BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
CLEARANCE GRANTED
Thanks to the pit dug by a city tractor, the monster truck “Sarge” has plenty of clearance as it drives under the pier on the beach downtown. Promoters of the October event and resort officials thought a test run of one of the mechanical beasts was in order to ensure they could pass under the pier when the time comes.
With site plan approval in hand, Harrison BW Boardwalk Inc. can proceed to the next stage of redevelopment of the 26th Street property,
where the Flagship Oceanfront Hotel has stood since 1964. Rising on that parcel will be a 135room hotel and restaurant. — Page 12
Sign up now for new daily newsletter to debut soon. — Page
Fed grants have strings attached, as council knows
The money supports the proposed infrastructure funding package, and is set to take the city about halfway home on plans to overhaul the downtown street from north to south. — Page 3
Award-winning artists dominate first year lineup
From hall of famers to the day’s hottest performers, this fall’s Country Calling Festival appears to be a knockout. — Page 15
(March 22, 2024) A $20 million federal grant will allow the Town of Ocean City to move forward with a redevelopment project on Baltimore Avenue.
At the end of Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting, City Manager Terry McGean provided officials with an update on the redevelopment of Baltimore Avenue. He noted that earlier this month, President Joe Biden signed off on a bill that included $20 million for the infrastructure project. “The federal money always comes with strings attached, so there’s going to be a lot of additional work we’re probably going to have to do designwise,” he told the council. “It’s going to probably delay us. We don’t just get the money and then get to spend it, so we’re going to have to do some additional. We’ll work on that, but we’ll be bringing it to you for a full update in the next, probably, two months.”
Last March, the Mayor and Council agreed to postpone a phased redevelopment project along Baltimore Avenue to give city officials more time to seek grant funding to offset a roughly $20 million cost increase.
Some of the work proposed for the phased Baltimore Avenue project in-
cludes undergrounding utilities and improving the overall streetscape. While the project was first presented with a price tag of $20 million –funded in part by a municipal bond sale and a combination of potential state and federal grants – the estimated price tag has more than doubled.
“When all the numbers came in, the price doubled …,” McGean said in an interview this week. “The council then challenged me to get funding to cover the difference.”
With $20 million in federal grant funding now earmarked for Baltimore Avenue, McGean told officials Monday he would sit down with Public Works Director Hal Adkins to review the project timeline and grant requirements before work begins.
“We have to be very careful,” he said. “With a lot of these federal grants, you cannot even spend your matching funds until all the documentation and approvals have been gone through. So we’ll have to work through that. Even though it’s dedicated to Baltimore Avenue, the funding goes through State Highway. There’s going to be a lot of hoops to jump through. We are just starting to work our way through it, and we will bring you something in the next two months.”
In an interview Tuesday, McGean recognized Congressman Andy Harris for working with the town to obtain the grant funding. He said he estimates work to begin in the fall of 2025.
“We estimate a four-year project that will be done in phases,” he said. “We are working from north to south. So in year one we would do 15th to either 9th or 10th, just undergrounding utilities. In year 2, we would do 15th to 9th or 10th with streetscaping and 9th to 5th with undergrounding. In year three, we would do 9th to 5th
with streetscaping and 5th to North Division with undergrounding. And in year four, we would do 5th to North Division with streetscaping.”
McGean said the project, once completed, would improve both the streetscape and pedestrian safety along the corridor.
“We think it will improve pedestrian access along Baltimore Avenue, and undergrounding utilities will help us with storm resiliency and clears the sidewalks of impediments,” he said. “We think it comes with a lot of benefits.”
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 22, 2024) An ongoing discussion about changes to the Ocean City government’s ethics code highlighted a first reading of an ordinance the City Council requested to bring the code in line with new requirements by the state.
On Monday, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Peter Buas absent, to approve the first reading of an ordinance to amend the city’s ethics code. While the changes would make the local code consistent with state law, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said there could be an opportunity for the city to request an exception from the state’s ethics commission to make some policies less stringent.
“I believe what it would do is it would allow us to actually go in and amend this ordinance … and put something in here that would be perhaps less stringent than the state code,” she told the council. “But we would need to get that special permission.”
Last week, the council agreed to advance changes to the city’s ethics code to a first reading, but not before Councilman John Gehrig expressed concerns about portions of the proposed amendments. Stansbury told the mayor and council Monday that the changes discussed at last Tues-
See GEHRIG Page 6
MID-TOWN 3BR/3.5 BA RIVENDELL CONDOMINIUM with WATER VIEWS!
121 81ST ST UNIT 706 OCEAN CITY • $815,000
Stunning three-bedroom 3.5 bath condo at the Rivendell hits the market! This beautiful condo is being sold furnished and it's ready for your immediate enjoyment. You’ll be mesmerized by the waterfront views. You can actually watch both the sunrise and the sunset without ever leaving this condo. The kitchen is sure to delight the chef in your family with its granite countertops, custom cabinets and plenty of workspace. Off the kitchen is the family room and dining area where you will enjoy family meals and make memories that last a lifetime. The family room is great for entertaining and has a gas fireplace for chilly times in fall and winter. There’s also a wet bar for relaxing and having cocktails with friends. You can see the Ocean and Bay from the primary bedroom suite and the primary bath is luxurious with a tile Jacuzzi tub, shower and double vanities. The other two bedrooms are spacious as well and each have their own en suite bathroom. There is also a half bath off the family room. There’s a separate laundry room with washer and dryer and plenty of storage. Privacy is ensured with good separation between the primary bedroom and the other two bedrooms. There are large balconies where you can enjoy your morning coffee and a cold drink in the evening. The Rivendell has an indoor pool, outdoor pool and a fitness center, and the Hobbit restaurant is located in the building as well. This condo is located in Midtown on 81st St. and there is a traffic light at the intersection so crossing the street is very easy. There are plenty of stores, restaurants and shops in the area. There is a parking garage and secure access to the building. Come take a look today and make this beautiful property yours. This is a non-rental building so you will make friends and know your neighbors. MLS MDWO2017698
Luxury 5BR/6BA/2HBA Bayfront home with pool hits the market!
This luxury home has 145 feet of water frontage with direct bay views and offers southern exposure. As you walk in the front door of this lovely home you will immediately fall in love with the attention to details and upgrades throughout. An elegant foyer with marble flooring greets you as you enter with your eyes drawn to the beautiful Bayfront views and the swimming pool in the courtyard. On the first level you will find a kitchen designed for access in and out to the pool area with plenty of seating and room for entertaining family and friends. Also on the first floor, you will find a Bay front office or playroom for the kids. This home is complete with a home elevator so either take the spiraling stairs to the second level or take the elevator up to the second level. You will be mesmerized by the amazing Bayfront views and endless sunsets this home offers. There are 6 decks off the home for privacy. On the second level you will find a professional chef’s kitchen complete with large center island, high end appliances and plenty of cabinet space adjoining a beautiful, spacious dining room overlooking the bay. The family room is also complete with a gas fireplace for chilly winter nights, making this the perfect home for year-round living or a vacation home. Also, on this floor, you will find a second office, home theater room, or game room. On the third level you will enjoy waking up to the endless water views from your primary bedroom. The primary bath has custom finishes throughout with extensive tile work. The primary bedroom also has a fireplace for romantic evenings and relaxing. Also on this floor are three additional bedrooms, which are spacious and separated nicely from the primary bedroom. This home is over 6000 ft.² and is one of the few Bayfront homes available on the market. So, if you’re looking for a home at the beach, also offering all the thrill of the day with attention to detail look no further. Come take a look at 733 Bradley Rd. today before it’s sold! MDWO2014714
NORTH OC CONDO with DEEDED BOAT SLIP
7704 COASTAL HWY SANDS #102 OCEAN CITY • $310,000
Come take a look at this spacious 1BR/1BA Ocean Block beauty! This one-bedroom unit is over 700 sq.ft. and is on the ocean block side of coastal highway. This is an elevated building so there's a very nice view from the large deck off the family room. This is your chance to own a slice of Ocean City and make memories that will last a lifetime. As you walk in the front door, you’ll be welcomed by the beautiful dining area and kitchen. The family room flows off the kitchen and provides plenty of room for entertaining. There is a large balcony off the family room with access by a glass slider. The bedroom is very large and can accommodate two queen beds. There is one full bath as well. This condo located midtown Ocean City, close to plenty of restaurants, shops and attractions. Come take a look today and own your slice of Ocean City. This building is professionally managed and has low condo fees. The condo is being sold fully furnished and is ready for your immediate enjoyment. MDWO2015968
204 N HERON DR #2048C
OCEAN CITY • $425,000
Stunning 2BR/2BA condo one back from the beach hits the market! This condo is located on 66th street in an ocean block building. The sellers have made many recent upgrades, installing luxury vinyl
property. Offered with a one-year AHS warranty. Heron Harbour is amenity rich with two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, a kiddie pool, fitness center, social room, sauna, locker room, two Har-Tru tennis courts, sidewalks, and piers. Enjoy your boat, fishing, crabbing, kayaking, and paddle boarding all directly out your back door. You are very close to shopping, restaurants, and the beach. Come take a look before it's SOLD! MDWO2018196
NEW WATERFRONT CONDO
friends. There is a dining area off the kitchen with glass sliders leading to a huge covered deck with recently tiled floor. You can hear the waves break from the deck. This is a first floor unit but it's an elevated building so the height off the street is equivalent to a second floor unit. This condo has two large bedrooms and two full baths so there's plenty of room for family and friends. The condo is in walking distance to many restaurants, stores, shops and a supermarket, so once you're here you don’t have to move your car, but the condo is conveniently located to the
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day’s work session had been brought before the state’s ethics commission for review.
“It went up to them after your work session,” she said. “They have preliminarily approved it as drafted, and if this advances through second reading, then it will go before the state ethics commission at their April meeting.”
For his part, Gehrig questioned how the ethics code could affect certain officials – including the mayor and director of tourism and business development – and their ability to “sell the town.”
“When we have expenses entertaining, is it a violation of ethics to have expenses to entertain other elected officials, maybe from the state, or prospects, or leads or customers?” he asked. “Is that a violation, basically paying for them to go to dinner or golf or whatever?”
Stansbury replied that the ethics code was more about their receipt of funds and less about their expenditure of funds.
“I’m just making sure that we’re able to do business,” Gehrig said. “This is how business is done, entertaining prospects and valuable assets.”
Stansbury agreed that the town
was unique in the way it operated. She added that it was a discussion she also had with the attorney at the state ethics commission.
“It’s a philosophical issue …,” she said. “The purpose of the town pursuant to its charter is actually not to do business. I understand the town has to do business, and an entire department has been created for that purpose. But the state does not recognize that so much, so we do have to weave this as delicately as we can while providing guidance to our employees and to our elected officials so that they don’t cross the line. I think that fundamental difference is why some of this is not as clear as, say, a business rule and reg, a bylaw, a shareholder’s agreement.”
Gehrig then asked how the ethics policy would affect an official’s ability to accept gifts.
“It is basically bad form and a slap in the face for someone to say, ‘Sorry, can’t do that, it violates our rules,’” he said.
Stansbury said there are some gifts elected officials can accept and some gifts they must report. She noted, however, that the ethics code is different for employees.
“When it gets to employees, again, we have this conundrum where what the Town of Ocean City does is some-
what unique to other municipalities,” she said.
Stansbury noted, for example, that when tickets are offered as part of a contract with the town, officials may have to disclose them. However, she said there is ambiguity in the ethics code regarding what a regular employee or department head can accept.
“If you read this, it would seem to indicate that either they can’t take them, or if they take them, they have to be disclosed,” she said. “And so there is this ambiguity that we are going to attempt to address by a policy so that that employee is not necessarily prohibited from receiving, let’s say, that ticket, but also making sure that one employee is not always the recipient of that ticket. So there is more work to come on that, but it’s not contemplated by this ethics code.”
Stansbury said she has asked the state ethics commission about an employee’s ability to accept gifts such as tickets. Councilman Will Savage asked if that issue could be addressed in the code amendment.
“An option would be to delay a second reading until we have the ticket policy, frame those questions, then wait for the state to give us a blessing to carve out,” Stansbury replied. “But the state really wants us to fall into compliance as quickly as we can on this. So, another option would be to go ahead and move forward with this and know that we can always amend ordinances, and it presupposes that they would give us that carve out.”
(March 22, 2024) The Town of Berlin has secured a $1.2 million grant from the federal government to study a bridge connecting the two sides of town separated by Route 113.
According to a press release from U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, the federal dollars, secured through the Inflation Reduction Act, will “support the planning and design of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Route 113 in Berlin, as well as other sidewalk and street crossing improvements, to better connect both sides of the Town, which is currently split by the roadway.”
The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and provided through the Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) Grant Program, which the lawmakers worked to create and fund through the Inflation Reduction Act. Last fall, the senators wrote to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in support of the federal funding.
After further discussion, the council voted to approve the first reading of the ordinance amending the town’s ethics code.
“I just want to be clear, it’s not like I want to loosen the rules and open up ourselves to fraud,” Gehrig said. “At the same time, I would expect the mayor to entertain and be entertained. That means he’s doing a great job, that’s his job. Just like our director of tourism and business development and our salespeople. That’s their job.”
“The Town of Berlin is grateful for Senator Cardin and Van Hollen’s support and advocacy for our ‘Bridging the Highway that Divides Berlin: Reconnecting Neighborhoods Split by US-113’ project. The grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation will allow the Town of Berlin to make meaningful progress toward providing equitable and safe access to schools, shopping, and healthcare services for all community members. We look forward to working with community members and the Maryland Department of Transportation to develop an inclusive plan that overcomes the highway that divides our small town,” said Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall.
The town will also use the funding to identify necessary sidewalk and crossing improvements in the area and potential connections to existing and proposed bike and pedestrian facilities.
(March 22, 2024) Caine Woods resident and former city manager Dennis Dare asked resort officials this week to address parking requirements after voicing concerns about residential development in north Ocean City.
During the public comment portion of Monday’s meeting, Dare, who also was a two-term member of the council, pointed to construction at 142nd and 144th streets and urged officials to review a “glaring deficiency” in residential parking and design and their impacts on the community.
“In two years, when these developments are complete and full of weekly and daily rentals that bring more than one car, our neighborhood is going be parked deeper into it or have cars parked all week, not just during beach hours,”
he said.
Dare said pyramidal zoning (allowing the highest and best use of a property to take place in lower ranked districts) had resulted in residential projects being constructed in the commercial zone in uptown Ocean City.
While he shared his frustration with the loss of commercial areas, he said he was more frustrated with the design of the projects at 142nd and 144th streets, particularly the narrow alleyways between the buildings used to access the garages and fire lanes.
“When I returned from a walk, I composed and sent an email and forwarded pictures to the mayor and council link that’s on the council’s website,” he said. “Two weeks later now, and I’ve yet to receive any response, so I’m here tonight to share my frustration with you in person.”
Dare told the council he was concerned about the garage parking spaces being built at 144th Street. He argued the two-car garages were not big enough to accommodate two cars.
“I watched the video of the council discussion in the work session on garage size. It’s clear to me that that code is written for a parking lot and not for a parking structure or garage. Changes are needed. It was somewhat upsetting to see the planning commission work with their professional planning staff to bring recommendations forward to you and be dismissed because it didn’t meet the developers’ requirements. The design and construction of these garages and access may be a case of, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Any deficiencies here could lead to an unfavorable impact on the Caine Woods community.”
Dare also pointed to other issues,
such as balconies being close to power lines and the lack of a signalized intersection near the 144th Street development. He also highlighted design concerns with the alleyway access at the 142nd Street development.
“The development on the corner of 142nd Street is very similar with the narrow alley access,” he said. “That one has a 90-degree turn that may be a challenge for delivery vehicles and ambulance apparatus.”
Dare ultimately urged the council to take a closer look at residential parking uptown and the impacts the ongoing development projects could have on the community.
“They say history repeats itself,” he said. “In 1970, when the first condos were being built on high-rise row, most or many of those only had one parking spot per unit. And as a result, we had parking in the R-1, Caine Keys II, where cars were parked all week. The town bought a parking lot, now a library in part, so that cars would have someplace to park. And we started a permit system to solve that problem. We’re going to need that in Caine Woods unless the council acts now to prevent that.”
At the end of Monday’s meeting, Councilman John Gehrig thanked Dare for his comments and agreed to take a look at the residential developments being constructed uptown. He noted, however, that the council had plans to discuss garage parking sizes further at an upcoming work session.
“Terry [McGean] and the team are going to come back with some measurements and recommendations at the April 9 work session,” he said.
Gehrig also asked if Caine Woods residents supported the implementation of parking permits.
“Today, no,” Dare replied. “Two years from now, yes. But you can fix it before it comes to that.”
Council President Matt James said the council would continue to explore parking.
“Terry’s going to bring some stuff back to us and then we’ll have a discussion about parking spot sizes, which I’m sure we’ll be an interesting discussion,” he said.
(March 22, 2024) Repairs and lane closures on the Route 50 bridge will continue through May, according to an update from the State Highway Administration.
While work has been underway for months, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration said this week that repairs to the bridge will continue through most of the spring. Assistant Media Relations Manager Daniel Allman said travelers can expect lane closures during that time.
“We currently have single lane closures on the US 50 (Harry Kelley Memorial Bridge) while SHA continues to perform preservation work to the bridge prior to the start of the busy summer season,” he said. “This work
is focused on the drawbridge portions of the structure, including repairs, and strengthening of beams and improvements to the machinery room. Intermittent lane closures during off peak hours will be required through May to complete this work.”
In early January, crews began work on the machinery room areas of the draw span, necessitating roadway, sidewalk and channel closures. While SHA announced a completion date of March 2, in the days since motorists have continued to experience intermittent closures of both eastbound and westbound lanes.
SHA encouraged community members to visit the project portal page on the agency’s website, roads.maryland.gov, for the latest information and updates about the project.
(March 22, 2024) A change of use will allow for a new restaurant and workforce housing at an uptown property.
On Tuesday, Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy presented the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission with a site plan for a proposed change of use to an existing two-story building at 11651 Coastal Highway. The applicant, JDACAI Ocean City LLC has plans to convert the former commercial retail space into an 891square-foot restaurant on the first floor and 803-square-foot employee housing project on the second.
During the second phase, the second floor will be reconstructed to include workforce housing with two bedrooms. For her part, Gordy said the applicant had received a parking variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals for smaller and fewer parking spaces.
“Oftentimes our seasonal employees do not drive,” she added. “And that was the underlying reason they were able to ask for the parking space waiver.”
“What’s different about this one is it is being presented in a phased manner,” she said. “So, we have to approve it, if we choose to do so, in phase one and two, required by the code.”
In the first phase, the applicant will reconstruct the first floor to house a Playa Bowls restaurant. Architect Keith Iott said the front porch will be replaced to include handicap access, and the interior will feature kitchen space, a dining area and a handicap bathroom.
“One reason they like this location is because the nature of their product offering is they will have a lot of walkups,” he explained. “So being right in high-rise row, it is perfect for this type of business.”
Gordy noted that the LC-1 district in which the building is located allows for restaurants and employee housing. As the second story will house fewer than 16 people, she said the applicant will only need site plan approval.
“They don’t need to go for a conditional use,” she said.
Gordy added that the city code set a timeline for completing a phased construction project. She noted that if the applicant failed to meet certain requirements, the site plan would be brought back to the commission for approval.
With no further discussion, the commission voted 4-0 to approve the site plan.
“They just want to clean up a property that has been little derelict over the years and create another nice amenity for the residents and visitors of high-rise row,” Iott said.
(March 22, 2024) The redevelopment of a major Boardwalk hotel downtown will move forward following site plan approval this week.
On Tuesday, members of the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission approved a site plan for a redeveloped Flagship Oceanfront Hotel, which sits between 26th and 27th Streets on Baltimore Avenue. The property owner, Harrison BW Boardwalk Inc., has plans to construct a new 135-room hotel with a restaurant, pool and pool bar.
“The situation is we are conditionally making this property so much better,” said Joe Moore, attorney for the applicant. “The Flagship Hotel
was built in 1964. We are redeveloping the property substantially.”
Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy, who presented a site plan to commission, said the applicant has plans to construct an eight-story building with a 5,543-square-foot restaurant, indoor pool, outdoor pool and pool bar on the ground floor.
“This is another one of our large hotel redevelopments that we’ve been looking forward to,” she told the commission.
Gordy said the new facility would feature 135 hotel rooms, which will include 26 suites. Parking, she added, would include 69 spaces on site, 47 spaces at the Happy Jack Pancake House parking lot and 22 spaces at 27th Street and the Boardwalk.
Gordy also highlighted a nonconforming setback on 26th Street that will remain at ground level as part of the new development. She noted, however, that the remaining setbacks will increase another nine feet to comply with code requirements for an eight-story building.
“Because it is the size lot that it is, they are able to go eight stories …,” she explained. “So, they are actually required an extra nine feet on their setbacks. Instead of it being 10 feet on 26th Street for the bulk of the building, except that one story they are using that nonconformity for, they’d have to set back 19 feet. Same thing on Baltimore Avenue. On the north side they would do the same thing. And then they are held at 41 feet on the Boardwalk because the underlying zoning says 32 feet for the bulk of a main building.”
For his part, Moore said the town’s comprehensive plan supported the hotel redevelopment. He added that a shadow study resulted in no significant impacts of an eight-story building.
“We fully comport with the comprehensive plan on redevelopment,” he said. “And because we are allowed to go to eight stories, we have to also comported with the comprehensive plan and the code to ensure the town that we are not extending our shadow beyond that of a five-story building.”
Staff noted that the applicant would be required to consolidate the contiguous building lots and resolve an issue with the Buccaneer Condominium, which has a first-floor deck that crosses the boundary line onto the Flagship property. Moore said those conditions would be addressed.
“It encroaches into our property about four-tenths of a foot on one end and six-tenths of a foot on the other,” he said. “We’re going to set back so we don’t intrude with that. We aren’t going to get in a situation with our neighbors. We are going to work with
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a separation of that.”
In his presentation to the commission, architect Sam Forman said the proposed hotel will be home to a Springhill Suites by Marriott. He said the horseshoe design will provide each room with an ocean view.
“This is very family-oriented but we are trying to go with a resort feel,” he said.
Representatives also presented the commission with plans for the building’s facade and layout. After further discussion, the commission voted 40 to approve the site plan as presented.
“We are on the Boardwalk,” Moore said. “So we are a premier location with an aging hotel, and we are very proud of the design.”
(March 22, 2024) County officials approved a modified sewer capacity request that will allow Diakonia to move forward with some of its plans for property on Route 611.
The Worcester County Commissioners voted unanimously this week to approve a request for four EDUs (equivalent dwelling units) for the proposed Diakonia campus on Route 611. The allocation will allow the nonprofit to move forward with plans for a thrift store, food pantry and office but not the housing initially being considered.
“They’ve considerably changed their development plan,” said Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs.
In January, the commissioners voted 4-3 not to approve an agreement between Diakonia and the Town of Ocean City that would have allowed the resort to provide sewer capacity so the nonprofit to construct a new facility on Route 611. Diakonia has provided emergency housing, food assistance and other resources to those in need in the Ocean City area since the 1970s and wanted to expand those efforts with a new facility. The nonprofit initially planned to have the new structure include housing as well as a thrift store, food pantry and office space.
As a result of that January decision, Diakonia officials approached the commissioners this month with a revised request. Instead of the 32 EDUs sought before, the nonprofit said it needed four.
“We are respectfully requesting that the county either allocated Mystic Harbour EDUs or approve the Town of Ocean City’s offer to provide the necessary sewer EDUs to allow
for construction of the thrift store, food pantry and corporate offices (no EDUs are being requested for the housing units as part of this request) in order to allow us to expand the vital services that we provide to our community for those in needs,” a letter from Mike Diffendal, vice chair of Diakonia’s board, to Commissioner Eric Fiori reads.
Diffendal said approval of the request would preserve the nonprofit’s state funding and would mean its volunteers could proceed with fundraising.
“Hopefully the county will have an agreement for additional sewer capacity with the Town of Ocean City in place soon, but approval of this request for a limited allocation would allow for Diakonia to expand our community outreach sooner rather than later during these times of increased community need,” the letter reads.
Mitchell told the commissioners the Mystic Harbour service area had 17 remaining EDUs and would be able to allocate four to Diakonia. The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the request.
(March 22, 2024) Eric Church, Jelly Roll, Tyler Childers and Lainey Wilson will headline this year’s first Country Calling Festival in Ocean City.
On Wednesday, C3 Presents announced the lineup for the first-ever Country Calling Festival, which will take place in downtown Ocean City Oct. 4-5. The fall event will feature nearly 30 acts across three stages and will have a similar layout to the Oceans Calling Festival, which will take place the weekend before.
“During Oceans Calling, a lot of people requested country artists so we thought there was a demand to offer a similar festival but with a country vibe,” C3 Presents promoter Tim Sweetwood said in an interview this week.
In addition to Eric Church and Jelly Roll, Friday’s concert lineup will include Riley Green, Warren Zeiders, Clint Black, Martina McBride, The Red Clay Strays, Needtobreathe, Ingrid Andress, Ella Langley, Alexandra Kay, Hueston and Jimmy Charles. On Saturday, the festival will continue with performances by Tyler Childers, Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman, Brothers Osborne, Dwight Yoakam, Tanya Tucker, Parmalee, Paul Cauthen, Priscilla Block, Alana Springsteen, Nikki Lane, Dasha and Drayton Farley.
“We’ve got some mainstream country and some throwback acts …,” Sweetwood said. “There should be something for everyone.”
Similar to the Oceans Calling Festival the week prior, Sweetwood said the Country Calling Festival will have three stages within the same footprint. Between the two weekends, the stages would remain set up, and the site would be secured.
“It’s pretty much the same setup encompassing Jolly Roger,” he explained. “And we hope to have the Boardwalk back again as well.”
Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said adding a second music festival to the fall special events calendar is expected to bring more visitors to the resort. He called the Country Calling Festival a “huge win” for Ocean City.
“Although the event is a Friday/Saturday event, we anticipate the economics to be very similar to Oceans Calling,” he said. “We will continue to use the same footprint for Country Calling. This will allow the promoter to maximize his initial investment [and] hopefully create a new tradition.”
Perlozzo said at the end of Oceans Calling, the Boardwalk will reopen to the public. The event space will close again on Thursday, Oct. 3, for Country Calling.
“The calendar in 2024 and 2025 al-
(March 22, 2024) Ocean City officials this week agreed to extend a moratorium on cannabis businesses while they await guidance from the state on how to proceed in that area.
With a nine-month timeline set to expire this week, the Ocean City Council on Monday voted unanimously to extend a moratorium on the acceptance or processing of applications or site plans or the issuance of other zoning approvals or licenses for businesses that grow, process or sell cannabis.
City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said
the extension would give the town six more months to receive guidance from the state clarifying certain provisions of the Cannabis Reform Act of 2023.
“We are still awaiting further legislative guidance and guidance from the Cannabis Administration, and we hope to be able to finalize this before Sept. 20, which would be that six-month period.”
In the November 2022 election, twothirds of voters supported a statewide referendum to legalize recreational marijuana. And last May, Gov. Wes Moore signed Maryland’s cannabis reform bill into law, paving the way for
recreational sales beginning July 1, 2023. The legislation essentially establishes an adult-use cannabis industry through the creation of tax rates and licensing framework.
To that end, city staff presented the council last summer with a resolution establishing a moratorium on cannabis businesses.
“As you know, this law goes into effect July 1,” City Manager Terry McGean said at the time. “However, there is a long period of time – I believe until January – for the state to actually promulgate the regulations that further refine what can and cannot happen
under this law. Once we know that, then we are able to work on zoning regulations and business license regulations.”
He continued, “I think here, it’s important we proceed with caution. There are many unknowns. I believe this moratorium is a prudent thing to do right now. Right now, it is a nine-month moratorium, or until such time the planning commission and council produces the appropriate zoning regulations.”
The council voted 6-0, with Councilman Peter Buas absent, to extend the moratorium another six months.
(March 22, 2024) A class action lawsuit challenging how Realtors set and charge commissions on property sales led the National Association of Realtors (NAR) last week to reach a settlement agreement that could change the homebuying process.
The Sitzer-Burnett lawsuit filed on behalf of home sellers accused the NAR and two brokerages, HomeServices of America and Keller Williams,
of conspiring to inflate agent commissions.
“The agreement would resolve claims against NAR, over one million NAR members, all state/territorial and local Realtor associations, all association-owned multiple listing services (MLSs), and all brokerages with an NAR member as principal that had a residential transaction volume in 2022 of $2 billion or below,” the NAR announcement said.
In traditional real estate transac-
tions, buyers’ agents receive commissions from the seller, who shares the compensation amount upfront the on multiple listing service, a database of created online for Realtors to let others in the industry know a property is for sale. Consumers also use MLS to do their own property searches.
The plaintiffs argued that the commission system incentivizes real estate agents representing home buyers to “avoid showing their clients listings where the seller’s broker was offering a lower commission to the buyer’s agent.” In late 2023, a Kansas City Jury found the defendants guilty.
to offer up-front payment to a buyer’s agent. Instead, individual home sellers can negotiate compensation agreements with a buyer’s agent separate from the MLS platforms. The brokers still must disclose these arrangements.
NAR also assented to requiring agents to enter into written agreements with homebuyers, ensuring that prospective purchasers know what the Realtor intends to charge them.
Maryland real estate agents, however, have been using these written buyer brokerage agreements since they were introduced in this state in Oct. 1, 2016.
The NAR’s settlement agreement includes $418 million in compensation to home sellers in the United States, but the court has yet to accept the offer. The Coastal Association of Realtors, representing over 1,000 agents in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties, expects the approval process to take months.
Part of the settlement stipulates that selling agents advertising a home for sale on MLS are no longer required
Continued from Page 15
“Maryland law required licensees to change from the previous industry practice of Presumed Buyer Agency to requiring written Buyer Agency Agreements years ago. Our membership is well prepared for this settlement term because we already provide this high level of transparency and professionalism to buyer clients in Maryland,” Lauren Bunting, CAR president-elect, said in a press release issued by the organization.
The changes are expected to go into effect in mid-July. The Associated Press reports that agents working with buyers and sellers traditionally split commissions of 5% to 6%, which the seller pays. However, the new rules will give the home buyers and sellers more power to negotiate lower agent commissions.
lows this quick turn times for our continued support of our traditional events,” he said.
Since the Oceans Calling Festival concluded last fall, town officials and the promoter have been at work preparing for the second iteration of the festival, as well as a new country festival that showcases national country acts. This year, Oceans Calling will return to the Ocean City Inlet beach Sept. 27-29, followed by Country Calling Oct. 4-5.
For more information, visit countrycallingfestival.com. Presale begins Friday, March 22, at 10 a.m., with public on-sale to follow at 11 a.m. if tickets remain.
“In real estate, there will always be two sides to each transaction,” said 2024 CAR President Brigit Taylor.
“CAR, NAR, and Maryland Realtors stand behind the need for both the seller and the buyer to be represented by a professional who knows their market and the communities, how to prepare a home for sale, and how to prepare each party for the process of a home sale or purchase.”
CAR has said that payment to buyer and seller agents in Maryland has not changed and that “compensation has always been and continues to be negotiable through discussion based on services provided between the parties.”
(March 22, 2024) The Berlin Planning Commission is expected to resume discussion of a Wawa proposed for the intersection of North Main Street and Route 50 next week.
The commission will meet Wednesday, March 27, at 5:30 p.m. to review updated plans for a Wawa proposed for the Athena Properties site on Route 818. While officials said the proposed building didn’t fit Berlin, some residents are eager to see the business set up in Berlin.
“I get what you’re trying to do,
make something look nice, 100% for it,” resident Andy Grunden told the commission last week. “But I hate to throw the baby out with that bathwater. Please don’t stall that to the point where it dies on the vine.”
Last month, after nearly three hours of discussion, the commission voted 4-2 to give the Wawa site plan preliminary approval. They made it clear, however, they wanted the developer to return with revised elevation drawings showing elements that tie the architecture to what is already seen in Berlin.
“I don’t want to lose this project… ,” commission member Pete Cosby said at that meeting. “Take a bow to us is all I’m saying. Make the box pretty somehow.”
At the most recent meeting of the commission, Grunden took the opportunity to appeal to the commission to support the project. He said in speaking with people in the community he’d heard a lot of support for the project.
“A lot of us get up early to go to work,” he said. “A lot of us have no option but to go to West O to get some-
thing from that Wawa. There’s nothing for us except for Royal Farms and this is not a slight at Royal Farms but no thanks. Anybody who eats breakfast on the way to work probably agrees with me.”
He said many people had been excited when they learned that the site initially approved for a 7-Eleven was instead slated to become a Wawa. Based on the commission’s comments on the project, though, he said he was afraid it wasn’t going to happen.
“It looked like if you’re not putting road blocks up you’re doing everything you can to put your brake foot down,” he said.
Commission member Austin Purnell said he wanted to see the Wawa built but wanted it to look a little better. Commission member Ron Cascio said that he didn’t like the looks of the building that had been proposed and worried about the negative effect the development would have on traffic at the already busy intersection.
“Build a building that welcomes us to Berlin. If Wawa’s not the one that wants to play the game we’ll find somebody else who does,” Cascio said.
Commission member Matt Stoehr pointed out that last month’s discussion was the second the board had with Wawa representatives. He said the commission had voiced concerns with the project the first time it was presented and suggested changes.
“They came back here in a tizzy, in a rush, and made .2 of those five changes,” he said.
Grunden pointed out that the property had been home to nothing more than the remnants of two burned down houses for the past three years.
“What are we supposed to do?” Cascio said.
“Approve the Wawa,” Grunden responded. “There’s a great many people that would like to see it.”
Dave Engelhart, the town’s planning director, said last week that Wawa had submitted revised elevations. The commission will review those at its March 27 meeting.
“What I see, those of you who are asking for something better, they did it,” Engelhart said. “That’s my opinion. I’ll send them to you as soon as I can.”
(March 22, 2024) A local man was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with all but five suspended, last week for striking a pedestrian with his vehicle while legally drunk and leaving the scene in a 2022 incident.
Russell Kimball, 63, of West Ocean City, was sentenced to 15 years in the Division of Corrections after he was convicted of negligent homicide while reportedly under the influence and failing to remain at the scene of an accident involving death. Kimball pleaded guilty to both charges on Feb. 28.
Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Beau H. Oglesby imposed a 10year sentence for the negligent homicide charge, and a consecutive five-year sentence for failing to remain at the scene of an accident involving death. He suspended all but five years of the sentence and placed Kimball on five years of supervised probation upon his release.
The incident dates back to Oct. 6, 2022, when Maryland State Police troopers responded to Grays Corner Road for a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. First responders arrived to find the victim, Terri Lynn Wattay, lying unresponsive off the roadway and immediately arranged for her to be flown to the University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma Center
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in Baltimore due to the extent of her injuries. Wattay, a former veterinarian in the area, succumbed to her injuries while at shock trauma and was pronounced deceased.
During thee investigation, troopers found a passenger side mirror and a reflective side marker lying in the middle of the road, and then noticed a white Chevrolet Suburban missing a side mirror and reflective marker and with damage to a front headlight parked in a nearby driveway.
Troopers knocked on the door at the address and made contact with Kimball, who indicated that he had driven home from a local diner earlier that evening, and that he had swerved to avoid hitting a dog that was in the roadway.
According to the news release from the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office, Kimball failed field sobriety tests and submitted to a breath test, which showed his blood alcohol content was .12. Investigators also obtained receipts from the establishment showing that Kimball had purchased six shots of vodka and two beers prior to driving home that
evening.
Evidence obtained from other witnesses established that Kimball knew he had struck a woman with his truck and that just minutes after the collision, Kimball had tried to convince his roommate to lie to police about who was driving.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team’s investigation confirmed that Wattay had been left seriously injured and lying on the side of the road for at least 39 minutes while Kimball was at his residence nearby. Kimball never called for help or attempted to render any aid to Wattay during that time.
Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser commended the Mary-
land State Police for the excellent investigative work, and the crash team members for their detailed analysis of the scene. Heiser also applauded Assistant State’s Attorney Pamela Correa, who prosecuted the case.
“It is always a tragedy to see another life lost due to drunk driving,” Heiser said in the release. “In this instance, the Defendant’s failure to remain on scene and failure to seek help for the victim during those critical minutes after the crash were certainly aggravating factors considered by the Court. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ms. Wattay’s family and loved ones, whose lives are forever changed as a result of this senseless crime.”
(March 22, 2024) The Ocean City Police and several other Worcester County law enforcement agencies have officially transitioned to encrypted radio transmissions for all law enforcement activity. The change occurred at 7 a.m., March 1.
According to a news release, members of the Ocean City Police Department pride themselves on keeping residents and visitors safe.
Public safety was one of the leading factors in moving to encryption, as identity theft cases are at an alltime high across the county.
response time and patrol tactics. Suspects use the info to plan and elude crimes and avoid repose from law enforcement.
By transitioning to the encrypted radio channels, the Ocean City Police Department and fellow Worcester County law enforcement agencies are working toward public safety and remaining compliant with the criminal justice recommendations.
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According to the National Council on Identity Theft Protection, simple methods, such as traditional identity theft, and more complicated ones like synthetic identity theft, are all increasing. Professionals in the field believe that there is a new victim every 22 seconds.
Law enforcement personnel share sensitive information such as names, social security numbers, driver’s license information, addresses, and criminal histories daily over the radio. When the information was shared before encryption, anyone with a digital scanner could copy it down.
Increases in identity theft were among the factors that led the FBI to update its Criminal Justice Information Services security policy at the end of 2022. The change recommended encryption of any radio communication that includes the transmission of criminal justice information to prevent the dissemination of protected information.
Identity theft is not the only public safety factor, however.
The release said encryption of law enforcement radio channels also protects the officers. Suspects have been known to monitor radio transmissions to determine law enforcement
The March 1 effective date coincided with re-banding efforts in Worcester County All radios that use Worcester County towers were required to be reprogrammed. Timing the transition with the required update was a cost-effective move, the release said. Changing over to encryption had no fiscal impact on Ocean City or resort residents.
The release said members of the Ocean City Police Department will continue to be transparent and provide the highest degree of ethical behavior, professional conduct, and quality police services to all residents and visitors. Officials will continue posting regular updates on the department’s Facebook Page and offering a Daily Bulletin on the department’s website at p2c.ocpdmd.com/DailyBulletin.aspx, which allows viewers to see arrests, citations and summons, and more.
According to the release, members of the Ocean City Police Department are prepared and proactively handling criminal violations and resident complaints of illegal activity to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Residents are asked, if they see something suspicious or have concerns about possible criminal activity in Ocean City, to contact the department’s tip line at 410-520-5136, email crimetips@oceancitymd.gov, or contact the department directly at 410-723-6610.
(March 22, 2024) Members of the Stephen Decatur High School’s student-run newspaper, The Hawk, expanded their journalistic prowess with a trip to a Columbia University conference for teenage reporters.
The Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s Annual Spring Scholastic Convention took place from March 13-15 and welcomed student reporters and faculty advisors from around the United States to choose from more than 300 sessions in newspaper, year-
book, magazine, photography, broadcasting, advisor topics, and law and ethics. The seminars, which ran simultaneously throughout the threeday event, touched on issues relevant to the media, including AI, misinformation and disinformation, and career advice.
According to SDHS newspaper advisor Brian Shane, 17 students and four adult chaperones attended the event, which was made possible by The Hawk’s fundraising efforts. The trip's final cost, including the hotel and Amtrack tickets, exceeded
$10,000.
Decatur Diner, Live Wire Media and Events, the OC Surf Club, Keith Coffin at Vision Properties and other local businesses helped the high school paper obtain an additional $2,000.
“Not a dime of this is coming from Worcester County,” Shane said. “This is all money that the journalism program has raised either now or in the past.”
Former classes ventured to NYC for the convention with past advisor Brittany Tracy but took a hiatus after
the 2017-2018 school year. The trip was brought back last year.
Shane was eager for his class to meet other aspiring reporters nationwide. During the 2023 conference, he said, their subway car was filled with high schoolers with the same event lanyards, and his kids spent the whole ride chatting with students passionate about similar interests.
Before the trip, the advisor maintained that learning from new people, immersing in different experiences, and gaining new skills were the primary goals of the conference.
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“There are so many seminars and roundtable discussions that kids can attend hosted by newspaper and yearbook advisors and professionals in the field,” Shane said. “I want them to come back supercharged with ideas of what they can do for our school paper here and the different directions they can take student reporting.”
The high school journalists attended seminars about libel law, InDesign, AI, the importance of interviews, and pop culture coverage. Student reporter Jada Donahue, for instance, is excited about the new lead writing skills she can contribute to The Hawk.
Additionally, school news writer CJ Shoemaker went to back-to-back Photoshop classes. The first was a beginner’s lesson, and the second section was advanced, where he volunteered to demonstrate the software as the professor explained it to the group.
Student CJ Curry’s favorite conference seminar was on pop culture, where he was taught how to write movie and music reviews.
“I also learned not to stress and take your time,” he said.
Shane is excited about how the kids can enhance the paper.
“I am ready to see what the students learned and what sticks,” he said. “I think some kids who do layout already have new ideas. The sports guys have some ideas. There is a lot to cover for sports at Decatur, especially this time of year.”
The Hawk teacher also said the kids' interaction with their peers improved the experience.
“Just being around other high school kids around the country was enriching,” he said. “I met people who were from Florida or California, for example. The diversity of students who showed up was great. I hope it hits home that there are kids in newsrooms like theirs across the country who are doing the same thing, which is trying to chronicle their school's events as they happen.”
The SDHS news source, which will celebrate 70 years this fall, is a digital publication with a monthly print edition. The newsroom is comprised of students with different roles. There are sports writers, general assignment reporters, photographers, and layout leaders. Every Friday, the kids must turn in a story, and then the group will collaboratively edit the articles and place them on InDesign.
“It is not my job to tell the kids what to cover but to show them what opportunities are out there in a school as big as ours,” Shane said. “From sports to clubs to teacher profiles. I make recommendations, but they are the ones who get to decide what they want to cover and take pictures of. I enjoy them having that lightbulb moment and coming back to me with a completed story where I can say, ‘Hey, you did a great job on this.’ It is very satisfying.”
The SDHS newspaper team also
got the chance to explore NYC. Shane said they ate New York pizza, visited the World Trade Center, and walked around Times Square.
The Hawk advisor also mentioned that the group visited the Seinfeld diner, where they experienced the fast-paced lunch rush of a NYC restaurant and went sightseeing.
“We got to walk around Times Square at night with the packed crowds,” he said. “People talk about our boardwalk like it's Times Square, but when you get to the real place, the magnitude of it is unbelievable.”
Shane is confident the SDHS newspaper trip was a success and will leave a lasting impact on the students.
“I want the reporters to paint the best picture of their school events that they can enjoy now. Maybe in 20 years, they can pull an old Hawk out of their drawer and look at what they made,” he said.
By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor
(March 22, 2024) A partnership between local nonprofits and Worcester Technical High School is giving students the chance to educate their peers on the dangers of human trafficking.
The Cricket Center and the Life Crisis Center are working with Worcester Technical High School students on a new human trafficking education program. The students are sharing information on trafficking with their peers in presentations at local schools.
“It gives us an opportunity to reach out on a bigger level,” student Lily Jones said. “It’s bringing accessibility to a hard topic.”
Lauren Cooper, executive director of the Cricket Center, said the part-
nership was developed when a local school reached out for prevention education. The two nonprofits worked with students in Worcester Technical High School’s criminal justice program to put together a student-led presentation designed to address the basics—things like what human trafficking is, how artificial intelligence comes into play and what grooming is. Students did a mock presentation for local professionals in the field and in January visited Pocomoke High School to make the presentation to the entire freshman class.
“Now other schools want to implement this,” Cooper said.
While the program was initially designed for high school students, Cooper said that with interest from middle schools the students were now tailoring it to different audiences. She believes the program is proving effective because high school students are the ones making the presentation.
“It’s in a way that’s relatable to students,” she said. “It’s in a different perspective than professionals can offer.”
The criminal justice students say they’re enjoying speaking with teenagers on their own level and consider the program good training for their future careers. Danielle Thomas, child sex trafficking regional navigator for the Life Crisis Center, said the first-of-its-kind program was giving criminal justice students a chance to experience prevention work and giving the general student population the tools they needed to understand sex trafficking. She said understanding trafficking was critical with the prevalence of the internet in society.
“A lot of students are sextorted online,” she said. “That’s a gateway to trafficking.”
She said the peer-to-peer aspect of the presentations was proving successful and she’s hopeful the program will continue once this group of criminal justice students has graduated.
(March 22, 2024) Art League of Ocean City officials are seeking student artwork for the organization’s annual Manga & Anime Youth Art Show.
The deadline for entries is March 30. The art show is open to all middle, high school, college, and homeschool students, regardless of residency.
The entries will be on display as part of the art league’s monthly First Friday opening, set 5-7 p.m., April 5. The show will remain on exhibit through the weekend, April 6-7, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 94th Street bayside, and cosplay is encouraged.
Manga and anime styles of animation originated in Japan and are characterized by stark, colorful graphics depicting fantastic or futuristic themes. Art league officials developed the exhibit to promote creativity among students outside formal art programs, and to increase community awareness of the manga and anime art form.
Collin Byrd, Elvin Hernandez and Brad Hudson, professors of art from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, will judge the show and award cash prizes based on creativity, originality, and artistic merit. The judges will also be the featured artists in the Spotlight Gallery in April, showcasing professional level work in the same style.
The $500 in cash prizes is sponsored by Art League President John Sisson. James Dufendach of Ocean City Comic Con has also put together swag and merchandise for the winners.
Artwork must be dropped off inperson by March 30 at the center for
the arts. All media will be accepted including hand-drawn art, computergenerated art, crafts, etc. Artwork must be created in the past year and never entered into a show at the art league. Fan art will be accepted but is not eligible for the Best in Show award. Artwork must be matted and/or framed and ready to hang.
Entry forms are available at the arts center and on the website under Upcoming Events at artleagueofoceancity.org/event/manga-animeyouth-art-show-2024/.
For questions, contact Kacie Neeb at kacie@artleagueofoceancity.org or 410-524-9433. The arts center is open and will be accepting entries from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
(March 22, 2024) Landowners interested in permanent land preservation may be eligible for the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation program or the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program permanent easement program.
For consideration for participation in 2025, applications must be submitted to Worcester County Environmental Programs by May 3.
A news release said Worcester County is accepting applications from interested landowners who wish to participate in the program through the voluntary sale of agricultural easements. Eligible properties must be at least 50 acres (unless contiguous to an existing foundation easement or other applicant) and meet a minimum soils requirement.
An agricultural easement is a voluntary permanent agreement that runs with the land. Development of land encumbered by the easement is strictly limited, but agricultural and natural resource uses and activities are allowed, including crop production, timber harvest and hunting.
“To date, over 10,000 acres in Worcester County are permanently protected from development with a voluntary MALPF easement,” WCEP Natural Resources Planner V Katherine Munson said in the release.
The easement program is available to landowners who are enrolled in program contracts.
Landowners interested in selling easemenst, or learning more, may call 410-632-1220, ext. 1302.
(March 22, 2024) A local furniture store is celebrating 100 years of business.
This year, J. Conn Scott is celebrating its 100th year of operation in Sussex County. Believed to be one of the oldest family-owned furniture stores in the nation, President Richard Scott said he is eager to continue what his grandfather started a century ago.
“He always told me to keep your standards high and your customer service even higher,” he said. “We sell high-end, good quality furniture and have done so since we started.”
In 1924, Scott’s grandfather, J. Conn Scott, left the general store he started with his brother and cousin to open his own furniture business in Selbyville. Now 100 years later, Scott said the operation is believed to be one of the 10 oldest family-owned furniture companies in the country.
“It’s continually grown every year,” he said. “Even during the recession, we had a good year.”
When Scott’s grandfather opened his showroom on East Church Street, the building consisted of 8,000 square feet of space, Scott said. With a focus on quality service and highend furniture, Scott said the store built a reputation that attracted clients both near and far.
When J. Conn Scott’s son took over the business in the late 1950s, he expanded operations with a 10,000square-foot addition. And by the 1980s, a third generation had joined the company.
“In 1986 I came into the business, and my father retired 10 years after that,” Scott said. “It was new blood, and I’ve kept it going.”
Like his father and grandfather before him, Scott said he continues the store’s mission of providing the best furniture, design services and customer experience. He said the company carries more than 50 high-end brands and works with clients from Maine to Florida and places in between.
“We’ve gone as far west as Houston, and I did a big one in Kentucky recently,” he said. “We have furniture going everywhere. A lot of it is repeat customers, a third generation of customers. And we do a lot of local business.”
Just as important as the furnishings, Scott said, are the store’s em-
ployees. He said several have been with the company for years and are experienced at what they do.
“That’s probably my best asset,” he said. “Our employees have stayed with us. Nobody ever really leaves.”
When asked about the future of the business, Scott said he is eager to see what the next 100 years bring.
“There will always be a J. Conn Scott Interiors of some sort,” he said. “As far as the fourth generation, it’s up to them.”
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, J. Conn Scott will hold three tent sales this year, the dates of which will be announced on the company’s website and social media accounts. J. Conn Scott’s main showroom is located on East Church Street in Selbyville. A second store is located on Camelot Drive in Rehoboth Beach.
(March 22, 2024) This week we are pleased to recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Life Member Fritz Pielert.
Before his retirement, Pielert worked as a master carpenter for Granville Trimper at the Trimper Amusement Park on the Boardwalk in Ocean City. During his 35 years with the amusement park, he became a true artist committed to the authenticity and beauty of the rides and the park surroundings. He also studied hydraulics, electronics, and pneumatics to ensure the safety of the many rides at the facility.
Fritz had developed an interest in the fire service while visiting fire
houses as a child living in Baltimore City. After moving to Ocean City, he joined the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company in 1973. He looked forward to the challenge and the camaraderie associated with the fire service and wanted to give back to his community.
During his 15 years of active service, Firefighter Pielert served on Engine #703 under the leadership of Capt. Clifford Dypsky and Lt. Mike Sacca. He credits the volunteer fire company with providing him the training to successfully perform CPR (on two occasions) to patients in cardiac arrest.
Firefighter Pielert cites his greatest accomplishment in the fire service as achieving the “smoke diver” designa-
tion after successfully attending and completing an intense seven-day firefighter breathing apparatus specialist school offered by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute.
Pielert recalls the most significant event of his career in the fire service as a 1991 fatal house fire involving a very young child. Fritz still vividly remembers seeing the young man on the porch roof of the home as Pielert and other firefighters arrived on the scene. The young man apparently became frightened by the firemen wearing gear and breathing apparatus and re-entered the home through a second floor window. Pielert was later a member of the team that recovered the lifeless young man from the home destroyed by fire. Pielert remembers
sitting and crying on the bumper of the fire apparatus at the conclusion of this incident.
Firefighter Pielert was never comfortable on the fireground again and “retired” as an active member of the volunteer fire company shortly after this tragic fire. He struggled physically, mentally, and emotionally in the months following the incident. He was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Few mental health resources were available to members of the fire service at that time and there was a stigma, a desire not to show weakness by admitting you needed assistance following a critical incident.
Today, the fire service has developed many mental health support resources. Mental health trainings, peer support training and other programs are now available. The firefighter community continues to identify the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders and strives to reduce the mental health stigma.
As part of his article, Firefighter Pielert wanted to encourage his fellow men and women in the fire service to make use of the many resources now available to them including the Critical Incident Stress Management Team Debriefings offered shortly following a critical incident and the services provided by the Ocean City Fire Department Peer Support Team (both career and volunteer members).
Given the opportunity to pass on advice to the members of the cadet program or other young men and women with an interest in the fire service, Pielert said: “Never underestimate your own abilities supported by proper training. Education in the service of others will make you proud to be a firefighter. There is no greater gift than saving the life of another.”
For membership information, or to learn more about the volunteer fire company, visit ocvfc.com.
(March 15, 2024) The Berlin Town Council voted unanimously last week to advance seeking bonds for a new public works building and electrical infrastructure.
The approved ordinance authorizes the issuance and sale of $3.8 million in general obligation bonds to the Community Development Administration. The money will finance new electric meters and construction of a new public works building for the town.
“Both of these projects are very much needed for our town and the services that we provide to the people of Berlin,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.
Last month, municipal officials started talking about using bonds to fund the two projects. Electric department leadership has advocated for new meters for years, as staff currently spends close to three days a month reading meters. New meters would also be more accurate and eliminate potential for human error. With the town needing $1 million in bonds to purchase AMI meters, staff said last month it made sense to seek funding for another major project, a new public works building, at the same time. The current facility lacks heating and air conditioning and was never meant to be a long-term public works solution, staff said.
As a result, officials agreed to seek the $3.8 million bond. While the council hosted a public hearing on the ordinance last week, no residents spoke. Natalie Saleh, the town’s finance director, reiterated that while the money will be available in May, the first payment won’t be due until October. Payments will be due in April and October each year.
Tyndall said the next day that the money would allow the town to advance the two key projects.
“The bond issuance will allow our electric department to move from reading meters by hand to being able to read all of the meters in town with a couple clicks of a button,” Tyndall said. “This is going to save at least two days of staff time from having to go out and manually read the meters. Additionally, the software and the handheld meter reading devices have all failed due to age, and we cannot replace them.”
He added that the public works facility would give the municipality a place for staff to work, and a place to store and maintain equipment and vehicles.
“Unfortunately, the current home of public works was never really meant to be a permanent structure,” Tyndall said. “Also, the shop space that we have at public works currently does not allow us to be able to service all of the town vehicles internally. So there’s additional cost each year for outsourcing some of the servicing and maintenance that we could be handling internally if we had the space.”
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Fenwick Center On Route 1 Just Across The Maryland-Delaware Line
On Saturday, April 6, the Worcester County Library, in partnership with the Ocean City Surf Club and Assateague Coastal Trust, will host a spring cleanup event in Ocean City. During a meeting of the Ocean City Green Team this month, Ocean City Surf Club President Tommy Vach encouraged local participation from community members, businesses and nonprofits.
“We want to get as many people as possible,” he said.
Vach told committee members this week the Worcester County Library had reached out to the surf club in hopes of organizing a large beach cleanup event this spring. He said participants will meet at the Ocean City library branch on 100th Street at 9 a.m., April 6.
“The Ocean City Surf Club is going to set up a tent and table and hand out trash bags and gloves,” he said.
Vach said the event will be similar to a cleanup organized on the downtown beach last summer. He noted, however, that participants of this upcoming event can either stay uptown or relocate to another area.
“So people are going to come to us to get their bags and their gloves, and they are free to go where they want,” he said.
Officials say trash will be collected at 100th Street at the conclusion of the beach cleanup. Jenelle Gerthoffer of the town’s environmental programs department encouraged organizers to keep track of the amount of trash collected.
“This year we are trying to be diligent on keeping track of cleanups and the weight that is removed from cleanups,” she explained, “so we have a more accurate number to report at the end of the year to the council.”
Leslie Eisenhauer, one of the administrators for Beach Heroes OC, a local grassroots organization that organizes weekly cleanups in town, said her group would also host a spring cleanup this year. On April 20, from 9-10 a.m., participants will clean areas around the Walmart on Route 50.
“Right now, we’re actually working outside of Ocean City and targeting the Samuel Bowen, Walmart strip right there and the recycling areas,” she said. “We will stage there and drum more awareness, too, of the recycling issue.”
She said Beach Heroes OC is also looking to hold other special cleanup events throughout the year.
(March 22, 2024) This week, 80 years ago, 76 Allied aviators escaped from the German POW camp, Stalag Luft III, located in the German province of Lower Silesia, near the town of Sagan (now aga , in Poland), 100 miles southeast of Berlin.
Stalag Luft III was opened on March 21, 1942, and expanded several times thereafter. Since it housed downed Allied flyers, it was run by the Luftwaffe. The North Compound, from which “The Great Escape” occurred, opened a year later. A South Compound for American flyers was opened in September 1943. The West Compound was opened in July 1944.
Eventually the camp encompassed 60 acres and housed about 2,500 RAF officers, 7,500 Americans and 900 officers from other Allied air forces, for a total of 10,949 inmates.
The Germans had designed and located the camp to prevent escape by tunneling. The barracks were constructed with a space between the floor and the ground to allow the guards to observe if there was any tunneling under the barracks.
The location of the camp was on land that had a very sandy subsoil. The sand was of a bright yellow consistence, easily detected when it was dumped on the ground, or even on someone’s clothing. Since it was very loose, it would be difficult to construct a tunnel because of the lack of structural integrity of the excavation.
Finally, the Germans placed seis-
mographic microphones around the perimeter of the camp to detect any sounds of digging. The first year of its existence, the Germans had discovered and closed 40 tunnels and no one had escaped.
Even though the Germans thought that they had constructed an escapeproof camp, they didn’t figure on Allied ingenuity and determination. All escape ideas had to be approved and “registered” with the “Escape Committee.”
Squadron Leader Roger Bushell was the chief escape officer. Because of the number of his previous escapes from other camps, he was called “Big X.” This character is portrayed by Richard Attenborough in the movie.
The Committee decided to dig
three tunnels - “Tom,” “Dick” and “Harry.” That way, if the Germans discovered one, they would relax their vigilance, while work continued apace on the other two. The project was quite complicated, with many assignments. Of course, there were the actual diggers. But then, what was to be done with all of the fresh dirt? More than 100 tons of spoil was distributed in secret around the camp. And the sides and top of the tunnels had to be shored to protect from cave-ins. Once the inmates got free of the camp, they must have proper attire and identification.
Unfortunately, the Germans discovered “Tom.” The prisoners began concentrating their efforts on “Harry.” With no moon on the
evening of March 24, 1944, the escape was planned for that night. Two hundred prisoners were to escape that evening.
Prisoners began entering the tunnel at about 10 p.m. Then it was learned that the tunnel was 10 feet short, in that its exit was in the path of the perimeter guard. It became clear, at 4 a.m. that not all 200 would be able to get out that night. It was decided to cease the escape efforts for the night at 5 a.m. However, the tunnel was discovered at 4:45 a.m. The committee had hoped that with such a large number of prisoners at large, the disruption it caused would throw the Germans into pandemonium and distract from their war effort.
Continued on Page 39
■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$
■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted
South end to 28th Street
■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON
DRY DOCK 28
28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com
Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, pierogis, egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.
■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE
15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-2897192, captainstableoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily 7:30-11 a.m. Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.
■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT
28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Closed Monday. Open Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out.
■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR
17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
■ CRAWL STREET
19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 443-373-2756, blackoutalley.com
Established in 2020 just a short walk from the legendary Cork Bar. Don’t leave without trying the famous wings, but everything on the menu is solid, including flatbreads, tacos, salads, sandwiches and seafood platters. Be sure to check out the live music offerings as the nightlife is top of the line.
■ HARBOR WATCH
806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City, 410289-5121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com
$$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ Menu | Full bar Celebrating our 40th anniversary with fresh seafood, an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open all March, Thursday through Sunday; Happy Hour: Thursday and Sunday, all night long featuring $9 select appetizers, $6 crushes, $4 select draft. Call for banquet and large-party details.
■ PAPI’S TACO JOINT
15th Street and Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City 443-664-6811, Papistacojoint.com
$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar
Authentic Mexican restaurant open 7 days a week. Weekdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. With a family atmosphere you can enjoy building your own street tacos with a sheet table side with their home-made authentic salsa. Serving food such as little cravings, choice of salsas, salads, bowls, soups, main dishes and desserts.
Also, brunch, gluten free and vegan menus. Happy Hour Monday through Friday, 3-5 p.m. with beer, wines, cocktails and specialty signature drinks. Dine in or order online for your carryout.
■ PICKLES PUB
706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2894891, picklesoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment yearround and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen. Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., seven days a week.
■ PIT & PUB
12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com
Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily. Family-friendly atmospheres at both locations. Weekend entertainment.
29th to 90th streets
■ 32 PALM
32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410289-2525, 32palm.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open yearround for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year!
■ FAGERS ISLAND
201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com
$$ | Full bar
Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Regional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m.
■ HOOKED
8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-7234665, hookedoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.
■ LONGBOARD’S CAFÉ
6701 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, 443-6645693, longboardcafe.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.
■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT
3301 Atlantic Ave. in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com
$$ | Full bar
Winner of the Maryland People's choice
award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:3011:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.
■ SEACRETS
49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar CLOSED JAN. 21 AND REOPENING FEB. 1.
Open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. through midnight with island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.
■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY
13117 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.
■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com
Enjoy one of the restaurants at the Carousel. Fine Ocean Front dining with a beautiful view. The Reef 118 is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday serving dinner. The Bamboo Lounge is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
■ THE CRAB BAG
13005 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-2503337, thecrabbag.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA
120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410250-4900, crabcakefactoryusa.com
Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.
■ ORIGINAL GREENE TURTLE
116th Street, bayside, Ocean City, 410-7232120, originalgreeneturtle.com
This is the Original Greene Turtle, an Ocean City Tradition, since 1976! A fun and friendly Sports Bar & Grille, where every seat is a great spot to watch sports with 50+ High Def. TVs up & downstairs! Menu favorites include homemade crab cakes, kids’ menu, salads, burgers, wings and more!
■ TAILCHASERS RESTAURANT & DOCK BAR
12203 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443664-7075, tailchasersoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A coastal casual farm to table restaurant with a fun dockside family friendly atmosphere. Menu changes with the seasons and cocktails are handcrafted with care. Bring the whole family for lunch or dinner along the canal. Kids playground available to keep the littles entertained.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE
Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-9885000, CCFBayside.com
Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime
rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.
■ NANTUCKETS
Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com
Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.
■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE
100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining
$$ | Full bar
Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu. Thursday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB
1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, www.OPYachtclub.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more. Open Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
■ BREAKFAST CAFE
12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com
All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting. Open daily closing at 2 p.m.
■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL
12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com
$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar
Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar open til 11 p.m.
■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND
West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com
This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40sstyle décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 49th and 124th streets locations offer vast lunch and dinner menus (breakfast too at 124th) in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.
■ GREENE TURTLE WEST
Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500
Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80-seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.
■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL
12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410213-1846, weocharborside.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours. Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Continued from Page 37
A total of 76 men escaped from Stalag Luft III that evening, of which 73 were apprehended. As a result of “The Great Escape,” the camp commandant, Col. Friedrich Wilhelm von Lindeiner-Wildau, portrayed by Hannes Messemer in the movie, was removed from his position. Norwegians Sgt. Per Bergsland and 2nd Lt. Jens E. Müller, # 43 and 44 in the escape line, made their way, first to Stettin, by train from Frankfurt an der Oder, and then, by ship to Sweden, where the British consulate got them back to Great Britain, where they continued their service in the RAF.
Dutchman Flight Lt. Bram van der Stok, made his way to Spain with the help of French and Belgian Resistance. From there, he arrived in England on July 11, 1944, where he, too, resumed his service with the RAF. After the war, he became a doctor and emigrated with his family to the U.S. James Coburn played a prisoner based loosely on him in the movie.
Humiliated by the escape, Hitler ordered all those that were apprehended murdered. Reichsmarshal Hermann Göring, Luftwaffe chief, under whose jurisdiction lay Stalag Luft III, attempted to dissuade him.
Although unsuccessful, he did manage to whittle it down to 50. At Nuernberg, after Mr. Justice Robert Jackson, failed to get the upper hand in his cross-examination of the Reichsmarshal, it fell to Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe, deputy chief prosecutor for the United Kingdom, to impale the arrogant Göring with the murder of the 50 RAF aviators.
On April 6, 1944, the new camp commandant, Lt. Col. Erich Cordes, summoned Senior British Officer Herbert Martin Massey (portrayed by James Donald) to his office. Cordes informed Massey that some of the men had been killed escaping. Massey asked, “How many?” When Cordes answered, Massey asked how many were wounded. Cordes answered, “None.” It was then that Massey knew.
The next commandant, Col. Werner Braune, was appalled at the murders, and allowed the prisoners to build a memorial, which still stands. After the war, the British conducted a thorough investigation. Brought before No. 1 War Crimes Court at the Curio Haus in Hamburg, on July 1, 1947, on Sept. 3, 1947, 18 Germans were found guilty of the murders. Thirteen were executed at Hamelin Prison in February 1948 by British hangman Albert Pierrepoint. Three were sentenced to life imprisonment, and two were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
The movie, “The Great Escape” was released in 1963. The story was
based on the book of the same name by Paul Brickhill, an Australian fighter pilot who had been shot down over Tunisia, captured, and ultimately housed in Stalag Luft III
The movie was filmed in Bavaria. In order to appeal to American audiences, the roles of the American characters portrayed by James Garner and Steve McQueen — and his motorcycle chase — were added.
Next Week: Kohima
Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at: wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.
Watching young kids play lacrosse
Creative concert art posters
Green tea from Dunkin’
The feeling after yard work
Having weekends off for the most part
When the sun is still out at 7 p.m.
Chrome as a browser
Fast phone chargers
Days without internet issues
Berlin’s full event schedule in the mail
When my teenager owns a mistake
(March 15, 2024) Town officials selected a contractor last week to handle the relocation of a water main on Harrison Avenue.
The Berlin Town Council voted unanimously on March 11 to have Goody Hill Groundwork relocate a water main that is currently under the new Berlin Beer Company.
“We would like to move it and get it in the right-of-way,” said Jamey Latchum, the town’s water resources director.
In January, the council approved a request for proposals (RFP) for the relocation of the roughly 100-year-old water main that runs under the former Southern States building at the intersection of Broad Street and Harrison Avenue. Because the property is currently under construction as Berlin Beer Company prepares to open, town staff said this was the ideal time to abandon the aged water main currently under the building and place a new water main under Harrison Avenue, where it should be.
Latchum told officials this week the town received four bids in response to the RFP. He said Davis, Bowen & Friedel, the engineering firm the town
works with, recommended awarding the project to the low bidder, Goody Hill Groundwork for $156,725. While that exceeds what the town had planned to spend on the project, staff said $36,725 could be transferred from the Powelltown Avenue wellhouse project. While that project is still on the horizon, Latchum said he didn’t want to do it during the summer months, as that well was the town’s largest one and water is used heavily during the summer.
“I don’t want to lose that during the busier months,” Latchum said, adding that he hoped to put that project out for bid in May and have the work done after the summer in the new fiscal year.
Latchum said he felt Goody Hill presented a fair price for the Harrison Avenue work and that he didn’t think there was anything that had been left out of the proposal. As far as the timeline, he said if the council approved the bid award he hoped work would begin within 30 days and be complete by May 1.
Road closures related to the project are not expected to exceed one day.
“Other than that everything’s going to be directional drilled so it’s going to be very minimal,” Latchum said.
The council voted unanimously to move forward and award the project to Goody Hill Groundwork.
By 1900 Ocean City had become home to a small but growing community. The population had risen to 365 year-round residents, partially due to its commercial fishing industry. Tourism had also grown and though the season was short – mid June to Labor Day – new properties stretched along the Boardwalk for nearly 12 blocks.
The railroad made daily trips into town and in the summer as many as six excursion trains would arrive each afternoon. In that era most of the visitors as well as the food supplies, retail merchandise, and even the lumber to build the hotels and cottages arrived by train.
The land once known as the “Lady’s Resort to the Ocean” was now the growing Town of Ocean City, Maryland. It had come a long way since the first hotel opened on July 4, 1875.
To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.
Photo image courtesy Bob Jones
(March 22, 2024) The Maryland Coastal Bays Program is offering six $1,000 scholarships to qualifying high school seniors from Worcester County Public Schools interested in environmental studies.
Two scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors from each of the three county high schools — Pocomoke, Snow Hill and Stephen Decatur.
Program officials are seeking applicants pursuing two- or four-year degrees at colleges, universities or trade schools, or Corps positions with focus on environmental studies.
“We did not want to restrict these scholarships to those students applying to 4-year universities,” MCBP Education Coordinator Liz Wist said in a news release. “Gateways into the environmental world can take different paths, and that might include not attending college at all.”
Eligible applicants must be students in the Worcester County Public School system, graduating high school in the spring of 2024, and must submit a completed application, including two essay questions that will provide the opportunity for the applicant’s voice to be heard.
“The essay portion of the application is the most determining element of the application,” Wist said. “It’s a chance for us to hear about the applicant’s interest and passion for the environment, and the impact it has had on their own lives.”
Applications are due by midnight, April 19. Financial need will not be considered for this program. To read more about the new scholarship program, visit mdcoastalbays.org/funding-opportunities/
by Steve Green
he teens in my house need some time in the morning. This is one of the many things I have learned during my years as a parent from multiple moments over the years with my boys, Beckett, 15, and Carson, 14. The ugliness ranges in severity depending on the kid and the mood.
For example, one morning this week, Beckett came downstairs early for him. I was surprised to see him at 6:10 on Tuesday morning and made the mistake of asking, “how did you sleep?” A grunt was followed by questions and complaints as to why the lights were so bright so early in the morning. There were some dramatic mannerisms involving covering his eyes from the “blinding” kitchen light, leaving me wonder why I said anything at all. There were a few other critical statements made and I engaged with him, defending the fact the light was on the kitchen so I could actually see since it was still dark out. Because he was being disrespectful, I dived too deep, even though I knew better.
The next morning when he came down a little later I just greeted him with a ‘good morning’ and told him breakfast was in the fridge. There was another grunt, I believe, followed by the, “thanks bruh.” Short and simple. The weekday mornings are a bit rushed with work and school, but on the weekends I can see how he evolves each morning. He wakes up nasty, critical and argumentative, but slowly does stray from the dark side and acts human again.
For Carson, he’s not as nasty as his big brother can be in the early mornings. Carson just takes a lot of encouragement to get out of bed and
get moving to start his day. There have been mornings when this process takes 15-20 minutes and multiple trips upstairs to get him out of bed. There was a time when Beckett was like this as well, leaving me to wonder once Carson outgrows this phase should we expect him to become nasty soon.
Once up and downstairs, Carson needs time to himself to get ready for the day. For now, this involves watching one episode of The Simpsons, which is arguably not the best show for him to be watching before school but he could do worse. After a little breakfast, he has his morning medicine and then I just leave him be for a bit before it’s time to go. This downtime usually gets his mindset in the right place.
While I don’t obsess on the everyday things as much as I used to with my kids, I do often spend time in thought wondering about certain things. Why they each have different moods in the mornings compared to other times of the day was on my mind one morning while waiting for an appointment.
I found an interesting article on the additudemag.com website, which deals specifically with kids with ADHD, which both my kids have on varying levels. In response to a question from the mother of a daughter, the article, “My child’s in a bad mood every morning,” stated, “focus on the goal of moving her through her morning with minimal back-and-forth interaction.”
The article talks about alleviating the stress the kid may feel first thing. I can recall from various conversations with Beckett when he first wakes up, he initially feels overwhelmed about the day ahead. I think a certain
amount of these feelings are natural even for adults. I know there are times when I feel anxious as soon as I wake up and think about the day ahead. After a shower and breakfast, some perspective shines through. Unlike me, Beckett wakes up and comes downstairs to breakfast. I shower first thing and get dressed before leaving the bedroom. I have time to wake up. Beckett comes downstairs first. I realize chit chat in the kitchen with your father might not be ideal at 6 in the morning.
The article offers three tips: do as much as possible the evening before, such as packing the bookbag and picking out clothes; managing your expectations and setting realistic goals as far as independence and what requires encouragement; and providing visual cues, like notes reminding them to brush their teeth when they get of the shower. The article concludes with friendly advice to parents, saying, “Stay calm, ignore the outbursts, and focus on the goal of moving her through her morning with minimal squabbling.”
These are sound words of advice, but easier said than done at times. My approach each morning is keep the talking to a “less is more” mentality, allowing each of them their respective time to work through whatever is on their mind. Maybe I am over thinking the whole thing. Maybe they are just tired and need time to wake up. It would not be the first time I have been guilty of over scrutinizing when it comes to my kids.
(The writer is the executive editor of OC Today-Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)
Maryland Coastal Bays Program is hosting its second Discover Your Watershed volunteer event next month at the Lizard Hill Wetland Restoration site in Bishopville.
The event will be from 3-5 p.m., April 11.
The 20-acre restoration site now hosts a booming Atlantic White Cedar community and acts as a sand seepage wetland that drains into Bunting Branch, and then into the St. Martin River.
On the day of the event, volunteers will be removing invasive wisteria and rebar left from tree cages.
Registration is required for the to partcipate.
MCBP will provide all necessary equipment, but participants are asked to dress accordingly, including boots and pants.
Further details and specific directions will be provided following registration, which can be done online at docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIp QLSeDKjh8ZtpvTcTOHBiEFPyIsy84W ygq_gACS5VzhwRXle1GUQ/viewform.
The deadline for high school seniors to apply for college scholarships from the Art League of Ocean City is
coming up on April 8.
The nonprofit will award several scholarships to students seeking degrees or careers in the visual or performing arts, continuing a tradition that began in 1991. To date, the art league has awarded 83 college scholarships to Worcester County students.
Students must be graduating public, private or homeschool high school seniors who are residents of Worcester County. Previous art league scholarship winners may also reapply.
Applicants can apply for the Sidney M. Beckstead $5,000 scholarship; multiple Katherine Ellen Brown $1,000 scholarships; the Eva Fox $1,000 scholarship; and the Inga Tuvesson $1,000 scholarship. A new $1,000 scholarship to honor Macon Katherine Chandler is also available. Scholarship winners will also receive a one-year membership to the art league.
Applications are available online at OCart.org/scholarship, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts at 502 94th St., or through high school guidance offices.
Only one application is necessary for consideration for both the $5,000 and $1,000 scholarships. Questions on applications may be sent
Continued on Page 43
CAPTAIN’S TABLE
410-289-7192
15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott
Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano
COINS PUB
410-289-3100
28th St. Plaza
On Coastal Hwy.
Friday, March 22: Jack & T
Saturday, March 23: Dust N Bones
CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE
302-988-5000
37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE
Sunday, March 24: Shortcut Sunny
Wednesday, March 27: Jack Bannon
CRAWL STREET TAVERN
443-373-2756
Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.
Friday, March 22: No Brakes
Saturday, March 23: Rogue Citizens
FAGER’S ISLAND
410-524-5500
60th St., In The Bay
Friday, March 22:
Denim N Lace & DJ Groove
Saturday, March 23: Dirty Grass Players, The Stringbuzzards, No Go Romeo & DJ RobCee
GREENE TURTLE WEST
410-213-1500
Route 611, West OC
Saturday, March 23: Colossal Fossil Sauce w/ AJ Fox
Wednesdays: Bingo w/ Blake
HARBORSIDE
410-213-1846
South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.
Friday, March 22: DJ Billy T
Saturday, March 23: Dust N Bones & DJ Harvey Cinco
Sunday, March 24: Pickin’ Party
Thursdays: Dust N Bones Duo
Fager’s Island: Saturday, March 23
Harborside: Sunday, March 24
Continued from Page 42
to katie@artleagueofoceancity.org or 410-524-9433.
The scholarships are funded by art league contributions, the Katherine Ellen Brown Fund administered by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, and private donors.
The art league scholarship programs adhere to a nondiscrimination policy, in both principle and practice, and will not discriminate against candidates on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or
OPPOSITE DIRECTION
Seacrets: Thursday, March 28
Cantina Los Agaves: Thursday, March 28
PICKLES PUB
410-289-4891
8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.
Fridays: Beats By DeoGee
Saturday, March 23:
Troll Tribe
Sundays: Beats By Styler
Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood
Tuesdays: Beats By Wood
Wednesdays: Beats By Styler
Thursdays: Beats By DeoGee
PURPLE MOOSE
SALOON
410-289-6953
Between Caroline & Talbot Sts.
On The Boards
Friday & Saturday, March 22 & 23: Totally Stoked
SEACRETS
410-524-4900
49th St. & Coastal Hwy.
Friday, March 22: Full Circle Duo, DJ Antonio, Uncle Jesse & DJ Connair
Saturday, March 23: Cellar Sessions, DJ Bobby-O, DJ Cruz, Tunnels End & Stealing Savanah
Sunday, March 23: That Basketball Thing
Thursday, March 28: DJ Connair & Opposite Directions
VISTA ROOFTOP
410-390-7905
13801 Coastal Hwy.
Friday, March 22: Steve Kuhn
Saturday, March 23: Neal Hooks
Sunday, March 24: Danny Dolan
Monday, March 25: TBD
Tuesday, March 26: Rick Artz
Wednesday, March 27: Taylor Knox & Brian
Thursday, March 28: Michael Sky
physical challenge.
Four Shillings Short, made up of husband and wife duo Aodh Og O’Tuama from Cork, Ireland, and Christy Martin from California, will be performing April 3 in Berlin.
The group is touring Maryland and offering a free concert from 6-7 p.m. at the town library.
The international touring multi-instrumentalists and singers perform traditional and original music from the Celtic lands, Medieval and
Renaissance Europe, India and the Americas on over 30 instruments.
Touring in the U.S. and Ireland since 1997, Four Shillings Short are independent folk artists who perform close to 100 concerts a year. They have released 13 recordings and live as full-time troubadours traveling and performing at an array of venues.
Registration is open for the second part of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s spring Talk and Walk
series at the Berlin Library, “Rain Gardens:Getting Down to Business”.
Guest speaker Jennifer Dindinger with UMD Sea Grant Extension will give the presentation, which is set from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 23, at the library meeting room on the second floor.
Following the presentation, there will also be a short walk around downtown Berlin to explore local examples.
The Talk and Walk series is an installment of Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s Explore the Estuary program.
Workers needed for both seasonal and year-round positions in array of fields
(March 22, 2024) The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce will hold a job fair and business expo Saturday, March 23, at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort.
Set noon to 4 p.m., the fair is free to job seekers who want to attend. Workers are needed in many businesses including restaurants, hotels, amusement parks, stores, banks,
Beach Patrol and watersports. Employers will be on site offering seasonal and year-round positions, as well as possible employer-provided housing. Partners from county organizations will also be on site to assist with questions regarding insurance, social security and more.
Job seekers can access a generic job application and register at bit.ly/OCJobFairBizExpo. Walk-ins are also welcome. Dress for success and bring a pen, ID, resume, etc. Free coaching sessions will be provided each hour to help applicants succeed.
The chamber is partnering this year with Summer Jobs DelMarVa to add a virtual component. Using Brazen’s in-person event management software, college students interested in coming to the beach to work from Frostburg, Towson, Loyola, Stevenson, UMBC, University of Delaware and more can apply for jobs. All candidate data is sent to participating employers after the event.
Employers interested in manning a booth or businesses interested in promoting services or selling goods at
the business expo can contact Colby Noble at colby@oceancity.org. Booths for OC Chamber members are $200 ($100 for each additional space). Booths for non-members are $275 ($200 for each additional space). For businesses that join the chamber within 30 days, $75 of booth fees will be applied to membership fees. Booth fees include one table and two chairs.
For more information visit bit.ly/OCJobFairBizExpo or contact Colby at colby@oceancity.org or 410213-0144 ext 110.
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, this week you need to get back to business, especially if hobbies or other interests have been taking up much of your time lately. Avoid distractions at all costs.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
You may be excited about new prospects that are on the horizon, Taurus. With so much change coming, it can be exciting to see what lies in wait.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, you may discover that you are devoting a lot of attention to others of late, sometimes cutting into your own needs. Be attentive and caring, but pay attention to your own needs as well.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, if you check the calendar lately you are bound to find a number of dates are filled. You may want to consider slowing down; otherwise, you may prematurely burnout.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, if expenses and finances have been troubling you of late, you can breathe a sigh of relief when things lighten up this week. Right now you are in a good spot financially.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, you will need to uphold your end of the bargain for the time being as others are counting on you delivering. You cannot dodge any responsibilities right now.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, over the next few days you may receive some offers from employers or entrepreneurs that seem very appealing. Before you jump into something new, do your homework.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, it will become obvious how others rely on you for advice and to get jobs done correctly. All of that responsibility can put extra pressure on you, so take it all in stride.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
This week you may discover that people are flocking to you left and right, Sagittarius. You will not have trouble making new friends if you so desire.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, take ownership of any actions that may have put you into a strained relationship with those close to you. Admitting mistakes is the first step in mending fences.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, you may only now be getting to those resolutions you made a few months ago, but better late than never. Focus on projects around the home that will revitalize your spaces.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Physical activity can do wonders for you, Pisces. If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed or even tired, take a walk or hit the gym for some exercise that can alleviate many symptoms.
(March 22, 2024) There is nothing that shapes the human experience as profoundly and persuasively as creativity.
That being said, what is creativity? Are we born with it or is it something that is acquired?
No one really knows the answer. But it is the pursuit of creativity that matters and the constant strive for perfection that distinguishes one individual from another.
Chefs also seek ingenuity and hope their dishes reach a climatic, sensorial medley that is nothing short of a memorable experience.
However, the tasters of such awaited delights are crucial in the circle of completion. If one’s palette and range of knowledge are limited, the tasty offerings are not fully understood and will receive fair reviews at best.
In order for comprehension to be experienced at its fullest, continual research and experimentation is imperative. With that thought in mind, let us turn our attention to the subject of sweet and spicy bacon jam.
Cognizance comes in many flavors. Before we can explore specifics, a basic insight of jam itself must start the pages of proficiency.
Jam-making goes beyond the element of taste. Texture is key and can be a tricky process. As a result, there are three key chemical entities that must combine to achieve a harmonious balance: sugar, pectin, and acids.
Pectins are long, linked chains of sugar molecules, which are found naturally in plant cell walls. More specifically, pectins are found in fruits,
particularly in the peels and cores.
Boiling the jam releases the pectins from the fruit. In cases where a jam is made from a low pectin fruit, either a high pectin fruit or commercial pectin must be added.
Sugar is just as important as it is vital for the overall taste of the jam and also plays a key role in helping the jam to set. Many jam recipes recommend the use of one-to-one ration of fruit to sugar.
Sugar enhances the pectin’s gelforming capability by drawing water away from the pectin. In the absence of sufficient water, pectin molecules are more likely to unite with each other, which results in a thicker consistency.
Fruits have varying levels of acidity. The higher the acid level, the better the jelling process.
Have you ever wondered why most jam recipes call for lemon juice? Lemon juice brightens or lifts the overall flavor of the jam.
Lemon juice also lowers the pH of the jam mixture, which neutralizes the negative charges on the strands of the pectin so they can group together, which in turn helps solidify the jam.
Sweet and spicy bacon jam is the best of both worlds. Sweet, savory, and spicy comprise this delectable delight. And best of all, it is loaded with bacon!
The trick to this recipe is to cook the bacon separately from the jam, and then add it to the finished product. By doing so, the bacon remains the star of the dish. Otherwise, the jam will overpower the bacon if cooked together.
You might be wondering how to incorporate bacon jam into your menu?
Think of it as a condiment. Bacon jam is a yummy topping for grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, pork loins, and sausages.
For those who relish the thought of gorgeous cheese platters, bacon jam is a perfect pairing. The jam’s sweet, savory,
and spicy taste not only complements the cheeses but also helps bring out their natural taste of the cheese.
Bacon jam also makes an awesome gift. Small canning jars and rustic ribbon complete the trinity of goodness.
Ingredients
½ pound thick smoked bacon
1 ½ pounds Roma tomatoes, coarsely chopped
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1. Cook bacon until well done. When cool, coarsely chop and set aside.
2. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered until very thick, about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally, especially as the jam thickens.
3. Combine chopped bacon and jam. Allow to cool and serve immediately.
Yield 2 cups
Secret Ingredient – Creativity
“Creativity doesn’t wait for that perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.”
— Bruce Garrabrandt
OC Ravens Roost #44 members present a $172,000 check to Atlantic General Hospital. Each year, the local Baltimore Ravens fan club registers a team for the Penguin Swim and collects thousands of dollars in donations for the event. At this year’s swim, the group took home the first-place prize in the Community Group or Organization category by raising $9,842. Over the past 16 years, the club has amassed a total of $172,000 for the hospital.
(March 22, 2024) The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Coastal Bays Program and Audubon MidAtlantic are teaming up to restore important bird nesting islands beginning this spring with Reedy Island in Ocean City.
According to a news release from Maryland Coastal Bays, Reedy Island, just to the west of Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grille on 53rd Street, has been an important nesting area for colonial nesting birds in the coastal bays for decades. Of late it is the only nesting island in Maryland for laughing gulls and royal terns, a state-listed endangered bird species.
The island has been rapidly eroding. Currently, there is just a small ring of vegetation around an ever-expanding tidal pond in the center of the island. Unfortunately, most of the islands historically used by colonial nesting birds in the coastal bays have either eroded away or are now too small to support the birds.
Island loss is a phenomenon that is occurring all along the Atlantic Coast in response to sea level rise, increased storminess, and development. Birds such as royal terns, common terns, and black skimmers lay their eggs on bare sand, and use islands since they lack mammalian predators, such as foxes, raccoons, dogs, cats and humans. Due to significant island loss, the breeding populations of the
species are dramatically declining and nearly eliminated from coastal Maryland.
This year is first phase of a larger Reedy Island restoration project designed to restore marsh and bird habitats. The release said restoration is starting this spring with enhancement of the beach nesting habitat with crushed clam shell to raise the beach above storm driven high tides so the birds can successfully nest and raise their young.
Future work at Reedy Island will result in a nature-based restoration that will provide protection for nearby waterfront residences and businesses, as well as the tidal marshes to the east of the island.
Plans are underway for more island restorations in the coastal bays.
“If we do not act quickly, disappearance of small islands in the coastal bays that were formerly used by breeding terns and skimmers is a crisis that will lead to extirpation of these iconic birds in the bays behind Ocean City,” Dave Brinker, a regional ecologist with Maryland DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service, said in the release.
Brinker has been monitoring birds in the coastal bays for almost 40 years.
“Restoring the micro beach at Reedy Island and ultimately the entire island is an important first big step in retaining breeding terns, and possibly skimmers, in the Coastal Bays,” he said.
Clara Small, professor emeritus of Salisbury University, speaks to an audience who came to her recent African American Women presentation at the Germantown School in Berlin.
The Ocean City Lioness Lions Club is participating in a district-wide project of collecting pull tabs from sodas and other types of cans to donate to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House of Johns Hopkins Hospital. Pictured with donations are Kathy Crockett, 22B district governor, with Ocean City Lioness Lions Kathy Engle, Liz Scott and Denise Becker. Community donations of pull tabs are welcomed. Give them to any Lion or call 410-289-7060.
(Right) OC Lions Past District Gov. Norm Cathell is pictured presenting a $5,000 check to U.S. Kennels with Lions from the 22B Charitable Foundation. The organization provides service dogs at no cost to disabled veterans. All of the dogs are shelter dogs that are rescued, rehabilitated and trained. Pictured, standing from left, are Past District Gov. Charlene Travers, Lion Jerry Hovatter, Past District Gov. Dave Studley, Past District Gov. Carol Schoonover, U.S. Kennels founder Chris Hardy, District Governor Kathy Crockett, Cathell, and International Director John Lawrence. Seated are trainer Dan Atkinson with canine Tac and Keith Goldsborough with Wolfman.
Members of the staff of local FYZICAL Physical Therapy and Balance centers were recent guest speakers at a Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City meeting. Pictured, from left, are Kiwanis Club President Bob Wilfong, and physical therapists Scott Gardner, Mike Delaurentis and Evan Bier.
Members of the Worcester County Democrats and the Democratic Women’s Club of Worcester Count pose in their green gear and a “Get Out the Vote” banner at the Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 16. The group marched in the parade to raise awareness for the organization and encourage people to vote.
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and the Ocean City Police Department, along with Cheswick the Crab, visited Ocean City Elementary kindergarten and first grade students to teach students about safety on the road. They learned to “Walk Smart, Bike Smart, Drive Smart.”
Cato Inc. recently presented a $500 ExxonMobil Educational Alliance program grant to Worcester Preparatory School. Pictured, from left with the check, are Cato, Inc. marketing representative Gordon Abercrombie, Upper
(March 22, 2024) Atlantic General Hospital and Health System celebrated Certified Nurses Day on March 19 by honoring board certified nurses.
According to a news release, Certified Nurses Day is a worldwide day of recognition that occurs every year to celebrate nursing specialty, subspecialty and advanced practice certification, and gives an opportunity to thank certified nurses for their dedication, achievements and deep commitment to patient safety.
The following nurses were recognized for their professionalism, leadership and commitment to excellence in patient care:
Administration: Mandy Bounds
Atlantic General Bariatric Center: Angela Simmons
We have generations of experience and are well known for our exceptional dental care.
We want to help you keep that bright and beautiful smile every season!
Thompson; Kayla Wallace
Surgical Services: Christy Berry; Marylou Buck; Bonita Conner; John Goodman; Milette Hacek; Amy Holloway; Anne Lynch; Patricia Ortlip; Ramona Swartz; Brittany Upman; Leanne Wiedner
Regional Cancer Care Center: Stephanie Ellis; Samantha Myszka; Mary Palenchar; Paige Wildmann; Mary Wilgus
Atlantic General Endoscopy Center: Anne Kay; Terry Moore
Community Care Coordination: Karen Christmas
Emergency Department: Melissa Bennett; Sarah Esh; Eunice Esposito; Mary Mason; Jara Parks; Melanie Smith; Laura Sturla; Andi West-McCabe; Katie Widdowson
Imaging Department: Jodie Connelly; Angela ‘Monique’ Welch
Integrated Care Management: Lauren Budd; Chuck Gizara
Intensive Care Unit: Jen Chisley; Paula Dize; Sindy Fletcher; Nicole Morris
Medical Infusion: Judy Cowger
Medical-Surgical: Candace Conway; Laura Krieger; Melissa
“I continue to be inspired by the expertise and commitment to excellence of the nurses at Atlantic General Hospital,” Mandy Bounds, vice president patient care services/chief nursing officer, said in the release. “A national certification demonstrates a nurse’s expertise and commitment to their specialty and life-long learning, and most importantly, continues to elevate excellence in the nursing care for our patients and families who we serve.”
Atlantic General Hospital and Health System encourages national board certification for all its nurses. Patients are encouraged to inquire whether there are certified nurses on staff when they visit a hospital or their primary or specialty care office. There are many nursing certification specialties, such as medical-surgical, pediatric, pain management, cardiac vascular, oncology, hospice, case management, emergency nursing and critical care. Many nursing certification bodies exist to serve the full range of specialized nursing care offered in the contemporary healthcare system.
(March 22, 2024) An American Idol alum and popular 1990s alternative band will be headlining this year’s Springfest celebration in Ocean City.
Set May 2-5 at the inlet downtown, the official-unofficial kickoff to the summer season is returning for its 33rd year with live music, arts, crafts, food and more.
Among a variety of live outdoor musical entertainment all day long for four days, The Olivia Show “A Stage Show Tribute to Olivia Newton-John” will headline Thursday night, with country singer and American Idol alum Lauren Alaina taking the stage Friday, and alternative band Everclear performing Saturday.
While entry to the daytime festivities — which includes music all day, a variety of Eastern Shore foods an assortment of beer and wine, and more than 200 art and craft vendors — is free, tickets are required to attend the nighttime concerts. Those who want to buy tickets can go online at OCocean.com or through Etix.
Since parking in the downtown area is limited, the town is offering transportation for the festival through the beach bus, which will operate for $4 all day. Attendees can also take advantage of the city’s park and ride on Route 50
Submit calendar items to: editor@oceancitytoday.net. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.
TOWN CATS ADOPTION EVENT
in West Ocean City, where they can park for free and take the shuttle for $4. Special event express shuttle service is also available at the convention center on 40th Street, where people can park for free in the south lot and ride the express shuttle directly to Springfest for $4. The Boardwalk tram also will be in service during the event with fare of $5 per boarding one way.
For more information about transportation options, call 410-723-1606.
Hours for Springfest are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, May 2-4, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, May 5.
For more information, call the Ocean City Visitor’s Center at 410-2892800, toll-free at 1-800-626-2326 or visit OCocean.com.
PetSmart, 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd., Berlin, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Town Cats adoptions.
MAHJONG CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
WONDER WOMEN
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m. Learn about famous women throughout history. For ages 6-11 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
CANVAS FOR A CAUSE
Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 6-8 p.m. All ages welcome for a fun paint night. Participants will be asked to leave their artwork to be “sold” by donating to a local charity of choice on Easter Sunday. Lite fare and drinks provided.
BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY AND EGG HUNT
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 10301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.noon. Menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and beverages. Donation: $10 for ages 6 years and older and free to those 5 years and younger. Picture with Easter Bunny, $10. Reservation: 443-604-8068.
CRAFTY SATURDAY: EASTER EGG HUNT
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Hop over for an egg hunt and a fun craft. For all ages. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
TOWN CATS ADOPTION EVENT
PetSmart, 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd., Berlin, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Town Cats adoptions.
10TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN POCOMOKE SPRING FESTIVAL
Gazebo on the corner of Market Street & Second Street, Pocomoke City. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Live entertainment, food, petting zoo, car show and sidewalk vendors. Kids bring Easter baskets to collect
goodies. Visit the Easter Bunny (12-2 p.m.) Rain date is March 30. DowntownPocomoke.com
12TH ANNUAL ST. JOSEPH’S FESTIVAL
St. Andrew’s Hall, 205 W. 145th St., Ocean City, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Featuring homecooked Italian foods, gift basket raffles, silent auctions, Italian music and specialty Italian items and St. Joseph religious articles for sale. Admission is free.
FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET
Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.
PALM SUNDAY CELEBRATION
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3 Church St., Berlin. Services held 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. for Holy Eucharist. Meet in the Parish Hall for the procession commemorating Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem.
https://stpaulsberlin.org/events
PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, 10 a.m. Also live streamed with access through the church website at bethanyberlin.org. 410-641-2186, bethany21811@gmail.com
13TH ANNUAL SNOW HILL OYSTER ROAST
Bank Street & West Green Street, Snow Hill, 1-5 p.m. Featuring delicious oysters (12 ways) and seafood dishes; bottomless beer, soda and water; live music; and prize. Cost is $65. Tickets: www.snowhillchamber.com/annual-oyster-roast.
SHOWELL UMC’S HOMECOMING CELEBRATION
Showell United Methodist Church, 2 p.m. Pastor Dale Brown will be the guest speaker. Special music provided by various churches throughout the community. Dinner will follow. RSVP: 302-438-0031, bjteach45@yahoo.com. All are welcome.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org
Continued from Page 53
STORY TIME: ALL ABOUT EGGS
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
WRITING FOR WELLNESS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m.
Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health and psychological well-being. Group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410641-0157
BRIDGE
Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-8043971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity
DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS
Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-2427062.
OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS
Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100
FREE PLAY DAY AND CRAFTS
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Play with new friends and improve language and motor skill development. For ages 2-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
OC KNITTING GROUP
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet? Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
CONTAINER GARDENING
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Learn about planting in containers from Master Gardener and UMD Extension Office educator Ginny Rosenkranz. 410524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
Stephen Decatur High School Cafeteria, 9913 Seahawk Road, Berlin, 5:30 p.m. Learn from local experts, talk about
what we can do as a community and what is currently being done to help combat overdoses in Worcester County. Light refreshments and door prizes.
CHRISTIAN CONVERSATIONS
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6 p.m. Held Tuesdays, Feb. 20-March 26. A free moderated group discussion based on the works of C.S. Lewis. Everyone is welcome. Explore a great opportunity for Lenten reflection. 410-641-7052
BEACH HEROES-OC
Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY
Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410289-4725
OC KNITTING CLUB
Tuesdays - Worcester County LibraryOcean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.
ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE
Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.
ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS
Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP
Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.
BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP
Takes place the third and fourth Wednesday of each month. For surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-641-9568.
PLAY TIME
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 0-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SENSORY STAY AND PLAY
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Learn through exploration, curiosity and creativity. Get ready to squish, build, splash, shake and scoop through several fun stations. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
CAR WASH
Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 1-4 p.m. The G3 Youth Group will hold a car wash with donations to benefit local food banks including the Spirit Kitchen.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4:30 p.m. The goal of the support group is to provide participants with hope for the future. Gail Mansell, 410641-9725, gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org
FREE SQUARE DANCE LESSONS
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 7-8:30 p.m. Pine Steppers Square Dance Club welcome singles and couples. barbcroos@gmail.com, 908-229-8799, 302-222-4448
KIWANIS CLUB MEETING
Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, Assateague Room, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Third Wednesday meetings are offsite and will be updated monthly on the website and Facebook. Guests are welcome. www.kiwanisofopoc.org
FINANCIAL LITERACY: SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING BUDGET WITH D3 Berlin Maryland Welcome Center, 14 S. Main St., 8 a.m. Breakfast and coffee provided. Free.
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/fls2024-2945089?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=creatorshare&utm-m edium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=escb
STORYTIME: ‘THE EASTER EGG’
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Design your own Easter egg and create a baby chick during storytime. For ages 25 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SCHOOL’S OUT TEEN HANGOUT
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Play video games, make crafts ad compete in trivia. For teens and their families. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
FIRESIDE CHAT
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3 p.m. Book discussion featuring books participants have read and want to share. Come find your next great read. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
MAUNDY THURSDAY MEAL IN UPPER ROOM
Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, 4:30 p.m. A worship service of recalling the events of the meal eaten by Jesus and his disciples so long ago. Sign-up: 410-641-2186, bethany21811@gmail.com.
MAUNDY THURSDAY CELEBRATION
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3 Church St., Berlin, 6 p.m. A light dinner and service will be held in the Parish Hall to commemorate the Last Supper. https://stpaulsberlin.org/events
BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET
Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 46 p.m. 302-436-9577, BeachSingles.org.
SPRING SCAVENGER HUNT
Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, all day, March 18-28. Stop by to grab a scavenger hunt sheet and search the library for reading rabbis. Finish the hunt to reveal a secret message. For ages 0-5 years and 6-11 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
TEEN STEAM STATION
Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., during March. Each hands-on activity will focus on art, math, science, engineering or technology. Create jewelry using binary code, construct a flying glider, design your own city out of recycled material and more. Challenges will change each week. For ages 11 years and older. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
CRAFTERS & VENDORS NEEDED FOR FAIR
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 10301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, April 13. Requesting a $20 donation per table. Deadline to reserve a spot is March 8. Linda, 443-604-8068, p.grahe@comcast.net
OCEAN CITY - BERLIN ROTARY CLUB
Don’s Seafood and Chop House, South Gate, Ocean Pines, 6 p.m., on the first and third Wednesday of each month. ocberlinrotary@gmail.com
Crossword answers from page 46
HELP WANTED HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Seeking Housekeeper F/T, YR. Seatime Condominiums, 135th St. Apply in person.
410-250-2262
HELP WANTED HELP WANTED
Cleaners - Vacation rentals needed for OC and Pines. Experience preferred but not required. OC Purifiers. Call or text 443-397-1189 or email Karen@ocpurifiers.com.
Thunderbird Beach Motel
Now hiring all shifts and positions. Competitive pay. Apply in person starting March 26. 32nd St. Baltimore Ave., Monday through Friday from 9am-3pm.
Smal Engine Mechanic Year-round. Competitive Wages. 443-754-1047
HELP WANTED
PoolGeneral Maintenance. Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus / not required. Able to pass CPO test. Summer includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others 410-289-4902 ask for Suzanne.
other applicable codes; has good organizational skills, excellent communication skills and is available to attend night meetings.
Salary commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position with Town benefits, health insurance and Maryland State Retirement.
To request an application form, send resume with salary requirements to: csullivan@snowhillmd.com
Currently looking for two
part-time Pool Attendants
Seasonal May 24 through Sept. 2. Shift Monday through Sunday, 10am to 4pm and 4-10pm. Duties include enforcing the pool rules as posted and checking pool bands. Send resume to Kristin.moore@ atlantisocmd.com
Help Wanted Full-Time Maintenance Person for a small community in the Berlin area. General maintenance knowledge needed. Good pay and benefits. Call 410-6415102. Large equipment experience helpful.
Office Adminstration for Condo Assn. Duties include answering phones, dealing with owner inquiries and other duties as assigned.
Quickbooks experience pref. Mon., Wed.-Fri. from 8am to 4pm. Send resume to kristin.moore@ atlantisocmd.com
Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
Fully Furnished Townhouse, 4BR/2BA, Living Room, Dining Room. Water, Electric and Cable not included. $2100/month. Located at 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD 21811. 410-456-0272
Yearly lease. One month security deposit and one month rent upfront.
Seasonal Weekly Rental (ONLY). Single family home, Berlin, 4BR, 3BA, $625/per night. Call 484-319-7188 for details.
Looking For 4-Month
Summer Rental in Ocean City. Gentleman works on beach full-time downtown for local business. Excellent references. Call or text Charles, 410-294-1028.
Seeking Room For Rent or Live with Roommate, 57, male, moving from Baltimore, looking to live in OP/Berlin, starting June. Please call Phil, 443-388-2868
Roommate. Female. Large Condo on Water, 2BR, 2 full ba., sunroom, facing Fager’s Island. Room for privacy. Some storage space.
410-202-9434
Price negotiable.
Houseshare. Furnished rooms in South Ocean Pines. All inclusive. $800 per month. Year-round. No smoking. No pets. Call 443-880-2317.
Furnished Room, Montego Bay, for a male, preferably 20’s to 30’s for house share. Young man on premises with cat. $750 rent, $750 security, all utilities are included - excluding cable.
Background check, references and employment verification. Available April 1. Call Mary Ellen, 973-270-3613.
Industrial Warehouse. Space: 1500 sq. ft. Masonry construction, 18’ high ceiling, large garage door, bathroom. Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.
1 Office/Retail Space available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200
Commercial Space For Rent West 2500 sq. feet. rental@ ocsandyfeetretreat.com
FOR SALE
SURF SHOP CLOSEOUTS
Clothing from $5, Shoes, Sandals, Wetsuits, Bikinis, Hats, Surf, Skate & Bodyboards. 12703 Sunset Ave., West OC. March 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 10am to 6pm
DONATIONS
Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be taxdeductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.
BOATS/PWC
2014 20ft. Hurricane Boat and Trailer For Sale. 150 horsepower outboard Yamaha motor. 300 hours. New stereo. All equipment included. Excellent condition. Kept on boat lift. $23,900 Contact Rick, 610-751-5203.
ment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-855993-0969
MISC. FOR SALE
Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HDDVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-
4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 907-8000
www.rosenberg-assoc.com
Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Jessica C. Richardson dated May 30, 2002 and recorded in Liber 3352, folio 234 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on
APRIL 9, 2024 AT 3:55 PM
ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with the buildings and improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. Tax ID #02-006138 and #02006111.
The property, which is improved by a dwelling, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.
Terms of Sale: A deposit of $10,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Interest to be paid on the unpaid purchase money at the rate pursuant to the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received in the office of the Trustees. There will be no abatement of interest in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement or if settlement is delayed for any reason. The noteholder shall not be obligated to pay interest if it is the purchaser. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. There will be no reduction of interest due to overpayment of deposit. Adjustment of all real property taxes (excluding recapture of previously reduced or exempt taxes) and any other public charges or assessments, to the extent such amount survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, and ground rent to be adjusted to date of sale and paid at execution of the deed, except where the secured party is the purchaser, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All due and/or unpaid private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, condo/HOA assessments and Columbia Assoc. assessments, to the extent such amount survive foreclosure sale, are payable by the purchaser without adjustment. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, re-
captured taxes (including but not limited to agricultural taxes), and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward. Additional terms to be announced at the time of sale.
If the Trustees are unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser's sole remedy in law and equity shall be limited to a refund of the deposit without interest. If the purchaser fails to go to settlement, the deposit shall be forfeited, to the Trustees for application against all expenses, attorney’s fees and the full commission on the sale price of the above-scheduled foreclosure sale. In the event of default, all expenses of this sale (including attorney’s fees and the full commission on the gross sale price of this sale) shall be charged against and paid out of the forfeited deposit. The Trustees may then re-advertise and resell the property at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser or may avail themselves of any legal or equitable remedies against the defaulting purchaser without reselling the property. In the event of a resale, the defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to receive the surplus, if any, even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulting purchaser and the defaulting purchaser shall be liable to the Trustees and secured party for reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in connection with all litigation involving the Property or the proceeds of the resale. Defaulting purchaser waives personal service of any document filed in connection with such a motion on him/herself and/or any principal or corporate designee, and expressly agrees to accept service of any such document by regular mail directed to the address provided by said purchaser at the time of the foreclosure auction. Trustees' file number 23000851-MD-F-1.
Diane S. Rosenberg, Mark D. Meyer, et al., Trustees
B. RANDALL COATES ESQ
COATES, COATES, & COATES
204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293
SNOW HILL, MD 21863
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
sentative of the estate of DANIEL WAYNE BRIDDELL who died on DECEMBER 12, 2023 without a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1st day of SEPTEMBER, 2024
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/7/3t
To all persons interested in the estate of FREDRICK LEE ROYER Estate No. 17909 Notice is given that ROBERT EARL ROYER whose address is 3637 9TH STREET, NORTH BEACH, MD 20736 was on FEBRUARY 29, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of FREDRICK LEE ROYER who died on MAY 25, 2019 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 29th day of AUGUST, 2024
months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET
ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/7/3t
Sturgis Park Public Restroom Rehabilitation
The Town of Snow Hill will be soliciting sealed bids for a grant funded rehabilitation of the existing public restroom facility in Sturgis Park, at 204 River Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. Bidding will be opened to the public on Friday, March 29, 2024. A pre-bid site inspection should be scheduled between April 1, 2024 and April 15, 2024, through Town Hall. Bids will be accepted until 4:00 PM on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at the Snow Hill Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863 where they will be opened publicly and read aloud. Three copies of the bid package are required, in sealed envelopes marked SEALED BID: STURGIS PARK RESTROOMS
Bids must remain valid for a minimum of 90 days from the date of bid opening. Late bids will not be accepted. E-mail submissions will not be accepted. Last day for questions is Tuesday, April 16, 2024. For a copy of the complete REQUEST FOR BIDS- Sturgis Park Public Restroom Rehabilitation, visit the Town web site at www.snowhillmd.gov, or email pbessette@snowhillmd.com, or pick up at Town Hall.
Paul Bessette - Grants Administrator - 410.632.2080 OCD-3/14/2t B. RANDALL COATES ESQ
appointed Personal Repre-
To all persons interested in the estate of DANIEL WAYNE BRIDDELL Estate No. 20097 Notice is given that SHERRY L BRIDDELL whose address is 102 ELIZABETH STREET BERLIN, MD 21811, DONALD JARMON whose address is 3913 MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863 were on MARCH 01,
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two
Notice is given that B. Randall Coate Esq., 204 W. Green St., Snow Hill, MD 21863-1057, was on February 13, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Doretha Mae Corbin Taylor who died on July 16, 2010, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills
on or before the 13th day of August, 2024.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
B. Randall Coates Esq. Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:
Ocean City Digest
Date of publication:
March 07, 2024
OCD-3/7/3t
HEATHER R. KONYAR, ESQ.
COCKEY, BRENNAN & MALONEY, P.C.
313 LEMMON HILL LANE SALISBURY, MD 21801
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20101
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DIANE K. PELLETIER
Notice is given that Paul L. Gasior, 615 N. Pacific Ave., Ocean City, MD 21842-5141, was on March 04, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Diane K. Pelletier who died on February 08, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4th day of September, 2024.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the
claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Paul L. Gasior Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street
Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: March 07, 2024
OCD-3/7/3t
Take Notice that Bill 24-02 (County Government – County Ethics Law) was passed by Commissioners Bertino, Abbott, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on March 5, 2024.
A fair summary of the bill is as follows:
Amending the County’s Ethics ordinance, § CG 5-103, et seq. of the County Government Article, to comply with State law as follows:
1. Add the definition for “Quasigovernmental entity”.
2. Disclosure and prohibition of gift acceptance from associations engaged in representing counties or municipal or corporations.
3. Prohibit disclosure of confidential information by former official or employee.
4. Prohibit retaliation against individual for reporting ethics violation or participating in ethics investigation.
5. Prohibit disclosure of amount of consideration received from: University of Maryland Medical System, State, or local governmental entities and quasi-governmental entities.
6. Disclosure of name business trades as or does business under.
7. Disclosure of certain business interests.
This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103 and is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center. In addition, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.
THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-3/14/3t
JONATHON C SCRUGGS ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MATTHEW S EVANS, III
113 CATHEDRAL STREET
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICIA ANN HIPSZER Estate No. 20103 Notice is given that MARK SAXON whose address is 1209 BASIL COURT BEL AIR, MD 21014 was on MARCH 05, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICIA ANN HIPSZER who died on FEBRUARY 06, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5th day of SEPTEMBER, 2024
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/7/3t
ELIZABETH A. GREEN ESQ.
BREZA & ASSOCIATES, LLC 11019 MCCORMICK RD STE 400 HUNT VALLEY, MD 21031-1407
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20098
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN INSKIP MEUSHAW JR.
Notice is given that James A. List Esq., 11019 McCormick Rd., Ste. 400, Hunt Valley, MD 21031-1407, was on March 06, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Inskip Meushaw Jr. who died on February 05, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of September, 2024.
Any person having a claim
against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
James A. List Esq.
Personal Representative
True Test Copy
Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:
Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: March 14, 2024
OCD-3/14/3t
LLC
28467 DUPONT BLVD UNIT 2 MILLSBORO, DE 19966
SMALL ESTATE
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of DELMAR G SAVAGE AKA: DELMAR SAVAGE, DELMAR GLENN SAVAGE Estate No. 19979 Notice is given that SUSAN TAYLOR whose address is 12416 CAMPBELLTOWN ROAD
BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813 was on MARCH 07, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of DELMAR G SAVAGE who died on OCTOBER 20, 2023 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.
All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise
delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
OCD-3/14/1t
REENA J PATEL ESQ
LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE
1321 MT. HERMON ROAD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 20104
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOANNE ELIZABETH COX WELLING
Notice is given that Mary Jo H. Dean, 1818 215th St., Mount Ayr, IA 50854-8952, was on March 07, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joanne Elizabeth Cox Welling who died on January 31, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of September, 2024.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Mary Jo H. DeanPersonal Representative
True Test Copy
Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House
Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: March 14, 2024
OCD-3/14/3t
REENA J PATEL ESQ
LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE
1321 MT. HERMON ROAD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 20108
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARGARET MARTONICK
Notice is given that Erin Jeanne Clemens, 129 Sandyhook Rd., Ocean Pines, MD 21811-1621, was on March 07, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Margaret Martonick who died on January 27, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of September, 2024.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Erin Jeanne Clemens Personal Representative
True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: March 14, 2024 OCD-3/14/3t
REENA J PATEL ESQ
LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE
1321 MT. HERMON ROAD STE B
SALISBURY, MD 21804
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of BERNICE JUNE KENDALL
Estate No. 20106 Notice is given that
whose address is 11736 MAID AT ARMS LANE BERLIN, MD 21811 was on MARCH 05, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BERNICE JUNE KENDALL who died on FEBRUARY 08, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5th day of SEPTEMBER, 2024
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY
ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/14/3t
To all persons interested in the estate of JESSE JAMES MITCHELL Estate No. 20107 Notice is given that TRICIA MITCHELL whose address is 1012 BACCHARIS DRIVE, SALISBURY, MD 21804 was on MARCH 07, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JESSE JAMES MITCHELL who died on JANUARY 31, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of SEPTEMBER, 2024
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written no-
tice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/14/3t
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:
Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-95(1)(a) has been filed to request a variance of 10 feet from the 10-foot front yard setback for a proposed pavilion to be 0.0 feet from the front property line. The site of the appeal is described as Tax Map 110, Parcel 2501, and as the plat entitled “White Marlin Condominium”. It is further described as being located on the south side of Somerset Street and is locally known as 205 Somerset Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
APPLICANT: WHITE MARLIN
CONDOMINIUMS C/O MANN
PROPERTIES, INC. (BZA 2681 #24-0950002) at 6:20 PM
Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 110-93(2) and 110-93(3), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Sections 110-94(3)(a) and 110-95(1)(a) has been filed to request (1) a special yard exception from the 5-foot rear yard setback for a proposed dwelling to be 0.39 feet from the rear lot line; and (2) a variance of 6.88 feet from the 10-foot separation distance requirement for a proposed deck to be 3.12 feet from a neighboring dwelling. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 2B, Section B, of the Warren’s Park Co-op Plat. It is further described as being located on the north side of Middle Way Lane and is locally known as 22 Middle Way Lane, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
APPLICANT: MARK DREXEL
(BZA 2682 #24-09400005)
Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.
Christopher Rudolf, Chairman
Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-3/14/2t
IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR)
BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
IN THE ESTATE OF:
JOHN P. SHIPLEY SR.
ESTATE NO. 20114
NOTICE OF JUDICIAL PROBATE
To all Persons Interested in the above estate:
You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Victoria L. O’Neill Esq., 6200 Coastal Highway, Ste. 200, Ocean City, MD 21842 for judicial probate for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at One W. Market Street, Court Room 4, Court House, Snow Hill, MD 21863 on April 09, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills.
Terri Westcott Register of Wills
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House
Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Phone: (410) 632-1529
Newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Publication Date: March 22, 2024 OCD-3/21/2t
RAYMOND D. COATES JR, ESQ COATES,COATES, & COATES, P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGE PETER DONALD CALOMIRIS Estate No. 20115 Notice is given that JOANN DEOUDES CALOMIRIS whose address is 11000 COASTAL HWY UNIT 912 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 was on MARCH 13, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GEORGE PETER DONALD CALOMIRIS who died on FEBRUARY 14, 2024 without a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13th day of SEPTEMBER, 2024
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned per-
sonal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY
ONE W MARKET STREET
ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/21/3t
REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP
3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of RICHARD LEE COLE Estate No. 20117 Notice is given that ROBERT K COLE whose address is 1303 N BALTIMORE AVE UNIT 8 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 was on MARCH 14, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RICHARD LEE COLE who died on FEBRUARY 25, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of SEPTEMBER, 2024
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY
Worcester County is seeking proposals from qualified Vendors to contract for assistance in permitting, design, bidding, construction management, inspection services, and resident project representative services of the St. Martins by the Bay Water Project in conformity with the requirements contained herein Proposal Documents.
Proposal Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.
A pre-proposal meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 10:30am at the Public Works Administration building, located at 6113 Timmons Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The last day for questions will be noon on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than 2:30pm on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, and will be opened and only vendor names will be read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.
Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.
Envelopes shall be marked "Proposal Solicitation – St. Martin’s by the Bay Water Project Design Services" in the lower left- hand corner. Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for the award of the solicitation.
Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-3/21/1t
Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to contract for general services, planting, cutting, raking, baling, and hauling of vegetation at the Newark Effluent Spray Irrigation Site in the Newark Service Area in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.
Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing
the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.
A pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 1:30pm at the Public Works Administration building, located at 6113 Timmons Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The last day for questions will be noon on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than 3:00pm on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.
Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.
Envelopes shall be marked "Bid Solicitation – Newark Effluent Spray Irrigation Site Maintenance,” in the lower left- hand corner.
Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for the award of the solicitation.
Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-3/21/1t
TOWN OF SNOW HILL, MD NOTICE OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION ORDINANCE 2024-04
NOTICE is hereby given by the Mayor and Town Council of Snow Hill that Ordinance 2024-04 was introduced for first reading at their regular meeting of March 12,2024. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review at Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The ordinance authorizes updates to the code sections related to what can and cannot be disposed of in the Town of Snow Hill’s sewer system and at its wastewater treatment plant.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL OCD-3/21/1t
TOWN OF SNOW HILL, MD NOTICE OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION ORDINANCE 2024-05
NOTICE is hereby given by the Mayor and Town Council of Snow Hill that Ordinance 2024-05 was introduced for first reading at their regular meeting of March 12,2024. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review at Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The authorize updates to Chapter 193 Water and Sewers.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL
P.O. BOX 910115 BROAD STREET
SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 20118
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JAMES E. THOMPSON
AKA: JAMES ERVIN THOMPSON JR.Notice is given that Susan Koso, 184 Elm St., Amesbury, MA 019133423, was on March 14, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James E. Thompson who died on February 10, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of September, 2024.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Susan Koso
Personal Representative
True Test Copy
Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street
Room 102 - Court House
Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication:
March 21,
ALFRED L. BRENNAN JR. BRENNAN AND BRENNAN ATTORNEYS AT LAW, P.A. 825 EASTERN BLVD. BALTIMORE, MD 21221-3504
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 20085
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF WALTER RICHARD SMITH
Notice is given that Sherry Cline Dougherty, 12201 Burncourt Rd., Unit 303, Timonium, MD 210938194, was on March 12, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Walter Richard Smith who died on February 10, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12th day of September, 2024.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Sherry Cline Dougherty
Personal Representative
True Test Copy
Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: March 21, 2024 OCD-3/21/3t
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 20119
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH EVANS STINE
Notice is given that Craig Stine, 840 Tremont Dr., Downingtown, PA 19335-4128, was on March 14, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joseph Evans Stine who died on March 10, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of September, 2024.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Craig Stine Personal Representative
True Test Copy
Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: March 21, 2024
OCD-3/21/3t _________________________________
HEATHER R. KONYAR, ESQ. COCKEY, BRENNAN & MALONEY, P.C.
313 LEMMON HILL LANE SALISBURY, MD 21801 SMALL ESTATE
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICIA ANN CLARK AKA: PATRICIA A. CLARK Estate No. 20100 Notice is given that ROBERT W. PARRIS whose address is 5748 N HERMITAGE AVE UNIT 305 CHICAGO, IL 60660-5779 was on MARCH 18, 2024 appointed per-
sonal representative(s) of the small estate of PATRICIA ANN CLARK who died on JANUARY 04, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.
All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/21/1t
To all persons interested in the estate of VIRGIE LOUISE SMALL Estate No. 19448 Notice is given that JUANITA L. BOSSLER whose address is 118 CLAM SHELL RD., OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-4618 was on FEBRUARY 20, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of VIRGIE LOUISE SMALL who died on NOVEMBER 04, 2021 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.
All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of
the decedent's death; or
(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY
ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
OCD-3/21/1t
TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE 2024-02
RE: Public Ethics
Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2024-02 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of March 18, 2024. Second reading is scheduled April 1, 2024. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the March 18, 2024, agenda packet. This ordinance amends the Town Public Ethics Code to better mirror the State model and be consistent with State law changes that have been enacted.
OCD-3/21/1t
TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE 2024-03
RE: Water Consumption Billing
Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2024-03 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of March 18, 2024. Second reading is scheduled April 1, 2024. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the March 18, 2024, agenda packet. This ordinance codifies water consumption billing procedures for malfunctioning water meters.
OCD-3/21/1t
Taylor Bank recently announced the opening of a new loan production office in Salisbury to further serve the commercial lending needs of the community.
The office at 1408 South Salisbury Blvd. operates by appointment only, which can be scheduled by contacting 410-845-2893, and features a local lending and business development team. The team includes Lee Chisholm, vice president, Cory Walsh, assistant vice president, Adam James, vice president, Wes McCabe, vice president, and Doug Cook, executive vice president.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for 4 p.m., April 25 at the new office. The public is welcome to attend.
Berlin resident Jessica Hales, president of the TidalHealth Foundation, has earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive certification from CFRE International.
Hales joins over 7,700 professionals in 25 countries who hold the CFRE designation, which is accredited by the American National Standards Institute.
To earn the CFRE certification, fundraising professionals must meet standards set by CFRE International for educational and professional practice and fundraising achievement. They must also pass a rigorous written examination and pledge to abide by CFRE Accountability Standards, the International Statement of Ethical Principles in Fundraising, and the Donor Bill of Rights.
Hales joined the TidalHealth Foundation in May 2022 and is responsible for all fundraising and TidalHealth Foundation Board activities to support of initiatives, programs and capital projects through philanthropy, donor cultivation and community engagement. She holds a bachelor of science in marketing from the Salisbury University Perdue School of Business and was recently named to the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy 2023 40 Under 40 List.
Continued on Page 66
March 22, 2024) The Understanding Agency form in the state of Maryland defines the following distinctions in agency representation:
Agents who represent sellers
Seller’s Agent: A seller’s agent works for the real estate company that lists and markets the property for the sellers
Continued from Page 65
Peninsula Orthopaedic Associates recently welcomed Dr. Shalin Patel to its orthopaedic spine program, alongside Dr. Scott McGovern and Trevor Abbot.
Patel brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of spinal surgery, further enhancing POA’s commitment to providing exceptional patient care and cutting-edge medical solutions to the Delmarva Peninsula. With a focus on advanced minimally invasive techniques and a dedication to personalized patient-centered care, Patel is recognized for his ability to address a wide range of spinal conditions with precision and compassion. His arrival signifies a significant milestone in POA’s ongoing mission to offer comprehensive orthopaedic and spine care to
and exclusively represents the sellers. A seller’s agent may assist the buyer in purchasing the property, but his or her duty of loyalty is only to the seller.
Subagent: A subagent is a licensed real estate broker, licensed associate real estate broker, or licensed salesperson who is not affiliated with or acting as the listing real estate broker for a property, is not a buyer’s agent, has an agency relationship with the seller, and assists a prospective buyer in the acquisition of real estate for sale in a non-agency capacity. The subagent works for a real estate company different from the company for which the seller’s agent works. The subagent can assist a buyer in purchasing a property, but his or her
duty of loyalty is only to the seller.
Agents who represent buyers
Buyer's Agent: A buyer may enter into a written contract with a real estate broker which provides that the broker will represent the buyer in locating a property to buy. The agent from that broker’s company is then known as the buyer’s agent. That buyer’s agent assists the buyer in evaluating properties, preparing offers and developing negotiation strategies, and works in the best interest of the buyer. The agent’s fee is paid according to the written agreement between the broker and the buyer. If you as a buyer wish to have an agent represent you, you must enter into a written buyer agency agreement.
Dual Agents: The possibility of dual agency arises when the buyer's agent and the seller's agent both work for the same real estate company, and the buyer is interested in property listed by that company. The real estate broker or the broker’s designee is called the "dual agent." Dual agents do not act exclusively in the interests of either the seller or buyer, and therefore cannot give undivided loyalty to either party. There may be a conflict of interest because the interests of the seller and buyer may be different or adverse.
—Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City.
patients suffering from a variety of spinal disorders.
Patel completed his undergraduate degree at Boston College and earned his medical degree at Drexel University College of Medicine. He completed his residency training in orthopaedic surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center and then pursued fellowship training in spine surgery at Harvard University. Patel has worked for the last five years at George Washington University Hospital, earning recognition for his contributions to the advancement of spinal surgical techniques and commitment to ongoing medical education.
Patients seeking care for spinal conditions can schedule appointments with Patel at POA’s office locations in Ocean Pines and Salisbury, as well as Lewes, Delaware, by calling 410-749-4154 or visiting peninsualortho.com.
(March 15, 2024) While statewide casino revenues barely peaked over last year’s totals for the month of February, sports betting totals soared much higher.
According to a news release from Maryland Lottery and Gaming, the state’s 12 mobile and 13 retail sports books — including Ocean Downs — reported a handle of nearly $442.56 and over $4.2 million in contributions to state for the month.
The handle was up 30.4% compared to February 2023, while the contributions increased by 50.5%. Sports wager-
ing contributions go to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education programs.
Sports wagering data is tracked and reported based on the state’s fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30. During the first eight months of Fiscal Year 2024 (July 2023 through February 2024), sports wagering has contributed more than $37 million to the state.
A detailed summary of the recent monthly results for Maryland’s 13 retail and 12 mobile sportsbooks, including handle, hold percentage, prizes paid, promotional play, taxable win, and contribution to the state, along with a summary of statewide handle and hold by sport is available to download at mdgaming.com.
Worcester County officials to begin balancing $270 million budget next month
By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor(March 22, 2024) Worcester County has a shortfall of more than $10 million to address as officials begin the annual budget process.
The Worcester County Commissioners this week were presented with a requested $270 million general fund budget. Revenues for the coming year are projected at a little more than $260 million.
“This leaves a shortfall of $10,116,174 which must be reconciled either with reductions in expenditures, additional revenues or a combination of both,” Budget Officer Kim Reynolds said.
The budget Reynolds presented Tuesday includes projected general fund revenues of $260,076,878, an increase of $24 million, or about 10%, compared to the current year. Net property tax revenues increased by about $13.9 million, primarily as a result of increased assessments and homeowner tax credits. Income tax revenue is projected to increase
and is estimated at $47 million.
As far as projected expenditures, Reynolds said the requested expenditures totaled $270,193,052, which is a $34 million, or 14.5%, increase compared to the current year. The board of education’s requested budget is $109,632,071, which does not include an additional $7.7 million in debt related to school construction.
Budget work sessions are set to start April 9. A second budget session is scheduled for April 16, followed by a public hearing on Tuesday, May 7, at 6 p.m. Additional budget work sessions are scheduled for May 14 and May 22.
“The FY 2025 general fund operating budget must be adopted on June 4,” Reynolds said.
Commissioner Chip Bertino pointed out that the proposed budget did not include the health insurance changes approved earlier in Tuesday’s meeting. Because the commissioners agreed to cover half of the health insurance increase projected for county and board of education employees, the county’s FY 2025 expenditures will increase beyond the current $10 million shortfall.
(March 22, 2024) During Crossover Week in Annapolis, Eastern Shore lawmakers grappled with the budget and other local issues as the 2024 session of the Maryland General Assembly nears completion.
On Thursday, March 14, the full Senate passed its version of the $63.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2025, which restores funding for several priorities initially decreased by Gov. Wes Moore.
Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38C) said community colleges were given $10 million.
“Community colleges are anchor institutions in our communities and crucial to Maryland’s economic competitiveness through workforce training, “she said. “Wor-Wic Community College has taken a leadership role in addressing our Shore’s workforce shortages by providing the training for
our key shore industries in public safety, health, hospitality, construction, technology, and transportation, with 90 percent of all Wor-Wic students staying right here on the Shore and strengthening our home community.”
The Senate’s proposed budget also increases public school funding to $9.1 billion. This includes $449.7 million in monetary support for local school systems. Nearly $488 million has also been allocated to the childcare scholarship program, which Carozza said has seen participation “more than double since Jan. 2021 to more than 31,000 children.”
However, Carozza was disappointed in several adjustments made by the Senate’s budget.
The proposed financial plan removed $495 million from the RainyDay Fund, reduced local Highway User Revenues by $250 million for FY25 through FY27, and intends to spend $90 million on climate change programs.
“Budgets are about priorities, and I disagree with the decision to spend $90 million for climate change programs while reducing critical road funding for
our local governments,” the senator said. “Counties and municipalities are still recovering from the deep cuts that have been made to Highway User Revenues over the years, and this budget falls far short of providing the necessary funding for these basic transportation needs in our local communities.”
Overall, Carozza expressed satisfaction with a balanced budget that does not raise taxes. “Passing a balanced budget is the only constitutional responsibility of the General Assembly, and the Senate has managed to craft a balanced budget without raising taxes,” she said.
The full Senate voted unanimously in favor of Senate Bill 897 on Thursday, March 14. The legislation’s purpose is to remove the tax liability on the death benefits, which are given to the next of kin to relieve financial burdens from a family facing hard times or the families of first responders who pass in the line of duty.
The bill was inspired by the death of Corporal Glenn Hilliard, a 16-year veteran of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, whose wife learned that a death benefit of $500,000 carried a tax liabil-
ity of $182,000.
Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38) expressed concerns about two new sports complexes proposed in the state and how they may impact Ocean City’s efforts to build a similar facility.
The Town of Ocean City is fighting for the creation of a sports complex that they believe will foster the local economy and enhance Worcester County.
In January, the Ocean City Mayor and Council voted to spend up to $500,000 on assessment and design work for the planned project.
However, Hartman worries that given the other two Maryland complexes proposed, Ocean City may be subject to new competition and should consider that as they move forward.
“It is important to raise awareness of these other two complexes and evaluate their impact,” he said. “There are only so many sports teams and places these groups can visit. Adding more choices will have a detrimental impact on Ocean City.”
The legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly will end on Monday, April 8.
(March 8, 2024) InFocus Financial Advisors Inc. recently donated $1,500 to the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.
The contribution from the regional financial planning firm reportedly reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the local community and fostering positive social impact.
“The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents in our region by connecting donors with impactful charitable causes and facilitating philanthropic
giving,” Eric Johnston, community foundation president and financial advisor, said in a news release. “When our clients want to use their assets to gift to charities, we recommend CFES to maximize the impact of their giving through a streamlined and effective approach. It is a winwin because we get to help our clients achieve their charitable gifting in retirement and they enjoy it because it builds the strength of our local community by supporting many great causes.”
Erica Joseph, Community Foun-
dation of the Eastern Shore president, added in the release that the organization is grateful for the partnership with InFocus and its staff.
“Their commitment to community development and philanthropy exemplifies the spirit of corporate responsibility and we look forward to the positive impact this donation will have on our Eastern Shore community,” she said.
For more information on InFocus Financial Advisors, visit retireinfocus.com or call 410-677-4848.
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(March 22, 2024) Worcester County will receive direct federal funding for several local initiatives through federal funding bills passed by the U.S. Senate last week.
Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen last week announced more than $32 million in direct federal funding for projects across the Eastern Shore within the six-bill package of FY 2024 funding bills passed by the Senate. Worcester County is set to receive nearly $4 million to assist with wastewater infrastructure projects and public safety.
“We are grateful to our senators for their assistance in acquiring funding for these needed projects within the county,” said Weston Young, the county’s chief administrative officer.
Worcester County is set to receive $2.5 million for improvements at the Mystic Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant. The plant has had difficulty meeting the required permit effluent treatment levels and the funding will allow for an upgrade of the biosolid treatment system and address structural issues with the facility housing the system.
The county will receive $1,090,000 for work related to the Riddle Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant. Funding will be used to install a new force main interconnect at the plant that will connect to the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area and provide a back-up system in
case of routine maintenance needs or major repairs.
“These are needed capital projects that won’t get passed on fully to the ratepayers,” Young said.
While the bulk of Worcester County’s funding is for wastewater, the county is also set to receive $244,000 to purchase new body worn camera equipment.
Cardin and Van Hollen said the direct federal funding would support a variety of projects on the Eastern Shore that would benefit local communities.
“The bipartisan passage of these six spending bills provides continued investment in Maryland that will help fund locally driven priorities and opportunities throughout the Eastern Shore. This congressionally directed funding supports the completion of critical infrastructure, public safety, health care and
other projects that strengthen Maryland’s communities and growing economy,” Cardin said in a statement. “Team Maryland is united in our ongoing effort to respond directly to needs of Marylanders and is committed to bringing new federal resources to our state.”
Van Hollen said he was eager to see the jurisdictions put the funding to work.
“Delivering these direct investments to our communities is a key way we’re working to expand opportunity and shared prosperity across our state,” he said. “These resources will help strengthen the Eastern Shore by supporting public safety, enhancing water quality, improving our transportation and water infrastructure, and so much more. We’re excited to see our local partners put these funds to work to benefit our communities.”
(March 22, 2024) Parents, teachers, and community members addressed the Worcester County Board of Education at their March 19 meeting on safety issues in the school system. While most citizens supported the body’s efforts, some comments
criticized the group for a lack of transparency.
At the start of the March 19 meeting, Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor assured that the board is dedicated to maintaining safety in Worcester County Public Schools and praised Chief Academic and Safety Officer Annette Wallace’s student-
centered approach to discipline.
“Her knowledge … is exactly why I chose her to oversee our safety,” he said. “However, we also recognize the importance of having law enforcement as a part of our team, which is why Shawn Goddard, a retired officer from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office who served as a school deputy, works with Dr. Wallace on all safety matters as manager of school safety and security.”
Current and former school staff showed up to voice their support of the board. Retired Stephen Decatur High School Vice Principal Kathy Cater praised the school system and their safety measure policies.
“I know from personal experience the length the board goes to ensure their staff is properly trained, supported, and the student population is kept safe,” she said. “…the commu-
nity has always been notified and kept up to date…Our county is rated third in the state. Our state is rated the sixth best in the nation. That should tell you something.”
SDHS AP World History teacher Mary Hathaway addressed the board to offer positive data about WCPS, reciting dozens of awards and achievements of local students and teachers.
“Over the past few weeks, many statistics have been shared about our schools, often reducing our incredible students to crime statistics,” she said. “But these numbers don’t represent my students.”
The educator shared that this year, 67 students received the Presidential Service Award, 260 are National Honor Society inductees, 398 are scheduled for 577 Advanced Place-
Continued from Page 70
ment exams, two received the Ben Carson’s Scholarship, 27 participated in the Eastern Shore Literacy Association’s Young Authors Contest, and there were three state-championship sports teams.
Hathaway also encouraged attendees and board members to join the April 14 Ocean City Boardwalk march, advocating for a fully funded budget.
Despite the positive remarks, some commenters criticized the board’s safety protocols and accused them of a lack of transparency.
Darren Lombardo of the Delmarva Parent Teacher Coalition disapproved of the board’s use of restorative practices, which Taylor defined as employing an equity lens to discipline and “fostering a sense of community within our classroom to prevent conflict and on reacting to any misconduct by encouraging students to accept responsibility for their actions and rebuild relationships.”
The superintendent cited a study by the University of Chicago that found that restorative practices saw a 35% reduction in student arrests in schools and a 15% reduction in outof-school arrests. He maintained that these exercises are revealing a similar trend in Worcester County.
Lombardo argued that the decrease in crime statistics is due to the lack of reporting. He also encouraged the board to reexamine the use of restorative practices, claiming that applying an equity lens is to apply bias to a disciplinary judgment call.
“We are not meant to look at our students differently,” Lombardo said. “They are all the same, and we are to handle them with care. If we apply an
equity lens, we look at attributes such as color or physical attributes. That is not necessary.”
John Abbott, the husband of Worcester County Commissioner Caryn Abbott, voiced similar sentiments.
“I am here tonight to urge you all to stop with the charade, political theater, and propaganda,” he said. “Safety is first. Everyone in the county knows what is going on in our schools. Minimizing safety concerns and refusing to cooperate with law enforcement sets us up for liability...You are trying to keep from getting a black eye in the press when you’ve already gotten a black eye in the public.”
Pocomoke High School senior Treston Melvin expressed her gratitude for the board’s support of the county’s students and “for standing up against extreme accusations toward peers and classmates.”
Melvin also argued that students of color are the ones to be painted in a poor light, which directly targets diversity and inclusion. While violence does exist, it is expelled swiftly, she said.
“Students are not all the same,” Melvin said. “We are all different humans and must be treated by individual cases…I have felt unsafe in this building while being targeted by a county commissioner. But I have never felt unsafe in my school’s hallways.”
The Pocomoke senior expressed her worries that if these publicized views of the county’s students continue, it will lead to a diminished education budget, lessen teacher compensation, and increase class sizes, devaluing the level of education each child receives.
(March 22, 2024) Weekly school crime updates from law enforcement prompted school system officials to issue what they said would be their final school safety statement late last week.
Last Friday, the school system issued a statement related to the ongoing school safety disagreement between Worcester County law enforcement agencies and Worcester County Public Schools. The statement came after a Thursday evening video message from Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli and Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser highlighting their frustration with what they said was the school system’s failure to work closely enough with law enforcement.
“As stewards of the safety, wellbeing, and education of the thousands
of students in Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS), the board of education and school system staff will no longer be engaging in public statement trading with law enforcement officials,” Friday’s statement reads. “We believe it is counterproductive, and our focus must remain on keeping our schools the safe and welcoming learning environments that our students and staff deserve.”
Since October, law enforcement leadership has expressed its safety concerns with education officials. They announced to the public this month however that the school system hadn’t acted on their recommendations. And last Thursday, Crisafulli and Heiser provided the public with an update on crimes they said occurred within schools during the week and expressed their disappointment in the school sys-
tem’s efforts to address school safety. Heiser said law enforcement had reached out to the Maryland Center for School Safety, which was established in 2013 to provide a comprehensive approach to school safety, in an effort to see changes implemented locally.
“Let’s choose to stop sugar-coating what’s going on in our schools,” she said. “Our teachers deserve respect form the students. Parents deserve respect from school leadership and the board of education and our community deserves safe schools.”
Crisafulli said that between March 7 and March 13, there had been four assaults, one child porn investigation, one dangerous weapon on school grounds, one drug violation, an overdose and a threat of mass violence, among other criminal issues in county schools. He also highlighted recent communications from Stephen Decatur Middle School and Stephen Decatur High School related to incidents at those schools.
Crisafulli said that while the middle school letter was issued after the fact and “attempted to deny and minimize crime,” the letter sent home to high school families was sent the day of the incident and provided parents with the necessary information.
Heiser maintained that the most important safety recommendation the school system could implement was to hire a law enforcement professional to serve as chief safety officer.
“Our message to the board of education is clear,” she said. “Stop playing around with school safety and get serious about this now. You say you want to meet but with not all the necessary partners. You say you want to avoid continued public debate but then you allow staff to put out letters denigrating law enforcement and minimizing crime in the schools. You say safety is a priority but now it’s been 23 weeks and counting with no action.”
The school system issued its final statement the day after the video was released.
“Our school and central office leaders will continue to work collaboratively with our school deputies to ensure the
safety of our students and staff in alignment with our memorandum of understanding (MOU),” the statement reads. “We fully expect law enforcement to do the same, and our invitation remains open for the Sheriff’s Office to meet with school system leadership. We also want to reiterate to our school system community what we have shared before: our school system has a robust team approach to safety and discipline, which includes a retired school deputy as well as our Chief Safety and Academic Officer.”
The statement also reminded the public of school safety standards, which include notification to parents if a child is impacted by an incident. If an incident has a wider impact but has been resolved, notifications will be sent that evening. Should a school’s safety status change, the change will be communicated “as quickly as circumstances allow.”
During the school safety update portion of this week’s board of education meeting, however, school board member Katie Addis made it clear she didn’t support the school system’s most recent statement.
“I can’t help but wonder why the board of education would put a statement out to the public indicating there would be no more public comment made,” she said.
She went on to share that she’d objected to the fact the board reached out to Crisafulli for a meeting but left Heiser out of the invitation.
“From the very beginning the state’s attorney accompanied the sheriff as well as the chief deputy in all of our meetings,” Addis said. “I just felt that in order to mend the ties that are now seemingly broken it was needed to include her in the further conversations ahead.”
Todd Ferrante, president of the school board, said education officials had often met with the sheriff in the past. He added that the memorandum of understanding related to school safety was with Crisafulli’s office, not Heiser’s office.
“We sent an open letter to the sheriff
See WCPS Page 73
(March 22, 2024) County officials identified funding within the Worcester County Public Schools budget that will allow the board of education to continue summer school programs.
The Worcester County Board of Education voted unanimously this week to use extra revenue to fill the gap in funding needed to ensure north end schools can offer summer academy programs. The decision came after Worcester County Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young pointed out the excess funding.
“I think we’re all hopeful that summer academy will continue,” said Todd Ferrante, president of the school board. “It’s a very important program for our kids.”
Summer school has been a hot topic in recent weeks, as the school system made it clear that with another maintenance of effort-level budget, there wouldn’t be money to offer summer programs that weren’t already grant funded. Education officials said that without an increase in funding from the county, summer academy programs at Ocean City Elementary School, Showell Elementary School, Berlin Intermediate School, Stephen Decatur Middle School and Stephen Decatur High School would be jeopardized. The first week of March, however, school system announced a $150,000 grant from the Donnie
Williams Foundation had been received to help with summer program costs.
With the Donnie Williams Foundation grant and $20,000 in other grant funding, the school system reported earlier this month it just needed $207,000 from the county to fund the summer programs at the northern end schools.
During a meeting Tuesday morning, the Worcester County Commissioners asked Young about the status of summer school programs.Young said he was waiting to hear back from the Maryland State Department of Education regarding how funding for the summer programs should be handled by the county. In the meantime, however, he said he’d identified available funding already within the school system’s budget. He said in looking at figures for the last three years, the school system was underbudgeting revenues in its “Other” category. He said there were three subcategories within that category—tuition, other and interest.
“They all seem to be significantly underbudgeted compared to what their actual revenues have been over the last three years,” Young said, adding that this was the first year the county had received this information. He said “tuition” was budgeted at $70,000 even though during the last three years it brought in between $100,000 and $150,000 annually. The “other” subcategory was budgeted at $10,000 but during previous years saw revenues between $100,000 and
$160,000. The “interest” subcategory was budgeted at $70,000 even though it resulted in revenue of $133,000 in fiscal year 2023.
“They are significantly underbudgeting what will come in,” he said, adding that he’d shared this information with the school system but hadn’t heard back from them regarding summer academy.
During Tuesday evening’s school board meeting, Vince Tolbert, the school system’s chief financial officer, acknowl-
edged Young’s calculations.
“Because of current interest rates, we are experiencing higher than anticipated interest earnings on our money that we have invested,” Tolbert said. “Tuition revenue is also a little higher this year. We believe that additional revenue will allow us to be able to restore the summer programs this year for about $200,000.”
The board voted unanimously to move forward with using the funding for summer programs.
Continued from Page 72
asking that he would meet with us,” he said.
The dispute over who meets with whom was the other way around last October, when Heiser and Crisafulli rejected an invitation to join the newly created school safety task force, consisting of board members Elena McComas, Katie Addis, and Bill Gordy and “the Superintendent of Schools and/or Chief Safety Officer.”
Heiser and Crisafulli said they would participate on the task force if some members were removed, arguing that they wanted members who “demonstrated [the] ability to effect positive changes within the schools.”
That their objection was to the par-
ticipation of Superintendent Lou Taylor and Chief Safety Officer Annette Wallace was evidenced by their three meetings with three of the five task force members, with Taylor and Wallace not present.
Addis also said she wanted board members to have a discussion about having the sheriff’s office give the school board with a monthly safety report.
“I believe it would help bridge communication gaps,” she said.
Ferrante said it wasn’t on the agenda so no such motion could be made.
“We’re not allowed to make motions organically?” Addis asked.
“No,” Ferrante responded. “Your motion is out of order if it’s not on the agenda.”
‘What I do matters and I’m not the only one.’
By Meredith O’Brien Contributing Writer(March 22, 2024) I really wish the general public could feel what I feel at the end of the day. Especially the ones who make financial decisions regarding our school funding and the ones who want to demand more from teachers and support staff. Here’s an idea: Demand more from yourselves.
If you are struggling as a parent, I get it. Especially if your child has specific mental health or learning needs. But if you are the type that wonders why your child has the grade they have and the teacher tells you they are disrespectful, disruptive in class, fails to do the bare minimum in class and then you argue with the teacher as if any of that is his/her fault, YOU are the problem. I wish some of you could see how your kids behave in school.
If you truly believe that our teachers and staff are the best, holding our district financially hostage makes zero sense. Spend a day in my shoes and tell me that my position is expendable. Or anyone I work with could be taken out of the mix and it wouldn’t have a serious impact on the daily functioning of our school. It’s laughable anyone could argue that staff size could be reduced and everything would be ok. The numbers of students with emotional, mental health, and special needs is increasing at epidemic rates. Epidemic. Look at the statistics and look at the definition of “epidemic.” Don’t take my word for it, look it up. Good luck dealing with that with less of us.
When we get to actually work with a child and help them understand a concept that they couldn’t grasp before or were scared to attempt, it is absolutely the best feeling. One on one
(March 22, 2024) County staff reiterated the importance of setting aside retiree benefits funding in the wake of school board criticism of the program.
In a presentation this week, Worcester County Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young explained how the OPEB (other post-employment benefits) trust is used to fund retiree benefits and highlighted the impact the OPEB liability has on the county’s credit rating.
three agencies. Last year, he said Fitch said a large OPEB liability with limited capacity to make changes could result in a notch downward.
“I would consider that a warning,” Young said.
He added that Davenport, the company the county uses to navigate the system, also stated that OPEB liability if left unchecked would lower the county’s credit score.
As of June 30, 2023, Worcester County’s total OPEB liability was about $59 million. The county has $75 million in its OPEB account, however, so the county has a negative liability.
attention builds confidence. Confidence and the willingness to just try is the gateway to success. There are not enough of us as it is to work with the ones who need that little boost. I hate to think of how lost so many of them will be with less of us.
I mostly wish you could experience what it feels like to love the kids that make the day really, really hard. We love them. And we often go home knowing that the student we went to battle with the hardest that day doesn’t feel loved when they get home. We feel guilty for the relief we feel when a tough day is over. We worry about the decisions they are making when they leave, because the ones they make when someone who cares about them is around can be pretty terrible.
Thinking about what they do when we aren’t around terrifies us. We see these kids for hours in a day. We see when something is off and alert the guidance counselors and social workers. We can step in before an argument escalates. We build relationships and connection. They trust us and lean on us. I wish everyone could see how much they need us.
I’ll close with this. I’m really, really good at my job. What I do matters and I’m not the only one. There are many like me. I work with them. And honestly I don’t know how because what we get paid is a joke. But whatever pissing contest is happening right now, get over yourselves and don’t cut off your nose to spite your face. Figure it out. Because who ultimately suffers are the kids and those dedicated to teaching them. Hurting the ones you got elected on the backs of isn’t a good look.
(The writer is an educational assistant at Snow Hill Middle School.)
“In short, the ratings and reports from the agencies have a direct impact on the interest rate we pay on our debt,” he said. “The majority of our debt is due to school construction and this liability ultimately decreases our borrowing power and costs us more in the long run. In this current interest rate environment we should be doing everything in our power to keep our borrowing rates as low as possible.”
Last month, school system officials mentioned during budget discussions that the board of education OPEB account was about 20% funded. School board member Jon Andes went on to voice concerns with the OPEB changes put in place by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board in 2005 that required local governments to set aside funding for OPEB. He questioned the purpose of the fund and said Worcester County would only ever touch the money if it became financially insolvent.
As a result of that discussion, the Worcester County Commissioners asked Young to provide an overview of OPEB. In his presentation this week, he said he was hoping to bring clarity to the topic and defined OPEB as basically the benefits other than their state pension that employees received in retirement. The most common way for governments to save for those expenses is through an investment trust, as that way the funds are invested and not used elsewhere.
“It protects the funds for those purposes,” he said.
When the county goes to the bond market for large construction projects such as building new schools, ratings come from the major entities—S & P, Moody’s and Fitch. According to Young, Worcester County sits at just under a AAA rating with all
“This is a good thing,” Young said. “Based on market conditions, the trust can pay for the cost of retirees now. So instead of our general fund and having a line item in our budget that pays the retirees’ costs as we go, this trust is now funded to a point it can cover those benefits through the return it provides.”
The board of education, which employs more people than Worcester County, has more of a liability. The board has an OPEB liability of $175 million with $35 million in the board of education OPEB trust.
“The net OPEB liability for the board of education retirees is $139.6 million,” Young said. “What this says is there’s currently not enough funding in the trust to pay for the existing board of education retirees.”
He added that during the fiscal year shown it cost about $4.5 million to cover the current retirees’ benefits. The school system funded $3.1 million of that cost while the county contributed almost $9 million, which covered the rest of the annual cost and helped grow the investment fund.
In addressing the specific comments made during the school board’s budget discussion, Young said OPEB funds could be used to cover retiree benefits.
“It can be touched, it’s just only for those intended benefits for those that are eligible,” he said.
He added that when the OPEB account was fully funded, it would pay for annual benefit payments. According to Young the board of education only budgets about $2.8 million a year for OPEB.
“Given the last annual retiree payment was $4.5 million, they don’t currently budget enough for their existing retirees,” he said. “The county picks up the slack now and when the trust is fully funded we won’t have to worry about it—the trust will pay that.”
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Former City Councilman Dennis Dare has a point. The resort’s long-time city manager and city engineer usually does when he is talking about building and development.
That doesn’t mean the City Council listens to him now that he’s been out of office for four years, but his decades of experience as a civil engineer and city government’s top administrator suggest that council members should pay heed to his worries about parking.
Appearing before the mayor and council this week, Dare advised the council that residential development in some areas zoned for commercial uses has resulted in squeezing access to parking to a critical level.
He contended that because of the narrow design of parking accommodations in some new projects, he anticipates that summer will bring a significant parking overflow into the streets of residential areas. He also said that while any changes in parking, access and garage requirements would come too late for his Caine Woods community, the council needed to act before other areas were similarly affected.
In essence, Dare said what others have told the council before, repeatedly, in fact, with current City Manager Terry McGean advising the council just two weeks ago that the access provided to garages in some new developments made parking there nearly impractical.
The Ocean City Planning Commission has been saying the same thing for months, only to have to council agree, mostly, but failing to take any real action.
Although the current zoning code requirements do permit the trending tight-fit design, that doesn’t mean all is well and good. It obviously is not, considering that Dare, McGean and the planning commission agree that something must be done.
Coming from these sources, who clearly know what they’re talking about, these advisories that changes are needed should get more attention from council members than what they have given so far.
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I have yet to receive the wallet-size photos I ordered of Princess Kate Middleton and family, presumably because they are still in the manipulation stage at the Royal Office of Digitally Deceptive Practices.
By Stewart Dobson
It’s a shame too, since I was unable to obtain any of the Kate Middleton trading cards that I needed to complete my collection of royal family images, which includes, I am proud to say, a photo of Prince Albert on the can, rather than in the can.
Of course, I realize that most people won’t get that line above, because it’s an old telephone prank call about Prince Albert pipe tobacco: “Hello? Mr. Tobacco Shop? Do you have Prince Albert in a can? Yes? Well, you’d better let him out! Hahahahahaha!”
Twelve-year-old boys were soooooooo funny back in the day ... to themselves anyway.
But back to the subject. I don’t understand why the princess releasing a manipulated photo of herself and kids is such a big deal. Apparently, all she or some other amateur did was move some hands and hair around for a more well-posed look. Who cares?
It isn’t as if she put her kids’ faces on a copy of the poker-playing dogs painting and said, “Here we are on a normal night at home.”
Besides, the practice of manipulating images began long before photos were invented. If that wasn’t the case, there would have been a lot of headless painters a couple of centuries
ago.
“But I’m just being authentic, your highness. The fact is, you’re so ugly that we should hang this portrait in the garden to keep the slugs away from ye olde cabbages! Hahahahaha ... WHAP!”
In addition, some of the best photographers in the world added clouds and interesting skies to landscape photos, wedding photographers put cutouts over their lenses to turn candle flames into hearts or stars in photos of the happy couple (see next chapter on “photos destroyed by court order in divorce proceedings”).
And then, technicians (such as myself) even added or subtracted various body parts because they were .... um ... inappropriate.
That’s what happened years ago locally in a group photo of the high school sports team, a member of which gave the photographer the single-digit salute.
We didn’t see it until we were about to size the photo for placement in the paper.
“Heeeeyyyyy, wait a minute,” someone in the newsroom said. “Isn’t that kid smack in the middle of the front row flying the one-finger flag and otherwise issuing a singular sign of disrespect?”
“Why, yes. Yes he is,” I replied. “No worries, though. I can fix that in the darkroom.” And I did by employing all my photo processing expertise to turn the offending appendage into two appendages to form a “V’ for victory.
The paper came out and ....
“Heeeeyyyy,” a reader said on the phone. “No wonder that guy in the front is such a great pass-catcher — he has six fingers.”
In the meantime, by the way, I have ordered the Princess Kate bobblehead. After all, they can’t fake that.
It’s clear the scrutiny and drama surrounding public schools is taking its toll on teachers and administrators. The impact could be heard in the voices of the teachers and other leaders who spoke during the public comment period of Tuesday evening’s Worcester County Board of Education meeting. Later on during the meeting, it was confirmed tensions are running high.
After several questions from Board of Education member Katie Addis on budget specifics, such as a request to see monthly lease and/or purchase amounts per vehicle within the school system and details on federal and state restricted grants, Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor asked the board majority to take a position, acknowledging the fact he was agitated.
“If I could remind the board of one thing, we have a very minimal amount of people who work in our Finance Office. … Mr. Tolbert does his very best to provide this information. With everything else we have been dealing with over the last several months, my leadership team has done nothing to help our schools for the most part,” Taylor said. “All we are doing is answering questions and we will continue to at the direction of this board, but I will tell you if there’s safety issues I can certainly understand because we are not in the schools working with our leaders and helping our folks the way we should. I would like to say to this board I need a direction as superintendent how you want to go in regard to the plethora of questions and demands that are put on my team moving forward. I will do my best to answer to you but I need a direction from the majority of the board on how you want to do this. … I am tired as superintendent of coming in every single day putting up with things that are taking us away from our schools. I am frustrated tonight but I want a direction because I do understand I am paid and directed by the seven people up here. These are other four people answer to me. I need a direction … something has got to change.”
Since Taylor was referring to her, Addis responded, saying, “Can I just say, I am not trying to call you out on anything, I’m just trying to get questions answered.” Taylor quickly said, “Katie I understand that, but call Mr. Tolbert, how many times have you been to his office?” Addis said, “But do you understand I have had so many people come to me saying, ‘thank you’ on both sides of the aisle, conservatives and liberals saying, ‘thanks for asking these questions in public, it really helped me understand the budget.’ I don’t understand what the problem is with that. This is not a political issue. It’s trying to understand the budget which is our job to do. Truly I am not trying to do anything, I am just trying to get questions answered.”
Board of Education President Todd Ferrante, who also got into it with Addis earlier in the meeting over motion protocols, attempted to put a bow on the conversation. “Mr Tolbert, you need to try and prioritize your work and get back to Mrs. Addis when you can,” he said.
Two significant and surprising federal grant announcements were made this week.
First came Ocean City’s report during this week’s government meeting that President Biden had signed off on a major infrastructure bill that includes $20 million for the Baltimore Avenue redevelopment project. Before this week’s grant announcement, it was unclear when the major streetscape project would take place due to rising project costs. Now, thanks to the grant support, City Manager Terry McGean estimates phased work will begin in the fall of 2025, beginning from 15th to 9th streets with undergrounding utilities followed by streetscaping. The plan is to go from north to south to N. Division Street eventually.
In Berlin, it was startling to learn $1.2 million was included in the fed’s Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for a pedestrian and bike bridge over Route 113 at Bay Street. According to a letter from Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the funding will be used to support project activities, such as “facilitating community engagement, developing concept drawings, a feasibility study and preliminary engineering for a bridge over Route 113.” Identifying necessary sidewalk improvements and better access between the two sides of town are mentioned in the support letter as well.
Editor,
It has come to my attention that there are a lot of fees and taxes under consideration in the Maryland General Assembly. The final day of this session (Sine Die) is April 8, so of course the Governor and the Democrats in the Maryland House are working overtime to pass as many tax and fee increases as possible.
There are several bills that will be voted on soon in the House:
HB0935 imposes a sale tax on firearms, firearm accessories and ammunition.
HB0028 increases the annual registration fee on vehicles based on the weight of the vehicle.
HB1007 corporate tax reform for LLC’s (entitled the “Fair Share bill”).
HB0925 increases the vehicle excise tax from 6.0% to 6.5%.
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
I like to remind people what happens with taxes and fees, even those that are passed for a specific purpose and are supposed to go away when the purpose is fulfilled. So here is a history of one fee:
Most people don’t know that there is a “surcharge” on documents recorded in the Land Records in Maryland, in addition to the actual document recording fee. The surcharge was imposed by the General Assembly about 30-35 years ago for the purpose of modernizing and updating the Clerk of Court Land Records offices in each county. The surcharge when passed was $5 for deeds and mortgages, only. Over the years, the surcharge has increased incrementally, and has been applied to more and more documents, and now is $40 for every document (except I believe powers of attorney) recorded. The surcharge is now twice as much as the actual recording fee.
And this is not an usual situationtaxes never die and they almost never go down.
As an aside, why do Democrats appear to believe that we all have an unlimited supply of money?
I encourage my fellow citizens to let your Delegate and Senator know your opinion on these increases as soon as possible.
Carol Frazier Ocean PinesEditor,
This letter is in response to Mary Burgess’ letter in the March 15 edition. Her letter in praise of Sheriff Crisafulli and State’s Attorney Kris Heiser gives an endorsement to the proposal to create a new administrative position at the Worcester County Board of Education to be filled by a member of law enforcement. I do not support the creation of such a position.
Law enforcement and educational institutions bring vastly different perspectives to the task of controlling human behavior. While law enforcement has a vested interest in preventing crime, we have seen law enforcement around the country become increasingly militarized; focused less on prevention and more on aggressive responses. Such aggressive policing has led to mistakes in judgment that have cost innocent lives, most recently that of a 15-yearold autistic boy.
A concern for me is a recent recruitment video for the Worcester County Sheriff’s office depicting a heavily weaponized local department. The video features shots of a snarling police dog, a handcuffed perpetrator on the ground, deputies in full battle gear carrying automatic weapons in scenes reminiscent of recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A brief segment in the recruitment video does show a smiling school resource officer in a bullet-proof vest interacting
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with students in a school hallway. That was, however, not enough to offset for me the video’s overarching dark and hostile tone. Although I personally have had positive experiences with law enforcement locally and in a nearby city after being pick-pocketed there, this video set a new tone for me regarding law enforcement: aggressive, threatening, fear-inducing, uncompromising. I fear that officers may find it increasingly difficult to not see everyone as a potential criminal rather than a person to be treated with dignity and respect. The field of education comes at human behavior from a very different perspective. An educator typically focuses on discipline through mutual respect.
This does not mean that teachers or administrators do not punish when it is appropriate. It does mean that punishments should be appropriate to the infraction and not administered in a way that permanently “labels” a student as ‘impossible,’ ‘undesirable,’ a ‘thug,’ a ‘felon,’ a ‘lost cause.’
Educators are well aware that many young people come to school with mental health issues, as victims of neglect and poverty. They know they may meet and work with children who hold poor opinions of themselves and others. They know some may come with an unwarranted
sense of entitlement. They know they will be working with children whose talents and abilities run the gamut. But educators also know that they are working with kids, kids with young brains and young minds, kids with incomplete neural development, often kids with both poor impulse control and poor judgment. (I did, as a classroom teacher, also work with many students who were mature beyond their years.)
They look at their students as possibilities, as fellow human beings who need love, attention, care, and yes, discipline, but ‘you are a scourge on society.’ Educators know that labels matter and that they stick.
“Tell a man often enough he’s dirt and sooner or later he’ll be mud in your eye” someone wrote. Though I cannot remember who it was, there is a truth in that statement that resonates.
Two very different mind sets can sometimes come together and complement one another. In this case, with a vendetta against top BOE administration at work, there seems little hope for that complementarity to develop. Like much of the country, here in Worcester County we are choosing not to put our children first.
Gwendolyn Lehman Ocean Pines
(The writer is a retired teacher from Stephen Decatur High School, serving from 1969 to 2015.)
The Germantown School Community Heritage Center is a vital source of community pride, historical significance and educational outreach In the Berlin area. Over the past few months under the effective leadership of President Barbara Purnell, Board members, and many faithful volunteers the school has sponsored many events including the very popular series “Veterans Voices” during the month of January.
On Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Stephen Decatur High School auditorium a diverse group of nearly 400 people came to support our Black History event. A book presentation by renown author Ta-Nehisi Coates was well received as he shared his story.
Mr. Coates has intimate ties to Berlin having spent many summers here with his family including his aunts, uncles, and cousins. He has a strong sense of “family” and it’s “connectiveness” to his well-being. Having to navigate the mean streets of Baltimore during his childhood, this country setting brought him a sense of safety, peace and nurtured his creativity.
Mr. Coates has authored six books, which is amazing considering he con-
fessed to not being a good student. I found it easy to get emerged in times and places he transports us through his writing.
The book “Between the World and Me” was on the Bestseller’s List And also selected for Oprah’s Book Club 2012.His book entitled “The Water Dancer” was on the New York Times Best Sellers List. Its background setting is the farms and fields of the Eastern Shore.
In his books, Mr. Coates elaborates on the personal, cultural and social challenges of slavery and the very difficult movement towards freedom. Mr. Coates books provides minute details and vivid descriptions throughout out the pages. Prepared discussion questions were focused but could have stifled a lively discussion on the realities of living in a segregated small town that was slow to change.
Those in attendance said that Mr. Coates was enthusiastic, positive and encouraging. He retained good memories of Berlin. There is also comfort in knowing you can always “come home, again”. We are so proud of TaNehisi Coates and all his accomplishments. Listening to this presentation inspired us to look at our own creative nature to see what we can bring to the world.
Betty Smith Berlin
(March 22, 2024) Local law enforcement came out in droves last week to celebrate a Berlin Intermediate School student with special needs.
Last Friday, members of the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD), joined by other local law enforcement agencies, gathered at Berlin Intermediate School to celebrate Conor Pellinger’s 11th birthday. The fifthgrade student – the twin brother of Will, also a student at BIS — is one of OCPD’s biggest fans and won the silver award at the Worcester County Public Schools Media Expo event last month for his picture of the police department’s mounted unit during the Oceans Calling Festival.
“There were a lot of huge smiles
and cheering going on this morning,” said Ashley Miller, deputy communications manager for OCPD. “It was the best way to start the morning and celebrate our dear friend Conor.”
The OCPD was joined by members of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Berlin Police Department, Fruitland Police Department and the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Pellinger, who has Down’s syndrome, along with his twin brother Will, arrived at school Friday morning with a full police escort and was greeted by students, teachers and local law enforcement officials lining the front of the building. He also got a chance to meet the OCPD’s mounted unit.
(March 22, 2024) Spring has sprung in Ocean City, and as the town gets ready for warmer weather and the bustling summer season, residents can once again take advantage of Ocean City’s Spring Clean Up.
According to a news release, the annual occurrence allows residential property owners to spring cleaning by offering free residential bulk pick-up on Sunday, March 24. It was originally set for Saturday, March 23, but officials changed the date due to the threat of inclement weather.
Ocean City’s Spring Clean Up service offers a convenient way for residents to get rid of large household items, such as furniture, appliances, bicycles, carpet, etc., which cannot normally be loaded into a standard
refuse truck. Yard debris and shrubs are also permitted. However, the maximum diameter of tree limbs accepted is three inches. The efforts also does not include the pick-up of full size trees or large demolition/remodeling projects.
To participate, residents are asked to place all items curbside (staff does not go on private property to remove items) from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, March 24. The effort will allow staff to achieve the most efficient effort in the clean-up process.
The spring clean up service is provided for residents only, as commercial properties are not included. For more information, call the Town of Ocean City Solid Waste Division at 410-524-0318.
(March 22, 2024) Temple Bat Yam recently outlined its ongoing commitment to interfaith engagement and community service, fostering connections that have strengthened the bonds within the Berlin community.
The journey began 2 1/2 years ago when Rabbi Arthur Rutberg was installed as the spiritual leader of Temple Bat Yam. Invitations were extended to clergy in the surrounding area, resulting in overwhelming support and participation in the installation ceremony. From this auspicious beginning, the Interfaith Friendship Association emerged, now boasting approximately 16 members from diverse religious backgrounds.
In response to the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, Temple Bat Yam galvanized the entire community into action. Local churches were invited to join in a prayer service, demonstrating unity and solidarity. The community rallied together, contributing over $12,000, which was promptly donated to support Israel. The Windmill Winery further exemplified the community’s generosity, contributing an additional sum exceeding $1,500. Notably, a Play for Israel event held in a Delaware church saw tremendous success, collecting over $10,000 from players and merchants. The outpouring of support during these challenging times truly encapsulates the warmth and compassion of the community, according to a press release from the Temple on Monday.
Temple Bat Yam’s commitment to interfaith engagement extends beyond crisis response, encompassing a range of initiatives that bring together
members of various faiths and backgrounds. These initiatives include Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer services, ice cream socials at the Community Church, Chamber Music By the Sea with community-wide invitations, and active participation in events such as Christmas dinners, food and clothing drives, collections for Toys for Tots, Mitzvah Days, Teddy Bears collected for hospice patients, letters of condolence to fallen soldiers, and the Hal Glick Gala, partnered with AGH, where proceeds are directed to charities chosen by honorees.
In the spirit of inclusivity, Temple Bat Yam hosted a Menorah lighting event on the eighth day of Chanukah at the Inn Berlin, attracting hundreds of attendees, both Jews and Christians alike. The success of this magical night has paved the way for
future celebrations, with the next Menorah lighting scheduled for the seventh day of Chanukah, coinciding with New Year’s Eve at 5 p.m.
Looking ahead, Temple Bat Yam extends an invitation to the Community Church to join in the Purim celebration on March 22, at 7 p.m. further solidifying the spirit of cooperation and shared celebration.
The press release states, “Temple Bat Yam remains committed to building bridges between communities, fostering understanding, and creating a strong, united, and supportive environment for all.”
For further information on Temple Bat Yam’s initiatives or upcoming events, please contact Temple Bat Yam President, Candy Gusst at fgusst@aol.com.
Selbyville, Delaware
William “Bill” Bunting passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, March 15, 2024. He was 90 years old.
W. Bunting Sr.
He was born and raised in Selbyville Delaware, the son of the late William Ezekiel Bunting and the late Delia Alice Bunting. Bill graduated from Selbyville High School and Goldey-Beacom College.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jane Disharoon Bunting; daughter Beth Sise (Joe) of Bishopville; son William Gardner Bunting Jr. “Buddy” (Tiffany) of Seattle, Washington; and daughter Barbara Weiss (Wally) of Delmar, Delaware. He is also survived by grandsons Ryan Sise and fiancé Ashlie Webster and Michael Sise (Allison); great-grandchildren Magnolia Jane and Annie Bea Sise; sister-in-law Joanna Bunting; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Blaine Bunting, of Bishopville. Bill was a vice president of the family
business, Buntings’ Nurseries Inc. of Selbyville, Delaware, until retiring. He was a member of Stevenson United Methodist Church for over 50 years, and a member of the American Association of Nurserymen. Bill took a personal interest in his employees by sponsoring soccer teams and donating to their churches. He was a member of the United States Trotting Association. He was a former horse owner and fan of harness horse racing.
Bill Bunting lived with Type I Diabetes for over 75 years and had received a medal from the Joslin Diabetes Center commemorating this accomplishment. He loved baseball as a former athlete and watching and discussing it with his grandsons. Bill had a strong connection to nature as a nurseryman and loved being outside tending his garden, taking daily walks, and feeding the birds. He was a man of few words, with a kind and gentle soul.
A funeral service was held Wednesday, March 20, Stevenson United Methodist Church at 123 N. Main St. in Berlin. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery.
Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Burbage Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to The Joslin Diabetes Center, Inc., One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, and The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York NY 10017.
Ocean City
Carol Ann Woolland, 81, born May 15, 1942, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on March 13, 2024.
Carol Woolland
In Carol’s 81 years, she answered to many names; as Mom to Dawn (Frank), Stacy and Frank; as G-ma to Christina, Stephanie (Keith), Heather (Michael), Ryan (Sandy), Jason (Ann), Megan, Alyson (Dan), and to Justin and Chris (Misty), who she opened her heart, home and family to; and as Nana to Alex, Austin, Audrey, Andrea, Ava, Hermione, Cori, Abigail, Savannah, Liana, Kullen, Kylan, Kirra, Ryley and Regan.
(March 22, 2024) The Town of Ocean City is accepting mini-grant applications for beach district plants and pollinator gardens.
The beach district plants will be planted in the dune area and the pollinator garden plants will start and extend gardens. Officials are accepting 40 grants for each plant grant category.
A news release from the town said the beach district plants are hardy, droughtresistant, and can withstand excessive salt air and wind. Beach grass and other native dune plants help stabilize the dunes
and offer habitats for wildlife. Dune vegetation helps naturally build dunes as wind-blown sand becomes trapped and builds up the dunes over time.
A pollinator garden is specifically designed to attract pollinating bees, birds, butterflies, bats and other small mammals, as well as habitat enhancement, water quality improvement and erosion control. The gardens contribute to protecting the local environment and help keep the community clean. Members of the Ocean City Green Team promotes pollinator gardens as a Sustainable
Maryland Action Item.
Applicants must be Ocean City residents or residential property owners. Plants must be planted within the corporate limits of the Town of Ocean City. Apply online at oceancitymd.gov/oc/ departments/planning-community-development/environmental-mini-grants. The deadline for the applications is April 12.
For more information, contact Joann Landon at JLandon@oceancitymd.gov or 410-289-8887 or Jenelle Gerthoffer at JGerthoffer@oceancitymd.gov or 410-289-8825.
Carol had numerous friendships spanning over decades, and anyone who walked through her front door became friend or family. Carol’s faith has her reunited with her mother Natalie, son Frank, significant other Jerry, and best friend Meredith, and as an angel watching over her many extended family and friends scattered across the U.S.
Carol lived as so many strive to do, filling her life with meaningful relationships, happy memories and amazing adventures. She was loving, insighful and full of life. Those that knew Carol were blessed to have her as a part of their lives.
“When we lose someone we Love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the Love they left behind,” author unknown. And Carol left a lot of love behind.
Carol will be laid to rest at Cloverleaf Memorial Park in Woodbridge, New Jersey.
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(March 22, 2024) On a chilly, windy, start to spring last Tuesday, varsity boys’ tennis teams from Worcester Prep and Indian River got their 2024 seasons started with the Mallards winning 4-1 over the Indians on their home court in Dagsboro, Del.
Worcester Prep’s Head Tennis Coach Terry Underkoffler said it was “a gorgeous day to play.”
Underkoffler has been coaching since 1977. He started out in soccer mainly in Pennsylvania and moved to the Eastern Shore and Worcester Prep about 10 years ago.
Underkoffler said he was proud of the team for practicing while he was away recently.
“It is always good when they want to get going again,” he said. “One of the reasons I started later was because the first two weeks of tennis are brutal [weather]. They are just coming off the semester and off basketball season and I just wanted them to have a break and that way they are now excited to play and I think it worked. Yesterday was their first official day and they were ready to go. Having matches like this is the best training environment they can have, with match’s that get the adrenaline flowing.”
During the first singles match, Mallard Aleksey Klimins won against Evan Sprucebank in both the first
(March 22, 2024) The first day of spring, March 19, was a cold one, but the Fighting Mallards girls tennis and lacrosse teams were hot.
On the courts, Worcester Prep girls tennis players defeated Indian River High School 3-2 on the Indians’ home courts.
It began with an exciting match between Elizabeth Becker of Worcester Prep and Lexxine Zullo from Indian River going into a tiebreaker with Zullo winning. Their first set was
6 each, followed by a tiebreaker, with 7-5 in favor of Becker. The second set was another 6-point tie, followed by a tie breaker of 7-5 with Indian River over Worcester Prep. Delaware rules require a 10-point final tie break which went to Zullo with 10 and Becker with 7.
Second Singles were won by WPS’ Natasha Richter with a pair of 6s in both sets to Indian River’s Kylie Courtney’s one point in the first set. Richter is a senior and has played all four years on the team.
The third match between Worces-
ter Prep’s Lydia Schwartz and Indian River’s Isabell Wisniewski ended with a Wisniewski win with a pair of 6s and Schwartz scoring 2 in the first set and 1 in the second.
Schwartz is a junior and she has been playing since she was a freshman.
“That was a rough way to get back into the season but it gave me a good idea of what I needed to work on,” she said. “I really love playing tennis especially at this school because the girls on this team are so supportive -
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they show up because they want to support everyone else.”
The Fighting Mallards took both doubles matches.
In the first, Worcester Prep junior Angeline Todorov and Sophomore sister Sydney Todorov beat Grace Deale and Alison Swartz with a pair of 6s to Indian River’s 1 point in the second set. The Todorov sisters have been playing since they were freshman.
In the second match between junior Abigail Ament and senior Natalie Chadwell of Worcester Prep and Emelia Welch and Macyn Hockman of Indian River the first set score was 6-1 in favor of the Mallards. In the second set, the score was Worcester Prep 6, Indian River, 2. Ament has been on the team for two years and Chadwell for four.
Today, March 22, the Fighting Mallards will host Sussex Academy at 4 p.m. in Berlin.
Meanwhile, back at Worcester Prep, the girls’ varsity lacrosse team beat Indian River 10-8.
In the first half, Indian River was ahead 5-2 but the Fighting Mallards came back with fire in their bellies
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and second sets, 6-3.
“My opponent was good and I went out and did what I wanted to do,” Klimins said. “Next game I think if we can keep up what we are doing right now and practice some things we can improve as a team and get back out there fully prepared to play.”
This year he has his eye on the ESIAC Championship.
“We were second last year,” Klimins said. ”We had a lot of improvement across all the team last year. This year we have some good freshman and I think we’ll do good.”
Klimins is a co-captain of the team.
In the second singles match Worcester Prep’s James Haley defeated Indian River’s Caleb Rodgers in a tie break, 10-8. The third singles
match between Worcester Prep’s Carson Rayne and Indian River’s Brayden Bennetch ended with a win for Rayne in the first set, 6-3 and second set, 6 to 2.
Rayne is also a co-captain.
In the first doubles match, Worcester Prep’s Hunter Simons and Edward Martikyan defeated Indian River’s Landon Arauz and Kyle Bennetch in the first set, 6-4 and second set, 6-1.
During the second doubles match, Worcester Prep’s Michael Hall and Jack Adkins lost to Indian River’s Alan Phomsouvanh and Xavier Hernandez Sandoval in both sets with Indian River scoring 6 and Worcester Prep scoring 2.
Today, March 22, the Mallards will host Sussex Academy at 4 p.m. in Berlin.
and scored 8 to the Indians’ 3 in the second half.
Worcester Prep’s Caitlin Williams made nine saves to hold back Indian River. Scoring two goals each were Madilyn Nechay from five attempts, Leah Gaito from five attempts with two assists, and Emma Zajdel from eight attempts. Also contributing to the win with one goal each were Jayden Scopp, Cora McClanahan, Nazli Unal and Anisha Batra.
Worcester Prep’s James Haley shows a strong backhand return to Indian River’s Caleb Rodgers during the second singles match at Indian River High School on Tuesday. Haley and Rodgers tied during their first two sets but Haley won the tiebreaker 10-8.
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(March 22, 2024) Recently I had a visit from friend Greg Rosner. He told me of a situation that, to say the least, wasn’t the best. The subject matter was the north side of Indian River Inlet in Delaware and the degrading conditions at that locale.
North side, as it is commonly referred to, has always been a bastion, a magnet for surfing on our Delmarva coast. There would always seem to be a ridable wave there, from knee high to overhead, depending on swell, tide, and wind, of course.
At its best it would break from the end of the jetty, like a point wave, offering an excellent, high performance, quality wave. Even the paddle out could be friendly if one had the know-how to stay close to the jetty while avoiding surfers riding the lefts and being careful to not get washed against that same jetty.
Apparently that stated jetty is deteriorating so much so that sand on the north side is prone to being washed into the inlet in heavy weather. The sand pumping system that was set up to bring sand from the south side of Indian River Inlet to the north side has recently not been operating.
Mike Powell of the Delaware chapter of the Surfrider Foundation has written
a letter explaining the situation at a meeting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The letter, dated Feb. 23, is available on the internet and goes a long way in telling of the situation. I also had conversation with Marc Bouloucon, former sergeant of the Ocean City Beach Patrol. Marc frequents the north side and he confirmed the degrading situation there.
Fortunately, the discussion with Rosner noted at least a bit of good news in that a sizable amount of money has been appropriated from the State of Delaware to hopefully remedy this situation.
Indian River Inlet has always had its problems. Boating in and out of the inlet takes good local knowledge in navigating what can be hazardous conditions. A new bridge had to be built due to scouring of the foundation of the last one that was completed in 1965. The newest bridge was opened in 2012. Its design is cable-stayed and hopefully will mitigate bridge problems for some time to come.
At any rate, the north side and the jetty are certainly worthy of attention. This is considered on many levels, including boating, fishing, beach-going and yes, surfing. There is even a factor of homeland security and safety of ocean goers in that there’s a U.S. Coast Guard station just inside the inlet on the Indian River Bay.
— Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City
