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Cecil County Life

Meeting a few of the many interesting people in Cecil County

Jan 01, 2015 04:15PM ● By Kerigan Butt

In the pages of this issue of Cecil County Life, you'll meet many interesting people, starting with the Campbell brothers, Hugh and Zane. Writer John Chambless profiles the Campbells, talking to them about the off-kilter folk art paintings and the hand-crafted wooden furniture that are available in the Childs Store. The Campbell family has been a presence along the Maryland/Pennsylvania border for decades: They ran Campbell's Corner, a store outside Oxford, for many years, and Ola Belle Reed, the aunt of Hugh and Zane, was very well known on the bluegrass circuit. The Campbells will also be prominently featured in the 400-page book and two-CD package “Ola Belle Reed and Southern Mountain Music” that is being released in November.

We profile artist Michael Robear, whose paintings offer views of empty houses and dreamlike landscapes, paired with frames that he makes himself so that it takes the theme of the paintings and expands them beyond the painted surface.

We also introduce you to some of the people whose hard work and dedication have made Milburn Stone Theatre a hit. The theatre's schedule is filled with leading musicals and compelling dramas, brought to the stage by some of the best theater talent in the area.

We talk to Union Hospital president and CEO Dr. Kenneth Lewis, M.D. about the ongoing project to revamp the Surgical Services suites. The $12 million project is transforming the unit into a state-of-the-art facility.

We meet with educators at The Tome School to talk about how the school, even after more than 126 years, remains true to the legacy of Jacob Tome and the prominent businessman’s vision for a school that would prepare students to acquire the skills necessary to be successful in their lives at a price that would be affordable.

Tony Covatta is the subject of the Q & A  in this issue. Covatta came to North East nearly 30 years ago not as a businessman, but as the owner of a boat. Today, he owns two restaurants in North East, and also gives his time and energy to this town that he has come to love.

We talk to some of the people behind the effort by the Cecil County Historical Society to capture the stories of Cecil County residents involved in the Vietnam era to preserve them for future generations.

In some ways, Cecil County is still very much a rural area, a place that can offer peace and tranquility. In the photo essay, Carla Lucas photographs the barns of Cecil County傭arns of all shapes, sizes, and colors that are found along northern Cecil County's roads. We also talk to a few of the members of the Cecil Bird Club who enjoy their favorite hobby at many different places throughout the county.

We hope that you enjoy the stories and photos in this issue of Cecil County Life as much as we enjoyed putting this issue together for you. We always welcome your comments and suggestions for future stories. Enjoy the holidays and we'll see you again in 2015 with the next issue of Cecil County Life.


Randy Lieberman, Publisher

[email protected], 610-869-5553

Steven Hoffman, Editor

[email protected], 610-869-5553, ext. 13


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