1/29/2021 Ocean City Today

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JANUARY 29, 2021

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Covid crisis rains on our St. Pat’s parade For 2nd time, coronavirus results in cancellation of Ocean City’s celebration

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GREEN WAVE

A surfer hits the water on Jan. 16 near the Ocean City Fishing Pier to catch some waves.

Schools progress toward opening

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Jan. 29, 2021) Worcester County’s public schools will move to Stage Three of the “Responsible Return” back-to-school plan with a hybrid A Week/B Week model of instruction on Feb. 8, Superin-

tendent of Schools Lou Taylor announced Tuesday.

“This way, we will be able to get all our students who plan to return to school back in our buildings on every other week,” he said.

During the video announceSee SCHOOLS Page 4

(Jan. 29, 2021) There will be no floats, no bands, no revelry, and no throngs lining the sidewalks along Coastal Highway come March 13, as Ocean City’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, the grand celebration of Irish culture and winter’s pending departure, has been canceled.

For the second straight year, the luck of the Irish has turned out to be no match for the unyielding scourge of covid-19, which continues to spread locally and throughout the national population.

In an announcement issued Tuesday, the Delmarva Irish American Club (DIAC), which has sponsored Ocean City’s greatest offseason attraction for 40 years, declared that this is not the right time for the event.

“Many of our participants, including our own Stephen Decatur High School marching band, would be unable to participate, and the club believes that we must put the health, safety and welfare of our community first,” parade co-Chairman Buck Mann said.

Crowds fill the parking lot of the 45th Street Shopping Center in 2019.

Added Ocean City Mayor and DIAC President Rick Meehan, “This was the first event in 2020 that was canceled due to the covid-19 pandemic and the DIAC, along with the Town of Ocean City, is hopeful that this will be the last event to be canceled.”

In addition to the loss of the colossal crowds the parade draws and the major economic boost they provide See ST. PATRICK’S Page 3

No longer still the same: BJ’s calls it a day After 41 years in business without much of a break, Carders say it’s time to go

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Jan. 29, 2021) BJ’s on the Water, a landmark restaurant and bar on 75th Street, is closing after 41 years on the resort with Jan. 31 being the last day of service.

“The stress level with the pandemic is too much,” said Maddy Carder, who owns and operates the restaurant with her husband, Billy. “We’ve been advised several times by [Billy’s] doctors that it’s time for him to get out of this business.”

The Carders announced the closure on social media on Jan. 23.

“It is time to end an era. We are officially selling,” their statement read.

“Most of you know Billy’s health has

been... well, not the greatest. Through successful cancer treatments and his heart needing a little help operating and now Maddy joining the club with a couple operations of her own, PLUS trying to run a restaurant in covid-19 times, it is time to take a step back so they can finally relax.”

Billy said he and Maddy have considered closing the restaurant for several years because of his health and ALLY LANASA/OCEAN CITY TODAY See AFTER Page 2 Maddy and Billy Carder

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Ocean City Today

JANUARY 29, 2021

After 41 years, BJ’s restaurant calls it a day Continued from Page 1 desire to enjoy life outside of the business.

Maddy added that, as hands-on owners, they are consumed with the restaurant in every waking hour.

“We take a two-week vacation a year, but that doesn’t mean you’re ever away from it,” she said.

Before owning BJ’s on the Water, Billy spent his college years working in the restaurant and hospitality industry in Ocean City.

Although he grew up in Frostburg, he spent the summers during college working as a busboy and a waiter at the Embers Restaurant on 24th Street and Philadelphia Avenue and as a waiter at The Bonfire Restaurant on 70th Street. He went on to bartend at the Hurricane Nightclub on 71st Street, Fager’s Island on 60th Street and the Riptide Pool Bar on the Boardwalk.

“When college was finished, I came down the last summer, and I stayed,” Billy said. “I never went back.”

He met Maddy, who is from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Ocean City.

She bartended throughout college and graduate school at the Carousel Hotel on 117th Street.

In 1979, Billy and Eugene (Gene) Rayne Parker Jr. built BJ’s on the Water.

“He had a piece of property where BJ’s is now that he owned with several guys. He and I formed a corporation and bought it from his partners and built BJ’s,” Billy said.

BJ’s stands for Billy and John, an original partner of the business.

“He was here for a couple of years, but he hasn’t been here since,” Billy said.

Billy and Maddy have run the business since his departure.

The restaurant began as a small saloon with 39 seats plus the bar area, but expanded to include an outdoor deck, a bayfront dining room and the indoor deck area, going from roughly 50 seats to more than 300 when the deck is open during the summer season.

Every summer from 1979 to 2019, the restaurant has hosted canoe races.

“We didn’t have one this past summer. It’s the first year we didn’t,” Billy said, because of social distanc-

ing protocols. “A lot of people have said that’s the most popular day of the summer.”

Many seasonal employees have a summer party on that day every year and compete in canoe races.

“It’s been a tradition that’s been very, very successful,” Billy said.

For decades, BJ’s on the Water guests have also enjoyed the daily 1 p.m. corn feeding for ducks and geese in the lagoon behind the restaurant.

“When we started noticing the ducks were congregating around here fairly regularly, we started feeding them, and we were feeding them whenever we had a chance or whenever we thought they needed fed,” Billy said. “Then, we got to the point where why not just feed them at the same time every day, and they’ll probably know and show up.”

He added that many guests dine at 1 p.m., specifically to watch the ducks being fed.

Maddy said the property has a wildfowl sanctuary, where osprey, eagles, egrets, herons and ducks gather.

“We have such a change of landscape every single day,” she said.

“You’re looking at a different sunset every night and different wildfowl every day.”

Despite the development of Ocean City since the restaurant opened, Billy said they have managed to prohibit any motorized watercraft in the bay surrounding BJ’s on the Water.

As for their dining guests, the most popular items on the menu are the seafood skins — potato skins topped with shrimp, scallops, sea legs and melted cheddar cheese — and Clams Casino, made with Top Neck” clams topped with garlic butter, seasoned breading, bacon and melted provolone cheese, Maddy said. Other favorites include the crab cakes and stuffed flounder.

Maddy added that the restaurant is like the “Cheers” of Ocean City with its cast of characters stopping by at least once a day.

In addition to its regulars, BJ’s has seen celebrities stop by as well, including Joe Vitt, who was the assistant head coach and linebackers coach of the New Orleans Saints.

“Just one instance, a good friend of mine was the assistant coach for

New Orleans Saints and they won the Super Bowl in 2009 and almost the next day he was in Ocean City and he brought the Lombardi Trophy in here … and the Super Bowl ring,” he said.

In their decades in business, the Carders have been recognized for their community involvement, including the 2014 Hal Glick Distinguished Service Award, Restauranteur of the Year in 2011, Worcester County’s Most Beautiful People award in 2010, the 2008 Spirit of Ocean City award and four Keys to the City.

“I was just awarded in 2019 a Distinguished Woman of Ocean City award,” Maddy said. “We’ve been blessed.”

The Carders are known for their charity work through their restaurant and their band, Teenage Rust.

“We are a very popular band prior to the pandemic,” Maddy said. “We were very good accepting when we could any kind of a gig that would be charity-related.”

Additionally, the Carders have consistently supported the American Cancer Society by hosting a benefit at the restaurant for Relay for Life of Northern Worcester County. The yearly Christmas party is a fundraiser for the Worcester County Humane Society.

Despite the restaurant’s closure, the band will get back together after the pandemic, Maddy said.

The Carders also hope their customers and employees know how much they were appreciated.

“While we will mourn the loss of everything we know. We are doing this because it’s time to do it,” Maddy said.

Billy and Maddy agreed they’ll miss the people the most after they close their doors on Sunday night.

“Everything else is a distant second,” Billy said.

“You forge friendships that last a lifetime and we truly have,” Maddy added. “We look at the thousands of people that we’ve employed over the years and their kids come in now. We think about how, and hope, that we’ve affected them in the right way and we mentored a lot of them in the right way.”

With coronavirus restrictions, BJ’s on the Water is operating at 50 per-

cent capacity.

“What I can’t get people to understand is all of our fixed costs continue, whether you’re operating at 50 percent or not,” Maddy said. “It’s a tough struggle, even though we’ve been here for 41 years, it doesn’t get any easier. In fact, it’s gotten much harder. We want to go out with dignity, and we want to go out on top.”

The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. but must close by 10 p.m. to be compliant with statewide coronavirus regulations.

“It’s not even what BJ’s is all about,” Maddy said of the transformation the restaurant has had to endure because of the health safety rules. “We’re used to having bands.

We’re used to being full. We’re used to employing a lot of people,” Maddy said. “The stress that we’ve undertaken is bigger than what we want to deal with now.”

The property is under contract with the partners of the Ropewalk restaurant group, and settlement is expected soon.

Ocean City resident and Ropewalk partner Chris Reda submitted a site plan for Windward OC to the Ocean City Planning Commission in midDecember 2020 to replace BJ’s on the Water with an extensive restaurant development on the 75th Street bayside parcel.

The proposal calls for a new twostory bayfront establishment where BJ’s has stood since 1979. The project would feature 9,000 square feet of dining areas, with 6,000 square feet of unenclosed outdoor dining area.

However, the potential new owners plan to operate from the existing building for the foreseeable future.

As the last day of BJ’s on the Water approaches, Maddy urges diners to be understanding about the coronavirus regulations.

“I want to make sure that on Sunday, Jan. 31, that we end the right way,” she said. “I just want to make sure that everybody understands that we can’t have a free-for-all here.”

Diners must wear masks to enter the establishment and six-foot distancing will be enforced. A large closing party is not planned because of the pandemic.

“We don’t want to be remembered as the people that weren’t compliant.

We will be compliant,” Maddy said.

JANUARY 29, 2021

PAGE 3

Ocean City Today

St. Patrick’s Day parade canceled again Continued from Page 1 for beach businesses during an otherwise financially fallow time of year, the club’s charitable efforts suffer as well.

Over the years, the 350-member organization has given more than $500,000 in college scholarships, along with major donations to Coastal Hospice, local schools and charities.

Most of that money was raised via the parade and the festival that follows at the 45th Street Shopping Center.

“Our members take great pride in being able to support and give back to

our community,” Mann said. “Of course, we could not do all of this without the support of the Town of Ocean City and the local businesses that have supported our parade for more than 40 years.”

The parade normally takes place annually on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, with more than 120 participants, and has become the largest St. Patrick’s parade in the state.

“We see visitors from all over the mid-Atlantic region line Coastal Highway, all in their green, to watch the parade. It has truly become a family

event, and for many of these visitors it has become a family tradition,” Mann said. “We will begin immediately to plan for the 2022 parade and promise to return with the largest parade in the

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The Float of Hope shoots confetti into the air while traveling down Coastal Highway during the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ocean City.

history of the event. So, hold the date of March 12, 2022! Thank you again to all the businesses, residents and visitors that continue to support our event.”

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JANUARY 29, 2021

School system moving back to hybrid learning situation

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon was impressed by the masks for musicians and their instruments when meeting Band Director Pete Mundrick and his class at Stephen Decatur Middle School during her tour of the county school system on Jan. 22.

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Continued from Page 1 ment, Taylor urged families to continue to follow safety protocols to allow for a safe return to in-person instruction. “Please, please continue to make sure when students don’t feel well that you keep them home,� he said. “Please impress upon your student to wear a mask, stay socially distanced and also to make sure they watch their hands as much as possible.�

Taylor told Ocean City Today on Wednesday that about 15 to 20 percent of students have opted to remain in remote learning for the school year.

Taylor said schools can determine how many students to bring back at once on Feb. 8 based on the school population.

With the majority of students returning to the classrooms, the superintendent encourages all parents who are able to drive to bring their children to school. “We are still running on limited bus numbers,� he said.

One student is permitted per seat or multiple students from the same household may share a seat on the bus. Masks must be worn on the buses, and hand sanitizer will be available. “Our school bus drivers are working very hard each and every day to wipe down their buses once they picked up and dropped kids off,� Taylor added.

Dr. Dwayne Abt, chief safety and human relations officer of the school system, said on Wednesday that the winter sports season competition has been canceled. At this time, student athletes are engaged in workouts virtually or in-person while wearing masks. Abt said the plan is to begin the fall sports season on Feb. 13 and the spring season on April 17, but Worcester County Public Schools will continue to monitor the health metrics.

In his video message, Taylor also informed families that State Superin-

tendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon made her annual visit to Worcester County on Jan. 22 to tour Buckingham Elementary, Showell Elementary and Stephen Decatur Middle schools.

Taylor discussed with Salmon the plan for a safe return to the classrooms during the tour. “She shared with me that we are a model for the state on how we are aggressively approaching our students returning to in-person learning,�

Taylor said.

Taylor added on Wednesday that Salmon’s focus has been to visit county school systems that have students at least partially in in-person instruction.

Roughly 30 percent of the county student population has returned to the classroom. “We are probably one of the top three or four in the state as far as having a number of kids back in schools,�

Taylor said. “She was very impressed.�

Salmon observed the safety protocols in place in the classrooms and how the combination of in-person and virtual learning has affected teachers, he said. “In my travels across the state to visit open schools, I am always impressed to see the creative, innovative ways school communities are safely opening for in-person instruction,�

Salmon said after her visit. “From playgrounds to band practices to classrooms, public health measures and safety protocols were meticulously implemented, including social distancing, mask wearing and intense cleaning and sanitization,� she said. “I even saw masks for musicians and their instruments! I celebrate our teachers and school staff who are back in classrooms at Buckingham and Showell Elementary and Stephen Decatur Middle schools, providing our state’s children with the opportunity for a meaningful, comprehensive education and learning experience.�

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PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon visited Annette Waters’ Pre-Kindergarten 3 classroom at Buckingham Elementary while touring Worcester County Public Schools on Jan. 22.

JANUARY 29, 2021

Ocean City Today

PAGE 5

Md. schools urged to start hybrid learning Gov. Hogan, Dr. Salmon ask county systems to return to combination of instruction

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Jan. 29, 2021) Gov. Larry Hogan and State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon on Jan. 21 urged Maryland school systems to return to hybrid instruction—a combination of in-person and virtual learning — no later than March 1 because of the learning loss caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“Every single Maryland student must have at least the opportunity to return to attending school in some form or fashion,” Hogan said. “Our children simply cannot afford any more endless roadblocks, or any more moving of the goalposts. The time has come to get all of our kids back in the classroom, and to open the schools.”

Hogan and Salmon sent a letter to Maryland State Education Association President Cheryl Bost imploring her to aid the effort to get students back into classrooms.

“While the online setting for instruction has improved in many ways since March of 2020, far too many students remain unable to participate and thrive in such an environment.

We have already seen this in a tangible way, as failing grades for students throughout Maryland were far higher in the first term of this school year than in the previous year,” the letter states.

“The clear social and emotional toll that online learning has taken on students, families, and educators is yet another unquantifiable impact of the prolonged school building closure. Therefore, immediate action must be taken by every school system

in our State to provide opportunities for in-person instruction to all students.”

Bost responded in a letter of her own Tuesday, taking the governor to task for what she said were his implications that teachers were more concerned about themselves than helping to restore classroom instruction.

The problem, Bost said, is the state’s failure to protect teachers and to institute certain safety protocols in schools.

“We are frustrated by the lackadaisical implementation of, and resources for, safety measures in Larry Hogan our schools,” she said.

“We are frustrated by the lack of availability of vaccines after being told how important it is for us to get vaccinated. We want to be back in our schools, safely and sustainKaren Salmon ably, for our students.

“While your letter called for partnership, your actions have consistently and inappropriately tried to paint educators as opponents and obstacles.”

Numerous back-to-the-classroom advocates have made their pitch for classroom instruction, from President Biden to Dr. Anthony Fauci. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics recently stated, “Children absolutely need to return to in-school learning for their healthy development and well-being, and so safety in schools and in the community must be a priority.”

“While school systems have made strides with remote learning, far too many students remain unable to

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thrive in such an environment,” Hogan said. “There can be no debating that online learning has taken an unmistakable toll on students, families and educators.”

State health officials recommend daily in-person learning for students with disabilities and special learning needs, phased daily in-person learning for elementary students, and hybrid learning for secondary students.

The governor said keeping children in remote learning is more damaging than any potential risk of having them return to the classroom.

“By law, these decisions to reopen the schools ultimately rest with the duly elected and appointed county school boards, and I cannot order them to open schools, but I want to make it perfectly clear I will do everything I possibly can do within the law to push to get all of Maryland’s children back into the classrooms,” Hogan said. “I call on every leader in this state to join me and President Joe Biden in making this an immediate priority.”

In her response, Bost said, “No one wants to open school buildings safely and sustainably sooner than educators. That will continue to be our focus, and I hope it will be yours as well, rather than more U-turns in the state’s guidance and further inappro-

priate public bullying of educators.

These actions do nothing to improve and save the lives of Marylanders, but your concerted efforts to improve vaccine distribution and health and safety protocols in school buildings very well could.”

Salmon said vaccinations are not a requirement for reopening schools, but “they can further ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment for those that are wary about the prospect of returning to school buildings.”

Following the press conference on Jan. 21, Salmon and education staff from across the state received their covid-19 vaccinations live.

“However, and I would emphasize, school reopening decisions should not be based on the availability of vaccination or the level of vaccinations among staff,” said Maryland Department of Health Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Jinlene Chan.

Additionally, Chan said health officials are providing school systems with more school reopening guidance and educational design options based on scientific evidence, recent studies on the impact of school reopening on community transmission and the effects of school closures on children See HYBRID Page 6

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Ocean City Today

JANUARY 29, 2021

Hybrid instruction expected to start by March Continued from Page 5 and learning.

“First, there is little evidence that school reopening is a major driver of overall community spread,” Chan said. “Second, studies have indicated transmission in schools … is relatively uncommon when there is effective implementation of the mitigation strategies, including social distancing, use of masks and cleaning.”

Evidence shows that children less than 10 years old are less likely to spread covid-19, she added.

“Research shows that many students as a result of this prolonged pandemic isolation, including school closures, are falling behind academically, and those will have long-lasting impacts unless we can turn the tide now,” Chan continued.

The updated school reopening guidance still allows parents to decide whether to continue with remote learning or transition to in-person instruction.

On Jan. 15, Salmon announced $781 million in covid-19 relief for education.

“As our education system demonstrates resilience in the face of the public health emergency wrought by COVID-19, we must continue to prioritize the needs of the State’s children and ensure that all children have access to a meaningful education founded in excellence and equity,” Salmon stated in a press release. “These additional resources will help bridge the gaps widened by the pandemic and supplement the supports already in place to safely return students to in-person instruction, focusing on those most impacted during the crisis.”

The new funding, more than four times the initial awards to state education agencies under the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic

Security (CARES) Act in spring 2020, is intended to help states and school districts reopen schools, measure and effectively address significant learning loss and take other actions to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on the students and families who depend upon public K-12 education.

The funding allows flexibility so that local school leaders can address the needs of their individual schools and encourages investment in students with unique needs including children from low-income households, students and children with disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, students experiencing homelessness and foster care youth.

In addition to the $780 million in funding provided by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, the State of Maryland and Maryland State Department of Education had already distributed $400 million in emergency funding to assist with technology, supplies, materials and equipment.

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act requires the Department to allocate the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Act (ESSER II) Funds based on the proportion that each State received under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) in the most recent fiscal year. Local systems will submit applications for the funds.

Worcester County Public Schools will be allocated $6,406,920.

A total of more than $1.2 billion has been made available in the most recent stimulus to every school system in the state.

Furthermore, the governor submitted a FY 2022 recovery budget to the General Assembly, which will

provide a record $7.5 billion for K-12 funding, hold schools harmless from the impact of declining enrollment figures and ensure that every jurisdiction receives more funding than in the previous year.

Maryland State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza thanked Governor Hogan and his Administration on Jan. 21 for their calls for Maryland school systems to return to in-person hybrid instruction no later than March 1.

“This call for our schools to return to in-person hybrid instruction by the beginning of March, if not sooner, is outstanding news, and I know it can be done safely and effectively,” Carozza said after reviewing the new guidelines issued by the Maryland Department of Health and Department of Education to help ensure safe, in-person learning. “I have heard from countless parents and guardians in my district who would like to see their children back in a classroom so they may receive the best education possible. I also agree

that based on the science, there is no public health reason to keep students out of schools. It is past time for our students to return safely to in-person learning.”

She noted the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that children absolutely need to return to in-school learning for their healthy development and well-being, and so safety in schools and in the community must be a priority.

Carozza supports the vaccination of teachers and school personnel in Phase 1B of the covid-19 vaccine rollout.

She also supports the $780 million in additional funding from the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act to assist Maryland schools and students as they recover from the covid-19 pandemic. This funding will be used to help reopen classrooms, assess and address learning loss, provide targeted tutoring, and other initiatives to help students.

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

COVID-19 TESTING

Worcester County Public Schools’ Coordinator of Student Health Services Lauren Williams, left, and Chief Operating and Academic Officer (Gr. 9-12) Annette Wallace, man the registration table for Stephen Decatur High School’s drive-through covid-19 testing site for students and staff in partnership with the Worcester County Health Department on Jan. 13.

JANUARY 29, 2021

Ocean City Today

PAGE 7

Healthcare partners host covid-19 town hall

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Jan. 29, 2021) Atlantic General Hospital, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and the Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset health departments provided an update on covid-19 testing and vaccine plans at a virtual meeting on Monday.

The hour-long town hall, which took place via WebEx, was moderated

by Maryland State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza and featured presentations by Lori Brewster, health officer for Wicomico and Somerset counties, Rebecca Jones, health officer for Worcester County, Matthew Morris, vice president of patient care services at Atlantic General Hospital, and Kathryn Fiddler, vice president of population health for TidalHealth.

Brewster began the town hall by speaking about the state’s covid vaccine priorities and how citizens can determine where they fall within them.

Brewster said the state submitted its vaccination distribution plan to the CDC in October 2020.

Distribution of the vaccine to healthcare workers, residents and staff of nursing homes and first responders, public safety and corrections in Phase 1A began statewide in late December.

“Last Monday, just a week ago, Maryland moved into Phase 1B, which

is focusing on the assisted-living and other congregate settings such as group homes as well as individuals that are in the community in some of the step-down units, and individuals aged 75 and older as well as people in the fields of education and continuity of government,” Brewster said.

She added that the county health departments are struggling to vaccinate all of the Phase 1B members because of limited vacMatt Morris cine supply.

On Monday, Maryland began administering vaccinations to individuals of Phase 1C, including veterinarians, adults aged 65 to 74, essential workers in agriculture, manufacturing and Rebecca Jones the postal service and public safety workers that were excluded from the first two phases.

Phase 2 includes people between the ages of 16 and 64, who have other illnesses that put them at a greater risk to covid-19, as well as essential workers in food services and transportation.

“Then, we get to Phase 3, which is

the general population, which the governor is suggesting that would probably be early to late summer,” Brewster said.

Currently, individuals in the Phase 1C classification are put on waiting lists to receive the vaccine.

“We are all limited by the supply, whether it’s through a local health department or our partners in the acute care setting,” Jones said. “We are given weekly allocations, so we can only give what we have.”

Her presentation focused on how individuals register for the vaccine.

Jones advised residents of Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties to visit www.marylandvax.org. Residents can then search by area for available vaccination clinics. For available clinics, a bright blue button should appear on the screen to indicate that an individual can register for the vaccine, Jones said. If there is not a button, then all appointments and the waiting list are full for that clinic.

“If you still are in need of assistance … we have a dedicated call center staff to assist you with finding and registering for a clinic, and that number is 667-253-2140,” she said.

Brewster said the Wicomico County Health Department has a covid call center open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Very early on we had a cooperative agreement with TidalHealth, and they have their staff participate with us,” she said.

Between Jan. 4-21, the call center has received almost 4,000 calls.

“Most of that has been related to vaccine administration and distribution,” Brewster said. “We have added some holidays and weekends since the vaccinations started.”

Additionally, the health department staff and Wicomico Public Schools nurses are conducting contact tracing.

Wicomico County is also conducting covid-19 testing three days per week.

“We also did a very large community mass testing, in which we had multiple partners from both hospitals, all three health departments as well as the federally qualified health center,” Brewster said.

Furthermore, private vaccine clinics staffed by health department personnel and public school nurses are being held at the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury.

Residents can submit requests for vaccine at wicomico.covidvax@maryland.gov.

Jones reminded viewers that appointments are dependent on the allocation of doses from the state every See PANELISTS Page 8

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Ocean City Today

JANUARY 29, 2021

Panelists answer questions about vaccine Continued from Page 7 week.

Responding to questions from the public about receiving the second dose of the covid vaccine, she said individuals who were administered the first dose at a Worcester County Health Department clinic will receive an email within a few days with directions to schedule an appointment for the second dose.

She added that clinics for the following week are scheduled on Thursdays about 9 a.m. in Worcester County.

“We will not know how many appointments we will have available until we receive our allocation,” Jones said.

In addition, she reminded persons who are seeking covid-19 testing to quarantine until they obtain their results.

Jones said covid-19 testing is available in all three counties from the health department, urgent care centers and pharmacies.

Morris added that all of the vaccine appointments at Atlantic General Hospital are scheduled through PrepMod. Atlantic General Hospital has been conducting targeted vaccine clinics.

On Jan. 16, the hospital held a vaccine clinic for people age 75 and older.

“We scheduled several clinics this week that filled up within a matter of

mere minutes,” he said.

Morris urged viewers to be cautious about receiving the second dose of the same vaccine as the first dose.

“Both Pfizer and Moderna are currently approved for use and they’re not interchangeable,” he said.

Morris acknowledged the frustration and concerns about receiving a second dose of the vaccine and assured viewers that the registration through the hospital for the second dose is easier than registration for the first dose.

“You’ll get an email from the email where you registered for your first dose from that PrepMod system,” he said. “It’ll be a private link. You’ll schedule your appointment, and you’re not in competition with people who haven’t had a dose yet. It’s just to the people who have been invited that received a first dose that are guaranteed a second dose.”

Individuals who have registered for a second dose are reminded to bring their CDC vaccination card to the appointment to be filled out.

Morris added that the hospital’s vaccine clinic appointments are typically posted on Thursday or Friday for the following week.

Furthermore, Morris encouraged individuals to practice covid safety protocols, such as social distancing, frequent hand washing and wearing

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masks.

Fiddler said TidalHealth began vaccinating healthcare team and nursing home residents and staff in December 2020 and continued local podcasts with team leaders. This month, TidalHealth is focused on vaccinating members of Phase 1B and Phase 1C. As of Monday morning, TidalHealth received 7,384 total doses of the vaccine with 6,359 doses distributed to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury and 1,035 distributed to TidalHealth Nanticoke in Seaford, Delaware.

TidalHealth has elected to use EPIC, its electronic health record software, for scheduling and documentation of the vaccine.

“It allows a lot more patient control with appointments,” Fiddler said. “It allows physician instant access, so that they can see individuals who have been vaccinated , and it does allow growth for the future.”

She added that the health system updates appointments when notified about shipment of the vaccine.

For those that are unable to come to vaccine clinics, TidalHealth is working with community groups to vaccinate residents in at-risk neighborhoods and vulnerable populations.

“We want to have continued communication. Forums such as this town hall are critical to all of us to understanding what’s the current environment for vaccinations, who is the priority populations that we’re focused on and how do we reach each of us,” Fiddler said.

The health system also plans to continue to connect with local schools of nursing and pharmacy to support increased vaccinations.

“Then, we have our continued focus as our partners have mentioned on testing, we need to continue to wear our masks, we need to continue to socially distance and wash hands despite the fact that many of us have been vaccinated within the healthcare system,” Fiddler said.

During the 20-minute questionand-answer session, Fiddler said anyone that has been exposed to coronavirus should quarantine for 14 days. Jones recommended that individuals get tested between three to five Crossword answers from page 30

days after the exposure to prevent a false negative. Brewster added that it’s important for those in quarantine to cooperate with the isolation teams.

Responding to a question about allocation of the vaccine, Jones said the state receives a weekly allocation, which is then distributed to each jurisdiction. Brewster added that distribution is based on population.

“There is a formula that they are using,” Jones said. “For this week for Worcester County, we received 300 doses, and that’s the bare minimum.”

Now, Walmart, Giant and pharmacies will be administering the vaccine, and people may call them for appointments as well.

For individuals concerned about knowing if they are registered for a vaccine, Brewster said they will receive a confirmation email once they have registered through PrepMod. In Wicomico and Somerset, residents are supposed to email wicomico.covidvax@maryland.gov about vaccine requests, and when they belong to the current phase of the vaccination plan, they will receive a link to register for an appointment.

As a result of the limited supply, Jones said the waiting lists for the vaccine are so extensive she doubts there will regularly be unallocated doses for the next priority group.

“All doses are being used,” Jones said. “I think all of us can sit here and attest that … as soon as we get the vaccine, we are moving it out into our community. We’re not wasting anything.”

Carozza asked Fiddler what documentation is necessary to qualify as an adult with an increased risk of covid19 to obtain the vaccine in Phase 2.

“The beauty of what’s happening in MyChart is that our team, as they see the appointments, can see people’s medical records as part of that appointment process if they have MyChart,” Fiddler said.

The panelists also confirmed that the vaccine is free.

Carozza said many of her constituents have inquired whether they can only receive a vaccine in their county of residence.

“I’ll preface it with each jurisdiction receives certain allocations, so remember that,” Jones said.

As an example, Jones said if a person lives in Wicomico County but works in Worcester County, he or she could be vaccinated in Worcester.

However, Jones encourages residents to first look for availability in their own jurisdictions.

“You really need to go for your second dose where you went for your first dose,” Brewster added.

To watch a recording of the town hall, visit https://jwp.io/s/9zDiv0SN?fbclid=Iw AR14PMfaiAyBkij5N3daoEaJW14ituxdM500TUj2VL5OLtmC6pceaD41g.

JANUARY 29, 2021

PAGE 9

Ocean City Today

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JANUARY 29, 2021

Limited supply of vaccine, but state sees high demand

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Jan. 29, 2021) With a high demand and limited supply of covid-19 vaccine, Marylanders face some challenges as the state begins Phase 1C of its inoculation program.

AARP Maryland State Director Hank Greenberg sent a letter to Gov. Hogan on Monday outlining his concerns about the state’s ability to meet the needs of the population, especially those over the age of 50.

In the letter, Greenberg reported that members are having difficulty making vaccine appointments because of nonfunctioning website links, being put on hold for hours on the phone and conflicting instructions. He also said some members have been unable to schedule their second shot of the twodose vaccine, and urged the governor to standardize the administration of the program in all jurisdictions.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Hogan said states across the country are struggling as a result of the limited supply of vaccines.

“Right now, Maryland has only allocated roughly 10,000 doses per day for the roughly 2 million people who are currently eligible to receive it just in Phase 1,” he said. “It is simply an impossibility for all of them to immediately receive it.”

With the Biden Administration pledging to increase vaccine production by 50 percent, Hogan said anticipates a greater allocation of Pfizer and Moderna to the state.

“We’re also hopeful that other promising vaccine candidates are supposedly getting closer to FDA emergency use authorization approval,” he said.

To complete Phase 1, Maryland requires 4 million doses. The state has only received 667,275 doses so far.

“Overall, we will require 12 million to reach two doses for all Marylanders,” Hogan said.

Approximately 95 percent of doses the state has received have been allocated, deployed and delivered to vaccinators.

Hogan said hospitals that hold vaccine clinics for the public will be prioritized for additional allocations.

The governor announced at least six mass vaccination sites at central locations statewide and new pharmacy partners in targeted areas to expand Maryland’s covid-19 vaccination network.

The Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland National Guard, in partnership with local jurisdictions and private partners, are establishing mass vaccination sites. By Feb. 5, vaccinations will be underway at both Six Flags America in Prince George’s County and the Baltimore Convention Center. M&T Bank Sta-

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT

Lt. Bobby Magee draws up the Moderna vaccine while Kim Tull, Ocean City Fire Department firefighter/paramedic, observes during a clinic on Jan. 21 at Northside Park on 125th Street.

dium will also serve as a mass vaccination site. Additional regional sites on the Eastern Shore and in Western and Southern Maryland are being finalized, Hogan said. Vaccination capacity at mass sites will be based on allocations, and an announcement will be made when appointments for mass sites become available.

Hundreds of members of the Maryland National Guard will be assigned to support the mission of standing up mass vaccination sites.

In addition, Safeway and Rite Aid locations will provide vaccines. Vaccinations are underway this week in Walmart, Giant, and Martin’s stores across the state.

As of next week, 51 retail pharmacies will be providing vaccinations statewide, and that number will increase as the state receives more supply. The state will also work with pharmacies to operate mobile clinics in hard-to-reach areas.

“As soon as the state receives higher allocations from the federal government, our infrastructure will already be in place and we will be able to quickly expand well beyond these pilot programs to include much higher volumes, more and more pharmacies and many more locations across the state,” Hogan said.

Furthermore, after discussions among the state’s health systems, beginning on Monday, the state is expanding eligibility for some severely immunocompromised individuals, such as those receiving chemotherapy, and those with certain immune disorders who require frequent medical care. Such individuals will be eligible to receive vaccinations through hospital-based providers. State health officials will issue guidance to clinicians and providers.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved an additional $219 million for the Maryland Department of Health to support the covid-19 vaccination campaign.

“I can assure you that we will keep doing everything that we possibly can to push the federal government for more vaccines,” Hogan said. “We will not rest until the vaccine is available to every Marylander who wants one.”

Atlantic General Hospital began holding weekly covid-19 vaccine clinics only for people ages 65 and older.

The hospital hosted the first clinic for Marylanders aged 65 and older on Tuesday.

Additional clinics that meet Phase 1B and 1C requirements will be added as vaccine doses become available.

Vaccine clinics will be held Tuesdays through Fridays at the hospital, with new clinics posted each week as the vaccine becomes available from the Maryland Department of Health.

“We are having targeted 1A, 1B, and 1C clinics, usually age-specific,” said Sarah Yonker, director of marketing for the hospital. “Currently we are focused on age 65 and up. We communicate weekly with our local health department to ensure we are not duplicating services and to support each other’s efforts.”

Online registration is required through the state of Maryland’s covid19 vaccine scheduling website. To register, go to marylandvax.org.

Yonker urged residents to follow the instructions on the instructions included in the clinic details on marylandvax.org.

“Those instructions specify the targeted risk groups eligible for vaccination at a given clinic,” she said.

“However, the state’s site will allow individuals to register regardless of the restrictions; any individuals who don’t qualify will have their appointments canceled.”

Anyone who is not comfortable filling out web forms should seek the help of a friend or family member to complete the registration process. All registrations must be scheduled through this website. Hospital clinics do not have alternate registration options.

People aged 65 and older with appointments should go to the main lobby at Atlantic General Hospital, no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled vaccination time. Those with appointments are advised to bring a driver’s license or other form of age identifying photo identification.

Anyone who registers on the website but is not within this age group will have their appointment removed from See CLINICS Page 12

JANUARY 29, 2021

Ocean City Today

AGH hosts vaccine clinics for people ages 65 and over Online registration required for appointments each wk.

(Jan. 29, 2021) Atlantic General Hospital officials announced that it has begun holding weekly covid-19 vaccine clinics focused solely on people 65 and older.

Additional clinics that meet phase 1B and 1C requirements will be added as vaccine becomes available, hospital officials said.

Vaccine clinics will be held Tuesdays through Fridays at the hospital, with new clinics posted each week as vaccine becomes available from the Maryland Department of Health.

Online registration is required through the state of Maryland’s covid-19 vaccine scheduling website.

To register, go to https://www.marylandvax.org.

People who aren’t comfortable filling out web forms should seek the help of friends or family with the registration process, since there are no alternate registration options for the clinics. All registrations must be scheduled through this web site.

The clinics scheduled for this week were filled within minutes of posting to the Marylandvax.org website. New clinic dates will be posted as vaccine arrives.

“We ask for the community’s patience as vaccine distribution remains limited,” said Matt Morris, vice president of patient care services at Atlantic General Hospital. “We are working closely with the Worcester County Health Department to vaccinate the community as quickly as possible.”

The current clinics at Atlantic General Hospital are only for individuals who are 65 years of age or older.

Anyone who registers on the website but does not fall into this age group will have their appointments removed from that clinic. Canceled appointments will be backfilled from the waiting list for that particular clinic. However, a waiting list will not be rolled from one clinic date to the next.

Officials stress that anyone who arrives without an appointment or does not meet the age requirement will not be able to receive the vaccine.

“In accordance with state directives, it is critical that we vaccinate our most vulnerable community members first,” said Morris.

Those with an appointment should go to the main lobby at Atlantic General Hospital, no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled vaccination time. Bring a driver’s license or other form of age identifying photo identification to your appointment.

For more information, visit www.agh.care/COVID19.

FILL

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

JANUARY 29, 2021

Ocean City Today

Clinics prioritize people aged 65 and older Continued from Page 10 that clinic. Canceled appointments will be backfilled from the waiting list for that particular clinic. However, a waiting list will roll over from one clinic date to the next.

Hospital officials stress that anyone who arrives without an appointment or does not meet the age requirement will not be able to receive the vaccine.

“In accordance with state directives, it is critical that we vaccinate our most vulnerable community members first,” said Matt Morris, vice president of patient care services at Atlantic General Hospital, in a press release this week.

The clinics scheduled for Jan. 26-29 filled completely within a matter of minutes of posting to the marylandvax.org website. New clinic dates will be posted as the vaccine arrives.

“We ask for the community’s patience as vaccine distribution remains limited,” said Morris. “We are working closely with the Worcester County Health Department to vaccinate the community as quickly as possible.”

Atlantic General Hospital has received 3,390 doses of the vaccine so far. Community members in Phases 1A, 1B and 1C have received 1,182 of those doses. Staff members received 317 first doses of Pfizer, 307 second doses of Pfizer and 230 first doses of Moderna. Second doses of Moderna are scheduled for next week.

For more information, visit agh.care/COVID19.

In Worcester County, 5,712 people have received the first dose, or 10.9 percent of the population. Meanwhile, 901 people have received the second dose, or just 1.7 percent of the county population.

The Worcester County Health Department has received 2,600 first doses from the state and has administered 2,579 of those doses as of Thursday.

“We have regular clinics planned multiple times per week moving forward,” said Travis Brown, public affairs officer for the health department.

“However, how many clinics and available spots is completely dependent on

how much vaccine we receive from the state each week.”

As a result of the limited vaccine allocation, the local health department announced on social media Thursday that it is not scheduling additional clinics for next week.

Furthermore, the health department has been advised by the state to prioritize individuals 65 years and older at this time because of the limited supply.

Citizens are encouraged to visit marylandvax.org to find open appointment times that become available by searching “Worcester County” to find clinic dates and locations. Citizens can also visit coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/vacc ine to find additional locations for vaccination, such as Walmart locations on the Eastern Shore.

The Ocean City Fire Department has joined the Worcester County Health Department to assist in administering the vaccine. Battalion Chief Rick Koch has been designated as the liaison between the fire department and the health department to distribute the vaccinations based on availability.

As of Thursday, Ocean City paramedics have hosted seven clinics and have vaccinated 607 community members, 142 fire department personnel and 109 essential services personnel, including Ocean City Police.

“Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers is committed to ensuring that our paramedics are doing what they can to help administer the vaccine,” said Ryan Whittington, the spokesman for the fire department. “Our department’s goal is to get vaccinations in as many arms as possible, keeping our frontline responders and residents safe!”

Ashley Miller, the deputy communications manager for the Ocean City Police Department, said all employees who indicated they would like to receive the vaccine were administered the first dose at the beginning of January. Employees are scheduled to receive the second dose of the vaccine the first week of February.

As for the Berlin Police Department, Chief Arnold Downing said five of officers have received the second dose at this time. Civilian staff started receiving vaccinations on Jan. 12.

Three staff members have received the first dose and are awaiting their second doses.

For vaccine information and resources, visit covidlink.maryland.gov.

As of Thursday, Worcester’s covid19 positivity rate was 7.51 percent, a decrease from 11.78 percent last week.

That’s still higher than the state’s rate of 6.15 percent.

Worcester has confirmed 141 new cases since last week. This brings the county’s total cases since March to 3,018.

The Maryland Department of Health reported Berlin and Ocean Pines had 1,214 and Ocean City had 775.

Worcester has recorded 78 deaths from covid-19, 18 of which were residents of the Berlin Nursing Home.

The Maryland Department of Health reports 44 staff cases and 73 residential cases of covid-19 at the Berlin Nursing Home.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 20 patients with coronavirus were in Atlantic General Hospital – 17 in the medical/surgical unit and three in the intensive care unit, Yonker said.

Hospital personnel have cared for six patients who have come off a ventilator. Atlantic General has discharged 199 coronavirus patients who are recovering.

In the meantime, public health officials are encouraging anyone who feels sick, or who may have had contact with someone who is to get tested. All Worcester County residents, employees and their children 8 years and older who are experiencing covid-19 symptoms are eligible for testing.

People who suspect they may have the virus should call their primary care providers or the health department.

The Worcester County Health Department has a hotline Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to determine if a person should be tested. Call 410-632-1100, select option eight and

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The Worcester County Commission on Aging at 4767 Snow Hill Road, in Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, offers drive-through covid-19 testing on Wednesdays from 1-3:30 p.m. by appointment only. Testing dates are scheduled for Feb. 3, Feb. 10, Feb. 17 and Feb. 24.

Worcester County Health Department offers drive-through covid testing at the Pocomoke Health Department site, 400 Walnut St. # A, Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851, by appointment only for adults 18 years and older Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Testing is available on Feb. 1, Feb. 8, Feb. 15, and Feb. 22.

In addition, the health department offers drive-through covid testing at the West Ocean City Park and Ride at 12848 Ocean Gateway in Ocean City by appointment only on Thursdays from 1-3:30 p.m. Testing dates are scheduled for Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18 and Feb. 25.

Additionally, Saturday hours for covid-19 testing have been expanded at Atlantic ImmediCare urgent care clinic on 10th Street. Individuals can now get a test between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays. No appointment is necessary. Weekday hours for walk-in testing continue to be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Because of high demand for testing, anyone planning to arrive after 2 p.m. during the week is asked to call ahead.

The testing clinic can be reached at 410-289-0065.

Rapid tests are available for patients experiencing two or more symptoms of the coronavirus. Exposure to someone with covid-19 is not a factor for rapid testing. If a patient does not meet the criteria to have a rapid test, they can still have the standard test. Turnaround time varies from 48 hours to five days.

For more information, visit www.agh.care/COVID19.

To track Maryland cases, visit coronavirus.maryland.gov/.

To report a restaurant or bar for not following safety guidelines, call the county environmental health department at 410-352-3234.

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Ocean City Today

Carozza participates in several bill hearings Covid-19, economic relief remain focus of legislation during General Assembly

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Jan. 29, 2021) Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) had hearings for several pieces of legislation she introduced or sponsored in committee as the Maryland General Assembly convened for the third week.

The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee held a hearing on Tuesday on Senate Bill 210, for which Carozza serves as the lead co-sponsor.

Senate Bill 210 was introduced by Sen. Chris West (R-Baltimore County) with biWayne Hartman partisan support. The bill would provide immunity from civil liability for claims related to covid-19 for all who follow applicable federal, state and local statutes, rules, regulations, exM. B. Carozza ecutive orders and agency orders related to covid-19 so long as the person’s actions do not amount to gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing.

“As a member of the Senate Small Business Workgroup and after working with hundreds of local small businesses during COVID-19, I personally can attest to the sense of urgency on the part of small businesses to pass this emergency COVID-19 civil immunity bill now as so many of our job creators are suffering under the economic downturn caused by COVID19,” Carozza wrote in her testimony.

“Limited liability protection for businesses that have made good faith efforts to comply with recommended State and Federal guidelines is critical to their long-term success, impacting jobs and income.”

Senate Bill 210 has the support of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce; the Salisbury, Ocean City, and other Lower Shore Chambers of Commerce; the Maryland Restaurant Association; the Ocean City HotelMotel Restaurant Association; the Maryland Retailers Association; and the Maryland chapter of the National Federation for Independent Business.

Senate Bill 355 about family law and qualifications and training of custody evaluators was also heard in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.

“Serving on the Workgroup to Study Child Custody Court Proceedings Involving Child Abuse or Domestic Violence Allegations has been one of the most important public service assignments that I have been

a part of, especially given the magnitude of the trauma that many children and protective parents experience going through court custody proceedings involving child abuse or domestic violence allegations,” Carozza said during her testimony in support of Senate Bill 355.

“My legislation takes a targeted, commonsense approach to improve the custody evaluation process, resulting in better protection for the safety and well-being of children, many who experience trauma, going through a custody court proceeding involving child abuse or domestic violence,” Carozza testified.

A custody evaluator, a health professional who evaluates the wellbeing of a child and his or her interactions with both parents in custody hearings, must have a master’s degree in a qualified field and complete at least 60 hours of initial specified training and 10 hours of continuing education as well as training every two years under Senate Bill 355.

Furthermore, Senate Bill 139, which would establish an interstate licensure compact for occupational therapists, was heard in the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee.

An interstate licensure compact would permit occupational therapists to work across state lines as long as they are licensed by a member state of the compact.

The Maryland General Assembly already has enacted similar legislation for nurses, physicians and physical therapists.

“As I worked with health care providers during covid-19 during the interim, it was brought to my attention by members of the Maryland Occupational Therapy Association that this interstate occupational therapy licensure compact would have a direct benefit in increasing access to care, especially in districts like mine which are bordered by states, Delaware to the north, and Virginia to the south,” Carozza said. “Licensure compacts offer an important pathway to ensuring our health care facilities and providers have a sufficient number of qualified providers, making it easier for licensed health care practitioners from neighboring states to work in our hospitals and programs in our communities.”

Local occupational therapist Dorri Gowe-Lambert, who owns Building Bridges Pediatric Therapy Services in Salisbury and Easton, also testified in support of Senate Bill 139.

As a result of the existing licensure laws, Gowe-Lambert was unable to provide care to her clients who live in Delaware or Virginia when her practice switched to telehealth services because of the pandemic.

“I had to write to those licensure boards in other states and request

special permission in order for those children to continue their muchneeded services. This took weeks and disrupted their plan of care,” GoweLambert said.

Senate Bill 139 has the support of the Maryland Occupational Therapy Association, the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice, Maryland Rural Health Association and the Maryland Hospital Association.

During the first week of the Maryland General Assembly, the balloon release ban was heard in the Environment and Transportation Committee.

“Last week, that actually was voted out of committee and will go the House floor for a vote once we start meeting,” Del. Wayne Hartman (R38 C) said in an interview Wednesday. “Hopefully, it will have support again as it did last year.”

The hearing held for another one of Hartman’s bills, which adds first responders to hate crime legislation, went well on Jan. 19, he said.

Hartman added that testifying has been new and cumbersome for several individuals.

“If you registered to testify in a particular name and then when you sign in on your computer if that name is any different, if you’re using a different laptop or whatever and the name is different, they don’t recognize the fact that you are there in the waiting room waiting to testify,” he said. “Some of our people didn’t get called on, so that was a little disheartening.”

In addition, Hartman said the office continues to get calls about unemployment.

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Ocean City Today

Calls received about unemployment, vaccine Continued from Page 13 “It seems that they are starting to make a little more headway in getting resolutions to those cases,” he said.

“It’s a slow process. If there’s any irregularities in the case ... Those cases are taking the longest. They could be several months, but we are making progress on those.”

Many calls have also been received about the challenges of registering for a covid-19 vaccine.

“We don’t have any way to give them additional assistance and circumvent that,” Hartman said.

He added that residents can look for availability wherever they are willing to go for a vaccine.

“You don’t have to go to what’s closest to you,” Hartman said. “You can go to anywhere in the state as long as they have openings. So, I encourage people to explore every option that they’d be willing to venture to … the demand is high, and the supply is very limited right now.”

As for briefings and bill hearings in committee, Hartman said this year the delegation will work to determine the locations and process of sports betting.

“There is legislation right now talking about relicensing the existing casinos,” he said.

Current licenses for casinos are approaching the 15-year expiration.

Hartman also said many bills have been heard regarding election law.

“With the last election being primarily offered through the mail-in ballots, there’s a lot of push to continue that practice, which I really have strong opposition to,” he said. “I am a firm believer in having elections in person. I prefer ID if possible, but of course, we’re not quite there yet in the state of Maryland.”

On Jan. 19, Carozza had a hearing on Senate Bill 17, also known as Wade’s Law, which would increase penalties for life-threatening injuries caused by motor vehicles to the same level as manslaughter because of negligent driving.

“Current law provides that manslaughter by vehicle by criminally negligent driving is a misdemeanor and subject to a maximum three-year imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine.

Yet if the victim is maimed, paralyzed, or suffers some other life-threatening injury, that same criminally negligent driver is only liable for a $500 fine.

Senate Bill 17 provides a more just penalty,” Carozza said in her testimony last week.

At the hearing, Carozza spoke about a case involving two Worcester County road workers, Scott Tatterson

and Wade Pusey, who were struck by a criminally negligent driver. The fatal crash occurred on Feb. 22, 2016 and killed Tatterson and left Pusey with several life-threatening and lifesustaining injuries.

That case was brought to Carozza’s attention by the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office after it was clear that the only offense the driver could be charged with was a motor vehicle citation carrying a maximum penalty of $500.

As for Gov. Larry Hogan’s Relief Act, which will provide small business relief to Marylanders and rescind state income taxes on unemployment benefits, Hartman has some issues.

“That has not come before us for a vote,” Hartman said. “I personally have some problems with that. It seems like the hardworking middleclass Maryland was left out of that bill. The bill provides unemployment income as being tax-free to Maryland state income tax. I’d rather see tax relief to all of our Marylanders, not just those that received unemployment.”

In addition, Hartman believes the bill does not have enough parameters to determine which businesses really need help.

“I’d like to see some changes to that bill, and I’ll certainly be working on that once it comes before us on the floor,” he said.

On Feb. 2, Senate Bill 389, which would increase the reimbursement for emergency service transporters by $25 each fiscal year, will be heard in committee.

Carozza is backing the bill sponsored by Sen. Jason Gallion (R-Harford and Cecil). The legislation also has the support of the Berlin Fire Company, which introduced the bill to the Berlin Mayor and Council on Monday.

“For over 20 years, the reimbursement rate has been fixed at $100 per transport,” Carozza said. “An increase to this rate is long overdue, as the current rate is no longer a sufficient reimbursement for transporters.”

The bill also would allow reimbursement for services to patients that are treated but not transported to a facility.

“Our first responders already have been hit hard, physically, mentally, and financially during the pandemic, and this simple reimbursement rate revision will provide relief so they may continue their operations,” Carozza said.

BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Jan. 29, 2021) The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners granted several license transfers during their meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 20.

Whisker’s The commissioners accepted a request to transfer a Class B Beer, Wine and Liquor seven-day license from AJK Restaurant Inc. to Ocean Pines Spirits Inc. for Whisker’s Bar and Grill in Ocean Pines.

Shereen Ramadan and Dina Sbih are purchasing Whisker’s from owner Tanya Knott. Knott said she intends to train Sbih to manage the restaurant and will officially step down around May or June.

In December, they commissioners had postponed the transfer as they were not satisfied that Ramadan and Sbih knew what they were buying and that they knew what the requirements of the license were.

After a miscommunication, it was determined that the restaurant’s layout would remain the same.

Dirk Widdowson, representing Rita’s World of Wine, said he was concerned about a past alcohol violation

from Ramadan, that the money to purchase the restaurant was coming from Ramadan’s husband, if the husband had a financial interest in the restaurant and Sbih’s lack of experience in the business.

Despite the concerns, commissioners decided to grant the transfer request, with the understanding that it is for a restaurant and not retail sales, they must serve 51 percent food at all times, give monthly reports on the sale of food and alcoholic beverages, give monthly reports on the purchase of food and alcoholic beverages, keep the layout the same and provide tax returns at the end of each year.

Boxcar Paul Suplee, owner of Boxcar in Pittsville and Berlin, requested the transfer of a Class B Beer, Wine and Liquor seven-day license from The Perfect Fig to the Berlin Boxcar location.

The property was formerly DiFebo’s.

Boxcar will serve American Southern cuisine. In total, the property is 3,000 square feet.

Downstairs, about 1,800 square feet, has seating for 57 people at tables, or 35 under covid-19 restrictions.

There are another four seats by a

counter near the pizza over and another four by the bar rail. The bar downstairs seats 14 people, or six under covid-19 restrictions.

Upstairs, about 1,200 square feet, has seating for 75 at tables, or 35 under covid-19 restrictions.

Boxcar will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

56th Street Market The final transfer approved was a Class A Beer and Wine seven-day license from GN Enterprises to 56th Street Market in Ocean City.

Zina Sbih is the sole stockholder and interested party.

When answering questions, Sbih said that she has two and a half years of experience selling alcohol, but has not had any store management experience. She added that her brother-inlaw and father would serve as business advisors, but would not be financially involved.

Sbih also said she had secured a private loan for the store. She plans to hire about five employees and open the store from 9-1 a.m. seven days a week May through September and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week October through April.

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PAGE 15

Ocean City Today

OC reviews future capital projects schedule City Council discusses draft plan for numerous pending infrastructure improvements

By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Jan. 29, 2021) The Ocean City Council reviewed a host of projects proposed for its five-year capital improvement plan on Tuesday, with final approval of the package set for mid-March.

The project list includes expanding the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, public works ventures, engineering updates, public safety considerations, recreation and parks upgrades, as well as a new transportation proposal.

Steve Butz, co-owner of OC Bay Hopper, a water-taxi service located

on 117th Street, proposed forming a partnership with Ocean City to expand operations and offer tourists an alternative travel option at the resort.

In an effort to expand appeal of taking the water-taxi, Butz is proposing upgrades at the Sunset Park pier, as well as channel dredging to improve access to the convention center on 40th Street.

“We’re trying to accommodate families,” he said. “Sunset Park would be great amenity.”

Butz engaged a consultant last fall to research federal and state grant opportunities, which unearthed nearly a dozen possibilities.

Butz said plans are afoot to expand its Bay Hopper platoon fleet to West Ocean City this summer.

If the offering is deemed a priority by city leadership, Butz said the busi-

ness would anticipate absorbing initial losses to expand marketing demographics.

“It would take losing money at first to imbed the concept in consumers’ minds,” he said.

Butz said installing an ADA-accessible floating dock at Sunset Park would provide an ideal excursion point for tourists visiting downtown.

Butz said, by contrast, dredging the bay behind the Ocean City convention center would entail higher costs.

“It would open up marketing for conventions,” he said.

Butz said the water taxi service can, in theory, access the pier outside the convention center but the indirect route adds 20 minutes travel time.

Ocean City Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petito gave updates

on current projects, including development of a master plan to reimagine the downtown recreation complex on St. Louis Avenue between Third and Fourth streets.

“Downtown needs a beautiful focal point,” she said.

Petito said pursuit of grant money for improvements at the site would be aided if the city gave its support.

“For now we need money for blueprints to move forward,” she said.

Mayor Rick Meehan advocated altering the project’s timelines to put revamping the Ocean City skatepark ahead of replacing playgrounds and relocating basketball courts.

“Per square foot, it’s some of the most used recreation space,” he said.

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Ocean City Today

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OC Council mulls wealth of capital projects Continued from Page 15 much appreciated by the community.”

Petito said the skatepark, which was built in 1976, was last updated over two decades ago.

“The park is missing an important street skating element,” she said.

Petito also highlighted the need for a public address system Susan Petito at Northside Park on 125th Street for safety issues and program uses.

“It’s one of the town’s largest gathering areas,” she said.

Turning to newly proposed recreation Hal Adkins and parks projects, Petito said two initiatives are on the horizon for Eagle’s Landing Golf Course, including flood remediation work and related renovations.

Flood remediation improvements are estimated to cost $1.56 million, with funding requiring a bond issuance, while up to four years of course renovations would run $100,000 annually from user fees.

Petito said the saltwater environment makes turf maintenance chal-

lenging, with typical drainage infrastructure insufficient.

“The idea is to raise surfaces,” she said.

Numerous updates for Northside Park are also included in the capital project plan, including new lighting for soccer and softball fields, replacing warping flooring in the west gym, fence repairs and expanding both the picnic shelter and amphitheater.

Public Works Director Hal Adkins said outside of annual road repairs, the inlet parking lot is also overdue for resurfacing.

“We can continue to cut patches but it’s starting to look like grandma’s quilt,” he said Pricing for another proposal to widen sidewalks on Baltimore Avenue between N. Division Street and 15th Street could vary greatly depending on options pursued.

Adkins said for about $500,000, sidewalks on the east side of Baltimore Avenue could be expanded using city-owned unimproved right of way, while a second proposal to bury existing utility lines, estimated at roughly $20 million, would shift the roadway slightly east and widen sidewalks on both sides.

Adkins said pricing discussions are ongoing with Delmarva Power.

Adkins said despite the hefty price

tag, burying utility service lines would significantly alter viewscapes and enhance firefighting capabilities for buildings along Baltimore Avenue.

“The pole line on the corner currently frames your line of vision,” he said.

City Engineer Terry McGean said the State Highway Administration has committed to replacing about 75 percent of sidewalk footage on Baltimore Avenue, to make the area fully ADA compliant.

Adkins said the multi-year program has two phases remaining, including Baltimore Avenue due south between Caroline Street and the inlet parking lot.

McGean said the SHA milling and paving work is anticipated to wrap within the next 12-18 months, prior to which a decision would be needed regarding pursuing the utility line proposal, with bond issuance likely required by this fall.

“I think we need a decision by then,” he said.

Other current public works proposals include improving the Ocean City Municipal Airport parking lot, future relocation of the material stockyard in West Ocean City and potentially redeveloping the Fourth Street parcel that currently houses the U.S. Post Office.

Adkins said lease terms with the postal service end in late May. “Would Ocean City like to continue being a landlord?” he asked.

Adkins said while a recent communication from the postal service indicated a desire to renew lease

terms, during prior discussions consideration was given to relocating to a smaller spot.

“They only use one third of the building [and] the rest is an empty shell,” he said.

City Manager Doug Miller said the issue would be added to a council meeting agenda after budget adoption this spring.

“The terms are not favorable for Ocean City,” he said.

Among new public works projects are storm drain cleaning, at an annual cost of $100,000, and outfall replacements for roughly $1 million.

McGean reviewed several public safety projects, including building a midtown fire station, at an estimated cost of more than $5 million.

Property negotiations are underway with a proposal forthcoming after details are settled with landowners.

Although the project is not anticipated to launch until fiscal year 2024, plans are in place to renovate the police department substation on the Boardwalk by Worcester Street, which will entail a $1 million in bond sales money.

Engineering projects in the plan include canal dredging, replacing a bayside bulkhead on Fourth Street, along with extending decking and installing a floating dock at Sunset Park.

Following the plan’s review on Tuesday, the council has until Feb. 9 to rank projects by priority, with the projects’ effects on the city’s fund balance reviewed in a work session on Feb. 23, followed by adoption in midMarch.

OC weighing adjustments to budget from lower revenues During the Ocean City Council meeting on Tuesday, Steve Butz, co-owner of OC Bay Hopper, a watertaxi service located on 117th Street, proposed forming a partnership with the town to expand operations and offer tourists an alternative travel option.

By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Jan. 29, 2021) The financial impacts on government caused by the spread of the coronavirus has Ocean City officials mulling approval of an amendment to this year’s budget that would result in a net budget increase of $664,241.

Director of Budget and Management Jennie Knapp reviewed the proposed the amendment during the mayor and City Council work session on Tuesday, with a first reading slated for Feb. 1.

Knapp said September estimates of reductions in the current fiscal year’s revenue were $1.7 million, but that has since been raised to $2.4 million.

The lowered revenue projections were $972,474 from parking fees, $415,217 in admissions tax, $324,785 from recreation programs, $116,000 from special events, $45,000 in other

revenue reductions, $120,149 from room taxes and $444,138 in Sunfest proceeds.

On the other end of the scale, the budget amendment accounts for increased revenues of $1.4 million, including: $365,000 form parking fines, $175,000 from police tow fines, $300,000 from a Worcester County ambulance grant, $262,971 in CARES grant funding, $85,000 from income taxes, $31,964 from property taxes and $62,250 from a Worcester grant.

“Overall we’re in good shape,” she said.

In fact, Knapp said room tax revenues, which had suffered during the summer, experienced an upswing between September and November.

On the expense side, however, Knapp said a little more than a $1 million in reduced spending had been identified, including savings of more than $600,000 in Sunfest and personnel expenses.

JANUARY 29, 2021

Ocean City Today

PAGE 17

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JANUARY 29, 2021

Ocean City Today

Martin not investigated over open meeting State prosecutor declines to examine disclosures for years-long pier negotiations

By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Jan. 29, 2021) Despite the Ocean City Council being found in violation of Maryland’s Open Meetings Act back in June, last month state prosecutors rejected a request from a resort resident that they investigate former Council President Lloyd Martin for closed-door discussions concerning a 25year extension of the franchise agreement Lloyd Martin for the Ocean City Fishing Pier.

In a Dec. 10 letter, the Office of the State Prosecutor stated the allegations failed to rise to an actionable level for launching an investigation.

Last February, a complaint was lodged with the Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board stemming from pier lease negotiations launched in May 2018 that concluded in Nov. 2019.

The complaint alleges the City Council, under Martin’s oversight at that point, failed to make public disclosures about prolonging the fran-

chise agreement with a private company.

The compliance board concluded the closed-door discussions were “numerous, lengthy and far-reaching.”

The multi-year talks involved an agreement to extend the franchise terms, previously expiring in 2029, an additional quarter century.

The compliance board concluded the negotiations designated a minimum payment of $9.1 million for the pier and also specified how those funds could be deployed and permitted long-range uses for the property.

The council was found to be in violation of the Open Meetings Act for lacking to identify points of discussion in its closed-session summaries.

The “numerous and substantial” violations were deemed “not trivial” by the compliance board, with the result depriving the public of any information about the franchise agreement until after the council finalized terms.

In its June decision, the compliance board noted that the decision to close a meeting does not rest either with an entity that seeks to do business with the public body in secrecy or with a public body’s staff and counsel.

“We are concerned that this matter may reflect a long-standing reliance by the Council on the procurement exception to shield discussions about

non-competitive procurements, both by discussing those contracts in closed session and by failing to disclose those … in a meaningful way,” the decision stated.

Broader procedural problems beyond the franchise agreement were also noted.

“We … encourage the Council to

carefully review its practices with regard to discussing contracts in closed session and to change the habits that it may have formed over the years,” the compliance board stated. “We encourage the Council to provide the public with minutes of the portions of the closed sessions from which the public was excluded.”

Hogan’s proposed budget includes funds for Worcester (Jan. 29, 2021) Gov. Larry Hogan’s fiscal year 2022 budget was introduced in the Maryland Senate on Jan. 20.

The proposed $49.35 billion in the operating budget includes a record $7.5 billion for K-12 education, $833 million for school construction projects in every jurisdiction, a $1 billion tax cut for all Maryland retirees, $74.6 million in police aid to local governments, $13.5 billion for Maryland’s Medicaid Program, $124 million to fund provider rate increases in the fields of behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and other health care services, and $978 million for substance abuse treatment.

For Worcester County, this would mean: • $11.4 million for a new Maryland State Police Barrack, forensic lab and garage in Berlin.

• $4.8 million for Stephen Decatur Middle School in Berlin.

• $2 million for the Ocean City Beach Replenishment and Hurricane Protection Program.

• $990,825 for the Pocomoke City water tanks mixers.

• $90,000 for Stephen Decatur Park restrooms in Berlin.

• $50,000 for the Ocean City Fire Department fire and rescue vessel engine replacement.

• $2.8 million for the Ocean City convention center.

Open Weekends

JANUARY 29, 2021

PAGE 19

Ocean City Today

Berlin Town Council cited for Open Meetings Act violations

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Jan. 29, 2021) The Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board found that the town of Berlin violated the Open Meetings Act at the Nov. 16 closed session and the following Nov. 23 open session, according to an opinion dated Jan. 20.

The Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board found violations of several requirements, including the pre-meeting notice and agenda requirements, the reZachary Tyndall quirements for properly closing a session to the public, the requirement that closed-session discussion be limited to matters within the exception claimed on the closing statement and the requirement of a closed-session summary in the minutes of the next open session.

The board’s review of the Berlin mayor and Town Council’s procedures was prompted by a complaint filed by resident Jason Walter. Although he cited the two November meetings in his complaint, Walter alleged that the town’s closed session practices consistently violate the Open Meetings Act. “While we do not address whether any other such violations have, in fact, occurred, we encourage the council in the conduct of future meetings to comply with the procedures as set forth in the Act and explained in Chapter 5 of the Open Meetings Act Manual,” the opinion states.

“These procedures are designed to ensure that bodies will conduct public business in secrecy only when there is a genuine need for secrecy, and, even when there is such a need, to ensure that the public is made aware of that need, and is meaningfully informed after the fact about the actions the public body has taken.”

The opinion also states that the council must notify the public that it plans to close part of a meeting to the public, and the notice must invite the public to an open meeting to vote on whether to close the meeting before the scheduled closed session.

Walter alleged that council never held an open session on Nov. 16 prior

to the “special executive session” to discuss public safety. In response, the council said a vote to close the session was taken and that a written closing statement was prepared, however, it was done so out of public view.

“This nonpublic closure vote violated the Act,” the opinion states. “[M]embers of the public were deprived of the opportunity to object to closure, which violates the Act.” Walter also said that the public was only notified two business days in advance of the closed session.

“We understand that during the ongoing pandemic, the council may need to meet on relatively short notice to address new or amended executive orders and other public health directives,” the opinion reads. “Such exigencies do not eliminate the requirement that the council provide reasonable advance notice of its meetings, but they are a factor to be considered in assessing the reasonableness of notice. The council may wish to advise the public to check the council’s website often while the current public health emergency continues.”

Furthermore, the agenda for the Nov. 16 closed session stated that the meeting would take place via Zoom with the time and date of the meeting. The only other information provided was “to discuss public security, if the public body determines that public discussion would constitute a risk to the public or to public security, including (i) the deployment of fire and police services and staff; and (ii) the development and implementation of emergency plans[.]”

The board found the council violated the agenda requirement because “it failed to clearly notify the public that the meeting would be entirely closed, nor did it invite the public to a separate open session preceding the closed session,” the opinion states.

In addition, a list of topics to be discussed must be included in the agenda if the council plans to use the agenda as the closing statement for the meeting, according to the Open Meetings Act. “The council may find helpful the model closing statement currently posted on the Attorney General’s See ISSUES Page 20

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The family of John Dale Smack, Jr. extends their heartfelt thanks and grateful appreciation for the many kind expressions of sympathy and love extended to them during the passing of their loved one.

Your prayers, calls, visits, cards, flowers and donations are gratefully acknowledged.

Special thanks also to the Berlin Fire Department, TidalHealth - Peninsula Regional Medical Center ICU and the Third Floor East doctors and nurses.

God bless each of you. ~ Leola Smack and Family

PAGE 20

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 29, 2021

Issues found with November closed session transparency

The Taustin Group this week announced plans for its 24th Street property and a new venture in West Ocean City.

Group plans Pier 23 in WOC, development of 24th Street (Jan. 29, 2021) The Taustin Group this week announced plans for its 24th Street property and a new venture in West Ocean City.

“With the formation of the Taustin Group, we looked at each of our entities to see how we can meet the needs of the day and develop our properties to their fullest potential, while being at the forefront of the next chapter of the Ocean City experience,” CEO Cole Taustin stated in an announcement on Facebook on Jan. 24.

Construction of Pier 23 is scheduled to begin next month, on the Mad Fish Bar and Grill property, located on Harbor Road in West Ocean City. The restaurant has been closed since Aug. 2, 2019, because of damages sustained from an early-morning fire.

“Pier 23 will be Ocean City’s first waterfront container food port,” according to the post. “We will offer a relaxed outdoor retreat surrounded by decked-out shipping containers, each with their own unique options: tacos, deli, grille, ice cream or a full bar.”

Another container will be stage for DJs and live musical entertainment.

BLU Crabhouse & Raw Bar on 24th Street will continue to serve customers, celebrating its 10th anniversary season this year. It is slated to reopen this spring, with expanded and enhanced indoor and outdoor

dining areas.

Given the specific impact of the covid pandemic on buffets, the largest opportunity for the Taustin Group will be on the front of the 24th Street property, where Embers Restaurant has stood for over 70 years.

In 1985, when Embers became an all-you-can-eat seafood and prime rib buffet, it was the first of its kind in the resort.

“We are turning the page once again after a long and successful chapter in our history at the beach,” Taustin said. “The Embers will be transformed during this period and all of us are very excited for you to see what is next.”

Coming in 2022, the project will feature a space that will integrate BLU Crabhouse and Embers Island Miniature Golf, while providing additional shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities.

“The Embers has so much history, and not just for our family, but for many OC locals and visitors,” Taustin Group President Jay Taustin said.

“We plan to pay homage to our past as we venture into the future and lead the way once again in redefining what Ocean City has to offer.”

For additional information and updates, follow any Taustin Group company on their websites and social media.

Local News • Enter tainment • Spor ts Classifieds • Obituaries • Business Legals • Calendar • Lifestyle • Opinion www ww.oceancity itytoday. t d y.com

Continued from Page 19 website; this most recent version has been formatted to more clearly remind the presiding officer to include, for each topic to be discussed, the public body’s reasons for discussing that topic behind closed doors,” the opinion states. “The closing statement can then serve as a reminder to the presiding officer, once the closed session has begun, of the limits within which the discussion must be kept.”

Another issue the board found was that the council did discuss topics at its Nov. 16 closed session that were not included on its closing statement.

“Here the confidential meeting minutes the council submitted to the board indicate that the council discussed a number of topics at the November 16 meeting extending beyond matters that would threaten public safety if discussed publicly,” the opinion reads.

“As the text of the Act indicates, closure is not allowed simply because the discussion relates to safety or security matters; rather, the body must ‘determine’ that the issues are sensitive enough that an open discussion would itself imperil the public.”

Lastly, the council failed to disclose the public information about the closed session at the following open session on Nov. 23.

“The mayor, presiding over the meeting, stated that a closed session occurred on November 16 and that the vote to close the session was unanimous with all members present, and cited Section 3-305(b)(10) as authority for closing the meeting,” the opinion states.

“Significantly, however, there was no ‘listing of the topics of discussion, persons present, and each action taken during the session.’”

Before the scheduled executive session on Monday, Mayor Zackery Tyndall addressed the report by explaining that the Open Meetings Act requires the Town Council to provide the opportunity for the public to hear the purpose of the closed session, the time and place of the meeting, the justification for the closed session and the time for a return to open session.

Then, the public could object to the closed session before the council votes to go into the closed session, the mayor continued.

“If there’s merit, then we need to weigh that before a vote were to be

taken,” he said. “If not, the council could still choose to go into closed session.”

Following a closed session, a list of the agenda items should be disclosed to the public as well as the code which those items are in compliance.

“There is no deviation from the agenda item while in closed session,” Tyndall said.

He read the closed session summary for Monday before the council took a vote whether to go into closed session live on Zoom that was open to the public via Facebook Live.

The council planned to meet in executive session to discuss a negotiating strategy for selling a portion of Heron Park.

Councilman Dean Burrell said the agenda did not notify the public that an open session would occur before the closed session, thus the public might not be aware they could participate. Attorney Dave Gaskill agreed that it needs to be advertised to the public.

“I would suggest that if we want to provide more time for people to understand the process and make sure that it’s clear and transparent that we postpone the executive session until our next meeting on Feb. 8,” Tyndall said.

The council unanimously opposed going into executive session on Monday.

During the open session, Tyndall read the statement on behalf of the Town Council.

“On Jan. 20, 2021, the town of Berlin received notification from the State of Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board regarding a closed session meeting held on Nov. 16, 2020,” he said. “The mayor and council of the town of Berlin take open meetings and their compliance with the Maryland Open Meetings Act very seriously. We are going to use these findings as an opportunity to enhance our transparency and adapt to the reporting of closed sessions to comply with the guidelines.”

In the future, the Town Council will go live before an executive session and read a statement of closure, which will be published in the meeting packet.

After an executive session takes place, Tyndall said the statement of closure will be updated with the list of agenda items discussed as well as the vote tally to go into closed session.

JANUARY 29, 2021

Ocean City Today

POLICE/COURTS

Hits median Edward Torrence, 34, of Salisbury was arrested for DUI and failure to stop at an accident scene on Jan. 24 just prior to 2 a.m.

Patrol units reported witnessing a black Dodge Challenger heading south on Coastal Highway above posted speed limits and then hitting the median wall on the Route 90 bridge entrance after failing to negotiate a right turn.

Police said the driver kept traveling west after hitting the dividing wall and was quickly pulled over.

Police said Torrence failed to satisfactorily complete field sobriety tests and subsequently registered a .19 on a Breathalyzer.

Crash confusion Gary Helmick, 47, of Ocean City was arrested for DUI, speeding and negligent driving on Jan. 21 at 7:08 p.m.

Police wen t to an accident scene by 145th Street and discovered a white Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck resting on the center median.

When police approached the driver, later identified as Helmick, he was seated inside the vehicle and reportedly told EMS responders he was intoxicated.

Police said when asked to produce a license and registration Helmick asked why and appeared surprised when informed of the accident.

“I didn’t realize I had crashed,” he said.

When invited to perform roadside sobriety tests, Helmick declined. Police said he later blew a .21 on a Breathalyzer.

Refuses to exit car James Shiflett, 40, of Halethorpe was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest on Jan. 21 about 7 p.m.

Police received a report of man on the 600 block of Bayshore Court who was reportedly intoxicated and had knocked over a large trashcan.

A female acquaintance admitted allowing Shiflett to stay in her residence prior to a court appearance in Ocean City the following day.

The woman said after Shiflett attacked the refuse container, she lured him inside her apartment at which point he “put his head through a wall.”

The woman confessed to being frightened by his behavior and led him back outside before darting back inside and closing the door.

The woman called police about 6:20 p.m. after Shiflett began banging on the door to return inside.

Police discovered Shiflett was wanted on a felony theft charge and had a pending first-degree assault case.

At about 6:50 p.m. police discovered Shiflett inside a parked vehicle without permission of the owner.

Shiflett refused to exit the vehicle when requested and became verbally abusive, with five officers eventually required to physically remove him, according to court documents.

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Suspect sought Winter Delmarva by state police in Dogfish BirdINNg Pocomoke murder Weekend planned (Jan. 29, 2021) Maryland State Police are continuing to search for the man suspected in the murder of a woman earlier this month in Worcester County.

The District Court Commissioner’s Office in Worcester County earlier this week issued an arrest warrant for William Edward Strand, 52, of Pocomoke City.

William Strand Strand is facing charges of first- and second-degree murder in connection to the death of Lesa Renee White, 48, of Atlantic, Virginia.

Investigators discovered White on the evening of Jan. 6 in a residence in the 1400 block of Snow Hill Lane in Pocomoke City. Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigators were asked to assume the investigation.

Family members reported White missing to the Pocomoke Police Department on Monday, Jan. 4. According to a preliminary investigation, she was last seen earlier that day in Pocomoke City.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore ruled her death a homicide and that she had been fatally shot.

Investigators have been searching for Strand since the beginning of the investigation. There is also a warrant out for his arrest in a separate attempted murder case.

He was last seen driving a 2014 Chevy Malibu with Maryland tag No. 5DP3127.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Maryland State Police at 202-510-2847.

(Jan. 29, 2021) Delmarva Birding Weekends is partnering with Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and its harborfront hotel, the Dogfish Inn, to host the 2021 “Winter Delmarva Dogfish BirdINNg Weekend,” Jan. 29-31.

While the celebrated event still boasts its popular seal and birdwatching boat cruises and strolls through some of the most pristine habitats on Delmarva, the Dogfish Inn in Lewes, Delaware, is seeing to it that a warm bed and craft beer are an integral part of the mix this year.

Nestled along the canal in historic downtown Lewes, just a short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf, the Dogfish Inn is the Mother Nature-basecamp for coastal Delaware, providing beer lovers and adventure seekers alike with funfilled opportunities to explore the area’s many splendors.

For Winter Delmarva Dogfish BirdINNg Weekend participants, the Dogfish Inn will offer a special lodging package that includes a custom Dogfish Head X Patagonia beanie, a slew of offcentered swag, and a 10 percent discount at the brewery’s Rehoboth brewpub, Brewings & Eats, and Milton-based Tasting Room & Kitchen.

With covid-19 protocols in place, field trips include forays into Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Henlopen State Park, the inlets at Indian River and Ocean City, Heron Park in Berlin, and Newport Farms.

Small group “Scoters, Seals & Slightly Mightys” boat tours in Lewes aim to dazzle onlookers with incredible opportunities to view sea ducks, as well as Harbor and Gray Seals.

Bird and nature lovers can sign up for a trip or two during the award-winning weekend at www.DelmarvaBirding.com.

Dogfish Head Founder and Brewer, Sam Calagione, said the brewery’s nature-centric mindset made this partnership an easy marriage.

“Mother Nature is at the heart of See DELMARVA Page 22

PAGE 22

JANUARY 29, 2021

Ocean City Today

ALDI plans new store in shopping center off Rt. 50

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Jan. 29, 2021) The grocery store chain ALDI confirmed Monday that it plans to open a store in the Ocean Landings II shopping center off Route 50 near Berlin.

“Through our aggressive national expansion plans, we’re on pace to become the third-largest U.S. grocery retailer by store count by the end of 2022,” said Jeff Baehr, ALDI Frederick Division Vice President. “As a part of this expansion, we are excited to confirm we are planning to open our first ALDI store in Berlin, Maryland, this year.”

Although details about the store are still limited, the new ALDI will be located at 11330 Samuel Bowen Boulevard next to the Dollar Tree, according to Paramount Realty Services, Inc. ALDI is a German grocery store founded by the Albrecht family in 1961. The company opened its first U.S. store in Iowa in 1976.

ALDI now has more than 2,000 stores across 37 states and employs over 25,000 people. www.oceancitytoday.com

Delmarva Birding winter gathering Continued from Page 21 everything we do at Dogfish, because without the natural agricultural ingredients with which we craft our recipes, our beers would not exist, he said.

“That’s why we are continuously seeking new ways to protect and give back to the Earth, especially in our local community.

“In fact, our motto here at the Dogfish Inn is, ‘Welcome to Lewes. Mother Nature, Let’s Do This!,’” he continued.

“In coastal Delaware, we are surrounded by opportunities to explore the great outdoors, and we are lucky enough to have one of the world’s best birding scenes. Through our partnership with Delmarva Birding Weekends, we are hoping to not only encourage folks to get outside and experience the goodness just beyond their doors, but to inspire them to do their part to protect the planet we call home.”

Now in its 26th year, Delmarva Birding Weekend organizers point to local wildlife as the event’s economic engine.

“Folks all over the East Coast are starting to realize how spectacular the winter birding is here on Delmarva,” said Event Organizer Dave Wilson.

“Hailing from all over the East Coast, our guests travel here to pair local outdoor experiences with local food and craft beer. It makes perfect sense to unite with Dogfish to bring it all to-

gether.”

Indeed, Harlequin Ducks, eiders, Purple Sandpipers, falcons and more than 25 species of duck, goose and swan are on full display in the mid-Atlantic for about four months a year.

More than 100 species were tallied in 2020 during the winter weekend, and dozens of seals flaunted their flippers on the Lewes breakwaters.

Guided by fun-loving local birders with decades-long experience on the shore, the walking tours and boat trips accommodate visitors from the curious nature lover to fowl fanatics. Last year, birdwatchers from more than a dozen states flocked to the winter event.

“Delaware is teeming with bird species in winter,” said Southern Delaware Tourism Director Scott Thomas. “And Delmarva is a great place to experience them with the combination of wildlife refuges, local fare, and accommodations like nowhere else.”

Melanie Pursel, the director of Worcester County Tourism concurred.

“We enjoy such an abundance of bird species in the colder months that it just makes sense to market winter birding experiences,” she said.

Much of that fare will be available both Friday and Saturday nights at Irish Eyes in Lewes, when guests can enjoy Dogfish Head beer specials as part of the “tally rally” to count the weekend’s species and relate tales of

the day’s exploits. Mask wearing and social distancing will be the rule at the rally.

Afterwards, those staying at the Dogfish Inn can enjoy the short walk along the harbor back to their off-centered rooms, where the Winter Delmarva Dogfish BirdINNg Weekend perks keep flowing.

The Inn’s Cowboy Cauldron outdoor fire pit is perfect for recounting the day’s events or just counting stars. To book the Inn’s special, Winter Delmarva Dogfish BirdINNg Weekend package, type ‘Delmarva Birding Weekend’ in the special requests section during online booking or call 302644-8292. Field trips and events must be booked separately through Delmarva Birding Weekends.

After the feathers have settled and the birding and imbibing are done, outdoor enthusiasts can start recharging their engines for the next birding extravaganza March 5-7. Details and Dogfish Head deals will be divulged in February.

Other sponsors for the Winter Weekend include Southern Delaware Tourism, Worcester County Tourism, Jolly Roger Amusement Park, and the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays.

Event registration and sponsorship information can be found at www.DelmarvaBirding.com and the www.dogfish.com/inn.

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JANUARY 29, 2021

Ocean City Today

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

JANUARY 29, 2021

Ocean City Today

REAL ESTATE REPORT

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Agricultural use assessment in Md.

Recognition

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (Jan. 29, 2021) The preservation of agricultural land is important to Maryland.

In fact, the Maryland General Assembly declared that “it is in the general public interest of the state to foster and encourage farming activities to maintain a readily available source of food and dairy products, to encourage the preservation of open space as an amenity necessary for human welfare and happiness, and to prevent the forced conversion of open space land to more intensive uses.”

Maryland was the first state in the nation to formally adopt a policy providing for lower assessments on land that is actively devoted to farm or woodland uses.

It is called the “agricultural use assessment” and it is granted to farm

land or woodland that meets the criteria outlined in state law.

In this case, the land is appraised according to its current use and not according to its actual market value, which is in most cases significantly higher.

But, when a property sells, the new buyer must declare if they intend to keep the land with the same use. If their intent is to change the use of the land out of agricultural, then the property is subject to the Agricultural Transfer Tax and Surcharge.

Worcester County’s website identifies property accounts subject to an Agricultural Transfer Tax on its Real Property Data Search site.

Property accounts subject to an Agricultural Transfer Tax will have a Special Tax Recapture area noted as “Agricultural Transfer Tax.” This notation is clearly identified in a red bold format both at the top and bottom of the website’s property screen so that it is not overlooked.

The Agricultural Transfer Tax and

Building Design+Construction magazine ranked Becker Morgan Group as one of the nation’s top engineering/architecture firms in the 2020 “Giants 400 Report.”

The annual report ranks leading architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) firms nationwide, with more than 480 firms participating. Becker Morgan Group ranked 36th amongst Engineering Architecture firms.

W. Ronald Morgan, AIA, president of Becker Morgan Group continues to attribute the firm’s success to its clients and staff.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as a leading firm nationwide amongst our peers,” he said. “We believe this recognition is a testament to the level and quality of service we provide clients. We are grateful for their continued trust and confidence in our exceptional staff.”

Becker Morgan Group provides comprehensive Architecture & Engineering services with offices in Delaware, Maryland and North Carolina. For more information, visit www.beckermorgan.com.

Surcharge are imposed on the value of the land being removed from the agricultural use assessment. The rate of the tax and surcharge are as follows: • Five percent when the land being removed from agricultural use is 20 acres or more.

• Four percent when the land being removed from agricultural use is less than 20 acres in size.

• Three percent when the land being removed from agricultural use is less than 20 acres and contains site improvements such as well and septic.

• An additional 25 percent surcharge is calculated from the Agricultural Transfer Tax amount and added together for the total amount due.

(Note: The Surcharge does not apply to transfers of two acres or less to a child or grandchild of the owner.)

– Lauren Bunting is an Associate Broker with Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty in Ocean City.

Hotel, motel, lodging relief grants available (Jan. 29, 2021) Hotel, motel and other lodging business operators whose operations were disrupted because of the covid-19 pandemic can now apply for some financial relief through the Worcester County Hotel and Lodging Relief Grant Program.

Grants will be awarded on a firstcome, first-served basis, and applications will be accepted until funds have been expended.

“Worcester County has been allocated $6.5 million from the state for hotel and lodging relief to be allocated in two rounds,” said Tourism and Economic Development Director Melanie Pursel. “The allocation was based on room tax contribution in fis-

cal year 2019 as it is proportionate to the entire state’s contribution. The individual allocations in first round will vary based on the number of applicants … The second round will be based on the number of rooms.”

The terms and conditions of the program are established by the state and Worcester County.

The money awarded may be used to help lodging industry operators with payroll and rent, the purchase of personal protective equipment, sanitation services, or other covid-19-related costs.

“The intent of these funds is to give businesses much needed relief and continue to employ hundreds of people in our region as we move toward

recovery,” Pursell said.

General Terms, Conditions and Eligibility: • For-profit accommodations providers that are subject to the Maryland sales and use tax and Worcester accommodations (room) tax • Established prior to March 9, 2020 • Must be in good standing with Worcester County, the municipality in which the establishment is located and the State of Maryland and have a Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation ID Number • Have at least 10 sleeping rooms (B&B’s must have at least five sleeping rooms)

• Demonstrate a reduction in yearover-year gross revenue of at least 25 percent for the period of April 2020 to November 2020 compared to the gross revenue for the period of April 2019 to November 2019.

To learn more about this grant opportunity or to apply, visit www.choosemarylandscoast.org.

Applicants should thoroughly review eligibility requirements and the Frequently Asked Questions prior to applying. Submitting an incomplete or inaccurate application may render an applicant ineligible for program funding.

For additional information, contact Worcester County Economic Development at 410-632-3112.

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Commentary

Ocean City Today Jan. 29, 2021

Page 25

BJ’s closing ends chapter for many BJ’s on the Water — the long metal and wooden bar and the familiar faces of people lined up along it, stationed as they were on what sometimes seemed to be assigned seating. The football crowds on Sundays, the Maryland basketball fans standing shoulder-to-shoulder in March and screaming at the televisions, the opportunity to peruse the newspaper sports pages tacked up on the men’s room wall and appearances on the small bar stage by the beloved house band, Teenage Rust.

The daily duck feedings, the artwork next to the wall telephone that declared salespeople would be shot on a rotating basis, the caricatures of long-time patrons and friends displayed near the entrance, the beer-soaked canoe races in July, the many, many fundraisers and free popcorn.

City government department heads, elected officials, attorneys, Realtors, businesspeople filing in for lunch, the long table of recent years where members of the highly informal Dead Chicken Club met on Thursdays for rotisserie chicken and other specials, the roasted red pepper soup of the day.

Frequent visitors from elsewhere the staff knew, and frequent visitors from elsewhere whom the staff pretended to know.

Seafood skins, steaks, fish, old-time rock ‘n’ roll and always open. Still the same.

Except that it won’t be anymore.

Billy and Maddy Carder, after 41 years of presiding over one of Ocean City’s landmark restaurants and bars, are moving on and the building at the end of 75th Street on the water will pass into different hands. Eventually, it will be replaced by a new, well-appointed creation by the Ropewalk restaurant group, whose other area restaurants have experienced great success. Odds are the group will experience the same thing at 75th Street.

But for long-time residents, patrons and friends, the page is turning on an extended chapter of their personal histories.

We thank the Carders for their hospitality, for the privilege of their company and for the many good deeds they have done for the community. We wish them well, as time moves on for them and all of Ocean City. It’s a new day now, and it won’t be the same.

Ocean City Today P.O. Box 3500, Ocean City, Md. 21843 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson MANAGING EDITOR ................................ Lisa Capitelli STAFF WRITERS ..............Greg Ellison, Elizabeth Bonin, ............................................Ally Lanasa, Neely James ASSISTANT PUBLISHER .......................... Elaine Brady ACCOUNT MANAGERS.......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTIST .................................... Kelly Brown PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts Ocean City Today is published weekly by FLAG Publications, Inc. at 8200 Coastal Highway, 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 2021

PUBLIC EYE

These bulletins just in

By Stewart Dobson Editor/Publisher With so much to report this week, I have no choice but to offer a long summary of some of the more noteworthy events.

First, this bulletin: former Ocean City Police Chief Bernadette DiPino, who I believe liked me about as much as a case of hives, has resigned as the chief of police for the City of Sarasota, Florida.

According to reports, it could have had something to By do with her alleged comment Stewart about wanting to fire a Taser Dobson at a babbling homeless guy to shut him up. Someone thought that was insensitive and filed a complaint. A stunning development, to be sure.

• House Bill 32 in the General Assembly this session calls for the legalization of marijuana for recreational use, and to invest the tax revenue collected from legalized marijuana in the state’s four historically Black colleges and universities, including the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, as well as communities impacted by the “war on drugs.”

Actually, I’m all for legalizing and taxing marijuana for recreational use. As far as recreation is concerned, it’s cheaper than golf, would convert slow-pitch softball into sloooowwww-pitch softball, and make not catching fish a lot more fun by adding a whole new meaning to the term, “drift fishing.”

• In other news, MASN, the television home of the Baltimore Orioles, will not be bringing Gary Thorne back to the broadcast

booth this season. No reason was given, except possibly that he was more popular than many of the players, because we knew his name.

As for the players, with a couple of exceptions, insiders say their names were drawn in a 50-50 raffle that also supplemented players’ paychecks by allowing them to keep half the proceeds.

Of all the old broadcast crew, only Hall of Famer Jim Palmer gets to stay, and the reason for that is they’re afraid if he leaves the booth he’ll turn into ashes before our eyes, since he’s really 239 years old, but looks 42 because of the monkey gland extract clause in his contract. It’s true. I saw it on the Internet.

• More baseball. You do realize that baseball is one of the few things these days that involves grown men carrying big sticks that isn’t threatening some part of society or the other.

Even if it did, we could still take comfort in knowing that if a group of baseball players were to confront any of us and start swinging, there’s a 77 percent chance they wouldn’t get a hit.

• Meanwhile, all-time home run leader Barry Bonds, got a good whacking from Hall of Fame voters recently when they denied him entry into the shrine because of suspicions that he was aided by performance-enhancing substances.

I can understand how he might be enticed to do such a thing, considering how many emails I receive each week about how I could improve my performance.

On the other hand, I’m not sure if a product guaranteed to help me “Become the Ringmaster in the Circus of Love” would do much for anyone at the plate.

Ocean City Today

PAGE 26

Letters to the editor Artrip family appreciates AGH staff compassion Editor, Thank you to Atlantic General Hospital for all their dedication and compassion that they showed our grandfather, Harold Artrip who tragically passed away on Jan. 3.

We specifically want to thank all the nurses and doctors on the 2-North floor for their immediate diagnosis and kindness. You will always be remembered for all that you did for our Pops.

With Love, The Artrip Family Northeast, Maryland

Gisriel takes issue with OC Public Works expansion

Editor, After months of trying to obtain answers to costs involved in the massive construction project at Ocean City’s Public Works complex known as the “Campus Plan,” I am now making progress.

While not all of my questions have been answered, I have a better understanding of this very complicated undertaking.

First, I want to thank our city manager, Doug Miller, for inviting me to City Hall to meet with him along with key department directors to obtain answers to my questions.

In December, I met with Doug, Jennie Knapp, director of budget & management, Hal Adkins, public works director, and Chuck Bireley, finance director. I also want to thank Jennie, Hal and Chuck for their help in providing answers.

They were helpful at the meeting and with follow-up inquiries. I appreciate their time and assistance.

Early on I knew that the campus plan was a complex financial project involving many millions of dollars.

Initially, we were told that it would cost $25 million with the town paying $11 million from a bond sale and the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants paying $14 million. When one delves deeper into the project, they will find that it is much more costly.

Initial Needs Assessment studies, Design and Engineering cost the town over $1.75 million, and the MTA funded an additional $1.75 million.

Construction and construction management oversight cost the town

JANUARY 29, 2021

nearly $11.1 million, and the MTA funded an additional $18.5 million.

Land at 64th Street, originally purchased for wastewater treatment plant expansion, but now developed as a ground level parking lot as part of the campus plan, along with early land improvements and interest paid on the 2010 bond to fund the acquisition cost the town nearly $2.28 million.

Interest over the next several years on the 2018 bond to fund the campus plan construction is over $4.9 million.

These totals will cost the town over $20 million.

The MTA has funded a total of $20.3 million. Thanks to a bond premium of almost $950,000, which is cash applied to the construction, along with almost $376,000 in interest on bond proceeds, the town is able to reduce their costs by over $1.32 million.

With this reduction, the cost to the town drops to $18.7 million.

What was presented as a $25 million project will now cost at least $39 million .

However, that is not all. There is already consideration to revisit the construction of an employee parking garage and helipad which was initially scrapped due to exorbitant bids.

If the mayor and City Council proceed, it is to be built on the groundlevel parking lot on the land acquired with the 2010 bond.

That alone could cost $8 to $10 million based on earlier estimates and actual bids. If MTA shares part of the

financing as previously planned, it could cost the town $4 to $5 million in additional funds.

I have recently learned that in 2016, the town stated plans to swap a portion of the 64th Street land purchased in 2010 with land under the existing Public Works administration building.

That swap would allow for future wastewater treatment plant expansion to be built where the admin building sits, thus allowing the 64th Street land to be used for the campus plan.

This will require the demolition of the admin building which was built in 2002. No one at the meeting could tell me the estimated added cost of the demolition of that building.

To facilitate the replacement of the admin building, an unfinished area or shell has been built on the second floor of the new purchasing building.

It is to be finished to house the future administrative offices after the demolition of the existing building, if and when the wastewater treatment plant is expanded. No timeline has been provided; but more important, I have no idea of what the added cost is to complete the unfinished office space.

To date, no one has provided any cost estimate on the eventual relocation of the impound lot which is earmarked to be relocated somewhere other than the campus plan complex.

This could involve land acquisition Continued on Page 27

everyday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Dine in, pickup, carryout and delivery.

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ 6701 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-664-5639, www.longboardcafe.net $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Classic and creative American dishes and cocktails are showcased in a festive, surf-themed setting with weekly specials.

Featuring burgers, tacos, prime rib, seafood and more.

Closed on Tuesday. Dine-in and curbside pick-up.

■ MARLIN MOON Located in the Double Tree Hotel, 3301 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City 410-289-1201, www.marlinmoonocmd.com $$ Open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.to 10 p.m. Restaurant and bar with fresh seafood, small plates, desserts and cock-

tails.

■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open Thursday and Friday, 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. with Island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.

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

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside The Courtyard by Marriott 410-289-7192, www. captainstableoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Breakfast and lunch served Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to noon and dinner and lite fare served Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring seafood, steaks and poultry. Daily chef specials.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM Located in The Hilton,32nd Street, Ocean City 410-2892525, www.32palm.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open daily, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bar and lounge. Western Caribbean cuisine with a mix of traditional Eastern Shore favorites.

■ THE DOUGH ROLLER 41st Street and Coastal Highway 410-524-9254; 70th Street and Coastal Highway 410-524-7981, www.TheDoughRoller.com An Ocean City family tradition since 1980. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

From our buttermilk pancakes, fresh handmade dough pizza, and Italian dinners, we have something for everyone!

■ JOHNNY’S PIZZA PUB 56th Street, Ocean City 410723-5600, www.johnnyspizzapub.com $ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring homemade pizzas, 18 gourmet pizzas, a variety of calzones, subs, burgers, sandwiches and jumbo wings with 20 different sauces. Open

OCEAN PINES ■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar With sweeping views of the 18th hole, the new Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items. Full bar. Open Thursday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting.

JANUARY 29, 2021

Ocean City Today

PAGE 27

WORLD WAR II

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Italian forces battle in East Africa

Continued from Page 26 costs, as well as construction costs.

By the time the campus plan is finally completed, the combined costs to the town and the MTA/FTA could potentially exceed $50 million, quite a bit higher than the stated cost of $25 million.

During the meeting, I had many questions. However, one question was posed to me, which was essentially, what was I trying to accomplish by my pursuit of this inquiry.

My answer then, now and has always been that I am concerned about the town’s excessive overspending and debt. I am also concerned about the excessive overspending and debt at all government levels, especially at the federal level.

Likewise, I am concerned for our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and generations yet to come.

Vincent dePaul Gisriel Jr. Ocean City

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer (Jan. 29, 2021) This week, 80 years ago, Commonwealth forces began assaulting Italian defenses at Keren, in Eritrea.

Although today, Keren, with a population of about 90,000, is the second largest city in the country, and the capital of Anseba Province, then it was a small town located 4,300 feet above sea level. Eritrea was then a part of Italian East Africa.

In addition to Eritrea, Italian East Africa included the Italian colonies of Italian Somaliland, acquired by the Kingdom of Italy in the late 19th century. To that had been added Ethiopia, which had been acquired when it was conquered in 1936, and the latest addition of British Somaliland, which was conquered in 1940.

The entire colony comprised 666,000 square miles and was inhabited by 12 million people. The governorgeneral was Amedeo di Savoia, Duke of Aosta and a cousin of the Italian King, Victor Emmanuel III. He was highly regarded, by friend and foe alike, as a gentleman and a man of honor.

The total number of troops at the outbreak of war was 255,950, of which at least 182,000 were “colonials.” The

capital of Africa Orientale Italiana, with the conquest of Ethiopia, was now Adis Ababa.

Having been a colony the longest, Eritrea had the highest concentration of Italians — nearly 100,000. So many lived in the Eritrean capital of Asmara — more than half its population of 100,000 — that it was nicknamed Piccola Roma, “Little Rome!”

By the time war came, one-third of the 90,000 residents of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, were Italian. They constituted about half of the Italian population of Somalia.

The problems for the Italians in East Africa were that the colony was surrounded by British territories and isolated from the homeland by the Royal Navy.

Italian Forces from Eritrea crossed the border with Sudan in July, and captured the railway junction of Kassala, which is the capital of the Sudanese state of the same name. Currently there is no railroad, but it has a population in excess of 400,000.

This was the second time the Italians had captured the city, having captured it in 1894. The British fort at Gallabat and the Villages of Ghezzan, Kurmuk and Dumbode, on the Blue Nile, were also captured.

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The next month, Italian Forces invaded British Somaliland and forced the Commonwealth Forces to evacuate.

They would have invaded French Somaliland, now known as Djibouti, as well, had not France executed an armistice on June 24, 1940 with the Italian Kingdom.

The assault on the Italian stronghold of Keren in Eritrea, began on Feb. 1, 1941. Keren was the key to the Eritrean capital of Asmara and its biggest and best Red Sea port, Massawa.

In Massawa the Italians had created the largest and safest port on the east coast of Africa, which was home to the Regia Marina’s Red Sea Flotilla, that included six destroyers and seven submarines.

The loss of either Asmara or Massawa would cause the fall of AOI. If the Italians could hold Keren, the Allies might be prevented from going further.

The Commonwealth forces, commanded by Lt. Gen.William Platt, included the 4th (which included a highly decorated Sikh regiment) and 5th Indian Divisions, commanded by, respectively, Maj. Gens. Sir Noel Beresford-Peirse and Lewis Heath.

Later, the 13th French Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade, commanded by Col. Ralph Monclar was added.

Lt. Gen. Nicolangelo Carnimeo’s de-

fenders included the remnants of the 2nd and 4th Eritrian Divisions, two regiments of Savoia Grenadiers, an Alpini battalion, and three battalions of the elite Bersaglieri, all totaling 8,500 soldiers, half of whom were Italians.

Middle East Commander, Gen. Archibald Wavell told Prime Minister Churchill that, “Keren is proving itself a tough nut to crack.

Continued on Page 28

PAGE 28

Ocean City Today

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

WORLD WAR II

Pavlova accompanied with whipped cream, fresh fruit

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Jan. 29, 2021) Art is a highly diverse range of human skills that are engaged in creating visual or auditory artworks that express one’s imaginative and technical skills.

A work of art is intended to be revered for its beauty and emotional power, and must evoke one’s senses to a degree of amazement and irresistible wonderment.

Cooking also falls under this classification. Food is carefully presented on a canvas by way of a plate and is embellished according to height, color and texture.

The end result is a piece de resistance that incorporates unbelievable flavors, a reflection of one’s heritage, and professional skills that are brought together by way of seasonal ingredients.

Winter is here and a gorgeous, snow white pavlova accompanied with whipped cream, fresh fruit and a decadent sauce can be a simple but stunning dessert.

If you are not familiar with pavlova, allow me to share the enchanting story behind this international dessert.

The bragging rights for pavlova (paa-vlow-vuh) are unclear. But the name and recipe began appearing soon after Russia prima ballerina, Anna Matveyevna Pavlova, toured Australia and New Zealand during the years of 1926 through 1929.

According to What’s Cooking America, Pavlova was considered the greatest ballerina of her time and her visit to New Zealand has been described as the most anticipated event of 1926.

Her devoted fans described her dancing style as one who glides across the stage as if she had wings. One can presume the light whipped egg whites and whipped cream of this famous

dessert was created in likeness of the celebrated ballerina.

Australia and New Zealand have long been at odds over which country invented the antipodean dish. An article titled, “The Pavlova: New Zealand or Australian Dessert,” gives a detailed account on why the bragging rights are not so clear cut.

The article maintains that the dessert we know today can be traced back to 1926, when the cookbook, “Home Cookery for New Zealand,” included a recipe for Meringue with Fruit Filling. However, the name, “Pavlova” is not mentioned but the recipe is very similar.

One year later, the sixth edition of “Davis Dainty Dishes” is published in New Zealand, which included the first known recorded recipe using the name “Pavlova,” but the recipe included a gelatin as opposed to a meringue-base dish.

Professor Helen Leach, a culinary anthropologist at the University of Otago in New Zealand, said the earliest recipe that uses traditional pavlova ingredients was published in 1929 in a magazine titled, New Zealand Rural Magazine.

So, one might be asking where does Australia come into the picture?

Anna Pavlova stayed at the Hotel Esplanade in Perth, Western Australia in 1929.

According to the Paxton family legend, Chef Herbert Sachse of the Hotel Esplanade found a recipe for Meringue Cake, and sought to improve it. The resulting recipe was called “Pavlova.”

The sweet offering became quite popular at the Hotel Esplanade and pivoted Chef Sachse to national acclaim.

In summation, most culinary experts believe New Zealand first developed the recipe, for a meringue cake which was sometimes called pavlova.

But it was not until Chef Sachse creSee SEASONAL Page 29

Continued from Page 27 The enemy is ferociously and repeatedly counterattacking us, and even if its losses have been exceedingly heavy, there’s no immediate sign of yielding.”

Not until March 27, was it finally captured.

The Commonwealth Forces sustained 4,000 casualties, of which 536 were killed, while the Italians sustained more than 3,000 dead. The survivors of Keren retreated to Adi Tekelezan, which today has a population of 4,000.

It was surrendered on April 1, 1941.

In his book, “Eastern Epic,” Scottish author Compton Mackenzie observed that, “Keren was as hard a soldier’s battle as was ever fought, and let it be said that nowhere in the war did the Germans fight more stubbornly than those Savoia Battalions, Alpini, Bersaglieri and Grenadiers.

“In [the first] five days fight, the Italians suffered nearly five thousand casualties —1,135 of them killed. [Orlando Lorenzini] the gallant, young Italian general, had his head blown off by one of the British guns. He had been a great leader of Eritrean troops.

The unfortunate license of wartime propaganda allowed the British Press to represent the Italians almost as comic warriors; but except for the German Parachute Division in Italy and the Japanese in Burma, no enemy with whom the British and Indian Troops were matched put up a finer fight than those Savoia Battalions at Keren.

“Moreover, the Colonial Troops, until they cracked at the very end, fought with valor and resolution, and their staunchness was a testimony to the excellence of the Italian Administration and military training in Eritrea.”

The big difference, in this battle, and for all of East Africa, was air power. The Italians had none, although they had some at one time.

Because of the Royal Navy’s command of the sea, they were unable to import spare parts and replacements.

Asmara was captured by Commonwealth forces led by Gen. Platt on April 1.

With the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden cleared of Axis forces, President Roosevelt was able to declare them no longer combat zones, allowing American merchant ships to sail in those areas, and therefor provide much relief to the British merchant fleet and speed the flow of arms and materiel through the Red Sea and Suez Canal to Commonwealth forces in North Africa.

Although, ultimately an Italian defeat, the defenders of Keren are celebrated as heroes, because they held for so long.

Next week: Beda Fomm Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at: wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.

JANUARY 29, 2021

HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, it is not often that you feel compelled to be a people-pleaser, but you’ve been a lot more cautious about what you say or post online lately.

That can be a good thing.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, certain things aren’t adding up and someone close to you is being rather evasive. You may want to do some investigative work and get to the bottom of the situation.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, even though you detest drama, unless you are careful this week you could put yourself right in the middle of some. Watch your words and actions carefully.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 You are known for adding your personal touch to everything, Cancer.

Just don’t push this so far as to have the final word on everything; otherwise, you could ruffle feathers.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you’re often focused on the bigger picture but don’t consider the small details. When financial issues become a concern, you have to learn to scrutinize data.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 You can’t resist helping other people who are close to you, Virgo. However, this week is a time when the roles are reversed. Don’t hesitate to accept help.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, you are normally upbeat and passive. However, you may have to be a little more forceful if you want to get your point across and be heard in the days ahead.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 You don’t mind defending your opinions or your ideals, Scorpio. In fact, you are highly skilled at constructive conversation. Your negotiation tactics may be put to the test.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, it is not your job to solve a group issue on your own. This needs to be a democratic process with all opinions included in the discussion.

You may act as moderator.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Is there something going on in your life right now that could benefit from a little more investigation, Capricorn?

Personal problems may involve delving a little deeper.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, it seems that for each step you take forward, you move two or three steps back. Break this cycle and develop a contingency plan so you don’t miss a beat.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 The distance between you and someone you love keeps widening, Pisces.

Take the time to mend this fence.

JANUARY 29, 2021

PAGE 29

Ocean City Today

OBITUARIES

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

DIANE SMITH BAYLESS Ocean View Diane Smith Bayless, age 74, of Ocean View, Delaware, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 9, 2021.

She is survived by Vicki Szimanski Forster, Joell Sanders Bacchieri, Prudence Sanders Downes and her husband, John Michael (Mickey) Downes.

Diane Bayless She is preceded in death by Robert Craig, Mildred Tauber Smith and Ellsworth Smith, and her doting husband, Thomas Hunt Bayless.

For 31 years she worked for Coldwell Banker Rentals and retired in 2017.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, William and Sarah Szimanski and Leo and Max Bacchieri, as well as her beloved animals.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made in Diane Smith Bayless’ name to: Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Inc., 100 W. 10th Street, Suite 209, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.

Online condolences can be made by visiting www.melsonfuneralservies.com.

Services will be private.

Seasonal cuisine with artistic flair

SUSAN WITHERS MONIGLE Ocean Pines Susan Withers Monigle, age 87, died Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021.

Born in Washington D.C., she was the daughter of the late Paul Gresham Withers and Georgia Carney Withers.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur Thomas Monigle; Susan Monigle grandson, Robert Hall Ballard III; and two brothers, Paul George and Eugene Floyd Withers.

She is survived by her family, daughter, Linda Monigle Guerrieri and her husband, Michael, of Ocean City; and her daughter, Susan Monigle Villanova and her husband, Vic, of Harvey, Louisiana.

Also surviving are her two grandsons, Patrick Arthur Ballard (and his wife, Melissa) and Michael Shaw Guerrieri, Jr., who she loved dearly and brought her much joy.

She leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Susan attended McKinley High School and treasured her friends and sorority sisters there throughout her life.

She attended the University of Maryland and was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. It was there that she met her husband, Art. They both enjoyed the Terrapin Club and became lifetime members of The University of Maryland Alumni Association.

Church was always an important part of Susan’s life. If she wasn’t in town she “visited” churches where ever she went.

She had been a member of St. Peter’s Continued on Page 30

Continued from Page 27 ated his pavlova recipe that the name became famous and widely known around the world.

Pavlova can be served plain or with a sauce. A ruby red raspberry sauce will add decadence and boost the flavor profile. This step is optional but for those who prefer a sweet topping, the recipe follows.

Place 3/4 pint of fresh raspberries, ½ cup of sugar and ¼ cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 4 minutes.

Combine the cooked raspberries and one cup of seedless raspberry jam into a blender. Puree until smooth.

Strain mixture through a sieve and set aside until ready to serve.

Variation embellishes the chances for spontaneity and the pursuit of distinction.

The crusty exterior of the meringue cake is a wonderful contrast to the soft, marshmallow-like interior. Fresh whipped cream and seasonal fruit adds lightness which makes this dessert a great option year-round.

Edible gold dust makes this majestic dessert fitting for any occasion.

Enjoy!

Meringue

4 extra-large egg whites, room temperature pinch of table salt 1 cup sugar 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees.

2. Pavlova can be served as a cake or individual portions.

Place a sheet of parchment paper on a sheet pan. Draw either a 9-inch or 4 (4-inch) circles on the paper. Use a pie pan or ramekins as a guide. Turn the paper over so the ink does not get on the meringue.

3. Beat the egg whites in a glass or metal bowl with a hand-held mixer for two minutes. Gradually add sugar and beat for another two minutes. Add salt, cornstarch, and vanilla, and beat until stiff.

4. Carefully place the egg white mixture in the middle of the large circle or smaller circles. Create a crater in the center (for the whipped cream and fruit). This is going to be the vessel for the dessert, so take your time with the beautification.

5. Bake for 1 ½ hours. Turn off the oven, keep the door closed, and allow the meringue to cool completely in the oven. Do not open the oven door until the timer goes off. The exterior will be

crispy and the interior will be soft.

Whipped Cream 1 cup cold heavy cream 1 ½ tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1. Using a hand-held mixer, whip the cream in a chilled glass or metal bowl. The beaters should also be chilled. When it starts to thicken, add the sugar and vanilla. Beat the cream until it becomes firm.

Filling 2 cups assorted fresh fruit fresh mint as a garnish powdered sugar as a garnish edible gold as a garnish Presentation 1. Place the meringue disk on a serving plate. Pipe whipping cream into the crater of the disk. This adds flavor and will act as a glue.

Artfully arrange assorted fruit on the whipped cream and center of the meringue disk. Serve with a side of raspberry sauce (optional) and garnish with fresh mint, powdered sugar, or gold dust.

Secret Ingredient – Art. “The principles of true art are not to portray, but to evoke.”

– Jerzy Kosinski

PAGE 30

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 29, 2021

OBITUARIES Continued from Page 29 Episcopal Church in Salisbury, Maryland, and became a member of St. Paul’s bythe-Sea Episcopal Church in Ocean City, in 1985. She served on the Alter Guild and was involved in many church activities.

Susan had many dear friends on the Eastern Shore and enjoyed their friendships. She lived her whole life secure in the knowledge and love of God and her family. She was a much beloved wife, mother and grandmother.

Interment will be in the St. Paul’s bythe-Sea columbarium. A service to celebrate Susan’s life will be determined in the future.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in her memory may be made to: St. Paul’s-bythe-Sea Episcopal Church, 302 N. Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

BARRY L. HARBOLD Ocean City Barry L. Harbold, age 74, of Ocean City, Maryland, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021.

He was born March 1, 1946 in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, to Dorothy E. and Emory C. Harbold.

He graduated from Northern High School, Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, class of 1964.

Barry served in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.

He lived to serve the Barry Harbold Lord, a member for many years of Calvery United Methodist Church, Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, and a current member of St. Matthews By-the-Sea, Fenwick Island, Delaware.

He is the former co-owner of Harbold Ford, Dillsburg, and purchasing agent for Conestoga Tile, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

He is a former member of the Dillsburg Lions Club and a volunteer with the Monaghan Fire Company, Dillsburg.

He loved the mountains and enjoyed shooting sporting clays. He also got great pleasure working with wood and helping friends with projects.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie L.; a son, David L. Harbold (Sara); and a brother, Lynn E. Harbold (Sandy); two grandsons, Mitchell C. Harbold and Tyler G. Harbold; one stepdaughter, Kimberly L. Wood (Mike); two stepsons, Donald W. Hostetler (Christine) and Brian E. Hostetler; five stepgrandchldren, Michael J. Wood (Megan), Lyndsey M. Baim (Trevor), Alison P. Wood, Derek W. Hostetler and Brendon K. Hostetler; two stepgreat-grandsons, Waylon and Weston Baim; and a third, Cade M. Wood due in February; and a niece and nephew.

Barry was predeceased by a wife, Donna J., and a son, Richard A. Memorial contributions can be made to Coastal Hospice at the Ocean, Stansell House, Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811 or St. Matthews By-the-Sea, Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, Delaware 19944.

DOROTHY VANDER CLUTE Ocean Pines Dorothy (Dottie) Vander Clute, age 90, died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021.

Born in Rockville Center, New York, Dottie was the daughter of the late Vincent and Jo (Howell) Roith.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 40 years, Richard Vander Clute, in 1993.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted son, Bruce VanD. Vander Clute der Clute, and daughter-in-law, Elaine, of Ocean Pines, Maryland, and her four loving grandchildren, Jeanne Vander Clute, Elizabeth Wist (and husband, Marc), and Lauren and Lee Carlson.

She was blessed with two greatgrandchildren, Cullen and Quaid Wist.

Dottie was preceded in death by her cherished daughter, Dawn Carlson, and is survived by her son-in-law, Jeff Carlson of Mattituck, New York.

She leaves behind her dear brother, Vinny Roith of Aurora, Colorado, and several nieces and nephews.

Dottie was also preceded in death by her second husband, Dick Greenaway, and a long-time companion, Tom Scott.

Dottie was active in the Ocean Pines community for more than 30 years. She played tennis, golf and pickleball and loved gardening, knitting and traveling.

She was a member of the Worcester County Garden Club, the Assateague Questers, the Red Hat Society, and the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO).

Perhaps most of all, Dottie enjoyed spending time and sharing a glass of wine with family and her many dear friends.

A private graveside service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home. Donations may be made in Dottie’s name to the Worcester County Garden Club, the Assateague Questers, or the local chapter of the PEO. More information and condolences may be sent on www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

NANCY RUTH BESER Ocean City On Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, Nancy R. Beser, of Ocean City, Maryland, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away at the age of 90.

Lovingly known as GG, Nancy was born on Jan. 28, 1930 in Lexington, Kentucky, to George and Virginia Mitchell.

She married Myron Nancy Beser Beser in 1949 and moved to Maryland soon after. They raised two sons, Kenneth and Michael Beser.

Nancy retired from Bell Atlantic/Veri-

zon after many years of service and lived in Ocean City, Maryland, for over 60 years.

Nancy was passionate about her family, friends, dogs, church and volunteering in her community. She is known for her kind heart, infections smile and fierce independence.

Nancy was proceeded in death by her parents, George and Virginia; stepfather, Abraham Lincoln Stratton; husband, Myron; and son, Michael.

She is survived by son, Kenneth (Shirlee); grandsons, Todd (Elizabeth) and Nicholas; great-grandchildren, Michael, Maxwell, Siena and Luca, and several sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews

and friends.

Funeral services will be held at the Fenwick Island Baptist Church at a later date to be announced by the family.

In lieu of flowers donations may be in Nancy’s name to: Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box 48 Berlin, Maryland 21811; Atlantic General Hospital, 10320 Old Ocean City Blvd. Berlin, Maryland 21811, Phone: 410-641-9671; or The Fenwick Island Baptist Church, 36806 Lighthouse Rd, Selbyville, Delaware 19975.

Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

CROSSWORD

Answers on page 8

JANUARY 29, 2021

PAGE 31

Ocean City Today

Calendar Fri., Jan. 29 WINTER DELMARVA DOGFISH BIRDINNG WEEKEND

While the Delmarva Birding Weekend, Jan. 29-31, will still boasts its seal and birdwatching boat cruises and strolls, the Dogfish INN will offer a special lodging package that includes a custom Dogfish Head X Patagonia beanie, a slew of offcentered swag, and a 10 percent discount at the brewery’s Rehoboth brewpub, Brewings & Eats and Milton-based Tasting Room & Kitchen. To book the INN’s special, type Delmarva Birding Weekend in the special requests section during online booking (www.dogfish.com/inn) or call 302-644-8292. Bird and nature lovers can sign up for boat trips and outings at www.DelmarvaBirding.com.

ADULT CRAFT NIGHT: PAPER COLLAGE

Meeting via Zoom, 6:30 PM. Create a landscape picture out of torn pieces of paper gathered from around the house (colored sheets, magazines, cards, old calendars, etc.). Tips and instructions will be emailed in advance to registrants. Register: worcesterlibrary.org under events.

Sat., Jan. 30 WINTER DELMARVA DOGFISH BIRDINNG WEEKEND

While the Delmarva Birding Weekend, Jan. 29-31, will still boasts its seal and birdwatching boat cruises and strolls, the Dogfish INN will offer a special lodging package that includes a custom Dogfish Head X Patagonia beanie, a slew of offcentered swag, and a 10 percent discount at the brewery’s Rehoboth brewpub, Brewings & Eats and Milton-based Tasting Room & Kitchen. To book the INN’s special, type Delmarva Birding Weekend in the special requests section during online booking (www.dogfish.com/inn) or call 302-644-8292. Bird and nature lovers can sign up for boat trips and outings at www.DelmarvaBirding.com.

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST

Whaleyville United Methodist Church, 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road, 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages will be served. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children. Masks are required to enter.

Carry-out also available.

must call ahead: 410-632-2144. Allen Swiger, aswiger@marylandscoast.org, 410-632-2144, Ext. 2520

FAITH-BASED PARTNERSHIP FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods.

Open to the public.

Sun., Jan. 31 WINTER DELMARVA DOGFISH BIRDINNG WEEKEND

While the Delmarva Birding Weekend, Jan. 29-31, will still boasts its seal and birdwatching boat cruises and strolls, the Dogfish INN will offer a special lodging package that includes a custom Dogfish Head X Patagonia beanie, a slew of offcentered swag, and a 10 percent discount at the brewery’s Rehoboth brewpub, Brewings & Eats and Milton-based Tasting Room & Kitchen. To book the INN’s special, type Delmarva Birding Weekend in the special requests section during online booking (www.dogfish.com/inn) or call 302-644-8292. Bird and nature lovers can sign up for boat trips and outings at www.DelmarvaBirding.com.

OPEN SKATE

Worcester County Recreation Center, 6030 Public Landing Road, 12:00 PM 7:00 PM. Cost is $2 per person for all skaters and skate observers. Price includes skate rental, 45 minutes of skate time and reserves your time slot. Time slots available each hour on the hour and are limited to 15 people. Participants must call ahead: 410-632-2144. Allen Swiger, aswiger@marylandscoast.org, 410-632-2144, Ext. 2520

Mon., Feb. 1 STORY TIME - COOKIES

Held via Facebook, 10:30 AM. Miss Susan shares stories, rhymes and finger plays about cookies. For 2-5 year old children. No registration required. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY MEETING

Meeting via conference call, 6:00 PM 6:30 PM. Dial 605-472-5789, wait for voice command, then press 944874.

TOPS is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and healthy lifestyle. Berlin group No. 169.

Rose Campion, 410-641-0157

OPEN SKATE

Worcester County Recreation Center, 6030 Public Landing Road, 12:00 PM 7:00 PM. Cost is $2 per person for all skaters and skate observers. Price includes skate rental, 45 minutes of skate time and reserves your time slot. Time slots available each hour on the hour and are limited to 15 people. Participants

Tues., Feb. 2

AGH DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP

Meeting via conference call, 6:00 PM 7:00 PM. Dial 978-990-5451, wait for voice command, then press 3753651. Open to the public and meets the first Monday of each month. Discussion and education related to diabetes is provided. AGH Diabetes Outpatient Education, 410-208-9761

Meeting via video call, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Join the Faith Partnership: A cooperative effort for local Worship Centers and Atlantic General Hospital & Health System to increase health awareness, education and healthy living incentives.

Gail Mansell, gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org, 410-641-9725

MIDDLE SCHOOL ZOOM BOOK CLUB

Meeting via Zoom, 11:00 AM. Join in the discussion of the book The Volume of Possible Endings by Barbara Else. For 12-14 year olds. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under events.

OPEN SKATE

Worcester County Recreation Center, 6030 Public Landing Road, 12:00 PM 7:00 PM. Cost is $2 per person for all skaters and skate observers. Price includes skate rental, 45 minutes of skate time and reserves your time slot. Time slots available each hour on the hour and are limited to 15 people. Participants must call ahead: 410-632-2144. Allen Swiger, aswiger@marylandscoast.org, 410-632-2144, Ext. 2520

VIRTUAL MARYLAND BASIC BOATING SAFETY COURSE

The course takes place over three evenings, Feb. 2, 3 and 4, from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. The Maryland Safe Boating Certificate is required for all boat operators born after July 1, 1972 and is awarded after successful completion of the course. Cost is $20. Register: Barry Cohen, 410-935-4807 or CGAUXOC@gmail.com.

THE DARK ALCHEMY OF THE THREE FIFTHS CLAUSE Meeting via Zoom, 7:00 PM. Dr. Richard Bell will discuss the Three Fifths Clause, an article of the Constitution that allowed a person who was not free to be counted as 3/5 of a human being for the purpose of voting. Register: worcesterlibrary.org under events.

Wed., Feb. 3 AGH DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP

Meeting via conference call, 7:00 PM 8:00 PM. Dial 978-990-5451, wait for voice command, then press 3753651.

Open to the public and meets the first Wednesday of each month. Discussion and education related to diabetes is provided. AGH Diabetes Outpatient Education, 410-208-9761

THE HISTORY OF BLUES IN AMERICA

Meeting via Zoom, 7:00 PM. Acclaimed guitarist and music historian Joey Leone covers the history, influence and social impact of American blues music through

songs, stories and historical facts. Register: worcesterlibrary.org.

Thurs., Feb. 4 CPAP MASK FITTING

Atlantic General Hospital Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive. Free mask fitting clinic for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. By appointment only: Robin Rohlfing, 410-6419726.

MERRY MAKERS-KEYCHAIN TO YOUR HEART!

Meeting via Zoom, 10:30 AM. Join this adult craft group as they use new and recycled materials to create a unique keychain for this month’s project. Fifteen kits available for program participants by calling 410-208-4014. Register: worcesterlibrary.org under events.

OPEN SKATE

Worcester County Recreation Center, 6030 Public Landing Road, 12:00 PM 7:00 PM. Cost is $2 per person for all skaters and skate observers. Price includes skate rental, 45 minutes of skate time and reserves your time slot. Time slots available each hour on the hour and are limited to 15 people. Participants must call ahead: 410-632-2144. Allen Swiger, aswiger@marylandscoast.org, 410-632-2144, Ext. 2520

BOOK DISCUSSION: ‘PASSING’ BY NELLA LARSEN

Meeting via Zoom, 2:00 PM. Discussion facilitated by Cynthia Hanged and Gail Sarmis of Salisbury University. Books are available on Hoopla (hoopla digital.com) Register: worcesterlibrary.org under events.

ONGOING EVENTS ST. PATRICK’S DAY GOLF & DINNER

The Delmarva Whiskey Club will hold their 7th annual charity golf event on March 20 at the Bayside Resort Golf Club, Selbyville, Del. The event will feature a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. and followed by a sit-down pairing of fine food and high-end Irish whiskey at 6:30 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit Semper K9. Register: https://www.delmarvawhiskey.com/golf . To become a tournament sponsor, contact Kevin Clover at 215-815-1706 or kevin@delmarvawhiskey.com.

PROGRAMS TO GO

New kits available every Monday. STEM, crafts, writing and more. Call any branch of the Worcester County Library to reserve your kit (while supplies last) or reserve them online at https://worcesterlibrary.libwizard.com/f /ProgramToGo.

32

JANUARY 29, 2021 Classifieds now appear in Ocean City Today & the Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com and baysideoc.com.

HELP WANTED NOW HIRING Year-round Positions: • PM Line Cook Inquire within at 32 Palm at Hilton Suites 3200 Baltimore Ave Ocean City, MD

MD STATE INSPECTOR We have an opening for an Automotive Maryland State Inspector at our Ocean Pines Goodyear.

Exc. Pay & Benefits.

Please call - 302-344-9846

HELP WANTED MAINTENANCE F/T, Y/R, 32-40 hrs./week.

Dependable. Handyman w/good skills. Must have transportation/tools.

Send resume to fred@paradiseoc.com.

Hiring ALL Positions!!

HELP WANTED ASSISTANT PM MANAGER Immediate Opening Harrison Group is currently seeking an Experienced Manager to join our team.

Great career opportunity with excellent benefits Inquire at 32 Palm at Hilton Suites 3200 Baltimore Ave Ocean City, MD

Full time & Part time To apply go to: www.mygcjob.com

RENTALS RENTALS Seeking Year-Round & Seasonal Rentals!

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555

COMMERCIAL 1 Office/Retail Space & 1 Warehouse Unit available in West Ocean City.

Call 443-497-4200

1096 Sq. Ft. Former Beauty Salon For Rent Starting Feb. 1.

Trader Lee’s Village Corner of 611 and Route 50, West OC. This location has more than 8 million cars per year going by on Rt. 50 & 611.

For more information call Bob Jester, 410-430-4480

DONATIONS RAMBLER MOTEL NOW HIRING!!

Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $17.50/hr.

Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

Become a Better You in 2021!

To Order Product Call Christine 443-880-8397 or email: snowhillavon@ comcast.net To Become an Avon Representative Sign Up at www.

ChristinesBeautyShop.com

HIRING ALL POSITIONS!!

Full time & Part time Stop by our location on 52nd street! or call 443-664-2825

Bookkeeping Assistant Busy bookkeeping office is now hiring for an assistant to help with misc. clerical work and vehicle registration/DMV work. We are a large automotive business with parts stores, service centers & used car dealership. Quickbooks exp. a plus and excel is a must. This is not a remote position. Location is in the Ocean View / Bethany Beach area.

Call 302-228-2353

9942 Elm Street, WOC (Behind Starbucks) Sleeps 4, $250 per week Manager onsite 410-213-1764

WEEKLY RENTALS AVAILABLE NOW Pool Front Room ...$215/wk Efficiency..............$245/wk Family Room ........$265/wk 2BR Apartment.....$350/wk Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave. 410-289-8581

BUSINESS SERVICES Increase the digital presence of your business! Contact MARYLAND STATEWIDE MDDC Ad Services to receive a FREE Digital Footprint ConCLASSIFIED ADVERTISING sultation for your business NETWORK from a TOP PERFORMING advertising agency!

AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS Call 443-508-1936, DONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, www.mddcadservices.com.

RVs Lutheran Mission Society HOME IMPROVEMENT of MD. Compassion Place SERVICES ministries help local families NEED NEW WINDOW with food, clothing, counselTREATMENTS? ing. Tax deductible. MVA Call Empire Today® to license #W1044. schedule a FREE in-home 410-636-0123, estimate on blinds & shades. www.CompassionPlace.org Call Today! 866-479-2321.

ssifieds la C r u o Y r e Ord

ds

ie Classif

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

The contents of mini storage units will be sold at Lockerfox.com. Units to be auctioned; B9, B12, B28, B61, S35, S44, S46, S185, S315, O45, O148, O29, O115, O164. 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, Jan. 29th Time: 10:00AM This will be an online auction. Please go to Lockerfox.com and register.

Feel free to call 410-213-2029 for any questions regarding the online auction.

It’s not too late to advertise your winter rentals.

GET IT RENTED HERE! 410-723-6397 www. oceancitytoday. com www. baysideoc. com

SERVICES

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

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

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK Serving the Newspapers of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia since 1908.

DONATIONS

Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be taxdeductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.

AUCTIONS

FINANCIAL SERVICES Over $10K in Debt? Be debt free in 24 to 48 months. No upfront fees to enroll. A+ BBB rated. Call National Debt Relief 855-670-0681.

MISC. SERVICES BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR! We edit, print and distribute your work internationally. We do the work … You reap the Rewards! Call for a FREE Author’s Submission Kit: 833-343-1370.

Online

MDDC 410-723-6397

Ocean City, MD

Restaurant for Lease 203 seat restaurant located on landmark corner & prime hotel row. 5,730 sq ft newly renovated building, plenty of parking, upgraded HVAC, full liquor license, plenty of walk-ins & freezer space.

Ideal for crab house, Mexican, BBQ, sports bar, or Ale House concept.

Contact Mark Mayers @ 410-289-4444 mayers@harrisongp.com

www.oceancitytoday.com

Convenient, quick, no waiting, no calls ~ Days, nights and weekends

JANUARY 29, 2021

PAGE 33

Ocean City Today

BLINDS & SHADES

COSMETICS the company for women

ELECTRICIAN

• cosmetics • skin care • body care • fragrances • gifts • & more!

Master Electrician 443 691 0544 Call or Text Same Rate Day, Evening, Weekends

35 Years Experience

order online: www.christinesbeautyshop.com

443-234-5262

No Job Too Small! Free Estimates!

Residential/Commercial/Emergencies!

MD Lic #2268 Worcester Co Lic #M1337

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

CHRISTINE BROWN independent sales representative

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Raymond O’Brocki Jr.

SINGER CONTRACTING LLC Doug Singer EST. 1970 Licensed & Insured O.C.#30544 DE#1999201949 Fenwick Island, DE# 04-1489

MHIC#68306

Interior Trim & Finish Hardwood Floors • Car Ports Structural Repair • Regular & Custom Wood Trim Additions Kitchens • Baths • Ceramic Tile Decks • Windows & Doors

410-208-9159 E-mail: singerco45@gmail.com Cell: 410-726-1040 QUALITY WORKMANSHIP AT SENSIBLE PRICES

atminc4u@aol.com

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

Cell: 410-713-8599

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PipeLine

Contracting, LLC

Painting & Powerwashing Interior & Exterior Serving Delmarva for Over 35 Years Licensed & Insured

Home Improvement Design & Bertch Cabinet Retail • Cabinets & Countertop • Kitchen & Bath Remodeling • General Carpentry & Painting

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

US Veterans Administration Approved Contractor

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

(410) 208-1518 • (410) 982-8368 pipelinecontracting.net • info@pipelinecontracting.net MDHIC # 107489 • DE # 2014100304 • Insured & Licensed

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

• CUSTOM PAINTING • DRYWALL REPAIRS • WALLPAPER REMOVED • DECK & HOUSE STAINING • ALWAYS PROMPT SERVICE

Free Estimates

10% Discount with this ad.

“One stop shop for Home Improvement”

Home Improvement Services Company

PAINTING

Zimmerman & Son LLC

PAINTING

NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS!

Bill Zimmerman 410-390-5528 ~ cell 443-373-4539

ROOF REPLACEMENT & REPAIRS

OC REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT, INC.

410-524-5781

• Online Financial Management • Real Time Accounting • Board of Directors Reports • On-Site Personnel Options

Managing Properties Since 1983

• Contract Review / Administration • Community Web-Portal • Preventive Maintenance Association Specific Software

• Community Inspection • Free 24 Hr. Emergency Service • Secure Lockbox System

www.oc-rem.com • info@oc-rem.com

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS INSTITUTE

5901 Coastal Hwy Suite C • Ocean City, MD 21842 Serving: MD & DE

ROOFING

CMCA® AMS® PCAM®

ROOFING

FREE Written Estimates Over 31 Years of Roofing You!

• The BEST Warranties • Locally Owned & Operated • Over 20k Served • GAF Master Elite Certified • 5 Star Skylight Specialists • Financing g Ava.

Shingle Roofs • Metal Roofs • Flat Roofs Family Owned & Operated

FREE ESTIMATES

108 Moss Hill Ln., Salisbury, MD 410-831-3938 32295 Nassau Rd., Lewes, DE 302-200-7663

www.roofers www. ww roofer roof ro roofer offers rs.o .org .org g

410.204.2586 410 204 2586

TRIPLE

CROWN

PAGE 34

JANUARY 29, 2021

Ocean City Today

ROOFING Gutter Cleaning BOGO Sale

ROOFING

YOUR BUSINESS

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info@stewartenterprisesinc.com

443-203-0001 Ocean City, MD Office 302-232-6900 Selbyville, DE Office 410-798-9898 Edgewater, MD Office 410-255-6900 Baltimore, MD Office

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

stewartenterprisesinc.com FULL SERVICE Established in 1977

Mike Moesle 410-629-1573, Fax: 410-629-1946 MHIC 131180

Windows, Roofing, Siding, Patio & Decks, Gutters & Gutter Cleaning, Additions, Garages & Sheds, Kitchens & Baths

10545 Friendship Road, Unit 3, Berlin, Maryland 21811 mmoesle@shoresidingmd.com www.shoresidingmd.com *Licenced in MD, DE &VA

Your Business Card Here!

Call Nancy 410-723-6397

PUBLIC NOTICES JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ. 108 8th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842

FORECLOSURE SALE

300 ROBIN DRIVE, #311 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND By virtue of a Statement of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to an Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland in Case No. C-23-CV-20000157, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction in front of the condominium building located at 300 Robin Drive, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 AT 9:00 AM ALL that property lying and being situate in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, more particularly designated and distinguished as Unit No. 311 in the KEY WEST VILLAS CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Condominium Declaration and ByLaws, dated April 21, 1986, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, in Liber W.C.L. No. 1298, folio 337, et seq., and pursuant also to the plats described in said Declaration, and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Plat Book W.C.L. No. 111, folio 13, et seq., and pursuant to all subsequently recorded Amendments.

The property will be sold in an AS IS condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, with no

LEGAL ADVERTISING Call: 410-723-6397 ~ Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@oceancitytoday.net

warranties or guarantees, and will be sold subject to a Deed of Trust recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Liber No. 2831, folio 560, said Deed of Trust having had an original principal balance of $38,475.00 on March 25, 2000. The Trustee reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in a cashier=s or bank check, with the balance to be paid in cash at time of settlement. The date of settlement shall be fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

The undersigned reserves the right to waive the deposit requirements as to the purchaser representing the interest of the party secured by the Statement of Lien. Real property taxes, wastewater charges, and condominium dues will be adjusted to the date of sale and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All costs of conveyancing, including transfer and recordation taxes, shall be paid by the purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining possession of the property. Purchaser agrees to pay to the Seller an Attorney=s fee of $275.00 for review of any motion which may be filed with the Court to substitute a purchaser herein. In the event the undersigned is unable to convey marketable title, the sale will be null and void and the purchaser=s sole remedy will be the return of the deposit without interest.

For more information, call: James E. Clubb, Jr. Trustee 410-289-2323 OCD-1/21/3t _________________________________

REENA J. PATEL ESQ HEARNE & BAILEY, P.A. 126 EAST MAIN STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18543 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF KENNETH L. HOOPER Notice is given that Jeannine T. Hooper, 12029 Blueberry Road, Whaleyville, MD 21872, was on January 05, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kenneth L. Hooper who died on November 28, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5th day of July, 2021.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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.

Jeannine T. Hooper Personal Representative

True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: January 14, 2021 OCD-1/14/3t _________________________________ OFFIT KURMAN, P.A. BRIAN J. HUNDERTMARK, ESQ. 7501 WISCONSIN AVENUE, STE 1000W BETHESDA, MD 20814

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18545 Notice is given that the Circuit Court of Fairfax County, VA appointed Harold Dean Neptune, 8238 Roeland Drive, Fairfax Station, VA 22039; and Traci Ann Neptune, 3344 Stonehouse Court, Bethlehem, PA 18017 as the Co-Executors of the Estate of Yvonne Adair AKA: Yvonne Michelle Adair who died on April 6, 2020 domiciled in Virginia, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Brian J. Hundertmark whose address is 7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1000W, Bethesda, MD 20814.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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

JANUARY 29, 2021 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.

Harold Dean Neptune Traci Ann Neptune Foreign Personal Representatives 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 14, 2021 OCD-1/14/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18531 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CHARLES WILLIAM BRAGG AKA: CHARLES WILLIAM BRAGG SR. Notice is given that Charles William Bragg Jr., 3719 Sand Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863, was on January 06, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles William Bragg who died on December 21, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of July, 2021.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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.

Charles William Bragg, Jr. Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

PAGE 35

Ocean City Today / Public Notices Ocean City Digest Date of publication: January 14, 2021 OCD-1/14/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18530 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ANNA EIKENBERG Notice is given that Penny Brungard, 134 Captains Quarters Road, Unit 11, Ocean City, MD 21842, was on December 22, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Anna Eikenberg who died on November 19, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of June, 2021.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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.

Penny Brungard Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: January 14, 2021 OCD-1/14/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PASSAGE OF BILL 21-1 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Take Notice that Bill 21-1 (Zoning – Height regulations in the A-1 and A-2 Agricultural Districts) was passed by Commissioners Church, Elder, Mitrecic, Nordstrom and Purnell on January 5, 2021.

A fair summary of the bill is as

follows: §ZS 1-201(e)(1). (Adds a new subsection to establish a special exception provision for the increase in the height of residential accessory structures in the A-1 Agricultural District.) §ZS 1-202(e)(1). (Adds a new subsection to establish a special exception provision for the increase in the height of residential accessory structures in the A-2 Agricultural District.)

This bill becomes effective fortyfive (45) days from the date of its passage.

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center once County Government Offices are opened to the public. In the interim, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-1/21/3t _________________________________ MORGAN A. FISHER ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18561 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MANFRED E. GERSBACH Notice is given that Joan M. Gersbach, 13217 Colonial Road, Ocean City, MD 21842, was on January 14, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Manfred E. Gersbach who died on November 5, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of July, 2021.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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.

Joan M. Gersbach Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: January 21, 2021 OCD-1/21/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 21-2 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Take Notice that Bill 21-2 (Zoning – Signs) was introduced by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Church, Elder, Mitrecic, Nordstrom and Purnell on January 5, 2021.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows: §ZS 1-338(c)(9). (Adds a new subsection to allow internal community signs within a residential development for the purpose of conveying community events, amenity and emergency information only, with standards for their placement and design.)

A Public Hearing will be held on Bill 21-2 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center once County Government Offices are opened to the public. In the interim, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-1/21/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18550 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DIANNE CHRISTY TULL AKA: DIANNE C. TULL Notice is given that Bryan Christopher Tull, 625 Oxford Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851, was on January 08, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dianne Christy Tull who died on February 26, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in

PAGE 36

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

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, 2021.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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.

Bryan Christopher Tull Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: January 21, 2021 OCD-1/21/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18557 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF BARBARA LOU MALINOWSKI Notice is given that John C. Malinowski III 43 Hingham Lane, Berlin, MD 21811, was on January 11, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara Lou Malinowski who died on March 17, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12th day of July, 2021.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1,

1992, nine 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.

John C. Malinowski III Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: January 21, 2021 OCD-1/21/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18558 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LYNN RUSSELL WODKINS Notice is given that Jo Ann Scott, 3250 Johnson Road, Pocomoke City, MD 21851, was on January 13, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lynn Russell Wodkins who died on December 15, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13th day of July, 2021.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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.

Jo Ann Scott Personal Representative

True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: January 21, 2021 OCD-1/21/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PROPOSED CHANGE IN ZONING NORTHERLY SIDE OF OCEAN GATEWAY EAST OF OLD BRIDGE ROAD TENTH TAX DISTRICT WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Pursuant to Section 1-113 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, Rezoning Case No. 431 has been filed by Hugh Cropper, IV on behalf of COF Investment Group, LLC, property owner, for an amendment to the Official Zoning Maps to change approximately 1.2 acres of land consisting of three separate segments on the overall parcel which totals 5.46 acres, located on the northerly side of US Route 50 (Ocean Gateway), east of MD Route 707 (Old Bridge Road) in the Tenth Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland, from R-2 Suburban Residential District and RP Resource Protection District to C-2 General Commercial District. The Planning Commission has given a favorable recommendation to the rezoning application.

Pursuant to Sections 1-113 and 1114 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, the County Commissioners will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 AT 10:30 AM IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING ROOM WORCETER COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER – ROOM 1101 ONE WEST MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863 At said public hearing the County Commissioners will consider the rezoning application, the staff file on Rezoning Case No. 431 and the recommendation of the Planning Commission, any proposed restrictions on the rezoning, other appropriate restrictions, conditions or limitations as may be deemed by them to be appropriate to preserve, improve, or protect the general character and design of the lands and improvements being zoned or rezoned or of the surrounding or adjacent lands and improvements, and the advisability of reserving the power and authority to approve or disapprove the design of buildings, construction, landscaping or other improvements, alterations

JANUARY 29, 2021 and changes made or to be made on the subject land or lands to assure conformity with the intent and purpose of applicable State laws and regulations and the County Zoning Ordinance.

Maps of the petitioned area, the staff file on Rezoning Case No. 431 and the Planning Commission’s recommendation, which will be entered into record at the public hearing, are on file and available to view electronically by contacting the Department of Development, Review and Permitting, Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. (except holidays), at (410) 632-1200 as well as www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-1/28/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18555 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HENRY HUNGERFORD Notice is given that Bryant C. Hungerford, 981 East EAU Gallie Blvd., PMB 13004, Satellite Beach, FL 32937, was on January 11, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Henry Hungerford who died on December 3, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 11th day of July, 2021.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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.

Bryant C. Hungerford Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House

JANUARY 29, 2021 Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: January 21, 2021 OCD-1/21/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF PORT WARDENS Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 106, “Waterways,” Article II – “Shoreline Development” of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Port Wardens Ordinance of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.

Thursday, February 11, 2021 2 PM via Zoom When: Feb 11, 2021 02:00 PM Eastern Time Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/836524 45476 Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 408 638 0968 or +1 669 900 6833 Webinar ID: 836 5244 5476 PW 20-080 A request has been submitted to install 3 pilings, a 4’x5’ pier extension to existing pier. Install a 5’x20’ platform adjacent to an existing platform of same size. Install two pilings to accommodate the installation of an 8000lb boat lift. Maximum channelward extension of 30’.

The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 14127 CAINE STABLE RD UNIT E Parcel # 7097A-5A in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER/APPLICANT: MITCHELL BUTTA PW 20-01 A request has been submitted to install one (1) 10’ x 17’ PWC float, maximum channelward extension of 17’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 724 S SURF RD UNIT 1 Parcel # 9544A-1 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: HIDDEN OAK FARM, LLC. OWNER: DARREN BERNSTEIN PW 21-02 A request has been submitted to demo existing structures and install 88’ of replacement vinyl bulkhead, a 6’x 40’ pier, two (2) boat lifts, two (2) PWC lifts with all associated poles. Maximum channelward extension of 42’. The site of the pro-

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Ocean City Today / Public Notices posed construction is described as being located at 8601 CARIBBEAN DR Parcel # 0089A-3 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: HIDDEN OAK FARM, LLC. OWNER: JOHN S GONZALEZ SR. REVOCABLE TRUST PW 21-03 A request has been submitted to install one (1) boat lift with all associated poles to an existing pier, maximum channelward extension of 16’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 767 94TH ST Parcel # 9626 -767 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: HIDDEN OAK FARM, LLC. APPLICANT: THOMAS KNEELAND PW 21-04 A request has been submitted to replace an existing 5’ x 20’ pier with a 5’ x 25’ pier and to install one (1) boat lift with all associated poles, maximum channelward extension of 25’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 600 DORY RD UNIT 7 Parcel # 9051 -7 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: HIDDEN OAK FARM, LLC. OWNER: GARY & JANET GAMBARANI PW 21-06 A request has been submitted to install a 10K Magnum boat lift to existing dock and pilings, maximum channelward extension 33’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 609 S PACIFIC AVE Parcel # 9974 -33 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT/OWNER: CHRISTOPHER SHANAHAN PW 21-07 A request has been submitted to install 60’ of replacement vinyl bulkhead 18” channelward of existing bulkhead and to install a new PWC lift on south side of bulkhead, including one pile. Maximum channelward extenstion 7’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 10614 POINT LOOKOUT RD Parcel # 1727A-38 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: AMANDIO MORAIS APPLICANT: OCEAN SERVICES OF DE., INC. PW 21-08 A request has been submitted to install a 5’ x 14’ 6” perpendicular pier and install 3 associated piles with a boat lift, maximum channelward extension of 20’6”. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 144 CAPTAINS QUARTERS RD UNIT A Parcel # 3738A-126B in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: JOSEPH ADDIS APPLICANT: OCEAN SERVICES OF DE., INC. PW 21-09 A request has been submitted to install 40’ of replacement vinyl bulkhead 18” channelward of existing bulkhead, to install a 5’x25’ perpendicular pier with 2 associated mooring piles, to install one (1) boatlift and two (2) jet ski lifts, maximum channelward extension of 27’.

The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 627 GULF STREAM DR Parcel # 8020A1472B- in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: MATTHEW RIEMER APPLICANT: OCEAN SERVICES OF DE., INC. PW 21-010 A request has been submitted to install one (1) boat lift on existing piles a maximum of 10’ of existing bulkhead/MHW/MLW. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 303 WHITE HERON CT Parcel # 5313A38 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: SCOTT BELL APPLICANT: J. STACEY HART & ASSOCIATES, INC. PW 21-011 A request has been submitted to construct a 5’x14’ pier onto an existing 5’x30’ pier, maximum channelward extension of 50’ of existing bulkhead/MHW/MLW. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 173 PINE TREE RD Parcel # 8020A1316B- in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: MICHAEL LEONE APPLICANT: J. STACEY HART & ASSOC., INC. PW 21-012 A request has been submitted to repair with replacement ~ 78 LF of deteriorated bulkhead with vinyl sheeting 18” channelward; install ~ 12 LF of sheeting behind the east bulkhead return; remove existing 5x40’ dock and reconstruct new 5’x40’ dock; remove existing boat lift and install new boat lift and one new double PWC lift with associated pilings a maximum of 21’ channewward of existing MHW/MLW/bulkhead. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 720 141ST ST Parcel # 9434A- in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: TRACI E. HOLLANDER APPLICANT: J. STACEY HART & ASSOC., INC. PW 21-013 A request has been submitted to re-construct/re-shape existing dock and rotate existing boat lift on western pilings so that the lift is perpendicular to pier, maximum channelward extension 20’ of existing bulkhead/MHW/MLW. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 702 141ST ST Parcel # 9425A-1 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: JOHN & LINDA POLLOCK APPLICANT: J. STACEY HART & ASSOC., INC. PW 21-014 A request has been submitted to remove existing pier and boat lift; install a new 2.5’ x 50’ pier with an 8’ x 14’ platform at the head of the slip. Install one (1) boat lift and one (1) PWC lift all with associated piling, maximum channelward distance of 50’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 506 32ND ST UNIT 7 Parcel # 4454 -7 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: SEAN & VICKI EASTMAN APPLICANT: MCGINTY MARINE CONSTRUCTION PW 21-015 A request has been submitted to install one (1) boat lift with all associated poles to an existing pier. Maximum channelward extension of 21’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 8904 RUSTY ANCHOR RD UNIT 220 Parcel # 9079 -

220 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: ANNA YOUNG APPLICANT: HIDDEN OAK FARM, LLC. PW 21-016 A request has been submitted to install one (1) boat lift with all associated poles to an existing pier, maximum channelward extension of 21’.

The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 8904 RUSTY ANCHOR RD UNIT 221 Parcel # 9079 221 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: LEE EISENHOWER APPLICANT: HIDDEN OAK FARM, LLC. OCD-1/28/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021 Pursuant to the provisions of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held in-person before the Board of Zoning Appeals for Worcester County, in the Board Room (Room 1102) on the first floor of the Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland. Masks and social distancing will be required.

6:30 p.m.

Case No. 21-7, on the application of Carroll DelGavio, on the lands of Stephen & Laurie Lyons, requesting a variance to the Ordinance Prescribed rear yard setback from 30 feet to 13.3 feet (an encroachment of 16.7 feet) associated with a proposed single family dwelling, in the R-3 Multi-Family Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-207(b)(2), and ZS 1305 located on Jefferson Avenue, approximately 58 feet south of Hayes Avenue, Tax Map 5, Parcel 1, Lot 176 in the Tenth Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m.

Case No. 21-8, on the application of Arlette Bright, on the lands of M Arline Grantham Revocable Trust, requesting a special exception to allow an Agritainment facility in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections ZS 1116(c)(3), ZS 1-201(c)(9) and ZS 1305(b), located on the north side of Ocean Gateway (US Route 50), approximately 900 feet east of Hall Road, Tax Map 14, Parcel 84, in the Third Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m.

Case No. 21-9, on the lands of Brian & Tracie Young, requesting a variance to the Ordinance prescribed rear yard setback from 30 feet to 9.7 feet (an encroachment of 20.3 feet) associated with the proposed removal and reconstruction of an existing deck and steps in the R-3 Multi-Family Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-207(b)(2) and ZS 1305, located at 17 Waters Edge

PAGE 38

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

Court, approximately 92 feet east of Moonshell Drive, Tax Map 16, Parcel 41, Section 4, Lot 190, of the Ocean Pines Subdivision, in the Third Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland.

6:45 p.m.

Case No. 21-1, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, Esq., on the lands of Bruce & Nichole Krasner, requesting a variance to the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Ordinance to exceed the allowable 100 feet tidal wetland crossing by 369 feet for a proposed 469 foot walkway over tidal wetlands, in the E-1 Estate District & RP Resource Protection District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections ZS 1-116(n)(2), ZS 1203(d)(5), ZS 1-215(d)(4) and Natural Resources Section NR 3-125(b)(1), located at 6333 South Point Road, approximately 302 feet south of Cove Court Road, Tax Map 50, Parcel 37, Lot D1, of the Genezer Estates West Subdivision, in the Tenth Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland.

6:50 p.m.

Case No. 21-10, on the application of Mark Cropper, Esq., on the lands of Susan Picciotti, requesting a variance to the Ordinance Prescribed rear yard setback from 30 feet to 15.95 feet (an encroachment of 14.05 feet) on the easterly side and 18.35 feet (an encroachment of 11.65 feet) on the southerly side, associated with a proposed single family dwelling, in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1206(b)(2), and ZS 1-305 located on the southerly of the terminus of Snug Harbor Road (12416), at the Tax Map 33, Parcel 346, Lot 42 in the Tenth Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS OCD-1/28/2t _________________________________ Christopher T. Woodley, Esq. Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison, Esq. 3509 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18574 Notice is given that the Chancery Court of Sussex County, DE appointed Yvonne E. Kauffman, 36250 Sunflower Boulevard, Selbyville, DE 19975 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Dorothy M.

Kauffman who died on September 25, 2020 domiciled in Delaware, America.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Christopher T. Woodley whose address is 3509 Coastal Highway, 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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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.

Yvonne E. Kauffman 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 28, 2021 OCD-1/28/3t _________________________________ SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18577 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LISA RENEE UFFELMAN Notice is given that Michael Allen Uffelman, 11 Breezeway Lane, Berlin, MD 21811, was on January 22, 2021 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Lisa Renee Uffelman who died on January 5, 2021, 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 represen-

OCEAN CITY TODAY

Legal Advertising Call Nancy MacCubbin 410-723-6397, Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@oceancitytoday.net

tative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Michael Allen Uffelman Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: January 28, 2021 OCD-1/28/1t _________________________________ SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18544 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HELEN PURNELL TAYLOR Notice is given that Bessie Taylor, 7001 Scottland Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863, was on January 19, 2021 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Helen Purnell Taylor who died on September 28, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Reg-

JANUARY 29, 2021 ister 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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Bessie Taylor Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: January 28, 2021 OCD-1/28/1t _________________________________

Mayor & City Council Ocean City

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION Independent Financial Audit Services

Mayor & City Council Ocean City (Town) are seeking proposals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide Services for the Independent Financial Audit Services and to be in conformity with the Scope of Work detailed in the Proposal Documents.

Proposal Documents for the Independent Financial Audit Services may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Catrice Parsons, at cparsons@oceancitymd.gov or by calling 410-723-6647 during normal business hours, or via the Proposal tab on the Town’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their proposals. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third-party service. It is the sole responsibility of the Vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-Proposal meeting will NOT be held. The last day for questions is noon on Friday, February 12, 2021.

An Addendum will be posted by close of business on Friday, February 19, 2021.

Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than Friday, March 12, 2021 by 1:00 p.m. at which time Vendor names will be read into record

JANUARY 29, 2021 and proposals will be given to staff for further review. Proposals are to be submitted to the Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Attn: Procurement Manager, 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842.

Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.

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

OCD-1/28/1t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland virtually via Zoom Webinar: Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: Please click this URL to join. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82586694 322 Or join by phone:

Ocean City Today / Public Notices Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 408 638 0968 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 Webinar ID: 825 8669 4322 International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kQyA9S 15o February 11th, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(5), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed requesting the board to review the existing record for determination of nonconformity of parking. Should the board approve the existing parking nonconformity, the applicant is also requesting, pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2) and Section 11094(2)b, a special parking exception to waive twenty-three (23) parking spaces to change the use of a portion of The Inlet Village from retail to restaurant uses. The site of the appeal is described as Map 110, Parcel 2605, Block 2 of the Sinepuxent Beach Company Plat; further described as located next to the inlet on the north side of S. 2nd Street, on the west side of Atlantic Avenue (boardwalk) and east side of S. Baltimore Avenue, and locally known as The Inlet Village, 806 S. Atlantic Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: WINDSOR RESORT INCORPORATED – (BZA 2575 #20-07200001) 6:10 P.M. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers, of the Code,

an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-95(1)(a) requesting a variance to the front yard setback on the cul-de-sac to close in the existing second floor deck in the same footprint as the existing structure. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 14, Block 40 Section 3 Bennett Avenue, Caine Woods Plat; further described as located on the south side of 139th Street, and locally known as 715 139th Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: STEPHEN G KENNEDY REVOCABLE TRUST, (Elaine Kennedy, Principal) – (BZA 2578 #21-09500002) 6:20 P.M. Pursuant to the provisions of Town Code Section 110-93(3), Powers, of the Board of Zoning Appeals, an appeal has been filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 110-905(1)(b) for a variance to allow a 6 foot separation between buildings instead of the required 10 feet by code for structures 3 stories or less; and a variance to the provisions of Section 110-905(1)(d) to allow a minimum width of court between buildings of 18 feet for a limited distance instead of the required 50 feet for three-story buildings.

Also, pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), in accordance with Section 110-94(2)(b), the applicant requests a special parking exception up to a maximum of 12 parking spaces according to Section 110-932(b)(2) for the minimum number of parking spaces required for the proposed multi-family condo-

PAGE 39 minium development. The site of the appeal is described as Lots 1-8 & 1015, Block 46 of the Fenwick Plat; further described as the city block bordered by Coastal Highway, Sinepuxent Avenue, 144th Street, and 145th Street, and locally known as 14401 Coastal Highway, 14400 & 14402 Sinepuxent Avenue, & 103111 145th Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: 2400 STORAGE INC (Nolen Graves, Principal) – (BZA 2579 #21-09500003) 6:30 P.M. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(2)(b) requesting a special parking exception to design standards to allow (1) parking space in each unit (total of 12 parking spaces) to be 18’ in length instead of 20’ per code requirements.

The site of the appeal is described as Lots 12, 13, & 14, Block 50 of the Isle of Wight Plat; further described as the north- side of 82nd Street, and known locally as 12- 16 82nd Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: Richard Myford, Principal – (BZA 2580 #2109400002) Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.

Alfred Harrison, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-1/28/2t _________________________________

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Ocean City Today

JANUARY 29, 2021