4/14/2023 Ocean City Today

OC Today

APRIL 14, 2023

RESTAURANT WEEK BACK

More than 20 Ocean City eateries gearing up for 14-day promotion starting this Sunday – Page 27

SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY FREE

Assembly tough on OC

Offshore wind wins big support from legislature, calls for lots more of it

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) Opponents to the expansion of wind energy off the coast of Worcester County received a clear message from Gov. Wes Moore last week with the passage of the POWER Act at the state level.

Wind energy isn’t leaving. It’s going to keep growing.

On the heels of an announcement in late March that initiatives were in place to increase offshore wind energy output, the Maryland General Assembly passed the POWER Act, which gives legislative backing to Moore’s intentions by quadrupling the state’s wind energy output from 2 megawatts to 8.5 megawatts.

“(Moore’s) administration wants to make Maryland a leader of wind in the country,” Del. Wayne Hartman said. “This bill will expand the potential for offshore wind off the coast of Ocean City (to) potentially hundreds

of turbines. It’s a very egregious bill.”

Both Hartman and Sen. Mary Beth Carozza tried bringing attention to the potential impact on marine life by proposing amendments that would slow construction until the possibility of adverse impacts caused by wind energy installations could be definitively ruled out. Neither was successful.

In recent months, officials from both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission

See OFFSHORE Page 6

Room tax increase dies quietly

Bill gets little support from tax-wary legislators, who say wait until next year

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) At the end of the 2023 session of the Maryland General Assembly, the message out of Annapolis for Ocean City’s aspira-

tions to raise its room tax turned out to be the same as it was in 2022: Wait ‘til next year.

Though the room tax bill that would have enabled what are known as code home rule counties on the Eastern Shore to increase their room tax from 5 percent to 6 percent failed to cross the finish line, elected officials are encouraged about what the 2024 session could hold.

“I understand that there will be some promises next year and more momentum behind it,” Del. Wayne Hartman said. “I’m sure we’ll be trying again next year.”

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza clarified that Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) has committed to moving the bill forward next session, but also took aim at her colleagues

See ROOM Page 6

Transit ad sales could top last year’s

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) The resort’s new transit ad contractor is on track to make as much or more money off of bus and tram advertisements this year as they tweak the selling process and prepare to welcome a new medium.

Representatives from Gateway Outdoor Advertising, who took over the contract to sell ads on the backs, sides and tops of Ocean City transit vessels in September, updated mem-

See TRAMS Page 8

Drawings show how wraps planned for the resort’s eight Boardwalk trams will look when they begin running next month. Different colors will be incorporated that complement the city’s new logo and brand.

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Planning commission clears way for Seacrets event venue

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) An event venue planned for a section of the threestory structure taking shape at the site of the former ABC Liquors in the Seacrets parking lot is getting close to reality.

Your Beach, which is set to join liquor sales and storage space inside the 49th Street building, will host wedding receptions and other events as part of a full renovation of the small island-themed store that stood in the northern section of the lot for years.

The project is set for site plan approval in May. In anticipation, city planning staff presented a request to approve the installation of underground utilities and planter box walls to planning commission members at a meeting April 4.

“This is a building permit that is of necessity to build a bridge, if you will, between the ABC Liquor store that they are already in process of building with the second and third stories that had been approved as storage,” Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy explained during the meeting.

See PROJECT Page 8

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Crews perform construction work in front of the new ABC Liquors building in front of Seacrets on 49th Street. Planning commissioners recently approval a request to prepare the property to turn a portion of the large building into an event venue.

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‘Literally chaos erupted’ as legislature ends in shouting

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) The 2023 session of the Maryland General Assembly finished on Monday, and like a minor league baseball game on Saturday night, there were plenty of fireworks at the end.

“Session ended like I’ve never seen it end before,” said Del. Wayne Hartman on Tuesday.

With less than 15 minutes left until the midnight deadline, the House of Delegates had on the floor a bill that makes the odor of marijuana insufficient evidence to stop and search someone. House Republicans did not support the measure.

“Our minority whip (Del. Jesse Pippy) and our Republican Leader (Del.) Jason Buckel tried to stand up and get the speaker’s attention,” Hartman recalled. “They both sit right and front of them. They ignored them. Steamrolled right over (Buckel).”

According to the nonprofit reporting service “Maryland Matters,” Minority Leader Jason C. Buckel (R-Allegany) and Minority Whip Jesse T. Pippy (R-Frederick) said they wanted to explain their votes against the bill and were given two minutes each to do so.

Following that, other members of the House wanted to speak, but House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County called for the vote.

Members of the Republican caucus attempted to use House rules to challenge her, to no avail, said Hartman. “So, chaos, literally chaos erupted and the Republicans started (leaving) the floor because, let’s face it, we’re there to debate legislation and when we don’t have a voice, what’s the sense of us being there? We gathered towards the front of the chambers and never did leave. But it was the most chaotic ending of a session I’ve ever seen and, talking to other people, the most chaotic end to a session in many years.”

Though not a member of the House, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza said that with a supermajority, like the Democrats have in Maryland, they can do what they want, when they want.

“What’s very disappointing is how some of these major bills at the last minute, when there are still legitimate concerns to be worked out, were still jammed through before that midnight Sine Die deadline,” Carozza said.

“The issue that I consistently brought up during the reform debate was the impact of public smoking of marijuana and the need to get local jurisdictions like Ocean City the ability to increase those penalties to keep control of areas like the Boardwalk, public

parks, state parks, overall protecting our families and the general public health from the impact of public smoking of marijuana.”

Carozza attempted to pass an amendment but was narrowly defeated, still an eye-opening outcome considering the supermajority.

But to add insult to injury, on the last day a bill came through that decreased penalties.

Carozza said her intention moving forward is to work with municipalities and counties, with Ocean City included, to ensure that local jurisdictions “have tools they need to keep families, residents and visitors safe from the effects of public smoking of marijuana.”

But the end of session wasn’t all bad for the Eastern Shore delegation.

Carozza heaped praise on the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and the HotelMotel-Restaurant Association, as well as many employees and employers, for the pressure they applied on legislation that would have given tipped employees minimum wage, resulting in the bill not moving forward.

Oppositional testimony also assisted in the Consumer Price Index’s removal from the bill that raises the minimum wage to $15 an hour, starting on Jan. 1. Its addition would have meant that wages rise with inflation.

“It goes to show that when local communities and business leaders make their voices heard (it makes a difference),” Carozza said. “The people who come up and testify in person have such a major impact with that combined advocacy.”

Carozza also touted the funding coming to Atlantic General Hospital and TidalHealth Trauma Center, the only trauma center on the Eastern Shore, which she said has been woefully underfunded since 2017.

“(The trauma center) serves 500,000 locals and regional residents, but it also serves the 8 million people that come to Ocean City in the summer,” Carozza said. “Every county and jurisdiction in the state has had patients come through TidalHealth Trauma Center over the years. Our point is, as that volume increases and services of care increase, the reimbursement rates have not kept up at all and it has put it in a very precarious position.”

And the ultra-controversial HB119, which would have reformed Maryland’s sex education curriculum to include terminology that upset many parents in Worcester County, fell before the pressure it faced.

Wayne Hartman

Mary Beth Carozza

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Offshore wind wins big in General Assembly

have said there is no evidence to link marine wildlife deaths to wind energy activity.

Ørsted and US Wind, the two companies spearheading wind energy development off Worcester County and lower Delaware, met the bill’s passage with enthusiasm.

“We applaud the Maryland General Assembly’s passage of the POWER Act and commend Governor Moore for his bold vision to make Maryland an offshore wind leader,” Ørsted’s Maddy Voytek, deputy head of government affairs and marketing strategy in Maryland, said in a statement. “Ørsted is proud to be making significant commitments to develop supply chain, manufacturing, and operations capabilities across Maryland as we develop Skipjack Wind. We look forward to a strong and lasting partnership with the state as we help it achieve 8.5 gigawatts of offshore wind power and 100% clean energy by 2035.”

The Skipjack project is situated off Fenwick Island, while US Wind’s development site is off Ocean City.

US Wind also saluted the move and expressed excitement about the direction the state is taking.

“The POWER Act is a real game changer for Maryland,” Jeff Grybowski, US Wind CEO, said in a statement. “It

sets a path for the people of Maryland to reap the benefits of huge amounts of clean energy in the coming years. It also tells the entire offshore wind industry globally that Maryland is back big time as a major player. Companies looking to invest in offshore wind have to seriously consider Maryland.”

But locally, the tenor is much darker in the wake of Moore’s precedent-setting bill.

“I was extremely disappointed that a bill of this magnitude would be introduced with no consultation of the impacted state delegate, senators and the local elected officials and our citizens that are impacted by a bill of this magnitude,” Carozza said. “That was extremely disappointing and obviously gave the proponents and sponsors of that bill a great advantage.”

She did, however, credit the Town of Ocean City for its efforts to assemble talking points for the bill’s hearing in Carozza’s assigned committee — the Energy, Education and the Environments Committee — which she said were effective in ensuring that the laying of cable lines and landfall of those cables does not affect the town itself.

“That’s significant,” she said.

She pointed to the problems that Rhode Island experienced off Block Island, a tourist hotspot that lies about nine miles south of the state’s coast,

where, in less than a year, “poorly installed” underground high-voltage cables came to the surface.

According to the Providence Journal, the cables weren’t buried at the recommended depth of eight feet, but at four feet because of difficulty boring through the rocky seabed. The $31 million cost of repairs wasn’t borne by the developer, Orsted, but by National Grid, the company that brought the power ashore. That company then applied a surcharge to Block Island consumers, and then found itself in trouble with the state public service commission, resulting in a partial reimbursement to ratepayers.

“I ... have been trying to educate my colleagues that the concerns with offshore wind development in Ocean City go way beyond a visibility issue, Carozza said. “I totally support our ef-

fort to continue to move those offshore wind turbines further off. I believe that if Virginia and North Carolina can do it, certainly the state of Maryland can do it.”

Carozza would also like to see the impact of wind energy on local fisheries examined, but no amendments aimed at that goal could pass.

Though no one would ever construe Carozza as an ally of wind energy companies, she did push for accepting the House version of the POWER Act over the Senate version due to language that included more opportunities for public engagement and comment with officials.

“(That language) is consistent with the Eastern Shore Delegation’s call for congressional hearings as they held in New Jersey (and potentially) having one held in Ocean City.”

Room tax bill dies quiet death

Continued from Page 1

who sank the bill for this session.

“I find it extremely disappointing and frustrating that a local and enabling-only hotel and tax rate bill was not given local courtesy,” Carozza said. “I pointed out that over 65 percent of the tax would be paid by out-of-state visitors and that half of Maryland counties have a rate of 6 percent and above, including Baltimore City and Baltimore County that have 9.5 percent (each) and all this bill did was enable a maximum ... of 6 percent.”

At one point the bill seemed like a slam dunk. Last year, it failed to pick up steam because Worcester County officials didn’t realize until it was virtually too late that they needed the support of the other counties on the Eastern Shore with a home rule form of government — Caroline, Kent and Queen Anne’s —

before it could even be brought up in Annapolis. This year, they got that support.

It seemed that all that was left was dotting every “i” and crossing every “t.” But the bill met some pushback in the House. After making it through, it met even more resistance in the Senate, enough to stop the bill altogether.

It was an ironic twist of fate as Republicans — the party of small government and limited taxes — found themselves defending a bil against Democrats — the party more associated with government regulation — who saw the bill as a tax hike on their constituents.

Not even Hartman and Carozza saying that 65 percent of the tax would be paid by people vacationing in Ocean City from out of state could budge the

See TAX Page 7

Tax change could happen in ’24

Continued from Page 6

Democrats.

“It seems to me extremely hypocritical that those who were opposing it actually have hotel tax rates that exceed Worcester County’s. The bottom line is it became political and a decision was made by (Ferguson) not to move it at the end of session.”

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan concurred, saying the bill’s failure was nothing more than a “political issue” that had nothing to do with its contents.

“It became an issue between Republicans and Democrats,” Meehan said, referring to the Senate Democrats who took a stand against the bill in committee at the eleventh hour. “And I think that was … something that caught us off guard. Because this was a local issue. It

was something that affected the four code counties here on the Eastern Shore. All four counties supported it.”

Meehan said he spoke with Ferguson on a couple of occasions, and most recently at 4 p.m. Monday, just hours before the end of the session. Meehan said Ferguson told him that there was too much opposition to get the bill through committee and that it created such a debate that it would not happen this year.

“But we did talk about next year,” Meehan said. “And I’m confident that we will be able to bring it back next year, hopefully, avoid some of the political issues and have it addressed as what it should be addressed as — a local issue.”

Staff Writer Mallory Panuska contributed to this report

School health bill fails to pass

Continued from Page 4

“I want to thank the constituents who weighed in. That’s another bill that came through my committee (the Energy, Education and the Environment Committee),” Carozza said. “I challenged the state superintendent on it. I didn’t understand why the state superintendent would push for a bill that his local superintendents oppose, that

local boards of education oppose, that thousands of Maryland parents oppose.”

That bill did, however, pass out of the House of Delegates with much less resistance, suggesting that support for it is still nevertheless strong.

Does she think the bill will make a comeback in the 2024 session?

“I hope not,” Carozza said.

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Project set for site plan approval

Continued from Page 3

The original site plan, approved in November 2021, called for a building that contained a new liquor store as well as space for storage and employee housing. Seacrets Owner Leighton Moore nixed the employee housing element weeks after the initial approval, though, siting potential liability that could come from people living above a liquor store.

The commissioners unanimously

approved the request for the utilities and planter boxes as a minor revision to the original site plan, although Gordy said the vote was not really needed.

“We didn’t want people to see things going on, and not understand,” she said of the work taking place at the site.

Architect Keit Iott explained during last week’s meeting that he and Moore are planning a new stormwa-

ter outfall for the lot.

He said several buildings have been renovated and removed to allow for construction of utilities in the parking area, and that the planter walls will be placed around the lot to help traffic flow.

The approval of the revision paved the way for Moore and Iott to submit the site plan for the event venue, which is set for planning commission review and approval on May 2.

Trams to get digital ads, new wraps

Continued from Page 1

bers of the city’s Transportation Commission on their efforts at a meeting this week.

The presentation came a few months after commission members expressed concerns about the company’s progress. The concerns have since been addressed with reports of the company’s sales efforts.

Gateway President and CEO Craig Heard said initial reports show revenues at about $373,000 for the season, which is a little more than the total former contractor Vector Media brought in last year.

“I don’t want to be over optimistic

but I’m saying right now that the interest we have is pacing … what our expectation was when we originally proposed [the contract],” Heard said.

He said officials took a different approach to selling bus wraps that he believes will be more marketable and also worked with tourism officials to design new, colorful tram wraps.

Tom Perlozzo, the city’s director of tourism and business development, and graphic designer Molly Wooten presented mockups of the wraps, which will be outfitted on all eight trams in bright colors that complement Ocean City’s new logo and brand.

Gateway officials will also be outfitting all of the trams with equipment to display digital ads.

Craig Heard Jr., the senior vice president of marketing for Gateway, said company officials expect to install the equipment later this month and begin selling the spots soon after. The ads will be on display for eight seconds each, with roughly eight popping up every minute on a loop.

Heard Jr. said company officials expect to sell $450 to $500 a month in digital tram ads, with the revenue set to be tacked on to the money they already expect to receive from other ads.

Council clears housing ordinance

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) An ordinance that contains new rules, regulations and details for the creation of employee housing in Ocean City is cleared for comment from members of the public.

City Council members signed off on the lengthy document, which has been in development at the planning level since last year, at a work session Tuesday. It will now go back to the planning commission for a public hearing.

The ordinance came about to help address the resort’s lack of adequate housing for workers.

The number of properties available has taken a significant dip since the pandemic, as property owners shifted to vacation rentals, Airbnbs and the like. The shortfall put a strain on workforce housing availability and left establishments short-staffed during busy summer hours.

Long road to approval

The proposed ordinance change, which incorporates a series of zoning

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code changes, first came before City Council members for review last June. And while the council was on board with the effort, they asked staff and planning commissioners to go back to the drawing board on some of the details.

After nearly a year of tweaking and discussing the changes, Bill Neville, the city’s director of planning and community development, presented the results to council members for the first time Tuesday.

Councilman Peter Buas, who was

See PROPOSAL Page 10

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Proposal going to public hearing

Continued from Page 9

one of the most vocal opponents of some of the details of the original ordinance, said he was happy with the new version and thanked planning commissioners and staff for their efforts.

“I think you guys came up with something that gets the small projects done pretty quickly and allows for the big projects to have some public comment to make sure the neighborhood’s protected,” Buas said during Tuesday’s meeting. “So, I think you guys hit the mark pretty well.”

He also pointed out several clerical details that he wants to see addressed which staff members agreed to tackle before the public hearing.

Neville said that if everything goes as planned, he expects the ordinance to come back to council with a recommendation from the planning commissioners in late May or early June. Council members will then decide whether to approve the final version before it becomes law.

New option

The city’s code is somewhat limiting when it comes to creation of workforce housing. It currently only allows for specified “employee housing” as an accessory use on the same site as the employer.

One of the biggest changes in the new ordinance is the addition of an option for “employee housing nonaccessory” that would provide for projects run by third-party managers who will rent contracts to sponsor agencies and employers.

Within the city’s code, “employee housing, accessory” units are defined as living quarters within a portion of a main building or in an accessory building on the same lot with the main building, used for people employed on the premises.

The definition of “employee hous-

ing, non-accessory” units, as proposed, are living quarters within a building in proximity to one or more employers that are used for people who work within the corporate limits of the town.

The new option was created to allow business owners, employers and developers an easier way to provide workforce housing throughout the resort.

However, council members asked staff to go back to the drawing board on the original proposal for the definition of non-acessory employee housing as they did not think it adequately addressed all types of projects.

In the initial proposal, “employee housing non-accessory” projects would have been available by conditional use in all zoning districts except R-1 single-family and MH mobile home. Projects would require planning commission and City Council approval, and would have beensubject to proposed supplemental regulations.

To meet the council members’ request, staff added an option that would allow construction of smaller employee housing projects without conditional use approval. The change also added language to address rental license and enforcement details.

The result, which planning commissioners provided final adjustments to last week, prohibits employee housing within the specified paramaters in mobile home and single-family neighborhoods, and creates tiers for approvals for other projects.

Tier one would be for 16 or fewer residents and would be approved through the building permit and rental license process. Tier two projects with 60 or fewer residents could be approved with a site plan, building permit and rental license. Tier three projects, or those with more than 60 residents, would require conditional use approval.

Certain building types will also require specific approval processes through the proposed ordinance.

Other details

The working employee housing ordinance also addresses resident property management and would require any project to have an on-site manager who is 21 or older.

Neville pointed out that it includes a list of supplemental regulations as well, including details for occupancy such as size of living areas and kitchens, number of bicycle racks required, conditions for filing lease and rental agreements, and requirements for laundry facilities.

Parking exceptions were also addressed in the proposed ordinance, and planning commissioners said the subject may need more discussion to ensure developers do not end up abusing it.

Solution pending for parking issues at convention center

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) The familiar struggle of finding adequate parking at the Ocean City convention center during big events could be nearing a solution as resort officials tackle the next phase of expansions at the 40th Street facility.

“At some point in time, probably in the near future, we’re going to take another look at the convention center to see if there’s a possibility for further expansion,” Mayor Rick Meehan said this week. “… Part of that conversation will be whether or not we need to build a parking garage.”

At a council budget work session on March 29, Tom Perlozzo, the city’s director of tourism and business development, and Convention Center Executive Director Larry Noccolino discussed a recent issue with parking at the facility. The weekend prior, officials had not scheduled parking attendants for a busy cheerleading competition, creating a host of issues that included complaints from both event attendees and neighbors.

“The lack of parking space and parking all over was evident,” Perlozzo said of the issues. “We had a few complaints from Thunder Island, etc.”

Meehan explained later that residents and property owners at the Thunder Island condominiums just southwest of the convention center have had problems with convention center visitors parking in their lot. However, he said the issues are usually

remedied when security personnel are assigned to handle parking during large events, which he said typically happen just a few times a year.

“What we did last year, during those four or five events, we had … our security agency out there directing the traffic, which totally mitigated the problem,” Meehan said. “Unfortunately, that did not take place for this last event … And it should have. That was a mistake on our part.”

Perlozzo said other mitigation tactics, such as shuttling in attendees from other locations, striking deals with the owners of nearby private lots and working closer with security and police, can also work to address the issues as officials look into some type of deck or parking expansion project.

Ideas have been tossed around for years to address parking issues at the convention center. They have included building a rooftop deck that could also be used for outdoor events, and charging for use of the existing spaces.

Noccolino said City Manager Terry McGean brought up the idea of monetizing parking at the convention center years ago when McGean was the city engineer. At the time, Noccolino was against it.

“I didn’t think so, [free parking] was one of our selling points,” Noccolino said of his initial reaction to the idea. “I’ve done a complete reversal on that. I couldn’t agree with Terry more.”

He said people park in the lot during the season to go to the beach and

See DISCUSSION Page 14

The Mayor and City Council of the Town of Ocean City proposes to increase real property taxes.

1. For the tax year beginning July 1, 2023, the estimated real property assessable base will increase by 1.1% from $9,429,829,678 to $9,534,599,587.

2. If the Town of Ocean City, Maryland maintains the current tax rate of $.4526 per $100 of assessment, real property tax revenues will increase by 1.1% resulting in $474,189 of new real property revenues.

3. In order to fully offset the effect of increasing assessments, the real property tax rate should be reduced to .4476, the constant yield tax rate.

4. The Town is considering not reducing its real property tax rate enough to fully offset increasing assessments. The Town proposes to adopt a real property tax rate of .4526 per $100 of assessment. This tax rate is 1.1% higher than the constant yield tax rate and will generate $474,189 in additional property tax revenues.

A public hearing on the proposed real property tax rate increase will be held at 6:00 PM on May 1, 2023 at City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City Maryland. The hearing is open to the public, and public testimony is encouraged.

Persons with questions regarding this hearing may call (410) 289-8730 for further information.

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

A sign directs motorists to the convention center parking lot on 40th Street. Resort officials are looking into addressing parking needs at the facility in the next phase of expansions.

OCDC to pay off final debt on model block properties

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) Members of the Ocean City Development Corporation will use money allocated to the organization from the inlet parking lot fund to pay off property debts within the downtown model block to avoid higher payments in the future.

OCDC funds have been used to buy and develop the cluster of 35,000 square feet of properties between Somerset and Dorchester

Streets, known today as the model block. Several projects and ideas have been floated for the area over the years, ranging from seasonal housing to commercial uses.

At a work session Tuesday, OCDC Executive Director Zach Bankert and Board President Kevin Gibbs asked City Council members for permission to use $625,000 from the inlet parking lot fund to pay off the outstanding balance on the properties.

See INLET Page 14

MAP COURTESY OCEAN CITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

A map shows the boundaries of the Ocean City Development Corporation’s model block between Somerset and Dorchester Streets. City Council members approved a request from Executive Director Zach Bankert to pay off debts on the properties within the area from the inlet parking lot fund.

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) Transportation Committee members discussed an array of topics at a meeting this week, ranging from the approval of new bus fares to seasonal staffing numbers.

Details of their discussions are as follows:

Bus fare increase

The deadline to request a public hearing or make comments on a proposed $1 increase to Ocean City bus fares quietly passed on April 10, paving the way to implement the new rates in the coming weeks.

The change will bump the all-day fare, which has not been touched since 2011, from $3 to $4. It joins a parallel change to the Boardwalk tram fares, increasing from $4 to $5, that will go into effect when they start running for Springfest at the beginning of May.

Transportation Committee members and staff proposed raising both fares earlier this year to help supplement higher seasonal worker pay and offset rising fuel costs. The changes are expected to bring in over $390,400 more in revenue and are not expected to detrimentally affect ridership.

Last month, a majority of City Council members approved the increases,

which allowed for an immediate bump in the tram rates but required a little more time on the bus fare change.

Under state transit regulations, officials had to issue notices informing the public of the desire to change the bus rates. The notices went out shortly after council members approved the increase, and the deadline to submit comments and/or request a public hearing was 4 p.m. Monday.

Transit Manger Rob Shearman said during the Transportation Committee meeting Tuesday that the deadline came and went with no response, which legally allowed officials to implement the new fare.

Hours after the deadline, though, Public Works Director Hal Adkins said an email came in from someone claiming to be an employee who wanted to request a hearing to discuss implementing a discount for drivers.

Committee members agreed that

because the request came in after the deadline that they would not set a hearing.

“That’s why you have a deadline,” said Councilman Tony DeLuca, who sits on the Transportation Committee.

‘Arctic’ buses

Shearman and his staff were set Wednesday to pick up two new-tothem articulating buses to add to the city’s fleet just in time for the busy season.

The Maryland Transit Administration donated the 60-foot vehicles, which carry nearly 40 more passengers than regular sized buses, to the department. Shearman said during Tuesday’s meeting that he expects they will be in service by the beginning of the summer.

He said the vessels are 15 years old and will need some attention to address logistical matters such as

adding fare boxes, radios and tags. Fortunately, he said the vehicles are “identical” to three others that MTA donated previously to the department, thus the staff has experience working on them.

The addition brings the city’s total articulating, or “artic,” fleet to 10, and the total fleet to 58.

However, Shearman and Adkins said eight buses that are parked near the boat dock on 64th Street are set for retirement. The elimination of those vehicles, which are awaiting final state approval for disposal, will bring the city’s total fleet to 50.

Staffing update

After several job fairs and other recruitment efforts, the number of people who applied for seasonal positions in the bus and tram division is about the same as it was this time

Continued on Page 16

Discussion expected later in 2023

Continued from Page 12

for other reasons, and charging for use of the spaces is no different than the fees for parking in the lots downtown.

All in all, while the mitigation tactics are expected to work in the in-

terim, Meehan, staff and council members agreed that they will need a permanent solution sooner rather than later.

Councilman John Gehrig said during the budget hearing that a plan to remedy parking problems should be included in the capital improvement plan now, as it is an important need at the facility.

“This problem is not new and it’s foreseeable. It’s going to hinder our ability to grow,” he said.

While staff and council members agreed not to move on that now, Meehan said parking improvements will likely be in the next phase of expan-

sions at the convention center. The multi-phased renovation project began in the 1990s with an initial expansion, followed by the construction of the performing arts center. The third phase, the construction of a 45,000 square-foot exhibit hall, was unveiled in February of last year.

Meehan said he expects a discussion on the fourth phase, which will likely include some type of parking improvemnt plan, to happen in the coming months.

“I think you’ll see that conversation probably begin to take place sometime this year as we plan for the future of the convention center,” Meehan said.

Inlet lot funds paying balance

Continued from Page 13

Through a city ordinance, 50 cents per hour of parking revenue collected on the weekends in the inlet lot downtown is allotted for OCDC use.

The ordinance requires council approval for the organization to spend the money, though, which is why Bankert and Gibbs solicited the government body Tuesday.

In response, council members unanimously approved the request 60, with Councilman John Gehrig absent.

Bankert said he was making the request to pay off the debt before the total amount due increases with rising interest rates.

According to a letter from Bankert, OCDC officials have spent “considerable effort and funds” accumulating properties in the block, demolishing derelict buildings and converting the property into public parking.

“The OCDC has also pursued numerous development opportunities of the Model Block, and we continue to investigate the best long-term uses for the property to benefit the downtown area,” the letter said.

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Worcester County assumes bikeways project

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) The greenways and bikeways project that is exploring ways to connect the municipalities of Worcester County with shared-use paths is coming under the management of the county.

On March 21, the Worcester County Commissioners unanimously approved transferring the project to the county’s management after the Tourism and Economic Development Director Melanie Pursel reported that the Lower Shore Land Trust, which had been

overseeing the project, could not fulfill one of the seven initiatives comprising the project.

“We’re asking to take the project inhouse to create a bikeways masterplan,” Pursel told the commissioners. Her office will assume management of the project.

In a memo to the commissioners, Pursel said the goal is to simplify the scope of the work and engage with professional consultants who can study existing bikeways, greenways and walkways to make recommendations for connections to various points

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“It’ll help connect municipalities, how we’re going to connect with our neighboring counties and states,” Pursel said at the meeting. “I think speaking with (Director of Public Works) Dallas Baker, to go for additional grant funding for engineering and construction, we really need to have a master plan, which we do not have.”

The project was originally budgeted at $100,000 and in her memo, Pursel said that would not change. If it comes in under budget, the county can reallocate funds to any of the existing projects approved by the county.

The seven initiatives in the project are to connect Berlin, Snow Hill, Ocean City and points outside of the county: Somerset County, the City of Salisbury, Southwest Sussex County and the Eastern Shore of Virginia’s Rail Trail.

Other priorities for the plan include improve road crossings and reviewing the State Highway Administration’s Route 90 expansion project study to explore ideas for connecting Ocean Pines to Ocean City through shareduse pathways.

Pursel listed three local firms who may be invited to consult — Toole Design, Wallace Montgomery and Century Engineering.

Ocean Pines veterans mem. needs educational docents

(April 14, 2023) The Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines is looking for docents to help with educational programs.

The Veterans Memorial Foundation each year sponsors field trips to the memorial for all fifth grade students in Worcester County.

Organizer Sharyn O’Hare said docents don’t have to be veterans or teachers – they just need a desire to engage students in a fun and interesting way.

“The students will be learning about the history of our American flag, respect for it, and how to properly fold and display it,” she said. “They will be exposed to the ‘Patriot’s Pathway’ at the memorial, and get a brief history of the conflicts that America has been involved in.

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“They will also learn about the memorial itself, and docents will share stories of true heroes,” O’Hare continued. “All field trips will be held in May and will last only a few hours.”

Docent training is scheduled on Tuesday, April 18 at 1 p.m. at the memorial. The rain date is Wednesday April 19 at 1 p.m.

To learn more about the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines, visit www.opvets.org and view the movie “Heroes All.” The short educational film can also be viewed on YouTube by searching “Worcester County Veterans Memorial.”

For more information on volunteering, call O’Hare at 410-603-4777 or Don McMullen at 443-388-2941.

OCEAN CITY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE BRIEFS

Continued from Page 14

last year.

Numbers Shearman reported during Tuesday’s meeting showed that the department received 49 applications for drivers, seven for supervisors, five for driver trainees, three for techs, seven for dispatchers and five

for money room employees in the bus division.

For the tram division, the department received 21 applications for drivers, 30 for conductors, four for supervisors, two for vehicle techs and 12 for ticket sellers.

Shearman pointed out that not all of the applicants were hired, although not many were turned away, setting up a decent start to the season. He agreed to provide the total number hired at the next meeting, upon request from the committee members.

Shearman also addressed attrition, which was a problem last summer.

“While our numbers are looking like [they are] in fairly good shape, we’re aware that attrition at the beginning of last season, particularly in tram drivers and conductors, was a huge issue,” he said. “So, we are continuing to make that our primary push to make sure our tram team is fully staffed and ready to go, not only for week one, but week five, week ten, and into the season.”

This is a hard to find

SHA updates council on local road projects

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) From stop sign and crosswalk replacements to elevating a prominent downtown intersection, an array of state highway-funded projects were updated this week for members of the Ocean City Council.

At a work session Tuesday, Maryland State Highway Administration District Engineer Mark Crampton addressed an 18-project list that city staff and council members developed.

The list began with stop signs along Baltimore and Philadelphia avenues and Coastal Highway — nine of which have been installed — and closed with updates on building and improving roads in Delaware and western parts of Maryland to “Reach the Beach.”

For the in-town projects, Mayor Rick Meehan emphasized that work not only needs to be finished before Memorial Day, but also cannot take place during event weekends through May.

While discussing storm drain catch basin repairs, Crampton assured the mayor and City Council members the work would be done “well before Memorial Day,” but Meehan said that may not be good enough.

“There’s certain periods in particular, prior to [5 p.m. Friday of Memorial Day] that it is disruptive and does cause us problems on Coastal Highway during the events that are scheduled,” he said, referring specifically to Springfest in early May and the Cruisin’ OC car show a couple weeks later.

Crampton assured Meehan that he and his staff are “well aware” of the events and promised to schedule any disruptive work around them.

Council members also gave Public Works Director Hal Adkins the green light during Tuesday’s work session to write an official letter to Crampton to get the ball rolling on creation of a “tabletop” intersection at the foot of the Route 50 bridge. The project, which was discussed with council

members in the fall, will elevate the intersection in what Adkins described as a tabletop shape to alleviate flooding in that area and make it safer for motorists.

According to a plan that Adkins presented last year, a large, elongated speed hump will be created across the intersection that runs from the edge of the bridge to Philadelphia Avenue and North Division Street. The hump would gradually elevate and then descend over the area.

The plan also includes replacing the bollards, or vertical traffic posts, along North Division Street with a retaining construction wall of sorts. Like the speed hump, the wall would gradually elevate and come back down, creating a much more aesthetic level of protection than the existing bollards.

Adkins said he and his staff have determined that the plan will work and need to solicit the state for fund-

ing, design and construction.

“It’s time to push it up the political ladder,” he said.

Crampton’s update also included the following other project updates:

• A news conference is set for sometime in May to launch the town’s Walk Smart campaign, which includes placing pedestrian safety ads featuring Cheswick the Crab on buses, banner planes and Snapchat filters.

• Some work has been done on the Route 50 and 90 bridges, and officials will do another sweep before the start of the summer season.

• Repairs for the fenced median between the convention center and 62nd Street have faced some setbacks because of supply chain issues, but officials are working on solutions.

• Crosswalks on the side streets from 68th Street to the Delaware line will be updated with continental, or “piano” designs, with the remainder

from 26th to 68th to be refreshed. Highway officials will let council members know in the fall when they can begin the work.

• A depressed median at the 74th Street firehouse will be fixed, as it will no longer be needed when the new replacement station is built on 65th Street.

• Highway officials will spray for weeds along Route 528 between the curb/gutter and sidewalk during night hours to prohibit growth, at the request of council and staff.

Marketing team unveils ‘Catch a Ride’ campaign

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) Residents of Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia will be encouraged “Catch a Ride” to Ocean City this summer through a promotional campaign spearheaded by the resort’s marketing team.

At a Tourism Commission meeting Wednesday, representatives of marketing firm BVK unveiled details of the promotion, which will include chances to win free stays in Ocean City with use of a beach van concierge, road trip kits complete with Ocean City-themed games and snacks, city guides featuring 30-plus local business sponsorships, and other prizes and giveaways.

The promotional campaign will officially launch at pop-up footprints in the resort’s key feeder cities — Baltimore, Philadelphia and D.C. — on what the BVK team have deemed National Road Trip Day on May 26.

The elements of the events will feature the city’s new “Somewhere to Smile About” brand, which is set for official reveal May 3, teh resort’s blue and yellow smiley face logo, and other accompanying elements.

DRAWING COURTESY TOWN OF OCEAN CITY

A tabletop-shaped drawing over the low-lying intersection at the foot of the Route 50 bridge coming into town shows the area that Ocean City transportation officials are looking to elevate and improve to address flooding. The advancing plans were included in an update Maryland State Highway Administration officials gave to members of the City Council at a work session April 11.

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WORCESTER COUNTY NOTICE OF A PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

The Board of County Commissioners of Worcester County proposes to increase real property taxes.

1. For the tax year beginning July 1, 2023, the estimated real property assessable base will increase by 3.1% from $16,990,586,016 to $17,513,941,509.

2. If Worcester County maintains the current tax rate of $0.845 per $100 of assessment, real property tax revenues will increase by 3.1% resulting in $4,422,354 of new real property tax revenues.

3. In order to fully offset the effect of increasing assessments, the real property tax rate should be reduced to $0.8197, the constant yield tax rate.

4. The County is considering not reducing its real property tax rate enough to fully offset increasing assessments. The County proposes to adopt a real property tax rate of $0.845 per $100 of assessment. This tax rate is 3.1% higher than the constant yield tax rate and will generate $4,422,354 in additional property tax revenues.

A public hearing on the proposed real property tax rate increase will be held at 7:00 P.M., on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at the Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Room 1103, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

If you wish to speak or attend in person, we encourage you to pre-register by calling the County Administration office at 410-6321194.

The meeting will also be streamed live on the County website at https://worcestercountymd.swagit.com/live.

The hearing is open to the public, and public testimony is encouraged. Speakers will be allowed to address the County Commissioners for up to two (2) minutes. Public Comment may also be submitted in advance by email at wchearing@co.worcester.md.us or in writing received on or before 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on Monday, May 1, 2023 in the County Commissioners’ Office at Room 1103 Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

All commenters must identify themselves by their full name and address to be included in the public record. Written comments received by the deadline will be read into the record by Worcester County staff during the public comment portion of the meeting.

Persons with questions regarding this hearing may call (410) 632-1194 for further information.

Baltimore, Philly, DC target cities

“We’ve designed a brand activation that highlights all of the reasons to pack up the family and hit the road for the ultimate summer trip to Ocean City, complete with our visitors’ very own beach van concierge,” BVK Director of Brand Experience Lauren Murray said during Wednesday’s meeting.

The marketing team made efforts to ensure the concierge van stands out as a 1968 Volkswagen van decked out with Ocean City’s logo and brand. Participants will earn keys to redeem prizes at the footprint events, which will all circle back to vacationing in Ocean City. Altogether, 36 keys will be available, with six grand prizes — two in each city — awarded.

Tom Perlozzo, the city’s director of tourism and business development, said before Wednesday’s meeting that BVK’s vision and ability to come up with ideas like the new campaign are the reason the company was hired in late 2021 above all of the other applicants who were vying for the city’s marketing contract.

Murray said she and her colleagues tossed around several ideas before landing on the van concierge idea, all of which they were excited about.

More details about the campaign will be unveiled in a few weeks at the resort’s official brand reveal, which staff have been hyping since publicly sharing the “Somewhere to Smile About” tagline and OC winky smiley face logo in the fall.

Officials have said the city has never had a true brand to promote and market the resort uniformly to tourists, and are excited about the official launch of all of the deatils the Wednesday before Springfest on May 3.

Continued from Page 18

ART CLUB

The Art League of Ocean City’s outreach program includes the “After School Art Club” at Berlin Middle School. Pictured is Anna McCormack participating. Led by instructor Joanne Guilfoil, the students meet once a week to create special art projects.

Safety positions hard to fill in OC

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) The Ocean City Beach Patrol and Ocean City Police Department continue to face recruitment challenges for summer seasonal workers despite incentives that were recently approved by the City Council.

Ocean City Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald projected at Monday’s Police Commission meeting that the Beach Patrol will fill fewer positions than last summer, when staffing was already down by 27 people.

At the April 2 Beach Patrol test, 38 people registered, 12 showed up and seven were hired, Theobald said.

Two more dates remain to test new recruits: April 30 at the Ocean Pines Sports Core Pool and June 3 at the

Ocean City Beach Patrol Headquarters.

“We will modify any operation necessary to ensure the safety of those on the beach all summer long and we will not be closing any beaches,” Theobald said.

The council has heard comments about Beach Patrol staffing shortages and discussed the issue over the past few weeks.

Council members recently voted to give extra bonuses to surf rescue technicians, or lifeguards, who work past Labor Day and to increase opportunities for overtime.

The council hoped these perks would help Ocean City become more competitive with Delaware beaches where the pay is comparable but the

job is not as demanding.

The Ocean City Police Department is also seeing decreases in recruitment of seasonal police officers and public safety aides, according to data presented by Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro at the Monday meeting.

Last year, 115 people applied to be new seasonal police officers while this year just 88 have applied, according to the data. There were 198 applicants in 2021.

Of the 88 applicants this year, 31 failed so far in the hiring process as compared to 50 failures last year.

Eighteen candidates are still in the hiring process, and Buzzuro estimated that about half of them will be hired based on past acceptance rates.

Community ready for J-1 workers

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) Summer Work

Travel students or J-1’s can be the lifeblood of some of the local businesses during the bustling summer tourism season.

More than 2,500 students from numerous countries come to the Ocean City area to work for the summer, and for many, it is their first time in the United States.

Ocean City and Ocean Pines Chambers of Commerce work with the local businesses, churches and other organizations to welcome the students and help to make their stay fun and safe.

“There is a whole network of community partners who create these various pieces that support the students. There are free meals offered, businesses that are set up to buy sim cards; they can come to the library and use computers,” Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amy Thompson said.

“There are a whole bunch of people who want these students to have a good experience.

“There is a community support

group under the umbrella of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce that is here to support the summer worktravel students coming to our region.”

A website is set up to provide important information to the students: https://summerworktravelocmd.com/

St. Mary’s Star of the Sea / Holy Savior Church on 17th Street is spearheading a collection of toiletries and other items for students coming to the Ocean City area to help them settle in.

They are collecting boxed, canned or dry food items, first aid products, gift cards, towels, paper goods, soap and detergent.

All items can be dropped off at 1705 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information on this collection contact Lisa Stevens at ppi.lisa@comcast.net.

“We are planning two welcome events: Wednesday, June 14 and June 28 to be held at the Residence Inn in Ocean City, where we intend to have tons of useful information for these students,” Thompson said.

Students will learn about local banking, Social Security Administration,

churches, the Ocean City police and fire departments, as well as the Beach Patrol, student centers and library facilities and health care.

Thompson has invited anyone who would like to be part of the Community Support Group to contact her to be included in an upcoming meeting at amy@oceancity.org.

OCPD dismantles drug trafficking operations

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) Since last fall, the Ocean City Police Department has been conducting a long-term narcotics investigation focusing on drug dealers and users in south Ocean City.

Officers are working undercover to buy drugs around Ocean City so they can gather information, obtain warrants and make arrests, according to OCPD and police reports.

“Throughout the six-month-long investigation, the Narcotics Unit was able to identify, and dismantle several drug trafficking operations in the Ocean City area. This joint investigation is ongoing,” a statement from the department said.

Last week, resort police made the first six arrests as part of the investigation. Their names, arrest dates and

charges are as follows:

Jessica M. Bair, 36, of Newark, was arrested on April 3 and received 12 charges including possession and distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine and possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking.

Randi M. Paicek, 37, of Selbyville, and Charles W. Behney, 51, of Berlin, were arrested together on April 4 and charged with conspiring to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine.

Ashley D. Stevens, 35, of Pocomoke

City, was arrested on April 5 and charged with the distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine.

James L. Tate, 68, of Ocean City, was arrested on April 5 and charged with the distribution of crack cocaine.

Joseph W. Parks, 28, of Berlin, was arrested on April 6 and charged with the distribution of cocaine.

“The Ocean City Police Department along with our allied law enforcement partners continues to work diligently to protect our residents and visitors,” the department said. “We want to remind citizens that if they see something suspicious, or have concerns about possible criminal activity occurring in Ocean City, reach out to us. We encourage you to call our Tip Line at 410-5205136, email us at crimetips@oceancitymd.gov or contact the Police Department directly at 410723-6610.”

Struggle to hire police, guards

Continued from Page 21

Last year, 42 seasonal officers were hired, and so far this year there have been 16 “total conditional offer hires,” which includes applicants who have passed the written test, physical test and interview.

They still have to pass drug screening, psychological screening and a final review from the chief of police.

The new seasonal officers will be joined by six returning seasonal officers. On the public safety aide side of the roster, 45 new applicants entered the process this year as compared to 50 in 2022.

However, Buzzuro reported seven failures this year compared to 18 failures in 2022.

Police have 27 “total conditional offers to hire” and 17 applicants left in the hiring process.

The department is expecting around 40 or more total hires for the upcoming season, Buzzuro said. There are nine confirmed returning public safety aides.

Police hired 48 public safety aides in 2022.

“Last year we did have a combination of 90 (seasonal officers and public safety aides), so this year we could end up with a combination just touching 70, so we will see less police officers

and public safety aides that will be joining us this summer,” Buzzuro said.

In February, the City Council followed the recommendation of the Police Commission and approved pay raises and other incentives for seasonal police and public safety aides.

The council increased seasonal police pay from $19 to $19.57 and raised it to $19.96 for returning officers. Seasonal officers will now also receive full starting pay during training, a $500 academy graduation bonus, and a $500 retention bonus for those who remain working until Oct. 1.

Wages for public safety aides rose from $15.91 to $17.39 or $17.74 for returning aides. After 80 work hours they receive a $250 bonus and there is another $250 bonus for those who stay after Oct. 1.

Buzzuro and other commission members discussed the possibility that the decrease in returning seasonal officers since 2020 could be attributed to past workers getting hired by full-time agencies.

Buzzuro said that four new full-time officers are under consideration for hire, and that could bring the force to from 116 to 120.

The commission meeting also in-

Jessica Bair Randi Paicek Charles Behney Ashley Stevens James Tate Joseph Parks

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Possession

The Ocean City Police Department charged Erica D. Willis, 29, of Ocean City, with driving with a suspended license and possession of crack cocaine and paraphernalia, according to a police report.

On April 3, at 11:24 p.m., police pulled over a gold Chevy Silverado near 2nd Street for having a brake light out. When police started talking to Willis, who was driving, she immediately told them her license was suspended and gave them her Maryland ID card, police said.

Police arrested Willis and found nothing after searching her. The passenger of the truck also had a suspended license and called someone to come get them and the truck.

While police were booking Willis, another officer found a glass pipe in her pants that was suspected to have crack-cocaine residue. They sent the pipe to be examined at a Maryland State Police Drug lab.

Trespassing

Officers charged Milton J. Mojica Matias, 22, of San Juan, Puerto Rico with trespassing and disorderly conduct after he tried to re-enter a bar that kicked him out, according to a police report.

On April 8, at 10:48 p.m., police responded to a call at a downtown bar for reports of a “hold-up alarm,” according to the report.

When police arrived, bar employees pointed out Milton who was outside arguing with security.

Employees said that security had asked Milton to leave the bar several times because he had been arguing with people and and had gotten into an altercation, but Milton refused to go.

A bar security officer asked police to issue a trespass warning against Milton and they did.

Milton conceded and began stepping towards the road before police saw him change directions and walk toward the bar’s exit door. Police asked him to leave again but Milton continued to act disorderly and kept trying to open the door, according to the report.

Two patrons asked police if they were

safe in reference to Milton’s behavior, and police arrested Milton.

Hits car

Wayne D. Curtis Jr., 26, of Grasonville, Maryland, received nine charges from the OCPD, including failure to stop after hitting another car, driving under the influence of alcohol and negligent driving, according to a police report.

On April 9, at 12:18 a.m., police responded to a call about the hit-and-run of a car in the parking lot of a midtown bar. After security guards pointed police to the car that had been struck, police found damage on the passenger-side taillight and bumper. The owner eventually walked out of the bar and said they hadn’t known the car had been hit, according to police.

Eventually, a 2009 Lexus IS 350 pulled into the lot and when Curtis, the driver, got out of the driver’s seat, the bar’s head of security identified him as the person who hit the car.

Police spoke to Curtis and saw signs that he was drunk, according to the report. After Curtis failed a sobriety test, he was put under arrest.

Hiring struggles continue in OC

Continued from Page 22

cluded a data presentation from Buzzuro comparing OCPD’s call and arrest statistics for March of this year to years past.

OCPD conducted 315 more traffic stops in March 2023 than in March 2022, according to data presented by Buzzuro. The report showed 857 traffic stops in March of this year, while there were only 542 in March 2022 and 668 in March 2021.

OCPD also had 91 calls this past March to assist Ocean City EMS, but only had 38 for March of last year.

March 2023 had 41 calls for traffic collisions, which is up from 29 reported in March of last year. In March 2021 there were 48 calls to crashes.

Other categories in the OCPD’s top 25 calls for service list remained close to average for March over the past three years, including 73 reports of suspicious people, a number that has fluctuated between 70-76 calls in the past three years, and 13 reports of trespassing, which has stayed between 12-18 reports over the last three years.

Calls for domestic disputes and assaults in March have gone down over the past three years with 39 in 2021, 26 in 2022 and 20 this past month.

Custodial arrests have been trending down since it reached 158 in March 2021. There were 118 in March of 2022 and 106 in March this year.

While there were 10 March drug arrests in both 2022 and 2023, March drug citations for marijuana have gone down to 4 in 2023 after 11 in 2022 and 12 in 2021.

Boardwalkin’ for Pets raises funds for humane society

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) The Worcester County Humane Society will host its 22nd annual Boardwalkin’ for Pets this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Participants can walk two-and-ahalf miles, five miles, or any distance of the Ocean City Boardwalk they choose with their fur-friends as they help raise money during the humane society’s largest annual fundraiser.

In addition to the walk, there will be contests, refreshments and pictures on the beach.

“We are a true no-kill shelter. We do not euthanize for space,” said Sandy Summers, board member of the Worcester County Humane Society and head of the ways and means committee, who oversees all the humane society’s fundraisers. “All of our animals that are at our shelter have a home until they find a home.”

NOW PLAYING

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. at the southern end of the Boardwalk near the inlet.

Those interested in walking can sign up the day-of the event, but individuals and teams can also register in advance and create profiles on the WCHS website and set fundraising goals. Participants can share those profiles on social media to pool donations, Summers said.

“People can register the morning of the walk. If they’re walking down the Boardwalk and they wanted to join in, they can register right then,” Summers said. “It doesn’t have to be done beforehand.”

People can also print pledge sheets, Summers said.

The humane society is offering prizes for extra fundraising incentives. Bandanas will be awarded to anyone who raises $25, there are Tshirts for people donating $50, and

See EVENT Page 26

IDENTITY CRISIS

Bourbon Street on the Beach: Sun., April 16, 4 p.m.

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15TH Street and Baltimore Avenue, Located in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-289-7192/7191 / Captainstableoc.com

Every Friday & Saturday: Phil Perdue, 5-9 p.m.

BOURBON STREET ON THE BEACH

116th Street & Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-664-2896, /www.bourbonstreetonthebeach.com

April 16: Identity Crisis, 4 p.m.

April 17: Endless Ember, 6 p.m.

April 18: Shortcut Sonny, 4 p.m.

April 19: Reform School, 6 p.m. ; Open Mic, 8 p.m.

April 20: Bryan Clark, 6 p.m.

COINS

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

April 15: Billy Zee Dueling Piano Show, come sing along, 7 p.m.

PICKLE’S PUB

706 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, 410-289-4891 / picklesoc.com

April 14: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

April 15: Desert Shade, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

April 16: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

April 17: Karaoke w/Wood, 9:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

April 18: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

April 19: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

April 20: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

SEACRETS

49th Street and the Bay, Ocean City

410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com

April 14: Dear Zoe Duo, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 9 p.m to 1 a.m.; Liquid A, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; The Gab Cinque Band, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

April 15: Full Circle, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Dear Zoe, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Element K, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

April 20: Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Connair,

PIZZA TUGOS

9935 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City

410-524-2922 / pizzatugos.com

April 14: Rogue Citizens, 9 p.m. to midnight

April 19: Every Wed. Karaoke w/DJ Chuck D, 8 p.m. to midnight

Event on OC Boardwalk, Saturday

Continued from Page 25

$100 donations will earn walkers a beach towel.

Top individual and team fundraisers can earn gift baskets full of donations from local businesses. There will be a prize for children as well.

“We’ve housed many animals from our community and it (fundraising) just helps keep our shelter running and provides a place for the homeless animals in our community,” Summers said.

In addition, awards will be given out to the biggest dog, smallest dog, as well as for the best dressed pet and the best trick performed.

At around 10:45 a.m., judges will announce the cutest cat picture, Sum-

mers said. A cat photo submission must include the owner’s name, the cat’s name, and contact information: address, phone number and email address. Photo submissions will not be returned.

The walk is not only limited to just cats and dogs. Summers said attendees have paraded animals of all kinds in strollers and harnesses.

The walk also includes treats from Harrison’s Harbor Watch Restaurant at the inlet and Dunkin’ Donuts.

Brian K. Hall of 103.5 and 106.1’s The Vault will be there to provide music.

Registration also includes a photo on the beach on a red carpet provided by Images by Sarah, Summers said.

The walk ends at noon, but only for more festivities to begin.

Shore Dogs Canine Training will be available to answer owners’ training questions, Summers said.

In past years, the walk has had up to around 300 participants, Summers said. Turnout will depend on the weather, but the walk goes on rain or shine, she said.

For more information or to sign up, fundraise or donate, visit https://worcestercountyhumanesociety.org/event/22nd-annual-boardwalkin-for-pets/, www.WorcesterCountyHumaneSociety.org or call 410-213-0146.

The shelter is located at 12330 Eagles Nest Road in Berlin.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, your emotions may cloud your judgement in the days to come. It’s better to seek the advice of a third party who can guide you without the added drama.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Messages from the universe could come across as confusing or vague, Taurus. You might need someone with cosmic intuition to help you sort out what is going on.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

A stagnant energy has been surrounding you lately, Gemini. Fortunately, you are able to brush that away soon enough and feel rejuvenated.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, if you haven’t devoted enough time lately to taking care of yourself you might awaken this week with a foggy head. Take care of yourself.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Responsibilities could have you feeling overburdened, Leo. The trick is to ask others to lighten your load. There are bound to be several volunteers willing to lend a hand.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, try not to compare yourself to others this week. Everyone is unique, with his or her own strengths and weaknesses. An unfair comparison could dampen your spirits.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

You might find it challenging to articulate your feelings to a romantic partner, Libra. If you stumble over saying the words, why not write them down, instead?

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Sometimes your pragmatic side gets into a tussle with your optimism, Scorpio. Being a realist doesn’t have to mean you give up hope. There are many things that can go your way.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, while you may feel like sleeping the week away, awaken to the possibilities before you. Numerous opportunities await, so answer the door when they knock.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

It is alright to feel uncertain about what the heart wants, Capricorn. Not everyone has things all figured out. Ponder your likes and dislikes to determine your path.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, messy work and small mistakes can sabotage all of your hard work thus far. Buckle down and focus on the details. Have someone check that everything is perfect.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

People around you may be more temperamental than usual, Pisces. Avoid offering any unsolicited advice until things quiet down.

32 Palm, Hilton Suites, 32nd Street

Albertino’s Brick Oven Eatery, 131st Street

Assateague Bar and Grill, 9636 Stephen Decatur Hwy, West Ocean City

BLU Crabhouse and Raw Bar, 23rd Street

Blue Fish Restaurant and Bar, 94th Street

Bourbon Street on the Beach, 126th Street

Captain’s Table, 15th Street inside Courtyard By Marriott Crab Bag, 130th Street

Fager’s Island, 60th Street

Happy Jack Pancake House, 25th Street

Hooked, 80th Street

Ocean 13, 32nd Street

Papi’s Taco Joint, 15th Street

Reef 118 in the Carousel Resort Hotel, 118th Street

Sea Bay Bar and Grille, 60th Street

Seacrets, 49th Street

Tailchasers, 122nd Street

Tequila Frogs OC, 54th Street

The Hobbit, 54th Street

The Shrimp Boat, 9724 Stephen Decatur Hwy, West Ocean City

Touch of Italy, 66th Street

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) Dining establishments are preparing specialty menus for Ocean City Restaurant Week, which kicks off Sunday, organized by the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association.

Many restaurants create price-fixed menus during the two-week promotion so customers can choose between a number of meals all at the same cost, said OCHMRA Executive Director Susan Jones. Some restaurants offer several three-course meal options while others give discounts or offer special dishes.

“What I love the most is it really gives them (customers) the opportunity to figure out what they’re going to be spending before they go out, so it allows them to budget

because they see all the menus right there in front of them and it gives them a variety of options,” Jones said. “It provides the servers with the opportunity to have some business come in their doors, for both the servers and the owners of the restaurant, so it just helps the economy.”

This is restaurant week’s second year back after taking a break for covid in 2020 and 2021. Longtime participants include The Hobbit on 81st Street and Bourbon Street at 126th Street. Some new faces include Papi’s Taco Joint on 15th Street, Tequila Frogs on 54th Street and Assateague Bar and Grill in West Ocean City.

“Some restaurants use it as an opportunity to try a new dish, or you know, there

Kids’ Night In events planned

(April 14, 2023) Worcester County Recreation Center will be hosting two Kids’ Night In events at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill in April and May.

The first takes place this Friday, April 14, from 5:30-8 p.m., featuring spring-themed activities.

For more information, contact Program Manager Hunter Nelson at 410-632-2144 x2506 or email hnelson@co.worcester.md.us.

The second Kid’s Night In is scheduled for Friday, May 26, from 5:30-8 p.m. featuring dodgeball games and activities, and pizza.

Kids’ Night In will be open to students in grades kindergarten through eighth. The price per child is $30, and $25 for each additional youth.

For more information, contact Tyler Keiser at 410-632-2144 x2505 or email tkeiser@ co.worcester.md.us.

CROSSWORD

Try new eateries during event

Continued from Page 27

are chefs who like to get creative…,” Jones said. “So it offers them the opportunity to go off of the menu and make whatever they want to make for the special twoweek promotion.”

Restaurant week started in 2007, but since then the schedule and menu model have gone through different iterations.

“We used to do it in the spring and in the fall, and then we stopped doing it in the fall probably four years ago or so, because the restaurants were just exhausted after the summer season,” Jones said. “It takes a lot of work to put the menu together.”

Garvey Heiderman, owner of The Hobbit, said

Fashion show, luncheon

it isn’t as much about getting a huge quantity of customers flooding through the doors, but giving customers and restaurants the chance to try something new.

“Customers get to try places for cheaper than they otherwise would be able to and restaurants get to try new dishes and they get new customers in, so it’s a win-win for the customer and the restaurant,” Heiderman said. “The restaurant might not be making as much money but still a little bit of something is better than a lot of nothing, and you know they’re getting extra foot traffic in restaurants for the first time.”

Visit oceancityrestaurantweek.com for more information.

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-289-7192, www.captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Visit Captain’s Table for seafood, steaks, lobster specials and martinis; Open for breakfast and dinner everyday; Breakfast, Monday and Friday, 7:30am to 10:30am, Saturday and Sunday, 7:30am to 11:30am; Dinner, Monday through Thursday, 4pm to 9pm, Friday through Sunday 4pm to 10pm. Come hear Phil Perdue live on piano, Friday and Saturday nights from 5pm to 9pm.

■ COASTAL SALT

1601 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-973-7258, www.coastalsaltoc.com

New American restaurant with reel eats & high spirits. Local seafood and Chef’s specials. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner overlooking the beautiful ocean view from the boardwalk. Open Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. Pet friendly, patio with heaters. The best staff, creative eats with plenty of free parking.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

Oceanfront and 17th St. in Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, www.coralreefrestaurant.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine with a Caribbean flare from a selection of house specialty entrees such as burgers, seafood, and pastas! Breakfast, Daily, 7am to 11:30am; Lunch and Dinner, Sunday through Thursday, 11:30am to 9pm, Friday through Saturday, 11:30am to 10pm; The elegant, yet cozy dining venue is perfect for a date, fancy family dinner, or celebratory meal.

■ FISHTALES BAR & GRILL

21st Street and the Bay, Ocean City, 41029-0990

$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Fishtales located in a premier outdoor beach location on the bay with the best

sunsets. Come for the best local fare in town. We offer lunch and dinner with great happy hour food and drink specials. Kids play area too. So, sit back and enjoy. Open 7 days a week.

■ HARBOR WATCH

806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-289-5121, www.harborwatchrestaraunt.com

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

Join us for our award-winning Raw Bar where you will find the most fresh, off-theboat seafood! Featuring the best views of the Inlet and Assateague Island, dine in for our unlimited sides and certified Angus Beef steaks; Now Open, Thursday 4-9pm, Friday through Sunday 11:30am-9pm. Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ PAPI’S TACO JOINT

15th Street @ Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City 443-664-861, PapisTacoJoint.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Try the new Authentic Mexican restaurant open 7 days a week. Monday through Friday;

11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. With a family atmosphere you can enjoy build your own street taco’s with a sheet table side with their home-made authentic salsas. Serving foods such as little cravings, Papi’s trio guacamole, Queso Fundido and choice of salsas, salads, bowls, soups, main dishes and desserts. Also, brunch, gluten free and vegan menus. Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 3 to 5 p.m. with beer, wines, cocktails and specialty signature drinks. Dine in, or order online for your carryout and delivery by Door Dash. Catering is available.

■ PICKLES PUB

706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City 410-289-4891, www.picklesoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open daily. Serving food until 1 a.m. Free parking across the street. Daily food and drink specials. Live entertainment 6 nights a week. Lots of pool tables. Liquor store attached. Game room. 30+ drafts on tap. Dine in or carry out.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

Located in The Hilton,32nd Street, Ocean City 410-289-2525, www.32palm.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

32 Palm’s inviting decor fuses the perfect atmosphere with Eastern shore favorites for an exceptional dining experience! Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring a unique selection of bourbons. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year! Also, don’t miss out our extensive wine list and whiskey menu.

■ LONGBOARD CAFE 6701 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-644-

(April 14, 2023) Reservations are being accepted for the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines’ Fashion Show and Luncheon, scheduled for Thursday, May 11 at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Fashions will be provided by Chico’s.

For $38, attendees have a choice of four entrees: (1) grilled chicken greek salad; (2) brisket french dip; (3) shrimp salad wrap; (4) chef’s choice vegetarian.

Assorted dessert trays and non-alcoholic beverages included. For information, call Jan Chiampa, 508-446-6204 or 410600-4236. Reservations will be accepted no later than April 24. Make checks payable to WCOP. Send reservations to Jan Chiampa, 6 Federal Hill, Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811. This is a fundraiser for high school scholarships and community donations to be presented on June 1.

5639, www.longboardcafe.net

Classic and creative American dishes and cocktails are showcased in a festive, surfthemed setting with weekly specials. Featuring burgers, tacos, prime rib, seafood and more. Open 11 a.m to 9 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays. Dine-in and curbside pick-up.

■ MARLIN MOON

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

Eat where the locals eat! Winner of the Maryland People’s Choice Award, Marlin Moon delivers the culinary combinations you’re craving and uses only locally sourced seafood, meats and vegetables. Open all year round daily featuring a great selection of entrees, small plates, appetizers, and creatively crafted cocktails. Breakfast, 7:30am to 11am; Lite Fare, 11am to 10pm; Dinner, 4pm to 10pm.

■ PGN

29th Street, Ocean City, 3301 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City 410-289-8380, 410-2894083, www,pgncrabhouse.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Beer & Wine

Know for their famous steamed crabs. Dining in or carry out is available. Casual seasonal seafood stop for the all-you-can-eat specials. Steamed crabs, chicken and corn on the cob. You can find clams, ribs, crab cakes, seafood platters and more. You can call for daily specials. Open 7 days a week.

11 a.m.

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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.

■ BAHAMA’S CRAB SHACK CARRYOUT & OUTLET

Oceanside MD/DE Line and Coastal Hwy, Fenwick 302-537-5882, Premium seafood, fat crabs by weight, sandwiches and dinners. Open daily at 10 am, closed Wednesdays. Seafood, chicken, homemade soups, super crab cakes, steamed shrimp, fresh clams, soft crabs, scallops, oysters, and snow Crab Claws.

■ BOURBON STREET ON THE BEACH

12601 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City 443-664-2896, www.bourbonstreetonthebeach.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Opens at 3 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday through Sunday. Louisiana-style cooking with specials for Restaurant Week and regular menu. Featuring surf and turf, fantastic chicken dishes, seafood gumbo, fried catfish, jambalaya, prime rib and many more specialty dishes.

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

www.carouselhotel.com

Enjoy one of four restaurants in the Carousel. Serving breakfast; The Bistro, Saturday through Sunday, 7 to 11 a.m. proudly serving Starbuck’s brand. Reef 118 Restaurant, Saturday through Sunday, 7 to 11 a.m. buffet or A la carte. Serving Dinner; Bamboo Lounge, Sunday through Thursday, 4 to 9 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Bistro, Friday, 3 to 10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reef 118 Restaurant, Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy cocktails in the Bamboo Lounge, Sunday through Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

■ NORI SUSHI BAR & GRILL

Inside the Gold Coast Mall, 11403 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-880-6258

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Serving daily small plates, soups, salads, sandwiches, fried rice, entrees and desserts. Also, Nori’s premium rolls, nigiri and sashimi, hand-roll combos. Full bar with wine, beer and cocktails. Inside dining and take out, 7 days a week, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Delivery via Door Dash online.

■ SOPHIA’S ITALIAN

RESTAURANT PIZZERIA

Inside the Gold Coast Mall, 11405 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City 410-723-5188

$$ | Kids’ menu

Appetizers, salads, subs, soup of the day. Specialty pizzas, calzones and low-carb alternatives, Italian entrées. A la carte fresh vegetables, homemade desserts. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. Call for take-out or delivery by Door Dash and Uber Eats.

■ S.Q.U.A.R.Z. PIZZA & RESTAURANT

In Montego Bay Shopping Center, 12825 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City 443-664-8149, www.squarepizza.com,

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

New Ownership. Open 7 days a week at 4 PM. Serving soups, salads, build your own pizza, small plates, sandwiches, dinner entrees and desserts. Full bar and HH 7 days a week, 4 to 6 PM. Dine in special menu that changes weekly in addition to the regular menu. Wide variety of gluten free options. No fryers on premises, Dine in, carry out and delivery available. Check out the menu and order online. 10% of entire check excluding alcohol.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistro 12741 Ocean Gateway, Suite 890, West Ocean City (Outlets Ocean City) 410-801-1111, www.occhopsticks.com

$$ | Beer | Premium Sake

Authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai food. Dine-in and carry out. Lunch specials, dinner and lite fare. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

■ PIZZA TUGOS

9935 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City 410-524-2922, pizzatugos.com

$$ | Full bar | Celebrating 40 years in Ocean City. Offering pizza, wings, burgers, subs, salads, pasta and more! Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 2 a.m.

UPTOWN 91st to 146th streets

Annual Delmarva Birding Weekend set for April 19-23

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) People looking for a great way to celebrate spring need look no further than Delmarva Birding Week, April 19-23.

For 27 years, the organizers of the Spring Delmarva Birding Weekend have combined boat trips, paddling treks and expeditions on foot when migrating birds are arriving and passing through the peninsula for nesting season.

The region has an extensive variety of environments, including barrier islands, tidal wetlands, cypress swamps, upland fields and primeval forests. Now is a great time to explore these areas and observe the diversity of birds that pass through or call the region home.

“In Ocean City, we love our big events like Bike Week, but birding does not work that way. Overall, we get between 160-180 people signing up. The most we put on each field trip is 24. That is a sellout. And we are getting there on this one,” said Jim Rapp, organizer of the week and director of the Hazel Outdoor Discovery Center.

Rapp has been organizing birding week since it started.

“I love it. Some people have come every year since the first one. I have

known them longer than I have known most of my friends. I love that they still find this interesting,” Rapp said.

“That’s what makes it so fun. Every time you go out, you always see something a little bit new,” Rapp said.

But if you have never joined one of these trips, don’t hesitate to sign up. Rapp said about 50 percent of the event’s participants have never been on a trip before.

Typically, people come from the Baltimore, Washington region, and Philadelphia.

“Come down and go on a couple of trips with us. It’s a great way to learn where to go birding,” Rapp said.

The timing for the event is spring migration, when birds head north to breed. Some make this area their destination, while others continue north.

“We are welcoming back warblers, vireos, and orioles. And we are saying goodbye to some wintering birds, such as loons,” he said.

Common loons winter here. In the winter their coloring gets dull, but when they are getting ready to head north, they are getting their breeding plumage.

“They never look as good as they do when they get their breeding plumage here. Crisp black and white with the bright red eyes, very dramatic,” Rapp

said.

Some of the more unusual birds that have been seen during this week include the red cross bill, swallow tail kites, harlequin ducks and razorbills.

“We do a trip called “Night birds of the Marsh” in Girdletree, Maryland. We time the trip around sunset, but we are out there until 9 p.m. We start at Taylor Landing and get to Truitt’s Landing before the sun goes behind the trees. As the sun goes down, that is when the rails start calling,” Rapp said.

He said there have been nights that they have seen king rails, sora rails and clapper rails. There are four species of rails there.

“Finding one of these is a big deal,”

Rapp said.

“You worry less about what you are going to see and focus on what you are going to hear.”

There is also a photography workshop and a two-hour boat trip around the mouth of the Delaware Bay with Troy Byrum on Friday. Rapp said this trip is targeted at beginner to intermediate photographers.

“In spring, everything is looking vibrant and showy. The males are trying to show off. Everything is singing and robust. I love the season. It’s the return of the song of the woods.” Rapp said.

To sign up for the Delmarva Birding Weekend, visit https://delmarvabirding.com.

PHOTO COURTESY DELMARVA BIRDING WEEKEND

Birders visited Nassawango Creek last year, which flows through The Nature Conservancy’s Nassawango Creek Preserve during Delmarva Birding Weekend.

Fri., April 14

BABY TIME

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

HOMESCHOOL HANGOUT

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 11 a.m.-noon, Join the group for a short structured activity and then socialize and play with other homeschool families. 410-632-3495. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

BOOK DISCUSSION: BLACK GIRL, CALL HOME BY JASMINE MANS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 2 p.m, Copies of the book are available at the Ocean Pines Library front desk. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

MARYLAND CRAB CAKE DINNER

Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin. 4-6 p.m., Onecrab cake sandwich platter costs $14; two-crab cake sandwich platter, $24; crab cake sandwich, $10. Bake sale and carryout available. Platters include green beans, baked potato and cole slaw.

Sat., April 15

CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE

First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 1301 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City. 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Church rummage sale.

2ND ANNUAL BIKERS FOR AUTISM RIDE

Cork Bar, 3 Wicomico St., Ocean City. 9 a.m., Register at the Cork Bar from 9-11 a.m. (motorcycles park along Wicomico St.). Cost is $25 (cash only) and includes block party, 12:30-3 p.m., with live music, buffet lunch and non-alcoholic drinks.

22ND ANNUAL BOARDWALKIN; FOR PETS

OC Inlet on the Boardwalk, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City. 9 a.m.-noon, Bring your pet or adopt a shelter dog for the day. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m, contests at 10:45 a.m. Walk the length of the boardwalk or to 12th Street. www. worcestercountyhumanesociety.org.

WALK WITH A DOC

Southgate Pond, Race Track Road, Ocean Pines. 9 a.m., Join in for the monthly Walk with a Doc. Alyce Marzola, amarzola@atlanticgeneral.org.

TINKER TIME: BLACKOUT POETRY

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Drop in anytime, use the library supplies and your imagina-

tion to create. This month, explore blackout poetry. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

FAMILY LIBRARY DAY: GARDEN PLANTING AND FREE SEED PACKETS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., Pocomoke City. 10 a.m.-noon, Help children plant in the library’s garden and pick up some information on creative ideas for beginning vegetable gardens. Free flower, herb or vegetable seeds. While supplies last. All ages welcome.

PITCH, HIT, AND RUN WITH WORCESTER COUNTY RECREATION; PARKS

Northern Worcester Athletic Complex, Senior Field, 9906 Buckingham Lane, Berlin. 410-632-2144. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

SATURDAY MATINEE

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 11 a.m., Join us for this classic 80s baseball movie starring Kevin Costner. Call the Snow Hill branch for more information: 410-632-3495. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

PROJECT T(W)EEN: WORLD ART DAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 11 a.m., Today is World Art Day. Follow some great tutorials and create a canvas masterpiece. For ages 11 years and older. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

SLIME SATURDAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 2 p.m., Join the group for some slime fun as you learn what slime is and make your own slime to take with you. For ages 6-10 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

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

Sun., April 16

ACT CLOTHING; SWAP IT OUT CIRCULATION DAY ACT Building, 10959 Worcester Highway, Berlin. 240-375-2285. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

ACT CLOTHING CIRCULATION; SWAP IT OUTEVENT

Assateague Coastal Trust, 10959 Worcester Highway, Berlin. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Looking to repurpose your clothing? Join the ACT - SWAP movement. Debbi Dean, 443-856-9309, outreach@actforbays.org, https://www.actforbays.org/actclothingswap.

ITALIAN FEST

Shenanigans Irish Pub, 309 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City. 4-7:30 p.m., Featuring authentic Italian fare with fresh homemade pasta and sauce. Dessert included. Cost is $15 for adults and $5 for children 8 years and younger. Proceeds benefit OCDC. events@ocdc.org.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., April 17

DEMOCRATIC WOMENS CLUB OF WORCESTER COUNTY MONTHLY MEETING

Ocean Pines Community Center, Assateague Room, 235 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines. 240-375-2285. 9:30 a.m.April 18, 12 a.m.,

STORY TIME RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 10:30 a.m., Crafts, songs and stories about rain. For ages 2-5 years. 410524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

8TH ANNUAL TAKE PRIDE IN BERLIN WEEK

Berlin Maryland Welcome Center, 14 S. Main St., Berlin. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Each day this week, one of the Town’s local non-profits will have information about their organization and be given the opportunity to fundraise. iwells@berlinmd.gov, aearly@berlinmd.gov, 410-629-1716.

POET SPOTLIGHT: JACQUELINE WOODSON

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 1 p.m., It’s National Poetry Month. This month the group will be diving into the world of poetry and highlighting some great poets. For ages 7 years and older. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 2:30 p.m., Examine the short story; An Interest in Life; by Grace Paley. This group meets twice a month and is currently reading selections in Book 3 of Great Conversations. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

EYE SPY: THE SCIENCE OF SIGHT

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., Pocomoke City. 4 p.m., The last of a three part series about senses. Learn all about the anatomy of your eye and try some visual experiments. For ages 6 years and older. 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

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

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin.

5-6:30 p.m., Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410641-0157.

WATERCOLOR BASICS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 5:30 p.m., Local artist Jan Coulbourne demonstrates the use of value, mediums and brushstrokes to assist in creating a beautiful artwork. Supplies included. Registration required: 410632-3495.

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.

Tues., April 18

STORY TIME; EMOTIONS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 10:30 a.m., Stories, songs and finger plays. Take-home activity included. For ages 25 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

CLAY AND PLAY

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., Pocomoke City. 10:30 a.m., Join in for play time with a variety of toys and create with clay. For ages 2-5 years. 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 10:30 a.m., Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

8TH ANNUAL TAKE PRIDE IN BERLIN WEEK Berlin Maryland Welcome Center, 14 S. Main St., Berlin. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Each day this week, one of the Town’s local non-profits will have information about their organization and be given the opportunity to fundraise. iwells@berlinmd.gov, aearly@berlinmd.gov, 410-629-1716.

BLOCK PARTY

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 11 a.m., Babies, toddlers and preschoolers, join in for a block party. Play with blocks and other toys while socializing with other families. 410-6323495. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

ACRYLIC PAINT POUR

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 2 p.m, This introductory class will use two different methods to create brilliant canvases. Supplies included, but bring an apron if you choose. Limited

10. Registration required: 410-524-1818.

PEEP SLIME

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., Pocomoke City. 4 p.m., Join the group as they make taste-safe slime using this popular spring snack. For ages 6-11 years. 410957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

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 Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410289-4725

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.

Wed., April 19

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Worcester County. 12 a.m., Held via Zoom the third and fourth Wednesdays of each month. For surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatrics Center, 410641-9568.

EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 10 a.m., Promoting the needle arts through sewing education, activities and textile crafts. For artisans of all skill levels. 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

BACKGAMMON CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 10:30 a.m., Drop in for a game of strategy that dates back 5,000 years to Mesopotamia and Persia. Beginners welcome. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

8TH ANNUAL TAKE PRIDE IN BERLIN WEEK

Berlin Maryland Welcome Center, 14 S. Main St., Berlin. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Each day this week, one of the Town’s local non-profits will have information about their organization and be given the opportunity to fundraise. iwells@berlinmd.gov,

SHELTER SUPPORT

aearly@berlinmd.gov, 410-629-1716.

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, 410-5487880.

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology, 314 Franklin Ave., Suite 104, Berlin. 3-4 p.m., For stroke survivors, family and friends. 410-641-4765, bglime@atlanticgeneral.org.

WASHI TAPE LIGHT SWITCH COVERS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 3:30 p.m., Update and add style to the light switch covers in your home. All materials provided. For ages 6 years and older. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

ROCK PAINTING

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 3:30-5:30 p.m., Join in for an afternoon of rock painting. 410-632-3495. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH CONCERT

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 6:30 p.m., Featuring a live performance by V. Shayne Frederick, a jazz vocalist and keyboard player from Philadelphia. 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 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 20

ders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. 12 a.m., A free mask fitting clinic for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. Appointments required: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.

STORY TIME; ALL MY STRIPES

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 10:30 a.m., A story time to celebrate Autism Awareness Month. Stick around after for a fun craft. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

STORY TIME; DEAR ZOO

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 410-632-3495. 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

CHESS CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 10:30 a.m., Quiet place to meet new friends and play some chess. Bring your boards. All are welcome. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

8TH ANNUAL TAKE PRIDE IN BERLIN WEEK

Berlin Maryland Welcome Center, 14 S. Main St., Berlin. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Each day this week, one of the Town’s local non-profits will have information about their organization and be given the opportunity to fundraise. iwells@berlinmd.gov, aearly@berlinmd.gov, 410-629-1716.

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 11 a.m., The workshop starts with a 20minute lesson on genealogy research, followed by a Q&A session. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information. Registration requested: 410-208-4014.

WHO’S WHO IN A HONEY BEE SOCIETY: COOPERATIVE ROLES IN A COLONY Worcester County Library - Pocomoke

Branch, 301 Market St., Pocomoke City. 2 p.m., Join Crystal Lehmanking, local Master Beekeeper, and explore the various castes and roles of bees within the colony unit, and how they develop and work together. 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

MOBILE MENTOR

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 2 p.m., The Mobile Mentor provides one-on-one assistance for those who want to make the most of their tablet or mobile device. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

PEEP SLIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 3:30 p.m., Join the group as they make tastesafe slime using this popular spring snack. For ages 6-11 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

ZUMBA

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 4:305:30 p.m., Join certified Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an hour of movement. These classes uplift and improve mood. Registration required: 410641-0650. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

BEACH SINGLES-55 PLUS Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. Info: 302-436-9577 or BeachSingles.org

Crossword answers from page 27

The Alpha Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma worked with the students of Stephen Decatur Middle School Builders Club, SADD, SGA, National Junior Honor Society and the Ocean Pines Kiwanis Club to gather, package, and distribute toiletries and essential items to Diakonia shelter in West Ocean City. This is a yearly project to help local shelters.

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Work on the Beach in Ocean City, MD

Renting Umbrellas and Chairs to Beachgoers

• Now hiring students for over 80 positions

• Make friends & memories

• Earn valuable sales & customer service skills

• Energetic individuals wanted

• Hourly + commission + tips

Apply online at EightyFiveAndSunny.com/Employment

Worcester Preparatory School seeks an Experienced Full-Time LIBRARIAN MEDIA SPECIALIST

This position reports to the Head of School. Experience with instruction on information and technology literacy skills, including the research process. Experience in evaluating and selecting print and digital resources. Expertise in basic technology, including computer operation, productivity software, and basic network knowledge. Candidates with the experience and interest to coach are desirable.

Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in Berlin just fifteen minutes from the Ocean City beaches, Worcester Preparatory School is a co-ed independent day school of over 500 students in grades pre-K – 12. The school has comprehensive facilities on a 45-acre campus just a mile from the vibrant town center in Berlin. Governed by an independent board of trustees, WPS was founded in 1970 and enjoyed rapid growth in the decades that followed. It is the premier independent school on the Eastern Shore, drawing students from Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware; some travelling over an hour to reach campus. All graduates matriculate to four-year colleges or universities, many among the most selective in the nation. Worcester Preparatory School is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Compensation and benefits are competitive with other area private schools and are adjusted based on experience level and credentials.

Interested persons should send a letter of interest, employment application, resume, and educational philosophy (if available) to Linda Watson, Director of Human Resources, at lwatson@worcesterprep.org

Custodian. May to October. $18 per hour. Vacuum hallways, clean windows, and any other duties as necessary. Noon to 8 p.m. Hours negotiable. Call 410-524-9400.

Thunderbird Beach Motel Now Hiring ALL POSITIONS. Apply in person MondayFriday, 9am-2pm. 32nd Street & Baltimore Ave., Thunderbird Beach Motel.

Coconuts and The Beach House Restaurant at Castle in the Sand Hotel

We are looking for Line and Grill cooks for the 2023 season. All shifts available, breakfast, lunch and evening shifts. Experience a plus but we will train also. Come join our team for the 23 season. Apply online at Castleinthesand.com or in person at 3701 Atlantic ave. OCMD

Now Hiring for Seasonal

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

Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round. Competitive wages. 443-754-1047

PAPA JOHN'S MANAGERS, DRIVERS INSIDERS Ocean City 302-541-8081

Year-Round Outboard Motor/Boat Mechanic needed for established Boat Yard in West Ocean City, Maryland. Call Harbor Marine, 410-213-2296.

Advanced Marina 66th St. Ocean City Advancedmarina.com

Hiring Cooks, Audio/Video

Techs, Maintenance Staff, Painters, Carpenter, Plumber, Housekeeper, Boat Mates Apply in person or online at seacrets.com

Now Hiring: Mechanics Boat Yard Crew Cleaners Painters

Dock Hands

To Apply: Call 410-723-2124 or Email advancedmarina@aol.com

Warehouse Associate

The T-Shirt Factory in Ocean City seeking a full-time, year-round Warehouse Associate Candidates must have a minimum of 6 months warehouse experience, valid drivers without points, ability to drive a box truck and lift up to 50 lbs. or more. Benefits and pay depends on experience.

To apply send resumes to bkmoira@yahoo.com or call the Corporate Office at (410) 213-9650

Classifieds 410-723-6397

Cleaners - Vacation rentals needed for OC and the Pines. Experience preferred but not required. OC Purifiers. Call or text 443-397-1189 or email karen@ocpurifiers.com.

Pool Attendant

Flexible hours.

Full time or part time.

3-4 days/evenings a week.

Contact Jimmer Gardiner with Harbour Island at 14th St. on the Bay 240-298-0365

NOW HIRING!!

Production Crew

for our WOC kitchen facility

Up to $20/hr.

Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

Security Guard Positions available in local high-rise condominium. Part time and/or full time. Good starting pay w/salary increase and bonuses available annually. Send resume to apurnell@legumnorman.com

BOAT YARD HELP NEEDED Call Harbor Marine 410-213-2296.

HERKER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Seeking full time FIELD MANAGER for full service landscaping & property maintenance company in Frankford & Delaware beach resort areas. Salary: $50K+, benefits include partial health, Simple IRA, holidays & vacation.

Email resume to Gherker@comcast.net or call 610-459-5857

Ocean City Florist Now Hiring

PT Floral Designer

2-3 days a week. Some Saturdays will be required. Experience necessary. Call 410-250-1636 or apply within.

PGN Crab House 29th Street & Coastal Hwy. Now Hiring for

• Waitstaff

• Kitchen Help

Apply within in person after 11:00 am

Barn 34 Hiring Kitchen Help

Apply in person Thurs. & Fri. between 9am - 12pm 3400 Coastal Hwy.

NOW

• Cosmetologists

• Hair Stylists

• Nail Technicians

To Apply: Call 410-213-1122 or Email info@blissoc.com

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

Maintenance Person Flexible hours. Full time or part time.

3-4 days a week. Contact Jimmer Gardiner with Harbour Island at 14th St. on the Bay 240-298-0365

Cooks and Kitchen Help Wanted

Flexible schedule, clean kitchen, new equipment. Weekly paychecks. Friendly work environment. If interested apply in person. Open daily, 12:00 p.m.

American Legion Post #166 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, MD

Now Hiring Seasonal Sales Positions

Full-time, part-time now through October.

Now Hiring!!!

67th St., Coastal Hwy. FT, PT Positions Available

We are looking for friendly, energetic people to join our crew

Experience preferred

• Pizza Maker

• Counter Server

• Grill Cook

• Dishwasher

Competitive Pay and Great Tips!

Serious inquiries only! Apply within or email us mionespizza67@gmail.com

www.baysideoc.com

Competitive starting pay. Parking available. Apply in person: SOMERSET JEWELERS

412 South Atlantic Avenue, OCMD 410-289-7011

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.

Worcester Preparatory School is seeking

EXPERIENCED TEACHERS

Candidates for this position should possess a degree in education. Previous experience teaching lower, middle and upper school students is desirable. State certification is not required. Candidates with experience and an interest in coaching are desirable.

Located on Maryland's Eastern Shore in Berlin just fifteen minutes from the Ocean City benches. Worcester Preparatory School is a co-ed independent day school of over 500 students in grades pre-K - 12. The school has comprehensive facilities on a 45-acre campus just a mile from the vibrant town center in Berlin. Governed by an independent board of trustees, WPS was founded in 1970 and enjoyed rapid growth in the decades that followed. It is the premier independent school on the Eastern Shore, drawing students from Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware; some travelling over an hour to reach campus. All graduates matriculate to four-year colleges or universities, many among the most selective in the nation. Worcester Preparatory School is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Compensation and benefits are competitive with other area private schools and are adjusted based on experience level and credentials.

Interested persons should send a letter of interest, employment application, resume, and educational philosophy (if available) to Linda Watson, Director of Human Resources, at lwatson@worcesterprep.org.

CAD Designer/ Drafter

Berlin, MD area. Work experience and/or an Associates degree in CAD or closely related field preferred.

Contact by email hiring@jwse.com or call 410-641-0126

Self-Storage Units on Route 50 on Grays Corner Rd.

100 sq. ft., 200 sq. ft. & 250 sq. ft. 100 sq. ft. $125/mo. 200 sq. ft. $185/mo. & 250 sq. ft. $200/mo. Call Bill 301-537-5391

Warehouse/Contractor

Shops/Storage/ Flex Building for Lease

1000-10,000 sq. ft. In town Ocean City on 142nd St. 410-723-4400 or 410-430-8332

PETS

Now Hiring Day & Nighttime Customer Service/Cashiers

Looking for easy outgoing person with fun personality.

Cool place to work.

Competitive wages.

Serious inquires only 410-250-5678

Seasonal Weekly Rental (ONLY). Single Family Home, Berlin. 4BR, 3BA. $625/per night. Call 610-383-1138 for details.

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

Beautiful Sheepadoodle, family raised with lots of love and interaction. Parents are both young, healthy, smart and loving. Parents are both AKC registered. Mother is Old English Sheepdog and Father is Silver Standard Poodle. We have males and females some primarily black and we have black and white. Puppies will be dewormed and vaccinated. Price is $1000. Please email jasjas123@gmail.com text 843-455-3517

SERVICES

CAREGIVER AVAILABLE for home care, everyday needs. 35 years experience. Delaware and Maryland area. Call Deborah at 302-934-7420

Industrial Warehouse

Spaces: 4000 sq. ft., 2100 sq. ft. and 1500 sq. ft.

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

Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.

1 Office/Retail Space available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1600 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

1099 WINTERSON ROAD SUITE 301

LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF IMPROVED

REAL PROPERTY

8 SHORE POINT DRIVE

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Katie Lee Douglas, and Duncan Douglas, dated July 21, 2006 and recorded in Liber 4755, Folio 305 among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, with an original principal balance of $960,000.00, and an original interest rate of 2.000%, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Substitute Trustees will sell at public auction at the Courthouse door for the Circuit Court for Worcester County, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

May 2, 2023 AT 3:55 PM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, and the improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property being sold is a condominium unit and all common elements appurtenant thereto.

Terms of Sale: The property will be sold “as is” and subject to conditions, restrictions, easements and agreements of record affecting same, if any and with no warranty of any kind. A deposit of $85,000.00 by certified funds only (no cash will be accepted) is required at the time of auction. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. At the Substitute Trustees’ discretion, the foreclosure purchaser, if a corporation or LLC, must produce evidence, prior to bidding, of the legal formation of such entity. The purchaser, other than the Holder of the Note, its assigns, or designees, shall pay interest on the unpaid purchase money at the note rate from the date of foreclosure auction to the date funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustees. In the event settlement is delayed for any reason, there shall be no abatement of interest. All due and/or unpaid private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, or front foot benefit payments, are payable by the purchaser without adjustment. Real estate taxes and all other public charges, or assessments, ground rent, or condo/HOA assessments, not otherwise divested by ratification of the sale, to be adjusted as of the date of foreclosure auction, unless the purchaser is the foreclosing lender or its designee. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes and settlement expenses, and all other costs incident to settlement, shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Pur-

chaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. If the purchaser shall fail to comply with the terms of the sale or fails to go to settlement within ten (10) days of ratification of the sale, the Substitute Trustees may, in addition to any other available remedies, declare the entire deposit forfeited and resell the property at the risk and cost of the defaulting purchaser, and the purchaser agrees to pay reasonable attorneys' fees for the Substitute Trustees, plus all costs incurred, if the Substitute Trustees have filed the appropriate motion with the Court to resell the property. Purchaser waives personal service of any paper filed in connection with such a motion on himself and/or any principal or corporate designee, and expressly agrees to accept service of any such paper by regular mail directed to the address provided by said bidder at the time of foreclosure auction. In such event, the defaulting purchaser shall be liable for the payment of any deficiency in the purchase price, all costs and expenses of resale, reasonable attorney's fees, and all other charges due and incidental and consequential damages, and any deficiency in the underlying secured debt. The purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds or profits resulting from any resale of the property. If the Substitute Trustees cannot convey insurable title, the purchaser's sole remedy at law or in equity shall be the return of the deposit without interest. The sale is subject to postsale confirmation and 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 his deposit without interest.

(CGD File #: 449606)

Edward S. Cohn, Stephen N. Goldberg, Richard E. Solomon, Richard J. Rogers, Michael McKeefery, Christianna Kersey, and David W. Simpson, Jr., Substitute Trustees

land in Case No. C-23-CV-23000037, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction in front of the condominium building located at 300 Robin Drive, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, on

FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023

AT 9:00 AM

ALL that property lying and being situate in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, more particularly designated and distinguished as U Unit No. 104 in the K KEY WEST VILLAS CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Condominium Declaration and ByLaws recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, in Liber No. 1298, folio 337, et seq., and pursuant also to the plats described in said Declaration, and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Plat Book No. 111, folio 13, et seq., and pursuant to all subsequently recorded Amendments.

The property will be sold in an AS IS condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, with no warranties or guarantees, and will be sold subject to 1) a Deed of Trust recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Liber No. 7350, folio 312, said Deed of Trust having had an original principal balance of $87,300.00 on January 3, 2019 and 2) a Deed of Trust recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Liber No. 7350, folio 332, said Deed of Trust having had an original principal balance of $5,000.00 on January 3, 2019 . The Trustee reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

the sale will be null and void and the purchaser=s sole remedy will be the return of the deposit without interest.

For more information, call: James E. Clubb, Jr. Trustee

410-289-2323

OCD-3/30/3t

Huesman, Jones and Miles, LLC

11350 McCormick Road

Executive Plaza III, Suite 905

Hunt Valley, MD 21031

(443) 541-8507

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS 8821 BAY RIDGE DR., BERLIN, MD 21811

CASE NUMBER

c23cv22000240

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a Deed of Trust from 8821 Bay Ridge LLC, recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County in Liber 7557, Folio 349, and Substitution of Trustee recorded among the aforementioned Land Records substituting Gerard F. Miles, Jr, as Substitute Trustee, the Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at public auction, at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Courthouse Door, 1 W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863 on April 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM:

OCD-4/13/3t

JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ. 108 8th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842

FORECLOSURE SALE

300 ROBIN DRIVE, #104 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

By virtue of a Statement of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to an Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Mary-

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in a cashier=s or bank check, with the balance to be paid in cash at time of settlement. The date of settlement shall be fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. The undersigned reserves the right to waive the deposit requirements as to the purchaser representing the interest of the party secured by the Statement of Lien. Real property taxes, wastewater charges, and condominium dues will be adjusted to the date of sale and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All costs of conveyancing, including transfer and recordation taxes, shall be paid by the purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining possession of the property. Purchaser agrees to pay to the Seller an Attorney=s fee of $350.00 for review of any motion which may be filed with the Court to substitute a purchaser herein. In the event the undersigned is unable to convey marketable title,

All that lot of ground and the improvements thereon situate in Worcester County, State of Maryland, as described in the Deed of Trust recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, in Liber 7557 Folio 349. The property being known as 8821 Bay Ridge Dr., Berlin, MD 21811. The improvements thereon consist of a dwelling.

The property will be sold in “AS IS” condition, subject to any existing building violations, restrictions and agreements of record. The purchaser assumes all risks of loss for the property as of the date of sale. Neither the Substitute Trustees nor their respective agents, successors or assigns make any representations or warranties, either expressed or implied with respect to the property. The Substitute Trustees shall convey insurable title.

The property is being sold fee simple. The original principal balance of the loan was $60,000.00

TERMS OF THE SALE: A deposit in a form acceptable to the Substituted Trustee in the amount of $10,000 will be required of the purchaser, other than the Holder of the Note or its assigns, at the time and place of sale. Any amount tendered at sale in excess of the required deposit will be refunded and not applied to the purchase price. Unless the purchaser is the Holder of the Note or its assigns, the balance of the purchase price shall be paid immediately with available funds within ten (10) days of the final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. Time is of the essence. The purchaser, other than the Holder of the Note or its assigns, shall pay interest at the rate of 13.00% per annum on the unpaid

portion of the purchase price from the date of sale to date of settlement. Real property taxes and assessments shall be adjusted to the date of sale and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Ground rent, HOA assessments, Condominium assessments, water and/or sewer charges public or private, if any, shall be adjusted to the date of sale and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Cost of all documentary stamps and transfer taxes shall be paid by the purchaser. Purchaser shall have the responsibility of obtaining possession of the property.

In the event settlement is delayed for any reason , there shall be no abatement of interest. If the purchaser defaults, the entire deposit is forfeited. The Substitute Trustee shall resell the property at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser. The defaulting purchaser shall be liable for the payment of any deficiency in the purchase price, all costs and expenses of both sales, attorney fees, all other charges due, and incidental and consequential damages.

In the event the Substitute Trustee does not convey title for any reason, purchaser’s sole remedy is return of the deposit. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Trustee or Mortgagee. The Substitute Trustee shall have the right to terminate this contract in the event the Holder has entered into any agreement with, or accepted funds from, the mortgagor. Upon termination of the contract, Purchaser’s sole remedy shall be return of the deposit.

Gerard F. Miles, Jr., Substitute Trustee

Tidewater Auctions, LLC

(410) 825-2900

www.tidewaterauctions.com

Ad #75679

OCD-3/30/3t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS REAL ESTATE WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

The County Commissioners of Worcester County, Maryland propose to quitclaim a 3-story commercial structure comprised of wood framed roof and floors supported on unreinforced brick masonry walls, foundations and steel/iron columns located at 100 Pearl Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863. The property consists of a 1,518 +/- square foot site presently improved with a 4,554 +/- square foot building to Garibay Construction LLC for $280,000 cash.

The P PUBLIC HEARING on this disposal of surplus real estate will be held on TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2023 at 10:35 A.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 –Government Center

One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

Questions may be directed to Weston S. Young, Chief Administrative

Officer, by calling 410-632-1194, or by email at weston.young@co.worcester.md.us.

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-3/30/3t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS REAL ESTATE WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

The County Commissioners of Worcester County, Maryland propose to quitclaim a warehouse property and office space building situated along the southwest side of Snow Hill Road west of the town of Snow Hill, Maryland. The property is located at 5363 Snow Hill Road, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 and consists of a 7.96 +/- acre commercial site presently improved with a 47,575 +/square foot warehouse building with a partial office fit-out to Talkie Communications, Inc. for $380,000.

The P PUBLIC HEARING on this disposal of surplus real estate will be held on TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2023 at 10:35 A.M.

in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center

One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

Questions may be directed to Weston S. Young, Chief Administrative Officer, by calling 410-632-1194, or by email at weston.young@co.worcester.md.us.

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-3/30/3t

NOTICE

Disposal of Surplus Vehicles and Equipment

To be Auctioned on GovDeals.com

“Disposition of County Personal Property no Longer Used by the County”

WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

The following described personal property, including vehicles, furniture and equipment, have been determined to be no longer required for County use by the County Commissioners of Worcester County, Maryland and deemed to be surplus property:

SURPLUS VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT

Surplus vehicles, listed by make and model (with model year), as follows: Chevrolet 1500 2WD (2005); Dodge Journey (2009); Ford 150 2WD (2009); Ford F450 Utility (2001); Ford Transit Van (2016); Chevrolet 1500 2WD (2006); Chevrolet Malibu (2004); Ford Edge (2007); Chevrolet 1500 2WD (2006); Chevrolet 1500 2WD (2004); Chevrolet Trailblazer (2006); Dodge Stratus (2005); Dodge Stratus (2005); Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD (2013); Ford Ranger (2001); Ford Expedition (2011); Ford Explorer (2004); Chevrolet 2500 4WD (2005); New

Holland TS100A Tractor (2004); Chevrolet 3500 Utility (1998); International Roll Off (1989); International Roll Off (1991); Chevrolet Tahoe (2012).

Surplus equipment, including: Kubota F3080 Diesel Mowers (2); Toro Z Masters (3); Jacobsen 548-100 5ft Seeder; John Deere 660 Tiller 5ft; Hole Tawg 7ft Plug Aerator; Gandy 7ft Seeder; Various Trailers (7); Industrial Pump; Marathon Compactors (2); Mobark Shredder.

Surplus furniture and miscellaneous equipment, including: Box Fans; Shop Heaters; Filing Cabinets; Tool Boxes; Rolling Jack; A/C Units; Headlight Adjuster; Wheel Weights; Water Valves; Air Compressors; Transfer Switch; Chainsaw; HP Designjet Printer; Computer Monitors (6); Laptops (44); Computers (57); Commercial Stove; Commercial Food Preparation Station; Commercial Ice Cream Freezer; Glass Display Case; Concrete Saw; Corrugated Metal Pipe; Stackable Chairs; Tractor Wheels; Small Compressor Tanks.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE AND CONVEYANCE: The County Commissioners propose to solicit competitive bids via an Internet-based auction system operated by GovDeals, Inc. for which the winning bidder pays a buyer's premium of twelve and one-half percent (12.5%) of the winning bid for each transaction so that there is no net cost to the County. All of the above referenced surplus property will be offered for sale "AS IS, WHERE IS." The County Commissioners make no warranty, guaranty or representation of any kind, expressed or implied, as to the merchantability or fitness for any purpose of the property offered for sale. The County Commissioners warrant to the buyer that the property offered for sale will conform to it description. The County Commissioners reserve the right to reject any and all bids as they see fit and to withdraw from sale any of the items listed. Payment in full by successful bidders shall be made to Worcester County Commissioners.

OPPORTUNITY FOR OBJECTIONS: Anyone objecting to the proposed conveyance of the above surplus vehicles and equipment shall do so in writing prior to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, 2023, or in person at the regularly scheduled meeting of the County Commissioners to be held at 10:35 a.m. on April 18, 2023 in the County Commissioners Meeting Room, Room 1101 - Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-3/30/3t

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.

HENRY J. WISE, SR.

6252 Basket Switch Road

Newark, MD 21841

Defendant(s)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-22-000101

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 29th day of March, 2023, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 6252 Basket Switch Road, Newark, MD 21841, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 1st day of May, 2023, 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 24th day of April, 2023.

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $225,000.00.

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-4/6/3t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGE LICENSE

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

License: 7 Day, By: Jonathan Rhem Lane, 3107 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842.

For: Braddah Barneys, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: The Globe 12 Broad Street Berlin, Maryland 21811

Formerly: Burley Cafe, 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 19, 2023 @ 1:00 P.M.

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

OCD-4/6/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Francesca Shaye Ecimovic, 37 Admiral Avenue, Berlin, Maryland 21811; Miroslav Ecimovic, 37 Admiral Avenue, Berlin, Maryland 21811; Charles Galliher, V, 509 Bay Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811; Alexander Heidenberger, 3712 Woodbine, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815.

For: Vista OC, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Vista Rooftop

13801 Coastal Highway 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 19, 2023

@ 1:15 P.M.

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

OCD-4/6/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "A" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Marybeth Whitney Sisk, 5 Cape Circle, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: MB’s 59th, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: 7-11

5809 Coastal Highway

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: Teresa D. LaBruto

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

April 19, 2023

@ 1:25 P.M.

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

OCD-4/6/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGE LICENSE

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

License: 7 Day, By: Matthew J. Rishkofski, 13000 Marina View Lane, Ocean City, MD 21842; Angela V. Lathroum, 12549 Daye Girls Road, Bishopville, MD 21813; Zachary Joseph Rishkofski, 13000 Marina View Lane, Ocean City, MD 21842.

For: Reel Investments OC, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Reel Inn 409-B 14th Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: Richard S. Lathroum

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

April 19, 2023

@ 1:40 P.M.

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

OCD-4/6/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a "B" B-W-L 7 Day and Request to Designate as Multiple License #2 for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR

License: 7 Day, By: Jennifer Reda, 14009 Loop Road, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Anne McFaul, 3026

Shepperd Road, Monkton, Maryland 21111; Mary McFaul, 516 East Seminary Avenue, Maryland 21286; Adam Horn, 10312 Plantation Lane, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: Hogfin, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Hogfin

12513 Ocean Gateway

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: Matt Ortt Management II, 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 19, 2023

@ 1:50 P.M.

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

OCD-4/6/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE License: 7 Day, By: Brandon L. Phillips, 9815 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Ocean City, MD 21842; Ralph L. Sapia, 715 Dunkirk Road, Towson, MD 21212.

For: SP Burgers, Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Surfin Betty's Burger Bar 1501 Coastal Highway 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 19, 2023 @ 2:05 P.M.

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

OCD-4/6/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

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

License: 7 Day, By: Mary A. Foust, 505 St. Louis Avenue Apt. 1, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Cantina Los Agaves, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Cantina Los Agaves Mexican Grill

12720 Ocean Gateway Unit 7

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: Tequila Mockingbird, 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 19, 2023

@ 2:15 P.M.

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

OCD-4/6/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE

NOTICE

The Mayor and City Council, a public community transit service provider in Ocean City, Maryland, is offering the opportunity for a public hearing to provide citizens a forum to present views on the following proposals:

FY 2024 Annual Transportation Plan (ATP).

The ATP contains requests for operating funds from the following programs: Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act, which provides funds for general public transit service in rural areas; Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) program, which provides funds for federally required para transit services for persons with disabilities.

In addition, capital funds will be requested for the following items:

ITEM

TOTAL

Five (5) Heavy Duty 60’ Articulating Buses $4,125,000

Transit Vehicle Preventative Maintenance $785,000

Three (3) ADA Accessible Supervisor Vans $201,000

TOTAL $4,910,201

A Public Hearing will be held upon request. Requests for a Public Hearing must be in writing and will be received until 4 p.m. on Monday, May 1, 2023. Requests for a Public Hearing and/or other written comments should be sent to the following address and clearly marked “Public Hearing Comments”:

Ocean City Transportation

224 65th Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Written comments can also be emailed to: Rob Shearman Jr. at rshearman@oceancitymd.gov

If requested, a Public Hearing will be held:

Monday, May 15, 2023

6:00 p.m.

City Hall Council Chambers

301 North Baltimore Avenue

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

If special assistance is required at the Public Hearing contact Ocean City Transportation, Administrative Coordinator, at 410-723-2174 prior to 4 p.m. Monday, May 1, 2023. OCD-3/30/4t ____________________________________________________________________

LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Request to allow a small, portable service bar on wheels to be used in the outside dining area, and a Request to increase the days for inside live entertainment from four (4) days to seven (7) days for a Class: "D" BEER-WINELIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Raymond J. McGrath, 13207 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Deborah A. McGrath, 13207 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Beach Barrels, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Beach Barrels

13207 Coastal Highway

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 19, 2023 @ 2:25 P.M.

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

OCD-4/6/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Request for live entertainment amplified inside up to two (2) pieces including a keyboard but excluding drums from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., Request for live entertainment amplified outside one (1) piece acoustical guitarist with the ability to roam the outside deck from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Request for a music technician inside during business hours, Request for off-sale of beer and wine in factory sealed containers, Request for background music inside during all business hours, Request outside background music 7 a.m. until 12 a.m. for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Michael Berardinelli, 30225 Green Valley Run, Milton, Delaware 19968; Robert J. Masone, MD, 29471 Eagles Crest Road, Milton Delaware 19968; Brian Shofi, 12508 West Torquay Road, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Bay Bar, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Toast Café

221 Wicomico Street

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 19, 2023 @ 2:40 P.M.

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

OCD-4/6/2t

VICTORIA L. O’NEILL ESQ.

AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND P.A.

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF

APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 19643

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARTHA WILKINS

AKA: MARTHA TOWNSEND WILKINS

Notice is given that Wendy Ann DiBuo, 12004 Turtle Mill Road, Bishopville, MD 21813, was on March 28, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Martha Wilkins who died on February 11, 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 28th day of September, 2023.

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.

Wendy Ann DiBuo Personal Representative True Test Copy

Terri

Date of publication: April 06,

JOSHUA WINGER ESQ. BYRD & BYRD, LLC

14300 GALLANT FOX LANE, SUITE 120 BOWIE, MD 20715

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 19589

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN EDWARD FISHER III

Notice is given that Jason Louis Fisher, 16301 Oxford Court, Bowie, MD 20715, was on March 28, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Edward Fisher III who died on January 7, 2023, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of September, 2023.

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.

Jason Louis Fisher 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:

pointed Personal Representative of the estate of W WAYNE WESLEY EDWARDS who died on F FEBRUARY 14, 2023 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 2 27th day of S SEPTEMBER, 2023

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-4/6/3t

JAMES E. CLUBB JR, ESQ 108 N 8TH ST. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19629

Notice is given that the Circuit court of Alexandria City, Virginia appointed Christopher E. Mar, 112 Alpine Drive SE, Leesburg, VA 20175; Jonathan M. Mar, 1002 Orr Circle SW, Leesburg, VA 20175; and Rachel Mar, 4304 Victoria Land, Alexandria, VA 22304 as the Personal Representatives of the Estate of Eugene Mar who died on December 20, 2022 domiciled in Virginia, America.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is James E. Clubb Jr. whose address is 108 N 8th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842.

claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Christopher E. Mar

Jonathan M. Mar

Rachel Mar

Foreign Personal Representatives

Terri Westcott Register of Wills

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

Name of Newspaper:

Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: April 6, 2023

OCD-4/6/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE

TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of F FRANKLIN POWELL HASTINGS Estate No. 1 19655 Notice is given that D DIANE H BRINKER whose address is 11427 BELL ROAD, WHALEYVILLE, MD 21872 was on M MARCH 31, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of F FRANKLIN POWELL HASTINGS who died on M MARCH 7, 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 3 30th day of S SEPTEMBER, 2023.

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.

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

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: April 06, 2023 OCD-4/6/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of W WAYNE WESLEY EDWARDS Estate No. 1 19648 Notice is given that C CAROL ANNE EDWARDS whose address is 689 LINCOLN AVENUE, NORTHEAST, MD 21901 was on M MARCH 27, 2023 ap-

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

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

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

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-4/6/3t THOMAS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 19550

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ERNEST HAIRSTON

Notice is given that Crystal L. Hairston, 3070 Pine View Court, NE Washington, DC 20018, was on April 10, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ernest Hairston who died on December 29, 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 10th day of October, 2023.

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.

Crystal L. Hairston 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

BUSINESS BRIEFS

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 27, 2023 at 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(5) requesting a special use exception to allow outdoor display of merchandise incidental to the on-premise use. The site of the appeal is described as Lots 33 & 34 of the Skyline Development Plat, further described as located on the northwest corner of Bayshore Drive and Philadelphia Avenue, and locally known as Thrift and Treasures, 2609 Philadelphia Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: THRIFT & TREASURES – (BZA 2649 23-09400006)

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, Esq. Attorney

Leadership promotions

Taylor Bank recently announced several promotions:

David Lee was promoted to information systems administrator.

Meagan Farber was promoted to finance and accounting supervisor.

Carl Vandivier was promoted to senior information systems adminis-

trator.

Carolynn Vogel was promoted to compliance officer/internal auditor.

Casey Robinson, manager of Ocean Pines branch, was promoted to assistant vice president.

Heather Godwin, regional manager/relationship officer of South Ocean City branch and Ocean Landing branch, was promoted to assistant vice president.

Eureka Herring, electronic services manager, was promoted to assistant vice president.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be conducted by the Planning and Zoning Commission in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:

TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2023

At 7:00 pm

To consider amending C Chapter 110, e entitled Zoning, to add employee housing, non-accessory and other housing type definitions by amending S Section 110-2, Definitions; clarifying S Section 110-94, Special Exceptions- special exceptions to parking requirements; add Planning Commission required approval for certain housing types to S Section 110182 Planning Commission approval required for certain uses; amend various zoning districts to allow employee housing, accessory and non-accessory as either a permitted or conditional use - R-2A Low-Density Multiple-Family Residential District: Section 110-302, Permitted uses and Section 110-304, Uses permitted by conditional use; R-2, Medium Residential District: Section 110-332, Permitted uses and Section 110-334, Uses permitted by conditional use; BM-1, Bayside Marine District: Section 110-452, Permitted uses and Section 110-454, Uses permitted by conditional use; DM, Downtown Marine District: Section 110-482, Permitted uses and Section 110-484, Uses permitted by

conditional use; LC-1 Local Commercial District: Section 110-512, Permitted uses and Section 110-514, Uses permitted by conditional use; B-1 Boardwalk Commercial District: Section 110-602, Permitted uses and Section 110-604, Uses permitted by conditional use; DMX, Downtown Mixed Use District: Section 110-662, Permitted uses and Section 110-664, Uses permitted by conditional use; M, Manufacturing District: Section 110-692, Permitted uses and Section 110-694, Uses permitted by conditional use; I-1, Inlet District: Section 110-861.1, Permitted uses and Section 110-861.3, Uses permitted by conditional use; and in the Supplemental Regulations – S Section 110904 Modification of lot area requirements - to address accessory and non-accessory employee housing; and S Section 110-932 Minimum number of spaces - to address off street parking for accessory and nonaccessory employee housing; and adding a new section 1110-886- Employee Housing accessory and nonaccessory- addressing regulations for the use of accessory and non-accessory employee housing.

APPLICANT: PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION (FILE #2214100001)

No oral or written testimony will be accepted after the close of the public hearing.

Public hearings that are not completed at one meeting may be continued without additional advertised notice provided the Commission Chairperson announces that the hearing will be continued and gives persons in attendance an opportunity to sign up for written notice of the additional hearing dates.

For further information concerning this public hearing, please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development, Room 242, City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842. Phone 410-289-8855.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

MAUREEN HOWARTH, ESQ., ATTORNEY OCD- 4/13/3t

Tori Grundman, marketing director, was promoted to assistant vice president.

Jen Scott, manager of Main Office branch, was promoted to vice president.

Sandy Duncan, vice president, was promoted to director of deposit operations.

Kathy Allam, vice president, was promoted to chief information technology officer.

Calvin B. Taylor Banking Company, the bank subsidiary of Calvin

B. Taylor Bankshares, Inc. (OTCQX: TYCB), founded in 1890, offers a wide range of loan, deposit, and ancillary banking services through both physical and digital delivery channels.

The Company has 12 banking locations within the eastern coastal area of the Delmarva Peninsula including Worcester County, Maryland, Sussex County, Delaware and Accomack County, Virginia.

Continued on Page 43

David Lee Meagan Farber Carl Vandivier Carolynn Vogel Casey Robinson

Heather Godwin Eureka Herring Tori Grundman Jen Scott Sandy Duncan

Kathy Allam

Protest promised at Saturday board meeting

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(April 14, 2023) The next Ocean Pines Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for April 15, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Golf Club.

“Do it for Gavin” supporters have announced they plan a protest outside of the board meeting in reaction to OPA President Doug Parks’ comments during the March meeting.

Parks focused his president’s remarks on the aggressive tactics that

some advocates for “Do it for Gavin” had been taking.

While he took no issue with targeting businesses and conducting protests and boycotts, he raised concerns with some actions turning aggressive, including “bullying of the business staff, bullying of children at school and threatening organizations, customers and OPA board members. Their actions demonstrated a move away from justice to a support for vengeance.”

He predicted that, if these tactics continue, it could lead to an increase in annual assessments.

Board members are aware of the planned protest.

“We always have a sergeant-at-arms present at our meetings to help maintain order. Picketing is a form of peaceful protest that is allowed in this country constitutionally,” Colette Horn said.

“I have no problem with a peaceful protest that is a right enshrined in our Bill of Rights,” Steve Jacobs said.

“As far as the Justice for Gavin group, I see no issue providing the participants are peaceful, law abiding and homeowners. I again encourage all parties to step back and let the legal system do its job,” Frank Daly said.

“Yes, we will have additional security/police just in case of any issues that arise,” Rick Farr said.

Anyone attending the board meeting will need an Ocean Pines ID, which can be obtained at the administration building.

Assumable loans keep interest rates down

By Lauren Bunting

(April 14, 2023) A mortgage assumption takes place when a buyer takes over the seller’s existing mortgage at closing in lieu of getting a new loan.

Instead of paying off the mortgage, the buyer and seller work together with the seller’s lender approval to agree to keep the existing mortgage in place and have the buyer become the new responsible party on the loan. Currently, the only loans in

the market with a standard qualifying assumption clause are VA, FHA and USDA loans.

Mortgage assumptions haven’t really been common since the 1980s, which was a decade when interest rates averaged 12 to 13 percent.

But, with interest rates spiking this past year, an assumable loan can be a really big selling advantage.

For example, assuming a $300,000 loan at a 2.5 percent interest rate versus getting a new loan at a 6 percent interest rate represents a savings of $614 per month.

While investors are not qualified to assume existing loans—VA, FHA and USDA mortgages all carry a qualifying assumable clause, which means any owner-occupant buyer can qualify using the same standard the loan was issued under.

For VA loans, both veterans and non-veterans are eligible to assume

the loan.

However, if a veteran allows an assumption by a non-veteran, they leave their VA loan entitlement behind until that loan is paid off.

As far as a new buyer being approved to assume the loan, in theory they can finance a gap between the sales price and the existing mortgage, but in most cases this gap is covered by cash downpayment.

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

Snow Hill’s Janeen Birckhead next adjutant general of Md.

(April 14, 2023) Maryland Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, a native of Snow Hill, has been unanimously confirmed by the Maryland Senate to be the 31st adjutant general of Maryland.

Gov. Wes Moore announced Birckhead’s nomination to lead the Maryland Military Department during a press conference at the State House in Annapolis on April 5.

“I am proud to nominate Brig. Gen. Janeen Birckhead to serve as Maryland’s next adjutant general,” Moore said.. “With her extensive knowledge and leadership experience within the Maryland Army National Guard, she will bring invaluable expertise to this role.”

Birckhead currently serves as the commander of the Maryland Army National Guard, a position she has held since May 2018. She is responsible for the combat readiness of approximately 4,600 soldiers and 45 installations, while maintaining an annual budget of $182 million.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Continued from Page 41

Joins AGH

Allison Pusey, FNP, has joined Atlantic General Health System to provide primary care services to the Ocean Pines community.

Pusey was born and raised in Worcester County and began providing patient care in 2014, when she joined Atlantic General Hospital as a nurse technician and began working on her nursing education.

She is a recipient of Atlantic General’s Barrett Nursing Scholarship and earned her associate’s in nursing from Wor-Wic Community College and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wilmington University while working at the hospital.

Pusey has been active in the Showell Volunteer Fire Department since 2010, most recently serving as vice president of their auxiliary.

In May of 2022, she completed her Master of Science in family nurse practitioner studies at Wilmington University and is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

She lives in Bishopville, with her husband and daughter. She is currently providing care at Atlantic General Primary Care in Ocean Pines and will transition her practice to the Gudelsky Family Medical Center on Racetrack Road when construction is

“As Maryland’s adjutant general, I pledge to serve the people of Maryland with unwavering dedication,” Birckhead said. “I believe in the importance of the National Guard’s mission and above all in the selfless service of our Soldiers, Airmen, federal and state civilian employees and our volunteers, who represent the best of our great state.” Birckhead, who is also deputy commandant for reserve affairs at the U.S. Army War College, led 14,000 National Guard troops from across the nation providing security for the Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol after the attacks of Jan. 6, 2021.

Shortly afterwards, she was appointed as the governor’s lead for Maryland’s Vaccine Equity Task Force, which was responsible for the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine to underserved and hard-to-reach communities statewide.

In her civilian career, Birckhead is a senior advisor in the Bureau of See MARYLAND Page 44

complete.

She is currently accepting new patients. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 410-208-9761.

Elected

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) announced that Reid Tingle, president/CEO of Bank of Ocean City, was elected to serve on its Legislative Issues Committee.

“As a financial steward of my community and advocate for the community banking industry, I’m proud to support ICBA’s efforts to highlight the important role community banks serve both locally and in our nation’s economy,” Tingle said. “As relationship lenders, community banks remain focused on the needs of their customers, and work hard to earn and retain their trust every day. I’m proud to be a community banker and to be called to serve to preserve our industry’s legacy for future generations.”

In addition to helping shape and promote ICBA’s national policy positions and programs, Tingle’s duties include engaging in grassroots activities in Maryland to advocate procommunity bank policies and serving as a liaison between community banks and ICBA staff and leadership in Washington, D.C.

Allison Pusey

Reid Tingle

Maryland National Guard’s new commander

Continued from Page 42

Trust Funds Administration, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, in the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Birckhead graduated magna cum laude from Hampton University on an Army ROTC scholarship. Her undergraduate degree is in political science.

She also holds two master’s degrees: one in general administration from the University of Maryland University College and one in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Birckhead’s military decorations are the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NATO Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

As the newly appointed commander of the Maryland National Guard, she will be the only Black woman currently leading a state military across the nation.

“The adjutant general is the leader of Maryland’s military, and I am very

confident in Janeen’s ability to do just that — lead,” said Moore said during the press conference. “Her record proves her readiness to serve at the highest-ranking military position in the state of Maryland.”

Birckhead will replace Maj. Gen. Timothy E. Gowen, who is retiring later this month, as adjutant general of Maryland during a change-of-command ceremony to be scheduled in May.

Gowen, who has served in the military for more than 36 years, was appointed as adjutant general of Maryland by former Gov. Larry Hogan in 2019.

Prior to that, he was the Army National Guard Deputy Commanding General of the Army Futures Command. Gowen was employed in a civilian capacity as an aerospace engineer at Patuxent River Naval Air Station for 25 years when he was named assistant adjutant general of the Maryland Army National Guard in 2015.

As adjutant general, Gowen led the Maryland National Guard response during the covid-19 pandemic as sSoldiers and airmen distributed medical supplies and equipment, set up testing sites, managed mass vaccinations sites, assisted at hospitals and skills nursing facilities, and dis-

tributed food assistance to community members in need.

He also led the Maryland Military Department during protests across the state in 2020 and during the Maryland National Guard’s deployment to the U.S. Capitol in 2021.

The Maryland Military Department is composed of the Maryland Army and Air National Guard, and the Maryland Defense Force. Soldiers and airmen of the Maryland National Guard support domestic operations such as responses to floods, fires, civil unrest, and cyber-attacks as well as federal missions, including overseas

deployments.

Brig. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, a native of Snow Hill, was unanimously confirmed by the Maryland Senate to be the 31st adjutant general of Maryland. Gov. Wes Moore announced Birckhead’s nomination on April 5.

The Maryland Military Department consists of nearly 7,000 National Guard members, Defense Force volunteers, and civilian employees, contributing nearly $300 million annually to Maryland’s economy.

“I have faith in the ability of our Military Department to accomplish the vital objectives that lie before us, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to tackle what’s ahead,” Birckhead said. “We stand ready to serve the great citizens of Maryland and our nation.”

Maryland Army National Guard

PHOTO COURTESY GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

Fun events planned in Ocean Pines

(April 14, 2023) With the release of the spring/summer activity guide, Ocean Pines has announced dates and times for several major upcoming events.

All events in Ocean Pines are open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

• The Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department will host Family Fun Nights, Wednesdays from June 21 through Aug. 23 from 6-8 p.m. at the Yacht Club pool. The event will feature a live DJ, with family fun, games and prizes. Admission is $3 for swim members, $5 for residents, and $7 for nonresidents. Only those swimming pay a fee.

• Free Concerts in the Park are scheduled every Thursday from June 22 through Aug. 24 from 7-9 p.m. in White Horse Park. Food is available for sale and BYOB is permitted.

• Bay Day, presented by Ocean Pines and the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, returns Sunday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in White Horse Park. The event teaches local people how to “make a difference in your own backyard,” with free boat rides, hands-on activities, environmental exhibitors, and live animal demonstrations. Admission is free.

• Ocean Pines Bike Ride Day is Saturday, May 13 from 3-6 p.m. For more information, email Patti Stevens of the

Worcester County Bike & Pedestrian Coalition at patti59.stevens@gmail.com, or Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue at ddonahue@oceanpines.org.

• Teach a Kid to Fish Day is Saturday, June 17 from 9-11 a.m. at the South Gate Pond near the Sports Core Pool. The event includes a drawing for a free rod and reel. For more information, call John McFalls at 610-505-1697.

• On July 4, the Recreation and Parks Department and OC Tri-Running will host the 11th Annual Freedom 5K starting at 8 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. Awards will be given for several age groups. Online preregistration is $40.

• Later that day, the department will host the annual July 4th Celebration and Fireworks. Enjoy carnival games, music, food and more from 58:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. Admission is free and wristbands are $15. Fireworks are scheduled to launch just after dark. Attendees may bring lawn chairs and blankets.

• The 27th Art Hansen Memorial Youth Fishing Contest is set for Saturday, July 15 from 9-10:30 a.m. at the South Gate Pond near the Sports Core Pool. Trophies and prizes will be awarded for age groups of 4-7, 8-11 and 12-16. For more information, call John McFalls at 610-505-1697.

Volunteers needed for Take Pride in Berlin week events

(April 14, 2023) The eighth annual Take Pride in Berlin Week will be April 17-22, ending with Clean-Up Berlin Day on Saturday, April 22.

Each day that week, beginning on Monday, April 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Berlin Welcome Center, one of the town’s local nonprofits will have information about their organization and be given the opportunity to fundraise.

On Saturday, April 22, the town will hold the annual Berlin Clean-Up Day from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Volunteers are needed to help for a few hours to celebrate Earth Day by giving Berlin’s Parks, downtown, and neighborhoods, a spring cleaning.

There are several opportunities for volunteers assisting the Berlin Horticultural Advisory Committee with planting gardens in the parks and downtown from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and helping with low maintenance planting, weeding, raking, mulching, and trash pick- up downtown and in the parks.

The main clean-up areas are Stephen Decatur Park on Tripoli Street, Henry Park on Flower Street, Heron Park on Old Ocean City Boulevard, and in the downtown commercial district.

Some supplies will be available for use, but participants are encouraged to bring their own. Rakes, shovels, and wheelbarrows are always needed. Students can also earn service hours for participating.

Clean-up of Hudson Branch will also be needed; this activity is not for young children. Heavy clothes and boots are recommended.

For general park clean-up, sign up at any of the parks starting at 8:30 a.m.; Hudson Branch sign-up is at Henry Park.

Volunteers can also choose to spend their time anywhere they feel needs attention.

Trash pickup will be available; items for pickup will need to be placed in one location in the clean-up area and the town must be contacted so that crews are aware of the location.

Volunteers are asked to sign in and pick up supplies at the town’s parks and at the Berlin Welcome Center starting at 8:30 a.m.

For more information, contact Ivy Wells at iwells@berlinmd.gov or Allison Early at aearly@berlinmd.gov or call 410-629-1716.

Information can also be found on Facebook at “Take Pride in Berlin Week.”

• For the second year, the Recreation and Parks Department will host the Back to School Bash, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. The event will include moon bounces, games, food, music and more. Staff and volunteers will collect donations of backpacks and other school supplies for Worcester County G.O.L.D. Admission is $10 per person.

• Big Truck Day is scheduled Saturday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the field between the Sports Core Pool and Veterans Memorial Park. Children can interact with fire trucks, tow trucks, dump trucks, tractor trailers and more. Admission is free.

Visit www.oceanpines.org/ web/pages/recreation-parks for more information on Recreation and Parks events.

The Pine’eer Craft Club will present the 45th Annual Indoor/Outdoor Arts & Crafts Festival on Saturday, Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Community Center and White Horse Park. Admission is free.

Visit www.oceanpines.org/ web/pages/artisan-gift-shop for more information on Pine’eer Craft Club events.

The Fall Indoor/Outdoor Flea Market is scheduled Saturday, Sept. 23 from 8 a.m. to noon in the Community

Public Works tests sanitary sewer system for gas leaks

(April 14, 2023) Worcester County Public Works Water and Wastewater (WWW) Division will conduct smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system from April 12-21, between Keyser Point Road and West Torquay Road.

This study will involve opening and entering manholes in the streets and public utility easements to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system.

The smoke will also reveal where storm and other surface water enters the sewer system.

A special, non-toxic smoke will be used in these tests. It leaves no residuals or stains and has no effect on plant or animal life.

The smoke is visible and has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor that should last only a few minutes, where there is adequate ventilation.

Because the plumbing appliances in homes and buildings are connected to the sanitary sewer system,

some smoke may enter these facilities in the following instances:

• Vents connected to a building’s sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed.

• Traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed, or missing.

• Pipes, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under buildings are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed.

The smoke test can reveal the presence, if any, of sewer gas, which can be dangerous and a health risk to occupants.

In the event that smoke enters your home or business, contact a member of the smoke testing crew working in your area or contact WWW at 410-641-5251, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Multiple events planned in OP

Continued from Page 45

Center Gym and White Horse Park. Vendor spaces are available. Call 410641-7052 for more information.

The Ocean Pines Racquet Center will host a men’s and women’s doubles competition, the Doubles Challenge, on Saturday, Aug. 19. Entry is free for tennis members and $15 for nonmembers.

The center will also host the USTA NTRP Singles Tournament on Sept. 23-24. The entry fee is $30 per player, and players must be USTA members.

Ocean Pines Pickleball will host several big events this year. That includes the 2023 Summer Classic on June 2-4. Email danoble54@gmail.com for more information.

The Ocean Pines Pickleball Club Championship is scheduled Aug. 2627. Entry is limited to club members.

The Oktoberfest Pickleball Tournament returns Sept. 29-Oct. 1. Registration is $40. To register, email danoble54@gmail.com or search “Tournaments” on app.pickleballden.com.

The club will also host the annual Pink Ribbon Classic on Friday, Oct. 13, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. Entry is $40 per player. Email rcoltferguson@gmail.com for more information.

For more information on Racquet Sports events, visit www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/racquet-sports.

The Ocean Pines Aquatics Department will host the annual Doggie Swim to benefit the Worcester County Humane Society on Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Mumford’s Landing Pool. Times are 10-10:30 a.m. for dogs

under 20 pounds, and 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for dogs of all sizes. The fee is $8 per dog. Human companions are free. All dog handlers must be 18 or older. The department will also offer lifeguard certification classes April 21-23, with the fee waved for anyone hired as an Ocean Pines lifeguard. Call 410641-5255 for more information.

For more information on Aquatics events, visit www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/aqu atics.

Former Stephen Decatur High School standout Matt Ruggiere will return to lead private and group instruction through the new Golf Academy at the Ocean Pines Golf Club. Visit www.ruggieregolf.com for more information and scheduling.

For more information on Golf events, visit www.oceanpinesgolf.org.

The Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market runs Saturdays in White Horse Park, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through October. Winter hours start in November. For more information, including a schedule of market events, visit www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/farmers-artisans-market.

Live entertainment is scheduled to return to the Ocean Pines Yacht Club patio this May. For more information, visit www.opyachtclub.com.

To download the latest issue of the Ocean Pines Activity Guide, visit www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/activity-guide.

For more information, contact Ocean Pines Association Director of Public Relations and Marketing Josh Davis at 443-366-1844 or jdavis@oceanpines.org.

Assateague Superintendent Award recipients announced

(April 14, 2023) The winners of the annual Assateague Island Superintendent’s Award, and the Assateague Island Safety Award were recently announced.

The Superintendent’s Award is given to an employee or employees who have performed “above and beyond” during the previous year.

The Safety Award is given to an employee who has made a major contribution to the safety program or the safety culture of the park and is chosen from peer nominations.

The 2022 Superintendent’s Award was presented to Jim Bell.

Bell is the primary “operator in charge” of the water and wastewater treatment plant at park headquarters and the water treatment plant on the island.

He is also the primary staff member responsible for the maintenance and repairs of these facilities.

He completes and maintains records of all scheduled sampling and compiles the information for reporting and permitting requirements.

He works directly with park staff, contractors and regulatory officials to ensure water and sewer facilities are operated safely and within permitting guidelines.

Bell is one of the “unsung heroes” on

the Assateague staff, working behind the scenes keeping vital systems running.

He is required to come on duty in all conditions, often when other employees are staying home.

His contribution and dedication to the operation and to staff and visitor safety is extremely vital, and often overlooked.

The runner-up for the award was Bill Ramsey.

Ramesy is the park law enforcement specialist, but during 2022 his duties included acting chief ranger from January to June.

In addition to these duties, Ramsey rewrote the park’s Physical Security and Structural Fire Plans, a complicated and time-consuming job which will greatly increase safety at the park.

The 2022 Assateague Island National Seashore Safety Award was presented to Chris Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald is the maintenance supervisor for the Virginia District.

His operation involves the use of multiple pieces of heavy construction equipment to rebuild the parking facilities at the Chincoteague Beach every spring, and after major storms.

This is a complex, potentially dangerous process, which often must be done on short notice and under tight time

constraints.

Fitzgerald has also revamped all safety protocols and standard operating procedures for the various maintenance shops in the Virginia District, including the carpentry shop, the metal shop, and the auto shop, all of which involve the use of potentially dangerous equipment.

All of these SOPs are now fully in compliance with the latest NPS and OSHA standards.

He also completed the non-wildland fire chainsaw operator and instructor course, which will allow him to conduct chainsaw training on site, eliminating the need for staff to travel to get this important training.

The runner-up for the award was Jeanne Feltes.

Feltes works within the administrative division. She was awarded for her efforts to maintain a covid-safe environ-

The winners of the annual Assateague Island Superintendent’s Award, and the Assateague Island Safety Award were recently announced. Pictured are Chris Fitzgerald, 2022 Safety Award winner; Jim Bell, 2022 Superintendent’s Award winner; and Hugh Hawthorne, Superintendent, Assateague Island National Seashore.

ment within the park credentialling office, keeping it open when many similar offices in the region closed.

Feltes is also a member of the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department Emergency Medical Crew and has responded to many emergencies in the park and the local community for years.

Honorable mentions for the award included Sara Tobin, horse management lead ranger; Lauren “Ashley” Shelton and Steven Braun from the Fee Management office; Chris Amoroso and Mark Warren from the Maintenance Division; and Lindsey Reis, lead wildlife biologist.

All these employees were nominated by their peers for the leadership in the world of safety.

For general information about the seashore and park activities, visit www.nps.gov/asis or call 410-641-1441.

MILESTONE

Worcester Preparatory School celebrated reaching its 100th day of school on Friday, March 3. Pre-K through Grade 5 students dressed as 100-year-olds, as well as participated in a variety of educational and philanthropic activities. Pictured are first graders, from left, Palmer Hammonds, Michael Hovhannisyan, Deegan Adkins and Sasha Gerner.

CLASS LESSON

Students in Danielle Marshall’s first grade class at Ocean City Elementary are learning about plants and insects. They started their journey by reading “A Diary of a Spider.” They were introduced to vocabulary words and learned to retell key details from the story. This will prepare them for understanding key concepts and help them move into reading and comprehending non-fiction stories on spiders and plants in the next few weeks.

NEW CLUB MEMBER

The Ocean CityBerlin Optimist Club welcomed four new members during its March 2 dinner meeting

Pictured is Vicki Shrier, left, with club President Christina Dolomount-Brown. Other new members recognized included Em Hench, Ron Hamm and William Outten.

DONATION

At the March 2 dinner meeting, the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club presented a check for $3,000 to Force Baseball. Pictured, from left, are Chris Dolomount-Brown, president of the Ocean CityBerlin Optimist Club; with Dena, Lee, Cayden and Chris Holloway.

OC FILM FESTIVAL

“The Boston Photograph,” a film about a local woman who dated a young Martin Luther King, received an Audience Choice Award at the seventh annual Ocean City Film Festival luncheon at the Princess Royale on March 5.

Pictured are Jocelyn Briddell of Berlin, and LaVerne Briddell Eagleson of Salisbury, who was featured in the film.

TOURNAMENT WINNERS

Worcester Preparatory School’s Chess Club

Tournament winners were recognized and awarded with a trophy on March 9. Fourth grade student Arian Zheng is pictured with Head of Lower School Dr. Sara Timmons. He won the Grades 2-4 bracket of the chess club this year. Led by Dr. Timmons and Upper School Social Studies teacher Paul Cyryca, the chess club had much interest this year maxing out at 40 students participating.

RECOGNITION

Harry Ballantyne Sr. of Selbyville, has been honored by Ocean City American Legion Post 166, receiving a service award for 50 years of unbroken membership in the national veteran’s organization. The award was presented at the Post’s February meeting. Pictured, with Ballantyne Sr., holding the award, is his wife, Ann, and daughter, Karen Edmondson, with her husband, Steve.

SHELTER DONATION

Randy's Crew recently presented a donation to the Worcester County Humane Society, a no-kill shelter in Berlin. Pictured, from left, are Kaitlyn Fitzhugh of the humane society; Randy’s Crew board members Jackie Siejack and Gerri Littleton, Randy, and Sandy Summers of the humane society.

CENTER SUPPORT

The Republican Women of Worcester County presented a $500 donation to the Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health of Berlin. Pictured, from left, are Vera Beck, Caring for America chair RWWC; Joann Manole, Grace Center executive director; Sandy Zitzer, president RWWC; and Amy Mike, recording secretary RWWC and a Grace Center board member.

Shirley Hall Youth Art Show at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on First Friday, March 3, showing art from Worcester County middle and high school students. Betsy Hall Harrison, Shirley Hall's daughter, judged the show and awarded cash prizes in memory of her mother. Pictured are Elena Gjoni or Worcester Prep, left, and LJ Ohara from Stephen Decatur Middle School.

ART SHOW

PHOTO COURTESY WAYNE LITTLETON

Spring grilled leg of lamb and roasted garlic

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(April 14, 2023) How does one define the term “wealth?”

If you base your answer on monetary funds, I guess I would be considered one of modest means.

But prosperity comes in many flavors. As the clock of wisdom progresses, I realize I am rich in my own right and reap from the benefits of unpretentiousness and thankfulness.

Every morning I am greeted with the serenity of the Eastern Shore. Gentle breezes hum my favorite tune as tranquility permeates the sandy shores with never-ending pride.

The majestic geese and darling ducks patiently wait for their daily feedings. Every year I watch as their flocks increase with little ones.

This proud grandmother witnesses the wonders of Mother Nature first hand and is mesmerized by the experience indeed.

My modest house on the water has a large deck with an arsenal of grills.

Smokers and charcoal grills take this serene atmosphere to another level. The aroma of smokiness christens the neighborhood with a mouth-watering trail of goodness.

It takes years to master the art of grilling; it is not easy to handle a glass

of wine in one hand and tongs in the other.

Grilled leg of lamb is a rich piece of meat that creates a stunning centerpiece. Its unique flavor makes it a fabulous choice when entertaining.

The idea of grilled leg of lamb may sound daunting, but in actuality it is very easy to prepare.

Leg of lamb is a meat that really shines when it is cooked to medium rare, around 125 to 130 degrees.

When cooking larger pieces of meat, it is imperative to have a meat thermometer. This is one time you do not want to take a chance on guessing.

Leg of lamb is not generally available in stores and will have to be ordered from your local butcher or supermarket.

Semi-boneless leg of lambs come in various sizes. Either way, the impressive piece of meat will wow your guests. While marinades are popular, I prefer a simple rub of kosher salt, black pepper, dried crushed rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Cover the entire surface of the meat with a generous amount of spice rub.

If one salivates at the thought of gar-

lic, insert a few pieces of raw garlic in the fatty areas. The last thing you want is to poke holes in your gorgeous piece of meat.

If the lamb is semi-boneless, you will need to tie the meat with kitchen twine to hold it together.

Once the meat is seasoned, wrap the leg of lamb in tin foil, and then in plastic wrap. Make sure the meat is sealed tightly and refrigerate for two days.

When you uncover the meat, some of the seasoning may come off. If this is the case, simply add more of the dry rub to the exterior of the meat.

Grill the lamb to one’s personal preference: remember, the more it is cooked, the tougher it will be.

Once the lamb is done, place it on a cooling rack that is underlined with a sheet pan. Pour a generous amount of olive oil on the meat to help cool it down.

After 5 minutes, turn the lamb over and again pour olive oil over it.

After 20 minutes, remove the cooling rack and keep the lamb resting in the sheet pan with olive oil until you are ready to slice it.

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Leg of lamb and garlic for spring

Continued from Page 50

Lamb and garlic are a perfect pairing and roasted whole heads of garlic not only add to the presentation but are a tasty addition to your bread service.

The individual cloves of roasted garlic are soft and not as pungent as fresh garlic.

Spread the soft garlic on hot, crusty bread and your taste buds will sing hallelujah. If this idea captures your fancy, a recipe has been provided.

Slice the top of each head of garlic. You want to have a good portion of the raw garlic exposed, so I cut off onethird from the top.

Using a small spoon, add some olive oil to the flesh of the raw garlic. You want the oil to penetrate the entire head. Add a dash of salt, dried thyme, crushed rosemary, and freshly ground black pepper.

Bake the heads of garlic in an oven that has been preheated to 200 degrees. It will take at least an hour for the garlic to cook. The slower the garlic cooks, the softer and silkier the texture will be.

After 30 minutes of cooking, add some more olive oil to the head of the garlic to ensure smoothness. Use a toothpick to test the doneness of the garlic. If it pierces the flesh with ease, the garlic is done.

In closing, both of these recipes are easy to follow and at the same time produce a show-stopping meal.

If you like to grill and want to try something new, I highly suggest serving grilled leg of lamb with roasted garlic. Trust me, your guests will love it. Enjoy!

Secret Ingredient – Nature. “My wish is to stay always like this, living quietly in a corner of nature.” –

Claude Monet

Blood Bank still calling for donors

donor turnout is down 33 percent.

mission: saving lives.

(April 14, 2023) Blood Bank of Delmarva is continuing the call for blood donors.

Although all blood types are needed, BBD has an immediate need for O negative, B negative and O positive blood and platelets.

O negative supply remains critical at just a 1.5-day supply, while B negative is at three days and O positive is at four days. BBD needs a seven-day supply of all blood types to ensure coverage for all of its hospitals and patients.

Donor behavior has completely changed since March 2020 and corporate, school and college blood drives have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

BBD’s mobile blood drives are still down 38 percent and first-time youth

“Upon the third anniversary of the pandemic, we are asking everyone who is able to come out and donate blood. One hour of your time can save a life,” said Emily W. Cunningham, vice president at Blood Bank of Delmarva.

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted eligibility restrictions for individuals who lived in Europe during certain periods of time.

To view current eligibility guidelines, visit delmarvablood.org or call 1-888-8BLOOD-8.

The need is constant, but the supply is not. Visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org to schedule an appointment to donate, or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.

Founded in 1954, Blood Bank of Delmarva is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community blood bank with a simple

The Blood Bank of Delmarva, a division of NYBCe, achieves its mission every day by providing safe blood and blood products to all 19 hospitals in Delmarva and relies on over 80,000 volunteer blood donors each year to ensure patients’ needs are met.

The Blood Bank of Delmarva distributes over 130,000 blood products annually and operates four donor centers. Each year, the Blood Bank of Delmarva normally hosts over 600 blood drives.

These blood drives would not be possible without the commitment of community organizations that volunteer to serve as sponsors or coordinators, which provides opportunities for blood donors to give blood and help patients in need. BBD is a New York Blood Center Enterprises affiliate and a member of AABB and ABC.

For more information, visit delmarvablood.org.

Bikers Without Borders for autism

Nonprofit foundation riding for spectrum disorder for second straight year in OC

(April 14, 2023) Join the Bikers Without Borders Foundation on Saturday, April 15, for the second annual Bikers for Autism ride.

This event held in Ocean City and surrounding communities will raise funds for the Autistic Children’s Support Group of Worcester County.

Bike registration will be held from 911 a.m. at The Cork Bar (motorcycles park along Wicomico Street) followed by the ride, escorted by the Wicomico and Worcester County Sheriff’s departments.

Following the ride, join the Bikers

Without Borders Foundation and other enthusiasts from 12:30-3 p.m. for a block party sponsored by The Cork Bar, The Bearded Clam, and Crawl Street Tavern with live music from Shots Fired.

The $25 registration fee (cash only) includes a buffet lunch and non-alcoholic beverages. All are welcome to join the ride and the block party. There will be silent auctions, raffles, and a 50/50 raffle.

The Autistic Children’s Support Group of Worcester County is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to families of children with autism and related development disabilities in Worcester County and surrounding communities.

The group was formed by with the goal to provide parent-to-parent support.

For more information, visit the ACSG at www.acsgwc.org.

Bikers Without Borders Foundation is comprised of men and women that believe that giving back to the community is a civic duty.

Members are motorcycle riders and non-riders who participate in charitable and volunteer activities, which support local communities.

The Foundation focuses on supporting and serving veterans and active military, emergency responders, children and youth, and those who are most vulnerable in our communities.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/bikerswithoutbordersfoundation or email bikerswithoutbordersfoundation@gmail.com.

O negative, B negative and O positive sought but all types needed at moment

St. Joseph’s Day Italian Festival successful

Editor,

The 11th annual St. Joseph’s Day Italian Festival on March 18, presented by the Sons and Daughters of Italy Ocean City Lodge #2474 and St. Luke’s/St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, was an enormous success and our best attended to date.

It was a fun day for all who attended and a profitable fundraiser.

We have many individuals, merchants and organizations from Ocean City, Fenwick Island, Berlin, Ocean Pines, Bethany Beach, Millsboro, Ocean View, Selbyville, Rehoboth Beach and Lewes to thank for their generosity in donating items for our silent auction and gift basket raffle as well as for placing ads in our festival program.

A very special thank you to our five festival sponsors – ASPIRE’S Summer Work Travel Program (Eastern Regional Office, Ocean City), Mio’s Italian Steakhouse, Moe and Marie Grimes, Tomasetti Law, and the Ocean City Knights of Columbus Council #9053/Pope John Paul II 4th Degree Assembly #2452.

Our contributors and the many at-

tendees helped us raise the funds that we use to fund our charitable giving program and our scholarship program that each year recognizes local high school seniors in Maryland and Delaware.

Our thanks to all.

Morrell Delcher and Vito Potenza Co-Chairs

St Joseph’s Day Festival

Sons & Daughters of Italy, Ocean City Lodge

Work ethic no problem for staff of OCBP

Editor,

I am writing in response to the article “Major staffing struggles in OCBP.”

Our son was a member of the OCBP for eight years, so my comments come from first-hand knowledge.

I take great offense to the comment by Mr. Theobald that it has to do with work ethic “they don’t want to work 50-60 hours week.”

The author goes on further to say that “apart from the applicant’s mentality and work ethic, not everyone who applies passes the necessary fitness tests” another derogatory slam

at the guards who make this resort possible. These young men and women have a massive amount of responsibility, and without them and the safety and first aid services they provide, Ocean City would not be the resort it is.

People want the security of knowing they and their children are protected on our beaches and many would not vacation here without that.

The two biggest problems you have in hiring guards for OCBP are simple - money and housing.

These guards work their butts off! They sit up in that stand from 10 in the morning until 5:30 at night 5 1/2 days a week with 2-15-minute breaks and a half-hour for lunch each day.

During their breaks they run, swim or exercise to stay in shape for their job.

They are there when the temperatures are over 100 degrees and they are there in the pouring rain and cold temperatures of the early summer.

They have to be hyper-vigilant at all times and fully aware of not just those in the ocean, but also those around them on their beach.

They don’t just sit up there trying to look good. Add to that, the fact that they make no overtime!

My son worked every additional detail he could get to make extra money, but even weeks where he worked 60+ hours, he got paid straight time.

Your OCBP members are respon-

sible for the lives of thousands of people every day, and $18.44/hour doesn’t begin to fairly compensate them.

A lifeguard at a swimming pool –maybe – but a guard who has to deal with the uncertainties of the ocean –no way!

As for housing – it’s wonderful that you are willing to provide financial assistance for the cost of housing (which is prohibitive) but if there are no places to rent, the assistance is useless.

With so many of the smaller properties being bought up by B&B’s, there are very few places left for these kids to live.

Owners can make more money by renting their properties on a weekly basis than they can by renting their properties for an entire summer to a group of guards.

Driving from Salisbury or Delaware each day is not only impractical, it is time and cost prohibitive.

Once they get in to OC, then they have to find a place to park. Why not reserve the street parking spot closest to the beach on each block for OCBP parking only?

The lucky ones like my son, have family here they can live with, but those coming from out of the area are paying over half of their salary for a place to live and still have to pay for their food and other expenses.

This is not a job for someone try-

Continued on Page 54

Partisan revenge theme in MGA

Now that the Maryland General Assembly is over, the takeaway for voters is that harsh partisan politics and need for revenge are greater enemies of the state than any foreign power.

These days, the political parties adhere to scripts laid out by their national leaderships and use them to cultivate the kinds of erroneous beliefs their constituents want to hear.

Wind power, for instance. Democrats love wind power. It’s clean, refreshing, has a minty aftertaste, and sounds like the perfect solution to saving the planet. Republicans hate wind power. It’s expensive, undependable, kills whales and is not oil, gas or other big contributors to the party.

Yeah, well, no. Wind power is neither as wonderful nor as terrible as its supporters and opponents contend. It is especially suited to serve areas starved for electricity and it doesn’t kill whales, according to NOAA. But it won’t replace onshore generating plants either. It doesn’t have the juice for that.

Ocean City officials and many others locally don’t like it because it spoils the ocean view, while other objections, and praises, for that matter, are tainted by propaganda opponents and proponents want their constituents to believe.

And then there’s the no vote on Ocean City’s room tax increase request, sponsored by this district’s Republican legislators. This rejection, we are given to understand, is because the Democrats have a super majority in legislature. That’s true, but it’s also to show Republicans that fighting to derail other Democratic initiatives comes at a price.

As for complaints about the Democrats’ supermajority, yes it is a problem when you’re not a part of it, just like it’s a problem in the 20 states where Republicans hold veto-proof majorities as compared to the Democrats’ nine, including Maryland. What’s really wrong is that these supermajorities can rig election districts by gerrymandering to stay in power unfairly because the U.S. Supreme Court says they can.

The difficulty citizens face in our increasingly toxic political atmosphere is not just that we’re divided but that the game plan of political parties is to play to those divisions by telling people what they want to hear instead of delivering, wartsand-all, what they need to hear.

Ocean City Today

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson

MANAGING EDITOR ................................ Lisa Capitelli

STAFF WRITERS ..............Jack Chavez, Mallory Panuska,

Hoffman, Hunter Hine

ACCOUNT MANAGERS .......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier

Kelly

CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin

SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks

GRAPHIC ARTIST .................................... Kelly Brown

PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts

Dirty secret of trees

A cowboy sits at the saloon bar, minding his own business, when a stubble-faced gunslinger swaggers up to him and says, “I say you’re yellow, mister! Whaddaya have to say about that?”

The cowboy pushes his beer away, looks up at the threatening stranger standing in front of him and replies, “Yeah, it’s the pollen.”

kinds of spores (not to be confused with Pod People, which are merely spore-like, according to Wikipedia).

Furthermore, these spores come in a couple of different forms, depending on whether the plant that produces them is an angiosperm or a gymnosperm, which ... Saaaayyyy, is this going where I think it’s going and has this been cleared by the authorities for general discussion? Are little kids going to hear this?

Just to be on the safe side, I hereby issue this content warning: the following is for mature audiences only.

By Stewart Dobson

Yes, it’s time to celebrate National Pollen Week by writing our names in the yellow film on patio tables, by shaking tree limbs — pines are good — and running away to watch from a safe distance, and by sending greeting cards that say things like, “I’ll stick to you like pollen on a car hood.”

Awww.

Everyone loves pollen, right? After all, if it wasn’t for pollen many of us wouldn’t even know that our noses have other purposes besides breathing, smelling and sticking them into other people’s business. Our noses are, this time of year, sinus scuppers. That is to say, drain holes.

But there’s much more to pollen than just yellow grains of something or the other, so let’s look it up:

“Pollen is formed in a process called microsporogenesis (little, tiny spore beginnings),” and different plants have different

BECAUSE, it turns out that this whole pollen business means we’re outside sucking in that fresh spring air and thinking that it’s great, when the fact is that so-called fresh air is filled with the passions of pine trees having sex.

And all this time I thought the noise I’ve been hearing was caused by a breeze filtering through the branches.

But no, these whispering pines and other plants are saying things that we probably don’t want to know, such as, “Hellooooooo, pistil-packing mama,” and other unsavory comments that would get you brought up on charges in some instances.

Even more disturbing is the fact that some of these plants can self-pollinate, which has to be against the law in Florida, but if it isn’t it certainly will be.

So, as it turns out, National Pollen Week is not what I thought it was and I’m opposed to it. I mean come on, if my pine trees, which are the chief offenders in my yard, want to make whoopee when no one’s looking, that’s their business. But the least they could do is clean up after themselves.

Honoring volunteer assistant, Gold Badge member Kirstein

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(April 14, 2023) This week we recognize Past volunteer assistant fire chief and current Gold Badge Member Kevin M. Kirstein. Chief Kirstein also served our community as an officer in the Ocean City Police Department.

He joined the OCPD in 1980 as a police cadet and rose through the ranks, serving in every position, including a stint as “Acting Chief of Police” prior to the appointment of current Chief Ross Buzzuro in 2013.

Kevin retired with the rank of captain from the OCPD in April 2018 after 35 years of service to the citizens of Ocean City. Kevin is presently a cattle farmer in Kentucky where he moved following his retirement to be closer to his six grandchildren.

Kevin joined the OCVFC on 2/14/84 having previously served as a member of a fire department in Montgomery County, Maryland. During his 30 years of active service with the OCVFC, he twice held the position of assistant chief – from 1990 thru 1997 and again from 2009 thru 2013. Kevin remains active in the fire service, serving as an engineer in his local Kirksville Volunteer Fire Department in Richmond, Kentucky.

When asked his reason for joining the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, Assistant Chief Kirstein replied, “When I was eight years old my family moved near to the Bethesda Fire Station, and I saw the skills and abil-

ities of the firemen who worked there. I decided I wanted to be able to make a difference in my community when the ‘chips were down’. I participated in as much emergency training as possible after joining the volunteer fire department.”

Kevin recalls his greatest accomplishment in the fire service as his assignment to the New York City Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management shortly following the attacks of 9-11. He assisted the Logistics Section of the command team due to his emergency preparedness training in incident command. He continues to teach emergency first responders throughout the nation as a certified Homeland Security Instructor.

Kevin cites the most significant event of his fire service career as commanding the multi-alarm fire at 9th Street and the Boardwalk on Sept. 22, 1994 (Sunfest Week). Although the fire destroyed five Boardwalk businesses and the Crab Alley Restaurant, the remainder of the buildings in the block were saved due to the efforts of the OCVFC and the additional responding fire departments.

We thank Assistant Chief Kirstein for his many years of service with both the OCPD and the OCVFC reflecting his dedication to the safety and well-being of the citizens and visitors of our resort community. We also recognize Kevin’s commitment to protecting our nation’s freedoms through his continued involvement with the Department of Homeland Security.

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

United Way of Lower Eastern Shore receives $25K by fund

(April 14, 2023) United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently received $25,000 for the 1944 Legacy Circle Fund in honor of Bill and Carolee List, given by his son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Kim List of Ocean City.

Bill and Carolee were active for many years in their community, sharing their time, talent and treasure.

Upon Bill’s passing in the spring of 2022, the Lists chose to honor Jim’s parents through a gift to support the future work of UWLES.

The 1944 Legacy Circle represents individuals who have committed to

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Continued from Page 52

ing to save money for school or a car!

I truly believe our most important asset is under-valued and under-appreciated.

You want to know why they don’t

ensuring the long-term vitality of United Way and the community its serves.

Each has made a gift or shared their intention of a planned gift to the organization through various estate options.

Through this program, supporters are able to contribute lasting gifts that will continue to help Lower Shore neighbors for years to come.

For more information on the 1944 Legacy Circle, visit uwles.org/PlannedGiving or contact Cathie Thomas at cathie@uwles.org.

want to come here to work anymore? Insults like questioning their work ethic would be a great place to start.

Wendy Bowman Sevier Ocean City

Kevin M. Kirstein

United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently received $25,000 for the 1944 Legacy Circle Fund in honor of Bill and Carolee List, given by his son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Kim List of Ocean City. Pictured, from left, are Pam Gregory, UWLES president and CEO; donors Kim and Jim List, and Cathie Thomas, UWLES Leadership & Planned Giving officer.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Dean’s List

Jillian Griggs has been named to Adelphi University’s fall semester Dean’s List.

Griggs of Berlin, was among a select group of outstanding students recognized by the New York school’s deans of Arts and Sciences, Education and Health Science, Business, Nursing and Public Health, Social Work and Psychology for superior academic performance.

The list comprises full-time students-registered for 12 or more credits-who have completed at least nine graded credits who achieved a GPA of

3.5 or above for the semester.

Dickinson College has announced the following students were named to the dean’s list for the fall semester.

Drew Haueisen, a junior quantitative economics and mathematics major, is a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin, and is the son of Craig and Amy Haueisen of Snow Hill.

Jo van Kuilenburg, a senior history and women’s, gender & sexuality studies major, is a graduate of Governor Thomas Johnson High School, and is the son of Marinus van Kuilenburg of Berlin, and Nicola van Kuilenburg of Frederick.

All students earning a position on

the dean’s list for the Pennsylvania school must have a grade-point average of 3.7 or above on a 4.0 GPA scale for the semester.

Selected

Gideon Plamondon of Berlin, is one of two SUNY Oneonta students to be selected for a mentorship program offered by the Country Music Association (CMA).

Plamondon is among 41 college and university students from across the country to be selected for this opportunity.

As a member of the CMA’s Educa-

tional Leadership Class of 2024, Plamondon will meet country music industry professionals through a year-long program that includes panels, seminars and courses.

In addition to being one of the two first SUNY Oneonta students selected, both Plamondon and his classmate, Destiana De Jesus, are two of the three SUNY applicants ever to be accepted into the mentorship program.

A highlight of the program will be a trip to Nashville in August for the organization’s annual Leadership Summit, a multi-day conference full of professional development, industry education and networking.

Bull riders bucking into Ocean City June 2-4

(April 14, 2023) For the second consecutive season, the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Challenger Series will buck into Ocean City, welcoming fans to the inlet on June 2-4 for the PBR Ocean City SEACRETS Classic.

For three days, some of the best bull riders in the world will battle the sport’s rankest bovine athletes in the ultimate showdown of man vs. beast.

The PBR Challenger Series will hold more than 60 events from May to November, culminating with its championship in late October in Las Vegas.

The PBR Challenger Series provides additional competitive opportunities for bull riders who are both affiliated and unaffiliated with a PBR Team Series team.

The PBR debuted in Ocean City last June, as 40 of the world’s best

bull riders competed within feet of the Atlantic Ocean.

The bull riding action for the PBR Challenger Series’ Ocean City SEACRETS Classic, begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 4. All competing bull riders will get on one bull each in Rounds 1-3. Following Round 3 Sunday afternoon, the riders’ individual three-round scores will be totaled with the top 15 advancing to the championship round for one more out and a chance at the event title.

Tickets for the three-day event are on sale now and start at $30 (taxes and fees not included). Tickets can be purchased online at ETIX.com and PBR.com, or by calling PBR customer service at 1-800-732-1727.

PBR Challenger Series, a competition series that launched in May 2022, consists of more than 60

Worcester Arts scholarship program now in full swing

(April 14, 2023) The Worcester County Arts Council’s Student Arts Scholarship award program has begun, with scholarship awards ranging from $500 to $2,000 for qualifying high school seniors who are Worcester County residents interested in majoring in the arts.

Scholarships are also available to college art majors wishing to continue their education in the arts.

In 2022, a total of $10,000, including the John Sisson family’s contribution, was awarded to five students pursuing an arts education.

The Worcester County Arts Council’s Student Arts Scholarship program is designed to identify, recognize, and encourage talented students who demonstrate excellence in Creative Writing, Culinary Arts, Dance, Music, Theater or Visual Arts. This is a merit scholarship and

award decisions are based on the evaluation of talent, dedication and potential – not financial need. The number and amount of the award are based on the funds’ availability.

Funds are provided for tuition costs and fees and are paid directly to the applicant’s school.

Application and Scholarship Guidelines are available on the Arts Council’s website: www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org.

All applications must be received by May 2.

For further information, please contact Anna Mullis, executive director, at anna@worcestercountyartscouncil.org.

The Worcester County Arts Council is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support, promote and encourage visual, performing and literary arts in Worcester County.

events traveling to 27 states across the United States, running in conjunction with the PBR Team Series –an eight-team league competing in five-on-five bull riding games from July to late October 2023.

The PBR Challenger Series, the sport’s only standalone series from June to October, provides additional competitive opportunities to bull riders who are both affiliated and unaffiliated with a PBR Team Series Team. Select Challenger Series events will be carried on RidePass on Pluto

TV.

At the conclusion of the PBR Challenger Series regular season, the top 40 riders in the Series standings will qualify for the Challenger Championship, which will be held on Oct. 19, at the Las Vegas at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in conjunction with the PBR Team Finals (Oct. 20-22).

A select number of top-finishing riders in the final Challenger Series standings will earn automatic positions in 2024 Unleash The Beast season events.

Optimist Club gives awards to student artists

(April 14, 2023) Worcester Preparatory School students received awards for their artwork entered into the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club’s Worcester County High School Art Contest.

In February, the Ocean CityBerlin Optimist Club’s gallery fea-

tured the Worcester County High School Art Contest, a juried art competition.

The exhibition featured 26 pieces of student artwork submitted by high school art teachers, including Worcester Prep Art Director George Zaiser.

The competition awarded a total of $2,000 in cash prizes to the student artists. The selection of artwork was judged by artist and former educator, Sandy Glassman.

Worcester Prep students winning awards were:

Drawing: Angie Todorov – “Foxy,”

third place

Painting: Izzy Huber – “Shattered,” second place

Digital: Cayden Wallace – “Ruined My Day,” second; Anisha Batra –“German Dog,” third Blick Certificate: Luke Loeser“The Battle of Time”

Worcester Preparatory School students standing with their art that won awards in this year’s Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club’s Worcester County High School Art Contest, from left, are Angie Todorov, Izzy Huber, Cayden Wallace, Anisha Batra and Luke Loeser.

Allies assisted greatly by wise guys in Sicily

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(April 14, 2023) This week 80 years ago, the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Military approved a plan known as “Operation Underworld” that called for the assistance of the America Mafia during the Allied invasion of Sicily. This “relationship” had begun with an inquiry from the Navy to Charles “Lucky” Luciano, a year earlier.

After Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S., on Dec. 11, 1941, their submarines ran wild along the east coast of the U.S. and into the Carribean. During that time, more than 120 merchant ships were sunk along the East Coast, and the Germans called it “The Happy Times.”

Most of the New York dockworkers were Italian and the docks were controlled by Albert Anastasia, the head of Murder Inc. Cdr. Charles R. Haffenden of the U.S. Navy Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) Third Naval District, in New York became concerned that the dock workers were relaying sailing times and cargo information to the Axis. And now that the U.S. was in the war, there was concern that dock strikes would hamper the war effort.

Cdr. Haffenden sought help from Joseph A. Lanza, who was a member of Luciano’s organization, and who controlled the Fulton Fish Market in Lower Manhattan. He was known as “Socks,” in recognition of the damage that could be done by his fast fists. Although Socks was amenable to assisting the government, he was also under indictment. And besides, Albert Anastasia really controlled the docks. So that the dockworkers would not think that he was just cutting a deal for his own sake, and to help with Anastasia, “Socks” suggested that the commander enlist “Charlie Lucky,” who was, at that time, residing at the Clinton Correctional Facility, in Dannemora, New York.

He had “resided” there since his transfer from Sing Sing, after being sentenced to 30 to 50 years, following his conviction, on June 7, 1936, on 62 counts of prostitution. He had earned the sobriquet of “Lucky” because he was one of the few to ever return from one of the mob’s one-way rides.

To facilitate negotiations between Luciano and the Navy, the government enlisted the aid of Lucky’s good friend Meyer Lansky, and arranged for Luciano’s transfer, on May 12, 1942, to Great Meadow Correctional Facility, which being only 225 miles away, was closer to New York City, than Dannemora. Luciano had no idea of the reason for the sudden transfer, and was surprised when Lansky, “Socks” and his lawyer, Moses Polakoff, showed up for a visit, eliciting the shocked response from Lucky, “What the hell are you fellows doing here?”

Luciano, being the patriotic guy that he was, agreed to help his country in its time of need. Even though he was incarcerated, and had been away for six years, the name “Charlie Lucky” still carried substantial weight in the New York underworld and on the waterfront. Through the mob connections, union cards were procured for undercover feds, so they began working on the docks and as truckers. Sicilian natives were “introduced” to Navy intelligence officers to gather intelligence for the invasion of Sicily. The flow of information about ship sailings ceased. There were no work stoppages.

In February 1943, feeling that he had sufficiently demonstrated his love of country, Luciano petitioned the court for a reduction of his sentence. It was denied, so he continued his patriotic efforts. He began helping with preparations for “Operation Husky,” the invasion of Sicily. In April 1943, this bargain with the devil was approved by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Luciano began helping the government make contacts with the Sicilian Mafia. They all hated Mussolini because he had come down so hard on them. It helped that Luciano was born and lived the first eight years of his life in Sicily, and still had numerous relatives there.

Luciano directed Calogero Vizzini — “Don Calò” — a Sicilian Mafia boss of the Province of Caltanissetta, in the south of Sicily, to cooperate with the Americans, which he did. The Mafia secured the roads from Axis snipers, provided guides through mountain passes, provided intelligence on the enemy, and facilitated the surrender of Italian units.

The results could be seen in the more rapid advance of, and fewer casualties in, the American Third Army, commanded by Gen. George S. Patton Jr., than that of the British Eighth Army, commanded by Gen. Bernard L. Montgomery (“Monty”). After the Allies took control of Sicily, the Allied Military Government of Occupied Territories made Don Calò mayor of Villalba, the capital of Caltanissetta. The Navy then destroyed all documentation of its association with the Mob.

On May 8, 1945, V-E Day, Charlie Lucky renewed his sentence reduction petition. After an investigation, the New York Parole Commission recommended that the governor — who by now was former prosecutor Thomas E. Dewey — commute his sentence on the condition that he consent to deportation to Italy, which the governor, and Luciano, did. Dewey had been the prosecutor who had put Luciano in prison.

Ironically, Luciano had saved the prosecutor’s life. Then Gov. Herbert H. Lehman had appointed him as a special prosecutor for Manhattan in 1935, to prosecute corruption and organized crime. One of his first targets was “Dutch” Schultz, whom he had unsuccessfully prosecuted several years earlier while he was serving as acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

As Dewey increased the heat, Schultz proposed the Organization, headed by Luciano, kill Dewey. When his request was denied, Schultz vowed to kill him anyway. Realizing the enormous heat that would result if Dewey was murdered, Luciano ordered Schultz hit. When the Dutchman went to use the bathroom at the Palace Chop

House Restaurant at 12 East Park Street in Newark, New Jersey, on Oct. 23, 1935, Charles “The Bug” Workman and Emanuel “Mendy” Weiss shot him several times. He died the next day.

Gov. Dewey commuted Luciano’s sentence on Jan. 3, 1946. He was transported to Ellis Island on Feb. 2, 1946, for the deportation proceedings. Six days later, he was taken to Pier 7, in Brooklyn, where he boarded the Liberty Ship Laura Keene. The ship sailed for Naples, Italy, the next morning, arriving on Feb. 28, 1946.

Later that year, he relocated to La Habana. Once the U.S. Government learned of that, it began applying pressure on the Cuban government. He was deported from Cuba on Feb. 23,

Continued on Page 58

Cdr. Charles R. Haffenden

JOAN DIANE SATTERFIELD WATT

Ocean Pines

Joan Diane Satterfield Watt, 79, of Ocean Pines, Maryland, passed away on April 3, 2023, less than a week after her cancer diagnosis.

She was born on July 18, 1943, in Washington, D.C. and spent most of her childhood in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

She graduated from Northwestern High School in 1961 and attended the University of Maryland.

She had a long career working in logistics at various government agencies including the Department of Defense, NASA, Department of Agriculture, and EPA.

Ambitious and intrepid, she lived in Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois, California, Panama, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

Joan was a member of the Eastern Star (California Chapter Five Star), American Legion Auxiliary Post 166, and the Ocean City Power Squadron (past Commander).

She volunteered consistently as a poll worker.

Joanie loved animals, boating with her friends, playing games, listening to music, cheering on her son’s accomplishments, and being a doting Grammy.

Ever joyful, caring and devoted to her family, she is survived by her son, Jay Watt; daughter-in-law, Angèle Fauchier; grandchildren, Ellis and Thalia; sister, Cecilia (Bonnie) Jones; brother-in-law, Ronald Jones; brother, Cecil (Buddy) Satterfield; sister-in-law, Victoria Satterfield; nieces, Cheryl Johnston, Annette Hall, Fay Jones and Christine White; nephews, Lloyd Jones, Robert Satterfield, Michael Satterfield and Kevin Satterfield; cousin, Darlene Johnson; and many other cousins, greatnieces, great-nephews and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Edna Fay Spenser Satterfield and Cecil Harrison Satterfield, Sr.

She will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony, with a celebration of life planned for the summer.

Donations in Joan’s memory can be made to the League of Women Voters.

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

GLORIA MARIE BASSICH

Snow Hill

Gloria Marie Bassich, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Snow Hill Nursing Home.

Born on Oct. 21, 1930 in Caribou Maine, she was the daughter of the late Earl Doak and Blanche Gagnon. Gloria graduated from Bulkeley

High School in Hartford, Connecticut, where she met and married her high school sweetheart, the late Palmer Christian Bassich.

Gloria’s compassion called her to a career in nursing, where she dedicated her time helping to heal the sick and injured at Holy Cross Hospital.

She also volunteered as a recovery nurse for a mission in Ecuador for corrective surgeries for impoverished children high in the Andes mountains.

She was an enthusiastic supporter of her three boys’ sporting endeavors and for years attended three football games per weekend.

Gloria retired in 1995 and began her second career as a certified “beach bum” in Ocean City Maryland, fulfilling a lifelong dream to live by the sea.

When she was not enjoying her time on the beach, Gloria was an active member of the OC community, receiving accolades for her volunteer work with the Kiwanis Club, and president of the Worcester County Commission For Women, and Republican Women of Worcester County.

Gloria also enjoyed traveling the world. Her love of travel and adventure took her to Europe, the

$1,445.

Caribbean, Alaska, Canada, and South America.

Gloria loved being a grandmother, she built a home filled with love and homemade sweets, and always made time to visit with her grandchildren. Her hobbies included cake decorating and sewing, and she handmade all family celebration cakes and her grandchildren’s Halloween costumes. Her grandchildren loved coming to visit her at the beach.

She is survived by two sons, Douglas Bassich and Andrew Bassich (Denise Becker); seven grandchildren, Jordan Burgess (Adam Burgess), Ryan Bassich, Dennis Bassich (Ashley Bassich), Jesse Bassich (Jessie Byrnes-Bassich), Dylan Bassich (Chi Duong), Hanna Marie Bassich and Jay Bassich; two great-grandchildren, Luka Bassich and Jade Bassich; and her special friends, Kim Bassich and Leslie Adams.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Christian Bassich (Karen Bassich); and a daughter, Celia Plumhoff-Bassich.

The Bassich family is overwhelmed with love and gratitude for our matriarch who gave our family so much love and joy. We will miss her presence terribly but are comforted knowing that she has found peace in her eternal resting place by the sea.

Cremation followed her death. A memorial mass will be held at St. Luke’s Catholic Church and a celebration of life in Ocean City at a later date. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home.

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 57

1947. Luciano died of a heart attack, on Jan. 26, 1962, at the Naples Airport. He was there to meet with American movie producer and writer Martin A. Gosch about a film based on his life. His death thwarted his arrest by Italian drug agents, who were waiting at the airport to arrest him.

A secret post-war report commissioned by Dewey determined that, “...there can be no question about the value of this project.” The report was not released until 1977. FBI Director and straight-arrow J. Edgar Hoover, was of a different mind, saying, on June 6, 1946, “A shocking example of misuse of Navy authority in the interest of a hoodlum. It surprises me they didn’t give Luciano the Navy Cross!”

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

Joan Watt Gloria Bassich

SD tennis teams back on court, pick up wins

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(April 14, 2023) Despite being off for a few days for Spring Break, the Stephen Decatur tennis players came back and played well during their competition on Wednesday against the Pocomoke Warriors in Berlin.

Decatur’s boys’ team won, 7-0.

“We played very well coming off Easter break,” said Coach Steve Berquist. “Everyone was excited to have a home match in nice weather, so they were very motivated during warmup and it carried over to the matches. They all seemed really focused and pumped up during their matches.”

Topping their first though fourth singles opponents were: junior captains David Janney (8-1) and Matt Beck (8-0), junior Briggs Pugner (8-2) and freshman Trey Rill (8-1), respectively.

Janney and Beck shut out their first doubles competition, 8-0.

Pugner and junior Jacob Ritz outscored their second doubles opponents, 8-1.

Sophomore Geren Palmer and freshman Bo Gehrig earned an 8-3 victory at third doubles.

“The team is off to a strong start and is improving each week. It’s exciting to be a part of it,” Berquist said.

The Lady Seahawks won, 5-2.

“I thought we played well for coming off Spring Break … We couldn’t find our rhythm in the beginning, then with singles we had our rhythm so that was a little bit of a good thing playing doubles first,” said Coach Jamie Greenwood. “But again, our last match was a week-plus ago so we were trying to get back into things, get back into school.

There were a lot of close matches. The score really was not indicative of the result.”

Winning their second through fourth singles matches were: senior Sarah Tarr (8-3), sophomore Anika Karli (8-1) and senior Paula Magathan (8-0), respectively.

Tarr and sophomore Brooke

Berquist edged out their second doubles opponents, 8-4.

Junior Kalli Nordstrom and sophomore Emeline Weber topped their third doubles competition, 8-0.

“These matches are important because these are the schools we only play once and in order to win the conference we have to win and that’s what I told the girls too,” Greenwood said. “That was kind of the motivating factor if we want to stay in contention for the conference. The 1A schools that we play once we have to beat them because we don’t have a second round with them.”

Decatur will head to Salisbury on Monday to play the Parkside Rams at 4 p.m.

Lady Mallards prevail, win 15-13 over Herons

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(April 14, 2023) It was a physical battle between the Worcester Prep and Gunston School girls’ lacrosse teams on Wednesday in Centreville, but at the end, the Lady Mallards prevailed, 15-13.

“They dug deep and played with so much heart,” said Prep Coach Chris Williams, adding that the Mallards played “outstanding.”

The Gunston Herons led 6-4 at half-

time.

“We got a yellow with 30 seconds into the [second] half, so we started the second down a player for 1:30,” Williams said. “In that time, we won two draws and scored twice to tie it.”

Worcester outscored Gunston, 11-7, in the second half.

“We were down at half and down a player and [freshman] Caitlin Shimko scored two goals to start the second, down a player, to tie,” Williams said.

“We came back four times in the game. We battled through adversity … Defense came through when needed. We dominated draws in the second half when needed.”

Shimko finished with six goals and two assists. She also won eight draws.

Sophomore Emma Zajdel chipped in with three goals.

Freshman Laura Malinowski scored two goals and had two assists.

Senior captain Caitlyn Hoen (five

draws), sophomores Nazli Unal and Jayden Scopp and senior Isabella Borsoni netted one goal each.

Prep goalie, junior captain Caitlin Williams, stopped 13 Gunston shots.

“Caitlin Williams was huge in cage with 13 saves and four ground balls out of crease,” Williams said praising his daughter.

Worcester will host the Salisbury School Dragons on Monday at 4 p.m. in Berlin.

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Stephen Decatur tennis teams hosted Pocomoke on Wednesday in Berlin. (Left) Sophomore Anika Karli returns a serve in her third singles match, which she won, 8-1. (Right) Freshman Bo Gehrig partnered with sophomore Geren Palmer for third doubles competition. They won, 8-3.

Decatur baseball team shuts out Nandua, 25-0

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(April 14, 2023) The Stephen Decatur baseball team shut out the Nandua Warriors, 25-0, in five innings on Wednesday in Berlin.

“We got everybody in, everybody got an at-bat, everybody got an inning, so that’s the most important,” said Decatur Coach Rich Ferro. “We just tried to hit the other way and tried to not pull off the ball too much and just have good at-bats. We pitched and we played defense, it’s a good recipe when we do the basics well. I’m just happy that they played hard and everybody had some type of contribution.”

Decatur tallied three runs in the first and one in the third. The Seahawks had a big fourth inning, scoring 21 runs.

Decatur recorded 20 hits. Seventeen players had at least one hit.

Senior Owen Knerr chipped in with two hits (single, home run) and three RBIs. Senior Ryan McLaughlin also hit a home run (one RBI).

Junior Lukas Loring contributed with one hit (double) and four RBIs. Junior Foster Smith had two hits and two RBIs.

Junior Matt Wright struck out seven, walked one and gave up two hits in four innings.

Sophomore Nate Berzonski struck out three in the final inning.

Decatur will host the Wicomico Indians today, Friday, at 4 p.m. The Seahawks will then welcome the Pocomoke Warriors on Monday at 4 p.m.

Worcester boys’ squad wins ‘hard-fought’ lax game, 15-8

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(April 14, 2023) After a close first quarter, the Worcester Prep boys’ lacrosse team got into a groove and went on to win, 15-8, over the Gunston Herons on Wednesday in Centreville.

“It was tough going at first, and the Mallards found themselves down 3-2 at the end of the first quarter,” Prep Coach Drew Haugh said. “Credit the Herons’ goalie. That kid made some ridiculous saves to keep us at two goals … It was a hardfought game by both teams.”

Haugh said the Prep squad regrouped after the first quarter and went on a 7-2 run in the second to go into the halftime break ahead, 9-5.

After three quarters, Worcester led, 13-7.

“The Mallards kept their streak alive by never losing a fourth quarter this season and put up two more goals to their one,” Haugh said. “The Herons goalie played lights out. He had 20-plus saves, many on the doorstep, a bunch of kick saves, so without his stellar play, it would have been a different score. But our goalie,

[junior] Connor Ferguson, played a great game, as well, making 17 saves.”

Freshman Paxton Mault won 16 face-offs, many leading to fast breaks “with his pinch-and-pop technique,” Haugh said.

Senior captain Griffin Jones led the Mallards with nine goals and four assists.

“The kid has amazing lacrosse skills and is such a good kid, on and off the field,” Haugh said.

Senior captain Jack Gardner chipped in with three goals and four assists.

Junior captain Dylan McGovern has two goals and two assists.

“Dylan McGovern was his usual athletic self, running at full speed all day, picking up a bunch of ground balls, playing excellent defense, and he was a one-man show clearing the ball,” Haugh said.

Freshman Max Carpenter tallied one goal.

Haugh also praised the play of junior captain Cole Campbell.

“Cole Campbell played a great game at close defense,” the coach said. “He did a great job clearing the ball and added another assist to his stat sheet.”

Worcester will travel to Salisbury to take on the Salisbury School Dragons on Monday at 4 p.m.

Drew Haugh

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Stephen Decatur junior Foster Smith dives back to first base during Wednesday’s game against Nandua in Berlin. He had two hits and two RBIs in the 25-0, five-inning shutout.

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Stephen Decatur sophomore Nate Berzonski struck out three in the fifth and final inning of Wednesday’s game against Nandua in Berlin. Decatur won, 25-0.

Decatur girls’ lax team battles back to win 9-7 over NC

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(April 14, 2023) Lady Seahawks stepped up at key moments during Stephen Decatur’s lacrosse game against the North Caroline Bulldogs in Berlin on Wednesday, helping the team edge out its opponent, 9-7.

“Overall, we came out very flat and it was not our best game,” said Decatur Coach Lindsay Owens. “A lot of girls stepped up at the right time and became the spark we needed to take the lead and keep it.”

North Caroline led 5-4 at halftime.

Tied 6-6 in the second half, sophomore Lily Carson gave Decatur the go-ahead goal with 13 minutes remaining on the clock. Senior Audrey Mumford made it 8-6 five minutes later.

Senior Kayla Brody boosted the Seahawks’ advantage to three with just under eight minutes to play.

“The girls remained disciplined at the end of the game to keep possession and seal the win,” Owens said. “Players who stepped up and were difference makers were [junior] Abby Melito on defense coming up with ground balls and creating turnovers. [Freshman] Laila Pascucci was also

great in the midfield coming up with ground balls.”

Junior Sadie Kauffman led Decatur with three goals. Senior Shelby Rosemond had two goals and four ground balls.

Carson, Mumford (one assist), Brody and senior captain Alina

Worcester Prep tennis teams top Bennett on road

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(April 14, 2023) The Worcester Prep boys’ and girls’ tennis teams both earned victories over the James M. Bennett Clippers on Wednesday in Salisbury.

Worcester’s boys’ team won, 5-2. “I thought overall [we played] well,” said Coach Terry Underkoffler.

“I thought we were smart with our strokes and decision-making tactics. Our first serves were on. I think taking the first two of three doubles matches was key. [It] took the pressure off.”

Sophomore captain Aleksey Klimins took his first singles match, 8-1. Junior captain Dylan Simons shut out his second singles opponent, 8-0.

Junior Carson Rayne came out on top, 8-3, at fourth singles.

Bernal-Clark tallied one goal each.

Junior Addison McDaniel recorded five saves in goal for Decatur.

The Seahawks will travel to Centreville to play the Queen Anne’s Lions today, Friday, at 4 p.m. They will then host the Easton Warriors on Monday at 5:30 p.m.

Growth continues for SD athletes

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(April 14, 2023) The Stephen Decatur outdoor track athletes continue to show growth as the season progresses.

Decatur joined four other schools for a meet last Tuesday in Salisbury.

“Everyone is showing growth and improvement. This year halfway through the season we’ve had less people peter out [then in past years],” said Decatur Coach Brenda Hommel. “We’re still high in our numbers, which is a good sign that they enjoy with they’re doing.

“These are great kids and I’ve loved coaching all them,” she continued, adding that she is still moving athletes around in different events to see where they excel.

Parkside won the boys’ competition, scoring 126 points. Wicomico came in second with 95 points, followed by James M. Bennett (85), Decatur (54) and Northampton (14).

Placing top five in their individual events and earning points for Decatur were: freshmen Collin Pennington (800-meter run, third, 2:16.9; 1,600meter run, third, 4:59) and Braydon Bell (800-meter run, fourth, 2:20.2; 1,600-meter run, fifth, 5:24), sophomores Ethan Cowder (400-meter run, second, 56.1 seconds), Alex Ward

(400-meter run, third (tie), 56.7 seconds) and Ed Quick III (300-meter hurdles, fifth, no official time recorded), juniors Ethan Justice (1,600-meter run, first, 4:54; 3,200meter run, second, no official time recorded) and Ke’nai Floyd (long jump, fourth, 19 feet 1 inch), and senior Logan Bradshaw (200-meter run, fourth, 24 seconds).

The top four relay teams scored points for their respective schools. Bell, Pennington, Justice and freshman Quinn Martin were victorious the 3,200-meter relay race (9:20.5).

Ward, Cowder and sophomores

Luke Leffew and James Uebel came in second place in the 1,600-meter relay event (3:49.9).

Parkside tallied 120 points to win the girls’ competition. Wicomico was runner-up with 89 points, followed by Bennett (74), Decatur (46.5) and Northampton (31.5).

Lady Seahawks who scored points for Decatur for placing fifth or better in their individual events were: freshmen Lotus Wise (200-meter run, fourth (tie) 27.2 seconds; long jump, fifth, 13 feet 11 inches), Ellie Cheynet (800-meter run, third, 2:47) and Paityn Tyre (shot put, fifth, 24 feet 11.5 inches), sophomore Amber Marshall (1,600-meter run, fifth, 6:33),

juniors Tiara McDonald (800-meter run, fourth, 2:56; 400-meter run, fifth, 1:07.6), Macy Woroniecki (1,600-meter run, third, 6:07; 3,200meter run, third, no official time recorded) and Adelaide Weber (discus, third, 65 feet 8 inches) and senior Mayah Garner (high jump, second, 4 feet 10 inches).

Cheynet, Woroniecki, Marshall and sophomore Nevaeh Horton crossed the finish line first in the 3,200-meter relay race (11:30.2).

Cheynet, McDonald, Wise and Woroniecki took third in the 1,600meter relay event (4:35.3).

McDonald, Wise, Garner and junior Shauna Vick came in fourth in the 800-meter relay race (1:53.3).

The next track meet is Tuesday, April 25 beginning at 4 p.m. in Salisbury.

The Decatur track program is hosting an online fundraiser with donations going toward a high jump pit, updating track equipment, a team tent, food at meets, a team basket for the Athletic Booster’s golf tournament, and its end-of-season banquet.

To donate, visit https://raise.snap.app/v2/fundraisers/stephen-decatur-high-school-indoor-track-2022#/.

The fundraising initiative ends Friday at midnight.

Klimins and junior Hunter Simons outscored their first doubles competition, 8-0.

Sophomore James Haley and Dylan Simons topped their second doubles opponents, 8-1.

Worcester’s Lady Mallards edged out Bennett, 4-3.

Junior captain Natasha Richter won, 8-3, at second singles. Sophomore Savannah Palmisano recorded an 8-0 shutout at third singles.

Richter and junior captain Lebby Becker came out on top, 8-3, at first doubles.

Palmisano and sophomore Angie Todorov were victorious, 8-5, at second doubles.

“With Maryland public schools we repeat players, which causes us to adjust our lineup slightly,” said Prep Coach Kevin Chalk. “I took my No. 1 and No. 2 singles and put them together as a team at No. 1 doubles, and they played great together.

“It’s always a bit of an unknown because they don’t typically practice doubles together, so I’m pleased how they communicated and executed shots at the net,” he added. “No. 2 doubles was a similar situation.”

Worcester will host Bennett on Monday in Berlin at 3:30 p.m. The next day, the Salisbury School Dragons will come to Berlin to face the Mallards at 3:30 p.m.

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY Stephen Decatur senior Renee Fohner sprints up the field during Wednesday’s game against North Caroline in Berlin. Decatur came out on top, 9-7.

Seahawks pumped up for game and earn 21-6 victory

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(April 14, 2023) The Stephen Decatur boys’ lacrosse team scored 21 goals, while limiting the North Caroline Bulldogs to six on Wednesday in Ridgely, Maryland.

“I thought we played well. We had good ball movement, good looks on guys cutting through, we did a good job riding and causing turnovers which turned into goals for us,” said Decatur Coach “Hoffy” Hoffman. “We came out pumped up and ready to play. It was nice to see them motivated and ready to go.”

Decatur led 4-1 at the end of the first quarter. By halftime, the Seahawks had pulled ahead, 11-3.

After three quarters, the Berlin squad held a 16-6 advantage.

Sophomore Graham Geiser was

Decatur’s top producer with seven goals. He also had two assists and five ground balls.

Freshman John Fohner chipped in with six goals and three assists.

Senior captain Gabe Geiser contributed with two goals and four assists.

Sophomore Luke Popielaski had two goals and an assist. Freshman Ashton March logged two goals and two assists.

Sophomore captain Owen Sperry (one assist, eight ground balls) and freshman Parker Mason (two assists, five ground balls) netted one goal each.

Decatur freshman goalie Declan Horan recorded six saves.

Decatur will host the Queen Anne’s Lions today, Friday, at 5:30 p.m. in Berlin.

Annual Chamber Cup Golf Tournament set for May 3

(April 14, 2023) The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce will host its 35th annual Chamber Cup Golf Tournament, Wednesday, May 3, at GlenRiddle Golf Club/War Admiral Course in Berlin.

Check-in and breakfast starts at 8 a.m. and teeoff is at 9 a.m. Everyone is welcome to register for this tournament with premium prizes, food and camaraderie.

The golf committee is raising funds for the chamber as well as for the Ocean City Chamber Foundation/Eunice Q. Sorin Scholarship Fund.

To date, the foundation has given more than $50,000 in workforce scholarships to local youth and adults to further their education and learn new skills.

The cost for the tournament is $175 per person or $700 per team, which includes golf with cart, premium player gift, breakfast, boxed lunch, awards dinner catered by Papi’s Tacos, beverage selection including Harborside orange crushes,

good game’ for Decatur softball in 7-4 win

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

professional team photo and goodie bag.

Purchase a player card for $20 and participate in the putting, longest drive and closest to the pin contests and win prizes. Hole-in-one prizes include a vehicle, $10,000 and Daytona 500 package.

The event also features a silent auction of sports memorabilia and a 50/50 raffle.

The chamber is looking for sponsors and prizes. Sponsors will have their business logo or name in the brochure, event signage and/or social media posts, promoting them to hundreds of chamber members plus their representatives and 13,000 social media followers.

Golfer registration is online at bit.ly/ChamberCup2023 or visit oceancity.org/membership and look for the golf graphic. Register online by April 26.

Contact Events Coordinator Colby Noble at colby@oceancity.org or 410213-0144 ext. 110 for sponsorship information.

(April 14, 2023) The Stephen Decatur softball team’s offense was productive, scoring runs in each of the first five innings, going on to win, 74, over the Nandua Warriors on Wednesday in Berlin.

“We started well. You never know what it’s going to be like after you play every day, then all of a sudden you’re off for a week [Spring Break] then come back,” said Decatur Coach Scott Kurtz. “[Nandua’s] a good ball club.”

Decatur scored one in the first, two in the second and two in the third to take a 5-0 lead.

Nandua tallied one in the top of the fourth, but Decatur answered in the bottom of the inning.

The Lady Seahawks added another run in the bottom of the fifth to pull ahead, 7-1.

The Warriors cut the advantage to three, tallying three runs in the sixth inning.

The Berlin squad held its opponent scoreless in the top of the seventh to secure the victory.

“We got the bats going early, which was good for us because I was worried we were going to find ourselves in one of these 1-1 grinds again, but we put up one then we got two,” Kurtz said. “We were doing just enough to give us a cushion and then we lost a bit of focus there midway through the game. We had one bad

inning in the field and I think it equated to about six errors. Not a lot of times you’re going to commit six errors and win a game. Luckily, they also made some errors and we were able to put the ball in play.”

Freshman Madison Donoway (two RBIs), sophomore Ryleigh Smith (one RBI) and junior Kiara Taylor (one RBI) had two hits apiece.

Senior Sarah Smith chipped in with one hit and two RBIs.

Junior Leah Simpson and sophomore Madison McGinnis tallied one hit each.

“Good energy to start. We’ve got to do better in the field though, and they know it. We’ll keep working at it,” Kurtz said.

McGinnis pitched all seven innings. She struck out three, walked one and gave up six hits.

“Some games we look unstoppable and some games we look a little bit off,” Kurtz said. “We had some really good moments today – the girls hit well, ran the bases well, Maddy pitched all seven innings, she had a good outing against a good ball club that could hit. I’m proud of her and proud of them. It was an all-around good game.”

The Wicomico Indians will come to Berlin today, Friday, to face Decatur at 4 p.m., followed by the Pocomoke Warriors on Monday.

“We’re trying to put our best foot forward and keep this thing going,” Kurtz said.

‘All-around

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Stephen Decatur senior Sarah Smith makes contact with the ball during Wednesday’s game against Nandua in Berlin. She had one hit and two RBIs in the 7-4 victory.