1/5/2024 Ocean City Today

OC Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.COM

JANUARY 5, 2024

SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY

PREVIEW

MD GENERAL ASSEMBLY Legislators preparing for 2024 session set to kick off Jan. 10 in Annapolis – Page 13

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Assessed value hits high note Real property in Ocean City up over $4 billion since ‘21

TARA FISCHER/OCEAN CITY TODAY

PENGUIN SWIM The Worcester County community showed up in waves and plunged into the winter ocean to support Atlantic General Hospital on New Year’s Day in front of the Princess Royale Hotel. See story on page 8.

By Stewart Dobson, Editor and Hunter Hine, Staff Writer (Jan. 5, 2024) Property owners in the Ocean City tax district might be gasping for breath right about now, as the state assessment office this week reported that the new assessed value of real property in the resort has gone up by more than $4 billion since 2021.

Because Maryland reassesses property every three years, and 2024 being Ocean City’s turn under the assessment office’s magnifying glass, the biggest factor in the assessment spike was the rapid escalation of home sale prices over the last three years.

With limited housing inventory colliding with high demand for ownership of resort-area properties, Ocean City’s assessable base for residential properties shot up by 47.7 percent – from a tax base of $7.8 bilSee ASSESSMENTS Page 4

Father, son named 2A ‘Coach’ & ‘Player’ of year SDHS’ Jake and Brycen Coleman receive accolades for championship season

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Jan. 5, 2024) The season of a lifetime just got better for Stephen Decatur High School’s state championship football team. After

being the first Bayside Conference team in 27 years to win it all, father and son Jake and Brycen Coleman have been named Maryland 2A Coach and Player of the Jake Coleman Year.

The news came as a shock for the duo, who were at a team dinner when

texts of congratulations poured in, Coach Jake Coleman said. But it was not until Brycen checked X (formerly Twitter) and saw an excited Brycen Coleman running back sharing their Player of the Year status that they knew the stats were posted.

“My dad and I looked together and saw my name listed as Offensive Player of the Year,” the young football star said. “We scrolled further and saw that he was Coach of the Year.

We all got up and were hugging each other. It was a great moment.”

Jake that his job as a football coach extends beyond the fall. He believes it’s necessary to run and lift the See HISTORY Page 4

PAGE 2

JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

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Ocean City Today

OC plan. comm. talks comprehensive plan Officials pitching ideas for updated document that guides future city zoning

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Jan. 5, 2024) Tentative plans are set for the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission to have a joint session with the mayor and City Council in late February, when officials would have a chance to discuss updates to the city’s comprehensive plan.

For the next few months, city planning staff will compile data such as population, hotel room counts and more to help guide and inform ideas that commissioners and council members could propose for the updated version of the comprehensive plan, said Bill Neville, the director of planning and community development, at a commission meeting on Dec. 19.

Mayor Rick Meehan said he is eager to collaborate with commissioners on the plan at a council meeting, Neville said.

The goal of each of the comprehensive plan’s updates is to identify the current form of the community, determine trends in the community, find how the city has changed since previous comprehensive plans were instituted and to ascertain what needs to be addressed in the future, Neville said.

When the last plan was updated in 2017, city officials adopted minor changes that were phased in over a decade, he said.

“This is either going to continue to be the town’s approach to the comprehensive plan, or, with this update, there may be something dramatic that both the planning commission and the council want to tackle as a topic,”

Neville said.

Neville directed the planning commissioners to focus on the plan’s introduction, where they could suggest adding topics that could be expanded upon in later chapters of the plan.

In previous comprehensive plans, the commissioners added sections about environmental change and created a city policy regarding sea level rise, Neville said. He urged commissioners to consider changes to help manage the tourism-based economy and event-heavy shoulder seasons.

Neville said that housing would likely be a topic all its own.

Unlike other cities, Ocean City’s comprehensive plan has to focus on “infill,” and recommendations should consider internal growth for the city since there isn’t space for external expansion, he said.

Neville said that while the city has authority to change the zoning ordinance at any time, the ideal timeline is to create a comprehensive plan first so that there’s language that legally authorizes the zoning code.

Commission member Joel Brous said that the commission should consider the increased demand for townhomes in the city. Commissioner Palmer Gillis later said that while he believes that townhouses are a great product, they aren’t implemented correctly and create pressure on public parking.

Gillis has been outspoken on the city’s overloaded public parking, an issue he attributes to residences that lack an adequate number of off-street parking spaces.

Gillis raised concerns over the resort’s practice of pyramidal zoning, a type of zoning where less restrictively zoned plots — like commercial proper-

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ties — are allowed to be used for things such as residences, which are normally directed to their own more restrictive districts.

The outcome is mixed-use commercial and residential spaces, which Gillis said aren’t a good look for the city. He asked fellow commissioners if they should consider setting ratios for how much space can be used for residential versus commercial purposes in mixeduse zones.

Commission Chair Joe Wilson said LC-1 local commercial districts seem to be the areas in question, since they also allow uses meant for R-3 general residential districts, like townhomes.

Gillis also said that he’d like to eliminate the conditional use process for proposed mini-golf courses. Conditional use is a process that requires the applicant to go through a public hearing with the planning commission and then receive City Council approval — subject to specified conditions — before moving on to site plan approval.

“Every time it comes before us it just seems like a lot of extra work for something that we’re all in support of,” Wilson said.

Wilson suggested they remove the conditional use requirement from proposed courses in all commercial districts.

Commissioner Janet Hough said

that while she thinks it’s okay to exempt most mini-golf course plans from conditional use approval, the process is appropriate for larger projects with amusements attached, like the ropes course at the new Nick’s Mini-Golf course.

Wilson told Neville that he is anxious to move forward with a potential “Bayside Boardwalk.” The project has been part of previous comprehensive plans, he said.

“I don’t know if there’s anything that we can do to strengthen [the Bayside Boardwalk] and support maybe potential future code changes that … require it or maybe something along those lines,” Wilson said Neville’s research for plan updates involves looking into communities similar to Ocean City to see how they handle local issues. Neville pointed out methods that officials from Rockville, Maryland, used in 2015 to develop ideas for their housing plan, such as using surveys and focus groups.

Ocean City can follow suit to help determine how to measure housing in the comprehensive plan, or answer questions such as what kind of housing should be encouraged.

“Each meeting, even if they’re just random thoughts, we can start to collect those and find a way to organize them in a plan update,” Neville said.

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Ocean City Today

JANUARY 5, 2024

Assessments for OC properties skyrocket Continued from Page 1 lion in 2021 to a base of almost $11.6 billion as of Jan. 1.

Meanwhile, assessments on commercial properties also rose substantially, from $926.2 million in 2021 to $1.2 billion, a 32.5 percent rise in assessed value, according to the state’s new valuation tables.

Year-round residents, however, will be spared much of the pain of this reassessment by virtue of the state’s homestead tax credit for owner-occupied properties, which in this county caps the increase in taxable assessments at 3 percent. In Ocean City, the cap is 0 percent, which means the taxable assessment will stay the same.

Non-resident property owners and owners of commercial real estate would bear the brunt of the new assessment and any corresponding increase that might occur in the tax bill, depending on what the town of Ocean City and Worcester County do with their tax rates.

Jennie Knapp, budget manager for Ocean City, said it’s too early for city officials to know how the reassessment of property values will affect property taxes, but that each year the city generally stays close to the “constant yield rate,” a state-calculated rate that shows what the rate would

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The state assessment office this week reported that the new assessed value of real property in Ocean City has gone up by more than $4 billion since 2021, especially for properties on the water such as these just north of the Route 50 bridge.

be to keep the city’s property-tax revenue stream at or near the same as the year before.

“I know that right now the city manager and the budget manager are meeting with department heads. We have to address the city’s needs for new equipment, for new employees, for new positions,” said Mayor Rick Meehan.

Depending on how the tax rates are set, the bills that property owners end up paying because of Ocean City’s new valuation could vary greatly. The city and county can bring the property tax rate down and still receive more revenue than years past.

Currently, Ocean City’s property tax rate is slightly more than 45 cents per hundred dollars of assessed value, and Worcester County’s rate is 84.5 cents per hundred dollars of assessed value.

Ocean City’s current property tax rate last year was set just above the constant yield rate, which was calculated at about ¢44.76 cents per $100, Knapp said.

In 2020, the city set the rate above constant yield, but before then the property tax rate was at or below constant yield since 2014, Knapp said.

The new property value assessment doesn’t necessarily mean a tax increase for taxpayers not shielded by the Homestead Tax Credit, but it could if the city needs to offset expenditures, Knapp said.

“We continue to look at additional ways to fund our infrastructure, including our street paving and some of those other … very vital improvements we make for the taxpayers each year,” Meehan said.

The state’s constant yield rates for towns and counties will be sent to these jurisdictions in mid-February.

History made with designation Continued from Page 1 players daily, while also being careful not to overwhelm them, he said.

The kids have friends and families, participate in other sports, and attend school. However, the field is a place of mentorship and remains so after the final touchdown of the season.

As for his coaching style, “I just do me,” he said. “I try to be authentic and build relationships with the kids. I stay up on the modern game of football and how it evolves.

We like to throw the ball and always find a better way. There is never one way to do anything.”

Receiving the award together has been special and exciting for the Colemans. Brycen recalled that his dad almost placed him on the junior varsity squad his freshman year but relented when the offensive coordinator advocated for his spot on varsity. He also said that having his father to look up to and other coaches to learn from was necessary for his

growth.

The Seahawks received even more acknowledgment since their championship victory in Annapolis when they were recognized as a top team in Maryland for sportsmanship. Delmarva Sports Now also surprised Jake with the Coach Who Makes a Difference Award and $500 on signing day.

The Seahawks intend to put the money towards championship hats and T-shirts.

Brycen is looking forward to joining the Vanderbilt Commodores. “I am excited to change another program,” he said. “We changed the Decatur program much faster than we thought, and I’m ready to go down to the SEC. Hopefully, I have a healthy and safe career.”

As his son gets ready to graduate, Jake will continue to advance his career as a Seahawk. “I love that I’ve helped elevate Decatur football.

There’s a lot of good people moving in the same direction,” he said.

JANUARY 5, 2024

PAGE 5

Ocean City Today

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36939 CREEKHAVEN DRIVE SELBYVILLE, DE 19975 • $835,000 Stunning 4BR/4.5 bath home in the Refuge at Derickson Creek hits the market! This meticulously maintained home backs up to the pond, has peek of the Bay and is located approximately three miles from Fenwick Island beach. As you walk through the front door you will immediately see the attention to detail.

There is an upgraded kitchen with breakfast bar, Quartz countertops, beautiful tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and plenty of cabinet space. The kitchen opens into the dining area. Friends and family will enjoy meals there together and will make memories that last a lifetime. The spacious family room, with a beautiful gas fireplace, is off the dining area and is a perfect gathering place for entertaining family and friends. There’s a wonderful, enclosed sunroom with a glass slider to the paver patio deck and beautiful back yard. There’s also a flex room on the first floor that could be used as an office. The primary bedroom suite is located on the first floor and is oversized and has a beautiful full en suite bath. You will enjoy the water views from your primary bedroom. The laundry room is also on the first floor. You will love the first-floor hardwood floors, tile, woodworking, upgraded lighting and upgraded carpet throughout. The hardwood floors continue to the second level. There is a spacious second family room on this level and there are three additional bedrooms all with en suite baths. This is the perfect home for everyone to enjoy. There is a two-car garage, covered front porch, and outside shower. Every room in this house has a view of the pond and a peek of the Bay. The Refuge is an amenity rich community with a large inviting outdoor pool w/separate wading pool for kids, a clubhouse with an exercise/workout room, tennis courts, basketball court, volleyball court and playground. In the Refuge you get to enjoy the scenic views and native wildfowl of Derickson Creek and the Delaware Inland bays. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! DESU2052970

733 BRADLEY ROAD • OCEAN CITY $3,200,000 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

HERON HARBOUR ISLE HOME WITH BOAT SLIP

MID-TOWN 3BR/3.5 BA RIVENDELL CONDOMINIUM with WATER VIEWS! OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 1-3PM

304 S. HERON GULL COURT OCEAN CITY • $1,499,900 This single-family 4BR/4.5BA home with deeded boat slip is located in the sought after community of Heron Harbour Isle.

This beautiful home has an open floor plan with a spacious family room with a 2-story stone fireplace. The family room flows into the kitchen which has plenty of cabinet space, a center island, breakfast bar and additional storage. Off the kitchen is the dining area where you will love having meals with your family and friends. Off the family room and dining area there is a screened-in porch, perfect for relaxing and enjoying morning coffee. Off the screened-in porch is a deck with a barbecue grill for crab feasts and grilling your favorites. Also on the first level of this home is the spacious primary bedroom with walk-in closets and a large bathroom with shower and soaking tub. There’s also a study on the first floor making remote work possible in a nice quiet area. The first level also has another full bath, laundry room and a half bath. On the second level there are three additional bedrooms and two more full baths. This home has lots of room for everyone to visit and there’s also a bonus room over the garage which could be used as a fifth bedroom or game room. The home also has a wrap-around porch, two-car garage and a deeded boat slip. The seller belongs to the Heron Harbour recreation association, which has tennis courts, indoor heated pool, fitness center, sauna, Olympic size outdoor pool, and a kiddie pool. The home is located very close to restaurants, shopping, and the beach. Come take a look today. This home is being offered partially furnished and is ready for your immediate enjoyment. MDW02015676

RESIDENTIAL LOT

121 81ST STREET 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

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WATERSIDE DRIVE BERLIN • $475,000 Are you looking to build your dream home? Look no further than this beautiful residential lot in the community of South Point Farms. This beautiful building lot is in a prime location on the corner with beautiful bay views. The lot is approximately 2.76 acres and it’s located off 611 in Berlin Maryland. At the entrance of South Point Farms is a public boat ramp and public pier with water access for boating fishing, crabbing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. If you are looking for a peaceful, tranquil location with unbelievable Bay views this is the prime spot. There are multiple world-class golf courses close by and Assateague National and State Park as well for days on the beach. No builder tie in required. Come take a look today and enjoy the good life on South Point Farms! MDWO2014122

34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE • $3,900,000 Commercial Site in Prime Location hits the Market! 2.36 acres on the corner of RT 54 and W. Line Rd in Selbyville DE. This location is directly across from Yellowfins Restaurant and shopping center on heavily traveled Rt 54. The location is approximately 3-4 miles to the beaches of Ocean City & Fenwick Island. It has water and 8' sewer main that will supply a hotel, shopping center, office complex, medical center, professional center, etc. Lot is cleared.

Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. MLS DESU184528

OCEAN 2 BR/2BA CONDO OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 10AM-NOON

1 66TH ST UNIT 101 • OCEAN CITY • $499,900 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 plank flooring throughout, new microwave, new refrigerator, new stove, new dishwasher, new exterior HVAC unit, toilets and kitchen faucet within the last three years. The decks also were tiled in 2019 and the glass sliders leading to the deck were also replaced within the last five years. This would make a great second home or investment property and is being sold fully furnished and ready for your immediate enjoyment. This is one of the best values at the beach - fully furnished and only one back from the ocean.

As you walk through the front door, you will see an inviting living room for entertaining family and 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 route 90 bridge, making coming and going a joy.

Come take a look today before this amazing property is sold. This condo association is well managed by Mann Properties. MLS MDWO2016172

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32474 LIGHTHOUSE RD SELBYVILLE, DE • $7,900,000 Prime commercial location in Selbyville of 10.09 acres. This is a rare commercial development opportunity on the busy intersection of Lighthouse Sound Rd. (Route 54) and Hudson Rd. There are already many existing new homes surrounding this property and more than 3,200 additional homes are coming soon. This is the perfect location for a shopping center, multiple smaller retail businesses, and/or medical or other professional offices to serve these homes and the entire Selbyville, Bayside, Fenwick, Ocean City area. The Seller will finance up to 70% of the purchase price at 1 percent below the current prime lending rate for up to 5 years. The property is located 8 miles from the beach! DESU2044978 THIS HOME IS A SHOW-STOPPER!

10615 POINT LOOKOUT ROAD • OCEAN CITY • $5,599,900 JUST REDUCED! $4,899,900 Custom 6BR/6BA/3HBA/ new construction west facing bayfront estate designed and built by David Bradley of Bradley Construction w/ views of both Assawoman Bay and skyline from the property’s L-shaped pool and swim-up bar. Features exceptional craftsmanship w/astute attention to detail, custom finishes/woodwork, and architectural details. A welcoming orange crush bar made w/Port Rush quartz and 1st-floor Den/bedroom ensuite complete w/Murphy bed. Expansive family room has a wall of windows and glass sliders overlooking the bay. Gourmet chef's kitchen just off family room includes plenty of bar seating w/endless bay views. Kitchen boasts GE monogram ss appliances including 6-burner gas range, expansive center island, custom farm sink, w/vegetable sink, hone marble and quartz countertops. White custom Fabuwood cabinets w/undercounter lighting, appliance garages and custom pull outs for easy storage. Floating shelves in kitchen made w/reclaimed wood, and a designer tile backsplash.

An expansive butler’s pantry, mud room w/custom shelving, laundry room, half bath on the main floor. White oak stairs, and custom-made glass elevator. 2nd floor spacious ensuite Bayfront bedrooms, each w/its own private balcony. A 4th ensuite bedroom which has been designed as a bunk room w/custom bunk and trundle bed complete w/a port hole. A coffee bar, refrigerator, and full-size laundry on 2nd floor. 3rd floor primary bedroom ensuite w/bay views, cathedral ceilings, turret cupola, coffee bar, fireplace, exquisite tile work, two enormous closets w/wood detailing and shiplap, and expansive covered porch. Primary bath has insulated tub w/jets and faces the bay w/a 6’x6’ circular Anderson window. Bonus room w/soaring ceilings and cupola; separate refrigerator, bar seating, a private deck, half bath, and laundry. A saltwater pool and spa, cabana area complete w/2 outdoor TVs, 2 refrigerators, custom cabinetry/countertops, fire pit area, permits for three lifts and a transient boat, a 50ft pier, dock and ramp. Parking for 6 cars. MLS MDWO2012190

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? LET'S CONNECT TO BEGIN THE PROCESS TODAY! The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate 2024 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15

PAGE 6

JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

Washington Post-OCPD lawsuit makes news Attorneys respond to metro daily’s latest story on quest for records on use of force

By Mallory Panuska Ames Managing Editor (Jan. 5, 2024) A legal fight between The Washington Post and Ocean City Police Department over three of nearly 30 requests for records involving the department’s use of force and “internal reviews” of incidents made headlines in the metro daily last week as a February motion hearing approaches.

On Dec. 19, 2022, the Post filed a lawsuit against the city’s police department seeking access to records under the Maryland Public Information Act. The filing came on the heels of the Post’s spot coverage of several arrests involving teens on the Boardwalk in 2020 and 2021. Snippets of viral videos showed resort officers violently tasing and detaining Black teenagers for vaping, and caught the attention of the Post, as well as highranking political officials and other national news organizations.

Following the incidents, Washington Post reporter Steve Thompson submitted 27 requests for documents and data from the department in-

volving police use of force, and internal affairs and investigations files between June 2, 2021 and May 9, 2022.

According to the Post’s latest article, published Dec. 28 and written by Thompson, “the town has complied with most” of the requests.

The article said, however, that the town “has declined to release certain records related to officers’ use of force, including those that could show how officers involved in highprofile incidents were cleared of wrongdoing.”

The article detailed two incidents in 2021 that led to the lawsuit, and stated that the public has waited more than two years to access records explaining how Ocean City police officials concluded the use of force was reasonable.

According to a motion for summary judgement the city filed at the beginning of December, there were an estimated 1,687 use of force incidents by Ocean City officers in the department’s online reporting system between Jan. 1, 2016, and May 2023.

The filing said that in an estimated 36 instances, the department’s office of professional standards was notified “that an officer’s reported use of force incidents within a particular time period have reached a threshold

FILE PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Crowds walk along the Boardwalk during Fourth of July weekend. Controversial arrests Ocean City Police officers made in 2020 and 2021 have made it back into national headlines lately as a hearing on a lawsuit The Washington Post filed against the department in December 2022 regarding a public record request approaches.

for further review.”

However, according to the filing and an affidavit from Police Lt. Frank Soschia in support of the summary judgment motion, the notifications and subsequent review and conclusions of the incidents officers’ use of force “are not records of administrative or criminal investigations of misconduct, internal affairs investigatory records, hearing records, or records relating to any disciplinary decisions.”

Soschia contended in the affidavit that the records constitute personnel records of involved officers under the public information act, “since they are part of the Department’s review of the performance of officers in regard to use of force.”

In turn, attorney Bruce Bright, who is handling the litigation for the city, said the names of the officers involved in the specific incidents that the Post reporter requested are not See HEARING Page 7

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Ocean City Today

PAGE 7

Hearing set in Feb. on three of 27 inquiries Continued from Page 6 public record.

“Because what our position is, with the office names included, it converts that record to a personnel record and personnel records are not obtainable. They are not disclosable statutorily under the public information act,” Bright said.

The latest Post article does not reference any of the explanations or responses to the records request as detailed in the court documents.

The court documents also said that the classification of the records as personnel files does not fall under the requirements of Anton’s Law, which Maryland legislators passed in 2021 in an effort to create more transparency regarding police activity across the state. The legislation amended the state’s public information act to exclude records related to internal affairs investigations, hearing records, and records relating to disciplinary decisions.

“In determining how to handle and respond to the subject MPIA requests from Thompson, the Department was fully cognizant of this change in statutory law and has endeavored throughout to be fully compliant with such change,” the summary judgement motion said.

Bright also pointed out that

Thompson requested a video from an incident on the Boardwalk in 2020, which city officials offered with faces of individuals not involved in the altercation redacted. Bright said Thompson contended that he wanted the non-redacted video.

“We have always been willing to turn over video in redacted form,” Bright said.

The documents, and city legal officials, also pointed out that just three of the public information requests, of the 27 Thompson filed, were denied, which was not detailed in the Post’s article.

“Most of them, or many of them, were multiple parts it wasn’t just

[Thompson] asking for one record, it was him asking for several things,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said Tuesday of the requests.

“And the town spent an inordinate amount of time and man hours complying with the majority of those requests,” she continued. “It’s just three that the town is trying to make sure that we don’t violate the law. So we await the court’s decision on this.

To the extent the article depicted the town was somewhat maliciously or uncooperatively withholding this, that’s just not the case. It’s just we do not believe the law supports handing over these particular reports.”

Bright added that in his opinion,

the Washington Post article left out some crucial details.

“It was a one-sided characterization of what’s at issue in the case,” he said. “Steve Thompson wrote the article, he’s the driving force behind the Washington Post’s position in all of this. He wrote it, I think, from the perspective of the Washington Post’s position and what they would want to have happen. It was clearly written to characterize the Washington Post’s position on what is a legal dispute.”

The Post also filed a motion for summary judgment. A hearing on the motions is set for Feb. 16 in Worcester County Circuit Court.

No open discussion on litigation

By Mallory Panuska Ames Managing Editor (Jan. 5, 2024) Despite going on for the last year-plus, active litigation such as the The Washington Post’s current quest for public records from the Ocean City Police Department has not come up during public comment periods of any city meetings.

The lawsuit, which was filed in December 2022 and awaits a motion hearing in February, is one of several

the city has been involved in over the years. However, unlike some council issues, city officials have said the open litigation aspect keeps it from the public spotlight.

“We are allowed to enter into closed session to discuss pending and active litigation,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury explained this week. “So, because this matter [the Washington Post lawsuit] is just that, so far, there has not been the ability to discuss it in public.

There are certain issues in the case and sort of litigation strategy that we would not want released to the public.”

City Council members enter into closed session before nearly every public meeting. Matters such as pending or potential litigation, personnel, privacy or reputation, legal advice, collective bargaining, cybersecurity, public security, real property acquisition, and more, can legally warrant discussion See PUBLICIZING Page 8

PAGE 8

JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

‘Refreshing’ dip in cold ocean marks ‘24 Penguin Swim Annual event raises money for Atlantic General health offerings and employees

TARA FISCHER/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Swimmers gather on the beach in front of the Princess Royale on 91st Street during Atlantic General Hospital’s annual Penguin Swim on New Year’s Day.

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Jan. 5, 2024) Nearly a thousand daredevils plunged into 2024 and the brisk winter ocean at Atlantic General Hospital’s 30th Annual Penguin Swim on New Year’s Day. The event took place on the beach at The Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel at 91st Street in Ocean City to support AGH and its team of healthcare personnel. Individuals, community organizations, and business sponsors collected proceeds leading up to the plunge to ensure the hospital can continue to provide quality care. The $30 registration fee also goes toward the facility.

“Planning starts as soon as the last one ends,” Chairman Ryan Kirby said. “There’s a lot regarding getting swimmers registered and sponsorships from the community. There are tons of volunteers and the logistics behind the swim. Ocean City Beach Patrol, the Coast Guard, and police officers — we get everyone involved.”

Participants were pleased with the 50-degree temperature and sunny skies.

“The water is so refreshing,” Ocean See SWIMMERS Page 10

Publicizing info could hurt cases Continued from Page 7 outside of the public eye.

The reason for the closed session, and the people present during the discussion, are publicly announced in the meeting minutes. No other details are shared, however, regarding the discussions behind closed doors.

No policy exists requiring officials to announce the filing of lawsuits, or if the city is facing pending or potential litigation, even though the filings in the cases are usually matters of public record.

Stansbury added, though, that once a case is closed, the mayor or council members could choose to publicly discuss elements of it if they feel inclined.

However, until that happens, she and other legal officials generally advise a closed-lip policy.

“I can’t say, I can’t speak for the council, but it could be that they address this at some future date,” she said of the current litigation involving The Washington Post. “But to the extent they haven’t, that would have been at mine and [Attorney Bruce Bright’s] direction, not any direction of their own.”

JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

Swimmers enjoy mild weather, rush of water Continued from Page 8 City resident Corinne Krasner said. “I feel rejuvenated, and I even got in a fourth time. It’s surprisingly not that cold.”

Swimmers lucked out with a 65degree New Year’s Day last year, but Kirby said this year was still fantastic weather. Anything in the mid-range is ideal if it’s not below freezing and raining. Organizers also keep an eye on the ocean temperature. It was close to 45 degrees on Monday, slightly warmer than January's typical 40 degrees.

Corinne’s brother, Sam Krasner, a Stephen Decatur High School sophomore, decided to plunge with her. “It was fun,” he said. “If I lived near the beach, I would do that every day.”

Fundraising is the heart of the swim, and organizations and teams, like OC Ravens Roost #44, contributed to the $107,000 collected, surpassing the original goal of $76,500. Involved businesses are also integral to the event's success.

Kirby said The Bull on the Beach has raised nearly a million dollars over the past 30 years.

“AGH is a great organization.

They have done so much for the community and helped so many of my family and friends. Giving back is important in any small way you can,” Corinne Krasner said.

AGH included a Cyber Swim option for those unable to attend in person. After registering online, participants were encouraged to take their freezing dip wherever they wished and share a photo or video on X, Facebook, or Instagram using #OCPenguinSwim. There was an additional $10 fee for online plungers to

cover the mailing of the official 2024 AGH Penguin Swim short-sleeve shirt and wristband.

The in-person swim had an outpouring of support from the community, and first-time plungers are excited for next year. “I would spend every New Year’s Day like this, as long as it’s sunny,” Corinne Krasner said.

Organizers estimated there were close to 1,000 on-site swimmers and twice the number of spectators.

“There’s a sea of humanity that comes out yearly,” Kirby said.

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A sign near Entry Park at the foot of the Route 50 bridge welcomes tourists and residents to downtown Ocean City. Mayor Rick Meehan said he would like to put a stronger focus on revitalizing and developing the downtown area with members of the Ocean City Development Corporation in 2024.

Ocean City mayor reflects on 2023, looks ahead to 2024

By Mallory Panuska Ames Managing Editor (Jan. 5, 2024) For Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, 2023 was a year of bounce back events after covid, major project groundbreakings, and progress toward some longterm goals.

“It started out with the weather,” Meehan said Tuesday as he reflected on the last year. “If you remember, in 2022, almost every event we planned was rained out. But in 2023 we were able to start some new events.”

The schedule kicked off with the inaugural Dreamfest, a celebration of life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. that is gearing up for its second installment Jan. 12-14, and closed with the return of fireworks shows at two spots on New Years Eve. The city was also able to host the first St. Patrick’s Day parade and first July 4 fireworks show in three years after running into cancelations due to covid and the weather, and there were no rain outs for Springfest. A record-breaking purse also marked the 2023 White Marlin Open, and maybe one of the biggest events, the first-ever Oceans Calling Festival, went off without a hitch.

“I think that event exceeded everybody’s expectations,” Meehan said of the three-day music event held Sept.

29-Oct. 1 on the beach and inlet downtown.

As for projects, crews broke ground on a new Fire Station 3 in front of the public safety complex on 65th Street, and construction began on renovations of the Downtown Recreation Complex between Third and Fourth streets.

City officials also formed a task force to look into the concept of fee in lieu of parking, a concept that has

been brought up sporadically for years to address the city’s parking issues. City Council members and other Ocean City community, political and business leaders took the reins on a major project that has been in the works for a very long time.

“We picked up the ball, I think, that was dropped by Worcester County and formed our own task force to really take control of the idea of building a sports complex close to Ocean City here in Worcester County,” Meehan said.

The 31-member group met twice throughout the year and Meehan anticipates the project will gain some real traction this year.

“We are going to the legislature this year to look for funding for preliminary site work and design and we will continue to move forward with that,” he said.

City officials also spent time in 2023 fighting plans from international companies to build wind turbines off the coast that would be visible to local residents. Meehan pointed out, in reiterating a point made a recent public meeting, that he and other officials have been battling the projects for more than seven years.

“We’re going to continue our opposition to the wind farms that I think threatens the future of Ocean City and future generations have taken a hardline stance, at this point, in opposition, total opposition, to the wind farm project,” he said.

Seasonal workforce and housing to accommodate city employees will also, as always, be a major issue to address this year.

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Ocean City firefighter union names new officers for ‘24 President, VP, directors all named to terms to last all through year, until 2025 (Jan. 5, 2024) The International Association of Fire Fighters, or IAFF, Local 4269, representing career firefighters, EMS clinicians, and fire marshals in Ocean City, recently announced its officers for 2024.

The elected leadership team is as follows (term noted in parentheses): President: Ryan Whittington (2024-2026) Vice President: Rancel ‘RC’ Evans (2024-2025) Secretary: Jason Williams (20242025) Treasurer: Damian Jones (20242026) Director: Chris Brown (20242025) Director: Allison LeCates (20242026) Director: David Myszka (20242026) According to a news release, IAFF Local 4269, also known as the Firefighters Union, is committed to advocating for the health, safety and well-being of its first responders. The union ensures adequate staffing for safe response to all residents and visitors of Ocean City.

This mission is achieved through foster-

ing relationships among members, elected officials, government leaders and the community.

“Our IAFF has paved the way for our current and future firefighters,” Whittington, reflecting on the union’s progress and future direction, said in the release. “We’ve focused on cancer prevention by advocating for health and cancer screenings. Working with a Mayor & Council that understands the need for top-notch equipment and training, we’ve supported initiatives like a state-of-the-art fire station and increased staffing to improve our response capabilities. Our incoming leadership team is committed to the continued growth of our department and town, ensuring we provide the best service to those we’re sworn to serve and protect.”

The officers assumed their roles Jan. 1.

Echoing the words of IAFF International President Ed Kelly, Whittington emphasized the broader impact of members’ service.

“Our oath as firefighters extends beyond ourselves to our families,” he said in the release. “The risks we take are shared by them. As your President, I promise to champion safe working conditions, reducing the burden on our families and ensuring that their sacrifices are not in vain.”

Downtown revitalization priority Continued from Page 11 pay rates for seasonal workers and cut through red tape to bring more J1 student workers to town will result in more people who are willing and able to come to work in Ocean City this summer.

He also hopes developers will take advantage of some new code amendments designed to incentivize the creation of workforce housing.

Balancing the Fiscal Year 2025 budget will also be a major aspect of the coming year.

“You hear me say this every year, that’s the most important ting we do every year,” Meehan said of the annual budget.

He said he thinks the city is in “a very good position” with revenues, given expected room tax revenues and other financial projections.

“I think we’ll see we’re able to hold the tax rate and address some of the concerns of some of the projects that will benefit the town of Ocean City,” Meehan said.

Downtown redevelopment and revitalization are also high on the mayor’s list of important projects to tackle in 2024.

“I really want to work close with [Ocean City Development Corporation] to really look at downtown

Ocean City to see if we can’t come up with more of a concept of what we really want to see down there,” Meehan said.

He referenced the construction of a Kyma waterfront hotel near Sunset Park at the inlet as an example of the type of development he would like to see fleshed out into the downtown area.

The project calls for a luxury, eight-floor hotel with 3,700 square feet of restaurant space and a banquet room on the second floor, and an array of amenities including a health club spa, outdoor pool, bayside beach and food service.

Overall, though, Meehan said he recognizes that there is plenty that is unknown about the coming year, which he is ready to tackle.

“I always tell everybody to expect the unexpected because you never really know what’s going to occur on any given year,” he said. “But I think we’ll continue to prepare for and set aside our fund balance in case of emergencies and to make sure that our town and our personnel are trained to handle emergencies, whether they be storms or who knows what to predict in any given year. But I think it’s extremely important that we do that.”

JANUARY 5, 2024

PAGE 13

Ocean City Today

Lawmakers gear up for ‘24 session to begin Jan. 10 Medical aid-in-dying bill, public safety legislation, school funding hot topics

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Jan. 5. 2024) The 2024 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly will kick off Jan. 10 in Annapolis, as legislators begin their 90-day effort to write new laws, rewrite or eliminate old ones and consider priority issues such as healthcare, public safety, crime, the economy, and education.

Medical aid-in-dying is expected to be a hot topic at the legislative session. The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings and the Honorable Shane E. Pendergrass Act was proposed last year but ultimately failed to pass. In 2019, The End-of-Life Option Act came before the legislative body but died when one Senator refused to vote, resulting in a 23-23 tie. This year, supporters are hopeful.

“I think this is a timely discussion, especially as we look at the abortion rights issue, because that’s one of selfautonomy, right?” Donna Smith, D.C. campaign director for Compassion and Choices, told Maryland Matters.

“That pregnant women should have autonomy over their body. And I think that applies to death and dying as well. Because why should we not give dying people options at the end of life when the options are so few?”

On a local level, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38C) is reintroducing the Physician Assistant Modernization Act, which would expand the procedures PAs are allowed to perform.

The goal is to address a shortage of doctors across the Eastern Shore.

Crime is another issue lawmakers intend to discuss. Republicans have pre-filed juvenile justice reform bills that they believe will reduce auto theft and gun use, Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38) said. Enforced consequences are the proposal’s goal, and one aspect is to modify the law requiring a lawyer present during a police interrogation. Parental consent would replace the attorney in the amended legislation.

Public safety is the top priority for Carozza.

“We need safe communities before we can work on education and affordable housing,” she said. “People need to feel safe in their neighborhoods.”

According to Hartman, police are unable to search a car based solely on the smell of marijuana, and as a result, 50 to 60 percent fewer guns have been located. He has also found that severe drug users are taking advantage of the new law and have successfully hidden hard substances like See SESSION Page 14

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Ocean City Today

JANUARY 5, 2024

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

AGH FUNDRAISER DONATION Members of the Atlantic General Hospital Junior Auxiliary Group and other hospital staff and nonprofit representatives pose with a check the group recently presented to the hospital from its annual Tacos, Tiaras and Sombreros FUNdraiser at Ocean Downs Casino. The $45,000 raised will be used as a scholarship fund for AGH radiology professionals seeking further education.

County offering Christmas tree recycling to residents (Jan. 5, 2023) The Solid Waste Division of Worcester County Public Works is collecting Christmas trees now through Jan. 15.

Area residents can drop off used trees at the central landfill in Newark and the Berlin, Pocomoke, and Snow Hill Homeowners Convenience Centers at no cost.

Businesses and organizations that

sold trees will not be permitted to drop them off at the convenience centers, but may take them to the central landfill where applicable tipping fees will be assessed.

The trees will be ground into mulch for use at the landfill.

For more info, contact Recycling Manager Bob Keenan at 410-6323177, ext. 2405.

Session to last through April 8 Continued from Page 13 cocaine.

Alongside crime, the budget deficit is a primary focus, as the shortfall is expected to rise from $413 million in fiscal year 2025 to roughly $2.2 billion in fiscal year 2028. These challenges are surfacing as federal covid relief funding dries up and the education plan, Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, continues to expand.

The Maryland Department of Transportation also has announced significant cuts in anticipation of the shortfall, Carozza said. One million dollars will be scratched from the operating budget and another $2 million from the capital budget. Worcester County projects such as the expansion of the Route 90 Bridge are still on track but may require future support.

Online wager-based games known as iGaming are expected to be presented during the session. Hartman stands in opposition.

“It would be in direct competition with our brick-and-mortar casinos,” he said. “It would allow participants to do everything they can in a casino on phones or computers. That may be devastating to some of our families in Maryland and increase gambling addiction. It’s projected to make 900 million, and while that won’t be for years, it would be coming out of Marylander’s pockets.”

Carozza said she is looking forward to local issues being addressed, specifically state funding for Buckingham Elementary School. Ocean City Elementary School was rebuilt in 2005, and Showell Elementary School recently expanded.

She intends to make a case that the same funding formula for OCES and SES should be used for BES. Currently, 60 percent of students at the school come from homes of poverty or qualify for free and reduced meals.

There are five portable classrooms, and they use their library to carve out four additional instructional spaces.

“The need is there,” Carroza said.

“We do not support consolidating Berlin Intermediate School and Buckingham, which is an idea that has floated around. Combining prekindergarten students with sixth graders is not ideal, and neither school has enough property to support merging the two.”

Carozza is also sponsoring a bill that would require child custody evaluators to receive training and qualifications in cases with abuse allegations. She said that while judges must obtain the education, they rely on recommendations from evaluators.

The last day of the 2024 session of the Maryland General Assembly isApril 8.

JANUARY 5, 2024

PAGE 15

Ocean City Today

Budget major focus for commissioners in ‘24 District reps reflect on wins and losses from 2023, look at what’s coming this year

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Jan. 5, 2024) Resolving problems with the Worcester County Board of Education’s budget approval process is among the Worcester County Commissioners’ top priorities for 2024, but opinions over what the problems are or how to solve them varies for each district representative.

In looking ahead to 2024, the commissioners highlighted school and emergency services funding problems as high on the agenda while also marking savings in the county budget and advances in broadband as successes for 2023.

Struggles with the school board this past year left enduring divisions among commissioners, with some continuing to defend the school board’s authority in deciding how to fund schools and others continuing to request more transparency in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025 school budget request.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said that, with schools being the largest expense in the county, he was hoping to “get on the same page” with the school board.

The commissioners have to let board members do their budget, Mitrecic said. It’s the board members’ job to run the schools and the commissioners’ job to fund them, not to micro-manage the board’s budgetary decisions, Mitrecic said.

“We got bogged down with a lot of numbers and things like that. If you don’t want to fund the school system, if you don’t want to give teachers raises, and you don’t want to effectively teach our children, then just say that. Don’t use excuses that we [never saw] their budget or anything else like that because either we fund it or we don’t,” Mitrecic said.

For the board of education’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget, a commissioner majority requested a “line-item” budget. Commissioner President Chip Bertino, Caryn Abbott and Ted Elder still contend that the budget needed more transparency and hope that the board forwards a more detailed budget when the time comes this year.

The disagreement this past year resulted in the county commissioners giving the school board the minimum amount of funding that state law allows. Formally known as “maintenance of effort,” this minimum maintains funding at the same perpupil amount as was spent in the previous year. This, according to the school board, forced it to limit programs and cut supplies.

Bertino said that for years the board of education has only provided a summary budget, and that this was

FILE PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

County commissioners have several budgetary hopes and plans heading into 2024, and say that they shared several fiscal accomplishments in 2023.

Pictured, left to right, is commissioner President Chip Bertino and commissioner Ted Elder.

the only budget the school board members saw each year as well.

Bertino said he hoped that the board and county government could get more details about how the about $100 million school budget is spent this coming year.

“Instead of just … giving millions upon millions of dollars, without knowing where they’re going, we want more transparency. Not to want to control … the spending, but we have no idea right now where it’s being spent,” Abbott said.

Abbott said the commissioners have requested budget meetings with

the board of education, but hasn’t had any yet. She hopes to work out issues ahead of time, but argued it’s the board of education’s responsibility to examine line-item school budgets and report findings to commissioners.

“It’s been done one way for a generation or more, and it was kind of secretive, the way it was done, and we’re trying to just open it up so that everybody can see it,” Elder said.

Staying within budget is the most important and most difficult responsibility of county commissioners, Mitrecic said. But other rising costs will also require commissioners to

make tough funding decisions, like finding reliable revenue sources for firefighters and emergency services.

“We continue to fund these ambulance crews and these medical technicians throughout the county at a high level and it just keeps going up, the cost of the equipment, the cost of labor, and everything else keeps continuing to go up and we need to continue to meet the needs of the citizens in the county for emergency medical issues,” Mitrecic said.

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©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire HomesServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Ocean City Today

TOTAL SELL OFF 2023 INVENTORY

JANUARY 5, 2024

A snake species that’s considered rare to the lower Eastern Shore almost halted the permitting process for part of the Lewis Road sewer project, but the Maryland Department of the Environment is now set to authorize construction to continue. Pictured is a plain-bellied water snake.

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Water snake nearly pauses project MDE drafting permits after brief concern over sewer project’s habitat impact

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Jan. 5, 2024) A snake species that’s considered rare to the lower Eastern Shore almost halted the permitting process for part of the Lewis Road sewer project, but the Maryland Department of the Environment, or MDE, is now set to authorize construction to continue.

When the Worcester County Department of Public Works applied to the department for permits to install a lift station, or a pump that moves sewer water to a higher elevation, in and around a wetland area, staff from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources said the project was within an area marked as habitat for the plain-bellied water snake, Dallas

Baker, director of public works, said in an email.

The lift station was set to disturb “262 square feet of non-tidal forested wetlands and 1,401 square feet of wetland buffer,” Baker said, and the total site of the lift station comprised around 5,600 square feet.

The goal of the Lewis Road sewer project is to connect underserved residents along the road, which runs between Sinepuxent Road and Route 611 to Landings sanitation service area.

“The lift station site does include stormwater management features that could serve as habitat for the snake. It should be noted, the snake was not found on the lift station site, the site just falls within an area DNR identified as snake habitat,” Baker said in the email.

MDE and DNR officials eventually told the county that the project included proper minimization in its design, and MDE officials said they are

drafting a wetland permit.

Once finished, the permit will be sent out for signatures, Baker said.

Beth Schlimm, a DNR herpetologist, or scientist who specializes in studying reptiles and amphibians, said the lower shore is considered the northern extent of the species’ range.

“In terms of habitat, they really like areas that kind of have still or slow moving water, so wetlands, floodplain areas, they’ll even use some kind of ditch areas sometimes as well,” Schlimm said.

Schlimm said the snakes have a “pretty standard” diet for water snakes, which includes fish, toads, frogs, crayfish and small mammals.

Plain-bellied water snakes aren’t considered endangered in the state, but only considered uncommon, she said.

Maryland Department of the Environment officials did not respond in time to comment for this article.

EMS funding high priority this year Continued from Page 15 EMS funding as a “main focus.”

Bertino said that talks with fire and EMS leaders over the last few years has helped the county address some of their financial concerns, but with losses in manpower and increased expenses — problems that Bertino pointed out are affecting emergency services all around — the commissioners will need to become more involved.

“We’re going to have to find a way to fund our employees at the level they need to survive,” Mitrecic said of all county employees.

Even with the upcoming funding challenges, commissioners say they still found budgetary successes in 2023.

Bertino said that in 2023 the county didn’t have to use the previous year’s surplus to balance the budget, and Bertino said it’s his objective to make that the case again for next year.

Abbott said the county decreased its overall “Other Post Employment

Benefits” liability by $14 million compared to 2022, meaning that the county had to contribute $14 million less to the program, which includes county pensions.

Abbott said commissioners were also successful in protecting taxpayers with moves like selling the Snow Hill Riverboat and ending county sports complex ambitions in accordance with the outcome of a referendum.

Commissioners Mitrecic and Diana Purnell serve on an Ocean City task force to establish a sports complex in or near the city. Mitrecic said he does all he can to personally assist the group but cannot offer county support.

With the upcoming general assembly session, Abbott and Elder both expressed concerns over unexpected costs that the state could pass down to counties with new laws and mandates.

However, Purnell said one accomplishment of the commissioners in 2023 was becoming more actively engaged in the legislature after they began working with the lobbying firm

State and Local Advisors.

Purnell also joined Abbott in excitement over the county’s step to phase into a leadership role for the county fair over the next two years. Purnell said she hopes to make it a “premier” event for the county.

The same two commissioners also praised the county’s continued efforts to expand broadband access through contracts with several telecommunications companies. The commissioners are expecting an update on the broadband projects at their next meeting, Abbott said.

Looking back on the year, Mitrecic said that he didn’t see many successes from the commissioners, but mostly feels like they have “taken care of business,” or simply maintained.

“I feel like we didn’t move forward in the last year, and if you’re not moving forward, you’re going backwards,” he said.

Commissioners Eric Fiori and Jim Bunting could not be reached in time for this article.

JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

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Ocean City Today

JANUARY 5, 2024

Yearly COVID and flu shots recommended Atlantic General Hospital seeing increase in patients with respiratory diseases

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Jan. 25, 20240 Going into and coming out of the holiday season, the flu, covid-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus have been a concern for families and individuals locally.

According to Maryland Department of Health reports, the state has seen a Respiratory Virus Hospitalization rate of 11.4 percent. Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin also has seen an increase in patients who have tested positive for flu Type A and RSV. “Covid-19, influenza, and RSV are

still below levels seen last year at this time,” the Center for Disease Control reports. “This season, illnesses have started later, returning to patterns typically seen before the covid-19 pandemic. This means the peak of respiratory illness activity is likely yet to come.”

Atlantic General Hospital has had two covid-19-related hospitalizations since Dec. 28, yet neither case was taken to the Intensive Care Unit. According to AGH Marketing Director Sarah Yonker, the rate of admitted patients for Worcester County within the last two weeks is 9.4 percent for 100,000 residents, and all individuals have been over 65.

The Food and Drug Administration and the CDC approved the updated

vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna in mid-September.

“The vaccines target XBB.1.5, a subvariant of Omicron that dominated the United States- and the world- from November 2021 until earlier this year,” Yonker said.

Health experts recommend receiving improved and booster COVID-19 shots. According to the CDC, 984,444,295 COVID-19 doses have been distributed, and 676,728,782 have been administered as of May 11, 2023.

A cold, RSV, influenza, and covid19 share symptoms, but the illnesses are distinct. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases has outlined how to tell them apart. The loss of taste and smell are most common in

coronavirus cases, while aches are a hallmark of the flu. Frequent wheezing is most associated with RSV. The CDC urges everyone six months and older to receive a yearly flu shot and an updated COVID-19 vaccine to stay healthy. Regular hand washing, wearing a mask, and staying home when symptoms develop are also recommended when trying to slow the spread.

While AGH no longer holds community vaccine clinics for covid-19, AGHRx RediScripts Pharmacy, located next to the main lobby, offers shots on a walk-in basis during their hours of operation. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Heat lessens on Worcester County chamber ‘In Ocean Pines’ added after board received blow back from partners, others

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer (Jan. 4, 2024) The heat has been turned down a degree or two after a recent tweak to the name change for the newly minted Worcester County Chamber of Commerce in Ocean Pines.

The Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce announced in December it was changing its name to the Worcester County Chamber of Commerce. After concerns were raised by other chambers, elected officials and the Ocean Pines Board of Directors, Ocean Pines was added to the name.

“We heard what people had to say and we understood that we needed to keep Ocean Pines in the name. Our chamber of commerce is the best chamber around. We concentrate in Ocean Pines but we are trying to get

more economic development and people to come and use Ocean Pines,” Don Boger, a member of the board of directors of the chamber, said. Boger is also a resident of Ocean Pines and owner of Home Instead.

The addition of Ocean Pines to the name did not change the mind of Worcester County Commissioner President Chip Bertino, who originally stated “county government should not support, encourage, promote or engage in any activity or effort by the newly named Worcester County Chamber of Commerce that undercuts or diminishes the roles of the other chambers within their individual communities or interferes with the objectives of Worcester County Economic Development and Tourism or attempts to co-opt the relationships county government has with local, regional, state and federal partners and businesses.”

But Melanie Pursel, director of Tourism and Economic Development at the Worcester County Economic

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Development and Tourism did not have significant reservations about the name change.

“Our team at the Worcester County Office of Tourism and Economic Development takes tremendous strides to work cooperatively and effectively with all of our stakeholders throughout the county, region and state in an effort to provide an exceptional level of service and resources to our new, existing and potential businesses.”

“We want to continue to foster and grow those relationships, so regardless of any partner organizations change in scope or name change we maintain a high level professionalism and spirit of cooperation.”

Rick Farr, president of the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors remained opposed to the name change.

“But we will continue to have a relationship with the chamber and support its events. Just because we don’t support the name change does not mean we are not going to support

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them.”

Others in the Ocean Pines community expressed their support for the chamber.

“The Chamber of Commerce that we have here, often bridges between the different chambers of commerce.

They don’t just stay in their own neighborhood. They have performed a great support for this community. It is a valuable organization. I don’t believe a name change will negatively impact anyone in Ocean Pines, our residents, our businesses or the work that they are doing in our community,” Patti Stevens, a resident of Ocean Pines and representative of the biking community for the Maryland Commission on Transportation Revenue and Infrastructure Needs (TRAIN).

Worcester Chamber of Commerce in Ocean Pines will host an Open House at the Delmarva Discovery Museum in Pocomoke on Jan 23 from 57pm. All are welcome.

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Ocean City Today

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PAGE 20

JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

Ocean City police arrest two men after high-speed chase

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Ocean 98 Radio's David "Bulldog" Rothner and wife, Nancy, got their hands dirty on the pottery wheels during a class at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street last year. Bulldog will be a guest at the league’s Brunch & Learn event on Jan. 10.

OC Art League to host Brunch and Learn Jan. 10 on 94th St. (Jan. 5, 2024) The Art League of Ocean City is hosting the organization’s second Brunch & Learn on Jan 10 at the center for the arts on 94th Street.

The gathering, set to begin at 11:30 a.m., will feature David “Bulldog” Rothner, host of the morning Rude Awakening Show on Ocean 98 Radio.

A news release said the Brunch & Learn series at the arts center spotlights notable figures from the coastal community who share the untold stories, achievements, and experiences that have shaped their lives.

The event is $10 per person, which includes a light brunch and the speaker presentation. Seating is limited, and advance registration is suggested at OCart.org or by calling 410-524-9433.

Bulldog’s Rude Awakening Show is a morning radio talk show that airs from

6-10 a.m. weekdays on WOCM, Seacrets Ocean 98 radio, based in Ocean City and simulcast through IRIE Radio.

Chicago-bred but world traveled, radio personality Bulldog manages the station and hosts the show that features a variety of guest interviews from celebrities to politicians, musicians to athletes, psychics to porn stars, doctors and artists, and all interesting, poignant and oddball characters in between, the release said.

Bulldog frequently points out the variety of topics and interviews the show offers has something for everyone and has always been about the listeners, and they welcome callers to participate.

During the Brunch & Learn, Bulldog will speak about his most memorable interviews and take questions from attendees.

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Jan. 5, 2024) Larquonne Ahasad Garner, 26, of Salisbury, faces 34 charges after he allegedly fled a traffic stop in Ocean City and drove at speeds close to 125 mph while attempting to elude the police, according to a police report.

James Labronc Brumskin, 33, also of Salisbury, faces six charges for being involved in the same incident, according to the report.

On Christmas Eve, around 12:30 a.m., police saw a 2019 Dodge Charger driving toward Ocean City on Route 90. Their license plate reader system said the car had a suspended registration, police said.

Police watched the Charger turn south off the Route 90 Bridge and turned on their emergency lights and sirens to pull it over. The Charger accelerated and turned into the parking lot of a nearby convenience store.

Officers approached the car and saw that none of the occupants were wearing seatbelts. An officer also reported that the window tint also was darker than the legal limit.

Brumskin was sitting in the back seat and gave police his ID. Garner, who was driving, gave his license to police but did not have his insurance, saying the information was on his phone and that the battery had died.

One officer checked for criminal information on the Charger’s occupants and found that Garner’s license had been suspended.

The officer wrote that Garner then started reversing toward him. The officer honked the horn on the patrol car, then stood in the car’s door frame, pointed his gun at the car and ordered everyone to stay inside.

Instead, police said, Garner drove out of the parking lot.

During the ensuing chase, police reportedly reached 80 mph near 56th Street. Officers wrote that they were driving 90 mph near 33rd Street and Garner was still making distance between them.

Police estimated Garner’s speed to be around 114 mph near 28th Street, and after the chase went west over the Route 50 bridge, officers estimated his speed to be around 125 mph.

Ocean City officers gave up the pursuit, and Berlin Police found Garner’s car abandoned on Griffin Road in Berlin.

One of the tires on Garner’s car had been shredded from a police tirepopping device.

Police eventually found Garner and Brumskin after the two had fled on foot and arrested them..

Garner allegedly told police he drove away from the stop because he was afraid police would tow his car.

Baltimore man sentenced to 12 years in OC armed robbery (Jan. 5, 2024) An 18-year-old Baltimore man is set to spend 12 years in prison after conviction on an armed robbery charge stemming from a 2022 incident in Ocean City.

According to a news release from Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser, Davarn M. Leach was sentenced in mid-December to 20 years in prison, with all but 12 years Davarn M. Leach suspended and three years supervised probation required upon release.

The news release said Leach was convicted of an armed robbery charge in relation to a call for service made to the Ocean City Police Department on Nov. 18, 2022.

Officers responded to Dorchester Street where a victim said he had

been standing near his vehicle when he was attacked by a group of three males, one of whom was reportedly Leach. One of the males pulled a handgun and reportedly pointed it at the victim’s head and struck him with it while demanding money, car keys and a cell phone. The release said the males then stole the victim’s vehicle and “other items” and drove away.

The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of a laceration he reportedly suffered during the incident.

Officers saw the stolen vehicle leaving town and reported it to other law enforcement officials. The release said the vehicle eventuallty crashed in Cambridge and when officers arrived they discovered Leach was a passenger. They found stolen items on Leach and a handgun, which was also reported stolen, and arrested him on the armed robbery charge that ultimately sent him to prison.

OceanCityToday.com RELIABLE & LOCAL NEWS

JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

PAGE 21

HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, someone you care about or admire could come under scrutiny this week. Whether it is deserved or not, this person will be in the hot seat and can use your support.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, you could project an intensity this week that has other people running for cover. Consider adding a little sugar to your presentation. You’ll still get your point across.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, make an effort to gain greater control over your finances.

Develop a budget and stick to it. Soon you’ll enjoy a new level of financial freedom.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, see what is going on with friends this week, as you are likely in the mood to have some fun. You’ll never know what’s on the agenda unless you ask.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you may run into a little interference with a project due to someone’s ego getting in the way. This person seemingly is not a team player and it could affect your plans.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Visualizing what you want is not a waste of time, Virgo. In fact, it can help you map out a plan of attack to accomplish your goals. Start making a to-do list.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, a personal relationship that was derailed will get back on track this week. After some conflicts, it finally seems like you’re both on the same page once more.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, do not let it get you down if you’re paired with someone on a project who is not your first choice.

Focus on the task at hand and you may find you work well together.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, even if your life seems to be a mystery right now, you do not have to figure out all the answers right away. Take time to mull things over.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes this week, Capricorn. When you’re so focused on your life you may miss how it affects others around you.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, start coming up with some new ideas to keep your brain busy.

You might need to delve into a different career or a new hobby to challenge yourself.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, after some initial upheaval this week, your life starts to calm down a little. There may be one lingering issue that needs to get worked out, but you’ll handle it.

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The proposed design of a mural planned for the Ocean Bowl Skate Park by Annapolis-based artist Jeff Huntington is pictured. Huntington was chosen among more than 60 artists, and three finalists, to complete the mural at the Downtown Recreation Complex later this year.

Annapolis artist to paint OC mural Jeff Huntington selected to create skate park design from among three finalists (Jan. 5, 2023) Members of the Ocean City Development Corporation recently announced the selection of Annapolis artist Jeff Huntington to complete a planned mural at the Ocean Bowl Skate Park at the Downtown Recreation Complex later this year.

From across the state of Maryland, more than 60 artists applied for the project and three artists — Ocean City resident Marc Emond, D.C.-based Cita Sadeli, and Huntington — were selected last fall to design concepts for the mural.

According to a news release from OCDC Executive Director Zach Bankert, Huntington, known as JAHRU, is a professional working artist with over 30 years of experience, a bachelor of fine arts from the Corcoran School of Art, and a master of fine arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Along with a portfolio of two-dimensional gallery work, Huntington has completed more than 150 murals across five countries. The release said his largest mural to date is over 7,000 square feet.

Huntington is also the co-founder of Future History Now, a nonprofit that facilitates collaborative mural projects with youth facing adversity in underserved communities.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit Huntington’s website at JeffHuntington.com to view his portfolio of past work, and FutureHisto-

ryNow.org to learn more about his nonprofit.

Huntington is currently based out of Annapolis, but he has spent time and lived in Ocean City.

“I lived in Ocean City during my teenage years,” Huntington said in the release. “This was a defining moment in my life.”

Huntington explained that he dropped out of high school in the ninth grade and “floundered for a moment.”

In 1987, he and an older friend rented an apartment on Eighth Street behind Thrashers, where Huntington worked at the time.

“I’d been exploring oil painting, drawing psychedelic posters, and making tie-dyes for T-shirt shops along the boardwalk,” Huntington said in the release. “I befriended a crew of older kids from New Jersey who lived downstairs from me and, to make a long story short, when they learned that I was a dropout and a minor, they became my surrogate mom and encouraged me to get a G.E.D. Which I did. This allowed me to go to art school and changed the trajectory of my life.”

Bankert, who served on the selection committee, said Huntington’s experience with large outdoor murals and and his past work were major factors in choosing him as the artist to complete the skate park mural.

“We also loved that Jeff plans to involve local youth in the actual painting of the mural,” Bankert said in the release. “For those kids that help Jeff, it will create a feeling of ownership with the mural and hopefully foster a lifelong love of art.”

The selection committee for the project included representatives from

OCDC, the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department, the Art League of Ocean City, the DTA Public Art Committee, and local mural artists. Committee members considered multiple factors when choosing the winning artist, including aesthetics and composition of the submitted designs, portfolio of past work, and mural painting experience.

“We had a difficult decision to make,” Bankert continued. “The mural is going to be at a highly visible corner in town. It’s located at a historic skate park, but will also be seen and enjoyed by everybody that visits the park or uses St. Louis Ave. We had three unique designs to choose from and I feel we made a good decision. Our hope is that this project will open the door for more contemporary art in Ocean City.”

The funds used to plan and pay for the commissioned designs of the mural at the Ocean Bowl Skate Park were provided by the Maryland State Arts Council, as part of Public Art Across Maryland Program.

Members of the development corporation are also currently applying for funds to complete the mural, with the goal to have it painted later this year after construction is completed at the Downtown Recreation Complex, the release said.

As part of a mission to revitalize downtown Ocean City, OCDC has a long history of public art projects in Ocean City. The nonprofit has spearhead multiple large outdoor sculptures (such as the white marlin at Entry Park), numerous downtown murals and wall panels, and dozens of painted utility boxes.

PAGE 22

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 5, 2024

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Pulled pork, bourbon syrup savory twist for pancakes

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Jan. 5, 2024) My family’s kitchen has always been a legislative platform for debating important issues such as the perfect breakfast.

Each candidate aggressively argues whether pancakes or waffles should be crowned the noblest.

Mother and my sister cast their votes for waffles as my father and I proclaim pancakes are pure ecstasy.

We are no closer to a decision than the Republicans and Democrats governing this country. Without any clear conclusion, this equally divided house continues the relentless pursuit that has plagued our family for years.

Mother and Donna Ann profess that waffle’s crisp, fortified edges are the pinnacle of delight. Contrast is the peak of precision that encourages uniqueness. Once considered a delicacy, these majestic cakes of deliciousness are bountiful and plenty.

My father and I beg to disagree.

The simplicity and pureness of pancakes are accentuated by the smooth, delicate surface. This foundation allows the wholesome goodness to come to the forefront and is the stepping stone for glorious toppings.

What is fascinating about the debate is that pancakes and waffles contain the same essential ingredients, but the ratios of these ingredients distinguish differentiation.

Waffle batter contains more butter and eggs which makes for a richer batter. In addition, waffle batter has more sugar which promotes caramelization.

So how did the Walker family work through such a harrowing dilemma? Mother made both dishes so peace would prevail.

As a young child, I thought this was a fair compromise. Now that I am older and wiser, I realize that this was just another example of what made mom so special.

Chicken and waffles have hit the charts of popularity. But if one wants a sweet and savory twist on pancakes, consider pancakes with pulled pork barbecue and a bourbon, maple syrup. A few helpful tips about pancakes encourages confidence and success.

Contrary to popular belief, a lumpy batter is actually preferred.

Mix the dry and wet ingredients just until the flour streaks have disappeared. If one over mixes, gluten will develop in your batter, making your pancakes chewy instead of fluffy.

Once your batter is mixed, it is important to allow it to rest. It can take 10 minutes for the gluten in the flour to relax and the starch molecules to swell.

If one has the choice between a frying pan or a griddle, always go with the griddle. The sloped sides of a pan can make the process of flipping a little more difficult.

If a frying pan is your only option, choose a heavy-bottom pan such as a cast iron skillet. If your pan is too thin, the pancakes will burn.

It is important to grease your pan each time you add batter. The milk solids in the butter will cause the cakes to burn. Either use clarified butter or unflavored cooking spray or oil.

Pancake batter is very sensitive to heat, and therefore medium-low to medium is the preferred temperature. If one is cooking on a gas stove, you might have to cut back the heat slightly. Your pancakes will be your guide.

Use the first few pancakes as a “test run.” This allows you to gauge the heat, practice your flipping skills, and become aware of any hot or cold See USE Page 23

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Ocean City Today

OC Art League First Friday NOW PLAYING exhibit collaborates genres (Jan. 5, 2024) The Art League of Ocean City’s First Friday celebration tonight at the center for the arts will be a collaboration between visual artists and writers during the 11th Shared Visions exhibit.

All are welcome to the free event that runs from 5-7 p.m. PKS Investments is sponsoring the complimentary refreshments.

According to a news release, Shared Visions is a collaboration of the literary word and visual art. The exhibition features 21 local writers and 26 artist members of the art league.

The writing submissions were reviewed by a panel that included industry professionals as well as local writers: Stephanie Fowler of Salt Water Media, Mickie Meinhardt of the Buzzed Word, Don and Gwen Lehman, Teresa Kinhart, Mary Leach, and Ruth Wanberg-Alcorn.

This year, artists selected a poem or short prose written by the writers to use as inspiration for their artwork. Their creations include painting, photography, fiber art, mixed media, and more displayed alongside the writings that inspired them.

“This is the 11th year for the collaboration,” Rina Thaler, the executive director of the art league, said in the release. “It is an inspired coming-together of words and images and demonstrates the different forms of self-expression.”

From 6-8 p.m., Jan. 16, the writers will read their poetry and prose that inspired the artwork on display during a free event at the arts center, and the public is invited. Live music and complimentary refreshments will be on hand.

In January, the release said the Sisson Galleria will feature the Home Sweet Home exhibit, an all-media group show that explores what makes a house a home. Subjects include household objects, interior views, domestic roles, and more, and cash prizes will be awarded to the winners by the show’s judge, Leslie Belloso.

Members of the Studio Art Quilt Associates, Lower Eastern Shore Pod, will display quilt art in Studio E in January.

The group includes six contemporary fiber artists from Maryland and Delaware who meet regularly to discuss their processes, dye fabric, and play with fiber. They use fabric, yarn, thread, fabric manipulation, and unconventional materials in their works.

The quilters on display include Dale Ashera-Davis of Berlin; Elizabeth Berger of Bel Air; Susan Callahan of Frankford, Delaware; Etta Stewart of Salisbury; Karen Stoll of Dagsboro;, Delaware; and Harriette Tuttle of Selbyville, Delaware.

Kevin Harris is the Spotlight Gallery artist for January.

A native of Chestertown, Harris studied commercial art in high school and earned a graphic arts degree from the Visual Arts Institute in Baltimore.

“God and recovery are why I'm back painting on glass today,” Harris said in the release. “The medium I use is acrylic latex paint. My rebirth as a painter occurred after 30 years of addiction. My work shows the struggles of African-American culture.”

Francesca Rendell, of Cambridge, will occupy the Artisan Showcase in See EXHIBITS Page 25

FULL CIRCLE DUO SEACRETS: Friday, Jan. 5, 5-9 p.m.

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

Jan. 5: Mercury Agenda, 7-10 p.m.

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, Located in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-289-7192 / Captainstableoc.com Every Friday & Saturday: Phil Perdue, 5-9 p.m.

SEACRETS

PAPI’S TACO JOINT 1500 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 443-664-8611 / papistacojoint.com

49th Street and the Bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com Jan. 5: Full Circle Duo, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Jan. 6: The Freddie Long Band, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Cellar Sessions, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Jan. 11: Full Circle Duo, 5-9 p.m.

Use homemade or store bought Continued from Page 22 spots on the pan.

Be creative with the shape of your pancakes. If you are cooking for children, use stainless steel cookie cutters for a fun, awesome look. The element of surprise is imperative whether you are entertaining adults or children.

When to flip the pancakes is the next train of thought. Again, the pancakes will indicate the time to “flip.” When you see bubbles appearing on the surface of the batter, it is time to turn the pancakes. The second side will only take a minute or two before the pancakes are done.

It is the details that determine distinction. Do not serve pancakes with cold syrup. Cold syrup will cool the temperature of your hot pancakes. In addition, warmed syrup has more flavor.

The amount of syrup varies according to personal preference, and therefore should be served on the side.

Winter is upon us and pancakes with pulled pork barbecue that is smothered in warm, bourbon maple syrup is as decadent as it gets.

Homemade is always the preferred choice but in this case, boxed pancake mix, store bought pulled pork barbecue and warmed syrup that has been fortified with bourbon brings this dish together in minutes.

And that is hard to beat.

Pancakes with pulled pork barbecue and bourbon maple syrup is lip smacking good. Enjoy!

Secret Ingredient – Perfection “Have no fear of perfection, you will never achieve it.”

– Salvador Dali

Your Online Community: oceancitytoday.com

Wor. Prep.

2 x 6.28

Ocean City Today

PAGE 24

JANUARY 5, 2024

Prayer breakfast launching MLK wknd. in OC (Jan. 5, 2024) Members of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and Town of Ocean City and Ocean City Tourism Department have partnered up to host the Dreams & Determination Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on Martin Luther King weekend.

The breakfast, set Jan. 12, will feature keynote speaker Col. Gregory D. Gadson and the Morgan State University Choir.

“The Dreams and Determination Breakfast will be an inspiring event you won’t want to miss with our keynote speaker Greg Gadson and the worldrenowned Morgan State University Choir performing. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor and recognize the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.,” Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said in a news release.

Gadson, a Chesapeake, Virginia, native, is a retired United States Army colonel who served for 26-plus years.

Gadson’s service Gregory Gadson culminated as the Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw daily operations. At the base, more than 50,000 military personnel and employees provide logistical, intelligence, medical and administrative support, and command and control for a mix of more than 140 commands and agencies for the Department of Defense.

In May 2007, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, Gadson’s greatest challenge came in Iraq, where an Improvised Explosive

Dining Guide ■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$ ■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted —————————————

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street ■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-289-7192, 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: closed Monday through Wednesday; Thursday through Saturday, 7:30-11 a.m.; Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to noon. 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 CLOSED AND REOPENING FRIDAY, JAN. 12.

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. Ordering online www.coinspuboc.com.

■ 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. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m.

■ PAPI’S TACO JOINT 15th Street and Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City 443-664-6811, Papistaco-

joint.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.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets ■ 32 PALM 32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-289-2525, 32palm.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year! Don’t miss out on Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m.

■ LONGBOARD’S CAFÉ 6701 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, 443664-5693, longboardcafe.com $$-$$$ | Full bar CLOSED AND REOPENING WEDNESDAY, JAN. 10.

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

Device, or IED, attack cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand. Gadson remained on active duty and continued to inspire many with his message of courage, perseverance, determination, and teamwork, the release said.

Gadson is an advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities and has testified before Congress. He is also an actor, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. His keynote speech topic will be “Overcoming Adversity: Prevailing Through Challenges.”

The Morgan State University Choir has performed around the world to critical acclaim. Named “Best College Choir” in 2004 by Reader’s Digest magazine, the choir has performed with many symphony orchestras in-

cluding the Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, National, and Baltimore Symphony Orchestras.

“For years the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast has been a way for the community to come together to kick off the year,” Chamber Executive Director Amy Thompson said in the release.

“We are delighted to bring back this popular event, now linked to additional activities across the region for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.”

Dreams & Determination Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is slated for 8 a.m., Jan. 12, in the Roland E. Powell Convention Center Bayfront Ballroom.

Individual tickets are $50 and can be purchased at bit.ly/47WnfBZ. For sponsorship information, contact Thompson by email at amy@oceancity.org.

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 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.

a full bar menu. Open everyday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, 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. menu.

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets ■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th Street, Ocean City 800-6410011, 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.

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT 13801 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, located on the 8th floor of the Fenwick Inn, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com $$-$$$ | Full bar Enjoy a wonderful dinner overlooking the ocean and the bay. Serving off season weekly specials. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to midnight. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to midnight.

Happy Hour, 3-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday brunch, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check out the website for a full menu.

OCEAN PINES ■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, 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

WEST OCEAN CITY ■ 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.

■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistr 12741 Ocean Gateway, Suite 890, West Ocean City (Outlets Ocean City) 410-801-1111, www.occhopsticks.com $$ | Beer | Premium Sake Authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai food.

Dine-in and carry out. Lunch specials, dinner and lite fare. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

■ PIZZA TUGOS 9935 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City 410-524-2922, pizzatugos.com $$ | Full bar | Celebrating 40 years in Ocean City. Offering pizza, wings, burgers, subs, salads, pasta and more! Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 2 a.m.

■ SELLO’S ITALIAN OVEN & BAR 9802 Golf Course Road, 410-390-3543, sellosoc.com $$-$$$$ | Full bar Located in the heart of West Ocean City.

You may think you stepped off a city street and not just off the beach or boat. You will find a wide array of choices from a wood-fired oven individual pizza to our 8 oz. center-cut filet mignon. Join us at Sello’s, your new “happy place,” where “va tutto bene” … it’s all good … Open Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. until and Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. until.

JANUARY 5, 2024

PAGE 25

Ocean City Today

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Shown on the left: From left, Justin Brown, Andrew Brown, Scentsy consultant Amy Brown and Donna Murray, the director of the TidalHealth Foundation, pose with toys that Brown raised money to buy for TidalHealth’s Brooke’s Toy Closet for Christmas. Shown on the right: Murray and John Weber, the president of Mil-Net, Inc., pose with toys that Weber dropped off for Brooke’s Toy Closet before Christmas.

Donations aplenty for TidalHealth toy closet (Jan. 5, 2024) Local business and community representatives stepped up ahead of the holiday season to support TidalHealth’s Brooke’s Toy Closet.

According to a news release, John Weber, the president of Mil-Net, Inc., traveled to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional from Capital Heights before Christmas and delivered “a generous amount of toys” to the program.

Mil-Net, Inc. is an organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing positive youth opportunities in suburban, urban and inner-city settings. For the past several years, the organization has supported local children who are patients at TidalHealth’s hospitals.

According to another release, Amy Brown, a local Scentsy consultant,

held a Scentsy Buddy Drive during the month of December to benefit the toy closet. On Dec. 22, Brown visited The Giving House on TidalHealth Peninsula Regional’s campus in Salisbury to deliver the toys for the holidays.

Brooke’s Toy Closet is a program at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and TidalHealth Nanticoke that provides new toys to children in the emergency department and pediatric units that the they can to keep and take home upon discharge.

The program was named in honor of Brooke Mulford, a young girl who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer, in 2009 at the age of 4. After a hard-fought battle, she passed away in June 2017.

Brooke had a vision to give toys to

Exhibits, shows to open tonight Continued from Page 23 January.

The jewelry designer handpicks pearls with unique gemstones and designs pieces of jewelry that the released said are one-of-a-kind and organic.

The art league’s satellite galleries are also opening new shows tonight on First Friday.

Ruth Ann Kaufman will show her artwork in the lobby of the Princess Royale Hotel at 9110 Coastal Hwy. Kaufman, of Lewes, Delaware, works in watercolors and is inspired by nature, animals, sea creatures and color.

She is a signature member of the Delaware Watercolor Society, and her art has won awards in numerous ju-

ried exhibitions.

Madeline Patsel is the artist-inresidence at the Coffee Beanery at 94th Street and Coastal Highway.

A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design who majored in fine art/painting, she moved to the Eastern Shore two years ago from Baltimore and is enjoying painting the new landscape that surrounds her.

Arts center exhibits run through Jan.27. Satellite gallery exhibits continue through March 30.

The Ocean City Center for the Arts is open daily until 4 p.m. at 502 94th St. and admission is always free. More information is available at OCart.org or by calling 410-524-9433.

kids in the hospital to make their time there a little easier, and the vision is what sparked the creation of Brooke's Toy Closet.

To learn more about Brooke’s Toy

Closet and ways to donate, visit tidalhealth.org/toycloset or contact the TidalHealth Foundation at foundation@tidalhealth.org or 410-5437140.

January 18-19th January 13-14th 2024 2020 Saturday 10-5 & Sunday 10-3

$4.00 Admission

Juried vendor show for all mediums Ocean City Convention Center 40th St. Bayside

For More Information: 443-235-2926 www.delmarvaartexpo.com

PAGE 26

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 5, 2024

Calendar 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.

Fri., Jan. 5 FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTION

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-7 p.m. Meet the artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and see the new exhibits by a variety of local artists. Free event. All are welcome. Open receptions also at The Coffee Beanery and the Princess Royale.

410-524-9433

MEAN GIRLS JR.

Ocean City Performing Arts Center Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Presented by the Ocean Pines Children’s Theater.

Tickets cost $15. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/529934 79/mean-girls-jr-ocean-city-oc-performing-arts-center.

ANNUAL CASH BINGO

Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department, 10709 Bishopville Road, 7 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m., early bird games start at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Food, beverages and desserts available for sale. Tickets: 619922-9950.

Sat., Jan. 6

French toast, juice, coffee and tea. Cost is $12 for adults and free to ages 3 years and younger. officealpost166@gmail.com

Mon., Jan. 8 REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR MARYLAND CITIZENS FOR THE ARTS: SOUTHEAST MD STRATEGIC COMMUNITY GATHERING

To be held Jan. 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Art League of Ocean City. Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA IpQLSd12YVdfnVOKJ1ahc-L2cMPCKsm_slGGOypUGZB7bYdbG2Ag/viewform, 302-841-7257.

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

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.

MEAN GIRLS JR.

Ocean City Performing Arts Center Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 3 p.m. Doors open at 2:15 p.m. Presented by the Ocean Pines Children’s Theater. Tickets cost $15. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/529934 79/mean-girls-jr-ocean-city-oc-performing-arts-center.

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.

Sun., Jan. 7 JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 811 a.m. Menu includes eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, cream chipped beef,

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 Library Ocean 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.

Tues., Jan. 9

Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

Wed., Jan. 10 BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Held the first and second Wednesday of each month. For non-surgical patients.

Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410641-9568.

AARP MEETING

Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st St., Ocean City, 10 a.m. Social half-hour and refreshments begin at 9:30 a.m. The guest speaker will discuss nutrition and brain health. New members welcome.

Bob McCluskey, 410-250-0980

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology, 314 Franklin Ave., Berlin, 3:15-4 p.m. For individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers. Education on exercise, nutrition, coping techniques, medications and developments in treatment.

Kay Kinnikin, 410-641-4765

ATLANTIC COAST SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION MONTHLY MEETING American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 6:15 p.m. Guest speaker will be Scott Lenox of “FISH IN OC.” The topic will be “Flounder Fishing.” Public invited. Food and refreshments available. 410-3718001

BEACH HEROES-OC

Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round.

Thurs., Jan. 11 A TRIBUTE TO HARRIET TUBMAN

Headquarters Live, Salisbury, 6-8 p.m.

An evening of poetry hosted by Poet Laureate Nancy Mitchell. Free admission. Light refreshments. All ages welcome.

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET

Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. 302-436-9577, BeachSingles.org.

ONGOING EVENTS GERMANTOWN SCHOOL VETERAN EXHIBIT The Germantown School Veteran Exhibit will run through Jan. 17. The school is located at 10223 Trappe Road in Berlin. The exhibit is open on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info: 410641-0638.

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

Mondays - Worcester County Library Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100

and will be updated monthly on the website and Facebook. Guests are welcome. www.kiwanisofopoc.org

BRUNCH & LEARN SERIES: OCEAN 98.1 FM’S BULLDOG

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet Bulldog, Ocean 98.1 FM radio personality. Seating is limited. Cost is $10 and includes light brunch. Register: https://canvas.artleagueofoceancity.org /classes/1209 or 410-524-9433.

ZUMBA WEDNESDAYS

Wednesdays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st St., 10 a.m. Dance background not required. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

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

OC LIBRARY WINTER TRAIN GARDEN

Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, Nov. 15-Jan. 5. Free event. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays and holidays. www.worcesterlibrary.org, oceancity@worcesterlibrary.org, 410524-1818

OCEAN CITY CHAPTER OF THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF ITALY

Meets every month (except July and August) at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Membership is open to individuals of Italian descent and their spouses. www.sonsofitalyoceancity.com

POLISH AMERICAN CLUB OF DELMARVA

Meets the second Wednesday of each month (except July and August) at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 2-4 p.m. A social organization of men and women of Polish or Slavic descent.

Crossword answers from page 22

January 5, 2024

27

Ocean City Today

Call 410-723-6397

by Monday 5 p.m.

Classifieds appear in Ocean City Today & Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com & baysideoc.com

MARKETPLACE HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Smal Engine Mechanic Year-round.

Competitive Wages.

443-754-1047

Pool General 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.

Now Hiring Sales Director Full Time/Year Round.

Salary and Bonus potential of $125K. Full benefit package to include Medical/Dental/ Vision.

401K + match/profit sharing.

At least 3 years experience as a Sales Director.

Bachelor’s degree preferred in Marketing.

Meet Hotel Sales and Booking Goals.

For full details please send resume to joann@ princessroyale.com

Hiring Cooks, Audio/Video Techs, Maintenance Staff, Painters, Carpenter, Plumber, Housekeeper, Liquor Store Attendant, Boat Mates, Receivers, Event Space Housekeeper Apply in person or online at seacrets.com

NOW HIRING!!

Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $20/hr.

Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

HELP WANTED

OFF SEASON RENTALS Utililites Included CONTACT US AT burgundyinn@gmail.com 410-289-8581

RENTALS RENTALS 1BR/1BA Condo - Off 28th St., yr. round, furnished.

No pets or smoking. $1350 per month.

Available immediately.

Resort Rentals, 410-524-0295.

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.

Yearly lease. One month security deposit and one month rent upfront. Located at 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD 21011.

410-456-0272 WOC - YR Rental - 5BR, 3.5BA, 3600 sq.ft. on pond. $2950/month and one months security plus utilities. Contact Lou, 410-713-0065.

Classifieds 410-723-6397

HERKER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE An Innovative Approach to Property Maintenance

WE OFFER: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, competitive pay, great benefits, paid holidays and vacation.

- SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER -

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Customer Service, MS Word, Excel, & Outlook, and marketing skills. Bi-lingual & strong math skills are a plus.

- EXPERIENCED MECHANIC -

to repair to maintain gas & diesel trucks and landscaping equipment.

call 610-459-5857 or email resume to Gherker@comcast.net & Gherker@herkerinc.com TOWN OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER The Town of Snow Hill is accepting applications for the position of Code Enforcement Officer. Responsibilities include: enforcement of various Town codes, inspections, issuance of permits, and staffing of various committees.

Preferred candidate is IRC Certified and has familiarity with IBC, IEBC, Energy Code, ADA, and 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.

Deadline for applications: Friday, Jan. 12, 2024.

Send resume with salary requirements to: Town of Snow Hill Carol Sullivan P.O. Box 348 Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

RENTALS

GET IT RENTED HERE! It’s not too late to advertise your winter rentals.

410-723-6397 www. oceancitytoday. com www. baysideoc. com

Yearly & Seasonal Rentals We Welcome Pets 7700 Coastal Hwy 410-524-7700 www.holidayoc.com

ROOMMATES ROOMMATES Year-Round Room For Rent Ocean Pines $800/month and $200 security. Fully furnished.

All utilities included. 443880-2317

COMMERCIAL

DONATIONS

Industrial Warehouse.

Space: 1500 sq. ft.

Masonry construction, 18’ high ceiling, large garage door, bathroom.

Route 90/Bishopville.

Call 443-497-4200.

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.

1 Office/Retail Space available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft.

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PAGE 28

JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

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JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

PRINT WEB oceancitytoday.com • baysideoc.com

PAGE 29

PAGE 30

JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

NOTICE

OF PASSAGE OF EMERGENCY BILL 23-08 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Take Notice that Emergency Bill 23-08 (County Government – County Commissioners) was passed

by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Abbott, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic and Purnell on December 19, 2023.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows: § CG 2-102. (Repeals and replaces the section establishing revised County Commissioner districts in response to the shifting population as identified by the 2020 Census Survey in accordance with the following goals: strive for an optimal population of 7,515 persons in each of the seven (7) districts with the lowest population deviation among the districts in order to pass muster under the one person, one vote requirement; retain a majority minority district; maintain current County Commissioner District boundaries to the extent feasible; and respect the boundaries of new State Legislative Districts 38A and 38C to the extent feasible.)

Appendix II. (Repeals and replaces the County Commissioner District Maps).

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-12/28/2t _________________________________

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, January 11, 2024 at 6:00 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Section 30-561 and Section 93(3), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed for (1) a variance to reduce the amount of landscaping required for the development of a new commercial establishment commonly

known as Nick’s Golf (Sections 30553(c)(15)(a) and 30-553(c)(8)(h)(ii)); and (2) a variance from the 4-foot and 6-foot height maximums for an existing fence to remain at 10 feet in height (Section 110-95(1)(a)). The site of the appeal is described as Lots 143 of Parcel 3261, Lot 144 of Parcel 3262, and Lot 145 of Parcel 3263 of the Neptune Development Plat. It is further described as being on the west side of Philadelphia Avenue, the east side of Herring Way, and it is locally known as 2009, 2011, and 2013 Philadelphia Avenue in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: NICK’S GOLF, LLC (BZA 2671 #23-09500017) at 6:10 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an application has been filed that requests a special parking exception of 2 parking spaces for the construction of a new dwelling (Section 11094(2)(b)). The property is described as Lot 33 of the Runaway Bay Plat.

It is further described as being located on the west side of Penguin Drive and is locally known as 821 Penguin Drive, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: KRISTINA L. WATKOWSKI FOR JERRY FORD (BZA 2672 #23-09400016) at 6:20 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2) and 110-93(3), Powers, of the Code, an application has been filed that requests that include (1) a special parking exception of 3 parking spaces for the construction of a new dwelling (Section 11094(2)(b)); and, (2) a variance of 2 feet from the 5-foot side yard setback requirement of 5 feet for the construction of a new attached shed (Section 110-95(1)(a)). The property is described as Lot 11 of the Revised Runaway Bay II Plat. It is further described as being located on the north side of 32nd Street and is locally known as 510 32nd Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: KRISTINA L. WATKOWSKI FOR THE MAUCK FAMILY TRUST (BZA 2674 #2309400017) at 6:30 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2) and 110-93(3), Powers, of the Code, an application has been filed that requests that include (1) a special parking exception of 2 parking spaces for the construction of a new dwelling (Section 11094(2)(b)); and, (2) a variance of 2 feet from the 5-foot side yard setback requirement of 5 feet for the construction of a new attached shed (Section 110-95(1)(a)). The property is described as Lot 12 of the Revised Runaway Bay II Plat. It is further described as being located on the north side of 32nd Street and is locally known as 512 32nd Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: KRISTINA L. WATKOWSKI FOR SHEILA S. WITHERS REVOCA\BLE TRUST (BZA 2675 #23-09400018) 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-12/28/2t _________________________________

REQUEST FOR BIDS 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 Monday, January 15, 2024. A recommended pre-bid site inspection between January 15, 2024 and January 26, 2024 can be scheduled through Town Hall. Bids will be accepted until 4:00 PM on Thursday, February 1, 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, January 30, 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 pick up at Town Hall.

Paul Bessette Grants Administrator 410-632-2080 pbessette@snowhillmd.comOCD OCD-12/28/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR GROWTH ALLOCATION ATLANTIC COASTAL BAYS CRITICAL AREA ISLAND RESORT CAMPGROUND Worcester County, Maryland Pursuant to Section NR 3112(c)(4) of the Natural Resources Article of the Code of Public Local Laws of Worcester County, Maryland, a request has been submitted to the Worcester County Commissioners by Mark Cropper Esquire on behalf of Island Resort Park, Inc. for the reclassification of 33.46 acres of land from Resource Conservation Area to Limited Developed Area. The subject property is located along the northerly side of Croppers Island Road in Newark and is shown on Worcester County Tax Map 40, Parcels 93 & 241.

Pursuant to Section NR 3112(c)(4) of the Natural Resources Article of the Code of Public Local Laws of Worcester County, Maryland, the County Commissioners will hold a public hearing.

At said public hearing, the Commissioners will consider the request for an award of growth allocation for the above referenced property, any staff reports and recommendations, comments of other agencies, the recommendation of the Planning Commission, and testimony offered

before them.

The public hearing on this application will be held on TUESDAY, January 16, 2024 at 10:30 A.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 The file containing the request for reclassification and other pertinent information which will be entered into the record of the public hearing are on file and are available for inspection at the Department of Environmental Programs, Worcester County Government Center, Suite 1306 (3rd floor), One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863 during regular business hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Questions may be directed to David Bradford, Deputy Director, by calling (410) 632-1220, extension 1143 or email at dbradford@co.worcester.md.us THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-12/28/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA

THURSDAY JANUARY 11, 2024 Pursuant to the provisions of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held in-person before the Board of Zoning Appeals for Worcester County, in the Board Room (Room 1102) on the first floor of the Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland.

6:30 p.m. Case No. 24-1, on the lands of Anthony Scardina requesting a variance to the rear yard setback from 5 feet to 2.6 feet (to encroach 2.4 feet) for an open deck addition in the A-2 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-202(c)(18) and ZS 1318, located at 8507 N. Longboat Way, Tax Map 33, Parcel 347, Lot 226, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 24-2, on the lands of Paul Carlotta, requesting a variance to the right side yard setback from 20 feet to 10 feet (to encroach 10 feet) for a proposed garage in the A-2 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4), ZS 1-202(b)(5) and ZS 1-305, located at 8746 Stephen Decatur Highway, Tax Map 33, Parcel 311, Lot 1A, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m. Case No. 24-3, on the lands of Gary West, on the application of Jaime Toner, requesting a variance to a front yard setback off of a minor collector highway from 50 feet to 37.03 (to encroach 12.97 feet) for an inground pool and a variance to a front yard setback off of a minor collector highway from 50 feet to 33.89 (to encroach 16.11 feet) for a deck and steps, in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to

JANUARY 5, 2024 Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1206(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 12529 W. Torquay Road, Tax Map 21, Parcel 6, Section C, Block 22, Lot 1, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:45 p.m. Case No. 24-4, on the lands of Parker Shockley, on the application of Arcola Towers, requesting a special exception to allow a 170 foot tall monopole with 2 foot tall lightning rod (total of 172 feet tall) in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(3), ZS 1-201(c)(28) and ZS 1-343, located at 5614 Onley Road, Tax Map 79, Parcel 91, Tax District 8, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:50 p.m. Case No. 24-5, on the lands of NVR, Inc, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting an after-the-fact variance to the right side yard setback from 7 feet to 6.9 feet (encroaches .1 feet) and an afterthe-fact variance to the left side yard setback from 3 feet to 2.8 feet (encroaches .2 feet) for an existing single family dwelling in a Residential Planned Community, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4) and ZS 1-315, located at 12420 Coastal Marsh Drive, Tax Map 33, Parcel 281, Lot 63, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:55 p.m. Case No. 24-6, on the lands of Jennifer & James Koutsos, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting an after-the-fact variance to the right side yard setback from 3 feet to 2.7 feet (encroaches .3 feet), an after-the-fact variance to the left side yard setback from 7 feet to 4.8 feet (encroaches 2.2 feet) and an after-the-fact variance to the rear yard setback from 20 feet to 18.2 feet (encroaches 1.8 feet) for an existing single family dwelling in a Residential Planned Community, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4) and ZS 1-315, located at 12303 Hidden Bay Drive, Tax Map 33, Parcel 281, Lot 10, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland 7:00 p.m. Case No. 24-7, on the lands of Debra Moore, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting an after-the-fact variance to the left side yard setback from 7 feet to 6.7 feet (encroaches .3 feet) and an after-the-fact variance to the right side yard setback from 3 feet to .7 feet (encroaches 2.3 feet) for an existing single family dwelling in a Residential Planned Community, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4) and ZS 1-315, located at 12317 Hidden Bay Drive, Tax Map 33, Parcel 281, Lot 17, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland 7:05 p.m. Case No. 24-8, on the lands of Raymond & Marsha Galloway, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting an after-thefact variance to the right side yard setback from 7 feet to 6.9 feet (encroaches .1 feet) and an after-thefact variance to the left side yard setback from 3 feet to 2.8 feet (encroaches .2 feet) for an existing single family dwelling in a Residential Planned Community, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4) and ZS 1-315, located at 12371 Hidden Bay Drive, Tax Map 33, Parcel 281, Lot 42, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

7:10 p.m. Case No. 24-9, on the

Ocean City Today / Public Notices lands of Michele & Stephen Pawlowski, Jr. Revocable Trust, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting an after-the-fact variance to the right side yard setback from 7 feet to 6.8 feet (encroaches .2 feet) and an after-the-fact variance to the left side yard setback from 3 feet to 1 foot (encroaches 2 feet) for an existing single family dwelling in a Residential Planned Community, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4) and ZS 1-315, located at 12375 Hidden Bay Drive, Tax Map 33, Parcel 281, Lot 44, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland 7:15 p.m. Case No. 24-10, on the lands of Ann & David Gordon, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting an after-the-fact variance to the right side yard setback from 7 feet to 6.8 feet (encroaches .2 feet), an after-the-fact variance to the left side yard setback from 3 feet to .7 feet (encroaches 2.3 feet) for an existing single family dwelling in a Residential Planned Community, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4) and ZS 1-315, located at 12377 Hidden Bay Drive, Tax Map 33, Parcel 281, Lot 45, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland OCD-12/28/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICIA ANNE CARTER Estate No. 20016 Notice is given that DEBRA LEOFFLER whose address is 712 OCEAN PARKWAY, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on DECEMBER 20, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICIA ANNE CARTER who died on DECEMBER 1, 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 20th day of JUNE, 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-12/28/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of CATHLEEN JEANNE WIST Estate No. 20015 Notice is given that RONALD MARC WIST whose address is 10 WESTMINSTER DR, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on DECEMBER 19, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CATHLEEN JEANNE WIST who died on OCTOBER 14, 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 (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 19th day of JUNE, 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-12/28/3t _________________________________

PAGE 31 swagner@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov by calling 410-723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/ ) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda before submitting their bids. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. It is the vendor's sole responsibility to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-Bid meeting will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 9 AM, at The Convention Center Conference Room 214, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, for any questions concerning the Proposals Documents. A site walkthrough will immediately follow. The last day for questions will be on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 3 PM. The Addendum will be posted by close of business on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Monday, February 26, 2024, by 3:00 PM. and will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the Mayor and City Council Work Session held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 1 PM. Bids are to be submitted to the Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Attn: City Manager; Room 230, 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, and must note the name of the solicitation (Convention Center Life Saving Improvements Project) on the outside of the package.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for the award of the solicitation.

OCD-1/4/1t _________________________________

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY

ORDINANCE 2023-21 RE: Dormer, Attic and Habitable Attic Definitions Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

BID SOLICITATION Convention Center Life Saving Improvements Project

Mayor & City Council Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide for the Convention Center Life Saving Improvements Project and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

Bid Documents for the Convention Center Life Saving Improvements Project may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Scott Wagner, at

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2023-21 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of December 18, 2023. Second reading is scheduled January 16, 2023. 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 December 18, 2023, agenda packet. This ordinance amends the Town Code Chapter 110, Zoning, with respect to the definition of attic, attic (habitable) and dormer.

OCD-12/28/1t _________________________________

PAGE 32

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

JAMES E. CLUBB JR, ESQ 108 N 8TH ST. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 20023 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the REGISTER OF WILLS court of LUZERNE COUNTY, PA appointed ALBERT KOMOREK whose address is 215 EAST MAIN STREET WILKES BARRE, PA 18705 MICHAEL KOMOREK whose address is 227 ACADEMY STREET WILKES BARRE, PA 18702 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES of the Estate of KAREN KOMOREK AKA: who died on JULY 13, 2022 domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA,

USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is JAMES E CLUBB JR whose address is 108 8TH STREET OCEAN CITY, MD 21842. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative 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 foreign personal representative mails or 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 claim within two months from the mailing or delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-1/4/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20021

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JANUARY 5, 2024 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit court of Fairfax County, VA appointed Mark J. Madigan, 11917 Oakwood Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22192 as the Executor of the Estate of Robert Joseph Madigan who died on November 08, 2022 domiciled in Virginia, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Ashley Brunning Furbay whose address is 10035 Bonita Drive, Ocean City, Md. 21842.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative 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 foreign personal representative mails or 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 claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Mark J. Madigan Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest Date of first publication: January 04, 2024 OCD-1/4/3t _________________________________

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY

ORDINANCE 2023-22 RE: Zoning Map

Advertise in the

and

Service Directories Call Taylor at 410-723-6397 for more details!

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2023-22 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of December 18, 2023. Second reading is scheduled January 16, 2023. 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 December 18, 2023, agenda packet. This ordinance amends the Town’s Zoning District Map, changing the zoning classification of two properties on 100th Street to add P/G-1, Public Governmental Zoning to a property now owned by the Town and to remove P/G-1 Zoning on a property now owned by Delmarva Power and Light.

OCD-12/28/1t _________________________________

JANUARY 5, 2024

PAGE 33

Ocean City Today

Perdue supports medical graduate program Total $300K contribution to TidalHealth Foundation set to fund medical training (Jan. 5, 2024) Members of the TidalHealth Foundation recently welcomed representatives of the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation and Jim Perdue, the chairman of Perdue Farms, to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury for a check presentation and donation in support of the health system’s Graduate Medical Education program.

According to a news release, the $300,000 contribution from the Perdue Foundation will create classroom space and technology in the TidalHealth Center for Medical Training and Simulation where resident physicians studying in the Graduate Medical Education program, as well as other clinicians and providers, train in real-world conditions and scenarios prior to the actual delivery of patient care.

A ribbon cutting will be planned for later in 2024.

The Perdue Foundation’s gift is part of the organization’s Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors outreach to improve quality of life and build strong communities.

By 2034, the release said the Asso-

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

From left, Perry Aulie, the senior vice president of value-added products for Perdue AgriBusiness and TidalHealth Foundation board member; Jim Perdue, the chairman of Perdue Farms; Kim Nechay, the executive director of the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation; Jessica Hales, the poresident of the TidalHealth Foundation; Simona Eng, the associate vice president of medical education/designated institutional official at TidalHealth; and Yashvir Sangwan, the director of procedural service and training, internal medicine residency, and director of interventional pulmonology at TidalHealth pose together in a photo.

ciation of American Medical Colleges anticipates doctor shortages of between 38,000 and 124,000 as an aging physician population nears retirement. That is why TidalHealth launched the media graduate program to include residency and fellowship training programs.

The TidalHealth Foundation’s “Spark” campaign focuses on raising the funds necessary to establish and support the program at TidalHealth.

This $5 million campaign is based on a two-prong strategy: TidalHealth will provide a space for residents to learn and treat patients and at the

same time create a pipeline of physicians who want to train in, live in and love the community.

For more information on how got offer support, visit tidalhealth.org/spark or contact the TidalHealth Foundation at 410-543-7140 or foundation@tidalhealth.org.

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PAGE 34

JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

Wor-Wic CDL program celebrates 20 years More than 1,000 drivers added to region’s workforce through training education (Jan. 5, 2023) For the past 20 years, Wor-Wic Community College has been building a transportation workforce for the Lower Eastern Shore.

According to a news release, the first class of the college’s commercial driver’s license, or CDL, training program was held in August 2003, and has been growing to meet the region’s needs since.

“I’m very appreciative of Wor-Wic and the training it provides – it’s great for our community,” David Harkins, the owner and president of Harkins Concrete, said in the release.

“When I hire people out of this CDL program, I know that safety has been stressed. I want all of my people to be safe and conscientious.”

The CDL program has grown from eight graduates in the first year to 129 in 2022. Overall, the program has added more than 1,000 commercial drivers to the region’s workforce.

Pete Phoebus, the vice president of transportation for Cato Oil in Salisbury, said in the release that having the program is good for local businesses.

“It’s a very useful source of qualified drivers, and Wor-Wic puts out a quality candidate,” he said.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

From left, David Harkins, owner of Harkins Concrete, and Ronald Gale, a graduate of Wor-Wic’s commercial driver’s license program, pose in front of a commercial vehicle. The program celebrated 20 years in 2023.

Snow Hill resident Rose Stigall joined Cato after graduating from Wor-Wic. “I have two sons, so I wanted to

drive locally,” she said in the release.

“I really love my job. It’s stress free, and Cato is like a family.

Many participants in the program

are eligible for grants and scholarships that defray the cost of tuition.

Visit worwic.edu for information about the CDL program.

Local high schoolers receive Wor-Wic college scholarships (Jan. 5, 2024) Members of the board of trustees at Wor-Wic Community College recently awarded scholarships to local high school graduates in Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties.

The two-year, full-tuition awards are given to the most academically talented high school senior applicants from each of the 10 public high schools and two of the four private high schools across the three counties.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants had to have at least a 3.25 GPA on an unweighted 4.0 scale.

They also were required to apply for admission to Wor-Wic before April 1 of their senior years in high school, and complete board of trustees scholarship application forms.

The scholarships are awarded to the applicant with the highest GPA from each school, followed by the highest total number of credits earned and the earliest admission application. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA. High school students interested in more information about the scholarship program can call the college’s financial aid office at 410-334-2905.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The 2023 Wor-Wic Community College board of trustees scholarship recipients, seated from left, are Andy Tran of Wicomico High School, Jonathan Wallace of Stephen Decatur High School, Bryan Lozano of James M. Bennett High School, Gabriel Webster of Holly Grove Christian School, Rakayla Duffy of Pocomoke High School, Toni Hayden of Mardela High School and Lillian Frazier of Delmar Middle and Senior High School. Standing, from left, are Wor-Wic President Deborah Casey, Morgan Hazel, chairperson of the board of trustees, Anna G. Newton, vice chairperson of the board of trustees, and board members Martin T. Neat, Russell W. Blake, Kimberly C. Gillis and Andrew W. Booth.. Not pictured are Brandon Anderson of Snow Hill High School, Allison Kirwan of Parkside High School, Adriana Miles of Crisfield Academy and High School and Mariah Morton of Washington High School.

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JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

PAGE 35

OC gets Bicycle Friendly Community award (Jan. 5, 2024) Ocean City officials recently announced the town’s designation as a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.

According to a news release, the city joins 506 communities nationwide in the movement for safer streets and better bicycling for everyone. The award recognizes the resort’s commitment to creating transportation and recreational resources that benefit residents and visitors of all ages and abilities, while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation choices.

“Being named as a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community is a testament to the forward thinking of the BPAC members and the town staff,” Councilman Peter Buas, who is also a member of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, said in a release.

“When considering capital improvements, bicycle and pedestrian access is always at the forefront of the conversation. We are excited to be a part of the continued improvement of access to safe biking and walking areas in Ocean City, Maryland.”

The advisory committee, also known as BPAC, meets monthly and encourages members to invest in developing safer and more accessible biking and pedestrian infrastructure and initiatives. The committee is comprised of 10 members representing several town departments, the City Council, outside organizations, city residents, and a local business.

Committee members “advise and provide recommendations to Town officials and Town staff on all matters relating to the use of a bicycle as a means of transportation and recreation in Town,” according to the release.

“When we build an America where bicycling is truly safer and easier for everyone, we are strengthening our nation’s economic vibrance, environmental welfare, and mental and physical well-being,” Bill Nesper, the executive director of the League of American Bicyclists, said in the release. “That’s why we’re proud to celebrate all of the new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Communities in our movement to build a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. This round of awards is a testament to the community leaders and local bike advocates who are joining the League in raising the standard of what it means to be a Bicycle Friendly Community.”

The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly America program sets the standard for how communities build and benchmark improving biking. Earlier this year, the league made significant updates to add and integrate equity and accessibility into the program’s application and emphasize the importance of building and connecting low-speed and lowstress bike networks.

FILE PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

A bicycle sharrow is pictured on 139th Street in Ocean City. The resort recently earned a bronze-level award as a Bicycle Friendly Community.

More than 860 communities, the release said, have applied for recognition by the Bicycle Friendly Community program, providing a roadmap to improving biking for communities of all shapes and sizes.

While the award process considers visible elements, such as bike infrastructure, other essential features include efforts around adult and youth bike education, encouragement through events like Bike to Work

Day, evaluation mechanisms, and enforcement, all through equity.

The application process also included an opportunity for local bicyclists and active transportation advocates to provide input on their community experiences and perceptions of bicycling.

The five levels of the award – diamond, platinum, gold, silver, and bronze, and honorable mention – provide a clear incentive for commu-

nities to improve continuously, the release said.

Awarded communities must renew their status every four years to ensure that they not only maintain existing bicycle friendly efforts, but also keep up with changing technology, national safety standards and community-driven best practices for safe and accessible biking.

To learn more about the program, visit bikeleague.org/community.

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PAGE 36

JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

Bringing Art to all serves local community Residents and visitors alike enjoy classes and exhibits provided by OC Art League

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer (Jan. 5, 2024) The Art League of Ocean City celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023 and had its most successful year yet, both programmatically and financially, according to Executive Director Rina Thaler.

“Art is so much more than pictures on the wall, art is a service to the community,” she said. “We’ve gone way beyond our walls this year.”

The league reached out to more people than ever before in 2023.

Among other things, the art league collaborated with Worcester Goes Purple on the “Art of Recovery” project to highlight people in recovery and help remove the stigma associated with addiction.

The project paired artists with individuals in recovery in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Talbot counties. The resulting portraits of each community member include QR codes linked to videos of the subjects telling their stories of addiction and recovery.

The exhibit was hung at the National Institute of Drug Abuse in Baltimore. It will be featured at Salisbury University in January.

The art league has also been to Wor-Wic Community College and area high schools to raise awareness of addiction and mental health issues.

The league’s efforts to support people experiencing grief or trauma occur monthly with its Heart and Soul classes, which are free and provide an opportunity for those in recovery to create their own art so they could express themselves, share their experiences and help others.

In its efforts to expand its reach, the league hosted monthly classes with the Salvation Army, the Worcester County Developmental Center and homeschoolers. Summer camps provide opportunities for all with scholarships.

?????/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Supporters of the Art League of Ocean City enjoyed a holiday gathering at the home of Melody Cedarstrom in Glen Riddle. From left, Nancy Dofflemyer, Cedarstrom, Crystal Collins, Barbara Patrick, Amy Ritgernel,Virginia Outten, John Sisson and Bob Rothermel pose for a photo.

The league even joined in on the fun at OC Comic Con with a face painting booth featuring artwork from its Manga and Anime Youth Art Show.

“We are one of the few things that deal with the local community, little children to seniors and the tourist population,” Thaler said. “Art and tourism

ning its 8th annual OC Film Festival on Saturday, March 9, with John Waters returning as the headliner. He will be showing his original film Hairspray and doing a comedic commentary on it.

Other new programs and events, theater performances, writers groups will top its agenda.

OC Art League hosting free dinner Members of state nonprofit coming to meet with local artists and others Jan. 11 (Jan. 5, 2024) Members of the nonprofit Maryland Citizens for the Arts are coming on Jan. 11 to Ocean City for the Southeast Maryland

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are so integrated, that’s what we have learned over the past decade.”

The art league will be rolling out its future plans in 2024. Its “new” building is now 20 years old. Thaler said the league will be focused on the outside of the building and looking at expansion options.

The art league is currently plan-

6200 Coastal Hwy S-101, Oceean City • Office: 410.524.6400

Strategic Community Gathering to meet with local artists and representatives from arts organizations to garner feedback about the state of the arts in Maryland.

According to a news release, members of the Art League of Ocean City are hosting a complimentary dinner for attendees of the gathering from 5:30-7:30 p.m. the day of the event at the center for the arts on 94th Street.

Along with eating dinner, attendees will create ceramic butterflies that will contribute to a public arts installation at the arts center.

Maryland Citizens for the Arts, or MCA, is a statewide arts advocacy and education organization. Founded over 40 years ago to provide “One Voice for all the Arts in Maryland,” members of the organization work to highlight the role of the arts in the in-

creased quality of life they provide for all Marylanders, the release said.

Worcester County and Ocean City are vital parts of the arts community in the southeast region, and the two nonprofits are seeking feedback that will guide the future of the state organization’s work in arts advocacy.

“Whether MCA is new to you or you’re a regular collaborator as an artist or arts organization, this event is for you,” organization representative Dana Parsons said in the release.

“MCA looks forward to seeing you there to be in the community with one another through art making and to plan the future of the Maryland arts sector together.”

Early registration is suggested.

Register at MDarts.org under the Events tab or call the organization at 302-841-7257.

OceanCityToday.com RELIABLE & LOCAL NEWS

JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

PAGE 37

Marchers call for humanitarian aid in Gaza Local Islamic Community members advocate for end of conflict, support peace

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer (Jan. 5, 2024) The Islamic Community Outreach of Ocean City, or ICOOC, organized a march on Saturday on the Boardwalk in Ocean City to call for an end to the war in Gaza and raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis that continues to develop.

“The most important thing right now for Gaza and its people is to stop the suffering and killing of innocent lives. We need a ceasefire now,” the ICOOC said in a statement.

“Palestine [now Israel] was founded for all three religions.

Jerusalem is important to Christianity, Islam and Judaism. It was created for the people of all religions to come to their holy land. It was made for peace,” Munya said, one of the organizers of the march, who asked to be identified only by her first name.

“This is not a Muslim vs. Jewish cause. This is [a] humanitarian cause.”

The march started at North Division Street and ended at the inlet.

Young children, students and adults

attended the march, carrying handmade signs and waving flags.

“Palestine is getting targeted and going through a silent genocide,” Yomna Elgadder, a 13-year-old girl attending the march, said.

“Why is it okay for Palestinians to get kicked out of their houses, to be shot. Why are children allowed to be murdered and not looked at as human beings? In our religion, if you kill one person, it’s as if you have killed all of humanity,” Munya said.

The ICOOC is calling for humanitarian aid to help rebuild infrastructure and provide medical and mental health care for those in need.

“We want a state where Muslims, Jews and Christians can all live with dignity, as equal citizens with equal rights,” the ICOOC further stated.

“We see the Israeli story in the news every day. The media needs to look at the Palestinian story too. Two million people have been bombed every day, with our tax money and our government support,” Ryiad Omar, an attendee at the march, said.

“We need to help bring voice to the voiceless in Palestine and show the world what they have been enduring for, not only the past 82+ days, but for the past 75 years.”

The Islamic Community Outreach

CINDY HOFFMAN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Supporters of Palestine took to the Boardwalk in Ocean City on Saturday to advocate for an end to the war in Gaza.

of Ocean City is a mosque in West Ocean City.

The conflict in Gaza began after members of Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. government, killed some 1,300 Jewish settlers outside the Gaza Strip in a surprise attack on Oct. 7.

The organization, which operates in Palestinian territories, also took about 230 hostages, a little less than half of whom were freed during November’s temporary ceasefire.

NBC reported earlier this week that 22,000 Palestinian residents of Gaza have been killed during the Israeli counter-assault on Hamas.

PAGE 38

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 5, 2024

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS WPS GIVES TO DIAKONIA Worcester Preparatory School pre-K through fifth grade students lined up before Christmas to visit Santa and give gifts to those in need at Diakonia. Hundreds of gifts were donated to the homeless shelter in West Ocean City, which provides emergency and transitional housing, food services, and counseling.

Members of the first grade class pose for a photo with Santa.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/ OCEAN CITY TODAY

Students greet Santa before donating their gifts.

First-grade students hug Santa after giving their toy donations to Diakonia.

Second grade students pose for a photo with Santa.

JANUARY 5, 2024

PAGE 39

Ocean City Today

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS SR.

PHOTO COURTESY DONNA GREENWOOD

LIONS FOOD DONATIONS

ACAPELLA PERFORMANCE

Ocean City Lioness Lions Club President Ann Runo, Lions 22B District Governor Kathy Crockett, and Billie Terrones pose for a photo after unloading and distributing 70 kid-friendly food boxes for families before Christmas at Buckingham Elementary School.

From left, Kiwanian Pat Lehnerd, Dorothy Shelton, Kiwanian Jim Ulman and Donna Pasqualino, who make up the acapella quartet The Local Vocals of Ocean Pines, perform holiday tunes during a recent meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City

KIWANIS BUILDERS CLUB Most of the Stephen Decatur Middle School Kiwanis Builders Club members who attended a meeting last month with the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean PinesOcean City pose for a group photo and a $500 check from the club. Also pictured are faculty advisors Mindy Ouelette and Kathleen McDaniel, SDMS Assistant Principal Theresa Torpey, Kiwanis Club President Bob Wolfing, Kiwanis Club Advisor Sarah Walker and Stephen Decatur High School Kiwanis Key Club student liaison A.J. Patton.

PHOTOS COURTESY DAVIS J. LANDIS SR.

From left, Stephen Decatur Middle School’s Kiwanis Builders Club Treasurer Carly Watts, Vice President Isabel Gebrewold and Secretary Ryan Allam pose for a photo during last month’s meeting after they were installed by Kiwanis Club liaison Sarah Walker and President Bob Wolfing.

PAGE 40

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 5, 2024

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Legislative preview Members of the Maryland Legislative Coalition Climate Justice Wing, Sierra Club Lower Eastern Shore and ShoreRivers are inviting Maryland residents to attend an online preview of climate and environmental legislation set for introduction in the upcoming legislative session.

The event is set from 2-4 p.m., Jan. 6 and 7, and will cover more than 30 topics in depth.

This is the fifth year organization leaders have previewed what they believe is the most impactful and exciting proposed legislation affecting climate and the environment in Maryland. Both senators and delegates from the General Assembly will talk about legislation they are introducing alongside advocates who are supporting them.

The session can be accessed online at: eventbrite.com/e/5th-annuallegislative-summit-for-climate-and-envi r o n m e n t - t i c k e t s 769320537437?aff=oddtdtcreator

buy online at ococean.com/performing-arts-center/upcoming-events/ or in person from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Ocean City Convention Welcome Center.

The children’s theater acknowledges and is grateful for funding from the Maryland State and Worcester County arts councils, The Ocean CityBerlin Optimist Club, and the Berlin Lions Club.

“Mean Girls, Jr.” is presented through special arrangements with Music Theatre International.

Berlin planning sessions Members of Salisbury University’s Business Economic and Community Outreach Network, or BEACON, are seeking input from Berlin residents on a new, developing strategic plan.

Town residents are invited to community listening sessions to share their opinions and ideas as officials plan for the future.

The sessions are set for: • 10:30 a.m. to noon, Jan. 10, at

the Berlin Library at 13 Harrison Ave. • 6-7:30 p.m., Jan. 17, at St. Paul United Methodist Church at 405 Flower St. in Berlin Network members are helping town officials through a three-phase process to assess community sentiments and goals to develop an action plan of projects and initiatives.

For more information, call 410546-6001 or email the network at beacon@salisbury.edu.

MLK banquet The 39th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration and Commemoration Banquet is set for 6:30 p.m., Jan. 15, in the Normandy Arena at the Wicomico Civic Center.

Tickets are $40 each, or a table of 10 for $400. They can be purchased at the Lamech Lodge #30, at 305 E. Isabella St. in Salisbury or through an online form to order them by mail. Tables will only be reserved upon receipt of payment by Jan. 8.

For questions, contact Jesse T. Ballard at 410-546-4206.

ICD support group TidalHealth will hold a free ICD Support Group from 9 to 10 a.m., Jan. 9, at the TidalHealth Adult Fitness building at 800 S. Salisbury Blvd, Ste. D, in Salisbury.

The goal of the group is to allow people with implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or ICD, devices to become more knowledgeable and comfortable with having them.

The group is open to patients, family, friends, and caregivers, and allows attendees to meet and share with others who have been through similar experiences.

Confidential group discussions, education and peer support will be facilitated. Attendees are welcome to bring one guest each.

For more information, contact Sue Colliton at 410-543-7026 or susan.colliton@tidalhealth.org; or Trish Laun at 410-334-2227 or patricia.laun@tidalhealth.org.

‘Mean Girls’ musical The Ocean Pines Children’s Theater is hosting a production this weekend of “Mean Girls, Jr.-The Musical.”

Shows are set for 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 5; and 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 6; at the Performing Arts Center in the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street.

“Mean Girls Jr.-The Musical,” tells the story of Cady Heron, who grew up on an African savanna and was unprepared for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: a suburban high school.

Tickets are $15 and available to

READ

Stockton fire co. gets DNR grant (Jan. 5, 2024) The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service awarded Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to 52 volunteer fire departments across the state, including one in Worcester County, to enhance wildland fire protection in rural communities.

The funds totaled $149,325 in 2023 in match funding for

$390,502 in total project costs, according to a news release. In Worcester County, one department, the Stockton Volunteer Fire Company, received a $1,322 grant, Generally, the grants cover 50 percent of project costs, with maximum awards of $3,500 per department. The money is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Forest Service.

Wildland firefighting projects and purchases that are funded include personal protective equipment, fire hoses and related equipment, power tools such as chainsaws or leaf blowers, fire engines and pumping units, utility and all-terrain vehicles, and certain types of training, the release said.

LOCAL NEWS ONLINE at: OceanCityToday.com

JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

PAGE 41

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Members of the Pine’eer Craft Club pose at the group’s recent installation luncheon, where they named the 2024 leadership members and reported a total $7,000 made in charitable donations to local organizations.

Pine’eer Craft Club unveils new leadership (Jan. 5, 2024) At the Pine’eer Craft Club’s installation luncheon last month, members unveiled the organization’s 2024 leadership and presented thousands in donations and plans for the club’s 50th anniversary.

According to a news release, Sharon Puser will continue as club president. She reflected on the club’s accomplishments throughout the year and offered a glimpse into 2024 during the luncheon.

Club treasurer Jane Wolnik also

presented a token of appreciation on behalf of the club to Puser for her unwavering commitment and efforts.

The full list of officers named during the event were: • Puser, President • Kelly Shoaf Davis, first vice president and publicity • Linda Brindley, recording secretary • Michelle Winemiller, corresponding secretary • Jane Wolnik, treasurer • Debbie Jiwa and Barbara Her-

zog, co-shop managers and holiday craft festival chairs • Carol Quinto and Lois Schultz, shop treasurers • Bill Lobecker, advisor and Meet the Artisan chair • Linda Sirianni, advisor The members are also supported

by Tina Celia and Alison Webb Schweiger for shop display, Diane Denk, for Desserts in the Park, Skip Flanagan as the historian, Jackie Choate in hospitality, Sherry Waskey in membership, Candy Foreman for

programs, and Lynn Gabeler in bake sales.

Since forming in 1974, the Craft Club has donated almost $200,000 to the Ocean Pines community. Over the last year, the release said the club contributed $7,000 in charitable donations to an array of local organizations.

For more information, contact Ocean Pines Association Director of Public Relations and Marketing Josh Davis at 443-366-1844 or jdavis@oceanpines.org.

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JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

Letters to the editor Government incompetence Editor, I saw a meme on social media a few days ago that really got me thinking.

It was: “Statism - the belief that a group of people who can’t fix potholes can fix an entire planet.”

Now this is fairly simplistic, and of course most potholes do eventually (very eventually) get fixed, but I started wondering why so many Americans allow the government (at all levels) to dictate their life choices — such as the type of system with which they choose to heat and cool their homes, the type of appliances they can use, the cars they can buy.

There are so many examples of government incompetence and malfeasance, it can make your head spin.

To name a few: As a nation we are almost $34 trillion in debt (a figure which does not include unfunded liabilities in Social Security and Medicare). Of that amount, easily several trillion is due to the aforesaid “incompetence and malfeasance,” such as the theft of as much as $80 billion — or about 10 percent — of the $800 billion handed

out in the covid relief plan known as the Paycheck Protection Plan, or PPP. That money purchased a lot of Lamborginis, Ferraris and Teslas, mansions, private jet flights and swanky vacations.That’s on top of the $90 billion to $400 billion believed to have been stolen from the $900 billion covid unemployment relief program - at least half taken by international fraudsters. (See NBCNews.com March 28, 2022).

Another example of incompetence is the budget of the Department of Homeland Security which, according to “Budget-in-Brief FY 2023” at dhs.gov, easily exceeds $95 billion this year. I don’t know about you, but the fact that at least eight million illegal immigrants have crossed our southern border in the least three years, unvetted, unvaccinated, and handed cell phones and welfare exceeding the average unemployment benefit for Americans with an order to show up in immigration court in the future (at this point the date is 2031) and then put on busses and planes and shipped all over the country, doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence in our government experts.

For other examples of waste, fraud and abuse, you can read the “Festivus Report” by Sen. Rand Paul. If you dare.

And then there’s the $7.5 billion in funding for the manufacture of EV battery chargers contained in the 2021 “infrastructure bill.” To date, not one charger has been built. This is really unbelievable malfeasance seeing as more and more states (including Maryland) are following California’s example of green policy that requires that a huge percentage of cars sold in the state must be electric vehicles within the next 10 to 12 years. (Politico.com 12/05/23).

On a more local level, how about that 2024 Baltimore City Department of Public Works “A Sustainable Baltimore” calendar printed and distributed to city residents at taxpayer expense?

The calendar omits October 22 and adds an extra day (the 31) to both September and November. (Baltimorefishbowl.com).

Have you ever driven into our nation’s capitol on U.S. Route 50? Are you embarrassed by the trash and weeds on the sides of the road? This is the first impression many visitors have of Washington D.C. Where are the departments of public works of D.C., Maryland and Prince George’s County? All of these jurisdictions proudly tout their “Green” bona fides on their websites. I’m sorry, but trash and weeds don’t say “green”’ to me, they say incompetent, uncaring, fraudulent waste of taxpayer funds, etc.

The threats from the “experts”

about climate change are becoming more dire and terrifying all the time.

In the United Kingdom, citizens are being warned that humans are fueling global warming just by BREATHING. And Al Gore’s latest hysteria is warning that “a billion climate refugees could be crossing borders” if we don’t do as he says.

What do you think this kind of teaching in our schools to impressionable young people is doing to their psyches? No wonder our young people are so troubled.

I simply do not not understand why so many people believe government “experts” who can’t manage to keep track of trillions of dollars, won’t manage our border, can’t design an accurate calendar or fix potholes and keep the streets free of weeds and debris (in some of our major cities that “debris” includes human feces and used needles).

Can anyone help me out here?

Carol Frazier Ocean Pines

sue the matter on their own initiative requesting support and funding from the Stadium Authority.

I have studied this project since 2019, and I am convinced that it is not financially feasible, and it will require ongoing subsidy by local and state government, in a similar way the Ocean City Convention Center operates. I request that you review my letter to the Task Force for a detailed explanation of my opposition.

Upon review of this matter, if and only if, you feel that Maryland needs such a Sports Complex, I submit that it may be more feasible in another area of our State. However, I firmly believe that taxpayer dollars can be better spent on more worthwhile projects.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

Vincent dePaul Gisriel, Jr. Ocean City

Sport complex not feasible

Editor, It is good to see our school teams are working toward keep the students’ interests first when reviewing library book policy. No checkout restrictions by parents would be best.

As a sibling of five and a mother of four grown children, it is important to make all reading resources available to students in libraries. My brother hid a book on sex in his room and did not check it out from the school library because he was embarrassed and my parents were closeminded.

For those without college students, understand that the moment you wave good bye at the drop-off, the college treats them as adults with privacy. Letting your young adults read what is interesting to them now is vital. It is up to us to let them learn and explore, and read all they can about themselves and others, from many perspectives.

Susan Murphy Ocean City

The following is a letter that Ocean City resident Vince Gisriel recently sent to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore regarding a proposed sports complex in Worcester County. The letter references another letter Gisriel sent to members of the Ocean City Sports Complex Task Force opposing the project.

Dear Governor Moore, Enclosed you will find a letter which I wrote in opposition to the proposed Sports Complex which is being planned for the vicinity of Ocean City, Maryland.

The project is estimated to cost at least $166,900,000 or more. The Town of Ocean City intends to fund 20% of the cost, and wants the State of Maryland via the Maryland Stadium Authority to fund 80%. A copy of my enclosed letter was sent to every member of a Task Force which was convened by Mayor Rick Meehan of Ocean City to study the issue.

In 2022, I was asked to chair a Ballot Initiative Committee identified as People For Fiscal Responsibility and organized under the rules established by law under the Maryland State Board of Elections. The committee was formed to place a bond bill in the amount of $11.2 million dollars before the voters of Worcester County, Maryland. In the Spring of 2022, by a slim majority, the Commissioners of Worcester County voted to go to the bond market for the initial funding to build a Sports Complex in the County.

Over seventy volunteers gathered sufficient signatures to place the bill on the ballot in November, 2022. The voters of Worcester County rejected the bond bill in a referendum vote.

Not satisfied with the outcome of that vote, the Mayor & City Council of Ocean City began discussions to pur-

School book policies

Letter from union leader Editor, On Jan. 1, 2014, I embarked on a journey of profound honor and responsibility as the IAFF President of the Career Firefighters, Paramedics, & Fire Marshals for the Town of Ocean City.

Envisioning a tenure of perhaps four years, little did I realize that this path would immerse me deeply into the realms of leadership and commitment, transcending my initial expectations.

As I step into my 11th year in this role, I reflect on the evolution of our union, a journey marked by growth and a strengthened voice in our mission to serve and protect. Our narrative is one of resilience, having navigated through the shadows cast Continued on Page 44

Commentary

Ocean City Today Jan. 5, 2024

Page 43

Businesses await tax rate decisions With the state’s reassessment of property values in the Ocean City tax area this year, the public will get to see just how business-friendly its local governments are.

The stunning spike in valuations — a 47.7 percent increase for residential properties and 32.5 percent for commercial real estate — offers mouth-watering financial possibilities for county government especially, depending on what the commissioners do with their real estate tax rate.

With the current county rate of 84.5 cents per $100 of assessed value, the county could rake in millions in new revenue from Ocean City property taxes while taxpayers in the rest of the county would remain relatively unscathed.

Their properties won’t be reassessed until next year for Ocean Pines and northern Worcester and in 2026 for the southern county. Although property owners in these two areas might see incremental increases in their tax bills this year as their earlier assessments continue to be phased in, they would not experience the leaping levy that Ocean City’s new assessments could generate. This is even though the new assessments will be phased in over three years.

It’s far too early in the budget cycle to know what the new county and Ocean City tax rates might be, but nonresident and commercial property owners whose assessment increases aren’t capped by the Homestead Tax Credit are surely worrying about it.

Resort business operators are already facing a challenging year. In addition to the continuing worker shortage — partially because of the lack of affordable housing — the cost of labor is going up as the $15-an-hour minimum wage takes effect.

Consequently, not only will tourism-related businesses be paying more for supplies because of inflation, they also are facing rising labor expenses. A big tax increase is the last thing they need.

County government and the City Council should take these things into account and do what they can to protect the golden goose as they ponder this year’s tax rate.

Ocean City Today 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson MANAGING EDITOR............................ Mallory Panuska STAFF WRITERS ..................Cindy Hoffman, Hunter Hine ....................................................................Tara Fischer ACCOUNT MANAGERS.......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier ..................................................................Renée Kelly CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER ............ Taylor Sloan PAPER COMPOSITION/PAGE DESIGN ...... Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTISTS ............ Kelly Brown, Jane Leibowitz PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts Ocean City Today is published weekly by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Ocean City Today is available by subscription at $150 a year.

Visit us on the Web at www.oceancitytoday.com.

Copyright 2023

PUBLIC EYE

Men will be boys

When it comes to Christmas, my thinking has always been don’t give me something I need. Instead, give me something I wouldn’t buy for myself, because I’d have a tough time explaining why I bought it, much less why I wanted it.

Give me something like, for instance, a remote control scale model excavator.

Obviously, I couldn’t walk in the door at home one day and exclaim, “Guess what? I just bought a remote control scale model excavator for the By heck of it! Isn’t it great?”

Or, have the UPS truck Stewart pull up, drop a big box on the Dobson porch and have me proclaim to the neighborhood, “My remote control scale model excavator has arrived! My remote control scale model excavator has arrived! Hooray!”

You just can’t do that when you’re of a certain age, as in collecting Social Security, and never mind being several times beyond the “Not for Children Under 12” warning label, which actually said, “Childrens Not 12 Or Fewer” because of some translation difficulties at the overseas manufacturer of this handsome marvel of modern engineering.

Most people have probably guessed by now that I got a remote-controlled scale model excavator for Christmas. It came with a card that said, “For Someone Who Refuses To Grow Up,” to which I responded, “Why rush it?”

After all, I have always believed that a little immaturity is the leavening of life, in that it prevents us from turning into perennial sourpusses (or sourdoughs) as we move along.

Besides, a streak of immaturity often comes in handy when we have misplaced our mental supply of intelligent retorts to various insults, slights and attacks on our character.

For example: “You, sir, are a dolt and an idiot, whose forebears were crayon-eating soand-so’s who were raised by delinquent banana slugs on the underside of a decomposing log that was rendered inhospitable for all other life because of its use as a favorite whizzing spot by bears with mange.”

“Oh yeah?” You reply, “Well, you’re one, too.”

See? Immature, yet easy and effective, and not quite as juvenile as “Nanny, nanny booboo, stick your head in ...”

In any event, my philosophy of getting what you don’t need on Christmas was inspired by the movie, “The Thin Man” (1934, way before I was born) in which the male lead, William Powell, gets an air pistol from his sophisticated, elegeantly attired wife (Myrna Loy) for Christmas.

Naturally, he proceeds to lie on the sofa and shoot the ornaments off the living room Christmas tree until he sends a BB through the window. It’s a perfect scene that says, “We all really wish we could do this, but know we would never get away with it.”

Which is why I spent Christmas morning chasing the dog all over the house with my remote-controlled scale model excavator, and later could be found outside digging and then filling small holes in the mulch beside the front steps.

“Now, tell me once again why a man of your age wanted this for Christmas?” she asked.

“It’s simple,” I replied. I was sure you’d say ‘no’ to a BB pistol.”

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Ocean City Today

JANUARY 5, 2024

Erna Benjamin named Crafter of the Month for needlework (Jan. 5, 2024) The Pine’eer Craft Club recently name club member Erna Benjamin the January Crafter of the Month.

According to a news release, 2024 is the 50th anniversary of the club and events will be hosted all sugar debarring the milestone.

While Benjamin only joined the club last year, she has been a longtime crafter. She specializes in needlework, including sewing, cross stitch, quilting, crocheting and knitting. Her colorful rope bowls are very popular in the craft shop.

Benjamin learned how to sew and crochet from her mother. Knitting came along in eighth grade home economics class, with quilting after that.

While there have been pauses in crafting time due to work and family, it has remained a creative outlet for nearly her entire life.

“I do purchase plenty of yarns and fabrics, but I also repurpose clothing into memory keepsakes,” Benjamin said in the release. “I learned how to repurpose scraps after finding the idea online. Now I make Scottie dogs, pillows, quilts, rope bowls, trivets and ornaments that are recycled yet meaningful.”

Benjamin joined the craft club in

late summer last year, but she has lived in Ocean Pines part-time since 2005, when she and her husband bought a home in the Parke.

Although she spends most of her time with her husband in Rockville, she loves coming to Ocean Pines to relax and unwind. It was a visit to the farmers market where she spotted the shop, stopped in, and learned more about the Pine’eer Craft Club.

Benjamin was raised and married in Pennsylvania. Following her husband’s graduation from medical school, the couple moved to the Bethesda area.

In her spare time, Benjamin enjoys reading, bridge and leisurely walks.

She also knits hats, sweaters and preemie baby blankets for charity. Her latest request is “fidget-sensory” mats.

To shop Benjamin’s rope bowls, Scottie dogs, crocheted shawls and more, the Pine’eer Artisan Gift Shop is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays, except holidays.

The Pine’eer Craft Club is always seeking new crafters and meetings are open to the public, the release said. They are held the third Thursday of the month in the community center.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Erna Benjamin, the Pine’eer Craft Club’s January Crafter of the Month, poses with some of her quilted creations.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Continued from Page 42 by a challenging period under a previous administration. Yet, through unity and an unwavering focus on our service, we emerged stronger, forging a harmonious relationship with our mayor and council, city manager, and, most importantly, with the community we are dedicated to safeguard.

The cornerstone of our strength lies in the solidarity and involvement of our union members. Their active participation in community activities not only exemplifies their dedication but also fortifies the very essence of our union. Their resilience, particularly through the tumultuous times of 2020, has been the bedrock of our collective strength.

Looking ahead to 2024, alongside our newly elected officers, our vision is set on the continued growth and excellence of our department and town. Our commitment to providing

exemplary service remains steadfast, fueled by the trust and support of an incredible community that has always stood by public safety.

To every firefighter, paramedic, EMT, and fire marshal who continues to serve with great courage and compassion: your efforts are the lifeblood of our town’s safety and well-being.

To our esteemed community, your unwavering support and faith in us are not just appreciated – they are the pillars upon which we build a safer, more vibrant Ocean City.

As your IAFF President, I stand proud of our collective achievements and optimistic about the future we are crafting together. Thank you for entrusting me with this noble responsibility. Together, we march forward, united in our purpose and strengthened by our shared experiences.

Ryan Whittington IAFF President

JANUARY 5, 2024

Ocean City Today

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WORLD WAR II

Count Ciano fled to Germany after conviction of treason Mussolini’s son-in-law leader of Fascist Party and member of Grand Council

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Seasoned actors and married couple, Monica and Ed Guinan. The couple hold the starring roles in the next Ocean Pines Players production, “Love Letters,” set Feb. 10 in the Ocean Pines Community Center.

‘Love Letters” presented by Ocean Pines Players Feb. 10 (Jan. 5, 2024) Members of the Ocean Pines Players will present “Love Letters,” a play by A. R. Gurney, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Set for 7:30 p.m., Feb. 10, at the Ocean Pines Community Center, a news release said the play stars married couple Ed and Monica Guinan as “starcrossed lifelong complicated friends.”

The release said the players are returning to the community center

after a long absence and that the event will feature “cabaret-style” seating with wine and charcuterie included in the ticket price of $25.

“I am thrilled that OPP is once again serving its community right here in the heart of Ocean Pines,” Ocean Pines Players President Frank Pasqualino said in the release.

Tickets are available online at oceanpinesplayers.org.

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer (Jan. 5, 2024) This week, 80 years ago, former Italian foreign minister and son-in-law of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, Count Galeazzo Ciano, was tried, convicted, sentenced to die, and executed the next day, despite pleas from his wife, Edda, to her father.

Gian Galeazzo Ciano was born on March 18, 1903, in Livorno, Italy. He was the son of Costanzo Ciano, who had become a national hero in World War I, resulting in King Victor Emmanuel III naming him First Count of Cortellazzo and Buccari. He also served as under secretary of state for the Regia Marina, and, at the time of his death, in 1939, was president of the Chamber of Deputies.

He was an early leader of the Fascist Party, and both he and his son marched on Rome in October 1922 when the Fascists were swept into power. His son, Galeazzo, was the

second Count of Cortellazzo and Buccari. Both he and his father were members of the Fascist Grand Council until his father’s death.

Count Ciano was a witness to many of the great events leading up to, and during, the early part of WWII. For instance, he accompanied Mussolini to the Munich Conferences and to many other conferences with Hitler.

Participating in the Italian invasion of Ethiopia as a squadron commander of bombers, receiving two silver medals of valor, he returned as a war hero in 1936, resulting in his appointment as foreign minister. He was 33. Shortly after his appointment, he began keeping a diary during which he recorded many criticisms of his father-in-law, Il Duce. After a while, his criticisms were not confined just to pen and paper, but were verbal as well.

Of course, these criticisms made their way back to Il Duce, after which he was removed as foreign minister.

He was then appointed as ambassador to the Vatican, where he could be monitored by Mussolini.

Continued on Page 46

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Ocean City Today

OBITUARIES VIRGINIA “GINNIE” RUSSELL Salisbury Virginia “Ginnie” Russell, 79, of Salisbury, passed away peacefully on Dec. 16, 2023.

Ginnie was born outside of Philadelphia on June 3, 1944.

She often said the best part of her 1963 first marriage were her two children, Janet and Bruce.

Ginnie Russell In 1978, she married Ray Russell and moved to Ocean City, later moving to Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, and Arlington, Texas, before relocating to Salisbury in 2016.

Ginnie had many careers but her passion was the medical field where she worked as a medical assistant for many years. She loved to be creative, enjoying painting and craft projects,

JANUARY 5, 2024

WORLD WAR II and was always up for a funny joke — even trying her hand at stand-up comedy in her 60s.

Ginnie loved traveling with Ray, often to beach locales. She was fiercely dedicated to her husband and family, and doted on her granddaughters.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Association. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Survivors: husband Norman Ray Russell of Salisbury; daughter Janet Angier Baselice (husband Ron) of Arlington,Texas; son Bruce Angier of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; granddaughters Holly Baselice (fiancé Colin) of Columbus, Ohio, and Paige Baselice of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; sister Anne Alden (husband Richard) of Springfield Virginia; Continued on Page 47

Continued from Page 45 Following the Allied invasion of Sicily, on July 9, 1943, Mussolini, on July 21, 1943, ordered Party Secretary Carlo Scorza to convene the Grand Council. The next day, Count Dino Grandi, president of Chamber of Fasces and Corporations, met with Mussolini in the Palazzo Venezia in an unsuccessful effort to convince him to resign.

At 5 p.m., on July 24, 1943, the Grand Council convened in the Parrot Room of the Palazzo Venezia for the first time since 1939. Present were Marshal Emilio De Bono, Count Cesare Maria De Vecchi, Senator Giacomo Suardo, Count Grandi; Marshal Tullio Cianetti; Baron Giacomo Acerbo; Professor Alfredo De Marsico; Gaetano Polverelli, Minister of Popular Culture; Senator Luigi Federzoni; Umberto Alnini, Undersecretary of the Interior; Dino Alfieri, Ambassador to Germany; Giovanni Balella, President of Fascist Industrialist Confederation; Giuseppe Bastianini, Undersecretary at the Foreign Ministry; Professor Carlo Alberto Biggini; Author Giuseppe Bottai; Guido Buffarini Guidi, Undersecretary of the Interior; General Roberto Farinacci; Dr. Ettore Frattari; Senator Giovanni Giuriati; Luciano Gottardi, President of the Confederation of Industrial Workers; Antonino Tringali Casanuova, President of Special Tribunal for the State Defence; Count Giacomo Suardo; Professor Alberto de’ Stefani; Secretary Scorza; Count Enzo Savorgnan di Brazzà; Edmondo Rossoni; Deputy Giovanni Marinelli; Dr. Carlo Pareschi.

Long into the night, the members debated the fate of Mussolini, until, finally, at 2 a.m., at Count Grandi’s insistence, a vote of “No Confidence” was passed 19 - 8. One of those voting against Il Duce was his son-in-law, Count Ciano.

Later that day, Mussolini was summoned to the Royal Palace, where King Victor Emmanuel III told him, “My dear Duce, it’s no longer any good. Italy has gone to bits. Army morale is at rock bottom. The soldiers don’t want to fight any more. You are the most hated man in Italy,” and with that, dismissed him. As he was leaving the Royal Palace, he was taken into “protective custody.” Marshal Pietro Badgolio was named the new Prime Minister and formed a new government.

Fearing arrest by the new government, the count, his wife and three children fled to Germany, on Aug. 28, 1943. But, within the month, Mussolini had been rescued by his friend Adolf, and reinstalled as Il Duce, in the part of Italy controlled by the Germans.

Mussolini’s regime was known as Italian Social Republic. With that, the Count’s fate was sealed, as the Germans turned him over to the new Fascist Italian government, who imprisoned him in Scalzi Prison, in the

2200-year-old city of Verona, in Northern Italy.

After failing to move her father to spare her husband’s life, Edda, and their three children — Raimonda, Marzio, and Fabrizio — escaped to Switzerland, with the count’s Diaries.

She was aided by a young Italian air force lieutenant, Emilio Pucci, who, after the war, became a world famous clothing designer. Her mother, Rachele, was no help, in her entreaties to her father, as she blamed the count for Mussolini’s downfall.

The ISR charged all of the members of the Grand Council who had voted against Mussolini. Of those 19, only six were present in the courtroom in the 14th-century Castel Vecchio in Verona. The others were tried in abstentia. In addition to Count Ciano, Marshals De Bono and Cianetti, Dr. Pareschi, Deputy Marinelli, and Sr. Gottardi were tried in person.

All were accused of high treason.

Trial began on Feb. 8, and was completed two days later. All defendants were, of course, convicted. All except Marshal Cianetti were sentenced to die. Marshal Cianetti was saved because he had written a letter of apology to Mussolini shortly after the vote on July 25, 1943. He was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment.

The death sentences were carried out at 9 a.m., the next day, so that by the time Mussolini learned of the sentences, it was too late for him to grant the clemency appeal that was not delivered to him until after the execution. What could he do? Not his fault!

The five prisoners were tied to chairs with their backs to the firing squad. As traitors, they were to be shot in the back. But Count Ciano, the last to be executed, at the last second wrenched his chair around, yelling, “Long live Italy,” and was shot in the chest. He was 40.

Edda wrote to her father, “You are no longer my father for me. I renounce the name Mussolini.” She also never spoke to her mother, who lived another 15 years, again. The Ciano’s son, Fabrizio, wrote a book titled, “When Grandpa Had Daddy Shot.”

Edda had her husband’s Diaries published, and they have proved invaluable to historians. They were also used at the first trial at Nuremberg.

The count was portrayed by Anthony Hopkins in “Mussolini and I,” and by Raul Julia in the TV miniseries “Mussolini: The Untold Story.”

The tale of the trial is told in “The Verona Trial,” in which the count was portrayed by Frank Wolf.

Next Week: Monte Cassino Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, 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.

JANUARY 5, 2024

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Ocean City Today

OBITUARIES Continued from Page 46 brother Richard Huntsman (wife Karen) of Honey Brook, Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Elisabeth “Bettie” Hirst Huntsman; and uncle Curtis A. Hirst Jr. RHEA IRELAND WILES Berlin Rhea Ireland Wiles passed away at her home on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, in the arms of her husband Tony.

Born in Milford, Delaware, in 1939, she was the daughter of the late Fred Ireland and Losetta Jester Ireland. She grew up in Ellendale, Rhea Wiles Delaware where her father was a rural mail carrier.

Rhea was a 1957 graduate of Milford High School and was still connected with many of her former classmates. In high school, she was a multi-sport athlete, president of the student council and a representative to Girls State and Girls Nation.

She then entered Western Maryland College (McDaniel) on a Methodist scholarship and continued to excel in academics and as an athlete. She was chairperson of the judicial board, recognized in Who’s Who in American Colleges and was voted the homecoming queen and a member of the May court.

After college, she and Tony were married and eventually resided in New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland and Florida.

Initially, she worked for the New Jersey Employment Agency, and upon relocating to Virginia she had a long, successful career in real estate with Wellborn, Chimney House and Long & Foster. She earned many awards for her real estate production and service and influenced her two sons to pursue careers in real estate.

Rhea continued to love sports throughout her life, especially golf, and was proud of the hole-in-one she made at age 80.

Rhea was a quietly kind, strong and religious woman who raised a generation of children and grandchildren in her image. She never met a stranger and loved all who came into contract with her, unconditionally and without judgement.

She is survived by Tony, her husband of 62 years; her sister, Fredetta McCormick; her two sons, Kevin Wiles (Tracey) and Jamie Wiles (Holly); her daughter, Kelly Loiacono (John); and her nine grandchildren, Johnny Loiacono, Billy Wiles, Joey Loiacono, Taylor Wiles, Cami Wiles, Sienna Wiles, Samantha Wiles, Edy Loiacono and Tanner Wiles. She is also survived by her two nieces, Kathy McCormick and Siobhan Christiansen; and her nephew, Jim

McCormick.

A memorial service was held on Jan. 4, at Bethany United Methodist Church in Berlin. Visitation began at 11 a.m., with a service to follow at 11:30. All were invited to join the family for a reception and fellowship immediately after.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via Burbage Funeral Home at burbagefuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church in Berlin. PayPal: Berlin-Bethany United Methodist Church.

CHARLES “CHUCK” B. RAU Berlin Charles “Chuck” B. Rau was born On Aug. 10, 1949, in Baltimore, and passed away suddenly on Dec. 29, 2023.

His parents were Charles “Buck” and Mary Norma Rau. He grew up in Parkville with his parents, younger brother John and grandmother LilChuck Rau lian.

He loved playing games and sports of any kind but basketball was his favorite. He would continue playing and watching games and sports his entire life. He attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic

Elementary School and Parkville Junior and Senior high schools. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Baltimore.

Chuck had numerous jobs during high school and college and often shared many great stories about them. Upon college graduation he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and started a 34-year civilian career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where he made many close friends.

He took great pride in his work and was always ready for his next challenge. He had lots of anecdotes and great memories from his career.

Chuck and his wife of 52 years, Linda, married while he was still in college and built a wonderful life together. They had three sons to whom he was devoted. He loved every aspect of fatherhood, even mid-night feedings. He spent as much time as he could with his sons, playing, coaching and watching all their games and activities. He was an active volunteer, coaching them in soccer, a game he learned for them, baseball and basketball.

After they were grown and began having their own children he knew it was time to retire and spend more time with his family. His retirement was filled with softball, basketball, poker, boating, crabbing, playing with his dog Ginger, and spending

time with his family. He was completely in love with and proud of each of his seven grandchildren.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife Linda, children Greg (Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania), Brian (Pasadena) and Chuck Rau (Fredericksburg, Virginia); daughters-in-law Kate, Becky and Sarah Rau; and seven perfect grandchildren; Avery, Thomas, Morgan, Kayla, Lily-Ann, William and Autumn. He is also survived by his brother John and Edna Rau of Marion, South Carolina.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:30 a.m., Jan. 12, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 11211 Beauchamp Rd. in Berlin.

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Sports & Recreation

Ocean City Today Jan. 5, 2024

Page 48

www.oceancitytoday.com

PHOTOS BY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Top left, Stephen Decatur #3 Trybe Wise, a 6’4” junior guard/forward, takes control of the ball at the start of the Governor’s Challenge tournament. He made two baskets in the third quarter and one free throw for a total of five game points. Pictured at right, Stephen Decatur #0 Davin Chandler, a 6’2” junior guard and game high scorer, makes a basket. He scored 16 total points with seven baskets and two free throws during the tournament.

Local teams shine in Governor’s Challenge Tournament held every year after Christmas, features teams from across region

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer (Jan. 5, 2024) From a humble start back in 1981, the Governor’s Challenge basketball tournament now draws hundreds of high school varsity boys and girls making up 120 basketball teams to Salisbury, Wicomico Civic Center. Teams from all over the U.S. and Canada compete in this event, which has an alumni list that reads like a Who’s Who of professional men’s and women’s basketball players.

Among them are Abby Meyers 2023 WNBA draft pick Washington Mystics, ‘Nah Shon Lee Bones Hyland of the Los Angeles Clippers, Patrick Williams with the 2020 Chicago Bulls, Saddiq Bey of the Atlanta Hawks, Immanuel Quickly of the New York Knicks and Obi Toppin of the Indiana Pacers.

Butch Waller, Wicomico High School head basketball coach, is cred-

ited with founding the Holiday Classic and guiding its growth.

In 1981, Waller invited four teams, Wicomico, Crisfield, DeMatha and St. John’s to play a doubleheader at the Wicomico Civic Center. The following year, Waller was pleased with the three-team format so he doubled it by inviting three additional teams. It worked and the tournament continued growing every year.

Waller’s Holiday Classic was fast becoming more than one man could handle. So, he joined forces with the local Lions Club and the Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament became the Lions of Salisbury Holiday Classic.

Using the Lions Club model for success, the tournament now requires five-days to run. The program includes two All-Star Nights and a Slam Dunk Contest.

The governors of Delaware and Maryland hold their own annual contest. Former Gov. Martin O’Malley once bet his Maryland Smith Island Cake against the Delaware governor’s peach pie.

Stephen Decatur High School var-

sity boys’ and girls’ teams got to play two tournament games each. Stephen Decatur boys’second game was scheduled for the tournament’s last Saturday (Dec 30).

Stephen Decatur grabbed the tipoff and quickly got on the board.

Dover’s Senator’s team responded by building a 10-point lead before the first period buzzer rang. When it did, Stephen Decatur Seahawks trailed 18-8.

The fierce basket matching battle continued into the second period.

The Seahawks advanced on several small runs, and were soon stealing pieces of the Senators lead. The basket-for-basket battle continued. High Stephen Decatur shooter Davin Chandler sank two of his seven baskets in the second period and drew two fouls. Second high Seahawks’ scorer, Zakhari Baker, hit a single basket and drew two fouls to close the gap and tied the score at 22-each at the break.

When they returned for the second half, the teams continued trading baskets. Chandler earned three baskets and Baker two, with one three-

pointer. Trybe Wise added 2 point for Stephen Decatur.

The fourth period saw both teams at their best. It all came down to the last 48 seconds. Dover was leading by one-point when Seahawks’ senior forward Brycen Coleman took an inbound pass to the basket for the winning shot 53-52.

“I don’t know what I could have done differently, I got the W,” said Seahawks head Coach B.J. Johnson. who added, “I’m just happy for the kids they really played hard tonight.

They did a great job tonight. It’s a good win for them and their program.”

In the morning contest, Stephen Decatur’s girls’ basketball team took a 53-12 bite out of the Laurel, Delaware Bull Dogs then lost 56-20 to the Dover Senators. Seahawk Jozlyn Tyre led the win over Laurel with 16-points. Allison Swift followed with 12-points and 10 rebounds. Mliyah Manuel put 12-points on the board along with 5 steals.

Blake Davis and Dayonna Roundtree had 4 points each for Laurel.

JANUARY 5, 2024

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Ocean City Today

FISHING AWARDS From left, John McFalls, secretary of the Atlantic Coast Sportfishing Association, Brian Reynolds, 2023 Ocean Angler of the Year, and Shaun Flaherty, 2023 Bay Angler of the Year, pose with their winnings at the organization’s annual yearend banquet.

SUBMITTED PHOTO /OCEAN CITY TODAY

SURF REPORT

Remembering local surfer ‘Shelly’ Dawson

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer (Jan. 5, 2024) We lost a good friend recently. One who had connections to multiple communities.

Sheldon “Shelly” Dawson passed away during Christmas week or the week between Christmas Day and New Years Day as some of us know it.

He had ties to the surfing, lifeguarding, construction and first responder/EMT organizations, and also spent time attending Salisbury State College, now known as Salisbury University. Construction came first as far as making a living is con-

cerned, as Shelly was very good at dry wall and finishing, even having knowledge of an age-old method of plastering.

Woodworking was another one of his talents. Probably the best known place to back up this claim would be the Longboard Café on the bayside of 67th Street in Ocean City.

Another spot would be the second level of Barn 34 restaurant, which houses a lengthy wooden surfboard/paddleboard, but more on that as this article/column continues.

Surfing had to have been first in his heart. An avid participant, he helped to originate the initial Surfrider Foundation chapter in Ocean City in 1999. Through the

years various activities would be conducted with a main one being an annual Longboard Team Challenge typically held in the early part of the summer season. The emphasis was on fun under a team format, as opposed to an individual competition.

By 2014 he was instrumental in getting the Ocean City Surf Club established. All along, and even into the Surfrider years, a loosely knit legends organization was on track with that aforementioned wooden surfboard/paddleboard signed by all elected members.

Having ties to lifeguarding was a main factor in Shelly’s life, both as an advocate and occupation. Working for the Assateague State Park lifeguard crew as captain, he re-

ceived many accolades for his work and achievements. He became a captain shortly after starting as a fulltime member of the lifeguarding crew Training and teaching with local first responders, Shelly would frequently volunteer with emergency medical technicians. He was trying to “get on” as a full-time EMT. My best, most endearing memory of Shelly was watching him as he rode as a stand-up-paddler. It was impressive that he was able to perform like that. My experience tells me that there’s a steep learning curve. To see Shelly ride like that was impressive indeed.

May Sheldon “Shelly” Dawson rest in peace.

Firearm season open this weekend for deer hunting (Jan. 5, 2023) The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is officially opening the January firearm deer hunting season this weekend.

According to a news release from the DNR, the season opened in Deer Management Region B, which includes all of the state except the westernmost counties, on Friday, Jan. 5.

Hunters with valid licenses may use firearms to harvest sika and whitetailed deer during this season.

The season is open Jan. 5-6 in all of Region B. It is also open through Sunday, Jan. 7, on private and designated public lands in Worcester, Wicomico, Cecil, St. Mary’s and Somerset counties, and on private lands only in Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen

Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, and Washington (Zone 1) counties. Shooting hours end at 10:30 a.m. in Kent, Montgomery, Talbot and Wicomico counties.

The release reminded hunters that an antler-point restriction remains in effect. Deer hunters may harvest one antlered white-tailed deer within the yearly bag limit that does not meet the requirement of having at least three points on one antler. Any additional antlered deer taken within the established bag limit must meet the minimum point restriction. Licensed junior hunters and apprentice license holders, 16 or younger, are exempt from the restriction.

New for the current season, if hunters intend to pursue sika deer,

PHOTO COURTESY SIZHU LIU VIA MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

A deer stands among trees in a snowy Maryland forest in 2019.

they must buy a sika hunting stamp.

Stamps are available to buy on COMPASS, from a licensing agent, or by calling DNR Licensing and Registration Services at 866-344-8889.

The sika deer firearms season bag limit is three with no more than one antlered. An antlered sika is defined

as a deer with at least one antler visible above the hairline. The sika deer season is open in every county.

More information on the firearms season, along with bag limits and other deer hunting regulations, are available in the 2023-2024 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.

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