BY JANET BERNOSKY, Eastern Shore Post —
The annual Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce Awards for 2024 were held on Wednesday, April 16, at the Delmarva Discovery Museum to honor individuals, businesses, and nonprofits who make a difference in the community.
In addition to a trophy from the chamber, State Senator Mary Beth Carozza presented a citation from the Maryland General Assembly to each awardees.
Jessmin Duryea was presented the award for Business Person of the Year for 2024.
Cypress Roots Brewing Company opened last July, located at 148 Market St. Since then, Duryea has established it as a downtown hub, not just to enjoy the beer and hard cider he makes on the premises, but also hosting various events like line-dancing, trivia night, yoga sessions, live music, and televised sports.
Duryea has also supported the community by providing refreshments for Fourth Friday events, in addition to serving on the board of the Mar-Va Theater.
Westover resident Leanne Pfautz received the Citizen of the Year award, honoring her volunteerism in Pocomoke City over the years in the Delmarva Discovery Museum’s gift shop, the Pocomoke Sanctuary Garden, and as a court-appointed special advocate for children.
“Volunteers are the heartbeat…that enthusiasm is contagious, “ said Carozza.
This year, a special chamber award was presented to Norma Howard and Neelam Strom, who founded the Pocomoke Sanctuary Garden in 2012.
Established to impart residents and visitors with horticultural knowledge while creating a place to rejuvenate the senses, the garden also grows fresh produce that helps those in need within the community.
The Life Crisis Center of Salisbury has won the award for best non-profit serving the Pocomoke City community, for “expanding their reach, supporting countless individuals in crisis and advocating tirelessly for the most vulnerable.”
Founded in 1976, the center’s mission statement is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the communities it serves through crisis intervention and violence prevention.
The Best Commercial Renovation award was given to Davis Strategic Development for its conversion of the old firehouse, purchased from the city in 2022, into nine luxury apartments which were finished in 2024.
An emotional Lisa Taylor, chamber executive director, choked back tears while presenting this year’s Lifetime Achievement award, bestowed individually to Lisa Fritts, Kathleen Palmer, Peggy Jester, Jo Ellen Wimbrow, and Rachael Fritts for their involvement with The Heather Leigh and Christopher Robbin Hill Foundation.
Christopher Hill was born in 1975, but tragically passed away in 1980 from meningitis.
Born in 1971, Heather Hill graduated from Pocomoke High School and became a medical researcher specializing in finding cancer cures. She passed away from ovarian cancer in 2005.
Lifelong Worcester County residents Bob and Leona Hill established the foundation after the deaths of their children, with a goal of fulfilling Heather Hill’s wish for the creation of a science-based playground in her hometown.
“We wish Bob and Leona were here with us today,” said Jester.
Leona and Bob Hill passed away, respectively, in 2017 and 2023. Through fundraisers held over the years and with proceeds from their estate, over $450,000 was raised to fully fund the playground located in Newtown Park, at the intersection of Stockton and Groton roads, which also had its ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 16.
“You are all most deserving of this lifetime achievement award,” said Cardozza.
