4/12/2024 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Disp a atch

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Schools spending gets 6-hour exam

The Worcester County Commissioners grilled public school officials on their proposed $136 million spending plan Tuesday, with some asserting the system’s financial approach should be reimagined. —Page 73

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IT’S ALL ABOUT EDUCATION

Mount Airy resident Paul Hocheder, almost 90, has returned to college. His grandaughter Gabby Remington, Worcester’s Teacher of the Year for 2024, shared videos of his story online. As of last week, her TikTok views had hit the five million mark.

— Page 36

Money in capital budget to be used for site evaluation

After clearing the General Assembly, city can give serious consideration of location and potential design.— Page 12

3rd St. park named ...

3rd St. Park City Council votes

4-3 to call it what some refer to now

Although other names were proposed, majority recognizes people will stick with what they know. — Page 8

PHOTO COURTESY DEBI PERSING

What else can be said when a new foal makes its debut alongside mom at Assateague National Seashore? That’s the reaction the new colt evokes from park visitors when spotted in the bayside grasses. The colt was born April 5 to Johnny’s Star, according to seashore personnel.

Public works head defends higher overtime expenses

Workforce reduction from 202 to 191 led to longer hours for dept. employees

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 12, 2024) Discussions on overtime costs continued this week during a budget presentation from the town’s public works department.

Public Works Director Hal Adkins told the Mayor and Council Monday that overtime costs across all public works divisions totaled more than $811,000 last year. He noted, however, that the department was doing more work with less people.

“Yes, we do $811,000 in overtime,” he told the council. “But if you look at it individually by department, it’s not that great of a number.”

The cost of overtime across town departments has highlighted this year’s budget deliberations. Last week, for example, the council spent a majority of a Friday work session delving deeper into the causes of overtime within the Ocean City fire and police departments.

Adkins told the council on Monday use of overtime within the public works department fell into three categories – scheduled overtime, special events and staffing shortages. In a spreadsheet given to the council, the solid waste, maintenance and transportation divisions utilized the most overtime hours.

“In some cases it is scheduled,” he said. “Use the maintenance department as an example, Tom Dye’s guys in the summer months … Those same guys working Monday through Friday, 6:00 to 2:30, come in on Saturday, come in on Sunday, they work from 6:00 a.m. to about 10. So part of it is in fact scheduled overtime.”

Adkins said town events are also a large driver of scheduled overtime hours. He highlighted the success of the recent St. Patrick’s parade, which generated overtime within the solid waste division.

“It was unbelievable weather, a great parade that then triggers great use of hotels, restaurants and bars and having to schedule additional trucks on Saturdays and Sundays to meet the need.”

Officials also highlighted staffing shortages within public works divisions. Adkins noted that in one instance last year, a comfort station attendant worked 100 hours a week.

“We’re not exaggerating,” he said. “That’s just what it took.”

In his review of overtime hours, Adkins told the council that the number of workers within public works has decreased. He said full-time employment has dropped from 202 in fiscal year 1987 to 191 in fiscal year 2023.

“We have tried our best to work more efficiently through technology such as the big trash truck on the beach versus the way we used to operate,” he said. “We faced a reduction in our workforce back in 2008 and a large portion of what was the construction department retired and we never replaced them. We ended up having to outsource a lot of our construction activities.We chose to move away from traditional recycling and into wastestream energy with Covanta. There was a major staff reduction at that time.”

For his part, Councilman John Gehrig said he wanted to see how overtime costs were offset by hiring more full-time employees. He also shared his concerns about the number of hours worked by an attendant at the comfort station.

“I certainly appreciate the effort,” he said. “We have just an unbelievably great team and staff. But 100 hours a week? Hopefully that’s a one off.”

Special events spending talk in OC turns ethical

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 12, 2024)

A presentation on Ocean City special events and the efforts needed to revitalize certain festivals in the coming fiscal year delved into a deeper discussion last week about entertainment and ethics policies.

During budget discussions last Thursday, Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo and Special Events Director Frank Miller came before the Mayor and Council to present a proposed spending plan for the town’s special events department next year. Following a discussion on Sunfest, Springfest and Winterfest – and ways to improve upon those events –Councilman John Gehrig questioned how certain ethics and entertainment policies limit employees’ abilities to secure sponsorships and bring new business to town.

“I’m bringing it up at budget meetings because these things require us to adjust policies we already approved,” he said. “I think we’re agreeable, we can figure it out.”

Miller presented the council last week with ideas to improve the performance of long-standing events –including Sunfest and Springfest –with additional sponsorships and promotional opportunities, among other things. Gehrig, however, ar-

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City attempts to revitalize events, leads to ethics talk

Continued from Page 4

gued that the town’s tourism and special events departments could do its job with certain ethics and entertainment policies in place.

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“This might not be the right time to talk about it, but this is where I struggle with like our meal policy or a ticket policy or an ethics policy,” he said. “We’re talking about recommendations for future improvements. This requires outreach and sales and relationships. And I just want to make sure there’s money in the budget to be able to build relationships. Sometimes that happens at a golf course or at dinner.”

In March, the council voted to approve the first reading of changes to the town’s ethics code to comport with state law. From that decision came a lengthy discussion on what impact the amendments could have on certain officials – including the mayor and director of tourism and business development – and their ability to “sell the town.”

That policy, along with the town’s entertainment policy, was brought up last Thursday. Gehrig said both guidelines had an impact on how the town’s sales team did business. He added that Perlozzo recently declined an invitation to join CEOs and advertising representatives at an Orioles game over fears that it could violate such policies.

tourism director and others in the sales department to do things other department heads cannot.

“There are some spending limits, three times what a normal department head can spend on a meal per person. Three times,” he said. “And the purpose of that is because his credit cards. my credit card, the mayor’s credit, they’re all subject to the Freedom of Information Act. So when that happens, having something that we can go back to and point to and justify as reasonable, I think is important.”

McGean added that he wasn’t aware of any invitation to skybox seats. But he said if there were concerns, it should have been brought to him.

‘The mayor has a little bit more flexibility with what he does, he’s an ambassador for the town.’

Councilman Will Savage

“The ethics issues that you all just had to pass, that comes straight from the state,” he added. “So we are working with them to make sure that we can have that extra freedom because we are different from just about every other place in the state. And we have made that known to the ethics folks at the state and Heather [Stansbury, city solicitor] is working to with them.”

When asked about his invitation to the Orioles, Perlozzo said he declined skybox seats because he didn’t want to get into trouble.

“He is selling our assets,” he said, “The point is to make money, and we’re never going to be able to execute on these recommendations if, as a group up here, we blindfold him and tie one hand behind his back and tie his feet together and tell him to go run, win a race.”

For his part, Councilman Will Savage said he wanted to see the town have success in bringing new events and visitors to town. He noted, however, those policies existed to keep officials out of trouble.

“The mayor has a little bit more flexibility with what he does, he’s an ambassador for the town,” he said. “I think Tom could have that integrated into his position, but we just need to define exactly what that is to keep him and us out of trouble. We briefly talked about it with ethics, and if Tom did have a budget for entertaining. We just need records and quantifiable results.”

Addressing the town’s entertainment policy, City Manager Terry McGean said that policy was presented to the tourism director for suggestions and changes and ultimately approved by the Mayor and Council. He said it allowed the

“I’m gonna be cautious,” he replied. “I’m not going to get in trouble and have you get in trouble because I went to a game or went somewhere that I got for free. And then beyond that, it’s the staff internally that has an issue and I don’t want to have them feel like I’m getting some special privilege. I’m a team player. I’ll do what it takes. I’ll figure out another way. But that’s why I didn’t go to the skybox.”

Perlozzo also relayed his concerns about spending money on dinners and entertainment. He noted that while the town’s entertainment policy gave him a higher spending limit, it was still only $90.

“That’s what three times our policy is,” he said. “How much does it cost to play golf?”

While he said he was happy to revisit the town’s entertainment policy, McGean noted that changes to the town’s ethics code were state mandated.

“As much as we love to say we’re just a business and we’re different from everybody, the bottom line is we are still local government,” he said. “We do still fall under certain regulations from the state and that’s what we need to do.”

After further discussion, the council agreed to continue the conversation at a future work session.

Third Street Park name made official in OC

Redeveloped downtown recreation complex retains traditional moniker

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 12, 2024) Having been known as Third Street Park for decades, Ocean City officials this week voted to formalize the moniker for the downtown recreation complex.

The Mayor and Council on Tuesday voted 4-3, with Council Secretary Tony DeLuca and Councilmen Frank Knight and John Gehrig opposed, to approve Third Street Park as the new name of the downtown recreation complex. Deputy City Manager JR Harmon said a recent online survey showed 99 out of the 300 respon-

dents favored the name, making it the top vote-getter.

“Third Street Park will remain Third Street Park,” Council President Matt James said.

In an effort to give the redeveloped downtown recreation complex a new name to match its new appearance, town staff came to the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Committee with several options. Harmon told the council this week that when the committee failed to reach a consensus, the proposed names were brought to the community for input.

“Councilman [Will] Savage made the suggestion that we poll the students that are in the schools to try and get a name at that time,” Harmon said. “Director [Susan] Petitio was kind of under a time restraint at that point, and she was hoping for a quick

naming decision in order to get the park signs up and ready for opening here in another month. With that, we put it out in a social media poll at that point.”

Harmon said the poll included several naming options – including Bayside Park, South Bay Park, Bayfront Park and Southside Recreation Complex. He noted, however, that respondents favored Third Street Park, an informal name used by community members for decades.

For his part, Gehrig – a member of the town’s recreation and parks committee – said he hated the name. He said the park should have a new name to match its new look. He encouraged officials to consider other options, or potentially a combination of names, similar to Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

“I guess my point is, as a point of compromise, if we’re determined to call it Third Street Park, like have Third Street in the name, first of all, that is a slight on 4th Street,” he joked. “But if we’re determined to have Third Street, we could do something like Bayside Park at Third Street Fields or something like that. I’m not proposing that, but there are options to include Third Street if that’s what we want to do.”

Councilman Peter Buas said regardless of what the complex is called, he said community members would continue to call it Third Street Park. He noted, however, that he liked the idea of dedicating the park to honor a particular community member.

“I think it would be something to consider at a later date,” he said.

Both Knight and DeLuca also shared their dislike of the name. DeLuca said he liked Savage’s suggestion of getting the schools involved in the renaming.

“I think the timing really doesn’t matter because the signs are going to be up forever,” he said. “I think we should go back to Councilman Savage’s recommendation and have a contest from the schools. Let’s have the kids do it. I think it would be exciting, fun, fresh.”

Harmon told the council that the name of the downtown recreation complex was changed to Bayside Park in 2010. He noted that while it has always been referred to as Third Street Park, the council could consider some rendition of the two monikers.

“As we compromise, we had put in here Bayside Park at Third Street if that was something you wanted,” he said.

After further discussion, Buas made a motion “to name Third Street Park, Third Street Park.” The motion passed in a 4-3 vote.

“All the people refer to it as Third Street Park,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. “It’s like part of our history.”

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Overtime costs soar within fire department

Command staff, OC council review staffing shortages, FY25 budget impacts

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 12, 2024) Command staff say long-term absences of full-time personnel and growing overtime costs continue to plague the Ocean City Fire Department.

Fire Chief Richie Bowers told the Mayor and Council last Friday he is hopeful overtime will reduce as an unprecedented number of sick and injured employees return to work. But until that happens, he said the department is left to fill work hours with fewer full- and part-time staff.

“The most important factor is a need for human capital back on the floor,” he

said. “When that begins to occur – which it is slowly occurring – and we get back to our normal staffing strength, I do believe that that will make a huge impact. But sitting here right now and telling you that things are going to change overnight, no, we have to get these people healthy.”

A recent audit revealed significant increases in overtime hours worked within the fire department during the final quarter of 2023. During budget discussions last week, Bowers told the council it was a result of long-term absences within the department.

“An anomaly occurred over the last 12 months that I haven't ever experienced in my career, and that is we've had a number of long-term absences from the department basically almost at the same time, which means people are not available to work in their normal capacity,” he

said. “And that's an overtime driver.”

Officials noted that the department implemented a new staffing deployment model last year in an effort to improve services and reduce overtime. And while the department noticed improvements, overtime increased once again in October.

“That's when we had a lot of these people go out on long-term medical and we fell behind the eight ball again,” City Manager Terry McGean said. “So you see in this off-season, that's where we've been struggling to come back with overtime, because we've had, I think at one point, almost seven people out on long-term medical all at the same time.”

Command staff reported the fire department has had to cover 4,400 hours with overtime since September. Officials say overtime is used as a result of holidays, call-outs, contractual overtime and no available part-time staff.

time and part-time costs for fiscal year 2025. He said that the numbers included in the proposed budget were totals for the current fiscal year and not the upcoming fiscal year.

“Myself, the budget manager and the fire department, we have met, and the error is now corrected,” he said. “It results in an increase in overtime – a substantial increase in overtime – amounts, and a decrease in part time [pay].”

McGean said the error resulted in an additional budget impact of $282,000. He noted, however, that the town is recognizing additional revenues that could help cover costs.

“So it does not have an impact on the tax rate,” he said.

The council also voted unanimously this week to approve an endof-season bonus for fire department employees who work a certain amount of weekend hours throughout the summer. McGean said it should also help to cover overtime costs.

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Exacerbating the issue is the shortage of part-time employees, Bowers said. Since 2019, the number of parttime personnel has decreased from 82 to 21.

“The ideal number to make sure they are able to work part-time to keep them interested, is 35 to 45,” he said.

Councilman Tony DeLuca noted the pay for part-time staff in Ocean Pines was higher than in Ocean City. Budget Manager Jennie Knapp, however, said if part-time pay increased it would be higher than union pay.

“But they don’t get pension,” Council President Matt James said.

After a lengthy discussion about overtime and budgetary impacts, McGean agreed to re-evaluate the part-time pay scale. He noted, however, that additional time and recruitment programs could correct the issue.

“I think we also need to be careful that we don’t overreact …,” he said. “This is our first year with this new staffing plan.”

As a result of last week’s overtime discussion, McGean came before the council again this week to discuss a budget error that occurred when reviewing the fire department’s over-

“It will be budget neutral,” he said.

The council last week also reviewed staffing for the police department as part of its budget discussions. With the elimination of the department’s seasonal officer program, the town has plans to hire five new full-time officers beginning July 1 and another five officers beginning Jan. 1. But officials say they do not expect overtime to decrease.

“I don't want to tell you because we are hiring 10 new guys, overtime will go down,” McGean said.

Police Chief Ross Buzzuro said leave, court, investigations, paperwork and special events result in overtime for the department. He noted that overtime typically peaks in June.

“We look at overtime, we track it and we try to reduce it,” he said. “Over this past year we've reduced it over 3,000 hours.”

McGean noted, however, that even though overtime is costly, it may be cheaper than bringing on additional full-time employees. He noted that the town would conduct a manpower study in the coming fiscal year to evaluate the department’s personnel needs.

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Room tax increase approved by legislature

Before enacting change, commissioners must approve with 7-0 vote

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 12, 2024) After a periodically hectic 90 days, the Maryland General Assembly concluded its 2024 legislative session at midnight on Monday with the proposed sports complex getting the funding it needed to begin evaluating potential locations for the facility. In addition, the room tax increase vital to developing and subsidizing the program was approved.

The proposed Ocean City sports complex was analyzed by the Maryland Stadium Authority in November 2022. The authority ultimately declared that the idea was worth pursu-

ing.

As mapped out now, the complex would feature 10 tournament-quality outdoor fields and 10 basketball courts. The evaluation also concluded that venue would “generate a positive return to the State and local economies,” the General Assembly project report reads. “Specifically, the complex would support over 900 new local jobs and $8.5 to $10 million in state and local tax revenue.”

According to Hartman, who sponsored the budget entry in the House, with Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R38) tendering it in the senior chamber, the measure secures $500,000 in the capital budget for site assessment, planning and design. He added that the funding reflects a request from Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and that the next level of talks will be-

tween the mayor and council and the Maryland Stadium Authority. A local task force has been meeting to evaluate the sports complex possibility.

As for other financial awards in the state budget, the Worcester County Humane Society is set to receive $25,000 from the capital budget, and the Ocean City Elks Lodge will also be awarded $23,500.

Farther up in the recreational food chain, the General Assembly provided $400 million for the restoration of Pimlico Racecourse, the site of the Preakness Stakes. That legislation could affect the future of Rosecroft Raceway, and should the harness course shut down, its funding will be transferred to Ocean Downs.

The increased financial support for the Berlin facility would transform it into a year-round racing destination,

Hartman said. This transition would increase jobs and tourism in the area.

Because House Bill 186 authorizes a change in the room tax, instituting it will require a unanimous vote of the county commissioners.

“The bill will add value to Ocean City,” Hartman said. “It allows tourists to pay tourism-related expenses, like safety and keeping the town clean, through this tax. I am typically not one for tax increases, but this is a win-win for our district. We made sure we got it done.”

The approval of a pair of recreational vehicle bills Hartman said is another victory for Worcester County. Out-of-state dealers will now have the option to attend the Ocean City RV show, which was previously prohibited. With this area immediately next door to Delaware sellers, these vendors can now showcase their products at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center event. No deposits are to be collected, and purchasers will be offered more choices.

The RV package also increased the number of shows dealers can attend from two to three.

House Bill 1116 passed the General Assembly, much to Hartman’s dismay. The law stipulates that restaurants need a separate trader's license if they receive more than 10% of their sales through merchandise, like sweatshirts and hats.

The Maryland House also passed a bill to increase funding for TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury. Money raised from boosted vehicle registration costs will aid in this initiative.

Hartman said that Wicomico County hospital’s shock trauma center is underfunded.

“The facility does not have the frequency like Baltimore, but it still needs specialists on standby,” the delegate said. “Our trauma center loses $20 million annually on the necessary on-call staff. It is expensive, but it is imperative that we have these centers across the state. We are continuing to fight for support of the trauma center.”

Tram advertising revenues projected near $400K in ‘24

By Mallory Panuska Ames

Editor

(April 12, 2024) Ocean City’s bus and tram advertiser still has high hopes for revenue projections heading into the summer season.

Craig Heard, the president and CEO of Gateway Outdoor Adverting, told members of the Transportation Committee on Tuesday that as of April 4, the company added 15 new contracts, nine of which have been officially booked, for the 2024 season for a total guaranteed $373,575 in revenue.

“Right now I feel comfortable at that 373 number that we would be at least at,” Heard said.

Gateway was signed to a six-year contract in late 2022 to take over sell-

ing ads on all resort buses and trams from longtime contractor Vector Media. And while the new company got off to a somewhat rocky start, with questions over whether officials would be able to deliver on a $200,000 revenue promise in the first year, the numbers and projections have been on the rise.

Heard said he is hoping to exceed $400,000 when all is said and done, which rivals pre-COVID, 2019 numbers. However there are some advertisers that opted not to renew, which he said equaled about $67,000 total in lost revenue.

“When we triggered them as to what the reason is, some of them are actually saying they are concerned about the attendance due to the bridge collapse that may impact the visitors,” Heard said in reference to the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore that is out of commission for the foreseeable future following a cargo ship collision on March 26.

At the mention of the concern, several Transportation Committee members scoffed.

Heard also said the city more than doubling the number of digital Boardwalk signs, which are officially going to display content this summer, also played a part in some advertisers’ leeriness to buy space on the trams.

“So the digital billboards are going to have some impact,” he said.

All in all, though, the committee members were impressed.

“I think you’re going to exceed expectations,” Councilman Tony DeLuca, who sits on the committee, said after Heard’s presentation on the numbers.

Heard added that the company will be collecting money from digital tram ads this summer for the first time. Officials introduced the technology shortly after their contract began, but it took some time to secure the equipment and work out kinks. And while the boards displayed some ads during Sunfest in the fall, they were unpaid. Heard said the ads sold thus far for the coming summer have nearly paid for the entire investment of the digital boards.

“It’s almost a more than 200% increase in revenue on trams,” he said.

Mayor Rick Meehan, who chairs the Transportation Committee, commented on the positive return on investment and commended Heard and his staff.

“We’re off to a great start this year,” Meehan said. “And I think you really came through and did what you told us what you were going to do.”

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OC council passes new parking standards

Resort officials approve new dimensions for residential garages

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 12, 2024) Following a months-long debate, Ocean City officials this week passed new parking standards for residential garages.

On Tuesday, City Manager Terry McGean provided the Mayor and Council with recommendations that would change the size of garage parking in residential developments. The new standards provide new parking widths, depths, drive aisles and more.

“What I’m talking about is enclosed parking,” he said. “This is specifically residential one- and two-car parking garages. And why right now? I believe

they need a different standard than what we currently have.”

Last month, Caine Woods resident Dennis Dare – a former city manager and councilman – came before the Mayor and Council to present what he called a “glaring deficiency” in the design of ongoing townhouse projects at 142nd and 144th streets. He argued the alleyways used to access the garages and fire lanes were too narrow, and that garage parking was inadequate.

“In two years, when these developments are complete and full of weekly and daily rentals that bring more than one car, our neighborhood is going be parked deeper into it or have cars parked all week, not just during beach hours,” he said.

Since that time, town staff have been at work developing recommendations on new depths, widths or drive aisle

sizes that could accommodate larger vehicles without hurting developers. Back on the agenda this week, McGean said he was proposing dimensions that provide more room for cars to enter and exit garages.

“I want you to know that this did come about from concerns raised by Mr. Dare and others …,” he told the council. “I had gone up and looked at the specific project in question and realized that I think we do have an issue that we need to deal with.”

McGean said the projects in question did meet the city’s current code with one exception at the 144th Street development. He noted the project featured a 25-foot drive aisle, which is five feet less than what is required by life safety and town codes.

“Essentially that lane, under city code, without an exception, should

have been 30 feet wide,” he said. “The applicant went to the fire prevention commission, which is the appeals body, and appealed that, and asked to reduce the width of that lane from 30 feet to 25 feet. It was granted at that time in exchange for a couple other things being done for the project.”

Council President Matt James asked if the variance contributed to the parking and access issues on the site. McGean noted that town code allows an applicant to seek variances to reduce things such as fire lanes, setbacks and parking, which he said happened frequently.

“That’s something we need to stress, that these are minimums,” he replied. “And when we go below these minimums, that’s when a lot of these problems do occur.”

On the topic of parking dimensions, McGean said the town code set the same dimensions for enclosed and unenclosed parking spaces – a nine-foot space with a 23-foot aisle or a 10-foot space with a 20-foot aisle. He noted those measurements were based on industry standards for exterior parking lots.

“I can tell you that we are actually fairly generous in that a lot of communities require deeper backup areas,” he said.

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While those dimensions provided adequate parking space on exterior lots, McGean argued it was not enough for garage parking, as walls and garage doors reduce the amount of space available to park cars and open doors. To that end, he recommended new standards that set a minimum parking space width of 19 feet for a two-car garage.

“I think it’s a reasonable minimum that allows reasonable sized cars and reasonable driver comfort to get two of those in there and open the doors,” he said.

Under the 19-foot, two-car garage standard, staff recommended a minimum width of 19 feet, a minimum depth of 20 feet, a minimum garage door size of 18 feet, a minimum paved aisle width of 22 feet and a minimum aisle clear width of 23 feet. Under the 20-foot, two-car garage standard, staff recommended a minimum width, depth and paved aisle width of 20 feet, a minimum garage door size of 18 feet and a minimum aisle clear width of 22 feet. Under the single-car garage standard, staff recommended a minimum width of 11 feet, a minimum depth and paved aisle width of 20 feet, a minimum garage door size of 10 feet and a minimum aisle clear width of 22 feet.

“If it’s a fire lane, it needs to be 30 feet,” McGean said of the recommendations.

After further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to draft an ordinance to adopt the revised parking standards. Council also expressed an interest in discussing overflow and residential permit parking at a later date.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 12, 2024) Officials say they will explore the acquisition of property to expand the Little Salisbury Park.

Last Thursday, Ocean City Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petito presented elected officials with her proposed budget for the coming fiscal year. While the spending plan features $240,000 for improvements at Little Salisbury Park, Mayor Rick Meehan questioned if the town could approach the property owner of the 94th Street shopping center about potential expansion opportunities.

“The only reason I brought that up now is that they seem to be in the

process of subdividing and redeveloping that property,” he said. “I think the recreational need and possibly the need for the expansion of the art league that maybe it would be an opportunity to speak to that company to see if in fact there is any opportunity for us to purchase any of that property because you know we have two very important facilities there …”

Last month, the Ocean City Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a preliminary subdivision plan for a 17-acre tract of land currently home to the 94th Street shopping center. The property owner has plans to subdivide the lot into four separate parcels for future redevelopment.

Located behind the shopping center, the Little Salisbury Park is home to two tennis courts, a basketball court, a playground and the Ocean City Dog Playground. Petito told the council last week her department has plans to redo the basketball court and add a pickleball court.

“We were hoping to take the opportunity, when we were doing the renovation of the basketball court, to slip in another pickleball court that is dedicated for pickleball play, just so that we were not having these combination courts where tennis players in pickleball players have to fight out use,” she said.

When asked if the town had reached out to the neighboring property owner, City Manager Terry McGean said he hadn’t.

“We were in contact with Verizon to try to get their parking lot and that was a flat out no from them,” he replied. “But as far as the shopping center, no we have not been talking to them about taking more of their own lot. Not at this time.”

Meehan said the redevelopment of the 94th Street shopping center could provide the town with an opportunity to improve the Little Salisbury Park. Council members said they were in support of reaching out to the property owner.

“It’s just a matter of Terry taking a look at that and see what property would work and then maybe having a conversation,” Meehan said. “There might be some trade-offs as well. But you know, while that opportunity exists, once the whole thing is replatted, developed, the opportunity goes away and our needs for both of those facilities are going to increase.”

Officials noted there was also an additional need for parking at the Little Salisbury Park.

“Maybe we could have that conversation with the property owner to the mall property in advance of anything we do there even to see if there are any expansion possibilities,” Meehan said.

The Little Salisbury Park on 94th Street is pictured with the Ocean City Center for the Arts in the background.

Lifeguard recruitment looks up for summer

Salary increase, signing bonus helping to put staff ‘well ahead of last year’

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 12, 2024) Lifeguard recruitment for the coming summer season is likely to exceed prior years’ efforts, according to Ocean City Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald.

Last Friday, Theobald presented the mayor and council with a proposed budget for the beach patrol

heading into fiscal year 2025. The spending plan represents a 10% increase in the current year’s budget.

“As you can see a majority of the increases are for the salaries,” he said. “There’s an 8% salary increase and a signing bonus for everybody.”

Staffing shortages within the beach patrol prompted officials last spring to approve signing bonuses and pay increases that would incentivize new and former lifeguards to join the agency for the summer season. Those changes resulted in the department’s best recruiting year

ever, according to Capt. Butch Arbin.

During budget discussions last week, Budget Manager Jennie Knapp noted the base pay for lifeguards increased from $18.45 an hour to $20 an hour. When asked how that compared to lifeguard pay in surrounding jurisdictions, Theobald said it was above the average.

“And we pay overtime,” Knapp added. “We’re the only ones that pay overtime.”

Councilman Frank Knight questioned if signing bonuses and incen-

tives impacted the beach patrol’s recruitment efforts this season. Theobald said recruitment was “well ahead of last year.”

“We have a testing this week in Annapolis,” he said, “and I am optimistic we are going to be in very good shape this summer.”

Theobald said he believed the beach patrol would have more lifeguards than what’s been reported over the last few years.

“Across the board, we’re pretty solid,” he said. “We expect a good season.”

Cadet program involvement led to Coast Guard service

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(April 12, 2024) This week we are pleased to recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Life Member Robert L. Jester.

Jester grew up in the Ocean City area before serving our country as a member of the United States Coast Guard. Upon his discharge from the service, he returned to the Ocean City area and has been actively involved in the resort real estate industry for over 50 years. Jester currently serves as a real estate associate broker with Keller Williams Realty and is also a well-respected certified general real estate appraiser.

Prior to his service with the U.S. Coast Guard, Jester had served as a four-year member of the OCVFC Cadet Program.

Anxious to re-join the OCVFC as an active firefighter following his discharge, Jester became an OCVFC member in January 1972 stating, “I wanted to give back to the community and hopefully make the town a safer place to live.”

During his 21 years of active service, Jester was assigned to Engine 716 and served as a member of the board of directors.

Firefighter Jester recalls two significant events during his career in

Robert L. Jester

Jester recalls two major fire events

Continued from Page 21

the fire service.

The first was the tragic Sauté Café fire the morning of July 16, 1983. Jester was actively involved with other OCVFC firefighters in unsuccessful efforts to rescue fellow firefighter, Jeffery Dieter, trapped in the burning building.

Jester described the second event:

“On December 30, 1974, around midnight the fire whistle blew, and I responded to our 15th Street firehouse. Edward Greene (“Greenie”) and I responded on Engine 708 to the Stowaway Motel fire. As we arrived on the scene at 22nd Street the motel was fully involved in fire. We pulled up next to the structure and “Greenie” pulled the booster line, I put the truck

in pump gear, and we started to put water on the fire. We quickly realized that if I did not move the truck back from the intense heat the paint on the engine was going to melt. I yelled to “Greenie” let’s get the hell out of here and we retreated to the hydrant on the corner. By that time many additional firetrucks and firefighters were arriving on the scene. We all battled through the cold winter night to extinguish another major fire. What a close call that was.”

Jester cites his greatest accomplishment in the fire service as becoming an emergency medical technician in 1984. This certification allowed him to treat others having medical emergencies and learning how to take better care of himself.

Given the opportunity to pass on advice to the members of our cadet program or other young men and women with an interest in the fire service, Jester replied: “I was proud to be a Junior Fireman, going to fires, assisting the older firemen, and learning about firefighting. The older firemen also shared their knowledge and experience preparing me to take on more responsibility as a husband, stepfather, businessman and a member of our community. I also want to share something my Father told me many times – get a good education because no one can ever take that from you!”

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

Teen sentenced for stabbing in June ‘23 incident

Random altercation took place among friend groups

(April 12, 2024) A Virginia teenager has been sentenced to five years in jail for a stabbing last summer.

On Friday, April 5, Jackson Perry, 18, of Gainesville, Va., was sentenced to five years of incarceration for reckless endangerment and possession of a knife. Perry will be on probation for three years after he serves his sentence, which was ordered by Circuit Court Judge Beau H. Oglesby.

The charges stemmed from a stabbing that happened near the 7900 block of Coastal Highway in Ocean City. Just after midnight on June 7, 2023, Ocean City Police responded to a call for service and located the vic-

Jackson

Stabbing took place in OC after accidental bump

Continued from Page 22

tim suffering from two stab wounds, one on his right hip and the other on his left forearm. The victim told detectives that he had accidentally bumped into Perry while walking up the street with a group of friends earlier that evening. When the victim refused Perry’s demands for an apology, an altercation ensued between multiple individuals within the two friend groups, resulting in the victim being assaulted. OCPD detectives located and reviewed various photos and videos taken around the time of the incident, which they used to identify Perry. Perry surrendered to authorities soon after.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser thanked the members of the Ocean City Police Department for their work on this case and stated, “Worcester County does not tolerate violence or lawlessness from residents or tourists. Citizens here can rest assured that our police and prosecutors will continue to strictly enforce all laws and hold offenders accountable to keep our communities safe.” Heiser also commended Assistant State’s Attorney Mark J.A. Jaskulski who prosecuted the case.

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Motorcylist jailed in serious crash

(April 12, 2024) A Maryland man will serve at least a year in prison after the motorcycle he was driving while under the influence resulted in serious injuries for a woman.

Michael Edward Ebert, a 53-year-old resident of Sykesville, was sentenced to serve three years in the Division of Corrections after being convicted causing life threatening injury while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Brian Shockley imposed the sentence, suspending all but one year of active incarceration and placing Ebert on five years of supervised probation upon release.

The charges arose out of a single motorcycle crash on westbound Route 50 in Whaleyville on Sept. 14, 2022. Maryland State Police troopers arrived on scene and located two individuals with significant head trauma and bodily injury lying on the pavement in front of a motorcycle. One of the individuals was Ebert, determined to be the owner and operator of the motorcycle, and the other was identified as Ebert’s female passenger. First responders from Berlin

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EMS noted the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from Ebert before both individuals were transported by helicopter to Johns Hopkins for medical treatment.

The hospital conducted a drug and alcohol screening upon Ebert’s arrival, which revealed that his blood alcohol content was more than .12. Maryland State Police Crash Team investigators determined that Ebert’s motorcycle had traveled off the roadway and into the center median, which caused the footrest to hit the ground, causing the motorcycle to slide on its side, traveling for approximately 50 feet, ejecting both riders.

The female passenger suffered critical injuries, including a broken left shoulder, broken rib, a punctured lung, partial paralysis and loss of hearing in one ear. These injuries required in-patient treatment at the hospital and critical after-care services for an extensive period of time.

In a press release, Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser commended the Maryland State Police for its thorough investigative work and thanked the Crash Team for their detailed analysis of the scene. Heiser also thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Pamela Correa who prosecuted the case

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Berlin considering flat tax rate Hardwire lands $27M contracts

By Charlene Sharpe

(April 12, 2024) Berlin officials made it clear this week they are not planning to increase the tax rate.

After introducing a tax rate of $0.8375 per $100 of assessed valuation on Monday through first reading ordinance, Mayor Zack Tyndall instructed staff to plan on adjusting the rate to the current rate of $0.8275 before the public hearing April 22. He said adjustments had been made by the council during last week’s budget work session to address the majority of the projected fiscal year 2025 shortfall.

“I think the public hearing should reflect the discussion from the general fund work session so it should be .8275 per $100 of assessed value,” Tyndall said.

In a lengthy budget work session last Tuesday, elected officials reviewed a proposed $13.5 million budget. Though the discussion started with a $161,000 shortfall, adjustments were made to eliminate the projected deficit. Tyndall noted revenue had not been identified, however, to cover the additional funding request made by the Berlin Fire Company for fire and EMS.

not written in stone,” Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said.

Associate Editor (April 12, 2024) Pocomoke Citybased Hardwire LLC, a local leading provider of advanced ballistic protection solutions, announced recent contract awards totaling $27 million from the FBI for the provision of high-quality ballistic shields.

“We will consider that during our next work session which is next Monday,” he said. “We have asked the fire company and EMS to provide some supplemental information.”

Tyndall said while the town had advertised for a potential one-cent increase, there was now no need for the tax hike notion to move forward at this time.

“This is just a draft ordinance, it is

Finance Director Natalie Saleh expressed concern, however, since the town already advertised the higher rate and was required to advertise multiple times before the public hearing on April 22. She said the rate should be adjusted during the public hearing.

Tyndall disagreed and said he’d like to see the advertising adjusted to the public would know the actual tax rate being considered. Councilman Steve Green said the town could likely adjust the advertisement and have it run in the newspaper twice before April 22, thereby satisfying the advertising requirement. Saleh said she’d check with state officials to ensure the rate could be changed prior to the public hearing.

The contracts began Feb. 1 and April 1.

According to a news release, the contracts are a significant milestone for Hardwire as they underscore the company's commitment to delivering state-of-the-art protective equipment. The shields, known for their exceptional durability and reliability, are essential tools for law enforcement personnel facing high-risk situations. Under the terms of the contracts, Hardwire and Bethel will supply both pistol-rated and rifle-rated shields.

The shield technology represents an advancement in law enforcement technology known as the Turning Block, an armor method which effectively flips the bullet using its own rotational energy and causing it to land sideways in the back of the shield. The result is a shield with never-before-seen multi-hit protection against clips of armor piercing automatic gunfire with rounds stopping in the shield as close as a half-inch apart.

Hardwire is has introduced the Triclops, a periscope system which offers visual acuity while providing full protection for officers’ heads. The Triclops is lighter than a ballistic window and allows users to peek around corners or over fences without exposing themselves to gunfire. It enables precise aiming of weapons through an optically perfect reflection of the officer’s sights, regardless of type, and works seamlessly with night vision goggles. The Triclops accommodates right or left-handed users and is electronic-free, ensuring 100% reliability without the need for batteries, boot-up, or latency.

The release said Hardwire's ballistic shields are renowned for their lightweight construction, superior ballistic performance, and ergonomic design, making them indispensable tools for law enforcement officers operating in dynamic environments.

The release said the designs enhance law enforcement effectiveness by minimizing the risk of injury to law enforcement officers while ensuring maximum protection.

"The clean sweep of the FBI awards is evidence that we listen to our customers and our engineers innovate based on their requirements," George Tunis, CEO of Hardwire LLC, said in the release. "Putting ourselves into our customers’ shoes is how we make superior products that perform in the mission. We are honored to deliver safety and security to the FBI through scientific innovation.”

For more information about Hardwire and its innovative ballistic protection solutions, visit hardwirellc.com.

Decatur middle teacher wins top honor in school system

Remington: ‘I am thrilled and honored to represent Worcester County’

(April 12, 2024) Worcester County Public Schools named the 2024 Worcester County Teacher of the Year as Gabrielle Remington of Stephen Decatur Middle School.

During its 37th annual Teacher of the Year celebration last Thursday, Worcester County Board of Education President Todd Ferrante made the announcement following a program honoring all 14 school-level teachers of the year and their commitment to providing a high-quality education to the young people of Worcester County.

“I am so proud of both Gabrielle and all of the incredible teachers we have honored this evening,” said Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor. “She will be a fantastic representative not only for her school, but our entire school system as she progresses to the state-level program. Her passion of creating learning communities that enable students to take risks, build critical thinking skills, and celebrate their differences is to be commended.”

Currently in the final stretch of a doctorate program in literacy at Salisbury University, Remington currently serves as a reading specialist. Remington is in her ninth year of teaching at the middle school and currently finishing her Doctorate in Literacy at Salisbury University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and her Master of Education in the Reading Specialist program.

With a profound understanding of literacy dynamics, she strives to make a lasting impact on young minds, ensuring they develop a love of reading and strong reading skills for a lifetime of learning.

“Teaching is about adapting instruction to prepare students to be future leaders, driven citizens, and community-minded individuals. The impact of deliberately connecting students with the community through literacy is profound,” Remington said in her portfolio. “Students develop not only a love of literacy but also a deep appreciation for the diverse tapestry of the Worcester County community. These connections dissolve the classroom walls, creating an environment where learning is not confined to a curriculum but extends into the rich community, preparing students for success in a diverse world.”

Remington was one of four finalists announced during the program, who were in the running for the prestigious title. The other outstanding finalists were Caitlin Evans of Worcester Technical High School,

Remington was selected by a panel of judges representing experts in the field of education, community leaders, and the current reigning 2023 Worcester County Teacher of the Year. All candidates were judged based on a rigorous set of criteria in alignment with both the state- and national-level Teacher of the Year programs, which include instructional abilities, collaboration, building connections with our community, leadership and innovation both in and out of the classroom, and the ability to articulate their education beliefs and advocate for how to better this field.

“I’m absolutely thrilled and honored to represent Worcester County schools as their Teacher of the Year,” said Remington. “As a reading specialist, my mission is to ignite a passion for literacy and inspire students to embrace the joy of reading. I wholeheartedly believe that it takes a village to raise a child and Worcester County is the village that raised me. Together, let’s cultivate a community where every child can thrive through the power of literacy.”

The other educators recognized as teachers of the year at their respective schools were Lisa T. Balance, Pocomoke Elementary; Susan M. Gray, Buckingham Elementary; Zachary S. Johnson, Cedar Chapel Special School; Andrea J. Kominos, Showell Elementary; Jason E. Konyar, Snow Hill High; Lisa A. Kristick, Ocean City Elementary; Amy Jo J. Mulinos, Snow Hill Elementary; Jenna M. Paul, Berlin Intermediate; Kim G. Snyder, Pocomoke Middle; and Marie O. Stevenson, Stephen Decatur High.

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Amanda Krantz of Pocomoke High School and Carrie Moore of Snow Hill Middle School.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WCPS Gabrielle Remington is pictured accepting her award for teacher of the year. For a photo of all of the finalists, turn to page 30.

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

PHOTO COURTESY OF WCPS

Worcester County Teacher of the Year candidates pictured at last week’s banquet are, from left, Susan Gray (BES), Caitlin Evans (WTHS), Zachary Johnson (CCSS), Lisa Kristick (OCES), Carrie Moore (SHMS), Andrea Kominos (SES), Amy Jo Mulinos (SHES), Jason Konyar (SHHS), Lisa Ballance (PES), Kim Snyder (PMS), Amanda Krantz (PHS), Marie Stevenson (SDHS), Gabrielle Remington (SDMS), and Jenna Paul (BIS).

Slaughterhouse plans clear planning body

Commission votes 5-1 to support propoesd text amendment for Ewell

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(April 11, 2024) County officials are expected to consider a text amendment that would allow farmbased slaughterhouses in the agricultural district following a favorable recommendation by the planning commission.

The Worcester County Planning Commission voted 5-1 last week to support a text amendment that would allow a slaughterhouse as a special exception use in the A-1 agricultural district provided it’s on the farm where the livestock are raised. The amendment was submitted on behalf

of Bob Ewell, who already operates a roadside stand off Route 113 and Croppers Island Road selling his farm-raised beef.

“It’s a way for Mr. Ewell, who is growing this cattle, to be able to slaughter his own cattle on his own property,” said Mark Cropper, Ewell’s attorney.

Cropper told the commission last Thursday that Ewell had been raising cattle on Croppers Island Road for decades. While he sells his beef at the roadside stand he built, Cropper said he had to transport it out of state to have it butchered. He said they came up with the text amendment so that Ewell wouldn’t have to ship the cattle to have them butchered.

According to county staff, the slaughtering of livestock is currently only allowed as a special exception

use in the industrial district. As drafted, the text amendment would permit the slaughtering of livestock raised on the farm property where the activity is to occur. It would not allow the slaughter of livestock from other farms.

Cropper said in Ewell’s case, the butchering would be done in a facility no larger than 600 square feet that would be built at the farm, a significant distance from any neighboring homes.

“I think what everybody needs to understand is, for the purposes of slaughtering a cow, the cow walks in the back door, they shut the back door. Steaks come out the other end,” Cropper said. “You don’t see it. You don’t hear it. You don’t smell it. You don’t even know it’s happening. Everything is completely enclosed.”

He added that even if the commissioners approved the text amendment, Ewell would still have to go to the Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals for special exception approval.

“This would be enabling legislation that would give him this opportunity,” Cropper said.

While citizens in attendance were not given the chance to comment on the proposed amendment since the public hearing on the issue will come at a meeting of the Worcester County Commissioners, Jerry Barbierri, chair of the commission, acknowledged that some of Ewell’s neighbors objected to the proposal. Issues they raised included water quality and quiet enjoyment of the neighborhood.

Commission member Mary Knight said she’d visited the site and thought it was far enough away from any homes that it wouldn’t have a negative impact. Commission member Kathy Drew pointed out that with his agricultural land, Ewell was permitted a variety of farm uses, some of which would be more impactful to neighbors than butchering cattle.

“Hogs smell a lot worse than chickens or cattle,” she said.

South Point boat ramp reopens after renovation

(April 12, 2024) The county boat ramp and parking lot at South Point off Route 611 in Berlin are now open to the public.

The boat ramp was closed for roughly two months, while Worcester County Recreation and Parks contractors replaced the bulkheads. A project to overlay the parking lot is tentatively planned for this summer.

Funding for the projects has been provided through Waterway Improvement Grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Worcester County.

For more information about the project, contact Worcester County Parks Superintendent Jacob Stephens at 410-632-2144.

Pappy’s education journey inspires millions online

County teacher’s social media videos go viral

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 12, 2024) A local teacher and her grandfather are hoping to inspire people to further their education by sharing videos of his return to college.

At nearly 90 years old, Mount Airy resident Paul Hocheder decided to return to college. Now, with the help his granddaughter – Stephen Decatur Middle School teacher Gabby Remington – videos of his adventures as a college student have reached millions of people across various social media platforms.

“I thought it was goofy at first,” Remington said. “But it’s turned into this feel-good story that inspired people.”

Earlier this year, Remington began sharing videos of her grandfather’s return to college on TikTok and other social media platforms. The snippets show Hocheder walking through campus and sharing stories of his first days as a student.

“You get to be this old, and you’ve been retired for 20-something years,

PHOTO COURTESY OF WCPS

Mount Airy resident Paul Hocheder is pictured with his granddaughter Gabby Remington, center, and her colleagues from Stephen Decatur Middle School at last week’s teacher of the year banquet that recognized Remington.

Worcester teacher creates buzz with her TikTok videos

you decide that you’ve got to do something to stimulate yourself,” he said. “I thought why don’t I go back and start again, just to see what I missed and what’s new and what isn’t new.”

Hocheder, a U.S. Air Force veteran and 1960 graduate of the University of Maryland, began taking a history course at Carroll Community College earlier this year. And with the help of his wife, Ellen, he took videos of his first days on campus to share with his family.

“Ellen was filming them and sending them to be funny,” he said.

His story, however, soon went viral after Remington posted clips of her grandfather’s first days as a freshman on TikTok. The response, she said, shocked her family.

“I was making jokes with my brothers, my cousins, and for a while I was saying let’s post a video of Pappy. He could be TikTok famous, we saw the potential,” she joked. “So, then I was like, I’m just going to upload this little snippet. I thought it would be funny and would make people laugh. But I didn’t realize it would get so many views overnight. We went to bed and woke up with half a million views.”

To date, Hocheder’s videos have amassed five million TikTok views. His story has also been featured on media outlets such as Barstool Sports and Good Morning America.

“It was insane how it all happened,” she recalled. “But I knew it would be funny. He’s so lively and full of life.”

Remington said she is happy her grandfather’s story has inspired people. She said she has received comments from viewers wanting to go back to school after seeing the videos.

“I love spreading that message to young and older people, that education is totally worth your time,” she said.

Remington said her grandfather has also encouraged members of her own family to continue their educational journeys. Her grandmother, for example, graduated nursing school at age 50, and Remington –Worcester County’s teacher of the year – will soon complete a doctorate program at Salisbury University.

“He’s always told me to keep going, learn more,” she said. “It’s like he never learns enough.”

For his part, Hocheder said he plans to continue taking history courses next semester.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Assateague foal photos

Honest conversations even if unpleasant

A busy Main Street in Berlin

Texts from my son not asking for something

Getting excited about a solar eclipse

A warm stretch in April

Phil Robertson’s life story

When my teen admits to learning from a mistake

Both college basketball tourneys

Sound of kids playing in the distance

The peacefulness of a beach sunrise

The Art League of Ocean City was founded in 1963 by a group of artists, sculptors and patrons of the arts. Early exhibits were held at today’s City Hall building, the Talbot Street Café, the Ocean Pines Beach Club and Northside Park. It would be over 20 years before the Art League would have a permanent home.

With the support of Mayor Harry Kelley the city council turned over a vacant building on 94th Street (formerly the pool house of Jim Caine’s Bayside Keys development) to the Art League with the rent of $1 a year. Funds to renovate the building were raised through donations, grants, and the famous Bartender’s Ball. On October 18, 1985 it would open with a well-attended exhibit and would serve as a gallery and meeting place for the next 25 years.

The current 7,500 square feet building opened in 2010 on the site of the original and today is the focal point of the local arts community.

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

Ocean Pines preps for first season launch kickoff expo

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 12, 2024) Ocean Pines clubs, amenities and businesses will have the chance to gain new membership as they gear up to welcome residents to the first-ever Season Kickoff Expo on April 20 at White Horse Park.

The event will feature representatives from the community’s amenities and clubs. Ocean Pines homeowners can browse the booths, receive information on organizations like Maryland Coastal Bays or the Delmarva Chorus and sign up for golf club and racquet center memberships.

“People are looking for new things to do as we come out of winter,” Communications Committee Chair Linda Yurche said.

The Aquatics Advisory Committee conceived the event. In the fall of 2022, the team was brainstorming how to attract more members to the pools, the group’s chair, Gary Miller, said.

“This was when COVID was still around, and people had not been going out as much,” he noted. “We were trying to figure out how to get people to know what is available with our pools.”

This process revealed to the committee that aquatics was not the only activity having difficulty attracting new participants. Despite new residents moving into the community, the golf course and the racquet center also struggled with a membership plateau. As the kickoff’s planning continued, Miller said that they discovered new citizens and some long-time homeowners were unaware of the many clubs in the neighborhood.

The initiative soon became a platform to display all that Ocean Pines offers. The showcased amenities will include the Ocean Pines Golf Club, aquatics, the Ocean Pines Beach Club, marina and water sports, the Artisan Gift Shop, the Racquet Sports Center, and recreation and parks.

Assateague Coastal Trust, Berlin Optimists, the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines, Ravens Roost 44, Delmarva Cat Connection, and the Worcester County

Humane Society are a few of the clubs expected to attend. These organizations can provide details on their work and solicit new members. The complete list can be found on the event’s official website. According to Yurche, more than 80 exhibitors are slated to appear.

The golf club is also offering special deals available only on Sunday, April 21, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Golfers will have free access to the driving range, tips and tricks from the pros, and no greens fees.

“We wanted to focus on all that Ocean Pines has to offer for its residents and friends and people coming to look and buy here,” Miller said.

The Season Kickoff Expo will feature live entertainment and activities. The Ocean Pines Library is bringing its bookmobile, and Chesapeake Martial Arts and the square-dancing club, the Pine Steppers, are performing demonstrations. Additionally, attendees can listen to live music from local groups and receive free health screenings. Coastal Hospice will also have a table to provide information on the types of care their facility and staff provide.

“The event will be interactive and fun,” Yurche said.

Miller maintained that the day will be an excellent way for small businesses to gain exposure. Residents can scope out backyard companies they were unaware of, like Capricho Books, Ocean Elements Salt Spa, OC Bayhopper, Pure Family Fitness, and String and Petals.

“It would be up to the OPA Board of Directors, but I would love to see it become an annual thing,” Yurche expressed. “It’s the perfect time of year to get people excited about the season, and hundreds of new people are moving into Ocean Pines every year. It’s a great way to get them involved in the community.”

Miller said that business sponsors are covering the costs of the entire event. These include Realtor Donna Frankowski of ERA Martin Associates, Tidal Health, Coastal Bath Company, Atlantic General Hospital, Taylor Bank, Matt Ortt Companies, Derrick Elzey of State Farm, and in-kind support from Red Sun Custom Apparel, Shore Things, and Copy Central.

The event is free admission. However, food and drinks will be available for purchase from trucks hosted by Hoopers Crab House, Get Baked, That Kitchen, Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines/ Ocean City, Sweet Addiction Baked Goods, and Kona Ice.

“I hope residents come out and smile at their neighbors and feel good about a new season here in Ocean Pines,” Yurche said. “…I hope people will come out and feel good about living in the community.”

The Ocean Pines Season Kickoff Expo is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, from 3 to 7 p.m. at White Horse Park. Pending inclement weather, a rain date of April 27 has been set.

Donors needed to aid in overcoming ‘blood emergency’

(April 12, 2024) Blood Bank of Delmarva officials have announced a blood emergency following a period of low donor turnout due to holidays and school breaks.

According to a news release, there was a two- to three-day supply of type O negative, as well as a critical shortage of platelets this week. However all donation types are needed.

Type O negative is the universal blood type and represents only 6% of the U.S. population. It is most often used in trauma situations, allowing for immediate transfusions during emergencies.

The current low supply of O negative blood is critical and donations from these donors are especially needed.

The blood bank is also still recovering from a nearly 50% decrease of youth and first-time blood donors since 2019, and working to rebuild donations from that population. At one time, youth donations represented 25% of the blood supply, but now only contribute 10% of the country’s donations.

“We are asking our community to respond during this blood emergency so that we are able to meet the needs of patients in the hospitals we serve,” Steve Corse, the executive director at Blood Bank of Delmarva, said in the release. “We are calling on eligible donors to make an immediate blood or platelet donation, and it is our hope that we’ll see first time and youth donors answer our call for help.”

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit delmarvablood.org or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.

To make an appointment, donors can call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or visit delmarvablood.org.

by Steve Green

TThe Adventures of Fatherhood

his is Autism.

It’s what was going through my mind recently when a physical battle with Carson, 14, locking me in the bathroom ensued.

Autism looks different every day. Some days are better than others, and April as Autism Awareness Month is an apt time to dive deeper.

There are far more good days than bad days with our kid. His blessings are far greater than his shortcomings. He’s probably the most influential person in my life because I have learned more from him than anyone else. He has taught me a host of life lessons through what he requires of me and his mom for success.

Carson’s gifts to me, and I like to think his older brother and mom, are patience, perspective and gratitude. He has come so far and overcome so much. I will never underestimate him because he proves us wrong whenever we do. However, I also do not want to burden him with the same expectations we have his for neurotypical older brother. It would be unfair. His life will be different, but I know Carson will write a wonderful story.

One of the reasons I write this column is to document he and his brother’s lives for them. One day they will read these columns with an appreciation because most of what’s included on a weekly basis they will probably forget. I selfishly write it for a similar reason – to remind me of what we have gone through together every step of the way.

As we think each April about Autism, I want to be honest. Autism is not the parenting journey I would have picked if given a choice. Nobody would intentionally pick it. Naturally, I

do have moments of anger and pity at times, but there’s never regret. My frustrations, at times, arise more over my own inability and shortcomings to adequately help Carson at all times. It’s never about him. There are many instances in life when choices are not ours to make. Because of the difficulties of our individual journey, I believe God made the decision to put Autism in our lives through Carson. The fact he was adopted at birth only deepens our faith he’s with us for a reason.

There are things that occur in life we often describe as, “This is Autism.” The inexplainable situations that defy reason, but they are our reality. The pushing match that ensued over getting locked in the bathroom this week is an example. His steadfast desire to not let me out of the bathroom came out of nowhere. It was a surprise and I was not prepared for a battle. It was almost as if he had cooked up a plan to lock me in the bathroom while he showered. I sensed he was a bit off but figured he was just tired. He was fixated on holding the door on the other side preventing me from getting out. At one point, I knew I could overpower him but decided instead to just wait him out. After a few minutes, he let go of the knob long enough for me to get out. He tried to get physical with me because he was mad for some reason and threw a tantrum. All I wanted to do was deflect him to something new. Within minutes, it was as if his meltdown never occurred. It’s easy to forgive, harder to forget. Maybe he was just tired. More likely, this is just Autism.

It’s not pretty at times but we are blessed because these sorts of unfortunate episodes are few and far between these days. Trying to figure out why they occur is a waste of energy.

Learning how to quell the tantrums and encourage him to move on is the best approach.

A key thing with kids with special needs is to celebrate the wins and not dwell on the unfortunate aspects. Truth be told, there is a lot to be concerned about with Carson over the long term. I got to dwelling on that topic this week when the school sent a transition guide for him. Life beyond school worries me a bit because of the loss of a structure and routine. However, it’s best to not think about the grand picture and instead focus on the daily positives, of which there are many. I know Carson will have a role in society. It’s our challenge to put him in the best position to be successful, however that may look.

For instance, during the spring, Pam and I typically undertake multiple landscaping projects around the house. The fact we can leave Carson alone in the house is a huge change for us. There were many years when he could not be unsupervised. He had to be watched because anything was possible. He was so unpredictable we had to install lockbolts across the top of all our doors because he was a flight risk.

Nowadays, he helps us with projects. When he is tired, it’s common for him to work on a puzzle inside by himself or play games on a computer. He will occasionally knock on a window where he can see us and give us a thumb up while holding a puzzle piece in the other hand.

This is Autism. The key is finding the blessings to savor along the way and living day to day.

(The writer is the executive editor of OC Today-Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)

Best Beats On The Beach

Who’s Where When

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk

In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th St. Plaza

On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, April 12:

Dueling Pianos

Saturday, April 13: DJ Giddy Up & Beach Bandits

CRABCAKE FACTORY

BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE

Friday, April 12: Monkee Paw

Sunday, April 14: Fil Rhythm

Wednesday, April 17: Steve Kuhn

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, April 12: Dust N Bones

Saturday, April 13: Risky Business

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Friday, April 12: DJ RobCee & Great Train Robbery

Saturday, April 13:

Trax, Lithium & Candy & DJ Stinson

Monday, April 15: Bryan Clark

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Saturday, April 13: DJ CMiller

Wednesdays: Bingo w/ Blake

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Friday, April 12: DJ Billy T

Saturday,

GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY

Fager’s Island: Friday, April 12

BEACH BANDITS

Coins Pub: Saturday, April 13

MERCURY AGENDA

Harborside: Saturday, April 13

RISKY

Crawl Street Tavern: Saturday, April 13

ROGUE CITIZENS

Pickles Pub: Saturday, April 13

SOUTH PENN DIXIE

Seacrets: Saturday, April 13

Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, April 12

Who’s Where When

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, April 13:

The Rogue Citizens Sundays: Beats By Styler Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wood Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By DeoGee

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts.

On The Boards Friday & Saturday, April 12 & 13: Slamm

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 12:

The Permilla Project, DJ Connair, DJ Davie & Dear Zoe Saturday, April 13: DJ Bobby-O, DJ Cruz, South Penn Dixie, Light Up

The Moon & Kono Nation Thursday, April 18: DJ Connair & Full Circle

VISTA ROOFTOP

410-390-7905

13801 Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 12: Otto Grundman Saturday, April 13: Neal Hooks Monday, April 15: Dave Crites Tuesday, April 16: Rick Artz Wednesday, April 17: Taylor Knox & Brian Thursday, April 18: Michael Sky

SLAMM

Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, April 12 & 13

BUSINESS

MONKEE PAW

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON

DRY DOCK 28

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

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

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 25:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Closed Monday. Open Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRAWL STREET

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

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

■ DISTRICT 24

BLU CRABHOUSE & RAW BAR, JAY’S CAFÉ & ICE CREAM, THE EMBERS

2305 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2893322, district24oc.com

Come visit all your culinary options at this block of fun, including the landmark Embers Restaurant with a new, innovative vision as well as Blu where fresh seafood is king. Be sure to stop in Jay’s for a tasty treat as well as an ocean of caffeinated offerings. There’s fun activities for kids of all ages here as well with a miniature golf course and an arcade.

■ HARBOR WATCH

806 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 410-2895121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com

$$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

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

■ PAPI’S TACO JOINT

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

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

Authentic Mexican restaurant open 7 days a week. Weekdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and week-

ends 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. With a family atmosphere you can enjoy building your own street tacos with a sheet table side with their homemade authentic salsa. Serving food such as little cravings, choice of salsas, salads, bowls, soups, main dishes and desserts. Also, brunch, gluten free and vegan menus. Happy Hour Monday through Friday, 3-5 p.m. with beer, wines, cocktails and specialty signature drinks. Dine in or order online for your carryout.

■ PICKLES PUB

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ PIT & PUB

12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com

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

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM 32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-2892525, 32palm.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ FAGERS ISLAND

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ HOOKED

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ LONGBOARD’S CAFÉ

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Full bar

Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, lo-

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

■ SEACRETS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

CLOSED JAN. 21 AND REOPENING FEB. 1.

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

UPTOWN 91st to 146th streets

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY 13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

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

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

■ THE CRAB BAG

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410-2504900, crabcakefactoryusa.com

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

■ ORIGINAL GREENE TURTLE

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

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

■ TAILCHASERS RESTAURANT & DOCK BAR 12203 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6647075, tailchasersoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT 13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.

FENWICK ISLAND

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-988-5000, CCFBayside.com

Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seat-

ing available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Established 25 years ago but recently under new ownership. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too.

■ NANTUCKETS

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

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

OCEAN PINES

■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

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

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

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

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

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

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

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST

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

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

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410-2131846, weocharborside.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

Dine, Stay and Play program on tap for summer season

(April 12, 2024) The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, in partnership with the Ocean City Hotel, Motel, Restaurant Association is welcoming guests and visitors for the summer season with the launch of the 2024 Dine, Stay and Play program.

According to a news release, United Way officials are excited to offer the program again this year with local hospitality and recreational organizations as they demonstrate giving back to the community and creating local impact.

Local restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, and sporting venues can sign up with the nonprofit to participate. Each business chooses promotional menu items or stay-and-play specials and designates a portion of the sales to the United Way. All proceeds stay local for the nonprofit and its regional partners

The release said participants benefit from free digital and print marketing through radio, newspaper, television, and social media campaigns throughout the summer. The campaign is made possible in partnership with Delmarva Public Media, iHeart Media, WMDT-47, Independent News Media, Greater OC Chamber of Commerce, Worcester County Chamber of Commerce, and D3. The campaign gives locals and visi-

tors opportunities to support and recognize local hospitality and tourism industries while giving back through community-minded businesses from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Restaurants, lodging, and entertainment businesses of any size are welcome to participate.

For more information on how to get involved or become a participating business in the 2024 Dine Stay & Play United Program, contact Ryan Jackson at ryan@uwles.org or Amanda Hailey at amanda@uwles.org, call 410-742-5143 or visit uwles.org/dinestayplay.

The 2023 Dine Stay partner participants will also be recognized at the Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association dinner on April 18 at Harrison’s Harbor Watch. They are: Dine - 32 Palm, Atrium Cafe & Bar, Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar, Bourbon St. on the Beach, Coral Reef Restaurant & Bar, Decatur Diner, Deep End Pool Bar, Happy Jack Pancake House, Harrison’s Harbor Watch, The Hobbit, Manana Mode, Marlin Moon, Papi’s Tacos, Pier 23, Poseidon’s Pub, Sandshark Pool Bar, The Original Pool Bar, and Waves. Stay partners - Beach Bum West-O, Commander Hotel & Suites, and Shore Point Cottages. And Play partners- Embers Island, Jolly Roger, and Nick’s Mini Golf.

Bloody mary contest on April 21

Proceeds slated to benefit ‘Cash for College’ Fund

(April 12, 2024) Ocean 98.1 WOCM-FM, with presenting sponsor Seacrets Distilling Company, will hold its 16th Annual “Best Bloody Mary on the Shore” contest from noon to 3 p.m., April 21, at Seacrets’ Morley Hall. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ocean 98 “Cash for College” Fund.

The $20 entry fee charged at the door will provide each attendee a judge’s ballot and allows for unlimited tastings of bloody mary’s prepared by

CROSSWORD

some of the community’s best restaurants. The categories that will be judged are Best Overall, Best Presentation and Spiciest.

Seacrets Distilling Company returns as the presenting sponsor, and will provide Seacrets Distilling Company Vodka to each competing restaurant to be used exclusively for their competing entry or entries.

This is a 21 and older event.

The Ocean 98 Cash for College fund provides a $5,000 cash award each year for an outstanding high school senior in Worcester, Wicomico and Sussex counties.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

There is more to any situation than the money factor, Aries. When a new opportunity comes your way, look beyond the payoff to see what the heart of the offer entails.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Look to your family members if you need inspiration on a new project, Taurus. Use loved ones as a sounding board for all of the ideas that are bouncing around.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

The willpower that you have been relying on lately is still going strong, Gemini. That is excellent and it’s having a profound effect on other areas of your life.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, gossip is not something you usually delve into, but you may get roped into a conversation this week. Try not to give any weight to the rumors swirling around.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, you shouldn’t be boastful about your abilities, but try not to be too modest. Accept the credit you are given. Graciously embrace all of your good press.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

An interesting invitation might come your way, Virgo. It could open the door to a very busy social calendar if you accept and do some key networking.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, an issue that you were worrying about is unlikely to surface. Stay in the present instead of looking ahead to all of the things that might go wrong.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

It may seem as if you are operating on autopilot, Scorpio. Days seem a carbon copy at this point. Do something to alter your routine.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

It’s best if you avoid crowds for the time being, Sagittarius. You will benefit from some quiet time that only comes with being alone or within small groups of close friends.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

You are not normally characterized as “impulsive,” Capricorn. However, this week you may surprise everyone. An opportunity to travel or another venture could drop in your lap.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, if you are not feeling challenged, you have to find activities that will get your brain moving again. Do whatever you can to spark some excitement.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

The choices coming your way are quite varied, Pisces. It can be overwhelming, so do not make any rash decisions until you work through all of your options.

The Maryland Business Roundtable for Education recently announced that Stephen Decatur High School junior Isabel Mitchell, center, was one of the winners of The 24: Maryland’s Emerging Scholars award. The award recognizes 24 high school students from across Maryland, each representing their school district, for outstanding achievements in compassion initiatives, leadership and academic success.

Southern fried chicken an all-time favorite

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(April 12, 2024) There is nothing more climatic than biting into a juicy hunk of chicken that has been fried to perfection. The crispy crust and moist meat are sinfully delicious.

That being said, southern fried chicken has earned its spot in the coveted culinary hall of fame.

Marinating your chicken in buttermilk the day before you fry it is an essential part of lip-smacking fried chicken. The buttermilk’s acids and enzymes break down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender and moist.

Using the right oil is also a major factor. Neutral tasting oils allow the natural flavor of the chicken to come through. Lard, canola oil, and peanut oil are the most popular choices.

Superlative results incorporate thinking out of the box. Bacon drippings or oil infused with rosemary can give the chicken depth of flavor. Just remember to remove the rosemary before frying. The subject of fried chicken is not complete without discussing the smoke point. The smoke point is also called the

burning point of oil and the temperature can range from 325 to 520 degrees. Chicken should be fried in oil that has reached a temperature of 375 degrees.

The best way to ensure the breading will stay on the chicken is to double dip it in the dredging. After dredging the chicken in seasoned flour and egg wash, repeat this process for a super thick, crispy coating on your chicken.

If one does not want to double dip the chicken, drizzle a little water with the flour. These chunks of flour will turn into little mounds of goodness.

The next logical question is what type of seasonings go into the flour? Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, crushed rosemary, poultry seasoning, pepper, and salt will add zing and zest and make your dish finger licking good.

Before we move onto the actual frying, let us briefly talk about the egg mixture. Adding a little flour to the eggs and water will slightly thicken it. As a result, the egg mixture will adhere to the chicken better, which ultimately yields a better crust.

You do not need a deep fryer to fry chicken. A Dutch oven or cast-iron pot will do the trick. Both retain heat and are deep enough for frying.

Once the chicken is ready to be fried, do not over crowd the pan. If you add

too much chicken to the oil, the temperature of the oil will drop and the skin will soak up the oil which will result in soggy chicken.

Patience is a virtue when it comes to fried chicken. Don’t be tempted to crank up the heat; instead, allow the chicken to develop its crust naturally. In addition, undercooked chicken is a no-no, and is never an option.

When your chicken is done, do not let it rest on a plate lined with paper towels. Instead, place the fried chicken on a cooling rack and keep it warm in a 250degree oven. There is nothing worse than to develop a crispy exterior and let it rest on soggy paper towels.

While the chicken is hot, apply a light dusting of kosher salt. The hot oil in the skin of the chicken will act as a glue for the seasoning.

In closing, everyone loves fried chicken. Spring, summer, fall, or winter, it doesn’t matter. Enjoy

Fried Chicken

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour, divided 2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon crushed rosemary

2 ½ teaspoons pepper, divided 2 teaspoons poultry seasonings

kosher salt to taste

2 large eggs

several dashes favorite hot sauce

1 ½ cups water

3 ½ to 4 pounds cut up chicken

1. In a pie plate or large shallow dish, combine 2-2/3 cups flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary, 2 teaspoons pepper, poultry seasoning, and salt.

2. In another pie plate or shallow dish, beat eggs, water, and 1-1/3 cups flour.

3. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture and then place in the flour mixture, again in the egg mixture and again in the flour mixture.

4. In a deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375 degrees. Fry chicken, several pieces at a time, until chicken is golden brown and juices run clear.

5. Place fried chicken on a cooling rack, add a light dusting of kosher salt, and keep warm in a 250-degree oven. Serve immediately.

Secret Ingredient – Fried Chicken

“Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy fried chicken.” Anonymous

GOLD on the Green

Local nonprofit Worcester County GOLD (Giving Other Lives Dignity) is seeking golfers, sponsors, and donors for the upcoming ninth installment of the GOLD on the Green Charity Golf Tournament presented by The Grand Hotel.

The tournament is set for June 12, on the Newport Bay Course at Ocean City Golf Club. Beginning with a shotgun start at 1 p.m., it will feature golfers playing 18 holes on a waterfront course, with food, beverages, side games, prizes, and giveaways offered.

Teams that register before May 1 will save $100 with the Early Birdie Price. Sponsors will receive exposure at the event and in all print and digital marketing media.

Supporters can find more information by visiting GOLD’s website at WorcesterGOLD.org or contacting the organization at contact@worcestergold.org or 443-235-6525.

Book signing set

The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum will host a book signing for author Mark Millikin’s newest book, “Baseball Fever in Baltimore,” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 4.

Attendees can meet Millikin and learn more about his newest book, which covers the three-season span, 1969-71, when the Baltimore Orioles were at the top of their game. His book will be available to buy from the museum.

For more information about the book signing, visit ocmuseum.org/.

Autism ride planned

The Bikers Without Borders Foundation is hosting its Bikers for Autism Ride this weekend.

The escorted ride starts at Rommel Harley-Davidson Delmarva in Salisbury, runs through the shore communities, and ends at the Showell Fire Department. It is a fundraiser for the Autistic Children’s Support Group of Worcester County.

Bike registration will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. at Rommel Harley-David-

son Delmarva. The $25 per person registration fee includes a barbecue chicken lunch at the end of the ride.

After the ride, the Bikers Without Borders Foundation will join other enthusiasts for a community get together at the Showell Fire Department.

The Autistic Children’s Support Group of Worcester County is an allvolunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to families of children with autism and related development disabilities in Worcester County and surrounding communities. For more information, visit the ACSG at acsgwc.org.

Bikers Without Borders Foundation is comprised of men and women who believe giving back to the community is a civic duty. For more information, visit Bikers

Without Borders Foundation on Facebook or email bikerswithoutbordersfoundation@gmail.com.

Employers conference

Area business representatives interested in employing J-1 Visa students are invited to attend the 2024 Summer Work Travel Conference later this month.

Set 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., next Monday, April 15, at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront, the conference is a place for employers to learn about best practices for a successful 2024 Summer Work Travel Program in Ocean City.

The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Bridge USA, is hosting the event through partnerships with sponsor organiza-

tions United Work & Travel, Intrax, Aspire, InterExchange, Greenheart and GeoVisions.

Topics covered will include housing, banking, Social Security, emergency evacuation plan, health care/mental health and community support.

Speakers include US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary Rebecca Pasini, elected officials and representatives from Sprintax tax compliance software.

The event is free for employers and includes continental breakfast. Preregistration is encouraged.

The Holiday Inn Oceanfront is at 6600 Coastal Highway in Ocean City. Register online or contact Ocean City Chamber Events Manager Colby Noble at colby@oceancity.org or 410213-0144 ext. 110.

Calendar

Fri., April 12

FAMILY FUN NIGHT BINGO NIGHT

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. All family and friends welcome. Parents are requested to play the games with their children. Noncash prizes awarded. Admission fee is $2 per player. Food and drinks welcome. Ice cream will be sold.

FAIRY TALE STEM

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for fairy tale themed STEM challenges. For ages 6-11 years. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, rhymes and finger plays. For ages 0-2 years and their caregivers. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MAHJONG CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SCHOOL’S OUT TEEN HANGOUT

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Play video games, make crafts and compete in trivia. For teens and their families. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK DISCUSSION: ‘THE TRUTH OF YOU’ BY IAIN S. THOMAS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the Ocean Pines circulation desk. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHAIR YOGA

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 3 p.m. Nicole Young, certified yoga instructor, helps participants stretch in a safe and low impact manner. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MARYLAND CRAB CAKE DINNER

Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 4-6 p.m. Platters: one crab cake sandwich, $14; two crab cake sandwiches, $24. Platters come with green beans, baked potato and Cole slaw. A single crab cake sandwich costs $10. Baked goods. Carryout or eat in.

Sat., April 13

SPRING INDOOR/OUTDOOR FLEA MARKET

Ocean Pines Community Center and White Horse Park, 235 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m.-noon. Featuring vendors selling gently used clothing, household items, collectibles and more. Held rain or shine. Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks, 410641-7052

OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:30 a.m. The speaker will be Scott Lenox host of local television program “Hooked on OC.” Also, fishing regs. update and all things fishing. All are welcome. Jack Barnes, 410-6417662

CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 10301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Vendors include homemade jewelry, hand painted bibles, crocheted items, wood burning art, clay art, seashell crafts, sea glass, flowers and more. Food and baked goods available. Held inside.

CRAFTY SATURDAY: SPRING TIME

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

turing flower, ladybug and caterpillar crafts. All ages. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DINE IN LUNCH

Powellville Volunteer Fire Co, 5085 Powellville Road, Pittsville, 10:30 a.m. Menu includes oyster fritter sandwiches, chicken salad, peas & dumplings soup, vegetable beef soup, beans & corn, dumplings, hot dogs and desserts. Carryout available.

BISHOP INSTALLS MOTHER SUZ AS PRIESTIN-CHARGE

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3 Church St., Berlin, 11 a.m. Bishop to install Mother Suz as St. Paul’s Episcopal Berlin’s PriestIn-Charge. There will be a reception following the service.

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

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

Sun., April 14

ALL YOU CAN EAT SPAGHETTI DINNER

Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 4-6 p.m. Cost is $12

and includes spaghetti, salad, bread, drink and dessert. Children under 5 years eat free. Proceeds benefit Rolling Stones Youth Group. Christina Wilson, 302-5192993

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., April 15

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

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

STORY TIME: RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY!

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

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION: ‘A STILL MOMENT’ BY EUDORA WELTY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m. Group meets twice a month to discuss selections from the Great Books Foundation. They are reading from Book 5 of the Great Conversations Anthology. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

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

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE

Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 6 p.m. Large scale dinosaur puppets brought to life with design, electronics, theatrical presentation.

Tickets:

https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/62160868 /dinosaur-world-live-ocean-city-oc-performing-arts-center.

BRIDGE

Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-804-3971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

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

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., April 16

PLAY TIME

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

turing a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 0-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. The workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research followed by Q&A. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information, if you can. Registration requested: 410-208-4014.

STORY TIME: ‘BIRDS’

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

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

THE ART OF STORYTELLING

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 68 p.m. An evening of reading and commentary by writers Stephanie Fowler, Gwen Lehman and singer/songwriter Bryan Russo. Free and open to the public. Wine and light refreshments served. 410524-9433.

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the

weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., April 17

PRODUCERS UNVEILED 2024

Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor LLC, 18864 Cool Spring Road, Milton, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Celebrate Delmarva agriculture with lunch, learning, and lavender. Registration is free, but please RSVP:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/producers-unveiled-tickets771870594727?aff=oddtdtcreator. 202-212-9608

EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS

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

BABY TIME

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

BACKGAMMON CLUB

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

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

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

PLANTABLE POTS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. These pots are a perfect way to get your seeds started and celebrate Earth Day. Plant seeds for Johnny Jump-Ups and make decorative ladybugs. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ADULT CRAFT: DRINKING GLASS PAINTING

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. BYO drinking glass to paint. Limit 30. First come first served. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TRIVIA WITH JIM MECKLEY: MOVIES, STARS AND MUSIC

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3 p.m. Test your star-studded knowledge with this trivia contest. Prizes awarded and refreshments provided. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

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

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

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

Thurs., April 18

CPAP MASK FITTING

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

STORYTIME: SPRINGTIME

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

Create insects and plants with paint, google eyes and more. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TECH TALKS

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

EARTH DAY SUN CATCHERS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day by crafting your own sun catcher. For ages 6-11 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ANIME TRIVIA

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4 p.m. Test your knowledge. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ROMANCE BOOK CLUB: ‘THE PERKS OF LOVING A WALLFLOWER’ BY ERICA RIDLEY

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

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. 302-436-9577, BeachSingles.org.

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Now Hiring Year-Round GM Position

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

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

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

Fire Alarm TechnicianEntry Level

To apply contact us at jobs@firepro-md.com or call 410-213-1880 FIREPRO, INC

Currently Hiring Manpower For: Carpenter | Laborer | Painters Stucco & EIFS Mechanics

Concrete Work

o Experience preferred.

o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus.

o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

Small Engine Mechanic Year-round.

Competitive Wages. 443-754-1047

Thunderbird Beach Motel

Now hiring Night Auditor & Front Desk Clerk.

Competitive pay.

Apply in person. 32nd St., Baltimore Ave. Monday through Friday from 9am-3pm.

PGN Crab House 29th St. & Coastal Hwy. Now Hiring for • Waitstaff • Kitchen Help Apply within in person after 11:00 am.

Cleaners - Vacation rentals needed for OC and Pines.

Experience preferred but not required. OC Purifiers. Call or text 443-397-1189 or email Karen@ocpurifiers.com.

HERKER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

An Innovative Approach to Property Maintenance

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

- OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR -

EXP. REQUIRED: Customer Service, MS Word & Excel, & knowledge of basic office procedures. Bi-lingual & strong math skills are a plus.

- FIELD MANAGERCustomer Service, MS Word and Excel, Outlook, and marketing skills. Bi-lingual & Strong Math Skills are a plus.

email resume to Gherker@comcast.net & Gherker@herkerinc.com

FT INSIDE SALES & OFFICE ASSISTANT

REQUIREMENTS

Strong Customer Service background

Extremely detail-oriented & organized Microsoft Office proficient • Deadline-oriented Ability to multi-task RESPONSIBILITIES

Build & maintain a customer base for Classifieds & more Keep the office running smoothly Assist in putting together a quality, local staple

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

A Maryland University of National Distinction Salisbury University

Housekeepers (Day & Evening) Housekeeper Supervisor I Housekeeper Lead

Online

the FAQs of the Online

Taylor Marine Center (West Ocean City) 11850 Ocean Gateway, 21842, 410-2131391. Boat Yard Assistant, Full-Time, Year Round Position, Excellent Benefits, Health Insurance, 401K, Five-Day Work Week, Tuesday-Saturday, 8:305:00. Duties: Boat movement, bottom painting, cleaning boats, yard maintenance, etc.

Punctuality, Self-Motivation, Orderliness required along with valid driver’s license. Compensation hourly dependent on experience. Apply in Person, Call or Email andy@ taylormarinecenter.com

Crew Wanted:

The SeaBoard is seeking a captain and a deck hand for summer ’24.

Both positions require ability to lift 40 pounds and climb ladders. Preferred candidates are computer literate and mechanically inclined with boating experience.

Send email to info@theseaboard.com

AA/EOE

SEASONAL POSITIONS

• General Clerical

• Fuel Dock Attendant

• Ramp Attendant

• Boat Yard Attendant

• Domestic

• Maintenance Apply online: DelawareStateJobs.com

EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER FT/PT Work in Motel

Must Have Experience

•GREAT PAY!

•MONTHLY BONUSES! CALL 410-289-9205

Help WantedCook with 2-3 Years experience required. Honest, dependable, reliable. Flexible schedule - Full or Part-time. Weekly pay checks. Friendly work environment. Serious inquires only.

Open daily 12:00 p.m.

American Legion Post #166, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, MD

Now Hiring Summer 2024 Positions for Sun Outdoors Ocean City!

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

Starting at $15/hour and up! Call 410-213-0097 or email careers@ eoshospitality.com to inquire.

AUTOMOTIVE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES

Busy Tire & Service Centers

Now hiring for: - Service Associates (will train)

- Exp. Technicians

Locations in: Ocean Pines, Clarksville & Long Neck. Great Pay & Benefits.

Call: 302-344-9846

PoolGeneral Maintenance.

Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus / not required. Able to pass CPO test.

Summer includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others

410-289-4902

ask for Suzanne.

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

Help Wanted Full-Time Maintenance Person for a small community in the Berlin area. General maintenance knowledge needed. Good pay and benefits. Call 410-6415102. Large equipment experience helpful.

SEEKING WORK

Seeking Work: Small and Large Jobs. 44 years experience in construction. Patch work, landscaping, painting, etc. Call/leave a message, 443-754-7709.

RENTALS

Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555. Summer Seasonal Memorial Day to Labor Day. Single family home. 2BR, 2BA. $22,000 + utilities. Cleaning once a month and lawn care will be included. Contact Karen 443-880-5727

Condo For Rent. 2BR/1BA, unfurnished condo. You pay utilities, electric, water, etc. Central heat and air, washer/ dryer, on water. Includes boat slip 15” bayside. YR $1800 + deposit. Text only 410-845-8331.

Seasonal Weekly Rental (ONLY). Single family home, Berlin, 4BR, 3BA, $625/per night. Call 484-319-7188 for details.

Fully Furnished Townhouse, 4BR/2BA, Living Room, Dining Room. Water, Electric and Cable not included. $2100/month.

Located at 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD 21811. 410-456-0272

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

ROOMMATES

Seeking Room For Rent or Live with Roommate, 57, male, moving from Baltimore, looking to live in OP/Berlin, starting June. Please call Phil, 443-388-2868

MISC./OTHER

Worthless and broken, No reason to keep what’s left, Those clouds, this heart, me. Whipped, riped, lost, Let the wind have us.

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

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

Commercial Space For Rent West OC 2500 sq. feet. rental@ ocsandyfeetretreat.com or 910-448-1693

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.

Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HDDVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855407-6870

VEHICLES WANTED

DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/ RV - Lutheran Mission Society of MD Compassion Place ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org

Advertise in MDDC Maryland, Delaware and D.C.: 106 papers with a circulation of 2.3 million and readership of 4.9 million! For only $495. Deadline is Wednesday of the week prior to publication. Call 410-723-6397 for more information.

Estate Tag Sale April 27 & 28, 9:00am-4:00pm, 12619 Old Bridge Road, West Ocean City. Furniture, appliances, vintage, collectibles, housewares, holiday, yard and garden, cottage furnishings and fishing gear. Cash only.

GRAND MILLENNIAL SALE ESTATE SOLD

3327 Main St. Exmore, VA 23350 Sat. April 20 & 27, 2024 8:30am – 3:30pm

2 MARBLE Fireplaces, mantels & frames, Garden Pedestals & lady busts, 26 mosaics, 2 ammonite bath sinks,

2 Sheryl Wagner marble shell sinks in crates, 4’x8’marble slab, 2 marble tall door surrounds, slate & wrought iron table w/glass top, 4 bar-height chairs, 4 pc. mosaic seating set, garden umbrella, 2 Dutch Tall Case Clocks circa 1750,1780

French Carved Armoire, bed and night table, c1895

Entire Sets of Unused Sample Home Furniture, Bedroom, living room, Dining room set, lamps, twin bed, baby crib, bookcases, Antique door hardware, Antique wood doors, Old wooden store counter, rugs, dishwasher, books pictures, paintings, frames, End tables, loveseat, triple dresser, chandelier, games, plush toys

CRAFTS SUPPLIES

Floral & greenery. Create your own crafts/ wreaths and decorations with new craft supplies

Air fryer, small appliances, RC airplanes, EV charger dozens of new All new in boxes

Cash & Carry & Layaway. Bring truck and blankets 757-678-2658

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

6 MEADOW STREET BERLIN, MD 21811

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated March 26, 2009, recorded in Liber 5235, Folio 489 and re-recorded in Liber 5524, Folio 270 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $450,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

APRIL 23, 2024 AT 4:05 PM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon located in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $21,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note, or any modifications thereto, from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale.

The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 358852-1)

Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees

OCD-4/4/3t

RAYMOND D. COATES JR, ESQ COATES,COATES, & COATES, P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of PAUL KIRK JOHNSON SR Estate No. 20126

Notice is given that PAUL KIRK JOHNSON JR whose address is 108 CHERRY LEA LANE BLAIRSVILLE, GA 30512 was on MARCH 21, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PAUL KIRK JOHNSON SR who died on DECEMBER 09, 2023 with a will.

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

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

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; or

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/28/3t

RACHEL B HARRIS P O BOX 62

POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of SYLVIA THERESA BRATTEN AKA: SYLVIA T PALMER Estate No. 20128 Notice is given that JOSEPH SEARING whose address is 8253 SEA BISCUIT RD SNOW HILL, MD 21863-4306 was on MARCH 22, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SYLVIA THERESA BRATTEN who died on MARCH 09, 2024 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of SEPTEMBER, 2024

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/28/3t

Spencer Ayres Cropper Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy & Almand, P.A.

6200 Coastal Highway, Suite 200 Ocean City, MD 12842

Oceana Condominium Association c/o Ayres, Jenkin, Gordy & Almand, P.A.

6200 Coastal Highway, Suite 200 Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Plaintiff vs.

Diana J. Brooks

Byron L. Brooks, III 8203 Atlantic Avenue, Unit P-8, Bldg. 2 Ocean City, MD 21842

THE CIRCUIT

ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County this 25th day of March, 2024, that the foreclosure sale of Oceana Condominium, Unit P-8, 8203 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland, made and reported by Spencer Ayres Cropper, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 22nd day of April, 2024, provided a copy of this Order is published in a newspaper of general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland, once in three successive weeks, before the 15th day of April, 2024.

The Report states that the total proceeds from the sale of the property to be Ten Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($10,500.00).

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk Circuit Court

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD OCD-3/28/3t

_________________________________ 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. JOHN E. ROBERTS (DECEASED) 56 Coastal Drive Berlin, MD 21811-9620

Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-23-000018 NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 20th day of March, 2024, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 56 Coastal Drive, Berlin, MD 21811-9620, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 22nd day of April, 2024, provided

a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 15th day of April, 2024.

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $57,000.00.

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-3/28/3t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR

License: 7 Day, By: William Henry Purnell III, 15 Somerset Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: OC Taco Truck, Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Caruso Pizza & Wild Bill's 420 Atlantic Avenue & Boardwalk

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: Great Bay, LLC

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: April 17, 2024 @ 1:00 P.M.

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

OCD-4/4/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR

License: 7 Day, By: Vahagn Piltoyan, 11952 Pleasant Colony Lane 106, Berlin, Maryland 21811; Asya Sargisova, 11952 Pleasant Colony Lane 106, Berlin, Maryland 21811

For: Vana Foods, Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Little House of Pancakes, Ribs & Pizza

7307 Coastal Highway

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: RLD Restaurants, Inc.

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: April 17, 2024 @ 1:10 P.M.

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

OCD-4/4/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "A" BEERWINE License: 7 Day, By: Megan Reese Hines, 328 Buttercup Court,

Berlin, Maryland 21811; Brett Ewing Hines, 328 Buttercup Court, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: Jun & Juice, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Jun & Juice

12 Pitts Street

Berlin, Maryland 21811

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: April 17, 2024

@ 1:25 P.M.

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

OCD-4/4/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Tara Nicole Talbot, 5 Powellton Avenue, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: Propagate, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: REVERIE Arbor & Wine Bar 7 South Main Street

Berlin, Maryland 21811

Formerly: Health Freedom, LLC

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

April 17, 2024

@ 1:35 P.M.

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

OCD-4/4/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Burak Unal Kucuk, 10205 Bent Creek Road, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Gai Elbaz, 10203 Willow Brook Road, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: Ocean City Investments, Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Kalamata Restaurant 12849 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, Maryland 21842

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

April 17, 2024

@ 1:45 P.M.

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

OCD-4/4/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a "B" B/W/L 7 Day and Request to designate as Multi-

ple License #2 for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Meghan Leigh Newberger, 475 Dueling Way, Berlin, Maryland 21811; Heather Welch, 6834 Shockley Road, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863; Jason Welch, 6834 Shockley Road, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

For: BourAgave, LLC

For the premises known as and located at: T/A: BourAgave Bourbon & Tequila Joint 104 North Main Street Berlin, Maryland 21811

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: April 17, 2024 @ 2:00 P.M.

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

OCD-4/4/2t _________________________________

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES

204 WEST GREEN STREET, P.O. BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20133 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF VANESSA MARIE D’ARVILLE

Notice is given that Sasha Darville, 1505 Lowell Ct., Crofton, MD 21114-1188, was on March 26, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vanessa Marie D’Arville who died on February 21, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 26th day of September, 2024.

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

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

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

To all persons interested in the estate of WALTER J. DENNIS Estate No. 20121 Notice is given that DENISE LANE whose address is 10419 GEORGETOWN ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on MARCH 19, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WALTER J. DENNIS who died on MARCH 03, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 19th day of SEPTEMBER, 2024

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

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

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

AKA: ELLEN H. SULLIVAN

Notice is given that Brook R. Sullivan, 2709 Berryland Dr., Oakton, VA 22124-1404, was on March 28, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ellen Sullivan who died on March 10, 2024, with a

will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of September, 2024.

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

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

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

Brook R. Sullivan 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: April 4, 2024

Notice is given that Lisa Goretsas, 1103 Barley Cutter Rd., Hampstead, MD 21074-1510, was on March 28, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Louis David who died on January 05, 2024, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of September, 2024.

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

lier of the following dates:

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

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

Lisa Goretsas

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: April 04, 2024

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE

TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20134

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT P. AUKER

Notice is given that Michael C. Hutnick, Jr., 450 Riverview Ave., Bloomsburg, PA 17815-8224, was on March 27, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert P. Auker who died on January 16, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27th day of September, 2024.

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

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

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

Michael

C. Hutnick Jr.

Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott

Register of Wills for Worcester County

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

April 4, 2024

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IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR)

BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

IN THE ESTATE OF:

EDNA FRANCES HAVEY ESTATE NO. 19598

NOTICE OF JUDICIAL PROBATE

To all Persons Interested in the above estate:

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Thomas J. Kokolis, Esquire, 110 N. Washington Street, #500, Rockville, MD 20850 for judicial probate of the will dated August 19, 2014 and for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at One W. Market Street, Court Room 4, Court House, Snow Hill, MD 21863 on June 04, 2024 at 10:00 AM.

This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills. Terri Westcott Register of Wills

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

Phone: (410) 632-1529

Newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Publication Date: April 11, 2024

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NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20136 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF STEVEN W. BAKER

Notice is given that James Baker, 3114 Cedarhurst Rd., Baltimore, MD 21214-3235 was on March 28, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Steven W. Baker who died on March 16, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of September, 2024.

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

(1) Six months from the date of

the decedent’s death; or

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

James Baker 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: April 4, 2024

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Notice is given that the Circuit court of Martin County, Florida appointed Jeffrey S. Mahan, 16 Carvel Dr., Annapolis, MD 21409-6246; and Mark C. Mahan, 1006 Placid Ct., Arnold, MD 21012-1638 as the Personal Representatives of the Estate of Dorothy E. Mahan who died on April 07, 2023 domiciled in Florida, America.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Wayne T. Kosmeri, Esq. whose address is 125 West Street, 4th Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401.

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

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

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

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

Jeffrey S. Mahan

Mark C. Mahan

Foreign Personal Representative

Terri Westcott Register of Wills

One W. Market Street

Room 102 - Court House

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of Newspaper:

Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: April 04, 2024

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IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

IN THE ESTATE OF:

MARTIN A. FERRIS ESTATE NO. 20150

NOTICE OF JUDICIAL PROBATE

To all Persons Interested in the above estate:

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Thomas J. Kokolis, Esq., 110 North Washington Street, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20850 for judicial probate and for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at One W. Market Street, Court Room 4, Court House, Snow Hill, MD 21863 on June 04, 2024 at 12:00 PM.

This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills.

Terri Westcott Register of Wills

One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Phone: (410) 632-1529

Newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Publication Date: April 11, 2024

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MICHAEL B. MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP

P.O. BOX 910115 BROAD STREEET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20146

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HARVEY R. KOCH

AKA: HARVEY R. KOCH JR.

Notice is given that Scott Koch, 42 Mystic Way, Burlington, NJ 080164254, was on April 04, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of

the estate of Harvey R. Koch who died on February 22, 2024, with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

Scott Koch

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

publication:

MARIANNA BATIE ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MOUNT HERMON RD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of BEVERLY MARIE ARMSTRONG Estate No. 20147 Notice is given that MARYELLEN ARMSTRONG whose address is 15926 COZUMEL DR CORP CHRISTI, TX 78418-6633 was on APRIL 04, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BEVERLY MARIE ARMSTRONG who died on MARCH 22, 2024 with a will.

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

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

Any person having a claim

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-4/11/3t

REENA J PATEL ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE

1321 MT. HERMON ROAD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ANTHONY F CITRANO SR Estate No. 20151 Notice is given that CYNTHIA CHATTERTON whose address is 34367 BRANCH VIEW LN DAGSBORO, DE 19939-4137 was on APRIL 05, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANTHONY F CITRANO SR who died on FEBRUARY 12, 2024 with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

MAY 6, 2024, AT 6:00 PM

A Public Hearing is scheduled on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council, in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland, 21842. The purpose of the public hearing is to consider the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget as discussed during multiple budget meetings from April 3 to April 11. The Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget sets the tax rate at .4426 per $100 of assessed value, a one (1) cent reduction from FY 2024. Real property tax revenues will increase by 10.9% resulting in $4,692,469 of new real property revenues. The Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget and budget meeting video links are available online at https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/city-manager/town-of-oceancity-budget/. Proposed budget details will be published for two weeks prior to its scheduled adoption on second reading at the May 20 Mayor and Council Regular Meeting. OCD-4/11/1t _________________________________

10411 Griffin Road

Berlin, Maryland 21811 and WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Attn: Roscoe R. Leslie, County Attorney

One W. Market Street, Room 1103 Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 and ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN

Claiming any legal or equitable right, title estate, lien, or interest in the real property described in the complaint adverse to the plaintiffs' claim to said real property, more specifically described as an area containing 44,315 sq. ft.+/-, 1.017 Acres+/-, located between 10403 Griffin Road and 10411 Griffin Road, Berlin, MD Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND

CASE NO. C-23-CV-24-000054 ORDER

OF PUBLICATION

(Action to Quiet Title or, Alternatively, for Declaratory Relief)

Plaintiffs have filed a complaint in the Circuit Court for Worcester County. The object of this proceecling is to quiet title or have the Circuit Court declare tbe rights to a "Parcel Unknown" with an area of 44,315 Sq. Ft.+/-, or I .OJ 7 Acres+/-, located and binding upon Griffin Road, Berlin, MD, and situated between 10403 Griffin Road, Berlin, MD, and 10411 Griffin Road, Berlin, MD.

Plaintiffs are the record owners of the real property located at 10403 Griffin Road, Berlin, MD, and are claiming said Parcel Unknown via adverse possession. Said real property is described as follows: Being all ofa parcel ofland located on the North side of Griffin Road (30' wide) in the Third Election District of Worcester County, Maryland and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at an iron pipe found on the Northerly line of Griffin Road at the southeasterly comer of lands currently owned by John E. Tarr, Jr. et al, as described in Liber 8647, Folio 3549, as recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland thence running the following courses:

1. N 06° 40' 00" W - 231.40' to a Found Iron Pipe

2. N 52° 16" 00" E- 188.15' to a Found Iron Rod

3. S 18° 38' 00" E- 166.34' to a Found Concrete Monument

4. S 30° 03' 00" W - 239.24' to a Found Concrete Monument on the northerly line of Griffin Road

5. Thence by and with the arc ofa curve having a radius of 1093.10', and a length of58.71'; N 70° 21' 36" W a distance of58.70' to the Point of Beginning; said parcel being found to have an area of 1.017 acres, more or less.

The complaint requests the Circuit Court to quiet title to said Parcel Unknown or, alternatively, to award declaratory relief, in favor of Plaintiffs.

It is thereupon this date of 3rd of April, 2024, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland,

ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order of Publication in Ocean City Today, a newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland, once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the date of June 3, 2024, and assert any interest in or claim to said Parcel Unknown or thereafter a final judgment may be entered quieting title to the said Parcel Unknown, and vesting in Plaintiffs a title, free and clear of any encumbrance or claim of right; and it is further ORDERED, that not later than fourteen (14) days after the date of issuance of this Order Plaintiffs' counsel shall post in a conspicuous place on the property that is the subject of this action a copy of Plaintiffs' summons and complaint and supporting exhibits, issued to All Unknown Persons; and it is further ORDERED, that Plaintiffs' counsel shall file proofs that summons has been served, posted and published, as required by this Order or Writs issued by the Circuit Court.

Brian D. Shockley

JUDGE, of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD

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ZST Rentals, Inc. 1515 Snow Hill Road Stockton, MD 21864

v.

Estate of Roger D. Watson

c/o Emine Watson, Personal Rep. 56 King Richard Road Berlin, MD 21811

E.M. Joyner, Trustee 725 S. Salisbury, Blvd. Salisbury, MD 21801

P

.L. Ensor, Trustee 725 S. Salisbury, Blvd. Salisbury, MD 21801

Commercial Credit Bank 725 S. Salisbury, Blvd. Salisbury, MD 21801

Worcester County, Maryland Roscoe Leslie, County Attorney Government Center, Room 1103 1 W. Market St. Snow Hill, MD 21863

Unknown owner of property

described as Item No. 20, Account No. 01017071, Property description

55' X 85' N SIDE 217 CEDAR STREET POCMOKE, Deed

Reference: 4938/663, Assessed to Roger D. Watson, The Unknown Owner's heirs, devisees, and personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right title and interest

All persons that have or claim to have any interest in the property described as Item No. 20, Account No. 01017071, Property description 55' X 85' N SIDE 217 CEDAR STREET POCMOKE, Deed

Reference: 4938/663, Assessed to Roger D. Watson

Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND

Case No.: C-23-CV-24·000063

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the plaintiff in this proceeding:

Item Number 20, Account Number 01017071, Property description 55' X 85' N SIDE 217 CEDAR STREET POCMOKE, Assessed to Roger D. Watson.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 3rd of April, 2024, by the Circuit Court for Worcester, County, 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 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 2nd day of . .June 2024, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Beau H. Oglesby Judge, Circuit Court for Worcester County

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-4/11/3t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19608 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN E. WALSH

AKA: JOHN EDWARD WALSH

Notice is given that Lucy Zanelotti Walsh, 11842 Peyton Ct., Bishopville, MD 21813-1403, was on April 02, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of John E. Walsh who died on February 17, 2023, with a will.

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

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

of this Notice.

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

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

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

Lucy Zanelotti Walsh Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: April 11, 2024 OCD-4/11/1t

Notice is given that Shelia Morris, 4112 Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863-4416, was on April 01, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Ta’mar Nakisha Ayres who died on March 20, 2024, without a will.

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

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

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

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other deliv-

ery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Shelia

Morris

Personal Representative

True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication:

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JOEL E. GORGODIAN Estate No. 20112 Notice is given that PETER HUGHES whose address is 861 OCEAN PKWY., OCEAN PINES, MD 21811-1579 was on MARCH 25, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOEL E. GORGODIAN who died on FEBRUARY 28, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25th day of SEPTEMBER, 2024

the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-4/11/3t

To all persons interested in the estate of BONNIE LOU PAYNE Estate No. 20145 Notice is given that DAWN C PAYNE whose address is 1633 SNOW HILL RD., STOCKTON, MD 21864-2031 was on APRIL 04, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of BONNIE LOU PAYNE who died on MARCH 21, 2024 with a will.

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

Notice is given that Erin Kathleen McMullen, 958 Mount Holly Dr., Annapolis, MD 21409-5150, was on April 01, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Veronica A. Walker who died on September 23, 2023, without a will.

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

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

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

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

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

Erin

McMullen Personal Representative

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-4/11/3t _________________________________

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of STEPHEN J. CZONSTKA

Estate No. 20148 Notice is given that SCOTT STEPHEN CZONSTKA whose address is 106 JEFFERSON ST., BERLIN, MD 21811 was on APRIL 04, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of STEPHEN J. CZONSTKA who died on NOVEMBER 25, 2023 with a will.

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

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

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present

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

To all persons interested in the estate of NICHOLAS SCOTT PLETCHER Estate No. 20143 Notice is given that JULIA MARIE PLETCHER whose address is 6 GRACE ST., BERLIN, MD 218111423 was on APRIL 02, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of NICHOLAS SCOTT PLETCHER who died on JULY 16, 2023 without a will.

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

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

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-4/11/3t

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

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

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

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

A public comment hearing in the above-entitled matter is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., via virtual platform, concerning Chaberton Solar Snow LLC’s application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Maryland Public Service

Commission.

If you would like to speak at the hearing, please send an email to psc.pulj@gmail.com by Monday, 12:00 Noon on April 29, 2024. Otherwise, anyone wishing to observe the live stream of the hearing may do so via the Public Utility Law Judge Division’s YouTube Channel, https://bit.ly/2X6wLiP. Any questions about the hearing should be directed to psc.pulj@gmail.com.

Written comments on the proposed Project may be submitted electronically through the Commission’s Public Comment Dropbox, which can be accessed through the Commission’s website at www.psc.state.md.us, or by firstclass mail with the Commission’s Chief Clerk, Jamie Bergin, Maryland Public Service Commission, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. All comments must include reference to Case No. 9714

Pursuant to the Commission’s March 13, 2020 Notice of Waiver and Relaxed Filing Requirements, no paper copies need to be submitted if the filing is public in nature and no more than 25 pages in length. The Commission encourages parties to use the Commission’s “e-file” system for filing. Instructions for e-filing are found under the “Tools” section of the Commission’s website under the “Make a Public Comment” tab. Which can be accessed via the following link: https://www.psc.state.md.us/make-apublic-comment/.

OCD-4/11/2t

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES

204 WEST GREEN STREET

P O BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of KEILA BROSSET Estate No. 20153 Notice is given that MITCHELL C BOLTON whose address is 33074 VINES CREEK RD DAGSBORO, DE 19939-4182 was on APRIL 08, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KEILA BROSSET who died on MARCH 20, 2024 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (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 OCTOBER, 2024

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

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM

102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-4/11/3t

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:

Thursday, April 25, 2024

AT 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-94(2)(b) has been filed to request a special parking exception to waive 3 parking spaces for the reconstruction of a new dwelling. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 54 of the plat entitled “Runaway Bay.” It is further described as being located on the south side of Penguin Drive and is locally known as 613 Penguin Drive, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: KRISTINA L.

WATKOWSKI (BZA 2685 #2409400008)

AT 6:10 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-94(2)(b) has been filed to request a special parking exception to waive 3 parking spaces for the reconstruction of a new dwelling. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 53 of the plat entitled “Runaway Bay.” It is further described as being located on the south side of Penguin Drive and is locally known as 615 Penguin Drive, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: KRISTINA L.

WATKOWSKI (BZA 2686 #2409400009)

AT 6:20 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-95(1)(a) has been filed to request an after-the-fact variance of 12 feet 7 inches from the 41-foot setback requirement for an existing screened pergola to be 28 feet 5 inches from the front property line along Atlantic Avenue, the Boardwalk. The site of the appeal is described as Lots 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, and 12, Block 56 North, of the plat entitled “Sinepuxent Beach Plat.” It is further described as being on the southwest corner of Atlantic Avenue (the Boardwalk) and 16th Street and is locally known as 1513 Atlantic Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: HERITAGE OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS, LLC (BZA 2687 #24-09500003)

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

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman

Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-4/11/2t _________________________________

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

To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM J. BROEMM Estate No. 20149 Notice is given that TEERI C BROEMM whose address is 13141 ROYAL LYTHAM LN UNIT 137, BERLIN, MD 218113360 was on APRIL 05, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of WILLIAM J. BROEMM who died on MARCH 21, 2024 with a will.

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

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

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

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-4/11/1t

MATTHEW F PENATER

THE PENATER LAW FIRM

1400 FRONT AVE STE 202 LUTHERVILLE, MD 21093-5365

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of CATHERINE E ORTEL Estate No. 20156 Notice is given that CORRIE SINGER whose address is 1911 BROADWAY RD LUTHERVILLE, MD 21093-1404 was on APRIL 08, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CATHERINE E ORTEL who died on JANUARY 03, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8th day of OCTOBER, 2024

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

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

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

Transportation dept. seeks funds for transition study

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 12, 2024) Ocean City’s transportation department is seeking funds for a study that will explore the transition to a zero-emission bus fleet.

During a budget work session Monday, Transportation Manager Rob Shearman presented the Mayor and Council with his department’s spending plan for the coming fiscal year. He said the budget includes $149,000 in capital spending for a zero-emission transition plan, which will guide the potential implementation of an electric bus fleet.

“That is a study that we must undertake if we are to begin purchasing, with grant funds, zero-emission buses,” he said. “We're not planning to do that yet, but we just continue to see on the horizon that it may come to a point where we are mandated to do that rather than purchase diesel or hybrid buses. When that time comes, we need to have this study in our pocket.”

Last year, the town’s transportation committee began discussing the transportation department’s plans to convert its diesel fleet to electric after receiving a statewide zero-emissions bus study for Ocean City Transit. While no specific mandates have been placed on local transit systems, the town at the time agreed to begin working with a consultant to create a transition plan, which could lead to federal grant funding.

“I don't want to get to a point where we're not able to purchase buses for several years,” Shearman told the council. “That's why I think it's important that we fund this study this coming year.”

When asked if the state would help fund the study, Shearman said the town had included it in its annual transportation plan to the state.

“We are expecting that that will be 80% federally funded, 10% state funded,” he said.

According to a bus study presented to the transportation committee last fall, the town’s transition to electric could total $99 million in capital costs and $1.9 million in annual operating costs. The transition plan would allow the town to receive federal funding to support the project.

Nanette Pavier/Holiday Real

Housing bill passes in General Assembly

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(April 12, 2024) The Maryland General Assembly convened on Jan. 10 and adjourned, called “Sine Die, this past Monday, on April 8. The General Assembly wrapped up their session by passing a meaningful housing bill, HB 538. This bill endeavors to kickstart the work of closing the 150,000-plus unit housing shortage in our state.

Numerous real estate related legislation will be reported on in the coming weeks in this article, including bills related to the HOA/Condo Reserve study bill, HB 107.

The Post-Session timeline is:

The bill grants density bonuses and eases zoning restrictions on qualified projects in areas adjacent to transit, owned by nonprofits and former government campuses. It removes restrictions on the construction of modular housing and streamlines the development process that is currently subject to excessive delays created by the public hearing process.

Maryland Realtors, Gov. Wes Moore (D), and Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day, were all instrumental in support of this bill. It was also sponsored by nearly 50 delegates.

April 28: 20th day after adjournment — Final date for presentment of bills to the governor

May 28: 30th day after presentment — governor to sign/veto bills by

this date

June 1: Other than emergency bills and as otherwise provided, earliest date for bills to take effect

July 1: Budgetary, tax, and revenue bills to take effect

Oct. 1: Usual effective date for bills

Local casino revenue dips 6%

(April 12, 2024) While Maryland’s six casinos combined to reach the state’s fifth-best single-month revenue total to date last month, Ocean Downs still saw a decrease in money made from slots and table games compared to March of 2023.

According to a news release from Maryland Lottery and Gaming, the casinos together reported more than $178.13 million in revenue, an over $1.6 million, or 0.9% increase. The local casino, though, was reportedly down $520,000, or 6.5%, for the month with a total more than $7.5 million in revenue.

Statewide, the release said casino gaming contributions to the state

equaled nearly $76.5 million, an increase of more than $1.9 million compared to last year.

Along with Ocean Downs, Maryland casinos MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Live! Casino & Hotel in Anne Arundel County, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore in Baltimore City, Hollywood Casino Perryville in Cecil County, and Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Allegany County all offer slot machines and table games.

The release said Rocky Gap and Horseshoe also reported decreases this month compared to last March, while the other three reported increases.

Lauren Bunting is the broker of record with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City.

MONDAY’S ECLIPSE

Monday’s partial solar eclipse was documented by local photographer Patrick Davis, who reported using his drone with a fixed aperture f2.8, a 2000 neutrual density filter and a shutter of 1/8000.

NEW STORE WELCOMED

Home

Worcester arts council seeking entries for exhibit

(April 12, 2024) The Worcester County Arts Council is inviting artists to participate in juried art competition “Seasons,” culminating with an exhibit to be presented in May and June at the organization’s gallery in Berlin.

All entries will be juried in and judged for the competition and will be accepted from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 23-25, at the gallery located at 6 Jefferson St.

Open to artists from all backgrounds, mediums, and locations, participants are encouraged to submit their artwork and share their unique visions of the seasons.

Detailed guidelines for the competition and entry form are available on the Arts Council’s website at worcestercountyartscouncil.org

Winners will be announced and monetary awards presented during a public reception, set 4-6 p.m., May 10.

The exhibit will be on display May 1 through June 30.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Living by Donaway Furniture celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Outlets Ocean City, hosted by the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, on April 9.

Detachment 731 linked to up to 300K ghastly deaths

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(April 12, 2024) This week, 80 years ago, the “medical” research and experiments continued apace at Unit 731. That unit was officially known as the “Epidemic Prevention and Water Purification Department of the Kwantung Army” and was located in Pingfang, Manchukuo, now a part of China and, before the Japanese occupation, a part of Manchuria.

Japanese Surgeon General Shir Ishii was the moving force behind the creation, and head, of this organization. He was given formal control over Unit 731 on Aug. 1, 1936. Ostensibly, the object of the unit’s research was to protect Japanese soldiers from the effects of biological warfare. However, in addition to defending against such warfare, it also studied the effects of various agents on the human body, and various methods of delivering these agents to the enemy.

1937. Today, Harbin has a population of 10 million.

Most of the subjects of the Japanese “experiments” and “research” were Chinese. However, there were also Russians, Mongolians, and Koreans. There may have been a small number of Europeans, Americans, Indians, Australians, and New Zealanders.

Unit 731 was divided into eight divisions: Division 1 researched the effect of the bubonic plague, cholera, anthrax, typhoid and tuberculosis and used human subjects; Division 2 researched the use of biological weapons in the field; Division 3 produced shells containing biological agents; Division 4 mass produced and stored bacteria; Division 5 trained personnel; Division 6 was devoted to equipment; Division 7 was a medical unit; and Division 8 handled administrative matters.

After the Japanese occupation of Manchuria in 1932, the unit’s “research” began to take off, because the Manchurian test subjects, “... could be plucked from the streets like rats.” The work of Unit 731 was transferred to the Pingfang section of the city of Harbin in

The official cover story for the facility given to local authorities was that it was a lumber mill. This led to the inside “joke,” amongst the Japanese when asking how many subjects died, instead asking, “How many logs fell?” Over time, the Japanese simply referred to the subjects of their experiments as “logs.” And they all fell!

To determine the effects of various

agents on the human body a subject would be infected with the disease, after being told that she/he was being vaccinated for it. The “scientists” used bubonic plague, cholera, smallpox, botulism, and other diseases in their “testing.”

The subjects would then be cut open — without anesthesia. The subjects’ organs would be removed and studied. Limbs were amputated to study blood loss. Usually a rag would be stuffed in the mouth of the subject to stifle the screaming. From these experiments came bubonic plague infected fleas, which the Japanese introduced into Chinese cities by dropping them from low-flying planes. A plan to target San Diego, California by kamikaze pilots was thwarted by Japan’s surrender.

To test the effectiveness of their weapons, the Japanese would use them on their human subjects. The weapons tested included flamethrowers, grenades and bombs. The Japanese tested the efficacy of these weapons at various distances. These tests also assisted them in learning how to best treat their soldiers for wounds caused by these weapons.

The Japanese experimented with blood transfusions in two ways. In one, the Japanese used a different type of blood than that of the recipient, e.g., A to O. The second type of experiment was the use of animal blood, often that of horses. They also tested different types of poison gas on helpless subjects — some with protective equipment, some

without.

“Logs” were also infected with syphilis by forcing uninfected inmates to have sex with infected inmates. They would then be vivisected, without anesthesia, to study the effect of the disease on their internal organs.

The Japanese also studied the effects of heat and cold on the human body. In the latter, a prisoner would, for example, have an arm or a leg frozen. The limb would then be subjected to different methods and intensities of warming. There was further experimentation with the effects of heat and dehydration.

As many as 300,000 people died at the hands of this unit — most in a ghastly way. The lucky ones, who were still alive as the war came to an end, were simply shot, so as to eliminate witnesses. But what of the staff, and their leader, Surgeon General Shir Ishii?

A dozen, including four generals, were tried and convicted by the Soviets in December 1949 in Khabarovsk. The four generals received sentences of 25 years. The others received sentences of two to 20 years. The two who received two and three-year sentences served them completely. All of the rest, except two, were released in 1956.

Of those two, one died in prison in 1951, while the other committed suicide in 1956. These men had been captured by the Red Army during its invasion of Manchuria in August 1945.

But there were several others, includ-

ing Surgeon General Shir Ishii that were apprehended by the Americans after Japan’s surrender. Those men were never punished, because, thanks to Lt. Col. Murray Sanders, M.D., they agreed to exchange the results of their “research” for their freedom.

Dr. Sanders traveled to Japan following its surrender, where he was tasked with investigating reports of medical war crimes committed by the Japanese. During his investigation, in February 1946, he met with Lt. Col. Ryoichi Naito, who was the number three man at Unit 731.

Naito acted as a go-between between Dr. Sanders and Dr. Ishii. At first, the Japanese were reluctant to cooperate. But then Dr. Sanders threatened to turn them over to the Soviets.

Of course, Occupation Forces Commander, General Douglas MacArthur had the final say on any such agreement. His response was,

“Since it is believed that the USSR

possesses only a small portion of the technical information, and since any war-crimes action would completely reveal such data to all nations, it is felt that such publicity must be avoided in the interests of defense and security of the U.S. Additional data, possibly some statements from Ishii probably can be obtained by informing Japanese involved that information will be retained in intelligence channels and will not be employed as ‘War Crimes’ evidence.”

Dr. Ishii died of laryngeal cancer on Oct. 9, 1959, never having been brought to justice for his horrific crimes.

Next week: Imphal

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

State outlines four options for Buckingham

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(April 12, 2024) Local plans will have to change if Worcester County wants to receive state funding for a new Buckingham Elementary School.

The head of the Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) outlined four possible scenarios last week, none of which was a new standalone Buckingham Elementary School. Alex Donahue, executive director of the IAC, said his agency wanted to work with Worcester County officials to come up with a solution.

“The four we’ve laid out are what we see as viable possibilities,” he said. “What we’re hoping is all three parties will look at the needs and the dynamics here…”

Donahue and other representatives of the IAC met with the Worcester County Commissioners and the Worcester County Board of Education last week to discuss ways the county could get state funding for construction of a new Buckingham Elementary School. Donahue said that just as the local capacity for funding was declining, budgets were tighter at the state as well. He said inflation and school construction costs were up.

“The amount of capital renewal work that can be done today versus 20 years ago is much much smaller for the same nominal dollars,” he said. “This is making things much tougher.”

Because of that, he said the IAC was leveraging all available resources to maximize its impact across the state. In Worcester County, while about half of the schools are approaching the point of needing replacement or renovation, the average school in Worcester is 27 years old. Statewide, the

average is 31. Donahue pointed out that in addition to condition, another issue the IAC looks at is utilization of space. In Worcester, classrooms aren’t as full as they are elsewhere.

Donahue said the IAC had developed four potential options for providing state funding to support a new Buckingham. Those include combining Buckingham and Berlin Intermediate School, replacing both Buckingham and BIS back to back, moving sixth grade to Stephen Decatur Middle School and replacing Buckingham as a pre-k through fifthgrade school or moving sixth grade to the middle school and converting Buckingham, Showell and Ocean City elementary schools back into pre-k through fifth grade facilities. Those options could result in $30-$37 million in state funding.

“The IAC is not pushing, demanding, directing any specific solution or option,” he said. “We are putting out these different scenarios for discussion because we believe this has to be a three way partnership discussion to id what’s going to fit best and what’s going to obtain the best return on investment in every given situation.”

Commissioner Jim Bunting asked if there would be any state funding for Buckingham if it was pursued as a standalone project. Donahue said there would not be state funding in that scenario.

Superintendent Lou Taylor said his concern with doing Buckingham and BIS back to back was that it would bump replacement of Snow Hill Elementary School and Pocomoke Elementary School. He also asked about funding for systemic improvements. He said in the past, the school system

didn’t ask for help with smaller projects, opting instead to seek money for major projects like school construction.

Donahue said the IAC wanted to see all requests from local education agencies (LEAs).

“Increasingly over the last couple of years some LEAs have been giving us longer and longer requests,” he said. “That has helped us significantly in making the case that we’re not getting enough appropriations. We can show more of the need. When the need is self limited….then we don’t have as much tangible request evidence and we can’t see as much of the need picture.”

He said the school system’s capital improvement plan needed to show its true needs.

“Second, when it comes to the major projects like a Buckingham, we would like you to share with us your expected major project asks much more deeply earlier on so we can see not just the one you’re looking at next but all of them. So we can talk with you about which solutions might leverage more eligibility.”

In fiscal year 2023, the school system got none of the IAC’s roughly $400 million in funding. In fiscal year 2024, the school system got about $62,000 out of about $600 million in funding.

“We were able to go farther down a number of school districts’ lists than normal,” he said. “Worcester County, because your request list was so short we didn’t have additional projects from you we could just fund with those extra dollars . So yes there is a way to be better positioned for future years.”

Bunting asked how the county

could prepare when it never had any idea how much state funding it would get. Donahue said there was no simple solution.

“The challenge here is that the state program is an assistance program that is to add onto projects where eligible to the local funding,” he said. “The base responsibility for the school facilities is on the county and what most counties do is they set up an approach with the school district so there is a clarity around what the fiscal capacity is.”

Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young asked if the state wanted Worcester to have larger class sizes.

“Not necessarily but there is an issue there about affordability of your facilities based on how you utilize them,” Donahue said. “There are a lot of nuances there. The state doesn’t prescribe particular class sizes however for fairness IAC uses state rated capacity which is based on a standard class size and we fund all the LEAs the same. If an LEA wants to run smaller class sizes the IAC doesn’t say you can’t or shouldn’t but the IAC cannot equitably fund one district for much smaller classes sizes than another district because that would pull more of the limited scarce state dollars to the districts that choose to fund smaller class sizes versus the ones that can’t afford to.”

When asked how he saw Buckingham moving forward, Donahue said he wanted the IAC to work with local leaders.

“I would say the mechanism is up to you and board of education to determine how you want to work the conversation,” he said. “The IAC is ready to join in that three way conversation.”

OC floating shift differential for bus drivers

By Mallory Panuska Ames Digital Editor

(April 12, 2024) A jump in overtime costs in Ocean City’s bus division has officials floating plans to introduce a possible weekend and evening shift differential for drivers.

At a Transportation Committee meeting Tuesday, Transit Manager Rob Shearman said that paying drivers premium rates for working on weekends and high-ridership times could help reduce a reported $60,000 increase in overtime expenses in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

Councilman Tony DeLuca, who sits on the Transportation Committee, brought up the overtime jump, which was reported during a council budget work session Monday, after commenting that officials have not heard anything negative about the buses. “We’ve been pleasantly happy with buses last year, this year, because we haven’t had any complaints,” DeLuca

said. “We haven’t had any, much, whitelining. We haven’t heard of any noise whatsoever. So we’ve really been kind of happy and kind of backed off.”

Shearman also reported Tuesday that the bus division is well staffed and applications are up.

With that, DeLuca questioned why department officials asked for an increase in overtime funds.

“We’re happy in the bus division, but how many more can we hire to reduce overtime?,” he asked.

City Manager Terry McGean explained that the problem is not the number of drivers employed all summer, but during peak times.

“Oceans Calling is a great example,” McGean said. “It was all hands on deck, we were paying everybody. We blew through a ton of overtime and bonuses during Oceans Calling. So a bigger pool of applicants, a bigger pool of part time, is not really going to address that.”

Shearman added that evening and weekend shifts are the biggest challenges, and that people are generally understanding that service providers are still struggling post-COVID.

“Even though we are rebounding in terms of staffing from the COVID pandemic, I think there’s just a general societal understanding that we’re still struggling to put service out there …,” he said.

Shearman suggested introducing the shift differential for evenings and weekends, which he said the town has offered before.

“We have to determine if returning to something like that might be a more affordable solution than the amount of overtime we pay,” Shearman said. “I really think we need to explore that as a potential solution for next year.”

McGean said Tuesday was the first time he heard the shift differential idea, and said it would have to be discussed for the future because depart-

ment officials cannot take it on now.

“Some of these things sound great but trying to administer them may be a nightmare to handle,” he said.

Along with the number of bus drivers, Shearman also updated committee members on how many applicants are vying for bus trainee, tech and dispatcher jobs, and the number of applicants for all of the positions in the tram division.

He said the numbers look promising so far, and that there are people who are returning to positions from last year.

“The great news about hiring returning staff is we expect to see a much lower wash out rate, fewer people dropping out after training,” Shearman said.

The first trams will hit the boards for Springfest the first weekend in May, with the season set to officially start Memorial Day weekend. Bus shifts will ramp up during those times as well.

Commissioners question school spending

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(April 12, 2024) Education officials reviewed the school system’s proposed budget with the Worcester County Commissioners in a lengthy work session this week.

Worcester County Public Schools leadership spent nearly six hours reviewing the school system’s proposed fiscal year 2025 spending plan with the commissioners on Tuesday. Topics ranged from expenses associated with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future to how individual school spending is handled.

“I think it’s fair to say today was unprecedented,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said. “This was a conversation that was long and maybe tortuous for some, but I think it was productive and that’s what we were trying to get to.”

At least a dozen school system employees were in attendance Tuesday morning as the commissioners kicked off their annual budget work sessions. Vince Tolbert, the school system’s chief financial officer, provided an overview of the proposed $136 million budget, which includes a proposed $25 million in state aid and $108 million in county appropriations. He stressed that as the commissioners had requested during the past year, his team had worked hard to provide the county with more detail on education spending. He said they’d provided 300 line items of detail as opposed to the roughly 150 line items provided last year.

Bertino, referencing a February meeting of the state Accountability & Implementation Board (AIB), school board and commissioners, asked how the budget had been reimagined to meet the needs of the Blueprint, Maryland’s comprehensive educational reform plan.

Superintendent Lou Taylor said the AIB hadn’t offered any detail on how

the school system should reimagine its budget.

“They’re still building this plane as we’re going down the runway,” he said.

Bertino said the state advised that the county’s local share funding for education was $73 million. He said the county was already funding that share, what is in theory required to implement the Blueprint, as well as an additional $26 million.

“Was there any imagination, any rethought of the budget?” he said.

Tolbert said the bulk of the school system’s spending related to people. He added that the school system’s budget process had included input from parents and stakeholders, who said they valued things like small class sizes and retaining high quality educators.

The commissioners and county staff went on to question various aspects of the school system’s budget. They asked for detail about projected revenues, individual school bookkeeping practices and grant spending. They also pointed out inconsistencies within budget documents and asked about hiring practices. According to county staff, the school system added 35 positions in the last six months. Commissioners pointed out the average position between pay and benefits had a roughly $100,000 impact on the budget. School system officials, however, said that was an average and they thought most of the recently added positions were food service or educational assistants but that they could back to the commissioners with specific information.

Bertino acknowledged that the state’s funding formula left the burden of education costs on Worcester County but stressed that efforts to rein in costs needed to be made.

“I see your point. I think we’ve got to talk about some of those things moving forward. It is a different mindset or a different direction than we’ve been in

the past,” Taylor said. Taylor, referencing the $3.5 million total held within the 14 schools’ individual accounts, stressed that that money was earmarked, as it had been fundraised by clubs and teams. He said it couldn’t be used to pay teachers. Commissioner Eric Fiori, who shared earlier in the meeting that he’d reviewed some of the schools’ Quickbooks accounts with a retired school bookkeeper, indicated Taylor should take a look at the individual school accounts.

“Maybe things have changed but I can tell you sir what I saw on that expenditure list is not what you’re describing….,” Fiori said. “Not one time did I tell you to pay teacher raises out of that. What I asked you to do is when our teachers that are struggling to make ends meet are pulling money out of their pocket for what they consider essential education supplies, at least have a channel open to allow them to apply for this money so we can get that money back in the classrooms. I want to sit down, we can go over these accounts. Mr. Taylor I think you’re going to be really shocked when you see some of these expenditures.”

Commissioner Diana Purnell thanked school system representatives for spending the day with the commissioners.

“We can’t do anything to bring about good if we can’t talk with one another… ,” she said. “We don’t have as much hostility as we’ve had before. We need to keep that out of the equation.”

Taylor said he was committed to making the school system the best it could be but that he couldn’t do it alone.

“I hear you loud and clear that we have to take a look at things differently,” Taylor said. “We have to work together. I’m committed to that… I commit to you our employees are com-

mitted to trying to work in a fashion that’s beneficial to children. That’s what has always been our focus.”

Bertino said the commissioners needed to see results.

“We need to see the results,” he said. “That’s what’s going to make the difference, not intentions, not good wishes.”

Todd Ferrante, president of the school board, thanked the commissioners for Tuesday’s discussion.

“I want to thank the commissioners for opportunity to come up here today, have an open dialogue to discuss these things,” Ferrante said. “I do think they’re very important for our county, important for our children. Important for our parents. We look forward to continuing this conversation. I did have a meeting with executive staff regarding making our budget thin. Making it, looking at ways we can cut things, that happened last year. That happened over at the tech school. We have talked about that. We’ve talked about how we can make it lean and mean.”

Bertino asked if there had been results.

“Yeah, I mean the budget we sent you I don’t think is excessive,” Ferrante said. “Could we cut things in the budget, we probably could but at what expense? What we want to make sure is that we want to meet the needs of our students. When we make budgets up we don’t just throw them over here. We want to make sure we meet the needs of our students. Those needs need to be met because every student matters. That’s what we look to do. We will continue to work with you and we will continue to have dialogue with you so that we can make it better for everybody.”

Bertino thanked county staff as well as school system officials for the productive discussion. The commissioners’ budget work sessions will continue, with the next set for April 16.

Citizen feedback sought on strategic plan

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(April 12, 2024) Citizens will have the chance to weigh in on the town’s draft strategic plan at two sessions next week.

The Berlin Town Council on Monday met with representatives from Salisbury University’s BEACON (Business Economic and Community Outreach Network) during a work session Monday to review the third phase of the municipality’s strategic planning process. Following the council review, BEACON is set to meet with community members April 15 and April 17.

“We really appreciate the work you and your team are doing,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

Last August, town officials hired BEACON to develop a strategic plan to

replace the most recent one, which was done in 2016. The document is meant to guide municipal spending for the next few years. Following a community survey last fall and public input sessions in January, BEACON’s John Hickman and Jessica Iacona this week presented a draft of the plan itself. Hickman went over the various driving strategies and accompanying action steps that have been identified as town priorities following community discussions.

“Driving strategy 1 is to foster a community where all are welcome and valued,” he said.

Action steps associated with that strategy, for example, include rotating the locations of town meetings, enhancing the involvement of community organizations and creating a “One Berlin” campaign. Other driving strate-

gies discussed this week included focusing on public safety needs, improving infrastructure, retaining a small-town feel, improving neighborhood connectivity and improving recreation facilities.

Council members adjusted some of the timelines associated with certain action steps and weighed in on the wording used throughout the plan. Councilman Dean Burrell asked that references to east and west Berlin be eliminated.

“Each time we use east and west Berlin we drive a spike dividing our town,” he said. “If we’re going to move past this … we’re going to have to stop thinking about Berlin as an east and a west. If we could not use that term throughout I think it would serve us better.”

While he acknowledged that the references were used to relay important goals, such as connectivity and improving accessibility, he said those topics could be conveyed with references to particular neighborhoods. His peers agreed.

After working in the council’s recommended changes this week, Hickman and his team are scheduled to present the plan to the public April 15 and April 17 at community involvement sessions. BEACON will then share that input with elected officials.

Town leaders encourage residents to attend either community session, the first of which is set for Monday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Berlin library. The second session is set for Wednesday, April 17, at 6 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Berlin mayor, council talk pedestrian bridge concept

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(April 12, 2024) Talk of the proposed pedestrian bridge over Route 113 highlighted a strategic plan work session in Berlin this week.

Upon hearing that there was some concern within the community regarding plans for a pedestrian bridge over Route 113, Mayor Zack Tyndall stressed that the $1.2 million in grant funding the town received this spring would be used to improve accessibility.

“It’s really to reconnect communities,” he said. “Is that a better crosswalk, is that better signaling… It’s how do we overcome that. The bridge is the golden goose if we can get it but it’s not the end all be all. There are

other options that are available.”

In March, US Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin announced Berlin would be receiving $1.2 million for the “Bridging the Highway that Divides Berlin” project. An announcement from their offices said that the funding would be used to plan and design a bicycle and pedestrian friendly bridge over Route 113, remedying longstanding lack of safe access to schools, jobs and recreation for town residents.

During this week’s strategic plan work session, Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols brought up the proposed bridge and said she felt it could be tied to the “One Berlin” goal identified in the strategic plan. She hoped

See PROJECT Page 75

CHARLENE SHARPE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The Town of Berlin has a $1.2 million federal grant to plan for accessibility improvements near the intersection of Route 113 and Bay Street, pictured above.

Project to expand accessibility

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the bridge would be named for Tymeir Bowen, the teenager that was struck by a car and killed while crossing Route 113. She said having his family be the first ones to cross the bridge would be pivotal for the town.

“We will help erase that negativity tenfold,” she said.

She added that she’d like the bridge to be tied in to the strategic planning process so that community members could share their thoughts on it during next week’s community input session.

“I’d like this to be a talking piece for next week so that when the community is present Monday and Wednesday they can voice their concerns,” Nichols said. “I’m hearing today that a few people, there may be some concern.”

Tyndall stressed that the point of the grant was to give the town the money to plan and gather community input regarding the bridge. Nichols maintained the some community discussion was needed.

“It’s been brought to the table to us as a ‘tada look at what you’ve received,’” she said. “As a larger body we’re looking at it as the positive, the benefits of having this. I think we should also welcome the sentiment.”

Councilman Steve Green said he’d

also heard not everyone supported a pedestrian overpass.

“I think it’s also maybe the lack of clarity on what exactly is being studied here,” he said.

Tyndall said it was important the public didn’t get too far ahead of the process. He said the grant was to study ways to improve access for residents in the area of Route 113.

“Part of that is bringing in folks that can help have and guide that conversation. I really don’t want that to be misconstrued anywhere,” he said.

According to the town’s news release, the “pedestrian and bicycle bridge” over Route 113, as well as other sidewalk and street crossing improvements, are meant to better connect both sides of the Town of Berlin, which is currently split by the roadway.

What gov’t. services are truly public goods? Editor,

The citizens, both voters and taxpayers, of Ocean City are often told that they will lose services if the government doesn’t collect: 1) plumbing fixture charges, 2) water bills, 3) city tax on cable service bills, 4) excessive property taxes [up 50% after inflation in the last ten years], 5) excessive parking meter fees, 6) room taxes, and 7) other licenses and fees (such as energy code and noise ordinance requirements) that add to our cost of living. This raises the question of, “what government actions are truly public goods?”

Only if a clear majority of the tax-

payers and voters desire the service and accept the cost can any service be considered a “public good.” What should be considered public goods for our seaside resort are bridges, bulkheads, gutters, roads, storm drains, sewers, sidewalks, trash pickup, water lines, and beach replenishment. The vast majority of taxpayers and voters agree that government should provide these goods, therefore they are public goods. However, when a minority of citizens determine that government should spend on a project then call it a public good or service, the tax expense becomes coercive theft against the majority. Madison warned about this in Federalist Paper No.10. If scarce resources

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Opinions

County, schools do it differently

Although government budget sessions aren’t known for their entertainment value, anyone who sat through Tuesday’s eternally long discussion between the county commissioners and public school officials might be excused for wondering if they weren’t seeing a little bit of performance art.

The commissioners’ interminable grilling of school officials went beyond mere numbers as they insisted on simple answers to complicated questions. One such instance involved whether school officials had or were about to “reimagine” their budget. Reimagined how, exactly? Specifics would be helpful.

But one question asked during this budgetary slog is easily answered: why don’t school system departments cut their requests like county departments do? They do, but differently.

The county’s approach to budgeting has long differed from the process followed by the towns of Berlin and Ocean City, and the Ocean Pines Association.

The administrations at those entities do their departmental slicing and dicing before the public sessions take place so their elected officials receive a clean budget that requires little in the way of heavy lifting.

The county, on the other hand, has long preferred to separate the needs from the wants in public sessions as it chops away at the inevitable spending/revenue shortfall that appears at the beginning of budget season.

Regardless, the results are the same. Everyone gets a balanced budget that voters can at least tolerate. It’s just a matter of style, with maybe a little political theater thrown in.

In this instance, the schools gave the commissioners a clean budget they can accept, reject or agree with the school board to work out a compromise.

But just because the commissioners like their budgets prepared tableside, as it were, doesn’t mean the schools were wrong to do their prep work in the kitchen.

PUBLIC EYE

Outsmarted again

I never considered myself to be the smartest person in the world (contrary to rumors suggesting otherwise) but each passing day reminds me how far down intellectual food chain I have fallen.

By Stewart Dobson

It began with my smartphone deciding on its own to remind me that reminders would remind me to check my reminders.

And the texting auto-correct feature purposely caused me great embarrassment by replying to an editorial inquiry with, “Yes ma’am, that is correct. This is a weekly nudes paper.” Not to be left out was this news tip I forwarded: Hey! Some guy got drunk on his goat and ran her aground.”

The reporter, obviously, didn’t know whether to call the Coast Guard or the Humane Society.

Anyway, then came the TV, which wants all my vital information — height, weight, known allergies, bank account routing number —, so it can find programming that I may enjoy. Yeah, right.

Then I got a new car that apparently came with the “Old Person Protection Plan.” You know, it beeps, honks, turns, monitors and otherwise looks out for you because it assumes you’re napping or something.

The car advises me if I’m straying from my lane, or I’m exceeding the speed limit, or, courtesy of its highly sensitive front-end radar about to plow into a column of ants dead ahead.

The first time I climbed inside this thing, I encountered so many strange buttons that I

was left with just two options on how to proceed: 1. Read the manual. 2. Push them all at once and see what happens.

I’m a see-what-happens kind of guy who will always push the button that says, “Don’t!” Consequently, you can now take it from me, don’t push all the buttons at once to see what happens, because you’re not going to like it.

I was on the road going at a pretty good clip when the steering wheel took of without me, the lights on my space age console started flashing and a message in big green letters floated in front of me on a panel just below the speedometer.

“Stay in your lane, bozo boy!”

All I’m going to say is that “Lane Assist” should be renamed “Lane Insist.”

Of course, I know better now, but upgrading after driving the same truck for 16 years does involve a substantial learning curve, which includes a thorough inspection of both the smart and dumb aspects of your vehicle.

That way you won’t go to Auto Zone to pick up a pair of license tag holders when you don’t need them.

“If you’re getting new tag holders for your car, you should know that you don’t really need them,” the exceptionally helpful man told me. “You have one holding the temporary tag on the back, and there’s one already in the car for the front.”

“I thought so, too,” I replied, “but I looked everywhere and can’t find it.”

“Did you look in the glove compartment?” he asked.

“Ummm. No. It’s too small.”

“Look in the glove compartment,” he said.

As I say, I’m not the smartest guy around, but there are days when I’d rather not be reminded of it.

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

The second year turned out to be the charm in Annapolis for increasing the room tax from 5% to 6% for Worcester. This is the second step of a three-step process. The first was getting the individual code counties – Worcester, Caroline, Kent and Queen Anne’s counties – to approve enabling legislation for the General Assembly to consider the change. The second part was the state legislative approval, which took two years. With the state approval in hand, the matter now returns to the individual counties for approval.

This has long been considered the challenging step as the Worcester County Commissioners must unanimously approve the room tax hike. This has the making of a political hot potato. The tax increase on the surface is an easy call, as the local room tax level is lower than many other tourist destinations (Rehoboth’s is 11% for example), and there is a significant jump in revenue available for the county, largely based on Ocean City’s thousands of hotel rooms and rentals. The rub here is Ocean City plans to use some of the new revenue created by the tax adjustment for a sports complex. The city also plans to use some of the dollars for tourism-related expenses like infrastructure and first responder expenses, but I think the sports complex could be a major issue. Shortly after the election in 2022 that altered the makeup of the commission and a tight referendum defeated a ballot measure to buy property for a facility, the County Commissioners voted 4-2 to end the county’s involvement in any sort of sports complex project. The dynamics in play have led to some concerns whether a unanimous vote among the commissioners is possible if it’s known some of the new dollars will be used by Ocean City to develop a complex. It’s worth noting if the commissioners do not approve the increase 7-0 it will be cutting off a revenue growth opportunity for the county. I would hope the big picture outweighs the commission majority’s disdain for the sports complex.

In a related development of significance, Ocean City was successful legislatively in securing $500,000 for the sports complex site assessment and preliminary design. A plan previously discussed included requesting the state fund 80% of the project and for the resort to finance the 20% remaining share, six-tenths of which would come from the new room tax revenue to pay debt service on the project.

Will it be Maintenance of Effort for the school system again in this year’s county budget? It’s the question on the minds of many, referring to the state law requiring jurisdictions to fund at least the same level of per student spending in the previous budget. This week’s hours of questioning and micromanaging by the commissioners indicates it’s possible.

On one hand some scrutiny of the budget is fine, considering $109 million of county funds are being requested, but the level of questioning is in fact “unprecedented” as it was stated this week. The same deep dive needs to be applied to all departments under the commissioners’ purview, however.

In the meantime, what was disturbing was the fact only one commissioner – Joe Mitrecic — saw fit to attend last week’s teacher of the year banquet. In the past, commissioners attended the event because it celebrates local educators. The other commissioners’ conspicuous absences were revealing.

I feel sorry for Fourth Street today. If I were Fourth Street, I would be offended.

The Town of Ocean City has selected a new, old name for the downtown recreation complex, which is undergoing a massive transformation. It’s been exciting to see the project’s progress over the winter as it represents a major upgrade that’s been needed for years.

There’s no disputing the benefits of the project, but the new name of “Third Street Park” officialized this week is confusing. When I was growing up on Edgewater Avenue, the downtown park was referred to as “Fourth Street.” This was where we played summer soccer league games, pickup basketball, had a camp with Brooks Robinson, skateboarded and hung out. Last month, when I saw the name Third Street Park, I giggled because I didn’t think anyone referred to it as that. It turns out I was wrong, as the name won out over other options like Bayside Park, South Bay Park, Bayfront Park and Southside Recreation Complex. It will always be “Fourth Street” to me but the naming weirdness is far outweighed by the overall impressive complex.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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are taken from the majority by the political class to pander to a minority, the services are not truly public. These alleged public services should be reversed and money should be returned to the rightful owners, the citizens.

Actions have been taken by this Mayor and a series of Councils to fund; 1) boat ramps, 2) $5M purchase of Law property (Mayors Friend) by City,3) airports, 4) golf courses, 5) performing arts centers, 6) $1 million in EMT payments to West Ocean City, 7) empty buses in the winter that cost $2.2 million, 8) over $6M a year in advertising with no evident benefit, 9) Excessive year around salaries for 3-5 months of business and 10) over 100 full time police in the dead of winter. While the city strains to pay in declining home values and vacancies. Are these really public goods? I don’t think so. When voters are asked if they want these services the answer may be yes. When voters are asked if they want to pay for these services, the answer is a resounding no. These services and others pander to minorities while foisting a great unwanted expense on the majority. These special interest projects cannot be viewed as true public services, for there never was a majority that consented to incurring their cost.

For the new Council, OC Taxpayers for Social Justice suggest the following: 1) Transition over the next six months to one or two meetings a month instead of one a week. 2) Instruct the bureaucracy to limit reports to at most 10 pages as opposed to 150 pages or more twice a week. Save the staff hours and trees! 3) Stop spending on false “public” goods and deferring needed repairs on real public goods. 4) Reduce excessive salaries and expenses to address a three-tofive-month high season, not a set of year-round tasks. 5) Make provisions to pay down debt. 6) Finally, sunset 10% of all ordinances every year. The Council has averaged 25 ordinances a year for 50 years, and they don’t even keep track of what they have passed six months ago. Guess what? Ocean City was fine 50 years ago. A reduction in senseless regulation would greatly reduce the work load on government and the costs borne by taxpayers. We need smart governance, not over-regulation.

The current economy will stimulate consumption in the short-term. This gives us a brief window to get our house in order and reverse the decline in property values and residents by making the needed structural changes. We have a lot of work to do and a brief time to do it in. Please don’t blow this opportunity.

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The ability to differentiate between public and private goods and activities can only be efficiently made in an “Open Economic System”. That is a system with merely five or six public goods and the rest left to the various jurisdictions and the public.

In closed systems, where leadership is not flushed every four years the tendency is to find a “public” purpose for all sorts of goods and activities and to use coercive means (rules, laws, regulations) as opposed to supply and demand to determine the allocation of goods and services.

Ocean City with its wealth of public money has allowed local politicians to dilly-dally off the reservation in sharp contrast to the austerity of Worcester County. The recent stimulus spike gives Ocean City politicians an opportunity to refocus on their “public” duties and get their house in order before all the extraordinary stimulus fades.

Tony Christ Ocean City/Falls Church, Va.

Offshore wind revisions criticized after hearing

Editor,

Forgive me if I seem angry, but I am.

I am angry at the lies coming from US Wind and the State of Maryland.

I am angry that US Wind and the Natural Resources Planner of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) apparently think we are a bunch of uneducated hicks who can be pandered to like children.

I am angry that US Wind suddenly and without notice revised its plans for its operations and maintenance facility at our harbor by reducing the number of crew transfer ships and reducing the size of the pier extension, among other things. The good folks who attended the March 25 public hearing at Wor Wic Community College (What? There was no place in Ocean City or West Ocean City that could accommodate?) were not aware of the changed plans until the meeting commenced, and therefore their comments were outdated. Nice, US Wind, very nice.

I am really angry that US Wind and the MDE think we are so gullible that we won’t ask the obvious question - if they are reducing the number of ships used to transfer crews to the wind farm to service and repair the turbines, have they also reduced the number of turbines they plan to erect? And keep in mind that the wind farm we’re discussing is just one of at least four that are planned for off the coast of Maryland and Delaware.

I am also angry that the”public” notice by US Wind and the MDE of the “public” hearing was, apparently, only published in the “Worcester County Times,” which has the poorest circulation of any of the newspapers in Worcester County. Seriously? You

think they didn’t know that?

On second thought, I am not asking for forgiveness for my anger - I am telling those who read this to get angry, too. You need to understand that these plans will destroy our harbor and the commercial fishing and recreational boating businesses, and eventually, Ocean City itself.

Carol Frazier Ocean Pines

Planning commission discussion questioned Editor,

I attended the April 4 planning commission meeting in Snow Hill because a text amendment was being introduced to allow farm-based slaughterhouses to be used in A-1 zoned land, 400 feet from residential homes (Text Amendment ZS 1-201 (c)(34) - Farm-based Slaughterhouses in the A-1 Agricultural District).

I live in a residential community that will be directly affected by this text amendment. I had never attended a planning committee meeting so I did not know what to expect. I witnessed two members state that they grew up as “farm girls” so they saw no reason to not vote favorably for this text amendment. Another member stated she just had a problem with the name “slaughterhouse” in which giggles erupted from other members of the planning board.

Geez, I am here fighting for my community, quality of life, health, and environment and this committee is “giggling!”

One member said our neighborhood should be thankful a hog or chicken farm wasn’t coming into our community because they really smell. Three members stated they received our neighborhood letters affirming how having a slaughterhouse in our community would negatively affect our quality of life, our health, and our environment but they did not see our perspective at all. They had no facts to back their statements just that they had driven up and down our street prior to the meeting. The text amendment unanimously passed as a favorable recommendation and will now move on to the next step in the approval process.

I left the meeting feeling frustrated, perplexed, and anxious thinking maybe I misunderstood the purpose of this planning commission. I looked up the purpose of the planning commission on the Worcester County Government website and it states the “Planning Commission reviews draft development guidelines and development standards such as the Scenic Transportation Corridor for US Route 50 and US Route 113, and the Commercial Design Guidelines. Also, the Planning Commission plays an active role in the updates to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code.”

Well, what is the Comprehensive

Plan? “The Comprehensive Plan provides a framework for jurisdictions to protect and enhance their community character and natural and cultural heritage, preserve environmental resources, and foster economic development by planning for their long-term land use, transportation, housing, water resources, and other public infrastructure needs and identify the actions the County will need to take to meet these needs and achieve the planning goals that relate to them.”

The Planning Commission stipulated the following from the meeting I attended: The name “slaughterhouse” was troublesome “giggle, giggle,” driving up and down a neighborhood street is research, members who grew up as “farm girls” assume everyone else in the county should share in their “farm girl” perspective, and be glad something worse isn’t going to happen to your

neighborhood because it very well can.

I am not seeing how this is supporting the comprehensive plan of Worcester County. I have seen high school debate teams take on subjects more seriously than this planning committee. There are close to 40 farms in Worcester County that qualify, under this text amendment, for on-farm slaughtering (400 feet from residential housing).

This is a subject that requires serious questions and inquiries on effects on the community, the environment, etc., especially when placing slaughterhouses 400 feet from residential housing and neighborhoods. This is a place we want to call home. My husband and I wanted to retire with sand between our toes. It looks like we can either trade our sandals in for farm boots or get the heck out of Worcester County, which is exactly what we are

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THE TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND NOTICE OF A PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

For the taxable year beginning July 1, 2024, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Berlin, Maryland proposes to increase real property tax rates from $0.8275 per $100 of assessment to $0.8375 per $100 of assessment.

The proposed real property tax rate will be introduced at 7 pm on April 8th at Town of Berlin, Town Hall, 10 William Street, Berlin, MD 21811.

A public hearing on the proposed real property tax rate increase will be held at 7 pm on April 22nd at Town of Berlin, Town Hall, 10 William Street, Berlin, MD 21811.

The hearing is open to the public, and public testimony is encouraged.

Persons with questions regarding this hearing may call 410-641-2770 for further information.

We

want to

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going to be doing!

Pamela Paulson Newark

Efforts of educators deserve appreciation

Editor,

I used to believe that the role of an educator was solely to “educate,” but I now realize how mistaken I was.

I had the chance this past Friday to schedule an appointment with Ms. Jenifer Hoffman Rayne at PHS. It was my first time visiting that school, and I must say, it is a truly beautiful school!

I always knew my wife, Belinda at

CCSS, was proud of her school. However, Ms. Rayne’s pride in her school is just as strong. She was absolutely glowing as she talked about the staff and students. The positive energy radiating from her description of the school, staff and students was amazing, and the same positive energy could be felt from the students as they left for the day.

Ms. Rayne requested that I walk out front with her while the students were being dismissed. I thought it would be a good opportunity to observe what law enforcement was referring to - the negative aspects and all the labels that have been used to describe our WorCO kids in recent months during BOE meetings and

press conferences.

However, I did not witness any of that.

As the kids left school, especially those boarding the buses, it was evident that they were happy it was Friday, and they were leaving. Who wouldn’t be? Almost every student leaving made eye contact with Ms. Rayne, and many of them responded in kind when she wished them a great weekend.

So....What did I see?

I saw love and respect from these kids who have been unfairly stereotyped. It broke my heart when Ms. Rayne mentioned that these kids had asked her, “Why do some people label us as criminals?” That’s awful! No student should ever have to have that thought run through their mind. Never!

I observed kids who took pride in their school. I witnessed kids who displayed respect for their school environment. I saw kids who expressed gratitude for the efforts of their teachers and administrators. I observed kids who had established strong relationships built on trust and confidence with the adults who were educating them. Additionally, I noticed that some kids seemed to have

a more positive experience at school than they may have outside or at home.

This experience opened my eyes to things I never knew existed or that kids were capable of. Maybe some of us have forgotten what being a kid is all about. Maybe those people making decisions have forgotten also. Perhaps it’s time for all the adults to visit some schools.

This led me to ponder why adults cannot demonstrate the same level of respect? Why do some of us feel the need to tear each other apart during meetings? What happened to civility? What happened to adults understanding the distinction between “Perspective and Perception?” There is a significant difference between the two, and these kids seem to grasp it. So why can’t the adults in positions of decision-making comprehend it?

I hope to be invited to other schools to witness what is happening there. I am genuinely interested in understanding the experiences you all go through daily. I am aware that my perspective will only provide a snapshot, but I am still eager to see everything. I am there to challenge the generalizations that have been

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OBITUARIES

MARGARET “PEGGY” HELEN PARR Ocean City

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Margaret “Peggy” Helen Parr on April 2, 2024, at 84 years old. She was at Hospice of the Chesapeake surrounded by her children.

Born on July 7, 1939, in Baltimore, Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Ken and Flo Whitesell; and her husband, Lee “Jack” Parr.

She is survived by her children, Kenny Parr, Misty Bunting and Brandy Tayman, along with her “outlaws” as she affectionately called them, Karen Parr, Rick Bunting and Dave Tayman. Peggy will always be remembered as “Mopsy” to her eight grandchildren whom she loved deeply: Kody (Nikki), Tucker, Jack, Maggie, Maddox, Bridgette, Sydney and Drew. Peggy is also survived by many loving cousins. As an only child, she cherished her cousins and considered them her sisters and brothers.

Prior to becoming a devoted fulltime mother, Peggy worked for McCormick Spice Company for 10 years (1957-67). She cherished her “Spice Girl” days and made many lifetime

friends while working there.

As a full-time mom, Peggy proudly supported her kids, often being the loudest cheerleader on the sidelines with her cowbell. She found joy in creating a warm and welcoming home, always opening her doors to her kids’ friends, earning her the title of second “Mom” to many.

A gifted seamstress and lover of all things crafty, Peggy took great pride in making homemade goods for family and friends. Along with stained glass, clothing, and embroidery projects (to name a few), Peggy took her talents to the next level when she created a “unique” line of earrings (if you know, you know!) selling them throughout Ocean City during St. Patrick’s Day and Bike Week.

Peggy had many fond memories in Ocean City as she spent the summertime there for many years. An original owner in Montego Bay, Peggy became a staple at Duffy’s over the years, making many friends as she was the life of the party wherever she went.

The family wishes to thank her devoted, loving, and kind neighbors who went above and beyond to help her live her dream of staying in her home during her final years. They also wish to thank the caring nurses and staff of Hospice of the Chesapeake. In lieu of flowers, they ask that

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Peggy Parr

donations be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake.

STEVEN WILLIAM BAKER

Berlin

Born in Baltimore on Feb. 21, 1948, Steven W. Baker, of Berlin, peacefully passed away surrounded by family, on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from complications arising from his 20year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Steve’s early years were spent growing up in the Northwood community in Baltimore, where he attended Northwood Elementary and showed an aptitude for math, skipping a grade and going on to graduate from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1965. From there, Steve attended Clemson University in South Carolina, where he was a fulltime student and gained local fame as a popular DJ on WSBF, the studentrun radio station. He graduated in 1969, and returned to the Baltimore area where he worked for a brief time with Xerox in Towson before beginning a 30-year career in the commercial bonding and insurance industry. He married Regina Bansky in 1973 and welcomed his beloved son James 10 years later. Steve and Regina divorced and in 2005 he moved to

Maryland’s Eastern Shore and continued his insurance career with Hartman, McClean & Schmidt in Salisbury until health concerns forced him into retiring from the industry.

A Baltimore boy through and through, Steve loved his Orioles and, like many men of his generation, he never really got over the Colts moving but loved the Ravens all the same.

Steve spent much of his adult life on golf courses around Maryland, D.C., Virginia, and Delaware. After retiring from insurance, he worked at The Glen Riddle Golf Course in Berlin, where he would be remembered as a friendly starter who enjoyed spending time with others who shared his love of the sport, even after he could no longer play.

A lifelong avid film buff, Steve enjoyed greeting moviegoers as the “Ticket Guy” in the box office of The Clayton Theatre in Delaware for over 13 years. In 2013, he began hosting Monday Night Classics where he kicked off each week’s film sharing his knowledge of movie history and fun trivia facts.

Steve became a grandfather in 2014, with the birth of his first grandchild Duncan Baker-Scott and then again in 2018 with the birth of Owen. He loved his grandchildren more than anything and was eagerly awaiting the birth of his first granddaughter this Spring, a fact he was certainly

not shy about sharing at any opportunity.

Steve had a close circle of friends, but also many acquaintances and contacts he met through the years. He is preceded in death by his father, Clayton W. Baker and his mother, Vera E. Baker (nee Yeagle), both of Baltimore, Lutherville and Berlin.

Steve is survived by his loving sister, Joanne Howe (nee Baker) of Berlin; his brother, Paul Baker (Deborah) of Macon, Georgia, and their children, Alexandra Sherry, Matt Baker and William Baker all of Savannah, Georgia. He is also survived by what he would call his greatest accomplishment, his son, James C. Baker (Kate Baker-Scott); and his grandchildren, Duncan (8) and Owen (5), all of Baltimore.

A memorial service will be held on June 7 at Ruck Funeral Home,1050 York Rd. in Towson.

JANET

Janet Elene Gobbett, born in 1934 in Bluefield, West Virginia, died April 3, 2024, at Atlantic General Hospital. She was the daughter of Kenova and Forest (Fielder) Shrader, deceased.

She is survived by son Gary James and his wife Maureen; two granddaughters, Kimberly James and Kelly MacPerson; four great-grandchildren, Amber and Jacob Marshall, and

Tyler and Kylee MacPherson; one brother, Carson Shrader; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Gobbett; three sisters, Berneze, Lala and Claudine; one brother, Kenneth; and her grandson, Kevin James.

After a long career in the banking industry Janet retired from the National Bank of Washington and moved to Ocean Pines in 1990 to be close to her son and his family and then moved to Mystic Harbor. In July 2023, she moved to Gull Creek and became an avid bingo player.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother and her joy was spending time with her family. Always one with a gracious compliment, she was adored by all who knew her.

Interment will be a private ceremony.

She was a member of Holy Savior Catholic church in Ocean City. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to her church.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Ave., in Berlin. To send condolences to the family, please visit easternshorecremation.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Continued from Page 80

made about these kids. I am also interested in helping wherever I can.

$1,595.

I acknowledge that you all have a challenging job. Kids will always be kids. As you read this, you may recall your own experiences at that age. While some kids may require more guidance to make sound decisions, and I am confident that those of you reading this will ensure it happens… they’re all still kids. Good kids. Just like we were at one time.

I don’t want to write a lengthy novel, so I will conclude here. If you have made it this far, thank you. Thank you to each one of you who work tirelessly to educate and care for the school population in WorCO. It is a demanding job because you wear so many different hats.

Something I have learned over the many years of being involved in my community that I want to share. It is important for you reading this that the opinions of the vocal minority do not represent the rest of us. I can assure you that the majority of parents, grandparents, citizens, and taxpayers are in support of you. I will also do everything in my power to not only help you, but to protect your profession as well.

Please always keep this in mind.

Thom Gulyas

ELENE GOBBETT Berlin

Steven Baker

Janet Gobbett

Seahawks remain undefeated so far this spring season

By Bruce C. Walls

Contributing Writer

(April 12, 2024) Stephen Decatur girls’ tennis players shined on the court with a current number one ranking in the Bayside South 5-0-0 after their win against Snow Hill on Tuesday, April 9.

Coach JP Greenwood credits his current record to the experience and commitment of the girls.

“We had a lot of returners from last year, we only lost three seniors last year… just three new girls this year, so that’s been good and has definitely helped us so far this year,” Greenwood said.

He credits team leadership from seniors Kalli Nordstrom and Emily Ferguson.

Last year, the lady Seahawks had eight wins and seven losses. This year they have had five wins and no losses so far. Stephen Decatur beat Wicomico High School twice, 7-0; North Caroline High School 7-0, Kent Island High School 5-2; and Snow Hill High School 7-0.

During Tuesday’s game with Snow Hill, Stephen Decatur won all four of their singles matches. Ana Pena scored a perfect 8-0 against Alexa Arnold of Snow Hill. Another great match was played between Stephen Decatur’s Ferguson blanking Regina Woleh of Snow Hill 8-0. The Seahawks’ Brooke Berquist and Emmie Weber also won their singles matches.

The day’s doubles matches finished off Snow Hill. Stephen Decatur’s Anika Karli and Nordstrom schooled Snow Hill’s Arnold and Woleh 8-3. Seahawks’ Lilah Johnstone and Lilly Nathan beat Karsyn Cull and Somer Young in a hardfought battle 8-4. The final match was won by Stephen Decatur’s’ Carly Culver and Sofia Abucaid 8-5.

At 4 p.m., Monday, April 15, the Seahawks play at Pocomoke High School.

WPS SENIORS CELEBRATED

During last Friday’s girls lacrosse home game against The Salisbury School, Worcester Prep’s five seniors were celebrated. The seniors, from left with their families are Leah Gaito, Isabella Huber, Madilyn Nechay, Caitlin Williams and Claire Windrow. The Mallards lost the senior night game, 8-7, but Williams recorded six saves in goal. In the tight loss, Nechay had a goal and an

Cora McClanahan and junior Nazli Unal.

Decatur boys tennis leads Bayside

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(April 12, 2024) Stephen Decatur boys’ tennis currently holds the top spot in the Bayside South with a record of 4-1-0.

“We have three returning seniors, Captain Matt Beck, our third seed was Jacob Ritz and our fourth seed was Logan Plumley,” Coach Steve Berquist said. “Last year our boys’ doubles were regional champions and we came in third in the region overall.”

On March 22, the Seahawks won 7-0 against Wicomico High School. March 26, they lost 6-1 playing North Caroline High School, which was followed by another 7-0 win against Wicomico High School last Friday, April 5. On Monday, April 8, Stephen Decatur beat Kent Island High School 5-2.

Tuesday brought the Seahawks another win against Snow Hill High School, 6-1.

9 for a 8-5 win

In the singles matches, Trey Rill lost a tough fight 8-6. Jacob Ritz returning senior won 8-2, Geren Palmer won 8-1, and returning senior Logan Plumley won 8-2. Stephen Decatur won all three of their doubles matches. Trey Rill and Brogan Clark won 8-5, Jacob Ritz and Logan Plumley won 8-1, and Geren

“We are deep,” Berquist said. “Most teams have one or two good players, we have three or four good

players. The size of our school having 1,500 students and being a resort town helps a lot in that effort.”

Monday, the team will travel south to Pocomoke for a 4 p.m. start time.

Palmer and Zane Beuto completed the hat trick with an 8-0 win.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS Decatur’s Trey Rill returns the ball during a match against Snow Hill on April 9. Rill lost his singles match 8-6. He won in the doubles match with teammate Brogan Clark 8-5.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

assist and Gaito scored a goal. Leading the scoring with two goals apiece were freshman

Stephen Decatur’s Carly Culver serves the ball during the third doubles match on April

against Snow Hill.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLORWALLS

SEASON’S FIRST FLOUNDER CAUGHT

Fish In OC’s Scott Lenox confirmed this week that the first official summer flounder of the season was captured last weekend in Ocean City’s back bay. Paul Musser and Paul Musser Jr. hooked this 17.5-inch keeper in the thorofare in 52-degree water. Legal size for summer flounder in Maryland is 16 inches through May 31 and will change to 17.5 inches on June 1 through the end of the year. The creel limit is still four fish per person.

Water temp remains major factor for OC during spring

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(April 12, 2024) Alright! It’s April. Warm weather, warm water, longer days, birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and trees are budding. It seems as though everything is emerging and coming out of the long cold winter.

The meteorologists, weathermen, will say that spring starts on the first of March. The astronomers will say that spring started on the 19th of March, as that was the case this year, 2024. But hold on a minute! Let’s take a closer look.

Okay, let’s say that you’re coming from the Baltimore, D. C., or Philadelphia area. It’s 70 degrees in these cities and sunny with light winds. As you travel to the beach area it’s the same way in Dover or Salisbury, or even Dagsboro or Berlin. But when you arrive at the ocean it’s cold and windy, say 50 degrees with a 20-mile-an-hour onshore wind. What’s up with this situation?

You were probably figuring things would be at least be close to where you traveled from. These days a lot can be

found out and forecasted through the internet, but still there are some mitigating factors at the beach.

In a few words and to keep it simple, the main reason for this difference in weather conditions is water temperature. In this case water temperature is king. Granted, other factors can and will play a part but the temperature of the water is huge!

As of this writing, water temperature is hovering around 47. This will translate to still wearing full wetsuit gear, including boots, gloves, and a hood or cap. Winter thickness, at least a four-three in a full wetsuit, would keep the surfer more comfortable. But one could probably get away with a three-two, especially if the air is on the warmer side. Thickness in wetsuit gear is a balance between warmth and flexibility. The thicker suit will keep one warmer but less flexible. The thinner suit will be more flexible but not be as warm. And, of course, boots, gloves, and a hood or cap should not be forgotten.

April is still winter around here, albeit more of a latent winter, early spring.

It’s a great time of the year in so many respects but be aware of the differences. Again, April is more or less the latent winter with water temperature the most influential factor.

PHOTO COURTESY FISH IN OC

DECATUR DROPS FIRST

PHOTOS COURTESY J.P. CATHELL PHOTOGRAPHY

After rattling off five straight blowout wins to start the season, Stephen Decatur’s girls varsity lacrosse team finally met its match on Monday, losing to a talented Sts. Peter & Paul team, 13-10. Senior goalie Addison McDaniel, above right, kept the Seahawks in the game with 15 saves. Also pictured in the losing cause were senior Sadie Kauffman, above right; sophomore Laila Pascucci, below left; and sophomore Lo Malinowski.