3/19/2021 Ocean City Today

OC Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.COM

MARCH 19, 2021

SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY

POLICE

POP-UP CAR RALLY

Law enforcement officers discuss how to control crowds during September events – Page 6

FREE

Drone shows will replace OC fireworks City Council decides to go with something different

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

IRISH SPIRIT

Festively-dressed revelers enjoy some food and drinks from Shenanigan’s Irish Pub on the Boardwalk at Fourth Street last Saturday, which would have been the day of the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ocean City. It was canceled because of covid.

Council aims to lower Boardwalk volume Trick will be to reduce noise without getting in trouble over 1st Amendment rights

By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) The exceptionally noisy Boardwalk could be less so this summer, if Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan can convince the City

Council to pass a law that would restrict noise levels on the boards.

On Monday, the mayor met with members of the Police Commission, including Chief Ross Buzzuro, to discuss ways to limit how loud performers, businesses, or individuals can be, without infringing on people’s First Amendment rights.

Last August, Georgetown-based RK&K Civil Engineering conducted a

noise-level study at various points on the Boardwalk over the course of two days – the first on Tuesday, Aug. 18, and the second on Saturday, Aug. 21.

Sound measurements were taken in one-minute increments for a duration of 30 minutes between 5:30 p.m. and midnight.

The study discovered a clear division of sound levels between areas See LIMITING Page 4

By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) After being wowed by T.E.A.M. Productions Owner Bob Rothermel on the idea of bringing drone shows to Ocean City, Ocean City Council members on Monday voted to spend $382,400 on added value events that will bring high-flying illuminated aircraft to beach audiences and eliminate all but the two holiday fireworks displays.

The surviving shows would take place on July Fourth and New Year’s Eve. Rothermel presented his plan of added events to council members for the third time Monday after being asked previously to consider adding drone shows similar to one in Milwaukee that council members watched on their phones.

In February, Rothermel told council members he could bring drones to Ocean City at a cost of $200,000. The cost included Rothermel purchasing 200 drones at $500 each, or $100,000, as well as eight shows. In his presentation, he proposed a cost of $382,400, which is still the case.

During his presentation on MonSee DRONE Page 2

Worcester needs few million, more or less

By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) As the Worcester County Commissioners head into their initial budget review session on March 23, the largest hurdle they face is how to reconcile budget requests for FY22 that exceed pro-

jected revenue by more than $8 million.

Chief Administrator Harold Higgins presented a summary of the budget requests from county departments and agencies during the commissioners meeting on Tuesday.

Higgins said general fund revenues for FY22 are estimated to be $210.6 million based on current tax rates, with operating expenditures and requests totaling $218.6 million.

The commissioners have three choices, Higgins said, cutting ex-

penditures, finding new money, or some combination of the two.

As if that weren’t enough for the commissioners to think about, Higgins reminded them that Maryland General Assembly has yet to finalize the state budget, which could mean See COUNTY Page 3

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Ocean City Today

MARCH 19, 2021

Drone shows will fly in place of fireworks Continued from Page 1 day, Rothermel offered to do 12 12minute shows set to music on the beach downtown and at Northside Park in coordination with Sundaes in the Park, replacing the fireworks shows.

“Doing so would give us something really big to talk about for the summer,” Rothermel said.

“It is what’s coming in the future.”

He said he needed something to augment the shows and decided to set each one to music.

“It’s the hook that nobody else has,” Bob Rothermel Rothermel added.

Councilman Matt James asked how far the drone shows could be seen, suggesting that the traditional fireworks shows could be seen for miles, while the drones would only be visible to those people who are near them.

Rothermel said the drones can be seen from a 180-degree viewing area, before saying people should be able to see the drones from across Coastal Highway.

James told Rothermel he was concerned about taking all of the fireworks shows away, and the fact that people from 120th Street and north

will not be able to see the drones.

“I think people are looking for something big and different,” Mayor Rick Meehan said, telling the board and Rothermel he supported the drone shows. “I think this is a nice, new, fresh direction ... at a time when people are looking for something different.”

Rothermel originally told council members that he wanted a two-year agreement to ensure he gets his money back on the efforts he was putting into the shows as well as the drone purchases.

But when Councilman Peter Buas questioned the two-year agreement, the discussion quickly turned to offering Rothermel a one-year agreement – especially since the drone proposal had not been presented to the Tourism Commission.

Ultimately, Rothermel said he would do a one-year agreement with the hope for renewal, though he would rather not.

Some other events that are included in the $382,400 proposal included rolling out an American flag dubbed the “Big Flag” on the Friday before Memorial Day to honor frontline workers and military personnel who lost their lives while serving the country, a drive-in concert for the first weekend of June that has been ap-

COURTESY T.E.A.M. PRODUCTIONS PRESENTATION

Ocean City officials voted this week to eliminate nearly all of the fireworks displays that were scheduled to take place over the summer, and replace them with drone shows set to music.

proved by the Worcester County Health Department, and a lighter summer concert series than previously proposed. Rothermel said he needed to cut back on the series to help cover the costs of the drones.

In addition to those events, Rothermel said he hopes to have a major concert during the last weekend of August. He said he would sell pods that can fit 4-6 people, socially distanced, to view the show. This concert would not be a city-funded event, so nothing would come out of pocket from Ocean City, he said.

Additionally, T.E.A.M. Productions

will still be involved with planning events during ArtX and O.C.Toberfest, which will include a pet parade, drivein movie, and Great Pumpkin Race.

Rothermel said drone shows will begin on June 13 and can be seen on Thursdays at the beach and Sundays at Northside Park. The final drone show will take place on Labor Day weekend.

“I was an advocate for the fireworks ... but drones are the way to go,” Councilman Mark Paddack said. “I will be supporting this.”

When the proposal came to a vote, council members voted 6-1 in favor, with James voting against.

MARCH 19, 2021

Ocean City Today

County to reconcile its budget Continued from Page 1 more difficulty for the county, depending on how the legislature sorts out its own financial situation.

From the revenue standpoint, Worcester did get a bump from this past year’s round of assessments and adjustments, with an additional $3.1 million coming in from that sector at the current property tax rate of .845 cents pr $100 in assessed value.

The county treasury also expects to receive an additional $3.5 million in local income tax at the current 2.25 percent rate. Altogether, the piggyback tax, as it’s known, is projected to produce $30 million in FY22.

Other increases for next year are: recordation taxes at $2 million and transfer taxes at $1.5 million, Harold Higgins state shared revenues by more than $657,000, including a roughly $705,000 rise in 911 fees, which is offset by cuts of more than $47,000 in highway user fees.

On the downside of the ledger, however, are license and permit fees, down by $89,000, charges for services are slated to drop by $2.6 million, and the Worcester Jail will no longer get the $2.5 million from the federal government for housing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees.

Interest on investments is estimated to drop by $650,000 in FY22 based on current rates of return.

State grants are slated to drop by more than $1.1 million for FY22, with an increase of $450,000 for recreation-based Program Open Space funding offset by decreases of $670,000 for parks related Open

Space monies and $980,000 for bridge repairs.

Meanwhile, requested expenditures for FY22 represents an increase of 7 percent over the current budget year.

County departmental increases for FY22 include: $175,888 for the State’s Attorney Office, $212,623 for the Elections Office, $2.2 million for the Sheriff’s Office, $1 million for Emergency Services, $292,295 for public works, $459,074 for roads, $112,120 for Wor-Wic Community College and $640,388 for recreation.

The expenditures also include an overall $2.52 million fire company grant and $5.08 million ambulance grant.

Taxes shared with municipalities are estimated to increase by $297,100 in FY22, along with grants to towns increasing by $1.09 million.

Salary and benefit costs are anticipated to rise by about $4.6 million in the FY22 operating budget.

The Board of Education FY22 budget request tops $97 million, which includes one-off capital funding, for an increase of $1.7 million over FY21.

The Board of Education capital budget request also includes debt of more than $12 million, for a total of $109.5 million that represents 52 percent of Worcester’s total estimated revenue.

The first budget review session with county departments and agencies is scheduled for March 23 with a second round set for April 13. The FY22 budget public hearing will take place on May 4 at 7 p.m. Additional budget work sessions are slated for May 11, 18 and 25 if needed. Budget adoption takes place on June 1.a

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MARCH 19, 2021

Ocean City Today

Limiting noise on Boardwalk involves free speech issues

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Ocean City officials are looking to pass a new ordinance that could limit noise levels along the Boardwalk, which saw a good crowd of people – many wearing green – last Saturday, the day that would have been the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ocean City. It was canceled because of covid and social distancing concerns.

Rt. 90 closed March 22-25 (March 19, 2021) The Maryland State Highway Administration will be conducting road and bridge repairs on Route 90 from Monday, March 22, through Thursday, March 25.

The closure will be from Coastal

Highway to Route 50 each night from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should plan for additional travel time and know the alternate routes of travel during the closure time period.

Continued from Page 1 north of 12th Street and those areas south of 12th Street. North of 12th Street, the average noise level was 58.8 decibels in the mid-range frequencies (dBA) compared to 64.4 dBA south.

Kevin Hughes, a design manager for RK&K told the City Council in February that he recommended setting a noise level limit of 11 dBA above the baseline, for a duration of 10 seconds from 15 feet away. So, for areas north of 12th Street, the daytime levels would be 70 dBA and at night 60dBA, where south of 12th Street, the levels would be 75 dBA and 65 dBA, respectively.

To put the levels into perspective, gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers are 80-85 dBA and can damage hearing after 2 hours of exposure, while an approaching train or car horn at 16 feet away can reach 100 dBA and cause hearing loss after 15 minutes.

The council members sent the matter to the Police Commission for its opinion.

In order to measure the noise lev-

els, a police officer would need to be 15 feet away, calibrate the device, and take measurements. If the decibel levels are over the citation limit, then the officer would be able to write the offender a ticket.

For noises over 110 dBA, the officer could immediately write a ticket.

Buzzuro said he supported the ordinance.

“It allows the performers and businesses to express themselves, but at an appropriate level,” City attorney Maureen Lanigan said. “This will deal with your outliers.”

Because the law would be new, she said. an officer could simply talk with the performers if they are being loud, show them the code, and then let them know what the requirements are.

Since there seemed to be support for such a change, Lanigan said that the next step would be to finish up a draft ordinance and present it to City Council at the first meeting in April.

Anxious to put something in place before summer arrives, Meehan said, “The sooner the better.”

OPA worker tests covid-positive (March 19, 2021) Ocean Pines Association General Manager John Viola on Thursday announced that a worker had tested positive for covid-19.

“An employee in our Administration Building recently tested positive for covid-19,” he said, adding that the employee was last at work on March 10.

“The employee has not returned to work and will not until it is safe to do so consistent with CDC protocols. We

notified the local health department of the situation and will cooperate fully with public health officials. We understand that the employee had no close contact with residents or other employees.

Viola said the administration continues to stress the need to frequently wash hands, maintain six feet of separation between others, and wear masks when indoors or when social distancing is not possible.

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Ocean City Today

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Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro said the Maryland State Police plan to be on call to help out if things get out of hand during the pop-up car rally in September.

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By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) Ocean City Police are gearing up for two events that have shaken the resort in recent years by creating a partnership with State Police in case things get out of control this year.

During the Police Commission meeting on Monday, Chief Ross Buzzuro said a “significant meeting” with State Police would take place next week, in which the two law enforcement agencies will discuss the September pop-up car rally and college crowds in June.

“We’ve spoken to state police and will continue to do so,” he said. “We got commitments from them that they will help when needed.”

Traditionally, Ocean City sees an increase in crime starting in June.

The younger and more energetic crowd typically seems to bring a criminally inclined element that attracts the men in blue.

In June last year, an altercation involving several people resulted in one person getting stabbed near the Boardwalk. The next day, on June 8, several teenagers took over the road at 11th Street and climbed on top of a vehicle in protest.

In addition to the events in June, a pop-up car rally in September dubbed H2O has only grown over the years and brings with it what most

residents and busines operators consider to be rowdy and reckless automobile and motorcycle gatherings where people show off their cars, rev their engines and perform burnouts.

The police have struggled to tame the raucous behavior that came with both events and are now doing everything in their power to be ready for events to unfold this year.

Unlike last year, Mayor Rick Meehan said, the Boardwalk trams will be operating, allowing the city to clear out areas of the Boardwalk and keep people moving.

Councilman Peter Buas requested that a member of the Public Works department be involved in planning for June and the pop-up rally.

Particularly, he said the public works official can bring in ideas about additional signs, trash from the events and hot spots, with communication between all divisions being key.

Buas also questioned whether there was enough time to get a plan in place, seeing June is just a little more than two months away.

While the involvement of other departments will be necessary, Buzzuro stressed the importance of having other law enforcement agencies like the State Police on hand to assist.

“We’ll have that partnership going strong this summer,” he said.

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MARCH 19, 2021

Ocean City Today

Council considers potential downtown parking permits

By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) Every year, a few people try to sleep in their vehicles in downtown Ocean City, just west of St. Louis Avenue. And when they get away with it — it’s illegal — they open their doors in the morning, empty their garbage onto the street, and drive off.

Now, City Council members are considering parking restrictions during the overnight hours between Fourth Street and 15th Street, between St. Louis Avenue and the bay.

Peter Buas Councilman Peter Buas suggested requiring parking permits between Fourth and 15th Streets, during the Police Commission’s monthly meeting on Monday, saying it would deter overnight sleepers and litter.

“We can’t enforce our ways out of these problems, but it’s a small step,” he said.

Chief Ross Buzzuro said he was not opposed to requiring parking permits in the area, and that it could help with enforcement of stopping people from sleeping in their cars downtown.

If approved, the permits could be enforced from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m., Buas said, but Mayor Rick Meehan opposed the plan.

Enforcing parking permits in residential areas is not the same as enforcing them in commercial areas, he countered.

Plus, Meehan said, the demand to purchase the passes would put additional work on the city clerk’s office because residents would need to go to City Hall to obtain the permits.

Buas said the zone would be small, and the money earned could go toward safety features in the downtown section of Ocean City.

Historically, the revenue generated from parking permits is not tremendous, according to Meehan.

Although the revenue numbers were not available during the meeting, Buas suggested looking into how much of a burden the sale of additional permits would be to the clerks.

“I look at it, truly, as a way to clear out cars or the trash concern,” he said.

Buzzuro said he did not know if enforcing the permits would hinder his department in any way, though it could help if there was a permit. Realistically, though, the officers are looking to see if people are sleeping in their cars. Whether they have a permit or not, he said, sleeping in a car is against the law.

Meehan said more research should be done on the matter, and for this summer, the police should patrol the area as they have in the past.

GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Ocean City Councilman Peter Buas proposed requiring parking permits west of St. Louis Avenue between Fourth Street and 15th Street to deter people from sleeping in their vehicles and leaving trash behind.

OC council strikes Sabbath Day restrictions from code

By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) Ocean City officials stepped out of the 1950s on Monday when they voted to remove a portion of code that limits activities on the Christian Sabbath day... or Sundays.

Up until the code change, the mayor and City Council members were permitted to regulate amusements, games, and other forms of entertainment, whether for recreation or for profit, within Ocean City on Sunday.

To this day, “Blue Laws,” as they are called, still exist in municipal

code across the country, and were created to prohibit certain activities on Sunday for religious reasons.

Council members are updating several laws on the books, including restrictions on Sunday activities.

A public hearing on the matter was held during the council’s meeting on Monday, and out of the less than handful of people in attendance – including two reporters – nobody spoke either for or against removing the Blue Laws restrictions.

Council members then unanimously voted to remove the verbiage without any discussion.

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Ocean City Today

OC Police supports use of batons by security

By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) Ocean City security companies might soon be able to use batons as weapons to control situations at events without having to use deadly force.

The city Police Commission on Monday morning discussed the idea of whether to allow Ross Buzzuro security firms to let their guards use batons. Currently, the city code allows the security

guards to carry tasers, and if the city moves to allow them to use truncheons to enforce compliance, the code will need to be modified.

“We’re not opposed to it ... but going forward, if these changes are put in place, they have to be strict,” Police Chief Ross Buzzuro said. “I think it’s about time we recognize there is a need to make a change in the ordinance.”

City attorney Maureen Lanigan told the commission the code could mirror ordinances regarding the use of tasers.

Security guards in Ocean City have the power to detain but not arrest individuals,

and the state only recognizes those security companies that are based in Maryland.

Discussion of the subject also revealed there are three types of security officers: Armed, certified and armed, and what is termed as a guard working in capacity with security – or someone wearing a Tshirt that says “Security.”

Buzzuro said when police encounter a situation, the officers have several tools to deploy before administering deadly force.

With security firms, he said, they have fewer weapons. He likened this to taking a car and going from 10 miles per hour to

100 miles per hour, when the security officer runs into a situation, addresses the suspect, tries something once and then administers deadly force.

“We have tools we can use before deadly force,” Buzzuro said. “Their force is extremely limited. They don’t have anything to bridge from simple to deadly force.”

The code defines the only parties who can use batons at this point – mostly law enforcement and EMS – but it was determined a change needs to be made.

As such, the police department supported the change.

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MARCH 19, 2021

Ocean City Today

Officials look at potential bike stations on Boardwalk

By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) Ocean City officials are looking at placing a bike repair station on the Boardwalk, making it convenient for bicyclists to fix flats and make minor tweaks to brakes and gears when needed.

The stainless steel $700 pump, as described by Councilman Tony DeLuca, is a vertical tube with a steel braided air hose that can “stand up to the outdoors,” according to the pump’s ad.

Director of Public Works Hal Adkins said the city will start with one station located toward the south end of the Boardwalk near Worcester Street.

“I understand the device is very durable, heavy construction, manual pump, and the tools are attached via cables to minimize theft,” Adkins said, suggesting the devices have an additional set of tools that riders can use to make tweaks to their bikes. “As we all strive to enhance the use of biking as an alternative means of transportation in and around OC, logic supports that we should at least try to offer an amenity to address those bikers who may face issues such as low tire air pressure, a loose nut holding the wheel on the spokes, etc.”

The bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee has been assembling a plan

to bring the bike stations to Ocean City, though an official decision on whether to buy a unit and who will pay for it, has not been made.

But rather than diving in and purchasing several repair stations at once, the advisory committee has another plan.

“If the [mayor and City Council] approve, the Bike Committee indicated we would try ‘one’ initially to gauge the public use,” Adkins said.

In addition to looking at adding repair stations, the bike committee is looking at adding bike racks at oceanfront street ends.

Bicyclists who traditionally ride their bikes to the beach from bayside locations place their bikes on the sides in the sand, lock them to a pole, or lean them against the sand fence surrounding the dunes.

Once bike racks are added to street ends, they won’t have to do that anymore.

“The construction and installation of the racks provides the biker a convenient and organized manner in which to secure their bike while enjoying the beach,” Adkins said.

Councilman Tony DeLuca has pressed the committee to place a rack at the end of 140th Street by April 15. This location would be the first of eight places for racks to be placed, many of which will be in northern Ocean City.

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Bus ridership in Ocean City is down nearly 38 percent compared to last year, before the covid-19 pandemic began.

Bus ridership numbers show 38-percent drop from 2020

By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) Bus ridership in Ocean City is down 38.5 percent from 2020, but after last weekend, things could be looking up.

In February this year, 9,806 people rode the bus in Ocean City, compared to the 15,933 in 2020. But one of the major differences between February 2021 and 2020 is that covid-19 was not in full swing yet last year.

“Last February wasn’t a covid month,” Ocean City Transit Manager

Mark Rickards said Wednesday. “We hadn’t seen the effect of covid until after St. Patrick’s Day last year.”

Rickards credits the drop to other factors.

This past February, winter storms had an impact on ridership as people do not typically want to stand at a bus stop when it is cold and windy.

Also, last year was also a leap year, bringing in one extra day of ridership.

The additional ridership can be seen when comparing 2020 with See FUTURE Page 11

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PAGE 11

Ocean City Today

Future ridership looks promising

GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Ocean City Department of Public Works’ new mega complex on 64th street, dubbed the “campus project,” is nearly complete.

Officials to host campus project ribbon cutting

By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) The new $25 million Ocean City Department of Public Works campus renovation at 65th Street is nearly complete, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility is scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m.

On Tuesday, March 9, Hal Adkins, the director of public works, gave a tour of the facility to Councilmen Frank Knight, Tony DeLuca and Mark Paddack.

“We worked for 10 years planning this project,” Adkins said. “We were required to have a 50-year vision ... not 50 years before the roof starts leaking.”

Construction of the campus, which was prompted by the city transit system’s rapid growth over the past 40 years, began in 2018 and was a decade in the making.

Adkins said when the previous public works building was constructed in the 1980s, Ocean City had 12 short buses. When compared to the 60 or more buses the division now operates, the staffing has grown exponentially, as has the need for a bigger facility.

The new campus has two fueling facilities, a car wash for buses, its own parts department with several tire racks, and multiple bays for mechanics to work on anything from an allterrain vehicle to a bus.

Adkins described the process when bus drivers return from being out on the road all day. They drive to a part of the facility where a team takes over the bus, cleans it out, washes it then returns it to the bus garage for another driver, or the same one, to pick it up the next day and reSee PUBLIC Page 12

Continued from Page 10 2019, when ridership was 15,933 to 15,581, respectively.

Rickards said over the summer, bus ridership was down 83 percent, and now, it is closer to 40 percent.

March is looking more comparable to last year, as covid is still a factor.

For example, on Saturday, the buses carried 2,596 passengers, making it the first time over 1,000 passengers rode the bus in a single day since 2020.

But even when you compare that number to the 5,225 carried last year, the number is down about 50 percent.

Still, Rickards said things are starting to look up. He added that while covid is still around, he did not believe it would be as big of a factor as last year.

PAGE 12

MARCH 19, 2021

Ocean City Today

State formula could send BOE extra million Worcester County looking at potentially bumping up school funding by mandate

By Greg Ellison Staff Writer Worcester County could be required to allot an additional million dollars to the $90-plus million earmarked for the Board of Education in FY22 based on current estimates of state mandated per-pupil funding.

Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor informed the commissioners Tuesday that although the Maryland Department of Education’s Maintenance of Effort forms for FY22 are still forthcoming, estimates based on prior year formulas indicate an increase is in store.

Maintenance of Effort standards

stipulate that counties much maintain the amount spent per pupil from one year to the next.

In FY21, Worcester County Schools reported fulltime enrollment of 6,421 pupils with MOE calculations requiring $14,638 per student for a total of $93.9 million.

In a memo to the commissioners, Taylor said if the state requires another 2.5 Chip Bertino percent increase, as it did in FY21 for MOE funding, it would add $365 to raise the per student price to $15,004.

While estimating fulltime enrollment to drop slightly to 6,332 next year, the required county cost for FY22 could increase by $1,014,455

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Bertino said the state’s Kirwan Commission, which began reevaluating education funding in 2016, has

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“Even though we have an anticipation of a lower enrollment … we are going to be required to pay even more per student overall and that … just defies logic,” he said. “I think that’s wrong.”

Bertino said the funding challenges are not a reflection on the Worcester County Board of Education.

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Public works campus plan took 10 years to complete Continued from Page 11 peat the process.

Once the cleanup crew takes over the bus, the driver heads into another part of the campus where he or she takes the money and tickets to be counted.

Along with having an entire facility that services buses and other equipment operated by Ocean City, the campus also allows other divisions like the Beach Patrol and the police department to store equipment and offer training.

There is even a space for individuals under the age of 18 to be held if they break the law. The holding cell is in a separate building from the jail to allow minors to be confined to an area free of adult inmates, until their parents come and pick them up.

City Council members authorized the design-phase of the project in September 2016. That included a nearly one-acre bus barn facility, upgraded space for the purchasing department and a four-story parking garage with a helipad, but latter two

items were scrapped when bids came back far higher than expected – 20 percent higher, with the lowest bid coming in at $11 million.

Instead, the space where the parking garage and helipad were expected to go, just south of the campus, will continue to serve as a parking lot until the city is ready to construct the parking garage.

Projects of this type consist of federal, state, and local funding, often split 80/10/10, respectively.

According to Adkins last year, the city paid nothing for the transit-related portions, like the bus barn and fuel depot.

A large portion of the $25 million project that the city ended up with was able to be matched with land value instead of cash.

The ribbon cutting on Friday is expected to take place outside, though the public is not encouraged to attend because of social distancing measures. Gov. Larry Hogan is expected to be on hand because of the state’s involvement in funding the project.

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Ocean City Today

OC council passes voter registration off to county BOE

By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) Despite not being the case for decades, voters in Ocean City will no longer be able to register to vote through the city clerk, but instead must go through the Worcester County Board of Elections.

On Monday, Ocean City Council members unanimously approved a measure Diana Chavis that took the responsibility out of City Clerk Diana Chavis’s hands, since the person serving as the town clerk has not technically maintained the town voter roll for decades.

In fact, there are not currently any names on the supplemental voter list that was, at one time, managed by the town.

The decision was made to clean up code that is no longer relevant.

In addition to changing the code to reflect where people register to vote, the council also voted to change the time that polls close during an election, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Councilman Mark Paddack asked about early voting with regards to the

MARCH 19, 2021

Liquor license renewals extended

By Neely James Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) Exactly one year ago to the day of this week’s Worcester County Commissioners meeting, covid-19 had business owners shaken, as they were ordered to shut their doors to paying customers.

Since then, restaurants and bars have been making changes on the fly in response to Gov. Larry Hogan’s executive orders issued on March 15, 2020.

During the whirlwind of tweaks to move to extend the times of when the polls close, and Chavis said the town did not have early voting.

Paddack’s concern was rooted in November’s presidential election which took place during the pandemic.

Chavis said she would bring up early voting with the county board of elections, of which she is a sitting member.

Even though the town does not have early voting, it does use absentee ballots as a mechanism that allows voters to cast a ballot if they cannot make it to the polls.

The council voted unanimously in favor of the recommendation to change the closing time from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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guidance concerning alcohol sales in 2020 and 2021, Worcester County met local businesses with tolerance.

In the first months of the pandemic, the county quickly granted emergency outdoor seating requests and allowed restaurants and bars to sell carryout cocktails with strong oversight but little interference.

After a new executive order from Hogan just last week allowing 100 percent occupancy in restaurants, local businesses are posting new signs, hiring security, and doing their best to enforce social distancing and mask wearing.

Spring has now arrived for hopeful Worcester County business owners, and so has liquor license renewal season.

Last week, Hogan issued an executive order extending all state license expiration dates that would have otherwise occurred during the current state of emergency. The Worcester County Board of Licensed Commissioners responded directly to Hogan’s order by issuing extending the local liquor license renewal deadline to June 1.

Last year, when Hogan issued an

executive order to suspend alcoholic beverage licensing fees, Worcester County government took no action to suspend fees. To that end, businesses will still be required to pay all late fees and license renewal fees before 2021 and 2022 Worcester County alcoholic beverage licenses are granted.

Approximately $2.69 million in CARES Act grants have been distributed to local businesses since September 2020.

Of the restaurants and bars that received “Workforce Back to Business COVID-19 Assistance” grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, many owners put grant funds aside to cover the anticipated licensing and renewal fees.

So far, 87.4 percent of renewal applications for 2020 to 2021 have already been submitted and paid, leading Worcester County to remain confident that businesses can support alcoholic beverage licensing costs.

With tourists making vacation plans, the deadline extension to June 1 is welcome news for restaurants and bars that now have three busy spring months to gather renewal paperwork and funds.

MARCH 19, 2021

Ocean City Today

PAGE 15

Embers buffet demolished to clear space for new concept

By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) Demolition of Embers all-you-can-eat seafood buffet building that stood at the corner of 24th Street and Coastal Highway for nearly 75 years began this week, clearing way for a new concept that combines retail, restaurants, and entertainment for people to enjoy at any time of the day.

Kyler Taustin, the marketing director for the Taustin Group, which owns the property, said watching the demolition was “bittersweet.” The Embers building was where his parents met and got married, as well as a place where many birthday parties and various pivotal occasions occurred, all of which were major events in the family’s lives.

“It is very sad to see something that stood there so long, to literally see it torn down is hard to watch,” he said.

Embers has gone through many iterations over the years. At one time it was a fine dining restaurant, and in 1985, Embers became an all-you-caneat seafood and prime rib buffet, making it the first of its kind in the resort.

When the covid-19 pandemic reared its ugly head, it put a damper on all-you-can-eat establishments like

Embers. Buffets are traditionally selfserving experiences and the pandemic made it unsafe for people to stand near one another in a buffet line and serve themselves with spoons that already had been touched by hundreds of people.

“Covid showed the weakness of that business model in the time of a pandemic,” Taustin said. “The reality was, we were not interested in putting our staff or patrons at risk in that kind of environment.”

Instead, the Taustins decided to close shop and reimagine what can be done with the property.

Despite tearing down Embers, BLU Crabhouse & Raw Bar on 24th Street will stay opened and be fully operational for the entire 2021 season while the front half of the property will be redeveloped to create a destination that has a variety of offerings, Taustin said.

“There are a variety of different opportunities we are currently exploring to bring that front half to really make it so that the 24th Street block on the bay side has something for everyone, at any time of day,” he said, adding that people will be able to dine at Blu for lunch and dinner, while enhancing their experience with a round of miniature golf.

GREG ELLISON/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Taustin Group plans to create retail space with restaurants and entertainment where Embers once stood on Coastal Highway and 24th Street.

While the option of bringing another buffet back to the property has not been completely taken off the table, it does not appear to be a priority at this time.

“I think we are looking to explore new and creative opportunities both within the restaurant and hospitality businesses, as well as other entertainment ...for us to diversify what this property can be,” Taustin said.

The Taustins also own another property in West Ocean City where Madfish once operated.

The restaurant was closed on Aug. 2, 2019, because of damages sustained from an early-morning fire.

The company is planning to bring a new concept called Pier 23 to the property, which will consist of decked-out

shipping containers.

Taustin said the concept of the original plans was to offer an environment that was primarily outdoors with a variety of food options.

But plans were derailed when The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners denied a request for a liquor license for the establishment on Feb. 17.

“We indeed had a liquor board meeting that has asked us to go back to the drawing board as it pertains to our liquor license,” he said. “I believe fundamentally, what occurred is we were requesting a different type of liquor license than we had when Madfish was on the property, and due to the new design and idea behind the operations See EMBERS Page 16

PAGE 16

Ocean City Today

Meehan seeks FY22 budget needs

By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) Because of a big slump in tourism revenues following the coronavirus outbreak in 2020, Ocean City government is seeking an increase of a little more than a halfmillion dollars from county govern-

ment in the latter’s contribution to the resort’s FY22 budget.

Representing resort government, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan told the Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday that the resort is asking for an increase of roughly $550,000 over last year’s grants from the county.

Meehan said resort revenues dipped between $5-6 million during 2020, as visitor counts dropped and dining establishments operated under capacity restrictions.

“It’s been a difficult year for all of us,” he said. “2020 was a year we’ll always remem- Rick Meehan ber but probably in some ways want to forget.”

In all, Ocean City is requesting county grants totaling $4,047,236 for FY 22 compared to $3,492,250 in FY21, an increase of $554,986.

“Ocean City continues to be a major contributor to increasing revenue for Worcester County,” he said.

Meehan requested a 2.5 percent increase to Ocean City’s unrestricted grant, which totaled $2,552,250 this budget year, for an additional sum of $63,806 during FY22.

The funding is intended to offset the cost of services the resort provides in place of the county agencies.

Estimating room tax revenues had dropped by at least a million dollars in 2020, Meehan said the resort is asking the county to increase its tourism marketing grant by $100,000 in FY22 for a total of $500,000.

Meehan said the tourism grant was last bumped up in 2019 by the same sum of $100,000, with the latest boost sought to expand marketing efforts and invite visitors back to the coast.

“We have to let people know we’re

open [and] that we’re here to keep it safe,” he said.

Three new FY 22 budget requests for police and fire services account for the bulk of the $554,000 increase.

Meehan said the Ocean City Police Department has maintained comparable staffing levels for the past decade “The [OCPD] Chief [Ross Buzzuro] has requested 10 additional officers,” he said.

Estimating the total price to cover salaries and benefits for additional police at $1,085,281, Ocean City is requesting county grant funding of $250,000 to assist with costs.

“It will offset the need for assistance from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office,” he said.

The Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office, which entered a MOU in 2006 to provide countywide bomb squad responses, is seeking funding to purchase a replacement explosives disposal robot, or drone, for a total cost of about $200,000.

“It is essential, unfortunately more so today than probably ever before,” he said.

Meehan said the new equipment is required to stay current with standards set by the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board.

The amount sought from Worcester County is $154,000 to cover the balance after $46,000 in Homeland Security Grant Program funds is utilized.

Closing out the list for new public safety funding requests is $14,000 for a mobile camera to increase the resort’s City Watch program’s surveillance capabilities.

Meehan said a second unit is being sought after OCPD’s current mobile camera proved useful to monitor potential trouble spots during the most recent pop-up car rally last September.

MARCH 19, 2021

Embers owners start new phase Continued from Page 15 at Pier 23, it was rejected.”

Although the liquor license was denied, the group is continuing to push forward with its plans to redevelop the property by obtaining the necessary permits.

Still, Taustin wanted to be clear by saying that although Pier 23 is a Taustin property, it is completely separate from everything happening at 24th Street with Embers.

On Wednesday, representatives from Embers met with the Worcester County Board of Licensed Commissioners to discuss plans to remove an upstairs and downstair bar that appeared in the original plans. The plans now call for a single bar on the first floor with seating primarily on the inside of the new building, and some seating outside. Additionally, the company is going to create a courtyard area that is blocked off on three of the four sides of the building, with the only open side facing south toward the parking lot.

After reviewing the plans, the board approved the request from the Taustin Group to alter the licensed premises that the liquor license was for.

“We do believe this is a rebirth of the property and what we can do to meet the needs of the time and meet the needs of everyone who loves The Embers so much,” Taustin said a day prior to the meeting. “We look forward to sharing with them something new and exciting and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2022.”

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MARCH 19, 2021

Ocean City Today

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Ocean City Today

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Worcester renews, revamps anti-litter campaign for ’21

By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) County officials are renewing and revising the “Keep Worcester Clean” campaign instituted last year in hopes of reducing illegal dumping at recycling centers and along roadways.

Worcester government spokesperson Kim Moses reviewed littering data from Kim Moses 2020 during the commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday.

Moses said the county invested roughly $22,000 in print, radio, television and social media advertising last year to promote the anti-littering initiative.

While slight reduction in illicit dumping did occur last year, the results varied.

“It went down a small amount.

However, it actually increased substantially during the time period we were running these commercials on television and the Internet,” she said.

Moses recommended adding video cameras to monitor unstaffed homeowner convenience centers intended for recycling, with locations in Bishopville, Whaleyville and the Berlin Wal-Mart deemed highest priority.

“We’d love to run this program in the future, however, it needs to … include cameras installed at the transfer station so that we can get a handle on illegal dumping,” she said.

Moses said signs should be included to alert the public about the camera monitoring.

“We do have ‘dumping is not permitted’ signs in place already,” she said.

Commissioner Ted Elder, while making a motion for approval, recalled previously suggesting the importance of installing cameras for monitoring purposes.

“I suggested we use the cameras before and I was told it was going to be too expensive to have that kind of a system out there,” he said.

Elder opined that adding video cameras would prove more effective to reduce incidents of illegal dumping.

Moses noted Wicomico County reported positive results after introducing camera monitoring at drop-off recycling centers.

Elder asked for price data prior to venturing forward with acquiring video equipment.

“I’d like to see prices put together to post cameras at these three sites,” he said.

OC reviews FY22 budget requests Continued from Page 16 and Worcester County because it is safe,” he said.

By contrast, FY22 budget requests unchanged from the prior year include: recreation grant $100,000; convention bureau $50,000; West OC Park & Ride $80,000; downtown redevelopment $100,000.

Meehan also praised county officials for instituting a funding formula in FY21 to offset costs to resort taxpayers for providing EMS service to West Ocean City.

“It allowed us to continue to provide the best service possible throughout the West Ocean City area,” he said.

“There was a formula put in place … that worked very well.”

Meehan asked county officials to employ the funding calculation in FY22, which would total just over $423,000, to cover costs beyond grants and revenues.

“That really reflects the service that was provided,” he said.

MARCH 19, 2021

Ocean City Today

Maryland Senate, House will cross over bills Monday

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) Maryland senators and delegates are spending more time on the floor and in their committees to finalize bills before the chamber crossover date on Monday.

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) had a bill hearing on Senate Bill 826 in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on March 10. Carozza cross-filed this legislation, introduced by Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38 C), that would allow for a handgun permit to be issued based on specified high-risk occupations such as a correctional officer, parole and probation officer, a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, a rescue squad member, a security guard for a church or religious organization, a physician, a physician’s assistant, a nurse or a nurse practitioner.

“This legislation is essential for our public servants and first responders as it gives them security and the ability to protect themselves in the high-risk environments they face on a daily basis,” Carozza testified. “We expect and sometimes take for granted that our first responders and other high-risk public safety professionals will be there for us, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, especially during the covid-19 pandemic … I believe this is a reasonable request given the potential harm these high-risk occupations face to protect and serve our communities.”

Ocean City Fire Department Lt. Eric Borneman and Kimberly Tull, a fire department firefighter and paramedic, emphasized the need for handgun permits.

“We have a high-risk public safety exposure,” Borneman said. “When we are on the scene, our identity and information are not protected, which can result in off-duty conflict …This would allow us the protective measure as a last resort should the situation warrant it.”

Tull added that as a single mother she is concerned about personal safety.

“The current political climate is not favorable for public safety, and the nature of the calls we run in fire and EMS are challenging,” she said. “We should not have to actually suffer an attack or prove actual documented threats in order to secure a permit for our own personal protection.”

Hartman said his legislation, House Bill 538, is still in the Judiciary Committee, waiting for a vote.

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Lawmakers support handgun permit Continued from Page 19 891.

“With the infant mortality rate in Maryland higher than the national average, I think we need to explore different options,” he said.

The legislation would require the Maryland Department of Health to publish a list of perinatal hospice services in Maryland on its website, requires the Department to provide an information sheet of these services and authorizes physicians and nurse practitioners to inform patients of services available and provide the information sheet produced under this bill.

“My wife and I lost a child between the two children that we have now, and having experienced that ourselves personally, I mean it’s something you never forget,” Hartman said. “I support the bill … I can’t say enough in favor of it, having experienced it myself.”

The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 891 on March 10.

“Senate Bill 891 would help ensure new parents can receive information about perinatal hospice support when facing a life-limiting diagnosis and the likely loss of their baby just hours or days after birth,” Carozza said.

Maryland has nine perinatal hospice programs, she added, including Anne Arundel Medical Center Perinatal Loss and Palliative Care Program, Johns Hopkins Hospital perinatal palliative care support, SilverLeaf Counseling Services LLC, and Chesapeake Kids Perinatal and Infant Loss Support Program, Hospice of the Chesapeake.

Perinatal hospice and palliative care is specialized care provided to families when a baby’s diagnosis suggests it might die before or shortly after birth.

From the time of diagnosis through delivery, the perinatal hospice team provides physical, emotional and spir-

itual support. This care is widely accepted by medical professionals, including by the American College of Obstetricians, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“Maryland parents deserve to know all of their options when given a lifelimiting diagnosis. Yet few Maryland families receive information about perinatal hospice or are left without support at this difficult time. Providing this information respects the autonomy, choice, and decision-making of parents,” Carozza added. “Senate Bill 891 would benefit several hundred Maryland families every year to access the available perinatal hospice resources.”

In addition, Carozza said the Senate considered Senate Bill 414, or Climate Solutions Now Act of 2021, which creates new environmental mandates and affects funding for projects around the state. Carozza joined her Senate Republican colleagues in support of amendments to remove Senate Bill 414’s intent to divert $15 million from the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund to pay for a program to plant five million trees throughout Maryland.

“Our local communities have been promised these bay restoration funds for priority projects to fix failing sewer systems. We should not be raiding the bay restoration fund to pay for the tree planting required under the omnibus climate change bill,” Carozza stated.

She voted against Senate Bill 414, which passed the full Senate last Friday with a vote of 34-11.

Furthermore, the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee began debating Senate Bill 245 during the voting session last Friday. The legislation, which is cross-filed with House Bill 583, would prohibit School Resource Officers from operating on school

grounds. Carozza opposes Senate Bill 245 and will vote against it.

“The bottom line is this bill and these amendments are weakening the role of our School Resource Officers to protect our most valuable asset – our children. We put these SROs in place after the mass shootings that were occurring around the country, and one right here in Maryland, and I will continue to oppose any and all legislative efforts to weaken the protection of our students, teachers, and school personnel,” Carozza said.

Carozza also reiterated her opposition to any legislation that she believes would weaken the ability of law enforcement to do its job, such as the police reform package the House of Delegates passed on March 11.

Hartman added that there were two days of debate last week, when the majority of time was spent on House legislation regarding police reform and the Accountability Act of 2021.

“I don’t like the direction at all that this bill is going,” Hartman said about House Bill 670. “I think it is going to make the job of law enforcement … even more challenging.”

He fears officers will second guess their decisions, which could be dangerous for them.

House Bill 670 repeals the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights (LEOBR).

According to the fiscal and policy note, the legislation also establishes provisions that relate to a discipline process for police officers, changes requirements for the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, and establish the Maryland Use of Force Statute In addition, it would require police officers to wear body cameras by January 2025, and require a judge to issue no-knock search warrants only under certain circumstances.

13 St. Louis Avenue Ocean City, Maryland 410-289-1645

THE VIEW BAR/LOUNGE IS NOW OPEN DAILY 4PM - 9PM The View Restaurant Now Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Lite Fares

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MARCH 19, 2021

PAGE 21

Ocean City Today

OCMD JOB FAIR Hiring for Hundreds of Positions - Seasonal & Year Round

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DATE:

Saturday y, March 20, 2021

HOURS:

10:00am - 3:00pm

Positions Include: er c

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PAGE 22

MARCH 19, 2021

Ocean City Today

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

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WATERFRONT in Montego Bay! Great location on a very wide canal and a Panoramic View. This 2 bed 2 bath home was completely renovated. Renovations include windows, electrical, plumbing, Heating system, hot water heater, flooring, Painted interior, trim, kitchen, bathrooms all Tiled, & appliances. Community amenities include 2 inground swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, a shuffleboard court, a 9 hole mini-golf course, an 8 acre wildlife sanctuary with a large pond and blacktop walking/jogging trail, and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for only $299.00/yr. HOA dues. Within walking distance to shopping, dining, the bus stop, the Beach, and Ocean City's 58 acre North Side Park, home of the 4th of July Fireworks. This is a must see home...it will not last long! Sold Partially Furnished for $449,500!!

Spectacular Top Floor Corner 3BR/3BA w/breathtaking views from every room. HUGE separate Terrace & 2 additional Balconies, 1 off the master bedroom & 1 off the Living Room to give you over 1,400 sq. ft. of additional Outside Living space. Wide open floor plan w/very large living room where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. Sunrise & ocean views. Big Kitchen w/Granite counter tops & SS Appliances. Master BR w/large bathroom with soaking tub & stand up shower.

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13901 Coastal Hwy., Suite 8, Ocean City, MD

13901 Coastal Hwy., Suite 8, Ocean City, MD

MONTEGO BAY COMMUNITY LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Don't miss this opportunity to own an affordable home that just needs a little TLC. Located in the highly sought after community of Montego Bay in North OC. Home features a huge enclosed/screened porch with Vinyl-Tek windows and a raised wood deck floor. Floor plan allows for both a 2 bedroom or a 3 bedroom if needed. Community amenities include 2 in-ground swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, a 9 hole mini-golf course, a shuffleboard court, an 8 acre wildlife sanctuary/park area with a 5 acre pond that has a blacktop walking/jogging trail around it, and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low hoa fee of $328.00/yr. Home is being sold in As-Is condition. $179,900

Call Bill Rothstein montegobayrealty@aol.com 800-745-5988 • 443-280-2530

126 CLAMSHELL ROAD

12905 Coastal Hwy • Ocean City, MD www.montegobayrealty.com

Corner lot location w/sneak peek of the Pond across the street & the Bay to the left at end of street. This 3BR/2BA is in the highly sought after community of Montego Bay in N. OC. Open floor plan, cathedral ceilings in living area, laminate floors, tile bathrooms & more. Community amenities include 2 inground swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, shuffleboard court, 9 hole mini-golf course, an 8 acre wildlife sanctuary/park area with 5 acre pond that has blacktop walking/jogging trail around it & bayfront boardwalk with fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low $328/year HOA fee. Conveniently located to shopping, dining, the bus line, the beach, and Ocean City's 78 acre Northside Park, home of the 4th of July fireworks! $324,90

Call Bill Rothstein montegobayrealty@aol.com 800-745-5988 • 443-280-2530

UNDER CONTRACT IN 1 DAY!

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MARCH 19, 2021

Ocean City Today

PAGE 23

24

March 19, 2021

Ocean City Today

Call 410-723-6397 Classifieds appear in Ocean City Today & Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com & baysideoc.com

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

by Monday 5 p.m.

HELP WANTED

Ocean Resorts Golf Club

Restaurant Accounting Assistant position:

NOW HIRING

is now accepting applications for Part Time Seasonal Clubhouse and Grounds Maintenance positions. Flexible hours. Golfing privileges included.

Seeking a highly organized, detailed individual to support management team with accounting operations. Strong bookkeeping and restaurant payroll skills a must. Experience with POS system, HR, Food and Beverage inventory and costing.

Managing day to day cash, posting to accounts as well as various other office duties. Familiar with industry specifics.

Please send resume to wmspds@aol.com

Year-round Positions: • PM Line Cook Inquire within at 32 Palm at Hilton Suites 3200 Baltimore Ave Ocean City, MD

Applicants must apply in person at

Ocean Resorts Golf Club,10655 Cathell Rd., Berlin, MD. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted

NOW HIRING

AWESOME PEOPLE!

The Castle in the Sand Hotel & the Barefoot Mailman Hotel are currently seeking applicants for the following positions for the 2021 season:

• NIGHT AUDITOR • FRONT DESK ATTENDANTS • HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES • FOOD AND BEVERAGE STAFF Experienced applicants are preferred, but not required.

We require a satisfactory pre-employment background check by all applicants.

Please contact Bob at 410-289-6846 for further information or to schedule an interview.

*Interviews begin February 13th - March, Apply Saturdays & Sundays 11am-2pm Holding Open Interviews For:

• Servers• Bus Staff •Host/Hostess •Kitchen Staff •Security Come by and join our 2021 Family!

54th Street, OCMD (Behind Chauncey’s Surf Shop) 410-723-5565

Administrative Assistant

$#"! $ $ "

#

-

-

IIMMEDIA ATTE FFULL ULLLL TIME & PA PART-TIME RT TIME SEA ASONAL POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN ALL DEP PARTTMENTS & LOCAT ATIONS

- -

!

Full Time - $14 - $15 per hour Franchise Management Services, one of the fastest growing restaurant organizations in the Delmarva region, has an immediate opening Administrative Assistant.

Job Description Responsible for providing administrative, clerical and accounting support to management.

Jobs Tasks and Responsibilities • Filing, Mail, Correspondence and Data Entry • Research, track, and resolve accounting problems • Compile and sort invoices and checks • Manage internal Billing of departments • Work actively with Emails, Word, Excel and Quickbooks • Correspond with customers • Issue checks for account payable • Support accounting personnel • Input, invoices, checks, account statements, reports and other records • Provide front desk customer service • Match invoices to work orders • Utilize computer systems to run databases, pay bills and order supplies • Order Parts and Supplies as needed Education and Experience: • High School Diploma or Equivalent • Previous office experience preferred but this can also be entry level position • Competent computer skills including MS Office, internet skills including use of e-mails, group messaging and data collection, Numeracy and literacy skills Required Key Competencies Organization and planning skills, Work management and prioritizing skills, Verbal and written communication skills, Problem solving ability, Attention to detail, Accuracy, Flexibility, Reliability, Teamwork Apply now or in person at 9919 Golf Course Road, Ocean City, MD, 21842 Serious inquiries only, must live within a 30 minute radius of West Ocean City, MD.

www.oceancitytoday.com Order YOur Classifieds Online!

HELP WANTED PAPA JOHN’S Now hiring ALL POSITIONS for the Ocean City area.

Ask for Mary 410-524-1300

FIVE GUYS HIRING IMMEDIATELY Ocean City, MD 136th Street

Bi-weekly bonuses and daily tips Call 410-250-1199 or stop in today!!!

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Part-time position in law office. Proficient computer skills, Word Perfect, Dictaphone, telephone and light bookkeeping required. Familiarity with E-filing a plus, but will train.

Please respond by sending resume to P.O. Box 56, Ocean City, MD 21843 AUTOMOTIVE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES!!

Large automotive center with auto parts/marine stores, service centers and used car dealership, is now hiring for: -Service & Parts Advisors -Exp. Tow Truck Drivers -Technicians -Maryland State Inspector Exc. Pay & Benefits Call: 302-344-9846

The Princess Royale Resort Located at 91st St. Oceanfront, Ocean City, MD

Now Hiring • Dishwasher • Line Cook • Prep Cook • Receiving Clerk • Food Runners • Busser • Concierge • Phone Operator • Reservations Clerk • MOD • Night Audit • Servers • Host • Room Attendants Apply online at www.princessroyale.com or fax to 410-524-7787 or email to joann@princessroyale.com

Work At The BEACH...

Work With The BEST!!

Top wages and excellent benefits package available to successful candidates.

Employment Opportunities: Year Round Positions: Room Attendant, Laundry, Lobby Attendant, Overnight Cleaner, Housekeeping Supervisor, Front Desk Supervisor, Front Desk Agent, Night Audit, Reservations, Painter Seasonal: Server, Bartender, Hostess/Host, Busser, Food Runners, Pool Attendant, Warehouse Clerk, Grill Cooks, Beach Stand, Security

Excellent Benefits

Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel Attn: Human Resources Dept.

10100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 Phone: 410-524-3535 Fax: 410-723-9109 EOE M/F/D/V

• • • •

Convenient Quick No Waiting, No Calls Days, Nights & Weekends

MARCH 19, 2021

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Hiring ALL Positions!!

Full time & Part time To apply go to: www.mygcjob.com

PAGE 25

Ocean City Today

Now Hiring • DELIVERY DRIVERS Make up to $20/hr.

Call 410-856-5652 or apply in person at downtown location 710 N. Philadelphia Ave.

www.baysideoc.com www.oceancitytoday.com Paramount Construction Services is seeking experienced professionals to join our organization in Ocean City MD. Applicants should have several years of experience with knowledge of kitchen and bathroom remodeling for residential homes and condominiums. Paramount is currently looking for Project Managers, cabinet installers, tile setters, painters / drywall, electricians and plumbers. Please call 443-664-7689 or send resume to ocjobs@paramountserv.com

LANKFORD HOTEL - Now Hiring! ~ Front Desk Clerks ~ Housekeeping ~ Housemen Looking to work for a family run business where people care?

We are looking for motivated individuals with a good attitude and a professional appearance. Weekends are required.

Competitive wages. Experience is a plus, but not necessary.

Must have knowledge of computers and be motivated to work.

Please call Mary at 410-289-4041 or email resumes to: oclankfordhotel@outlook.com

Cleaners Needed For Property Manager

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

COMMERCIAL

FOR SALE

Bali Hi RV Park, Bishopville MD. Maintenance Man/ Groundskeeper. Grass cutting. Experience in plumbing and electric required. 40/hours per week. $15/per hour.

Call 410-352-3140.

Now hiring full-time positions for Front Desk, Maintenance, Housekeeping & Housemen.

Apply within Comfort Suites, 12718 Ocean Gateway (Rte. 50) Ocean City, MD (WOC). 410-213-7171.

1 Office/Retail Space & 1 Warehouse Unit available in West Ocean City.

Call 443-497-4200

All Leather Love Seat w/chair and foot stool. Large china cabinet. Small half round china cabinet. Paintings. Chipper shredder. Call for pricing 765-215-8184.

WORSHIP MUSIC LEADER: Instrumental and vocal. Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, Berlin, Maryland.

Call 410-641-4882 or email secretary@htcanglican.org.

TOWN MANAGER POSITION, SNOW HILL, MD: The Town of Snow Hill seeks a well-qualified candidate for their Town Manager position.

Prior Town Manager experience is required. Please visit www.snowhillmd.gov for more details.

TO APPLY send letter of interest/resume via email to mresto@snowhillmd.com.

Deadline 4/12/21.

The Spinnaker Now hiring Full-time, Seasonal Front Desk, Housekeeping Maintenance/Bellman Daytime and Evening positions available Apply in person 1800 Baltimore Ave. Mon-Friday, 11am-4pm

HIRING ALL POSITIONS!!

Full time & Part time Stop by our location on 52nd street! or call 443-664-2825

RENTALS RENTALS Seeking Year-Round & Seasonal Rentals!

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555

Hileman Real Estate, Inc.

RETAIL SALES PERSON needed for fast growing, established outdoor furniture company. Exceptional Opportunity to Earn and Learn!

Must be Professional, Detail-oriented, and Courteous.

Occasional deliveries and assembling.

25 hours/week, off Tues. & Wed., 9 months/year.

Hourly pay plus commissions.

Resume and References required. info@WindsorTeakFurniture.com or drop off M-F, 4-5pm 1300 Coastal Hwy., Ocean Bay Plaza, Fenwick Island

NOW HIRING!!

Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $17.50/hr.

Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

Become a Better You in 2021!

To Order Product Call Christine 443-880-8397 or email: snowhillavon@ comcast.net To Become an Avon Representative Sign Up at www.

ChristinesBeautyShop.com

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK Serving the Newspapers of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia since 1908.

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

MOVING SALE MOVING SALE Saturday April 3. 7am-1pm.

2381 Worcester Highway, Pocomoke City, MD 21851.

Furniture and misc. items.

410-603-5110

fieds

Classi

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

SERVICES

BUDGET MOVERS

RAMBLER MOTEL

443-664-5797

9942 Elm Street, WOC Sleeps 4, $250 per week Manager onsite 410-213-1764

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

Pool Front Room ...$215/wk Efficiency..............$245/wk Family Room ........$265/wk 2BR Apartment.....$350/wk Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave. 410-289-8581

If you are interested, please contact us by email

hilemanre@aol.com, Attn: Chris

Want to start your own business?

Need an Office Space?

Storefront for Rent.

12th Street, steps from the Boardwalk. $10,000/season.

10% discount if paid in advance Call or text 443-783-0469

WEEKLY RENTALS AVAILABLE NOW

Ocean Pines & W. OC Areas We have a busy rental department. We are looking for some additional cleaners for weekly vacation rentals for the 2021 Season. q References Required q W-9 q Certificate of Liability Insurance q Must work weekends and some weekdays as needed q ID Required for all of your cleaning staff

PGN Crabhouse 29th Street & Coastal Hwy. Now Hiring for • Waitstaff • Kitchen Help Apply within after 11:00 am

BUSINESS SERVICES HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES Increase the digital presence NEED NEW WINDOW MARYLAND STATEWIDE of your business! Contact CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MDDC Ad Services to receive TREATMENTS? Call Empire a FREE Digital Footprint Con- Today® to schedule a FREE NETWORK sultation for your business in-home estimate on blinds & shades. Call Today!

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DONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, advertising agency!

Call 443-508-1936, MISC. SERVICES RVs Lutheran Mission Society www.mddcadservices.com.

BECOME A PUBLISHED of MD. Help local families AUTHOR! We edit, print and through the pandemic with FINANCIAL SERVICES distribute your work internafood, clothing, counseling. Over $10K in Debt? Be debt tionally. We do the work…

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Ocean City, MD

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Ocean City Today

PAGE 26

BLINDS & SHADES

MARCH 19, 2021

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

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MARCH 19, 2021

PAGE 27

Ocean City Today

ROOFING Gutter Cleaning BOGO Sale

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10545 Friendship Road, Unit 3, Berlin, Maryland 21811 mmoesle@shoresidingmd.com www.shoresidingmd.com *Licenced in MD, DE &VA

ROOFING

PAGE 28

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

James E. Clubb, Jr. 108 N. 8th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842 410-289-2323 410-289-3417 (fax) jay@jayclubblaw.com ASHLEY SCHAVEL 1532 Unionville Road Pocomoke City, MD 21851 Plaintiff vs.

JOYCE ANTOINETTE STURGIS 402 Gaither Avenue Baltimore, MD 21228-3020 and WORCESTER COUNTY c/o Roscoe Leslie, Esq. 1 West Market Street Room 1103 Snow Hill, MD 21863 and ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY described as 1 Acre South Side Unionville Road SW of Pocomoke, Parcel No. 98, Tax Map No. 83 Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000023

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from the tax sale on the following property located in Worcester County, Maryland, sold by Phillip G. Thompson, Collector of Taxes for the State of Maryland and for Worcester County, to the Plaintiff, the parcel of land described as follows: 1 Acre South Side Unionville Road, SW of Pocomoke, Parcel No. 98, Tax Map No. 83; deed ref. 3453342, tax account no. 01-003321. The property is an unimproved lot, and is assessed to Joyce Antoinette Sturgis.

The Complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid. The sale was held on May 18, 2018, and more than six (6) months has passed since that date.

It is thereupon this 24th of February, 2021, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester

LEGAL ADVERTISING Call: 410-723-6397 Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@ oceancitytoday.net

County once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to redeem the property or answer the Complaint by April 26, 2021, or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff title to said property, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances.

Beau H. Oglesby JUDGE True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/4/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18616 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN GEORGE TREIRES Notice is given that Chrisanthe Alesse Grassman, 15319 Jordans Journey Drive, Centreville, VA 20120, was on February 25, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John George Treires who died on February 2, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25th day of August, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Chrisanthe Alesse Grassman 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 05, 2021 OCD-3/5/3t _________________________________ McCabe, Weisberg & Conway LLC 312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800 Laurel, Maryland 20707 301-490-3361 Laura H.G. O’Sullivan, et al., Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs vs.

Donald K. Marchand aka Donald Kirk Marchand Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Civil No. C-23-CV-20-000056

NOTICE

ORDERED, this 2nd day of March, 2021 by the Circuit Court of WORCESTER COUNTY, Maryland, that the sale of the property at 307 13th St., Unit B3, Ocean City, Maryland 21842 mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Laura H.G. O’Sullivan, et. al, Substitute Trustees, be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 5th day of April, 2021 next, provided a copy of this notice be inserted in some newspaper published in said County once in each of three successive weeks before the 29th day of March, 2021, next.

The report states the amount of sale to be $165,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD OCD-3/4/3t _________________________________ MICHAEL B. MATHERS ESQ WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP P.O. BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18630 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOAN THERESE GRIM Notice is given that Margaret Elizabeth Holcombe, 53 Driftstone Circle, Arden, NC 28704 was on March 03, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joan Therese Grim who died on December 18, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 3rd day of September, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present

MARCH 19, 2021 the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Margaret Elizabeth Holcombe 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 11, 2021 OCD-3/11/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on: March 25th, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2&3), Powers, of the Code, (1) an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(2) requesting a special parking exception to allow the 10 required spaces to be compact spaces; & (2) an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-95(1)(a) requesting a variance for a new set of egress stairs in the required yard providing a maximum 1’ 1” remaining setback. The site of the appeal is described as Lots11, Block 41N, Sinepuxent Beach Plat, further described as located on the west side of St. Louis Avenue, and locally known as 207 St Louis Avenue

MARCH 19, 2021 and 204 Bayview Lane, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: OC LAND HOLDINGS LLC (c/o STEPHEN CARULLO) – (BZA 2584 #2109500006) 6:10 P.M. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(2)(b) requesting a special parking exception to waive 7 parking spaces to construct a 962 square foot tiki garden bar area for outdoor dining. The entire site of the appeal is described as Lots 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 for Building 1 and Lots 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 for Building 2, Block 87 of the Fenwick Plat; further described as located on the west side of Coastal Highway between 132nd and 133rd Street, encompassing street addresses of 13201-13209 Coastal Highway, and known locally as Beach Barrels, 13207 Coastal Highway, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: RAYMOND MCGRATH (BEACH BARRELS LLC) – (BZA 2581 #21-09400003) Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.

Alfred Harrison, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-3/11/2t _________________________________ Ryan D. Bodley Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy & Almand, P.A. 6200 Coastal Highway, Suite 200 Ocean City, MD 21842 Bluewater East-A Condominium Association, Inc. c/o Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy & Almand, P.A. 6200 Coastal Highway, Suite 200 Ocean City, Maryland 21842 Plaintiff vs.

Loretta Lynn Lowe 13400 Coastal Highway, Unit AS205 Ocean City, MD 21842 Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CIVIL CASE NO. C-23-CV-19-000347

NOTICE

ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 5th day of March, 2021, that the foreclosure sale of Bluewater East Condominium, Unit AS205, 13400 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, made and reported by Ryan D. Bodley, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 5th day of April, 2021, provided a copy of this Order is published in a newspaper of general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland, once in successive weeks, before the 29th day of March, 2021.

The Report states that the total proceeds from the sale of the property to be One Hundred Thousand and Seventeen Dollars

PAGE 29

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

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 beginning March 11, 2021 or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law.

Line No Year 0721-20 2009

Make CADILLAC

Model SRX

Color MAROON

Style SUV

VIN 1GYEE437990155497

Mileage N/A

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

AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police OCD-3/11/3t ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ($117,000.00).

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-3/11/3t _________________________________ MORGAN A. FISHER ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18640 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RUTH ANNE GRANINGER Notice is given that Regan J.R. Smith, 3509 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842, was on March 05, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ruth Anne Graninger who died on January 26, 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 5th day of September, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the

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

Regan J.R. Smith 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 11, 2021 OCD-3/11/3t _________________________________ REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18643 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ANNA G. SIRMAN Notice is given that Cordelia S. Pearson, 8016 Ninepin Branch Road, Berlin, MD 21811, was on March 08, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Anna G. Sirman who died on February 8, 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 8th day of September, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present

the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Cordelia S. Pearson 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 11, 2021 OCD-3/11/3t _________________________________ ANN KARWACKI GOODMAN ESQ PARKER COUNTS 129 N. WASHINGTON STREET P.O. BOX 1209 EASTON, MD 21601

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18624 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY A. VANDER CLUTE AKA: DOROTHY A. GREENAWAY Notice is given that Bruce Eric Vander Clute, 43 Moonraker Road, Berlin, MD 21811, was on March 01,

PAGE 30

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy A. Vander Clute who died on January 17, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (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, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Bruce Eric Vander Clute 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 11, 2021 OCD-3/11/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18625 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL JOHN MURRAY Notice is given that Kelley Murray Von Blon, 9817 Millwick Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21042, was on March 01, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michael John Murray who died on January 31, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (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, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned per-

sonal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Kelley Murray Von Blon 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 11, 2021 OCD-3/11/3t _________________________________ James E. Clubb, Jr. 108 N. 8th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842 410-289-2323 410-289-3417 (fax) jay@jayclubblaw.com BARRY DUFFY, JR. P.O. Box 396 Berlin, MD 21811 FOR Plaintiff vs.

GEORGE F. MANUEL 297 Tietjen Avenue Englewood, NJ 07631-3841 and THE TESTATE AND INTESTATE SUCCESSORS OF GEORGE F. MANUEL BELIEVED TO BE DECEASED, AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, OR UNDER THE INDIVIDUAL BELIEVED TO BE DECEASED and WORCESTER COUNTY c/o Roscoe Leslie, Esq. 1 West Market Street Room 1103 Snow Hill, MD 21863 and ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY described as 1.26 Acres North Side George Island Landing Road, Stockton, Maryland George F. Manuel Survey RHO 129-6 Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000038

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of

redemption from the tax sale on the following property located in Worcester County, Maryland, sold by Phillip G. Thompson, Collector of Taxes for the State of Maryland and for Worcester County, to the Plaintiff, the parcel of land described as follows: 1.26 Acres North Side George Island Landing Road, Stockton, Maryland, George F. Manuel Survey in Liber R.H.O. No. 129, folio 6; deed ref. 0.D.0 No. 51, folio 117, tax account no. 08-007233. The property is assessed to George F. Manuel.

The Complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid. The sale was held on May 17, 2019, and more than six (6) months has passed since that date.

It is thereupon this 5th of March, 2021, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to redeem the property or answer the Complaint by May 8, 2021, or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff title to said property, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances.

Beau H. Oglesby JUDGE True Copy Test Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/11/3t _________________________________ CHRIS S. MASON ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP. 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18642 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JAMES ERIC JOHNSON Notice is given that Vonnie Johnson, 9137 Logtown Road, Berlin, MD 21811, was on March 08, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Eric Johnson who died on February 5, 2021, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8th day of September, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of

MARCH 19, 2021 the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Vonnie Johnson 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 18, 2021 OCD-3/18/3t _________________________________ 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.

TIMOTHY P. BROWER PATRICIA ANN BROWER 6118 South Point Road Berlin, MD 21811 and Seven Street, Boat Dock #B Berlin, MD 21811 Defendant(s).

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-19-000131

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 10th day of March, 2021, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 6118 South Point Road, Berlin, MD 21811 and, Seven Street, Boat Dock #B, 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 12th day of April, 2021, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 5th day of April, 2021.

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $441,000.00.

Susan Braniecki Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/18/3t _________________________________

MARCH 19, 2021 MORGAN A. FISHER ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18655 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARTIN J. MILLER Notice is given that Michelle Humphress, 9 Grice Street, Berlin, MD 21811, was on March 12, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Martin J. Miller who died on January 21, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12th day of September, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Michelle Humphress 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 18, 2021 OCD-3/18/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18623 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF GEORGE M. CLARK JR. Notice is given that Maurice Clark Sr., 23 South 2nd Street, Darby, PA 19023, was on March 09, 2021 appointed Personal Represen-

Ocean City Today / Public Notices tative of the estate of George M. Clark Jr. who died on December 28, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of September, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Maurice Clark Sr. 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 18, 2021 OCD-3/18/3t _________________________________

Mayor & City Council Ocean City

BID SOLICITATION IT Core Switch Replacement

Mayor & City Council Ocean City (Town) are seeking bids from qualified and experienced vendors to provide labor for the replacement of the core switch in the datacenter to be in conformity with the Form of Bid as detailed in the Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for IT Core Switch Replacement may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Catrice Parsons, at cparsons@oceancitymd.gov or by calling 410-723-6647 during normal business hours, or via the Bid tab on the Town’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. The Town is

not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through a third party. It is the sole responsibility of the Vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

A Pre-Bid meeting will be NOT held for this procurement. The last day for questions is noon on Friday, March 26, 2021. The addendum will be posted on the Town’s website by close of business on March 29, 2021.

Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Thursday, April 08, 2021 by 1:00 p.m. and will be opened and read aloud. Bids are to be submitted to the Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Attn: Procurement Manager, 214 65th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

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

OCD-3/18/1t _________________________________ REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18656 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CHERYL JEANETTE SPANNINGER Notice is given that Charles J. Spanninger, 100 Camelot Circle, Berlin, MD 21811, was on March 15, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cheryl Jeanette Spanninger who died on January 21, 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 15th day of September, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Charles J. Spanninger

PAGE 31 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 18, 2021 OCD-3/18/3t _________________________________

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT

RESOLUTION 2021-01 RE: Municipal Election Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that a proposed Charter amendment was introduced at their meeting of September 15, 2020. A public hearing and presentation of the Charter Resolution occurred on March 15, 2021.

Charter Amendment Resolution 2021-01 was adopted by the Mayor and City Council amending Section C-504, Registration of voters, acknowledging the City Clerk no longer registers municipal voters.

Municipal voters register in accordance with State law and the Town of Ocean City voter roll is maintained by the Worcester County Board of Elections and provided to the Town for each election.

An exact copy of Resolution 202101 is posted at City Hall, available in the March 15, 2021, agenda packet online at oceancitymd.gov and can be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 410-289-8824.

OCD-3/18/4t _________________________________

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT

RESOLUTION 2021-02 RE: Municipal Election Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that a proposed Charter amendment was introduced at their meeting of September 15, 2020. A public hearing and presentation of the Charter Resolution occurred on March 15, 2021.

Charter Amendment Resolution 2021-02 was adopted by the Mayor and City Council amending Section C-601, Conduct of elections generally, changing the municipal poll

PAGE 32

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

closing time from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to coincide with the general election poll closing time.

An exact copy of Resolution 202102 is posted at City Hall, available in the March 15, 2021, agenda packet online at oceancitymd.gov and can be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 410-289-8824.

OCD-3/18/4t _________________________________

Council on July 12, 2016.

An exact copy of Resolution 202103 is posted at City Hall, available in the March 15, 2021, agenda packet online at oceancitymd.gov and can be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 410-289-8824.

OCD-3/18/4t _________________________________

be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 410-289-8824.

OCD-3/18/4t _________________________________

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT TOWN OF OCEAN CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT

RESOLUTION 2021-03 RE: Finances Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that a proposed Charter amendment was introduced at their meeting of September 15, 2020. A public hearing and presentation of a Charter Resolution occurred on March 15, 2021.

Charter Amendment Resolution 2021-03 was adopted by the Mayor and City Council amending Section C-721, Purchasing and contracts, updating the Charter so said section is consistent with the Town Purchasing Policy and Procedure Manual adopted by the Mayor and City

RESOLUTION 2021-04 RE: Officers and Employees Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that a proposed Charter amendment was introduced at their meeting of September 15, 2020. A public hearing and presentation of a Charter Resolution occurred on March 15, 2021.

Charter Amendment Resolution 2021-04 was adopted by the Mayor and City Council amending Section C-1001A, Clerk-Treasurer, to reflect the current title of this position is “City Clerk”.

An exact copy of Resolution 202104 is posted at City Hall, available in the March 15, 2021, agenda packet online at oceancitymd.gov and can

RESOLUTION 2021-05 Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that a proposed Charter amendment was introduced at their meeting of September 15, 2020. A public hearing and presentation of a Charter Resolution occurred on March 15, 2021.

Charter Amendment Resolution 2021-05 was adopted by the Mayor and City Council amending Section C-1404, Sabbath observance, deleting this section of the Charter.

An exact copy of Resolution 202105 is posted at City Hall, available in the March 15, 2021, agenda packet online at oceancitymd.gov and can be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 410-289-8824.

OCD-3/18/4t _________________________________

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

Consulting Services Strategic Biking Plan

Legal Advertising Call NANCY MACCUBBIN 410-723-6397, Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@oceancitytoday.net

Sealed Proposal Documents are due and will be received and acknowledged on Monday, April 19, 2021 by 1:00 p.m. Proposals are to be submitted to Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Attn: Procurement Manager, 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842.

Late Proposal Document will not be accepted.

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

OCD-3/18/1t _________________________________

RE: Sabbath observance

Mayor & City Council Ocean City

OCEAN CITY TODAY

MARCH 19, 2021

Mayor & City Council Ocean City (Town) are seeking proposals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide Consulting Services for a Strategic Bike Plan in conformity with the scope of work detailed in the Proposal Documents.

Proposal Documents for the Strategic Bike Plan may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Catrice Parsons, at cparsons@oceancitymd.gov or by calling 410-723-6647 during normal business hours, or via the Bid tab on the Town’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third party bid service.

It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A pre-proposal meeting will NOT be held for this solicitation. The last day for questions will be Noon on Monday, April 05, 2021. Addendum will be posted by close of business on Wednesday, April 08,2021.

Mayor & City Council Ocean City

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

Active and Retiree Medical, Pharmacy and Vision Insurance and HSA/DCFSA Administration Mayor & City Council Ocean City (Town) are seeking proposals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide Active and Retiree Medical, Pharmacy and Vision Insurance and HSA/DCFSA Administration and to be in conformity with the Specifications detailed in the Proposal Documents.

Proposal Documents for the Active and Retiree Medical, Pharmacy and Vision Insurance and HSA/DCFSA Administration may be obtained from Bolton USA by emailing RFP@boltonusa.com. Vendors are responsible for checking with Bolton USA for addenda prior to submitting their Completed Proposal Documents. The Town/Bolton USA are not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third-party service. It is the sole responsibility of the Vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-Proposal meeting will NOT be held for this solicitation. The last day for questions is noon on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. An Addendum will be posted by close of business on Monday, April 05, 2021.

Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than Monday, April 12, 2021 by 4:00 p.m. Sealed Proposal Documents will be submitted to Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Attn: City Manager, 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Room 230, Ocean City, MD 21842. Sealed Proposal Documents will be acknowledged (Vendor names, City, and State read into record and remanded to staff for further review) at the Mayor & City Council Work Session on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 1:00pm. Location of Proposal Document Acknowledgement is Council Chambers located at 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842.

Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.

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

OCD-3/18/1t _________________________________

Commentary

Ocean City Today Mar. 19, 2021

Page 33

County budget all too familiar It isn’t as if the Worcester County Commissioners have unexpectedly arrived in unexplored territory, as they face the usual out-of-kilter preliminary budget package.

Before the public begins to worry about how in the world the commissioners will find a way to reconcile a proposed spending plan with a revenue projection that’s $8 million less, it’s safe to say that they do this sort of thing every year.

It’s a painful, but familiar cut-and-paste job, as the commissioners and their advisors go through the document department by department, trimming funding requests and looking for ways to bring in additional money. Later this spring, a balance will be struck between the two, as it always has been.

What the commissioners are encountering, however, is a county and subdivisions that are becoming increasingly expensive to operate. Gone are the days when the map was dotted by municipalities and a major community association with little else between them.

Now outlying areas such as West Ocean City and the outskirts of other communities require services too, and the only way the county can deliver them is to pay other jurisdictions to provide them.

Such is the case with fire and emergency service for West Ocean City, which must depend on Ocean City’s resources.

Ocean City, in turn, must be reimbursed fairly by the county for undertaking this obligation.

Then, too, the state’s school funding formulators continue to overlook Worcester’s unique circumstances, which involve a huge per-capita tax base versus a population whose average annual household income — and ability to pay taxes — is some $20,000 less than the state average. It’s better than some Eastern Shore counties, but not better than all counties, and yet Worcester gets less than all of them.

It’s unfair, of course, but complaining doesn’t balance the budget, which the commissioners ultimately will do in a way that won’t please everyone.

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

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson MANAGING EDITOR ................................ Lisa Capitelli STAFF WRITERS ....................Greg Ellison, Ally Lanasa, ..........................................Neely James, Greg Wehner ASSISTANT PUBLISHER .......................... Elaine Brady ACCOUNT MANAGERS.......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTIST .................................... Kelly Brown PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts Ocean City Today is published weekly by FLAG Publications, Inc. at 8200 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Md. 21842.

Ocean City Today is available by subscription at $150 a year.

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

Copyright 2021

PUBLIC EYE

Reading legislation

Rep. Andy Harris, the First Congressional District’s ray of sunshine, was one of the 12 Republican members of the House of Representatives who opposed a bill awarding gold medals to the law enforcement agencies that defended the Capitol during that Jan. 6 get-together.

I say “get-together,” because one of the problems the dozen nay voters had with the bill was that it referred to those nice people as “insurrectionists.”

The theory goes they might not have been insurBy rectionists at all, but were ...

Stewart whatever you’d call a group Dobson whose participants included a guy wearing buffalo horns.

I’ve never encountered anyone wearing a horn helmet, so I can’t say if it’s an indicator of a wobbly sprocket or just an impulse buy at Marshalls.

“Hey, Martha, would you look at that? A horn helmet! That’ll come in handy one of these days! And it’s half-off!”

I also can’t say for certain that the people who overran the Capitol were insurrectionists or just your normal everyday crazies who know a good time when they see one.

Harris told reporters that he didn’t like the bill’s language because it reflected what he saw as a Democratic attempt to use the cops for a big publicity stunt.

This would assume, of course, that regular people (all six of them) would know what the bill says because they actually do read legislation.

That, I think, is about as likely as getting smacked in the head by a flying turtle.

“You know, I was standing right next to him when it happened. I said, ‘Watch out, Louie’ and then ‘WHAP!’ he gets taken out by a big snapper.”

Most people have no idea what legislators are writing, because it’s so much easier to listen to some TV opinionator tell them what he or she thinks about whatever it is that they didn’t read either.

Personally, I read legislation all the time because it’s much more entertaining than, say, “Dancing with the (Sort of) Stars.”

“Wow,” I say, as my marital associate reads an actual newspaper, “did you know that H.R. 172: United States Anti-Doping Agency Reauthorization Act of 2021 was submitted last week, and that, ‘The United States Anti-Doping Agency contributes to the advancement of clean sport through scientific research, antidoping education, and outreach programs, and the mission of the United States AntiDoping Agency is to preserve the integrity of competition and protect the rights of athletes?’”

“Wonderful,” she replies, “but does this anti-dope bill get rid of dopes?”

“Not that I can see.”

“Well, there you are. So don’t bother me again until you find a bill that will do that.”

In the meantime, I’ll keep up my legislative reading so I don’t get taken in by smartypants legislators who try to slip in some kind of wording with which I might not agree.

For instance, this particular measure says, “Medals struck pursuant to this Act are national medals for the purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code.”

Sooooo, I wonder what they mean by “chapter 51?” I guess I have some reading to do.

PAGE 34

Ocean City Today

MARCH 19, 2021

POLICE/COURTS

Sister brawl After responding to a bar fight on the evening of March 12, police arrested one man and told the rest of his party to leave the premises.

But then, as the group walked away from the bar onto a public sidewalk, two women began shouting at each other in view of patrons at another local restaurant, Safire Linares police said.

The devolved into the women grabbing each other’s hair and clothes and pushing each other while fighting, according to police.

As they ran towards K. Rivera-Garcia the women, the men from their group pulled them apart. The men then informed officers that the women, Safire Linares and Katiuska Rivera-Garcia of York, Pennsylvania, were sisters. Both women were arrested for affray.

Concealed weapon Police in a marked police vehicle were traveling south on Baltimore Avenue by 23rd Street on March 13 when they saw a jaywalker interfering with the flow of traffic. Zhaki Hitch, 18,

of Salisbury, was stopped by police and checked for warrants.

Police then learned that Hitch was wanted in Wicomico County for charges including Zhaki Hitch robbery. An “approach with caution” indication was included in the warrant. Police frisked Hitch and found an unsheathed fixed-blade knife in his front pocket.

Hitch was arrested for the outstanding warrant and possession of a concealed deadly weapon.

Hitchhiking gone wrong As the bars let out at 2 a.m. on Sunday March 14, a car horn blared in the northbound lane of Philadelphia near 17th Street. An Ocean City police officer observed the situation from his marked police car and saw a man pulling on the door handle of a van that pulled away. The A. Petrillo man, later identified as Alexander Petrillo, 23, of Bethany, then approached another group of people standing at a car nearby.

A bar employee told police that Petrillo had been trying to pull on car doors in an effort to hitch a ride.

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN PINES POLICE DEPARTMENT

Ocean Pins Police is seeking assistance to identify the woman pictured in connection to cashing a fraudulent check at Taylor Bank in Ocean City.

Meanwhile, police reports indicate that Petrillo was back on Philadelphia Avenue with thumb up hitchhiker style.

Police approached Petrillo after he continued to pull on car door handles traveling on Philadelphia Avenue, even looking through the windows of the parked police car as the officers approached on foot.

Petrillo initially denied touching any cars, but admitted to pulling door handles when pressed by police. He indicated that was hoping only to get a ride back to his home in Bethany.

Police determined Petrillo was likely intoxicated and should be arrested for disorderly conduct.

As officers searched Petrillo’s clothing, they found a baggie of what was determined to be cocaine. Police then added schedule two drug possession to his statement of charges.

OP Police seek theft suspect ID

By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) Ocean Pines Police are asking for public assistance to identify a suspect caught on bank surveillance footage cashing a check using a stolen driver’s license.

In a March 8 Facebook post, Ocean Pines Police posted pictures of a woman accused of using a theft victim’s Maryland driver’s license to fraudulently cash a check at a Taylor Bank branch in Ocean City.

Investigators are still working to identify the person in the surveillance pictures. Anyone with information is asked to contact OP Police Sgt. Christopher Tarr at 410-641-7747.

MARCH 19, 2021

PAGE 35

Ocean City Today

Worcester second in state for vaccinations County health department, AGH offer weekly clinics for residents in priority groups

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) Worcester County is second in Maryland for the proportion of its population having received the first dose of covid-19 vaccine, 28.3 percent, as well as second in the state for the proportion of the population vaccinated with their second dose, 18.25 percent.

As of Thursday morning, Maryland providers had administered

2,037,695 total doses of covid-19 vaccines, and 84.4 percent of total doses received from the federal government have been administered or delivered.

The state is averaging 43,034 shots per day.

In Worcester County, 14,807 people have received the first dose and 9,538 second doses have been administered, which is equivalent to 18.25 percent of the population.

As of Thursday, the Worcester County Health Department had received 8,870 doses, all of which are the Moderna vaccine, said Travis Brown, public affairs officer for the health department. So far, the health

department has administered a total of 7,737.

The health department hosts vaccine clinics at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill on Tuesdays, West Ocean City Park and Ride on Thursdays, the Elks Lodge in Pocomoke on Fridays and the Worcester County Health Department facility in Snow Hill on Saturdays when doses are available.

The health department has a single central waiting list that includes all clinics. To register for this waiting list, call 667-253-2140.

Individuals are advised to leave a phone number, so they can be noti-

fied when an appointment time becomes available based on eligibility.

The number that will show up when the health department covid-19 vaccine call center responds will be 410-632-1100 or 410-632-1016.

The call center will request the following information: first name, last name, email address, phone number, age, first dose or second dose, Phase 1C eligibility, any underlying health conditions, and county and state of residence.

Since January, the Ocean City Fire Department has worked with the health department to offer weekly See PRE-REGISTER Page 36

Call 410-449-4090 Today for more information or to schedule a visit to our on-site showroom.

Our Staff is Regularly Tested for Covid-19

410-449-4090

PAGE 36

MARCH 19, 2021

Ocean City Today

Pre-register now for mass vaccination sites Photo identification is required at at least 2,100 priority appointments the appointment. Patients and com- per week — divided equitably by popmunity members are advised to ar- ulation — for residents of Wicomico, rive no more than 15 minutes prior to Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester their appointment. counties.”

For more information about how Maryland residents in Phase 1 prito register for a vacority groups can cine clinic, pre-register to revisit agh.care/vacceive a covid-19 ‘We will keep following the cine or call the coro- science and taking a cautious vaccine at one of navirus vaccine the state’s mass and vigilant approach as we vaccination sites. information line at continue on the road to health Once pre-regis410-641-9272.

Through the fedtered, Marylanders and economic recovery.’ eral long-term care will be notified Gov. Larry Hogan program, CVS and when an appointWalgreens are conment is available, ducting vaccination and will be able to clinics at Maryland nursing homes verify their pre-registration status and assisted living facilities. and reserve an appointment.

Patients must register in advance To pre-register online, at CVS.com or through the CVS Phar- visit covidlink.maryland.gov. Marymacy app. People without online ac- landers can also the state’s covid-19 cess can contact CVS customer vaccination support center at 1-855service at 800-746-7287. Walk-in 634-6829. vaccinations without an appointment During the pre-registration will not be provided. process, residents will be asked to Giant, Walmart, Safeway and Rite provide full name, date of birth, conAid pharmacies have also joined the tact information, demographic destate’s vaccine distribution network tails, self-certification of eligibility for in critical areas. the vaccine, selection of preferred Furthermore, a mass vaccination mass vaccination sites, selection of site at the Wicomico Youth and Civic necessary accommodations and inCenter in Salisbury opened Thursday. formation about previous covid-19 According to Gov. Larry Hogan’s Ad- illness or vaccination ministration, “the state will provide As of Thursday, Worcester’s covid19 positivity rate was 2.22 percent, a decrease from 2.48 percent last week.

That’s still below the state’s rate of 4.07 percent.

Also as of Thursday, Maryland has reported 396,746 confirmed cases of covid-19.

Worcester has confirmed 13 new cases since last week. This brings the county’s total cases since March to 3,308.

The Maryland Department of Health reported Berlin and Ocean Pines had 1,338 and Ocean City had 823.

Worcester has recorded 92 deaths from covid-19.

As of Wednesday evening, four patients with coronavirus were in Atlantic General Hospital. All four were in the medical/surgical unit, Yonker said.

Drawing will be held on Friday, June 11, 2021 Hospital personnel have cared for Following the conclusion of the Spring Golf Outing eight patients who have come off a ventilator. Atlantic General has discharged 323 coronavirus patients Thank you for your support and generosity who are recovering.

Last Friday, Hogan’s Administraduring these difficult times tion reported that covid-19 ICU levels in Maryland dropped below 200 for the first time since Nov. 12, 2020.

For more Information call 410 723-2842 “Fewer Marylanders are being hospitalized, and more and more people are getting vaccinated, as we work together each day to bring this

Continued from Page 35 clinics.

Residents must call the health department at 667-253-2140 to be placed on the list for a vaccine appointment.

So far, Atlantic General Hospital has received 8,430 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, said Sarah Yonker, director of marketing for the hospital.

Community members in Phases 1A, 1B and 1C have received 7,421 of those doses as of Wednesday. The hospital has 332 staff members who have completed Pfizer and 342 who have completed Moderna. Additionally, 22 more employees have received the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine.

Clinics were held for the highest risk group, those 65 years of age and older, on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“We are having one targeted clinic this week for 1C, ages 18 years and up, on Friday,” Yonker said.

Last week, 924 doses of the vaccine were administered through the clinics. Yonker added that people are pulled from the waitlist at almost all clinics.

When a resident receives the first dose of the vaccine at an Atlantic General vaccine clinic, he or she is scheduled for a follow-up appointment to receive the second dose.

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pandemic to an end,” Hogan said in a press release. “We will keep following the science and taking a cautious and vigilant approach as we continue on the road to health and economic recovery.”

Public health officials encourage anyone who feels sick, or who may have had contact with someone who has contracted the coronavirus to get tested. All Worcester County residents, employees and their children 8 years and older who are experiencing covid-19 symptoms are eligible for testing.

People who suspect they may have the virus should call their primary care providers or the health department. The county health department has a hotline Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to determine if a person should be tested. Call 410632-1100, select option eight and then press one.

Testing is available at most urgent care centers, hospitals, primary care offices and some pharmacies. People who have covid-like symptoms can also discuss options for testing with their primary care providers, according to the local health department.

Saturday hours for covid-19 testing have been expanded at Atlantic ImmediCare urgent care clinic on 10th Street.

Individuals can now get a test between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays. No appointment is necessary.

Weekday hours for walk-in testing continue to be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Because of high demand for testing, anyone planning to arrive after 2 p.m. during the week is asked to call ahead. The testing clinic can be reached at 410-289-0065.

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

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

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

Marylanders are also encouraged to sign up for additional updates by texting ‘MdReady’ to 898-211.

Lastly, the Maryland Department of Health has opened the Maryland GoVAX Covid-19 Vaccination Support Center to address vaccination eligibility, covid-19 testing sites, scheduling for first and second dose vaccine appointments, getting help finding a vaccination provider by proximity and discovering information about the covid-19 vaccine.

Your Online Community: www.oceancitytoday.com

MARCH 19, 2021

PAGE 37

Ocean City Today

WC BOARD OF EDUCATION BRIEFS

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) The following occurred during the Worcester County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday:

Student reports Dasia Conner, a senior at Pocomoke High School, said upcoming events include Rising Senior Night with current juniors and their families, virtual parent-teacher conferences and SAT day all on March 24.

Eric Cropper Jr., a senior at Stephen Decatur High School, added that the SAT will be offered to juniors on March 24. He also said the investment club is in the final week of the winter Stock Market Game, SDHS Surfriders participated in a virtual Capitol Hill day on March 10 and the Science Olympiad team is competing on Saturday.

Riley Leonard, a senior at Snow Hill High School, said the high school held a joint induction ceremony for honor societies on March 12 with 26 students inducted to the National Honor Society, 22 students inducted into the national Beta Club and 26 students into Mu Alpha Theta math honor society. In addition, all juniors will take the SAT on March 24.

Leonard also said Snow Hill High School’s spring production of “Clue” will stream from April 23-25.

Proclamation The school board presented Lauren Williams, the coordinator of school health services, with a proclamation for School Social Work Month this March as well as a special recognition for her services.

“Lauren Williams we hired when the state allowed us to hire a mental health coordinator in every school system a little over a year ago. We were fortunate enough to get somebody of this caliber, and I say that because she brought a wealth of knowledge into the mental health arena,” said Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor. “She’s been instrumental in the development and execution of health and safety protocols for our ‘Responsible Return.’”

Williams is also the point of contact for anyone in the school system with covid-like illnesses.

“I will tell you, including the superintendent of schools, her job has been the most vital or the most important job in the last 12 months in this school system,” Taylor said.

Teacher of the Year Taylor said Worcester County Public Schools will livestream a celebration for the 2021 Teacher of the Year on March 26 at 6 p.m. Finalists and the 2021 Teacher of the Year will be announced that evening.

The nominees for Teacher of the

Year are: Caleb Wilson from Stephen Decatur Middle School, Laura Wheeler from Showell Elementary School, Lauren Walker from Pocomoke Elementary School, Nicholas Traud from Snow Hill High School, Jennifer Taylor from Pocomoke High School, Aarti Sangwan from Worcester Technical High School, Stacey Russell from Cedar Chapel Special School, Melissa Reid from Buckingham Elementary School, Continued on Page 38 PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Lauren Williams, the coordinator of school health services, received a special recognition on Tuesday during the Worcester County Board of Education meeting for leading the county school system in developing safety protocols and a covid-19 testing program. Pictured, from left, are Eric Cropper, Worcester County Board of Education president, Williams and Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor.

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PAGE 38

MARCH 19, 2021

Ocean City Today

Buckingham Elem. focuses on pre-k literacy Young students participate in read-alouds, repetition of sounds and storytelling

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) Pre-kindergarten classrooms at Buckingham Elementary School in Berlin adopted curriculum resources for the 2020-21 academic year through a district initiative including American Reading Company 100 Book Challenge, Fundations and Fountas and Pinnell read-alouds to prepare students for kindergarten.

Buckingham Elementary is using the materials in a half-day program in two classrooms.

Denise Shorts, chief academic officer for grades pre-kindergarten through eighth, told the Worcester County Board of Education on Tuesday that Buckingham hopes to join Pocomoke Elementary School and Showell Elementary School soon in offering a full-day pre-kindergarten program.

The literacy initiative aligns with the instructional resources used in kindergarten through fifth grade at Buckingham Elementary.

According to the presentation from Principal Christina Welch, Coordinator of Instruction Cassidy

Hamborsky, literacy coach Ali Giska, and teachers Lisa Lynch and Darlene Beall, Fundations was adopted to meet the phonics needs of stuChristina Welch dents. Also, Fountas and Pinnell’s planned read-alouds support the 100 Book Challenge’s heavy emphasis on reading aloud to children.

“The theme-based text sets in the FounDarlene Beall tas and Pinnell system allow students to compare stories, genres and authors,” Beall said in a video shown to the school board. “The fantastic library of books includes classic stories, Lisa Lynch new favorites and author studies.”

Additionally, Lynch said Fundations help students have a routine.

“The repetition of letter, key word and sound provides scaffolding for kids at multiple levels,” she said.

As part of the 100 Book Challenge, pre-kindergarten students are able to look at and read picture books daily and discuss the books to increase

their oral development as well as literacy skills.

“During the writing portion of the 100 Book Challenge, students are given an opportunity to share their ideas and their stories just like the authors of the stories that we read together do,” Beall said. “They’re so excited to share their work, share their ideas with their classmates, and they’re learning to organize their thoughts to speak in complete sen-

tences and to tell stories sequentially.”

The video presentation also included footage of read-alouds, repetition of sounds in the classrooms and students telling their stories.

“I was a kindergarten teacher for many years, and I have to tell you what they were doing in this pre-k classroom is really going to impact our students’ learning as we push them into kindergarten,” Welch told the school board.

WC BOARD OF EDUCATION BRIEFS Continued from Page 37 Ellen Masters from Berlin Intermediate, Kurt Marx from Stephen Decatur High School, Cara Kurtz from Snow Hill Middle School, Catherine (Kitty) Herr from Ocean City Elementary School, Beverly Hart from Pocomoke Middle School and Mia Byrd from Snow Hill Elementary School.

“These teachers are outstanding examples of high-quality teaching occurring in our classrooms across this great school system,” Taylor said.

Visit worcesterk12.org or Worcester County Public Schools MD on Facebook for more details about viewing.

Job fair Taylor also said a countywide teacher job fair will be held on March 27 by appointment only from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Covid-19 testing Williams said school nurses have been trained to administer rapid tests (BinexNOW) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests (MAKO Medical Labs).

With the rapid test, results are reported to CRISP and to parents by nurses. As for the PCR tests, resulted are reported directly by the lab to families in patient portal after the sample is sent to MAKO by FedEx. Amanda Underkoffler, the school nurse consultant in the county school system, said teachers were trained about how to provide information in age-appropriate ways. For elementary school students, it’s best to explain in a story-like manner as well as give children a job and praise them for

READ OUR

how well they are doing during the test. For secondary students, nurses are advised to explain the equipment and why the test is being performed as well as use calming strategies.

A continuing need for the covid-19 testing program for K-12 students is maintaining an adequate supply of PPE, tests and cleaning supplies in the health suite.

Safety update Dr. Dwayne Abt, chief safety & human relations officer for the county school system, said planning for the summer safety conference is underway. The conference is scheduled to take place on Aug. 11, 2021.

Agreements The school board approved the ratified negotiated agreements from the Worcester County Teachers’ Association and the Worcester County Educational Support Personnel Association, which will provide a step increase for eligible employees, an increase for salary scale adjustments, modification to existing contract language and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Worcester County Teachers’ Association.

Showell Elementary Joe Price, the school system’s facilities planner, said the current payments to date on the new Showell Elementary School project total approximately $38.58 million. The remaining balance is about $1.5 million.

With the unanimous approval of the requisition, Price said 12 of the 15 contractors will be fully paid.

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MARCH 19, 2021

Ocean City Today

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MARCH 19, 2021

Ocean City Today

M.A.D.E. Men promotes careers in education

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (March 19, 2021) Male students of color at Pocomoke High School have been participating in Men Achieving Dreams through Education (M.A.D.E. Men), which is a Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) program in partnership with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore that focuses on promoting the education profession.

Matt Hoffman, assistant principal of Pocomoke High School, told the Worcester County Board of Education on Tuesday that most educators in the U.S. are White, while 67 percent of students across the U.S. are White and 43 percent are Black or Hispanic.

As for Pocomoke High School, 96 percent of educators are White.

“Compared with our students, we actually have slightly more of Black or Hispanic students,” Hoffman said. “There’s a glaring disparity. It’s Matt Hoffman something we’re aware of, and we’re actively trying to change.”

Jai’ Sample, a sophomore at Pocomoke High School, said representation matters for a better connection.

“We know it’s important. We know we want to recruit more teachers of color,” Hoffman said.

However, there is a teacher shortage. In 1980, 22 percent of students were majoring in education in college. Last year, only 4.6 percent of students were majoring in education,

Hoffman said.

Through M.A.D.E. Men, Worcester County Public Schools is trying to grow its own future educators.

Students participating in the program can earn 12 credits composed of three dual enrollment education courses, plus an internship opportunity.

M.A.D.E. Men involves on-site mentorship at Pocomoke High School, student-centered activities, student portfolios and field trips to universities post-covid. In addition, guest speakers would Zoom with students to provide information about their schools.

At the end of the first 2020 summer academy, seven boys in grades 10 through 12 were recognized at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore for completion of their first col-

lege courses and commitment to become teachers.

“We are looking to have another summer session and new fall and spring sessions coming up,” Sample said.

M.A.D.E. Men has also recently been extended to young men of color at Snow Hill High School.

Hoffman added that students will be joining the National Education Association (NEA) and attending conferences virtually and, possibly, in person.

“We are also starting a female version of M.A.D.E. Men, which is called Women Who R.I.S.E.,” he said, adding that the program is in partnership with Salisbury University.

R.I.S.E. stands for “Reach and Inspire Students through Education.”

“We’ve already begun recruiting female students,” Hoffman said.

Monkee’s boutique opened in OC last month on 59th St. (March 19, 2021) The independently owned and operated Monkee’s of Ocean City officially opened its doors on Friday, Feb. 26.

It is the first Monkee’s franchise in Maryland, located at 5909 Coastal Hwy Suite # 4.

The boutique is owned by franchisee Michelle Fager, who works with her husband John, on his wellknown restaurant, Fager’s Island, and helps oversee operations at the Lighthouse Club and Edge hotels, as well as the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin.

Michelle has always loved fashion and is eager to introduce Monkee’s unique and upscale shopping experience to Ocean City residents and visitors.

“What distinguishes the Monkee’s brand is their commitment to outstanding customer service,” Fager said.

“Here at Monkee’s of Ocean City, we will be committed to providing that exceptional service, along with constantly curating fresh looks for our customers and working to enhance and empower the Ocean City community.”

Designed to look like your (well-

Michelle Fager, center, cuts the ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of Monkee’s of Ocean City, located at 5909 Coastal Hwy Suite # 4. The clothing store opened for business on Feb. 26.

heeled) girlfriend’s closet, the boutique’s signature chandeliers, eyecatching textiles and shoe galleries are all staples in a Monkee’s store.

However, each location has a personality of its own.

“Monkee’s boutiques are beautiful, welcoming places with fantastic designers and irresistible gifts,” Fager said. “Everyone who works at Monkee’s is passionate about fashion and

our staff is very excited to help our customers find that perfect outfit or accessory.”

To stay up to date on new arrivals, follow @monkeesofoceancity on Instagram and visit monkeesofoceancity.com.

Monkee’s Franchising, LLC is a franchisor with nearly 30 upscale ladies’ boutiques specializing in shoes, clothing and accessories.

Headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Monkee’s was founded in 1995 and has become one of the most successful organizations of independently owned boutiques in the U.S. Boutiques can be found in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Maryland, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, and continues to grow nationally.

www.oceancitytoday.com

MARCH 19, 2021

PAGE 41

Ocean City Today

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

REAL ESTATE REPORT

Olive antipasto tree makes strong palate impression

Home buyers should assure septic systems get tested

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (March 19, 2021) Change is in the air more ways than one.

Jack Frost is packing his bags and bidding adieu till next year.

The cases of Coronavirus are going down, people are receiving their vaccinations, and there is hope that normalcy is in the future.

That being said, entertaining at home will start to increase. Time to get back into the swing of things as company is on the horizon.

Antipasto is a fun way to start your festivities. Don’t worry about following a recipe slavishly. There are no rules, only suggestions which lessons the pressure for those who have less experience.

Antipasto boards are fantastic for feeding family and friends because this first course is meant to be shared.

In addition, the Italian appetizer can be prepared in advance, which makes it a popular choice.

Antipasto is rich in tradition and is comprised of customary foods such as cheese, cured meats, fruits and olives. Variety and contrast are a must when building your antipasto.

Opt for a mix of cheeses like a milky mozzarella or a firm ParmigianoReggiano.

If one prefers brie, consider topping it with a drizzle of honey or tasty jam. Details equate superlative results, which heighten the level of remembrance.

Color is another key element when presenting antipasto. This dish is not only delicious, but is a feast for the eyes. Black olives, red peppers, green cornichons and white pickled onions are just a few colors that mesmerize one’s sensorial experience.

Height is another important as-

pect of antipasto. Place some bread sticks in a drinking glass for a more stunning presentation.

Antipasto is delicious but it can be a pricy course.

Olives have played an intricate part in Italy’s history. Following are two recipes that highlight olives and yet put a unique spin on the theme of antipasto.

If time is of the essence and you want something quick and inexpensive, how about a creamy olive spread. Cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, mayo, kalamata olives, green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, scallions and dried pepper flakes are baked until a warm, gooey, consistency is achieved.

Spread it on your favorite crackers or toasted baguette slices for a delightful, innovative appetizer.

If one wants a challenge, consider creating an olive antipasto tree. Simply take a Styrofoam cone, wrap it in plastic wrap, and attach antipasto ingredients by way of tooth picks. This tree is a creative and a stunning way to serve antipasto.

There is nothing wrong with serving olives in a bowl. But if a host See OLIVE Page 42

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (March 19, 2021) If a home doesn’t operate off of a public sewer facility, then a private in-ground wastewater treatment system is used to treat and dispose of household wastewater on-site.

In Maryland, approximately 20 percent of homeowners rely on a private septic system.

When purchasing a home that relies on a private septic system, it is of utmost importance to have the septic system tested, as it is one of the single most expensive replacement systems a homeowner will face.

Septic inspections range in price from $325-400, and include: • Locating the septic system tank, distribution box and drainfield—inspection companies will contact the county office for a copy of the septic report on file for a particular property.

• Ensuring that the system is large enough for the home it serves. For example, a three-bedroom home typically requires a 1,000-gallon tank. Capacity in gallons can be calculated by length x

width x depth in feet x 7.5 for rectangular tanks.

• Checking the tank and distribution box condition, and baffles are checked to make sure they are firmly connected to the tank’s inlet and outlet pipes.

• Drain lines are tested, sometimes called a surge test, to determine the functionality of the drainfield. Cameras can also be used to determine the health of a drainfield. Drain lines can also be “jetted” to help clear any clogs.

In order to inspect a private septic system, the inspector must first locate the system.

In newer systems, this is not a problem as county records are more complete and newer systems have a riser above ground to show its location.

But in older systems, the the inspector might help locate the system by using a metal rod to probe an area, a metal detector to locate the tank, or a small radio transmitter can be flushed down the toilet and followed with a receiver. Also, not surprisingly, the greenest grass in the yard is most times right above the septic system.

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

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Ocean City Today

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

MARCH 19, 2021

WORLD WAR II

Olive-themed treats provide Rommel captures El Agheila seasonal culinary creativity dealing British major blow Continued from Page 41 wants to stand out, an olive antipasto tree will make quite an impression.

In addition, Easter is around the corner. If you are planning to serve lamb, an olive tree would be a festive way to showcase the olives.

Anytime there is an opportunity to shine, take advantage of it. Enjoy!

Creamy Olive Spread 12 ounces cream cheese 1/3 cup mayonnaise 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ½ cup, plus 1 rounded tablespoon combined, green olives, kalamata olives and sundried tomatoes, finely chopped ¼ cup scallions, finely chopped 1 large clove garlic, minced ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes kosher salt to taste 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl until well blended.

3. Spread into a small baking dish and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is hot and a slightly golden brown color is achieved.

4. Serve with favorite crackers or toasted baguette slices.

Olive Antipasto Tree 6-inch cone plastic wrap

toothpicks pruning shears or sharp scissors approximately 3 cups assorted olives, sundried tomatoes, pickled onions, pickled mushrooms, pepperoncini, cornichons, hot peppers, capers, marinated artichokes, roasted peppers and extra-virgin olive oil.

1. Make sure the base of the cone is even.

2. Wrap the cone in plastic wrap.

3. Starting from the bottom and working your way up, insert the sharp end of the toothpick into the vegetable. Then, insert the toothpick at a 45-degree angle, so it is pointing upwards. If you do not follow this step, the vegetables will slide off the toothpick.

4. Alternate the vegetables and fill in any gaps. Beautification is key to this dish.

5. When the olive antipasto tree is completed, place in a Ziploc bag and refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before you plate the olive tree, brush it with a light coating of olive oil.

6. Do not forget to place cocktail napkins next to the tree so your guests have something for them to wipe their hands on.

Secret Ingredient – Change of Seasons. “When the winds of change blow, remember…sometimes what appears dead is simply preparing for a new season.”

– Jane Lee Logan

OceanCityToday.com RELIABLE & LOCAL NEWS

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer (March 19, 2021) This week, 80 years ago, the new German commander of the Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) struck his first blow when he captured El Agheila from the British.

It is located on the coast at the bottom of the Gulf of Sidra, in far western Cyrenica. It had been captured by the British Western Desert Force in Februaryf 1941.

The first German troops arrived in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, on Feb. 11, 1941, and after a parade through the capital, were dispatched to a position east of Sirte, five days later.

Sirte lies 286 miles east of Tripoli and at the time was described as, “. . .a shabby little Arab village of mud huts, clustered on the banks of a foulsmelling stream.”

One of those huts, 12 miles south of Sirte, was the birthplace of Muammar Gaddafi. Now, because of the discovery of oil, the city has a population of 128,000.

After discussions with the German Führer and the Italian Duce, Gen.f Erwin Rommel, on March 24, sent a force to attack El Agheila. The Brescia and Pavia Infantry Divisions, commanded by generals Bortolo Zabon and Pietro Zaglio, established a position 20 miles west of El Agheila.

The Ariete Armored Division, commanded by Ettore Baldassarre, guarded the right/southern flank.

At dawn the Axis attacked. After a short fight, the Commonwealth troops withdrew. They retreated 40 miles northeast to Marsa al-Brega, which at the time was merely a small fishing village, but now is an industrial town of 7,000, and is located on the southernmost point of the Gulf of

Sidra.

Even though his superior, Gen. Italo Garibaldi, objected, Rommel continued the attack on Marsa alBrega, which was defended by the British 3rd Army Brigade, placed behind extensive mine fields and supported by the Royal Air Force.

The Axis attack began on March 30, and by April 1, it had been captured along with 800 prisoners.

By April 2, Agedabia had been captured and the Axis were on the move again, up the Via Balbia Road, which hugged the Libyan coast. Agedabia is located 4 miles from the eastern end of the Gulf of Sidra, 530 miles east of Tripoli, and 93 miles west of Benghazi. Today, it has a population of 77,000.

Now, Gen.Rommel received a message from his titular Commander, Gen. Giraboldi, which said, “From information I have received, I deduce that your advance continues.

This is contrary to my orders. I asked you to wait for me before continuing the advance.”

However, Gen. Giraboldi was several hundred miles away in his headquarters at Tripoli, while Rommel was at the front and could see the Commonwealth troops withdrawing and noting their disarray.

Now they unveiled their tank tactics. The German tanks would fake an attack, and then withdraw, hoping that the British armor would chase.

Usually it did.

The British armor would chase the German tanks right into the barrels of the 88s which had no problem destroying any British tank thrown against them. It’s range far exceeded their own.

At that point, Rommel decided to not only pursue the retreating enemy along the coast road, but to also split his forces and cross the chord of the bulge, known as the Bight of Bamba, and advance along tracks, instead of roads, in the desert, to Derna on the coast, in an attempt to intercept and destroy the enemy.

This is what the Commonwealth Continued on Page 43 Crossword answers from page 50

MARCH 19, 2021

WORLD WAR II Continued from Page 42 forces had done in February, when they were chasing the remnants of the Italian Tenth Army. They had met the Italians at Beda Fomm on the Via Balbia. Only Rommel would throw in a wrinkle. He sent three columns across the desert!

The Germans then advanced 100 miles east to the Arco dei Fileni, which had been constructed by the Italians to mark the border between Tripolitania and Cyrenaica and which Col. Gaddafi had dynamited in 1973.

By this time, Commonwealth forces were suffering several disadvantages. Some of their best soldiers were being shipped to Greece, where they would be wasted. Their supplies had to travel almost a thousand miles.

Before, they didn’t have to contend with enemy airpower, but now they had to contend with both the Italian Regia Aeronautica and the German Luftwaffe .

And the enemy’s equipment was better. Even the Italian equipment had improved. Gen. Baldassarre’s Ariete Armored Division now had much improved tanks.

Although they weren’t as good as the German or British, they were a whole lot better than the ones the Commonwealth had previously faced.

And the Ariete had received training in Germany, which greatly improved its performance. And what the British thought was an advantage — “Ultra” — was, at this stage, a disadvantage. “Ultra” was the program that allowed the British to decipher the German “Enigma” code machine, so that the British knew the German plans.

Except, in this case, the British knew, from “Ultra,” that Rommel had been ordered not to go on the offensive. But he did!

Once the Axis overran Marsa alBrega, Rommel sent most of the Italian Brescia Infantry Division with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, of the 5th Light Panzerdivision, commanded by Baron Irnfried von Wechmar in pursuit of the retreating Commonwealth forces up the Via Balbia, along the coast, towards Benghazi.

Meanwhile, a column led by Count Gerhard von Schwerin, consisting of part of the 5th Light Panzerdivision and a reconnaissance battalion from the Ariete Armoured Division, headed to Ben Gania, in the desert, and then to Derna, on the coast, by way of Bir Tengedir.

Between these two columns, was a column which included the rest of Gen. Streich’s 5th Light Panzerdivision, and the rest of Gen. Ettore Baldassare’s Ariete Armored Division, headed east toward El Mechili, by way of Msus and Ben Gania. Another column, under Lt .Col. Gustav Ponath, diverted from Gen. Streich’s column, made for the Via Balbia, near Derna.

Next week: The Naval Battle of

PAGE 43

Ocean City Today

Franchot extends tax filing deadline Maryland grants additional time until July 15 without interest, penalties applied (March 19, 2021) Maryland taxpayers will have until July 15 to file their income taxes with the state, Comptroller Peter Franchot announced last week.

In extending the state income tax filing deadline by three months, Franchot said no interest or penalties will be assessed if returns are filed and taxes owed are paid by the new deadline.

The extension, which applies to individual, pass-through, fiduciary and corporate income tax returns, including first and second quarter estimated payments, is due to recent and pending legislation at the state and federal levels that affect 2020 tax filings and provide economic relief for taxpayers harmed by the covid-19 pandemic.

In Maryland, passage of the RELIEF Act in February required extensive revisions to previously released forms and software programs used by tax filers and tax software vendors.

Legislative veto overrides that took place later than usual prompted additional changes. At the federal level, the passage of a third stimulus package this week necessitates more changes to federal and state forms even as the traditional April 15 tax filing deadline approaches.

“We’ve never before seen so many changes to the current year’s tax code in the midst of the tax filing season,” Franchot said. “We’re realistic about the burden this puts on taxpayers, tax preparers and our staff, which is why I’m taking this emergency action to extend the tax filing deadline to July 15.”

As of now, the Internal Revenue Service has kept its filing and payment deadline at April 15. The Comptroller’s Office will notify taxpayers if the IRS makes any adjustments.

Taxpayers who already have filed their state returns and are awaiting the revision of forms to amend their taxes to take advantage of an Unemployment Insurance subtraction should remain patient, Franchot said.

The third federal stimulus bill provides additional Unemployment Insurance (“UI”) tax benefits, which requires more updates to both state and federal forms.

Taxpayers who intend to take advantage of the UI subtractions are adCape Matapan Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. can be contacted at wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.

vised to wait until April 15, when all state forms will be ready with federal and state legislative changes.

“I know many Marylanders are eager to take advantage of these relief programs that will put more money back in their pocket and our agency is working as fast as possible to make the necessary changes,” Franchot said. “Our goal is to streamline this process so taxpayers don’t have to file multiple amendments as a result of further federal changes.”

Franchot noted that revisions to tax forms usually take several months and occur before the start of tax season. The multiple extensive changes in the midst of the tax season is unprecedented, he noted.

Additionally, Comptroller Franchot is extending the due date of the Tobacco Floor Tax payment from June 13 to July 15.

This floor tax was established by the veto override of House Bill 732 from the 2020 legislative session and the pending passage of Senate Bill 787 from the current session. Tobacco inventory must be taken after the close of business on March 13, but the comptroller is granting taxpayers additional time to remit the floor tax.

Further, due to changes included in the RELIEF Act and the veto override of House Bill 932 from the 2020 session, the deadline for Sales and

It’s

Use Tax returns also has been revised. Any SUT returns for sales taking place in March, April and May of 2021 will now be due on July 15.

Affected tax filers will automatically receive this extension and no interest or penalties will be assessed if returns are filed and taxes owed are paid by July 15.

One key provision of the RELIEF Act expanded the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for the next three years so that claimants get a larger refund and separate legislation extends eligibility to taxpayers using Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITINs).

On April 1, the comptroller’s website will launch a new EITC calculator tool for eligible taxpayers to determine how much they can expect to receive from this enhanced benefit.

Those who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, which is designed to benefit low-to-moderate income working taxpayers, will have the adjustments automatically made to their filings.

For taxpayers who already have submitted their returns, those refunds will begin to be processed on April 15 with no further action required by the taxpayer.

The Comptroller’s Office will notify the public about the availability of revised and new tax forms on its website and social media accounts.

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Ocean City Today

MARCH 19, 2021

MARCH 19, 2021

PAGE 45

Ocean City Today

Decatur football team trounces JMB, 52-8

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (March 19, 2021) The Stephen Decatur football team put 52 points on the board and held the James M. Bennett Clippers to eighth last Saturday in Salisbury.

“Offense sometimes gets a lot of the headlines, but the defense shut them out,” said Decatur Coach Jake Coleman. “I was pleased with the way the defense played. It was the second ousting effort in a row. When they’re playing lights out, we better score some points.”

Junior Ashten Snelsire threw a 63yard pass to senior Koby Higgins to put Decatur on the board. He hit sophomore Luke Mergott from 21 yards out for Decatur’s second score. Junior RJ Brittingham was successful on the twopoint conversion.

Freshman Brycen Coleman caught a 12-yard pass from Snelsire to make it 20-0. Senior Brett Truitt added two

points.

Decatur led 22-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Freshman Gavin Solito caught a 21-yard pass from Snelsire to start the second quarter. Coleman scored on the two-point conversion.

Mergott made it 36Jake Coleman 0, receiving a 10-yard pass from Snelsire.

Brittingham then ran the ball in from 10 yards out to increase Decatur’s advantage to 42-0. He carried the ball three yards for the two-point conversion.

At halftime, the Seahawks were on top, 44-8.

Coleman intercepted the ball and ran it 90 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Junior Jerry Grant added two points with a sack safety to end the game.

SD cross country athletes perform well in first meet

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (March 19, 2021) The Stephen Decatur boys’ cross country team won its three-school season opener last Wednesday in Berlin.

“I thought we ran OK. It was really good just to be back out there and competing,” said Decatur Coach Jody Stigler. “I am hoping that we have Jody Stigler set a baseline and we will be looking to improve upon these times in future meets. Standout performers were probably Mary [Mergott] and Tristan [Dutton].”

The Decatur boys’ squad scored 28 points in the victory. James M. Bennett came is second place with 41 and Snow Hill took third with 55 points.

Leading the team was Dutton, a junior, who came in second overall (18:29.3).

Also scoring points for Decatur were senior Liam Foley (fourth, 19:15.9), juniors Sam Woodley (fifth, 19:29.4), Gavin McCabe (seventh, 19:57.2) and Raul Gault (10th, 21:04.4).

Bennett won the girls’ competition, with 23 points. Decatur came in second with 32.

Leading the Seahawks was Mergott, a senior, who crossed the finish line first overall (22:27.1). Rounding out the top five were sophomore Mackenzie Cathell (sixth, 25:35.7), senior Avery Braciszewski (seventh, 26:26.1), junior Amalia Murphy (eighth, 26:26.7) and sophomore Ava Becnel (10th, 31:15.7).

The next meet is Wednesday, March 24 at 4 p.m. in Berlin.

Snelsire was 21-for-29, throwing for 303 yards and five touchdowns.

“In 18 years of coaching, he was throwing the ball as accurate as I have seen,” Coach Coleman said. “He was putting the ball on the money … He put the ball in a position where the guys can catch it. Outstanding job by him.”

Mergott caught eight passes for 86 yards, with two touchdowns. Coleman caught five passes for 72 yards, with a touchdown. Higgins racked up 93 yards on two catches.

On defense, Grant had four tackles, a sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery and safety. Junior Joe Buxbaum had six tackles, a forced fumble and a sack.

Junior Khi Reid had a forced fumble, and both junior Marqui Henry and Coleman had interceptions.

“We have intelligent kids. They’re smart and understand what we’re try-

ing to do. The kids really care about each other and want to be successful,” Coach Coleman said. “The defense is giving us the ball back consistently, and we can stay aggressive the entire time on offense.”

Decatur’s seniors will be recognized tonight, Friday, when the Seahawks battle the Wicomico Indians at 6 p.m. in Berlin.

Each athlete was originally allotted two family passes for spectators for the season home games, paid for in advance. It has been extended to five passes, which are non-transferable. For more information, call the school at 410-641-2171.

Spectators must wear masks and social distance in the stands. No visiting team spectators are allowed. Sports fan can watch all of Decatur’s home games live on SDHS sports YouTube channel.

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PAGE 46

MARCH 19, 2021

SD boys’ soccer team tops Decatur volleyball team logs this week’s opponents, 4-0 victories over ND, Wicomico

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (March 19, 2021) The Stephen Decatur boys’ soccer team shut out both the Mardela Warriors and Crisfield Crabbers, 4-0, this week.

On Monday, Decatur took a trip to Mardela Springs to play the Warriors.

Senior Kellen Catrino gave the Seahawks a 1-0 lead in the J. Greenwood first half.

“We’re still trying to get things together. After the Parkside [4-0] loss [on March 10], it made us take a step back and evaluate things,” said Coach Jamie Greenwood. “We played very direct, very up the middle and we didn’t use the width of the field. It makes it easy to defend. [At halftime,] we talked about spreading the field and playing the ball with more intent.”

Greenwood said the Seahawks had many more scoring opportunities in the second half, adding that Mardela’s goalie made some big saves that kept his team in the game.

“We had three or four opportunities in the first half and about a dozen in the second half,” he said.

Junior Miguel Cervantes made it 2-0

with about nine minutes remaining in the game. Catrino increased the Berlin squad’s advantage to three with a little over five minutes on the clock.

Sophomore Dalton Bunting netted the team’s fourth goal with about a minute left.

Junior goalie Aeddan Jones recorded five saves.

“Once we scored our second goal, the third and fourth came pretty quickly and easily,” Greenwood said. “The second half was much better. We worked the outside of the field and played more diagonal balls.”

Decatur celebrated it seniors – nine field players, including Jones, who is a junior but will be graduating early, and one manager – on Wednesday night in Berlin when the team faced Crisfield.

“The seniors played the entire first half and I thought they did a good job, and they had a good time,” Greenwood said. “We moved the ball well.”

Cervantes netted a penalty kick at the eight-minute mark. Seniors Emmanuel Aroh and Wil Barrett also scored in the first half. Freshman Sean O’Halloran tallied the Seahawks fourth goal in the second half.

Jones finished the game with three saves.

Decatur will host the Wicomico Indians on Wednesday at 4 p.m. in Berlin.

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (March 19, 2021) The Stephen Decatur volleyball team swept the North Dorchester Eagles in three games on Tuesday in Berlin.

“The team took a bit to warm up, but I am excited about how well they are working together this season,” said Decatur Coach Sara Patrick. “We have Sara Patrick a strong senior leadership that is doing an amazing job of uniting the team. I am looking forward to seeing them continue to grow during the season.”

Decatur won 25-14, 25-15 and 25-9.

Senior captain Brooklyn Pugner had two aces, two kills, 12 assists and four digs.

Junior Logan Patrick chipped in with three aces, two kills and three digs.

Senior captain Braelyn Clark added two aces, one kill, two assists and four digs.

Senior captain Alexis Graybill contributed with eight aces, four kills and three digs.

The next day, Decatur traveled to Salisbury to take on the Wicomico Indians and won, 25-9, 25-9 and 25-13.

No stats were available.

“The girls dominated the serve in this match. They also showed improvement in passing to the target and finishing the point,” Patrick said. “We always enjoy playing Wi-Hi. The coaches are so hospitable and the team has such heart and amazing sportsmanship.”

Decatur will take a trip to Salisbury to play the James M. Bennett Clippers on Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Decatur golf team wins first match in difficult conditions

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (March 19, 2021) The Stephen Decatur golf team won Tuesday’s sevenschool competition at Ocean City Golf Club in Berlin.

“It was a very tough match in difficult conditions but the team played great,” said Decatur Coach Dan Stearman. “It’s a tough course under normal conditions, but with the cold, rain and early spring course conditions made it See KOHUT Page 47

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

DOWNTOWN South end to 28th Street ■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-289-7192, www. captainstableoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Breakfast and lunch served Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 8 a.m. - noon and dinner and lite fare served Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 5-9 p.m. Featuring seafood, steaks,and poultry. Daily chef specials. Dine in or carry out available.

■ COASTAL SALT 16th Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City 410-973-7258, www.coastalsaltoc.com $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy and dine with the beautiful view of the ocean with Reel Eats & High Spirits.

Now open Thursday through Sunday, breakfast, lunch and dinner, 8 a.m. until close.

Happy Hour, 2-5 p.m. Wonderful starters, soups, salads, lite fare, and entrees. Famous bone-in ribeye, burgers, crab cakes, tacos, thyme roasted chicken and so much more. Dine in or carry out.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Casual dining atmosphere for families.

Soups, salads, crab cakes, hand cut steaks, fresh seafood, scallops, fresh soft crabs, and specialty dishes. Happy hour daily, 3-6 p.m. with food and drink specials.

Early bird daily, 4-6 p.m. with special dinner

menu. Open Wednesday through Sunday at noon. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Dine in or carry out.

■ THE DOUGH ROLLER S. Division Street and Boardwalk 410-2893501; 3rd Street and Boardwalk 410-2892599, www.TheDoughRoller.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar An Ocean City family tradition since 1980.

Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Buttermilk pancakes, fresh handmade dough pizza and Italian dinners. We have something for everyone!

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets ■ 32 PALM Located in The Hilton,32nd Street, Ocean City 410-289-2525, www.32palm.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open daily, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bar and lounge. Western Caribbean cuisine with a mix of traditional Eastern Shore favorites.

■ THE DOUGH ROLLER 41st Street and Coastal Highway 410524-9254; 70th Street and Coastal Highway 410-524-7981, www.TheDoughRoller.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Online ordering See downtown locations for description.

■ JOHNNY’S PIZZA PUB 56th Street, Ocean City 410-723-5600, www.johnnyspizzapub.com $ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring homemade pizzas, 18 gourmet pizzas, a variety of calzones, subs, burgers, sandwiches and jumbo wings with 20 different sauces. Open everyday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dine in, pickup, carryout and delivery.

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ 6701 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-6645639, www.longboardcafe.net $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Classic and creative American dishes and cocktails are showcased in a festive, surfthemed setting with weekly specials. Featuring burgers, tacos, prime rib, seafood and more. Closed on Tuesday. Dine-in and curbside pick-up.

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

■ RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT 61st Street Bayside/2nd Floor @ Bayview Bar & Grill, Ocean City 443- 664-7043 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Bayfront dining with a casual atmosphere.

Specializing in burgers, flat breads, crab cakes, shrimp burgers and full dinner specials. Open Friday and Saturday, 4-11 p.m. and Sunday, 1-9 p.m. Happy Hour Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 4-7p.m.

■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open Thursday and Friday, 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. with Island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets ■ HIGGINS CRAB HOUSE 128th Street and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-250-2403, www.higginscrabhouse.com $$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar See midtown location for description.

■ REEF 118 118th Street, in the Carousel, Oceanfront Hotel and Condos, Ocean City 410-5241000, www.carouselhotel.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Oceanfront dining in a casual atmosphere.

Great ambiance, salads, soups, lite fare, cocktails, drink specials and service. Enjoy chef’s specials, crab cakes, salmon, chicken caprese and shrimp scampi. Friday and Saturday is Prime Rib Dinner for $19.95. Open Friday and Saturday 4-10 p.m.

OCEAN PINES ■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar With sweeping views of the 18th hole, the new Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items. Full bar. Open Thursday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting.

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, www.OPyacht[1]club.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. Reopening March 12 at Noon. Then open Thursday through Sunday at 11 a.m.

MARCH 19, 2021

Ocean City Today

Local wrestlers to compete in state tournament in OC

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (March 19, 2021) The Maryland State Wrestling Association will host a state tournament this weekend at the Ocean City convention center, which includes about 530 wrestlers.

The annual tournament features wrestlers who compete in club programs across the state. This year, an open high school division has been added because covid forced the cancellation of their season. It will include the best wrestlers in 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A public schools, as well as private school athletes.

Todd Martinek, coach of the Stephen Decatur High School wrestling team and co-organizer of the tournament along with Assistant Coach Josh August, said very strict guidelines and protocols were followed in order for the event to happen. The tournament is not open to the public and only one family member per athlete is allowed, Martinek said. There will also be constant/enhanced cleaning and sanitizing.

“Thanks to the town of Ocean City for hosting and helping to get the event approved,” Martinek said.

About 30 members – ages 9-18 – of the local Junior Seahawk program, led by Ryan Intrieri and Gary Johnson, are slated to compete. They have been training and competing in tournaments in Pennsylvania, Virginia, South Carolina and Florida to prepare for the Maryland State Tournament.

Weigh-ins will take place on Friday, with matches Saturday and Sunday. All of the finals will take place on Sunday. Results and live scoring updates can be viewed on trackwrestling.com.

Unfortunately, the Decatur varsity wrestlers missed out on their season this year because of covid, and although Martinek was disappointed, he said in the big scheme of things, it only made it safer to hopefully get back to normal.

“We got a state championship in last year and we were able to finish the season [before covid]. The kids [seniors] will have an opportunity to finish their career at home,” he said.

“And, the event will have a big economic impact on the town.”

The Decatur wrestling team

capped off last season with 11 boys and two girls qualifying for the state championship. Three Seahawks captured 2A/1A state titles in their weight classes.

The squad went undefeated, 14-0, during the regular season, 26-0 overall with the Iron Horse dual tournament (8-0) and state dual meet tournament (4-0). It was the team’s first undefeated dual meet season, Martinek said last year.

Decatur captured its second consecutive regional dual title and won its second straight state dual championship as well.

In the past 50 years, Decatur sports teams have won six state championships. The wrestling team holds three of those titles.

Decatur won the Bayside Conference championship for 10 consecutive seasons (2002-2011), then again in 2017, 2019 and 2020.

The team broke numerous wrestling program records last season – 10 wrestlers in the Bayside Conference championship meet finals, nine in the regional finals, seven regional champs, 11 state qualifiers, seven state place winners, five state finalists and three champions.

They were recognized at the State House by Sen. Mary Beth Carozza and Del. Wayne Hartman for being two-time state dual meet champions.

The group received proclamations from Sen. Carozza and Del. Hartman as well as from Gov. Larry Hogan.

Kohut leads SD team in opener Continued from Page 46 tough on everyone.”

Decatur’s top four tallied a 179.

Freshman Kole Kohut led the Seahawks with a 38 and earned medalist honors.

Also contributing to the victory was senior captain Katelyn Davis (44), junior Jacob Bauer (48) and junior captain Abby Wesche (49).

Parkside came in second place with a 188 and James M. Bennett finished in third with a 213.

The next match is scheduled for Tuesday at Eagles Landing, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

PAGE 47

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Ocean City Today

Sgt. Howard retires after serving town citizens for 22 yrs.

MARCH 19, 2021

HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

(March 19, 2021) After 22 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Ocean City, Sgt. Freddie Howard retired on Feb. 28, from the Ocean City Police Department.

Sgt. Howard served as a seasonal police officer for three years before becoming a full-time officer with Hurlock Police Department in 1997.

Sgt. Howard returned to OCPD as a full-time police officer in August of 1999.

During his career, Sgt. Howard has served in multiple units. He has been asLISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY signed to patrol, worked as a K-9 handler, domestic violence investigator, and LUCKY GUEST A leprechaun strolls the Boardwalk last Saturday greeting people as they walk by. police recruitment member.

In 2002, Sgt. Howard received the Excellent Police Performance Award for assisting in the arrest and conviction of a violent rapist who was suspected of a series of rapes in Maryland and Delaware.

The following year, Sgt. Howard received the Meritorious Service Award and the Worcester County Commissioners Award for his involvement in the ap(March 19, 2021) Spring has diameter of tree limbs accepted is prehension and prosecution of two sprung, and as the town gets ready for three inches. Further, this effort does suspects convicted for their involvement warmer weather and the bustling not include the pick-up of full size in a double homicide, commonly known summer season, residents can once trees or the pick-up of large demolias the Sifrit case. again take advantage of Ocean City’s tion/remodeling projects.

In 2005, Sgt. Howard was named the Spring Clean Up. To participate, residents are being Neighborhood Watch Police Officer of This annual event allows residen- asked to place all items curbside (staff the Year. tial property owners to do their spring does not go on private property to reIn 2018, he received the Excellent Po- cleaning by offering free residential move items) on Saturday, March 27 lice Performance Award for his partici- bulk pick-up on Saturday, March 27. from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. This effort will pation in the arrest and investigation of Ocean City’s Spring Clean Up serv- allow staff to achieve the most effia commercial burglary suspect, who was ice offers a convenient way for resi- cient effort in the clean-up process. also discovered, during the investigation, dents to get rid of large household The Spring Clean Up service is proto have been conducting a marijuana items, such as furniture, appliances, vided for residents only, as commergrow operation out of his residence for bicycles, carpet, etc., which cannot cial properties are not included in the which he was also prosecuted. normally be loaded into a standard Spring Clean Up effort. For more inSgt. Howard was dedicated to his refuse truck. formation, call the Town of Ocean work and served the Ocean City commuYard debris and shrubs are also City’s Solid Waste Division at 410nity to his fullest extent. permitted, however; the maximum 524-0318.

After his retirement, Sgt. Howard will begin his next career journey in the insurance world. Besides, being a licensed insurance claims adjuster, Sgt. Howard plans to commence legal studies with a focus on Corporate Compliance/Civil/Personal Liability in the insurance industry. Most importantly, he is looking forward to spending more time with his family.

“I can, with all sincerity, say that it has been an honor and a privilege to have been able to honorably serve the Ocean City community during my career with the Ocean City Police Department,” he said. “I thank the Town of the Ocean City family for sharing and enhancing GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY what has been at times a challenging but reward- Ocean City Police Sgt. Freddie Howard, front right, who worked for the police department for 22 years, was awarded a key to the city by the mayor and city council on Feb. 23, after announcing his retirement. ing career journey.”

OC to offer free residential bulk pick-up on March 27

Concern about the plight of the less fortunate could be on your mind, Aries. You may have many questions about humanitarian issues and be wondering how to get involved.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 You normally are a very active person, Taurus. Figure out ways to channel that activity into something for the greater good — as well as something that can benefit you.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 This week you will enjoy a break where you can relax and decompress for a change, Gemini. Maybe you can use it as an opportunity to be introspective and forward-thinking.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you enjoy caring for others and regularly put your needs aside to cater to friends and family. But this week you are the one who needs advice and help.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Try to find things that can keep you occupied at home while you wait for an appointment or spend a lot of time indoors, Leo. Home projects may be an option.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, friends keep calling but you may not be in the mood to do the receiving. Don’t isolate for too long, as support from others is important and beneficial.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Do not fight the thoughts or feelings that are running through you this week, Libra. Some may not pan out, but something may come through that sets a new course for you.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Sometimes you can be a bit vague when it comes to relationships, Scorpio. Be clear about your intentions if you are thinking of getting into a new relationship.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Learning how to read other people’s emotions can help you learn to interact with and support those around you, Sagittarius. Practice your skills of perception.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, even though you have a solid game plan in place, you may experience a few challenges along the way. Use these experiences to learn from your mistakes.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 This week you may have a conversation with someone who opens your eyes to entirely new possibilities, Aquarius. Embrace this exciting time.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Don’t avoid conflict at all costs, Pisces. Rather, learn effective ways to face any and all events that come your way. You’ll be more well-rounded.

MARCH 19, 2021

High Sheriff Trail road in OP will close for improvements

Cpl. Heiser picked as OCPD Officer of the Year 2020 (March 19, 2021)Traditionally, the Ocean City Police Department and the Neighborhood Watch Coordinators host an annual Officer of the Year Ceremony to recognize OCPD personnel and volunteers for their accomplishments.

With the ongoing covid-19 pandemic and restrictions on gatherings, the department did not hold its traditional ceremony, but it did work with its Neighborhood Watch Coordinators to select an Officer of the Year.

Cpl. Jeffrey Heiser was named the 2020 Officer of the Year.

Heiser was chosen as the Officer of the Year by the seven Neighborhood Watch area coordinators. Also nominated were PFC Nathan Denny, PFC Amy Gutowski, PFC Justin Hoban, PFC Joseph Laughlin, PFC Harry Miller, and PFC Tyler Sheffy.

The volunteers of the OCPD Auxiliary Unit, support the organization and donate hundreds of hours of their time to the department and the citizens of Ocean City. In 2020, they donated 1,257 hours to the department.

The department also named Kathy Grimes as the Auxiliary Officer of the Year. Grimes donated 959 hours last year.

Traditionally, during the ceremony, the department awards commendations for exemplary service.

The following officers should be recognized for their dedication to the job in 2020: Silver Star Commendation: Lt. Frank Wrench, PFC David Whitmer.

Meritorious Service Commendation: PFC Joseph Laughlin, Lt. Frank Wrench, PSA Frank Brown.

Special Commendation: PFC Chelsea Kautz, PFC Harry Miller, Sgt. Michael Kelly, Cpl. Ryan Flanagan, Cpl. Nicholas Forsyth, Cpl. Christopher Wrench, PFC Amy Gutowski, PFC Brian Nieto.

Excellent Performance Commendation: Cpl. Nicholas Forsyth, Cpl. Joseph Lotito, Cpl. Christopher Snyder, PFC Benjamin Berry, PFC Michael Dzurnak, PFC Amy Gutowski, PFC Daniel Jacobs (x2), PFC Jessica Johnson, PFC Chelsea Kautz, PFC Kory Moerschel, PFC Brian Nieto, PFC Erika Rhode, PFC Tyler Sheffy, Ofc. Daniel Richardson, Ofc. Riley Scott, CST Sharon Schultz Unit Citation: Front Desk Personnel, and South Evening Personnel.

Employees who were recognized for their retirements and promotions in 2020 were Lt. Glen McIntyre, Sgt. Ronnie Townsend, Cpl. Albert Custer, Property & Evidence Technician Mary Marshall, and Records Management Supervisor Michelle Monico.

Each retired this year after serving a collective total of nearly 137 years to

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Ocean City Today

Ocean City Police Department Cpl. Jeffrey Heiser, right, was named 2020 Officer of the Year by the Neighborhood Watch Coordinators.

He is pictured with Chief Ross Buzzuro.

the Town of Ocean City.

The following officers were promoted in 2020: Lt. James Runkles, Sgt. Charles “Chip” Green, Sgt. Michael Kelly, Sgt. Michael Richardson, Sgt. James Schwartz, Cpl. Ryan Flanagan, Cpl. Nicholas Forsyth, Cpl. Shawn Lindsay, Cpl. James Rodriguez, Cpl. Christopher Snyder, PFC Mark Cutter, PFC Connor Finch, PFC Alexander Hawkins, PFC Kevin Herbert, PFC Brian Nieto, PFC Yovanny Ramirez, PFC Tyler Sheffy, PFC Todd Stahm, PFC Corwin Vincent, and Custody Officer Sara Hetherington.

(March 19, 2021) Drainage improvements on High Sheriff Trail in Ocean Pines will require a temporary road closure, starting on March 22.

Public Works Director Eddie Wells said his department would replace failing culvert pipes with larger ones, if nearby utilities allow for it.

“We will have the road blocked off for a couple of days to complete the installation of the new pipes. We should be completed by the end of the week (on March 26), weather permitting,” Wells said.

He added the Association would temporarily move mailboxes in the area to the intersection of the two parts of High Sheriff Trail, rather than at the intersection of High Sheriff Trail and Camelot Circle.

Ocean Pines started work on the Bainbridge Pond drainage improve-

READ OUR

ment project this week, and some road closures will be necessary because of the construction.

The association will provide regular updates on the Ocean Pines website and social media about any closures related to the project.

Work is estimated to continue through June, but construction on weekends is unlikely. Ocean Pines Public Works crews will be on site daily to monitor the situation.

Bainbridge Park will be closed starting today, Monday, March 15, and will remain closed until the project is completed. Upon completion, the association will install a sign at the park with details on how the improvements should impact drainage and water quality in the area.

For questions, call 410-641-7717 or email info@oceanpines.org.

LOCAL NEWS in OUR FILL

NEWSPAPERS or ONLINE at:

OceanCityToday.com

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Ocean City Today

MARCH 19, 2021

Deadline for women’s club Habitat for Humanity virtual 5K scholarship app March 22 (March 19, 2021) The Women’s Club of Ocean Pines will be awarding scholarships in June to students who are full-time residents of Ocean Pines.

These students must graduate from high school in good standing with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and plan to attend an accredited institution for further education.

These awards may be used by the recipient to help defray post-high school expenses at any approved degree, certificate-granting college or university, technical or vocational school.

The Women’s Club of Ocean Pines Scholarship committee will consider

the applicant’s needs, goals, scholarship, citizenship, community service, extra-curricular activities and motivation. The club believes in non-discrimination on the basis of race, gender, national origin or family status, in both principle and practice.

Applications for these scholarships may be found on the Naviance website, www.naviance.com. All applications must be returned to a senior counselor at Stephen Decatur High School by March 22.

Qualifying applicants who do not attend Stephen Decatur High School are asked to call 410-641-8046 for information and/or an application.

(March 19, 2021) Register the family for the Hello Spring! Virtual 5K Family Fun Run/Walk, which runs until Saturday, March 20.

All registered participants will receive a Hello Spring! Virtual 5K Family Fun Run/Walk T-shirt and a race bib. Medals will be awarded to all participants who finish a 5K and raise an additional $25 beyond the registration fee through sponsorships.

Since the pandemic prevents people from gathering in large groups, Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County invites everyone to support its mission to build homes, communities and hope by

participating in the Hello Spring! Virtual 5K Family Fun/Run Walk.

In addition, students can earn eight service hours for participation.

Participants can run or walk the 5K anywhere, including the Ocean City Boardwalk or one of the trails and courses throughout Worcester County.

Competitive runners in all age categories will be recognized on social media and the habitat website. Runners can submit their times via screenshot from any fitness app.

To register, visit https://marketing2064.wixsite.com/hellospringvirtual5k/shop?blm_aid=296974.

CROSSWORD

OC Art League current artist exhibits on display at center (March 19, 2021) The Art League of Ocean City’s new shows opened on First Friday, March 5 and will run until the end of the month.

The exhibits will be available all month to view in person with social distancing at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street and online at ArtLeagueOfOceanCity.org.

“Child’s Play,” an art show by painter Muthulakshmi Anu Narasimhan, fills the walls of the Thaler Gallery in March.

Narasimhan was born in Southern India and raised in the Netherlands before finally settling in Oakton, Virginia.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in studio art from Virginia Tech. Muthulakshmi’s inspirations are tied into her varied upbringing and Indian roots.

“When I visit India, I am always astounded by the way children are able to make do with sometimes no toys at all and create their own out of spare tires, stone, etc.,” she said. “I see this mirrored in a way with my own children … play best with toys they make from old boxes and cardboard. I hope to explore on canvas the ways in which children play, their ability to adapt their play to different environments and available resources.”

The Art League chose this show from an open call to artists.

“It was selected for its message and to further our efforts to bring equity, diversity and inclusion to the Art League and our community,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said.

“Plus, March is National Youth Art Month, and this show ties in perfectly with our Shirley Hall Memorial Youth Art Show.”

The Annual Shirley Hall Youth Art Show will be on display in Studio E, showcasing the artwork of middle and high school students from public and private schools in Worcester County.

The purpose of the event is to promote creativity and allow local youth to

present their artwork in a professional gallery setting. The show is named in memory of Shirley Hall, a former Art League board member, who was instrumental in originally developing the show.

The Galleria features an Art League members group show titled “Travelogues,” exhibiting art to transport the viewer to faraway places. The show features a wide range of 2D and 3D media.

The artwork of Erica DeHart of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, is on display in the Spotlight Gallery during March.

DeHart studied at the Tyler School of Art at Temple University, then worked in illustration until she found her niche in mural painting.

Her work can be seen on the West Chester University campus as well as in homes, businesses, schools and churches throughout the tri-state area.

Marisa Longo of Ocean City is the artisan in residence for March, offering her one-of-a-kind jewelry and sculptures inspired by the natural objects found on Assateague Island. She creates mixed media metal trees, pendants and figures with the wire wrapping technique, often inset with pearls.

Admission is always free to the Ocean City Center for the Arts at 502 94th Street, home of the Art League of Ocean City, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects.

Financial support comes primarily through membership dues from individuals and corporate sponsors. Funding for exhibits is also provided by the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts, organizations dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. More information is available at 410-524-9433 or ArtLeagueOfOceanCity.org.

Answers on page 42

MARCH 19, 2021

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Ocean City Today

Calendar Fri., March 19

provided. Masks required. Advance registration required: 410-524-9433 or www.ArtLeagueofOceanCity.org/Classes.

‘LIFE IN WATERCOLOR’ ART SHOW Salisbury Art Space, 212 W Main St., Suite 101. “Life in Watercolor: The Works of Katherine Wood Day” is on display, with all works for sale as a fundraiser to Salisbury Art Space and Salisbury A&E District. 410-546-4748, http://salisburyartspace.org

BOOK DISCUSSION: ‘THE FLIGHT GIRLS’

BY NOELLE SALAZAR Meeting via Zoom, 2:00 PM. Lively book discussion facilitated by Cynthia Hanagud and Gail Samis of Salisbury University. Books are available on Hoopla (hoopladigital.com). Register at worcesterlibrary.org under events.

Sat., March 20 VIRTUAL WALK WITH A DOC Join the group for a virtual Walk with a Doc on the Atlantic General Hospital Facebook page, 9:00 AM. There will be a short presentation by Gena Swift on the topic colorectal cancer awareness. Participants can then walk wherever they like and share a selfie on social media with the hashtag #walkedwithagh.

FRIED CHICKEN DINNER New Hope United Methodist Church, 7338 New Hope Road, 11:30 AM. Drive thru pick only. Menu includes mashed potatoes, greens, string beans, biscuit and dessert.

Cost is $13. 410-543-8244 or 443-235-0251

‘CREATIVE KIDS’ FREE ART CLASS Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St., 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Lindsey Winters, art teacher at Showell Elementary School, will lead children, ages 6 and older, in a fun art making session using a variety of mixed media. All materials

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.

Sun., March 21 VIRTUAL AFRICAN DANCE Facilitated by Kimberly Clark Shaw, A Masters Peace promoting unity, expression and cultural education and engagement, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM. All ages welcome. No dance experience necessary. Register: Lotoya, 410-641-4598.

Mon., March 22

iarized with their voices and style. Register at Worcesterlibrary.org under events.

Wed., March 24 LUNCH AND LEARN SALTMARSH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM David Curson, PhD, Audubon Mid-Atlantic, will provide an overview of his Saltmarsh Restoration work, 12:00 PM. RSVP: Taylor Party, tcarty@lowershorelandtrust.org or 443-234-5587.

FIRST STATE DETACHMENT OF THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE MEETING American Legion Post #166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., 12:00 PM. The group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month. Any Marines and Navy Corpsman who have served in the Corps, living in Worcester and Sussex counties are welcome to join the group. websergeant@firststatemarines.org, 410-430-7181

St., 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Barbara Buford will instruct this class. Geared towards adults dealing with stress, trauma or grief, projects are designed to focus on centering and healing. All materials provided. Masks required. Advance registration required: 410-524-9433 or www.ArtLeagueofOceanCity.org/Classes.

ZUMBA FOR ALL LEVELS Meeting via Zoom, 2:00 PM. Join certified Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an hour of Zumba. This is a webinar style program, meaning you can practice your moves without being seen. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org.

HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS OF WORCESTER COUNTY Meeting via Zoom, 2:00 PM. To celebrate Maryland Day, join Worcester County Library’s Local History Librarian to dive back in time and view photographs of Worcester County from the special collections.

STORY TIME - ‘LET’S VISIT INDIA’

PAPER ROLLER COASTERS MEET UP

Held via Facebook, 10:30 AM. Join Miss Susan as she shares stories about shopping in India and making one of their popular dishes called Daal. For 2-5 year olds. No registration required.

Meeting via Zoom, 3:30 PM. Request your Paper Roller Coasters Kit at https://worcesterlibrary.libwizard.com/ f/ProgramToGo then join the meeting to show off your roller coaster or to ask questions about the kit. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under events.

For those 10 years and older.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

WE HAVE BEEN HERE BEFORE: DELMARVA DURING THE 1918 PANDEMIC

ST. PATRICK’S DAY GOLF & DINNER

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY MEETING Meeting via conference call, 6:00 PM 6:30 PM. Dial 605-472-5789, wait for voice command, then press 944874.

TOPS is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and healthy lifestyle. Berlin group No. 169.

Rose Campion, 410-641-0157

Tues., March 23 SPOKEN WORD, THE PERFORMANCE Meeting via Zoom, 6:30 PM. Students will be working on their personal cadence and stage presentation to become more famil-

Meeting via Zoom, 6:00 PM. Historian Michael Dixon examines the impact of the so-called Spanish Influenza Pandemic of 1918. Register: worcesterlibrary.org under events.

Thurs., March 25 ‘HEART & SOUL’ FREE ART CLASS Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th

Meeting via video call, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410-548-7880

ONGOING EVENTS The Delmarva Whiskey Club will hold their 7th annual charity golf event on March 20 at the Bayside Resort Golf Club, Selbyville, Del. The event will feature a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. and followed by a sit-down pairing of fine food and high-end Irish whiskey at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Semper K9. Register: https://www.delmarvawhiskey.com/golf.

To become a tournament sponsor, contact Kevin Clover at 215-815-1706 or kevin@delmarvawhiskey.com.

LIFE CRISIS CENTER’S GOLF TOURNAMENT The tournament takes place at Glen Riddle War Admiral on May 7, starting at 9 a.m. Sponsorships are needed for this event. To become a sponsor go to the special events page on the group’s website and click through to the event, email tciarmoli@lifecrisiscenter.org or contact Tina at 410-749-0632 by April 8.

22ND ANNUAL NATIVE PLANT SALE Offering a wide variety of native sun and shade plants, veggies and herbs for online purchase. Visit http://www.actforbays.org/plant-sale.html. Orders can be picked up on May 1 at the Assateague Coastal Trust office, 9842 Main St., Berlin, by appointment.

DONATION

DIAL-A-STORY

The Ocean City Lions Club recently donated $500 to the Blood Bank of Delmarva. Pictured, from left, are Norm Cathell, past district governor; Bill Christmas, Lions second vice president; Marie Forestal, Blood Bank director of donor recruitment; Bryan Shepherd, Blood Bank accounts manager; and Mike Hooper, Lions president.

Call 888-964-2686 to hear a children’s book read by a librarian. Updated every week on Wednesday.

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Ocean City Today

MARCH 19, 2021