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JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club commemorates its 50th anniversary with a celebration at the American Legion on 24th Street, Saturday. Pictured, clockwise from top left, are Vice President George Saylak, Treasurer Joe Hammen, Secretary Roger Pacella, board member Sharon Sorrentino, past President Charles Smith and current President Bill Hickey.

Assortment of activities all weekend during kite festival

Continued from Page 25 tines on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“Spectators will experience the thrill of watching sport kite demonstrations and get the opportunity to meet the greatest kite flyers in the world. Visitors will understand why Ocean City is the Kite Capital of the World,” Knerr said in a statement. “Ocean City is one of the best places in the world to showcase kites. It is home to the world’s largest kite retailer (Kite Loft) and now to America’s most exciting kite festival. Hundreds of kite fliers from East Coast clubs and sport kite competitors from around the country will fill the sky with an explosion of color, a photographer’s dream come true.”

Free sport kite lessons and a “How to fly a kite” class will be offered on the beach in front of the Kite Loft between Fifth and Sixth streets throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. Music will also be playing at the store and on the boards, all day long.

The Kite Expo is a free event and organizers encourage the public to bring their kites to the beach and have a fun day.

Festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. on Friday and end at 5 p.m. According to Knerr, Saturday and Sunday will follow a similar schedule.

The Maryland International Kite Festival is a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose is to educate the public in general in the sport and hobby of kiting, in such aspects as kite safety, aerodynamics, and kite making. In addition, the purpose is to conduct national and international amateur kite flying competitions.

For more information about the event, call the Kite Loft at 410-2897855, or visit its website at www.kiteloft.com.

Optimist Club celebrates 50 years of helping area youth

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (April 29, 2022) Every child could use an optimist in their corner.

Over the last 50 years, the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club has rallied behind thousands of Worcester-area children and on Saturday they will celebrate that achievement at the Ocean City American Legion on 24th Street.

“I think it’s a testimony to the people who have come before us that (our organization) has lasted this long,” said Optimist Club President Bill Hickey. “Many clubs do not. The fact we were able to increase enrollment to over 100 members this year speaks a vast amount of credit to the work that we do throughout the community — from small sponsorships and grants we give to sports times to anyone who’s in need and addresses us by request. Try to fill as much as we can with a year’s budget.” See OPTIMIST Page 27

CROSSWORD

Aries, a mild feeling of discontent has you searching for new projects. There may be something that has been on your to-do list, but you can’t seem to figure it out right now. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

A lot of things are keeping you on your toes, Taurus. There’s a good chance you have been craving some quiet time. Find a retreat and stay there for a couple of days. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

There are no obstacles in your way on the path to success this week, Gemini. If you have been holding off on big plans, now is the time to push things into action.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, aligning your goals with others is a surefire way to get things accomplished. You can deviate onto your own course when action is established.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, take a moment and be sure a goal you’re pursuing right now is really worth it. If finances are involved, you will likely have to pay it back in the near future.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, collaboration could be key in the days ahead. Another person gets the ball rolling and now you can join in. Follow their lead and trust this person’s judgment. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

So many voices are shouting at you from different directions, Libra. With so much advice coming your way, you may not know which way to turn. Mull it over a bit longer. SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Nothing is guaranteed, but taking a risk this week could pay off in a big way, Scorpio. Things are more likely to go your way this time of the month, so start moving! SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Pay some extra attention to your life at home, Sagittarius. There are issues that can use a little attention. Letting them fester could lead to big problems.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

A hectic week is likely ahead of you, Capricorn. Things seemingly pop up out of nowhere and you have to figure out how to tackle them all. Try to delegate some of your tasks. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

It’s understandable that you want to make some waves right now, Aquarius. However, it may be better to aim for subtle ripples instead of a cannonball splash. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Optimist Club, now 50, keeps growing despite economy

Continued from Page 26 Those scholarships and grants have been crucial for multitudes of Worcester youths over the years. “We’re well over $2.25 million (invested) in scholarships in the last 30plus years,” said Charles Smith, the most recent past president and organizer of the 50th-anniversary celebration. Through its biggest fundraising event — the annual Ocean City Seaside Boat Show — the club has been able to support numerous programs and continue to increase its offerings to the community. The Boat Show isn’t all they do. The local chapter participates in the larger Optimist Club International Oratorical World Championships, a speech contest, as well as offering Walker talks deconstruction of Nanny’s hearty bean soup multiple programs at each Worcester high school, donating thousands of dollars each year to organizations like Ocean City Recreation and Parks and the Ocean Pines Association for youth-aimed programming and (April 29, 2022) The structure of a sponsor sports teams from Selbyville dish is a key consideration when down to Pocomoke City. preparing a meal. Cooking has pur- All that the club offers ultimately pose and each step is carefully calcu- comes back to the home run they hit lated. with the boat show. That being said, “We feel that because of our main mouthwatering soups fundraising program, which is the are served year- Boat Show, we can support more and round. This simple more programs and help more and appetizer or main more kids,” Smith said. course consists of a The celebration itself will occur at broth, vegetables, or the American Legion and will include meat. local and state-level speakers, an

But are unassuming soups really “Eastern Shore” dinner and live enbasic and clear-cut? Let us decon- tertainment, Smith said. struct old-fashioned bean soup. You The choice of speakers carries might be surprised what goes into some relevance to the club’s mission, that delicious sip of soup. too. One speaker, Dr. Tammy Don-

There is a misconception that away, received one of the initial brining is just for meats; dried beans scholarships the club offers and is will also benefit from this process. now a Doctor of Osteopathic Medi-

Dried beans that have not been cine at TidalHealth, working out of brined have a tendency to lose their Berlin. skins when subjected to heat for a sig- Smith said that to his knowledge, nificant period of time. This is not at least six teachers from Worcester very attractive and affects the texture County have come up through the of the overall dish. club’s various programs.

In addition, dried beans that have The local chapter has 101 members not been brined have a tendency to ranging in age from 26 to 90 years cook unevenly and take longer to old. At least 15 are under 55, five over achieve the stage of tenderness. 80 and about 60 percent are in the

The brining ratio is three table- workforce, Smith said. spoons of table salt to four quarts of The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist cold water for every pound of dried Club meets at the American Legion beans. every Thursday at 6 p.m. For more in-

Finally, add a touch of baking soda formation about the chapter, to your brining solution. The baking visithttps://ocberlinoptimistclub.org. soda will raise the pH of the water which will help the cells in the outermost part of the bean to soften.

Who would have thought such intricacies could make a difference in the world of dried beans?

If you have a leftover ham bone in the freezer, now is the time to use it. Ham bones and smoked hocks are di-

By Deborah Lee Walker vine intervention for flavor. Contributing Writer Believe it or not, but perfection is not always desired. Do not cut the ham in unison pieces; the flawless look takes away from the rustic, leftover theme. An assortment of vegetables crosses the threshold of options: carrots, turnips, parsnips, cabbage, greens and potatoes add depth and earthiness. The Eastern Shore is a cornucopia of culinary ethnicity and adaptation highlights the distinctiveness of the stew. Dandelion and mustard greens are another option. Just remember, they are very bitter. My suggestion, taste them first before adding to the soup. I like to serve hot sauce, vinegar and grated parmesan cheese on the side. Everyone’s taste buds are different, and this way they can garnish their soup according to personal preference. Cornbread is a favorite pairing with bean soup. If one wants to go all out, consider serving the bread with a trio of flavored butters. Honey, jalapeno and Virginia ham butter will pair well with the corn bread and bean soup. Bean soup has always been a part of our family’s menu, it was an economical way to put food on the table. Following is a revised version of my grandmother’s bean soup. Nanny’s soups were always packed with flavor, and this recipe is no exception. Enjoy! Brining Solution 2 quarts cold water 1 pound dried Great Northern Beans 1 ½ tablespoons table salt few pinches baking soda See SERVE on Page 28