OCEAN CITY – The Worcester County Commission for Women (WCCW) and Friends of the WCCW honored eight women for their accomplishments in the community at its annual Women’s History Month Luncheon in Ocean City this week.
This year’s ceremony celebrated the “trailblazing women in labor and business” and their successes.
Ann Lockhart Showell (1924-2010) was given the Woman in History award for her life’s work as an Ocean City entrepreneur and business owner.
After graduating from Duke University and marrying John Dale Showell III, the couple moved to Ocean City in 1948. From there, they managed multiple businesses and eventually built the Castle in the Sand hotel.
Showell was also remembered for her past position on the board of directors for the Atlantic National Bank of the Eastern Shore, where she was named one of the first two female board members in 1960.
“Ann Lockhart Showell was one of the trailblazing women who over the years molded the Town of Ocean City for the better while always remaining a kind and gentle lady,” L. Eloise Henry-Gordy, chair of the WCCW, told the audience.
Adam Showell Jr. is pictured making remarks on behalf of his family for Ann Lockhart Showell receiving the Woman in History award. Photos by Bethany Hooper
Showell’s grandchildren, Adam Lockhart Showell, Jr. and Carly Finkbeiner, accepted the award in her honor and offered their own anecdotes of their grandmother.
Her grandson shared a story about a formal family outing to a restaurant, where his father was scolding the children for playing with the silverware, only to turn around and see his mother putting a spoon on her nose.
“As formal and as friendly and as nice as she was, she always had a smile on her face and knew how to make everyone feel special,” he said.
Finkbeiner explained that Showell exuded amiable characteristics.
“Ann Showell didn’t just represent strength and courage, she was strength and courage,” she said, “and kindness and compassion and grace.”
Shortly following their speeches, the WCCW presented Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League of Ocean City, with the Woman of the Year award.
Thaler and her husband, Jeff, moved from New York to Ocean City more than 30 years ago and shortly thereafter opened a novelty and souvenir shop on the Boardwalk.
“We had just graduated college and we thought we’d make our fortune selling whoopee cushions on the Boardwalk,” she joked.
Through the years, the couple has owned eight retail stores, two of which still remain in business under different ownership. After leaving the retail industry, the Thalers joined two other couples to open Planet Maze, which they still operate to this day.
Thaler told the audience she joined Temple Bat Yam and the Art League in 1987 and became highly involved in the two organizations.
Since that time, Thaler has spearheaded the funding campaign to build a home for the Art League on 94th Street, where she now acts as executive director.
Thaler said she was humbled to be honored alongside Showell and the six female students from Worcester County who were also recognized for their academic, community and leadership achievements that morning.
“Your remarkable accomplishments and achievements at your age really inspired me and amazed me as well,” she told the students. “I hope that this award empowers you to do more. Use this as a momentum to find your passion, achieve your dreams and persevere.”
Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor and Chief Operating Officer Steve Price are pictured with Women of Tomorrow award winners Lindsay Jones, Jessica Wynne and Emma Johnson and honorable mentions Jasmyne Price, Michaela Redden and Gabrielle Wilkins.
Emma Johnson, Jessica Wynne and Lindsay Jones were honored as first place recipients of the Women of Tomorrow award in their respective categories. Jasmyne Price, Michaela Redden and Gabrielle Wilkins each received honorable mentions.
Showell and Thaler received their own commendations and citations from the Worcester County Commissioners and Senator Jim Mathias.
