3/15/2024 OC Today-Dispatch

Resort ethics code gets strengthened

code says do it, like it or not

Not everyone on the Ocean City Council is a fan of changing the code, but that’s beside the point, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury told the council this week. An update of the state’s ethics requirements leaves the council with no choice. — Page 10

Rec complex may see new paid parking

When the streets around the downtown rec complex open, the last block before Chicago Avenue could be pay to park.

— Page 22

Going Green

It’s what Ocean City will do Saturday, when large crowds descend on the resort for the St. Patrick’s Day parade and party around. — Page 58

YOUR

COMMUNITY BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Plant life along the bayside of Assateague Island National Seashore is on the verge of washing away, as erosion and tidal action chews away at the shoreline.

Maryland

OC police officials highlight increase in fire, EMS assists

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) An increase in service calls to assist fire and EMS highlighted a discussion this week on police activity for the month of February.

On Monday, Police Chief Ross Buzzuro presented members of the Ocean City Police Commission with a report on police activity for February. He noted that while the Ocean City Police Department recorded declines in some service calls, the agency recorded a significant increase in calls to assist fire and EMS.

“Assist fire/EMS calls were significantly higher,” he told the commission, “especially from where they were two years ago, 124 versus 44.”

Councilman Peter Buas, commission chair, noted that monthly service calls were divided between officer calls for service and citizen calls for service. He questioned how calls to assist fire and EMS were classified.

“Assist fire/EMS, is that a citizen call for service or an officer call for service?” he asked.

Buzzuro told the commission fire and EMS assists are initially classified as a citizen call for service. He said both fire and police respond.

“Once it goes into emergency service communications, it’s a dual response,” he explained. “They are getting a call, and we’re getting a call.”

Council President Matt James, commission member, questioned if police response was needed. Officials noted calls to assist fire and EMS had jumped from 44 in February 2022 and 86 in February 2023 to 124.

“Can someone reach out to Chief [Richie] Bowers and see if he feels it’s necessary that you respond?” James said.

For his part, Buzzuro said it was a discussion he would have with the fire department at a joint meeting in

mid-April.

“It’s one of those areas where we can have a discussion with fire and see if we can make an adjustment or deviation from what’s always been the protocol,” he replied.

Buzzuro said during the month of February, officer calls for service decreased from 1,201 in 2023 to 1,067 in

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2024

citizen calls for service increased from 455 to 473. In the top 25 calls

traffic stops decreased from 671 to 612, assist citizen/motorist calls decreased from 116 to 110 and suspicious person/activity calls increased from 56 to 67. The police department in February also recorded 62 custodial arrests, one criminal citation, three drug arrests, 17 DUI arrests and six weapons arrests.

Buzzuro also presented the police commission with an update on seasonal recruitment. As of its February testing date, the department had received 91 seasonal officer applicants and 63 public safety aide applicants for the coming summer season.

“I can also add that we had a test date this past weekend, and we had a number of people show up,” he said. “That will add to these numbers.”

Regarding seasonal officers, Buzzuro said the department had 50 total failures, 14 conditional hires and 19 candidates still in the process. Four seasonal officers are returning for another season. In regard to public safety aides, the department had 15 failures, 15 conditional hires and 34 candidates still in the process. Eight public safety aides are returning for another season.

“We should be at where we were last year, or slightly higher, especially with public safety aides …,” he said. “Things are looking good in a challenging environment.”

MID-TOWN 3BR/3.5 BA RIVENDELL CONDOMINIUM with WATER VIEWS!

121 81ST ST UNIT 706

OCEAN CITY • $815,000

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

Luxury 5BR/6BA/2HBA Bayfront home with pool hits the market!

This luxury home has 145 feet of water frontage with direct bay views and offers southern exposure. As you walk in the front door of this lovely home you will immediately fall in love with the attention to details and upgrades throughout. An elegant foyer with marble flooring greets you as you enter with your eyes drawn to the beautiful Bayfront views and the swimming pool in the courtyard. On the first level you will find a kitchen designed for access in and out to the pool area with plenty of seating and room for entertaining family and friends. Also on the first floor, you will find a Bay front office or playroom for the kids. This home is complete with a home elevator so either take the spiraling stairs to the second level or take the elevator up to the second level. You will be mesmerized by the amazing Bayfront views and endless sunsets this home offers. There are 6 decks off the home for privacy. On the second level you will find a professional chef’s kitchen complete with large center island, high end appliances and plenty of cabinet space adjoining a beautiful, spacious dining room overlooking the bay. The family room is also complete with a gas fireplace for chilly winter nights, making this the perfect home for year-round living or a vacation home. Also, on this floor, you will find a second office, home theater room, or game room. On the third level you will enjoy waking up to the endless water views from your primary bedroom. The primary bath has custom finishes throughout with extensive tile work. The primary bedroom also has a fireplace for romantic evenings and relaxing. Also on this floor are three additional bedrooms, which are spacious and separated nicely from the primary bedroom. This home is over 6000 ft.² and is one of the few Bayfront homes available on the market. So, if you’re looking for a home at the beach, also offering all the thrill of the day with attention to detail look no further. Come take a look at 733 Bradley Rd. today before it’s sold! MDWO2014714

NORTH OC CONDO with DEEDED BOAT SLIP

7704 COASTAL HWY • SANDS #102 OCEAN CITY • $310,000

Come take a look at this spacious 1BR/1BA Ocean Block beauty! This one-bedroom unit is over 700 sq.ft. and is on the ocean block side of coastal highway. This is an elevated building so there's a very nice view from the large deck off the family room. This is your chance to own a slice of Ocean City and make memories that will last a lifetime. As you walk in the front door, you’ll be welcomed by the beautiful dining area and kitchen. The family room flows off the kitchen and provides plenty of room for entertaining. There is a large balcony off the family room with access by a glass slider. The bedroom is very large and can accommodate two queen beds. There is one full bath as well. This condo located midtown Ocean City, close to plenty of restaurants, shops and attractions. Come take a look today and own your slice of Ocean City. This building is professionally managed and has low condo fees. The condo is being sold fully furnished and is ready for your immediate enjoyment. MDWO2015968

OCEAN 2 BR/2BA CONDO

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204 N HERON DR #2048C

OCEAN CITY • $425,000

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

NEW WATERFRONT CONDO

301 14TH ST #302 • OCEAN CITY • $695,000

Stunning 3-bedroom 3.5 bath luxury condo in Laguna Vista hits the market! As you walk in the front door, you will immediately fall in love with the large open floor plan and coastal decor. The gourmet kitchen features an abundance of cabinets, beautiful tile backsplash, granite countertops and center island with stainless steel appliances. Off the kitchen is a beautiful dining area where you will enjoy meals with family and friends. The dining room flows nicely into the large family area for relaxing and entertaining, and there is a gas fireplace for winter nights. The family room has a glass slider to a covered deck with southern exposure. The famous White Marlin tournament is right next-door, and you have a great view from your balcony. The primary bedroom ensuite is spacious and faces the water as well. There's also a slider off the primary bedroom to the balcony. The other two bedrooms are private as well. There's also a separate entrance to those two bedrooms off the foyer so one of them could serve as a second primary bedroom. The HVAC was just replaced. This condo is well taken care of, and the amenities in the condo building include an indoor heated pool and an open year-round exercise room. The condo is just three blocks to the beach and boardwalk. This well-maintained condo is being sold fully furnished and shows pride of ownership. Come take a look today before it's sold.

MDWO2018458

OCEAN BLOCK MID-TOWN CONDOMINIUM

OC fire dept. overtime increases in offseason

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) Resort officials talked overtime hours this week after a recent audit revealed major overages within the fire department throughout the final quarter of 2023.

On Tuesday, Internal Auditor Karin Scott presented the Mayor and Council with an internal audit for the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2023. While the report touched on items such as takehome vehicles and procurement cards, a bulk of the presentation was spent reviewing overtime hours for city departments.

“With overtime you can see where

in October it was higher as we had some special events in October,” she explained. “And then, of course, you have some special events in December such as Winterfest and also the Christmas Parade and New Year’s Eve.”

While overtime went up for October, which featured the first Oceans Calling Festival, Scott told officials this week that overtime decreased thereafter. She said large amounts of overtime were spent on academy training in both the police and fire departments, Oceans Calling, Winterfest, and two-man paramedic crews within the fire department, to name a few.

When asked how overtime compared to the fourth quarters of 2022 and 2021, Scott noted that total overtime hours had decreased from 2021 to 2022, but had increased again from 2022 to 2023. She added that

weather-related cancellations also impacted 2022 overtime hours.

“2021 was a lot worse …,” she explained. “In 2021 you can see overtime is significantly higher, so it has gone down, but you have to remember in 2023 we had Oceans Calling, which we didn’t have in 2022.”

Council President Matt James said overtime within both the police department and fire department had decreased from 2021 to 2023. City Manager Terry McGean, however, said overtime within the fire department did not go down as much as he thought it would.

“I think the police, they have done a pretty good job,” he said. “But I’ve had some concerns and pretty frank discussions with the fire chief about fire overtime.”

McGean said both the police and fire departments had overtime built into the schedule. He noted, however, that the fire department had gone above and beyond what was budgeted.

“They were doing a good job really until the offseason,” he said. “Then it started skyrocketing back up.”

McGean said the fire department faced two challenges when it came to overtime last quarter. He said as many as seven employees were out on longterm absences. He added that the fire department also set hard minimums on staffing levels.

the offseason,” he said.

He said deployments to West Ocean City also impacted the fire department. He said calls for service in the West Ocean City area increased from 542 in 2021 to more than 1,400 in 2023.

“West Ocean City calls now are 22% of our responses,” he said. “If you take out the West Ocean City calls, actually our responses on the island went down.”

While he noted that several factors resulted in overtime hours for the fire department, McGean said more could be done to address the issue.

“So it’s part of that growth in calls off the island, it’s a shortage, it’s losing some of these full-time people,” he said. “But I think there’s some other things we could be doing in terms of how we’re handling that minimum staffing that I’ve challenged them to work on. But I’m still not happy with what’s happened these last three or four months.”

For his part, Councilman John Gehrig questioned staffing during special events like Oceans Calling.

“With the promoters, we’re requesting that they get their own public safety, basically,” he said. “So if we’re going to be hiring more full-time police officers, will those officers then be more on regular control, like it’s just a normal busy weekend, or are we choosing to provide extra support at the event?”

“So what happens with the fire department is if they have full-time people out and they can’t get part-time people in, which they continue to struggle with, particularly on the weekends, then they have essentially no choice but to pay overtime,” he said. “And that’s the bulk of what we’re seeing, what we’ve been seeing in the fire department in the offseason.”

McGean told the council the town had increased minimum staffing levels and adjusted its ambulance crews so that there was continual coverage. And while that adjustment had resulted in staffing improvements, the long-term absence of some full-time employees had impacted overtime.

“Because we lost these full-time people, the overtime has exploded in

McGean noted that Oceans Calling provided its own security and paramedics within the event footprint. He noted, however, increased population, crowd management and pedestrian safety initiatives outside of the event contributed to additional man hours, particularly for the police department.

“It’s sort of been the chicken or the egg,” he replied. “As you have more events, as the season gets bigger, you know you need more full-time people. But the flip side of that is if we lose part-time people we sort of have to make the season longer so that we can afford the full-time people that we’re having to hire.”

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) Officials say they are exploring ways to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Boardwalk trams.

On Tuesday, Transit Manager Rob Shearman told members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee he was working with the town’s tourism department to create a PR campaign for the Boardwalk trams, which will celebrate 60 years of operation in June. He said additional information would be provided at the committee’s April meeting.

“We are very excited about that celebration and how cool it is that we have had this iconic landmark for so long,” he said.

On June 6, 1964, the Town of Ocean City launched its first tram on the Boardwalk. For 25 cents, visitors could purchase a one-way ticket on a train-style vehicle. Since that time, the Boardwalk attraction has grown in popularity. Today, the trams are moved by Jeeps and tickets are $5 per one-way fare.

Last month, committee members pitched the idea of offering a 25-cent fare on June 6 as a way to celebrate the 60th anniversary. In an update this week, officials said that one-day promotion would result in a $7,000 revenue loss for the town.

When asked if the committee would like to make a recommendation to the Mayor and Council to reduce the tram fare for one day, Councilman Frank Knight said he first wanted to see what other ideas the transportation and tourism departments could come up with.

“Let’s see what else we are going to do,” he said. “Times are tough.”

Councilman Tony DeLuca said Budget Manager Jennie Knapp was not in favor of the one-day promotion. City Manager Terry McGean said her concerns stemmed from the fact that bus revenues were still running below budget projections.

“Can we find $7,000? Sure,” he said.

“But is it worth it?” DeLuca added.

After further discussion, Shearman agreed to bring ideas for a 60th anniversary celebration back to the committee in April.

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State ethics law changes require local compliance

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) Changes to the Town of Ocean City’s public ethics code to bring it into compliance with changes in state law will advance to a first reading.

The City Council has no choice in the matter, according to City Solicitor Heather Stansbury, who told the council Tuesday the amendments are required.

“Every few years the state updates its ethics code, and we need to come in line with their update,” she said.

Stansbury said she was seeking council members’ opinions on the code changes, which includes a prohibition on officials or employes accepting gifts from associations acting on behalf of counties and municipalities. The revised code would also change the procedure for correcting or filing financial disclosures during election years.

“Previously, if you filled it out incorrectly, or perhaps not completely or you just forgot to fill it out, you would receive notice from the city clerk or from the Board of Election Supervisors and you would have up to 20 days prior to that election to correct that inefficiency, which is the same time you have to withdraw your candidacy. That has drastically shifted …,” she said. “Now if you receive that notice and you are deficient or incomplete or you just didn't do it, you only have eight days to correct that, or your candidacy will be withdrawn.”

Other additions, Stansbury said, include a section on retaliation.

“It states if an official or employee is being reported by a third party for perhaps violating the ethics code, that official or employee should take no action against the reporter. It's sort of like a whistleblower protection,” she said. “So, an example would be an employee within one of our departments made a complaint to the ethics commission about ... a department head, and that department

head was reviewed by the ethics commission, potentially the city manager. That department head could not later call for the demotion or the firing of that employee simply because they made the request for an inquiry.”

Councilman John Gehrig objected to the new language, arguing that it could protect employees who defame someone’s character with no basis for doing so.

“So anybody can destroy someone's reputation with the protection of some ethics code,” he said.

Stansbury said the regulation, while broad, came directly from the state. She noted, however, that she did not believe action taken for illegitimate claims would count as retaliatory.

“It's the retaliatory word that I don't think can be skipped,” she said. “I don't think that an action that the town would take if something was completely falsified and completely made-up and sought to only defame would be retaliatory.”

When asked if the town’s ethics policies could supersede the state changes, Stansbury said the town could be no less restrictive than what state law provides.

“This is going to serve as our baseline, and we can do no less than this,” she replied. “If we want to make policies that are more stringent, we can do that. But we don't want to be less stringent than this.”

After further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to advance changes to the town’s ethics code to a first reading. Stansbury said the changes would be presented to the state ethics commission for review.

“As a practical matter, what actually happens at the state is they do an internal review,” she said. “I spoke with the [attorney general] just the other day. She will tentatively approve it and then the state ethics commission meets every quarter and this one will be set in for the June quarter, where they formally approve it.”

Proposed Microtel in Berlin largely jeered

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) While residents objected to the location of a proposed hotel, planning officials told the developers it needed architectural improvements if it was going to be built in Berlin.

Developers approached the Berlin Planning Commission this week with plans for a four-story, 78-unit Microtel on the east side of Route 113 near Franklin Avenue. Several citizens, most who said they lived near the proposed location, said they didn’t want to see a hotel so close to a daycare and a school in an already busy area. Commission members were quick to express their concerns regarding the appearance of the hotel.

“This doesn’t suit our identity, it doesn’t come close,” commission

member Ron Cascio said. “It’s got to reflect the ambiance of the town.”

Heather Morrison of Fisher Architecture presented the commission with plans for the proposed Microtel, which is being considered for the five-acre site near the former South Moon Under property. She said the property was zoned for commercial use and the proposed hotel met the town’s 45-foot height limit.

Matt Stoehr, chair of the commission, pointed out this was the second hotel proposed in Berlin in the last few years and questioned the need. Developer Tom Zambetis said Microtel saw a need based on its occupancy rates in West Ocean City. He added that Route 113 was heavily traveled and the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin only had 16 rooms.

Commission member Pete Cosby

acknowledged the need for another hotel in Berlin but said Route 113 was a main corridor in Berlin.

“I’ve got a real problem with your architecture, with the look of the building,” he said. “I’d like to see something special.”

His peers offered similar comments.

“This looks like it could be anywhere in the country,” commission member Austin Purnell said.

Citizens in the audience at Wednesday’s meeting said their primary problem with the proposal was the location. Councilwoman Shaneka

Nichols said the proposed hotel was right around the corner from her house.

“I just don’t think that location is a safe spot,” she said.

Councilman Dean Burrell said he doubted anyone would want the Microtel in their neighborhood and said it would impact quality of life for residents. Chrissy Ehrhart, who operates a wellness business near the proposed location, expressed concern about the potential 28-day stays permitted at the hotel and the dangers of sex trafficking. She also expressed concern about drug use at the hotel and questioned how low its rates would be.

Project representatives said there were hotel training courses related to sex trafficking and room checks were done regularly to ensure no one was doing anything they shouldn’t be doing in the hotel. They added that it cost about $50 a night per room to operate a hotel and the facility certainly wouldn’t be setting rates so low they weren’t making money.

Resident Andy Grunden said he felt there was a need for hotel in Berlin but didn’t think the proposed location was ideal. He pointed out it was across Route 113 from downtown Berlin, which is a draw for visitors.

“What you’re left with is a game of frogger for pedestrians,” he said. “I think the need is there but you’re in the wrong spot.”

Resident Tony Weeg said he didn’t want to see the neighborhood changed to the point it could “never come back from.” Resident Alphonso Holden said he felt there were better locations in town for a hotel.

Resident Samantha Pielstick supported the hotel project. She said residents needed a place for their visitors to stay and added that it would be able to serve families of those in the hospital or those visiting the cancer center.

Because Wednesday’s hearing was just a concept plan review, Stoehr suggested the developer come back with information to address the concerns shared by the public as well as with a few options for designs more suited to Berlin.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH The Berlin Planning Commission reviewed plans for a proposed Microtel Hotel on the east side of Route 113.

Bids OK’d for convention center upgrades

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) Approximately $2 million in planned upgrades at the convention center took another step forward this week.

On Tuesday, Public Works Director Hal Adkins presented the Mayor and Council with three bid award recommendations for projects at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. He said staff recommended the first bid award, totaling $761,900, go to Delaware Elevator.

“I want to bring to your attention that there were actually four different elevator devices in the building that we originally bid,” he said. “Unfortunately, due to bid escalation issues, we are only in the position to make a recommendation to rebuild and replace the large freight elevator and

the north passenger in the amount of $761,900 to Delaware Elevator. The other two elevators that were up for renovation and replacement, one is known as a small freight elevator and the other one is the south passenger, will be reprogrammed back into the capital improvement plan for funding discussions and potential replacement in the next three-year window.”

Adkins said there are also plans to replace escalators at the convention center. He said staff recommended the second bid award, totaling $1,038,000, go to OTIS Elevator Company.

“It is noteworthy to all of you that based on the complexity of the escalator, shop drawings, transmittals, fabrication, shipment, assembly, there’s initially a six-month administrative period followed by a six-

month construction period,” he added. “So the escalators will not be put in service as new units until most likely April of 2025.”

Lastly, Adkins presented plans for life safety improvements at the convention center. He said staff recommended the third bid award, totaling $198,800, go to The Whayland Company.

“The life safety improvement program deals with sprinkler modifications and other cosmetic issues that go along with that,” he said. “This is the one you may recall only resulted in one bid and had an original budget projection of $200,000. The bid is from a very reputable firm, the Whayland Company, in the amount of $198,800.”

With no discussion, the council voted 7-0 to approve all three bid awards.

Adkins on Tuesday also presented the council with an ordinance to adopt suggested amendments to the town’s utilities code. He said the changes will allow his department to address water consumption billing for malfunctioning meters.

“It is our goal to modify the code by adding a section that will acknowledge and provide a mechanism for us to bill individuals when we discover there’s a malfunctioning meter,” he explained. “Obviously this has gone on in the past. It will continue to go on in the future.”

While he acknowledged that meters fail, Adkins said the proposed code amendment would allow the town to recoup some of the lost revenues when they do.

“Normally when we’re doing a quarterly reading is when we would discover that we have what we call a zero-read meter,” he said. “That means months have gone by that we would have been unable to capture revenue. So we are suggesting a code amendment, as indicated in your agenda packet, that would allow us to do a three-year averaging over that quarter in fairness to both the municipality and to the property owner.”

With no further discussion, the council voted unanimously to move forward with the proposed ordinance.

Towns make annual county budget requests

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) The Town of Ocean City is seeking an increase in its funding from Worcester County in the coming fiscal year.

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said the town was seeking an increase in its unrestricted grant from the county as well as continued support of funding EMS service in West Ocean City. The resort is also asking the county to share the cost of purchasing a digital X-ray system for the Ocean City Bomb Squad.

“We believe all the requests are reasonable and important,” Meehan said.

Representatives of each of the county’s municipalities and Ocean Pines presented their annual grant requests to the Worcester County Commissioners last week. Meehan told the commissioners the resort was asking for a $198,428 increase in its unrestricted grant.

“What we’re asking for is a 7.4% increase,” he said. “This will actually cover the CPI increases that have occurred over the last two years. We also think that probably this would be a good way to benchmark increases of this grant in the future. We’re hoping that would be considered.”

Meehan thanked the commissioners for working with the town to de-

velop a formula to support funding West Ocean City EMS service. He asked the county to apply the formula again in the coming budget year, as providing EMS service to the West Ocean City area cost $823,794 over and above grants received and revenues collected.

“The calls for service in West Ocean City are now 22% of our total EMS calls,” Meehan said.

He said the town’s final request was that the county share the cost of a new $65,000 digital X-ray system for the Ocean City Bomb Squad. According to Meehan the squad provides services to Ocean City and

Worcester County and so both jurisdictions supported it in the past.

“Maybe there’s more ways we could share costs that would benefit both of us,” Meehan said.

The commissioners last week also heard grant requests from Ocean Pines, Snow Hill, Berlin and Pocomoke. Pocomoke Mayor Todd Nock presented a request for an unrestricted grant of $540,750 while Snow Hill Mayor Michael Pruitt asked for an unrestricted grant of $500,000.

The Town of Berlin also submitted a request for an unrestricted grant of $500,000, which would represent a 7.5% increase over what the town re-

ceived during the last fiscal year.

“We are requesting an increase this year with the assessable base growing for the county and town,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

He added that the town was also asking for $10,000 to assist with quarterly promotional videos for the downtown business district. He said there were 270 businesses in town and during monthly merchant meetings those businesses had asked for increased marketing efforts.

Tyndall went on to present a request for a reimbursement related to road and sidewalk improvements made to Seahawk Road.

SGM HaS MuLtIpLE SpOtS OpEn FOr tHE SEaSOn!

Md. legislators eye sales tax expansion bill

Local delegate argues bill ‘will take billions of dollars out of Maryland pockets’

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(March 15, 2024) Lawmakers in Annapolis are considering a new plan to generate revenue by decreasing the Maryland sales tax from 6% to 5% but extending the fee to include additional services.

The amendment, also known as Sales and Use Tax-Rate Reduction and Services, would tax services not currently affected by traditional sales tax, such as advertising, landscaping, accounting, dry cleaning, funeral, and media streaming. The House Ways and Means Committee heard the bill on March 11.

Proponents of the legislation argue that it would generate roughly $3 billion in revenue sources for state priorities, such as the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, the costly education policy that aims to enrich student learning by increasing school system funding by $3.8 billion each year over the next ten years, and the Transportation Trust Fund.

“I wanted to get an option on the table that one bill would ... heavily reduce the Blueprint’s funding obligation and come up with a real source for that,” Majority Leader David Moon (D20), the bill’s sponsor, said in an interview on WBAL.

The current writing of the legislation excludes childcare, grant making and religious organizations but defines taxable services as “any activity engaged in for a buyer for consideration.” This in-

cludes telephone answering services, credit reporting, pay-per-view television, security systems, and the “fabrication, printing, or production of tangible personal property or a digital product by special order,” among others.

Critics of the bill worry that it would disproportionately affect small establishments.

“This is essentially an indirect citizen tax because everyone uses services,” Worcester County Chamber of Commerce in Ocean Pines President Kerrie Bunting said. “It is bad for all businesses and consumers.”

Despite promises of increased revenue, Bunting said more important is the impact the legislation would have on small businesses and consumers.

“If this proves anything, we need to pay attention to what happens at the state level,” Bunting said. “People think it has nothing to do with them, but it does. The more we are engaged in the legislative process, the more our voices are heard. If you do not pay attention, you cannot complain.”

Dozens of business owners and hesitant customers have rallied in Annapolis to oppose the proposed law. Restaurant owner Greg Brown, for instance, maintained that Maryland’s issue was with its spending, not its revenue.

Republican lawmakers are especially critical of the legislation, particu-

larly its inclusion of taxable funeral services. Many argue that the services should not be considered for revenue generation.

“There are two things certain: taxes and death. Now, they’re going to get money out of my pocket when they put me in the ground,” Del. Robert Long (R-6) said at the hearing.

Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C) shares Long’s hesitancies. He called HB 1515 a “terrible bill that will take billions of dollars out of Marylanders’ pockets.”

Hartman is also worried about the impact the bill could have on shortage of housing plaguing the Ocean City area. He said that if the legislation is passed, it would impose taxes on every stage of home building, including real estate commission, legal fees, the architect, tree service to clear the lot, the plumbing, the electrician, and the carpenter.

“If the bill moves forward, it will make homes less affordable and put us in an even worse position in terms of the housing crisis,” Hartman said.

Hartman also said it was clear in the March 11 hearing that details of the bill were not yet thought out. He is confident that because the legislation was introduced late into the session, it will not advance, however he worries lawmakers will be having the same conversations about it next year.

15 LORD GUY TERRACE OCEAN

Hartman, Carozza provide legislative update

Elected officials talk condo repairs, death benefit tax liabilties and RV shows

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(March 15, 2024) Eastern Shore lawmakers are gearing up for the final stretch of the legislative session as bills related to condo fees, death benefit tax liabilities, recreational vehicle shows, and higher education move through the General Assembly.

The House Environment and Transportation Committee heard a bill sponsored by Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C) on March 5. House Bill 1262, or Common Ownership Communities-Reserve Studies-Alterations, would extend the timeline for required condominium repairs determined by an assessment from three to five years.

Maryland law currently requires condominiums to conduct reserve studies, using experts to evaluate what major restorations the building will need in the near future and the costs associated with it. Homeowner associations then have three years to acquire the funds through HOA fees and assessments.

Hartman’s proposed bill would extend the timeline to five years to re-

lieve some of the financial pressure on the homeowners.

Additionally, Hartman wants to eliminate cosmetic repairs, like carpeting, painting, and siding from the evaluations, which would then be left to concentrate on structural and safety issues. He also worries that there are insufficient resources, including evaluators, to meet the demand for reserve studies. Hartman proposed allowing smaller buildings of 12 units or less to rotate on an eight-year cycle rather than the proposed five-year program.

Hartman said his comments were well-received at the March 5 hearing.

According to Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38), the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee unanimously voted in favor of Senate Bill 897 on March 7.

SB 897, or the Income Tax Subtraction Modification-Death Benefits-Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters, would “relieve the tax liability on the death benefits of the families of first responders who died in the line of duty,” Carozza said.

Current law requires that monetary death benefits given to the families of firefighters and police officers be reported as taxable income.

Tashica Hilliard, the wife of the late Wicomico County Corporal Glenn

Hilliard, discovered that her $500,000 payment carried a tax liability of $182,000. The proposed legislation removes this requirement.

Hartman also introduced the legislation in the House of Delegates, cross-filed as House Bill 1064. The bill received a favorable report by the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday, March 13.

Carozza and Hartman are sponsors of Senate Bill 976 and House Bill 840, which would increase from two to three the number of recreational vehicle shows in which Maryland

dealers can participate.

The Ocean City RV display occurs at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center every fall. According to Hartman, many sellers have reached their maximum number of permitted events by the time it rolls around. If passed, the bill could lead to an increase in the number of vendors at the resort expo.

“The success of the inaugural OC RV Show, which attracted over 7,500 visitors from across Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, underscores the value this event brings to Maryland’s Coast and the entire State of Maryland,” Carozza said.

HB 840 received a favorable report by the House Environment and Transportation Committee on March 13.

Hartman expressed concerns last week with House Bill 473, Higher Education-Undocumented StudentsOut-of-State Tuition Exemption Eligibility.

Current law requires undocumented students interested in pursuing college to file taxes for three years before they qualify for in-state tuition. The amendment initially proposed to lower this requirement to one tax return from either the student or the parent. The delegate debated the bill on March 5, urging the House to alter the in-state tuition conditions.

“If only one tax return is required, someone could work for just two months and be eligible for in-state tuition,” Hartman said. “It would be detrimental.”

The bill’s sponsors adjusted the writing to demand two tax returns following the delegate’s remarks.

Time, however, is of the essence in these deliberations, as Monday, March 18, is Crossover Day in Annapolis. This is when bills introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate must pass in their original chamber to continue through the legislative process.

“This was the last week before Cross Over,” Hartman said. “Tensions run high.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

From left, OC RV Show Promoter Rich Hutchins, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38), OC RV Show Social Media Manager Jen Evans, and Matt Libber of the Maryland Tourism Coalition pose together after testifying in support of Senate Bill 976, legislation that would increase the number of shows RV dealers are permitted to attend annually. .

Baltimore Avenue paving project to end by early May

(March 15, 2024) Crews with the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration are working on two resurfacing projects in Worcester County.

A news release from the administration said both projects are set to be finished by the beginning of May, weather permitting.

Crews have begun resurfacing nearly 1 mile of MD 378 (Baltimore Avenue) between North Division and 15th streets in Ocean City.

The work began this past Monday, March 11, and includes milling (removing the top layer of asphalt), paving and restriping Baltimore Avenue. Crews are slated to work 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to noon Fridays. Single-lane closures guided by a flagging operation are set up in the construction zone.

Crews will also work on about 4 miles of Route 366 (Stockton Road) between Route 13 Business (Ocean Highway) and Route 703 (Klej Grange Road) near Snow Hill beginning on Monday, March 18. The

work, which includes milling and paving, should also be finished by May 1. Drivers can expect single-lane closures 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday during construction.

The highway administration’s contractor for both projects, Allan Myers, Inc. of Dover Delaware, will use arrow boards, cones, and flaggers to guide motorists through both work zones. Drivers should expect traffic impacts and delays during work hours on each road.

The release said state officials understand that the road work will inconvenience travelers, but contend that it is necessary to maintain the transportation system. Motorists should pay close attention and slow down while passing through the work zones, the release said. Motorcyclists are urged to be aware of uneven pavement surfaces.

For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, visit the Project Portal or the homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, visit md511.maryland.gov.

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FINAL MARKDOWNS 23

Council to consider paid parking

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) A plan for paid parking around the redeveloped Downtown Recreation Complex will soon be presented.

In a Mayor and City Council meeting next Monday, City Manager Terry McGean will present officials with a resolution to implement paid parking along the Downtown Recreation Complex, which is undergoing reconstruction. He told members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee this week the paid parking will replace spaces that were once located along Chicago Avenue.

“If you recall, before we reconstructed the Downtown Recreation Complex, we had parking on what is known as Chicago Avenue, which is that street against the bulkhead. There was paid parking there,” he said. “When we redid the park, we closed that road. So we took that parking off and created head-in parking on the north side of 3rd Street and the south side of 4th Street. We’re going to make the recommendation that it be paid parking for that last block.”

McGean said he wanted to implement paid parking sooner rather than later, and that a recommendation would be brought before the Mayor

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and Council at its regular meeting next Monday. He said paid spaces would not only provide visitors to the complex with enough parking but would discourage beach parking.

“There will be more paid spaces than there used to be because we’ve created more spaces down there, but it’s important to do it,” he said. “The money is one thing but making sure the spaces are turned over and available for parking is important.”

Members of the committee agreed.

“We like paid parking,” Councilman Frank Knight said.

Resort staff this week also updated committee members on the status of the town’s new parking division. Transit Manager Rob Shearman said the department recently hired Jonathan Anthony as the division’s new parking manager.

“He will be starting Monday,

March 25, relocating to the area from east central Pennsylvania,” he said.

Shearman added that the department also received 13 job applications for the positions of lead enforcement officer and parking enforcement officer.

“So, 13 total applications for a staff we expect to be approximately seven folks,” he explained. “So, we are looking good in terms of having some viable candidates to choose from and a competitive hiring process for those positions.”

Public Works Director Hal Adkins added that he would also like to bring the Ocean City Police Department’s former parking enforcement officer on board to assist in training. He said he would fill the role as parking enforcement officer on a temporary basis.

“I intend to take him up on the offer and then transition him back out,” he said.

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH Chicago Avenue, which runs behind the Downtown Recreation Complex along the bay between 3rd and 4th streets, is currently closed for construction. City officials will discuss adding new paid parking around the complex once renovations are complete.

PANORAMIC

11000

Late property tax notices lead to questions

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(March 15, 2024) Local Maryland governments face a loss of hundreds of millions in property tax revenue for education, law enforcement, and other local services in the budget after a printing and mailing vendor failed to send property assessments to over 100,000 accounts this year.

According to a recent statement from the State Department of Assessments and Taxation Director Michael Higgs, a printing process error by the League for People with Disabilities,

the vendor responsible for the property evaluations, resulted in 107,000 accounts not receiving their new projected home value notice by the Jan. 30 deadline. The recipients can expect the documents in the coming weeks.

Property tax is a significant source of revenue for local governments. One-third of the state’s properties are reassessed each year and given a new value. The tax amount owed is adjusted based on the revised calculation, often higher than the prior analysis. As property values rise,

homeowners pay more in taxes, resulting in more property tax revenue for governments.

As per current law, owners must be given time to review the updated value and appeal it if they disagree with the estimate. The property value and the tax remain the same from the previous assessment if the notice is sent after the deadline.

Lawmakers believe this mistake could leave municipal governments hundreds of millions of dollars short in funding for school systems and the police force if the issue is not re-

solved.

“I didn’t get a total number, but it was in the hundreds of millions of dollars, not in the tens of millions,” Senate President Bill Ferguson (DBaltimore City) told Maryland Matters.

Higgs’ statement assured that his team is working “in partnership with the General Assembly to draft legislation that will enable a temporary timeline adjustment to distribute the reassessment notices.” He also promised that every homeowner would re-

See HARTMAN Page 29

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Local transportation priorities highlighted

Commissioners continue focusing on Route 90, Route 50 and Route 589

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) Local officials confirmed last week that Route 90, Route 589 and the Route 50 bridge remain the local transportation priorities.

Last Tuesday, the Worcester County Commissioners approved the 2024 Consolidated Transportation Plan (CTP) letter, which will be sent to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to highlight improvements local officials would like to see made on area roads.

“The CTP letter is the county’s request to the Department of Transportation for projects we’d like to see undertaken,” Dallas Baker, the county’s director of public works, said. “Generally the guidelines are to try to isolate projects within State Highway’s right of way or MDOT’s right of way.”

He said the county’s proposed

Hartman voices concerns about transparency

2024 letter was the same letter that had been sent last year except for one minor change. Baker said the crosswalk at Route 589 and Manklin Creek was removed because it was actively under construction.

“It should be done in the next month or two,” he said.

Identified in the letter is the dualization of Route 90, the dualization of Route 589 and construction of a new drawbridge on Route 50. Also included is the signalization of the intersection of Route 611 and Assateague Road, and addition of a traffic signal at the intersection of Route 367 and Route 368 in Bishopville, among several other projects.

“As always, the top three are 90, 589 and the 50 drawbridge and then we have various other projects related to safety improvements, signal

improvements, interchange improvements, studies,” Baker said. “With MDOT they have various pots of money designated toward large capital projects smaller safety projects, intersection improvements. We’ve tried to pepper this letter with being able to hit all the various funds. We’ve been pretty successful. Last year we had movement on six of the 10 projects we put forward.”

Baker said he’d received some lastminute input on the letter related to the need to address standing water at Route 113 and Johnson Neck Road and that he could include it in the letter if the commissioners agreed.

They indicated they’d like to see the addition and asked for updates from Baker on several of the projects identified. Commissioner Eric Fiori asked about the Assateague

Road/Route 611 intersection.

“Unofficially, I know they are close to completing the study and … I believe they are going to recommend a signal there,” Baker said.

He said a roundabout had been considered but the idea had been abandoned because of the number of trailers and campers that traveled the road there, as well as the number of left turns being made.

“I just want to make constituents and residents aware that is being worked on diligently, it’s just a very complicated intersection,” Fiori said.

The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the CTP letter. Local officials are expected to meet with MDOT representatives during the annual Maryland Association of Counties conference in Ocean City this summer. Continued from Page

ceive their valuation and be given the full 45-day timeframe to review and appeal.

The Maryland General is halfway through their 90-day session, and any late-filed bills may face roadblocks. However, lawmakers could amend existing bills to account for an adjusted deadline, like Sen. Guy Guzzone’s (D-13) Senate Bill 1027, which defines “taxpayer” in relation to property tax appeals, Maryland Matters reported.

“Local governments depend on property tax revenue the most,” Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C) said. “If it can’t be resolved, it will hurt counties for three years. We also don’t know how many of these missed properties are in Worcester County as opposed to Wicomico County.”

According to Hartman, he and many of his peers have yet to be briefed on the costly mistake and the plans to fix it. “I found out about this through a Maryland Matters report,” he said. “The lack of transparency is concerning.”

WCPS receives $150K grant to help fund summer school

sources.

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(March 15, 2024) Worcester County Public Schools was awarded $150,000 from the Donnie Williams Foundation amid concerns that five northern schools cannot adequately host annual summer academy programs with spending scaled back.

The funds will be used primarily for teacher salaries and a small amount for instructional materials and transportation for the 2024 summer programs at Showell Elementary, Ocean City Elementary, Berlin Intermediate, Stephen Decatur Middle and Stephen Decatur High.

WCPS received the Maintenance of Effort funding formula from the Worcester County Commissioners last spring, provided the system with the most minimal amount of money per pupil allowed by state law. This decision forced the county to eliminate locally funded afterschool and summer options from the five schools mentioned above before reinstate the programs with outside re-

“At the time, we promised the Board of Education that we would pursue every avenue to secure funding to restore these critical programs,” Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor said in a statement provided by Coordinator of Public Relations and Special Programs Carrie Sterrs. “We have restored afterschool programs at these schools utilizing grant funds. We are very grateful to the Donnie Williams Foundation for its help as we restore our summer academies at these schools.”

WCPS Coordinator of Instruction

Tamara Mills said the local operating budget traditionally supported the northern schools’ summer academies, as their regular-school-year population did not meet the 50% economically disadvantaged threshold to qualify for additional support. However, they were able to apply for the Donnie Williams grant this year.

The Donnie Williams Foundation, founded by Maryland native Donnie Williams, is committed to providing monetary support to educational and youth programs in St. Mary’s, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.

Remainder of cost sought from Worcester County

The summer program offers services for special education students and keeps children learning during a season when they would typically be removed from an academic environment. “Summer academy keeps learning regression from happening,” Mills said. “It prevents the summer slide.”

The academies also provide a consistent schedule for the kids that need it the most, as getting out of a routine can negatively impact behavior and foster emotional learning opportunities.

“The program is not just for students who have a hard time academically but also for those who struggle socially,” the instruction coordinator said. “There are plenty of opportunities for enrichment in the summer.”

At a Feb.20 WCPS Board of Education meeting, Showell Elementary School mother and Parent Teacher Association member Lauren Falotico reiterated the importance of the programs.

“My youngest attended summer academy last summer, and it was truly a transformational experience for her,” she said. “Summer academy is vital for education. It creates welladjusted students for the upcoming school year. It provides a structured environment and prevents academic slides. With summer academy, students can continue their education, services, and growth.”

With COVID-19 relief money in previous years, the alternative sessions could accommodate nearly 1,000 students county-wide. However, as the school system recalibrates to decreased resources, it plans to service 700 to 850 kids.

Mills said the five schools' programs are estimated to cost $377,000 with the scaled-back funding. The Donnie Williams award will contribute $150,000. Another $20,000 from the Maryland State Department of Education-approved reallocation of the Prekindergarten Expansion grant is also intended for the summer academies.

The schools will request the remaining $207,000 from the Worcester County Commissioners. Mills hopes that, through discussions and community advocacy, the body will see the benefit the summer programs provide.

“We are grateful to the Donnie Williams Foundation,” Mills said. “They are a wonderful partner, and their foundation does much good in the community. We hope the commissioners will see we are trying to be fiscally responsible and the academic and emotional value we offer to Worcester County students.”

Berlin moves strategic plan process forward

BEACON continuing to work with town officials, community members

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) The Town of Berlin is moving forward with phase three of the strategic planning process following recent council approval.

The Berlin Town Council voted unanimously on Feb. 26 to approve having Salisbury University’s BEACON team move forward with the final phase of the town’s strategic plan. the decision came after BEACON Director John Hickman presented the results of two community listening sessions.

“This is great, thank you,” Council-

man Jack Orris said.

During the last three months, BEACON gathered a variety of input from Berlin residents and staff, Hickman said. The group met with town staff in the fall and followed that up with two community listening sessions. There was good participation from residents and Hickman’s group put together findings of both to draft a vision and mission statement during a stakeholders committee meeting at the end of January. Community values, such as heritage, culture, resiliency, inclusivity, wellbeing and vibrancy were agreed upon and an analysis of the town’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats was completed. While things like the town’s heritage and safety were listed among its strength, opportunities for improvement in-

cluded diversified town events and more affordable housing. Threats identified included affordability and overdevelopment.

Councilman Dean Burrell said he felt his neighborhood had been developed enough.

“If we’re going to look to multifamily dwellings, we need to look somewhere other than my neighborhood,” he said. “We also talked about … affordability. When it comes to affordability, through the presentation I noticed affordability related to rent. Yes, I think that is an important aspect but we also need to look at affordability related to single family dwellings.”

Hickman said the stakeholder committee discussed driving strategies as well as a tactical action plan. He said that if the council approved

moving forward with phase three of the strategic planning process, the group would be meetings again to continue the discussion of action steps for the town. Hickman said the council would have a finalized plan to review and vote on in April.

“That’s something that can be in your rulings by the time next (fiscal) year starts July 1,” he said.

Orris said that while he’d had a lot of questions for BEACON during the last presentation he’d been impressed by the listening sessions and stakeholder committee meetings. A motion to move forward with phase three passed unanimously.

As the council prepared to move on to the next item on the agenda, resident Gabe Purnell asked why officials weren’t soliciting feedback from those in the audience, as they did with other agenda items.

“It seems like you went right by us,” Purnell said. “It don’t sound like you’re playing a fair game in here tonight.”

Mayor Zack Tyndall said that was not the intention. He said comments hadn’t been requested because the item was a presentation. Tyndall apologized for the mistake.

Purnell went on to talk about a citizen-led effort to address community concerns from his neighborhood.

“We have a very serious issue going on,” he said. “Maybe some of you know it some of you don’t. We know it, the ones that live on the east side and hopefully our two representatives know it. What we need to do , I’d like to invite our two representatives to work with the committee of citizens on the east side at some point so we can be on the same page.”

He said he felt two different languages were being spoken based on what he’d heard the council say during the Feb. 26 meeting.

“We’ve got to come together or else we’re going to all perish together as Black folk,” he said. “That’s it.”

Purnell said he needed the help of the representatives from the east side, Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols and Councilman Dean Burrell. Nichols said this was the first she’d heard of a committee. Burrell said if they were advised when to attend they’d be present.

“As a community we just can’t do nothing,” Burrell said.

County holds off $2 million radio system hardware buy

Initiative tabled to allow time for commissioners’ questions to be answered

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) The Worcester County Commissioners recently delayed a decision to buy radio system hardware until they get more information on the nearly $2 million proposal.

The commissioners voted unanimously on Feb. 20 to table consideration of staff recommendations to purchase new radio system hardware from L3Harris.

“I have a lot of questions…,” Commissioner Caryn Abbott said. “I think we’ve spent an enormous amount of money. They may have been lowest bidder in 2015 but I think we overspent any savings that we have.”

James Hamilton, the county’s deputy director of emergency services, told the commissioners the department was seeking permission to move forward with a contract with L3Harris regarding a refresh of IT hardware components. He said the generally acceptable life cycle of IT hardware such as servers, routers and switches was three to five years. The county’s equip-

ment is now six years old. He said the timing of the project had been closely coordinated with the Town of Ocean City so because the town’s radio system and the county’s worked together.

“We’ve coordinated this project to remain in line with our tempo the town’s tempo as well as each budget cycle,” he said.

He said there had been $2 million budgeted for the work and it was expected to cost $1,787,584.

Abbott said she had questions about the proposal, as well as the next one Hamilton was scheduled to present regarding a new transmitter. She said she wanted to table discussion until the county got input from state radio officials. Commissioner Eric Fiori agreed it was an intricate issue and said he didn’t think a slight delay would hurt. Abbott also asked what would be done with the equipment being replaced.

Hamilton responded that the existing servers, network switches and routers would probably be wiped and sold on govdeals.com. Staff said any money generated from those sales would go back into the general fund.

Hamilton indicated a brief delay in the approval process would not impact the project schedule.

AFTER SCHOOL ART

Berlin Intermediate after-school

YOUTH SCULPTURE WINNER

Ocean City Elementary School fourth-grader Maisie Gill poses with Joanne Kirby from the Worcester County Garden Club and an award she won in the club’s youth sculpture contest. Maisie made an octopus out of a coffee container and two egg cartons in conjunction with the this year’s theme, “Encouraging Youth to Keep our Planet Green.” Students in fourth through eighth grades were encouraged to create sculptures out of recyclable, reused and reduced materials.

DIGITAL ART WINNER

Members of the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club recently recognized Jamari Savage for winning the digital art division of the club’s art contest. Savage is pictured holding his artwork at the group’s March dinner meeting with his grandparents, Corretta and Stevie Harris, and Doris Glover, who judged the work at the contest.

CELEBRATING DR. SEUSS

LEGION DONATION

Members of the American Legion Post 166 recently presented a $1,000 check to the Worcester County Youth and Family Counseling Services. Pictured, from left, with the check, are Post donations committee member Ben Dawson, clinical psychologist Jennifer Leggour Director of Worcester Connects Kayla Figueroa and Post donations committee member George Spicer.

PHOTOS COURTESY ART LEAGUE OF OCEAN CITY

art club students pose with four-square prints they recently made from Styrofoam printing plates.

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Students in Lisa Kristick’s pre-K-4 class at Ocean City Elementary pose for a photo wearing Dr. Seuss hats they built for Read Across America Day. The students used vocabulary words to compare the sizes of their hats.

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY-BERLIN OPTIMIST CLUB

PHOTO COURTESY AMERICAN LEGION POST 166

NEW LIONESS MEMBERS WELCOMED

SUPPORT FOR CRICKET CENTER

COMMANDANT SALUTED

SCHOLARSHIP APPS OPEN

The Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club is accepting scholarship applications from Stephen Decatur High School seniors. For more information email ocberlinrotary@gmail.com  Pictured are last year’s scholarship recipients Natalie Canhan and Emery Busco with Rotarian Steve Gragert.

CONTEST WINNERS CELEBRATED

Members of the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club recognized the winners of the organization’s essay contest at a meeting in March. Pictured, from left, are Optimist member and essay contest chair Cheryl Brown with essay winners Abby Douglas and Brooke Berquist. Douglas received a check for $250 for her third place winning entry and Berquist received a check for $500 for her first place win. .

WELLNESS DAY

Prep

PHOTO COURTESY DONNA GREENWOOD

From left, Ocean City Lioness Lions Club Gov. Kathy Crockett poses with new member Ruth Scott, sponsor Donna Greenwood, club president Ann Runo, sponsor Roberta Taylor, and new member Joann Warren. Scott, Warren and fellow new member Lois West were recently inducted into the club.

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY-BERLIN ROTARY CLUB

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS SR.

From left, Cricket Center Family Advocate Jessica Burke, Executive Director Lauren Cooper and Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City President Bob Wolfing pose together with a $2,000 check club members recently presented to the local child advocacy organization.

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY-BERLIN OPTIMIST CLUB

PHOTO COURTESY ED PINTO

American Legion Post 166 Commandant Tom Wengert, who serves as an associate member of the First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League, accepts a certificate of appreciation for the American Legion’s participation in the 2023 Toys for Tots campaign from program coordinator Sharon Ruest.

PHOTOS COURTESY WORCESTER PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Worcester

Head of Upper School Carol Evans pets therapy dog Macey, along with sophomore Max Carpenter and juniors Nathan Montague and Dillon Scopp during the school’s recent Wellness @ Worcester event.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Weekends without rain

A fully charged phone

When technology helps a situation

Dropping off recycling

A week with only one trip to the grocery store

Quiet keyboards

The new format of the Oscars

A creative insult

The documentary, The Program

People having coffee on Main Street in Berlin

The passion in support of school system

Approved school calendar eliminates Wed. half-days

WCPS ‘24-’25 academic schedule also includes seven-day spring break

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(March 15, 2024) The Worcester County Board of Education recently announced the 2024-25 school year calendar, which removes the controversial Wednesday half-days previously included for teachers' professional development.

Carrie Sterrs, the public relations and special programs coordinator for Worcester County Public Schools, presented the finalized calendar to the board of education at a meeting on Feb. 20.

The school system gathered feedback for the proposed schedules from Dec. 21, 2023, to Jan. 12, 2024. The survey garnered 2,092 responses. The participants were 49.6% parents, 32.8% employees, 11.9% students, and 4.9% from other community members. According to the data, the moderately balanced calendar was preferred instead of the early release and longer/ frequent break options. The study also welcomed open-ended replies.

break.”

Superintendent Lou Taylor’s modified schedule reflects these changes. The county must observe Good Friday and Easter Monday, but they opted to shift the closure from April 17 to April 23 to provide a longer stretch of days off.

The upcoming school year calendar also does away with half-days for professional development.

“We decided to remove the Wednesday half-days because parents were having issues with babysitting scheduling,” Taylor said. “When we had Friday half-days, we watched our staff and student attendance decline across the county. For now, we will encourage our teachers to sign up for after-school and summer professional development.”

Chief Operations and Academic Officer Annette Wallace said that the professional half-days yielded increased participation among teachers and improved student attendance, unlike when they were on Fridays. However, she maintains the board of education values community feedback.

“Over 50% of the open-ended responses left comments asking for half-days for professional development to revert to the end of the week,” Steers said. “Over 25% asked for elongated breaks during the school year, particularly spring

“We listen to our parents, so Superintendent Taylor decided to remove those days from the calendar completely,” she said. “It was not best for the kids to have professional development on Fridays because our teachers and students weren’t here. As a transparent organization, we listen to our families and do what is best for the kids.”

For nearly 40 years, Dale’s Esso Center was the first thing people saw when entering Ocean City.

The gas station at the foot of the Route 50 Bridge was one of just a handful of local businesses to stay open year-round in the 1940s and 1950s.

William Dale started the business in 1941 but it was taken over by his wife Elizabeth after their marriage ended. She managed Dale’s Esso from 1943 to 1953 and pumped gas, checked oil and washed windshields in an era when that type of work was rarely attempted by a woman.

When Mrs. Dale’s health began to fail, she leased the station to Burton Birch. He successfully ran it for another 30 years until the building was demolished and the land developed to become an entry park.

Today a fountain containing a white marlin sculpture occupies the former site of Dale’s Esso.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.

from Bunk Mann’s collection

Photo

A day in the life of a teacher

‘What binds us together is our humanity’

By Dr. Jaimie Ridgely Contributing Writer

(March 15, 2024) I wake at my normal time, yet I prepare for a day that is anything but normal in the day in the life of a teacher. Usually, I leave my house by 7 a.m., but today I leave at 7:30.

My first stop, fill up the tank. Stop two, pick up the Wicomico County teacher of the year. Stop three, pick up Dorchester County’s teacher of the year. Stop four, pick up Talbot County’s teacher of the year. Today, we are four strong. On other trips, we have had up to six of our Eastern Shore teachers of the year travel up Route 50 together, headed to experience the other side of the bridge and all that the coordinators from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) had planned for us.

We are travelling to the Teacher of the Year Day in Annapolis to be honored by the Maryland House and Senate. What an honor to be recognized for our work, the work we hold so near and dear to our hearts.

Before arriving to the front steps of the Maryland State House, we spend time catching up. We started this year as a cohort of individuals from across our state, strangers if you will, but we have become a Teacher of the Year family. Together, we share our lives, our stories, our experiences, our passions, our insights. Our candid car talks have become a treasured part of each and every Teacher of the Year road trip.

More time is spent discussing our profession than any other topic. We know what our teachers are feeling and facing across Maryland. We know what our students need. We

a think tank.

Our ties unite us across our entire state. Each teacher holds knowledge, passion, interests, and experiences that are both unique and valuable. When together, we dream in technicolor. We imagine what’s possible in education. We are a cacophony of voices until we take our seats for the Maryland House tribute.

The tribute is an honor. Each of us are named as representatives for our respective counties. Mary Kay Connerton, Teacher of the Year for Anne Arundel County, is also welcomed to the floor as our Maryland State Teacher of the Year. She uses her time at the podium to advocate for intentional wellness programming for all students. She is fierce yet poised. She is a voice that will not be forgotten. When she returns to our collective, we celebrate her work and imagine bringing the programming she has developed into our own counties.

After the House tribute, we are whisked away to the Maryland Senate. While awaiting our descent to the floor, Dr. Carey M. Wright, interim state superintendent, joins us. She offers her sincerest congratulations before the 24 of us are recognized on the floor together.

We might not share the same culture, world views, or experiences as other people, but that doesn’t mean we are so different that our differences should divide us. Our discussion reminds me of Aaron Beverly’s award-winning, 2019 Toastmasters speech when he called the audience to action by saying, “Open your culture, your mind, your heart to people who are different from you and show the world that acceptance despite difference is not an unbelievable story.”

When we open ourselves to accept differences, we begin to see how much we really do have in common, and this can change how we interact with the world. As teachers, a respect for humanity and holding space for acceptance despite difference is quintessential to our profession. We want all learners to have a sense of belonging in the classroom. It starts with us.

Our various conversations continue as we trudge our way to the parking garage across town. We say goodbye, knowing we will carry our experiences back to our classrooms. Our fragment of the Eastern Shore Teacher of the Year group returns to my Jeep, and we pick up with where we left off in the morning.

know the stark differences that exist between counties. We know that our profession is under fire from a wide range of entities. We know that a lack of a fully funded budget impacts our students, communities, and teachers.

At times, our frustrations can be just as palpable as our passions. In spite of all the hang-ups, hiccups, and obstacles we face, we do not live in this moment of commiseration. We recognize the importance of our work and the joy to be experienced. We choose our careers day after day. We stay committed and invested. We are in this for the long haul.

Collectively, we have decades of experience and a plethora of degrees in the car today. We have first-hand knowledge and a depth of understanding that helps us to collaborate toward workable solutions and strategies. Yet, we all acknowledge that we do not know everything; there is always more to learn. We openly reflect, problem solve, and encourage. We talk research, discuss programming, and share resources. Our growth has a ripple effect, and we know it.

As we approach the capital today, we are discussing the merits of conscious discipline and trauma-informed practices. Our conversation is nowhere near over, but time does not stop for anybody. So, we park and head toward our meeting point. Along the way, we happily spot and join our fellow Teachers of the Year (there are 24 of us in total; one for each county). Our Eastern Shore cohort melds into our Maryland cohort before entering the State House. No longer are we a handful of educators on a car trip; we are now members of

Our Maryland State Teacher of the Year delivers her fierce remarks again. The room is full of senators smiling and celebrating our work. Mary Beth Carozza, District 38 senator, is smiling and beaming with pride across the senate floor. It is clear to see that she values us. After the session, representatives meet with their respective county teachers for a few moments. Mary Beth Carozza wastes no time finding us (Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester teachers). She speaks quickly and excitedly, sharing as much as she can fit in before rushing to her next meeting.

The stretch between the State House and the Iron Rooster for lunch is brisk, but no one minds as we mix into the folds of our think tank. Our conversations carry on through lunch. There is never a moment of silence when we are together. We have more to share than we have time for, but that doesn’t mean we do not try to fit it all in.

Toward the end of lunch today, Jared Perry, the Baltimore City Teacher of the Year, mentions how he notices that for all our differences, we have more in common than we realize. His words resonate at our table. In one single moment, he reminds all of us that what binds us together is our humanity, not only as teachers, but across the stretches of individuals and sea of people.

We contemplate this simple truth and wrestle with why society paints such a divide between people when, at the end of the day, we are all members of the human race. Our humanity binds us. We must bring it to the classroom with a deep respect for our learners and their families as fellow members of the human race.

The day was planned to celebrate us, but the reality is, we spent the day fostering relationships that enlighten us and learning as much as we can from each other. Not a single one of us believes we got here on our own.

Each of us recognize the students, colleagues, parents, communities, and families that brought us to this moment. These are the very people who have become the driving force of our perpetual transformations as educators. These are the people we fight for in our advocacy efforts. These are the people who form the communities we serve as public schools. These are the people woven into the tapestries of our hearts. Our lives are intricately and delicately intertwined. A step forward for one person is a step forward for all of us.

At 4:36 p.m., I pull up to my house with a full heart and an excitement for returning to my classroom Monday morning.

(The writer is a teacher at Stephen Decatur Middle School.)

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SHMS receives $10K for library

(March 15, 2024) Snow Hill Middle School’s library has been awarded $10,000 to help with a new project.

According to a news release from Worcester County Public Schools. The library was selected as one of 310 nationwide to participate in the second round of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities. The American Library Association initiative provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help better serve people with disabilities.

The $10,000 grant will help the library with Snow Hills Quiet Corners, Bright Minds: Designing Library Spaces for Neurodivergent Learners project.

“We are honored to receive this competitive award, which is a testament to our commitment to meeting the needs of all of our learners,” SHMS Principal Matthew Record said in the release. “We are grateful for this opportunity and eager to make a positive impact in our Snow Hill community."

As part of the grant, SHMS Library Media Specialist Beau Williams will take an online course on exceptional learners. The school will then host a conversation with families about neurodiversity and use the funds to transform the school’s library to provide sensory items for neurodivergent learners.

School officials plan to buy reading nooks, which will provide quiet spaces for students to read, work, or collect themselves. Light covers will be acquired to adjust the overly bright lighting. The project will also include a Lego wall and kits, sensory kits and beanbag and pea-pod-style seating.

This grant will not only provide a safe and accommodating environment for neurodivergent learners but also foster a more inclusive and understanding community, the release said.

“By creating a library space that addresses the sensory needs of students, we are taking a step towards breaking down barriers and ensuring that all students feel valued and supported in their educational journey,” Williams said.

by Steve Green

FThe Adventures of Fatherhood

or our Carson, Friday afternoons are spent at speech therapy in Salisbury after school.

Pam takes Carson to these sessions most of the time, but my schedule allowed me to do it the last two weeks. Carson’s speech therapist Sommer has been trying to get our guy together for a group session with other special needs folks for several years. It’s tough to get the scheduling down but she was finally able to find a time that worked for Carson, Conner and Christopher.

These three kids are about the same age and had never met before. The teens are each perfectly imperfect in their own ways with each having strengths and weaknesses but the common denominators being speech issues of varying severities and loving, supportive parents who will do whatever to ensure they fulfill their potential.

Because of my life adventures with our Carson, who has a rare genetic disorder that presents most easily as Autism, I am comfortable around people with disabilities. I really enjoy being around them because I am always better off for the time I spend with them. In a way it’s healing to my soul.

Whenever Pam came back from these sessions, she always smiled when telling me about the group and the interactions. Therefore, I was looking forward to seeing how things unfolded. The goal is to get these fellas to communicate with each other, while Sommer facilitates the conversation.

Two weeks ago, I got to meet Carson’s spectrum mates for the first time. Conner is certainly the higher functioning of the three and is smart and communicative. I usually start the

conversations with Conner, but he will always respond and is the leader of the group. Like Carson, Christopher has a rare genetic disorder. While he can speak, it’s a challenge for him to articulate and he’s soft spoken.

In speech therapy, Carson will speak quietly to his speech therapist but prefers to use his iPad to produce his voice. At this point in his life, at 14 years old, the goal is for him to simply communicate in some fashion. If I am being honest, I hold little realistic hope he will ever speak like his brother. I just pray he will be able to communicate effectively, either through his preferred device or his voice.

During the first session two weeks ago, I could hear laughter and some voices from the waiting room. While I don’t know a lot of details about the conversations, I know all three boys came out from the room giggling a bit and Carson was happy. It seemed like the half-hour session was fun for him and his new friends.

One week later, Sommer had the idea of using the technology to let us watch and hear from the waiting room. There was a blip with getting it to the television, but we were able to observe on her phone, and it was awesome to hear the boys talk about Florida and Carson used his device to talk about different rides he went on at Universal three years ago. Sommer directs the conversations and makes sure all three are equally engaged.

At one point, Conner asked Carson something. Carson replied using his device, but Sommer couldn’t hear it and encouraged Carson to turn his device volume up. Conner jumped in and said, “I heard it,” and Sommer knew he couldn’t possibly hear it. It was as if Conner was defending his buddy Carson, and it was special to

be able to observe. There was another instance when Carson must have made a joke or said something funny on his device. Everyone laughed and it was awesome to see, even if I had no idea what was happening. I saw happiness, which I don’t always see on Carson’s face.

Watching and listening to Carson answer questions of his buddies and then ask them questions is a memory I will cherish. It was anything but normal. Yet, there was something that seemed incredibly normal about it. Friends talking with each other and giggling.

What I really cherish is Carson’s body language when he comes out of the room. He immediately comes over, giggling and plops his 170pound-plus body on my lap. Last Friday he jumped on me and then passed gas. He really thought that was funny. I did as well.

A few days later in school, we got to see Carson’s sense of humor at play once again, and it just made my day to get the report from Pam. Due to his introverted nature fueled by anxiety, we rarely get to see big smiles and indications he’s having fun. Therefore, we always try to keep things light with our guy. I think it has spilled over into his life.

Pam relayed a story to me this week from his teacher. Students were asked to write sentences using vocabulary words and then say them aloud. The word for Carson was “retorted.” Carson used his device to type his response and then said it aloud. It was, “The student asked, ‘Can I use the bathroom?’ And Mr. (name deleted for privacy) retorted, “I don’t know, can you?’”

The teacher said one of Carson’s classmates nearly fell out of her seat laughing at our non-verbal kid’s sense of humor.

Berlin planning budget with 2% COLA, new salary scale Calendar

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) Berlin officials have agreed to include funding for a step and grade system and a cost-ofliving adjustment in the upcoming budget.

During a recent presentation regarding the projected costs associated with the salary adjustments, council members made it clear that while revenue figures aren’t in yet, they’re hoping to provide staff with a COLA.

“I would prefer a placeholder with a COLA because a COLA is important to me,” Councilman Steve Green said.

Last month, elected officials reviewed plans for the town’s new step and grade system and asked Kelsey Jensen, the town’s human resources director, to also look at what it would cost to provide town staff with a COLA during the coming fiscal year. Jenson said at last week’s meeting that the step and grade system was expected to cost $204,000 to implement. She said that implementing that system with a 2% COLA would cost $316,000. The system with a 3% COLA would cost $372,000 and the system with a 4% COLA would be $428,000. Jensen said incorporating one of those figures into budget projections didn’t mean officials had to give staff a COLA.

“It would not tie you to anything,” she said.

Mayor Zack Tyndall said he felt just the cost of the step and grade system should be included in the proposed budget, which will be developed this spring.

“I think the budget should just reflect the step and grade,” Tyndall said. “The 2, 3, or 4 is something I think we’re going to have to work through.”

Green said he’d like to see some sort of COLA included in the proposed fiscal year spending plan. Tyndall pointed out that with the step and grade system, employees were getting moved up a step which would be a 2.5% increase.

“it’s very challenging trying to be fair to everyone but I’m going to bring this group to what we said to our staff last year and what we have said again this year,” Councilman Dean Burrell said. “When the budget development starts, we’re not going to have staff at the end of this process. We’re going to consider our staff first. I think considering our staff first means that we put a number in just like Steve is suggesting to, a number that may be fluid but we have an idea and staff has an idea.”

Tyndall said he just didn’t wanted elected officials to talk about a COLA and then in the end not provide it.

“People begin to bank on those things,” he said.

Burrell said if that was the case then officials needed to work harder to ensure the COLA was in fact provided.

“I want this body to be cognizant of, whatever we put there, I really don’t want us to take it away,” Tyndall maintained.

He also questioned where officials would find the revenue to pay for a COLA. Staff said the town was not anticipating a major change in revenues. Green said if that was the case maybe a smaller COLA, such as 2%, could be worked into the budget.

In the end, after further discussion, Tyndall said staff would incorporate the 2% COLA figures into the proposed budget as it was being developed. If approved, town employees would receive a 4.5% raise in total – 2.5% from the step and 2% COLA.

Submit calendar items to: editor@oceancitytoday.net. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.

Fri., March 15

‘IRISH’ YOU LUCK SCAVENGER HUNT

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Use the clues to find answers to the Irish trivia questions. For ages 10 years and older. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MAHJONG CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. 410524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TAXATION BOOTCAMP: SAVVY ROTH CONVERSION STRATEGIES

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Learn ways to enhance your tax-free portfolio, including Roth IRA rules, the appropriate time to accelerate tax payments and ways to optimize your strategy. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK DISCUSSION: ‘CIRCE’ BY MADELINE MILLER

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the Berlin Library circulation desk. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FRIED FLOUNDER DINNER

Bowen UM Church Hall, 8423 Newark Road, Newark, 4:30 p.m. Fried flounder dinner with green beans, Mac & cheese, cornbread, dessert and beverage. Carryouts available. Cost is $10.

Sat., March 16

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

45th Street & Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 12 p.m. Parade begins at 60th Street and proceeds south along Coastal Highway to the 45th Street judging stand and into the parking lot where the Irish Festival takes place. www.delmarvairish.org

WALK WITH A DOC

South Gate Pond, Ocean Pines, 9-10 a.m. AGHRx RediScripts pharmacist Karan Bealla will discuss pharmacy services. Following the discussion, Bealla will lead the group for a walk around the park’s trail. Alyce Marzola, 410-641-9268

DRIVE THRU CHURCH LUNCHEON

Powellville Methodist Church, 35606 Mount Hermon Road, Pittsville, 10 a.m. Featuring oyster fritter sandwiches, home-

made chicken salad, homemade soups including lima beans and corn, peas and dumplings and vegetable beef. Bake sale items available. 410-835-8796, 443-8808804

CRAFTY SATURDAY: ST. PATRICK’S DAY STORYTIME AND CRAFT

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Join in for a celebration of all things Irish. All ages. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.

Sun., March 17

ANNUAL MEN’S DAY

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower St., Berlin, 10 a.m. The guest preacher is Pastor David Thorpe of New Life Seventh-day Adventist Church in Salisbury. All are welcome. 410-641-0270

UNSTOPPABLE JOY KIDS CARNIVAL FUNDRAISER

Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 12-3 p.m. Featuring carnival games, performances, live DJ, face painting, art raffles, Mermaid Tasha, Hoola Guru, and creative movement with Staci Alexander. Cost is $25 per family of 4 and $5 for each child.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., March 18

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF WORCESTER COUNTY MEETING AND PROGRAM

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 10 a.m. Social time begins at 9:30 a.m. “Women’s Rights: Past, Present and Future” a presentation by DWC members in honor of Women’s History Month. www.dwcmd.org

STORY TIME: SPRINGTIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 05 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CALENDAR

Continued from Page 42

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION: ‘BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR’ BY RICHARD WRIGHT

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m. The group is reading from Book 5 of the Great Conversations Anthology. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 56:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY

Ocean City Performing Arts CenterRoland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. Huge projection photos, film footage and a full live band performing their hits. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/46115640 /the-simon-garfunkel-story-ocean-cityoc-performing-arts-cent.

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-242-7062.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., March 19

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. The workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information. Registration requested: 410-208-4014. www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: ‘NURSERY RHYMES’

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 2-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet? Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SAFE BOATING COURSE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 6-9 p.m. Takes place March 19, 20 and 21. Cost is $20 for all three evenings. Register: Barry Cohen, 410-935-4807, CGAUXOC@gmail.com.

CHRISTIAN CONVERSATIONS

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6 p.m. Held Tuesday Feb. 20-March 26. A free moderated group discussion based on the works of C.S. Lewis. Everyone is welcome. Explore a great op-

portunity for Lenten reflection. 410-6417052

BEACH HEROES-OC

Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach HeroesOC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410-289-4725

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS

GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., March 20

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Takes place the third and fourth Wednesday of each month. For surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410641-9568

EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Promoting the needle arts through sewing education, activities and textile crafts. All skill levels. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Singing songs and playing. For ages 0-2 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BACKGAMMON CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Drop in for a game of Backgammon. Beginners welcome. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 1-2 p.m. For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410-548-7880

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology, 314 Franklin Ave., Berlin, 3-4 p.m. For stroke survivors, family and friends. 410-641-4765, bglime@atlanticgeneral.org

BOOK SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4 p.m. Bring in a book and trade it with another to keep. For ages 6-11 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FREE SQUARE DANCE LESSONS

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 7-8:30 p.m. Pine Steppers Square Dance Club welcome singles and couples. barbcroos@gmail.com, 908229-8799, 302-222-4448

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, Assateague Room, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Third Wednesday meetings are offsite and will be updated monthly on the website and Facebook. Guests are welcome. www.kiwanisofopoc.org

Thurs., March 21

CPAP MASK FITTING

Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. Free mast fitting clinic for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. Appointments required: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.

FINANCIAL LITERACY: ALICE REPORT WITH UWLES

Berlin Maryland Welcome Center, 14 S. Main St., 8 a.m. Breakfast and coffee provided. Free.

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/fls-20242945089?utmcampaign=social&utm-content=crea torshare&utmmedium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp& aff=escb

AGH PRESIDENT/CEO TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY UPDATE AND HOST Q&A

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 10-11 a.m. Atlantic General Hospital and Health System President & CEO Don Owrey, MBA, FACHE, will discuss the organization’s plan for the future and its current state. Free and open to the public.

TOWN CATS ADOPTION EVENT

PetSmart, 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd., Berlin, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Town Cats adoptions.

STORY TIME: WOMEN’S HISTORY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines

Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Learn about some amazing ladies that have changed the world and create a craft. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TECH TALKS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. The group will break down tech topics into byte-sized lessons for all. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

THE DUTCH DIVINITY: HARP, CELLO & VOICE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Explore the life of author and composer Isabelle de Charriere through voice, cello and harp. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STEAM DREAMERS: MAP AND OCEAN FLOOR

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4 p.m. Celebrate Women’s History Month by learning about Marie Tharp, the first person to map the ocean floor and then create a map of your own. For ages 6-11 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ZUMBA

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an hour of movement. These classes uplift and improve mood. Registration required: 410-641-0650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

TAXATION BOOTCAMP: MEDICARE MADE SIMPLE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 5 p.m. Learn how to navigate healthcare expenses and Medicare plans in retirement. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ROMANCE BOOK CLUB: ‘THE CHARM OFFENSIVE’ BY ALLISON COCHRUN

The Buzzed Word, 11805 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6 p.m. Join the Ocean City Library with The Buzzed Word for an afternoon of Queer Romance and wine. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET

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

Crossword answers from page 58

March 15, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

MARKETPLACE

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Seeking Housekeeper F/T, YR. Seatime Condominiums, 135th St. Apply in person. 410-250-2262

Smal Engine Mechanic Year-round. Competitive Wages. 443-754-1047

TOWN OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICER

The Town of Snow Hill is accepting applications for the position of Code Compliance Officer. Responsibilities include: enforcement of various Town codes; inspections; issuance of permits; processing of complaints and staffing of various committees. Preferred candidate is IRC Certified and has familiarity with IBC, IEBC, Energy Code, ADA, and other applicable codes; has good organizational skills, excellent communication skills and is available to attend night meetings.

Salary commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position with Town benefits, health insurance and Maryland State Retirement.

To request an application form, send resume with salary requirements to: csullivan@snowhillmd.com or Town of Snow Hill, Carol Sullivan, P.O. Box 348, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

POSITION AVAILABLE

TOWN OF SNOW HILL

CITY OF POCOMOKE GRANT WRITER/ADMINISTRATOR CIRCUIT-RIDER STAFF PERSON

The Town of Snow Hill and City of Pocomoke City are the joint beneficiaries of a grant from the State of Maryland, Department of Housing & Community Development Circuit Rider Program to fund and hire a joint circuit-rider staff person. The position is a 40-hour per week obligation, half in Town of Snow Hill and half in Pocomoke City. Both locations report directly to the Town Manager. The Snow Hill position will include assisting the Executive Administrator to include attending meetings and taking and transcribing meeting minutes, posting and monitoring Facebook, posting to website and other clerical duties. The Pocomoke City involves extensive work in grant research, application and administration in addition to other duties as assigned. Preferably applicants should have experience with grant writing and grant management, and clerical duties. Please submit a letter of interest/resume, with application to Carol Sullivan, Executive Administrator, P. O. Box 348, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

“Town of Snow Hill and Pocomoke City are Equal Opportunity Employers”

HELP WANTED

PoolGeneral Maintenance. Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus / not required. Able to pass CPO test. Summer includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others 410-289-4902 ask for Suzanne.

Classifieds appear in OC Today-Dispatch & Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com & baysideoc.com

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Currently looking for two part-time Pool Attendants Seasonal May 24 through Sept. 2. Shift Monday through Sunday, 10am to 4pm and 4-10pm. Duties include enforcing the pool rules as posted and checking pool bands. Send resume to Kristin.moore@ atlantisocmd.com

EXECUTIVE POSITION AVAILABLE

TOWN OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND Executive Administrator

The Town of Snow Hill seeks a qualified candidate for its Executive Administrator position.

PAY RATE: Hourly, TBD commensurate with qualifications/ experience. Full-time, health insurance, retirement, vacation, sick, personal and holidays.

JOB SUMMARY: Provides direct and indirect support to Town Manager, Mayor & Council in management of Town Hall office and various departments. Human resources, insurance management, administration. Visit www.snowhillmd.gov for Job Description and Employment Application.

TO APPLY: Email letter of interest & resumé with references to Town Manager Rick Pollitt at townmanager@snowhillmd.com by FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024.

TOWN OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND Clerk I Position Opening

The Town of Snow Hill seeks a qualified candidate for its Clerk 1 position.

PAY RATE: Hourly, TBD commensurate with qualifications/ experience. Full-time, health insurance, retirement, vacation, sick, personal and holidays.

JOB SUMMARY: This individual serves as a liaison between the public and Town staff. This individual answers phones; performs clerical and receptionist duties for the Town; handles administrative work for management and occasionally Town staff; and keeps reception area clean and presentable for the public. The goal of this individual is to be the face of the local government to those needing Town services and make certain interactions provided are positive and welcoming. Visit www.snowhillmd.gov for Job Description.

TO APPLY: Email letter of interest & resumé to Rick Pollitt at townmanager@snowhillmd.com by March 15, 2024

Thunderbird Beach Motel Now hiring all shifts and positions. Competitive pay. Apply in person starting March 26. 32nd St. Baltimore Ave., Monday through Friday from 9am-3pm.

Hiring: Massage

Therapist/Aesthetician Cosmetologist West Ocean City Commission/Room Rent 410-600-3437

HELP WANTED

BOOKKEEPER NEEDED

Full time. Flexible hours available. Fruitland, MD. Excellent pay. Real Estate & Property Rental. Must have Degree in Accounting. Please email your resume/contact info to office@ fenzelinvestments.com

Boat Yard Help Needed at West Ocean City boat yard. Call 410-213-2296.

Classifieds 410-723-6397

o

o

o

Please

Now Hiring Year-Round GM Position

Great starting salary, paid vacation. Must have restaurant experience.

Apply in person at The Greene Turtle West OC on Route 611.

Now Hiring Summer

2024 Positions for Sun Outdoors

Ocean City!

Looking for bartenders, cashiers, cooks, housekeepers, activities attendants, front desk agents, security, and maintenance!

Starting at $15/hour and up!

Call 410-213-0097 or email careers@ eoshospitality.com to inquire.

Office Adminstration for Condo Assn. Duties include answering phones, dealing with owner inquiries and other duties as assigned. Quickbooks experience pref. Mon., Wed.-Fri. from 8am to 4pm. Send resume to kristin.moore@ atlantisocmd.com

HIRING: General Manager, Marketing Assistant, Line Cooks, Sous Chefs, Audio/ Video Techs, Maintenance Staff, Painters, Carpenter, Plumber, Receivers, Liquor Store Attendant Apply in person or online at seacrets.com

Full-Time Office Person

Local Family-Owned Business is looking for a Full-Time Office Person. Applicant should be computer savvy, have good phone skills, punctual, and willing to work in a small busy office environment. Applicants should email resume to office@fireprotectiveservices.com

Pool Attendant Wanted

10 AM - 6 PM Part time seasonal $16 per hour. Basic duties but not limited to: ~monitor traffic for proper entrance band ~keep pool and restroom area clean and amenities stocked ~enforce safety regulations Call 410-524-9400

NOW HIRING!! Production Crew

for our WOC kitchen facility

Up to $20/hr. Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

RENTALS

Looking For 4-Month

Summer Rental in Ocean City. Gentleman works on beach full-time downtown for local business. Excellent references. Call or text Charles, 410-294-1028.

Summer Seasonal Rental, 2BR/1 bath Garage Apt., bayside on 26th St. Occupancy 6. $13,000 plus $1,000 security dep. Comes with A/C, parking for 1, free WiFi and shared laundry facilities. Resort Rentals, 410-524-0295.

Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

Fully Furnished Townhouse, 4BR/2BA, Living Room, Dining Room. Water, Electric and Cable not included. $2100/month. Located at 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD 21811. 410-456-0272

Yearly lease. One month security deposit and one month rent upfront.

OFFICE MANAGER/SALES

Are you a team player? Someone who follows through? Need a chance to make your mark, and make a difference? We are looking to add a talented person to our high-energy team. Candidates should have a customer-service background, and be extremely detail-oriented. This is a chance to shine with your multi-tasking tools, and to build and maintain a customer base. You must be proficient in Microsoft Office, have strong communication skills and a terrific work ethic. This is your golden opportunity to join a winning team.

E-mail resume with OFFICE MANAGER in the subject line to: AdSales@coastalpoint.com

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER

Farmers Bank of Willards has a full-time Personal Banker position available for our 87th St. Ocean City, MD location and our Willards, MD location. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please email resume to kris.derickson@fbwband.com

Application cut off is 3-15-2024

“Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

Housemate Wanted. Rent plus half the bills. Ocean Pines. Starting 3/15/2024. Inquiries call 302-5420758, leave a message.

Roommate. Female. Large Condo on Water, 2BR, 2 full ba., sunroom, facing Fager’s Island. Room for privacy.

Some storage space. 410-202-9434 Price negotiable.

Houseshare. Furnished rooms in South Ocean Pines. All inclusive. $800 per month. Year-round. No smoking. No pets. Call 443-880-2317.

COMMERCIAL

Commercial Space For Rent West 2500 sq. feet. rental@ ocsandyfeetretreat.com

Industrial Warehouse.

Space: 1500 sq. ft. Masonry construction, 18’ high ceiling, large garage door, bathroom. Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.

1 Office/Retail Space available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200

FOR SALE

SURF SHOP CLOSEOUTS

Clothing from $5, Shoes, Sandals, Wetsuits, Bikinis, Hats, Surf, Skate & Bodyboards. 12703

Sunset Ave., West OC. March 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 10am to 6pm

Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be taxdeductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.

BOATS/PWC

2014 20ft. Hurricane Boat and Trailer For Sale.

150 horsepower outboard Yamaha motor. 300 hours. New stereo. All equipment included. Excellent condition. Kept on boat lift. $23,900 Contact Rick, 610-751-5203.

BOAT - 1976 Catalina Yacht Sailboat. Call 443-880-7453.

Serving

MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

410-723-6397

www.baysideoc.com

www.oceancitytoday.com

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

FOR SALE

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before

Let the Multimedia Specialists of MDDC Ad Services help you in growing your business and increasing your customer base. CALL TODAY at 855721-MDDC, Ext. 4 and start seeing results NOW!

BUSINESS SERVICES

Increase the digital presence of your business! Contact MDDC Ad Services to receive a FREE Digital Footprint Consultation for your business from a TOP PERFORMING advertising agency!

Call 855-721-MDDC, Ext. 4, www.mddcadservices.com.

ALEKSEJS BUINOVSKIS

Plaintiff and PETER A. BRZUCHALSKI, et ux.

Defendants/Cross-Plaintiffs vs.

LELIA M. ROWE (a/k/a "Lelia W. Rowe" a/k/a "Lelia Ware Rowe") and HARRY WILLIAM PUSEY

1034 S. Bradford St. Dover, DE 19904, et al. and All Unknown owners of property and all Persons that have or claim to have any Interest in the property described in the "James B. Collins Tract," containing three (3) acres of land more or less, on the north side of Bunting Road, which was owned by James B. Collins, and was conveyed by the said James B. Collins by Deed dated February 17, 1918 and recorded among the land records of Worcester County, Maryland in Liber ODC 31, folio 270, et seq. to Marion Rowe and Lelia M. Rowe, his wife.

Defendants/Cross-Defendants CIVIL CASE NO. C-23-CV-23-000081

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND ORDER OF DEFAULT

Cross-Plaintiffs' Request for Order of Default having been read and considered, it is, hereby, ORDERED, that an Order of Default be and it is hereby entered against each and all of the Cross-Defendants herein for failure to plead, and

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, that the Clerk of this Court shall cause to be published this Order of Default in a newspaper of general circulation published in Worcester County, Maryland, once a week for three (3) successive weeks, giving notice to the unknown testate and intestate successors of Lelia M. Rowe (a/k/a "Lelia W. Rowe" a/k/a "Lelia Ware Rowe"), deceased, and all person claiming by, through, or under the decedent, and all persons that have or claim to have any legal or equitable right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the property described in the Complaint and Cross-Claim as the "James B. Collins Tract," containing three (3) acres of land, more or less, on the north side of Bunting Road, which was owned by James B. Collins, and was conveyed by the said James B. Collins by Deed dated February 17, 1918 and recorded among the land records of Worcester County, Maryland in Liber ODC 31, folio 270, et seq. to Marion Rowe and Lelia M. Rowe, his wife, and being more particularly described in the Complaint and Cross-Claim filed in this matter, that this Order of Default has been entered and that said Cross-Defendants may request this Court to vacate the Order on or before March 16, 2024, by filing an appropriate motion with this Court, and if no such motion is filed, a judgment by default shall be entered in favor of the Cross-Plaintiffs.

Beau H. Oglesby JUDGE

Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-2/29/3t

ERIN MICHAEL MCCORMACK, ESQ.

101 MONUMENT STREET SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

ESTATE NO. 20090

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Register of Wills court of Kent County, Delaware appointed Christopher L. Price, 144 Asbury Loop, Middletown, DE 19709-8656 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Michael N. Price who died on May 25, 2022 domiciled in Delaware, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Erin Michael McCormack whose address is 101 Monument Street, Salisbury, MD 21804.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Christopher L. Price 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: February 29, 2024

OCD-2/29/3t

MCALLISTER DETAR

SHOWALTER & WALKER LLC

BRENDAN MULLANEY ESQ. 100 N WEST ST EASTON, MD 21601-2710

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

ESTATE NO. 20087

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Orphans’ Court of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania appointed Sherri Anhn Romano, 930 Northridge Dr., West Norriton, PA 19403-2997 as the Executrix of the Estate of Robert Craig Glass Jr. who died on October 29, 2023 domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Brendan Mullaney whose address is 100 N. West

Street, Easton, Maryland 21601.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Sherri Anhn Romano

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: February 29, 2024 OCD-2/29/3t _________________________________

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

ESTATE NO. 20083

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Orphans’ Court of Delaware. County, Pennsylvania appointed Jeffrey M. Schlerf, 391 Wilmington W Chester Pike Ste. 3, Glen Mills, PA 193428211 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Gilbert Warren Schlerf who died on October 11, 2023 domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Andrew Mommé whose address is 27671 Harness Lane, Salisbury, Maryland 21801.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Jeffrey M. Schlerf

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: February 29, 2024

OCD-2/29/3t

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ

COATES, COATES, & COATES

204 WEST GREEN STREET P.O. BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21963

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20075

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF EMMA SPENCER CHERRIX

AKA: EMMA MAE CHERRIX

Notice is given that Brenda C. Evans, 5909 Wallace Dr., Snow Hill, MD 21863-4033, was on February 21, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Emma Spencer Cherrix who died on February 03, 2024, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21st day of August, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Brenda C. Evans

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: February 29, 2024 OCD-2/29/3t

1018 Marleigh Cir., Towson, MD 21204-2205, was on February 20, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Daniel Harry Ruth who died on January 08, 2024, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 20th day of August, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Diane Crislip 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: February 29, 2024

OCD-2/29/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of RODNEY WILLIAM SNYDER Estate No. 20092 Notice is given that LYNNE SWEEZY SNYDER whose address is 7 WHITE HORSE DR., OCEAN PINES, MD 21811-1610 was on FEBRUARY 21, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RODNEY WILLLIAM SNYDER who died on JULY 31, 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 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 21st day of AUGUST, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

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

These three weeks of notification begins on DATE: 03/01/2024

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

AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police OCD-2/29/3t

the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/29/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ELSIE G. WATERS AKA: ELSIE GUNBY WATERS, ELSIE GUNBY Estate No. 20041 Notice is given that VICTORIA MATTHEWS whose address is 2112 SOUTHERN FIELDS DR., POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-2615 was on FEBRUARY 23, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ELSIE G. WATERS who died on JANUARY 06, 2024 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their

objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23RD day of AUGUST, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/29/3t

BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

CARRIE M. WARD, et al.

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

Substitute Trustees/ Plaintiffs

vs.

ANDREA J. SCHLOTTMAN

37 Liberty Street

Ocean Pines A/R/T/A Berlin, MD 21811 Defendant(s)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Case No. C-23-CV-22-000260

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 27th day of February, 2024, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 37 Liberty Street, Ocean Pines A/R/T/A Berlin, MD 21811, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 1st day of April, 2024, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 25th day of March, 2024.

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $305,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-2/29/3t

01, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DANIEL WAYNE BRIDDELL who died on DECEMBER 12, 2023 without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1st day of SEPTEMBER, 2024

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/7/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of FREDRICK LEE ROYER Estate No. 17909 Notice is given that ROBERT EARL ROYER whose address is 3637 9TH STREET, NORTH BEACH, MD 20736 was on FEBRUARY 29, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of FREDRICK LEE ROYER who died on MAY 25, 2019 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 29th day of AUGUST, 2024

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the cred-

itor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/7/3t

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ

COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET

P.O. BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 13911

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DORETHA MAE CORBIN TAYLOR

Notice is given that B. Randall Coate Esq., 204 W. Green St., Snow Hill, MD 21863-1057, was on February 13, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Doretha Mae Corbin Taylor who died on July 16, 2010, without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13th day of August, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

B. Randall Coates Esq.

Personal Representative

True Test Copy

Terri Westcott

Register of Wills for Worcester County

One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

March 07, 2024

HEATHER R. KONYAR, ESQ.

COCKEY, BRENNAN & MALONEY, P.C.

313 LEMMON HILL LANE

SALISBURY, MD 21801

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20101 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DIANE K. PELLETIER

Notice is given that Paul L. Gasior, 615 N. Pacific Ave., Ocean City, MD 21842-5141, was on March 04, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Diane K. Pelletier who died on February 08, 2024, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4th day of September, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Paul L. Gasior Personal Representative

True Test Copy

Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 07, 2024

OCD-3/7/3t _________________________________

JONATHON C SCRUGGS ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MATTHEW S EVANS, III

pointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICIA ANN HIPSZER who died on FEBRUARY 06, 2024 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5th day of SEPTEMBER, 2024

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-3/7/3t

OCD-3/7/3t

113 CATHEDRAL STREET ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICIA ANN HIPSZER Estate No. 20103 Notice is given that MARK SAXON whose address is 1209 BASIL COURT BEL AIR, MD 21014 was on MARCH 05, 2024 ap-

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a "B" B/W/L and Request to designate as Multiple License #2 for a Class: "B" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Francesco Fidanza, 2230 Route 17 M. Middletown, New York 10942; Kevin Eugene Decker 10308 Quarter Deck, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: Tipsy Taco, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Tipsy Taco at Lankford Hotel 8th Street & Boardwalk Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: March 20, 2024

@ 1:00 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

Take Notice that Bill 24-02 (County Government – County Ethics Law) was passed by Commissioners Bertino, Abbott, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on March 5,

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

Amending the County’s Ethics ordinance, § CG 5-103, et seq. of the County Government Article, to comply with State law as follows:

1. Add the definition for “Quasigovernmental entity”.

2. Disclosure and prohibition of gift acceptance from associations engaged in representing counties or municipal or corporations.

3. Prohibit disclosure of confidential information by former official or employee.

4. Prohibit retaliation against individual for reporting ethics violation or participating in ethics investigation.

5. Prohibit disclosure of amount of consideration received from: University of Maryland Medical System, State, or local governmental entities and quasi-governmental entities.

6. Disclosure of name business trades as or does business under.

7. Disclosure of certain business interests.

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103 and is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center. In addition, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-3/14/3t

ELIZABETH A. GREEN ESQ.

BREZA & ASSOCIATES, LLC

11019 MCCORMICK RD STE 400 HUNT VALLEY, MD 21031-1407

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20098

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN INSKIP MEUSHAW JR.

Notice is given that James A. List Esq., 11019 McCormick Rd., Ste. 400, Hunt Valley, MD 21031-1407, was on March 06, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Inskip Meushaw Jr. who died on February 05, 2024, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of September, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise

delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

James A. List Esq. Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 14, 2024

OCD-3/14/3t

LESLIE CASE DIPIETRO ESQ. DIPIETRO LAW, LLC

28467 DUPONT BLVD UNIT 2 MILLSBORO, DE 19966

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of DELMAR G SAVAGE AKA:

DELMAR SAVAGE, DELMAR

GLENN SAVAGE Estate No. 19979

Notice is given that SUSAN TAYLOR whose address is 12416 CAMPBELLTOWN ROAD BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813 was on MARCH 07, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of DELMAR G SAVAGE who died on OCTOBER 20, 2023 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/14/1t

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Sturgis Park Public Restroom Rehabilitation

The Town of Snow Hill will be soliciting sealed bids for a grant funded rehabilitation of the existing public restroom facility in Sturgis Park, at 204 River Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. Bidding will be opened to the public on Friday, March 29, 2024. A pre-bid site inspection should be scheduled between April 1, 2024 and April 15, 2024, through Town Hall. Bids will be accepted until 4:00 PM on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at the Snow Hill Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863 where they will be opened publicly and read aloud. Three copies of the bid package are required, in sealed envelopes marked SEALED BID: STURGIS PARK RESTROOMS Bids must remain valid for a minimum of 90 days from the date of bid opening. Late bids will not be accepted. E-mail submissions will not be accepted. Last day for questions is Tuesday, April 16, 2024. For a copy of the complete REQUEST FOR BIDS- Sturgis Park Public Restroom Rehabilitation, visit the Town web site at www.snowhillmd.gov, or email pbessette@snowhillmd.com, or pick up at Town Hall.

Paul Bessette - Grants Administrator - 410.632.2080 OCD-3/14/2t

REENA J PATEL ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE

1321 MT. HERMON ROAD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20104 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOANNE ELIZABETH COX WELLING

Notice is given that Mary Jo H. Dean, 1818 215th St., Mount Ayr, IA 50854-8952, was on March 07, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joanne Elizabeth Cox Welling who died on January 31, 2024, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of September, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to

the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Mary Jo H. Dean

Personal Representative

True Test Copy

Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

March 14, 2024

OCD-3/14/3t _________________________________

REENA J PATEL ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE

1321 MT. HERMON ROAD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20108

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARGARET MARTONICK

Notice is given that Erin Jeanne Clemens, 129 Sandyhook Rd., Ocean Pines, MD 21811-1621, was on March 07, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Margaret Martonick who died on January 27, 2024, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of September, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim

forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Erin Jeanne Clemens

Personal Representative

True Test Copy

Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 14, 2024

OCD-3/14/3t

REENA J PATEL ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of BERNICE JUNE KENDALL Estate No. 20106 Notice is given that RAYMOND JOSEPH KENDALL whose address is 11736 MAID AT ARMS LANE BERLIN, MD 21811 was on MARCH 05, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BERNICE JUNE KENDALL who died on FEBRUARY 08, 2024 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5th day of SEPTEMBER, 2024

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written no-

tice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/14/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JESSE JAMES MITCHELL Estate No. 20107 Notice is given that TRICIA MITCHELL whose address is 1012 BACCHARIS DRIVE, SALISBURY, MD 21804 was on MARCH 07, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JESSE JAMES MITCHELL who died on JANUARY 31, 2024 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of SEPTEMBER, 2024

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is

unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/14/3t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MACON CHANDLER CARRICK Estate No. 20109 Notice is given that CATE NELLANS whose address is 26 BROAD STREET, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on MARCH 08, 2024 appointed Personal Representative(s) of the small estate of MACON CHANDLER CARRICK who died on JANUARY 24, 2024 without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the 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.

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:

Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-95(1)(a) has been filed to request a variance of 10 feet from the 10-foot front yard setback for a proposed pavilion to be 0.0 feet from the front property line. The site of the appeal is described as Tax Map 110, Parcel 2501, and as the plat entitled “White Marlin Condominium”. It is further described as being located on the south side of Somerset Street and is locally known as 205 Somerset Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: WHITE MARLIN

CONDOMINIUMS C/O MANN

PROPERTIES, INC. (BZA 2681 #24-0950002) at 6:20 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 110-93(2) and 110-93(3), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Sections 110-94(3)(a) and 110-95(1)(a) has been filed to request (1) a special yard exception from the 5-foot rear yard setback for a proposed dwelling to be 0.39 feet from the rear lot line; and (2) a variance of 6.88 feet from the 10-foot separation distance requirement for a proposed deck to be 3.12 feet from a neighboring dwelling. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 2B, Section B, of the Warren’s Park Co-op Plat. It is further described as being located on the north side of Middle Way Lane and is locally known as 22 Middle Way Lane, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: MARK DREXEL (BZA 2682 #24-09400005)

Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-3/14/2t

Major Berlin water main project approved

$156K work will result in abandonment of old pipe, provision of new service

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) Town officials selected a contractor this week to handle the relocation of a water main on Harrison Avenue.

The Berlin Town Council voted unanimously on Monday to have Goody Hill Groundwork relocate a water main that is currently under the new Berlin Beer Company.

“We would like to move it and get it in the right-of-way,” said Jamey Latchum, the town’s water resources director.

In January, the council approved a request for proposals (RFP) for the relocation of the roughly 100-yearold water main that runs under the former Southern States building at the intersection of Broad Street and Harrison Avenue. Because the property is currently under construction as Berlin Beer Company prepares to open, town staff said this was the ideal time to abandon the aged water

main currently under the building and place a new water main under Harrison Avenue, where it should be.

Latchum told officials this week the town received four bids in response to the RFP. He said Davis, Bowen & Friedel, the engineering firm the town works with, recommended awarding the project to the low bidder, Goody Hill Groundwork for $156,725. While that exceeds what the town had planned to spend on the project, staff said $36,725 could be transferred from the Powelltown Avenue wellhouse project. While that project is still on the horizon, Latchum said he didn’t want to do it during the summer months, as that well was the town’s largest one and water is used heavily during the summer.

“I don’t want to lose that during the busier months,” Latchum said, adding that he hoped to put that project out for bid in May and have the work done after the summer in the new fiscal year.

Latchum said he felt Goody Hill presented a fair price for the Harrison Avenue work and that he didn’t

think there was anything that had been left out of the proposal. As far as the timeline, he said if the council approved the bid award he hoped work would begin within 30 days and be complete by May 1.

Road closures related to the project are not expected to exceed one

day. “Other than that everything’s going to be directional drilled so it’s going to be very minimal,” Latchum said.

The council voted unanimously to move forward and award the project to Goody Hill Groundwork.

(March 15, 2024) Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, at the Snow Hill Train Station on 200 Belt Street for the town’s general, inperson election.

On the ballot this year are the seats of the mayor and Eastern District council members.

Interested candidates must email application requests to Carol Sullivan, town hall’s executive administrator at csullivan@snowhillmd.com. The deadline to submit applications to town hall is 4:30 p.m., March 28.

Residents can register to vote by

contacting the Worcester County Board of Elections at 410-632-1320, emailing Worcester.Elections@maryland.gov, or visiting 201 Belt Street, Suite C in Snow Hill. The deadline to register to vote is also 4:30 p.m., March 28.

Those who want to vote by absentee ballot can call town hall, or email Sullivan to request absentee ballot applications. The deadline to submit requests for absentee ballot applications 4:30 p.m., April 19.

For more information, email Sullivan or call at 410-632-2080.

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Annual St. Patrick’s Parade, Festival returns

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) The annual St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival will return to Ocean City this Saturday.

The resort will be aglow in green as the St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival, sponsored by the Delmarva Irish American Club (DIAC), returns this Saturday, March 16. Pipe and drum bands will bring the sounds of Ireland to the streets of Ocean City, along with high school marching

bands and festively decorated floats sponsored by local businesses, groups and organizations. Leading the parade will be Rebecca and Leighton Moore as this year’s grand marshals. The Moore’s have been long-time supporters of the local community including the DIAC. Other charities near and dear to the Moore’s include TidalHealth Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, Diakonia, Children’s House by the Sea, Life Crisis Center, and the Worcester County Humane Society.

Ocean City’s St. Patrick’s parade began in 1980 and has grown to become the largest St. Patrick’s parade in Maryland, according to organizers. The event also marks the seasonal kickoff for many local businesses in town.

The parade also has a charitable component, as proceeds raised from the event go to support the community. Over the years, the DIAC, a 501(c)(3) social organization, has donated more than $500,000 from parade proceeds to scholarships for local high school graduates and other charities. The club has also contributed $50,000 in donations to the Macky and Pam Stansell House at Coastal Hospice.

This year’s St. Patrick’s parade will begin at noon, with the procession moving south from 57th Street to the

bleachers and judges’ stand at the 45th Street shopping center.

Trophies will be awarded for best marching band, best commercial float, best non-commercial float, best motorized unit, best adult marching unit, best youth marching unit, special committee award, judges’ choice award and best overall entry in the parade.

Buck Mann, past president of DIAC and chairman of the St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival, said this week all preparations have been made and officials are looking for-

ward to a beautiful day in Ocean City.

“It’s a fun day,” he said. “This year the weather looks like it’s going to be good, and the parade is bigger than we’ve ever had it. We have over 90 entries this year.”

Mann said there will be three bands featured in the parade along with marching groups from the Baltimore area, pipe and drum groups and dozens of floats. He said it’s a great opportunity to look ahead to spring.

“Everybody’s got cabin fever. The weather has been bad and people are

See CABIN Page 59

PHOTO

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY

One of the more exciting parade participants last year

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, if you notice you have been running into obstacles as you work to achieve your goals, you may want to step back and try to figure out another course of action.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, an offer that notes your efforts and achievements comes your way. Do not let this immediately go to your head, but enjoy the fruits of your labors.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Lately your willpower has been week, Gemini. If diet plans are getting sidelined by your inability to stay on track, you may want to enlist a buddy to keep you motivated.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, take a break when you can because there is soon to be a whirlwind of activity coming in your direction. Enjoy down time while it is still available to you.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, exercise caution so that your actions are not misinterpreted. You do not want others thinking you are doing things for the wrong reasons. Try to lighten up and be positive this week.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

This week you could find yourself being the center of attention at a gathering with friends or family, Virgo. Use the opportunity to get your thoughts out there and heard.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, you will need to pick a course and stick with it, especially over the next few days. There is a lot of temptation out there but if you don’t commit you’ll never get things done.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Arguments that have been slowly building up may come to a head this week, Scorpio. Your best bet is to stay out of the fray by keeping your distance and avoiding commentary.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, it is possible that someone new you will meet this week can become a close friend who sticks with you through thick and thin. Look for this person in the days to come.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, now might be a time to figure out how to reduce some stress, especially if you find that people are avoiding you as of late. A change in attitude is all it takes.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

You might be ready to delve into the next chapter of a relationship, Aquarius. Figure out what means the most to you and move those priorities to the forefront.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Inspiration comes your way this week, Pisces. You will have plenty of time to do anything you want to put your mind to. Start making that running list of ideas.

‘Cabin fever’ outlet planned in OC

Continued from Page 58

ready to get out, and this is the official kickoff for the season. We feel like we’re definitely the second largest St. Patrick’s parade … but ours is more of a fun parade. And we have wonderful grand marshals this year. It’s great to have them because they’ve done much for the club and for the community,” Mann said.

In addition to the celebration on the parade route, the 45th Street shopping center will be transformed into an Irish festival complete with

live music from the Pat O’Brennan Trio, Irish dancers, Irish apparel, souvenirs and a variety of beer. Spectators can enjoy the free-admission festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To avoid traffic delays, spectators are urged to arrive before 10:30 a.m. and to view the parade from 57th Street south to 45th Street. This year’s parade is dedicated in memory to long-time Delmarva Irish American Club members Dennis Roarty, John Staley and Dean Langrall. Mike Bradley will serve as pa-

rade emcee on the judges’ stand. The parade will be livestreamed by UnScene Productions and hosted by Bill Baker and Melanie Pursel. Details of the livestream will be shared on the Delmarva Irish American Club Facebook page. There is no rain date for the parade or festival.

The DIAC was founded in 1980, and its first membership drive resulted in 75 members. Today, there are close to 300 members. The club is open to anyone who is Irish, of Irish descent or just likes things Irish.

PHOTO COURTESY TOWN OF OCEAN CITY

The parade festival grounds at 45th Street draw thousands each year for live music, food and souvenirs.

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON

DRY DOCK 28

28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com

Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, pierogis, egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-2897192, captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily 7:30-11 a.m. Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Closed Monday. Open Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

■ CRAWL STREET

19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 443-373-2756, blackoutalley.com

Established in 2020 just a short walk from the legendary Cork Bar. Don’t leave without trying the famous wings, but everything on the menu is solid, including flatbreads, tacos, salads, sandwiches and seafood platters. Be sure to check out the live music offerings as the nightlife is top of the line.

■ HARBOR WATCH

806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City, 410289-5121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com

$$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ Menu | Full bar Celebrating our 40th anniversary with fresh seafood, an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open all March, Thursday through Sunday; Happy Hour: Thursday and Sunday, all night long featuring $9 select appetizers, $6 crushes, $4 select draft. Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ PAPI’S TACO JOINT

15th Street and Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City 443-664-6811, Papistacojoint.com

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

Authentic Mexican restaurant open 7 days a week. Weekdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. With a family atmosphere you can enjoy building your own street tacos with a sheet table side with their home-made authentic salsa. Serving food such as little cravings, choice of salsas, salads, bowls, soups, main dishes and desserts.

Also, brunch, gluten free and vegan menus. Happy Hour Monday through Friday, 3-5 p.m. with beer, wines, cocktails and specialty signature drinks. Dine in or order online for your carryout.

■ PICKLES PUB

706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2894891, picklesoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment yearround and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen. Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., seven days a week.

■ PIT & PUB

12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com

Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily. Family-friendly atmospheres at both locations. Weekend entertainment.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410289-2525, 32palm.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open yearround for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year!

■ FAGERS ISLAND

201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com

$$ | Full bar

Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Regional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m.

■ HOOKED

8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-7234665, hookedoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.

■ LONGBOARD’S CAFÉ

6701 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, 443-6645693, longboardcafe.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT

3301 Atlantic Ave. in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com

$$ | Full bar

Winner of the Maryland People's choice

award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:3011:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.

■ SEACRETS

49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar CLOSED JAN. 21 AND REOPENING FEB. 1.

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

UPTOWN 91st to 146th streets

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

13117 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com

Enjoy one of the restaurants at the Carousel. Fine Ocean Front dining with a beautiful view. The Reef 118 is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday serving dinner. The Bamboo Lounge is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

■ THE CRAB BAG

13005 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-2503337, thecrabbag.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410250-4900, crabcakefactoryusa.com

Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.

■ ORIGINAL GREENE TURTLE

116th Street, bayside, Ocean City, 410-7232120, originalgreeneturtle.com

This is the Original Greene Turtle, an Ocean City Tradition, since 1976! A fun and friendly Sports Bar & Grille, where every seat is a great spot to watch sports with 50+ High Def. TVs up & downstairs! Menu favorites include homemade crab cakes, kids’ menu, salads, burgers, wings and more!

■ TAILCHASERS RESTAURANT & DOCK BAR

12203 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443664-7075, tailchasersoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A coastal casual farm to table restaurant with a fun dockside family friendly atmosphere. Menu changes with the seasons and cocktails are handcrafted with care. Bring the whole family for lunch or dinner along the canal. Kids playground available to keep the littles entertained.

FENWICK ISLAND

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-9885000, CCFBayside.com

Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime

rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.

■ NANTUCKETS

Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com

Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.

OCEAN PINES

■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE

100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining

$$ | Full bar

Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu. Open everyday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, www.OPYachtclub.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more. Open Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. menu.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com

All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting. Open daily closing at 2 p.m.

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar open til 11 p.m.

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com

This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40sstyle décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 49th and 124th streets locations offer vast lunch and dinner menus (breakfast too at 124th) in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST

Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500

Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80-seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL 12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410213-1846, weocharborside.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours. Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Gibbs values memories from Dorchester St.

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(March 15, 2024) This week we proudly recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Life Member Bruce Gibbs Sr.

Firefighter Gibbs represents yet another of the many families that for generations have provided service to the community through their commitment to your volunteer fire company.

His father, William A. Gibbs Sr., was an early member of the OCVFC and his son, Bruce Gibbs Jr., is an honorary member of the OCVFC and recently retired as a captain with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.

Bruce Sr. held several jobs during his career working for the Town of Ocean City. He was employed as a K-9 officer

with the Ocean City Police Department.

He also served as an ambulance driver for the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company in the late ‘60s and early ’70s, and enjoyed driving the fleet of Cadillac ambulances used by the fire company at that time.

After 39 years of public service, Gibbs retired in 2009 as maintenance superintendent for the Town of Ocean City Public Works Department.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Gibbs joined the OCVFC Cadet Program in 1962.

He later served 13 active years with the OCVFC before he was bestowed life membership due to ongoing health concerns. During his years of active service, Gibbs served as vice president for the volunteer fire company and was

Friday, March 29 10am - 5pm

Saturday, March 30 10am - 5pm

Firefighter Gibbs recalls the series of suspicious Boardwalk fires in late 1972 and early 1973 as the most significant events of his career in the fire service.

He especially remembers the fire on the night of Dec. 14, 1972, which destroyed the Colonial Hotel at First Street and the Boardwalk, stating: “I was in the Snorkel (Truck #711) with fellow firefighter, Bill Garten, when the chimney collapsed into the Snorkel “basket” (semi-enclosed platform on the end of the articulating boom). We survived, a bit shaken, but with a good story to tell. The Snorkel was not so lucky as the basket was destroyed in the incident.”

Bruce cites his greatest accomplishment in the fire service as the satisfaction of serving the community and making lifelong friends. He also wanted to recognize the many life lessons he learned (both good and bad) while sitting on the bench on the ramp in front of the Dorchester Street firehouse with “Pop” Steger, “Fish” Powell, Donald Fisher, Steve Quillen and many of the other “old timers.” Good memories.

Given the opportunity to pass on advice to the members of the cadet program or other young men or women with an interest in the fire service, Gibbs said: “You learn leadership skills and build bonds with your fellow firemen. The Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company is a rewarding and worthy organization that you will always be proud to have been a member.”

We thank Firefighter Gibbs and his family for their many years of commitment of service protecting the lives and property of our Ocean City residents and visitors to our community.

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

Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Life Member Bruce Gibbs Sr., right, poses with summer employee Dennis Theodore and one of the fire company’s early Cadillac ambulances.

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

assigned to Snorkel #711 (aerial truck) under the leadership of Captain Newt Cropper.

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A Shamrock sandwich recipe to try out

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(March 15, 2024) Assumptions are based on presuppositions without consideration for the unequivocal truth.

That being said, specification of veracity is a must for total comprehension.

St. Patrick’s Day is here and corned beef and cabbage is synonymous with the jolly merriment.

And yet, believe it or not, one would have a hard time finding corned beef and cabbage in Ireland. So, how did this famous dish become associated with the Irish?

History is the epitome of the future and therefore facts reign supreme. During the time of the Irish immigration to the United Sates, the immigrants took up residence in the Jewish neighborhoods.

It was important for the first generation of Irish-Americans to cook comforting dishes that reminded them of their homeland. But the high price of pork negated any chance for daily consumption.

Jewish traditions prevented the partaking of pork and therefore curing cheap cuts of beef became a staple. Camaraderie is a good thing, and the Irish learned how to cure brisket. Cabbage was cheap, so boiled cabbage was added for a hearty meal.

Before conclusion comes into ef-

fect, one might be wondering where the word “corned” came from? The “corn” in corned beef comes from the coarse grain salt that was originally used to cure the meat. These “kernels” referred to the size of the salt, and the name “corned beef” was born.

When entertaining, every aspect of the festivities must be taken into consideration. St. Patrick’s Day is notorious for adult beverages and it is important to serve several courses to offset the effects of alcohol. Believe it or not but tea sandwiches are a great starter. If one incorporates the theme of St. Patrick’s Day, these tiny sandwiches are yummy and a finger friendly appetizer.

In addition, not everyone is a

meatatarian and the possibility of a veggie appetizer is a thoughtful option.

Tea sandwiches are easy to make and can be transformed to coincide with any menu. A few helpful hints determine whether your delightful little snacks are good or superlative.

Tea sandwiches are very small and not meant to fill you up. As a result, the presentation is just as important as the taste.

Tea sandwiches should be made the day of the event. Always use the freshest of ingredients. The minimalism of tea sandwiches makes every ingredient stand out. Harmony is a must for a cohesive bite.

The addition of fresh herbs, veggies, cheese, nuts, and seeds can elevate the flavor profile and textural components for a more stunning, delicious bite.

Thinking out of the box is fun and a great way to start your St. Patrick Day’s celebration. Flatbread crowned with cucumber slices and topped with a spinach, cream cheese filling and asparagus tips are a delicious twist on conventional tea sandwiches. The piece de resistance is to arrange them like shamrocks.

Shamrock Sandwiches

Ingredients

1 package of 2 (8.8 oz) flatbread

1 (8-ounce) chive and onion cream cheese spread, room temperature 1 cup strained, cooked spinach (fresh)

2 teaspoons minced garlic in a jar several pinches of kosher salt, plus extra for garnishing several pinches lemon zest, plus extra for garnishing

1 bunch of thin cooked asparagus (al dente)

1 English cucumber

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Using a biscuit cutter, press out as many circular shapes as the circumference of the bread will yield.

2. Toast circular flatbreads in the oven until crispy, about 13 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

3. In a medium bowl, using a hand-held immersion blender, combine cream cheese, spinach, garlic, salt, and lemon zest until thoroughly combined.

4. Cut off the tips of the asparagus.

5. Presentation: Place 5 cucumber slices in a circular fashion on top of the flatbread. Pipe spinach cream cheese mixture onto the cucumber slices. Top with asparagus tips and add a dusting of salt and lemon zest. Secret Ingredient – Luck “Diligence is the mother of good luck.”

— Benjamin Franklin

Who’s Where When

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk In The

Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th St. Plaza

On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, March 5: No More Whiskey

Saturday, March 16:

First Class & DJ Giddy Up

Sunday, March 17:

DJ Wax

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE

Friday, March15:

Monkee Paw

Sunday, March 17:

Cup Of Joe

Wednesday, March 20: Steve Kuhn

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, March 15:

Bill Dickson & MTT

Saturday, March 16: Black Dog Alley

Sunday, March 17: Schizophrenic Boogiemen

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St.

In The Bay

Friday, March 15:

DJ RobCee, The 19th Street Band & Tranzfusion

Saturday, March 16:

Bad w/ Names, DJ Stinson & Radio Hero

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Rt. 611, West O.C.

Saturday, March 16:

DJ CMiller & Schizophrenic Boogiemen

Sunday, March 17:

DJ Wood

Wednesdays:

Bingo w/ Blake

Best Beats On The Beach

STEALING SAVANAH Seacrets: Saturday, March 16

SUGAR JACK Purple Moose Saloon: Friday & Saturday, March 15 & 16

DJ ROBCEE Fager s Island: Friday, March 15

DJ GIDDY UP Coins Pub: Saturday, March 16

STEVE KUHN Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, March 20

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday & Saturday, March 15 & 16

TOM FLANAGAN Taphouse West Bar & Grille: Friday, March 15

DJ CRUZ Seacrets: Saturday, March 16

PHIL PERDUE Captain s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

DJ WAX Harborside: Friday, March 15 Coins Pub: Sunday, March 17

DJ WOOD Greene T. West: Sunday, March 17 Pickles Pub: Mondays & Tuesdays

BEATS BY DEOGEE Pickles Pub: Thursdays & Fridays

DJ BK Buxy s Salty Dog: Saturday, March 16

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Saturday, March 16 Sundays & Wednesdays

Who’s Where When

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West O.C.

Friday, March 15:

DJ Billy T & DJ Wax

Saturday, March 16: DJ Billy T & DJ Donnie Berkey

Sunday, March 17: Opposite Directions

Thursdays: Dust N Bones Duo

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays:

Beat By DeoGee

Saturday, March 16:

Beats By Styler, Casper & Dutchess

Sundays:

Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays:

Beats By Styler

Thursdays:

Beats By DeoGee

PURPLE MOOSE

SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts.

On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, March 15 & 16: Sugar Jack

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, March 15: Jimi Milligan Duo, The Benderz & DJ Connair

Saturday, March 16: Jimi Milligan Band, John McNutt’s Warriors, OC Pipes & Drums, The Benderz, Turning The Tide, Late Last Night, My Hero Zero, Stealing Savanah, DJ Bobbyo, DJ Cruz, DJ Davie, & DJ Connair

Sunday, March 17: DJ Davie, OC Pipes & Drums, DJ Bobby O, Late Last Night & Dear Zoe

Thursday, March 21: DJ Connair & Blake Haley

AARON HOWELL TRIO Dry Dock 28: Saturday, March 16

FIRST CLASS Coins Pub: Saturday, March 16

THE BENDERZ

Seacrets: Friday & Saturday, March 15 & 16

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sunday, March 17

OFF THE BOAT Shenanigan s Pub: Friday-Sunday, March 15-17

THE 19TH STREET BAND Fager s Island: Friday, March 15

NO MORE WHISKEY Coins Pub: Friday, March 15

MONKEE PAW

Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, March 15

ROCKOHOLICS

Taphouse West Bar & Grille: Sunday, March 17

BLACK DOG ALLEY

Crawl Street Tavern: Saturday, March 16

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Real estate team events

Hileman Real Estate’s Power of 2 Team is offering two upcoming charitable events.

and its current state. Following the presentation, he will open the floor and take questions from participants.

On March 21, the American Legion Post #123 in Berlin will be the site for a bingo night to benefit the Lori’s Angels/MS Walk Fund at 5:30 p.m. Bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Call 410-2089200, ext. 4 for pre-payment options. Special games are sponsored by the Power of 2 Team, Maryland Title Service Corp., Jack Abell, Inc. and Mary Burgess with ERA Martin/Shamrock Division.

On March 23, Hileman Real Estate and the Power of 2 Team in Ocean Pines will host a free Easter Egg Hunt from 1-3 p.m. with March 24 as the rain date. It’s an opportunity to get some practice in before Easter weekend. The hunts will be divided up by age groups. Pictures with the Easter bunny, bounce house, crafts, face painting and the Snow Ball Stand will be offered. Donations will be collected for the Cricket Center.

AGH update

On March 21, Atlantic General Hospital and Health System President and CEO Don Owrey will provide a community update and host a Q&A in Ocean Pines.

The free, public event is set from 1011 a.m. at the Ocean Pines Community Center at 235 Ocean Parkway. Owery will discuss the hospital’s plan for the future

Land Trust plant sale

The Lower Shore Land Trust’s 17th native plant sale, held annually to benefit the organization’s conservation programs, is officially underway.

A wide selection of carefully curated native plants, trees and shrubs are available to buy at lowershorelandtrust.org. The plants are available for a limited time only, as inventory sells quickly.

Plant pickup will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., May 3, and 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., May 4, at the Land Trust office at 100 River Street in Snow Hill.

Proceeds from every native plant, tree and shrub bought will go to help the Land Trust create or preserve more pollinator habitats for bees, birds, butterflies and bats.

For more information, visit lowershorelandtrust.org, or contact the Land Trust office at 443-234-5587 or info@lowershorelandtrust.org.

Community health fair

Atlantic General Hospital, the Town of Ocean City, and Ocean City AARP Chapter #1917 are co-sponsoring a free health fair for the community next month.

The fair is set from 8 a.m. to noon, April 2, at the Roland E. Powell Conven-

tion Center in Ocean City.

The event is free and open to the public. Free health screenings will be offered for carotid, respiratory, bone density, hearing, blood pressure, skin cancer, medicine review by AGHRx RediScripts pharmacists, lipid panel, blood glucose (a 12-hour fast is required), and more.

At 8:30 a.m., Atlantic General Internal Medicine Dr. Edwin Castañeda will discuss antibiotic stewardship, followed by a presentation on vaccines by AGHRx RediScripts pharmacist Jordan Hines at 9:30 a.m. The final speaker of the morning will be Atlantic General Women’s Health Dr. Michael DiClemente, who will discuss a range of topics related to

women’s health at 10:30 a.m.

For more information, contact Atlantic General Population Health’s Alyce Marzola at 410-641-9268 or amarzola@atlanticgeneral.org.

Wor-Wic egg hunt

Wor-Wic Community College is hosting its third annual egg hunt from 11 a.m to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 23.

The free event features an egg hunt for children of all ages from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a dance party with Wicky, Wor-Wic’s dolphin mascot, and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, from noon to 1 p.m.

The event will be held rain or shine at the college at the corner of Route 50 and Walston Switch Road in Salisbury.

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

Caregiver support group

Atlantic General Hospital is hosting a new monthly caregiver support group.

Facilitated by Atlantic General Hospital Palliative Social Worker Nicole Fry, the support is a safe place for families, partners and other caregivers who share similar challenges and rewards of providing care for adults who have a serious illness.

The support group provides members

the opportunity to talk about concerns, feelings and stressors they have in caregiver roles. Participants benefit from sharing similar life situations with empathy, support and understanding.

The first session is set for 6-7 p.m., April 3, at the Burbage Regional Cancer Care Center, with subsequent meetings taking place the first Wednesday of each month.

No RSVP is necessary, and all who are interested are highly encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Nicole at nfry@atlanticgeneral.org or 410-6412626.

Operation Margarethe a non-violent effort

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(March 15, 2024) Today, 80 years ago, while the Regent of the Kingdom of Hungary, Adm. Count Miklós Horthy de Nagybánya, was attending a performance of the opera “Petof” in Budapest, he was interrupted by a messenger, who delivered a note from the German ambassador, Dietrich von Jagow, demanding that the Regent meet him immediately, at the German Embassy.

Upon the regent’s arrival at the Embassy, Ambassador von Jagow handed the regent a letter from the German Führer “inviting” him to meet at the Schloss Klessheim Palace outside of Salzburg in Austria. During the meeting, the old admiral told the

German dictator that, “We Hungarians have already lost 100,000 men in this blood war, counting dead, wounded and missing. Those we have left have but few arms with which to fight. We cannot help you one bit more. We are through. We are doing our best to stave off the Bolsheviks and we won’t be able to spare a single man for the Balkans.”

The Kingdom of Hungary had been an equal partner, with Austria, in the Dual Monarchy of the Habsburg Austro-Hungarian Empire, in which the Hungarian King was also the King of Croatia, the Emperor of Austria and the King of Bohemia.

As such, it was an ally of the German Empire in WWI, from which Adm. Horthy had emerged as com-

mander of the Austro-Hungarian Navy and a hero. As with Germany, the victorious Allies imposed harsh terms on the Austro-Hungarian Em-

pire through the Treaties of St. Germain and Trianon, which separated the two countries for the first time in more than 300 years.

It also separated Hungary and Croatia, which had been ruled by the same monarch for 800 years. Slovakia, which had been a part of Hungary for 700 years, was also separated.

The Treaty of Trianon emasculated the Kingdom of Hungary. It reduced its size from 125,642 square miles to 35,936 square miles, and its population from 20.9 million to 7.6 million. Five of its 10 largest cities fell outside its post-Trianon borders and it was left without direct access to the sea, while 31%, or 3.3 million ethnic Hungarians lived outside its new borders.

As a result of the treaty, the Kingdom lost 89% of its timber, 84% of its iron, 83% of its pig iron output, 74% of its public roads, 67% of its credit and banking institutions, 65% of its canals, 64% of its hard-surface roads, 62% of its railroads, 55% of its industrial plants and 10% of its engineering and printing industry.

This tells only part of the story of the devastating economic consequences imposed upon the Kingdom of Hungary by the Treaty of Trianon, because the former dual-monarchy was an integrated economic unit. Consequently, there was much bitterness toward the treaty and its results. The treaty also left the kingdom without a king. Adm. Horthy took the title of “Regent” in the absence of a monarch.

When Germany offered the carrot of recovering part of what had been lost in the treaty, Hungary leapt at the opportunity. The first opportunity came when Hungary was awarded a slice of Czechoslovakia in November 1938 in the First Vienna Award.

Next came the Second Vienna Award, on Aug. 30, 1940, when Hungary was awarded half of Transylvania from Rumania. By Nove. 20, 1940, Hungary was happy to become the fourth member of the Tri-Partite Pact with Germany, Italy, and Japan. In the spring of 1941, Hungary

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH Crews are pictured advancing during the World War II directive known as Operation Margarethe.

participated with Germany and Italy in the dismemberment of Yugoslavia, receiving Ba ka as its reward. This had also been a part of Hungary before the Treaty of Trianon. Now, the die was cast. But what could possibly go wrong being in this alliance?

Although the kingdom did not initially participate in the invasion of the Soviet Union, when, a few days after the invasion began, the city of Kassa was bombed, Hungary blamed the Soviet Union and declared war. The identity of the planes attacking Kassa has never been conclusively determined. It may well have been that they were from the Soviet Union and had not gotten the memo that Kassa was no longer a part of Slovakia, which had joined the invasion.

On Dec. 12, 1941, Hungary joined the other Axis nations, and declared war on the United States.

Dr. Miklós Kállay de Nàgykálló, the prime minister whom Adm. Horthy had appointed in March 1942, had been attempting to cut a deal with the Western Allies. At the Salzburg Conference, the admiral agreed to cease the secret negotiations that weren’t so secret anymore, and to replace Dr. Kállay with Gen. Döme Sztójay.

Gen. Sztójay had served in the Imperial and Royal Army during World War I, and since 1935 had been Ambassador to Germany. He had also served as minister of defense from 1933-1935. In addition, the Germans demanded that Jews be sent to Germany “to work.”

When Adm. Horthy boarded the train from Saltzburg on March 18, 1944, he had not signed the documents memorializing his agreement with the German Führer. However, when he arrived in Budapest at noon, he was greeted by a German Color Guard.

While he had been meeting with the German Führer, the Germans had occupied his country — Operation Margarethe — but it was so quick that there was no violence. Therefore, on March 23, 1944, Gen. Sztójay was appointed prime minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Anti-Semite Andor Jaross was appointed Minister of the Interior.

With this change in the government, came a change in the policy toward Hungary’s Jewish population. Adolph Eichmann arrived in Budapest and together with Interior Minister Jaross and his underlings, László Baky and László Endre, ensured that train loads of Jews began their, one-way, journey from Hungary to Auschwitz — not to Germany “to work.”

The three Hungarians earned the appellation “The Deportation Trio.” Between May 15 and July 9, 437,402 Jews — at the rate of 12,000 per day — were sent to the death camps, 90% of whom did not survive.

In the meantime, two Slovakian

Continued on Page 74

Eastern Shore Physical

Therapy

Continued from Page 73

Jews — Rudolph Vrba and Alfréd Wetzler — had escaped from Auschwitz and compiled a report which was disseminated to the West.

In June 1944, Pope Pius XII, President Roosevelt and King Gustav V of Sweden implored the admiral to stop the trains. The president even threatened military retaliation if they were not stopped, and on July 2, the heaviest Allied air raid to that date hit the kingdom. Five days later, the admiral, finally, ordered the trains stopped.

In August 1944, Adm. Horthy removed Gen. Sztójay from his position, and replaced him with Gen. Count Géza Lakatos de Csìkszentsimon. Gen. Lakatos had succeeded Gen. Count Gusztàv Jàny as commander of the remnants of Second Army, after it had been destroyed on the Don River and returned to Hungary in 1943.

Less than a week before Gen. Lakatos was appointed prime minister, the Kingdom of Romania had switched sides and declared war on its neighbor, the Kingdom of Hungary, and the German Reich, and sent its armies into battle with the Red Army against the Hungarians and Germans. If truth be known, the Romanians and Hungarians would rather fight each other than anyone else.

After his appointment, Gen. Lakatos reopened talks with the Allies and the Soviets. On Oct. 15, 1944, Adm. Horthy announced on national radio that Hungary had executed an Armistice with the Soviet Union.

As in the case of the Italian perfidy, Hitler had anticipated these events and was prepared. A team, commanded by SS Maj. Otto Skorzeny (Mussolini’s rescuer), kidnaped the admiral’s son, Miklós Jr. (“Miki”) and then, with four King Tiger tanks, approached Adm. Horthy’s headquarters on Castle Hill in Budapest.

The admiral, knowing he had no means to contest the German armor, issued orders that, “ … no resistance should be made.” He was then told to sign a typewritten statement renouncing the armistice and abdicating in favor of the Nazi-style Arrow Cross Party leader, Count Ferenc Szálasi.

Szálasi declared himself Nemzetvezetö (“national leader”), which followed in the tradition of European dictators. The others were Il Duce Di Italia, der Führer of Germany, the Conduc tor of Romania, Poglavnik of Croatia, El Caudillo de España, Milli ef of Turkey and the Vodca of Slovakia.

Adm. Horthy was kept under house arrest in Bavaria. His son was sent to the concentration camp at Mauthasen in upper Austria, approx-

imately 12 miles east of the City of Linz, and later, to Dachau.

In the meantime, Hungary remained allied with Germany until the bitter end. Horthy and his family ultimately emigrated to Portugal, where they lived in Esteril, a seaside suburb of Lisbon, until death. After the fall of the Communist regime, the admiral’s remains were returned to the family crypt in Kenderes, which has a current population of 5,329, where he was greeted by 50,000 Hungarians.

The Nemzetvezetö, “The Deportation Trio,” Gens. Sztójay and Jàny were tried by the People’s Tribunal in Budapest, and convicted of war crimes and high treason. The

Nemzetvezetö was “hanged” and the others were executed by firing squad in 1946 in Budapest.

The German-supported rule of the Nemzetvezetö had lasted 163 days. Gen. Lakatos and Dr. Kállay survived. Gen. Lakatos and Dr. Kállay ultimately emigrated to Australia and to the United States, respectively, where they died.

Next Week: The Great Escape

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

SUBMITTED

TODAY-DISPATCH Admiral Horthy arrives at Salzburg to meet Hitler, middle.

Angeline Cabernet

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Oyster Bay Pinot

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Mondavi Napa

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Matua Sauvignon

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Angeline Sauvignon Blanc

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The Beach Rose

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Crossbarn

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Hartford Court RR

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Kim Crawford

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Bogle Phantom Red

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Worthy Cabernet Sauvignon

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St Francis Cabernet Sauvignon

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Simi Chardonnay

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San Bonifacio

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Bread & Butter Chardonnay

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Weekly report confirms rising listing trend

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

exceeding last year’s by 4.0%.

133 - 12.7% - 33%

Median Sold Price

(March 15, 2024) Bright MLS provides a Weekly Market Report giving up-to-date listing and showing information that help real estate agents track market activity in real time. This week’s report shows that listings are on the rise for the past month and half.

Here are the highlights from Bright MLS for the week ending March 10:

• Listings above last year for six consecutive weeks. The Bright MLS service area had 5,555 new listings for the week ending March 10. For the sixth week in a row, new listings have exceeded last year. Compared to last year, there has been a 4.1% increase in listings, and over the past week, there was a 2.5% uptick.

• Mid-Atlantic median list price slightly below record high. Following last week’s record-high median list price of $419,000, the current median list price has dipped by 1%, now standing at $415,000. Notably, both last week and this week boast higher median list prices than any week in the previous year, with this week’s price

• Contracts just under last year. This week, there were 5,942 new purchase contracts, which is just below last year by 2.2%. Although supply has made modest gains compared to last year, there’s a notable factor at play: 30-year mortgage rates have recently edged back toward the 7% mark, currently sitting at 6.88% as of the week of March 10.

For Worcester County, specifically in February, the numbers show:

Total Sold Dollar Volume

63,925,957 - 14.3% - 54.7%

Closed Sales

BUSINESS BRIEFS

New hygienist

Atlantic Dental & Family Dentistry recently welcomed Sarah Hiltz as a new hygienist.

Hiltz was born and raised in Catonsville, just outside Baltimore.

Her dental journey began in 2015 when she became a certified dental assistant. After quickly falling in love with field, she returned to school to become a registered dental hygienist. She graduated cum laude with a degree in dental hygiene from the Com-

$400,000 - 6.8% - 7.4%

Average Sold Price

$467,971 - 2.8% - 16.7%

Median Days on Market

37 days - 94.7% - 54.2%

Average Days on Market

50 days - 4.2% - 38.9%

Median Price per Sq Foot

$358 - 3% - 12.9%

Average Price per Sq Foot

$366 - 3.4% - 9.3%

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

munity College of Baltimore County.

She and her husband moved to the shore in 2021 where they settled in Selbyville, Delaware with their two dogs and two cats. In her free time, she enjoys baking, hiking, painting, and hanging out with her furry family.

Wor-Wic donation

Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury recently received a donation of Continued on Page 78

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Maryland casino revenue up

(March 15, 2024) While Maryland’s six casinos collectively reported revenue increases for both slot machines and table games for the month of February compared to last year, Ocean Downs’ totals were still down.

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According to a news release from Maryland Lottery and Gaming, the local casino reported a decrease of $481,856, or 7%, from February 2023. In January, the overall state total was down, with Ocean Downs reporting a 13 percent decrease in revenue from January 2023.

In February, though, three of the

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Continued from Page 77

personal protective equipment (PPE) from J. J. Keller & Associates. The Wisconsin-based company’s SAFEGEAR PPE will be worn by students and instructors during hands-on training in commercial driver’s license courses.

The donated equipment includes high-visibility safety vests, ear protection and eye protection, all of which promote an attitude of safety for the students now and while on the road. Additionally, the program’s three instructors have received high-visibility jackets to protect them during their extensive time spent outdoors.

other state casinos — MGM National Harbor, Live! Casino and Hotel and Hollywood Casino — reported increases in revenue, which bumped the state’s collective total up to more than $159.2 million, which came out to over $2.1 million, or 1.4%, more than last year.

The release said casino gaming contributions to the state last month totaled nearly $67.8 million, an increase of $871,716, or 1.3%, compared to February 2023.

Contributions to the Education Trust Fund were nearly $49 million, an increase of $246,715, or 0.5%.

“The tasks associated with operating a commercial vehicle can be dangerous,” Tom Bray, senior industry advisor with J. J. Keller, said in a news release. “You’re working with your hands in hot areas and pinch points, you’re on foot in areas with heavy vehicle traffic, and your eyes can be at risk from debris. In other words, there are a lot of ways a driver can be injured. Using PPE is how the odds of an injury are reduced. When new drivers are taught about these risks and how PPE reduces the odds, they develop life-long habits that can prevent injuries.”

Friday

Friday

Friday

Friday 3-5pm Sat

Saturrdday

Sandy Dougan/BHHS PenFed Realty

Saturrdday 11am-1pm 13700 Coastal Hwy Kim Bounds/Coldwell Banker Realty

Sunday 11am-1pm Kim Bounds/Coldwell Banker Realty

Sunday 11am-1pm Nancy Banker Realty

Sunday 11am-2pm12353 Meadow Drive, Berlin4BR/2BASingle Family$999,900Rob & Anne-Marie Bouse/Re/Max Advantage Realty

Saturrdday 2-4pm 25 Coastal Drive, Berlin 3BR/2BASingle Family$419,900Di’mond Lockwood/Keller Williams Realty

Sunday 10am-2pm 12355 Hidden Bay Drive, Berlin4BR/3.5BASingle Family$899,900Jennifer Kukel/Nikki Rose/Keller Williams Realty

Pines granted flush tax exemption

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) State officials have granted Worcester County’s request for a flush fee exemption in Ocean Pines.

The Maryland Department of the Environment granted a request from Worcester County to exempt residents in the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area from paying the Bay Restoration Fee for calendar year 2024. Residents should see savings on their water and sewer bills this year because nitrogen and phosphorous levels at the Ocean Pines plant didn’t exceed certain thresholds.

“The water and wastewater staff worked very hard to ensure the exemption would be reinstated,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said. “This will greatly benefit ratepayers.”

Historically, Ocean Pines residents

have not had to pay the Bay Restoration Fee. The fee, commonly referred to as the flush tax, goes to a dedicated fund used to upgrade publicly owned wastewater treatment plants throughout Maryland with enhanced nutrient removal (ENR) technology.

In years past, low levels of nitrogen and phosphorous at the Ocean Pines plant have earned it an exemption from the fee, which amounts to about $15 a quarter for residents.

In 2022, however, a mechanical issue caused those levels at the plant to increase and the county was denied an exemption. The following year, a shortage of chemicals, caused by supply chain issues, resulted in slightly higher phosphorous levels at the plant. The state denied the county’s request for an exemption because the phosphorous level exceeded the eligibility require-

ment by 0.015 mg/l.

Worcester County applied again in 2024, however, and officials have been advised that the exemption has been granted. Dallas Baker, the county’s director of public works, said the plant’s recent nitrogen and phosphorous levels show that it’s reliable when there aren’t mechanical problems or supply issues.

“It shows that when conditions are normal the plant is more than capable of meeting bay restoration limits,” Baker said.

In the wake of last year’s supply chain issues, he said his staff had tripled the volume of the necessary chemicals kept on hand in case of future supply chain issues. He expects the plant to continue meeting the eligibility threshold for the Bay Restoration Fee.

“It’s always our goal to hit this and keep costs down for people,” he said.

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Elected officials worry bill would lead to higher rates, allow changes to project

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) Officials in both Ocean City and Worcester County continue to oppose legislation that would facilitate the evaluation and approval of revised offshore wind projects.

Last week, the Worcester County Commissioners voted to send a letter opposing House Bill 1296, cross-filed with Senate Bill 1161, which would require the Maryland Public Service Commission, as of June 1, to open a revised round-two proceeding to evaluate certain offshore wind projects.

The measure also would authorize certain offshore wind projects to submit certain revised plans for project schedules, sizes, and pricing, including offshore wind renewable energy credit pricing, among other things.

“It’s a change, it’s allowing the wind farms to rebid,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said at the end of last Tuesday’s meeting. “With that will come higher numbers.”

In a Feb. 29 hearing before the House Economic Matters Committee,

Del. C.T. Wilson, the bill’s sponsor, said its main objectives are to facilitate the evaluation and approval of revised offshore wind projects in rounds one and two and to set a clear target for achieving the state’s goal of 8,500 megawatts of offshore wind energy capacity by 2031.

While the state has passed legislation and set goals for renewable energy, he said economic challenges have hindered offshore wind developers’ ability to meet scheduling and pricing requirements set by Maryland law.

“One of the successful bidders in rounds one and two, US Wind, remains committed to working with us to overcome these challenges,” he told the committee. “Revisions outlined in House Bill 1296 seeks to streamline the approval process for revised project schedules and pricing, ensure the project is located in the authorized wind energy area, and those possessing offshore wind renewable energy credits can move forward expeditiously. Moreover, the bill does not restart the process for the projects. Merely, it allows limited alterations to already approved plans, including the adjustment to turbine placement, generating capacity, installation dates and pricing within the existing statutory

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OC mayor testifies, Worcester to issue letter

limits.”

Wilson added that the proposed legislation does not increase the price of offshore wind beyond the statutory rate caps set within state law.

“The bill only exempts applicants from duplicative payments to the Maryland Offshore Wind Business Development Fund when seeking adjustments on round-two projects,” he said. “In conclusion, House Bill 1296 is essential in navigating the challenges facing offshore wind development in Maryland, while ensuring the state remains on track to meet its renewable energy targets.”

US Wind CEO Jeff Grybowski said the legislation would assist the company in altering its project. He noted that as technology has progressed, turbines have become more efficient.

“We can produce more power today from the proposed project than we thought just a few years ago,” he said. “So that will allow us to essentially upsize our project, all while staying in the ratepayer caps the legislature set a number of years ago. So this is a good news story. These are some technical changes that will allow us to make a new submission to the Public Service Commission, allow us to put a larger project size in front of the commission, and allow us to proceed.”

Officials said the proposed legislation would not allow any windmills to

be built outside of the company’s lease area. They noted, however, that new wind turbines are roughly 150 feet or so higher than what was originally planned.

For his part, Del. Chris Adams of Wicomico County asked if the placement of wind turbines off the coast could also be revisited. He asked that language to that effect be added to the bill.

“One of the basic complaints is they’re putting these too close to the shoreline …,” he said. “I think we have a chance to revisit it. That’s all I’m asking.”

Wilson said a change in the placement of wind turbines could set the US Wind project back another five to seven years. He said the only reason the legislature was revisiting the evaluation and approval process was because one of the offshore wind

developers, Ørsted, had pulled its project.

“We lost half of the power because Ørsted stepped out,” he said. “US Wind will hopefully bring at least a third of what Ørsted has left … It’s about being able to capture some of what has been lost.”

During the hearing, representatives with the Town of Ocean City expressed their concerns regarding the legislation. Mayor Rick Meehan said the bill would provide funding to support wind turbines as close as 11.5 miles off the resort’s coastline.

“This will destroy the viewshed off Ocean City forever,” he said. “Everything you want to accomplish would still be accomplished if turbines were located further to the east. All the jobs would still be created, all the investments in the Baltimore Harbor and

Sparrows Point, all of the energy, everything would still be the same, nothing would change. Yet, we’ve been ignored for seven years.”

Ocean City Council Secretary Tony DeLuca said the town has shared its concerns regarding offshore wind since 2010. In addition to turbine sizes, he also touched on the project subsidy.

“HB 1296 as proposed gives US Wind the funding in the form of more expensive subsidies from Maryland ratepayers,” he said. “So, unlike most energy projects, where the larger the project the lower the energy cost, under HB 1296 the project gets bigger and the price goes up.”

Following the recent hearing, the commissioners last week agreed to send a letter of opposition to both the House and Senate regarding the proposed legislation.

Higher hopes for city bus, tram ad revenues

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) Representatives for the town’s bus and tram advertising contractor say they are optimistic about revenue projections heading into the summer season.

On Tuesday, representatives with Gateway Outdoor Advertising, the contractor hired to handle Ocean City’s bus and tram advertising, met with members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee to provide updated advertising projections for the 2024 season. While some accounts were lost during the negotiation period, Gateway President and CEO Craig Heard Sr. said he expects revenues to reach a figure that has not been seen since 2019.

“I’m very optimistic we will be at the $400,000 number,” he said. “I don’t want to go into detail about it, but I will say we are in negotiations with significant contracts.”

In 2022, the Town of Ocean City hired Gateway to replace Vector Media as its new advertising contractor. The company has been tasked with overseeing advertising on the town’s bus and tram fleets, as well as digital advertising on the backs of the Boardwalk trams.

In an update Tuesday, Heard said advertising revenues totaled $286,630 last year, with $251,330 coming from

bus advertising and $35,300 coming from tram advertising. As of this week, the company projects the town to reach, or even exceed, $348,630 this year.

“Bus revenues are $210,000 so far,” he explained. “Projected tram static ads are at $48,000. Last year, it was $35,000. And the tram digital ads so far are at $15,500, compared to pretty much nothing last year.”

Heard noted that some advertisers, including one that spent $30,000 in 2023, did not renew for 2024. How-

ever, he said negotiations continue ahead of the summer season.

“We are bringing on new clients that were not here last year that we were able to get on the radar for negotiations this year,” he said.

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca asked if the $30,000 loss affected projected revenues. He noted that Gateway expected the town to reach or exceed pre-pandemic figures.

“Does this $30,000 put a damper on that enthusiasm?” he asked.

Heard said it did not. He noted that big contracts are still being negotiated and that some advertisers were taking advantage of the new digital tram advertising not offered in years past.

“Our projections are $348,000 but you can see we are still negotiating,” he said.

After further discussion, the committee agreed to receive quarterly updates on bus and tram advertising following a meeting with Gateway representatives in April.

Former chicken plant demolition kicked off

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(March 15, 2024) Community members joined state and local officials to celebrate the pending demolition of the former processing plant building at Heron Park.

Maryland Secretary of Housing

and Community Development Jake Day joined Berlin’s elected officials as well as several municipal employees and community members to kick off the demolition process beginning this month at Heron Park. A $500,000 grant from the state will allow the town to knock down a portion of the

dilapidated structure.

“Congratulations to the entire Berlin team and community,” Day said. “Let’s knock this thing down.”

After more than a year was spent negotiating with a developer who wanted to turn the old processing plant into a mixed-use project, the council in late 2023 opted not to proceed with the sale of the property. Instead, officials decided to take advantage of a $500,000 strategic demolition grant the town received from the state in 2021 to knock down the derelict building.

Last Thursday the town hosted a “demolition party” to celebrate the fact that the process is finally expected to begin this month. Mayor Zack Tyndall said the town was grateful to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Develop-

ment for awarding Berlin the grant. He said the town would be working with contractor JNT Enterprises to tear down as much of the building as possible with the funding.

“At the end of the day, the goal’s going to be to have a front section of the building over here, repurposing what was once the offices as well as the cafeteria and some of the storage area of the building,” he said. “Then there will be a portion of the back building that will still stand which could hopefully be repurposed for some sort of warehousing component. That’s the ultimate end goal. We’re excited to be able to be here today with everyone. I know our citizens are very happy to see something happening with the site.”

Day said that as he spent his days

See PARK Page 84

PHOTO BY CHARLENE SHARPE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH Berlin resident Gussie Sholtis takes her turn with the sledgehammer at the March 7 demolition kickoff at Heron Park.

UNIQUE KEY PRESENTED

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan makes a special presentation to filmmaker John Waters after his appearance at the Performing Arts Center on March 9 during the Ocean City Film Festival. Rather than a key to the city, Meehan presented Waters with a key to the city's Ninth Street Comfort Station, a tribute to the filmmaker's reputation. Waters has claimed he lived under the Boardwalk on Ninth Street one summer as a teenager.

Park demolition set to begin

Continued from Page 83

traveling the state in his role as secretary, he was pleased to be able to spend time in Berlin, a town he has visited with his family and has watched enjoy success in recent years.

“As mayor of Salisbury, I got to watch our neighbors here in Berlin build and grow America’s Coolest Small Town,” he said. “You all have done such an incredible job.”

He said he was proud his department was able to support the town with façade grants as well as with this strategic demolition grant.

“I’m so proud to be able to stand here with you, watch your vision come to life, come to reality,” he said. “The razing of this plan will do away with what is clearly been a long time, unused facility…. It’s a literal and physical and even figurative obstacle to progress and you’re taking it down in order to take the next step in Berlin’s future. I’m so proud to play a small part in that, to be a supporter.”

In the wake of last week’s demolition event, on Monday the Berlin Town Council voted unanimously to approve a $302,210.28 contract with JNT Enterprises. While the company was previously selected as the project contractor, officials asked for additional pricing for more work on the site, such as the cost of ensuring dem-

olition to grade.

Officials reviewed that estimate at Monday’s meeting. While the estimate set the cost of demolishing the entire structure at slightly more than $436,000, officials approved demolition of areas one, two and three as well as some cleanup in area seven for a price of $302,210.28.

The town has already spent about $80,000 of its grant on engineering fees and Tyndall pointed out that by going with the partial demolition, the town would have more than $120,000 in grant funding left in contingency for unknown work. Andrew Welch of Davis, Bowen & Friedel said his company recommended maintaining some reserve funding.

“There could be utilities there we don’t know about,” he said. “There could be large concrete foundations under that slab. We’d like to keep a reserve.”

When Councilman Steve Green asked about the timeline for the work, town staff said additional asbestos testing had to be completed first. Tyndall added that in response to some calls he’d received from community members, he’d asked the contractor to do a sweep of the building each day before beginning demolition work to ensure that the building was clear.

PHOTO COURTESY GREGORY POULOS

Female artists hosting free talk at OC Center for Arts

(March 15, 2024) The Art League of Ocean is hosting a free artists’ talk next week.

Set 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, on 94th Street, the talk will feature three women artists — Jeri Alexander, Sue Bromm, and Lisa Tossey — exhibiting their work in the “Women in the Arts: Nature, Nurture, Change” exhibition on display in the Thaler Gallery throughout the month of March. The talk and exhibit, which features new pieces by female artists from Worcester and Wicomico counties, coincide with Women’s History Month.

The art league awarded $1,500 to each artist to create a body of work from concept to fruition, with funds provided by a grant from the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.

“The Women’s Fund is proud to be able to support this opportunity to elevate local women artists and provide them with the resources necessary to bring their vision to fruition,” Erica Joseph, president of the Community Foundation, said in a news release.

Jeri Alexander of Delmar, created and exhibits for an installation called

“Thirty,” exploring the artist’s experience turning 30 years old.

Sue Bromm of Hebron, created and exhibits a series, “Embracing Uncertainty,” using raw plant pigment dyes and natural fibers, along with hand-stitched details.

Lisa Tossey of Berlin, highlights the effects of climate change on local habitats through 360-degree imagery and ceramics.

More information is available at OCart.org or by calling 410-524-9433.

Ocean City Power Squadron to offer boating course

(March 15, 2024) The Ocean City Power Squadron, a unit of the United States Power Squadrons, will present a safe boating course at the end of this month.

The eight-hour course will be given on three consecutive nights, from 6-9 p.m., March 26-28, at the Ocean Pines Library. The course includes a review and exam on the last night. Attendees can register online at ocpsabc@gmail.com.

There is a $25 fee for the course maSee SAFE Page 86

2024 PUBLISHING SCHEDULE

EASTER WEEKEND

March 29th

SPRINGFEST WEEKEND

May 3rd

MEMORIAL WEEKEND

May 24th

JULY 4TH WEEKEND

June 28th

WHITE MARLIN OPEN (AUG. 5-9)

August 2nd

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

August 30th

OCEANS CALLING WEEKEND

September 27th

SUNFEST WEEKEND

October 25th

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

November 29th

NEW YEAR’S WEEKEND

December 27th

Contact Renee Kelly to reserve space for the MARCH 29 / EASTER WEEKEND ISSUE

Direct Office 667.288.1233 renee@oceancitytoday.net

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Not currently a rental unit. It would make an excellent rental investment. Upcoming assessment for stairwells of $2,500 due in June to be paid by sellers. Make your appointment to see this coastal gem today!

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Jeri Alexander

Safe boating course planned

Continued from Page 85

terial. Middle and high school students age 18 and under can take the course, including materials, for free.

Anyone born after July 1, 1972, is required to satisfactorily complete a safe boating class to operate a recreational vessel or personal watercraft in Maryland, or by Jan. 1, 1978 in Delaware. Successfully completing the course also satisfies the requirements nationwide.

This course covers basic boat handling, rules of the road, navigation, federal and state regulations, aids to navigation, and required equipment, among other topics.

Statistics show that in 82 percent of boating fatalities, captains had no formal boating education.

The Ocean City Power Squadron encourages all boaters to complete a boating safety class.

GERALDINE E. MOLER

Ocean City

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Geraldine E. Moler on Feb. 22, 2024, at 84 years old. She was home surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Geraldine will be forever missed by her loving husband of 63 years, N. Earl Moler; son Robert E. Moler; daughter Robbin E. Moler (Lauren); brother Ronald Edwards (Jackie); sister Sharon Hall (George); sister-in-law Linda C. Moler; and her extended family, Butch, Lynda, and the Benner Family, Frances, Michael, and the Zimerman Family, the Snyder Family, the Daugherty Family, and many others. Geraldine grew up in Anne Arun-

del County, the daughter of Harold Edwards and Elizabeth Van Wagenen Edwards. Geraldine and Earl knew each other from childhood and were then married June 18, 1960. They raised their children surrounded by family in Pasadena.

Geraldine (Gerri) lived a life of service, unselfishly giving of her time, talents, and spirit. Geraldine began her distinguished nursing career at Maryland General Hospital as a registered nurse, then became a certified nurse practitioner and continued her career at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Her career spanned over more than 30 years, retiring in 2003 from her position of director of occupational health services at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Geraldine and Earl retired to Ocean City. Gerri loved the ocean and all things beach, where you could often find her under a beach umbrella, toes in the sand, book in her hands, and a smile and hello for all who passed by.

Geraldine and Earl easily made Ocean City their home, joining Bethany United Methodist Church. There, Gerri taught Sunday School and ran the nursery for 20 years. She also organized the church flea market bake sales. She was known to use her powers of persuasion to convince even the most novice bakers to contribute. Her lemon meringue pies

were often the first off the shelf.

Geraldine’s generosity knew no bounds. Following Hurricane Katrina, Geraldine traveled to New Orleans to assist the Red Cross in the aftermath. Gerri faced flood waters, rubble, and debris to provide medical care and an outstretched hand.

Geraldine’s door was truly always open to anyone who needed a safe place to land. Gerri loved with grace and wry humor. Everyone who entered her home left as family.

Services were held. Condolences can be shared with the family through The Burbage Funeral Home at burbagefuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to thank the caring nurses and staff of Coastal Hospice and their Bethany United Methodist Church family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Coastal Hospice (coastalhospice.org) or Bethany United Methodist Church (bethanyberlin.org) to support their good works.

MARY LAVERNE KRAMER

Ocean City

Mary LaVerne Kramer, 90, of Ocean City, died Monday, March 4, 2024 in Aberdeen.

She was born in Baltimore and was the daughter of the late Joseph F. Bailor and Pearl Catherine (Helen-

Continued on Page 87

Geraldine Moler

Continued from Page 86

son) Bailor.

She was a retired secretary for the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 27. She was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church in Ocean City and the lunch bunch.

LaVerne is survived by a son, Christopher Kramer and fiancé Nancy German of Aberdeen; a sister, Collette Stafford; and one grandson, Grant Kramer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond J. Kramer; a brother, Joseph F. Bailor; and a sister, Louise Swiderski.

Services were held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, MD 21811.

Condolences may be sent by visiting bishophastingsfh.com

MARGARET “ANN” COLE CAMPBELL Berlin

Margaret “Ann” Cole Campbell, born on June 11, 1932, was a remarkable woman whose life was defined by love, dedication, and a vibrant spirit. She departed from this world on Feb. 29, 2024, at the Stansell House Coastal Hospice in Berlin, surrounded by her family.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer Taylor and Margarite Roark; her daughter Peggy Ann Cole; her first husband Ellis “Dick” Cole; her second husband Wallace H Campbell; son Rick Cole; and sisters Hazel Davis, Joan Osborne Quinney and Dorothy Raymond Leonard.

She is survived by her sister Jean Hardwick; and sons Gary, Robert, James and Timothy, along with daughters-in-law Diane, Debbie and Kathy. Ann will be fondly remembered as “Nanny” to all of her grandchildren, Jessica Swick (Jason), Jason Cole (Lora), Allison Yando (Jared), Lauren Dixon (David), and Karoline Cole. Additionally, she leaves behind eight great-grandchildren, Madison, Cole, Jonas, Luka,

Jude, Elliott, Emmalyn and Miles. She also leaves step grandchildren Tatum DiGiovanni, Curtis Campbell and step great-grandchildren Connor and Emma Campbell, and Drew, Brennan, Wade and Helen DiGiovanni. Besides many nieces and nephews, Ann was godmother to Stacey Cole Scavo Cerrone and Peggy Jean Hardwick.

Ann was a devoted full-time mom to five active boys and a daughter who bravely faced the challenges of cystic fibrosis. Her selflessness and unwavering love were evident in the care and support she provided to her children throughout their lives. An avid fan of her sons, who excelled in various sports during high school and college, Ann was the proudest cheerleader, celebrating their victories and offering comfort in defeat. She found joy in creating a warm and welcoming home, often opening her doors to friends and family, earning her the title of a second “Mom” to many.

In her professional journey, Ann contributed her time and skills to Fairbanks Pharmacy in Sidney, New York, and later found fulfillment working several years at the various Alaska Stands in Ocean City. Her dedication and hard work were reflective of her commitment to every aspect of her life.

Ann’s later years were spent be-

Continued on Page 88

Ann Campbell

OBITUARIES

Annual End of Winter Clothing Sale!

$7 per Bag

Excludes Kid’s Clothing & Up Priced Items

March 20th – March 23rd

Diakonia Thrift Store

OPEN WEDNESDAY THRU FRIDAY 10-3 & SATURDAY 10-1

Continued from Page 87 INTERSECTION OF

tween her apartment in Ruxton Towers in Townson and her condo in Ocean City. She cherished her time with family, including the loved ones from her second husband’s family, whom she held dear. Ann’s entertaining skills and infectious smile made her the life of the party and she will be fondly remembered for enjoying her Grey Goose cocktails.

Ann was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Sidney, New York, Church of the Nativity in Timonium, and Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City.

around her. At a later date, burial services will be held in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney, New York, where Ann will be laid to rest in a final resting place surrounded by the beauty of the land she cherished in her formative years.

The family welcomes friends, relatives and all who knew and loved Ann to join them in these services celebrating the life of this remarkable woman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (cff.org) or the Church of the Nativity in Timonium to honor Ann’s memory.

410-213-0243

Ann actively participated in community service, as a member of the Sidney Youth Service Council, Sidney Recreation Commission, and the Dunes Club in Ocean City. Her philanthropic spirit extended to supporting numerous local and national programs.

Ann’s life was marked by the love she shared with her family and the warmth she extended to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by family, friends and the communities she touched.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 1, at Holy Savior Catholic Church on 17th St. in Ocean City. This ceremony will serve as a beautiful tribute to Ann’s unwavering faith, love and positive impact she had on the lives of those

The family expresses sincere appreciation for the support and condolences received during this challenging time. Ann’s legacy of love, compassion, and joy will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Ave., in Berlin, Maryland. To send condolences to the family, visit easternshorecremation.com.

LOUIS JOHN DAVID

Berlin

On Jan. 5th, 2024, Louis John David, a cherished brother, uncle, and friend who touched the hearts of all who knew him, entered into eter-

nal rest.

Let us come together to reflect on the joy he brought our lives and the lasting impact of his presence. The family invites friends, colleagues, and acquaintances to attend an Intention Mass at 9 a.m., Tuesday, March 19, at St. John Neumann Church in Berlin, followed by fellowship and breakfast at Columbus Hall, Knights of Columbus Council #9053, at 9901 Coastal Highway in Ocean City.

RICHARD LEE COLE

Ocean City

Richard Lee Cole, beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on Feb. 25, 2024, at Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after bravely battling myelodysplastic syndrome. He was surrounded by his loving family in his final moments.

Richard, known affectionately as Rick, was born on June 24, 1949, in Deposit, New York, to Ellis Richard Cole and Margaret Ann Taylor.

Rick’s life was characterized by his passion for both sports and community. After graduating from Sidney Central High School, he pursued his love for physical education, obtaining a bachelor of science degree from Campbell College in Buies Creek, North Carolina, after attending Orange County Community College in Middleton, New York.

Rick dedicated himself to teaching physical education and health, and although he enjoyed coaching and teaching, his true calling was found in refereeing wrestling at both the High School and Collegiate ranks. He excelled as one of the top-notch NCAA officials in the country and officiated numerous tournaments and matches, earning induction into several halls of fame for his contributions as both an official of wrestling and as an athlete in many sports in his outstanding career.

For the past four decades, Rick’s warm and friendly presence graced the famous Bearded Clam bar in

Ocean City, where he was not only a resident but also a beloved fixture. His infectious smile and loving attitude endeared him to all who crossed his path, leaving an indelible mark on the community.

Rick was preceded in death by his younger sister, Peggy and his father, Dick Cole.

He is survived by his mother Ann Cole Campbell, who sadly passed away five days after Rick’s passing; his four brothers, Gary, Rob, Jim and Tim; along with his sisters-in-law, Diane, Debbie, and Kathy. He will be fondly remembered by his nieces Jessica Swick (Jason), Allison Yando (Jared), Lauren Dixon (David), and Karoline Cole; as well as his nephew, Jason Cole (Lora); and his greatnieces and nephews Cole, Madison, Emmalyn, Jonas, Luka, Jude, Elliott and Miles.

One of Rick’s most remarkable at-

tributes was his exceptional memory, whether recalling details of wrestling matches or the names of patrons at the Bearded Clam. His ability to connect with others and remember the smallest of details endeared him to all who knew him.

The local community and the wrestling world have lost a true gem with the passing of Rick Cole. His warmth, generosity, and love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A funeral service to celebrate Rick’s life will be held at 11 a.m., June 1, 2024, at Holy Savior Catholic Church at 1705 Philadelphia Ave. in Ocean City, with a luncheon to follow, where all are welcome. Additionally, a burial service will take place in June in Sidney, New York, where Rick will be laid to rest alongside his loved ones. The family invites all who knew Rick to join them in commemorating

his life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a wrestling program of choice, or the Sidney Alumni Association in Rick’s memory. Rick’s spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, forever cherished and remembered for his kindness, warmth and unwavering love for others.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service at 504 Franklin Avenue in Berlin. To send condolences to the family, visit easternshorecremation.com.

JOSEPH STINE

Ocean Pines

On March 10, 2024, Joseph Evans Stine passed away peacefully at the age of 86 in Ocean Pines.

He is survived by Craig and Tracy

Continued on Page 94

Richard Cole

Yes, we support teachers openly

Being opposed to teachers, whose job it is to help children become functioning members of society, is like being opposed to farmers but in favor of food.

Without functioning citizens, there is no foundation on which to build a society that improves on the medieval model of peasants and nobles.

Consequently, when this paper was accused early this week of conspiring with teachers to show them in their best light during county government’s consideration of the school system’s budget, our response was and is: yes, we are supporting teachers and we’re doing it during budget deliberations.

Why wouldn’t we? The county commissioners, who are embroiled in a long-running dispute with the board of education over spending, have made a point of saying they also support the teachers and staff and that the target of their criticism is the school system administration. No one, to date, anyway, has said anything to the contrary, so our shining a spotlight on what teachers do is hardly a bold departure from the norm.

Further, the “Day in the Life of a Teacher” column that appears elsewhere in the paper wasn’t the teachers’ idea — it was ours, and its purpose is to help the pubic understand what teachers actually do and why they do it.

Most people have no idea of what the job entails, just as they wouldn’t be able to explain in any detail what a finish carpenter does, or a farmer, or a pharmacist or any profession or vocation in which they are not involved. As for the appearance of the column during the county’s budget season, this is exactly the right time to do it — people are paying attention and the chances of the column being read are the greatest.

Besides, these columns have been apolitical, have attacked no one and haven’t explored matters of policy. S0, one might ask, what is the problem? Obviously, teachers have a huge stake in how school funding is awarded, so gently reminding the public who these people are and how they go about their jobs is not just appropriate, it’s also instructive.

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Not Swiss for a day

Being an American mongrel with no real information on my ancestry — other than knowing that my great-great grandfather was run over by a train with less than good results — I will find it easy to claim Irish descent for the next four days.

By Stewart Dobson

In fact, most everyone I know will follow suit, as we celebrate the American version of Irish culture, which in my mind leans toward partying until all your words sound like you’re speaking Gaelic but aren’t.

That, I will tell you, can happen. You down a few stouts, knock back a little Jameson or Bushmills, and the next thing you know you’re saying, “Well, hello there, good-looking” to your own reflection, followed by something that sounds like, “Cá bhfuil na leithris?”

Although that’s actually Irish Gaelic for “where is the restroom,” most people will respond by shaking their heads and suggesting it might just be time for you to go home.

All this celebrating and partying, however, is less about the real culture of Ireland than it is a product of good marketing by shrewd Irish Americans.

They have long known that the best way to go full-bore shamrockin’ without drawing undue attention to themselves is to do it in a crowd of similarly enthused folks who, unlike the Irish, need a good excuse to release the hounds, so to speak.

“But it was St. Patrick’s Day!” you say on your late return home, “I couldn’t help it.”

I know our version of this observance is all

about promotion, because the May 5 Cinco de Mayo celebration employs the same approach — “Hey, we’re all Mexican for a day! Hooray! Ta-keel-aaah, por favor!” And then you end up dancing flamenco while shouting, “¿Dónde está el baño?” (where is the bathroom?”) without drawing undue attention to yourself.

And who hasn’t wanted to be Creole during Mardi Gras? Anyone who says otherwise is either lying or went to New Orleans on a mission to drum up support for the return of Prohibition.

Again, it’s the marketing. I know this because of one simple fact: no one in this country will be sitting in a bar on March 19, St. Joseph’s Day, saying “Hey, everyone, I’m a Liechtensteiner for a day! Bartender! A Blauburgunder for me and my friends!”

Similarly, I’ve never heard anyone proclaim, “I’m Swiss for a day!” during that country’s late winter carnival celebration and then followed up by parading down the highway wearing lederhosen and shouting, “Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder!”

I will admit, however, that I have tried absinthe — urgh!—and I once did try to yodel.

That, as it happens, was one night long ago after a particularly long and spirited St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

I can’t say why I did it, except I figured at the time that yodeling on arrival might be better than announcing at one in the morning, “Hey, honey, I’m home.”

It wasn’t.

“Ah,” she said, with one eyebrow arcing toward the ceiling and the other scrunching toward the southern hemisphere, “Are you’re speaking Gaelic again? But, yes, the bathroom is still down the hall.”

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

The redevelopment of the former Ocean Plaza Mall property in Ocean City has been discussed for at least 15 years. While there is still life on the site with the Acme grocery store, Roses and the businesses in the out parcels, the former indoor mall is barely recognizable today compared to years ago when it was operational. The mall was a hangout for many teens in the 1980s. Over the many years since it was a vibrant shopping mall, there have been numerous attempts to bring in new tenants as well as sell the property.

It was reported last week the new focus for the 17-acre parcel is to subdivide the property into four separate parcels. The concept being breaking up the land into smaller lots to sell increases the prospects of future redevelopment. Preliminary subdivision plans – not to be confused with a more official site plan review — discussed at last week’s Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission meeting call for demolishing the existing Roses department store and building a new Acme at the site closest to Coastal Highway. The current Acme building will be demolished once the move happens. It’s unclear what will happen to the Roses, but employees have told customers over the last week corporate is looking for a new site in Ocean City.

As for what is envisioned on the rest of the property, connections to the property indicate a residential component is likely, resulting in a mixed-use overall property. It appears to be a sign of the times in Ocean City. A commercially-zoned property struggled all these years to find tenants. Diversifying the potential uses over smaller lots will likely fetch greater investment interest from prospective buyers. It’s the beginning of a long process, but there is some hope now.

West Ocean City’s residential growth and commercial prowess presents a unique set of challenges for government. As an unincorporated area, West Ocean City is a bit of gray area when it comes to services, namely fire and EMS and police. From a police standpoint, the area is largely the domain of Maryland State Police and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, but it’s not unheard of to see other agencies in the area. For example, on the Fourth of July last year, I saw firsthand MSP, the Sheriff’s Office, the Ocean City Police Department, Department of Natural Resources, the Natural Resources Police and the Coast Guard involved with crowd control at dozens of sandbar parties. Authorities were on the scene making arrests for underage drinking violations. This was an unusual situation, of course.

The more mundane issues West Ocean City growth causes is for fire/EMS services, which the Ocean City Fire Department provides for most of the area. Up until recently, Ocean City was not compensated for this service by the county. A new formula is in play now that provides some funding to Ocean City for the coverage in the unincorporated area. It’s only fair the county gives the money because West Ocean City now accounts for 22% of all OCFD service calls, growing to more than 1,400 last year from 542 in 2021. There would be no simple solution on the public safety front if Ocean City were to decide to not service West Ocean City. It was noted by resort officials during last week’s County Commissioners providing service to West Ocean City costs the resort an additional $823,794 after the county’s funds are considered.

This weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities in some ways kicks off the early season for many businesses. A check of hotel room rates for the weekend confirms demand is high for the holiday weekend. Everything is weather dependent this time of year, but Easter weekend should provide another busy week at the end of the month with spring break.

With Easter coming early this year, the month of April is ho-hum for the most part, providing businesses time to get their operations up and running and staffing lined up. May, on the other hand, appears to be new and improved with every weekend offering something, featuring a blend of traditional events and new additions. May gets rolling with Springfest, then Ocean City Jeep Week, followed by Cruisin, Memorial Day holiday weekend and then the bull riding event. Moving ahead, June will look quite different without the OC Air Show, which has been pushed to August, but there is the powerboat event the first weekend of the month.

Teacher responds to school safety concerns

Editor,

I’ve spent my entire teaching career at Stephen Decatur Middle School. This is year 22. Never have I ever feared for my safety. I have had three of my four kiddos in my building. Never have I ever feared for their safety. My husband now works in my building as a substitute. Never have I ever feared for his safety. When I walk through our halls, I do not see criminals; I see students and colleagues. We are a family. We are Decatur. I have always felt proud to be a member of such an amazing and top performing school. I have always been proud to be a Worcester County teacher.

Amazing things happen in our schools each day. And one of the things that makes our county so special is that our schools are so deeply interconnected with and supported by our communities. When we say “We are Worcester” we mean the collective we. It takes all of us to make a difference in the lives of our students. We value the strong connection be-

tween schools, families, and communities.

What is the benefit of a sheriff painting our students as criminals? What is the benefit of creating divisiveness between a community and the schools that serve it? What is the benefit of cherry picking data to perpetuate a narrative that is overwhelmingly incorrect? There is no benefit. What is the benefit of county commissioners refusing to fully fund our schools? There is no benefit.

Our students, teachers, leaders, schools, and communities cannot be turned into pawns in a game that has so much at stake. We must come together. We must put our students first in every way. School safety is important; I do not know a single person in education who would say it isn’t. Do some students make bad choices? Yes. But does that make them criminals? No. Does that mean our Worcester schools are overrun by violence? No.

We serve young people whose frontal lobes are still developing, so we can expect all the ups and downs that go along with the natural brain

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development that occurs into their young adult years. Kids can be mean, so we teach and model kindness. Kids can be impulsive & break rules (and yes, sometimes it results in a fight), so we discipline out of care for all students and to teach right from wrong. Kids can struggle with mental health, so we put support systems in place. We believe in neuroplasticity and perpetual learning. We believe in conscious discipline and trauma-informed practices. We believe in teaching the whole child. And, we believe that parents, communities, and schools must work together to support our learners. We cannot afford for divisiveness to distract us from the important work we must do together. We are Worcester. We are Worcester Strong.

Jaimie Ridgely, Ed.D. Berlin

(The writer is 2023-2024 Worcester County Teacher of the Year.)

What is hidden agenda for law enforcement?

Editor,

As a community member and education advocate, I have been attending County Commissioner meetings and Board of Education meetings. What I see happening is very disturbing.

The Board of Education has

worked diligently to share with the County Commissioners the budget information they requested. However, the Commissioners want the school system totally rewrite their budget in a new form that does not meet the state requirements for school budgeting is totally unreasonable. In addition, it seems like the funding cuts a Maintenance of Effort budget necessitated were punishment not needed. The Commissioners might want to remember when they do this, they are not punishing the adults but the students of Worcester County. This fight appears to be continuing this year with more cuts threatened by the Commissioners. Is this good for our students? Is this good for our community? No.

Then we come to what our law enforcement community is doing to try to undermine community confidence in the schools. The Board of Education has been working with law-enforcement to address safety concerns over the past year. Why then did the Sheriff and the State’s Attorney publicly share suspect data on school safety? This release of specific incidents seems inappropriate since we are talking about juveniles. Our students are children and all of them deserve to be supported to meet success not to be treated like criminals.

What is the real agenda of the Commissioners, the Sheriff, and the

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

State’s Attorney? Our schools have had an excellent reputation with student success for decades. Why are county officials now trying to undermine this success?

Joan Roache Ocean City

(The writer is a Team Leader for the Strong Schools Worcester County group.)

Take law enforcement concerns seriously Editor,

The attempts by some in our community to discredit and dismiss the State’s Attorney and Sheriff’s concerns about school safety are baffling. Sheriff Crisafulli is, quite literally, the most qualified and experienced law enforcement professional in Worcester County when it comes to the school system and school safety operations. Sheriff Crisafulli spent nearly his entire career as a law enforcement officer inside Worcester County Public Schools – if anyone knows what is going on in our schools, it is Sheriff Crisafulli.

If there is anyone who we should listen to when they voice serious concerns about the state of school safety, it is Sheriff Crisafulli. If there is anyone who knows what solutions will work to prevent crime in our schools, it is Sheriff Crisafulli. This county is extremely fortunate to have the ex-

pertise and knowledge of our State’s Attorney, Kris Heiser. She always has the best interest of our county in all her endeavors. Myself, having had the experience of 29+ years between Law enforcement In Prince George’s County as well as working in their State’s Attorney’s office and Worcester County State’s Attorney’s office (prior to SA Heiser), I feel like I am qualified to make the below statement. I have watched the press briefings, BOE meeting videos, read Facebook posts, and newspaper articles.

It is foolish and foolhardy for keyboard warriors online to mock or otherwise belittle what the Chief Law Enforcement officers in our county are saying – their memes and comments will not age well, especially if school leadership continues to turn a blind eye to school safety concerns of law enforcement and God forbid we have more serious violence in our schools. We are so fortunate to have leaders who care and are willing to voice their concerns. The Sheriff has made clear that his issue is not with the educators working in the schools – it is with school leadership and their refusal to act on implementing his recommendations.

No rational person could find fault with a recommendation as simple as making sure the person tasked with ensuring school safety for WCPS has

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experience in law enforcement and school safety. That is an absolute no brainer. Having an expert serving in that role is common sense – what should shock our community is that even in 2024, with all the history of school shootings and other devastating incidents affecting kids, our schools, touted as blue ribbon best in the state schools, still do not have that. Choosing not to have an expert in that role puts everyone in the schools at greater risk of harm for obvious reasons.

I cannot understand why WCPS leadership has decided to go into attack mode when their own presentation even showed violence is increasing in our schools, and other than continuing discussions about safety, they admitted they have not actually done anything about it. I had to laugh when I heard the Superintendent was still working on writing

a job description after 4 months – if that is the pace the schools find acceptable, we can expect nothing to be accomplished on safety for years! Then it might be too late.

A reasonable response from WCPS leadership would have been “yes, we hear your concerns, and while we might disagree as to the level of violence in our schools, we can agree that increasing crime in schools is bad, and we should do more to address it.” Why they choose to attack law enforcement whose entire job surrounds keeping our community and our schools safe, is beyond my comprehension. Our kids deserve safe schools, and our community should support those elected officials like Sheriff Crisafulli and State’s Attorney Kris Heiser who are actively fighting for them.

Mary Burgess Berlin

OBITUARIES

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Stine, his son and daughter-in-law of Downingtown, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Casey Stine, Hollis Stine, Joshua Malarkey, Cara Fowler, Nicholas TenEyck and Ryan TenyEyck.

Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Charles Stine and Gladys Evans Stine. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellie Stine, and his children Mark Stine and Stacy Mack.

Joe Stine received his bachelor’s degree from Loyola College of Maryland in Baltimore. While attending Loyola College, he enlisted in the Army through the ROTC program. He spent five years in the Army and achieved captain ranking, while in

the 82nd Airborne Division. He retired after 25 years as vice president of sales at Lee Electric Company in Baltimore City. He was an active member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church and the Ocean Pines Men’s Golf Club. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, boating, going to the beach and reading. He also loved traveling, with some of his favorite places to visit the Caribbean Islands, Marco Island, Florida, and Ireland. But best of all, he loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, March 22, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Ocean Pines, with visitation 30 minutes prior. Interment will be in Dulaney Valley Cemetery in Baltimore and will be private.

Donations in his memory may be

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Joseph Stine

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made to The Salvation Army. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via at burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

DONALD MERLE KNAUFF

West Ocean City

Donald Merle Knauff, 77, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024, at his home in West Ocean City. Born in Zelienople, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Floyd Knauff and Margorie “Fuzzy” Knauff.

Known as “Poppee” or “Buck,” Donald was born and raised in a small farm town in Pennsylvania. Growing up he enjoyed fixing cars and racing boats with his friends. He was a simple man and his family lived off the land.

After graduation from tech school, Donald moved to Baltimore, where he found a job at Xerox. Shortly after, he met his wife of 45 years, Virginia (Helvig) Knauff. Virginia had two girls from a previous marriage that Don raised as his own. They also had a son and daughter together.

After 40 years with Xerox, Donald retired and the family moved to Ocean City. They opened a family business on Route 611 called Pet Threadz. He enjoyed boating and beach time with family in the summer. Winters were spent gambling, traveling, and shopping for a “good deal!”

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Knauff; a son, Chris Knauff (Alina); three daughters, Amanda Knauff, Merry Hall (Jeff), Lisa RodriguezLong (Matt Barksdale) and Keysha Smith, who was also like a daughter to him; a brother, Gary Knauff; a sister, Barbara Knauff; seven grandchildren, Brittany Hall, Ben Hall, Shelby Hall, Zeus Rodriguez, Logan Rodriguez, Calais Harrington and Hans Knauff; five great-grandchildren, Siren, Isla, Charlotte, Hazel and Isabella; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held for Donald any time after 3 p.m., Saturday, March 16. All are welcome! For more info/location, email Amanda Knauff at ajknauff@yahoo.com

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

CAROL J. CONNORS

Ocean Pines

Carol J. Connors went home to be with the Lord on March 2, 2024. She was born July 26, 1945, to Louis and Evelyn Bennett in Baltimore. She was married to her loving husband Vernon J. Connors for over 59 years. She was a beautician and owned her own beauty salon for 37 years in Millersville, Maryland. Carol loved her family dearly.

She was devoted to her church. In younger years she sang in the choir.

Carol enjoyed cooking, entertaining and spending time with family and friends.

She always made the holiday special. She enjoyed traveling to new places. Once retired, she moved to Ocean Pines, where she’s been a resident for more than 20 years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Evelyn Bennett; and her siblings, Thelma Bennett, Edward Bennett, Joan Brocato, Doris Schneider and Louie Bennett.

She is survived by her loving husband, Vernon J. Connors; her two loving daughters, Roxanne Saunders and Shelly Fr; her five loving granddaughters, Chelsea Schmidt-Fry, Amanda Saunders, Ashley Saunders, Amber Fry and Madelyn Fry; and her great-grandson, Lucas Fry.

Carol will be greatly missed by her loving family that “she made her life.”

Please join us by celebrating her life at Holy Trinity Cathedral at 11 a.m., March 22, in Berlin.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Ave. in Berlin. To send condolences to the family, visit easternshorecremation.com.

$1,595.

Donald Knauff

Carol Connors

Decatur’s magical season ends in final four

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(March 15, 2024) Stephen Decatur lost just its second game of the season Wednesday night but it was a heart breaker, falling just short of the state championship game.

Decatur traveled west Wednesday for the semifinals of the MPSSAA state tournament. Decatur lost to the Spartans of St. Charles in a competitive affair. The game was tight throughout and came down to the last second, literally.

A key point in the game came with 2:30 left in the fourth quarter when junior Davin Chandler fouled out of the game. The Seahawks hung tough, though, and the score was tied at 56 with 90 seconds left. Some free throws from the Spartans put the team up by two points with .9 seconds left. Senior Brycen Coleman inbounded the ball to junior Trybe Wise but a shot was unable to be put up.

In the 63-61 loss, Decatur was led by senior guard Careen Bolden, who dropped 20 points. St. Charles will now face Northeast for the 3A state title Friday night. Decatur ended the season with a 21-2 record.

To make it to Wednesday’s game, the Seahawks beat the Linganore High School Lancers 63-43 in the MPSSAA quarterfinal game last Friday at their home court.

Head coach B.J. Johnson was confident of the win over the Lancers from the jump.

“I did expect this to be a big win after scouting them,” he said. “I felt that if we played our defense the way

we know how, we’d be best.”

Linganore took the initial tip-off and got two baskets in before the Seahawks could bat an eye. Over 2 minutes escaped the game clock before the Seahawks righted the situation.

At the first quarter buzzer, the Lancer offense was up by a single basket, 12 to Stephen Decatur’s 10. By the end of the first quarter the Seahawks had recaptured the lead and were trying to open up the gap.

“We have some great scouts here to get the information we need to be able to play well,” Johnson said. The Seahawks showed their power in the second quarter with 21 to 11 the Lancers’ points, and again in the third quarter with 24 to 12, giving them the game.

Junior guard/forward Trybe Wise led the Seahawks’ attack scoring, two baskets in each quarter. He was four for six from the foul line for a total of 20. Wise, who was voted ‘player of the game, had his best night ever with the Seahawks, along with hitting a double-double for 20 points, he also pulled down 10 rebounds.

Senior forward Brycen Coleman also had a good night. He hit a double-double for 15 points and pulled down 13 rebounds.

Seahawk senior guard Careen Bolden also contributed to the win. Bolden drained a double-double for 13 points and pulled down 10 rebounds.

Johnson also thanked the fans at the end of last Friday’s game. “I am just happy to see our fans come out and support these kids and I know the kids thank them for it,” he said.

PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

(Above) Decatur senior guard Careen Bolden shoots one of six baskets he made at the MPSSAA Basketball State Semifinals last Friday against Linganore High School. (Below) Junior guard Davin Chandler scores against Linganore last Friday night.

Decatur junior Trybe Wise looks to dish after being double teamed by Linganore.

Local swimmer wins three Maryland titles

(March 15, 2024) Ocean Pines Swim Team (OPST) sent six swimmers to the Maryland Swimming 14 & Under State Championship Meet including John Parker who won state titles in three events.

Karis Bagley, Macie Groves, Finley Helfrich, Parker, Bryn Wanner and Kate Wanner all achieved qualifying times to compete in this meet during the 2023-2024 USA Swimming Short Course Season in 25-yard pools. This is the top state championship meet for this age group and the places they earn equal their ranking of all the swimmers in their respective age groups in the state of Maryland. All achieved best times in their events and, in a sport where results are measured in hundredths of a second, every detail counts.

Karis Bagley, 12, made her 14 & Under Championship debut this year, swimming in 6 events and earning best times in every single event. Bagley also made it to finals in 3 events and placed in the top 20 in 5 of her events. Bagley’s top finishes included 9th place in the 50-yard backstroke (30.73) and the 100-yard backstroke (1:05.55) after a 2.30 second time drop. She also broke a team record with her 14th place finish in the 50-yard fly (29.56).

Macie Groves, 13, in her first championship meet in the 13/14 age group, competed in 6 events. In prelims for the 50-yard breaststroke, she finished 22nd place out of 52 swimmers with a time of 34.05. Groves also broke two team records in the 50-yard fly (29.82) and in the 200yard breaststroke (2:44.18).

Finley Helfrich, 12, was another first-time qualifier and competed in 6 events. Helfrich earned a spot in the finals in the 50-yard breaststroke with a time of 36.04 dropping over 2

seconds, and swam her way to a 16th place in the finals. She had 4 top 25 finishes overall!

Parker, 12, had a record breaking weekend. Every single time he swam (17 swims in all including prelims and finals), he broke a team record, and every time bettered his own previous time. For only the second time in OPST history, the team had a swimmer earn a state title and, not just in one event, but in three! Parker’s 1st place finishes included the 50-yard fly (26.22), the 100-yard IM (1:01.40) and the 50-yard free (24.27). His 2nd place finishes included the 500-yard free (5:13.14), the 100-yard free (52.39), the 100-yard breaststroke (1:09.37), the 200-yard free (1:55.49) and the 100-yard fly (58.31). He finished 3rd in the 50-yard breaststroke (32.22). Most of the records he broke were his own records several times over but with the 50 and 100-yard breaststroke, he broke records set

back in 2016.

Bryn Wanner, 11, after earning the team’s first state title at this meet in 2023 in the 9/10 100-yard breaststroke, returned to compete in a new age group (11/12). She swam in 6 events, made it to finals in 4 of those events and placed in the top 20 in all events. B. Wanner’s top finishes included 9th place in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:43.00 after a 7.24 second time drop, 13th place in the 200-yard freestyle and 14th place in the 200- yard breaststroke after a 7.28 second time drop.

Kate Wanner, 13, also in her first championship meet in a new age category (13/14), competed in six events and made it to finals for two of those events where she earned 12th place in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:10.86) and 7th place in the 50-yard breaststroke (32.51) with both of those swims breaking team records.

“The 14-and-under states was a

huge success for OPST and I am so incredibly proud of everyone who competed,” said Head Coach Tosh Zeller. “It was the first time to have six OPST swimmers qualify for this level meet. These swimmers have put in so much hard work over the season, and it paid off. One of my favorite things about the meet was not only the accomplishments they achieved, but also to see the bond between the 6 grow as they pumped each other up and cheered each other on for every single race. I must give a shoutout to the parents as well for all they did in the background during this big meet, your dedication to the swimmers and the team is very much appreciated.”

During the month of March, OPST is set to send 41 swimmers to various Championship meets. With 76 yearround members ages 5-18, the Ocean Pines Swim Team is the only competitive swim club in Worcester County.

Paddling important as riding while surfing

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(March 15, 2024) Okay. You’ve checked the swell and picked out a spot. You’re suited up, your board is waxed and you’re really focusing on the ocean as you slowly walk through the sand to the shoreline.

In the time since your first surf check the swell has picked up. Most waves are shoulder to head high with a significant number of waves in the overhead range. Plus the swell is quite consistent. There are not enough lulls to easily paddle out. The swell is generated by a weather system that is

close to the coast as are most swells that break on our shores, commonly known as wind swell.

The paddle out is going to be tough. Paddling is a huge part of surfing. Even a rote beginner knows about this basic aspect.

It’s always best when a swell has an angle. It will provide the surfer more of an opportunity to ride the face of the wave and make for an easier paddle out.

Unfortunately, a lot of bigger swells tend to break straight onto the beach forcing the rider to try and look for “corners” to take off on instead of taking the drop only to have the wave come over on either side in a close-out fashion.

On the positive side, this situation can make for the possibility of getting in the tube, which has always been a

highly regarded maneuver. It’s difficult and risky at best. The surfer has to remain poised in a precarious situation. Getting in the tube is one thing but coming out is quite another. Plus all of this being described only becomes more exacerbated with beach replenishment, causing the waves to break closer to the shore.

Let’s digress to the aspect of paddling. It’s always best if one can spot a rip current to help in the process of paddling out.

The “rip” will be a section of water that will not have much or any wave breakage. Hopefully one will also be able to see this section of water rushing out to sea more quickly than the water around it and have different coloration. They are not always easy

to detect but can act as a sort of conveyor belt out past the breaking waves. Rips are the bane of swimmers and the boon of surfers. I’ve also heard them described as keyholes, deeper spots on the bottom, like a fissure or valley in the sand bar.

So there you have a bit of insight on paddling out. Once again, paddling is a huge part of surfing. The surfer will spend a lot more time paddling than riding a wave, though the riding is most probably a lot more fun and satisfying.

Paddling is one of the first steps in surfing. It’s quite basic. No paddling? No surfing.

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

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Members of the Ocean Pines Swim Team who competed in the state’s 14-and-under championships this month were Kate Wanner, Finley Helfrich, John Parker, Macie Groves, Bryn Wanner and Karis Bagley.