Cover Story: The many and merry landmarks of Rock Hall
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Even little ole Rock Hall keeps its fair share of fabled and fascinating landmarks on display for all whom make a pass by.
Whether it be a historic structure, local hotspot, visitor's photo op or heritage icon, Rock Hall, Md. – like many other towns and cities far and wide – possesses within its limits a great number of landmarks and markers that testify to its early history, regional importance, and quite possibly its very future.
Let us begin our written walking tour down by the water. Cue the faintness of sun's early summer light, Rock Hall Harbor's calm waters, and the humming of workboat motors over distant chirps of songbirds here and there. Rock Hall's history starts and continues to be made out on the water. "The thrill of the hunt" for watermen generations in the making, out to get the day's catch aboard our first and foremost local landmark: the Chesapeake Deadrise. This simple yet suave vessel has defined the industriousness of Rock Hall and other bay-faring communities for decades. You can spot a few fine examples docked along the bulkheads of Chesapeake Avenue's western terminus.
The harbor's several dining establishments are cornerstones of summer entertainment, but between them stands a modest statue of a waterman with tongs in hand, and behind him a one-of-a-kind view of harbor jetties and Chesapeake Bay Bridge defined starkly off in the distance. This is Rock Hall's public Bulkhead.
Leaving the harbor with morning sun in face, let us take Sharp Street's sidewalk to Main Street for a look at both historic and up-and-coming landmarks. Durding's Store, on the corner, dates to the late 1800s and served as the town's primary pharmacy, general store and eventual soda fountain. Caddy-corner is Java Rock, with the previous Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company next door – now located on Rock Hall Avenue. Further west along Sharp will take you for a run into Sgt. Preston Ashley [American Legion] Post No. 228's M60 tank. From here, be sure to take note of Maggie Coleman's Tavern just across the street for a stop later in the night...
From the small shops and bandstand of Rock Hall Village at caution light's corner, we take Rock Hall Avenue (MD-20) west, back toward the water, for a walk past the Inn at Haven Harbour's Manor House, circa 1896, with the Waterman's Museum located right next door. Down the road, Rock Hall's rockfish-adorned water tower stands proud, overlooking mid-day beachgoers setting up camp on Ferry Park beach.
Perhaps our time here, in Rock Hall, is of sorts like a beach – blessed with sculpted scenery, trimmed by one of the world's largest estuaries, and preserved by legendary tales of days bygone.
Like what you see above? You're in luck. This design will accompany many others on t-shirts soon to hit our marine store racks and hangers later this spring.
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Who's Who: Your contact at Haven Harbour Yacht Services
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We are pleased to formally announce a change in the management structure of Haven Harbour Yacht Services that has been many months in the making.
"The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges to us for the past two springs," mentioned Director of Service Greta Sommers. "Over the past several months, we have worked very hard to ensure that the 2022 spring splash goes as smoothly as possible. Aside from weather and ongoing supply chain issues, we expect to be launching boats as scheduled. One of the most significant changes to support this effort was the restructuring of our service department's leadership."
Greta, as head of Haven Harbour Yacht Services, now has a fully-fledged leadership team of proven professionals beside her, including Service Manager Ed Cecil at Haven Harbour South, Service Manager Erik Lostrom at Haven Harbour Marina, and Service Manager Pepper Gilbert floating equally between both locations.
Additionally, Haven Harbour veterans Mike Stevens has taken on the post of yard foreman and special projects manager, while Taylor White leads our in-house electronics and electrical specialists team. Mike and Taylor will also be supporting both locations.
"Many of you have primarily worked with me at Haven Harbour Marina and Eddie at Haven Harbour South," Greta added. "Moving forward, our service managers should be your first point of contact, with Mike, Taylor and me leading the entire service team to ensure a world-class experience, and the best spring splash season ever!"
Pictured above from left: Service Manager Pepper Gilbert, Haven Harbour South Service Manager Ed Cecil and Haven Harbour Marina Service Manager Erik Lostrom.
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Newest Addition: Jenny Nelson, Taylor White welcome baby Nolan
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Monday afternoon, Inn Manager Jenny Nelson and Haven Harbour Yacht Services Electrician Taylor White welcomed a son, Nolan James White. Weighing in at 4 pounds, 4 ounces, and delivered nearly two months early, Nolan is getting big and strong before making his way home to Rock Hall.
Jenny is now taking her maternity leave that will last until early summer. Customer service specialist Amanda Moore will be serving as interim inn manager until her return. Guests with existing Inn at Haven Harbour reservations will be receiving soon a separate email message explaining in greater detail that all matters relating to the inn be directed to Amanda until Jenny's return, and that folks are encouraged to contact us via either [email protected] or our new dedicated inn mobile phone line – (410) 708-3060 – that will remain in service from this point onward.
We kindly and respectfully ask that guests not contact Jenny on her personal mobile phone number.
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BOATYARD MODE NOW, RESORT MODE SOON
We would like to friendly remind all customers, patrons and guests that though warmer temps are heading our way, both Haven Harbour Marina and Haven Harbour South will remain in "boatyard mode" for several more weeks. Swimming pools, the bar and grills, entertainment, landscaping and more will be coming very soon, as integral parts of our, "resort mode." Stay tuned.
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OPEN ON WEEKENDS BEGINNING APRIL 2
Haven Harbour Marina and Haven Harbour South will resume weekend operation starting Saturday, April 2. Hours for both marinas will be 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Sundays.
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NO CASH, NO SPLASH
If you are winter storing with us this year, please be aware that Haven Harbour Marina and Haven Harbour South are enforcing a "No Cash, No Splash" policy, meaning that if a storage customer's account is not current at the time of their desired launch, said vessel will remain on the hard until payment is received. Payment is always due upon receipt of an invoice and/or statement.
If you have not done so already, please submit your spring commissioning work order, via the online work order form or downloadable PDF, as soon as possible.
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SHRINKWRAP RECYCLING
As part of a new region-wide initiative, all vessels that have requested for their shrinkwrap to be removed by Haven Harbour Yacht Services will have a $15 recycling bag fee charged to their spring commissioning work order. DIYers will need to buy the $15 recycling bag from one of our marine stores and follow removal instructions in order to dispose of any removed shrinkwrap at our designated recycling areas. Boats larger than 35 feet may require two bags.
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WINTER BOATYARD CONDITIONS UPDATE
Conditions have been favorable (and some) this week, with highs reaching the low 70s. 72 and mostly sunny expected tomorrow, followed by partly cloudy skies Sunday and temps in the upper 50s. Low 60s forecasted for early next week before rain yet again finds its way back to our area mid-week. Visit our Weather Station for local updates and conditions.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Museum Driving Tour:
Happening the weekend of April 23–24. The Museums of Kent organization is holding a driving tour during which museums from across Kent County will be open, including Haven Harbour Marina's Waterman's Museum.
RHVFC Guardian of Pearl Rockfish Tournament:
Saturday, June 11–Sunday, June 12. Registration open now through Tuesday, June 7. More information
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WEEKLY DEALS
Mid-Week Special:
Book a stay at the Inn at Haven Harbour any Monday–Wednesday for two nights and receive a third night free.
Reduced Winter Rates:
The Inn at Haven Harbour's reduced winter rates are here. Plan a stay to check in on a stored vessel, relax during an off-season escape, or both! Check pricing and availability.
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JOIN OUR CREW
Haven Harbour is seeking to fill multiple full- and part-time positions. See all current job openings (and to apply) at Indeed.com.
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FUEL PRICES
Gasoline: $4.65/gal.
Diesel: $3.92/gal.
Rates include tax, subject to change and are eligible for quantity discounts.
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WHAT'S THIS?
For our new subscribers, this is News @HHMR – Haven Harbour's weekly newsletter – filled with content ranging from staff interviews, upcoming events and more. Slipholders and regular customers are advised to remain subscribed for information on particular events, notices and news.
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