What Does Chesapeake Country Mean to Me?

After 27 years of wandering—as a hidden child in World War II Czechoslovakia, as a refugee from Communism in Germany, as a new American in New Jersey, as a college student in Oklahoma, and as an engineer in California—I found my home on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. My wife and I came to Annapolis in 1963, fell in love with our beautiful town on the Severn River, and stayed. Sue taught at the Naval Academy Primary School for 30 years, while I transitioned from USNA professor to entrepreneur, starting two high-tech companies headquartered here. The Chesapeake Bay became our “second home,” as we raced our sailboats on its waters and spent countless hours anchored in its fabulous creeks and gunkholes. Our son, David, is a native Annapolitan, born at the old hospital on Franklin Street. I’ve belonged to the Annapolis Yacht Club and the Rotary Club of Annapolis for nearly 50 years. Today, while living in Heritage Harbour, Sue is happily retired and I spend my time writing books and serving on boards of directors when not enjoying the beautiful green fairways of the Naval Academy golf course. We have truly found our home here in Chesapeake Country and are grateful for its many bounties.

Charles Ota Heller