DIPP's July Newsletter

JULY 2019 NEWSLETTER
The latest news and updates from DIPP

Dear Deal Island Peninsula Partners, 
 
Below you will find the latest news and updates on Deal Island Peninsula Partnership's projects and activities. While we don't have as many updates to share this month, we hope you'll join us for the August 12th community conversation at the Deal Island Fire Hall to hear directly from DNR and County staff on our two main projects: the Deal Island Shoreline Restoration Project and the Open Drainage Ditch Assessment that's being carried out in Dames Quarter and Oriole. We also look forward to hearing your thoughts on needs and visions for DIPP's future during that evening conversation. In addition to our routine updates, below you'll also find some exiting news about two new museums on the Deal Island Peninsula, links to some new resources, and information about next month's Skipjack Race and Labor Day Festival - we hope to see many of you there! 
 
Sincerely,
Liz Van Dolah
DIPP Coordinator

Deal Island Shoreline Restoration Project Update

There are no new updates on the DNR-funded Deal Island Shoreline Restoration Project. DNR continues to wait on permit approval, and anticipates that construction will begin this fall. You can get more details on the project, associated monitoring work, and ask DNR staff and other project partners questions at the upcoming August community conversation (details below).

Update on Ditch Study in Dames Quarter and Oriole

AMT Engineers - the firm contracted by Somerset County to carry out the assessment - recently investigated the Dames Quarter ditches in consultation with some area residents. They plan on utilizing drones in areas that were inaccessible by foot very soon. Once the Dames Quarter ditches are assessed, they will begin their assessment of the ditches in Oriole/Champ. This study is being conducted to analyze the flow dynamics of the ditches in Dames Quarter and Oriole in order to better understand the sources of blockages and to identify hotspots to target in future implementation projects. The study will provide the County with needed data to seek implementation funding for such projects in the future. Additional details on the County's ditch assessment are available on our new DIPP webpage. 
 
(Photo: ditch flooding on Long Point Rd., 
Dames Quarter; March 2018)

August 12th Community Conversation Details

Please join us for an evening conversation on Monday, August 12th to hear the latest on the Deal Island shoreline restoration project, the County's ditch drainage improvement efforts, and to discuss the future of DIPP. 
 
When:  6:30-8:00pm
Where:  Deal Island Fire Hall
Light refreshments will be provided
 
More details available here

News from DIPP Partners

Reconstruction of the Skipjack Heritage Museum 
 
Skipjack Heritage Inc. (SHI), a local heritage nonprofit organization in the Deal Island Peninsula area, has made exciting progress on rebuilding their Skipjack Heritage Museum building at the site of the historic Corbett Store in Chance.

SHI originally planned to refurbish the old building with awarded funding from the Maryland Historic Trust (MHT). However, they were not able meet MHT’s requirements for maintaining the building’s historical integrity with amount awarded and given the building’s poor condition. As a result, they returned the money and pursued a new plan: reconstruction of the building in the style of the old store. The old building was razed last year, and construction of the new museum is underway, with the foundation, roof, and walls completed. The rest of the siding will be installed this weekend. Interior work will begin this fall. SHI anticipates that the museum will be completed in 2020. 
 
While SHI has been able to obtain some additional funding through foundations and membership support for some of the interior work, they are relying heavily on volunteer labor. If you are interested in volunteering, please get in touch with the SHI President, Stoney Whitelock (please contact Liz for his phone number) or the SHI Secretary, Sandy Townsend (sandstownsend@comcast.net). SHI is also trying to raise funds for the installation of a well and septic tank. If you have information on funding opportunities, or would like to support these fundraising efforts, please get in touch with the SHI Treasurer, Bob Shores (bwshores@comcast.net).  
 
If you plan to attend the upcoming Skipjack Races and Labor Day Festival (details below), be sure to stop by the museum to see all the progress! SHI will have some displays set up inside with more details on the museum.

Deal Island Fire Department to open new museum on Deal Island: The Benny Bozman Fire Museum 
 
The Deal Island Fire Department has been busy building the Benny Bozman Fire Museum in honor of Deal Island’s oldest active Fire Department member. Mr. Bozman has served the Deal Island Fire Department for over 50 years. 

The museum, which is located behind the Deal Island Fire Hall, will display Mr. Bozman’s extensive collection of fire memorabilia, some of which dates back to the turn of the century. Most of the building’s construction has been completed, and displays will be developed this fall. DIPP will share updates on the museum’s grand opening as they become available. 

Have relevant DIPP news you'd like to share? Email Liz Van Dolah at dealislandpeninsulaproject@gmail.com.

New Resources of Interest
 
The National Working Waterfronts Network: a network that seeks "to increase the capacity of coastal communities and stakeholders to make informed decisions, balance diverse uses, ensure access, and plan for the future of working waterfronts and waterways." Visit their website and/or subscribe to their listserv to access a suite of resources and information to support working waterfronts: www.nationalworkingwaterfronts.com.
 
New DIPP webpage available with details about the County's Ditch Drainage Assessment.

Upcoming Events

60th Annual Skipjack Race and Labor Day Festival
It's almost time for the annual Deal Island Skipjack Race and Labor Day Festival! Come out on Labor Day Weekend for Deal Island's biggest event of the year, taking place at the Deal Island Marina. Events will be held August 31 - September 2, with the skipjack races scheduled for Monday morning. A detailed schedule of events is accessible here. If you find yourself there, be sure to stop by the DIPP tent to say hello! 