sun sets.  I have done that on many occasions when getting paid to do just that, but now most of the sunsets I capture are done so while in a rush to get to an assignment.

From my studio, a short walk to Jenkins Creek and a few moments drive to the city dock, I can always tell when there will be a stunning sunset. Sometimes my studio looks as if it were flooded in fire. But as I have said more than once on this blog, and as all professional photographers know, the sun waits for no one. I know that by time I make it to Tangier Sound, set up a tripod,  and correct the settings on my camera, the moment would have passed. If you capture a awesome sunset in one shot you are lucky. If you capture a planned sunset that is magazine quality, you are good.  This photo falls into neither category, but I took it and  wanted to share it with shutterbugs who enjoy setting up their gear and waiting for the right moment. Crisfield is blessed with gorgeous sunsets. Come visit and take away a piece of Crisfield's beauty. Not a shutterbug? Snap some mental pictures and take them home with you. They will be just as good and will last forever.

Kwanzaa creator Dr. Maulana Karenga speaks at University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland

Kwanzaa creator Dr.  Maulana Karenga speaks at University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland

Kwanzaa creator Dr. Maulana Karenga recently spoke to students and faculty at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne. For those not familiar with Princess Anne, it is about a twenty-minute drive from Crisfield, both being in Somerset County.  Dr. Karenga, a professor at California State University-Long Beach, is no stranger to Maryland. He was born in Parsonsburg. Below are a few photos I took of Dr. Karenga's visit for the Crisfield-Somerset County Times.

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While on the subject of the UMES, let me add that the university is a beautiful place, consisting of 600 acres and 28 major buildings along with 41 other units. If you have plans for college in your future check out their web site. From Agriculture to Airway Science, UMES has something for everyone.

And speaking of "everyone," don't miss the annual UMES Gala, 'Hollywood on the Shore' to be held on March 5, 2011.  The Gala is the University's premier annual fund-raising event to raise funds for student scholarships.  I have covered a few of these Galas and they are one of the hottest tickets on the Eastern Shore.  This year's guests are Sharon Stone, LeVar Burton, Tyne Daly, and David Alan Grier and Pam Grier. Click here for tickets and details on stars.

I will be on duty at the Gala on March 5. Hope to see YOU there!