BE WELL:
Relaxation, restoration and renewal through magnesium products
12
SHOP TALK: A destination for clean eating, healthy living
GIVING BACK: Community and fitness for active adults
PROFILE: How one Eastern Shore doctor is redefining stress
Steve and Denisha Panduwawala dance on the stage of the Avalon Theatre. The couple are students of Amanda Showell, who teaches dancing to people of all ages.
Welcome to 2026 and another edition of Shore magazine! We are glad you are once again leafing through these pages. With a new year usually comes a focus on being more active or making healthier choices at the grocery store or restaurant. We can relate, which is why this edition’s theme is so poignant.
For me, one of my favorite ways to keep active is to go for walks in nature or hike mountainous woodlands. In my photo you may notice I am taking a respite after some hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. My reward was a soda alternative that’s free from chemicals, preservatives and sugar — another way I try to keep healthy.
You may also have preferred methods of keeping refreshed and rejuvenated, but no matter how you do it, let this magazine be an encouragement or an inspiration. Inside these pages are ideas you may not have considered and are groups or people you can support to increase opportunities for others.
Healthy living is more than just exercise and eating greens, though. Managing stress and taking care of your emotional and mental needs are equally, if not more important. Shore has some experts inside who have shared some advice on how to take care of your whole self.
How do you like to keep active? Feel free to email us with your favorite routine, workout, activity, sport or more and maybe that will inspire us at Shore to try something new.
Thank you for reading; Happy New Year!
President Orestes Baez
Executive Editor Eli Wohlenhaus
General Manager/Sales Betsy Griffin 443-239-0307
Regional Advertising Director Jo Ann Geiger 410-829-1874
Creative Director
Jennifer Quinn
Page Design
Jennifer Quinn
Community Coordinator Amelia Blades Steward
Contributing Photographers
Tom McCall
Jennifer Quinn
Katie Melynn
Jim Johnson
Deb Cramer
Contributing Writers
Amy Steward
Elizabeth Wojciechowski
Katie Melynn
Demi Guillory
Charlotte Zang
Editorial Contact 443-666-4419
29088 Airpark Drive Easton, MD 21601 www.shoremonthly.com
Shore Magazine is published by The Star Democrat.
No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher.
Copyright 2026. All Rights Reserved ©
STORY BY AMELIA BLADES STEWARD
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BODYWORKS ENERGETICS
Jordan Ezra, LMT, owner of Bodyworks Energetics, LLC, a massage therapy practice, never dreamed that an injury to herself could lead to a magnesium-rich body care product line that is taking the country by storm while supplementing her private massage practice based in St. Michaels. Her journey into the wellness field, however, was circuitous. Jordan received a Bachelor of Arts from Bennington College with a concentration in Modern Dance. After studying abroad in Sri Lanka, Paris and Italy, she wrote her senior thesis on how people’s bodies move differently in various places around the world, including different environments and spaces. During her senior year of college, she began giving massages from her college dorm room because licensure for massage therapy in Vermont was not required at the time.
“I look at massage as a different type of movement,” she said, reflecting on her early years of learning to do massages. “It really feels like when I did modern dance – slow and deliberate. I just feel like there is a rhythm to it.”
Jordan travelled nomadically after college to try and figure out who she was. She eventually decided she wanted to attend massage school. After graduating from the Sedona School of Massage in 2016, she was able to translate her love of helping others into reality. Since then, Jordan has gone on to receive postgraduate training in Craniosacral Therapy through the Upledger Institute and Myofascial Release Therapy training through John Barnes.
Jordan moved to the Eastern Shore in 2020 after growing her private massage practice in Southern Indiana. When the pandemic hit, she decided to move nearer to family and chose St. Michaels as a good place
to raise her daughter. Because of the pandemic, Jordan was unable to open her massage business in St. Michaels for two years. During this period, she became a virtual health coach with Noom.
“Through my massage practice, many of my clients have reported improvement in muscle movement and decreased pain, TMJ and migraine relief, sleep, stress relief, and other pain syndromes,” she said. “We all deserve to feel good and comfortable in our bodies, and I am here to help support that process.”
Her thoughtfully crafted magnesium line of products came into being a few years ago after Jordan had injured her calf while having a dance party with her daughter. She needed some pain relief for the injury and found that magnesium oil provided the relief she was looking for and also helped with the fatigue in her hands from doing five to six massages a day. The product line evolved after she became a single mother, offering her the challenge of learning something new and engaging creatively in product development – both of which were therapeutic at the time. Today, she offers both a magnesium line and an herbal body care line.
“Over the years, I think what I have learned with the body is that our bodies really do have this innate ability to self-correct and self-heal,” Jordan said. “Sometimes we just need some facilitation. I am just holding space for people to release and relax when I do a massage. My new product line can help with that, too.”
Although she is not a physician, Jordan has found magnesium is a true wellness powerhouse. The information she shares is based on her personal experience, research and professional practice, not medical claims.
“I am personally passionate about its benefits. As a massage therapist, I have witnessed firsthand how magnesium can ease muscle tension, promote relaxation and support restful sleep,” she explained. “After experiencing these incredible effects myself, I became deeply committed to sharing the benefits of magnesium with others — especially those seeking relief from daily stress, muscle soreness and fatigue.”
Jordan said that magnesium is an essential mineral that supports over 300 biochemical processes in human bodies. While it plays a vital role in muscle
and nerve function, many people are deficient. Magnesium is often referred to as the “relaxation mineral” because of its ability to help unwind and restore balance, both physically and mentally.
Her magnesium product line, “Relief with Magnesium – Relax, Restore, Renew,” includes Magnesium Relief Soak, Magnesium Relief Cream, Magnesium Relief Spray, and a Magnesium Relief Roll. Specifically, her products help relieve muscle and joint pain, promote restful sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, decrease inflammation and boost immunity. Her herbal body care line, which does not contain magnesium, includes Arnica Salve, Face and Body Oil and an Arnica Massage oil that will be launched soon.
Her magnesium cream has always been her best seller. The volume of her products is sold wholesale to massage therapists across the United States. She has a virtual assistant who supports wholesale outreach and a social media/meta-ads manager.
“Over 20 private practices in the U.S. are now using the products and selling the products from their practices,” she shared with excitement.
“I do production one day a week, and that’s exclusively for my creams because they are more complicated to make and require temperature control and pH testing,” she shared. “I also have to be specific with my weighing instructions and my blending. The other production I fit in between my massages.”
Jordan explained that she markets her products towards therapeutic massage and instrument-assisted massage, like cupping massage, because the magnesium cream has the right consistency to do that.
“As a massage therapist and as someone who touches the skin all day, our skin is our largest organ and has the quickest rate of absorption,” she said. “So, magnesium cream is the gentlest way to put magnesium in our bodies.”
She said that having self-awareness in one’s own body is a powerful way to find the right solutions.
“The Eastern Shore is an interesting place for this, as there are many amazing natural supports for people, such as acupuncture and chiropractic, and functional medicine,” she said. “There is a lot here that I did not expect when I moved here.”
Relief with Magnesium products are sold locally at Agave Juicing Company in Easton, The Village Shoppe in St Michaels, the Blue Crab in St. Michaels, the Treasure Chest in Oxford, Chestertown Natural Foods, and The Village Maternal Holistic Wellness Center in Easton. Products can also be purchased online at www. reliefwithmagnesium.com. For further information about Jordan Ezra and her massage practice, visit bodyworkenergetics.com. Jordan can also be reached by email at jordanlexie@gmail.com. S
STORY BY DEMI GUILLORY
PHOTOS BY JENNQUINN CREATIVE
Thirty-two years ago, Trish Gruber had a vision of bringing the first all-natural grocery store to the Eastern Shore. Her vision became a reality with the opening of Chestertown Natural Foods in 1993, standing today at 303 Cannon Street with a longheld reputation of providing the community with a wide selection of healthy options for clean eating.
Long before she opened the store with her husband, Jim, Trish was eager for better access to natural food and health products – for herself and the community she deeply cared about. She knew firsthand the challenges of finding clean products in the average grocery store as she managed her own food sensitivities and with the closest health food store an hour away from home, she took action.
“She opened the first store in 1993 in two small rooms across from the post office,” Jim said, offering “as many organic foods as possible.”
It was a small smart that made a big difference, and it was not long before Chestertown Natural Foods was expanding to offer the community even more options for a cleaner lifestyle. What began as a natural food store with organic products quickly became one that included those with no additives such as chemicals or preservatives.
“We try not to have any genetically modified products in here,” Jim said. “We want the food to be as natural as possible.”
From everyday grocery items and the largest selection of organic produce along the Eastern Shore to natural health supplements and beauty products, Chestertown Natural Foods has something for everyone no matter where they are on their health journey.
“There are so many people now who have dietary needs that you just can’t find some things in [other] stores – gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, nutfree,” explained staff member Tina Duley. “We have all those here.”
As a Certified Nutritional Consultant, Trish used her knowledge and training to not only provide customers with the most healthy options but to educate them on why they are the better alternatives. It was a level of personalized service that Trish was passionate about because she understood its importance, and when she passed in 2021, her team knew the best way to honor her was to continue her legacy.
Tina has been working alongside and learning from Trish and Jim at Chestertown Natural Foods for 27 years and was inspired by Trish’s lead, earning the same certification from the American Association of Nutritional Consultants.
“I also have three certifications in homeopathy, and I also have a certification for being a natural product advisor,” Tina said. “We offer [customers] help in trying to figure out what they need to feel better. You want to be consuming the cleanest ingredients you possibly can, especially when you are sick.”
In-depth nutritional consultations are also available by appointment request.
Along with Tina, Racheal O’Neill is also on staff with the experience and credentials to assist customers in taking control over their health. Racheal is a certified health coach and naturopathic doctor. “I wanted to be able to treat my family in the most natural way,” she said, adding “when talking to customers, I just really wanted to know what I was walking about.”
Trends may change, but clean eating is always in.
“A lot of people are looking for this,” Tina emphasized. “I’ve had customers come in who have said that, when they came to Chestertown to move here, if there wasn’t a health food store, they would have moved somewhere else.”
For Jim, honoring Trish’s legacy and the reason for the longevity of Chestertown Natural Foods is quite simple.
“Food is medicine.” S
KATIE MELYNN
The YMCA of the Chesapeake brings specialized programming to the gyms and facilities around the Eastern Shore. Focusing on some of those who benefit most from exercise and community, many of the programs are tailored to the needs of cancer survivors, those fighting Parkinson’s, seniors and adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Many of these programs are provided free of charge to provide support to adult athletes and their caregivers.
“Through compassionate support, evidencebased practice, and community partnerships, the YMCA is ensuring that every person — regardless of income, diagnosis or geography — has access to the tools they need to live well,” Wendy Palmer, director of health interventions, said.
With 11 locations around the Eastern Shore, the YMCA of the Chesapeake is preparing to expand programming in 2026 to further meet the needs of the communities they serve.
“Our programs are life changing,” Palmer said. “We are so proud of the work that we’re doing.”
The Enhanced Fitness program is leveled to provide tailored support for each participant. Some remain seated, working out with arm or leg weights. Others stand, using chairs for balance and support. Others have caregivers nearby to provide extra support during the workout. But with preassessments, post-assessments and challenges, every participant is empowered to take charge of their own fitness journey.
“One of our biggest goals is for everyone to maintain independence,” Palmer said. Sit-to-stands
help improve mobility, adjustable weights provide strength training at each individual’s level, and catchy music keeps everyone dancing and smiling.
The LiveSTRONG program provides similar support for cancer survivors as they regain muscle and mobility. At the heart of all of the YMCA of the Chesapeake’s fitness is supporting each athlete’s spirit as well as their body.
“LiveSTRONG has become a beacon of support for individuals navigating life during and after treatment,” Palmer said.
For many of those who attend Enhanced Fitness at the Queen Anne’s County YMCA, the workout is only part of their day at the Y. After they get a good sweat, they go over to the Active Aging Center for lunch and camaraderie.
“Building community is so impactful,” Palmer said, smiling alongside participants during class. “They’re connected here but also outside of this class.”
Dottie, who attends classes and works at the YMCA of the Chesapeake, has been part of Enhanced Fitness at Queen Anne’s County from the beginning.
“The people are absolutely fantastic,” she said, giving hugs to the many other athletes there to celebrate her retirement from her working role.
Across the gym, boxers don gloves to take a swing at Parkinson’s in a non-contact boxing routine. Along with their care partners and dedicated volunteers, adults with Parkinson’s are able to get support for their agility, balance, strength and motor control, all
while working out alongside other boxers fighting the same fight.
“It’s impacted me physically and socially,” said Jay, a Rock Steady boxer. “I found a real connection in the two years that I’ve been coming.”
Getting help from the coaches to tape his wrists, Jay and the other boxers went through drills meant to keep their muscles active and their minds sharp.
“This class is a blessing for the people who have Parkinson’s and the people who care for them,” Gerri, who is a care partner in class with her husband, said. “Inside and outside of the classroom, the staff has been a blessing. This whole group helps each other.”
Rock Steady Boxing, Pedaling for Parkinson’s, and Aqua PD all give opportunities for athletes with specific needs to get a great workout that helps with symptoms.
Working in tandem is more than just a philosophy for adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their care givers. The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Encouragement Mission, T.A.N.D.E.M., combines strength training and exercise along with resources and education so that families facing this fight are empowered to live life to the fullest.
Learn more about the YMCA of the Chesapeake at www.ymcachesapeake.org or reach out to Wendy Palmer at wpalmer@ymcachesapeake.org. All Health Intervention Programs are provided free of charge to participants through funding provided by YMCA Annual Campaign.
Anita Knapp, Rock Steady Boxer: “Physically and mentally. It not only keeps the disease from progressing too quickly but as I became stronger and more fit it helped me to improve my balance, core strength, coordination and stamina. It’s obvious that more men are diagnosed with the disease but there are some other ladies in the class with me. It’s comforting to know you meet with people that “get me”, understand how I’m feeling or the fears of what’s to come.”
Mike and Carol Richards, T.A.N.D.E.M. participants: “We’ve been part of the TANDEM program for a year now, and it’s truly been a blessing for both of us. As a caregiver, I’ve found a genuine sense of relief in knowing that I’m not alone. The time spent in TANDEM isn’t just a break; it’s an opportunity to connect with others who understand our journey.” S
EASTERN SHORE BALLROOM DANCE COMPANY TEACHES ALL AGES AND ABILITIES
STORY BY ELIZABETH WOJCIECHOWSKI
by
Amanda Showell began ballroom dancing when she was only nine years old. Showell danced competitively for 14 years, competing as both an amateur and professional. At one point, she was ranked within the top six ballroom dancing couples in the United States.
In addition to dancing competitively, Showell also has been teaching dance since she was 17 years old. While there are many aspects of teaching ballroom that she enjoys, Showell most enjoys the positive impact that dance has on her students.
“As a dance instructor, we truly get to bring something into people’s lives every day that brings people joy,” Showell said.
In 2001, Showell chose to stop competing and moved from Wilmington, Delaware, back to the Eastern Shore, where she began to dedicate herself entirely to teaching ballroom dancing.
“At the end of 2001, I decided to stop competing and return back to the Eastern Shore,” Showell said. “That was supposed to be for six months. That was now 24 years ago, and it wasn’t long after that when
I started Dancing on the Shore.”
The business has been slowly growing since then, and now consists of seven instructors and eight different locations. According to Showell, Dancing on the Shore’s teaching locations cover over 100 square miles.
Dancing on the Shore offers dance lessons for allages and all abilities in over 20 different popular styles such as Argentine tango, salsa, waltz and many other popular ballroom styles.
In addition to classic ballroom styles, Dancing on the Shore also offers country-line dancing classes. These classes were first introduced two years ago and have become extremely popular.
Showell herself has taught dancers as young as six and as old as 90. However, due to the demographics of the Eastern Shore, a majority of Dancing on the Shore’s classes are targeted towards adults.
Dancing on the Shore’s adult classes consist of beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, so that everyone can receive instruction that is relevant to their personal experience and expertise.
“We offer classes for people who have never danced two steps in their life, to people who have been dancing for years and years,” Showell said. “We teach all levels.”
In addition to teaching all levels of ballroom dancing, Dancing on the Shore also offers private lessons for those who may not feel comfortable dancing in a group setting. However, their group classes are by far their most popular offering.
In fact, there are some dancers who have been attending group classes at Dancing on the Shore for nearly 20 years. This has led to a community being formed among the students who have been receiving lessons for years.
Showell said that she and her staff consider their students to be more than just students — they’re family.
She refers to some of Dancing on the Shore’s group classes as “social dancing” rather than ballroom dancing. This is due to the personal connection that is often formed among students in these classes. These types of group classes are extremely popular with senior citizens, who benefit from both the physical activity aspect and social aspect of the classes.
“My senior clients tell me that it gives them an outlet of places where they come and they get to have a physical activity that’s helping keep them in good physical shape,” Showell said. “But also, there’s such a great social aspect of it where they really have this kind of community of friends that are fellow dancers.”
Dancing on the Shore has many students who are over 80 years old and are attending lessons and dancing multiple times a week.
In recent years, Dancing on the Shore has also begun teaching classes to adults who have special needs. Currently, there are two instructors who specialize in teaching special needs students. Showell has noted the passion that these instructors have for making dance inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Celebrating 24 years in business, Dancing on the Shore has a commitment to making dance accessible to people of all ages, abilities and walks of life.
“It really is important for people to understand that it really doesn’t matter your age or your ability,” Showell said. “Dancing is something that’s for everyone, and that’s what’s really important.” S
STORY BY CHARLOTTE ZANG
PHOTO BY DEB CRAMER, 38TH AVENUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Most people think stress comes from their job, their finances or that never-ending to-do list. But according to Eastern Shore–based physician and author Dr. Gary Sprouse, that’s not quite true. “Events happen,” he says with a knowing smile. “It’s our interpretation of those events that matters. That leads to how much stress we feel and whether it’s good or bad. It depends on our perspective and the stories we tell ourselves about what’s happening.”
This simple shift in your thoughts and mindset can make a profound difference.
Sprouse, better known to audiences across the country as “The Less Stress Doc,” has made it his mission to help people understand stress in a
completely new way and to provide them with the tools to live happier, calmer and more fulfilling lives. His award-winning book, Highway to Your Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress, has garnered both national and international recognition, earning a Gold medal in the 2025 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPYs) for Psychology/Mental Health. Sprouse was honored with a Silver Lifetime Achievement Award and Bronze awards for his book and e-book from the Stevie International Business Awards®.
Sprouse writes and works from his home on the Eastern Shore.
“This is where my wife and I want to be,” he said. “I enjoy the pace of life, being near the Chesapeake Bay and the people. It’s my happy place.”
Sprouse’s approach to stress management goes far beyond simple deep breathing or meditation. Drawing on decades of experience in medicine and human behavior, he’s identified what he calls the “hidden source” of most human stress, and it’s not what people think.
“People often believe stress is an external force,” he explained. “But the majority of it originates internally. That could be from guilt, regret, worry or all the ‘should haves’ and ‘what ifs’ that run through our minds every day.”
After much research, it became clear that stress is actually a side effect of our human skills. One of those skills is the ability to look into the future, but that skill comes with a side effect, which is worry. This idea became the foundation for Highway to Your Happy Place, which outlines a practical, science-based roadmap to understanding and reducing stress at its true origin: the human mind. Through relatable stories, humor and easy-to-apply exercises, the book helps readers recognize how they can manage their daily stresses, boost self-esteem and enjoy new outcomes.
Sprouse’s approach blends psychology, physiology and common sense.
“Your body doesn’t know the difference between
real danger and an imagined one,” he said. “When your brain decides something’s a threat — even if it’s just an awkward email or a late bill — your stress response kicks in. The good news is that once you understand that, you can change it.”
Before writing his book, Sprouse spent years practicing traditional medicine. He noticed that even when he helped patients manage their physical conditions, many still felt anxious, stressed or overwhelmed. They didn’t know what it would feel like to have less stress and couldn’t imagine how to achieve that elusive sense of peace.
“I realized that treating the body wasn’t enough if the mind was still in turmoil,” he said. “I started focusing more on how people think and helping them overcome challenges by changing their mindset. That’s when I saw real transformation.”
That shift in focus ultimately led to his second career as an author, speaker and educator. He began developing new frameworks for understanding stress and happiness — ones grounded in both neuroscience and lived experience. He shares his insights on numerous podcasts, radio shows and television appearances as well as through articles, seminars, and speaking engagements.
Yet despite his growing national presence, Sprouse remains deeply connected to his Eastern Shore roots. “I could live anywhere, but here, people know how to slow down and take advantage of all that this area has to offer,” he said. “Healthy living is possible anywhere, but the Shore has a natural beauty that reminds us to be grateful and appreciate our environment. That helps develop a positive mindset and puts us in a good mood so we can be better at handling the challenges of life.”
The timing of Sprouse’s message is on target. Studies show that stress-related illnesses are rising. People are dealing with increasing patterns of stress and looking for ways to improve their mental health and emotional well-being.
Sprouse invites readers to take an honest look at the mental patterns that drive their stress and to replace them with healthier, more realistic perspectives.
“Stress is inevitable,” he said. “But suffering from it is optional. Once you realize that, you start to see that happiness isn’t something you have to chase — it’s something you can create.”
Many people know where they don’t want to be, but are unsure of where they do want to be. Sprouse solved that issue by giving them a destination: the Happy Place.
The tools Sprouse developed include Realistic Optimism, the Worry Organizer and the Shoebox method — practical strategies that make sense and produce results. That’s what makes his message stick. Audiences and readers can begin using them immediately to feel better.
Best-selling author Jack Canfield reviewed Highway to Your Happy Place and said, “His ideas and models for stress reduction are life-changing.”
Another reader said, “After filling out your worry sheet, I felt like a 200-pound weight was lifted off my shoulders.”
With Highway to Your Happy Place gaining international attention, Sprouse is expanding his reach through an upcoming TEDx Talk, offering corporate wellness seminars and new digital resources aimed at helping people reduce stress in their everyday lives. In his online course, “Your Happy Place,” he teaches and guides students via videos to explain the five ingredients for happiness, how to worry less, how to overcome guilt and regret, how to feel more confident and in control and more.
“The goal isn’t to eliminate stress,” he said, “but to learn to reduce it to a manageable level and to stop letting it run your life.”
Looking ahead, Sprouse hopes that more people will begin treating happiness as an attainable goal, rather than a mystery.
“We train our bodies through exercise,” he said. “We can train our minds to feel better, too.”
From his home on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Sprouse continues to share his message of hope, compassion and how to have less stress. His ideas resonate with audiences worldwide. Yet to him, the measure of success isn’t in awards or attention, but in the lives changed by his work.
“When someone tells me they’re sleeping better, laughing more or finally feeling like themselves again, that’s the real reward,” he said. S
Dr. Sprouse’s quick technique for calming your body and mind — anytime, anywhere.
Pause and breathe:
Close your eyes. Take three slow, deep breaths. Focus on the feeling of air moving in and out.
Think about a time when you felt safe.
Replay:
In this relaxed state, focus on the time you felt safe and replay it in your mind’s eye five times. The more sensory detail you can add, the better.
Reuse:
This safe place becomes a tool that you can use when you’re not feeling safe.
Stress may visit, but it doesn’t have to move in. You have the keys to your Happy Place.
