Town Stories

Baseball has a way of weaving itself deep into the fabric of a community—and few know that better than the Eastern Shore Baseball Hall of Fame. On this episode of Town Stories, we explore the rich history and legacy of regional baseball through board member Chad Dean. A Ridgely, Maryland native who grew up playing on a literal "Field of Dreams" carved into his family's cattle pasture, Chad transitioned from a career as an Advanced Placement U.S. History teacher to a professional historian, traveler, and author. Join us as Chad shares how the Eastern Shore Baseball Hall of Fame Museum preserves the great American pastime, the stories that connect our local fields to history, and his own lifelong love for the game.

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Growing up working on a farm in Ocean View, Delaware, and graduating from Indian River High School; Phil Tyre learned early on the value of hard work and grit. That foundation, combined with a lifelong passion for sports, ultimately pointed him toward a career in physical therapy. After starting his college journey close to home at Salisbury University and later heading to the University of Pittsburgh to earn his doctorate, Phil made a decision that would impact countless lives back home: he brought his expertise right back to the Delaware coast. As the founder of Tyre Physical Therapy & Performance, Dr. Tyre has built a trusted local practice dedicated to helping everyday people regain their mobility, while empowering athletes to push their strength to the next level. On this episode of Town Stories, we sit down with Dr. Phil to talk about his roots in Ocean View, the journey from local high school athlete to Doctor of Physical Therapy, and what it means to build a business that gives back to the community that raised him.

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Born in Ohio and raised in Delaware, Russell Gaines developed an early passion for technology and aviation, inspired by his father, an airplane technician. That technical curiosity led him to a career as a lab and store manager for Ritz Camera, but his love for flight and pushing limits was always part of who he is. Just one year ago, Russell faced his ultimate test when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. A true fighter, he battled tooth and nail through treatment—having to relearn how to walk, eat, and rebuild his life from the ground up. To celebrate his victory over cancer and his renewed strength, and love for life Russell did what any lover of the extreme would do: he jumped out of a perfectly good airplane. In this episode of Town Stories, Russell opens up about his battle, his passion for technology and flight, and what it truly means to never stop fighting for life.

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Born in Philadelphia and growing up in Selbyville, Delaware, James Jones’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, family, and second chances. Growing up in the tough Polly Branch neighborhood, James found himself on a dangerous road—playing with fire until he eventually got burned. He could have allowed that moment to define his story, but with the unwavering strength, support and guidance of his family, James found the light to pull himself out of the darkness. Choosing redemption over his environment, James rewrote his future and built Coolwater Pools into a staple of the local community. In this episode of Town Stories, James opens up about his journey, the power of family support, turning your life around, and what it truly takes to build a better path for yourself and those around you.

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What does it take to build a life rooted in service, family, and hard work? This week on Town Stories Episode 7, we sit down with local entrepreneur Matt Freeman, owner of Freeman’s Appliance Repair. Raised right here in our community, Matt wears many hats—business owner, devoted father, man of faith, and dedicated volunteer. Alongside his wife, Lee, Matt is a familiar face at Lower Sussex Little League, whether he’s coaching, helping out, or cheering on local youth. Join us for an inspiring conversation about balancing entrepreneurship with family life, the power of showing up for your community, and what it truly means to love where you grew up.

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This week on Town Stories, we sit down with former Delaware Secretary of Education, Dr. Susan Bunting. A Selbyville native, Dr. Bunting dedicated her career to public education—rising from teacher to Superintendent of the Indian River School District, and ultimately serving as the state's top education official. Even after launching transformative statewide programs, her commitment to her roots hasn't slowed down. Join us as we discuss her journey, community leadership, and her ongoing work with local students and the Selbyville Historical Society.

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Raised in Clarksville, Delaware, Lora Collins discovered her passion for caring for others early in life. Recognizing a critical need for local families, she opened Cozy Critters Day Care—building a school-centered program that combined daily care with early childhood education for over 20 years. But Lora’s dedication to community and the land didn't stop in the classroom; today, she brings that same deep-rooted grit and passion to raising bison as a local farmer. Tune in to Episode 5 of Town Stories as Lora reflects on shaping young minds, stewarding local land, and what it truly means to live a life devoted to care and community.

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Growing up in a small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Joe Genco proved that big ambition isn't limited by zip code. As an amateur skateboarder, Joe has chased down lofty goals on the board while serving as a passionate advocate for the next generation of skaters and the culture at large. Off the board, he applies that same precision, patience, and artistry as a Master Tileman, transforming clients' homes with custom tile designs. Tune in to Episode 4 of Town Stories as Joe shares his journey of balancing creative passion, community mentorship, and master craftsmanship. 

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Born in the small town of Onley on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Travis Nock grew up surrounded by a tight-knit community that believed in him from the start. After contracting the Polio virus at just six months old, Travis’s life became a journey defined by resilience. His story is proof that no obstacle is insurmountable. Tune in to this powerful episode of Town Stories as Travis shares his journey of perseverance, family strength, and building a business against all odds. 

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Musician, artist, woodworker, and self-taught car guy—some people just know how to build a life with their own two hands. On today's episode of Town Stories, we dive into the life of a Selbyville, DE native whose creative drive and mechanical curiosity were sparked by his own father. Join us for a heartfelt look at fatherhood, creative passion, and the art of passing the torch to the next generation.

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