Somers Cove Marina Pool Renamed For Crisfield Red Cross Volunteer

A new facility is to be known as the “Martha H. Williams Memorial Pool at Somers Cove Marina”.

Governor Martin O’Malley was joined by state and local officials to dedicate the Somers Cove Marina Pool in Crisfield with a new name, the “Martha H. Williams Memorial Pool at Somers Cove Marina.” The announcement was made at the Annual J. Millard Tawes Crab & Clam Bake in Crisfield, MD on Wednesday, July 15.

“Mrs. Williams may not be with us now, but her memory will live on forever through this pool that she used as her classroom for 11 years,” said Governor O’Malley.

In April, Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John Griffin requested on behalf of the Somers Cove Marina Commission that the Board of Public Works (BPW) approve the renaming of the Somers Cove Marina Pool after Martha H. Williams, an American Red Cross volunteer and swimming instructor at the marina pool for more than 11 years. Through her efforts, more than 500 children learned to swim and many of them went on to become lifeguards in the area. Williams passed away in December 2008. The swimming program continues today, where many children of Mrs. Williams’ students are now learning to swim. The BPW approved the renaming at its May 20th meeting.

Among the state and local officials present were Delegate Norman Conway, Crisfield Mayor P.J. Purnell, Jr., DNR Secretary John Griffin, Williams family members, the Somers Cove Marina Commission and local citizens.

“Both the Commission and I feel it is a fitting tribute to name the Somers Cove Marina pool in honor of this dedicated volunteer,” said Secretary Griffin.

Representatives of the Maryland Red Cross presented a plaque to the Somers Cove Marina Commission at the Annual J. Millard Tawes Crab & Clam Bake. Held every year on the third Wednesday in July at Somers Cover Marina in Crisfield, the event is a celebration in honor of Crisfield native J. Millard Tawes, the 54th Governor of Maryland, and is recognized as one of Maryland’s finest seafood festivals with all-you-can-eat crabs, clams, fish, corn-on-the-cob and much more in an outdoor setting.