Pat Buehler, right, and his grandson King at the Oct. 12 event at the Rod ‘N’ Reel in Chesapeake Beach. Buehler was honored for his service to Calvert County.
Chesapeake Beach, MD – The event held Thursday, Oct. 12 at the Rod ‘N’ Reel Restaurant in Chesapeake Beach was billed as being held in honor of Patrick M. “Pat” Buehler. According to Pat Buehler, however, the honor was all his. “We have so many wonderful people,” said Buehler of Calvert County, noting that many of the attendees in the room support various organizations and institutions that enhance the county’s quality of life.
Maryland Veterans Affairs Secretary George W. Owings III served as the event’s master of ceremonies. Owings told the audience that although Buehler and several program speakers were involved in politics, the dinner was not a political event. The organization sponsoring the dinner—Small Business Interest Group (SBIG)—has been involved in local political activities on a nonpartisan basis. “This is a big night for Pat,” said SBIG President Anthony Williams, who credited Buehler with being one of the local small businessmen who started the organization.
Elected officials came forward to present Buehler with proclamations commending the St. Leonard resident for his lifetime of work on behalf of Calvert’s citizens. Four current county commissioners stepped to the podium to sing their predecessor’s praises. One of them literally sang for the audience prior to dinner.
“He has always been ‘Mr. Buehler to me,” said Commissioner Mike Hart. “He’s always been a straight shooter.”
“The family here tonight loves you,” said Commissioner Steve Weems, who explained Buehler is his second cousin removed. Weems gave Buehler credit for giving St. Leonard—where Weems also owns a business—a sidewalk streetscape. In addition to his comments, Weems serenaded Buehler’s wife, Beverly, with an Elvis-style rendition of “One Night.”
Maryland Senate President Mike Miller gave Buehler an American flag that had been flown at Maryland State House. Miller called Buehler, “somebody none of us can forget.”
Betsy Bossart, representing Congressman Steny Hoyer, presented a Congressional Certificate of Recognition, which called Buehler “a true country gentleman.”
State Delegate Jerry Clark thanked Buehler for his friendship and expressed admiration for his friend as a businessman and family man. Clark presented Buehler with a citation from the Maryland General Assembly.
Annmarie Garden Director Stacey Hann-Ruff recalled first meeting Buehler 15 years ago when she applied for her job at the Southern Calvert County sculpture garden. Buehler, in his role with the Koenig Private Foundation, was one of the individuals who hired her. Taking on the task of leading the facility through its growth period meant several meetings with Buehler at his store in St. Leonard. Today, Annmarie Garden hosts several popular annual events, such as Artsfest and Halloween in the Garden. “I’ve never known him [Buehler] to grab the spotlight,” said Hann-Ruff, who revealed a picture of Annmarie Garden’s A Tribute to the Oyster Tonger garden by local artist Terry Quinn.
Owings, who presented Buehler with a citation from Governor Larry Hogan, said he owed his political career to the honoree. It was Buehler who persuaded Owings to run for the Calvert Democratic Central Committee during the 1980s. Owings, who had run unsuccessfully twice for county commissioner, had figured his involvement in partisan politics was over until Buehler offered encouragement. Later in the decade, Owings was appointed to fill an unexpired term in the Maryland House of Delegates. He served as delegate for 16 years.
Owings hosted a segment inspired by the classic television show “This is Your Life.” Several of Buehler’s longtime friends—including retired educators Guffrie Smith and Russell Costley, lobbyist Bruce Bereano and former county resident Terry Murray—recalled their fond memories of Buehler, relaying the recollections from another room via audio system. Each ended their comments with “Who am I?”
“You know he’s struggling,” Owings told the audience, referring to Buehler’s ongoing fight with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Owings noted that Buehler has publically stated that after much care and treatment, he is back to about 70 percent of where he was before acquiring COPD.
“I was really overwhelmed when I walked into this room,” Buehler told the audience. “It’s a wonderful tribute to have this many people here.”
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
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