BERILN -- The ESA Board of Directors has announced the selection of Michelle B. Sommers for the position of executive director of the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA).
With over 14 years of professional experience, including sales, marketing, education and leadership roles, Sommers brings a unique blend of skills, knowledge and practical experience, combined with a strong background and passionate interest in surfing.
Sommers, who lives in Fenwick Island along with her husband and two young sons, operates Sommers Surf Lessons, which specializes in surf and SUP lessons for women and children. She also works alongside her husband in their two bicycle shops, handling sales, marketing and financial management. In her previous life, she was the Senior Territory Business Manager for Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
A graduate of Salisbury University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Fitness, she was a 2011 Athleta Featured Athlete and is a regular contributor to Athleta’s Chi Blog.

"I am really excited to be joining the ESA at such an important time in the evolution of the organization. What started as a grassroots effort to advance amateur surfing in 1967 has grown into a 45-year success story, and I'm proud to be a part of that story and to help the organization prepare for its next 45 years. I'm quite impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of the volunteers who have run the ESA over the years and I am extremely proud to join their ranks."
In addition to beefing up the ESA's competition program, which serves surfers of all ages from beginners to surfing's future pros, Sommers looks forward to networking with other organizations to further the ESA's involvement in beach access and preservation efforts, as well as environmental issues.

"Michelle is a genuine professional and an inspiring person, so I'm stoked. We are very happy to be bringing her on board," said ESA Board Chairman Tom Warnke.


BERLIN -- Ocean City Realtor Erik Windrow, a sales associate with Prudential PenFed Realty in West Ocean City and a member of the Coastal Association of Realtors, has been awarded the Certified Residential Specialist (CRES) designation by the Council of Residential Specialists.

Realtors who receive the CRS designation have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate.

SALISBURY -- The Tri County Diabetes Alliance has announced that SoBo’s Wine Beerstro and Market Street Inn were the first and second place winners of the Tri- County Healthiest Restaurant Challenge, respectively.

The challenge was sponsored by the Tri-County Diabetes Alliance and was held during March, National Nutrition Month. Seven local restaurants participated in the month-long challenge and agreed to offer a healthy entrée option on their menu. The healthy entrée option recipe was submitted to the Alliance and was analyzed by a registered dietitian to assure it met nutritional guidelines established by the American Association of Diabetes Educators, the American Diabetes Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program.

During the month of March, 35 diners chose and rated the healthy entrée option offered at the locally owned and operated restaurants. An average rating was calculated for each restaurant who received at least 10 ratings.

SoBo’s Wine Beerstro had the highest average rating and Market Street Inn had the second highest rating, and each restaurant received a plaque to recognize this achievement. The Tri County Diabetes Alliance gave an honorable mention to all participating restaurants including Boonies Chop House and Pub, Cactus Taverna, Harvest Moon Tavern, Upper Deck, and Yum Fresh, Local Café.

"On behalf of the Tri County Diabetes Alliance, we would like to thank all participating restaurants for agreeing to offer a healthy entrée option on their menu,” said Mimi Dean, chairperson for the Tri County Diabetes Alliance. “We appreciate them taking the time to create and offer an entrée that was healthy, nutritious and delicious. We also want to thank the diners for trying the healthy entrée options and for completing the diner rating cards. Healthy eating is a cornerstone for both prevention and management of diabetes."