1/19/2024 Ocean City Today

OC Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.COM

JANUARY 19, 2024

SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY

HEARING

OFFSHORE WIND U.S. Rep. Andy Harris hosting forum at 2 p.m., Saturday, in Ocean City on planned project – Page 6

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Diakonia expansion blocked by county Plan to take OC’s offer of additional sewer capacity called unfair to others

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

SNOW, BELIEVE IT OR NOT Steady snowflakes fall from a murky gray sky Monday afternoon at the south end of the Boardwalk, creating a shallow, slippery blanket of powder on the boards. The snowfall continued throughout the afternoon and into the night but was gone by morning.

Public comment on county’s agenda After some debate, vote goes 5-2 in favor of giving residents place at podium

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Jan. 16, 2024) Public comment periods may become a regular part of Worcester County Commissioner meetings following a debate commissioners had over the value and efficacy of the practice.

At the end of the commissioners meeting Tuesday, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic moved to have the county staff work out a protocol to hear pub-

lic comments at meetings. Mitrecic saw an editorial in a local newspaper that criticized commissioners for being one of the only public bodies in the county that doesn’t have regular public comments, he said. He cited the that observation as inspiration for pitching the idea.

“I found that disheartening to say the least. We like to have our constituents involved in local government. The more we have the better,” Mitrecic said.

Five commissioners voted in favor of the motion. Commissioners Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting voted against it.

Mitrecic said it’s important that constituents feel heard and that more public comments could help commissioners pass items that help fix issues residents are facing.

Commissioners Diana Purnell and Ted Elder offered full support to the idea.

Elder said even when commissioners hold public comments for specific issues, it seems like some commissioners have already made up their minds and disregard new input, even when all the commenters align on the same side of an issue. He called it a “disservice to the public.”

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By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Jan. 19, 2023) Diakonia, the nonprofit organization that serves homeless people in Worcester County, won’t be able to move forward with a supportive housing project on Route 611 for now, following the county commis- “The mayor and sioners’ rejec- City Council felt tion Tuesday of this was an agreement something that that would have granted the probenefited the posed facility acentire cess to West community.”

Ocean City’s Terry McGean sewer system.

City Manager The office of resort City Manager Terry McGean asked the commissioners in an early November letter to permit Diakonia’s new project to be connected to West Ocean City’s sewer system so it could then use the Ocean City’s sewer collection capacity.

A four-member majority of the commissioners, however, opposed the request, with commissioners Eric Fiori, Chip Bertino, Jim Bunting and Caryn Abbott voting against it.

“The mayor and City Council felt this was something that benefited the entire community, a nonprofit providing housing to those in need,” See OC OFFICIALS Page 3

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JANUARY 19, 2024

Ocean City Today

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Ocean City Today

OC officials surprised by county’s decision Continued from Page 1 McGean said after the meeting.

City officials were surprised and disappointed by the county’s decision, he said.

Although Diakonia’s project falls within the Mystic Harbor wastewater service area, which is county jurisdiction, there is no more capacity to support new developments. Several construction projects are on a waitlist as owners and developers hold out for available Equivalent Dwelling Units, which are a measure of water and wastewater use.

Diakonia’s proposed facility would sit on 4.4 acres at 9601 Stephen Decatur Highway and include space for a thrift store, food pantry, offices and case management services. It also includes plans for three buildings holding a total of 42 dwellings varying from studio apartments to three bedroom units, said Ken Argot, executive director for Diakonia. At least one of the housing buildings would be for veterans.

The resort mayor and council agreed to offer the new complex a maximum of 10,000 gallons of flow per day in exchange for a deed restriction on the property that says the organization can only use the sewer allocation as long as it continues functioning as a nonprofit and provides supportive housing, according to the November letter from Ocean City.

The Town of Ocean City allocates one million gallons of sewer flow per day to West Ocean City, a county jurisdiction. A 1994 treatment facilities transfer agreement between the city and county allowed this section of the county to lean on Ocean City’s wastewater capacity.

Ocean City would not have

charged Diakonia equity fees for the wastewater flow nor counted the 10,000 gallons against the total one million gallons.

The project would have required a modification to the West Ocean City service area since the Diakonia project would have to physically bypass the Mystic Harbor Collection system to connect into the West Ocean City system, Weston Young, chief administrative officer for the county, said.

Use of staff time would be the only cost incurred on the county, Young said. Diakonia had several grants and funding sources for the reconnection and were waiting on the county to move forward, said Commissioner Joe Mitrecic.

“Diakonia does a tremendous service to all of Worcester County and the Town of Ocean City recognized that and wanted to be a partner in helping the citizenry of Worcester County that need the services from Diakonia. That’s why they offered up this sewer flow for nothing, basically, and I think it’s the right thing to do,” Mitrecic said.

Fiori took issue with the request, saying allowing Diakonia to connect to sewer in this area while other projects continue waiting would be playing favorites.

“We can’t give one project an advantage [over] another because we just decide that. We have to keep this a level playing field, and sitting on the waiting list there may be a project that brings 500 jobs to Worcester County residents. Is that more important than Diakonia’s work? I don’t think we can decide that as county commissioners,” Fiori said.

Mitrecic countered Fiori, saying any stalled project on the waitlist for

Mystic Harbor sewer service could have approached Ocean City, but didn’t. He added that the agreement would have no effect on the county.

Ocean City won’t give up sewer flow for county businesses that would compete with Ocean City businesses who have been paying for the city’s sewer system over the years, Mitrecic said.

Bertino said that he and Bunting previously talked with Ocean City leaders about the municipality sharing more sewer capacity with the county in 2022, but city officials wanted to restrict the uses of any project built that used the city’s flow, and the conversations stopped there.

“Any other business could go to Ocean City, and county government would lose their rights, their responsibilities and their authority over development in a jurisdiction that falls within the county,” Bertino said.

No residents or businesses inside the county should be forced to go to another municipality for capacity, and the question is much larger than just Diakonia, Bertino said.

Just before the agreement was denied, the commissioners voted unanimously to open talks with Ocean City regarding the predicament of Mystic Harbor reaching maximum sewer capacity. A memo from Young says that the county hopes to work out an

agreement with the city on “accessing additional capacity in a mutually beneficial way.”

Young said he could reach out to the city manager’s office to open discussions.

Bertino said he hopes that Ocean City sees that they and the county have overlapping interests during these discussions.

Abbott said that they should try to negotiate with Ocean City to accommodate all developments on the waitlist and that way they could create a level playing field for everyone.

Commissioner Ted Elder suggested that the county should work on connecting all the water and sewer systems in the north end of the county into one entity, and that they should consolidate all associated funds. This would simplify access and make things more fair, he said.

Young said county staff are working on just that, but there are issues with USDA debts, grants and loans tied to different wastewater district accounts. He described it as an accounting nightmare, but said that ultimately it would benefit everyone.

Frederick County, Maryland, made a similar move about 20 years ago and connected many distant service stations that now function on one rate, Young said.

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Ocean City Today

JANUARY 19, 2024

County moves to hear from public at meetings Continued from Page 1 Purnell said that if commissioners heard more public comments they might change their mind on certain issues. She said that a decision the commissioners made earlier in the meeting to strike down a sewer capacity agreement between Diakonia and Ocean City might have been different if people from Diakonia had a chance to speak.

“We need the public down here to govern what we’re doing. We are making life changing decisions in this county,” Purnell said.

Commissioner Caryn Abbot said she makes her personal phone number available, frequently works with constituents behind the scenes and hosts town halls outside of commissioner meetings. These methods have proved successful, she said.

Abbott said she has been attending the board of education’s comment sessions for three years and finds the system “very cold.” It sometimes feels like people aren’t listening, and little gets accomplished from that form of public speaking, she said.

Mitrecic pointed out that Ocean City council sessions sometimes have public speaking time allotted at the beginnings of meetings. Speakers usually have to conform to a twominute time limit, and the model could work for commissioners, he said.

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

A sparse audience looks on as the county commissioners go through an agenda that does not include a public comment period. That could change following a vote directing the staff to come up with a plan to allow residents to address the commissioners at each meeting.

Commissioner President Chip Bertino said he found it offensive that people had suggested the commissioners were close-minded during public hearings, and asserted this wasn’t fair or accurate.

Bertino suggested that public comments work best when there can be a back-and-forth dialogue between constituents and elected officials rather than a one-way interaction where speakers address the commissioners and then leave without having questions answered.

“In my experience as a reporter covering meetings, public comments don’t necessarily provide more effective government. A lot of times, sometimes, it can be a stage … for theatrics. It doesn’t necessarily improve a discussion,” Bertino said.

Bertino said the public already has the ability to raise issues to commissioners outside of meetings through emails and other correspondence, and commissioners often add these suggestions to the agenda.

However, responses to questions

from constituents are important for effective governing, he said, and two to three minutes of a one-way address don’t capture that.

“The issues before government are complex, and they’re much more important and detailed than a slogan or a contrite statement,” Bertino said.

Commissioner Jim Bunting concurred with Bertino, saying that there are already avenues for public comment, and opening public speaking sessions could prolong commissioner meetings.

Ocean City LAX sand tournament approved Lacrosse event slated for Aug. 24 and 25 on beach at Talbot St. or more north

By Mallory Panuska Ames Managing Editor (Jan. 19, 2024) A new sports tournament will be joining the Jeeps and planes set to be zooming around the land and air the second to last weekend in August.

The Sand LAX — 4 on 4 on the

Shore, a lacrosse event that was previously produced in 1998 in Ocean City and Baltimore Inner Harbor, will commence for the first time in more than 25 years on Aug. 24 and 25 on the beach at Talbot Street.

“It’s not about traditional, physical lacrosse,” event co-organizer Drew Westervelt said during a City Council meeting Tuesday.

Westervelt and fellow organizer Scott Westcoat, representing EnviroEvents, asked council members for

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approval of a special event request to host the event from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The management company also produces the Sand Dual Beach Soccer event, which has been hosted in Ocean City since 1994.

The LAX event will feature 10 to 20 small side fields with four-on-four games on each one using 3-by-3-foot goals. Wesrtervelt said the sand provides a soft surface for play, with tennis balls used instead of traditional lacrosse balls.

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The organizers asked for vehicular access to the beach, trash cans, dumpsters and access to town electric. They also said that they could move the tournament north to accommodate Jeep Fest activities, which are set for the same weekend along with the air show.

Council members unanimously approved the event, which will require the organizer to pay the city a total $1,260 in private event, and asset and support fees

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Ocean City Today

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MDWO2014714 COMING SOON NORTH OC CONDO with DEEDED BOAT SLIP

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204 N HERON DR #2048C OCEAN CITY • $425,000 This beautiful 2BR/2BA condo with deeded boat slip #23 is in Seascape in the fabulous community of Heron Harbour.

This larger corner model is rarely available for sale. It has two primary bedrooms each with its own full bath. This condo comes furnished ready for your immediate enjoyment. When you walk in you will fall in love with the floor plan with a townhouse feel. There is an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, subway tile backsplash, and white kitchen cabinets. The dining room is directly off the kitchen that flows into a spacious living area. The family room has vaulted ceilings and is a great place for family time and entertaining with friends. This condo has an oversized primary bedroom. The second bedroom is on the next level and has a full bath and oversized closet. There is a full deck off the family room, perfect to enjoy an outdoor meal. There is also an outdoor storage closet off the deck. You will love the deeded boat slip that conveys with the property. Offered with a one-year AHS warranty. Heron Harbour is amenity rich with two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, a kiddie pool, fitness center, social room, sauna, locker room, two Har-Tru tennis courts, sidewalks, and piers. Enjoy your boat, fishing, crabbing, kayaking, and paddle boarding all directly out your back door. You are very close to shopping, restaurants, and the beach. Come take a look before it's SOLD! MDWO2018196

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

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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.

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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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121 81ST ST UNIT 706 • OCEAN CITY • $815,000 Stunning three-bedroom 3.5 bath condo at the Rivendell hits the market! This beautiful condo is being sold furnished and it's ready for your immediate enjoyment. You’ll be mesmerized by the waterfront views. You can actually watch both the sunrise and the sunset without ever leaving this condo. The kitchen is sure to delight the chef in your family with its granite countertops, custom cabinets and plenty of workspace. Off the kitchen is the family room and dining area where you will enjoy family meals and make memories that last a lifetime. The family room is great for entertaining and has a gas fireplace for chilly times in fall and winter. There’s also a wet bar for relaxing and having cocktails with friends. You can see the Ocean and Bay from the primary bedroom suite and the primary bath is luxurious with a tile Jacuzzi tub, shower and double vanities. The other two bedrooms are spacious as well and each have their own en suite bathroom. There is also a half bath off the family room. There’s a separate laundry room with washer and dryer and plenty of storage. Privacy is ensured with good separation between the primary bedroom and the other two bedrooms. There are large balconies where you can enjoy your morning coffee and a cold drink in the evening. The Rivendell has an indoor pool, outdoor pool and a fitness center, and the Hobbit restaurant is located in the building as well. This condo is located in Midtown on 81st St. and there is a traffic light at the intersection so crossing the street is very easy. There are plenty of stores, restaurants and shops in the area. There is a parking garage and secure access to the building. Come take a look today and make this beautiful property yours. This is a non-rental building so you will make friends and know your neighbors. MLS MDWO2017698

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 19, 2024

Ocean City Today

RENDERING COURTESY BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

A rendering shows the expected morning view of proposed wind turbines off the coast of Ocean City. U.S. Rep. Andy Harris (MD-01) is hosting a congressional hearing Saturday in Ocean City with three other congressmen and a panel of professionals on the potential effects of proposed offshore wind projects on the environment, marine life and the economy.

Rep. Harris hosting wind hearing Sat. in O.C.

By Mallory Panuska Ames Managing Editor (Jan. 19, 2024) For the first time since overseas wind companies began eyeing Ocean City’s coast for turbines several years ago, federal officials are gathering locally to bring attention to the proposed projects.

“This is the first time federal agencies have been in Ocean City since discussions began back in 2010 …

We’re going to do our best to take all advantages of it we can,” Mayor Rick Meehan said during a council meet-

ing Tuesday of a public hearing U.S. Rep. Andy Harris (R-01) is hosting at the convention center this weekend.

Meehan, along with City Council members and other local officials, has consistently voiced opposition to plans that US Wind and Ørsted have floated to buid more than 120 offshore wind turbines that would be visible off the local coast. While the Ørsted project has hit a snag, the US Wind plans are still advancing.

The hearing, set for 2 p.m., Saturday, at the convention center on 40th

Street, is set to address the effects offshore wind industrialization is having on the environment, marine life and the economy.

Harris is hosting the hearing with three of his Republican congressional colleagues — U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) and U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ04) — whose districts would be affected by the effects of the proposed projects.

The purpose of the hearing, according to a news release from Harris’ office, is to collect public testimony from professionals in industries affected by

offshore wind. It will include questions from the congressmen and is billed as a normal congressional hearing, including “expert” testimony and questioning.

The release said witnesses will be professionals described as experts in environmental and energy policy, the local impacts of offshore wind, the economic impacts of offshore wind, and the fishing industry.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, City Manager Terry McGean said there See NO Page 8

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JANUARY 19, 2024

Ocean City Today

Ocean City Council approves upcoming event agreements

By Mallory Panuska Ames Managing Editor (Jan. 19, 2024) From classic cars to sports on the sand, several annual Ocean City spring and summer events are officially planned following City Council members’ approval of private event requests Tuesday.

Cruisin’ OC The Cruisin’ OC classic spring car show will return May 16-19.

According to a staff report, the terms include date holds for May 1518, 2025, and May 14-17, 2026, with instructions for setup and tear down of elements in the inlet parking lot on specific days. The activities consist of Boardwalk parades, drive-in movies, neon and pedal car shows, and static displays for the duration of the event downtown.

The terms of the special event request are separate from the final contract with the organizer, which will be developed by tourism department staff and the city solicitor. The staff re-

port said the 2024 agreement will generally be the same as the 2023 agreement.

The contract will be a separate document, not associated with the Ocean City Convention Center/ 33rd Annual Cruisin’ OC contract.

The organizer will pay the city $1,175 in private event fees, as well as 10 percent of the participant registration, inlet lot vendor fees, and inlet lot ticket sales. Last year, the total revenue from those sources was over $29,000.

The city will also pay for the trailer permit production, estimated at 65 cents each. The promoter will then sell them to event participants for $50 a piece, with 100 percent of the revenue paid to the city. Last year, 173 permits were sold, for a total of $8,650 in revenue.

Beach Bum Bash The newly named Beach Bum Bash event series, previously known as the See VOLLEYBALL Page 8

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PAGE 8

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 19, 2024

Volleyball, soccer, Cruisin’ OK’d Continued from Page 7 Beach Volleyball Series, is tentatively set for dates in May and June on the beach downtown.

A staff report said the two-day tournaments will run from 7:30 a.m to 5 p.m. May 24 and 25, June 8 and 9, and June 22 and 23, on the beach between Talbot and North Division streets.

This event is a youth beach volleyball tournament series. Depending on registration, the organizer could set up as many as 20 volleyball courts.

While the organizer requested the beach between Talbot and North Division streets as the location for all of the events, the staff report said there is a conflict on the early June weekend. Sand Duels Beach Soccer is historically held on those dates, north of the pier to North Division Street.

Therefore, for June 8 and 9 only, the volleyball tournament will move north to the beach between First and Third streets. The conflict has arisen annually, and the organizer of the volleyball event has rescheduled in the past.

Members of the Beach Patrol said the organizers can set up for the events only after they meet with the area supervisor, and make all requested adjustments within their footprint. Beach Patrol staff must maintain daily emergency access through the beach.

The organizer will need to obtain a tent permit from the Office of the Fire Marshal for any tents used that are larger than 10-by-10 feet.

While police services were not requested, the staff report said the department will have on-shift personnel monitor the event.

Risk management staff said the event is self-sustaining and enhances a positive image of the town.

The applicant will pay the city $850 in private event fees.

Sand Duels Beach Soccer The 2024 Sand Duels Beach Soccer Challenge Series is tentatively set for dates in June and July at different downtown beach locations.

According to a staff report, the events are slated for 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

June 8 and 9 on the beach from Wicomico to North Division streets and July 27 on the beach from Wicomico to Dorchester streets.

The event is a soccer tournament series for ages 8 and up. It takes place on 25-by-35 yard sand courts, and the organizer plans to set up 75 feet east of the concrete tram lane and extend no further east than the blue beach boxes.

Beach Patrol access at Dorchester Street will be clearly marked and monitored by event staff. The set up has been completed the past eight years for the tournament and there have been no issues with beach access reported.

The organizer also made a series of other requests, including provision of trash cans, liners and dumpsters, gate access at Dorchester Street at the Boardwalk for load-in and load-out, and use of city electric.

Public works staff worked out what they could provide with the organizer.

Bleach Patrol staff have said the event must not interfere with the normal patrolling of the beach for safety, and if the beach is cleared for any reason the organizer must ensure all soccer players and spectators comply, among other requests, which the organizer agreed to.

Risk management staff said the Sand Duels Beach Soccer Challenge Series is a self-sustaining, familyfriendly event.

While the organizer did not request police support, on-shift personnel will plan to check on the event.

The organizer will pay the city a total $3,700 in private event and asset and support fees.

No public comment period set Continued from Page 6 will be one “expert” on right whales, two from the commercial fishing industry, and an economist at the hearing. He said another witness was added to discuss the acoustic impact of wind projects on marine life.

Several local officials were also asked to speak, including Meehan.

Meehan and McGean said the hearing will be very structured, with no public comments and time limits on how long the speakers can talk.

“Just like the congressional hearings on television,” Meehan said.

The release from Harris’ office also said witnesses from US Wind, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, or BOEM, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, are invited.

McGean, however, said a US Wind

witness is not set to attend the hearing.

During Tuesday’s discussion, Councilman John Gehrig asked about the point of the hearing. While McGean said he could not fully speak for Harris, he knows all of the congressmen and expert witnesses set to attend oppose the project.

“They’ll be testifying about, I think, the negative impact of offshore wind,” he said.

While no public comments will be accepted, the hearing is open and anyone who wants to attend can RSVP at harris.house.gov/offshorewind-hearing-rsvp.

Harris’ release said plenty of seating is available and doors open at 1:30 p.m. The release said no promotional materials are allowed to be distributed in the hearing room.

JANUARY 19, 2024

PAGE 9

Ocean City Today

TOTAL SELL OFF Jeep Week approved for May in OC 2023 INVENTORY Event to run separate from Jeep Fest in August, will feature traditonal elements

By Mallory Panuska Ames Managing Editor (Jan. 19, 2024) A second Jeep event is officially set for this year in Ocean City.

Jeep Week, not to be confused with LiveWireMedia’s Jeep Fest taking place in August, will be held May 9-12 following a narrow City Council approval Tuesday.

Jeep Week organizers Amanda Cropper and Will Lynch with OC4WD asked council members for a private event approval for daily Jeep sand parades, and Jeep-related vendors, an air inflation station, and Jeep Show ’n Shine in the inlet lot.

Lynch said this is the 15th year for Jeep Week, which was previously held in August along with Jeep Fest, and will consist of “the exact same thing” that has always been done.

The organizers initially asked to host the event Aug. 22-25, which would have clashed with the separate Jeep Fest this year. City staff asked for extensive proposals from both event organizers to determine which one to approve for the August dates, however it ended up being a moot point when Cropper and Lynch changed their re-

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Lynch said they did not want to compete with a large Jeep event in held another part of the country on the same weekend that draws between 30,000 and 50,000 people.

“We were looking for a change of dates and moved to spring,” Lynch explained. “So we don’t have to compete with an event of that size.”

Cropper said during a council work session last week that the event, held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, attracts

the same vendors and participants as Jeep Week.

The organizers discussed several details of the event during Tuesday’s meeting, most notably concerns with the direction of the sand courses, which are set to run north each morning from the inlet lot to 30th Street.

While the organizers said they preferred the course to run south, members of the police department pushed to run it north because of street cloSee SAND Page 11

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JANUARY 19, 2024

Ocean City Today

Term sheet approved for offshore boat race Event to produce minimal profit first year with subsidy from city, grants on horizon

By Mallory Panuska Ames Managing Editor (Jan. 19, 2024) With a conservative estimate for net profits the first year, Ocean City Council members approved terms for an offshore boating event this summer.

At a meeting Tuesday, City Council members unanimously approved a term sheet for the upcoming Race World Offshore, or RWO, Powerboat Race, set tentatively for June 8 and 9.

The event is slated to feature about 60 participating vessels of various classes and sizes driving around a 5mile loop through the ocean from Sunset Avenue to 29th Street.

The city is set to serve as a producer for the spectator side by providing elements such as a dry pit at the convention center and hosting people in town. The organizer, RWO Offshore, will manage the participants and the water-based race course.

The finish line will be at 16th Street, with primary viewing from 14th to 18th streets.

The term sheet, which Special Events Director Frank Miller presented Tuesday, outlines details of

MAP COURTESY TOWN OF OCEAN CITY

A map shows the footprint of the dry pit area that will be set up in the convention center parking lot for the upcoming RWO Powerboat Race set June 8 and 9 in and around the resort.

the event for the first year, and includes date holds for the next two. It breaks down the city’s responsibility as the event host and RWO as the organizer, and maps out public viewing

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areas on the beach.

“This does mention that we will be using part of the beach but this isn’t like air show,” Miller explained. “So there’s no infrastructure for this event that’s going to be out on the sand.”

The term sheet also details the cost of the event. The city is set to pay RWO $110,000 the first year from a tourism grant and funds that were previously allocated for the air show, which has moved to August this year.

Miller said the date change moved the annual event to another fiscal year, freeing up the funds. The city will receive revenue from all merchandise sales.

“So we are hopefully forecasting that we can make a net profit on this event in its first year,” Miller said.

“That’s using conservative attendance figures on what we’ll have in terms of revenue streams.”

The city will buy all the merchan-

dise up front, which Miler said is standard practice, although Mayor Rick Meehan expressed some reservations.

“As a former retailer there’s nothing worse than having all of your profits in inventory,” he said. “That’s like the kiss of death.”

Miller assured him that staff are using very conservative estimates for the merchandise to prevent revenue loss.

Tom Perlozzo, the city’s director of tourism and business development, also said grants are lined up for the event the next two years, which should prevent the city from funding it.

The event will also need approval from the county commissioners for use of the event footprint outside of city limits. Miller said he has spoken with the rec and parks director who is reviewing a draft of the application. If all goes as planned, the commissioners should add the approval to an upcoming consent agenda.

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PAGE 11

Ocean City Today

COASTA AL CUT TS

CANINE COMMENDATION

HAIR STUDIO

Worcester County Commissioner President Chip Bertino presented a commendation for K9 Officer Simon for serving nine years with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office from 2014-23. Simon worked as an ambassador to residents and visitors, assisted allied law enforcement in the tri-county area and even helped restore order during the 2019 H2Oi car event in Ocean City.

Pictured are Simon and Lt. Chris Larmore together at the podium. Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli stands to the left facing them, and Bertino stands in front of the county seal reading the commendation.

LAURIE L U HELLER

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Sand course rt. to be addressed Continued from Page 9 sures that would need to be implemented. While Lynch said they would comply with whatever the police suggest for safety purposes, he said he wanted to run the course south because of the lack of space to turn around and re-inflate tires at 30th Street.

There was also a suggestion of looping the course in the sand to go back to the inlet lot, but Beach Patrol and risk management staff expressed concerns with it because of potential safety issues with ruts that would be made.

The final motion to approve the event, which Councilman Will Savage made, included a clause that the organizers work with staff to determine if a sand loop will work, but if not set the course to run north as proposed.

The motion was approved 4-3, with Councilmen Peter Buas, Frank Knight and Tony DeLuca opposed.

DeLuca asked before voting whether the organizer would be willing to move the event to April, but Cropper said that it would interfere with a big 10-day Jeep event held in Dayton during that time.

Knight asked why the Jeep Week

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organizers were paying $5,400 less than the Jeep Fest organizers.

In response, Lisa Mitchell, the city’s private events manager, said LiveWireMedia officials requested more assets from the city, such as cones and fencing.

Jeep Week organizers will pay the town a total $3,036 in private event and asset and support fees to hold the event in May.

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PAGE 12

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 19, 2024

Local lawmakers talk week one of session Fiscal budget, clean energy, juvenile crime highlights of discussions in first week

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Jan. 19, 2024) The Maryland General Assembly convened last Wednesday in Annapolis to begin its 90 days of introducing, amending, vetoing, and passing laws. The final day of the conference is April 8.

This year, the structural budget deficit is on lawmakers’ minds as the state faces a heavy shortfall in revenue, despite intentions to proceed with expensive education and environmental proposals.

House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County) expressed her commitment to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which aims to reform the education system and spend $3.8 billion on school funding every year over the next 10 years. Optimism for the plan was evident on the first day but will be discussed more indepth as the session progresses.

State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R38C) has acknowledged school superintendents’ challenges in enacting the Blueprint. She said that she intends to push for more local flexibility and authority in implementing the costly revisions.

The Senate Education, Energy, and As a proponent of the environEnvironment Committee, of which mental adjustments, Carozza urges Carozza is a member, held an energy policymakers to heed the warnings of capacity briefing on Jan. 11 that fo- energy professionals, who before the cused on enacting a reliable energy assembly convened said the new cost transition outlined by the Climate So- would be roughly 1$ billion a year. lutions Now Act. The proposal aspires She believes the estimated price unto achieve 60 percent climate pollu- derscores the budget challenge and tion reduction by 2031 and be on suggests stretching out costs and extrack to net zero tending deadlines. emissions by 2045.

PJM Senior Vice “After hearing “The package reflects a broad President of Policy the concerns of Re- cross-section of support to focus Asim Haque reiterliability First and on more accountability with ated that a climate PJM officials as well crisis needs correctviolent crimes committed by ing, but that a balas from local auto dealers and energy juveniles. We want to distinguish ance must be struck suppliers from my between non-violent offenses, to avoid exuberant district, it’s clear to where maybe a rehabilitation fees for consumers. me that Maryland’s Carozza, Sen. program is the best approach. Ron new energy policies Watson (DWith firearm crimes, we are 23), and Sen. Chris will be costly for looking to increase consumers, and the West (R-42) are foinfrastructure simcused on bipartisan consequences for school ply is not in place to public safety bills and community safety” move to an all-electhis session to reMary Beth Carozza, tric energy model,” duce the increase in State Senator (R-38C) Carozza said. “We juvenile crime, should have a which was dismulti-energy source cussed on the first plan instead of putting all our eggs in day. a one-basket, electric approach.”

According to Carozza, the filed PJM is a regional transmission or- bills are primarily in response to the ganization that coordinates the distri- summer mass shooting in Salisbury bution of wholesale power in the that left a 15-year-old boy dead and Mid-Atlantic region.

14 others injured.

“The package reflects a broad cross-section of support to focus on more accountability with violent

COMMUNITY NEWS Locally Sourced on Ne w s s tands t

crimes committed by juveniles,” she said. “We want to distinguish between non-violent offenses, where maybe a rehabilitation program is the best approach. With firearm crimes, we are looking to increase consequences for school and community safety.”

The senator’s goal is to amend the Juvenile Interrogation Act of 2022.

The legislation has restricted law enforcement’s ability to question minors, and adult criminals take advantage of the situation by redirecting their illegal activities to kids, knowing they will not be interrogated, Carozza said.

The proposed revision is Senate Bill 326. It will allow juveniles to be questioned in cases where police have reason to believe a violent act was committed.

Still ahead is the anticipated iGaming, which will allow gambling from a mobile smartphone or computer. According to Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C), the initiative has support as the state scours for additional revenue sources.

“If passed, it will create more problem gamblers,” he said. “It will also hurt our brick-and-mortar casinos that put effort into getting their license.”

The coming months are set to include discussions around medical aid in dying, affordable housing, the budget, education, and the environment.

JANUARY 19, 2024

PAGE 13

Ocean City Today

Midtown beach franchise contracts approved Revenues set to increase 3.8 percent despite two parcels with no bidders

six bidders to sell umbrellas and chairs on select beach parcels from 38th to 78th streets.

The total section, which contains 18 parcels, runs in three-block sections from 28th to 84th streets. City Clerk Diana Chavis said eight of the parcels were renewed for the next three years at an annual fee of 10 percent greater than the previous contract, while 10 parcels were bid out during an auction on Dec. 6.

The auction initially only generated six bids, leaving four parcels with nothing. Chavis said staff pro-

By Mallory Panuska Ames Managing Editor (Jan. 19, 2024) Despite no bids coming in for two parcels, the midtown section of Ocean City’s beach equipment franchise is set to bring in 3.8 percent more revenue than the last contract.

At a meeting last week, City Council members accepted eight bids from

ceeded with a sealed bid process and recovered two more, leaving just two empty.

Despite the shortfall, she said the midtown section is expected to generate $241,537, which is still a 3.8 percent increase compared to the prior three-year contract. The bid amounts for the parcels that were auctioned ranged from $500 to $33,500 a piece. The successful bidders were Pat McLaughlin and Adrian Nemet, William Edmunds, Todd Burbage, Holly and Kyle Batz, and Robert Malzone.

Ocean City has a total of 70 beach franchise agreements spanning the length of the resort from the inlet to 146th Street. The owners who hold the franchises have autonomy to sell beach equipment in their respective areas and earn their contracts through a competitive bid process.

They are divided into three sections — south end, midtown and north end — and the contracts are staggered and bid out for three years each. Altogether, the franchises annually bring in a total more than $1.47 million.

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JANUARY 19, 2024

Ocean City Today

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O.C. Seacrets, Inc Ocean 13 Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645 Ladies Auxiliary Pancho & Lefty’s Peter Buas for Ocean City Council Talbot Street Watersports

Top Fundraisers: COMMUNITY GROUP TEAM

TEAM – YOUTH/FAMILY

INDIVIDUAL - ADULT

INDIVIDUAL – 18 & UNDER

OC Ravens Roost #44* $9,842.99

Team Believe $3,325

James King $1,275

Leila Attia $1,007

License to Chill $2,325

Owrey’s Owls $1,590

Matthew Lynch $700

Delaney Whittington $105

Atlantic Club Beach Warriors $1,350

Ice Ice Kirby $1,500

Ed Fratantuono $250

Dezzy Wegrzyn $100

BUSINESS TEAM Bull on the Beach* $25,828 Charles Brown Glass $510 The Dispatch $190 *The Bull on the Beach team has contributed more than $700,000 to the AGH Penguin Swim since it started.

*The Ravens Roost team has contributed more than $170,000 to the AGH Penguin Swim over the last 15 years.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

COSTUME CONTEST

YOUNGEST PENGUIN:

BEST YOUTH COSTUME:

BEST GROUP COSTUME:

Laura Beasley (9 months)

Madison Pecover as “Cow”

Isaiah and Malani Williams as “Maui & Moana”

OLDEST PENGUIN:

BEST ADULT COSTUME: Butch Lorditch as “Mad Hatter”

“BLINGIEST” COSTUME SPONSORED BY PARK PLACE JEWELERS:

BEST COUPLE COSTUME:

Frosty Friends as “Blingy Theme”

Nelya Kuvshinova (83 years)

TRAVELED THE FURTHEST: Ashley Humphreys Boulder Creek, California

Christy and Randy Nevel as “Barbie & Ken”

Thank You to all of this year’s Penguins, Teams, and Supporters for their participation and contributions to the 2024 Penguin Swim!

Thank you to Ryan Kirby, Caitlin Evans and the Penguin Swim Committee for their hard work and dedication to make this event a success!

Special Thanks to... the Princess Royale Staff, Ocean City Beach Patrol, and the many AGH Associates and Community Volunteers who helped with this event!

JANUARY 19, 2024

County tax revenue could rise $14M in Fiscal Year 2025

PAGE 15

Ocean City Today

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By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Jan. 19, 2024) Worcester County could have a $14 million increase in tax revenue for Fiscal Year 2025 because of the about $4 billion increase in Ocean City’s assessed value of real property, as long as officials don’t change the county tax rate.

That potential $14 million would mark a property tax revenue increase of about 7.9 percent from Fiscal Year 2024 to 2025, Phillip Thompson, a finance officer for Worcester County, told county commissioners at their meeting on Tuesday.

The State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) announced that Worcester County’s commercial and residential property value increased by 46.1 percent since 2021 after a reassessment of “group three,” or the tax assessment area that comprises “almost exclusively Ocean City,” as Thompson put it at the meeting.

“It’s important to point out that the percentage increase noted in the headline and through the document is the total value increase, which will either be phased in equally over a three-year period, or possibly limited for those taxpayers who participate in the homestead credit program,” Thompson said.

This estimated increase in county revenue could change as 2025 budget discussions progress. Commissioners can consider a change to the tax rate when estimates on revenue and expenditure requests come into consideration, Thompson said in an email.

Worcester County is made up of three property value assessment areas, with a different one getting reassessed each year. Therefore, the department of assessments reexamines each area every three years.

The assessable base of just residential properties in Ocean City increased by almost 48 percent, moving from $7.8 billion in 2021 to almost $11.6 billion as of Jan. 1. Commercial property value went up 32.5 percent in the resort.

Maryland’s total property value increased 23.4 percent for the same time frame, according to the recent reassessment.

The department of assessments and taxation uses a slew of variables to find the property values, including recent comparable real estate sales and construction cost estimates, Thompson said. Some of the biggest factors in the increased assessment were rising construction costs and a strong real estate market, he said.

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JANUARY 19, 2024

Ocean City Today

Commission could adjust property tax rate at later date Continued from Page 15 ministrator for the county, said the $14 million revenue increase would mean a 5.5 percent increase for the total county budget. Staff are taking this into consideration as they construct the 2025 budget, but there are additional expenses to consider as well, she said.

Thompson said that SDAT sends assessment progress updates to the country twice before the final results are announced: on March 31 and Nov. 30. November usually sets the tone for what’s coming in the final announcement, and the county has prepared the budget accordingly, he said.

Worcester county’s property tax rate is about 84.5 cents per $100 of assessed value, and Ocean City’s rate is just over 45 cents per hundred dollars of assessed value.

Property owners who do not live in the county year-round will experience the increase in assessed property value through an incremental increase in taxes. Thompson explained that the increase is phased in evenly over three years.

Year-round residents, however, will receive a break via the homestead tax credit, which, for the county, caps the increase in taxable assessments at

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Worcester County Commissioners were briefed by finance officers on Tuesday that, without changing the tax rate, county property tax revenue could increase by $14 million in the next fiscal year because of new property value assessments. Pictured is upper-downtown Ocean City properties in the snow on Monday.

3 percent each year. Ocean City has a homestead credit cap set at 0 percent, meaning taxable assessments won’t change for city residents.

The homestead credit means that qualifying residents “pay no property

tax on the market value increase which is above,” the 3 percent limit, according to SDAT’s website.

Thompson said that SDAT has deadlines for people to register for the homestead credit if they believe

they are eligible.

People can learn more about Maryland’s homestead property tax credit program at https://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/Pages/Maryland-Homestead-Tax-Credit.aspx.

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Ocean City Today

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PAGE 18

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 19, 2024

CINDY HOFFMAN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

CINDY HOFFMAN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

This magnificent magnolia is on a residential property on Main Street in Berlin. It’s one of several monumental trees in town.

Joan Maloff stands in her front yard with a native sycamore she planted. She is advocating for a tree ordinance to protect the trees in the Town of Berlin and an open spaces committee to help identify and protect open spaces in and around the town.

Attention to trees and open spaces advocated in Berlin wants to work with a committee to see what would work in Berlin.

Currently, the town has nothing on the books to prevent anyone from cutting down trees in town, including the most majestic ones. She said the

By Cindy Hoffman biggest threats to these trees is if a Staff Writer (Jan. 19, 2023) Berlin has a vi- property changes hands and a new brant downtown, historic architec- owner does not want to care for a ture and a friendly atmosphere, but tree. what it also has are some outstanding A tree ordinance does not need to tree specimens. be just punitive, she said. but could One is the big magnolia on South help to protect trees and encourage Main Street and the bald cypress at the planting of more trees in town. the Burbage Funeral Home. The town She contends that fines could be used is also home to the Dr. Mary to provide support and advice to resHumphreys Arboretum on the prop- idents with these significant trees. erty of the Calvin B. Taylor Museum, Maloff also pushed for the creation which was dedicated in 2022 because of an open spaces committee that of its magnolias, silver, red and sugar could look at a map to identify impormaples, sycamores, scarlet oaks and tant green spaces left and consider tulip trees. how these can be preserved.

Even so, there is no organized efSome of this land could be outside fort to encourage the planting of na- of the town boundaries, which would tive trees or the protection of the require the committee to convince monumental trees around town, be- property owners to cooperate. yond the Humphrey’s Arboretum.

“Once you identify a parcel, the A tree ordinance and an open committee could work with the space commission could help the landowner through Program Open town promote native trees and con- Space, easements or land trusts,” sider protecting open spaces in and Maloff said. around town, according to Joan Mal“If you never identify the land, you oof, a resident of Berlin and the never take the first steps.” founder of the Old Growth Forest Heron Park provides some open Network. Maloof has authored five space, but there is only a small strip books on trees and is a professor of forest along the railroad tracks, acemeritus at Salisbury University, cording to Maloff. where she taught environmental Maloff said she hoped to hear from studies. others who might be interested in Maloof provided these suggestions being involved in developing a draft at the Planning Commission meeting tree ordinance or engaging in an open last week, during a discussion about space committee. Interested resithe comprehensive plan for the town. dents can contact her at joan@oldShe cited numerous examples of growthforest.net. regulations to protect trees, including “I love trees and I love this town,” those in Ocean Pines and said she Maloff said.

Resident suggests town consider ways to encourage urban forest conservation

JANUARY 19, 2024

Ocean City Today

PAGE 19

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Ocean City Today

JANUARY 19, 2024

Ribbon cutting Jan. 25 for new AGH facility in Pines (Jan. 19, 2024) Atlantic General Hospital and Health System is holding a grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new Gudelsky Family Medical Center from 3-5 p.m., Jan. 25.

The nearly 50,000 square-foot facility on Racetrack Road in Ocean Pines is the new home of Atlantic General Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, Atlantic General Primary Care, Atlantic General Pediatrics, Atlantic General Gastroenterology and a sec-

ond location of Atlantic General Outpatient Center, which offers walk-in lab and X-ray services. An additional AGHRx RediScripts Pharmacy location will also open in the facility in the spring.

Community members are invited to celebrate the opening of the new healthcare facility alongside the Gudelsky family, local chamber of commerce members and elected officials. Refreshments and tours will be available and no RSVP is necessary.

TARA FISCHER/OCEAN CITY TODAY

www.oceancitytoday.com

The Worcester County Board of Education met on Tuesday to re-elect President Ferrante and Vice President Buchanan and hear community concerns. Pictured is the board’s Newark office where the meeting was held.

Board of ed talks budget, elects ‘24 president and VP

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Jan. 19, 2024) The main topic at Worcester County Board of Education meetings this time of year is its budget, and the board meeting on Tuesday was no different.

Superintendent Lou Taylor began the meeting with the official reelection of Board President Todd A. Ferrante (District 7) and Vice President William E. Buchanan (District 1) for the 2024 year before briefly addressing funding issues.

The committee began the initial review of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget in a Jan. 8 workshop. Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert stressed that pay raises and cost-ofliving adjustments might dig Worcester County Public Schools into a 10-million-dollar hole. The executive team intends to meet with school leaders later this month to determine the needs and priorities of See CONCERNS Page 21

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JANUARY 19, 2024

Ocean City Today

PAGE 21

Concerns about safety, school Sedan hits school bus on calendar arise in discussion Rt. 50, one injury reported Continued from Page 20 each institution’s students and staff.

Former Stephen Decatur High School Assistant Principal Kathy Cater, dissatisfied with the budget challenges, addressed the board.

“I left Wicomico and came to work for Worcester County years ago because of the superior support they provided to their professionals through materials of instructions and salary compensation,” she said.

“I find it interesting that the commissioners say they want a budget positioned in Wicomico’s format. All I ask is, why? My decision to leave was largely because of their budget and inability to support their teachers and administration adequately.”

Cater argued that if county commissioners decide to fund the system through the maintenance of effort formula, the minimum amount of funding to schools permissible by state law, Worcester County will be unable to meet the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future requirements.

“Political gain has no place in education or our children’s lives,” Cater said. “The commissioners have the money, and they will have even more with the continued increase they receive from Ocean City alone. Teachers deserve to be paid.

Board members, please continue to fight for our teachers and our students.”

Also brought up at Tuesday’s session was safety, with Michelle AbuZaid urging the board to consider installing metal detectors in all county schools. She was supported by parent and school safety committee member Jackie Cutlip.

Cutlip argued that security must be made a priority, and aside from metal detectors, enforced consequences are necessary. According to Cutlip, school personnel do not implement enough punishments on the children who commit crimes and are removed from the building. Instead, these students are permitted to return, while the board threatens National Junior Honor Society members of dismissal if they are recorded as absent too many times.

“We have good schools, I’ll admit that,” Cutlip said. “But you guys always say they’re the best, and they’re not. You’re dropping the ball on how to make them the best. Do better for our kids.”

The issue of the school calendar was also mentioned. Abu-Zaid and Cutlip urged the board to reconsider using middle of the week half-days for professional development, citing disruption to education and the inability of families to travel as primary reasons for her objections.

“These half-days disrupt the con-

tinuity of learning and are detrimental to the retention of the material for students,” Abu-Zaid said.

Cutlip reasoned that the half-days are impractical in households where both parents work or wish to travel.

If the professional days were moved to Friday, she said, then kids who trek out of the area to visit family would have an improved attendance record.

However, Chief Operating and Academics Officer Annette Wallace maintained that the Wednesday half-days have resulted in less absenteeism countywide.

Worcester County Board of Education members will host a budget workshop at 9 a.m., Feb 13, at their central office in Newark.

Collision occurred last Friday near Rt. 113 south

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Jan. 19, 2023) Emergency services took one school bus passenger to Atlantic General Hospital via ambulance after a sedan rear-ended a school bus on Route 50 last Friday.

Around 8 p.m., a school bus carrying about 24 passengers was slowing before a railroad crossing when a 2024 Hyundai Elantra crashed into the back of the bus, according to Maryland State Police.

The collision occurred near the exit ramp to Route 113 South while both vehicles were driving East on Route 50.

The 17-year-old driver of the Hyundai reported no injuries and was the only person in the car.

The driver of the school bus, a 63-year-old man, was also uninjured, police said.

Maryland State Police’s Office of Communications did not have information about the ages of the bus passengers nor any information about the condition of the passenger who went to the hospital.

PAGE 22

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 19, 2024

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(Jan. 19, 2024) One man is dead and another injured after a single-vehicle crash last Friday into a tree in Bishopville.

According to a news release from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to report of a crash at 13300 block of Selby Road in Bishopville around 10:30 p.m., Jan. 12.

Initial investigation revealed that a vehicle left the road during inclement weather and crashed into a tree.

The release said the vehicle sustained “extensive damage” and first responders pronounced the passenger, Nicholas Charles Schewe, deceased on scene. The driver, Liam Sturm, was injured and taken to TidalHealth for treatment.

The Ocean City Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit and the Worcester County State’s Attorney Office assisted the sheriff’s office reconstruction unit with the investigation, which was still open earlier this week. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Deputy First Class Kenneth Reed at 410-632-1111 ext. 6017 or at kreed@co.worcester.md.us.

JANUARY 19, 2024

PAGE 23

Ocean City Today

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Ocean City Today

SNOW DAY

SNOW WAY! Ocean City received a healthy dusting of snow throughout Monday afternoon into the night. While some stuck to the ground for a few hours, almost all of it was gone by morning. Pictured are scenes from downtown and upper-downtown Ocean City in the Monday afternoon.

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

JANUARY 19, 2024

JANUARY 19, 2024

Ocean City Today

PAGE 25

ALOC DREAMFEST

Peggy Ross and Tonet Cuffee, both direct descendants of Harriet Tubman, pose for a photo during Dreamfest. Ross is the model for the Harriet Tubman Beacon of Hope statue now installed in Salisbury.

An entry in the Dreamfest youth art show by Stephen Decatur Middle School eighth grader Macie Grove.

DREAMFEST WEEKEND The Art League of Ocean City hosted Dreamfest weekend Jan. 13-14 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The event included a youth art show and a visit from descendants of Harriet Tubman.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/ OCEAN CITY TODAY

Berlin Intermediate School sixth grader Guy Shannon poses with his entry in the Dreamfest youth art show.

Most Blessed Sacrament sixth grader Dylan Gunther poses with his entry in the Dreamfest youth art show.

Berlin Intermediate School sixth grader Loralei Donaway poses with her entry in the Dreamfest youth art show.

An entry in the Dreamfest youth art show by Most Blessed Sacrament seventh grader Madelyn MacIntosh

PAGE 26

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 19, 2024

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

A young fan waves a checkered flag during a past monster truck event at the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury. This year’s event is set Jan. 26 and 27.

CROSSWORD

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

A bronco tries to buck off a rider during a past Lone Star Rodeo event at the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury. This year’s event is set Jan. 19 and 20.

Rodeo and monster trucks in Salisbury on next two wknds.

(Jan. 19, 2024) Bucking broncos and massive trucks are set to take over the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury the next two weekends.

According to a news release, the venue hosts the Lone Star Rodeo and No Limits Monster Trucks & Thrill Show every January.

“These events are staples in our winter entertainment schedule,” Chelsey Jones, the manager of the Wicomico Civic Center, said in a news release. “Families look forward to the rodeo and monster trucks each year, and we are thrilled to welcome them back.”

The rodeo is set for this Friday and Saturday, Jan. 19 and 20, and the monster truck event is set for next weekend, Jan. 26 and 27.

Rodeo events include bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, team rop-

ing, steer wrestling, barrel racing and bull riding. The release said kids 10 and younger are encouraged to come early and participate in the best dressed cowboy/cowgirl contest and gold rush. Kid’s events kick off at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30.

The No Limits Monster Trucks & Thrill Show will feature wheelie contests, two wheel contests and a freestyle event. For an extra fee, attendees can ride in a real monster truck through the arena. Those who wants to race their own vehicles can pre-register for Tuff Truck races (for licensed drivers ages 18 and older) and kid’s Power Wheels races (ages 39). Call 940-683-4742 for more information.

Tickets for both events are available at WicomicoCivicCenter.org, by phone at 410-548-4911, or in person at the box office.

Answers on page 31

JANUARY 19, 2024

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

NOW PLAYING

Rice flour key to delicious veggie and shrimp tempura

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Jan. 19, 2024) The practice of variation allows a chef to understand a dish in its entirety.

Basic techniques and complex alternatives are critical if comprehension is to predicate individuality.

It is then and only then confidence comes to the forefront and memorable moments are in the minds of the beholder.

With this thought in mind, Americans love fried foods. I grew up on fried chicken and okra, and no one made it better than Aunt Jenny. Oyster fritters and French fries are a popular item when you head to the beach. What is a trip to the Boardwalk without chowing down on some fried Oreos?

But if one wants to fully explore the subject of frying, we must discuss the art of tempura. Its crispy, gossamer texture is like no other.

Tempura generally consists of vegetables and seafood that are generally served with a soy sauce and rice wine dipping sauce.

The key for achieving perfect results is the preparation of the batter. If it is done correctly, you will end up with a delectable crust that does not overwhelm the flavors and textures of the fresh foods it envelops.

Tempura batter, unlike other traditional batters, should be lumpy, not smooth. Japanese masters work the batter with chopsticks.

All-purpose flour and cake flour are popular choices, but rice flour is the best. If you do not see it in your grocery store, Amazon carries it.

PAGE 27

Ocean City Today

If one wants to simplify matters, tempura batter can be purchased to facilitate this dish.

The secret of the lightness of the tempura is in the thermal shock. The batter must be made in a metal bowl, then placed in a larger bowl of ice. Another option is to place the completed batter in the freezer for 10 minutes.

When the very cold batter comes in contact with the hot oil, the food will be hardly able to absorb the oil, which will in turn yield a light, airy consistency.

The veggies and seafood must be kept cold in the refrigerator, do not bring them out until ready to use.

Only use starchy vegetables like sweet potato, lotus root, carrots and broccoli. Vegetables that contain a lot of moisture like cucumbers, squash and zucchini will make the batter soggy.

Football playoffs are here and what a fun, tasty passed hor d’oeuvre. If you are not a football fanatic, veggie tempura is a great way to entertain vegetarians. The bottom line, no matter the occasion, tempura is always an option.

Enjoy!

Veggie & Shrimp Tempura 1-pound favorite veggies cut up and dried thoroughly 1-pound raw shrimp, deveined, shelled, and tail removed 2 cups white rice flour 1 cup corn starch ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra for garnishing 1 teaspoon ground garlic powder 1 teaspoon ground onion powder See SECRETS Page 28

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Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-390-7905 / vistarooftopoc.com Fri., Jan 19: Steve Kuhn, 4-7 p.m.

Sat., Jan 20: Neal Hooks, 4-7 p.m.

Mon., Jan 22: Dave Crites, 4-7 p.m.

Tues., Jan 23: Steve Kuhn with Special Guest, 4-7 p.m.

Wed., Jan 24: Taylor Knox & Brian Thomas, 4-7 p.m.

Thurs., Jan 25: Michael Sky, 4-7 p.m.

28th Street and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100 / www.coinspuboc.com Sat., Jan 20: Sing-A-Long w/DJ Giddy Up, 4-6:30 p.m.; Beach Bandits,7:30 p.m.

PAPI’S TACO JOINT 1500 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 443-664-8611 / papistacojoint.com Fri., Jan 19: The Rogue Citizens, 7-10 p.m.

Sat., Jan 20: Neil Helgeson, 7-10 p.m.

Sun., Jan 21: Jaared Aresemena, 7-10 p.m.

PICKLES PUB 706 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, 410-289-4891 / picklesoc.com Fri., Jan 19: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Sat., Jan 20: Risky Business, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Sun., Jan 21: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Mon., Jan 22: Karaoke w/Wood, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Tues., Jan 23: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Wed., Jan 24: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Thur., Jan 25: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

SEACRETS 49th Street and the Bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com Fri., Jan. 19: Opposite Directions; 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Sat., Jan. 20: South Penn Dixie,5-9 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.; The Way Outs, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

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Ocean City Today

PAGE 28

JANUARY 19, 2024

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Secrets to good, tasty tempura Continued from Page 27 1 large egg 2 cups cold seltzer water or club soda 1. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients: whisk flour, corn starch, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, onion powder until thoroughly mixed.

2. Add egg, and again whisk until well combined.

3. Add a small amount of cold seltzer water, stirring to combine.

4. Continue adding seltzer water, gently stirring until just combined.

Freeze for 10 minutes.

5. In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, fill enough canola oil to cover the veggies and shrimp by 1-inch.

6. Dip veggies and shrimp in the batter one at a time, allowing extra batter to drip off.

7. Fry only a few items at a time, this allows the temperature of the oil to remain at 375 degrees. Cook until golden brown. Repeat this process until everything is cooked.

8. Transfer cooked veggies and shrimp to a cooling rack lined with paper towels underneath. This is the time to add a dusting of salt.

The hot batter acts as a glue for the seasoning.

Tempura Dipping Sauce 4 tablespoons soy sauce 4 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional) 1. In a small bowl, mix all of the ingredients until combined

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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 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 Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made.

We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday.

Call for reservations.

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT 3301 Atlantic Ave. in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com $$ | Full bar Winner of the Maryland People's choice

• If one is not a fan of soy sauce or would like to offer a second dipping sauce, simply combine duck sauce and sweet chili sauce.

• Thinly sliced scallions, cilantro, white and black sesame seeds can be

added as a garnish for a more festive look.

Secret Ingredient - Variation “Repetition makes us feel secure and variation makes us feel free.”

– Robert Hass

award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts.

Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:3011:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.

■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar CLOSED JAN. 21 AND REOPENING FEB. 1.

Open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. through midnight with island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.

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 19, 2024

Ocean City Today

PAGE 29

HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, if resolutions seem slow-going, give it time to get into a groove and become part of your routine. You can handle anything when you put your mind to it.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, there is a lot going on in your life at the moment, and you may need to accept that you can’t do it all alone.

Start farming out tasks to people you trust.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 How will you know if you can do something unless you give it a try, Gemini? Be adventurous this week, whether it is enjoying a new ethnic cuisine or trying a new activity.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you may have a few plans on the horizon but aren’t sure how to get started. Just like walking, take it one step at a time and soon you’ll find that you’re on your way.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you may think you’re being humble and putting others’ needs before your own this week. But if you look a little deeper, you may discover you have room to improve.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, if you commit to something, follow through this week. Others are counting on you for your portion of the work and letting them down now is not an option.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

PHOTO COURTESY LEE WILKERSON

DEEP ROOTS A bright setting sun along the horizon creates a quiet, peaceful and pictureque scene as it illuminates a dead tree with tangled roots jutting toward the bay.

OC Blood Drive set for next week

Health issues may have you taking inventory of your habits, Libra. It’s a new year and the perfect time to start to make changes for the better. Ask for help if you need guidance.

Donors invited to midtown convention center at select times Mon. through Wed.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

(Jan. 19, 2024) Local residents are invited to give blood at the Blood Bank of Delmarva’s 25th Ocean City Blood Drive next week.

Set Monday through Wednesday, the three-day drive is the organiza-

You’re not one for being bashful about things, Scorpio. But something could occur this week that leaves you a little red in the face and perhaps wanting to hide in the shadows.

SAGITTARIUS – NOV 23/DEC 21 Someone new in your life is causing all types of changes to your schedule, Sagittarius. You’re not quite sure if you enjoy it or not right now. Stay the course and wait to see.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, you will not make inroads with family or friends if you continue to play the victim. You must own up to any mistakes you’ve made and start making amends this week.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Sometimes the best defense is remaining quiet and letting others dig themselves into a deeper hole, Aquarius. Others will see your positive efforts for all they are.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Think about planning a getaway in the next month or so, Pisces. It doesn’t have to be a grand voyage. Even a weekend retreat can be a way to rest and recharge right now.

tion’s largest and takes place at the convention center on 40th Street.

A news release said the theme for the drive is “In donors we trust” and blood bank staff hope to see between 825 and 1,000 donors, beating the standing record of 685 donors in 2021.

“We invite the Ocean City community and vicinity to join us for the silver jubilee celebration of the famous

Ocean City Blood Drive,” Steven Corse, the executive director of blood operations for the bank, said in the release. “This is a monumental occasion, and we ask everyone to help us make this the biggest, most successful blood drive in Ocean City’s history. And don’t forget, donors will receive the always-popular Ocean City Blood Drive T-shirt.”

The Ocean City Blood Drive takes place during National Blood Donor Month, which was created to raise awareness during a traditionally slow time for donations. The release said now is an important time to raise awareness about the need for blood donations when winter weather can lead to drive cancelations or donors who opt to stay home. Donating blood once per season can prevent shortages.

Along with the Blood Bank of Delmarva, sponsors for the drive are the Town of Ocean City, Ocean City Lions Club, Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Worcester County Chamber of Commerce in Ocean Pines, and Knights of Columbus #9053 Hours are different each day of the drive, and are set for 10 a.m. to 6 p..m, Monday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday.

To book donor appointments, call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or visit delmarvablood.org/OC.

PAGE 30

JANUARY 19, 2024

Ocean City Today

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. 19 MAHJONG CLUB Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. All are welcome. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK DISCUSSION: ‘EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR MOTHER IS A WITCH’ BY RIVKA GALCHEN Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the Berlin Library circulation desk. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OPEN MIC NIGHT Puerto Real’s Upstairs Bar, 104 W. Green St., Snow Hill, 6 p.m. Held every third Friday. Free entry. 443-234-5145, @puertorealtacos&cantina, www.puertorealtacos.com OCEAN CITY TODAY FILE PHOTO

The terrace of Tide Room, the restaurant inside the Ashore Resort and Beach Club on 101st Street, gives patrons a picturesque view of the ocean.

Ashore in OC named one of 10 best new hotels in Amer.

(Jan. 19, 2024) USA Today and 10Best.com have named Ocean City’s Ashore Resort & Beach Club one of ten "Best New Hotels" in America for 2024.

According to a news release, the hotel was handpicked from among an initial pool of 20 nominees by a panel made up of USA Today editors, 10Best.com professionals, and various contributors. The recognition marks a major win for the property, which is preparing for its first full summer season in 2024 after completing comprehensive renovations in 2023.

"We are thrilled to be recognized as one of the best new hotels in the country," Kane Kennedy, the general manager of Ashore Resort & Beach Club, said in the release. "This accolade is a testament to our extraordinary team, who have helped bring to life Ashore’s commitment to best-inregion resort programming, upscale service, and exceptional oceanfront dining and experiences for our cherished guests."

Ashore offers 250 fully renovated

guest rooms and suites, including 15 multi-room suites, catering to individuals, families, and groups. The redesigned rooms feature modern décor in calming earth tones, plush bedding, sophisticated lighting fixtures, 55-inch flatscreen televisions, and private balconies with breathtaking beach views.

The resort offers five brand new food and beverage concepts, providing guests with options from day to night: The property also has daily programming designed for guests of all ages, including live music, mermaid lessons, beachside bonfires, food and beverage tastings and events, and more. There is also a wide range of amenities, services, and accommodations for large groups, corporate meetings, private events and weddings.

Ashore Resort & Beach Club is located at 10100 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842.

Reservations can be made at ashoreresortoceancity.com/ or by phone at 410-524-3535.

BINGO FOR BABIES Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6:30 p.m. All profits go to “BINGO For Babies” for the Grace Center. Play every game for a base price of $25. Cash prizes awarded. Jackpot game is worth $1,000. Doors open at 5 p.m. Refreshments available.

Sat., Jan. 20 VIRTUAL WALK WITH A DOC Visit Atlantic General Hospital’s Facebook page at 9 a.m. to watch a brief health topic discussion. Then go for a walk and share a selfie on social media using #WalkedWithAGH. 410-641-9268.

OP PLATFORM SEASON OPEN PLAY Ocean Pines Racquet Center, 11443 Manklin Creek Road, 9:30 a.m. Every Saturday through January. For new players to meet and play with veteran players and director. Tim Johnson, 410-6417228

DEFYING EXPECTATIONS WITH AL ‘HONDO’ HANDY Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1 p.m. Al “Hondo” Handy will talk about his book and career as one of Worcester County’s greatest coaches. Books will be available for purchase and signing. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SING-A-LONG WITH SAM Worcester County Library - Pocomoke

Branch, 301 Market St., 11 a.m. Sing along with Sam Eddington as he shares traditional kids songs in some fantastically fun and interactive ways. 410-9570878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

Mon., Jan. 22 STORY TIME: ‘BEARS’ Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and a craft about hibernating bears. For ages 2-5 years. 410524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

WRITING FOR WELLNESS Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m.

Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health & psychological well-being. Group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169 Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410641-0157

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited.

Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-2427062.

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

Tues., Jan. 23 OC KNITTING CLUB

JANUARY 19, 2024

PAGE 31

Ocean City Today

CALENDAR Tuesdays - Worcester County Library Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.

9568.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Roll, squish, mold and sculpt. For ages 2-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 11 a.m.2 p.m. Stop by and interact with the many resource vendors from our community. Visit all table for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Food Lion. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

GRANDPARENT’S CLASS

CLAY AND PLAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet?

Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

VOLUNTEER OPEN HOUSE

Atlantic General Hospital’s Cafeteria, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. 1-3 p.m.

Volunteers run errands for staff, process and sort mail, work at the information desk, help with administrative tasks, Thrift Shop and more. Apply online: www.atlanticgeneral.org/volunteer.

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. This program reviews current guidance, including Infant Safe Sleep, Car Seat Safety Basics, and Infant Nutrition. Pre-register by calling 410-632-1100, Ext. 1126.

MEMOIR WRITING

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Gail Samis, retired literature and writing professor, teaches how to write your story.

410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 4 p.m. Make your every own snow storms and hypothesize how this craft works. For ages 6-12 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4:30 p.m. The goal of the support group is to provide participants with hope for the future. Gail Mansell, 410641-9725, gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org

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

Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410-2894725

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

Wed., Jan. 24 BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Held the third and fourth Wednesday of each month. For surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-641-

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3 p.m. A popular and entertaining book discussion featuring books participants have read and want to share. Come and find your next great read. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MOON DECOR

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3:30 p.m. Celebrate the upcoming full moon by making wall decor for your room or office. All supplies provided. For adults and teens. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4 p.m. Handwriting Class 2 - Cursive. Second of three classes that build upon one another. For ages 8 years and older. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PILATES FOR BEGINNERS CHARITY BINGO NIGHT

BEACH HEROES-OC

FIRESIDE CHAT

HANDWRITING CLASS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

STEAM DREAMERS: SNOW STORM IN JAR

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. This documentary “provides an intimate look, presented with humor and heart, at the relationships between aging parents and the adult children who care for them.”

410-957-0878

The Sterling Tavern, 119 N. Main St., Berlin, 6 p.m. Cards will sell for $2 each to win some amazing prizes. Cash only.

Benefiting the Grace Center for Material and Women’s Health.

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m.

Joyce Landsman teaches this class that can improve flexibility, strength and muscle tone. Can be done on a mat or on the floor. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, Assateague Room, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m.

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

ZUMBA WEDNESDAYS

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

Thurs., Jan. 25 STORY TIME: LUNAR NEW YEAR

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m.

Join in for a story time to celebrate the year of the dragon. For ages 2-5 years.

410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

IT’S NOT A BURDEN: ‘THE HUMOR AND HEARTACHE OF RAISING ELDERLY PARENTS

ROMANCE BOOK CLUB: ‘SO THIS IS EVER AFTER’ BY F.T. LUKENS The Buzzed Word, 11805 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6 p.m. For more information, call 410-524-1818.

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 THANK A VETERAN WITH A VALENTINE CARD

Cards and candy will be delivered by Copy Central staff. Please address cards to: “A Veteran.” Homemade cards are appreciated. No postage necessary. No youth cards. Drop off locations in Ocean Pines: Shamrock Realty Group, Copy Central, Ocean Pines Library and Ocean Pines Community Center. Deadlines is Feb. 2. Sponsored by Caring for America.

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

2024 JUST WALK CHALLENGE

Get the most miles of physical activity between Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 and be crowned the Just Walk Worcester Champion of 2024. Sign-up for Just Walk Worcester and report your monthly miles: https://justwalkworcester.org/. 410-632-1100, Ext. 1110

TEEN STEAM STATION

Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, during January. Drop in to create jewelry using binary code, construct a flying glider, design your own city out of recycled material and much more.

Challenges will change each week. For ages 11 years and older. 410-641-0650

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.

KIWANIS 2024 “LOTTERY RAFFLE” TICKETS ON SALE

Every Saturday at the Ocean Pines Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cost is $20. A ticket is good for all 365 days of 2024 drawings of the Maryland evening “Pick 3” drawing. There are 17 Special Dates that pay up to $250. See www.kiwanisofopoc.org.

‘SAVE OUR STORIES’

The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum is asking community members to send in their accounts as to how COVID-19 has impacted them. The submissions can be a specific experience, direct answers to the prompt questions, or a combination. No story is too long or too short. To submit, visit www.ocmuseum.org. Info: Christine@ocmuseum.org.

LIBRARY TO GO & PRINTING TO GO

Safe contactless pick-up of library materials at all Worcester County branches. Call to schedule a pick-up time. Mobile printing services also available at all Worcester County branches. (Only black and white copies are available.) https://worcesterlibrary.org/article/printing-go

Crossword answers from page 26

32

Ocean City Today

January 19, 2024 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 The Maryland Coastal Bays Program is Hiring

Program Coordinator The Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) is a non-profit 501 (C)(3) organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of the waters and landscape surrounding Maryland’s Coastal Bays. As one of 28 National Estuary Programs throughout the country, MCBP relies on a broad partnership of individuals, organizations and agencies, representing numerous stakeholders and interested parties. Through its programs, staff and partners, MCBP undertakes collaborative restoration, research, monitoring and education.

About the Position: The Program Coordinator is a regular full-time position whose responsibility is to coordinate with partner organizations to further the implementation and reporting of the MCBP Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). This position will also support efforts for program development, grant acquisition and some outreach activities. MCBP is interested in interviewing individuals with broad watershed science experience and the technical skills required for planning, writing and implementing activities pertaining to watershed management, public outreach, and development.

The ideal candidate has a firm understanding of watershed ecology, from both the land and bays perspective, and has a well-developed understanding of the science that drives good resource management. The Program Coordinator develops operational plans for CCMP objectives and tracks and reports their progress. This position has significant grant writing and grant administration responsibilities and may oversee contractors and/or an employee.

Compensation: Salary is dependent upon experience.

This position is eligible for enrollment in an employee funded 403b retirement plan and health care programs.

The position will receive holiday, vacation, personal and sick leave.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter stating your qualifications and interest along with a resume. These documents must be submitted digitally. References will be required upon request.

Please Send Applications To: admin@mdcoastalbays.org All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, genetic information and marital or familial status.

The Maryland Coastal Bays Program is an equal opportunity employer.

Certified Marine Technician Ocean City, MD Duties Inc.: diag./repair boat, motor, trailer, use diag. software to det. repairs, diag. elec., plumb., fuel sys. repairs, install new OB motor w/new rig. parts, supervise techs.

Req.: min. BA mech. eng., min. 4 yrs. mar. tech exp. diag. tools (Evinrude Diag. Ver. 6, Yam Diag.) Evinrude E-Tec OB Cert., YAM OB Cert., YAM Helmmaster Cert.

Send resume to harbormarineoc.com

HELP WANTED

RENTALS

RENTALS

DONATIONS

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.

YR Rental WOC 1BD/1BA, 1 den unfurnished - 3rd floor unit above antique woodwork - big sundeck with lots of privacy - all hardwood floor and unique woodwork, laundry facility on second floor below unit, $1450 + utilities, pets extra, deposit required.

John, 410-726-0075, jscollins111@comcast.net

Seeking To Rent. Long term, year-round, unfurnished, 2BR/ 2BA, ground floor. Ocean City/Ocean Pines area. Great references. 410-726-0169

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.

Smal Engine Mechanic Year-round.

Competitive Wages.

443-754-1047

Efficiency/1 Bath Condo with full kitchen available for either summer season for $10,000 or 8 month lease for $1250 per month.

Accommodates 2.

32nd Street, Bayside.

Resort Rentals, 410-524-0295 Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

NOW HIRING!!

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

Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.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

Classifieds 410-723-6397 www.baysideoc.com www.oceancitytoday.com ~~~~~ Classifieds Deadline is 5pm Monday

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.

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

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

Seeking Roommate to share home Bayview Estates, Selbyville, De. 5.7 miles to beach. $850/month, all inclusive.

Private bedroom, shared bath, kitchen, living areas, outdoor space, W/D, with community pool.

302-386-7818 Year-Round Room For Rent Ocean Pines $800/month and $200 security. Fully furnished.

All utilities included. 443880-2317

COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL Industrial Warehouse.

Space: 1500 sq. ft.

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

Route 90/Bishopville.

Call 443-497-4200.

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

Call 443-497-4200 Commercial Warehouses 600 and 800 sq. ft. spaces West Ocean City and Bishopville, MD Yearly Leases Only

Call 646-812-1212

AUCTIONS The contents of mini storage units will be sold online at Lockerfox.com.

Ocean City Mini Storage.

Units to be auctioned: B28B42-B89-O27-O51-O56O151-O175-O165-O164S6-S32-S35-S188-S189S747-S785-S211. Units are being sold due to non-payment of rent. Common items in units are household items, furniture, tools, fishing equipment, paintings, antique and vintage items.

Date: Friday, January 26th, 2024 Time: 10:00 am This will be an online auction. Please go to Lockerfox.com and register.

Feel free to call 410-2132029 for any questions regarding the online auction.

Classifieds 410-723-6397

By Monday, 5 p.m.

SERVICES

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

HERKER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE An Innovative Approach to Property Maintenance

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

GET IT RENTED HERE!

ROOMMATES ROOMMATES

- 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

www.oceancitytoday.com Order YOur Classifieds Online!

443-664-5797 LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers

Classifieds appear in Ocean City Today & Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com and baysideoc.com • Convenient • Quick • No Waiting, No Calls • Days, Nights & Weekends

JANUARY 19, 2024

PAGE 33

Ocean City Today

DIRECTORY BLINDS & SHADES

CONSTRUCTION

ELECTRICIAN

Raym Raymond mond O’Brocki O O’B Jr. M Master Electrician

443 691 0544 0 Call or Text Electric Veh hicle Chargers

35 Years Exp perience No Job Too Small! Frree Estimates!

Residential/Commercia al/Emergencies!

MD Lic #2268 Worcestter Co Lic #M1337 HANDYMAN

PA R R I S H THE

HANDY BEACHMAN Exterior Home Repairs “WE DO IT ALL”

• Roofing Repairs • Rain Gutters • Roof Cleaning • Gutter Guards

• Screening • Painting

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PipeLine

Contracting, LLC

Home Improvement Services Company

“One stop shop for Home Improvement”

Home Improvement Design & Bertch Cabinet Retail

• Staining • Caulking

• Gutter Cleaning & Powerwashing •

• Cabinets & Countertop • Kitchen & Bath Remodeling • General Carpentry & Painting

• Flooring & Tile • Residential & Commercial • Servicing Maryland & Delaware Beaches

US Veterans Administration Approved Contractor

• Deck Repairs •

11312 Manklin Creek, Rd., Ocean Pines, MD ~ Call or Stop in Today!

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • MHIC 17433

(410) 208-1518 • (410) 982-8368 pipelinecontracting.net • info@pipelinecontracting.net

“A Family Tradition Since 1935”

410-893-9707

MDHIC # 107489 • DE # 2014100304 • Insured & Licensed

HOME IMPROVEMENT

BAYSIDE BUILDERS

COMPLETE HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR LICENSED AND FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES ALL WORK DONE BY OWNER

• Flat Roof Specialist • • Roofing • Siding • Windows • Doors • Custom Homes • Additions • Repairs • Kitchens • Baths • Tile Work • Decks • Custom Inside Trim Work • Hardwood Floors

Specializing in Bathroom Remodels Tub to Shower Conversions Custom Tile Work Contact Garth for FREE Estimate! atminc4u@aol.com 410-641-8439

BUDGET MOVERS

NEW TITLE AND TAGS AND MORE www.westoceancitytagandtitle.com

The Area’s #1 Moving Company

LOCAL • ENTIRE EAST COAST Residential or Office or Commercial Packing or Loading or Unloading or Complete Move Single Item or Certain Items or Full Home

Call Maria: 443-664-5797

WEST OCEAN CITY

VEHICLE TAG & TITLE TRADER LEE’S VILLAGE 9935 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY #15 Open Mon., Fri., 9-2 & Wed. 9-5

Female Owned & Operated

JODY PALMISANO 410-629-5600

Licensed & Insured

PAINTING

POWERWASHING / SOFT WASH

POWERWASHING Atlantic Coast Powerwashing Services Commercial & Residential • Complete Exterior Cleaning Hot Water, Powerwashing & Soft Wash Systems Year round ser vices & • Deck Staining w/yearly seasonal • Decks • Docks tes ra • Houses • Restaurants • Shopping Centers ices is ad!

• Roofs • & More all ser v h t / w

Free Estimates

NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS!

410-603-3400

Joe Beran/Owner Operator acms1st@gmail.com

Bill Zimmerman cell 443-373-4539

REAL ESTATE

Kim Dixson REDFIN AGENT

Sell for more, pay a 1% listing fee when you buy and sell with Redfin Agents.*

MHIC #94614 Licensed Insured

MVA LICENSED

Zimmerman & Son LLC

10% Discount with this ad.

Making Your Dream Bath Come True For 20 Years!

MOVING SERVICES

40+ Years in Business

PAINTING • CUSTOM PAINTING • DRYWALL REPAIRS • WALLPAPER REMOVED • DECK & HOUSE STAINING Painting & Powerwashing • ALWAYS PROMPT SERVICE Interior & Exterior Licensed & Insured

AN AFFORDABLE NEW BATH STARTS HERE!

www.Facebook.com/ocbudgetmovers

Cell: 410-713-8599

Serving Delmarva for Over 35 Years

HOME IMPROVEMENT

ROOFING

MHIC 97081 Ocean City 34629 • Delaware 2004 222 381 Licensed & Insured

ROOFING

REDFIN 190 W. Ostend St., #200 Baltimore, MD 21230 Redfin - Direct 410-868-5666 redfin.com

443-373-1328 kim.dixson@ redfin.com License #650977

Contact Kim for a no-obligation home-value consultation. *Sell for more based on difference between the sale and list prices of Redfin listings versus those of comparable listings by other brokerages, per a 2019 study. Sell for a 1% listing fee only if you also buy with Redfin within 365 days of closing on your Redfin listing. If you sell first we will initially charge a 1.5% listing fee and then send you a check for the .5% difference after you buy your next home with Redfin. Subject to $3,750 minimum Redfin commission.

Listing commission subject to change. Buyer’s agent commission not included. More info at redfin.com/disclaimer.

Information provided is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business.

Your Roofing, Siding & Home Improvement Specialist Since 1989 ROOFING • SIDING • DURADEK • WINDOWS • GUTTERS

Mike Moesle 410-629-1573, Fax: 410-629-1946 mmoesle@shoresidingmd.com www.shoresidingmd.com

*Licensed in MD, DE &VA

PAGE 34

JANUARY 19, 2024

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC 1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301 LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090 www.cgd-law.com/sales

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES'

SALE OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY 12386 BACK CREEK ROAD BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813 By authority contained in a Deed of Trust dated May 22, 2006 and recorded in Liber 4712, Folio 695, , among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, with an original principal balance of $156,394.64, and an interest rate of 4.500%, default having occurred thereunder, the Substitute Trustees will sell at public auction at the Courthouse door for the Circuit Court for Worcester County, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, on February 5, 2024 AT 11:00AM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE property more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property is improved by a dwelling.

Terms of Sale: The property will be sold “as is” subject to any conditions, restrictions, easements and agreements of record affecting same with no warranty of any kind. A deposit of $14,000.00 by certified funds only (no cash accepted) required at time of auction. Balance of the purchase price to be paid within 10 days of ratification of sale by the Court, with interest at the note rate from date of sale to settlement. If settlement is delayed for ANY reason, there shall be no abatement of interest or taxes. All private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, front foot benefit payments, ground rent, or condo/HOA assessments, not otherwise divested by ratification of the sale are payable by purchaser without adjustment. Real estate taxes and all other public charges, or assessments, to be adjusted as of date of sale. Transfer and recordation taxes, and all other costs incident to settlement, shall be borne by purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. If purchaser fails to go to settlement within ten days of ratification, or otherwise fails to comply with the terms of sale, the Trustee may declare the entire deposit forfeited and resell the property at the risk and expense of defaulting purchaser, who agrees to pay reasonable attorneys' fees and costs if a motion to resell the property has been filed, purchaser waives personal service of any paper filed in connection with such motion, and agrees to accept service of any such paper by regular mail to the address provided at time of sale. If the Trustee cannot convey insurable title, or the loan servicer determines that the sale should not have occurred, the sale shall be null and void, and purchaser's sole rem-

PUBLIC NOTICE The motor vehicles described below have been abandoned. The owners and lien holders are hereby informed of their right to reclaim the vehicles upon payment of all charges and costs resulting from the towing, preservation, and storage of the vehicles.

The failure of the owners or lien holders to reclaim the vehicles within three weeks of notification shall be deemed a waiver by the owners or lien holders of all rights, title and interest and thereby consent to the sale of the vehicles at public auction or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law.

These three weeks of notification begins on DATE: 01/12/2024.

Line No 855-23 947-23 963-23 964-23 967-23 990-23 993-23 995-23 996-23 1000-23 1001-23 1002-23

Year 1974 2007 2007 1996 2008 2006 2007 1996 2005 1999 2015 2000

Make BMW VOLVO TOYOTA LEXUS YAMAHA CHRYSLER TOYOTA JEEP VOLVO LINCOLIN KIA NISSAN

Model 2S S60 SCION TC ES300 XV1700 TOWN & COUNTRY CAMRY GRAN CHEROKEE XC70 CONTINENTAL SOUL TERRA

Color GRN WHITE WHI SILVER RED TAN WHI GRN SIL GRY SILV BLU

Style 2S 4D 2D 4D MC VAN 4D 4D 4D 4D 4D SUV

VIN Mileage 4228577 N/A YV1RS592072615305 N/A JTKDE167870204495 N/A JT8BF12G0T0179831 N/A JYAVP19E28A005028 N/A 1A4GP45R96B577884 N/A 4T1BK46K57U536993 N/A 1J4GZ58S8TC300289 N/A YV1SZ592X51174010 N/A 1LNHM97V9XY646349 N/A KNDJN2A28F7808632 N/A 5N1ED28Y7YC524669 N/A

All vehicles will be sold at auction on-line at www.govdeals.com. For details call 410-723-6643.

AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police OCD-1/11/3t ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ edy shall be the return of deposit without interest.

Richard E. Solomon, et al., Sub. Trustees Tidewater Auctions, LLC (410) 825-2900 www.tidewaterauctions.com CGD File #: 459034 OCD-1/18/3t _________________________________ McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC 312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800 Laurel, MD 20707 www.mwc-law.com

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY 1645 ST. LUKES RD. SALISBURY, MD 21804 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from David W. Pfeffer, dated November 10, 2004 and recorded in Liber 4726, folio 433 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof and at the request of the parties secured thereby, the undersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on FEBRUARY 6, 2024 AT 3:35 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND AND THE IMPROVEMENTS THEREON situ-

ated in Worcester County, Maryland and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property is improved by a dwelling.

The property, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions, easements, encumbrances and agreements of record affecting the subject property, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the form of cashier's or certified check, or in such other form as the Substitute Trustees may determine, at their sole discretion, for $5,000 at the time of sale. If the noteholder and/or servicer is the successful bidder, the deposit requirement is waived.

Balance of the purchase price is to be paid within ten (10) days of the final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland. Interest is to be paid on the unpaid purchase price at the rate of 5% per annum from date of sale to the date the funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustees, if the property is purchased by an entity other than the noteholder and/or servicer. If payment of the balance does not occur within ten (10) days of ratification, the deposit will be forfeited as liquidated damages. The purchaser agrees that the property may be resold pursuant to an order of court, waives personal service upon themselves and/or any principal or corporate designee of any documents filed regarding the failure to pay the purchase price within ten (10) days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail of said docu-

ments at the address provided by the purchaser in the Memorandum of Sale. The purchaser will not be entitled to any surplus or profits arising from the resale even if they are the result of improvements made by the purchaser. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event settlement is delayed for any reason. Taxes, ground rent, water rent, and all other public charges and assessments payable on an annual basis, including sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges, and front foot benefit charges, if applicable, to be adjusted for the current year to the date of sale, and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes (including agricultural transfer taxes, if applicable), and all settlement charges shall be borne by the purchaser. The sale is subject to a post sale audit of the loan, including but not limited to an analysis of whether the borrower entered into a loan modification agreement, filed bankruptcy, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. The Substitute Trustees will convey either insurable or marketable title. If the Substitute Trustees are unable to convey insurable or marketable title or, the post sale audit concludes that the sale should not have occurred, or the sale is not ratified by the court for any reason, the purchaser’s sole

JANUARY 19, 2024 remedy in law or equity shall be limited to the refund of the deposit without interest even if the purchaser has made improvements to the property. Upon refund of the deposit, the sale shall be void and of no effect, and the purchaser shall have no further claim against the Substitute Trustees. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. The purchaser at the foreclosure sale shall assume the risk of loss for the property immediately after the sale. (Matter #23-600381).

Laura H. G. O'Sullivan, et al., Substitute Trustees

OCD-1/18/3t _________________________________ TOWN OF SNOW HILL, MD

NOTICE

OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION ORDINANCE 2024-01 NOTICE is hereby given by the Mayor and Town Council of Snow Hill that Ordinance 2024-01 was introduced for first reading at their regular meeting of January 10,2024.

A complete text of the ordinance is available for review at Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The ordinance authorizes the conveyance of real property lying and being situate in the corporate limits of Snow Hill, being known as Tax Map 0200, Grid 8, Parcel 0128, and locally known as 211 A and B Pettit Street to Nicholas Montfort and Nancy Rapa.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL OCD-1/18/1t _________________________________

PAGE 35

Ocean City Today / Public Notices sentative 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 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 _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of VANESSA JONES Estate No. 20020 Notice is given that COREY JONES whose address is 2203 IVERSON ST., TEMPLE HILLS, MD 20748-7008 was on JANUARY 08, 2024 appointed Personal Repre-

sentative of the estate of VANESSA JONES who died on SEPTEMBER 07, 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 8th day of JULY, 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-1/18/3t _________________________________

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 repre-

LEGAL ADVERTISING 410-723-6397 legals@oceancitytoday.net

PAGE 36

JANUARY 19, 2024

Ocean City Today

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Staff promotions Becker Morgan Group recently announced leadership team additions, welcoming one new associate principal, four new senior associates, and six new associates, listed as follows: Associate Principal — Jonathan S. Falkowski, civil engineer Senior Associates — David J. Botscheller, architect; Emily E. Purdum, architect; Brice M. Reid, architect; and Christopher J. Weeks, business development and marketing manager Associates — Stan D. Bohnsack, civil designer; Jan P. Burgess, architect; Alicia P. Greenhalgh, administrative coordinator; Molly M. Marino, AIA, architect; Kelsey M. Segraves, architect; and Mark D. Strickland, civil engineer.

New pediatrician Dr. Jason Coleman recently joined TidalHealth Pediatrics in Salisbury.

Coleman obtained his medical degree from the University of Alabama and completed his residency in pediatrics at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. He is a retired lieuJason Coleman tenant colonel from the U.S. Army, serving as a brigade surgeon, which involved three deployments. He has received several honors and awards during his military career, including the Bronze Star.

Throughout his military and civilian

career, Coleman has held the chief of pediatrics role in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. He is boardcertified by the American Board of Pediatrics and certified in pediatric advanced life support.

Coleman is very involved in his community, as he previously served as a soccer coach, traveled on a mission trip to Kenya, and offered humanitarian support in medical planning for an orphanage in Zambia.

When Coleman is not seeing patients, he enjoys soccer, painting and history.

Coleman is accepting new patients at TidalHealth Pediatrics at 1639

Woodbrooke Drive in Salisbury. To schedule an appointment, call 410912-5785.

New therapist Chesapeake Health Care in Berlin recently welcomed Chelsea Hobson as a mental health therapist.

Hobson earned her master of arts in social work from Salisbury University. She did her master’s program field placement Chelsea Hobson at Community Behav-

ioral Health, where she provided individual therapy using cognitive behavioral therapy for children and adults.

Most recently, she worked with Coastal Hospice, providing emotional support to patients and their families surrounding grief and death/dying.

For more information, call 410973-2820.

New nurse practitioner Chesapeake Health Care’s adult medicine facility in Salisbury recently welcomed Brittany Murray as a certified family nurse practitioner.

Continued on Page 40

January 18 - 25 DA AY/TIME

ADDRESS

BR/BA

STYLE

PRICE

AGENCY/AGEENT

Fri-Mon, 11am-4pm

H ron Her o Harbourr,, 120th St., Bayside

1BR/2BR/3BR/4BR+

Condos, Towns & SF

-

Nanette Pavier/Holiday y Real Estate

Sat & Sun, Noon-4pm

Harbor Court, 12801 Memory Lane

3-6BR/3.5-6.5 BA

Single Family

Frrom $849,900

Kathleen M. Clark/Mono ogram Realty

Sat & Sun 12:30-2:30pm

36 6939 Crreekhaven Drive, Selbyville

4BR/4.5BA

Single Family

$835,000

Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker B Realty

Saturrday 10am-Noon

121 81st St. Unit 706, Ocean City 1

3BR/3.5BA

Condo

$815,000

Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker B Realty

Sunday 10am-Noon

1 66th Strreet, Ocean City

2BR/2BA

Condo

$499,900

Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker B Realty

Saturrday 10am-Noon

42 201 Coastal Hwy y. #608 Ocean City

2 BR/2BA

Condo

$399,900

Power of 2 Team/Hileman n Real Estate

Saturrday 10am-Noon

12131 Pimlico Lane, Berlin

3 BR/2BA

Single Family

$699,900

Power of 2 Team/Hileman n Real Estate

Saturrday 11am-1pm

2937 78 Andrrew e Jackson Drr.., Millsborro o, DE

4 BR/2BA

Single Family

$639,900

Laurren Bunting/Keller Wiilliams Realty

Sunday 11am-1pm

14 Sundial Cirrcle, Ocean Pines

3 BR/2BA

Single Family

$479,900

Cindy Porremski/ BHHS PenFed P Realty

Presented free as a courtesy to L Licensed REALTORS® who are regular Ocean City Today & Bayside Gazette Advertisers. For all other REALTORS®, there is a weekly charge of $10 per listing.

JANUARY 19, 2024

PAGE 37

Ocean City Today

REAL ESTATE REPORT

New law addresses discrimination

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (Jan. 19, 2024) In 2020, Maryland added “source of income” as a protected class.

The laws addressing source of income discrimination in Maryland are as follows: “source of income” means any lawful source of money paid directly or indirectly to or on behalf of a renter or buyer of housing.

“Source of income” includes income from: • A lawful profession, occupation or job; any government or private assistance, grant, loan, or rental assistance program, including low-income housing assistance certificates and vouchers issued under the United States Housing Act of 1937.

• A gift, an inheritance, a pension, an annuity, alimony, child support, or any other consideration or benefit; or the sale or pledge of property or an interest in property.

The prohibitions in this subtitle against discrimination based on source of income do not: • Prohibit a person from determining the ability of a potential buyer or renter to pay a purchase price or pay rent by verifying in a commercially reasonable and nondiscriminatory manner the source and amount of income or creditworthiness of the potential buyer or renter.

• Prevent a person from refusing to consider income derived from any criminal activity; or prohibit a person from determining, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, the ability of a potential buyer to repay a mortgage loan.

Md. Code Ann., State Gov’t § 20704 (West) Except as provided in §§ 20-703 and 20-704 of this subtitle, a person may not: • Refuse to sell or rent after the making of a bona fide offer, refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling to any person because of ... source of income.

• Discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of the sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection with the sale or rental of a dwelling, because of ... source of income.

• Make, print or publish, or cause to be made, printed or published, any notice, statement, or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on ... source of income, or an intention to make any preference, limitation, or discrimination.

• Represent to any person, because of ... source of income, that any dwelling is not available for inspection, sale, or rental when the dwelling is available.

• For profit, induce or attempt to induce any person to sell or rent any dwelling by representations regarding the entry or prospective entry into the neighborhood of a person of a particular source of income.

— Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City.

Your Online Community: www.oceancitytoday.com

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PAGE 38

JANUARY 19, 2024

Ocean City Today

Letters to the editor Fully fund school budget, Commissioner Fiori The following is a letter from Berlin resident Jan Adamchak to Worcester County Commissioner Eric Fiori.

Dear Mr. Fiori, I read your “thoughts and reasoning into your vote” to not fully fund the school budget but to merely vote for MOE (Maintenance of Effort).

You stated that the topic was “A New $37 million BOE Admin/Office Building.” We both agree that there are far more pressing issues.

In fact, It IS NOT AN ISSUE at all because there is no present movement by anyone to pursue this. Since the early 2000s, when Worcester County built their new office building behind the courthouse, it was also noted that AT SOME POINT the old BOE building built in 1955 would eventually need to be replaced. It was also serving as the Vo Tech School at that point.

Since then, it has been identified in the budget under long term planning as a form of placeholder to remind everyone that at some point the aging facility will need to be replaced. To try to justify your vote because of this

supposed topic is not being honest with the public.

Further, you mentioned that the BOE budget has “little transparency and less accuracy.”

Such an accusation is serious and again not being honest with the public. Yes, there was a $1.5 million dollar surplus, which is only 1 percent of the budget. It is normal to have a surplus, sometimes it was $800,000; sometimes less, sometimes a million.

In fact by law, the surplus must be $567,000 at present because the state will never allow the school to be in the red.

The BOE must always keep a surplus to meet unexpected expenses such as when we had the polar vortex and our energy bills skyrocketed.

This surplus was NOT just discovered. In fact the normal procedure each year is for the BOE to go to the county commissioners and notify them of the amount of the surplus and submit requests for how some of that surplus could be used, say for a new field.

This year, The BOE requested that some of the surplus be used to backfill things that were cut due to the last MOE budget. Because the MOE budget DOES NOT MEET the grow-

ing needs and the growing populations in our schools. The MOE budget will provide about $280,000 less than the school system got this year, resulting in a budget shortfall of $4.4 million. The county commissioners denied their request. Instead, at least some of the money will be directed toward post employment needs, per OPEB. With respect to transparency, it is important for the public to understand that previously the standard procedure was for the BOE to submit their budget by appropriating money to categories and sub-categories, NOT by line item. To imply otherwise is impugning the character and intent of the BOE. A line item budget is NOT required by state law and was NOT asked for at the beginning of this school year. Upon being asked to complete a line item budget, the BOE CFO Vince Tolbert set out to do so in his very competent way. (Mr. Tolbert

is the most senior CFO in Maryland schools and was previously the assistant county treasurer.) Whether feathers were ruffled by members of the county commissioners and BOE members over lack of fully funding, over lack of using surplus to backfill positions, or because additional requests were requested late in the game , the PUBLIC DOESN’T CARE. We expect the county commissioners and BOE (who all work extremely hard) to overcome their personal differences to ensure that they work TOGETHER to meet the needs of their citizens and that means fully funding the BOE budget.

In closing, I applaud your work toward getting funding for a new Buckingham School and your aim to support the teachers, staff, bus drivers and students. Please demonstrate this support by fully funding the budget.

Jan L Adamchak Berlin

Have an opinion?

We invite you to share it, but all letters are subject to verification, so please include your name and phone number. All letters are subject to editing for space and to protect the author and this newspaper from legal action.

Email letters to editor@oceancitytoday.net. For questions, call 410-723-6397.

Commentary

Ocean City Today Jan. 19, 2024

Page 39

Diakonia rejected, another bad choice The county commissioners’ decision this week to block the expansion plans of this area’s primary provider of services for the homeless is another bad decision by the majority.

Last year, they went cheap on public school funding because of what they said was the school board’s lack of accountability, and now they cite the “unfairness” factor in refusing to allow Diakonia access to Ocean City’s wastewater capacity so it can build a facility on Route 611 in West Ocean City.

Accountability and fairness, however, aren’t the problems.

At work here is the commissioner majority’s skepticism of public education in general and its desire to protect its authority.

The Diakonia proposal, for instance, would constitute an end run around the county’s regulatory power. That’s why the commissioners want to work with Ocean City to gain access to its superior wastewater treatment system, so it can control what goes where in West Ocean City.

How that’s going to work is unclear, since continued development in West Ocean City worries city officials, who can only watch as the resort town loses taxpaying residents and businesses to the unincorporated areas west of the Route 50 bridge. City officials also know that a growing West Ocean City would require more from the city’s emergency services, which provide coverage there.

Realistically, if the commissioners want some kind of agreement involving the resort’s wastewater treatment operation, they will have to pay for it.

As it is, Ocean City’s officials will be watching as the commissioners set the tax rate for the year ahead. Because the growth in the county’s tax base this year comes from the reassessment of Ocean City properties, the mayor and council will be waiting to see how much of the county budget this tax district will fund.

And then, there is the Diakonia business. Ocean City government did the right thing and now has to stand by and watch the county do the opposite. If the county wants to work with Ocean City, rectifying that problem and backing off the tax rate would be a good start.

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 Ames 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

30 years so far

A month from now, I will have been with this newspaper for 30 years, which means I started this job back when I didn’t have to worry about my pants suing me for a lack of support.

That annoyance, however, is just one of those things that happen over time, and I’ve undergone many other changes in since that day.

This includes, for instance, my ability to listen to phone call rants about all sorts of things until my telephone ear By goes numb and becomes little Stewart more than a hubap for my head — for decorative purDobson poses only.

I didn’t used to deal with it as well as I do now. I’d listen for a minute and then cue up my recording of a ferocious barking dog, and interject, “Someone’s banging on the door!

No! NO! Agggggh!”

Just kidding. I never did that, although I did once employ a tactic my newspaper editor father used when he had to deal with an irate caller. He’d hold the phone up away from his ear as the caller went into extensive detail about what kind of mean, lazy, low-life, mudslinging, fact-flipping so-and-so he was.

He’d sit there with a smile on his face until he heard a pause in the caller’s tirade, at which point he would say into the phone, “I’m sorry. I was distracted. Could you repeat that?”

Click.

These days, I listen and explain and finally say, “You’re right. I am an idiot. Is there anything else you wanted to tell me?”

The thing is, being in this business so long

has given me not just thick skin, but thick skin with leatherette trim.

I also have found that agreeing with people who are calling you unmentionable things results in insultus interruptus, which, as most people know, leaves them all dressed up with no place to go.

The one thing I haven’t become accustomed to is how computer manufacturers continue to come up with ways to get us. My first computer on this job was a tiny-screened box controlled by unseen things that were conspiring against me. Today, my computer is a technical masterpiece that still conspires against me, but in new and exciting ways.

In other words, computer technology has given us the ability to mess things up at a much faster pace and a much higher cost. A typo on a cheap typewriter, for instance, goes away forever with the crinkling of a piece of paper.

But computers, which have auto-correct, memories and high-speed processors, let us make typographical errors more efficiently AND then store them for future use. Hence the multiple appearances of the “Fried Children Dinners” in the calendar of events, as well as references to“wastewater pimp stations,” “For Manure Audiences Only,” and the always appreciated, “Pubic School System.”

As I have said, I’ve learned a great deal working here, including the inevitability of our mistakes being caught by someone just itching to tell me I’m an idiot.

I’ll have to agree, as most people would argue that you’d have to be crazy or an idiot to work in this field as long as I have and still enjoy it. It’s a good fit, which is more than I can say for my pants.

PAGE 40

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 19, 2024

MDNR launches app to document flooding Public can send pictures of high water to help agencies and scientists do research

By AJ Metcalf Contributing Writer (Jan. 19, 2024) A rain storm’s abrewing and Maryland needs your help to document flooding.

Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources recently launched the new MyCoast Maryland app that enables people to easily upload photos of flood conditions in their neighborhood during or after major rain events and tidal flooding.

The flood photos that residents share on the app help scientists at DNR and other government agencies in Maryland understand the extent of flooding in certain areas, compare pre-storm or pre-high tide flooding estimates with actual effects, and plan long-term mitigation projects to reduce flooding.

During DNR’s Science Week in October, Kim Grove, the chief of the Office of Research and Environmental Protection for Baltimore City’s Department of Public Works, discussed how Baltimore is using MyCoast Maryland to respond to and mitigate flooding in the city. She said the photos from the app helps city officials understand community impacts dur-

ing the storm events and supplement information sent to the city’s 311 and 911 reporting systems. Long-term, the city can also use the photos to identify areas for enlarging pipes, clearing culverts of debris, or taking other actions that could prevent future flooding impacts.

“MyCoast can help us fill in the blanks of our flood response,” Grove said. “It can show us how city infrastructure is impacted by different storms and help us understand what residents are dealing with when flood waters are at their highest points.”

Through the app, the MyCoast photos are linked using geolocation information with data from nearby tide gauges, riverine gauges, and weather stations that include wind and precipitation information to give officials insight into the different factors that could be leading to severe flooding in specific areas. DNR urges individuals to be cautious when taking photos of floods and never risk their own safety when doing so.

“This is a tool that we believe can help people affected by flooding feel heard,” said Marlo Atkinson, science communicator at DNR. “MyCoast Maryland app users can also see other photos that have been uploaded to the app, which can provide greater insight into how your neighborhood and others are faring during a strong

MALLORY PANUSKA AMES/OCEAN CITY TODAY

High waters are pictured after a Jan. 9 storm at the intersection of St. Louis Avenue and Fourth Street in Ocean City.

rain storm or tidal flooding event.

These photos also help ensure that government officials are viewing the conditions on the ground and responding to flooding appropriately.”

While individuals must register to use the app, photos uploaded to the app that can be viewed publicly do

not include people’s names. The app can even store photos and information offline if cell service is interrupted during a strong storm, or if service is poor, and then be uploaded onto the app when service is strong or the user is connected to Wi-Fi. See MYCOAST Page 41

BUSINESS BRIEFS Continued from Page 36 Murray received a bachelor of science in nursing from Wesley College, and a master of science in nursing – family nurse practitioner from Walden University.

Murray is a family nurse practitioner with more than 11 years of Brittany Murray experience as a registered nurse in various direct care settings, and more than eight years of experience in critical care nursing. She practices patient and family-empowered healthcare.

For more information or appointments, call 410-546-6650.

New nurse practitioner Certified nurse practitioner Nidia Hall recently joined TidalHealth Pulmonary in Berlin.

Hall earned her bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from the Technologic Institute of Tuxtla Gutierrezin in Chiapas, Mexico. She later earned her bachelor’s Nidia Hall degree in nursing from Wilmington University in New Castle, Delaware, and her master of science in nursing from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hall is a certified family nurse practitioner.

Hall began her career at Tidal-

Health in 2017, offering comprehensive patient care as a registered nurse in acute care. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

When she is not seeing patients, Hall enjoys spending time with her family. She has two kids, a teenager and an 8-year-old. She is fluent in Spanish.

Hall is accepting new patients at TidalHealth Pulmonary at the TidalHealth Ocean Pines Campus, 11107 Cathage Road, Suite 201 in Berlin. To schedule an appointment, call 410912-6825.

Members of the Month Officials at TidalHealth Primary Care and TidalHealth Specialty Care announced Nina Stearn and Shaniqua Cross as Team Members of the Month for December.

Stearn is a manager at TidalHealth Cardiology in Ocean Nina Stearn Pines and Cross is a medical assistant at TidalHealth General Surgery in Salisbury.

Stearn was nominated by Kim Stedding and Cross was nominated by Dr. David Sechler. Both Shaniqua Cross were recognized for demonstrating the values of accountability, community, quality and service.

JANUARY 19, 2024

PAGE 41

Ocean City Today

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

OCVFC VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

AGH open house

winter turkey hunting, including season open dates and regulations.

ria

BINGO for Babies fundraiser throughout the month ion January, through which profits from Friday bingo games will be donated to the Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health in Berlin.

Doors open at 5 p.m., with the games beginning at 6:30 at the organization’s headquarters at 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke Church in Ocean City. Anyone can play for $25 and cash prizes are awarded for every game., A jackpot game at the end of the night is worth up to $1000 for a cover-all.

The Sterling Tavern will also be holding a bingo night at 6 p.m, Jan. 24, at 119 Main St. in Berlin to benefit the Grace Center. Cards will sell for $2 each and prizes are available.

The Grace Center supports women throughout their pregnancy and beyond in order to create a safe environment for all. Services are provided to clients free of charge.

J.B. Bunting gave Members of the Atlantic General 20 years of active Hospital Auxiliary are hosting a Volun- Bingo benefits teer Open House for people interested The Knights of Columbus Council service to OCVFD in volunteering at the hospital from 1-3 p..m, Jan. 23, in the hospital’s cafete- 9053 in Ocean City is hosting its The event will feature information about available volunteering opportunities.

The auxiliary needs volunteers to help in all areas of the hospital and health system, including the new Gudelsky Family Medical Center and thrift shop. Volunteers greet visitors, run errands for staff, process and sort mail, visit patients, work at the information desk, help with administrative tasks, staff the Thrift Shop and more.

For more information and to apply online, visit atlanticgeneral.org/volunteer. No RSVP is necessary.

Turkey season Maryland hunters still have two more days to harvest a turkey during the winter season, which began Thursday and runs through Saturday.

Hunting hours are from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. The bag limit is one turkey of either sex.

During the winter turkey season, hunters may only use shotguns loaded with No. 4 shot or smaller, crossbows, vertical bows, or airguns that shoot arrows or bolts.

It is illegal to hunt turkeys with the aid of bait. Successful hunters are required to check in their harvest by phone at 888-800-0121, online, or through the department’s mobile app.

The Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping provides information about

Harriet Tubman tribute Wor-Wic Community College is hosing A Tribute to Harriet Tubman from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jan. 26, in Guerrieri Hall at the college campus in Salisbury.

The free event is open to the public, and will feature historian Clara Small, Salisbury poet laureate Nancy Mitchell and student writers participating in a poetry contest inspired by Tubman.

Visit the events section of worwic.edu for more information.

MyCoast MD app now launched Continued from Page 40 The MyCoast photos also help government officials in Maryland see what the real-world effects are after the National Weather Service forecasts storms in mild, moderate, or severe categories. Due to climate change, many moderate or even mild storms can cause severe flooding, especially in coastal areas during high tides. Even localized rain storms that affect small areas can have outsize flooding impacts that may be harder to predict due to a changing climate.

“We had a storm in September in Baltimore where stream levels rose 10 feet in 90 minutes, which caused flooding for residents and local businesses in a specific area,” Grove said.

“MyCoast photos, when used with the different data we collect, can help us better understand how these localized floods occurred and what we can do to prevent or mitigate it in the future.”

Grove noted that 2023 was the 20th anniversary of when Hurricane

Isabel struck the region. The storm brought extensive flooding to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor due to a storm surge that occurred after the rain storms had ended. After Isabel hit, the Inner Harbor’s roadways looked like canals, hotels and other buildings were inundated on their ground floors, and significant city infrastructure had to be rebuilt. Grove said that having citizen photos from different angles during that event would have been a huge asset to help the city understand the risks from this powerful rain and storm surge event.

So far, about 1,000 users have registered to upload photos to the MyCoast App, but DNR is hoping many more citizens will download the app to help state and city officials better understand flooding risks. The more photos that are submitted, the more you can help to reduce flooding in Maryland!

Article by AJ Metcalf, the communications director for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

By Steve Price Contributing Writer (Jan. 19, 2024) This week we are pleased to recognize current life member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, J.B. Bunting.

The Bunting family has served a notable role in the rich and diverse fishing heritage of Ocean City. The family legacy, Bunting’s love of the water and Maryland’s natural resources has led to his career working in a supervisory role within a state law enforcement agency.

Bunting joined the OCVFC cadet program in January of 1997 at the age of 14.

“At the time, being a Cadet in the

J.B. Bunting

Volunteer Fire Company in Ocean City was a chance to serve the town and be part of the local tradition,’ he said. “I wanted to make new friends and saw the Volunteer Fire Company as an opportunity to connect with people my age that shared my values. Many of the older members of the community that See BUNTING Page 42

PAGE 42

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 19, 2024

WORLD WAR II

Roger Waters song tells story of allied landing in Anzio, Italy

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer (Jan. 19, 2024) This week 80 years ago, the 8th Royal Fusiliers Regiment of London were part of an Allied force tasked with stopping the Wehrmacht’s largest offensive in Western Europe since the invasion of France and the Low Countries in May 1940. The offensive was launched by the Fourteenth Army, commanded by Eberhard von Mackensen, at the Allied force at Anzio, Italy.

The landings at Anzio — “Operation Shingle” — had occurred on Jan. 22, 1944, and came as a complete surprise to German forces. But within two hours, Luftwaffe Field Marshal Albert Kesselring, overall commander of German forces in Italy, had reacted, and his troops were moving to contain the Allies in their beachhead.

Within two days the beachhead was surrounded on the landward side by 40,000 German soldiers in the 3rd Panzer-Grenadier, 4th Parachute, 71st Infantry, and the elite Hermann Göring Panzer Divisions commanded

by Fritz-Hubert Gräzzer, Heinrich Trettner, Wilhelm Raapke and Paul Conrath, respectively. The two sides

settled down to a months’ long stalemate.

On Feb. 3, Gen. von Mackensen, who, by now, had organized his forces into two corps — the 1st Parachute, under Alfred Schlemm, and LXXVI Panzerkorps, under Traugott Herr — launched an assault.

After a pause, it was renewed on Feb. 16 — “Operation Fischfang.” Although it was launched with enough force to have succeeded, the plans of the offensive were communicated by use of the Enigma machine, and therefore, immediately made known to the Allies. By Feb. 20, the German attack had petered out after 5,400 casualties, and inflicting 3,500 on the Allies.

Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer, and Pink Floyd co-founder, Roger Waters tells the story in the song, “When the Tigers Broke Free.”

It was just before dawn One miserable morn in black fortyfour.

When the forward commander Was told to sit tight When he asked that his men be withdrawn.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Roger Waters at ceremony on February 18, 2014.

And the Generals gave thanks As the other ranks held back The enemy tanks for a while.

And the Anzio bridgehead Was held for the price Of a few hundred ordinary lives.

And kind old King George Sent Mother a note When he heard that father was gone.

It was, I recall, In the form of a scroll, With gold leaf adorned.

And I found it one day In a drawer of old photographs, hid-

den away.

And my eyes still grow damp to remember His Majesty signed With his own rubber stamp.

It was dark all around.

There was frost in the ground When the tigers broke free.

And no one survived From the Royal Fusiliers Company Z. They were all left behind, Most of them dead, The rest of them dying.

Continued on Page 43

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Continued from Page 41 I admired and looked up to, were members of the VFC as well and I wanted to learn from them.”

J.B. joined the OCVFC in January 2001. During his 23 years of membership and 20 years of active service, he has served in a variety of positions, including senior cadet Instructor, marine unit instructor, member of the Fire Service Dive Team; and secretary of the board of directors. Bunting has also worked as a part-time firefighter/EMT in the Fire Department Career Division.

Bunting remembers the tragic St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Church fire (Nov. 26, 2013) as the most significant event of his career in the fire service. He grew up as a member of the church, and being a part of the on-scene operations and losing a friend and mentor as a result of the incident was a pivotal moment in his professional and personal life.

It was difficult for J.B. to decide between two things when asked to name his greatest accomplishment in the fire service.

He responded: “The satisfaction that I have experienced in watching young men and women that I instructed as Cadets move into leadership roles in the fire service, local government, and their respective career fields. I also appreciate the lifelong friendships that I have found in the fire

service. At the end of the day, at 41 years of age, my closest friends are the guys that I spent my Cadet years with.

Spending our lives together, watching our children play together and seeing our friends treat each other like family is by far the greatest gift the fire service has given me. It is something I will never be able to repay.”

Bunting offers the following encouragement to our Cadets and other young men and women with an interest in joining the fire service: “I would want to tell them to slow down and enjoy the ride. It’s easy to become cynical, and not see the fun, excitement, and joy that comes from a career in the fire service …. or any career in public safety, really. A career in public safety, whether it’s law enforcement, EMS or the fire service is a ‘front row seat’ to the greatest, most dramatic show on earth. As long as you don’t let it break you, it can give you an appreciation for life that cannot be found anywhere else. Make the most of it, see the positive, have fun, and when you can no longer see the good side …. move on.”

We thank Firefighter Bunting for his years of service with both law enforcement and the OCVFC reflecting his dedication to the safety and well-being of the citizens and visitors to our resort community.

For membership information, or to learn more about the volunteer fire company, visit ocvfc.com.

JANUARY 19, 2024

PAGE 43

Ocean City Today

OBITUARIES SHARON LYNN DOETSCH Berlin Sharon Lynn Doetsch of Berlin, passed away on Dec. 27, 2023, after a long battle with illness. She was 75.

She was born on April 28, 1948, in Meridan, Connecticut. She grew up in Connecticut and attended public schools, graduating from high school with the class of 1966.

After graduating, she received her beauticians license and began her first job as a hairstylist. At the age of 20, she moved to Maryland and was

WORLD WAR II And that’s how the High Command Took my daddy from me.

During the attack, the Eighth Royal Fusiliers Regiment of London was tasked with, on Feb. 18, 1944, stopping an assault of Tiger tanks. Among the fatalities was a lieutenant in “Z” Company of the Eighth Battalion named Eric Fletcher Waters.

He left behind a wife and two young sons. The youngest, Roger, was but five months. On Feb. 18, 2014, Roger unveiled a memorial to the men of “Z” Company, in which his father served, and who were all killed, “When the Tigers Broke Free” on the spot in the town of Aprilia. Lt. Waters’ remains were never located.

Gen. John P. Lucas was replaced by Gen. Lucien Truscott on Feb. 22.

Churchill said, “I had hoped we were hurling a wildcat onto the shore, but all we got was a stranded whale.”

For the next two months, the two sides were locked in a stalemate, with the Germans’ two huge railway guns — “Anzio Annie” and “Anzio Express” — making life miserable for Allied soldiers. These two huge rail guns rained death and destruction in the form of 11-inch shells for almost four months on the Allied beachhead.

By May, 150,000 Allied soldiers, spread among five American and two British divisions were crammed into the beachhead. Gen. Sir Harold Alexander, overall commander of Allied forces in Italy, ordered that the Allied forces at Anzio break-out, in coordination with an attack by those before the Gustav Line.

The Allied forces at Anzio — the U.S. VI Corps and the two British divisions — were to cut east behind the Gustav Line, thereby trapping the German Tenth Army, commanded by Heinrich von Vietinghoff, defending the Gustav Line.

The Allies suffered 43,000 casualties and the Germans 48,000 at Anzio.

Next: Flying the Hump 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.

married to James Giordano, with whom she had two sons. In 1986, she married George Doetsch.

She went on to work in a variety of Sharon Doetsch positions, including retail associate, waitress and interior designer. She was incredibly talented at design and had a keen eye for detail. She designed the windows for storefronts and kept a beautiful home. She enjoyed drawing and traveling every chance she got. She and George got to see the world together. They divorced in 1999.

Sharon also enjoyed cooking, baking, painting, arts and crafts, and was an avid book reader, often staying up late into the night with her latest read. She will be remembered as an artist who loved animals, especially her miniature poodle, Pepper.

She is survived by her previous husbands, James Giordano Sr. and George Doetsch, Jr.; her sons, Jim Giordano and John Giordano; sister Cathy; brothers John and Michael; and her beloved dog, Pepper.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 20, at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens at 200 E. Pedonia Road in Timonium. A reception will be held after the service at Michael’s Café at 2119 York Road in

Timonium.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at fhnfuneralhome.com.

PAUL DENNIS SIMONETTI Berlin Paul Dennis Simonetti, 76, passed away on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., surrounded by his loving family.

He was the son of the late Angelo Simonetti and Dorothy (Runge) Simonetti.

Paul was born on Paul Simonetti April 6, 1947, and raised in Hudson County, New Jersey. He lived in Bergen County, apart from a short residence in California, before settling down in Berlin for the last two decades of his life. He was a mechanic by trade.

Paul’s legacy spans four children, eight grandchildren, and the countless lives he helped and impacted during his life. He enjoyed playing the piano and had a musical side that all of his family members inherited.

Paul was a fixer and a humanitarian; he was constantly looking for tasks he could accomplish to help someone out, because at his core he was a man who lived to help others, even after death as an organ donor.

Among all else, Paul was a family man. Whether it was making lasagna and meatballs for Christmas dinner, teaching his grandchildren to drive, or sitting in his favorite chair after a long day with Elaine by his side. He loved his family more than anything in the world, and will be tremendously missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Elaine (née Trier); his four children; Paul, and his wife, Sharmon; Nicole (Krasner), and her husband Bruce; Matt, and his wife Jen, and John. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Nevada, Dori, Corinne, Jette, H. Zachary, Sophia, Samuel and Bridget.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Joan, Dorothy (Sissy) and Elaine.

A memorial service will be held at noon, Saturday, Jan. 27, at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. All are welcome to gather at the Krasner/Simonetti house after the service.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family at burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Franciscan Bread For The Poor Inc. (St. Francis Breadline at stfrancisbreadline.org), to continue Paul’s legacy of compassion and helping others.

$1,595.

Sports & Recreation

Ocean City Today Jan. 19, 2024

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www.oceancitytoday.com

PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Above left, Worcester Prep #12 Danny Uriwan moves the ball across the court during last Thursday’s game against the Delmarva Christian Royals. Right, Worcester Prep #32 Ben Anthony prepares to sink the ball. With 5:33 in the second quarter, Anthony was injured and had to leave the game.

Injury mars WPS Mallards in fall to Royals (Jan. 19, 2024) Worcester Prep High School varsity guard and frequent team high scorer Ben Anthony collided with a player from Delmarva Christen High School during a game last Thursday evening.

The contact forced Anthony to the floor. He staggered up, but then announced he had a concussion and face planted back to the floor.

Anthony was motionless. EMT’s rushed to the scene. One slipped under him and cradled his neck to prevent further injury, while other EMT’s checked for other injuries. Soon an ambulance arrived to take Anthony to a local hospital to be checked out.

“Our big guy went down. In all my years in basketball I’ve never seen anything like that happen”, said Fighting Mallards head Coach Mike O’Malley.

Game officials sent both teams to their respective locker rooms with two options: suspend the game and finish it later or keep playing. Both teams chose to keep playing in Anthony’s honor.

“I was very proud of my guys for doing that,” O’Malley said. “When they came back out they were slapping each other on the back, making noise and pumped up. The most beautiful thing I’ve seen all season”.

With 5:53 to go on the second quarter clock, play resumed. Delmarva

Christen took the tip-off and went to the basket. The teams’ battled backforth until the first period buzzer sounded. The Mallards showed strength in the first quarter when they trailed 12-10. In the second quarter Worcester Prep got a single goal to the Royals’ 17.

The Royals exploded in the second and third quarters. The third quarter was more of the same only worse.

The Mallards earned 5 in the third quarter. The Fighting Mallards made five free throws in the third quarter to Royals 29 total points.

In the last quarter, the Fighting Mallards’ Ashton Brown made a three-

pointer, Ansh Batra made a free throw, and the Royals made another 13 points, making the final game score 60-21.

“Tonight was another missed opportunity. We knew everything they were going to do; we knew what we needed to do. In the first quarter and a half, we did all those things,” O’Malley said.

“After halftime we fall back into those old lazy habits … We have all the right ingredients and the answers to the test.

We need to find a way to remember those answers all through the game.”

O’Malley is confident that they will make the playoffs and do well in the second half of the season if they play like they did tonight in the first quarter.

Stephen Decatur finishes 10th at War on the Shore

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer (Jan. 19, 2024) More than 1,000 wrestlers, crews, equipment and fans packed Stephen Decatur High School’s gymnasium and cafeteria last Friday and Saturday for the 22nd War on the Shore high school wrestling tournament.

Twenty-six wrestling teams from around the region competed. Host team Stephen Decatur High School finished 10th overall.

Stephen Decatur High School senior Gavin Solito clawed his way See SEAHAWKS’ Page 45

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Stephen Decatur’s Juan Hinojosa wrestles an opponent to the mat during last weekend’s War on the Shore.

JANUARY 19, 2024

Ocean City Today

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PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Above, Worcester Prep #20 Anisha Batra, a sophomore, shoots one of five baskets for the Fighting Mallards during last Thursday’s game against the Delmarva Christian Royals. She sank 10 total points during the game. Right, Worcester Prep Sophomore Grant Crothers, a male cheerleader, cheers during a girls basketball game in full male uniform on Jan. 11. The game was his second in his first year cheering, and he plans to continue next year.

Seahawks’ Solito gets second-place Coach Koula Stroenider. “I’m very Also scoring for Worcester Prep were finish, top scorer proud of our girls for the way, they freshman Lyla Roberts who swished in

WPS’ girls get second straight loss

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer (Jan. 19, 2024) The Worcester Prep High School girls’ varsity basketball team suffered a second straight loss last Thursday night, this one 52-26 to visiting Royals of Delmarva Christian High School.

“We moved the ball very well this game compared to the first time we played them. We played more aggressive this time,” said Mallards Head

played as a team. Anisha Batra (sophomore) stepped up as a leader. She’s getting more confident and aggressive in attacking the basket.”

Batra was her team’s high shooter with five baskets for a total of 10 points.

Sydney Mize was the Fighting Mallards’ second highest scorer, sinking a trio of 3-pointers. She hit one in the first quarter, one in the second quarter and another in the fourth for a total of 9 points.

three free throws and senior Esther Mehilli contributed 4 points.

The Royals ruled from start to finish.

The first quarter set the game’s tone and pace.After the first 8 minutes of play in the first period the Fighting Mallards found themselves upside down 21-7.

Their only glory would be found in the fourth quarter when the Fighting Mallards got a little aggressive, scoring on the Royals 4-royals and 9- Mallards.

SURF REPORT

Surfing in winter unique to some

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer (Jan. 19, 2024) Winter surfing, or surfing in cold conditions, is unique from most peoples’ perspective. In my opinion it’s not that unusual, but lots of folks generally think of the beach and the ocean in a warm summerlike setting. So let’s take a look at this unique form of surfing.

Wow, look at those people out in the ocean! What are they doing? It’s so cold! Do those rubber suits keep them warm? I’ve heard of this kind of thing but this is the first time I’ve actually seen it except for pictures and movies.

The above paragraph might be commentary heard from first time or infrequent winter beach visitors, but cold condition winter surfing has been going on for a long time. If there’s a single most factor regarding this cold condition surfing, it would have to be the wetsuit. Wetsuits too have been around for a long time but they have become

better and more common place as time has gone on.

Ok, so wetsuits work well, this we know, but how about some other advantages? Ocean City and the surrounding beaches are uncrowded.

There are no restrictions as there are in the summer months. Parking is easily available. Entry costs for state and national parks are generally non-existent, along the entire peninsula. This doesn’t mean that waves will be breaking in all areas but with recent storms there’s a possibility. It’s not as though the area is deserted but compared to the summer it’s a world of difference.

There’s the notion that this area is a winter surfing paradise but … as good as it can be most would probably agree that feeling is a bit of a stretch! Still, it’s a consideration. A bright sunny day with light winds, hopefully from a westerly direction, would be beneficial. Of course, some semblance of a ridable wave is not only desirable but at the least a necessity. Moderate or average air temperatures would be helpful.

Ironically though, there’s plenty of surf sessions where the surfer will be

warmer in the water than on land. It sounds unusual but only participating surfers would know for sure.

This brings to mind a certain selectivity of days that one might want to go surfing. No doubt the “days of selection” are going to be fewer than in warmer, summer times of the year.

Shorter days are definitely a drawback to winter surfing. Winter, in generally, would suggest the shortness of the days.

So what does it take to have the desire to surf during this time of the year?

Proper equipment surely would be one factor. Certain “tricks” would be helpful such as parking a car in the sun. Maybe keeping a supply of warm/hot water to help with a post session.

All told in this main factor for winter surfing is gumption. It takes quite a big size portion of gumption to surf in these cold conditions. It’s cold! There’s just no way to get around it. But adequate wetsuit gear and a hearty soul will tend to put you in a perfect spot.

— Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City

Continued from Page 44 to a second-place 157-pound weight class podium finish. He would be Stephen Decatur’s top finisher.

On the way through the semi-finals, Solito (22-1 in the tournament) received a bye in round one. In round 2, Solito won by major decision over Jacob Charlesworth (Lake Braddock). Then Solito lost the heartbreaker contest for the top spot in a close decision to Salah Tsami (Bullis School).

Three Stephen Decatur wrestlers reached third place. Eli Gabrielson (St. Mary’s Ryken) ended Seahawk Juan Hinojosa’s day at third place with a major decision against him in the 106-pound class. Hinojosa placed fourth scoring 17.5 team points.

Also reaching third, in 113-pound weight class, was Seahawk Elijah Collick. Collick won by decision over Ethan Valdisera (St. Mary’s Ryken).

Seahawk Nate McDaniel won by decision over Douglas Johnson (St. Frances Academy).

“The team performed well,” said Seahawk head Coach Josh August, who has led the Seahawks for 16 seasons. “It’s a tough tournament, and we had some guys out, but over-all it was a good weekend for us.”

Four Seahawks made it to the consolation rounds. Round 3: Connor Laing (Woodbridge) won in sudden victory over the Seahawks’ Jake Saullo, and Pat Lamirande (Perkiomen Valley) won by decision over Stephen Decatur’s Alex Riehl, who earned 3.0 team points.

In consolation Round 2, Seamus Hallinan won a decision over Stephen Decatur’s Liam Hugues.

Consolation Round 4 saw Joshua Hale (Loyola-Blakefield) win by fall over Decatur’s Donovan Henry.

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