21109 Bivalve Lodge Road, Bivalve, Maryland 21814, United States
Board Members
Viktoria (Viki) Hochschwender, Chair
Nancy Rogers, WSNA Vice Chair and Chair of Fundraising Committee
Nancy Rogers, WSNA Vice Chair and Chair of Fundraising Committee
As Chair, Viki provides oversight to the WestSide Neighborhood Alliance and as Treasurer is responsible for WSNA’s finances. She has been part of the team since its beginning and looks forward to the day when the Community Center is again an active, thriving and integral hub for the West Side community.
Viki holds a master’s degree in business management and over the years held insurance management positions with several large corporations. When the economy tanked around 2010 and a lay-off resulted, she became a licensed insurance agent and opened a home-based business focused on helping people understand and enroll in Medicare. Fourteen years in, Viki’s business thrives, and all new clients come from referrals – a testament to her love of helping people and putting her experience to work.
Viki and her husband George have lived in many states over the years but found their forever home on the West Side. They moved permanently to Tyaskin in 2012 and have felt the love of this great community ever since. Viki volunteers at the Thrift Shop, was on the Steering Committee for the Friends of the Nanticoke River and regularly volunteers at the Food Bank. Both Viki and George feel deeply that service to community improves quality of life, and they gladly commit to helping and being involved wherever possible - particularly in WSNA’s success.
Nancy Rogers, WSNA Vice Chair and Chair of Fundraising Committee
Nancy Rogers, WSNA Vice Chair and Chair of Fundraising Committee
Nancy Rogers, WSNA Vice Chair and Chair of Fundraising Committee
Nancy served on the original Founding Board that was formed to establish the WestSide Neighborhood Alliance as a certified non-profit. This was the first step needed in order to negotiate a lease with the County and begin using the Community Center to provide programs and activities on a local level for West Side residents. Now that WSNA is an official 501(c)3 organization Nancy is serving as Vice Chair of the new and larger Working BOD as well as continuing as Fundraising Chair.
Born and raised in Washington, DC, Nancy attended George Washington University and then found employment on Capitol Hill where she lived with her husband and 2 children. She enjoyed working for Senator Jacob Javits on ERISA, the first federal pension protection bill to become law, and then working for Senator Ted Kennedy in his role as Chairman of the Senate Health Subcommittee. But with two young daughters she decided that she wanted them to have a quieter, more rural life growing up. They moved to Annapolis where they resided for 10 years and Nancy ended up working for Anne Arundel County’s Office of Economic Development. In the late 1980s she moved to Wicomico County and began a successful career in real estate. Wanting to be involved in the community led her to serving as a docent at The Ward Museum, as well as serving on a number of area nonprofit Boards. She was a founding member of The Wellness Community, which was established as a place that offered emotional and psychological support to cancer patients and their families. Other local organizations whose Boards she served on are Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council, Salisbury Symphony, Art Institute & Gallery and The United Way.
Now that Nancy and her husband, Daniel, are retired they are living in Tyaskin and enjoying life here on the West Side. They are both involved in the community, especially our efforts to establish WSNA as a valuable and fun new resource for local residents of all ages.
Beverly (Bev) Plachta, Founding Board Member/Building Chair
Nancy Rogers, WSNA Vice Chair and Chair of Fundraising Committee
Beverly (Bev) Plachta, Founding Board Member/Building Chair
Along with her husband, Wally, Bev is a Founding Member of the Board of the WestSide Neighborhood Alliance. She holds a BS Degree in Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s Degree from Cornell University, School of Hotel Administration.
Born in a military family, moving is in her blood. Bev coupled her love of travel with hospitality by being a consultant for privately owned properties throughout the USA and the Caribbean.
These experiences broadened her scope and perspective of how she looks at things.
Prior to retiring in 2015, she and Wally managed high end, yet primitive private island resorts for 20 years. These postings required an open mind, creativity, flexibility, and tenacity to get things done.
While planning for retirement, it was clear that Bev and Wally wanted to live near the water. Raised just up the road in Salisbury, MD and a graduate of James M. Bennett High School, a friend suggested she look on the WestSide and the rest is history.
From 2015 onward, she has volunteered locally when and where needed: Bivalve Thrift Shop, Food Bank, distribution of foods for Children and the Elderly during COVID and anywhere else as needed.
She was a recipient of the Jefferson Award in 2021, along with her husband, Wally, for their Volunteerism and contribution to the community.
Loralie Parks, Board Member
Walter (Wally) Plachta, Founding Board Member/Former Secretary
Beverly (Bev) Plachta, Founding Board Member/Building Chair
Loralie has two children and two grandchildren. She has a Master’s Degree in Education. She taught mathematics in a number of schools, including an International school in Tokyo, Japan. Loralie also worked for E. I. Du Pont in the Information Systems Department and taught a number of courses within the company. Specifically, she taught a three-day course on Women’s Personal Safety as well as a management course on Personal Safety for Women. Loralie also co-taught a five-day course on Organizational Effectiveness.
Upon retiring, Loralie and her husband sold their home in Wilmington, DE., bought an RV, then traveled throughout the U.S. for eight years before building a home in Nanticoke Acres.
Loralie now volunteers her time at the Bivalve Thrift Store where she is the treasurer. She is also the Chair of Westside Missions, plus she coordinates the monthly Food bank as sponsored by the Maryland Food bank.
Loralie loves living in the small community of the West Side, where everyone cares for each other and looks to make our community a better place for all.
Walter (Wally) Plachta, Founding Board Member/Former Secretary
Walter (Wally) Plachta, Founding Board Member/Former Secretary
Walter (Wally) Plachta, Founding Board Member/Former Secretary
As part of the Founding Member of the Board of the WestSide Neighborhood Alliance, Wally provides Ideas and support to the team. Wally holds degrees from the University of Maryland (BS-Horticulture) and Cornell University (MS-Horticulture & MEd). Along with his wife, Bev, he pursued a career in the hospitality industry that took him around the USA and the Caribbean.
Prior to his retirement in 2015, he worked 20 years in the Caribbean managing high end, yet relatively primitive, private island resorts. These postings required flexibility, creativity, and tenacity to get tasks done. AND these experiences have opened his eyes to alternative ways of doing things.
From 2015 onward, he has volunteered locally when and where needed: Bivalve Thrift Shop, Food Bank, distribution of foods for Children and the Elderly during COVID and anywhere else as needed.
He was a recipient of the Jefferson Award in 2021, along with his wife, Bev, for their Volunteerism and contribution to the community.
Although he was raised on the “the other side of the bridge”, the remoteness of the WestSide is appealing to Wally for it’s quiet and laid back, yet communal spirit.
Cameryn L. Miller, Programming Chair
Walter (Wally) Plachta, Founding Board Member/Former Secretary
Walter (Wally) Plachta, Founding Board Member/Former Secretary
As a board member, Cameryn provides support and guidance in many facets of business. She brings a strong understanding of risk management, and a keen analytical ability to assess strategic operational goals. As a lead committee member of the WSNA’s Sports & Fitness group, she is continuously, and excitedly working to develop enriching programs at the Community Center that will benefit all West Side residents.
Cameryn is a Chief Transportation Industry Analyst, at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) - Maritime Administration (MARAD), working in the Office of Marine Insurance. She has been a civil servant for approximately 14 years, working with a variety of governmental agencies, contractors, and the public. Cameryn received a Master of Science in Maritime Management from the Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business at Maine Maritime Academy. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business and Logistics from Maine Maritime Academy.
Cameryn moved to Tyaskin in 2022 with her partner Robert, 11-year-old son Adrian, and their black lab Quinn. Cameryn grew up in New England and moved to the DC area 15 years ago. In a quest for peace, tranquility, and a place to lay her forever roots, Cameryn discovered the West Side. She was immediately drawn to the surrounding untouched nature, historical charm, and sense of community. Upon arrival, Cameryn and her family were greeted with open arms by residents. Cameryn believes strongly in civic responsibility and a focus on the common good. She is committed to making WSNA an integral part of the community and improving the quality of life for all residents.
Krista Nelson, Board Member
Hannah Korschgen, Board Secretary (pro-tem)
Hannah Korschgen, Board Secretary (pro-tem)
Krista Nelson is a Maryland native and the artist-in-residence for WSNA. She spent many years bringing her art and joyful expression to others in California before ultimately moving back home to Maryland to care for aging family.
Several years ago, during a camping trip to the west side, she fell in love with the area and decided she had no choice but to make it home. She is involved in various activities throughout the county and cares very deeply about the neighborhood she adopted as home.
Before moving back to her forever home while she lived in California went to UC Berkley for Project Management. She worked professionally in software development with several large companies, as well as startups.
It was then she decided to leave the corporate world in search of a more creative role. She landed in costume design and worked with many great organizations. Krista has handmade and designed costumes for the San Francisco Opera, 42nd Street Moon and Townhall theatre. Her work was recognized with a nomination for a Shelli Award in Costume Design, the SF Bay area’s Emmy Awards.
Along with a keen creative eye Krista brings a strong passion for art, creativity and making things with her hands. Fabric and paper are the main mediums for her expressing her creativity. Quilting is also something that is a passion of hers. Her artistic talents enhance the community in many ways through art and hands on experience. Many of WSNA’s designs and decorations are envisioned and created personally by her. Her input on WSNA’s overall look and presentation is crucial. She is involved in the proposal, planning, and execution of our art programs.
you’ve been to our events, you may already recognize her as a very familiar face. She hosts and emcees our several programs and events including bingo night, and is present volunteering at other events. Prior to being asked to join the board Krista was heavily involved with the programs committee and worked behind the scenes in many or our events. She has had a great effect on many of the programs and activities WSNA hosts and offers that we all know and love.
Despite all of this, when asked what she is most proud of she answered “Being a mom to my two wonderful boys, now fully-grown men. They make me proud every day.”
Hannah Korschgen, Board Secretary (pro-tem)
Hannah Korschgen, Board Secretary (pro-tem)
Hannah Korschgen, Board Secretary (pro-tem)
Bio Coming Soon!
Matthew Korschgen, Communications Chair
Hannah Korschgen, Board Secretary (pro-tem)
Matthew Korschgen, Communications Chair
Matthew is reserved at first but best described as loquacious by those that know and love him best. Having lived in several states, Matthew finally came home to the west end a few years ago to help care for aging parents. When the time came for them to purchase their forever home Matthew looked for the perfect spot.
After looking extensively in the area, he came upon Tyaskin and fell in love. In 2023 he became an official West Side Resident.
In December 2023 Matthew fell ill with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, an aggressive blood cancer, and was not expected to survive. During his recovery the local residents and neighbors of the west end – many of whom did not know him well at all – rallied around he and his wife despite them having lived here for not even a year. Without their help he could not have survived, there is no question.
It was through this love and support that Matthew came across WSNA. He was amazed by the community down here, its residents, and their pride and heritage. He came to know it as a beautiful area with great people. The west end welcomed him and he is proud to call himself a local.
After recovering he was so touched by the outreach he received that Matthew felt a calling to give back to WSNA and the west end. One thing led to another and he was asked to join the board. His duties include managing the IT, social media, and general communications of the organization. You can also find him at many events taking pictures or video, helping set up, or helping out. He really just wants to contribute to this great community any way he can. Including trying to bring the Community Center back to its glory.
Having attended Millersville University Matthew comes from a sales background, most notably working for a custom material handling systems engineering company and builder. He has won multiple sales awards and has oversaw the completion of multi-million dollar build projects. This experience gives him a lot of expertise in communicating with wide varieties of individuals from all walks of life. It also gives him keen insight into managing various projects and departments at once, as well as making all of the individual parts of a picture fit together nicely.
Previously Matthew has run his own blog and online side business. He brought the online skills he learned there to WSNA to help run their website and social media. So, if you ever contact us there, it’s a good chance you’re talking to him.
Matthew in Tyaskin with his wife, cats, and dog. A fan of music he is an avid collector of records and equipment He also enjoys being outside and cruising around the trails in his jeep. You might even see him out, say hello!